He looked towards the house again.
A different kind of emotion swept over him. It was unexplainable, deep, and moving. For the millionth time, since finding out weeks ago, his eyes watered with fresh tears.
His father…
The very man that he’d thought long dead…
He was alive…
For the first time, he’d meet him.
Clearing his throat uncomfortably, straightening his shoulders, he headed up the sidewalk leading to the house.
The early fall night was cool, probably 71 degrees or so, he surmised, slowing his steps. Overhead, the sky was cloudy and showed the possibility of a late shower.
He made the short jaunt up the stairs.
Just outside the door, he paused before adjusting the cuff links on the suit jacket. Then, he tugged on the necktie nervously. Did he look okay? Was he overdressed in the crisp black business suit? Should he have shaved instead of leaving the dark scruff? “Calm down, damn it. You’ve certainly gone through worst,” he chastised quietly, and then, he took a steadying breath. “You can do this.”
Firming his shoulders, he rang the doorbell.
***
The doorbell rang.
Along with every other member of the Johansson clan, all twelve of them, Hayven’s eyes swung towards the foyer.
When Oliver Johansson made moves to stand, his wife Sophia stayed him with a gentle hand. She smiled at him gently. “I’ll get it, baby.”
Oliver’s nod was brief. “Thanks, love.”
Across the room, away from the rest of the familial crowd, she and Richard sat on the small settee which left them out of earshot from everyone else. “How is it possible that we have a brother that no one knew about?” Richard asked for the thousandth time, leaning forward on the settee before looking in her direction. “It doesn’t make sense.”
Sighing, she squeezed his hand. “I’m quite sure that this is a shock to all of you.”
Richard looked in his father’s direction. “Look at Dad. He looks like he’s about to collapse at any minute,” he said with a hint of frustration. “Damn that bastard for showing up out of the blue---”
“Hush before your father hears you. Put yourself in his position. He has just discovered that he has a son that he had no knowledge of whatsoever. This can’t be easy for him,” she whispered quickly, tightening the sash on the short-sleeved denim cotton dress, and then sent a fast look towards the foyer. Still, though, the short wall blocked the area from sight. “Besides that, getting angry and causing a scene certainly won’t help matters.”
From the distance, she could hear the sound of muted voices, and then, she heard as the door closed. “Go be with your family,” she said hurriedly, rising to her feet, and then passed him a sympathetic look. “I’ll wait in your father’s office.”
Richard stood. “No, I want you to stay.”
She pushed him gently and nudged him towards the others. “No. This is a family matter that doesn’t involve me, and all of you need time to adjust to the situation without me being around.” She squeezed his hand again. “Don’t worry. I’ll be close by if you need me.”
Quickly, she scampered towards the short hall before hurrying to the office. After closing the office door behind her, she meandered to the bookshelves laden with different literature. Reading the book spine, she selected a literary work titled: “Changing for Your Sake Alone”. “That sounds interesting enough,” she murmured, flipping through the first pages. “It’s good enough to serve its purpose while I wait.”
She sank down on the sofa and began reading. An hour later, she was still engrossed in the book. To her surprise, the book was inspiring in more than one regard.
Frowning, pausing in thought, she looked up from the page that she was reading.
The author made valid points.
Too often, people conform to what others want rather than going with what they wanted themselves. They were so busy trying to fit within a careful mold instead of stepping out of the box and claiming something real.
Why did those very words speak to her?
Was that what she’d been doing for the past six months? Certainly, there were some hard truths that she didn’t want to face herself.
There was a sudden knock at the door.
She looked up just as Richard pushed the door half open, and from the strained look on his face, it was apparent that his newly discovered brother had tagged along.
Standing, she tried to peer past him.
His brother was obviously timid, she determined. Because he was staying out of way and not in view yet…But, could you really blame the guy, she mulled, tugging on the hem of the denim cotton dress. It couldn’t be easy dealing with the fact that you’d been duped your whole life, and then suddenly, you acquire an entire clan.
“Hayven,” Richard murmured, and the smile didn’t quite reach his eyes. Then, he pushed the door open fully. “I’d like for you to meet my brother, Christopher Alexander.”
She surged forward with a smile just as his brother stepped into view. Her cordial greeting died on her lips, and she prayed to God that her shock didn’t show.
There he was.
Sin itself…
Christopher…
In the flesh…
As handsome, intense, and mesmerizing as before, her forbidden lover towered behind her fiancé in the hallway.
The very man who was the cause of her physical, emotional, and mental distress…
She seized a broken breath.
In her wildest dreams and imagination, she could’ve never properly conjured this very moment or the rippling effect that it’d have on her.
By at least two inches, he exceeded his sibling’s stature, and over his brother’s head, Christopher watched her with a probing intensity. But, like her, he was taken aback, and his hazel green eyes clung to hers across the room.
Suddenly, the air in the room changed.
In waves, the electrical charges of chemistry exuded between them, and the tortured gazes mirrored their mutual acknowledgement.
Like she had a million times before, she began drowning. The explosive chemistry was even more potent than before. Again, she was swamped with a deep need that was too difficult to contain.
She still wanted him.
Dear God, that very truth would destroy them.
Chapter 22
Richard crossed the office quickly and joined her side. Then, clasping her hand, he began making introductions. “Come on in, Christopher. I’d like for you to meet my fiancée, Hayven Grace.”
She stood dead still.
As much as she wanted, she couldn’t look away from him. Dressed impeccably in a dark business suit and tie, he was drop dead gorgeous. The dark scruff lined his jaw bone, and his mustache was carefully trimmed. His natural black curls were cut in an edgy style, perfectly layered and barbered.
Her heartbeat thudded out of control.
She felt the rising.
The raging firestorm of feelings that she’d suppressed for months on end…there was no fleeing the vicious reckoning…
For a scant second, as their gazes held, she sensed his distress. But, he was a master of disguise, she realized as he eyed her coolly. Still, though, she’d caught sight of his true feelings.
His features were carefully controlled as he entered the office. Then, he strode across the room in his usual sexy gait. “Ms. Grace,” he muttered with a tight smile before grasping her free hand. Then, he slowly raised it to his lips. “It’s a pleasure to meet you.”
She barely managed to suppress the soft gasp as his lips met her flesh. But, the gentle kiss was a knowing one and lacked any innocence. In a rush, the sensations flowed through her system and instantly invigorated the pinpoints that’d been lying dormant for the past six months. But, with a simple touch from him, they awakened.
It seemed that his lips lingered against her skin for a millisecond too long, just long enough to remind her that she was his.
Within them, she sensed a challenge.
Dare she take the bait?
To her relief and disappointment, he straightened and released his not so innocent hold on her hand, leaving her to suffer within her own folly. “It’s nice to meet you, too,” she stammered, fighting to breathe normally. “Mr. Alexander.”
At the mention of his surname, a dangerous gleam shone in his eyes, and his sexy half-grin slaughtered her resolve. “There’s no need for such a formality, Ms. Grace. Please, call me Christopher.” His hazel green eyes challenged her again. “I hope that I’m not overstepping my boundaries. But, which do you prefer…Hayven…Ms. Grace…?”
Oh, there it was again…
The carefully revealed challenge…
Did she have the strength to acknowledge it? Better yet, accept it?
No, her mind raced.
Now, wasn’t the time!
Not at least until they had time to really talk and sort out the suddenly messy situation!
She tilted her chin stubbornly. “Hayven will do. I respond to both, however.”
He moved back slightly, and she missed the point of contact immediately. “Hayven, it shall be, then.” He lifted a brow. “That is, if it’s okay with you?”
She nodded weakly. “That’ll be fine.”
“Why don’t we all have a seat?” Richard suggested, grasping her elbow. “We can take this opportunity to become acquainted.”
The guilt surged through her.
She’d forgotten that he was even there!
What was wrong with her?
Richard was her fiancé!
But, why was she standing her fawning over his brother? Before she could ponder that point any further, Richard led her towards the sofa and pulled her down beside him.
Carefully, she tugged on the dress, pulling the hemline over her knees. But, her subtle movement didn’t go unnoticed, she realized, swallowing hard, She felt the heat of his stare as he took the armchair across from them.
“So, you’re from the Atlanta area, you say?” Richard probed with interest, eyeing his half-brother across the short space. “What part actually?”
“Hampton Cove,” he said easily, leaning back in the chair. “And actually, it’s not in the metropolitan area and is located about 100 miles out.”
“Never heard of it. But, considering that I serve a large clientele in Atlanta, I’m stunned that I don’t.” Richard frowned thoughtfully. “You mentioned that you have your own business. What kind of business are you in?”
She stiffened on the sofa.
Now how was he going to answer that?
Even she was interested in this response.
“The hotel industry. Willington properties are built, owned, and managed by us.” He tightened his jaw, and it seemed hard for him to get the following words out. “It’s been my family’s business venture for years.”
Her heart skipped.
She was further intrigued by his words.
Had he really left Club Illusions?
And how, in such a short amount of time, did he suddenly have so much money, wealth, and power?
“Impressive,” Richard said lowly, offering the first real compliment of the night. “I’m sure that your hands are more than tied managing such a huge conglomerate. Your hotel line runs internationally, doesn’t it?”
Christopher nodded. “Yes, it does. Fortunately, I have the right people working alongside me…”
Hotel magnate, she mulled, and her thoughts strayed from their ongoing conversation. At what point, had he stopped being an escort? Had it happened once she’d left? If she’d demanded answers about the racy photos of him and woman instead of fleeing, would they have stood a chance?
She fought not to stare.
But, how could she not?
For how many days and nights had she been so wrapped up in him that he was the only thing that she breathed in?
His hands---they’d stroked her body until she ached all over and pleaded for redemption from the sinful feelings and scandalous response that they invoked. And sweet lover of goodness, his mouth…hadn’t it hurled her headfast into a sensual heaven on many occasions? So much so, that she’d sobbed from the pure selfish beauty of it?
Her scattered thoughts caught up with their words again, and she forced herself to look at anything and everything but him.
“…we’ve built quite the reputation,” Christopher added casually as if he and his half-brother had been confidantes for years. “We strive to provide our clientele with the most satisfactory experience as possible.”
Smiling, Richard appeared relaxed. “The five-star reviews say that much,” Richard noted with deep interest. “It’s solid evidence of your company’s commitment to high quality service…”
Helplessly, her gaze was drawn to him again.
He was dangerously handsome.
Literally and figuratively, he stole her breath.
But, that was hardly anything new, she thought, sliding her eyes over him slowly.
Except…
He exuded more self-confidence than before. It was evident in his posture and stature. Even his style of language seemed changed. Before, when speaking, he’d drop the F-bomb as if he were heavily embroiled in WWIII verbal combat. But, now, his vocabulary was more polished and extensive.
In short, he was acting the part of a distinguished gentleman rather than a rebellious rogue. But, still though, she mulled, biting her lip in concentration, and watched his lips move as he talked.
That thrilling wildness…
The dangerous and virile energy…
It seethed at the very edges of the image he sought to portray. The very part of him that wouldn’t be tamed…nor should it ever be, she thought breathlessly.
As her gaze moved from his chest and back to his face again, his gaze clashed with hers. In his eyes, she saw his own confliction.
Her heart skipped a beat.
Face warming, she looked away.
But, the troubling thought lingered.
What would happen now?
***
The entire universe was spinning off its axis.
He was convinced of it.
The very instance he’d caught sight of her, his world had stopped spinning and went still. It’d taken every ounce of strength he’d had to walk in and pretend that she meant nothing.
Hell, she meant everything.
With all the jacked-up songs that played on the radio about losing your breath and breathing in someone else…
The very moment he’d met her, he’d been living out every pain-staking lyric to the final note. Upon seeing her, the high notes had reached the crest of a high crescendo.
As he’d crossed the room, his every step had brought him physically closer to her. But, at the same time, it’d placed her farther out of his reach.
How could it not, he mulled, sliding a quick glance over his half-brother. Though they knew little to nothing about each other, he and this man shared the same blood. Certainly, he was hardly a saint. But, going after your brother’s woman, truly made you an unscrupulous cad. But, damn. How could he walk away from her? Did he even have the strength?
As Richard droned on, he struggled to be a willing participant in the conversation. But, the ravishing dark-haired beauty beside him was making it practically impossible.
He passed a subtle glance over her.
Damn, she was achingly beautiful.
No, make that hauntingly beautiful, he quickly decided. For how many days and nights had she walked his dreams only to disappear in a flourish?
Somewhere, at the back of his mind, he heard his brother’s words and responded with a polite nod or so.
But, his visual sphere…it was all on her.
As always, she represented a beautiful palette.
The cotton denim dress clung to her every curve, and the shade of blue was the perfect complement against her skin. Her thick black tresses we
re perfectly coiffed in a bun at her nape while a few soft tendrils curled elegantly alongside her face. A rosy red tint covered her full lips, and it was the only makeup that she wore.
That was more than fine.
She’d always been a natural beauty.
But, her eyes…sweet heaven…they were the window to her very soul.
They clung to his.
A million questions swirled within them.
Yet, there was one simple truth.
She, too, was lost.
He caught back up with his brother’s words with a guilty start.
“…and part of the success can be likened to making the right connections, true?” Richard probed with another thoughtful look. “Not that you even need it, and I’m sure that you’re legally represented by the best attorneys. Still, I’d like to offer my services at any time that you need them.”
“I appreciate the offer.”
“Also, I want to be truthful,” Richard suggested and leaned forward on the sofa. “When I first learned of your existence, forgive my language, but I was mad as hell. Focusing on Dad’s heart condition was my utmost concern. The poor man’s got enough to worry about as it is.” He sighed before eyeing him across the short space. “But, the fact is you’re his son. You’re my half-brother. I’m willing to meet you halfway and see what kind of brotherly relationship we can fashion out of this.”
He kept his expression impassive. “I’m willing to do the same.”
But, there was one huge elephant in the room, and it was destined to trample over whatever fragile relationship that bloomed.
Namely, the lovely and timid Hayven Grace who sat so primly beside him, and pretended that she anything, but the vibrant woman that she truly was…
Suddenly, Richard’s cell phone shrilled. “Sorry, I have to take this,” Richard said apologetically and stood. “Excuse me for a brief moment.”
His nod was swift. “Of course.”
An uncomfortable silence hummed as he left the office, leaving them alone to suffer within the rising tension. Finally, he broke through it. “We need to talk,” he said stiffly, eyeing her closely, and fought to seem unperturbed. “But, not here.”
Reign on Me Page 27
