The Bad Boy Arrangement

by Nora Flite

And that was the real question.

  This woman, this glorious, funny, amazing woman... did I dare risk leaving her a husk of her former self?

  She'd argued with me, tried to make me see that this world was good.

  Worth loving.

  That I was worth loving.

  Was her belief in me enough?

  “I've always run,” I whispered. “Since my mother passed, I've tried to escape ever caring a fraction about anyone else. I thought nothing would change that.” Lifting my eyes, I gave her a weak smile. “Then I met you.”

  She hit me like a bullet, knocking me back on the couch. Straddling my waist, she glowered down at me. “You aren't—you can't—dammit!” Her hair thrashed side to side. “You're not supposed to make me feel this way!”

  My mouth fell open, but I had nothing to say. Wasn't she going to scream at me, or at least punch me once or twice? “Nix...”

  “How am I supposed to handle all of this?” she asked. “You make my life far, far too unpredictable, Abell Birch.”

  I went to speak, but she shut me up, her lips stealing my words. The kiss was a firecracker, the sparks vanishing too quickly as she leaned away again. “What do we do about the phone call? Do we call the cops?”

  Right to business. That's my girl. “I don't know what they could do.” Holding her, I let a lick of my inner rage touch my voice. “But I won't let anyone come between us. Not ever. I'll always protect you, Nix. You... and our baby.”

  Snuggling around me, Nix buried her face in the crook of my arm. “I want to tell you something, but looking at you—I don't know if I have the guts.”

  I chuckled. “You, of all people, scared of something? What could make you so nervous?”

  In my grip, Nix trembled. Whatever was getting to her, it was huge—momentous.

  And then I knew.

  There was only one thing that could shake the wild fire of this woman.

  Hugging her close, I coiled my fingers in her hair, creating a link that would have to be torn apart at the root before either of us could be freed. “Listen to me. I'll never be like my father. I'll never... ever make you cry. Understand?” I brushed her belly, my voice a growl. “I love you, Nix. I love you more than anyone I've ever known. I didn't know a love like this could even exist. But now I do. And I'll never forget.”

  Tears welled in her eyes, sliding over her cheeks like rain on spring leaves. I brushed them away; first with my thumb, then my lips.

  Grabbing my hand, she sobbed. “Abell—I love you, too. Tell me I'm crazy for feeling this way. Someone has to tell me that.”

  “You're crazy,” I said with a slow smile. “So am I. Guess it works out.”

  Nix laughed, sniffling through her tears as she scrubbed them. “You said you'd never make me cry. You lied.”

  “Tears of joy don't count.”

  Blushing, she wrapped my arm around her shoulder, snuggling close. On impulse, I let my palm spread over her tummy. She startled, then settled in. “I don't want to say it, but there's a chance I'm not pregnant. You know that.”

  “No. There isn't.”

  She went pinker, the color I adored. But her words were terribly pained. “Everything we do is tainted. This baby... the wedding... we're under the control of our families, no matter what.”

  Cradling her head to my chest, I breathed in her scent. The couch pressed us together, our legs tangled. “This is the only way to have everything. I won't let you lose the future you dreamed of.”

  Nix was quiet. There was something behind her eyes, a mood... or a thought... that was just out of my reach.

  Her arms held me, her lungs flared, and her heart kept a pattern that matched mine. Together we lied there, and finally, the silence was broken by her gentle voice.

  “Is this the future I dreamed of?”

  I didn't have an answer.

  - Chapter Fifteen -

  Nix

  In a tiny church, inside of a tinier room, I stared at myself in a mirror and wondered one thing.

  How had I gotten here?

  Persistence, I told myself. Dedication to my job.

  Insanity.

  People should be excited on their wedding day. As for me, I didn't know what to feel. At first, I'd hated the person I was being forced to marry, while craving the power it would bring me.

  Now it was the opposite.

  Life is funny. But what was I going to do about it? I'd come this far. My dream of being CEO felt so... hollow, now. Especially when I cradled my stomach, picturing Abell's hand there.

  This baby will have to interact with a bastard like Corin Birch.

  Not to mention my own parents.

  Pushing my perfectly coiffed hair behind my ear, I eyeballed my reflection. This was me, always so put together and impeccable. I'd been raised to be proper, to the point I was OCD over things like my damn hair.

  He loves it when it's messy.

  Digging my fingers into my scalp, I ruffled the red strands until the hairpins fell out. I didn't want to be like this anymore. I wanted freedom! I wanted...

  Pushing myself to my feet, I caught the glitter of my dress in the bright lights. That pure, dove-colored dress, was the very same one Abell and I had fucked in.

  Brushing the pleats, I worked my palm up the beaded bodice. It was a beautiful dress. It gave me a serenity I didn't deserve.

  It looks better around my ankles.

  Someone knocked on my door. “Nichole,” my mother chirped, “It's time.”

  I did a slow spin, wanting to throw my head back and scream. What am I going to do? It was a pointless question. Once I went into the main church I'd be a prisoner for the rest of my life.

  But we'd get to keep Halloway Inc.

  I'd get to be CEO.

  That was worth it...

  Right?

  Cracking the door, I found my mom waiting for me. She had on a purple, turtle-neck style lace gown.

  “There you are,” she sighed. “Thank goodness. I thought you couldn't fit into that dress or something.” Her eyes flicked from my legs to my face. “It's a wonder you got it over your hips at all. And what happened to your hair?”

  Hm. If I choke her, will her face match the purple color of her dress?

  She started moving down the empty hall. “Come on, everyone is waiting.”

  “Right. Nothing more romantic than a rushed wedding.”

  She lowered her eyebrows, evaluating me. Her tongue clicked. “This isn't about romance. It's about paying a debt.”

  “That you owe, not me.”

  “You'll get what's coming to you for doing this,” she hissed. “It's the only thing you ever cared about, anyway.”

  Cocking my head, I considered her words. Was this the only thing I cared about? Once, maybe, but now... now I had other things on my mind. Things that burned in my heart the way power and money never could have.

  Following her, we entered the main room. Someone had arranged flowers all over the pews and podium. The petals reminded me of tiny bluebirds, their wings pinned to their sides, unable to fly free.

  The tulips.

  Though there wasn't a hint of pine in the church, I still smelled it. Abell's scent was as much a part of me as breathing was.

  I knew he was nearby, even before I turned.

  He stood by the entrance, dressed in coal-black slacks and an open suit-jacket. His tie was slim, hanging down his broad chest. He looked slick and clean, he looked... nothing like himself.

  In his breast pocket rested a tiny sprig of something.

  Mistletoe.

  The realization made me smile. It also cut through me like glass.

  “You're gorgeous,” he whispered, coming to meet me.

  “I thought you called me 'stunning' before,” I chuckled.

  Reaching out, he went to stroke my tangled hair. At the last second he stopped, looking over my shoulder. Turning, I spotted my parents and brother standing there. Corin hovered at their side, as did a man I didn't know.

&
nbsp; A priest, I realized. His face was kind, wrinkled hands folded at his middle. This was happening. It was honestly, actually happening.

  The church was eerily empty and quiet. This was a private event, it reminded me of some sort of wicked cult meeting. Guess that makes me the sacrifice.

  The priest bowed his head, motioning for everyone to stand in the aisle. “Are we ready?”

  Ready. What a word.

  Staring around at their faces, I gathered myself.

  “Wait!” Gram cried, lifting his hand. “Don't do this, Nicky! It's not worth it!”

  Startled, I stared at my brother. I wasn't the only one.

  My mother rounded on him, her hands flexing at her sides. “You said if you came you'd stay silent! Don't get involved in this!”

  Standing to his full height, Gram shook his head. “No! I'm not going to let her ruin her life just because you all need her to!”

  The slap echoed through the church.

  My mother stood there, her palm raised high. Gram had wrenched away, his cheek flaring red from the hit.

  She hissed, “Why do you always insist on messing up my life? You'd risk our company, everything I've worked for, just so you can play hero?” Fire flared in her eyes. “You should've never been born, and I should have turned you away the day you came to my door. You're a disgrace.”

  Gram was hunched, his fingertips hovering by his glowing cheek. Turning, he stared up at my mother with the first hint of fury I'd ever seen in his bones.

  Here was someone who had fought, just as hard as me, to do what we needed to for this family. My job had been striving for success and perfection. His had been staying invisible.

  Finally, he'd decided he was done.

  If he could be that brave, then... maybe I...

  My father was a statue, the priest had gone pale, and Corin just pursed his lips. But my mother?

  She lifted her arm again, ready to strike once more.

  “Hey!” Abell shouted, starting to step forward and intervene. He didn't get far; I beat him to Gram's side, gripping my brother's arm and blocking him protectively.

  She stopped mid-swing, her voice scathing. “Step away, Nichole.”

  Raising my chin, I didn't soften the resentment in my voice. “How dare you call him a disgrace? Gram isn't the one who should be ashamed, you are!”

  Her eyeballs bulged. I thought she was getting ready to hit me, too. “Excuse me?”

  Beside me, Gram stirred. I knew he was watching me closely, but I was keeping my agitated stare on my mother. “He's the only one in this family that ever cared about me, the actual me, and not the success and power you wanted me to achieve.”

  “Nicky,” Gram whispered.

  Smiling at him, I said, “In fact, I think you're the only one in this family that ever even complimented me. You told me I was amazing, that I could do anything.”

  Anything.

  What a word. Was he right? No one knew how to run Halloway Inc better than me!

  If Gram was to be believed...

  I didn't need the company at all.

  My father, who'd been silent but pale, stepped closer. “Nix, stop this. You have to marry Abell. Don't waste everyone's time, stand up and be responsible.”

  Lifting my eyes, I watched him with a new understanding. I saw him, both of them, for what they really were.

  I'd always rationalized it away. I'd told myself it was for the family, the company. And that was what mattered.

  But now I knew what really mattered.

  Letting go of Gram, I rose until I was standing. Abell had remained nearby, hovering as if I needed to be protected. Leaning forward, I clutched him by the cheeks. His flicker of surprise was satisfying, especially as I kissed him. Our lips connected fiercely, the smell of tulips muddling my brain.

  With a smile, I looked him in the eyes and said, “We aren't getting married.”

  His eyebrows flew high. “What?” he whispered.

  My parents cried out, while Gram cheered and the priest just shook his head.

  Corin was silent, observing everything.

  “Yeah,” I said, linking my fingers with his. “Not like this. I want to be your wife, Abell. And I will. But it has to be on our own time. Our choice. No one making us. I don't care if I lose my company, I don't even want it anymore. Think you can give up your Dad's money, too?”

  Winding his hand in my hair, he connected his lips to mine. It was like kissing a piece of warm caramel. “I'd give up anything, as long as I got to keep you,” he said firmly.

  My head was buzzing. Through the warm cotton, my mother shouted at me. “You'd throw away our company for your pride?”

  “Nix,” my father snapped. “You can't do this to us!” Whirling, he faced Corin, his hands in bone-colored fists. “Mr. Birch, please, give us more time. We can talk her into this! I swear!”

  Corin held up his hand for silence. When his eyes found me, I had to keep myself from stepping backwards. Luckily, he didn't stay on me for long.

  His target was Abell.

  “Listen to me, Abram,” he said. “If you walk away from her, never look back, I'll give you all the money you could desire. The lifestyle of your dreams.”

  It was like being punched in the gut. The wind went out of me, I couldn't even blink. He was agreeing with us not being married, but telling Abell to walk away from me?

  “What?” I asked, croaking. “I don't understand.

  Next to me, Abell tensed up as if his muscles were pure iron. “You think I'd give up the woman I love, just for some cash?”

  Corin ran a hand over his skull. He was fidgeting like I'd never seen him before. “Don't lie. You haven't changed a bit. If you didn't want money, freedom, sex... why would you be hanging out in filthy bars still?”

  Abell's eyes went dark, clarity rolling over his features until they twisted in disgust. “You! It was you who called me that night!”

  Gram and I shared a look. “The photo of Trish,” I said. “He was the one who took it and sent it to my brother?”

  Corin didn't respond. It was as good as a confession.

  My knees were threatening to shatter. I didn't know if I could stay on my feet, or if I could keep from vomiting. What was all of this, a giant fucking game? Covering my mouth, I whispered, “Why would you do this to me?”

  Slowly, Corin looked towards my mother. She stood straighter, like she'd been electrocuted. “Ask her,” he said.

  She sucked in her lower lip, sealing her answer away.

  “Fine,” he chuckled. “It's clear this charade is over with, my efforts wasted. I'll tell your daughter why I worked so hard to make her future miserable.”

  I was shaking; anger, fear, I wasn't sure. Every cell was in disarray, this revelation leaving me lost. Abell's arm circled me, holding me tightly to his side. I breathed in, languishing in his comforting grip.

  Corin filled his lungs, held the pressure, and released. “Gabby and I have a history. Her, your father and I, we attended college together. We were almost friends. Almost.” Chuckling, he narrowed his eyes on my dad. “Rivals, more than anything.”

  My father shifted side to side, scowling.

  “Gabby had big dreams,” Corin went on. “She wanted to start up a company, turn her tiny consulting hobby into something that could make millions. Her family was poor, mine... less so.” His smile was sickening, but the edges quickly fell. “She knew I liked her. She worked me over, flirted with me. Then she asked for her first cash investment.

  “I gave it to her. I was on the ground floor of Halloway Inc before it was ever called that. But no matter what I did for her, it wasn't enough.”

  I couldn't take my eyes off of my mother. She'd had a history with Corin?

  Her features had smoothed, she refused to look at anyone.

  The priest closed his bible. Now, he backed away, trying to politely exit the room once it was obvious this wedding wasn't happening.

  Corin grit his teeth. “She married your father.
But she wasn't through with me. The day she called, crying that her husband had cheated on her, I thought this was it! She'd abandon her family, divorce her husband, and I'd be there to save her.”

  Gram's shoulders slumped. I wanted to hug him; being reminded of the affair was poisonous.

  Abell's dad had gone quiet. Then, he slid a glare crafted from ice and acid towards my mother. “Instead of leaving him, she asked for my money and made empty promises. I was wiser this time. I saw that nothing I did would make her mine. She had no one else to turn to, I was her only hope, so... we made a deal. I'd give her the money, but at a price.”

  I held my head in my hands. “You did all this because she wouldn't date you? All of this, because of that?”

  He ignored me, still staring straight at my mother. “If I couldn't have Gabby, I wanted to ruin everything close to her. That meant her company, her family.” Finally, he snapped his dead eyes at me. “The marriage should have been enough, but then, you had to go and fall in love with Abram.” His smile was sinister. “So I had to change the game.”

  Abell took a shuddering breath. He was barely controlling himself. “You tried to goad me into abandoning her.”

  The idea sickened me. If Abell had left, leaving me alone with our baby... Protectively, I stroked my belly.

  Corin saw me touch myself, his laugh scratchy and wet. “The day I found you acting strange outside of my son's home, I suspected you'd fallen pregnant. How wonderful it would have been if he'd knocked you up, then thrown you to the side. You'd have been left with a child to remind you of the selfish man who ran.”

  “I'm not running from her!” Abell growled. “I never will.”

  On impulse, I hugged him closer. He surprised me, cupping my belly through my wedding dress, his chin resting on my head. His presence gave me strength.

  “The company,” my mother whispered. She was an echo of herself. “You never intended to give it back.”

  Corin threw his hands up. “Of course not, are you that stupid? Do you not understand what revenge is?”

  “If you love me,” she said, “Then how could you do this?”

  “I did love you.” Corin's eyes were pits in his skull, empty and dark. “For years, I loved you. But not anymore, Gabby. Never again.”