Before Dark: Brothers after Dark Book 1

by Lavelle, Dori

  If it weren’t for my business doing so well and my face showing up in the papers, he wouldn’t have found me.

  At first I was excited to meet him after he contacted me out of the blue, but my excitement fizzled when he showed up claiming everything I have belongs to him, that if our mother hadn’t thrown him into an orphanage as a baby, he would’ve had the kind of life I do. And for that, he wanted to be compensated. A few threats and blackmails after that and I decided maybe it’s best we stay away from each other. But now that he had discovered me and my wallet, he was not going away without a fight. In the end, I gave him a shitload of money to make him disappear from my life before he ruined my reputation. Still, even though he didn’t show up in person, he constantly contacted me from some prison, asking me to bail him out or asking me for more money.

  “What do you want?” I regret answering the call. “If it’s more money you want, you’re not getting it.”

  “You think that’s the only reason I call you?” I detect a slight slur to his voice.

  “Yes, that’s exactly why you always call.” I grind my teeth together. “This time you’re not getting anything.”

  “Come on, brother. I picked up the phone because I missed you.”

  I massage my temple. “You don’t have a relationship with me that would cause you to miss me.”

  He clears his throat. “Maybe I want one now.”

  “I doubt that.” I close my eyes briefly, then open them again, frustrated that my nice time with Jenna has been cut short for this.

  “I’ve changed, okay? I’m more responsible now. I’m even a partner in a business that’s doing really well.”

  In the past, I had funded several of his business ideas, hoping he would learn to stand on his own two feet, but each time, the businesses failed because he failed to put in the work. He was too fucking lazy to work hard. It’s easier for him to squeeze money out of me instead of earning it himself. I’m done. It’s time he finds his own way in life. I don’t owe him a damn thing. I had wanted a relationship, but he only sees me as his personal cash cow.

  “If it’s money you’re asking for to fund whatever business you’re experimenting with at the moment, forget it. I’m done funding your shady business ventures. I’ve given you way more than enough already. It’s time you learn to be more responsible with your money.”

  “Fuck you,” he growls. “The money you’re hoarding should have been mine.”

  “Stop feeding me that bullshit.” My jaw tightens to the point of pain. “Every cent I have, I earned with my own blood and sweat. Our mother left me with nothing because like you, she was not responsible with money.” My mother died of breast cancer when I just started college.

  After all her debts were paid, nothing was left behind for me to study or start a new life. I dropped out of college to do odd jobs here and there until I developed a gaming app that took off overnight and my life changed.

  With money in the bank, I developed more apps that allowed me to create the Slade Empire.

  “Come on, man. Let’s not fight. I’m seriously only calling because I want to start over.”

  I’m quiet for a long time, turning his words over in my mind. Trusting him is a risky game to play.

  “How about I come to your office and we have a chat, huh? We could catch up on each other’s lives.”

  “I’m not in the country.” I tighten my hand around the phone. “And never come to my office unannounced.”

  There’s only a handful of people in my company who know about Travis. As long as he’s determined on being a dick, I prefer to keep it that way.

  “Fine, fine. I’ll make sure to call first.” He clears his throat. “I do actually need another cash injection, but this time it will go straight into my business not into hookers’ panties. I’ll also pay you back every cent.”

  I fucking knew it. “Look, Travis, I have to think about it. I’ll call you when I’m back in the US.”

  “Where are you anyway?”

  “I’m spending a few days in the Maldives.”

  “Alone?” He chuckles.

  “Does that matter?”

  “Well, it’s not exactly the kind of place you would want to spend time alone in.”

  “Maybe I’m here for romantic reasons.”

  “So, who is she?”

  “None of your business.” The more this conversation is going on, the more I want to end it.

  “I think it is. Whether you like it or not, you’re my brother. I’m interested in your life. At least I want to be from now on.”

  For a split second, heat spreads through my chest. If only his words were true. Growing up, I’d always wished for a sibling, but my mother was already struggling to raise me alone. I’m still pissed at her for not once mentioning I had a brother.

  “If you really must know, her name is Jenna.” Telling Travis about my relationship is another risk. Two years ago, he slept with a model I was dating. Although I was furious, in the end it was for the best. She wasn’t the kind of girl I wanted for life anyway. Until Jenna walked into my life, my heart had actually been out of business.

  As a kid, I’d fallen for a girl next door, who was a few years older than me. At first, I thought we had something. I climbed over the fence at night and snuck into her room. We did all the things lovers do. I was thirteen and she was eighteen. When I caught her in bed with another guy, it completely shattered my heart and I closed it off for years. Until now.

  “Is it serious?” Travis asks.

  “You can say that.” Fuck. Why do I even feel the need to tell him?

  Maybe a part of me still craves to have that brotherly connection. But I don’t know how that’s going to happen. But I’m so ridiculously happy with Jenna that I can’t keep my mouth shut. “I asked her to marry me.”

  “I bet I’m the last to know.” If I didn’t know any better, I’d say he sounds hurt. But he doesn’t give a damn about me.

  “That’s because I didn’t have your number. I haven’t seen you in months.”

  “Don’t worry. That’s about to change. Get ready to see more of me.” He pauses. “Talking of change, maybe I should get myself a serious relationship with a nice girl.”

  “So you can beat her up, like you beat up your ex-wife?” The last time I bailed him out of prison was for domestic abuse. It turned out Travis does not know how to keep his hands to himself when he’s around a woman. He has some kind of dark side to him that scares me a little.

  “You’ll never understand the thrill of having the upper hand in a relationship.”

  “You’re right, brother, I’ll never understand it. It’s sickening.”

  “Enough about me and my shenanigans. Do you love her?”

  “That’s why I asked her to marry me. Of course I love her.”

  “Is she a good fuck?” He chuckles.

  “That’s none of your damn business.” I shake my head, unable to believe this conversation is still going on. In the past, when I refused to give him money, he hung up immediately. Do I dare believe he has really changed? For his own sake, I hope he has.

  “You know what, if she makes you happy, I’m happy for you.” He lets out a cough. “See, I’m a good brother.”

  “Time will tell,” I say. “I’ll see you when I get back.”

  “Cool. Maybe we can have dinner and a few beers together. I could come over to your place?”

  “I don’t think that’s a good idea. The last time I invited you over, you were hitting on my housekeeper.”

  “Can you blame me? She was hot.”

  I blow out a frustrated breath. “I have to go. I’ll call you when I get back and arrange where we’ll meet.”

  “Hey, bro, let me give you one tip about relationships,” Travis says before we hang up. “I was joking about wanting a serious relationship. The thing is, you can never trust women. They change as soon as you put a ring on their finger. I know what I’m talking about.”

  “No offense, Travi
s, but I’ll never take relationship advice from you.”

  “Fine, learn the hard way.” He laughs. “I’ll see you in New York.”

  After the call, I return to the bathroom, ready to apologize to Jenna for staying away so long. She’s lying under the bubbles with her eyes closed, humming a tune. She looks so damn gorgeous that my crotch tightens at the mere sight of her. The urge to sweep her out of the water and fuck her right here and now is so strong, but we had so much sex in the past days that even though I hate to admit it, I’m physically exhausted.

  “Hey, baby, ready for dinner?”

  “What?” She opens her eyes. “Did you say something?”

  “Yeah.” I lean down to kiss the top of her head. “I’m sorry I can’t join you, but I want to arrange for dinner. What are you in the mood for?”

  “You choose. I don’t have any preferences.”

  “Okay, I’ll think of something.”

  She doesn’t say anything as she watches me for a while, as though she wants to say something more but can’t trust herself.

  Something is weird about her. Maybe it has to do with me throwing away her novel yesterday. Either way, she’s being distant. But it was just a novel, for God’s sake. And I wouldn’t want my woman reading such trash. But I do regret handling it the way I did. I shouldn’t have asked the butler to take it away and throw it in a bin outside the villa. At the same time, in a weird way, I feel empowered. It’s a feeling I can’t explain, a feeling I don’t want to pay attention to.

  She closes her eyes again as though to tell me I’m dismissed.

  Getting the message, I return to the bedroom, where I flick open my laptop and send an important email to my closest employees. In a few words, I announce our engagement.

  When I get back, I know I’ll be bombarded with interviews, and that’s fine. I’m ready for the world to know I’m no longer a single man. Or maybe I shouldn’t have told anyone yet. I wouldn’t want the press to hear about it and for Jenna’s parents to find out before she gets a chance to tell them herself. But it’s too late now.

  Whatever shit storm awaits us, I have the resources to shield Jenna as much as I can.

  While Jenna is still in the bathroom, I call the butler to arrange dinner. Jenna enters the bedroom soon after, and I pull her onto my lap and inhale the scent of the lavender shampoo she used to wash her hair.

  “Guess what I did,” I say, nipping her earlobe.

  “I hope it’s nothing bad.” Her voice is a purr that warms me to the core.

  “I wrote an email to my employees to tell them about our engagement.”

  “Why?” She pulls back. “I thought we wanted to tell everyone when we get back.”

  “Don’t be mad, baby. I just couldn’t wait to tell the world that you’re mine.” I tighten my arms around her, wishing I could hold her forever. Maybe deep down I’m terrified she might leave me one day, like my first love did when I was a kid. This time, I don’t think I’ll be able to handle it.

  Chapter Six

  Jenna

  Once Winston falls asleep, I sneak out of bed and tiptoe out onto the terrace. I’m careful not to make a sound.

  Outside, I wrap my arms around my body, looking out at the inky black sea, the sea breeze sweeping across my skin. I watch the moon reflected on the water, remembering the first night we made love out here under the stars.

  Winston doesn’t know it, but I overheard his earlier conversation, and the doubts and anxiety I’d been holding back since we left the US have now returned full force.

  I didn’t hear much, but the words that landed on my ears were enough to trigger me. One word in particular—brother. He never once mentioned he had a brother, not to me. All I know about his family is that his single mom died of breast cancer. He made no mention of any other living family members.

  Six months and he said nothing. Why?

  I tighten my arms around my body, feeling cold suddenly.

  Before bed, we made love, and it was beyond enjoyable as usual. But now that my head is not clouded by lust, I question why he kept his brother a secret from the woman he intends to marry.

  I lower myself onto one of the loungers and cover my body with a towel. I lean my head back. If only I could stifle the uncomfortable thoughts swirling in my mind.

  Growing up, my father often told me I think too much. I used to question everything. I still do. I was shocked when I didn’t overthink sleeping with my boss or agreeing to marry him. It was so out of character. The man had completely drugged my senses so I couldn’t think straight. But now all the fears I should have had, the doubts and the questions are flooding in unhindered.

  I lift my hand to admire the ring on my finger. Seeing it takes my breath away every time. But does a commitment really mean anything when a marriage is not based on complete honesty?

  I’m not sure whether I should even ask him about what I heard. There must be a reason why he hasn’t mentioned his brother to me. Only, I can’t think of any.

  I blow out a breath and pinch the bridge of my nose, forcing myself to stop overthinking. But it’s hard to ignore my intuition, which I rely on so much for guidance.

  My mind takes me back to the time I saw the advertisement for a marketing assistant position at Slade Enterprises, the day after I’d prayed and asked to be shown the next steps I should take in my life. I wasn’t even searching for a job online, simply playing a game. I ended up clicking on a random link that took me to the ad. I had graduated from college four months before and had yet to decide what to do next. The call for a marketing assistant seemed like a sign, but it terrified me to apply.

  I didn’t think a huge company like Slade would even consider someone like me, a person without much working experience. I’d only ever worked at the local travel agency, creating brochures and trying to convince people to buy holidays they couldn’t afford. I didn’t think I had a chance, but something inside me urged me to go for it anyway. What did I have to lose? So, I applied and forgot about it.

  A month later, I got the call that ended in an invitation to an interview.

  I’d listened to my intuition and it had paid off. Can I risk not listening this time?

  But this situation is different. Just because Winston referred to someone as a brother doesn’t have to mean they’re blood relatives. It might simply be someone close to him. That has to be it. If he had a biological brother surely he would have told me.

  Feeling somewhat lighter, I get back to my feet and fill my lungs with the cool, fresh air. It’s our last night in the Maldives, but it excites me to know that even when we leave this paradise, we can always return. And one day we will bring our children.

  A flood of excitement melts away the knot in my stomach. By the time I’m back inside the villa, my anxiety has completely cleared.

  I come to a halt in the doorway to the bedroom. Winston is awake, his bedside lamp sending a soft glow through the room. He must have just woken up because he looks a bit disoriented.

  “Why are you awake?” He picks up his phone and glances at the screen. “It’s way past midnight.”

  I shrug. “It’s our last night here. I wanted to watch the stars over the water one last time.” I feel guilty lying to him, but I don’t think I should bring up the real reason why I’m awake.

  He yawns. “We’ll come back as often as you like.”

  “I look forward to that.” I cross the room and get back into bed next to him. He switches off the light and holds me until we both fall asleep.

  * * *

  I wake up with a weight on my chest. On the outside, everything is perfect. At least it should be. How could I feel like this while vacationing in such a romantic place? It feels so wrong.

  I take a deep breath, but the heaviness inside my chest remains. I need to do yoga again. It has been a while.

  Winston is still fast asleep. In silence I watch his chest rising and falling. I want to run my fingers through his hair, to wake him up with a kiss, but I need th
is time alone to pull myself together, to quiet the voice inside my head.

  He doesn’t wake when I leave the bed to go to the bathroom. I wash my face and brush my teeth in peace, humming softly to drown out the little voice, but it only seems to get louder. I don’t pay attention to what it wants to say to me. I continue to ignore the alarm bells.

  When Winston finally wakes up, I’m back to my normal self, less worried, more in the moment.

  He gets behind me and kisses the side of my neck as I rinse my mouth out. I turn around when I’m done and give him a kiss on the lips.

  “Morning, beautiful,” he says.

  “Morning, sleepyhead.” I toss away the piece of floss in my hand. “Looks like you had a great night. You look well rested.”

  “I don’t remember the last time I slept this well. I knew you would be good for me. How about you?” He presses a kiss to my forehead. “Did you have a good night’s sleep?”

  “Who wouldn’t sleep well in paradise?” Only Jenna, of course.

  He reaches for his own toothbrush, squirting toothpaste onto it, his eyes still on me. He has a way of looking at me that makes me feel as though I’m the first woman he has ever met. He makes me feel special with just one glance.

  “I can’t wait for us to start our lives together,” I say to fill the silence, to assure myself.

  “Me neither.” He holds his toothbrush in midair. “We should discuss living arrangements. I’m assuming you’ll give up your apartment and move in together.”

  “Yes, of course. But there’s still a lot of time before we do that. First we have to get married.”

  “But we need to buy a house as well. I like to plan things in advance.”

  I lean against the sink, my arms across my chest. “You want to buy a house?”

  “Yes, why not? We’ll be starting a whole new life together. New home, new everything.”

  “But you have a penthouse that’s bigger than any house I’ve ever stepped foot in.”