by Kayce Kyle
One Knight Stand : Blaine
Kayce Kyle
Contents
Cover Page
Synopsis
Disclaimer and Notes to Readers
Character and Book Information
Prologue
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 10
Chapter 11
Epilogue
Acknowledgments
About the Author
Other Ways To Keep Up With This Author
Upcoming Books
Copyright
Legal
One Knight Stand: Blaine Book One
Copyright 2018 Kayce Kyle
Edited by: Darlene Tallman
Cover by: Shelly Morgan
Format by : Liberty Parker
Copyright © 2018 by Kayce Kyle
This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places and incidents either are the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, business establishments, events, or locations is entirely coincidental.
Kayce Kyle
Copyright © 2018
All rights reserved by Author
Cover art by: Reggie Deanching photographer @RplusMphoto
Cover Model: Cody Smith
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. This book is protected under the copyright laws of the United States of America. Any reproduction or other unauthorized use of the material or artwork herein is prohibited without the express written permission of the author.
Synopsis
BLAINE
As a bar owner in a small town, I meet a lot of women. I bed most of them. No expectations and no strings attached. Am I ashamed of that? Not even a little. I have my reasons. I consider my life perfect the way things are. Until one stormy night she came barreling through the doors. Our eyes met, and in that moment, I knew the universe was conspiring against me. I harbor a secret that could destroy anything more than a one-time thing between us. Maybe that’s all this is meant to be, and if so, I can handle that. Or can I? Will my family secret have her running back to the life she initially fled?
TARA
Born with a silver spoon in my mouth? No, more like platinum, adorned with the finest quality diamonds from around the world. Yes, I was born into a wealthy, elite family. Most would say I have it all, but I have nothing. Material things? Sure. That seems to be enough for everyone in my social class, but not for me. I long for something more. Something real. Love. A love so deep that you can’t put a monetary value on it unlike everything else in my life. I’ve been groomed from birth to live and maintain what’s socially accepted in this world of top elitists. Of course, that was before I looked into a pair of baby-blues that immediately set my heart on fire. Will he still accept me once all my deep, dark, secrets are revealed? Or will he break my heart, too?
Disclaimer and Notes to Readers
This book includes explicit sexual content, violence, explicit language, and possibly sensitive emotional situations. Therefore, I would like to take this time to warn you that if any of the above could ignite fear, offend you, or trigger a painful past memory for you, please send the book back immediately. Nobody should ever have to endure any abuse. Sexual, or otherwise.
If you, or anyone you know are in an abusive relationship, or have been abused, it’s not ever too late to reach out and ask for help.
A few numbers for outreach include 1-800-799-7233 / 1-800-787-3224 (TTY)
This book is rated for mature audiences eighteen and above.
Character and Book Information
This is book one in the Knight brothers’ duet. All characters are fictional, as is the story. It is all based on a vision—my vision. If there are certain names in this book you find familiar or have heard before, it is all purely coincidental—stemming from my imagination alone.
I am a self-publishing Author and all I ask is that you keep an open mind and follow me along this journey. Thank you kindly for riding out this inevitable adventure with me.
Also, there are slang words in this story. Not too many, but this is the way my characters chose to speak to me. It is not a grammatical or editing error. If you see certain words such as “gonna” or “wanna”, those are very well meant to be written in that manner. However, should there be any editing errors, they would be of my own doing. I have a fabulous editor that makes the possibility of any errors less likely. Having said that, I am only human, and mistakes do happen.
Prologue
BLAINE
“Bro, seriously? You’ve gotta stop doing whatever this is with Gwen. She’s getting too damn comfortable around here. Thought you were ending this thing with her two fucks ago? You got real feelings or what?” my brother Emmit asks with narrowed eyes laced with frustration as he leans against the frame of my door.
“She still here?” I throw a shirt over my head as I stand, pulling a pair of my washed-out jeans on.
“Made her leave a few minutes ago when I found her once again making herself too cozy here. She had a pot of coffee going and was gathering food from the fridge to make breakfast. Blaine.” He snaps his fingers at me, trying to gain my attention. “Did you hear what I said?”
Flicking my eyes to him as I fasten my belt buckle, I say, “Yes, Emmit. Breakfast. The meal most prepared by a woman for her man. Or one she’s trying to sink her claws into. I’ll end it. I agree, she’s getting the wrong idea. Should’ve done it long ago anyway.”
He grunts before a small chuckle erupts from his throat. “Bro, she’s already got the wrong idea. You broke the number one rule. You’ve allowed her to warm your bed on multiple occasions. You know how chicks think.” I turn to face him and watch as he chews on a toothpick. “I can see this going full-on fatal attraction. She’s hot, yeah, but don’t tell me you can’t see how jealous she acts in here when other women have your attention? Whatever, you do what you want, but she seems like unwanted drama we don’t want or need around the bar.”
“I got it, Emmit!” I snap at him. “Now, I’ve still gotta eat, shower and get ready for our shipment that will be here shortly.”
“Ma stopped by with some breakfast sandwiches shortly after Gwen left. I told her you were still sleeping, and she didn’t want me to wake you. Said to make sure you ate. She had a hair appointment in town, so she couldn’t stay.” He pulls the toothpick from his mouth. “You shower, and your sandwich will be downstairs waiting for you.”
“You’re not ma, you know? But you sure are bossy like you’re her,” I say, pushing my way past him as I make my way downstairs. I’ll eat first while my food is still somewhat warm. Ain’t nothing on this planet as good as our ma’s cooking.
I can hear the bounce of his steps following behind me. “Well, I am the big brother, and it’s my job to protect you,” his voice booms behind me.
Once I’ve made my way to the kitchen area, I locate the sandwich ma left for me and unwrap it. “You’re one year older than me, Emmit. It’s not your job and hasn’t been since we were kids. Your job is to bartend, play bouncer, and stay out of my business,” I tell him, sinking my teeth into my food.
Folding his arms over his chest, he replies, “Two days, Blaine. That’s all we have left before this place is packed with thirsty townspeople as they cheer on the high school championship game. We’re the only bar in this town and shit’s gonna get real. You know how serious everyone takes this. And since they’ve made it to state, we need to be prepared. This hasn’t happened in over thirty years. It’s me, you, and Sharla running this p
lace. We need more hands on deck.”
With a mouthful of food, I try not to choke on my laughter at the seriousness and anxiety in his tone. “How serious everyone takes this, Emmit?” I lower my gaze to the worn out t-shirt his folded arms partially cover. “Are you lumping yourself into that category?” Emmit was a jock in high school. He was our varsity quarterback, and still bitter to this day they lost their first playoff game. His eyes turn to slits and I watch him fight the urge to defend himself. “We’ve got this. I don’t want to hire anyone else. You know this. We’ve been over it a thousand times. What makes us unique is that we’re family-owned. People know and trust us. We’re a small town and I don’t ever wanna change the vibe of this place because we’ve got some money now. We’re a town of generational farmers and lower to middle class people. We said this money from the woman who birthed us wouldn’t change us. Let’s keep that promise, huh?”
“Fuck, Blaine. You act like I was suggesting we hire an entire staff serving from gold-plated platters and bottles of high-end champagne with flecks of gold inside. I’m just saying that I think we are short-staffed for this night…and that you’re still clouded with pussy brain,” he spouts off.
“I’m not budging,” I rebuttal, passing back by him. “I’m headed upstairs to shower.” I take another bite of my breakfast. “Hopefully the soap will sink into my scalp and into my brain. You know, washing away any residual pussy brain as you just called it. Try getting some every now and then. Maybe you’ll be less uptight. Damn. You used to fuck anything with a pussy between their legs. Lighten up.”
“Fuck you, little brother,” he shouts behind me, as I continue back up the stairs to my room with a smirk on my face he can’t see.
Chapter One
TARA
“Reservations at the Skyfall. He bought you a dress and had it delivered to you from Nordstrom’s along with a pair of new Jimmy Choo’s,” my sister Rachel gushes, as she all but fondles and caresses the heels against her cheek. “Who knows what else he has planned, Tara.” She wiggles her brows at me. “This is it, he’s going to ask you to marry him and you’ll finally become Mrs. Preston Hallister. You’ll be the envy of every woman in town.”
I wish I could say that she’s wrong, but I feel like she’s right, and that’s the problem. “Yes, Mrs. Preston Hallister,” I say out loud. My words come out strained, voicing my concern.
“Don’t get too excited, Tara. You wouldn’t want to let your enthusiasm cause a mild panic attack or anything,” she sarcastically states, placing the designer heels back in the box. “Mom’s already started calling wedding planners you know?”
Ah, yes, my mother. Of course, she has. The biggest hypocrite to ever walk among the great elites of Dallas, Texas. Rachel and I are the only children of my parents, Edward and Katherine Billings. My father is a real estate mogul who rubs elbows with politicians, professional athletes, and celebrities. My mother married into my father’s money. Rachel and I have never wanted for a single thing in life, well, not anything that money could buy. My sister is the perfect protégé. She’s as brainwashed, money and power hungry as they’ve trained her to be. I was too, once. Although I always wanted something more and knew something was missing from my life.
Foolishly, I’d let myself believe that Preston was everything I wanted and was willing to provide more than just a lifestyle. I already have my own money and more than I can probably spend in a lifetime, I don’t need more. What I crave is real love and genuine affection. Again, I thought I had that with Preston…at first. That was until a few weeks ago. He was working late at his father’s office and what will be his one day, so I decided to surprise him with a romantic dinner. I’d ordered from our favorite upscale Italian restaurant and picked it up. I’d even grabbed some candles hoping to make it somewhat romantic considering he’d been putting in so many hours at the office. I knew he was out to prove to his father that he was ready to take over Hallister Enterprises, so I hadn’t put up any arguments. I put on his favorite little red dress of mine and primped myself to perfection. Only when I arrived, I found him at his desk with his secretary bent over it while he fucked her like he’d never fucked me before.
I left. He never knew I was there. Feelings of devastation, loss, fury, heartbreak, and defeat have now become some of my truest friends. I haven’t had the courage to tell anyone, except Carmen. She was mine and Rachel’s nanny until we became adults. She has always been more of a mother to us than our own. Now, since we’re both adults, she’s my family’s trusted housekeeper. So, yes, I dread Preston asking me to marry him, because I’m not sure that I can. It might sound silly to most. It should be cut and dry. Black and white, right? I wish it were, but someone with my social standing doesn’t have many options. Everyone knows everyone, and the women don’t usually dare say no or cross their men. Yes, we live in modern times, but in our society specifically, the men have the power to destroy a woman and any future romantic partner. Even though Preston is the one who is a lying, filthy, cheater, so are most of the other men. Again, they have the power and know it. I remember when I was around sixteen years old hearing my parents arguing. I was eavesdropping, and my mother was shouting through her sobs as she blasted my father for cheating again. It was like a knife to my heart and I couldn’t imagine how my mother felt. My father told her words that I remember to this day. He said, “Katherine, you came from nothing, and that’s exactly what you’ll be if you try to go public and divorce me. I’ll ruin you. Don’t forget about the prenuptial agreement.”
“Earth to Tara.” My sister waves her hands in front of my face. “What are you so deep in thought about? Is it Preston? What if he takes one of his father’s jets and takes you to Paris? Or what if…” she continues, but I stand up and shake my head as I place my hand up, silently ordering her to stop.
My palms are sweaty and I’m not even sure if he’s going to propose. All of this could be for nothing. One thing is for sure, though, I’ve got to figure out how to end things with Preston without compromising my reputation. I do have my own money and my own penthouse apartment. “Rach, calm down, would you? Why don’t you let me take this one day, and one step at a time?”
“Fine,” she mutters. “I can’t stand it anymore!” She jumps up and grabs me by the shoulders. “He asked Daddy’s permission two weeks ago! It’s true! I heard him and Mom talking about it a few nights ago! He’s going to do it on your birthday at the party planned for you. Which you’re also not supposed to know about. Now, will you go ahead and start getting excited?”
My heart pounds relentlessly inside my chest at her declaration. She’s always been nosy and terrible at keeping secrets. Shit, until she mentioned it, I’d forgotten about my birthday. The last year I’ll spend in my twenties. Waves of panic crash and wash over me, leaving me drenched as I drown in apprehension. This can’t happen. Telling him no will humiliate him, especially in a room full of powerful elitists. “M-my birthday?” My words come out shaky as I wring my hands together.
My sister shakes her head. “Yes, they’ve got an announcement written and ready to go out in the newspaper the morning after. Isn’t it like a dream come true?” she muses, her eyes glossed over and shiny like the diamond she viciously craves to be placed on her own finger. I love my sister, but she’s a product of her environment. She’s still a year away from receiving her trust fund inheritance, and she’s still blissfully ignorant at only twenty years old. She hasn’t seen or heard the things that I have. Maybe I should’ve shared those things with her, but given our parents were barely a part of our lives, I never wanted to taint any memories or preconceived ideas she has about them.
“A nightmare,” I mumble, shifting my gaze toward the floor not meaning for that to slip out verbally.
“A what?” she snaps. “Did you just call getting engaged to the most eligible bachelor in Dallas a nightmare?”
“No.” I lie to her face. “I said I feel light as air. Now, I have a shopping date with Cynthia. I need to change
and get ready. Oh, and Rachel? Please, please don’t tell anyone you told me. You’ll just ruin the surprise and Preston will be angry with you. He might tell Cameron and then you could lose your chance at ever having any real shot with him.” Cameron is another member of our high-society’s up and coming and Rachel’s age. She’s been drooling over him for months now. So, using this to subtly threaten her is my best shot at having her keep her lips sealed. “Now, I’ll call you tomorrow and maybe we can set up a spa day? You know, so I can be as relaxed and beautiful as possible before the big day.” Her eyes grow wide along with the grin on her face as she hugs me, and I feel guilt ridden for lying to her. I should’ve ended things with Preston weeks ago, but he’s never here, and when he is I seem to lose all my courage. I usher her out of my apartment. Once she’s gone, frantically, I text Carmen and ask her to meet me at the coffee shop down the street from my place after she leaves work.
BLAINE
The sun begins to set and it’s time to open the doors again for another night of booze, music, billiards, and bar fights. Before I head over to open the doors for business, Sharla uses her key and bursts through one of the front doors. She races past me and behind the bar where she stows away her purse and pours herself a quick shot of whiskey. “You’re late again, Sharla.”
