Men of Steel (Book 1)

by Fields, MJ

  “Shit,” she heard Troy say in the background.

  “I love you more,” Emma said.

  “We love each other more Mom,” London’s voice sang.

  “Okay have fun, call me later,” Emma felt tears, she ran harder as the tears fell.

  Come on she is having fun she thought. Emma rounded a corner and ran right into a man. She was knocked flat on her back. He knelt down on the grass next to her and helped her sit up. She couldn’t breathe; the wind was knocked out of her. Being unable to take a breath made the tears slow down.

  “I am so sorry,” he said noticing her tears. “Are you alright?”

  Emma caught her breath and wiped her face and laughed nice accent she thought, “I am fine. Sorry I wasn’t paying attention,” Emma saw his face; she was looking at the hottest man she had ever seen. His lips were full, teeth perfect, his jaw strong, and his hair looked like he had just rolled out of bed and definitely not after sleeping.

  “Alright,” he said uncomfortable as he picked up his hat and pulled it down over his head, “You know who I am, that is why you’re laughing.”

  “Nope,” she said, “I am laughing because I didn’t expect the accent, and more so because I am on my butt in Central Park and no one seems to notice.”

  Brody liked her eyes and smile. He was unsure whether or not to trust that she was being honest. But something in her eyes was calming and made him feel better than he had in weeks, “So you don’t know me from TV, magazines, or newspapers?”

  “Let’s see… if you are not on Disney or Nickelodeon I don’t have a clue,” Emma wiped her dirty hands on her shirt.

  He smiled with relief and amusement as he offered his hand to help her up and she took it, “Thanks, so who are you?” she asked.

  He grinned, “You’ll figure it out someday,” and ran off. Damn I hope so he thought.

  ~

  Emma ran back to her hotel and took a shower. She checked out of the hotel to drive to Lila’s building. She pulled out of the parking garage, and she checked out the yellow lined paper she had scribbled the directions on. Her GPS had become her arch rival, she was self admittedly technologically challenged.

  Emma took the elevator to the tenth floor of the beautiful tall building and used the key that Lila had left for her with the doorman to let herself in.

  There was a note on the counter.

  Emma,

  I will be at work until about seven. Make yourself at home. Then we are going out, you should meet me at The Spotted Pig 314 West 11th street, we can have drinks. Take a cab.

  See you at eight,

  Lila

  Emma looked at her phone it was only one in the afternoon. She had seven hours to spend alone, a very unwelcome seven hours. This isn’t a good idea, if I were home at least I could clean or something she thought. She preferred anything to being left alone to think about what had happened over the past year.

  ~

  Emma walked in to the bar and saw Lila. She smiled and hugged her. “You look extraordinary,” Lila said and hugged her, “Have a seat.”

  Emma took a deep breath and sat down at the table. She met some of Lila’s clients; she really didn’t know them but enjoyed the adult conversation. She excused herself and went to the bathroom secretly willing her phone to ring.

  As she washed her hands it rang. “Hi Mommy, I am going to bed now. I had fun,” London said with a smile in her voice.

  “I am so happy for you!” Emma smiled as she spoke to London.

  When they got off the phone she felt tears. She decided to walk outside to regain her composure before going back to Lila and her friends. She had her head down as she walked out.

  Emma stood against the brick building not paying attention to the people walking in and out. Most people would be enchanted by the city and its surroundings. Emma just wanted to go home with her daughter and curl up on the couch watching a movie they had probably seen a hundred times, where everything ended perfectly. She took a deep breath and walked back in and made her way back to the table. A couple more people had joined the party and Lila was talking and laughing with them.

  “Where did you disappear to?” Lila asked and grabbed her jacket.

  “The bathroom, London called,” Emma said forcing herself to smile.

  “We are going to head over to a dance club, here is your jacket,” Lila said handing the black coat to Emma.

  ~

  Emma and Lila walked past security and made their way into the club. They walked through the crowd and up a set of stairs to the VIP lounge. Lila hugged and kissed a couple people on the cheek and ordered drinks.

  Emma looked around like a deer in the headlights. The women were dressed in sexy dresses and high healed shoes. Emma looked down at her simple black dress and silver sandals. She immediately felt out of place and crossed her arms across her and looked down.

  “You need to loosen up Emma,” Lila smiled, “We are going to dance tonight.”

  Emma smiled and took a drink. More people began to enter the VIP lounge and Lila introduced them to Emma. The first was a man she recognized from TV. Emma wasn’t sure exactly who he was, but she knew he was a celebrity.

  “Brody this is my college roommate Emma, Emma this is my newest client Brody Hines.”

  Emma looked up and shook his hand. He also looked familiar.

  “Nice to meet you,” Emma smiled politely and looked at him and her face flushed.

  Brody smiled when he saw her eyes, he knew exactly who she was, she didn’t recognize him at all.

  “You too,” he said disguising his accent as he looked her up and down slowly.

  “Let’s go dance,” Lila said to Emma as she handed her another drink and dragged her down the stairs.

  The two danced, and Lila was having a blast. Emma was obviously uncomfortable and Lila laughed, “Been awhile since you’ve been out Emma? Come on have another drink, it’ll loosen you up.”

  Emma drank a couple more vodka and cranberry’s and started to relax and dance. Lila and Emma did a couple of shots and laughed as they danced.

  Brody sat with his friends in the lounge away from the crowd. He could see the dance floor and watched as Lila’s friend, Emma danced. He couldn’t believe she was the one he had run into this morning. She was pretty, long caramel hair, green eyes, and the nicest most sincere smile framed by lips that he could imagine his against .

  Emma and Lila walked back up to the lounge. Emma grabbed her bag and grabbed her phone. There were no missed calls, she was relieved that everything was alright but wanted to talk to London.

  Probably not a good idea since you’re buzzing, and it was ten o’clock at night, she thought.

  “Emma come sit,” Lila said pointing to the chair next to her, “Everything alright?”

  “Yes everything is fine,” Emma said putting her phone away.

  “Have another drink,” Lila tried to hand her another vodka cranberry.

  “I don’t know if that’s a good idea,” Emma smiled and she sat back.

  “You are with me tonight, it’s a great idea,” Lila laughed and handed her another drink.

  “I think I should drink beer, this is going to give me a hangover,” Emma laughed.

  Brody handed her a beer and smiled, “I think I owe you one.”

  “Thank you,” Emma looked confused.

  He laughed and turned away. She has no idea who I am, that’s a relief. He thought.

  “Who is that Lila?” Emma asked Lila.

  Emma laughed, “Brody Hines, he is a singer, newly separated and he is a hothead.”

  “That’s not true Lila,” Brody laughed from behind her. “Just tell it like it is.”

  “Sorry Brody,” Lila smiled and laughed.

  “No that’s fine, I have been called much worse,” he smiled. “Emma is it?”

  “Yes,” Emma said embarrassed that he had heard her ask Lila who he was.

  “I met you earlier today, at the park.” he smiled, “I literally ran you o
ver.”

  “Oh, okay, well thank you for the drink,” Emma looked down unable to stop smiling.

  “Did I hurt you?” Brody asked.

  “No, I am fine,” Emma blushed.

  “Good, would you like to dance?” Brody asked.

  “No I don’t think that is a good idea,” Emma looked away.

  “You afraid you’ll end up on the ground again?” he smiled.

  “Yep that’s it exactly,” Emma giggled and walked to the bathroom.

  When she came out of the bathroom Lila yelled to her from the dance floor. Emma and Lila were both intoxicate and they danced and acted outlandishly. Emma was having fun, and they were joined by Brody and a few others from the lounge. The music slowed down, and Brody grabbed Emma’s hand and rubbed his thumb softly against the back of it.

  “One dance?” Brody insisted.

  “Sure why not,” Emma giggled feeling a bit intoxicated.

  “Do you like this song?” he asked as he wrapped his strong arms around her waist, and finally rested his hands on her hips pulling her a bit closer.

  “Never heard it,” she smiled, wow this feels so…okay stop it she told herself.

  “Well do you like it?” Brody asked his eyes sinking into hers.

  “It’s alright, do you?” she asked nervously.

  “I do,” Brody spoke softly. “So what kind of music do you like?”

  “Anything I can sing along with, most everything,” Emma answered.

  “But this one is just alright?” Brody looked confused.

  “No it’s nice,” Emma’s stomach churned and she felt dizzy. Oh no she thought. “Excuse me,” she ran towards the back entry.

  Brody followed her knowing she was not feeling well. He walked up to her after she threw up and handed her a tissue.

  “Did that song make you ill?” Brody tried not to laugh at her.

  “Thank you,” embarrassed she looked away. “And no it wasn’t the song; it was all the vodka and whatever else… mixed. I don’t do this often.”

  “Should I get Lila?” Brody suggested

  “No I will be fine, thank you for the tissue,” Emma walked towards the door needing to get away from him.

  Brody opened the door before she had a chance and looked down at her. He noticed her trying to avoid him. He smiled softly and his eyes crinkled as he tried to figure out what it was he was feeling.

  “What’s going on?” Lila asked smiling as she looked between the two of them.

  “I think the song made your friend sick,” Brody winked before walking away.

  Burning Souls Series Book 1

  Stained Chapter 1

  Maddox Hines, son of rockstar Brody Hines sat in the Principal's office. He waited as he had at least once a week for the past nine months for his father and step mother Emma to arrive. Brody would always storm in and argue with the principal or superintendent about whatever situation Maddox had found himself in. Maddox was never unprovoked. Brody and Emma fought with all they had to keep him in school. He only had a month left until he graduated valedictorian at sixteen years old.

  “What is it today Maddox?” Brody hugged his son as he walked into the office.

  “Your son attacked another student, again.,” the superintendent snapped.

  “Alright then Big Dick was it your boy this time?” Brody chuckled, “You should teach little Dick to keep his mouth shut and hands to himself and then he would not have these problems.”

  “Alright Brody,” Emma quietly tried to calm the storm she saw brewing in her husbands eyes. She looked at Maddox, “Maddox it’s not funny.”

  “Sorry Mom,” Maddox tried to keep a straight face.

  “It was a lot different this time Hines. His attack was unprovoked. He walked into the cafeteria and punched him in the nose. He is on his way to the hospital, and your son is on his way to jail,” Richard sat back and smiled smuggle at Brody.

  “You better be joking Dick,” Brody stood up, and Emma grabbed his hand.

  “No joke. They are here now,” Richard nodded to the door.

  Brody was shocked when two uniformed police officers walked into the principal's office.

  Brody stood protectively in from of his son. His jaw was tight, and hands fisted at his side.

  “Sir you need to step away.”

  “I don’t think so,” he sneered.

  Maddox looked at Emma, his face became rigid as the fear that was initially on it faded. He smirked.

  Emma dug through her bag frantically searching for her phone and dialed Eli, their lawyer.

  “Mr. Hines, step away,” another officer said to him.

  “What are you charging him with?” Emma’s voice quivered.

  “Assault.”

  “Okay we can bring him down, you don’t have to take him. Our lawyer will meet us,” Emma tried to sound strong.

  “Your not even going to ask what the fuck happened!” Brody’s booming voice filled the room.

  “He assaulted a student, who is on his way to the hospital. Not much to question. It’s all on tape,” Richard snapped.

  “Big Dick sit down and shut the FUCK up! No doubt your little fucking spawn deserved it!” Brody snapped.

  “Maddox?” Emma was seeking an explanation to what had happened.

  “I punched him…twice actually. He deserved it, and he is lucky I did not…”

  “No more Maddox, say no more,” Brody looked at the officers who stood waiting.

  The officers walked towards Brody, one had his hand on his gun.

  “Are you kidding me?” Emma said as she stood between Maddox and the officer, “You certainly don’t need a damn gun!”

  “If you don’t step away…” the officer began.

  Brody stepped away from Maddox and took Emma’s hand and pulled her away allowing the officers access to Maddox.

  “You will be okay right Maddox?” Brody watched terror in Maddox eyes.

  “Dad?”

  “Can I ride with him?”

  “No Mr. Hines.”

  “Why?” Brody growled, “Forget it, you have one car?”

  “Yes,” the officer looked confused.

  “Perfect,” Brody smirked and looked at Emma, “Love, you got Eli meeting us at the station?”

  Emma shook her head yes and watched as they started to cuff Maddox, “Is that necessary?”

  The officers did not respond and continued.

  “Dad,”

  “Wait, Maddox what happened why did you hit him?” Brody stood in front of the doorway blocking it completely with his generously proportioned body.

  “My personal file was on the school webpage,” Maddox voice quivered, “Every thing Dad.”

  “Okay son. Dick you wanna pull that up?” Brody walked towards the desk.

  The officers waited, and Brody stood next to Richard.

  “See nothing,” Richard looked smugly at Brody.

  “Perfect,” Brody winked at Emma drew his arm back and punched Richard in the face “Maddox Little Dick had no chance with a fucking big Dick as a father.”

  Brody turned and put his hands behind his back, “Cuff me.”

  “Damn it Brody!” Emma snapped.

  “Been awhile since I have been in jail Em, I miss the food,” Brody laughed as they walked them out the door.

  Maddox looked at him in shock.

  “I guess we will be riding together. Hey Dick, sorry about that,” Brody said with false sincerity.

  ~

  Emma, Clive, and Eli sat in the interview room two hours after the arrest. Eli was diligently working, messaging his office, and the schools attorney.

  Brody and Maddox were escorted into the interview room by a guard, all three of them were laughing.

  “Well hello Love, did you miss me?” Brody winked.

  Emma looked down and did not reply.

  “Oh you're mad at me,” he squatted down before her and took her hands and kissed them.

  “Eli,” Emma looked away refusing eye con
tact, “Would you care to tell us what is going on?”

  “We are waiting for the school attorney to drop the charges. My office found the post on a few students social media accounts. The link was followed back to the school's web page. This should not take that long,” Eli looked up at Maddox, “Contrary to what your fathers behavior showed you today your actions are not justifiable Maddox. It doesn’t matter what they say or do you cannot just hit someone, either one of you!”

  Brody looked at him glaring, “He had…”

  “Brody, enough,” Emma snapped.

  “Oh so now she speaks,” he smirked.

  “You were wrong Brody. Maddox you are going to have to have consequences for your actions,” Emma did her best to be the parent since her husband was not.

  “And Dad, does he get consequences?” Maddox chuckled, “Sorry Mom, I understand.”

  “The answer is yes, he will have consequences too,” Emma crossed her arms in front of her chest and scowled at the ground.

  “Promise?” Brody whispered into her ear causing the hair on the back of her neck to stand at attention, and her face to flushed.

  ~

  Emma avoided Brody since they returned home. She tucked, her daughter from her first marriage, London into bed. They said prayers which normally ended in London sending hugs, Eskimo kisses, and chocolate cake to her father Troy in heaven. But tonight it was different.

  “God please help Maddox learn not to care what others say about him or do to him. We love him more, and that’s all that matters,” London peeked up at Emma who opened her eyes.

  “London that was nice…” Emma began.

  “Mom don’t be mad at him,” London asked sticking her bottom lip out.

  “Hey, I am not mad at him, I am just disappointed, and sad,” Emma hugged her.

  “Okay,” London seemed content with Emma's clarification and fell asleep quickly.

  Emma stood up and saw Brody leaning against the door jam holding their two year old daughter Lexington as she slept in his arms.“I thought maybe you would want to give her a kiss before I put her in bed.”

  Emma took Lexi and hugged her as she brushed past Brody and walked into Lexington’s room, “Good night little princess,” Brody leaned over Emma’s shoulder and kissed Lexi’s head. He didn’t move and looked into Emma’s eyes.