“Christ Almighty, Bryer, did he want you that bad?”
“No, Nathan, he didn’t want me at all.”
He quickly looks up to my eyes.
I watch the blood drip from his knuckles and quickly reach for a kitchen towel. “Here.” As I wrap it, he doesn’t register my actions.
“My mother had, or has, a very lucrative insurance policy that Cash wanted to get his hands on. There were stipulations, my age and I had to be married.”
“He went through all this for an insurance policy. It can’t be worth more than…”
“5.2 million,” I interrupt again.
“Fuck.”
I take a step back a little afraid of his temper. But he collapses on the couch instead. I cautiously approach him and take his good hand in mine, I hold it to my cheek. I know I have one more confession and it will be all out, no more fucking secrets.
His eyes meet mine.
“I’m pregnant.”
Chapter Thirty-Six
~Nathan~
As I wait for the aneurism to hit, it’s a slow process to absorb the depth of destruction Cash was able to achieve, the anger hasn’t hit me yet, although I know it’s coming. The wrath I will bring down on this man will be deadly. I want his head on a stick. Dismantle him limb by limb, crush his very existence.
But first, I push all of that aside, force it to the back of my mind, and act like the man I want to be. “C’mere.” Reaching for her, I put my arm around her shoulder, and touch her face with the other, I wipe a few tears away as I consider my words carefully.
“Nathan,” she starts.
But I interrupt her. “Shhh…” I gently push her hair behind her ear, and never waver, focusing only on her. “We’re having a baby?” I say with a smile. Another tear falls down her cheek and I catch it with my thumb. “Don’t cry, baby, this is good, so fucking good, I promise you, I’m overjoyed, proof of our love growing inside you.” Fighting back the tears of happiness. This bond we have will never break, even when faced with the most trying of tests.
“The implant was supposed to last longer. I should have…”
Stopping her once again. “I love you, Bryer, I never stopped, and this only makes me love you more. What do you need? What can I give you?” I ask.
“More of this.” She rests her head on my shoulder, while my heart beats violently through my chest. And in that exact moment of time. I know what I have to do, but tonight I’m hers.
“You’re not just a good guy, you’re THE good guy,” she whispers.
Seizing my heart in one breath. “I’ll fix it baby, trust me.” Holding her shoulders at arm’s length, needing her to believe in me. Her eyes never leave mine in an act of faith. I kiss her wet, soft lips, and my world feels as if it’s slightly turned a corner leading to happiness. I want her in every way.
My mouth is on the tender flesh of her neck, my lips feeling the pulse beneath them. Desire suspended in need wanting all of her. A brutal strength of passion screaming to be unleased. As I witness my resistance crumbling. God, how she can turn me into a mad man in one moment and a fucking poet the next.
Grabbing her hand, strolling into the bedroom, provocatively glancing over my shoulder at her. I lay her down, fully dressed as I do the same. I pull her towards me so we are face-to-face. My arm draped over the curve of her hip. “The feel of you next to me is both intoxicating and comforting, but it will never be enough.” Her smoldering eyes disintegrating my thin edge of control.
“Never enough,” she says.
Her familiar scent tormenting me with memories of me buried so deep inside her. I kiss her mouth, my tongue swirling passionately within hers. Tension building as our bodies press against each other.
Peeling off her tight blue jeans, then her top leaving her in the matching white lace bra and panties. I’m stoking the fire beneath my touch. Watching her face as I remove my shirt and pants I’m caught in her web of lust.
Gently laying on top of her, my mouth finding every inch yet discovered. She pulls her straps down, causing my testosterone to get a workout, and her bra is off, allowing me full access to her beautiful fucking tits, sucking them into my mouth one-by-one. Her breath catches like a whisper in my ear.
My hand slides into her panties, finding her pussy wet and wanting, my touch provoking a cry of pleasure. Circling her hidden clit until it swells with hunger. Her blissful moans mending my heart, pulling me in, bringing me home. I slide her panties down her legs, admiring every inch, mine all mine.
Our naked bodies molded together as I enter her gently inch-by-every inch, filling her, controlling the wildness just beneath the surface.
“Fucking Christ.” A seductive growl urging me on when a passionate tide over takes me, my speed increases, each stroke warm and welcoming. God, I love fucking this woman. My chest rising now supporting myself with my arms I watch, and my punishing rhythm causing her tits to move in sync. My cock entering her is too hot to watch, a total fucking turn-on, I’m wrestling with my own need now.
Harder, deeper, faster I fuck her with consummate skill, I witness the transformation and her head flies back, calling my name as her legs are wrapped around my hips, and her hands gripping the sheets riding it out, as I withdraw and slide home again, asking for more.
My body presses her into the bed, and my mouth claims hers. “Come again, baby.” I feel her nails on my back, and she’s climbing to unbearable heights. Tremors start to claim me, and I welcome the fight to hold on. “I want to own your pleasure, baby, give it to me.”
“Jesus Fucking Christ,” I yell out as I’m transcending love into physical pleasure, she follows me, quivering beneath me. I collapse on top of her and wait ‘til our breathing returns. I roll off, bringing her with me, she’s on top our eyes telling the same story of torment and happiness at the same time.
“I was afraid you wouldn’t want me.”
“Yeah, if I was comatose, Bryer, I want you more each day.” Reaching for her hair that is slightly blocking her beautiful face, my fingers gliding down the soft waves.
“I love you, Nathan.”
Her glorious afterglow stroking my ego, feeding the man deep within me. Looking up at her above me. “I love you, too.” My hand touching her belly that will be growing with my child.
~ ~ ~
I call Brett and make the arrangements.
I’m walking into the dark side, unashamed of what I’m about to do. I flinch as the gate clangs behind me, I will never get used to that noise. Or the cold, or the lack of silence. I’m ushered into the same room as the one and only time I’ve ever been here, and that same damn chair is still there, small, and uncomfortable, as if it’s telling you, your time here won’t be long. Fine by me.
I watch as he slowly approaches, he’s deteriorated in the last few months. I reprimand myself for the sympathy that stirs to the surface. That’s fucked up, for sure. He may look feeble, but he’s still a cobra. Isn’t’ that why I’m here? To use the venom he so easily produces?
He sits and points to the phone.
I look away when his shaky hand picks it up, stopping myself from having compassion, I purposely recall the malice I’ve felt for so long. Numbing myself is the smartest plan.
“Son, I’m-I’m so surprised you’re here, I couldn’t believe it when they told me it was you.” His gaze dipping in shame.
But I stay focused. “I’m here for a reason, James, a favor. I want you to use your connections, your brutal strength, to help me bring down a man, a man whose sole purpose in life is to crush me, and everything around me. And don’t pretend you don’t have the power. Being locked up has only deterred you from one thing—walking past these gates.
He looks at me in question.
He understands what I’m about to ask. I’ve crossed that line and I’m making a deal with the devil. “He must have really upset you, Nathaniel, for you to reach out to me.”
His frown evident as I proceed.
“You’re right, I’m fuc
king upset, and I need you to fix it.” Leaning into the glass, knowing I have to be careful with my words. Everything here is recorded.
“What do you need?” he offers without thought.
“Cash Harrison, lawyer from Austin. A liar, a thief, and a crook. He has no scruples whatsoever and no moral compass. There is no limit to his deceit. First, I want you to pull out your magic hat of tricks and get my marriage, that he fucked with, registered in the state of Hawaii. The ceremony was rigged, the license applied for, but on its way to be registered, Cash killed it.”
“You love her, son?”
“More than my next breath.”
“Next, there is a fraudulent marriage on its way to be submitted to the Austin courthouse, a fake marriage license, between Cash and Bryer that she was not aware of. Stop it.”
He immediately glances up in surprise. “I’ve worked with some pricks before, but this Cash Harrison is one for the books,” he says.
“And then there’s Sea Blue, you own it. Fire him, and I won’t even ask why the fuck that happened.” I don’t get a read on that one, his lack of expression gives nothing away, I don’t care. “And in return, you’ll get what you’ve always wanted, I’ll take my seat on the board.”
His eyes spring to mine, a huge smile appears. “That will do just fine,” he says, satisfied.
“So do we have a deal, James?”
“Yes, Nathaniel.”
“This needs to be done yesterday. I’m depending on you, which is risky, I know, so don’t let me down. Do. You. Understand?”
He nods yes.
And as I stand I lean over the small table just inches from the glass, forcing him to look up at me.
“And you’re going to be a grandfather.” I immediately turn, not allowing myself to see the expression. I know officially that was a lie, but a small part of me wanted to give him that. I know he can make all this happen. He understands what it took for me to come here asking for help.
“Wake up, mother of my child.” Kissing her bare shoulder, attempting to keep my desire in check. “Our appointment at Augusta Law Firm is in two hours, I made you breakfast.”
“You made breakfast?” She stretches and her sweet belly peeks.
Still flat but cooking my baby. What a feeling, it’s unlike any joy I’ve experienced. “I pushed something down in the toaster that counts right?”
She giggles.
And my heart melts.
“I’ll shower first, I need a few minutes in the morning before eating, I’ve learned the hard way.”
“Do you need help in the shower? It would be purely medical.”
She smiles and ignores my offer, obviously questioning my motives.
Arriving at Brett’s office, we are ushered in to the conference room, I pick up a water and hand it to Bryer, her look is sweet, but on the inside I can feel her nerves are just under the surface.
“Welcome, Nathan, Bryer, how are you both?” Shaking both of our hands, always the professional.
“Good, considering,” I answer.
“I think you’re going to determine that for us today, Brett,” Bryer adds.
“Then let’s not waste time. Good news.” He pauses while he goes though the pile of manila files in the stack.
“That all ours?’ I smirk, halfheartedly.
“Sure is.” Not looking up. He holds one file up and taps it on the desk.
I glance at Bryer and know she’s feeling the same anxiety I’m feeling.
“I’d like to pronounce you man and wife,” he says so casually it takes a moment to register.
Once it sinks in I’m on my feet. I pull Bryer in my arms, lifting her so her mouth is in line with mine, our eyes telling the story we both understand, I kiss her hard. And carefully set her back down.
“Should I go on?” Brett teases.
“Of course. “Unable to wipe the smile off my face.
“The CoCo Palms Resort stepped in, an unknown source intervened, convincing them the license you applied for was indeed valid, the resort corroborated that the wedding took place and has sufficient evidence to submit a second one. They worked their magic to get it recorded, and you are officially married.”
“Thank you, Brett, we’re ecstatic.” Reaching for her hand and holding on tight.
“It gets better, should I continue?” he asks.
“Please.” Shaking my head at the level of his own satisfaction.
“We hit Cash with a fraudulent indictment, several charges are brought up against him, and the marriage between the two of you is null and void.” Nodding his head toward Bryer. “There’s consequences for his actions, they intend to reprimand him and do it swiftly.” Another file is opened.
“We can’t forget Sonja, she’s turned on Cash, and now is a witness for the Bar. She wasn’t too pleased when she got a call from Carla, the Niemen buyer he spent the night with in Austin. So not only does she want to save her own neck, she wants to snap Cash’s. Justice.” He gloats.
“Not to mention other illegal activity throughout this entire encounter, they are looking under every stone.”
“This can’t be real. Karma doesn’t happen this quickly,” Bryer says.
“No, but the law does. He’ll be disbarred in a matter of time. I’ve protected your life insurance, with a provision you are the only one who has power over it, the stipulations still stand, but you’ve met them all. Bryer, I have one last item for you, apparently Nathan James Sr. has signed over ownership of Sea Blue to you, and you alone.”
“What?” we both say in unison.
“James did this? Did he give a reason?” I ask.
“Something about the company’s handed down to generations to come.”
I sigh, knowing that beneath it all family, in his sick distorted way, family has always been important to him. Maybe now, I can let that go with peace, forgiveness frees my soul, not his.
“Bryer, you know what this means, you will have control over the company you love, and even the funds to create whatever vision you have. Of course, you also have your husband’s support financially as well, and every way possible. But your independence stands tall, you’re the bravest person I’ve ever met, baby.” I watch as her life rights itself again and feel proud that I’m here to be her partner in life.
“To be brave is to love unconditionally,” she answers.
Epilogue
Nine months later.
~Nathan~
“Hey, baby, what are you doing out here all by yourself?” Finding her lying on the outdoor lounger, I should have looked here first, it’s her favorite place.
“I’m not alone, Nathaniel James the third is here with me.”
A smile so big appears as I walk towards my wife and son. “I thought we decided to call him Nate, that was the deal, right?” Peeking at the bundle wrapped like a burrito with his chubby face and thin brown waves exposed.
“I did no such thing.” Looking up at me all innocent like.
“Um hum, Gen and Clayton are here. They want to see the baby, baby Nate,” I tease.
“Send them out.” As I hear murmured voices approach.
“There you are, don’t tell me you’ve been monopolizing the baby again. I thought we had a deal?”
“She’s bad with deals,” I chime in.
“Time to share.” As Gen reaches down and picks up the warm bundle. And proceeds to talk baby talk to his sweet face.
“So, Clayton, this doing anything for ya?” I ask.
“No, you scared the shit out of me with the story of when Bryer was in labor. You said her green eyes looked like the exorcist.”
“Hey now,” Bryer says as she stands. “Clayton, eyes up here.” Bryer stands with her hands on her hips.
“I’m not staring at your boobs. I’m staring at your heart,” he awkwardly explains.
“Clayton, Bryer is breast feeding, that’s normal, you goof,” Gen says in-between coos.
“And what about you, dear friend, what do you see in the
future?” I ask Gen.
“I don’t need a piece of paper, living in sin is completely fine by me. Even if there was a baby, a piece of paper won’t change that,” she adamantly states.
“You don’t think I’ve tried?” Clayton says.
“Maybe it’s your disposition,” I tease.
“You think it’s easy being the funny one all the time? Thank God, I have the gift.”
“As if we would want it any other way, bud,” I say, winking at Bryer. I walk over to Gen and pick up my son. It’s over powering looking into these trusting blue eyes. I glance over and see Bryer watching me contently. “Because of your love, I have learned to live.”
“Why Mr. James.”
“Hot, huh?” Giving her my double-dimple smile, that has been my secret weapon of choice.
The End
About the Author
Midwestern born, Virginia Wine is a longtime lover of romance and well told stories. It was only natural to turn that passion into writing a love story of her own.
Married to a real life Iron Man with legendary stamina, they have two children who keep them on their toes.
Always up for a challenge, Virginia loves bike riding, kayaking, tennis, and boating. She's a self-proclaimed zip-line junkie and will try any adventure that gets her out of the writing cave and into an adrenaline high.
For more information, including upcoming works visit Virginia:
Website: http://authorvirginiawine.com
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Books written by Author Virginia Wine:
Forgotten Series
Forgotten Truth
Forgotten Promise
Forgotten Promise (Forgotten Series Book 2) Page 24