by Nia Arthurs
Taming Mr. Darcy
The Taming Series Book 4
Nia Arthurs
COPYRIGHT
First published in Belize, C.A. Jan 2016
Copyright © Nia Arthurs
All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, without the prior written permission of the publisher, nor be circulated in any writing of any publisher, nor be otherwise circulated in any form of binding or cover other than that in which it is published without a similar condition including this condition, being imposed on the subsequent purchaser.
This book has been produced for the Amazon Kindle and is distributed by Amazon Direct Publishing.
To Oreos, for always making my day better.
TABLE OF CONTENT
CHAPTER ONE
CHAPTER TWO
CHAPTER THREE
CHAPTER FOUR
CHAPTER FIVE
CHAPTER SIX
CHAPTER SEVEN
CHAPTER EIGHT
CHAPTER NINE
CHAPTER TEN
CHAPTER ELEVEN
CHAPTER TWELVE
CHAPTER THIRTEEN
CHAPTER FOURTEEN
CHAPTER FIFTEEN
CHAPTER SIXTEEN
CHAPTER SEVENTEEN
CHAPTER EIGHTEEN
CHAPTER NINETEEN
CHAPTER TWENTY
CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE
CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO
CHAPTER TWENTY-THREE
CHAPTER TWENTY-FOUR
CHAPTER TWENTY-FIVE
CHAPTER TWENTY-SIX
CHAPTER TWENTY-SEVEN
CHAPTER TWENTY-EIGHT
CHAPTER TWENTY-NINE
CHAPTER THIRTY
EPILOGUE
CHAPTER ONE
My fingers flew over the keyboard. Numbers and prompts and codes rushed before my eyes like millions of tiny soldiers scurrying to do my bidding. My phone rang in the distance but I ignored it. I’m in the zone and I’d hate to pull out of my rhythm now. The chiming stopped and I enjoyed the stillness, returning my full attention to the computer screen. I soaked in the silence the way a potato soaks in the rain.
Do potatoes soak in rain? I should do some research on that.
As my living room/office once again righted itself in the sweet sound of quiet, the phone vibrated against the grain of the bookshelf crying in a loud obnoxious tone:
“I’m… too sexy for my shirt, too sexy for my shirt, too sexy it huuurts.”
My palms froze and I glanced over to my shelf where my smart phone was dancing along to the annoying rhythm.
You have got to be kidding me.
I groaned and got up from my comfortable swivel chair to swipe the phone from the wood. My sister’s beautiful face beamed up at me from the screen.
Melody.
I should have known.
I swiped across the surface to open the phone and yelled,
“Really? Really, Mel!”
Melody giggled on the other end. Marriage and motherhood had done nothing to curb my older sister’s supreme weirdness. I had no idea how Spence put up with her.
“I thought I’d try something new to get you to answer your phone the first time I call.” She scolded lightly.
I rolled my eyes.
Of the three Reyes sisters, Melody and Eryn got all the charisma. My eldest and youngest sisters were like supernovas. They were brilliant and energetic and sociable. Melody was adored by her friends and everywhere that she went, she made new ones. Eryn was only fifteen but she attracted boys the way blood attracts sharks. My parents are having a field day warding off all of her admirers.
As the middle sister, I was completely ignored when God was giving out the social genes.
“Melody, I’m working. Not all of us have rich husbands so that we can quit our jobs you know.” I teased.
Nearly seven years ago, Melody met her husband on a job assignment to the States. They literally bumped into each other when she got off the elevator. Spencer claims he fell in love with her from that first moment. I believe him. Melody has broken many hearts and she has absolutely no idea. The brilliant owner of a fancy technology patenting company was lucky enough to keep his heart intact and get the girl.
“Hey!” Melody protested, “I’m working too. I’m writing an epic novel.”
“Yeah, yeah,” I waved my hand dismissively though she could not see me. I returned to my swivel chair and stuck my phone between my chin and my shoulder to keep it near my ears. I talked to Melody with one side of my brain while the other focused on the programming software that I was decoding.
“I don’t like your tone, Lexi. I’m still your older sister and I can still kick your butt.”
I grinned. Both Eryn and I have far surpassed Melody’s petite height. My older sister hit her first growth spurt when she was twelve and then her body gave up and decided to stop trying.
“I’d like to see you try.” I taunted.
Little Alexis let out a strangled cry in the background and Melody shushed her lightly.
“See,” I cooed to my niece, “Baby Alexis doesn’t like it when you threaten her favorite aunty.”
Alexis Grace Braden was born three years ago. She has been consequently spoiled by her daddy, her grandparents, her blood and adopted aunts and uncles. The kid is going to become a monster of a brat if we don’t let up.
“Actually,” I heard something brush against the phone and Alexis quit her wailing, “She pronounced Eryn’s name properly last week.”
I gasped. Ever since Alexis started talking, she’s been butchering the pronunciation of everybody’s names. It’s adorable and hilarious.
I sniff and snottily defended myself, “Pepsi is her pet name for me, which proves that my niece loves me the best.”
Melody laughed, “Anyway, I didn’t call about that. I’m calling to remind you about Archie and Susan’s homecoming party.”
Crapperdoodles. I’d completely forgotten.
Archie Hamilton danced into the Reyes home seven years ago. He wore a full beard and had colorful tattoos running up and down his arms and chest. He looked like the kind of guy my dad would rather die than let us bring home. But Archie Hamilton was so much more than his outer appearance. Though he was introduced to our family because of Melody, he was adopted into our family because he’s just so darn awesome. Archie was the son my father never had.
Earlier on in our acquaintance, I’d had the biggest crush on Archie Hamilton. I wasn’t as open about my feelings as Eryn and Melody would be; however, I’d dropped little hints and even wrote him a Valentine’s Day card. Unfortunately, Archie never acknowledged my affection and considered me his sister no matter what I did. That crush died a quiet, unassuming death. It was a good thing too. Archie has been dating Susan for nearly three years and finally got married to her this summer right before Susan graduated with a Masters in Law.
For a while there, everyone thought that they’d live in the States so that Susan could practice. We were pretty psyched when Archie called from California and announced that he and Susan would be moving back to Belize that summer.
Melody interpreted my long silence as guilt… which it sort of was.
“You forgot?”
I coughed, “Uh-”
“Lexi, you’ve got to get off that computer long enough to live your life!”
I dragged the phone from my ears as Melody began to rant about how I should stop being so anti-social and marry some random guy in order to give Alexis cousins to play with. I set the phone down and continued to type as she raged on.
I can see where Melody’s appre
hension stems. When it comes to big social events or any kind of mingling activity, I normally bow out. I enjoy spending time with my tried and true family and even with Melody’s best friend Mia and her husband, Peyton. This party, however, was a much bigger affair because Archie’s dad, his mom and his step-dad were throwing it. There would be a ton of people I didn’t know and who I honestly didn’t care to know at this shindig.
This fact doesn’t get me excited.
Finally, the phone quieted and I knew this was my cue to soothe my older sister, “I hear you, Mel. I hear you.”
I can almost envision her narrowed eyes and gritted teeth.
“Pepsi!” Alexis squealed.
“Alexis says ‘hi’,” Melody groused.
“Hi baby!” I cooed.
“Pepsi!”
I smiled. Pepsi should pay the kid to say that in an international ad campaign. They’d make millions.
“Don’t think I’m distracted,” Melody’s voice was firm, “Put on the dress we bought six years ago for your prom or something. I don’t care, but get yourself down to Queen’s Hotel at seven sharp, do you hear me?”
“Yes, mom.” I groused.
“Love you.”
I sighed, “I love you too.”
“Lexi…”
“Yeah?” I asked, expecting my sister to apologize for her bossiness.
“Don’t wear the prom dress. That was just a joke.”
I shook my head. Big sisters rarely apologize for anything.
“Okay.”
I ended the call.
Turning once more to the computer screen, I tried to delve back into my code but I couldn’t. Melody and Alexis had totally blown my concentration and now I was freaking out about what to wear tonight. I saved my program and closed my laptop screen. I worked for Belizean schools and businesses tending to computer networks, network security and creating databases for banks, credit unions, and government departments. The analytical programming side of me paid the bills. However, my passion was creating cartoon animation.
So far, I’d created a few short animes about an intergalactic female warrior who can shape shift into any kind of animal. It was a pretty cool idea, if I do say so myself. I fell in love with Japanese computer animation when I was fourteen and it’s always been a dream of mine to tell my own stories in the format that I enjoy. I was really psyched about being able to live that dream.
I probably wasn’t going to get rich off it but…
“I’m too sexy for my shirt, too sexy for my shirt, too sexy it huuurts.”
I groaned and stood up; my reminiscing moment fled.
Melody again?
Do big sisters ever stop bossing you around?
Poor Alexis.
I might have to kidnap her from her mama and go raise her on a llama farm or something. I would never boss her around. I would let her roam free in the grass and learn the ways of the llama.
Sighing lightly, I picked up the phone.
“You know I’m going to change that ringtone.”
“I’ll change it right back.” Melody countered, “I’m coming over.”
“What? Why?” I protested.
“You have nothing in your closet and it’s unfair of me to bother you if I’m not willing to help you out too.”
“Mel…” I begin to dissuade her but she cut me off.
“I’ve called Mia. She’s coming too. Evana will take care of the shop while she’s gone.”
Mia Johnson…well, Mia Lowry now, was Melody’s best friend since childhood. I’d always had a rock star view of Mia. She’d been raunchy and rude and pretty messed up, but I’d admired her dedication to spitting her sins out there in the open instead of hiding them behind pious behavior and judgmental gossiping. Mia’s a lot calmer now that she’s a citizen of the Kingdom, but the girl used to be a wreck and I kind of admired that.
No one in my family understood the way I struggled with faith. I could always hide beneath Melody’s exuberance and dedication. Sometimes, I wondered if the Kingdom lifestyle was worth it. It had been a journey to decide for myself, but I finally did.
Still, Mia’s bad girl ways were certainly cause to have a case of hero worship.
“Do what you have to do.” I groused.
It made no sense arguing with my sister. She’d bulldoze right over all of my objections and do what she wanted to anyway.
“Cool. We’ll be there in fifteen.”
She and Mia were there in ten.
My sister’s friends drink from the fountain of models. I’m not even kidding. Mia wore a sleeveless white turtleneck tucked into a long black skirt that I discovered was actually a pair of extra stretchy pants. Her long dark hair was loose and curled to her chest. Her makeup was on point and her jewelry tasteful but complimentary. When I used to work at Mia’s Designs, Mia’s boutique, I did so partly for the money and partly for the amazing discounts on her gorgeous clothes. Did I mention that she’s also a fashion designer? We’ve finally convinced her to sell a few original pieces in the boutique. They’re selling like hot stuffed jacks.
“Hey, you.” Mia gave me a hug.
“Hey,” I hugged her back. I considered most of Mel’s friends, my family. Which is the closest thing I have to friends. Mia’s always been there for me, just like Archie.
“Girl, when was the last time you took a bath?” Mia sniffed my shoulder.
“Or did any laundry?” Mel picked at a loose blouse I had hanging over the sofa handle.
“My apartment, my beautiful apartment.” Mia playfully poked my shoulder and gestured to the cobwebs in the corners of the walls.
This apartment has been home to Mia and Susan. Both women had only moved out of this place when they’d gotten married or engaged. The apartment has now been dubbed “Cupid’s Place” and I’m pretty sure that Mia and Melody have bets on when the magic of this apartment will work on me.
“I’ve been busy lately. I’ll get around to it.”
“Honey,” Mia put an arm around me, sniffed my scent and then promptly removed it. “You should bathe at least once a day.”
“Or every other day.” Melody piped in.
Mia shot her a glare.
My sister raised her arms, “I’m just saying.”
“I do.” I glance at my sister and am blown away by how gorgeous she is. Her long curly hair is fixed into the ever present messy bun on the top of her head. Her light brown skin is glowing, clothed in a green and white diamond patterned summer dress and leather sandals. Her baby bulge has basically disappeared since Alexis’ birth. It’s so unfair. I’ve never been pregnant and my tummy protrudes further than Mel’s. Though she’s a woman approaching her thirties, people still mistake Melody for a college student.
I caught my own reflection in the mirror near the door. My dark brown hair was not as tightly spiraled as Melody’s but it was just as long. My eyes were small and kind of squinty. My nose was thin but did this strange rounded shape at the tip. My lips were weird, they flatten or fatten according to the weather. A cold front had been hovering over Belize for the past few days so today they’re flat and kind of a cross between the color of a plum and a strawberry. I was dressed in an old jersey pants and T-shirt. Compared to the two beauties in my living room, I looked like a hobo.
“Anyway,” Melody clapped her hands, “Show her the options.”
Mia led the way into her old bedroom and cast the plastic covered dresses on the bed.
As she carefully laid out each one with the gravity of a casket lowering, I whispered to Melody.
“Where’s Alexis?”
Melody placed a hand on her hip, her eyes glued to Mia’s protective handling of the dresses with a hawkish gaze and replied.
“Spencer came home.”
“Oh,”
That was all that Melody needed to say. Spencer treated that baby girl like royalty. The only woman he treated better was Melody. After her birth, Spencer held Alexis for hours and refused to let her go to anyone else. He didn
’t even fall for my ‘hey-look-over-there’ diversion trick.
“Okay,” Mia clapped her hands and turned to me. “I know that you’re one of those weird young people who actually cover up all the time and rarely wear anything showing too much skin. . .”
I snicker at Mia’s expression.
Neither of them understood my fashion choices. Melody and Mia are way more comfortable wearing shorts in public and bikinis at the beach than I am. Tight shirts and skin-bearing bottoms are not me. I feel self-conscious when my arms or thighs are showing in public. That was just who I was.
“Yup, that’s me.”
“So,” Mia unzipped the first plastic, “I thought you might like this one.”
She held up a red and black number and I could already tell that it would fit me too tight.
“Nope.” I shook my head and rotated my finger to indicate that she should show me the next one.
“I told you she would be picky.” Mia grumbled to Melody and then offered me the next dress.
The long green chiffon creation was cute but was for someone way more mature than twenty-two.
“Ha!” I let out a bark of laughter. I caught Mia’s furrowed brow. “Oh, you’re serious. Uh, no to that too.”
Melody hopped on the bed and chastised, “You need to try them on at least.”
“I can tell when I like something or not.” I insisted.
Finally, Mia unzipped the third dress and held it out to me. The dark blue gown with the lace sleeves and structured bottom captured my attention.
“That’s the one.” I smiled and held it against my body. It reached me a few inches above my knees.
I could live with that.
“We have a winner, baby!” Mia yelled and Melody screamed in exaltation. I covered my eyes with my hand and prayed that Mr. Nandwani, the building manager didn’t burst my door down to rescue me from my crazy sisters. Mrs. Bethel had moved out to live in the States two years ago so I was safe on the nosy neighbor front.
“Hey,” Mia commented when they both calmed down enough to speak clearly, “We’ve got to get ready. See you tonight?”
“Yeah,” I led them out of the apartment, “Thanks, Mia. Thanks Mel.”