One White Lie: Barrington Billionaire's Series: Book One (18 page)

He pulled Lena’s naked body closer to his. He couldn’t be alone tonight and needed comforting. No one else could have substituted for Lena at this moment
. Perhaps never.

His hope that the two of them could continue with a casual love affair without any future commitment ended abruptly for him once he found out they had a child. It didn’t matter how much he cared about her or wanted her. He thought he knew what kind of fucked-up family he came from and never wanted to pass that along to another generation.
That’s probably why none of us are married or have children. We all have the same fear. I just have to make sure my fear doesn’t become a reality.

The only way to ensure that was to keep a safe distance from them.
The closer we are, the more I can hurt her, and I refuse to do that. Not again. Never again.

But he broke his own rule and took her to his bed. He wanted to blame her, say it was her fault for being so fucking hot, sexy,
and
naked in his bathroom, but he knew he had come home and sought her out. He had already stopped by her room and Nicholas’s before coming to his own. The sight of her standing naked in his bathroom brought him to a point of no return. His rational thinking of what was best for them was blinded by his pure physical need for her.

But was it only that? If so, then why didn’t he let her leave when they were done?
God, I practically begged her to stay with me. What’s wrong with me? Why can’t I let her go?

He had done it before. Cut all ties with her, and for her sake, had hoped they never saw each other again. Now it was impossible to do so, as their bond was forever through Nicholas. All he could do was protect them from what may lie within him.

When morning came, it would be the start of a new beginning. They would need to go back to how it had been before last night, cohabitate without having a physical relationship. It wouldn’t be easy for him, and probably wouldn’t be for Lena either, but it meant they could raise their son together.
Should I even be doing this?
He knew they both deserved more—better—but that was all he could give.
I’m giving you my best, but I am far from worthy of having you both in my life. It would be wiser if you left.

T
he next few days were filled with meeting with attorneys to decide what would happen to Poly-Shyn. His father’s will had left it equally to all six children. The problem was no one wanted it. Zoey had stepped in to manage it when he had entered the hospital, but going forward was beyond her capabilities.

It was their family legacy, and each one of them agreed it wasn’t something they wanted to continue. That meant finding the right buyer. There were a lot of people who seemed to be hovering, waiting to devour it. This was not their expertise at all. Thankfully he had an old friend who made his fortune acquiring and selling companies like Poly-Shyn.

“Trent, thanks for taking my call. Have I heard correctly that you’re married with a son now?”

“And a second one on the way,” Trent replied.

“I don’t know how you manage to do it all, not with the lifestyle you live.”

Trent laughed. “
Lived
would be the correct term. Funny how children change you. My father told me if your life doesn’t drastically change when you become a father then you’re not doing it right.”

Brice hadn’t ever heard that saying before, but it sounded damn good.
The question is, can I change?
He never expected to see Trent married, especially with a family. He and Asher were so much alike. They took what they wanted and crushed anything they couldn’t have. Not what he considered a great role model as a dad. “Your wife must be amazing to be able to put up with your ass.”

“That she is. So I don’t think you called to chat about family, not that I mind. What’s going on?”

“The family business. We want it gone.”

“You mean sold, right? I no longer deal in . . . should we say, assisting companies to close their doors.”

It was Brice’s turn to laugh. “Yeah, sold. You really are a crazy son of a bitch.”

“You don’t know the half of it. Hey, I’m going to be in your neck of the woods in a few days for some art auction my wife Elaine wants to attend. Why don’t I give you a call then?”

“Is this Sophie Barrington’s event?”

“That’s the one. You going?”

“I will be there, and I believe my sister and a few brothers. If we have a few minutes maybe that would be a good time to talk.”

“Sounds good. Don’t let my wife know; she thinks this is a little getaway before the baby is born, and trust me, you don’t want to see her angry when she is pregnant.”

“Deal.”

With everything else going on, he had let the auction slip his mind.
Did I even tell Lena we’re going? Probably not. Why would I? That’s the nice thing to do, and God knows I’m not nice.

He thought about telling her that day, but remembered it wasn’t only the two of them to think of. What about Nicholas? He didn’t know anyone who could watch him. He hadn’t even told his family yet.
Good thing we don’t drop in on each other. It would be hard to miss the gym set in my backyard near the pool.

Picking up his phone he called Lena.

“Is something wrong?”

“No, why?”

“Brice, you never call during the day. If anything, you text me to check on Nicholas.”

He hadn’t realized how far he had taken it. Each time he heard her voice it felt like a blow to the gut.
It’s better that way. Let her hate me.
“You had mentioned the art auction. I responded that you and I will be attending. Do you think your parents would mind watching Nicholas for a night or two?”

He had been nearby a few times when they were chatting on the phone. Each time they asked when they were coming down. He was sure they would be willing to keep him even longer if given the option.

“Did you forget one thing?”

He searched but came up empty. “No. Not that I can think of.”

Sarcastically she said, “Exactly. You don’t think, do you? We are not a couple, Brice. Even if we were, you cannot assume that I will attend anything with you. You should have asked me prior to responding for me.”

He was the eldest child and the boss of his own company, therefore, that was how he behaved in most situations. Lena was one of the few people who wouldn’t tolerate it. It was refreshing most times. This wasn’t one of them. “You’re right. I will work on that.”
No promise I’ll change.
“So can you please call and ask them if they can watch Nicholas for us?” The phone went silent. He knew she was still there as he could hear the tapping of her shoe on the marble floor.
Oh, she’s pissed.

There was dead silence. Was she considering her options? He knew she wanted to be there, even it if wasn’t with him, she had indicated her interest in this event.

“I’ll ask,” Lena replied then hung up the phone.

Her tone said it all. She was giving in to his request, but she was far from happy about it.
My methods aren’t nice, but they get results.

“Mom, I promise, Brice and I will stay for dinner when we pick up Nicholas.”
If he can answer for me, then turn around is fair play.

“Good. Your father and I would like to get to know your young man better.”

He’s not my anything. When I spoke with her and apologized for rushing off that night, she had been understanding. She hadn’t berated me for not telling Brice about Nicholas, but I had heard her disappointment.
She didn’t want to tell her mother that Brice and she were not a couple. She didn’t want her mother’s pity or her criticism. It was what it was, and as much as it was hurting her, she knew nothing would change. “Please, Mom, don’t embarrass me. Brice doesn’t like to talk about personal stuff, and let’s just say, you don’t always know when to draw the line.”

“Well, Lena, since you refused to tell us anything about him for all these years, how else do you expect us to get to know him?”

Point taken.
“Okay, but just go easy on him. He is a bit . . . well, he’s . . . not used to a family like ours.”

“I’ll be on my best behavior. I promise.”

Oh, that scares me.
When her mother spoke like that it meant she had been plotting what she was going to say for some time.
Brice, you’re on your own. Consider it payback.

She had told her mother that Brice wasn’t used to a family like theirs, yet she really didn’t know what he was used to. While working in his office, she had spoken to a few of his brothers on the phone. They’d sounded normal and she knew a bit more about Zoey, who was such a sweet girl.
A bit pushy, and far from shy, but still sweet.
What she didn’t understand was why he hadn’t introduced them to her or more importantly to their son. She may be nothing to Brice, but Nicholas was family. Wouldn’t he want his son to know his aunt and uncles?
God knows I do. The more the merrier.

If there was a reason he kept them hidden away, he hadn’t shared it with her. Maybe he was embarrassed about them, about Nicholas.
Oh God, no.
That thought hurt. She had kept him away all these years and maybe Brice was too embarrassed to tell anyone. It wasn’t his doing; it had been hers. She was sure if he had known about Nicholas he would have stepped up to the plate and taken care of him right from day one.
Financially anyway.

Who am I kidding? I don’t think he knows what he would’ve done, so how can I even begin to guess?
She knew she needed to stop thinking of what could have been. The only thing that mattered now was the future.
And with the little information you are sharing regarding that, Brice, it’s as unclear as the past.

The only thing she did know was her feelings for him. She thought it was hard before, being away from a man she loved and raising their son on her own.
That’s nothing compared to living in the same house and never being able to tell him how I feel because he’ll only shut down again as he did three years ago. For Nicholas’s sake, I must endure this torture. But is Nicholas actually benefitting if his father is always at work anyway?

L
ena hated to admit it but this had the potential of being the perfect date night. Brice had taken her out for dinner at a quiet, almost romantic spot. She had been hopeful, but he seemed so distracted. Little to no conversation had taken place between them, as he was preoccupied with his cell phone. Although the restaurant had been lovely and the food excellent, the company had left her wanting. She could only hope whatever was troubling him would be resolved before they arrived at the auction.

Thankfully her worries were for nothing. Once they arrived, the tension within him seemed to vanish. They looked at several pieces of artwork together before someone came by and asked to speak to Brice. Since Brice wanted to rush through each piece she actually was happy to be able to view them alone and appreciate the masterpieces they were.

And the artwork blew her mind. Ever since Sophie had called and given her information regarding museums for the blind, she had spent hours researching them. They were quickly coming around to display not only works of art that the blind could enjoy but also the artwork they had created.

As she went from one piece to another she was in awe.
I can’t do this and I have perfect vision.

Lena spent more than thirty minutes speaking to Emily Harris regarding her mother’s work as well as the clay sculptures Emily had created. She was a strong woman who had a vision and was determined to see it through. Lena respected that.
I wish I knew where I was headed. Every time I think I know it, something changes.

She looked around the room for Brice. He was with Zoey and a few other men. She was tempted to go over, but they looked like they were talking business.
Can’t you ever relax and enjoy yourself, Brice? Not even for one night?

Zoey must have seen her watching them, and she came over to join her.

“You get my brothers together in one room and everything else seems to fade away. Guess that’s what happens when you only see each other once a year.”

His brothers? His family is here?
She felt sick to her stomach knowing they were so close, yet he hadn’t introduced her.
I feel like a dirty, sordid secret.
The night, which had felt so pleasant a moment ago, changed. Lena couldn’t look. It only hurt her more. She turned and pretended not to have heard Zoey’s comment.
Damn you, Brice. Damn you.

“Have you talked to Emily Harris yet?”

“Yes, I have. Nice girl.”

“I hear she is seeing Asher Barrington. Can you believe that? What is a nice girl like her doing with such an arrogant jackass?” Zoey asked softly.

I’m not one to question her judgment.
“I haven’t met Mr. Barrington in person, but I spoke to him on the phone once.”
That was more than enough for me.
He could see why Asher and Brice were business partners. Both driven by success.

“I could ask Brice this, but it won’t get me anywhere, so I guess I’ll ask you.”

Please don’t.
The last thing she wanted was to be put on the spot. She had years of experience deflecting things like this with her own family. She didn’t want to start using it on his. “I most likely won’t have an answer for you. I suggest talking to your brother.”

Zoey laughed. “Brice? Share anything with anyone? I thought you knew him better than that.”

Oh I do, but you don’t need to know that.
“No. Not really.”

Zoey looked at Lena then to Brice and back to Lena. “Well, for someone who isn’t interested in my brother, he sure seems to be interested in you. He hasn’t taken his eyes off you all night. Who can blame him? You look stunning in that red dress. Besides, you’re happy with your partner and little boy, so perhaps he is taking this opportunity to watch you. I had really thought you’d be the one. I can’t be right all the time, can I?”

Lena tried to resist but couldn’t. She had turned and as Zoey said, Brice was watching her.
He probably wants to know what we are talking about. Has to know everything. That’s all, nothing more.

She heard someone call Zoey from across the room. “Sorry, got to run. Nice talking with you. Maybe we can do lunch again sometime?”

Or maybe not. The last time you grilled me.
“Sounds nice.”

It was refreshing to be alone for a moment. This event was supposed to be relaxing; instead she found it filled with the rich and powerful, all pretending as though they weren’t speaking business, but everyone knew they were.

“Are you enjoying the event?”

Lena turned to see a tall woman elegantly dressed even in her pregnant state. “Yes, I am. And you?”

“I wouldn’t have missed this for anything. Emily Harris has a vision so inspiring, and New Hampshire isn’t far at all. I already informed my husband, Trent, that once it’s up and running we have to go.” She extended her hand. “I’m Elaine Davis. And the gentleman pretending not to be speaking business with your date is my husband, Trent.”

My date. Ha!
“Nice to meet you. I’m Lena Razzi.”

Lena knew his name from the tabloids. He’d had one hell of a reputation before he’d married. How anyone tamed him was beyond her.
If Trent and Asher can find love maybe there is hope for Brice and me.

She didn’t want to start hoping or wishing for anything though. It would only lead to more heartbreak. Lena had to accept where they were now.
Just because a few of these women found their happily ever after doesn’t mean everyone does. Some of us don’t even come close.

Lena spent the remainder of the evening meeting more people she never thought she’d see in person. Elaine was kind enough to introduce her to her husband and then to Dominic Corisi and his wife, Abby. She might not be on Brice’s arm where she had longed to be, but she was having a wonderful time, and everyone was so welcoming.

Not that she didn’t absolutely love being a mother, but it was nice to be out among the adults with no one pulling on her shirt, wanting up.
If Brice and I are together, this can potentially be a very passionate and steamy few nights away.
Instead, she knew it would be awkward and perhaps a little soul-destroying.
Brice has shown me he doesn’t want me—the silent treatment usually does that—but why did he ask me here in the first place when he had no intention of speaking with me or introducing me to anyone he knows?
Do I need more proof he only wants me for sex? Without Nicholas at home with us, there is nothing stopping him from taking what he wants either. And my self-control where he’s concerned doesn’t exist.

Brice didn’t think he would be spending so much of the evening talking business. First with Trent and his brothers, and now with Asher.

“The compound is ready as long as Trundaie is set.”

“It’s settled. From now on we will be more conscious where we choose to do business.”

“About fucking time. A last-minute change in location could have crushed B&H. If I couldn’t adjust the formula to meet the difference in temperature—”

“Yeah, I know. It was close, but you called it right. Ian knew just how to handle them. Differently than I would have, but results were all I was after.”

That and no bloodshed.
He was glad he didn’t have to be involved in the day-to-day business. He liked things he could control.

Looking around, he saw someone he had been avoiding. He was the son of one of the largest oil refineries in the US. B&H was their major competition, providing an alternate energy source and the tools to use in manufacturing. Not someone he thought would want to talk to him. “Hey, is that James West? He’s been trying to contact me, but I haven’t had time to talk to him yet. What do you think he wants?”

“I have no idea. While you’re here, why don’t you find out?”

If it was about what he thought it was, this wasn’t the place. His father was far from an advocate for B&H. If James thought he was going to come into the picture to bring them down, he was sadly mistaken.
B&H isn’t going anywhere.

By the end of the evening Brice was in shock. He’d never expected Asher Barrington to propose to anyone, let alone propose publically.
I didn’t see that coming.
He thought he had known him. They grew up together and neither of them had ever spoken of a family, not even once. Was it that they both had been so busy driving their business to even notice the changes within them, or were they always these guys and never wanted to accept it?
You’re getting married, and I have a child.

The moment he had laid eyes on Nicholas he knew his life was never going to be the same. Lena had demanded only one thing from him, to be there for Nicholas, not because of guilt but because he wanted to. It wasn’t a ploy to lure him into their lives. She truly meant it. Brice could give him the best schools and a life that many would envy, yet all Lena wanted for their son was health and happiness. Brice knew there wasn’t anything he wouldn’t do for his son. He was going to ensure Nicholas had the childhood he never had.
A happy home. A father who wanted him.

He turned and looked at Lena, who had fallen asleep in the car on the way home. She looked exquisite at the auction. Had he told her? Probably not. Brice had so much running through his mind. He had wanted to introduce her to his brothers, yet it wasn’t the time nor the place. She deserved so much more than a casual introduction at an event.
I can’t say, “Hey everyone, this is the mother of my child. Oh yeah, forgot to tell you, I’m a father.”
He wasn’t sure how he was going to approach the subject, but he knew it needed to be soon.
Very soon.

She stirred and moaned softly, muttering his name as she slept. God, he wanted nothing more than to carry her up to his bedroom and make love to her all night, and by the look on her face, she wouldn’t have objected.
Sorry baby, tonight you’ll have to enjoy me only in your dreams.

Tonight was a huge eye-opener. While watching his friends finding happiness, Sophie had cornered him and had given him an earful of what he was doing wrong and surprisingly what he was doing right. It had been a long time since anyone had given him a good pep talk.
Way overdue.
That didn’t mean he believed everything she said because she was like Lena and never said anything bad about a person.
Not even someone like me.

No, tonight he needed to be alone. His eyes had been opened. His treatment of Lena was unfair. It needed to stop, but to what extent he wasn’t sure. He thought back to Trent’s words:
My father told me if your life doesn’t drastically change when you become a father then you’re not doing it right.
No one changes overnight. And some never do. But do I want to end up like my dad? Bitter, resentful, harsh . . . alone? Fuck. Surely I am allowed some happiness.
Sophie’s wise words came back to him too.
You’re not your father, Brice Henderson. You have been an incredible brother to your siblings. They’ve felt safe because of you. You’re successful in business, and for that I applaud you. But don’t let that hold you back from knowing love. It’s there for you, too.
He just wasn’t sure if she was right.

This was going to be a long restless night but until he knew the answer, he couldn’t move forward. He’d addressed the past, he was finally comfortable in the present, and that left only one area of his life that needed clarification.
His future. No. Their future.

Brice hated to do it, but there was someone he needed to talk to tonight. Contacting him at this late hour probably was unwise, but once he heard what he had to say, maybe he would be forgiven for the disturbance.

Once he knew Lena was tucked away in her bed, he went to the living room and made his call.