Dirty Little Secrets: A Stepbrother Romance

by Landish, Lauren

  I was halfway toward it when a horn beeped behind me, and Sydney waved from a car that was pulling into the driveway. I squinted, pretending not to see who it was, and he beeped again. Playing dumb, I looked around like I was blocking his path, and stepped back and out of the way, across the lot from him. I wanted him out of his car, and whoever might be in there from being able to intervene. It was a ploy, but one that I hoped would be effective.

  Thankfully, it worked. “Get over here, you dumb bitch,” Syd said, opening his door and getting halfway out. “Jesus, you are as stupid as you are hot.”

  Things went tremendously fast then. Three men, clear bikers from their clothing, stepped out of the bushes and the area surrounding Sydney’s car. Two of them were carrying pistols while another racked a pump-action shotgun. “Hello, Syd.”

  Sydney looked around and recognized the weapons pointed at him, if not the men. He turned to me and growled. “Really?”

  I nodded. “Really. Have fun in jail, Sydney.”

  Two of the men, the one with the shotgun and the pistol toter closest to Sydney, pulled him out of his car and dragged him off. The other pistol toter climbed into the still-running Honda and closed the door, driving off. Less than fifteen seconds had passed, and I turned around, heading back toward the mall before someone from the motel office could step out.

  As I did, I felt a great weight lift off my shoulders. With that weight lightening, I started to walk faster, then faster.

  Eventually, when I saw Kade walking toward me, I began to run.

  * * *

  The skies were overcast, a rarity for California at that time of the year. Being a relatively famous man, Derek Prescott’s interning had drawn quite a crowd, from lawyers at his firm to community groups that he’d worked with to even some media, who were covering the last chapter of a very dramatic death.

  Kade was finally starting to show some real emotion, and it was nice to see. He’d shown some here and there, but now he was really letting it all out as the reality sank in. I think he’d held most of his grief in until the whole Syd situation was taken care of. But I didn’t say a word, I just held his hand and stood by his side.

  Derek’s will had requested that he be cremated, which had been done while Kade was still in the hospital. The cause of death had been a massive heart attack, but in a note that had eased my mind, the report said that the attack had begun even before Derek had taken the podium. That he had dropped at the particular moment he did was just pure chance.

  Still, I could feel hundreds of eyes on me and Kade as we stood next to each other in our black suits, our eyes hidden behind sunglasses. Mom wore black as well, with a veil over her face instead of sunglasses, next to me. When I reached over at one point at the graveside to hold her hand, she took it, squeezing tightly as the minister continued on.

  When the service was over, we went to the ocean, putting Derek’s ashes into a small radio-controlled boat. Layla passed the controls to Kade, who sent the boat out into the ocean. With a full charge of its battery and specially designed system that would keep the craft going in a straight line after it lost contact with the radio controller, it would be three to four miles out into the Pacific before it sank.

  “Thank you for coming,” Mom said as we walked away. I struggled in the loose sand with my high heels, but sandals would have been inappropriate for the occasion. “So how long are you staying?”

  “We’re going back to Portland tomorrow,” Kade said. “Layla, thank you for having us.”

  “It was the right thing to do. He’s your father, and you two were always close,” Mom said. “I was wrong, and I’m glad you forgave me for that.”

  “Thank you for forgiving our deception, and for accepting Kade and me,” I said, giving Mom’s hand another squeeze. “Are you going to be okay?”

  Mom nodded. “I guess. I don’t think I’ll be keeping the Laguna house though. It’s just too big and has too many memories. I still can’t go into my bedroom without crying. I’ve been sleeping in the living room on the couch most of the time.”

  “So what are you going to do?” Kade asked. “Stay in California?”

  Mom shrugged. “Maybe. I still have a lot of friends around here, and I’m too damn young to retire to Florida or Arizona.”

  “What about coming up to Portland?” I asked. “You’d have family, and it’d be nice to get to spoil my little sibling.”

  Mom smiled, then shook her head. “No, Oregon isn’t for me either. But I do promise Alix, I’ll visit, and I hope you two will do the same.”

  Chapter 31

  Kade

  “Hey Kade? It’s time.”

  I looked up from between my knees, where my hands had been dangling. Vince was standing in the doorway, his tuxedo fitting him well. I checked my cuffs one last time and stood up, taking a deep breath. “I have no idea why I’m so damn nervous.”

  “I do,” Vince replied, with a smile. “Let’s face it, you’re worried about fucking it up.”

  I laughed and shrugged. “Maybe,” I said, looking as Vince shifted and reached down, adjusting himself. “Vince, are you really wearing that thing today?”

  “Rita didn’t tell me to take it off,” Vince explained simply with a small grin. “And despite you paying my paychecks, she outranks you in certain areas.”

  “I should have said something to her. She’s just that kind of woman,” I said, then laughed. “Which is probably why you love her. So did you ask her?”

  “At the reception,” Vince said. “I’ve just got to make sure I give you the right ring for your part. Right pocket Kade, left pocket Rita.”

  “Good man,” I said. “So you’ll be able to handle the office while we’re gone?”

  “Of course,” Vince said. “Rita is amazing, even better than Monica was. She even keeps the new secretary in line with barely a glance.”

  I laughed and shook my head. “I need to ask Rita, because we both know she’s going to be the boss for the next three weeks. Just promise me one thing. No whips in the office.”

  “Don’t worry, boss. Rita will obey your orders, you know that.”

  We left the small waiting room in the back of the church and headed toward the front. Just as we reached the double doors to the sanctuary, Rita came running around the corner in her bridesmaid dress. “Kade!”

  “Slow down, Rita,” I said, catching her before she could slip and fall. “What’s wrong?”

  Rita’s grin reassured me as she shook her head. “Nothing. Just . . . Alix asked me to give this to you.”

  The envelope was on the church’s stationery, and I wondered what it was. “This couldn’t wait until afterwards?”

  “No, sir. She said that I had to deliver it to you before you went into the sanctuary.”

  I nodded and gave Rita a quick squeeze and kiss on the top of her head before glancing at Vince. He shrugged and I unfolded the flap, looking at the single sheet inside. “You read this, Rita?”

  She shook her head. “No, I was there when she wrote it.”

  “So this isn’t a surprise to you.”

  She shook her head again and grinned. “Go on, Kade, open it. I promise, you’ll like it.”

  I couldn’t wait any longer, so I took out the single sheet of paper and unfolded it. In Alix’s clear, graceful hand was a short note.

  My dearest Kade, my Lord and soon to be husband,

  Before you go into the sanctuary, I wanted you to know that we’ve gotten a gift a bit earlier than I’d expected, but am no less happy for.

  It seems that I may have to delay going to college for another semester. I know that you and I were both excited about that, but I’m not going to be able to finish the first year.

  Kade, in addition to our little brother being born in the next few months, we’re going to have a new member of our family by the time the Fourth of July comes around.

  I’m pregnant.

  “Boss, what’s wrong?” Vince asked as I blinked, wiping at my eyes. “Se
riously, what’s wrong?”

  “I’m going to be a father,” I whispered, looking at Vince and then Rita. “Alix is pregnant.”

  Rita’s beaming grin and Vince’s nod of happiness gave me assurance, and Vince clapped me on the back. “Well then, Dad, let’s make sure this baby is started off right, with a loving mother and father that are properly married.”

  “Then we get to explain that his uncle, who’s less than a year older than him, is also his cousin,” Rita said with glee. “Can I do that job?”

  “Of course, Aunt Rita,” I said, smiling. “Vince is right. Rita, I’ll see you inside.”

  Vince and I went into the sanctuary, where the small gathering was already seated. While we’d only invited fifty people, it was a pretty high-profile society event, with three NBA players, an NFL pro-bowler, and one each from the WNBA, MLB, and NHL. And of course, more than holding her own, was Layla. “Hey, Mom,” I said, giving her a kiss on the cheek. “Have a read, you’ll love it.”

  Layla looked at the envelope and nodded, her belly swelling hugely underneath her dress. She was living in Sunnyvale, much closer to us than before, and had found herself a nice house in a gated community. We’d visited a few times, and she was moving on. At least, she wasn’t crying at night any more. “Thanks. Now go get married, okay?”

  I grinned and took my place at the front of the sanctuary, next to the altar. “Ready, son?” the minister asked. I nodded. “Then let’s begin.”

  The organ music started up, and the bridesmaids made their way in. First was Karla McDonald, who’d flown in from Australia especially for the event after making the cover of Vogue for the second time just the month before. She and Alix had patched up their friendship. I was glad she was there.

  Next was Rita as the maid of honor, her confident walk and demeanor causing heads to turn even away from the beautiful model that had preceded her.

  The organ music changed again, and the classic Wedding March started up. I watched in anticipation as Alix came into the doorway, resplendent in her white satin dress. The long train dragged from her waist, allowing her soft, glowing skin to show through the thin lace on the back. As Alix walked, she rubbed her tummy and smiled at me, and I couldn’t help but smile back.

  “My Lord, my Kade,” she whispered as she came up.

  “My Queen,” I answered, using the new name I’d told her about. “Ready?”

  Alix nodded and we both turned to the minister. The ceremony itself went like you’d expect, and to be honest I didn’t remember much of it. All I do remember, after the kiss, was stopping to hug Layla, who had heaved herself out of her seat to stand through the ceremony. She patted my cheek and kissed both of us.

  “Your father would be very proud,” she said. “Of both of you.”

  “I love you, Mom,” Alix said. “So much.”

  “I love you too, honey. And you, Kade.”

  I hugged Layla again and turned to Alix, who’d turned her head to say something to Rita. As she was turned, I saw the tattoo on her left shoulder blade, visible through the lace of her dress, that had become her trademark and her symbol.

  A white rose, rimmed in red. A symbol of royalty, a symbol of a queen.

  A Tudor Rose.

  My Tudor Rose.

  The End.

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  Lauren Landish Mailing List

  Bonus Book - Survival: A Military Stepbrother Romance

  By Lauren Landish

  “The only relief I had was that if I was going to die, I was going to die in your arms.”

  After a hectic month, I was at my wit’s end and in need of a change of scenery.

  With his irresistible smile and charm, my Army Ranger Stepbrother, Wes, convinces me to go backwoods camping with him to take my mind off of things. I don’t know why I agreed. After all, my idea of roughing it was a Holiday Inn that only changed the sheets every other day.

  But what was intended to be a getaway to clear my head turns out to be a series of events that lead Wes and me to discover our true feelings for one another and fight for our survival!

  **This is a standalone, full-length romance with a HEA and no cliffhangers!**

  * * *

  When Wesley finally relaxed, I realized that his eyes had never left mine. Our bond was deeper than ever, our relationship forever changed. Our lips found each other again, and this time our kiss was soft and tender, his hand coming up to stroke my hair and to cup my face. Wordlessly, he smiled and rolled to the side, keeping our bodies pressed together as he pulled me into his chest. He held me for a few long, silent minutes, and before I realized what was happening, tears began to form in my eyes.

  “What’s wrong, Robin?” Wes asked.

  “I’ve loved you for years, Wes,” I said as his eyes were still shimmering at me. “I just don’t think I realized it.”

  I’d realized my feelings for him ever since the crash, and my emotions were whirling inside me. I stroked his face, chuckling inside at the feeling of his day’s growth of beard. It wasn’t like he’d had time to shave, after all.

  Before he could respond, I added, “Wes, we both almost died yesterday. And the thought that went through my mind as we crashed was that my only regret was that I hadn’t loved you the way I know I do. The only relief I had was that if I was going to die, I was going to die in your arms. So when I woke up this morning and I felt you pressed against me, I wasn’t going to live in fear any longer. I realized that life is too short, and I don’t want to have any regrets.”

  Chapter 1

  Wes

  My pickup truck rumbled as it pulled into the half-mile long driveway that really should have been called a private road. Making its way slowly past the manicured bushes and trees of the multi-million dollar estate, the old truck looked out of place, like it belonged to the gardener or maybe a delivery man.

  When I pulled in front of the main entrance and shut down, I sat there silently for two minutes before getting out. I had dressed in blue jeans and a simple black t-shirt, my standard casual wear. The black really contrasted with my skin, and I may have looked too plain and out of place, but I was comfortable walking across the crushed granite driveway and up the marble steps to ring the doorbell. The tone echoed through the large building before being answered by the tapping sound of dress shoes walking toward the door. The door opened, and a door butler who wore the seemingly mandatory facial expression of all butlers stood there.

  “Master Wesley,” the butler said, a slight softening to his features coming over his face as he spoke. He had known me for years, and I think he kind of liked me. “You didn’t inform us of your arrival.”

  “My flight just got in two hours ago, Winston,” I said, “and I didn’t think it would be worth it to disturb Father or Rebekah.”

  “They are in the family room right now, sir,” Winston continued. “I think you will surprise them very much.”

  “With that doorbell? I doubt it.” I laughed, walking through the foyer. Mounting the stairs to the second level, I appreciated that the decor changed from staidly palatial to a warmer, more intimate style, rich with wood tones and softer materials. At the far end of the second floor was the room I was searching for, a family room that looked very out of place for such an expensive house. With a regular sofa, television, and even a Barcalounger, the room looked more like it came from a suburban tract house than an estate. “Hey guys.”

  “Wesley!” my stepmother, Rebekah Brandt, said, standing up to come hug me. “Why didn’t you tell us that you were coming home for a visit?”

  “Because I just got back two hours ago,” I explained again, returning the hug. “Besides, I thought I’d surprise you.”

  Releasing her and setting her back on her feet, I shook hands wi
th my father. It’s weird; it’s not like he’s distant or anything, but there’s something about him that says he’s not the sort of man to exchange hugs with. I’m the spitting image of Gerald Brandt. Both of us stand six foot four, and while the middle age spread has started to affect his waistline, Father is still lean for his age and sports a large frame. “Father, it’s great to see you. I missed you both.”

  “Welcome back, son,” he said. “Now kick off your shoes and have a seat on the sofa. Rebekah and I were just getting ready to watch something on Netflix. I already have the cheese and crackers ready, but Winston can get you something else if you want.”

  “No, I’m good,” I replied, sinking into the soft cushions. “I ate on the flight home.”

  “You look like you’ve lost weight, dear,” Rebekah commented as she arranged herself on the other end of the long couch. It was almost a ritual of hers. She always said that, no matter what. Wearing jeans and a sweater, she looked nothing at all like the noted surgeon and medical school instructor that she is. That’s kind of how she is, and I’ve seen her at work. In the hospital, she’s straight out of Central Casting, all tight figure, icy demeanor, and all business. At home, though, she’s a great stepmom, warm and friendly. “Didn’t the Eastern European food agree with you, Wesley?”

  I had to work hard not to roll my eyes. She always did worry about me too much. “Polish food is fine. I just picked up a bit of a bug the last week, and I didn’t feel like eating too often. Powered through on energy drinks and Vitamin C pills.”