The Ramseys Boxed Set

by Altonya Washington

  ~~~

  Business seemed to be chugging along as usual when Nile and Darby arrived at Finch and Associates. The assistant seemed a bit flustered when the two women approached her desk and requested her boss. After a moment however, the two were being escorted into plush office digs overlooking downtown L.A.

  The sound of a flushing commode met their greeting. Shortly, Perry Finch emerged from the private bath.

  Darby sneered, her green eyes coldly raking Perry’s tall rotund frame. “I didn’t hear you wash your hands.”

  Perry returned the sneer. “I didn’t know you cared.”

  “I don’t.” Darby slipped both hands into the pockets of her wrap skirt. “Our business is brief so the faster we get to it the faster you can get back to jerkin’ off.”

  “Bitch,” Perry whispered.

  Nile stepped up then knowing her friend’s quick Irish temper combined with her fierce African American one could spell unimagined pain for the man.

  “Listen Perry, we’re here to settle up on our debt with you. We’re here to pay you in full for the studio. So if you’d just get the deed we can get on with it.”

  The easy look in Perry’s bloodshot brown eyes shadowed with sudden unease. Nile finally understood Darby’s suspicion, but waited as if trying to silently determine what Finch was hiding.

  Darby reached into her portfolio and withdrew a check. “No bullshit Perry. We’re here to buy the studio.”

  Perry cleared his throat.

  Darby slanted Nile an ‘I told you so” look, then glared at Perry. “Words usually follow once someone clears their throat.”

  “I um…the studio it-it’s not mine to sell. It never really was.” He uttered a phony laugh and began to roll down his shirt sleeves. “Unfortunately, the true owner isn’t of a mind to um, to sell it just now.”

  Silence resumed and Perry sighed satisfactorily as though his job was done. Without another word, he returned to his desk to happily go on with the rest of his work.

  “Son of a bitch,” Darby hissed charging Perry’s desk while Nile charged after her.

  CHAPTER SEVEN

  “I can’t believe you stopped me from snappin’ that pig in half!”

  Darby’s outburst brought a wide smile to Nile’s dark face. She glanced at her best friend’s busty yet slender frame. “You would’ve tried,” she noted in barely concealed amusement.

  Shutting off the engine, Darby leaned her head back as they remained parked in the lot outside the studio. “I’m so sorry Ny,” she breathed.

  Nile blinked feeling the tears suddenly pressuring her eyelids. “All’s not lost yet,” she tried to sound hopeful but couldn’t stop her hands from sweating as she smoothed them across the front of her honey beige skirt suit. “We just need to calm down and then we go back and get him to tell us who this mystery owner is.”

  Darby smoothed her fingers across the ray of sunlight streaming across the steering wheel. “And then what do we do?” She asked.

  Nile wouldn’t be dissuaded. “It’s only money, right? Everyone has a price, I’m sure…” Her voice trailed off as the attempt at optimism failed.

  They left the car, regret burying them in silence. Darby headed for her office while Nile went up to the art gallery where she hoped to soothe herself among the paintings by her kids. There she let her emotions loose, crying to expel her frustration. Spent, she sat there in silence losing track of time and space until Darby called out to her.

  “Guess we won’t have to ask Perry who our mystery owner is after all,” Darby was saying. At Nile’s bewildered look, she nodded and smiled in the direction of the gallery’s entryway.

  Nile’s bewilderment gave way to disbelief when Taurus Ramsey stepped into the room. Darby said nothing more and left them alone.

  Nile rose to her feet and began smoothing her hands along the arms of her tailored blazer as if she were chilled.

  “I hear you spoke to Perry,” Taurus noted, slowly walking toward her.

  “You? You own my-my studio?”

  A grimace drew his sleek brows close. “My father did. Mine now by default after his…death.” Combing fingers through his lush hair, he moved to the windows scaling the room. “I would’ve never known it was yours until Finch called saying he had a buyer for it but that the present tenants weren’t of a mind to give it up without a fight.”

  Nile’s temper was past the boiling point but she put on an admirable façade of calm. “That’s funny because Perry told us the present owner wasn’t of a mind to sell it.”

  Taurus nodded. “That’s true.” He said and folded his arms across the front of his long-sleeved burgundy polo shirt.

  “Even after you…you knew what it was for? You still refused to sell?” Nile whispered the question and clasped her hands before her mouth. “Do you know how much hell that ass Perry Finch has put us through?”

  “I can imagine.”

  The soft spoken acknowledgement did nothing to quell Nile’s temper. “You can imagine? Hmph… you cold, smug, spoiled son of a bitch!” Fists clenched then, she bounded towards him and struck out against his chest blindly seeking to inflict whatever pain she could.

  Taurus evaded the more serious blows easily and managed to catch Nile’s wrists in one of his hands. She continued to struggle fiercely and finally cursed him in a slew of French. He jerked her once bringing an end to the flagrant obscenities.

  “I’m here to change all this.” He said.

  “Really? You could’ve done that with a phone call.”

  “You honestly believe I’d let you go that easy?”

  “Ah…” Nile began to nod in understanding. “Oh I see. So what? I have to persuade you, is that it? Another good romp like in Montenegro, hmm?”

  Taurus moved closer towering over her while trapping her against a wall. “Well it’s like you said-only sex. No…no what was it? Meaningless gratification.”

  “Bastard,” Nile hissed but in reality she was angrier with herself for having her own careless and dishonest words used against her. She took stock then of how close they were and how very much she wanted to melt against him. How very much she wanted to enjoy his touch again-meaningless or otherwise.

  “What do you want me to do?”

  “Come with me.”

  “No.”

  “No is it? You sure?” He challenged, his heavenly features growing more sinful then. “And here you’ve got me thinkin’ you’d do anything to save those kids.”

  Nile winced feeling her wrists jerk reflexively against his hold. It was true-the truest thing about her. And in that truth, she was about to do one more thing that would make her like her slime of a father.

  “I have to tell Darby.” She explained frowning up when he refused to release her.

  “No need.” He said.

  “My-my purse.”

  “Already in my truck thanks to Darby,” he informed her and gave her a tug when she looked panicky. He waited for her to calm, and then went to the doorway of the gallery.

  Nile followed his lead, but stopped just short of meeting him. She gave the gallery one last look, and then preceded him through the door.

  ***

  “I didn’t pack anything,” Nile breathed. Her eyes were wide as small moons while taking in the magnificent white jet with the distinctive silver R- painted and circled on the fin.

  Taurus’ grin was slow and not at all reassuring. “Don’t worry about it.” He said.

  Nile managed a wavering smile. “You’re right. I guess I won’t need clothes much.”

  Taurus grunted a short laugh which was difficult considering his every thought at that point was focused on her without her clothes.

  The laugh only told Nile that she was right. Instead of dwelling on all the sexual favors she’d agreed to perform for the foreseeable future, she focused on her kids. Assurance lay in the knowledge that after this trip, the studio would be theirs.

  Taurus parked the rugged Land Rover a distance from the jet. When he
left the truck and came around to escort her out, Nile stubbornly refused to take the hand he offered. He kept his hand extended, proving he could be just as stubborn as she. Once she’d slapped her palm against his and scooted off the seat, he wouldn’t let her pass.

  “You can change your mind.” He said.

  She wouldn’t meet his gaze. “No I can’t.”

  Taurus leaned against the side of the Rover and watched her walk off toward the jet. Bowing his head, he thanked God for letting her buy his bluff. His only goal was to have her see that there was more between them than meaningless gratification. Using the studio to get her to come with him was low, but she wouldn’t have agreed otherwise. She would have never walked out the door with him had she known he’d already signed over the deed and it; along with the money they’d been prepared to pay, were safely tucked away in Darby Ellis’ office.

  Then again, maybe she would’ve left with him, he thought. His hands settled into the pockets of his sagging jeans as he followed her to the aircraft. She might’ve come if she’d known, but it would’ve only been out of gratitude and he wanted far more than that.

  Smiling broadly then, Taurus nodded toward the man who approached him. “Bern,” he greeted the captain of the jet.

  “I’m assuming this won’t be a round trip.” Bernard Hoke teased.

  “And why would you assume that?” Taurus propped a fist beneath his chin and pretended to be confused.

  Bernard’s dark eyes narrowed when he looked back toward the plane. “Man could lose himself for an eternity with a beauty like that to enjoy.” He almost murmured in awe while watching Nile across the tarmac.

  Taurus’ gaze was set in the same direction. “What’s an eternity when you’ve already lost your heart?”

  Bernard laughed then. “I’ll pray for you man!” He clapped Taurus’ back before they prepared to board.

  ***

  Near Invernesshire, Scotland~

  Nile’s face had been frozen in a state of disbelief since they’d left the jet. Her unease had flown right off the charts once she’d discovered where they were headed. They’d been driven from the jetport through Edinburg and onward into the country with its vast fields of heather and moss. Those fields seemed to stretch on forever, past lakes and brooks that encircled glorious manor houses and cottages. When they drove past a castle perched atop a massive cliff, Nile could no longer contain her silence.

  “How long do you plan to keep me here?” She breathed, her eyes still glued to the scenery.

  “As long as it takes,” he promised and then left the car when it drew to a halt.

  “No need for that Mr. C,” Taurus urged the driver.

  Colin Bradenton was about to leave the car in order to escort his passengers. “Should I send up the missus?” He asked while settling back behind the wheel.

  “No need for that either,” Taurus patted Colin’s shoulder. “We should be fine for the first two days at least. I’ll try not to burn down the place before then,” he promised with a sly grin.

  Colin chuckled before glancing in the rearview mirror. “Is she the one lad?”

  Taurus nodded without hesitation. “She doesn’t believe it though.”

  “Ah and you brought her here to…persuade her, eh?”

  Taurus tried to join in with Colin’s devilish chuckling but couldn’t manage it. “I brought her here to fall in love with me.” He admitted and then shook his head toward the older man. “I’m a fool, right?”

  “Aye…that you are lad, but you’re a fool in love and there’s no better kind.” He said, his voice lilting with a promising tenderness. Tugging on the brim of his worn wool cap, he glimpsed into the rearview once more. “You’ll be fine,” he added and squeezed Taurus’ hand once more.

  ~~~

  Nile had already left the car and was standing along the wide cobblestone drive. Eyes narrowed in awe, they wandered across the stone manor. The vast fields they’d passed on the way in surrounded the place in a sea of grass and clusters of trees. Jagged cliffs lent to the beauty of the overcast environment. She jumped at the feel of Taurus’ lean muscular form behind her. Keeping her composure, she allowed him to lead her toward the house.

  Inside, she was again floored by the loveliness that greeted her. Elegant tapestries and provocative portraits covered the stone walls while exquisite rugs were visible upon the gleaming wood floors of the entryway and other front rooms.

  Taurus leaned against a carved front post of the banister and watched Nile looking around. God he could watch her for the rest of his life, he believed and prayed he would have the chance. Nile noticed him staring and mistook his look for anything other than love or adoration.

  Forcing her bubble of shame back into its usual hiding place far below the surface, she unbuttoned the short waist blazer and shimmied out of the matching skirt while kicking off her pumps.

  Taurus was struck silent and could only look on in helpless fascination. His brilliant light stare raked her half clad body countless times as if he were trying to view as much as possible before the moment passed. Nile closed the distance separating them and didn’t stop until she had him pinned against the newel post. Standing on her toes, she brought her mouth to his and kissed him with an eager passion.

  Taurus winced as desire fanned through him and he willed his legs to remain strong beneath him. Tortured moans crowded his throat then, his hands filled with her flawless licorice dark body. Turning the situation to suit him, he trapped Nile against the banister and deepened the kiss. His tongue stroked and scraped the ridge of her teeth while one hand disappeared beneath the open blazer to press against the small of her back. For a time, he ignored the voice that chanted ‘not this way’. He only wanted a few more seconds to inhale her scent and drink in the sweet essence of her kiss-only a few more seconds to pretend she was his. Truly his.

  “Nile…” he murmured next to her throat. Arrogant confidence built inside him when her shaky moans reached his ears.

  Just like that she was drowning amidst the waves of her need for him. Greedily, her hands swirled throughout his gorgeous hair. Wanton cravings sent her arching and grinding herself against the subtle power of his body. She was seconds away from begging him to do what she ached for, but it was then that she tuned into him calling her name and asking her to stop.

  Confusion clouded her eyes as she searched his face. “Isn’t this what you want?”

  God yes, he confirmed silently and squeezed his eyes shut against the erotic heaving of her breasts practically spilling from the lacy mocha bra. He was insane to urge her back, he acknowledged that. However, he was after something more alluring and longer lasting than sex. With a strength every man in his family would have admired, he set away the half dressed beauty.

  “Your room is uh-the um second on the left. Top of the stairs,” he finished and extracted himself from their embrace. “Dinner’s in three hours.” He called absently across his shoulder.

  Alone on the staircase, Nile struggled to catch her breath and her sanity. In her own absent manner, she collected her clothes and searched out the room he’d instructed. Once there, she didn’t bother to dress as the room was toasty warm from the blaze in the beautifully designed hearth. She curled up on the settee before the fire and thought about what had just happened and what to make of it. Turning on her side, she closed her eyes and decided not to make much of it. After all, they’d just had a long flight-perhaps he meant to wait until after dinner. By then he would have eaten and rebuilt his stamina. Something inside her tingled naughtily at the thought. Anymore stamina and walking would be impossible she mused, recalling the power in his touch. She snuggled down onto the settee and tried to dismiss the memory. A nap was in order and it was no surprise that her dreams starred Taurus Ramsey.

  ***

  The fire blazed more brightly in the room though it had burned down considerably. Nile realized she’d dozed almost two hours. She pushed off the settee and stretched feeling unexpectedly rejuvenated. Sh
e crossed the room to gaze out over the landscape which was a bit darker than before she’d napped. Checking her watch, she saw that there was little more than an hour before dinner and decided on a shower.

  Sighing, Nile gathered her suit. Hanging it would be best if they were to serve her for the duration of the strange trip. She was headed for the closet in search of a hanger. The clothes drifted from her weakened hands when she whipped open the door. Lovely garments for every occasion filled the closet-all with tags still attached and displaying her size.

  “Mon Dieu, what’s he up to?” She breathed, smoothing the chiffon sleeves of an evening down across her cheek.

  With renewed interest fueling her, she inspected the bureau and found that it was filled with new under things and lounge wear. A knock upon the door sent her whirling around in surprise. Stumbling on weak legs, she grabbed up the blazer and held it before her chest.

  Taurus lost track of what he’d come to say when Nile opened the door. He drank in the sight of her before tracking down what remained of his voice.

  “Do you have everything you need?” He asked his tone thoroughly adorable in its hushed tone.

  Nile dragged her eyes away from his face and glimpsed the closet. “I’m not sure…the clothes…”

  “Are yours.” He explained, tilting his head as his unnerving light stare judged her reaction. “There’re suitcases under the bed. You can take everything with you when you leave.”

  “Why?”

  He shrugged, propping a shoulder against the doorjamb. He felt an uncharacteristic bout of embarrassment at telling her he’d bought her a new wardrobe because he been fantasizing about seeing her wear every piece that now dwelled inside room.“When I asked you to come with me, I didn’t give you time to pack.”

  “You didn’t ask.” Nile whispered.

  He bowed his head. “Would you have come if I did?”

  “Guess you’ll never know.”

  “My loss.”

  Silence was irrelevant then, for their gazes spoke volumes.

  At last, Taurus trailed the back of his hand around her jaw, down the length of her neck and across her collarbone. He focused on where his thumb brushed the pulse at her throat and then lower to the curve of her breast exposed above the edge of the blazer she clutched.