Forgotten Promise (Forgotten Series Book 2)

by Virginia Wine

  Guilt clutches me, because the happiness I feel seems so unfair compared to my mother’s life, his behavior has worsened since I moved out. Is it because I’m not there to witness it anymore? I want to help but I don’t know how. She won’t leave him.

  David said that once the pain becomes too much she’ll reach out to us, and we’ll be there for her, but we can’t force the issue. He fills my heart, knowing he would be her hero. He has become such a loving and caring father and husband. He says our future is bright, and I believe him.

  I haven’t shared this with anyone but we are letting nature take its course. We want another baby a brother or sister for Bryer, but so far it hasn’t happened. I know it will when the time is right. Waiting has always been a challenge for me. We will just have to keep trying.

  Mary

  I wake to shards of light glistening through the shutters and a light breeze blowing. I stretch, noticing the same lizard is climbing the wall in our bedroom. I was corrected, it’s a Brown Anole, looks like a lizard to me.

  Last night. Nathan scooped him up and put him safely outside. He named him “Puff” the magic dragon.

  I didn’t ask. It’s common practice, no windows, no screens, critters welcome.

  “Good morning, wife.” I hear a sleepy seductive voice say, as he rolls over and pulls me in close.

  “Our last day,” I say sadly. “Where did the time go?”

  “We made the best of our time here,” he says, whispering into my neck, as he nuzzles into my hair.

  “And then some.” Turning to face my husband, where I gently kiss him.

  “Back to the real world, and the real challenges, baby. Are you ready for that? We’ve locked ourselves away in a bubble from the outside world, and by this time tomorrow, real life returns.”

  “No, I like the bubble.” Shaking my head in frustration.

  “Hey now.” Lifting my chin until our eyes meet. “You have me, I’ll battle any demons that invade our life together.”

  And in that moment wrapped in his arms, I feel safe, loved and protected. But once we are home there’re circumstances beyond his limits.

  It’s a long flight and I don’t get much sleep. Work is weighing on me, I can’t keep the warning from assaulting my mind. It has catastrophe written all over it, but anything that revolves around Cash is hazardous.

  The quiet drive from the airport, the silence is noticeably thick. I feel lost once I arrive home, and Nathan senses it.

  “I’ll make your favorite, grilled cheese,” he suggests with a smile.

  “That’s your favorite,” I tease.

  “Mom always made it for me, so it kinda’ stuck,” he says.

  “That’s a good memory.” Suddenly allowing his playful nature to rub off, why am I allowing tomorrow ruin today and my happiness of what just took place? Turning my ring over and over, feeling its strength, its beauty.

  “Double cheese on mine, please.” As I head up to change. Once I’m in the bedroom, I call Gen.

  “We’re back,” I say. Hearing music in the background.

  “I bet it was delish, pregnant?”

  “Um…no.” Laughing at Gen’s razor-sharp wit.

  “Do I dare ask?” Going straight for the jugular. I continue.

  “Golden Boy, Can’t deny he’s easy on the eyes.” Hearing the smile in her voice.

  “I know you got it bad if you’re listening to pop.”

  Hardly.” She laughs.

  “You don’t fall in love by choice, it’s by chance,” I bravely say.

  “Who said anything about love?” Seeming way too defensive.

  “Damn girl, he’s fine.” Not willing to let it go.

  “So I gave into temptation, not on purpose,” she says.

  “So you accidently fell on his cock?” Enjoying turning the tables on her.

  “Funny, Bryer, Clayton is a man-whore with heathen habits.”

  “Nah, just a typical guy who’s got it bad. Don’t penalize him for his actions before you were together. Accept his past and leave it there.”

  “Bryer, I don’t know, it’s complicated.”

  “How bad can it be? Is the guy a crier?”

  “Um…No! Jesus, Bryer, that was just wrong.”

  “Then what’s the problem?”

  “Me, I’m the problem, Bryer, me.”

  “Let’s meet for lunch, I need to evaluate,” I suggest.

  “Fine, call me.”

  Walking into the kitchen, admiring his every asset, I’m a goner. It’s never easy, love is fire, sometimes you get burned, and sometimes it’s just warmth.

  “I was almost ready to come and get you.” Looking over his shoulder with a smile.

  “I was on the phone with Gen, so it’s your turn to interrogate Clayton.”

  “Hummm, as his best friend, I only promised one thing. Upon his death, I would immediately clear his computer history.” Setting my plate in front of me.

  “Well, now you have one more. This looks great, babe.” As I dig into the triple-layer gooey grilled cheese.

  ~Cash~

  “Mr. Kahale, I trust everything is in order,” I say, assuming he did what the fuck I paid him for.

  “Yes sir, the marriage license will never see the light of day, or the recorder’s office. It’s as if they were never married.”

  “You’re sure? I won’t tolerate a fuck- up.” Leaning back in my chair, feeling pleased with myself.

  “I’m the only one who had possession . Trust me, it’s dead.”

  Confident fuck, he wouldn’t want to find out what would happen if he double crosses me. “That’ll do, I don’t think we need any future contact. Keeping your mouth shut is part of the deal, I assume I can trust you. Do I make myself clear?”

  “Yes, no need to worry.” Hanging up, hoping I’ll never hear from him again.

  I smell her perfume before I see her standing behind me. “It’s done, Sonja.” Turning in my leather chair to face her. “To be precise, she’s on the market again, although she doesn’t know it, yet.” I brag.

  “You said you would stop it, and you did.” Flipping her hair over her shoulder, a nervous habit for years.

  “What?” I ask, knowing there’s something on her mind.

  “I’m just not as confident as you in getting the job done,” she bravely says.

  “If I recall you doubted if I could get possession of the company she works for. Have someone else pay for it, pennies on the dollar, mind you. And I did.” Now, standing leaning over my desk, knuckles supporting my weight, eye-to-eye. “Push comes to shove, darlin’, always bet on me.”

  “It’s still a long shot,” she says.

  “Ah, you’re doubting me again. Are you sure you want to shoot your fuckin’ mouth? Who has the balls here?”

  “You do, Cash, you’ve proven that more than once.” Flipping her hair once again.

  I circle my desk and run my knuckles down her cheek. “Better…now put my next plan in place we’re going to Texas Bryer and myself, that is.”

  Chapter Twenty-Five

  ~Nathan~

  Standing on the concrete walk, I look up to view the cold glass and steel skyscraper, nervous about this meeting with Augusta Law Firm. Their secretary called, made the appointment, and here I am. I already know the buyout plan failed, I can only assume this is about M & M. The thought making me tense.

  As I wait impatiently admiring the plush surroundings, my mind is elsewhere. Life can be turned upside down in a split second. I have everything I want, now I just have to hold on to it.

  “Mr. James, Mr. Augusta will see you now.”

  I stand and follow, feeling the pressure my anger turning inward in the attempt to remain calm.

  “Nathan.” Both Richard and Brett stand to shake my hand. They signal for me to sit on one of the couches, as they do the same across from me. “Sit, please.” Files are laid out on the table between us, and I know they’re mine.

  “Nathan, first of all. My apologies for the
unsuccessful buyout of Sea Blue, we knew how important this was, even John allowed us to up the ante. But the owner will not budge. You asked us to look at Max’s company, as you know you have controlling interest in M&M Global, medical research.”

  I nod, understanding that this is not the problem.

  “It’s no surprise that Mr. Harrison has full control over the foundation, his files that he gave you basically confirm it,” Richard says.

  “There’s more.” My heart starts to pound, and I feel a trickle of sweat run down my back.

  “Have you heard of a provisional patent?” Richard opens the file and is going through it, he pauses and looks up over his glasses at me, waiting for my answer.

  “No.” Silent rage brewing.

  “Cash has inserted himself into all potential patents. A provisional application allows you to file without a formal patent claim, allowing the term Patent Pending. That’s why you didn’t know about this change, I’m sure Max didn’t either.”

  “What does this mean?” I ask, afraid of the answer.

  “At present, he controls all future medical findings that require patents. It’s completely legal, which is no surprise. I’m sure he knew what he was doing,” Brett offers.

  “A provisional application for patent has a pendency lasting 12 months from the date the provisional application is filed. The 12-month pendency period cannot be extended. Now he’ll be establishing proprietary rights filing claiming the patents.” Richard removes his glasses, watching me watch my world spin.

  I feel as if I was just assaulted. Cash’s game of control and destroy coming to a reality. “We can’t stop it?”

  “We can fight the application, Nathan.” Brett looks at his Father then me.

  “There’s a small window between the temporary patent and the official one. That’s when we’ll strike, but we’ll need to go court.” Tossing the folder on the table.

  “Let’s face it, there’re no guarantees, Nathan,” Richard replies.

  “He’s a crooked lawyer, Nathan, there’s nothing more satisfying than bringing down a parasite like Cash Harrison.” Brett and Richard seem to have their fighting gloves on.

  That’s exactly what I’ll need. “I want his scheme sabotaged, I’m all in, do whatever it takes,” I say, as I wring my hands in rage.

  “Next,” Richard calmly says.

  But I’m anything than calm.

  “You had us research the sale of the company your wife works for.”

  I’m even more livid. “Go on.”

  “The offer was turned down as you know, but what you may not know is he’s not the owner on paper, Nathan. He may control the company’s daily procedures, but your father owns it.” Looking as if he’s holding his breath waiting for my reaction.

  I’m stunned speechless, this is fucked up. “That makes no sense, why would he get involved? I say, shaking my head in disbelief.

  “I’m not surprised he’s made an appearance in your life again, Nathan,” Richard quietly says.

  “So two sadistic fucks are forcing themselves into our lives. Attempting to create puppets to control, I’m not going to let that happen,” I promise.

  “We’ll fight for you, Nathan, we will do everything in our power to stop these two conniving, sorry excuses for men from causing havoc on you and Bryer.”

  I stand, on shaky legs, finding my inner power just to be civil. I refuse to be powerless, they think they have won, but I just began the fight. I shake both of their hands and leave in a blur of fury.

  Pressing speed dial #7. Stan answers on the first ring.

  “Tail him,” I say.

  “Should I ask why?” Stan says.

  “I’ll fill you in later, 24/7, no matter what he does, where he goes, I want to know before anyone.”

  “Got it.”

  As I sit on the couch awaiting Bryer’s arrival home, I gather my thoughts and my words, she has to know the truth, feeling the walls moving in on me.

  As soon as the door opens, I see several bags in her hands and a smile on her face, Hating the fact that I will be the one removing that smile. Fuck.

  “Dinner, I hope you like Italian.” Knowing I do.

  “How was your day?” I start.

  “Great, actually, Cash wasn’t there my first day back, I got lucky.” She smiles, handing me the bags.

  That’s because the prick is out planning and scheming how to mess with our life. Everytime I look at her, I’m reminded of how safe we felt with the outside world hiding from us. No walls crumbling down around us. I take a deep breath, reaching for her hand, and I lead her to the couch.

  “What’s wrong?” Concern written on her face.

  The food to wait. After I share every detail, I’m trying to decipher her reaction, read her. But she’s lost, her eyes starting to well up.

  “It’s all my fault, I brought Cash into our life.” Her first words.

  “No, how could anyone predict his fucked-up game?” An overwhelming need to protect her consuming every part of me. Reminding myself that my tendency towards jealously can often control my behavior. I have a terrible empty feeling that he’s the kind of man that doesn’t care, consequences don’t apply to him. And I don’t know where’s he’s going to strike next. I want to vaporize him the fuck.

  “Nathan, I don’t want you to do anything foolish.” Reading my mind.

  “I can’t promise you that, Bryer.”

  “What really matters is us, our love. It’s a precious gift he can’t touch.” Forcing a smile for me.

  Simply hearing her declaration eases my anger, but Cash is holding the cards, again. And I plan to get them back. He doesn’t realize that war has just been declared. I’m going to ruin the bastard. My chest constricts, but I force myself to let it go. “Let this sit for tonight, we can talk more once I have more details. I’m starving, how about you?”

  “Yeah, I could eat,” she says.

  But I know it’s forced. It’s up to me to change the mood before it pulls me under. And there’s only one way I know to make that happen.

  “Then there’s something I want to show you in the bedroom.” Flashing my secret weapon I know gets her every time.

  “You do, do you?”

  I feel her forcing the playfulness, but I’ll take it for now.

  A part of being a man, a fucking decent man, is knowing what your woman needs. If she wants her bad boy to lean her over the table and fuck her between bites of fettuccine then do it. If she needs it sensitive, slow, and sweet, I’ll be taking my time. The talent is knowing the difference.

  Leading her up to our bedroom anticipation in the air.

  Flicking the buttons open one-by-one. Peeling off her dress, watching it hit the floor, leaving her in French-cut panties and a lacy bra. I step back to admire, and once my visual journey has temporarily been satisfied, our eyes meet.

  “Beautiful curves, especially your smile.” As I pull her in, a long liquid kiss rushing lust between us. The kiss speaking of things to come.

  “You’re the reason behind my smile.” Watching her tongue wet her lips that just touched mine. She sits on the edge of the bed, staring longingly watching me remove my clothes. God, I want to take her fast and hard, but I know that’s not what she needs. Not tonight.

  Kneeling on the floor, sliding her panties down her legs, marking every inch with my tongue. “Intoxicating,” I whisper against her skin. I watch as she removes her lacy bra, her nakedness is sheer decadence. It could un-man me easily.

  Without a word, her knees part, a total fucking turn-on, giving me full access to her glistening pussy. My mouth finds her delicate clit and begins stroking her with my tongue. Chanting to myself, keep it slow.

  Itching to touch her, captivated by her soft skin, the weight of her tits heavy in my hands, her nipples hard with desire. Never allowing my greedy mouth to stop the assault, as I watch her head fall back, her curls almost touching the bed.

  “I want to hear you let go, baby, feel me taking your
hot honey.” I hear her intake of breath. Her hand snaking in my hair, gripping as her orgasm approaches, as my hunger ignites. Her frenzied pace of her hips a sign all control is gone.

  “You’re mine, I want you to come, I want to own your orgasm.” Trembling against my mouth, she gives it to me.

  “Nathan, I’m coming, I’m all yours.” As she quivers in my hands.

  Pressing her back on the bed, I’m between her thighs, an urgency wanting to take charge, but I slowly play in her juices, gathering my control. “Fuck me.” I’ll keep it slow.

  “Jesus.” I slide my steel cock into her body, she is so tight so wet. She moans once as I still myself, entirely submersed in her sex. “I love you, Bryer.” Burying my face in her hair, the familiar lavender scent brings me home as I start to move.

  Her legs entangle with mine, yet I want to be deeper, raising myself so her legs are over my shoulders. I watch as my cock slides in and out, covered in her nectar. The vision alone is my undoing, my muscles start to spasm and my own orgasm climbs my body.

  I knead her tits, lick her nipples simultaneously fucking her and watching the plea on her face. Her flavor still on my lips, I crush her mouth and my tongue mimics my new frantic pace. Her walls milking me as she falls apart beneath me, I follow swearing lightning just struck. She quietly purrs as my breath steadies. Kissing her neck, up to her jaw and finding her lips again.

  “You’re quite limber,” I tease in her ear after the sexual acrobatics.

  “I’ve heard that before.”

  Matching my humor, but deserving a smack on her ass. “God, I love you, woman.”

  “I love you too, Nathan.”

  The image below me tattooed on my heart forever. Realizing this woman has tamed me, and I love it. Wrapping our bodies as one, as I silently watch the moon above me in the skylight as if it watched the entire scene.

  It’s still dark when I walk into the gym. I see Clayton’s car and assume he has a client. I approach the office as music spills out loudly.