Brothers Black 6: Ryan the Joker (Brothers Black Series)

by Blue Saffire

I don’t reply. I don’t want to stop being mad. I want my sandwich.

  Chapter 34

  Fix This

  Ryan

  “You all right?” Felix says in my ear. “Nick and Sephora are here and you’re not over there busting his chops.”

  I snort and nod my reply. I can’t take my eyes off the woman in the bronze colored dress that’s turning me on. Her skin is glowing and her legs are revealed, looking longer and sexier than ever.

  Just look at her. She’s lighting up the room. At six months there’s no mistaking it, she’s swollen with my child growing inside her.

  It looks so hot on her. My cock stirs beneath my kilt. It’s been two days too long since he’s gotten some attention.

  I’m not interested in servicing my own piece. That’s for Carmen and Carmen alone. However, I know I’m not suffering alone. The lust filled looks she gives me say it all. No matter how hard she tries to hide them.

  She’s been dodging me since she ditched me to fly with her parents. I’m still pissed she gave me the slip while I was taking a shit. That sandwich has been the bane of my existence since I ate it.

  My mother laughed her ass off on the plane ride here after I told her why Carmen wasn’t with me. Twelve hours of my mother ribbing me and my brothers joining in on the laughter. My father’s face turned so red as he tried not to laugh, he looked like a tomato.

  For once I wasn’t the one with all the jokes. I’ll give it to her, my mother had some good ones. Yes, I did learn a valuable lesson. You do not eat a pregnant woman’s food.

  Carmen has refused to be in the same room with me without her parents or brother around. She’s even slept at a separate estate for two nights. If I wasn’t needed by Toby and this Alliance shit, I would have put a stop to this two nights ago. Carmen’s smart. She figured that out fast and used it.

  I didn’t think she would carry this out this long. I was sure at the doctor’s visit she would have cooled off. Especially once the baby came up on the ultrasound. I was so sure she was going to give in.

  “Would you like to know the sex of the baby?” the doctor had asked.

  My eyes were glued to the screen in awe. Our little creation was on there, sucking their thumb. It couldn’t have been more real for me than in that moment.

  I turned my gaze to Carmen to see her reply. Her eyes softened as she looked from the screen to me. I bit my lip as I shook my head no. I wanted it to be surprised. There’s the bet we made, but I wasn’t ready to settle it.

  I think she read my mind. Her lips turned up into a soft smile. It was the first smile she gave me since I had left the house for my run that morning.

  “No,” Carmen answered the doctor.

  I reached for her hand to squeeze it and just like that, the shutters came down. It was as if we hadn’t had that small moment. She’s as fucking stubborn as her father.

  I, for one, am over it. I thought the sandwich was for me. It was just sitting there. How was I supposed to know she was in the bathroom? Was I wrong for laughing? Yeah, but I’m me. I’m a dick. That shit was funny.

  I most likely wouldn’t have laughed had I realized I had eaten all the cold cuts the night before. I woke up starving in the middle of the night. Honestly, I had my own craving.

  However, I think this is way worse than how mad she was about me having her dad come to the Barbados beach house. I admit I sort of screwed that up. I could have handled it a little more smoothly.

  Hey, shit happens. If everyone around me weren’t playing a game of Pinocchio I wouldn’t have had to play my hand. Yet, that blew over a lot faster than this.

  All over a sandwich.

  Watching her greet LaSalle and Tasha across the room with her family doesn’t even make sense in my head. She belongs standing with me and my family. She’s a Black and so is our baby. She would be my wife already if it were up to me. The world should know she belongs to me.

  “You two still haven’t fixed that shit?” Wyatt says in my ear.

  I roll my eyes. He knows we haven’t. Carmen would have been on the plane with us if we had or at least at the Château we’ve been staying at. She would also be over here in my arms.

  I turn to lock gazes with my brother. He has the perfect little family. Nora and Evan keep a smile on his face. Nellie is always right beside him.

  There isn’t a thing more he could ask for. I haven’t seen him happier. That’s what I want for me and Carmen. I’ve gotten used to her living with me. I love waking to her smile.

  I turn to look back at her. She doesn’t look happy at all. That fake smile isn’t fooling anyone.

  “No, but I’m done waiting her out,” I reply.

  “I’m surprised it took you this long. You two look like two sad puppies,” he says, a hint of a smile in his voice.

  I turn to look at Wyatt again and find Noah and Braxton with their eyes on me as if they’re in agreement. I love my brothers, but I’m glad they haven’t stuck their noses into this. That would only make it worse. I think she’s still pissed because I told her brother. The asshole was only supposed to get her a sandwich, not snitch me out.

  While she’s been steering clear of me, I have texted Carmen every day and I call to leave messages every night since we’ve been apart. She gives one word responses unless I ask about the baby.

  I’m not going to lie. I miss her. I miss the fuck out of her.

  “It’s time ye go get me daughter-in-law. Go be a Black. You’ll have her in your arms in no time,” my mother says as she cranes her neck to look up at me.

  I smile, wrapping an arm around her shoulders and give her a hug. “You know I love you, right? Even though you were relentless on the plane.”

  She turns and kisses my cheek as she chuckles. “Aye, it was fun though. Always good when you’re on the other end of the jokes. That smart mouth gets ye in trouble all the time. How’s a taste of ye own water?”

  I plant a sloppy wet kiss on her cheek.

  “Ach, gross. Ye little fucker.”

  I burst out laughing as I give her a little squeeze. She reaches to mush my face away as I laugh. Mom is strong as heck.

  “Go get yer lass before I hurt ye. Carmen has baby brain. I would stay mad at ye father for the dumbest crap for weeks. I see the way she looks at ye the lass is ready to give in.”

  I release my mother and turn toward Carmen again. I catch her looking at me for the hundredth time. She’s been sneaking peeks since we arrived.

  My lips turn up. Yeah, it’s time. I’m not returning to the Château without her in my arms. Next time I step into my bedroom, it’s going to be with my girl in my arms.

  “Sucks to be you,” Brax taunts behind me.

  I shrug. “You worry about your own house.”

  “Nothing to worry about in my house,” he scoffs.

  “Oh yeah? I hope your kid looks like its mother. You’re the only one of us that came out ugly.”

  “You wish. Suck my ba—”

  “Braxton, ye better not say it,” my mother chides, bringing a wider grin to my lips.

  I toss up my middle finger and saunter after Carmen who has slipped out of one of the side doors. This is one of the safest places she could be, but I’m leaving nothing to chance. Besides, it’s time we talk.

  I’ve had enough.

  Carmen

  Inhaling deeply, I fill my lungs with the fresh night air. Something about the grounds here reminds me of the ones in Ireland. I haven’t put my finger on it yet. I look around trying to get it to click for me as I work to clear my head.

  I turn to look over at the gardens and think about walking into them. Now that’s something that wasn’t on the property in Ireland. I wonder what they look like during the day?

  We’ll be here for a few days. I’m sure to find out as we come back here for the other festivities. So much has changed as I take a look around our world. Things I didn’t notice before stand out as clear as day.

  Like my mother’s companions. I hadn’t noticed how wa
tchful they are. Now I see that they’re like two secretservice women. They move when she moves.

  There’s so much I’ve observed, but what sticks out most tonight is that I’m in love with Ryan Black and that kilt and tuxedo jacket are going to be the end of me. How does he make a kilt look so sexy? It isn’t the first time I’ve seen him in one, but it’s twice as sexy tonight for some reason.

  I’m blaming my stupid hormones. I pout and blow out a breath. I should probably head back.

  However, I realize my mistake when he covers my belly with his strong hands and buries his face in my neck. I know it’s Ryan because I know his cologne and the feel of his arms around me. I chide my body for melting into him so easily.

  The baby moves as if knowing its father is near. Ryan’s lips turn up against my skin. He gives a small chuckle.

  “At least one of you misses me.”

  “The baby is a traitor.”

  I swear. Since the first time Ryan felt this kid move the baby moves for him when he’s near. I’ve woken to him talking to my belly. It’s only been like a week since he’s felt it, but it’s been the same.

  Ryan gives a full belly laugh and tugs me closer to his front. His warmth cradles me and I can’t deny it. The baby isn’t helping. I feel guilty as if the two have missed each other.

  “I missed you,” Ryan says in my ear before nipping it.

  He turns me in his embrace. I keep my eyes on his chest, closing them when he kisses my forehead. I shouldn’t crave his touch. I want to stay in my feelings. It’s like I can’t resist him for long. He pecks the side of my lips.

  “Ryan,” I warn.

  “Carmen,” he mocks my voice. “I miss you, baby. I know you miss me too.”

  He glides his hands down my back and I shiver. I’m annoyed with myself. It’s becoming harder to ignore him. He starts to sway me from side to side.

  I’m tired. I’m tired of fighting him. I’m tired because this baby is taking everything from me. Plain tired.

  In this moment, I can’t even remember why I’m so darn mad at him. Before I can protest, he crushes his lips to mine. I resist for all of two seconds.

  I moan into his mouth and lock my fingers into his hair. He deepens the kiss, taking my breath away. Wow, two days has been too long. I need to remember not to get so mad for so long. It’s only torture for myself.

  “This dress looks so good on you,” he says against my lips. “Your legs are sexy as fuck. I can’t wait to wrap them around my neck.”

  He squeezes my butt in his big hands. I can’t help but wonder how long we have to stay here. His length is pressed into me as if his mind is in the same place.

  “How long is the party going to be?”

  “Doesn’t matter. We’re about to miss at least an hour.”

  “What?”

  He takes my hand on places it under his kilt. My mouth pops open as my hand meets bare skin. I wrap my hand around him and smile.

  “You’re not wearing any underwear?”

  “Surprise,” he says wiggling his brows. “Now come on. I have something I want to show you.”

  I laugh but follow him as he tugs me along. I don’t know where we’re going, but it feels right to be at his side. The most complete I’ve felt in days.

  Chapter 35

  Pushing Too Far

  Johnathan

  Walking out onto the second floor balcony, I inhale and blow out a long breath. I scan the vast grounds and shake my head as I see my brother and his girl below, disappearing into the gardens. His kilt and Carmen’s bronze dress are my first clue that it’s the two of them.

  The next is the fact that Ryan is towering over her. At six seven, my little brother is probably the tallest guy here. Carmen is half his size.

  I’m glad they’re working things out. The kid truly cares about her. Usually, Ry could give a shit about anything.

  I have my own shit I need to smooth out. Enough is enough and there are times when I’m pushed too far. This is one of these times.

  “You going to tell me what’s going on with you?” I direct at the person I’ve been looking for.

  “Nothing,” she says in that detached way of hers.

  I place my arms on either side her of her, caging her in as I grasp the railing. The fruity smell of her perfume is intoxicating. This dress that’s encasing her curves and full pregnant belly is one of my favorites I’ve seen on her.

  It’s simple, yet the black fabric accentuates all the right features. Her hips, legs, ass and breasts. All the curves I’ve come to know so well.

  I press closer, allowing my heat to engulf her. The move draws a shiver from her. Looking down at the side of her face, I study her.

  She can hide from everyone else, but not me. That’s not going to work. I place my chin on top of her head, bringing one hand to her belly.

  I often wonder how we got here. This wasn’t at all how we started. However, I saw it coming a mile away.

  “I’m not having that. Talk to me.”

  She sighs and shifts her weight in my hold. I wrap my other arm around her, trapping her to my body. I latch my lips onto her neck, dragging a moan from her lips.

  “John,” she whimpers.

  “Tell me what’s wrong.”

  “Unless that’s an order, no,” she replies.

  I think for a second. I’m tempted to give the command, but I don’t. I turn her to face me instead. Her dark eyes lock with mine and I search them for answers.

  I purse my lips. “You’re pregnant. There’s nothing we can do about it right now.”

  “I’m going to do this, John.”

  “Not while you’re pregnant and having complications, to begin with. Let it go.”

  “Let it go,” she seethes. “Do I have to remind you what was done to us?”

  “No,” I say tightly. “You don’t have to remind me of—”

  I cutoff and claim my temper. Last thing I want is to start a heated argument with her. She shouldn’t be stressed. I run a hand through my hair and close my eyes.

  “You don’t have to worry. I’m not going to disappear. Not today, but I have a lead. I want to look into it before it’s too late,” she says, causing me to pop my eyes open and glare at her.

  “What is it? I’ll handle it.”

  “No,” she says firmly.

  “It’s that or nothing. You decide.”

  She works her jaw with her stubborn ass. God, this woman means the world to me, but she drives me up a freaking wall. I cup her face in my hands and lean in until we’re breath to breath.

  “Your choice. You can’t have your cake and eat it too.”

  “What if I hadn’t made it out of that warehouse? What if that Russian guy hadn’t helped me escape death? What then?”

  “Are you asking yourself those questions?” I say against her lips.

  “Maybe.”

  I lick her plump lips. “We’ll never know because you were meant to survive. You need to stop beating yourself up because you did. I promised you we’d settle the score. You know I’ve been trying to find her. I’ve been digging baby. For two years I’ve been looking everywhere I can.”

  “It’s been three since I last saw her. What if she met with the fate I escaped? Here I am in this fancy dress and shoes, at this fancy party and she could be dead or worse, living through hell.”

  “You have to stop blaming yourself. Where is this coming from? You’ve been fine for months now.”

  “You think I was fine. It’s what I want you to believe.”

  “Bullshit. You’re racking up punishments, baby. I’ve counted two lies so far. Keep playing with me.”

  Lust fills her eyes. I would kiss her, but that would be what she wants. I won’t allow the distraction.

  “I should’ve kept pushing you away,” she whispers. “I don’t deserve you.”

  “Lie number three. We’ll have to wait until we return home for what I have planned for you.” I circle her lips with my nose. “I can’t wait until
we can return to full play. I think you forgot a few things in the last few months.”

  “The only thing I’ve forgotten is what my mission was. I never should have gotten sidetrack—”

  I cut her off with my lips. We’ve been here before. Not recently, but when she first realized she was pregnant. I’m not sorry that it happened. Roni has been on a death mission from day one. The revenge she seeks is likely to get her killed. Nate never should have allowed her to start training.

  He saw his error too late. When I stepped in to do damage control, we all knew it was too late. She trusts no one and has scars so deep I don’t know if I’ll ever reach them to heal what’s been done. No matter how much I wish I could.

  She moans into my mouth and melts into me. The demanding kiss is just the thing I need to get her to relax and let go of her thoughts for now. I deepen it and relish in the feel of her warm body against me.

  We’re different. We show our emotions differently. I understand what she needs and because of that, I’m one of the few that has completely earned the ounce of trust she’s willing to give. Or so I hope.

  You never know when she’ll turn the tables on you. I’ve come to expect that and accept it. When Roni needs me to prove myself, I always do.

  “John.” She breaks the kiss and places her head to mine. “What if this all falls apart? What if our baby—”

  “Shh.” I kiss her forehead. “Our baby will be fine. You’re thinking too much. Seven months. You’ve made it this far, we’ll have our baby and everything else you’ll leave to me.”

  She nods and purses her lips as tears build. It takes a lot for Roni to cry. I think the pregnancy has gotten to her.

  “Hey, I’m here. I’m always here. You’re not alone.”

  She nods her head again.

  Roni

  I nod my head because I can’t tell him how scared I am. Have I gotten a lead? Yeah, but that’s not why I’ve been distant with John.

  So we can add a fourth lie to my punishment. If I weren’t ready to lose my mind, I’d be more excited for him to make good on that promise. However, I’m having sharp pains. They’re not that often, but it happened this morning and not too long ago while we were greeting the guests of honor.