Forbidden Contract (The Birmingham Brothers Series) (29 page)

Bailey where are you. I went by your place and the landlord said you moved out suddenly. He said there had been police there. Is it Jackson, has he found you again. Please let me know you’re ok.

Matt

You’re scaring me

From: Matt

To: BaileyCMontgomery @ yahoo.com

Bailey please let me know you are ok. I tried to text you but your phone has been disconnected. I’m not even sure you are getting these emails.
Please I’m worried about you and the kids.

Matt

Should I take a hint?

From: Matt

To: BaileyCMontgomery @ yahoo.com

Bailey, if you are getting these emails please just tell me you are ok. Your apartment is empty and I found out the kids were also pulled from school but they wouldn’t tell me where you went. If this is your way of starting over I understand and will respect your wishes. I just want to know you’re ok. I won’t bug you anymore. Please just let me know you’re ok.

Matt

Feeling the guilt she quickly sent off a response to him.

I’m OK

From: Bailey

To: Mr.Everythingatonce @ Gmail.com

Matt, I’m sorry it took so long to respond. Things happened very quickly and I didn’t get a chance to explain. My grandmother arrived and we are now living with her. Someone complained to the authorities and they showed up on my doorstep while my grandmother was there. They had a court order to take the kids away from me
but my grandmother knew about it and had papers granting her guardianship over Tristan and Alexis. I didn’t have a choice but to go with her. It’s better for them and we have been given a chance to start over. I wish I could explain more but please know I’m sorry I worried you. I valued your friendship and I am grateful for everything you ever did for us. I will keep in touch but for right now need to concentrate on this new life. I wish you all the best Matt.

Bailey

Bailey pushed send and couldn’t help but feel some regret. She was trying to let Matt know she cared but that he should get on with his life.
She didn’t expect he would be on line at that time or that he would respond so quickly through instant message.

Why didn’t you come to me, I would have helped. You didn’t need to leave….Matt.

There was no time, my grandmother showed up just before the social worker. She had already made plans to take us back with her that day….Bailey.

Seems fishy she shows up the same day the authorities, is it possible she turned you in?...Matt.

What would her reason be? No she has been more than generous and I truly believe she is regretful over what happened with my father. I think she is trying to make it up to us….Bailey.

So you never plan on coming back?....Matt.

I don’t think so. I’ve already gotten a job, will have a home, Tristan will have insurance and they like their new school. There’s nothing there to come back too….Bailey.

There’s me….Matt.

Bailey hesitated in her next response. She didn’t want to hurt his feelings but she didn’t want to give him false hope either.

You would be the only reason, I care about you Matt but not the way you deserve….Bailey.

That could change in time; you never really gave us a chance….Matt.

I know, I couldn’t, I had to think about Tristan and Alexis….Bailey.

Then there still might be a chance
, I could always relocate out there, the good thing about my work is that it’s portable….Matt.

As much as Bailey wanted a friend to be near, someone she could relax and talk to she couldn’t ask that of Matt. She knew if she did it would give him false hopes of their future. Maybe if she hadn’t met Beckett, hadn’t kissed him things would be different. Matt didn’t make her feel the way Beckett did. When Beckett entered a room she knew, when he was near she felt it and when he held her she dropped all defenses. As she reread Matt
’s messages she realized he loved her and she was in love with Beckett. It was just as hopeless for each of them.

Did I scare you, I’m sorry. I know you don’t love me the way I love you. I know you may never love me that way. But I promise, I would never hurt you and never let you down
. I would accept whatever you could offer me and never regret if you couldn’t give me more. If friendship was all you could offer than I would be happy with that….Matt.

Matt,
it wouldn’t be fair to you to lead you on that way. You deserve someone who can love you and cherish the man you are….Bailey.

What if I was willing to accept whatever you could offer, what if I didn’t want more? I would rather live my life with you in friendship than spend my life looking for someone to replace you. They don’t exist….Matt.

They do you just have never looked. Please don’t make this harder on me than it already is. I value your friendship. I need your friendship. But I can’t give you more….Bailey.

Then I will accept that, but the offer stands….Matt.

Thank you, I will keep in touch….Bailey.

Before he could reply she logged out. She didn’t want to read the hurt in his reply.
Bailey suddenly realized she had become too dependent on others since she had agreed to her grandmothers offer. For a brief moment she had actually considered Matts offer. It would be easy to turn to him to replace the hurt she felt from Beckett’s rejection. Just as she had turned to Beckett to protect her after both Jasper and Rhett had attacked her. That was the reason for the attraction, her vulnerable state. She couldn’t allow that to happen again because it only led to heart ache each time Beckett rejected her. Having made up her mind she grabbed her phone and sent Trent a text.

“I need a favor.”
She pushed send and almost instantly he replied.

“
Whatever you need.”

“Are you available this afternoon?”

“Of course.”

“I’ll meet you at the office after I drop the kids off. Please don’t mention this to Beckett.”

“Ok?   Can you give me a clue?”

“I need you to teach me how to defend myself.”

She waited for what seemed like an eternity for his reply. Finally she smiled when she read his text.

“Wear something you can move in.”

When Bailey left Beckett wanted to go after her. She had misread his intenti
ons on seeing Macy this weekend but until that part of his life was over he couldn’t truly proceed with her and he knew it. He had told her he was ending it with Macy but knew she still had doubts. While part of him understood another part of him was angry she didn’t trust him. He kept waiting for a chance to talk to Bailey but she didn’t come down till the Remington’s appeared and after assuring them she was fine she excused herself with the excuse of picking up Tristan and Alexis. Beckett would have joined her but Mr. Remington wanted to discuss some possible renovations and Regina happily led Mrs. Remington away so the men could conduct their business. He was still locked in the study when Bailey returned and once he was free found she had left on an errand. He had planned on talking to her over dinner but her grandmother rode with them. Once they arrived Bailey was whisked away on the arm of their hostess while Beckett was sequestered again with the men discussing business. During dinner they were seated at opposite ends of the table and where he was forced to carry on a conversation with two of the socialites he had met the previous evening. Bailey was surrounded by several of the South’s most eligible bachelors who didn’t seem to notice the engagement ring on her finger. His irritation grew as he noticed how comfortable she seemed to be with them enjoying the attention they lavished upon her. As the group broke for coffee on the veranda he managed to pull Bailey aside for a private discussion.

“You seem to be enjoying the evening.” He said trying to control his anger.

“Yes I am, you were right about Southern gentlemen, they are quite charming.” She smiled not noticing the way his jaw was now twitching. “Ashton has invited me….well actually us to his estate this weekend. He is receiving a shipment of new Arabians.”

“Of course you told him we wouldn’t be able to make it.” He said assuming she would.

“No, actually, I told him you would be occupied but I would be able to come if he didn’t object to my bringing Tristan and Alexis.” She said confused. “Tristan has been reading about horses and mentioned he wanted to see an Arabian horse after talking with your brothers. They told him you had several on your ranch.”

“Yes we do and if he would like to see them I’m sure we could fly up one weekend.”
He said tensely.

“Wait a minute.” She said turning to face him
as his earlier words sunk in. “Are you telling me we can’t go to Ashton’s this weekend?”

“That would be advisable considering our relationship.” He said assuming her common sense would now take over. He was wrong
; instead he saw the slow fury on her face as she responded.

“What gives you the right to dictate whether I go or not?”

“The right of your fiancé.” He challenged. “Just exactly how would it look for you to go to his estate unescorted by me?”

“Tristan and Alexis would be with me and it would be totally innocent. More than I can say about your meeting with Macy.”
She said looking out over the gardens.

“My meeting with Macy has nothing to do with this, it will not be public.” He said sternly.

Bailey turned to face her eyes flashing with both hurt and anger. He knew she had misread what he meant to say but at the moment didn’t feel the need to explain. He was more irritated that she didn’t see the impropriety of going to a gentleman’s estate without her fiancé. Especially a gentleman who seemed to undress her every time he looked at her and had a reputation as a ladies man.

“Beckett let me get one thing clear
; we are engaged in name only. I was foolish enough to allow you certain liberties but never again. You are free to pursue your relationship with Macy as long as it is done in private. If I chose to visit Ashton or any other gentleman’s estate I shall do so and you may be certain each visit will be properly chaperoned so as not to imply any improprieties on my end. I have no intention of leading Ashton or any other gentleman into believing I am free to be pursued, at least not until I have met my contractual obligations with you. You have no claim over me Beckett. Do not dare to imply I must get your permission every time I accept an invitation from a friend.”

Beckett couldn’t help admire the fire in her eyes as she stood up to him but he also couldn’t control the anger he felt from her words. When she tried to move past him he blocked her path and when she looked up to challenge him he did what came naturally. He pulled her to him devouring her mouth with his. At first he was angry wanting to punish her
but somewhere along the line it shifted and he needed her to respond. When she remained aloof he pulled back seeing her will to resist him. Accepting the challenge he moved his lips to hers coaxing her softly to respond but she refused. His lips moved down her jawline leaving a trail of kisses as he moved to the sensitive spot on her neck. He felt her weaken and doubled his effort till she molded against him. When her hands trailed up his chest he returned to her mouth teasing her to open for him. She moaned in response and opening her lips she allowed him entrance. His tongue danced and parried with hers as he drank in the flavor that belong to her. He felt her shudder as her fingers clasped behind his neck pulling him closer. When she surrendered he smiled pulling back to admire her face. Her cheeks were flushed with desire, her lips swollen from his kisses and her eyes the color of velvet. He wanted more and he knew she felt the same. Satisfied he had won he whispered.

“I’m sure Ashton will understand when you turn him down.”

As if doused with a bucket of water she pulled back out of his arms. She stood before him her passion now replaced by anger. Confused at her sudden change he asked.

“What’s wrong?”

“Of all the pompous arrogant things….did you believe you could just kiss me and I would agree to your demands.” She said almost shouting. “My body may be a fool when it comes to you but my brain and my heart never will. You do not own me Beckett Birmingham nor will you ever. I will be joining Ashton this weekend and you cannot stop me….kindly move away from the door or I will make you regret it.”

His anger returned as she openly defied him now. Leaning back up against the door he folded his arms across his chest and stared down at her challenging her threat
. Before he could react she kicked him hard, right in the spot that mattered and he dropped to his knees. Blinding white pain filled his body and tears came to his eyes as he tried to regain his breath. He cursed his brother when Bailey leaned down to whisper in his ear.

“A little trick your brother taught me. Who knew I would be using it on you.” She said as she pushed him aside and opened the door.

He heard it slam as she walked away but he couldn’t move holding himself as the pain nearly knocked him unconscious. He fought to maintain awareness concentrating on breathing till the pain finally dulled. When he dared to finally stand he felt the sharp stab hit him again and cursed as a fine sheath of sweat covered his forehead. Leaning against the door he wondered if he could he recover enough to rejoin the party. He was spared the answer when a knock came to the door. Stepping aside he opened the door to see Wesley the butler standing there with an icepack. By the grin on his face he knew precisely the cause of Beckett’s strained expression.

“Ms. Bailey requested I bring you this and escort you to the taxi waiting outside. She also requested I inform you that she took the liberty of taking your grandmother home early.”

Beckett cursed again as he grabbed the ice pack. He at first thought to refuse but he knew the sooner he iced his injury the sooner it would heal. Ignoring Wesley’s assistance he limped his way out to the cab settling down in the back seat as he gave the address. He ignored the knowing glance Wesley and the driver exchanged concentrating more on numbing his injured part as he came up with a plan to deal with Bailey. Going over the conversation in his head he knew from Bailey’s point of view she was doing nothing wrong and she had every right to be mad. She knew he was seeing Macy this weekend and she doubted that he truly planned on breaking up with her. When he hesitated about his plans he had seemed guilty when all he truly wanted to do was protect her feelings. But in Bailey’s eyes they were living a double standard. She was supposed to honor the vows they took and remain alone while he was given the freedom to pursue his sex partner whenever he wished. He needed to talk to Bailey but until things were finished with Macy she wouldn’t believe him.

Now that his pain was just a dull throbbing thanks to the ice pack he was able to appreciate the beauty on her face when she got angry. Her body was proud the way she stood, challenging him to defy her. He had noticed the slight flaring at her nostril, the way her breasts rose and fell with each breath as she tried to maintain control. Her hands were clutched in tiny fists till her knuckles turned white. Her face flushed, her eyes narrowed and her lips drew a fine line as she glared at him. She was truly stunning when she was angry and he had enjoyed the challenge when he broke her down. He knew now there would never be a dull moment with her. She would never sit back and accept him to run their lives. She would demand to be at his side which is how it should be. He didn’t doubt she would bring that fire into the bedroom and his body ached now to feel her beneath him. That desire caused him to curse as it battled with
the injury she had given him. Putting his head back he smiled despite his pain at how quickly she had learned her defensive move from Trent. He wondered what other moves she had been taught and meant to seek out his brother the first chance he got. His smile quickly faded when he thought about her spending a day with Ashton Langley. He knew Ashton’s type and neither the engagement ring nor her younger siblings would stop a man like Ashton from getting what he wanted. He had made it perfectly clear that Bailey was next on his wish list. He wasn’t about to let her go there unescorted but he also knew he needed to deal with Macy first. When he got home he found his brothers in the study with his father enjoying an evening nightcap. He limped as he entered the room and by the grin on Trent’s face it was obvious he was the only one who understood.

“You know bro….when I taught Bailey self-defense I didn’t intend it to be used on you.” He said handing him a brandy.

“How assume my injury came from her, I could have pulled a muscle.” Beckett said as he eased himself down in a chair. He noticed the looks on the rest of their faces and by their grins Trent must have informed them of his lessons.

“
Wow.....she must have good aim to have gotten past your defenses.” Tristan joked as he sat down.

“It would have helped had I know you gave her a few pointers.” Beckett sighed as he looked at Trent.

“Where’s the fun in that….so what did you say to piss her off so badly?” Trent said taking a seat opposite him.

“What makes you think I pissed her off?”

“Well, she came home without you. She was literally breathing fire when she came through the door and you seem to be favoring you dick.” He grinned.

“What happened?”
Roark asked deciding it not best to kick Beckett any further with the pain he was obviously in.

“One of the
guests, Ashton Langley invited her to his estate this weekend; I told her she couldn’t go.”

“You told her she couldn’t go?” Trent said bursting out in laughter. His brothers quickly joined him. “Why?”

“How will it look, she and I are engaged.”

“Yeah….so what, she’s not allowed to have any male friends?” Tristan asked.

“That’s not it. Ashton has only one thing on his mind where Baileys concerned and it’s not the brain in his head he’s looking to satisfy.”

“So then why don’t you go with her?” Ethan said stating the obvious.

“Macy will be in town…I’m meeting her.” He said and instantly saw the anger in his brother’s eyes and disappointment in his fathers. “It’s not what you think.” He said trying to explain.

“It’s not.” Trent began. “You plan on seeing you sex partner and Bailey
’s not allowed to visit another man’s place. Isn’t that a bit hypocritical of you?”

“I’m seeing Macy to end things.” Beckett announced. “And if Bailey wants male friends she’s entitled to them….but Ashton Langley doesn’t want friendship with her, he wants to sleep with her.”

“What if she wants the same?” Ethan asked and Beckett’s face drained of color.

“No….she doesn’t.” He said more to convince himself.

“Why not, he’s good looking, rich and from the gossip I overheard quite the expert between the sheets.” Trent goaded.

“Because Bailey’s not like that!” Beckett argued.

“Really….how would you know?” Trent asked.

“
Enough! Roark demanded seeing Beckett was being pushed too far. He knew if he didn’t intervene the fists would soon fly. “We all know Bailey is not that type of girl and using her to goad your brother is uncalled for.”

“He’s the fool.” Trent said frustrated.
“He has the greatest opportunity with an incredible girl and he’s blowing it.”

“My affairs are none of your business.” Beckett argued.

“No your affairs aren’t.” Trent countered. “Bailey is…we’ve all grown quite fond of her and don’t want to see her hurt.”

“And you think I will hurt her?” Beckett asked his pride now wounded.