Dangerous Beauty (O'Connor Brothers Book 4)

by Rhonda Brewer

  “True.” Emily moved into the kitchen and sat down on one of the stools.

  “I’m a firm believer that if people like that don’t get what they deserve in this lifetime, they will be in the next.” Marina put a steaming cup in front of Emily.

  “I don’t understand how people can be so cruel,” Emily immediately wanted to take the statement back. She’d been told about what Marina had gone through with her late husband’s twin brother. He’d killed her husband and taken his place. From what Emily knew the brother was abusive to Marina, and she’d left him thinking something had changed her husband.

  “I don’t either, but I wouldn't change anything I’ve gone through. It made me who I am, and I met the love of my life. You want to know something?” Marina rested her arms on the counter.

  “What?”

  “The O’Connor family are good people.” Marina smiled. “and I can say with confidence, the big lug standing in that doorway won’t let anything happen to you.” Marina glanced over Emily’s head and winked.

  Emily turned. Keith had his shoulder braced against the doorjamb, and his hands shoved into his front pockets. No matter what he wore, or what he was doing, he always took her breath away and made it easier to breathe at the same time.

  “Marina’s right. Nobody’s going to hurt you.” Keith said as he moved in front of her.

  “On that note, I’m gonna leave you two alone.” Marina winked again and left her alone with Keith.

  “I just couldn’t listen to what mom went through anymore.” Emily dropped her gaze to the floor.

  “I don’t blame you.” Keith put his finger under her chin. “Your mom is a very brave lady.”

  Keith didn’t need to tell her that because Emily had known that her whole life. It was her mother that gave her the advice to stand up to her father and stood by her when Emily made her career choice.

  “It just hurts to know that she went through this because of me.” Emily swallowed hard.

  “This is not on you, Princess.” Keith cupped her cheek. “He’s disturbed and who knows what made him snap.”

  “You think it’s the guy that my grandfathers paid off, don’t you?” Emily had got the impression Kurt believed it.

  “I do. We just need to find out who he is.” Keith wrapped his arms around her.

  When everyone had finally left, Emily felt guilty for feeling so relieved. Especially, since they were there to help her. She wasn’t used to being around such a large family. The only ones left were her parents and their ever-present shadow, Rex. Her mother was quiet, and her father was pacing.

  “Dad, will you please sit down.” Emily groaned.

  He turned and gazed at her mother. It was the first time that day she’d seen the bags under her father’s eyes. His usually bright gray eyes were dull and bloodshot.

  “I’m worried about you, dad. You don’t look well.” It was evident by the way her mother nodded her head that she felt the same way.

  “Don’t you worry about me. I'm all right.” He grumbled. “I wish I knew who the hell this fucking bastard was.”

  Her mother gasped, and Emily knew why. Her father never cursed. At least not that she’d ever heard. The situation was changing her dad and not in a good way.

  “Nel, watch your language please.” Her mother spoke with a soft but firm voice.

  “Sorry, honey.” He sat next to her and wrapped his arm around her.

  “I’m so sad you won’t be going to the ball, but I know it’s not safe for you.” Her mother’s eyes filled with tears. “I love having you there.”

  “I know, mom.” She wanted to tell her mother that she was going, but it was better that she didn’t. Keith would be the only one to know.

  Emily glanced out through the living room doorway. Keith was standing just outside talking quietly with Rex and someone else she couldn’t see, but the only one she was really studying was the man that had stolen her heart, and he didn’t even know.

  He glanced at her, and his sparkling blue eyes met hers. Her stomach did a flip flop but not in a good way. The look on Keith’s face told her that the person she couldn’t see didn’t bring good news.

  Now what?

  Chapter 20

  Just when Keith thought things were under control, someone had to pull the rug out from under him. He glanced into the living room and met Emily’s gaze. He hoped his concern wasn’t obvious, but something with the way her mouth dropped open said Emily was probably the one person that he couldn’t hide his emotions from.

  “So from what I could find out, Nelson Bradshaw doesn’t know his staff as well as he thinks.” Smash had his back braced against the wall, and spoke in hushed tones.

  “I’ve gotten a weird vibe from them since the first day I met them.” Rex rubbed his hand over his buzzed hair. “But Bradshaw trusts them. I’ve been keeping an eye on them when they are around, but I guess I should’ve been more diligent.”

  Keith turned away from Emily and glanced between the two men. One or both of the Becker brothers could be involved in all this, and it was possible that one of them could be the guy Emily’s aunt had run away with that day. They were the right age, but it was almost comical to think of one of them with long hair and riding a motorcycle. They appeared way too uptight to be such a rebel.

  “Just keep Emily’s parents safe. We’ll deal with these assholes.” Keith whispered.

  “I just don’t understand how them embezzling money, and all this shit with Mrs. Bradshaw have to do with each other,” Smash whispered.

  “Neither do I.” Keith sighed. “Smash you keep digging and check in with Sandy because I know she’s doing her own investigating.”

  “How the hell is she working with a new baby and three other kids?” Smash shook his head.

  “Have you met her?” Keith chuckled. “Besides, Sandy thinks the world of Emily, so she wants to help.”

  “Plus, she thinks she’s better than me.” Smash chuckled. “She is, but don’t tell her I said that.”

  “I think it’s time to head home, Rex,” Nelson called from the living room.

  “I’m ready whenever you are, sir.” Rex stepped around Keith and into the room.

  Smash left shortly after Rex and the Bradshaws. Keith found Emily on the couch with her head resting on the back and her eyes closed. Burlap was curled up on her lap. The cat seemed to have a calming effect on Emily as she scratched the kitten’s small head.

  “So what’s the bad news?” Emily sighed without opening her eyes.

  “Gas prices are up.” Keith sat next to her, and she opened her eyes.

  “Keith, I know something’s wrong.” She turned her head and gazed up into his eyes.

  “It’s nothing you’ve got to worry about.” Keith cupped her cheek.

  “Don’t do that.” Emily pushed his hand away. “Don’t keep things from me, Keith.”

  “I’m not keeping things from you, Princess.” Well, at least not something he was completely sure about.

  “Keith, when that wrinkle in between your eyes appears, you’re worried.” Emily ran her finger down his forehead and in between his eyes.

  “You’re way too observant.” Keith took her hand and kissed the tip of her finger.

  “Tell me, please.”

  “I don’t want you saying anything to your dad until we got enough proof and we tell Uncle Kurt.” When Emily nodded, he continued. “How well do you know your father’s employees?”

  “I know most of them but not well. I never worked with dad. Why?”

  “How long has Ken and Elliot Becker been working for him?” Keith knew, but he wondered if Emily did.

  “As long as I can remember. They are a little weird and to be honest, Ken gives me the creeps.” Emily shivered.

  “Why?”

  “Just the way he glares at Elaine and me. Although, with his squinty eyes, I’m not sure if it’s a glare or if he’s got gas.” Emily giggled.

  “Have you ever felt in danger with him?” Keith
asked.

  “What is with the Spanish Inquisition?” Emily lifted Burlap off her lap and put the kitten next to her. When she straddled his legs, she cupped his face in her hands. “What’s going on?”

  “Smash found some odd withdrawals from your father’s business accounts and amounts matching them deposited into a joint account the brothers have,” Keith explained.

  “They’re stealing from my dad?” Emily pulled her phone from her back pocket, and Keith snatched it out of her hand. “What are you doing? We’ve got to tell my dad.”

  “Em, first you can’t call your dad and just blurt that out. Smash is meeting with Uncle Kurt and Sandy to figure out what to do.” Keith tossed her phone on the couch next to them.

  “I guess that makes sense. I don’t feel so guilty now.” Emily sighed.

  “Guilty? Why would you feel guilty?”

  “About letting everyone think I’m not going to the Sweet Heart Ball,” Emily said.

  “You’re not.” Keith wasn’t letting her anywhere near that fundraiser. Especially, since the Beckers would be there.

  “Yeah, I am.” Emily laughed.

  “No, you’re not.”

  Emily jumped from his lap, so fast Keith didn’t know what happened. She started to pace back and forth in front of him with her hands fisted at her hips. Something told him if she were a cartoon there would be steam coming out of her ears. When she stopped in front of him again and turned to face him, he would never admit it, but he was a little scared of her.

  “I know you’re my security, and you were hired by my dad but don’t ever think you can tell me where I can or can’t go. I’m going to the ball because it’s for my little sister. I haven’t missed one since mom first started throwing them, and I’m not about to start now. Yes, I told everyone I wasn’t going because I wanted it to be a surprise when I show up.” Keith stood up because he suddenly felt minuscule next to the enraged woman.

  “Em, please,” Keith tried to take her hands, but she yanked them away.

  “No, Keith,” Emily poked her finger into his chest. “I’m going.”

  “I can’t let you do that.” He couldn’t take a chance with her life. It was his job to keep her safe.

  “Are you fucking kidding me? You can’t? Let me? I’m not sure what you think, but you don’t control me, Mr. O’Connor. I’m…” Her voice trailed off as she looked over his shoulder.

  “Sorry I didn’t mean to interrupt.” Keith turned around. Ben Murphy, otherwise known as Trunk stood in the doorway. He looked rather uncomfortable.

  “You’re not interrupting, as a matter of fact, you are just in time to take me to my parent's house.” Emily pushed by Keith and through the doorway and passed Truck.

  “Emily….” Keith growled, but without turning around, she flipped him the bird and disappeared from view.

  “Sorry, I just came by to let you know the construction crew will be starting on Emily’s shop tomorrow.” Truck said.

  “Thanks,” Keith sighed.

  “So, am I taking her to her parents.” Truck was obviously trying hard to keep the grin off his face.

  “No,” Keith grumbled.”

  “Yes,” Emily snapped as she appeared with a bag hung on her shoulder.

  “Emily, your father….” Keith began.

  “My father hired you to keep me safe because I wouldn’t go back to SummerBrook but guess what? Truck here is going to take me to SummerBrook where I’ll be safe.” Emily’s eyes were narrowed, and her face was red.

  “Why are you acting like a spoiled child?” Keith wanted to take the words back as soon as they were out. Especially when she stomped towards him and glared up at him.

  “Spoiled child? That’s how you see all the girls from SummerBrook, including me, isn’t it? Trust me I was never spoiled, and nobody ever tells me what to do. Including you.” Emily spun around and stomped out of the room. “Let’s go, Truck,” Emily called out right before Keith heard the slam of his front door.

  “What do you want me to do?” Truck asked.

  “I’ll take her to her parents, but I need you to follow me and stay with Rex. He’s there with Nelson, but I’ve got a feeling he’ll need backup with Emily there.”

  Truck nodded. Keith walked out of the room and grabbed his keys from the hook. When he walked outside Emily was on the deck facing away from him.

  “I was starting to think I’d have to walk.” Emily snapped as she stomped down the front steps. “I hope your boss didn’t give you a hard time.”

  It seemed the spitfire didn’t know it was Keith who’d walked out of the house.

  “I’m my own boss, Princess.” Keith bit his lip to keep from laughing when Emily stopped and spun around.

  “What the hell are you doing?” She spat when he held open the door of his jeep.

  “Driving you to your parent’s house.” Keith motioned with his hand towards the front seat.

  “Why can’t Truck take me?” Emily looked back at the house. Truck was propped against the post at the top of his deck. Keith could see the amusement on his friend’s face.

  “Because although I don’t tell you what to do, I am his boss and I’ve given him a job to do.” Keith motioned to the front seat again.

  “I’ll call a cab.” Emily slapped her pockets. It seemed in her huff she’d forgotten her phone was on the sofa and Keith had grabbed it when she’d stomped off on her tantrum.

  “Not gonna happen, Princess.” Keith held up her phone.

  “You’re such an ass.” Emily strode up to him, snatched her cell out of his hand and jumped into the front of the jeep.

  “So you keep saying.” Keith chuckled as he closed the door and waved to Truck.

  When he jumped into the front next to her, she pressed her body up against the door. She seemed not to want any of him touching her, and it cut him like a knife.

  Why was she so adamant about going to that fundraiser? Sure, it was in honor of her sister but was it worth her safety? He didn’t think so. He’d give her a day or so and she’d call him begging to get her out of SummerBrook. So, he’d drive her to SummerBrook and let her get her little tantrum out of her system. Until then he’d put all his energy into checking out what the Beckers had to do with all of this, and make sure Emily’s salon was repaired as soon as possible.

  That was going to piss her off too probably. If she knew he’d taken it upon himself to do the repairs she’d probably pop a blood vessel. He’d keep that news to himself until she was ready.

  “If you think by driving me you can change my mind you’ve got another thing coming.” Emily broke the silence about ten minutes outside of Hopedale.

  “Nope.” He checked his blind spot as he changed lanes so he could turn off to the ramp for SummerBrook.

  “I can help mom and Elaine get all the preparations done for the Ball.” He could feel her stare at him.

  “I guess you can.” Keith glanced through his rearview mirror to make sure he didn’t lose Truck.

  “I’m going,” Emily grumbled.

  “Whatever you say, Princess.” Keith turned onto the ramp leading to SummerBrook.

  Emily had been adamant about not staying in her hometown when he first met her. It took him being an overbearing ass to get her to return there.

  Emily sat back in the seat and crossed her arms over her chest. When he glanced at her, she was staring out the front window with a sexy pout on those full pink lips. His dick twitched. As he turned onto the private road leading to the Bradshaw estate, he pulled over into a clearing and waved Truck on ahead.

  “What are you doing?” Emily sat up scanning the tree lined road.

  Keith flicked off his seatbelt and slid closer to her. He cupped the back of her head and covered her mouth with his. For less than a second, she struggled against him, but as soon as he gently bit her bottom lip, she groaned into his mouth and threaded her fingers through his hair.

  His tongue danced with hers, and she had her hands fisted in his hair tugging
lightly. It had his cock hard and seeping. He released her seatbelt, lifted her onto his lap and cupped her round ass without breaking the kiss.

  It was a good thing they were on a private road. He’d pulled far enough off the path that even if someone did drive by they wouldn’t be able to see what was happening.

  With the way she was grinding against his cock, Emily didn’t seem to care where they were at that moment. Neither did he. Her hands slid down the front of his shirt and tugged at his belt buckle. The button of his jeans and zipper were quickly opened. When Emily wrapped her warm hand around his throbbing dick, he thought he’d come then and there.

  “Fuck, Em.” Keith groaned into her mouth.

  Emily slid off his lap and at first, he thought she was stopping things, but she knelt on the floor and motioned for him to move over to the passenger side. Keith didn’t hesitate and managed to pull his jeans down over his hips in the process.

  “You like when I do that?” Emily purred as she ran her tongue from the base of his cock to the tip. Keith couldn’t put words together but managed to groan.

  “And this?” Emily made a circle around the head and sucked it into her mouth for just a second.

  “Oh, Fuck. Yes.” Keith pushed his hips forward.

  “How about this?” Emily wrapped her lips around the top of his dick and slid her mouth half way down his length as her hand squeezed the base. Once. Twice and then she took him down her throat and pulled him out.

  “Jesus,” Keith roared, and she repeated her sweet torture again and again. He could feel that tingle in his balls and tried to pull away from her.

  “No,” Emily growled as she increased the speed of her lips and sucked harder.

  “Em, I want to come inside you.” Keith panted.

  “I want to taste you.” She stopped just long enough to say the words and continued to give him the most intense blowjob he’d ever experienced.

  “You don’t have to do this, baby,” Keith growled when her teeth lightly scraped against the tip.

  “Come for me,” Emily whispered. She flicked her tongue against his balls as she stroked him.

  “Em. Fuck. Don’t stop.” He gasped when her mouth covered the head of his cock again, and before he had a chance to warn her, he gripped the edge of the seat and roared. His seed spilled into her mouth, and he watched as she swallowed every last drop.