“Ice cream?” I echoed, frowning.
Jane nodded as my forehead wrinkled. “Nothing else happened?” She shook her head, already having gone over the day’s events and finding nothing to trigger his sudden disappearance.
“Why?” I asked myself, wandering to the window overlooking Bourbon Street. The evening’s revelries were just getting started, creating a kaleidoscope of color down below. Ian was somewhere in that crowd. Jane knew that now. He’d escaped into his old pastimes, drinking and partying. It was what Buster and I had attempted to hide from Jane but from her expression it was clear she’d figured it out.
“I don’t know.” I wasn’t expecting an answer, but Jane gave me one anyway. Ian’s sudden about face was surprisingly painful and a reminder that none of us were capable of controlling him. “I’m sorry.”
I spun around at her apology.
“Whatever for?” I was genuinely curious, and she waved her hand at me.
“For losing him. For being a terrible babysitter,” she admitted, her eyes glistening as she blinked back tears.
“Jane.” I strode toward her, stopping when I reached her, my hand hovering as if to touch her before I curled my fingers in and dropped my arm. I noticed Ian’s attraction to her and had no desire to cause strife between us even as my own feelings had grown towards the unexpected woman in our midst. “You are not at fault. Please don’t blame yourself for Ian’s actions.”
“I don’t. But I should at least know where he is. The one night you don’t join us and he disappears!” She cried out, clearly upset by her role in Ian’s disappearing act.
“I don’t know why he did it, but I know it has nothing to do with you. I never expected you to keep constant tabs on him.” I chuckled mirthlessly. “That would be a task I wouldn’t put on my worst enemy, much less you. Ian is impossible to predict or control. I only wanted you to be a calming influence on him.” She scoffed at the idea, turning away and I grabbed her shoulders, flexing my fingers at her warmth. “It’s true and what’s more … you’ve succeeded. You have not known him as long as I. You cannot see the changes you’ve wrought in him as I can. I can only hope this is a momentary aberration. Something he can explain.” I removed my hands from her shoulders and stepped back, clearing my throat as I resisted the urge to wipe the tingling from my palms. “Now, I would ask that you go to bed.” She made to protest, and I stopped her. “You’re exhausted. I don’t know when Buster will bring him home or what condition Ian will be in. I can assure, you he won’t want you to see him in an inebriated state, so please. Go, rest, and we’ll reconvene at breakfast.” She gazed at me in question and I kept my expression blank. She eventually nodded, wrapping her arms around herself as she walked to her room. I wasn’t sure when I’d begun to refer to the space as hers instead of Ian’s, but it felt right. She paused at the door, glancing back at me. I kept my shoulders straight even though all I wanted to do was slam my hand through the wall. Ian had no idea of what he had in Jane. She was beautiful and clever, stronger than I’d given her credit for and a part of me felt she was wasted on Ian. I buried the feeling like I had so many times, knowing the demons that pursued Ian relentlessly and knowing he deserved the love of a good woman, even if it left me fighting off an unwelcome jealousy.
I wondered for a moment if I’d made the right decision to bring Ian to New Orleans. It was a city torn between sinners and saints and lives were lived on the line as some sought redemption, while others fell to the flames.
“How was your date?”
I started at her unexpected question and gave her an amused glance, not missing her persistence in referring to my meeting as a date.
“My business dinner was fine.”
She made a humming noise and slipped inside her room, and I heard a faint click as she closed the door, but even though I waited, I never heard her engage the lock. I briefly imagined following her, how she would respond if I ran my hands over the curve of her hips, what her mouth would taste like as my tongue stroked hers, and cursed as I adjusted myself, the images too clear in my mind as I clenched my fist. I resisted the temptation she presented, instead going to the bar and pouring a drink as I considered the risky game I played.
Audra was back in town and the second Ian found out, all hell would break loose….if it hadn’t already.
Chapter Nine
I woke up with a gasp, fighting against the blanket that tried to trap me inside the nightmare I’d just had. My heart thudded, sweat coated my skin, and I knew I wouldn’t be able to sleep anytime soon.
Moonlight streamed through the window I’d forgotten to pull the curtain over, and I wondered what time it was. The memory of Ian’s absence had me glancing at the other side of the bed, but the covers were smooth and I knew he hadn’t come into my room.
I got up from the bed and padded to the door to see if Ian had come back and fallen asleep on the couch. The suite was silent as I slipped from my room, shadows draping the large living area as I made my way to the couch.
“He’s not there,” Michael’s smooth voice said, but recognizing it didn’t stop my squeak of surprise. I spun around, and as my eyes adjusted to the dark room, I saw him settled in the armchair, a glass hanging precariously from his fingertips.
“You scared me,” I breathed, my heart thumping madly once again.
“My apologies,” he replied, his voice rough as he tilted his head back and pierced me with his stare. “You shouldn’t be here,” he continued and a sharp sting of hurt flashed through me. He must have seen it on my face because his expression changed. “You’re so tender,” he said, almost inaudibly. “So easily damaged.”
“I’m stronger than I look,” I retorted sharply, my back straitening as my pride stung. “If you want me to go, you only needed to say so.”
“If only I did,” he replied cryptically. “You would be better off, but I fear it is too late.”
“Michael, are you okay?” I padded closer to him, worried now about his mental state. Maybe Ian’s disappearing was worse than he’d let on or Ian had been hurt. “Are Ian and Buster okay?”
“I’m sure my brother is fine. Buster, on the other hand, might demand another raise,” Michael said casually, raising the glass he held and tipping it back as he swallowed the last bit of amber in it. I watched in fascination as his throat worked, the strong column of his throat mesmerizing.
“Your innocence is intoxicatingly dangerous,” he murmured, breaking the spell as my eyes shot to his. “You have no idea the temptation you present.”
“I should go back to bed,” I whispered, suddenly aware of how alone we were and the implications of Michael’s words. I had to pass the chair he was in to get back to my room, and I kept my steps slow as I came near him, his eyes hooded as he watched my approach.
“Or you could keep me company until my foolish brother returns,” he suggested, snagging my arm as I edged past him. With one swift jerk, I found myself sprawled across his lap, his arms holding me captive as the scent of bourbon tickled my nose.
“You’re drunk,” I stated, my voice barely a whisper as I attempted to hold myself away from the heat of his body. The heavy weight of his arm draped across my waist trapped me even as it sent a flash of heat through me.
“It appears so,” he answered as his thumb caressed my cheek, brushing aside a strand of hair that had fallen across my face. “What other reason would I have for acting this way?”
“Rule number 2,” I attempted to say, having to stop and clear my throat. “No drinking.”
“Rules are meant to be broken, sweet Jane. Didn’t anyone ever tell you that?” His thumb slipped down my throat, pausing when he reached the rapid thrumming of my pulse. “Are you afraid?”
I couldn’t lie, not to him, not even in the precarious position I found myself. I shook my head, the movement barely discernible but he felt it. The hand resting on my waist tightened and I felt the press of his fingers against my bare skin.
“You should be,” he gro
wled, the hand at my neck jerking my head forward as our lips crashed together.
Chapter Ten
Ian
Buster supported me even as I cursed his lineage. I wasn’t a pleasant drunk on the best of days, and tonight’s events had sent me spiraling into the darkest recesses of my mind. The past was a violent lover I normally kept caged, but tonight she wished to come out and taunt me as only a past lover could.
“Damn, Ian. I haven’t seen you this bad off in years. What the hell happened?” Buster muttered, tightening his hold as I stumbled. I shook my head, unable to answer him, even if I’d wanted to. The memories were too close to the surface, and my soul too exposed to speak of what tormented me. Jane had wiggled her way into my heart in less time than I had thought possible. I had felt certain the walls around my heart were high enough, my skin hardened enough to tolerate her presence, but one glimpse at Audra had destroyed the ridiculous notion.
I winced at the mere thought of her – of Audra. The bitch who’d taken from me what I held dearest without a thought or single regret. She’d been placated by money and my parent’s promises, but left me reeling at the loss. A loss I’d never admitted to anyone, instead seeking to drown it in drink and women. Tonight, I’d done the same, but for once, the thought of a woman had turned my stomach. The only one I wished to be with was the same one I had no choice but to avoid. I refused to subject Jane to my presence, not when I was enraged at what I’d witnessed.
My brother.
With Audra.
The thought was difficult to comprehend, even after I’d spent the evening doing nothing but thinking about it. He’d told us he had a business dinner. I distinctly remembered Jane mentioning it. We’d both enjoyed the idea of just the two of us for dinner. I knew I hadn’t mistaken her pleasure at dining with me exclusively. It was the one highlight of an otherwise dreadful night.
“What was Michael doing with that woman?” I demanded, forcing Buster to stop. An action that would have been next to impossible, but he’d been supporting the bulk of my weight for the better part of six blocks, and even he was growing weary.
“I don’t know. Dinner with an associate.” He stared at me suspiciously. “What do you care? I want to know why you’d leave Jane when you were so eager to be alone with her.”
I winced at his angry accusation. He had a point. I had been impatient at the thought of an evening alone with her, and it had been wonderful, until the moment, I’d stepped out of the hotel to get ice cream and seen Michael assist Audra into his car. That one single moment had sent me in a tailspin, and I found myself falling back on old habits, trying to drown the past. I swallowed hard as I remembered ignoring Jane’s calls, of texting her instead. My text had been dismissive; an intentional taunt I knew would make her angry with me. She was independent and my questioning her ability to be alone would come off as a slap in the face.
Buster shook me roughly, and I groaned as my head throbbed harder. I must have drunk half the bar with the way my head felt.
“Why were you there?” I questioned sharply, pain spiking my anger.
“He wanted to make sure no paparazzi were around. Something about keeping the reason he’s here under wraps.”
“And why would she have anything to do with that?” I persisted, needing to know why she was with him.
“I don’t know!” Buster boomed, his own anger with me erupting. “What difference does it make? You know what I have a problem with? Worrying about you. Of hearing Jane’s fear when I called, because she didn’t know what happened to you. You’re a bloody selfish bastard, Ian Wright, and if you mess this up, you’re a bloody fool.”
He brought me to the back door of the hotel and into the elevator in silence. His outburst had ended our conversation, and I closed my eyes against his accusing stare. He was right, and hearing him mention Jane’s fear sent knives through me. She was the last person I’d wanted to hurt and, so far, the only one I’d managed to.
The ride up to the penthouse suite was silent as I watched the light change at each floor. I knew what awaited me once the elevator opened and could only hope I managed to control the rage coursing through me. Finally, the light stopped moving and the doors slid open. Michael stood ready, and his jaw twitched as he took in my state. The disappointment on his face caused my anger to flare to life.
“So righteous, brother?” I laughed, the sound more angry than amused, as I stumbled my way inside. He stepped to the side and tilted his head toward Buster, a silent request to leave us alone.
“My dressing down private now?” I mocked, having already scanned the room for Jane but not seeing her. The door to my room was closed, and I wondered if she was tucked safely in my bed, or if she paced the floor waiting for me. I staggered around to face Michael, and he brushed a nonexistent piece of lint from his buttoned jacket. It was two in the morning, but you’d think Michael had just gotten dressed, his clothes were so immaculate.
“Do you have sex wearing a suit, brother?” I asked, my rage building, as I wondered yet again, why he was with Audra. “Your date tonight seemed the type to appreciate a stuffed shirt, such as yourself.” His eyes narrowed on me as he fought to keep his expression calm.
“I don’t see what difference my dinner with a business associate makes to the matter at hand,” he answered evenly, his voice low. “What precisely were you thinking, brother? Were you thinking? Maybe that’s the better question. You left Jane, with no explanation. Buster said you were cruel to her. Do you wish her to leave us?”
“I was not cruel.” I pointed at him, swallowing hard against the bile that fought to rise. I had not intended to be cruel. I hadn’t meant to hurt her.
“Then why did you?” Michael asked, and I realized I’d spoken aloud. He gazed at me, truly puzzled by my behavior and I wanted …. God, I wanted to tell him why I’d disappointed him yet again, but the words would not allow themselves to be spoken, so instead I attacked.
“What difference does it make to you?” I swept my arm around the room. “Are you disappointed you had to cut short your ‘business’ dinner to take care of my mess? Is that it? You didn’t get to sample Audra’s pussy?”
“Your vulgarity is distasteful.” He glared, his temper finally hitting the point of no return. “You insist on acting as if I was on a date, when I was not. Audra is nothing more than an employee sent by our parents to observe my methods. In fact, I’m not entirely certain she wasn’t sent to spy on me; a fact that concerns me a great deal. But am I with her trying to discern her motives for being here? No, I’m standing here with you, because you once again decided to do whatever the blasted hell you wanted to, instead of being responsible.” He paced in front of me, his yelling controlled, so as not to disturb Jane, but all I could think about was the fact our parents had sent Audra. If they had, then why? Michael was right to be concerned, but more than that, our parents were not the forgetful sort. If they had sent Audra here, then there was another reason. Perhaps to torture me? Distract me? But to what end?
My internal debate cut short as Michael grabbed my chin in his hand, forcing our eyes to meet.
“Listen to me when I speak to you, brother.”
The strong grip he had on my chin loosened as I stared back at him. He patted my cheek lightly, but the anger never left his eyes.
“While you were out gallivanting around town, drinking to excess and having a merry time, Jane was here waiting for you, completely clueless as to your actions or reasons. Hell, I’m clueless as to your reasons half the time. You don’t let me in, but she sat in that chair this morning and defended you, told me she would not allow your past actions to determine how she felt. Then you go and do this. Let me ask you, brother. Do you want her to leave? Are you so broken that you’ll push away every single person that wishes to be near you? Because you are succeeding admirably, if that is your intent.”
I shook my head slightly, and his hand tightened on my cheek keeping me still.
“She has her first call with her
parents tomorrow.” His eyes searched mine, and I couldn’t be certain what he was searching for. “What if she decides to leave us? Hmmm? What then? Will you have succeeded in your plan?” He shoved me away from him and walked off. He braced himself against the table, his head down, and the pose was so unlike Michael I had to look away. “Your timing could not possibly be any worse. We need her. You may not see it, but I do. I don’t know what will become of us, if you drive her away.” He twisted around to stare at me. “I will never forsake you, brother. No matter what you do, but you cannot continue to be ruled by your impulses.”
I wanted to protest his words, but couldn’t. He was right. I had allowed my emotions to overrule my common sense. If Jane chose to leave us, it would be my fault.
A fact I couldn’t bear.
Michael went to his room, hesitating in the doorway.
“We will speak no more about this. Whatever Jane decides in the morning, we will accept. Am I clear?” I nodded, swallowing tightly. She would not leave us. I had until the morning to ensure it.
Chapter Eleven
“Jane love.” He shook me, murmuring my name repeatedly, as I came awake.
“Ian? Are you okay?” The despair I heard in his voice brought me fully out of sleep and I sat up, reaching over to flick on the bedside lamp. He kneeled in front of me, a rumpled mess, and the strong odor of alcohol alerted me to the fact that he was drunk.
“Ian.” Disappointment rushed through me as my suspicions were confimed. I’d held out hope that there had been another reason for his disappearance, but obviously not. My stipulation of no alcohol was apparently too difficult for either of the brothers to handle.
“Love, I’m so sorry. Don’t leave, please.” His words were slurred, and I closed my eyes at his pleading look. He wasn’t making sense. I didn’t understand what he meant by leave.
“Do you want me to leave?” I shook my head in confusion, wondering if he knew Michael had kissed me, if he felt betrayed and wished me gone. My hand went to my lips as I remembered the way Michael’s mouth had molded to mine, the deep stroke of his tongue demanding entrance, my complete inability to deny him as he commanded my mouth and body.
Charming Jane_A Reverse Harem Romance Page 13
