“Hell, it wasn’t on my agenda, but I can fit you in.”
“Thanks for being only half-ass stupid.”
“I bet you never thought you’d be off the market, did you?” He smirks.
“Of course I did, I knew I’d grow up some time. It’s a damn shame every relationship you have ends in someone getting hurt, Clayton.”
“Me broken hearted? Hardly.”
“Just meet me there in thirty minutes. You’re a jack-off, Clayton.””
“So I’ve been told.”
~Cash~
“Deal’s done, we’re golden.” Speaking into his slick new Apple iPhone 1st Gen-8 cell.
“Give me the rundown, Harrison, I have a tight schedule,” says Kendrick impatient as always.
“We had to pay through the nose, but it’s not my fucking money. The deal’s iron clad, we’ll own Sea Blue Marketing in a few hours. The first thing I’m doing is change the fucking name.”
“Keep tabs on Nathan James, he’s trouble,” he says.
“Your lack of confidence is offensive.” Scoffing in his ear.
“Save your breath, Harrison. You got what you wanted, we all did our part. We’re all taking a back seat to your axe to grind, if that’s what it is.”
Hearing him blow out a breath of something, cigarette maybe. “It’s more than a fucking axe, Kendrick, it’s my future.”
“Well keep it on the legal side. I’m not falling with you on this, that’s not part of the deal.”
“Piece of cake.”
“Where are you from, Cash? That twang can only go so far before it starts to rub the wrong way, so give it a rest.
“Is that a real question, asshole?”
“No, I couldn’t give a fuck. Just tell me when you’re fucking ready.” Ending the call.
Chapter Eighteen
~Bryer~
The wedding plans are falling into place. Working on the vows, on the other hand, have proven to be pathetic, the pressure for perfection is overwhelming.
“You’re my everything.” That sucks. I need genuine.
“You complete me.” God no, scratching that out in pen.
“You’re hot.” He would probably like that.
“The one.” Okay, I can use that, somewhere.
“I’ve been waiting for you for so long.” Good, good.
“Fiercely love you.” Okay, better. How do poets do it?
I can’t help but feel the pull of my mother’s journal, the similarities are oddly coincidental. She’s preparing for her wedding as I read each passage. I’m preparing for my own. In her own voice sharing the past, her own future to unfold. And as I hold it in my hand, a thing of beauty. I took a deep breath, needing a break and open where I left off.
Spring, the flowers were blooming the color so vivid. We picked a perfect place for the ceremony. An outdoor garden at a beautiful park. I was worried about rain but David was so cool about the whole thing. At first, I didn’t know if Mom and Dad would support us but little by little they came around.
My dad even gave me away, but as I walked with him, my arm wrapped in his, all I could remember was his anger, violence and how scared I was. He’s not the same man I remember as a child. I know I will never be violent to my child or make her fear me. Never, ever.
Once we were side-by-side all that disappeared, we said our vows, we each wrote our own. They were short but meant so much.
“On this day I give my heart, I promise to walk with you hand-in-hand, wherever our journey leads us. Living and loving forever. Those are mine, I honestly can’t remember David’s, but they made me cry they were so sweet.
After graduation and the wedding, I moved into the apartment above the store. It was easy since I didn’t have much. David works a lot but he’s doing well, according to his father. In fact the first insurance policy was for our family, one for me and one for him.
David said he didn’t expect me to work, my job was cooking in my belly, and I’m so glad because I’m tired all the time. Small price to pay to grow an angel. David wants a boy, but I don’t care, I just want the baby to love me. I can’t wait to start picking out names…
Mary.
Names, I mull over the thought. Where did she come up with my name? I never asked her. And now, I’ll never know.
Nathan arrives with a smile on his face and a garment bag wrapped in black over his shoulder.
“Something for me?” I ask.
“You could say that.” Hanging it in the closet.
“I have my tux, what’s the status on the dress?” Giving him my sexiest smile.
“Beware of a woman holding your credit card.” As I hand it back.
“I’m not worried, it will be worth every penny, marrying you.”
“Then how do I put this? You will never sleep again.” As he stalks towards me with a gleam in those baby blues. I love playful Nathan, it always turns into sex-god Nathan, which I love even more.
But just as he is about to reach me, playful Bryer appears and slips out of his grasp. Giggling like a school girl.
“Don’t forget I’m way faster than you,” he warns.
“Since when?” Challenging him.
“This is going to be so easy,” he says.
But I pick up speed and circle the island where now there’s a standoff. “How easy?” Immediately darting to the hallway, but I don’t get far. “No, don’t pick me up.”
As he flings me over his right shoulder and is heading for the steps, the steps lead to the bedroom, so far so good. “Ah, the joy of catching my prey, I should carry a club and walk like a Neanderthal.” As he slaps my ass hard, still climbing.
“No, you have cooties.”
“Really, then my cooties will be your cooties.”
Laughing way too hard to be upside down. “Stop I’m gonna pee,” I warn.
“Go ahead, I dare you.” Kicking the bedroom door open, me still dangling.
“Put me down,” I beg.
“I’m trying to decide where I want to fuck you.”
“Such the romantic, but decide now, the blood is rushing to my head, and I’ll be unconscious before the fun starts.”
In one fluid move I’m dumped.
“Oh the Cleopatra chair, I always thought this was a bit feminine for you.” Still playing with my playful sex- god.
“I guess there’s only one way to keep you from talking.”
“All true.” Desire already building. I watch as he unbuckles his belt, and slowly slides it out of each loop, never once diverting eye contact. Jesus, he’s intense. The zipper is sliding in the right direction.
“On your knees, Bryer.” Holy fuck, I internally groan as I slip off the lounger and assume the position, complying without thought. As I watch his hand stroke his cock, his eyes slide shut and his head tilts back, I watch eager to sample. I like dominant Nathan.
Eyes narrow, half-mast and he’s right there, inches from my lips. There’s a charge of excitement, as he circles my lips with his cock, causing his pre-cum to wet my lips. His clothes disappear unnoticed.
“Open.” As his brazen hands hold me in place, his fingers tangle in my curls.
This will be all for him, he slides in and out, a long slow ride of delight. It’s damn potent, I look up to this virile man, pumping his hard cock in my mouth, taking what is his. Raw physical desire, mixed with love.
“Your silky hot mouth will undo me, baby.” Spasms starting to take hold. His need close, he pulls out. He swiftly deals with my clothes.
Shifts me where I’m lying on the lounger, legs wrapped around his shoulders. My fingers find his sexy waves and I hold on. Welcoming his hot mouth as he kisses and licks my pussy. The urgent need flows right through me as I watch him giving me an intense orgasm. Eyes never leaving each other as I call his name.
Climbing my body, he enters me slowly, and we both moan. “So warm and wet.” His voice not entirely steady.
He’s moving slow and with purpose, not the fast and hard I know so wel
l. Now sensitive Nathan? I love all his personas. I feel his hand thread my curl, wrapping it around his finger. Lighting another spark of emotion. “Deeper, baby, reach my soul.” I’m burning with hunger, greedy for pleasure.
He cups my tit and swirls his tongue around my nipple again in a torturous slow pace. “I want to feel each inch of you, Bryer.” Filing me with each thrust.
“I admire your stamina, baby, but I need the deep primitive stallion to make an appearance.” I feel the smile on my neck as he nuzzles.
“You just poured gasoline on fire, baby.” His stare unwavering.
I gasp at his first thrust as he covers me with his body, caging me in savagely.
“Jesus, you’re so God damn tight.” Hunger tearing through him, like an animal.
My body responding to each stroke.
“Come with me, baby.”
Blown away by the heat, I watch him fall apart above me, as I follow, calling his name. I never knew I could come on command, but then it’s Nathan.
Carrying me into bed, spent. We fall asleep quickly, knowing this is physical attraction became so much more.
Love…
~ ~ ~
I thought I hated Sundays, now Monday is my new Sunday. It’s quiet as I stroll to my office, too quiet. I reach my office, putting my things away, and when I turn Jake is standing, his hands in his pockets.
“It all happened so fast,” he says. Lowering his head.
“What did?”
“The buyout has been put in place, the new owner let half of the staff go.”
Fucking Cash. “When?”
“A lawyer came by Friday, right before we left for the day with letters. You were already gone.”
“What was his name?” Feeling the assault to come.
“Cash Harrison, new owner.”
Arrogant ass, never one to miss an opportunity to play head games. I need to find out what underhanded plan he has in store for this company, and me. “Is he here?”
“Oh yeah, he got here at five am. He made a point to mention that to me when I walked in, he’s in Thanes’ office, well his office now.”
I storm down the hall a bit apprehensive, but I’m turning this pain into power as I knock on the door, not waiting for an answer.
“Cash Alexander Harrison.” Standing in the doorway, hands on my hips.
“The middle name, you are pissed.”
“You want to tell me what you’re up to?” My eyes never leaving his, yet I break away to see the smug grin, attempting to use his charm that usually works on most women, but not this woman.
“What are you grinnin’ at?” Fuming as he cocks his head as if he is confused.
“But I’ve said it all, haven’t I? I’ve slept with different women, dozens and I still can’t get over you.”
“So, you buy the company I work for?”
“It sounded like a good idea at the time.”
“Cash, I’m getting married in a week, to Nathan.”
“You’re not married yet, darlin’.”
“You’re delusional. Am I talking to a wall?” Fear prickling over me as the truth spills—it is me, he wants me back and the cocky bastard went this far to make it happen.
“We’ll see, Bryer. We have a staff meeting in an hour, be ready for the briefing.” Sounding aloof.
Snapping at him wouldn’t change anything. So turning, not acknowledging, I leave, my gut smoldering with bitter rage as I slam the door behind me. I survived him once, I’ll survive him again.
Chapter Nineteen
~Nathan~
“It’s a done deal, Nathan.”
Hearing the agony in her voice. Just one more reason why I want to drag this doucebag back to Texas, and let them have the ass back. Let him wreak havoc in his own home, not mine
“He’s the new owner.”
“Has he made a move?” I ask.
“He’s lost his mind, he thinks he still has a chance.”
My breath skidding to a halt. “A chance to be with you?” Inhaling a sharp breath, all of my fears coming to light with this one statement.
“You know that’s insane, Nathan. He may have control over my job, but not over me.”
“The truth is, you don’t know what’s going to happen, Bryer.” His intentions known, but his plan remains a mystery.
“Stay calm, we have a wedding to prepare for.” She says, laying her hand on mine, her ring proof of what’s to come.
But calm is the last thing I feel. I should have known he wouldn’t give up, he’s a bad guy. I want her to quit that job, I’m not opposed to begging. I can’t protect her there. “I asked Stan to meet me at the gym. Be strong, we’ll figure this out.” Sounding assured, but if I am being honest with myself, I’m pretty much fucked.
“I have to go over details with Clayton anyway.” And some details I want to remain between Stan and myself. “Yeah, I’m a wreck.” I admit before she can beat me to it.
“You’re completely justified, Nathan.” Her hand cupping my cheek, she smiles as if everything will be just fine. “I know you, Nathan, you want to kill him with your bare hands. Just make sure it doesn’t end up on Maury.”
“That would be more Clayton’s style.” Appreciating the moment of humor we share.
“You know you want to,” she whispers.
Careful what you wish for comes to mind.
~ ~ ~
After arriving at the gym, running slightly later than anticipated, I see both Clayton and Stan. I don’t waste a second. “I heard from my lawyers, and Cash has his hands in a multitude of areas within M & M Global. If he had more time, he may have accomplished what he set out to do, somehow establish complete control.”
“What a mofo. How can he, you have controlling shares?” Clayton asks.
“The lawyers are attempting to remove him as much as they can, but he built in clauses that are hard to undo. They aren’t aware of his latest strategic move, purchasing the company Bryer works for.” They’re not happy with the new update either.
“From what I can tell, the purchase of Sea Blue is legit, it’s just the owners who are unethical. I wouldn’t get your hopes up that we can change this buy out,” Stan says.
“You should buy it, Nathan,” Clayton throws out.
“If I had a crystal ball, and knew he would make such a slimy move, I would have.”
“What if someone else put in an offer on your behalf, and Cash wouldn’t know what hit him?” Stan offers.
“I’m listening,” I say, intrigued.
“What if you set up a company that couldn’t be traced back to you, and you trump his original purchase price, and Cash walks away with all the money? He’s corrupt enough to do that. You could use M&M funds to back you up?”
Stan’s plan lit a tiny spark in me. Desperately hoping this may work.
“No one can know, the lawyers that’s it,” Stan says
“Not tell Bryer?” That’s asking for trouble.
“You know Bryer, she won’t want you fixing everything. She will want to deal with this on her own terms. Tell her after the fact. Don’t you have a wedding to attend?”
Stan makes sense, I just hope it doesn’t come back to bite me in the ass. “I do. I’ll meet with the lawyers and have them put this in place while we’re away. It will be flimsy cover but I want her out of his clutches.”
“Do the unexpected,” Clayton offers, with startling insight.
“Maybe he won’t see it coming.”
“Maybe he’s not as bulletproof as he thinks. We have a plan, let’s move quickly.” That is if he’s willing to sell, and that’s unlikely.
I make the call to my personal lawyers and ask for an emergency meeting. I was smart enough to hire my own firm, nothing related to my father in any way. I know these are men of principle, my underhanded plan may surprise them.
As I walk into Augusta Law Firm its surroundings are sophisticated, but far from opulent. The father and son team have been working for me since I opened the fir
m, and I can count the times I’ve stepped foot in their office, not many. As I’m ushered into their conference room, they both stand, hands reaching out to me.
“Richard, how are you?” Not waiting for an answer I shake his son’s hand. “Brett.”
“Have a seat, Nathan, we’re certainly intrigued by what little you shared.”
“I have a situation,” I start, watching them both take out their legal pads. “I need to start at the beginning.”
After a very expensive hour later, I can see their annoyance and their wheels spinning. My fears that they may not go along diminished.
“So, he’s a crook?” Brett asks
“They all are, including my father.” Realizing the truth doesn’t hurt any more.
“You do understand, Nathan, that his motives sound personal, not solely financial. There may not be a price big enough for him to sell if his purpose is to control Bryer.”
“I understand, I’m betting on his greed winning out.”
“We will put everything in motion, within your guidelines, and make the offer while you’re off getting married.”
“Thanks, Richard, Brett.” As I stand ready to leave Brett offers.
“I’ve been meaning to ask, No prenup, Nathan?”
“No prenup.”
“As your lawyer, you understand I would advise we put one in place.”
“Of course you would, but I plan on this sticking.”
~ ~ ~
The following day, I decide to escort my beautiful girl to her office, hoping to accidently run into the fucker. Not that I have anything planned. But maybe I need to pee all over her office, mark my territory. We reach her office and I watch her go through her morning ritual, as I lean in the doorway, taking her all in. Simply beautiful. “Nice place,” I say.
“Glad you approve.” Her smile reaches her eyes.
Admiring how her black pencil skirt hugs her luscious curves. As I push myself off the door jamb, I kick the door closed. “No lock?” I ask, raising a brow.
Forgotten Promise (Forgotten Series Book 2) Page 12