Built for Pleasure

by Sarah J. Brooks

  “Oh-my-god. I’ve lived here all my life. I know some people hate the Brethertons, but murder? Seriously? I don’t believe it. And now you’re involved with my best friend, and she’s in the middle of all of this? Why didn’t you tell me before?”

  “This is the first chance I’ve had to talk to you privately. And the truth is I’ve cared about Mina for a long time, Marcy. She’s always been on my mind. And now that I’m back, I’ve seen her, I’ve… I’m pretty sure I’m in love with her.”

  “But she’s involved with David, she works for him. They’ve even been out for drinks.”

  “I know. I even sent her flowers and put his name on the card trying to keep my distance from her. I thought it would keep her safer if he didn’t suspect she might be connected to me.”

  “You pushed her at him?”

  “I gambled that she wouldn’t have anything to do with him and that she’d make sure it stayed platonic. I know, it was stupid, and that’s why I’ve changed my mind. I’m keeping her close by me until this is over.”

  Brice… you’re sure about all this? This stuff you’ve been saying? No way you could be wrong or maybe David doesn’t know what’s going on?”

  I knew she was worried for Mina. “No way I’m wrong and no way that I know yet how deep this is. I’ll keep her safe, don’t worry.”

  “Wow, I’m going to have to give this some thought. I never dreamed…”

  “Please keep quiet about all of this. Wait until this mess is cleaned up. I don’t want anyone to know about the money or the investigation. Promise you won’t tell anyone, Marcy.”

  “I’ll keep it to myself.” She got up and headed to the door.

  “Remember, don’t let on to anyone. Most especially Mina. Mina can not find out about this!”

  Marcy gave me the “okay” sign and was out the door in a flash. It was so hard not to tell others, not to tell Mina. I wanted her to want me and while I knew the money wouldn’t make a difference, I wanted her forgiveness and her love first.

  I got up and flipped off the light on the step, locking the doors. I eased open Mina’s door to see her sitting up, the nightstand lamp turned on. “Mina can’t find out about what?” she asked.

  Chapter 17

  Mina

  I awoke and looked out my window. The sun fought to shine through the heavy clouds that had scudded in from over the lake during the night. The wind had risen, and the beach grasses danced in shivers. You could smell the advancing fall.

  Voices in the living room brought me completely out of sleep and I distinctly heard Marcy’s shrill yip of excitement. I’d sat next to it through too many football and basketball games to forget it. I laid there, coming out of the drugged sleep and then heard Brice’s voice in a cautionary tone, telling her not to let me find out about something.

  I’m not sure which bothered me most; knowing my best friend was keeping something from me, or my lover swearing her to secret.

  ***

  Brice stood in my doorway then, a look of guilt on his handsome face.

  “I asked you once, what is it I’m not supposed to find out about?”

  His face went to doctor mask in a split second. “Just that I think you might be off your feet a few days longer than we originally thought. You’re not getting enough rest to heal well.”

  I didn’t believe a word he’d said. I didn’t let him know that, though. I didn’t have the strength or the ability at that moment to do anything other than let him tend to me and I would pretend that everything was fine between us. Later, if it turned out otherwise, I would deal with it then.

  “Was that Marcy I heard?”

  “Yes, it was. She brought some get-well gifts and thought you needed someone to look after you. I explained our arrangement and I hope you don’t mind, but I told her that we had been dating.”

  “What did she say?”

  “She was surprised. Naturally, she doesn’t think I’m good enough for you.”

  “Why didn’t she hang around?”

  “Oh, I guess she had places to go.”

  “A date?”

  “Gee, Mina, I don’t know. She hasn’t checked in with me for a very long time.”

  I nodded slowly. “You know she has a crush on someone, don’t you?”

  “No, I didn’t know. Anyone I know?”

  “One of your favorite people, as a matter of fact.”

  “Who’s that?”

  “David Bretherton. Personally, I think she’s nuts. I find him more than a little strange and a whole lot more controlling than I could’ve believed. I’m not sure what she sees in him other than the fact that he’s rich and available. I think she believes she is pulling off quite a coup if she manages to hook him.”

  A few seconds passed before he said, “Can I get you anything?”

  “Is it time for my pain meds yet?”

  “Almost. Listen, Marcy made some pretty good stew, I had a little bit. Let me put some in a mug for you. You need food in your stomach to take those pills.”

  I nodded, and followed that up with, “Okay. You’re the doctor.”

  When Brice returned he bent and kissed my forehead. Even his lips felt strong and I wanted more of them. “Can I admit something to you?” I asked.

  “Of course.”

  “I was a little scared about letting you stay here.”

  He chuckled it was a warm, comforting sound. “Why is that?”

  “I’m not sure how much I can trust you. Not to revisit old arguments, but you're pushing me away that morning… well, I took it pretty hard.”

  “I understand. I was really an ass and again I apologize.”

  “Apology accepted, we won’t bring it up again. Just know that if you ever do something like that to me again, they’ll be hunting for the pieces of you in South America.”

  He laughed aloud at that and I was glad that I could still find enough humor to make that happen. “I’ll keep that in mind,” he said soberly and patted my hand again.

  He was right. The stew was pretty good, and I managed to finish it all. I was rewarded with two tiny pills pressed into the palm of my hand and a straw in a glass of water. I took the pills and it wasn’t long before they did their job and I drifted off to sleep again. I awakened sometime in the middle of the night and could feel Brice’s hard body against mine. I liked the way it felt. I wish so badly that that morning hadn’t happened and that I hadn’t overheard his words to Marcy. I didn’t know what was going on, but it didn’t sound very positive. I sighed to myself, wanting so to go off guard duty against him.

  “Everything okay?” he whispered next to my ear. He gently turned over and his lips pressed against my cheek.

  “Mmmm… that feels good.”

  “I’m glad. I happen to know where you can get a regular supply.”

  “Oh? Are you looking for a new job?”

  He laughed, a huge sound in a tiny room at three in the morning.

  “You wouldn’t happen to know anything about school teaching, would you?”

  “I do happen to know a little bit about school teachers, present company included,” he teased me.

  I knew what was getting to me. I wasn’t able to sleep because I was worried about my job and who would cover for me in the play. “Brice? Do you think they found someone to take my place in the play?”

  “I’m sure they figured something out. After all, the whole reason you’re in this position is because they didn’t take proper precautions. You could probably sue them if you wanted to.”

  I shook my head. “No, I’ve never been the suing type. It always ends badly and in a small town like this, it’s so important to keep your reputation above table.”

  “I think you’ve done a pretty good job of that. Everyone loves you, I never hear a bad word said about you.”

  “I’d like to think that’s true,” I murmured, sleep calling my name again. I answered.

  Chapter 18

  Brice

  “Thank you for meeting
me here. Bretherton isn’t the place for this kind of conversation.”

  “I understand, Dr. Davidson. In all truth, I couldn’t agree more. So, would you like me to update you here and now, or would you prefer if I simply give you the dossier?”

  “I’ve asked that this room remain private, so feel free to spread things out.”

  “Yes, sir. Well, let’s begin with the grandfather. In 1957, a Mr. Dutton Jones died when the two men shared a hunting cabin in the northern part of the state. Mr. Bretherton stated that Jones had consumed alcohol to great excess the evening before and then apparently aspirated on his own vomit while asleep. Mr. Bretherton brought the body home in car and when investigative authorities went to examine the premises, they found the cabin had burned to ashes. He said he must have left the wood stove burning in his haste to bring his friend back to town for help. No further investigation was done and the matter was considered closed.”

  “And Mr. Jones’ relationship to Bretherton?”

  “Records indicate they were business partners in a salvage business, recovering wrecks from the Great Lakes; barges and ships carrying international cargo and ores. One newspaper article I found discussed the discovery of a Spanish galleon, rumored to be loaded with gold coins and bound for what many believe was intended as bargaining gold with the Native Americans. All this was very much based on rumor and speculation, but the gist of it is that this cargo would have been worth millions, particularly in the antiquities market. Mr. Jones’ portion reverted to the partnership agreement, thereby becoming Mr. Bretherton’s property by default. Shortly after, he purchased a two-mile stretch of lakefront which later became the Bretherton Estate.”

  “Interesting. In your opinion, was there cause under ordinary circumstances to conduct a more thorough investigation?”

  “Possibly, sir. At the very least, an inquest. But with Bretherton’s status in town, no questions were asked. His story was plausible. ”

  “Correct me if I’m wrong, but there is no statute of limitations on murder, is that correct?”

  “That is correct, sir. Shall I go on?”

  “No, the rest I’ll get from the dossier. You’ve been quite helpful. Please continue with the investigation and update me on a regular basis.”

  “Yes, sir.” The man slid a thick folder across the table and left, as anonymously as he’d entered.

  Chapter 19

  Mina

  A couple of weeks later I was slowly regaining my mobility. Brice had shown me how to navigate with crutches and then came the physical therapy. I would be starting back as teacher the next morning, but that afternoon I was making a pot of chicken and dumplings. Brice was due home in about an hour and that gave me plenty of time.

  Every night Brice laid by my side in the bed and every night I wished desperately that he would press the length of his body against mine. He held himself back, though, and that helped to slowly restore my sense of trust in him.

  I settled onto the sofa, my leg balanced on the coffee table and feeling quite domestic as dinner simmered on the stove. There was a brief tap on the door and I heard footsteps. I swung my head around and to my amazement, David was standing there.

  “David! I wasn’t expecting you.”

  “Sorry to startle you, Mina, but I didn’t want to knock and make you get up to answer the door.”

  “What is it you want?”

  He walked toward me slowly and sat down on the sofa next to me. “I hear you’re starting back to school tomorrow.”

  I nodded, waiting to hear why he was there.

  “I’m sorry you got hurt, Mina. That shouldn’t have happened. I’m glad you’ll be back in class now. I thought maybe you’d let me take you to dinner on Friday night to celebrate.”

  I began shaking my head. “No, thank you, David. There’s no reason for that. I’m not holding anyone responsible for the accident if that’s what you’re thinking.” He was giving me the creeps and I wanted him to leave.

  “I understand. It’s just that, well, Mina, I’ve missed you. I’d like to spend some time with you.”

  “No, David, I’m sorry. Thanks, though.”

  “I’d like to take you to that new restaurant up the coast. They have fresh seafood flown in daily.”

  “I believe the lady already turned you down.” I looked up to see Brice standing inside the door, his face dark and the muscle in his jaw jerking with annoyance.

  “Brice! I’m glad you’re home.”

  David’s head swiveled, and his body curled in on itself. “Home? You live here?”

  “What’s the matter, Bretherton? Your intel failing?”

  David turned back to confront me. “What is he to you?”

  I froze inside.

  “You can leave now, Bretherton,” Brice interrupted. His voice was firm and authoritative.

  “I’ll leave when the lady asks me to leave,” David bristled.

  “Please do,” I spoke up. David turned and glared at me for several seconds before he stood and went to the door. Brice didn’t move, and David had no choice but to brush against his chest to exit. It was deliberate and the testosterone in the room was pronounced. Brice slammed the door at David’s back and I collapsed against the sofa cushions.

  “Brice? What on earth is going on? I thought it was you coming in the door, he didn’t even knock!”

  He came to sit next to me. “Mina, I want you to promise me something.”

  “What’s going on?”

  “Promise me you’ll never let yourself be alone with him, never. Will you do that?”

  “Brice, you’re scaring me. Why won’t you tell me what’s going on? Does this have something to do with what Marcy said when she was leaving?”

  “Give me your word, Mina.”

  “Okay, yes, I give you my word.” The words of assurance poured out of my mouth, but I was feeling anything but secure.

  “Tomorrow I’m sending a security crew over to install a system. I don’t like him just walking in here like that. I can’t always be here to look after you.”

  “No, don’t do that. It’s expensive and anyway, on this side of the dune, I’m in a dead zone, remember? Rarely cell reception and no landline.” I dissolved into tears. Brice pulled me against his chest, his hand smoothing my hair. “Hey now, don’t cry,” he murmured.

  “You’re scaring me. Why won’t you tell me what’s going on?” I repeated.

  “Mina, I can’t tell you yet, but I will, I promise. I don’t trust him, and neither should you. In the meantime, you need to promise to do as I ask. There are reasons for this and you will get the full truth eventually. I promise you.”

  I looked up and there was desperation in his eyes. I realized with a start that he was worried on my behalf. His face came down suddenly and he kissed me. It was hardly the soft, nurturing kiss of a caregiver. It was pure possession and lust.

  His hands slid inside the neckline of my top and his fingertips found my nipples. I don’t know if it was the tension of the unwanted visitor or a long-denied passion, but I wanted his kisses… and more.

  “Mina, you’re driving me crazy. Don’t you know how badly I want you?”

  “I know, I know, I feel the same way. I know you been holding back and I know the effort that takes. It means a lot to me that you show that respect. But, Brice, I… just feel so out of control. There are so many secrets, I don’t like secrets. Do you understand?”

  He was kissing my neck and I was melting beneath his lips. “I know,” he whispered, “but you don’t need to be afraid. You can trust me, I swear you can. I just can’t tell you all the details. Please, Mina, don’t turn me away. I need to feel your trust and your love.” His head jerked up as he realized what he said. It was too late. I’d heard it, too. He just admitted he was in love with me.

  “Me too.” There was nothing left to be said; we both knew how the other felt. Brice looked over his shoulder at the stove and he got up quickly to turn it off. When he came back, he bent and scooped me c
autiously into his arms, taking me into the bedroom where he laid me on the center of the bed.

  “Let me show you how I feel about you.”

  For the first time in my life, I wasn’t in a mood to argue. I wanted him.

  Brice tucked pillows all around me. He scrambled through the cottage, grabbing pillows as he went in these he placed beneath my head and beneath my injured leg, elevating it. Then came the torture.

  He looked at me in a mock-stern manner. “Don’t move,” he said. “Doctor’s orders.”

  ***

  He’d brought me some hospital pants that were cleverly sewn with Velcro snaps so that I could wear them without the need to bend my leg to put them on. These, he opened first, his fingertips caressing my skin as each one snapped open. He laid them open and I was bare beneath. Bending low, he kissed me, his tongue opening the folds of my pussy. It had been so long since I felt like a woman, the chills of desire had already traveled down my back and like the epicenter of an earthquake, I began to quiver beneath the onslaught of his flicking tongue. I know I called his name over and over but this time it wasn’t a dream. This time he was there, beside me, and there was nothing and no one else in his awareness.

  His fingers moved on, creeping upward with butterfly touches. He poked his finger between the buttons of my sleep shirt, stroked the soft skin there and then opened the button, stamping it with a hot press of his lips. The effect was overwhelming, my hips wanted to wind into the mattress and sheer pleasure, but he cautioned me sternly not to move. I think that made it even more erotic, but in place of handcuffs, there was his sheer will to make me lie still.