Forbidden Contract (The Birmingham Brothers Series) (25 page)

Started she turned and looked into the darkest blue eyes she had ever seen. His amused expression told her he had been eves dropping on their conversation.

“If you are interested in a tour I’m sure I could arrange it.”

Bailey felt Beckett’s arm encircle her waist possessively and she noticed the stranger only cocked one eyebrow as he tilted his head and studied them.

“Rhett….it’s not nice to listen to other peoples conversations.” Regina frowned as she scolded the young man.

H
e turned to Regina and for a moment the two stared at each other, Rhett seemingly amused, Regina clearly upset. Bailey used the moment to study him. He was as tall as Beckett but his build was more slender as if he lived a life of leisure. It was obvious he was born to wealth and based on the lack of callouses never did any manual labor. She put him somewhere in his late 20’s and by way he carried himself she knew he was used to getting what he wanted. He was extremely attractive and it was impossible not to return his smile when he once again turned to Bailey.

“Ah Regina….you know I’m a scoundrel.” He said as his eyes roamed now freely over Bailey before returning to her eyes. She felt Beckett tense and could feel the testosterone level in his brothers also spike. To her surprise the man before her didn’t feel threatened. “I do not believe we have had the honor of meeting.” He said as he approached Bailey.

“Rhett Langston…may I present my granddaughter Bailey Montgomery….and her fiancé Beckett Birmingham.” Regina emphasized.

Rhett
ignored Beckett as he took Baileys left hand to determine the truth to Regina’s words. Upon seeing her ring he smiled then gently kissed her hand.

“I’m charmed to make your acquaintance….I was not aware Regina had such a beautiful granddaughter….where pray tell have you been hiding all my life?”

“California.” Bailey said as trying to remove her hand only to find him tighten his grip. She watched as he turned his look to Beckett assessing his competition. When Beckett reached up to take her hand from Rhett she thought she saw malice in his expression before replacing it with one of amusement. For a moment Bailey wondered if she had been mistaken till she felt Beckett tense. Though his face seemed calm his eyes revealed the anger just beneath the surface.

“You are a lucky man to have stolen one of our beauties, but then again had she been living here that might not have been so easy.”

“I agree I am lucky….but then again I assure you the results would have been the same had she lived here.” Beckett said politely and Bailey noticed the hidden threat beneath his words.

“
Rhett” Regina intervened as she took his arm. “I wish to speak with your mother, might you escort an old lady?”

Rhett
kept his eyes on Bailey for a moment then looked down at Regina gracing her with his charm. “Why I would be delighted…it would give me a chance to learn more about this lovely granddaughter you have been hiding away.” He said as he once again turned to Bailey. With a wink to her he led Regina away and only after he was gone did she feel Beckett relax.

“Now there goes a real ass.” Trent said under his breath as he stood next to his brother. “I thought Southern men were supposed to be gentleman…he all but devoured Bailey while he challenged you.”

“I’m aware of that.” Beckett frowned as he looked at Bailey. “If he’s any indication of what we might expect I want you to stay by my side.”

Bailey couldn’t help but smile in amusement. Beckett was acting as if he was jealous and while
Rhett was charming he definitely wasn’t her type. Though he was attractive and she noticed the way the women’s eyes followed him she preferred men who didn’t feel the need to flaunt themselves as if every woman would fall to their feet. She loved that about Beckett and his brothers, though extremely good looking none of them felt the need to compete with other men for attention. Women just were naturally drawn and if she was honest she planned to remain at Beckett’s side to ensure one of the many Southern beauties now eyeing him kept their distance.

“I suggest we get a drink before we start mingling.” Trent said eyeing the room.

“One drink.” Roark said as he took Kathleen’s arm.

“One drink to start.” Trent said as
he led his brothers towards the bar. “The rest will depend on our reception.”

Roark
gave Beckett a warning glance before he escorted his wife in the opposite direction. Bailey looked up as Beckett slid her arm through his.

“Would you like something to drink….looks like they are serving champagne.”

“Maybe one glass as we mingle.” She smiled trying to keep her voice steady.

She could feel her inside quake as she looked around the room. She had seen many rich customers during her
day’s waitressing in Newport Beach but most were from new money. The elite she now saw as she scanned the room were definitely old money, careful to ensure their bloodlines remained pure. She also recognized several senators, two congressmen and both the current and previous governor. Beckett grabbed a glass off the tray as the waiter passed by then handed it to her.

“You don’t want one?” She asked.

“No…I prefer something stronger.” He said as Trent approached with two glasses of brandy. He handed one to Beckett. “Thanks.”

“No problem…so…do you suggest I get
acquainted with the ladies or delve right in with the politicians.” Trent asked admiring a group of women in the corner.

Both Bailey and Beckett followed his gaze and Riley couldn’t help but smile. There was no mistaking the hungry look in their eyes as they examined the Montgomery men. Beckett looked at his brothers and rolled his eyes. He knew until they each had a woman on their arm they wouldn’t be satisfied.

“Try not to seduce any one’s wife will you?” He said giving them permission to leave.

Bailey watched as the three of them made their way to the group of women then smiled when she noticed other women heading in the
same direction to ensure their chance. She looked up at Beckett to see if he was amused but found him studying her face instead.

“None of them hold a candle to you.” He said holding his glass up to her in a toast. She smiled and holding hers up she returned the compliment.

“Thank you….you needn’t worry about Rhett or any others….they can’t even compete in your league…”

“Then we are quite the pair.” He grinned wickedly as he tapped his glass to hers.

Just as they took their first sip they were approached and the introductions did not stop till they sat with their dinner party. At first Bailey was nervous but whenever she felt intimidated by the subject matter Beckett would step in and control the conversation. Once she felt comfortable she would join in and Beckett would just stand back admiring her quick wit and intelligence. After dinner the guests moved to the ballroom where a band was playing and some of the couples were dancing. From the moment they entered Bailey was swept away from Beckett by one male guest to the next. Beckett did his share of dancing and each time he tried to regain her hand another guest took her away. Finally after almost two hours of sharing her he was able to reclaim her hand. Instead of enjoying a dance he led her outside for some fresh air.

“I don’t think I’ve ever danced as much.” Bailey said sitting down on the bench. “My feet are killing me in these shoes.”

“You have been popular.” He laughed as he sat next to her.

Pulling her legs up on his lap he removed her shoes before she could protest. He slowly began to massage her feet stifling any protest she might have made
about the impropriety of the situation. She leaned back against the wall closing her eyes as his fingers magically removed the tension from her feet. Feeling his eyes on her she peeked beneath her lashes and noticed the way his eyes were studying her lips. His hands moved from massaging to light caresses and she could feel the tension build as his hand hesitated before sliding up her calf then back down her leg again each time moving higher. She opened her eyes when his hand froze just beneath the hem of her dress. As he lifted the dress to reveal where her nylons were hooked by her garter and she heard the swift intake of his breath. His eyes were now dark with desire and she could feel the evidence as it now pressed against her calves. Without saying a word Bailey removed her legs and stood. She could feel his frustration as he reached down for her shoes. She turned and when he held out her shoes she pushed his hand aside as she now straddled his lap.

“Bailey!” He warned but she silenced him with her lips.

At first his hands remained at her side as her lips moved over his tempting him with soft kisses. When his hands moved to her sides she felt his resistance till she opened her mouth allowing him access. As their tongues danced together the kiss grew and his hands moved lower gripping her ass as he pulled her closer. She could feel his desire straining against his pants and her own desire itched to be satisfied. His hand slid up her thigh playing first with her garter before groaning and moving higher to her lace panties. Bailey ran her fingers through his hair as his mouth moved to her neck. His lips left a trail of fire along her neck as his hands awakened sensations she had never felt before. Bailey knew she should stop him but couldn’t. Her mind screamed of the consequences if they were caught but her body overrode every warning. She felt Beckett’s hand as it moved between her legs pressing his palm against her. She moaned grinding her hips against his hand enjoying the pleasure that now filled her body.

“Fuck” Beckett growled as his lips moved back to hers. He kissed her stealing her brea
th away while his hands moved back up to her face. He pulled back looking into her eyes. “We can’t…not here.”

Bailey felt his muscles tense as he tried to control his desire. When he leaned his forehead against hers his breath fanned her face and she could feel his heart pound against her hands. As she slid off his lap she had to brace on her hands on his shoulders
till her legs stopped shaking. Beckett grabbed her shoe and helped her slid first into one than the other. He stood and pulled her back into his arms as he traced her lips with his finger. She could see the conflict in his face and she knew it matched hers.

“Every time I’m alone with you I find all common sense goes out the window.” He groaned. “The moment I touch you I’m lost.”

Bailey smiled at his admission and felt she owed him the truth. “I’m not exactly a pillar of virtue either….I envy Macy.” He looked at her puzzled by her expression so she explained. “She wouldn’t have let you stop nor would you have considered it either” She pulled out of his arms and walked over to the balcony bracing her hands on the rail. “I’ve never felt like this with another man…my body craves your touch….when I’m in your arms I don’t feel like me…”

“What do you mean?” He asked coming up behind her. He didn’t touch her but she could feel his body heat emanate against her skin. She turned and faced him.

“I’ve always been in control…I had to be….” She said frowning. “I had to take of everyone….first my mom…..then Alexis and Tristan.” She reached up and touched his cheek. “I didn’t have time for me…the few men I knew...we never really got physical.”

She leaned up and kissed him savoring the way his lips felt against hers.
As his arms slid around her pulling her against him she felt the fire spread within. He probed her mouth gently, slowly bringing her deeper until she could no longer trust her legs. Beckett pulled back when she swayed against him and kissing her forehead first he then rested his chin on her head as he looked out over the gardens.

“Bailey…..what I have with Macy….I don’t want that with you.” He said and when she tensed feeling the rejection he looked down at her. Tilting her chin till their eyes met he continued. “I want more…and as much as I want you physically….I want us to take it slow….I don’t want you to feel rushed
and I definitely think we need to make sure we’re chaperoned more.” He grinned wickedly as his lips took hers once more. This time he wasn’t slow, he was demanding taking as much as she could give and then more. Bailey felt her world spinning and she felt herself falling. Where he was taking her would leave her shattered when it ended but she didn’t care. She was willing to risk it all and if in the end he walked out of her life she would have the memories.

At the sound of voices Beckett broke
off from the kiss but he kept his hold on her as they turned toward his parents. Kathleen noticed the fresh blush on Bailey and looked to her son a smile of approval in her eyes. Roark just stood there arms crossed over his chest as if he was debating a lecture.

“Your grandmother is ready to leave.”
Roark finally said letting him off the hook. “We’re going to head back with her, do you two want to stay or would you like to come back with us?”

“We’re going to stay.” Beckett said taking Baileys hand as he made the decision for both of them. “Maybe do a little ghost
hunting?”

He couldn’t help but notice the excitement on Baileys face at his suggestion. He knew part of her wanted to go home to check on Alexis and Tristan but she needed this night. When
Roark raised one eyebrow Beckett held up his fingers

“I’ll behave…scouts honor.” He promised.

“You were thrown out of scouts if you recall.” Roark said before kissing Baileys cheek. “I expect you to hold him to it.”

Bailey met his gaze and fought a grin as she replied. “I’ll try.”

Kathleen stepped forward and hugged Bailey before accepting a kiss from her son. She looked up at Beckett and he couldn’t help see the mischievous look his mother gave him.

“I
want you to be on your best behavior.” She warned.

“I will.” He smiled back.

Keeping Baileys hand in his they followed his parents inside where her grandmother waited. One look at Bailey and her eyes immediately flew to his questioning what had transpired out on t
he patio. Baileys cheeks were now flushed the sexiest shade of pink and he was tempted to kiss her to see how her grandmother would react. Somehow she didn’t look surprised or angry with him.

“Bailey…I’m afraid I’ve reach the point of exhaustion…you are welcome to stay….enjoy your youth…..I will check in on your brother and sister when we get home.”

“Thank you grandmother.” Bailey said stepping forward and hugging her Regina.

As Bailey pulled back her grandmother looked at her face again before turning her gaze to Beckett.

“I trust my granddaughter into your care.” She warned and Beckett understood her hidden meaning.

“You have nothing to fear.” He said as he once again took Baileys hand.

He watched as his parents escorted her grandmother to their host then looking round the room he scanned for his brothers. Ethan was sitting with a pretty blonde in the corner, Justin was having a debate with a group of gentleman and as expected Trent was by the bar surrounded by a group of the South’s elite beauties while another group of abandoned men stared at him openly hostile to his presence.

“If we don’t retrieve Trent from his fan club we might have some trouble.” He frowned.

Bailey followed his glance and saw the situation knowing it could easily escalate destroying whatever progress they had made that night. She turned to look at him as she freed her hand.

“I’ll handle the men if you can get him away from the ladies.”

“Why don’t I handle the men and you retrieve my brother?”

“Because….I think they will react better to a pretty face.” She smiled as she kissed his cheek.

He watched her walk towards the group and instantly they ignored the group of women around Trent as they now vied for her attention. Beckett made his way over to Trent and immediately found instead of extraditing his brother from their clutches he was surrounded. He looked over their heads and found Bailey was also surrounded but she seemed to be holding her own with her group of admirers. Looking at Trent he found his brother was amused now at their predicament. It took nearly 20 minutes of polite conversation and dodging innuendos before he was able to pull Trent away. Unfortunately during that time he had lost sight of Bailey. When he approached the group they told him Bailey had left with Rhett for a tour of the house. Frowning he looked at Trent who understood his concern. Rhett had been a nuisance all evening first in the amount of times he claimed Bailey to a dance and then when he found his way to their table at dinner.

“I’ll get Ethan and Justin.” Trent said as Beckett headed out of the ball room where their hosts were bidding their guests good night.

“Beckett…I thought your grandmother said you would be staying….we had hoped to talk with you some more.” Mrs. Remington said misinterpreting his presence.

“I look forward to continuing our talk but at the moment I was looking for Bailey…I was told
Rhett was giving her a tour of the house.”

Mr.
Remington frowned causing Beckett to worry. He motioned to one of his servers.

“Have you seen
Rhett?”

“Yes sir…he and
a young lady went up the stairs about 10 minutes ago….I believe he was going to show her the blue room….she seemed fascinated with our resident ghost.”

Beckett was already heading up the stairs
when his brothers came out of the ballroom. Seeing his face they quickly ran up after him with Mr. Remington closely behind.

“The blue room is the last room to the left.” Mr
. Remington called out as Beckett reached the top of the stairs.

He raced down the hallway ignoring the warnings of his brothers behind him. The door was closed and when he burst through he found Bailey cornered against the armoire.
Rhett had one hand on each side of her as he leaned towards her. One look at her pale face and Beckett flew at Rhett knocking him down to the floor. His fist connected with Rhett’s jaw before he had a chance to defend himself. Suddenly hands were grabbing him trying to pull him off. This gave Rhett the opening he needed to slug his fist into Beckett’s side knocking the wind out of him for a moment. He fought against Trent’s hands as they pulled him back looking up now to see Rhett was being restrained now by Tristan and Ethan. Mr. Remington was standing with Bailey comforting her as he glared at Rhett. Beckett wanted to kill Rhett but his concern for Bailey over rode his anger.

“Bailey” He said softly as he touched her shoulder. She turned to him tears streaming down her face. He pulled her into his arms
as his brother hauled Rhett out of the room.

“I didn’t do anything she didn’t enjoy.”
Rhett yelled as he was dragged down the hall.

Beckett tensed in anger but Bailey needed him so he held her close as Mr.
Remington looked on.

“My deepest apologies….my nephews actions are unforgiveable….trust that I will take care of the matter.”

Beckett felt Bailey shiver and he knew he needed to get her out of there. He looked at his host who like him wanted to avoid dragging Bailey into a public scandal. He knew his brothers were probably giving Rhett a few lessons in manners and trusted his host would handle the rest.

“Alright….is there a back way out of here…I don’t want to expose her to any prying eyes.”

“Yes…follow me…”

Beckett lifted Bailey in his arms and she buried her head under his chin as he carried her out of the room. He followed his host down the hallway to a rear staircase that led to the
back of the house where the servants resided. When they reached the back door Beckett stopped.

“Will you tell my brothers I’ll wait for them in the
car?” He said.

“Why don’t you let my driver take you
home?”

Beckett didn’t want to release Bailey so h
e agreed. He followed his host to the garage where his driver was playing cards with some of the staff.

“Gerald” He called and his driver put down his cards and stepped forward. “I need you to take Mr
. Birmingham and Ms. Montgomery to Briar Rose.”

“Yes sir.” He said noting the pal
er of Baileys face. “The limo is this way sir…you will find some brandy for the lady.”

Beckett turned to his host. “Thank you…you might want to see to your nephew….my brothers are quite fond of Bailey.”

“He deserves whatever thrashing they are giving him. My wife and I will call on you tomorrow. Bailey I am so sorry for my nephew’s behavior.”

Bailey looked up now to meet their hosts face. Beckett knew she wanted to talk but her lip trembled from fear. She just nodded to him then buried her face back in Beckett’s chest.

“I’ll let Regina know to expect you….shall we say around 2:00?”

“Of course.”

Beckett walked over to the limo where Gerald now stood door open for them. Still holding her in his arms Beckett climbed in and settled down on one of the seats. Seeing his hands were full Gerald poured him a glass of brandy then closed the door giving them privacy. Beckett held the glass to Bailey coaxing her to drink. She coughed and her eyes watered but at least the liquor brought some color to her cheeks. He held her there on his lap as the limo pulled out of the garage and down the drive. As they passed the front of the house he saw his brothers standing guard over Rhett who was slumped on one of the chairs holding a towel to his nose which had obviously been broken. Leaning back he took a swig of the brandy then setting the glass down he wrapped his arms around Bailey. Slowly her shivering stopped and soon her breathing relaxed as she drifted off to sleep in his arms. Regina and his parents were waiting on the porch obviously notified of the incident. He waited for Gerald to open the door then he stepped out of the car holding Bailey in his arms. As he carried her up towards the house he motioned for them to keep quiet not wanting to wake her. He carried her past them and up the stairs to her room where Trixie was waiting to assist him. Her bed was turned down and her nightgown lay across the bed as the sound of running water came from the bathroom.

“I’ll take of the miss” Trixie said softly as he set her on the bed.
He stood to leave but Bailey woke and reached out grabbing his hand in fear.

“Please….don’t go.” She begged.

Beckett sat back down on the bed beside her. “I need to go speak to your grandmother…Trixie will help you get ready for bed then I’ll return ok?” Bailey looked behind him where Trixie stood. Looking back at Beckett she nodded but refused to release his hand. Beckett reached up with his free hand and touched her cheek. “Bailey…I promise I’ll be back.” She released his hand and he stood looking now at Trixie. “I’ll be back in 45 minutes. I want you to stay with her till I return.”

“Yes sir…I won’t leave her.”

Beckett looked back at Bailey and leaning down kissed her gently before leaving her to Trixie’s care. He found his parents with Regina in the study and after pouring a drink he explained what had happened. He expected to see disappointment in Regina’s face and was surprised to see anger. The anger to his surprise was not directed at him but at herself.

“I should have warned you about
Rhett.”

Beckett now looked at her trying to contain his anger. “What do you mean warn me?”

Regina poured herself a glass of whiskey and downed it in one shot. She looked at Beckett and sighed.

“
Rhett and Jasper are friends….Rhett was arrested a few years back for molesting a young girl….she later dropped the charges after his parents paid her family off.”

“What the hell is wrong with you
people?” Beckett said trying to control the anger inside.

“Beckett!”
Roark warned.

“What…first Bailey
’s cousin attacks her then this asshole…instead of kicking their asses you buy their way out of it…are we so sure we even want to do business with these people?”

“Not everyone in the South
is like Jasper and Rhett. I have already admitted to my mistakes and Rhett’s parents were no better. But the Remington’s and the people you met tonight are the true essence of the South….do not judge them by our actions.”

“Regina…the one you need to apologize to is your granddaughter.” Beckett said. “The more I see the more I’m grateful her father left when he married her mother. She and your grandchildren have only benefited from your absence in their lives.”

“Beckett!” His mother scolded. “That comment was uncalled for…you are a guest in this house.”

Beckett looked at his parents and realized she was right. He had been raised with better manners but he was angry knowing Regina was partly to blame for what had happened to Bailey.

“Your son is correct.” Regina said sadly. “Bailey was better off without our family. But I was hoping to make up for our mistakes.”

“By forcing her to marry a total stranger.” Beckett asked

“Do you regret our contract?” Regina asked

“No….I would never
have met her without it.”

“And she never would have accepted my help without it” Regina smiled. “Beckett I admire you and I trust you.” She said pouring herself another shot. “Do you ever wonder why I added the additional clause to the contract when I replaced Alicia with Bailey?”

“Every day….I assumed you didn’t want her soiled by me.”

Regina laughed as she downed her shot again. Beckett was amazed at her age the way she could handle her liquor.

“No….my granddaughter is innocent in relationships….you on the other hand are not. The clause was for both your benefits….your generation depends too much on sex, you have forgotten the true art of courting.”