Authors: Dara Girard
Hunter nodded, wanting to say no, but realizing he needed time to think. He watched the pair head for the garden, a strange restiveness descending as the pair disappeared out the door.
Ten minutes later, Brenna stood alone in the garden. She had convinced Miles she needed time alone, although she had enjoyed the tidbits of information he’d given her about Hunter (he liked to chew cinnamon gum when he was anxious or trying to figure out a problem). Right now she needed space.
She was glad to escape the walls of the ballroom. Although the spring air was ripe with the coming summer, she just wanted the night to end. She wanted to step off the stage forever and return to her life, her work. But she knew every time she saw a carousel or a storm darkened the sky he would enter her thoughts.
***
A few feet away, high on a balcony, Hunter thought about her. He watched her walk in the garden. He’d expected the evening to feel victorious. He had been promoted. Doran had lost; he’d won. Yet, the triumph felt empty.
“Are you in love with her?”
Hunter didn’t turn at the sound of Ruby’s voice. “No.”
“I didn’t think so.”
“I loved once,” he said in a grim tone. “I want her, there’s no question, but I don’t love her.”
“Does she love you?”
He gripped the railing. “No.”
“Would you like her to?”
He paused. “It’s not a qualification.”
“A what?”
“Never mind.”
She spoke quietly. “So she won’t marry you, hmm?”
He turned to her shocked.
Ruby slowly smiled. “Come on, Hunter. I know you. I know how you operate.”
“Does Dad—”
“Know that this is all a facade? No. But be careful of your grandfather.”
He rested his arms on the railing. “Yes, I know.” He looked out at the garden and his frustration returned. “I can’t figure her out. Why won't she marry me? I would treat her kindly, shower her with gifts, and whatever she wanted. And she’d have me as a husband.”
Ruby shook her head with sympathy. “Poor Hunter, you don’t even realize how arrogant that sounds.”
“How can that be arrogant when I’m being truthful?” He rested a hand on his chest. “I’m a catch.”
She merely sighed unsure how to explain the complicated feelings of a woman to him.
“Doesn’t matter anyway,” he said. “I’ve succeeded in executing one plan that, if not carefully concluded, will blow up in my face.” He paused then said, “Here are the facts. I have formerly asked her to marry me, she has refused and after further consideration I may have to admit that she wouldn’t make a suitable wife after all.”
Ruby rested a hand on his arm. “You’re very good with words Hunter, but what do you feel?”
That was the problem, he wasn’t sure. He glanced at his watch. “I feel that it is time to go inside.”
“Fine. You go then. I want to stay out here a little bit longer.”
He nodded, his eyes briefly landing on the silhouette in the garden an emotion not quite clear flashing in his gaze. He turned abruptly and went inside.
Ruby watched him go then stared out at the same lonely figure below.
***
Hunter and Brenna drove back in silence. Neither discussed the success of the evening or what would happen next. All too soon they were in front of her apartment building.
Brenna’s steps felt labored, almost painful as they walked across the parking lot and up the stairs. Hunter’s steps were steady and sure—almost too much so.
She didn’t want to leave him. Not because of any feeling of attachment although she was certain it was there. Something else bothered her. Something about his grandfather and his cousin. Why did she feel that if they separated tonight he was headed down a dangerous path? What could be so dangerous about an ambitious family? Why did Hunter seem so different somehow? She glanced at his profile. He definitely had the Randolph arrogance carved in the arch of his chin and nose. It was his damn mouth that was her undoing. Something vulnerable about him she wanted to protect. It was a silly thought, but wouldn’t leave her.
“Thank you for this evening,” he said.
“You’re welcome.”
He began to turn.
She took a step forward, resting a hand on his arm. “What if I were to say yes?”
He didn’t misunderstand her. “I’d wonder why.”
Brenna waved a dismissive hand and opened the door. “It’s a stupid idea.”
Hunter caught her wrist. “It’s not a stupid idea. Why do you hesitate?”
“Because I have this dreadful feeling I could ruin things for you, yet another feeling that you need me.”
“Of course I need you. How could you ruin things? I was promoted.”
“I know.” She tapped her cane. “I wonder why they made the announcement so soon. Why did they do it there in front of everyone?”
He shrugged. “Who cares?”
“If I were to marry you,” she said slowly. “I do have some medical bills—”
He nodded. “Consider them taken care of.”
Brenna tilted her head to the side and studied him: A man whose will equaled hers. She liked him and she trusted him and knew he would be a perfect match for her. “Okay. I will marry you.”
Hunter folded his arms. “Why you little brat.”
Her mouth fell. “What?”
His eyes lit with amusement. “You’ve been planning on marrying me this entire evening. No wonder you were so cool about Dad’s invitation to the ranch. Why didn’t you tell me before?”
Because the thought had just come to her. “I wanted to make sure I played the role well enough to convince you.”
“And you wanted to make sure I secured the director’s position.”
She frowned. “No, that’s not—”
“Clever move. I kept wondering what would convince you. You wanted to be sure that I’d get the promotion. You wanted to make sure that I truly had the drive to succeed and not waste my energy creating things like the Trandor cane and such—”
Brenna shook her head. She didn’t like the picture he painted of her. “No, you don’t—”
“It makes perfect sense. See? I do understand you. I have no aversion to being married for my position or money. At least you’re honest about it.” He drew her to him and held her snugly. “I’ve finally met your standards of a suitable spouse. I’m glad I have. With that kind of beginning we are certain to make this union work.”
She looked up at him helplessly, knowing that he didn’t understand how she felt and that she didn’t want him just for what he could give her. “Yes, but—”
He stopped her with a kiss and soon she didn’t care that their bargain sounded so cold. And he didn’t care that his promotion had changed her mind. He deepened the kiss as he carried her to the couch. His hands roamed over her, gathering the silk dress in his fingers. He removed one spaghetti strap and kissed her shoulder, the floral scent of lilacs greeted him.
“We probably should stop,” he mumbled.
“Yes.” She placed a stream of kisses along his jaw, knowing she didn’t want to stop. She wanted him body and soul.
His voice grew husky as his body responded to her. “But I’m not going to.”
“I know.”
Her hand eagerly ran up the length of his chest. “So which pocket are they in?”
“What?”
“Your condoms.”
He slowly removed the other strap, his voice barely a whisper as his gaze roamed over her body. “I don’t have condoms.”
“Neither do I.”
He stared at her stunned. “You’re not taking anything?”
“No.”
He thought for a moment, staring at the lace of her bra, and then said, “We could start a family tonight.”
“No.”
Hunter raised a brow, hopeful. “How about your friend next door?”
Brenna looked at him outraged. “I couldn’t ask her for condoms.”
He stood. “I could.”
“No. Don’t!”
He was out the door before she could stop him. He knocked on the door.
“Shh!” Brenna said behind him. “Do you want to wake everybody up?”
“No, just her.” He knocked again. Brenna grabbed his hand; he raised his other one determined.
Fortunately, Tima opened the door before he knocked once more. To Brenna’s relief she looked wide awake. “Yes?”
Brenna stepped in front of Hunter. “Sorry to ask you this, and I realize this is very inconsiderate of us to ask such a favor, especially at this time of night when you were probably very relaxed doing something else and here we are barging in on your privacy. However we were wondering —”
Hunter covered Brenna’s mouth. “Do you have any condoms?”
Tima opened the door wider and smiled. “I have a selection.”
“We aren’t picky.”
She turned. “I’ll be right back.”
Brenna removed Hunter’s hand. “Let me chose.”
“Why? I’ll have to wear it.”
She playfully nudged him. “Don’t be difficult.”
He nudged her back. “I’m never difficult.”
Tima came out with a box. “I have flavored, glow in the dark, massage.”
Brenna picked up one. “This looks interesting.”
Hunter shook his head. “I’m not wearing a pink condom with things on the end. Looks like I have an infectious disease.” He grabbed one. “This will do.”
Tima raised a mocking brow. “Only one?”
“You’re right.” He took the box. “Don’t worry I’ll reimburse you. Come on Brenna.”
Brenna followed unable to look at her friend.
She met him a few moments later in the bedroom, suddenly conscious of his magnetic, commanding appeal. There was no turning back from this moment and she had no plans to. Brenna wanted to be in the circle of his arms, feel him inside her. She licked her lips, trying to tame the tingling in the pit of her stomach.
“Did you have to take the entire box?”
He tossed his shirt. “No.”
Brenna swallowed soaking in his muscular, towering strength.
Be gentle with me
she wanted to say, but instead said, “Should we consider this sealing the bargain?” faking a nonchalance she didn’t feel.
He unzipped his trousers. “Can’t you talk and undress at the same time?”
“Of course.”
“Then why aren’t you?” He lifted a sly brow. “Nervous?”
Brenna pulled off her dress with trembling fingers and sat with her back to him. “I’m not nervous.”
“How long has it been?” he asked softly, with a tenderness she hadn’t expected.
“None of your business.”
Hunter clicked his tongue in teasing pity. “That long?” He unlatched her bra, his knuckles brushing against her skin in a slow caress.
Her hands flew to her chest. “Hey!”
“You’re taking too long,” he said in a deep, coaxing voice.
She turned to him. He was naked and properly fitted. “Oh I see.”
“Yes, and I’m waiting.” He removed her hands and took off her bra. When his hands dropped to her panties she stopped him.
“I can do that myself.”
“Fine, but let’s get one thing clear.”
“What?”
“I’ll marry you anyway.”
Her mouth fell open. “Anyway?”
“In case it’s not any good.”
“And why would you think it wouldn’t be any good?” Brenna asked in clipped tones.
“I just know you’re nervous.”
“I’m not nervous.”
Hunter rubbed the bare skin of her back, sending a warming shiver through her. “It’s okay. I think it’s sweet.”
“I’m not nervous,” she repeated with more force, hoping to convince him and herself.
“So far you’re all talk.”
Brenna swallowed hard then took a deep breath gathering her courage, afraid she would disappoint him and embarrass herself. “Then let’s stop talking,” she said boldly. She pulled him towards her, but he kissed her first. With lips that could be classified as a dangerous weapon. They were as soft as they looked and drained her of any inhibitions as they left a moist trail up her cheek to her ear. “Not the ear.”
“But I like your ears.” He caught a lobe lightly between his teeth.
“I don’t care.”
He grumbled something she couldn’t understand then kissed a path down her chest. He stopped between her breasts and rested his cheek against one then the other.
“What are you doing?”
“Surveying the landscape.”
“And staking claim?”
“I will in a minute.” He skimmed a hand over her stomach. “Stop holding your breath.”
“I’m not holding my breath.”
“Then stop sucking in...there that’s better.”
She felt heat rise, not from passion but embarrassment.
He suddenly stopped. “You’re not enjoying this.”
“Yes, I am.”
“You’re not even touching me. You’re lying like a board. I know we’re going to be married, but you don’t have to treat this like a civic duty.”
She circled one of his nipples with her forefinger. “Okay, I admit I’m a little nervous.”
“Why?”
Brenna traced the other nipple a grin tugging on her lips. “Because I’m afraid you won’t be able to keep up with me,” she said ready to be reckless
.
She arched into him, surrendering to her decision that there would be no other man after this. “I’m not sure that you can satisfy all my needs.”
His tone became a husky whisper. “I will satisfy needs you didn’t even know you had.”
Hunter covered her body and she relinquished herself to his passionate assault, letting go of her dream of finding the perfect match and once she did something within her began to grow, soon she enjoyed the scents and textures of his skin. His fingers stirring her emotions making her bare skin feel as fragile as papyrus. She moved against the sleek caress of his body as heat spread through her. When she welcomed him inside her, something that was dying burst forth, spreading its arms wide and declaring itself. She was still a woman although she’d let Byron’s hurtful words convince her that she didn’t have a right to be.
Hunter knew she was all woman. She felt better than he’d thought. Tasted better. He remembered his first taste of rum. How it burned going down. Brenna had the same effect. His body burned and wanted more. He soon rolled off her and fell on his back.
She turned to him. “What did you think?”
“I enjoyed myself.”
“Nothing earth-shattering.”
“Who needs the earth to shatter?”
“I don’t.”
“Neither do I.”
She bit her lip and grinned. “Want to try again?”