Forbidden Contract (The Birmingham Brothers Series) (30 page)

“Yes.” Trent answered honestly now his anger fading. “Beck…..she’s not like the girl’s we usually, pardon my French dad, screw….she may act confident and tough, able to take on any challenge the world throws at her. She may roll with the punches and bounce back for more but she’s vulnerable inside.”

“Don’t
you think I know that? Damn it Trent I’m the one who held her after those assholes hurt her. I was there during the night when her nightmares woke her.”

“Yeah I know….but she needs more than your protection Beck….she needs your respect.”

“You don’t think I respect her?” Beckett said getting angry again.

“Not when you tell her what to do….Beckett, you need to trust her. Besides being beautiful she’s intelligent. She was blindsided with Jasper and she saw the mistakes she made with Rhett. She’s not a fool, why do you think she came to me for pointers on self-defense. She has no intention of ever letting a man put her in that situation again.”

“Why didn’t she ask me?” Beckett said unable to keep the hurt from his voice.

“Because you wouldn’t have taught her.” Trent said honestly. “You would have insisted you could protect her and while that may be true when you are with her, the attacks came when you weren’t. The world is filled with men like Jasper, Rhett and that asshole from California. She needs to know she can handle them or she will never go out alone again and that’s no way for her to live.”

Beckett thought about it for a moment before looking up at Trent. “You’re right, but you and I both know how fragile she really is. We could easily overpower her.”

“True….but that’s her element of surprise. Men will underestimate her and
she is cool headed. Even if someone overpowered her she will wait for the perfect moment and make it count.”

“Just exactly what did you teach her?”

“Let’s just say you are not the only one with bruises.” Trent grinned as he looked at his brothers. Beckett now studied his brothers and noticed for the first time Jasper had a black eye and Ethan hadn’t moved since he walked in.

“Trent thought she needed real targets.” Jasper grinned.

“The errands she had to run this afternoon?” Beckett asked.

“Yeah, she asked me not to tell you, I’m sorry Beck…..I never thought she would be using them on you.”

“It’s ok….I probably deserved it.”

“Probably.” Trent grinned.

“So what are you going to do about this weekend?”
Roark asked.

“Let her go….and trust in Trent’s instructions.”

Bailey was still furious when she woke the next morning. Sensing her mood Tristan and Alexis avoided her opting to have Trent drop them off to school on his way to work. Trying to delay the inevitable she took an extra-long shower. She was relieved when she found the dining room empty fearing she might run into Beckett and have another fight. After rehashing the previous night she had understood his fear where Ashton was concerned. Twice she had been attacked and Ashton was truly no different than Jasper and Rhett. His attentions were quite obvious and she had originally refused his invitation. When she had mentioned it to Beckett it was mainly because she was still hurt he would be seeing Macy on Saturday.
She wanted him to know that other men found her attractive. That was why she had her seat moved to the opposite end of the table completely surrounded by eligible men. She had wanted to make Beckett jealous. When he told her she couldn’t go it wasn’t because he wanted her for himself, he had been afraid of how it would appear. She grew angry again and hadn’t realized what she was doing till Ethan came up behind her.

“You know they are already scrambled.” He said bringing her mind to the present.

Bailey looked first at him then down at the tray of eggs she had beaten into pulp. She dropped the spoon then turned to him.

“I’m sorry…did you want any of them?”

“Not anymore.” He grinned. “I’ll have the sunny side up eggs unless you’ve scrambled them too?”

“No.” She said moving over to the fruit section.

“Ahmm…before you juice them in frustration do you want to tell me what’s wrong?”

Bailey looked at him and sighed. She had heard Beckett come home last night and watched in satisfaction as he limped into the house. When she didn’t hear him come up the stairs she knew he was probably nursing his
wounds in the study where she had seen in brothers and father before she flew up to her room. Knowing the closeness Beckett had probably informed them of the fight so she saw no need to beat around the bush.

“
Your brother is very arrogant if he thinks I will just sit back quietly during the next year while he flaunts his mistress in my face.”

Ethan studied her for a moment before he responded.

“Beckett can be arrogant at times, what doesn’t help is that he usually gets what he wants.” He grinned as he took the seat opposite her at the table.

“Well wanting my obedience is one thing he will not get.” She said pouring a cup of coffee.

“Is that what you think he wants?”

“Of course, he literally ordered me to stay home this weekend while he runs off to enjoy Macy
’s body.”

Ethan shook his head as watched her add cream to her coffee. When she lifted the cup to her lips she saw the amusement in his eyes and that only added to her irritation.

“You have no clue do you?” He asked.

“About what?
”

“Why Beckett wanted you to stay home or why he was seeing Macy.”

“Didn’t I just make it clear? He wants to get his cake and eat it too.”

Ethan started laughing and for some reason Bailey felt she missed something in the conversation.

“What’s so funny?”

“Nothing…..I was just thinking this next year is going to be enjoyable.”

For some reason Ethan had planned on telling her something and had suddenly changed his mind. She sighed when she realized he was probably going to champion Beckett’s cause. They were after all brothers and despite their fondness for her would always choose family over her. Frustrated she put her coffee down.

“Are you planning on going to work soon?”

“Yes, I was waiting for you.”

“Then I’ll be ready when you are.” She said pushing her chair back and rising.

“Don’t you plan on eating any breakfast?” He frowned looking at her untouched plate.

“I’m not hungry.”

“You should eat something.” He said trying to get her to sit back down.

“I don’t need a nursemaid Ethan” She said venting her frustration on
him. Bailey regretted immediately when she saw the hurt expression on his face. “I’m sorry, that was uncalled for. I’m angry with your brother and I’m taking it out on you.”

“I’ll except your apology if you would sit back down and have some breakfast….what’s on your plate is a lot healthier than the doughnuts you will find at work.”

Bailey looked down at her plate then back at his sincere expression. Sighing she sat back down earning her an endearing grin from Ethan. He truly was handsome with his warm brown eyes and auburn red hair like his mothers. Unlike Beckett he was broad like his brothers but there was a gentleness about him that reminded her of a big old cuddly bear. She knew as the youngest he was always trying to prove himself and if she mentioned her opinion he would just frown and probably go beat up his brothers to prove his worth. Over breakfast she got him to talk about their home in Montana and she wondered why they would want to leave a place they clearly loved to come south.

“One of biggest clients is expanding and he needed our presence here in the South if he were to renew his contracts with us.”

“Why can’t he just use two builders?”

“He gets a better quote
from us if we get all his work.”

“What if you don’t get the contract?”

“Then people will lose their jobs…..Grayson Industries is one of our largest clients. He and my father have been friends for years and both built up their companies on each other’s backs. But business is business and things right now have been tough for both of our companies with the economy the way it is. He’s doing the honorable thing and given us time to make a presence here but he won’t hold out forever. If we lose his contract it will take us at least 5 years to land enough business to replace his which is why Beckett agreed to your grandmother’s crazy scheme.” He said sitting back now in his chair. “What I’m curious about is why you did? From what I know your grandparents threw your father out on his coat tails when he married your mother. Regina hasn’t exactly been part of your life, it’s obvious she’s trying but it’s not like she’s had this major presence in your life.”

“Like your family I didn’t have a choice. I had lost my job, Tristan’s medical bills were piling up and the authorities were preparing to take them away. I promised my mother on her death bed I wouldn’t let that happen. Beckett never told you?”

“No…he just said you were having a rough go trying to support your brother and sister by yourself and after Tristan’s attack we just assumed the offer was too tempting to resist.”

“I did resist it at first. I ordered my grandmother to get out of my apartment and out of our lives. Then the police showed up to take the kids away and she presented them with a judge
’s order granting her guardianship. I wasn’t too proud to admit I needed help.” She smiled sadly.

“Like you needed our help yesterday?” He grinned.

“Yes, though I never thought I’d use it on Beckett.”

“Why did you?” He pried not sure if she would tell him.

“He made me mad.” She answered honestly. “First by telling me I couldn’t go to Ashton’s then by thinking he could kiss me into submission.” She explained revealing more than she intended.

Ethan was quiet for a moment as the processed her words then meeting her gaze he asked.

“So was it him telling you that you couldn’t go……or was it the way you reacted to his kiss?”

Bailey looked at him for a moment feeling her eyes begin to mist. She wanted to be strong, to pretend Beckett didn’t affect her, especially in the face of his brother but when she saw the compassion on his face she broke down. He grabbed her hand in support as the tears fell.

“Bailey, I know you may not believe this right now but Beckett’s attempt to keep you from going was for your protection. I met Ashton at the Remington’s party and I can honestly say his intentions are far from innocent.”

“I know that, I had no intention of going alone till Beckett made me mad by forbidding me to go.”

Ethan grinned. “While I don’t approve of his actions he was right. You shouldn’t be going by yourself.”

“Because of how it looks?”

“No, you shouldn’t go because of what may happen. You had one day of training with us and while I do believe you could hold your own in a fair fight, men like Ashton don’t fight fair. If he can’t seduce you with his charms he won’t try to force you, he might get his pretty face damaged. He’s more the type to slip you something in your drink.”

“But Tristan and Alexis would be with me; surely he wouldn’t try something so devious with them present.”

“Possibly….but then children can easily be diverted. Bailey if you are insistent on going then let me or one of my brothers go with you.”

“Alright.”

Beckett waited at the terminal for Macy’s plane to taxi in. She had already sent him several texts outlining what she planned to do the moment they were alone together.
There had been a time in his life when he would have waited for her eagerly pulling her into the first empty closet they found so he could enjoy what she promised. Now he found himself repulsed by the very thought of her. As the passengers began to disembark he wondered when things had changed between him and Macy. As she approached him with her perfect smile he noticed the way men’s heads turned. At one time he found pleasure in their envy knowing she would be going home with him. Now as she walked towards him he noticed, the smile wasn’t real, it didn’t reach her eyes. Her makeup was carefully applied to hide the first signs of aging. Her clothes perfectly tailored to enhance her assets also covered the signs of her bulimia. Suddenly he saw what the make-up artists and airbrushing covered. For the price of her vanity she was slowly killing herself.

As Macy approached she seemed to notice something different in the way he looked at her. Removing her sunglasses she narrowed her eyes as she studied him. Beckett had no intention of having their conversation in the middle of the airport so when she leaned up to kiss him he responded. Macy pulled back again to study his face and a frown appeared.

“You’re not happy to see me.” She said as she stepped back.

“Of course I am.” He said taking her arm and leading her away for the throng of people hugging and kissing the new arrivals. “How was your flight?”

“Lonely.” She said seductively as she looked up at him.

Beckett noticed the way her eyes were only half open and she pouted like a small child who hadn’t gotten their way yet. The more he looked at her the more he began to wonder what he ever saw in her. When he led her down the escalator to baggage claim instead of looking for an empty office she turned to face him.

“So your little fiancé seems to have gotten under your skin.”

Beckett frowned as he looked at her. “What are you talking about?”

“I know you remember. You’re distant as if you want to be somewhere else, far away from me.” She said reading his expression. Then she laughed. “You’re falling for this girl!”

“
My relationship with Bailey is not up for discussion.” He said narrowing his eyes.

“All our relationships are up for discussion remember. You and I are alike, we stray to those we find interesting but once the newness wares off we come back to each other.”

“This is different.” He said.

“No it’s not.” She smiled as if she knew something he didn’t. “The only difference is this girl is a challenge because unlike you other conquests she isn’t pursuing you. You think I didn’t do my homework? The minute I was offered that job in Europe I got suspicious, had a friend look into a few things. Tell me Beckett, why would her grandmother pull strings to get me that job?” When Beckett looked at her surprised she laughed. “You didn’t know did you? Regina Montgomery is trying to keep me away so you will fall for her granddaughter’s charms. I have to say the little innocent game was a nice touch. Oh and the attacks on her bringing out your protective side was good.”

“Macy…you don’t know what you’re talking about.” He said but in the back of his mind a doubt began to form. Was this who thing a set up. Why? To get him to break the contract?

“Really.” She smiled seeing his doubt. “Why is it than that both of the men that attack
ed her are now sitting comfortably in one of Montgomery homes in Virginia.”

Beckett
felt the rug pull out from beneath him. He kept the mask up to prevent Macy from seeing her words had stunned him. Was it possible both attacks were staged? He thought about the bruises on Bailey’s body and the fear in her eyes. The beatings both men took when they were caught. Was all of it an elaborate charade to get Beckett to fall for Bailey and succumb to his desire? As the carriage began moving and the suitcases started coming out he thought about the time Bailey had tried to seduce him. They barely knew each other and for someone who supposedly had put her personal life on hold for her family she seemed to be only too willing to jump into his bed. She had said she had taken acting in school. The more he thought about it, given the history of the family themselves the more Macys story made sense. He was too deep in thought to see the Macy smile at her success. When he did look up at her the smile had been replaced with sympathy and understanding.

“Beckett….they wanted to play you for a fool….you have been manipulated since the moment you met with Regina Montgomery.”

Beckett didn’t want to believe it. Images of Bailey and the moments they shared filled his memory. Now though with Macy’s words he looked at them in a new light. No one could be that innocent, that unselfish. He had played right into their hands from the moment he walked into Regina’s home. Suddenly a new determination overtook him as he began to formulate a plan. Macy’s bags appeared and stepping forward he pulled them from the carousel then turned to her.

“Look Macy….I need to go to the office before we go to your hotel, do you mind?” He asked.

“No, of course not, I’d like to see it.” She said smiling satisfied she had succeeded.

Beckett held both her bags as she slid her arm through his and allowed him to lead her out of the terminal. After loading her bags in the trunk he pulled her into his arms taking
attacking her mouth with his. She leaned into him, her familiar hands roaming his body as her tongue spared with his. He frowned tasting the mint on her tongue, a reminder she had probably purged her last meal on the plane. When her body molded to his he felt the sharp angles of her hip and rib bones beneath his hands. He longed for Baileys taste and the feel of her soft curves instead. Angry now at his presumed betrayal he plundered Macys mouth trying to drive the memory of Bailey from his mind. When he pulled back Macy was breathless from the kiss. He was frustrated because he hadn’t succeeded.

“Wow.” Macy said smiling. “I’m not sure I can wait till we get back to the hotel.”

Beckett looked around searching for a place to relieve his pent up anger. Seeing an open janitor’s room he grabbed Macys hand and pulled her towards it. Once inside he pulled the door shut and turned to her. He pinned her against the wall and as his mouth took hers his hands roamed her body. Macy’s hands expertly moved to remove his jacket. Instead of undoing the buttons on his shirt she ripped it open sending buttons flying around the room. Beckett’s mouth moved to her neck and she moaned in pleasure as his hand slid up her skirt to find the soft patch between her legs. She wore no underwear and had already pleased herself once on the plane with the man who had been seated next to her. Her fingers now fumbled with his pants as he drove his fingers inside her. Beckett felt her juices drip as he thrust first one than two fingers inside her. Despite her efforts to free him he ignored his needs now added a third finger to his action. He pumped in and out harder and deeper as he went. Macy dug her nails into his bare shoulders as the pleasure inside her began to build. She was ready, primed to accept his full length insider her. He lifted her then and closing his eyes he hesitated. The feel of her hip bones in his hand, the wanton pain as she dug her nails into his back drawing blood in frustration, the sound of her voice as she begged him.

“Fuck me Beckett.” She called out. “Ride me like the stallion you are.”

This wasn’t what he wanted. He put her down and she looked up at him first confused then angry. Her anger was then replaced by determination as she took his length in her hand kneeling now intent on taking him into her mouth.

“No.” He said pushing her away.

Macy ignored his request and still holding him she began to stroke the length of his shaft. She leaned in and took him in her mouth expertly licking the length. When she pulled back she licked the tip and smiled satisfied as it jumped in response. She was about to take him in her mouth again when Beckett grabbed her shoulders pulling her to her feet. She smiled satisfied for a moment till he pushed her back again. The look on his face and the rejection in his eyes brought her anger to the surface. Beckett grabbed his shirt and jacket from the floor. He put his shirt on but he was unable to button it do to the damage done when she ripped it. He pulled up his pants tucking the shirt and his member away then slid into the jacket. Macy had just stood there staring at him as if he was insane. Suddenly her anger erupted.

“
You bastard.” She said as she began to fix her clothes. “You could have had me.”

Beckett looked at her and knew no matter what game Bailey was playing he didn’t want Macy. He ignored her now as he opened the door and walked back to his
car. He waited till she joined him and the sound of her heels stomping in his direction echoed in the garage. She stood glaring at him across the hood.

“Take me to my hotel.” She demanded before sliding into the passenger side.

Beckett sighed then got in and started the engine. The ride to her hotel was done in silence and when he pulled up he popped the hood as a valet approached to retrieve her bags. She sat there for a moment staring at him.

“Don’t call me.” Was all she said as she climbed out of the car.

When she slammed the door Beckett couldn’t help but turn to watch as she marched up towards the entrance followed by the valet. He hadn’t realized he had been holding his breath and let it out slowly relieved there hadn’t been a bigger scene. Gripping the wheel he pulled away and headed for the office. He wasn’t ready to go back to the estate and face Bailey knowing now what he thought he did. He needed to come up with a plan, one that would beat them at their own game. First order of business was to call up an old friend to do some background work. When he got to the office he was relieved to find it empty. As was his habit he always kept spare clothes in his office, usually another suit and a set of workout clothes. Before changing he fired up his laptop and sat down to send an email off to his old friend from college. Kevin Richardson had majored in criminal law and after graduating took a position with the FBI. They had remained friends over the years and on occasion Beckett had utilized his resources when investigating either a new recruit or the best angle in his business dealings. It had been Kevin who had provided him with the information needed to approach Regina with his deal. He had originally sent Kevin an email to looking into Bailey’s background hoping to find out the location of Jackson McCallin. From what Beckett had learned from Bailey Jackson had once been a threat and he had no intention of allowing him to be one in the future. He has also requested Kevin keep tabs on both Jasper and Rhett’s location. The last time he had checked his email Kevin had located Jackson working at his father’s firm in Los Angeles. There had been several incidents within the office but the females involved had refused to press charges. At that time Jasper had not shown up but with the recent departure of Rhett Kevin had now responded.

Location of your inquiry

From: Kevin Richardson

To:
B. Birmingham @ BirminhamEnterprises.com

Hey Beck, sorry for delay, got sidetracked on a case. Both Jasper Montgomery and Rhett Langston are currently residing
with Jaspers uncle in Charleston, West Virginia. My contact states the aunt is not too pleased so their visit may be short. Will keep tabs on both and if any movement will notify you directly. No changed in Jackson McCallin status. There are rumors inside that his father is considering sending off to a satellite office as punishment but location and time frame at this time unknown.

As for your inquiry regarding Social Services, the complaint came from Judith
Pleasanton; her child was in the same class as Alexis and seems the two had a run in when Alexis gave him a black eye in school. Snooty bitch that seems to meddle in everyone else’s affairs. Hope this eases your mind about Regina Montgomery, seems she really was trying to help.

Matt Driscoll owns a cleaning company based out of Orange County. He attended same high school with Bailey and near as I can tell
they were an item. She was employed by him part time but they also had a relationship outside the work place. He was a constant companion and on more than one occasion she spent her vacations at his parents place in Aspen. Seems you were right he had planned on marrying her, purchased a ring and recently put a down payment on a five bedroom home near the kid’s school. House is currently in escrow. Seems he went a little crazy with worry when she disappeared but my sources say she has been in contact with him recently. Rumor is he is thinking of relocating so if you’re serious about this girl you may have competition soon, may I suggest roses!

Need anything else let me know.

Kevin

Beckett thought about what he read for a moment
with the doubts from Macy still fresh in his mind. Though Kevin response should have settled his mind he still had a few questions. He needed Kevin to keep him updated now on Matts where about as well. Bailey had admitted feelings for Matt and had told him things might have been different between them if she hadn’t had the pressure of raising Tristan and Alexis. Matt was obviously in love with her and if she had taken the kids to his parent’s house for vacations it was obvious she had considered a future with him. He wondered now just what had been the sleeping arrangements. He needed more information about their relationship. He needed to know if Bailey was who she said she was or was she playing him the fool like Macy insisted. He sent off a reply to Kevin.