Forgotten Promise (Forgotten Series Book 2)

by Virginia Wine

  “Oh, right.” Acting like he’s been let down in some way.

  “Can Graham come?”

  That I didn’t see coming. “Sure, as your plus one?” Smiling as I get one final dig in.

  “The last thing I want to do is hurt you, but it is on my list.”

  And I watch him storm off.

  Hell, both Clayton and Gen in less than an hour, I’ve had my token crazy for the day.

  Note to self, yellow everything.

  ~ ~ ~

  Walking into M & M Global, I meet John. He has been my Go-To guy since I lost Uncle Mac, pausing I reflect on that. My father. Only two people know the truth, Bryer and myself, I plan to keep it that way.

  “Nathan.” Reaching to shake my hand. The warmth in his eyes always present.

  “My apologies, I know I’m late,” I say.

  “We can address your ideas immediately. The legal department is set up in the board room. Let’s skip the pleasantries and get to the subject at hand.” Talking as he quickly leads me down the corridor.

  I enter as a discussion is being debated, but everyone seems to drift into silence once I’m at the head of the table. I remain standing. “Good afternoon everyone, my apologies, East Side Barbell had my attention this morning. So I’m juggling the two jobs, not very well apparently.”

  A small laugh escapes them.

  “The foundation.” I glance at the small group in front of me, “I’ve always wanted to incorporate health awareness with the underprivileged, even kids with disabilities. I have the perfect outlet. In conjunction with the foundation, we can give back utilizing my gym. Giving opportunities to kids that would never have this fortuity. I’ve put my ideas on a thumb-drive for each of you to look over.”

  As I’m handing them out, I’m stopped in my tracks by the voice at the other end.

  “Mr. James, you are aware the foundation was set up with specific intentions that have no relations to your ideas,” says the man at the opposite end of the table, his hands steepled, hiding his face, his legs causally stretched and crossed at the ankles. “I see no benefit disturbing the principles of the original goals of the foundation.” Seeming very protective, or possibly possessive of the foundation.

  “I don’t agree. I see this as an opportunity to expand what is already in place, not alter it. What’s your point?” Feeling slighted, I try to appear open and professional, but he’s being closed minded and quite honestly a dick. “I seem to be at a disadvantage mister…?” And as I watch him slowly, boldly rise, lean over the table, knuckles supporting his weight, our eyes meet. Then the words that follow, change everything, and nothing makes any fucking sense.

  “Cash Harrison.”

  The mounting exasperation tightens in my throat. My eyes narrow and it takes everything to keep my composure, I could sense everyone in the room tense, as if they were caged animals trying to escape.

  “And the point is there may indeed be some changes occurring, but not with the foundation,” he says his eyes challenging me.

  “By all means, enlighten me.” Trying to decipher this radical change of events. But I’m far from done. “You have a nasty habit of showing up where you’re not wanted, Mr. Harrison.” He must have a death wish.

  “Is that right?”

  He looks at me like he knows something I don’t.

  “What a shame, maybe the foundation is a little shaky as in other areas of your life.” He continues his assault.

  Bringing personal matters into the boardroom, stepping on my dick to make himself look important. He sure has a pair. He’s going down, audience or not. The stubborn fool needs to turn his sarcasm down before I get really pissed. “Was that a personal jab, Cash? I can call you Cash, can’t I?” The fury obvious now.

  “Mr. Harrison may be more appropriate, considering your uncle signed over many responsibilities to me, including the foundation.” Acting like the cat who ate the canary.

  This is a bad guy, I feel it in every part of me, Bryer was right, he’s dangerous. “Well, aren’t you resourceful? I can see where you would be proud of swindling a man who was ill and trusted you.” My body stiffening at his revelations. Now I have cause to worry about all the ways he could have infiltrated this company, taking advantage of Mac. How far he went, and how far he is willing to go.

  “What kind of fucked-up game are you playing?” I ask.

  “No game, everything is on the up and up, all legal, tied up in a nice little bow.” Smirking looking me square in the eyes.

  “Everyone is excused,” I say, never wavering my intense stare down with Cash.

  Everyone moves at the speed of light to get out of the way, far away from the duel unfolding before their eyes.

  “Finished?” My attention turning back to Cash.

  “My work here is done,” he says, as he prepares to leave.

  “On the contrary, you just started a war.” Needing to be clear this is far from over.

  “No war, James, it’s all in here.” Throwing a thick file across the table, spilling papers out in the process.

  I open and the very first paper shows M & M Global Research Department on the top. Fuck if this is just the start, I’m in trouble.

  And as he leaves he turns over his shoulder. “I have business with Bryer. Just give her one message... Her mother.” Then leaves.

  Jesus Christ, what just happened? This fucker has gone from ex-boyfriend problem, to a person of significant position in this company? The thought sickens me. I need answers, sooner rather than later. This man has an agenda, and I plan to find out what it is.

  “Her mother,” I say, shaking my head. What could he possibly have concerning her mother, and what kind of turmoil will he inflict on Bryer?

  ~ ~ ~

  I reach for my phone. “Stan, I have an update, meet me at the gym as soon as possible.” I’m there in twenty minutes, Stan follows minutes later. I fill him in on the details of what just went down. And we both look over the file.

  “Fuck, he has his hand in several different areas, not just the foundation,” I say.

  “This took some time, Nathan. He’s been working your uncle Mac since he started. I think you need to have your lawyers look at this.” Shaking his head in frustration.

  “Mac was always so trusting, and look where it got him. It’s an unlikely coincidence that this is all coming to surface now. What’s his scam?” On edge, unsure of my actions.

  “Still think it’s Bryer?” Stan asks.

  “Yes, how can we protect her?” Squeezing the tension from my furrowed eyebrows.

  “We can protect her, Nathan. Your job is convincing her she needs protection.” Stan knows her well.

  “Yeah, right, it just so happens I have a woman who does exactly what she wants.”

  “Evidently, but the game just changed, and Harrison is in the lead. Stan’s concern obvious.

  “He doesn’t know the depths I’ll go to protecting what’s mine.” My voice plunging into a dark tone while my whole body quivers with intense hatred towards this man.

  “Game fucking on, Mr. Harrison.” As the rage is throbbing painfully in my head.

  Chapter Four

  ~Bryer~

  I leisurely raise my toe to play with the water falling from the faucet. The bubbles surround me, and the glass of wine sits within reach. I can hear the security code notes, and that’s my queue Nathan is home. I wait, knowing he’s searching for me.

  “Hello, sexy”

  As he peeks in, I give him the come-here motion with my finger.

  “Tempting.” As he approaches his eyes slithering over my body slowly.

  “Self-pleasuring?” he asks.

  A small giggle escapes me. “I was hoping you would be getting intimately acquainted, so I wouldn’t have to.” A dimple appears.

  “Sounds inviting.” As I watch him unbutton his shirt. His eyes never leaving mine as the bubbles dance around my naked body. His physique, the ripples of his muscles, causing my own temperature to rise. �
�Just dropping in?” I tease, and there go the pants. Jesus.

  “You could say that.” Climbing in as I make room, water spilling over the sides as he sits.

  “You’re a total fucking turn on, baby.”

  As I watch him catalog every curve and dip in my body, causing me to almost hyperventilate. “Me? Have you looked in the mirror?” I say, noticing my new breathy voice.

  “Climb on.”

  My body stirs to life as I do. He reaches for my face and pulls me in for a scorching kiss, as if he’s releasing the stress of his entire day. I moan in his sexy mouth, aligning myself with his hard cock and slowly press his body into mine. We both moan, fused together.

  “When I look at you everything else disappears,” he whispers.

  My thighs clenching as I start to move. Buried deep in my heat his eager hands roam my body, closing on my tits, nipples pebble in response. His firm grip letting me know just how urgent his need is. I watch his head fall back, his desire evident as my speed increases. His fingers gripping my hips in a feverish pace. Forcing me down in a punishing rhythm.

  “You can have me anyway you want me.”

  His eyes open to meet mine. “I want to be so deep inside you, I’m piercing your heart.” Thrusting with each word.

  As my knees clamp his naked hips. There’s no chasing my orgasm, it’s chasing me, taking me higher as my body climbs in ecstasy. “I’m so close, Nathan, take me there.” I whimper with a need that defies reason. “Fuck, baby, come with me.” My body consuming him whole, as my spasms tighten around his hard shaft.

  “Yes, don’t stop.”

  As my body hums through my orgasm. Nathan throaty sounds are sexy as hell as he stills, spilling everything into me. My name raining from his lips. Our breathing finds its rhythm and his smile is contagious.

  “Hummm, do you think you are thoroughly fucked?” he teases, still penetrating my body.

  “I think I’m thoroughly fucked.” As my body trembles in a state of bliss.

  “You think? Because if you’re not sure, give me five,” he says though his panty-drenching smile and double whammy dimples. I thread my fingers through his waves and grab hold. “Wicked man, can you be ready in three?” Smiling, unable to match his allure.

  “Don’t test my stamina, you’ll lose.” He smiles, and kisses me senseless.

  “Let me get back to you on that.” As I gently pull away. “The water is cold. Funny how I didn’t notice before.” Smiling as I lift myself up and grab the towel, wrapping myself in a cocoon.

  Nathan soon follows, and we are both in the bedroom looking for comfy clothes.

  “Gen called,” he throws out.

  “Called you?” Surprised.

  “You sound like Clayton, yes about your birthday.” He winks, playfully.

  “Oh, no thank you.” I quietly answer, knowing I hate this idea.

  “That’s not exactly the reaction I was going for.” His hands on his hips.

  As if that would change anything. “Sorry, no can-do. You know I hate being the center of attention.”

  “Hush, it will only be a few people, friends. We’ll have it here—I’ll buy you a cake, you blow out the candles. Done.” He seems very pleased with himself.

  “Have it your way.” I’ll give him this. “I’m hungry, let’s order in.” Knowing I’m changing the subject.

  “Bryer.” Taking my face in his hands. “You are the very first woman in my life that I’ve wanted to give something as innocent as a birthday party for.”

  My hearts melts a little. “I’ll have you know, you’re the very first man I’ve let give me a birthday party.” Kissing him quickly.

  “Okay then, party on. I’m starving too. And we need to run over a few things over dinner.” He throws out there as he walks away,

  I get the distinct impression this isn’t about Chinese or pizza. I follow him downstairs, as he’s rummaging through menus. “Thai?” I crinkle my nose.

  “So, that’s a no.” He continues to search.

  “Okay, woman, Italian?”

  I smile. “And we have a winner.”

  After he places the order, we snuggle on the couch, I know it’s coming, or something’s coming.

  “Chocolate or vanilla?” he asks.

  “Yes, go on.” Waiting for some clue to exactly what he’s talking about.

  “Your cake.” Taking his finger and tickling my side.

  “Ah…Lemon.”

  “You don’t say?” Looking totally thrown. “Glad I asked.”

  “Anything else?” Knowing there is, studying his mood, scanning his face. I notice he jiggles his knee when he’s nervous.

  “I met your ex today.” Our eyes meet with confusion, full of disbelief.

  I don’t know what to ask first. How, when, why, what? Fuck!

  “He’s a lawyer from Austin, right?” Asking too casually for Nathan.

  Red flags are flying up all around me. “As far as I know, yes. Why did you meet?” Nathan’s face says it all, he can’t hide he’s hurt, angry, surprised, the same exact feeling I’m experiencing at this very moment.

  “He’s infiltrated M & M Global, somehow. And now has control over,” he pauses, shaking his head. “I’m not entirely sure, I’m having my lawyer look over it to see how far he’s gone, but the situation doesn’t look good.”

  I see the effort he’s making to stay calm, but he is anything but calm. I see the alarm going off, and he has every right to feel that way. “He worked for Uncle Mac?” Attempting to digest this information.

  “Works.” Nathan clarifies.

  “That’s horrible, Nathan. Feeling a gentle hand on my chin, lifting it so our eyes meet

  “That’s not all, babe.”

  Rubbing his thumb up and down my jaw, comforting me for the blow to come. I feel the pressure build, offset by extreme nausea.

  “He gave me a message to give you. But the prick didn’t explain, I only know that it has to do with your mother.”

  I see his concern, he’s conflicted, my lost little boy not knowing how to tell me. “My mother?” Contemplating what this could possibly mean. A small part of me wants to contact Cash for answers, but that’s exactly what he wants me to do. “Cash’s firm handled my mother’s will. There wasn’t much, it was mostly just paper work, and because I was an employee, it was Pro Bono. There shouldn’t be anything left.”

  Who does Cash think he is? I don’t appreciate anyone bringing up the subject of my mother, knowing the pain I went through, this is sacred ground.

  “So there may be some truth to what he said?” Understanding my struggle.

  “It’s possible,” I say, eager to know, fearing the cat-and-mouse game Cash is known for.

  The doorbell rings, and I watch as Nathan leaves to answer it.

  He comes back with our dinner, the dinner I couldn’t possible eat now.

  “I’ll put it away for later, baby.” As we sit in silence, not knowing exactly what to say. Only knowing that being here, together close, is the only comfort I want.

  “I’m not ready to call him.” Not until I gather my wits, I’ll need to be on high-alert to go toe-to-toe with the devil.

  “Whatever you want, baby, I love you.”

  I sit in the spa wrapped in a towel. I watch Gen stumble over her own two feet, wearing the disposable flip flops.

  “You have the best boyfriend in the world.” Her excitement contagious.

  “I know.” A slightly smug smile on my face.

  “And this is just part of your birthday present?” Gen asks.

  “That’s what he said.”

  “Well, aren’t you even curious what else he has planned?”

  “I’m just enjoying the spa day for now.” The city atmosphere with its understated elegance is such a contrast to the hidden home nestled in the woods. I notice the leaves are falling. Winter will be here soon, the cold. I hate the cold.

  “I would be to the point of madness by now, Bryer.”

  I laugh at
her impatience. And breaking me out of my spell.

  “Oh my God, did you see that hot guy lurking around the fountain? Look. NO, Don’t. Look. Okay Look. NO. Wait.”

  I look.

  “I told you not to look.”

  “I’m still processing the lurking part.” I’m ready to bust a gut laughing. This, right here, is why we’re best friends. “Yeah, he’s kinda’ handsome,” I say.

  She looks at me as if I’ve lost my mind.

  “Eh.” I twist the rubber knife.

  We both compare toes, I went French, Gen red. No surprise there, my flashy, not trashy BFF marches to a different drum. “That felt amazing.” A sigh that is potent enough to be considered inappropriate.

  Gen smiles at me with humor reading my mind.

  “You know we have massages after mani-pedis, don’t you?” I ask.

  “How could I forget? A gorgeous man running his hands all over my body with oil. I bet Nathan didn’t think that one through.” She laughs.

  “I think not.” Laughing with her.

  “If the situation arose where you were single.” She ponders.

  “BITE YOUR TONGUE,” I interrupt.

  “I’m just saying, IF, would you go for that guy?”

  Pfft, not in a second. “I’m not playing this game, you can have him.” I continue her stupid game.

  “Fine, you do have a sex-god at home.”

  “Lucky me.” And I do feel lucky, with all the outside noise surrounding us, this still feels steady, real, and dependable. Our love, our future. That is if he lives through this damn birthday party, he promised low-key.

  “Mrs. James?” One of the attendants approaches.

  “It’s Miss Reid.”

  “Oh, my apologies, the gentleman who made the appointment made a point to schedule all services in that name.”

  “Did he now?” Smiling. Game Set. Match.

  “Miss Reid, a boutique open for the both of you, after your services, and a credit card on file.”