by Taras Ford
Portia wiped away a tear and swallowed her bitterness, knowing this would be a long five-hour flight.
“Morning,” Sydney whispered in Nolen’s ear, moving his hair from his brow. Nolen snored louder, completely lost in slumber. She smiled, wondering what her father would think of him.
Growing up in Beaufort, she hadn’t been allowed to date anyone outside of her church, and her father had never entertained the idea of her moving on with her life outside their family. Nolen would be a surprise to both of her parents.
Hearing a knock on the suite door, she glanced at the clock. It was six in the morning. She grabbed a robe from the bathroom and walked through the cool suite to the door. The fireplace was smoldering, and the wine bottle and glasses were still on the floor.
“Who is it?”
“Amy.”
Sydney opened the door to Michael’s wife. “Oh, hello.”
“Good morning,” she said. “I’m sorry to wake you so early.”
“Oh, no. Don’t worry about it. Please come in.”
Amy shook her head and passed her an armload of towels. “We never rent this suite since it’s on our private floor, and I had no time to prepare it. I just wanted to give you these towels.”
“That’s so nice of you. Thank you,” Sydney said, as she accepted the load. “How’s that precious baby of yours? Is she up and ready for her big day?”
“Yes. She’s a handful.”
“How many months?”
“Six.”
“Oh, I can’t wait to see her. I’ll bet she’s an angel.”
“Well, I’m planning to fix breakfast in our suite if you and Nolen would like to come. It should be ready in an hour.”
“We’d love to. I have to get him up first.” Sydney glanced over her shoulder toward the bedroom where her snoring man lay sprawled on the king-sized bed.
“See you in a few then, and welcome to Westmore,” Amy said.
“Thanks.” Sydney closed the door. An odd sense of mistrust clouded the warm feeling Amy tried to convey. The little impromptu visit had been staged for some reason. When she turned she became startled to find Nolen leaning in the doorway of the bedroom, naked. She nearly dropped the towels.
“Who was that?” he asked, rubbing his eyes, his hair disheveled at the crown of his head.
“Nolen!” Sydney snapped. “Put on some clothes. She could have seen you!” Nolen turned up his nose at her. “No, she couldn’t,” he said grumpily and headed back into the bedroom.
Sydney went to the bathroom to the front of the suite and dropped some towels on the rack. “That was Amy, your brother’s wife, and we’re invited to breakfast.” She didn’t hear a response, so she stepped inside the room. Hearing the water in the shower turn on, she opened the bathroom door with her free hand. Tempted by his silhouette behind the foggy glass doors, she placed a few towels on the shelf and removed her robe. Morning love would make him agreeable to breakfast.
The shower door opened outward with a soft press of the latch and she stepped in. He stood under the rain spout that dropped from the roof of the stall. Inwardly she grimaced. Explaining to Nolen why she didn’t like wetting her hair in the shower after a good styling had always fallen on deaf ears. With a shower like this one it would be impossible to avoid it.
He continued to rub hotel shampoo through his wet hair. The muscles in his back and shoulders flexed as he scrubbed. She let her gaze travel down his golden, tanned body to his muscled Viking thighs where tiny black hairs lay silkily flat from the stream of water.
Nolen looked over his shoulder at her and smiled sexily with lather in his left eye. Standing under the circular showerhead in the large two-person shower, he rinsed his hair and swept it back. Droplets of water coursed down his chest, inviting her to touch him. He extended his hand for her to come closer, and he pulled her against his chest and turned her so that the warm water ran down her back.
Sydney closed her eyes. She tilted her head back to let the water flow across her face and neck. This always turned him on, seeing her wet. He responded as she expected. Dipping his face to run his lips over her skin softly while his hand slid down her back to her behind, he pulled her into a much-anticipated kiss as the water fell over their heads and shoulders. She gripped his wet hair and kissed him back, her heart racing from the morning taste of him. Nolen gently pushed her against the shower wall, trailing his kisses to her nipple, flicking his tongue at it as he squeezed and massaged the other breast. She yanked his hair and forced his head back, causing him to release the seal he made around her nipple. She brought his face up to hers once more, and hooked her left thigh around his so he could maneuver between her legs and take her.
The warm mist rising from the pooling heated waters at their feet swirled around them, and her hair, now heavy and wet, clung to her face. It forced her eyes shut. Feeling her feet leave the watery shower floor as he pushed her up against the tiled wall, she panted and wrapped her legs securely around his waist. Sydney put her arms around his neck, shaking her head from side to side as his tongue traveled across her collarbone and down to her breast. He sought her nipple once more. He sucked so hard she winced from the sweet pain, and then relaxed as he teased the tender tightness with his tongue.
The quick pump action of his cock had her channel adjusting and stretching to accommodate his invading thickness. A continual rotation of his hips with her pinned up high against the wall was quite a thrill.
She hit her head but continued to moan and whimper with pleasurable acceptance. Nolen’s loving of her body went on relentlessly in his lovemaking. He pumped his cock into her over and over until he exhausted them both, and she cried out from an unanticipated orgasm.
“Now, are you in a better mood?” she asked through deep intakes of breath.
“Much better, love, thank you.”
Breakfast with Michael and Amy had been pleasant. Afterward Sydney’s attention focused on his niece.
Nolen noticed how the baby grinned a toothless smile and drooled for her. She could possibly make a good mother. Better than the one he had. But he would suck at being a father. He knew it just as he knew he’d do the impossible and give her a kid if it meant she’d stay with him always. Maybe a child with her would make him different, less resentful of the world, of the rich. Maybe not.
“You spoke to Mom lately?” Michael asked.
“You know I haven’t,” he said coolly.
“She can’t make it. Bernard is sick. But you know they aren’t far from here. Maybe you could stop by and see her before you leave.”
Sydney asked if she could change Paige, and Amy led her away to the baby’s room. The little redheaded darling cooed and kicked her chubby legs at Sydney, warming his girlfriend’s heart.
“I need you to know I might have some trouble coming my way.”
“What kind of trouble?”
“Doesn’t matter. It’ll be in the papers and news. When it breaks you might get some unwanted press. I’m working to keep it contained.”
“Jesus Christ man, what did you do now?”
Nolen shot him a glare. Michael rose from the table and went to the sink. He threw his mug in. Nolen lowered his gaze shaking his head in frustration.
“Listen, I love you man, but you don’t make that easy. You say you aren’t like him but trouble follows you just like it did him. When does it end?”
“What the hell do you know about it? You never had to deal with him, you were just a kid.”
“And so were you. I know what he put you through, I wish it hadn’t happened.”
“It did. Fuck it. My problems have never been your problems, that was decided at birth.” Nolen’s gaze lifted coolly. “My success however? Well look at what we have here? Looks like my money has provided nicely for you and Mom.”
Michael wiped his hand down his face. “Yes. Yes! You give us money. But that’s it, nothing more. I know Mom made things tough for you after our father died, after she remarried. I know you put u
p with a lot of shit.
And I know what Marilynn and the Claytons did to you was royally fucked up. But what about Bernard Adams? Huh? He was like a father to you. He changed our lives. He loves you Nolen and you won’t even pick up the phone and call the man. Hell you have his name. He treats you like a son.”
“I’m not his son.” Nolen said coolly.
“Your choice! Your choice! That’s what makes this so frustrating Nolen. You’re a brilliant businessman.
Hell you did it all on your own. Why do something illegal, when you don’t have to?”
“Who said I’m guilty?”
Michael sighed. He threw up his hands. “Fine, same shit with you man. Whatever.” Nolen picked up his coffee and sipped. Michael stormed out of the dining room. Alone now he closed his eyes. He made a mistake coming back. He should take Sydney and leave.
Amy passed her a diaper and wipes. Baby Paige kicked her chubby legs and gurgled up at her. Sydney puckered and kissed at her. She was so adorable.
“So how did you meet Michael’s brother?” Amy asked.
“Oh, he saw me dance.”
Amy snickered. “You’re a stripper?”
Sydney frowned, her hand frozen in the air with the wipe. “No, I’m a dancer, a professional dancer. You know, Broadway? Ballet?”
Amy blushed. “Sorry. I apologize.”
“No problem.” But the remark hurt a little. She wasn’t oblivious to the tension at the breakfast table, or the way Amy stared at her when she thought she didn’t see her.
“So are you two serious?” Amy asked, recovering quickly.
“Yes, we are. What is it you really want to know?”
“I beg your pardon?”
“I get the feeling that you want to ask me a question,” Sydney fastened little Paige’s diaper and rubbed her fat tummy. “Or is there something you want to say?”
Amy swallowed. “Actually, yes. Marilynn’s my best friend.”
Sydney stopped trying to get Paige to smile and looked at Amy. They stared at each other for several moments before she spoke. “Who’s Marilynn?"
“He didn't tell you? His ex-fiancée.”
“I see.”
Amy nodded. “You'll meet her.”
Sydney picked up the baby. “I can't wait.”
“I hope I didn't upset you,” Amy said.
“No, of course not.”
“Do you know what he did to her life? What kind of heartache he inflicted on her family?” Sydney had no idea what she was talking about. But she didn't want Amy to know that. She handed her the baby. “I respect that you care for your friend, but my relationship with your brother-in-law has nothing to do with your friendship with the woman who hurt him.”
“I only meant—”
“I don’t want to discuss Marilynn with you, because I don’t care about her troubles or her happiness.
Nolen’s happiness is the only thing I care to protect.”
Amy patted her baby’s back and stared. “She’ll be at the christening.”
“Great! I look forward to meeting her.” She walked out of the room, hiding her agitation behind a smile.
The service at Westmore Presbyterian Church couldn’t have been lovelier. Sydney, however, felt an overwhelming sadness. She hadn’t set foot in a church since she left home. She walked down the magenta-carpeted aisle to the front pew, her heart raced with trepidation. She kept expecting to see her father. Nolen looked over at her, he must have sensed her discomfort. She squeezed his hand tightly.
“You ok, babe?” he asked.
She smiled and sat on the pew. “Yes, I’m fine.”
Since they were seated up front, Sydney didn’t get a good view of Marilynn and her family, but she knew that they were among the crowd of people who quickly filled the church. The minister gave a brief sermon before calling the parents and godparents to stand beside him at the baptismal fountain. Nolen stepped forward, along with Michael and Amy. Then came a very pretty brunette up the aisle. Her hair, fashioned in a long bob, blew lightly away from her delicate features as she walked.
The woman glanced in the direction in which Sydney sat, then away before she stepped over to stand beside Amy. Next to his brother, Nolen fixed his eyes on her, and Sydney tried to read his face, but he showed neither hatred nor recognition as he continued to stare. Marilynn looked into his eyes and smiled nervously, then returned her attention to the baby in her long christening robe.
Paige was placed into Nolen’s arms by his brother, and Marilynn removed the baby’s little bonnet as the minister dipped his fingers and made the sign of the cross on her forehead, advising the godparents of their responsibilities to the child and their shared commitment. Marilynn placed her hand on Nolen’s back and smiled at him, causing Sydney to narrow her eyes on her. Sydney didn’t like the sheepish glances Marilynn gave Nolen several times. He kept his eyes on the minister while he listened intently.
Once it was over, the congregation followed Michael and Amy to the large parish hall in the basement.
Sydney thought the reception would be held at the resort. She didn’t mind, but she wanted to get back and ski before they returned to New York.
“You were just great, baby,” she said, kissing his cheek.
“I couldn’t believe Michael wanted me to stand up for her.”
“Why? You’re the perfect choice.”
“Well, we haven’t been that brotherly.”
For them to not be close they seemed to have some love between each other. She noticed how Michael made sure to mention him when others asked about his mother and father. She noticed how Nolen kidded with him on a few occasions and a light of happiness flickered in his eyes. The moments were fleeting, but Sydney had witnessed enough to believe in the brotherly bond between the men.
Nolen introduced her to several people, and she smiled, making polite conversation. To her left, she saw Marilynn and Amy staring at her. A cute little boy who looked to be about seven ran up to Marilynn. She smiled and ran her hands through his hair. Sydney glanced back at Nolen, whose face was turning pale as he stared at the kid.
She rubbed his back supportively, she smiled. He returned her smile. “Who is that boy to you, Nolen?” Sydney asked softly.
“Nobody,” he said.
A middle-aged man with cool gray eyes approached Nolen and asked for a word. Nolen introduced him as Todd’s father, Marshall Ellison. Sydney shook his hand, but he looked at her coldly and said nothing.
“This will only take a minute,” Nolen reassured her before he walked off with his cold companion. The women’s eyes trailed her. Sydney walked over boldly. They seemed a little surprised that she would approach them, and their confident smirks faded.
“Amy, it was a beautiful service,” Sydney said.
“Thank you, Sydney. This is Marilynn Clayton.”
Marilynn extended her hand. “Hello, Sydney.”
“Marilynn, nice to meet you.”
“Is it?” Marilynn asked, laughing softly and looking sideways at Amy.
“I’m sorry. Did something I say amuse you?” Sydney asked, letting go of Marilynn’s hand.
“It’s nothing. I just assumed that Nolen had told horror stories about me.” Sydney looked at her appraisingly. “Actually, he’s barely mentioned you.” Marilynn’s smile faded. “I find that hard to believe.”
“I wonder where Claire is with those crab cakes. I’m famished!” Amy said.
Sydney ran her hands down the side of her skirt. She addressed Marilynn. “Well, you shouldn’t. Nolen is wonderfully passionate, but he’s also a very busy man. He rarely dwells on things or people who don’t matter.” Marilynn narrowed her eyes. “May I speak with you alone?”
Sydney shrugged. “Sure.”
She followed Marilynn to the restroom. Marilynn washed her hands. Sydney stared at her reflection in the mirror, and their eyes met.
“I know Nolen has convinced you that I’m some monster who set out to destroy him,” Marilynn said.
Sydney wanted to be confident, and unfazed. She grew increasingly angry at Nolen for not mentioning this woman. Did her son belong to him? Could someone clue her in to the big secret past no one spoke of.
“I don’t know you.” Sydney said.
Marilynn turned off the faucet and dried her hands. “Do you know how he deals with heartache, Sydney?” she asked, she dried her hands.
“No, can’t say that I do,” Sydney answered.
“Well, you need to learn. Because the love, the passion that burns so intensely for you, can turn on a dime into a relentless hatred. That’s the danger in betraying Nolen Adams. I barely survived his attack on my marriage and family.”
“Attack?” Sydney asked, frowning.
“Nolen returned to Westmore two years ago. He never stayed in contact with his family for long, but this time he made a considerable effort. And then his true interests were revealed. He fought with my husband over a land deal that tied up all of our finances. Once he’d won that battle, he waged a private war that crushed the Claytons’ hold on this town, destroyed a family legacy that goes back one hundred years. My father in-law had a stroke, and my mother in-law, who suffered from Parkinson’s disease, lost all touch with reality. Eventually we had to put her in a health care facility. My husband suffered terrible bouts of depression, and worst of all, we had to raise my son in the midst of it all.”
“Why are you telling me this?”
“Because he comes in here, happily parading you around, and I have to look at all that my child has lost because of his jealous vendetta!”
“Why is your child part of this? Is he Nolen's?”
Marilynn’s eyes stretched. “What? He never told you, did he?”
“Told me what?”
Marilynn’s eyes filled with tears, and her face reddened into a deep blush. Then, out of nowhere, she flashed a patient smile. “It’s ok. You don’t have to believe me, Sydney. Love him with all your heart. Try to fix what his wacky father did to him, and convince him that your love is enough. Then one day, you’ll discover his cruel, selfish side, and when you try to turn away from him, be prepared to suffer like you’ve never suffered before.” She pushed past Sydney to leave, and Sydney grabbed her arm to stop her.
