I figured with two mil up for grabs, I’d make sure none of my wife’s records were “accidentally” leaked to the media.
There was some movement in a nearby door, and I glanced around. Two nurses were peeking at me from around the nurses’ station.
Back in the day, the college days, I would have flashed them my smile, laid on the charm.
Today, I ignored them.
Snooty bitches.
I hated snooty bitches.
“C’mon, Smalls.” I draped an arm across Rimmel’s shoulders and guided her to the exit. “Let’s go get some ice cream, then buy out Pet Warehouse and take treats to all your lovable mutts at the shelter.”
She gasped. “Really!”
“Duh.” I rolled my eyes.
She loved buying stuff for those animals. Even something as simple as rawhide bones just made her so happy. I admit I liked it, too. Dogs were pretty simple creatures, and even just a snack and a pat on the head made their day. Their joy was infectious.
She started rambling animatedly about one of the dogs and how she had the perfect treat in mind for him. I listened to her prattle on, warmth filling my chest.
When she tripped over the stupid boots, I swept her up and carried her the rest of the way to the car.
“Maybe I should have brought my regular shoes,” she told me, staring down at her stiletto-strapped feet.
“Already ahead of you, Smalls. They’re in the backseat.”
She laughed. “You know me so well.”
I did, but even still, Rimmel managed to surprise me. She did so just moments ago, inside the doctor’s office. She’d handled it like a total boss. I was just the muscle.
(Good-looking muscle at that.)
After I made sure she was buckled in the Cat and the door was shut behind her, I whipped out one of those single-use cells and hit a pre-dialed number.
Soon as the asshole picked up, I spoke in low, muffled tones, with my palm over the receiver. “Word is Rimmel’s doctor’s office is the one who tipped off the paparazzi of her appointment that day. So much for doctor-patient confidentiality.”
“Who is this?” the person asked.
I ended the call, dropped the cell on the ground, and stomped on it. I didn’t leave it lying there. I’m not an idiot. I picked up the broken pieces so I could toss them in the trash at our next stop.
Was it wrong of me to rat out that doctor, especially since I didn’t think she knew what had been going on right beneath her nose? Probably.
I didn’t fucking care.
Rim’s shady ex-doctor had just become example number two.
Rimmel
Four days in California just wasn’t enough. It was beautiful. Sunshine, warm breezes, and palm trees.
Everyone was gorgeous, too. I was beginning to think it was a prerequisite to live here. It was probably better we were due to fly home to Maryland soon, considering my penchant for sweats.
Funny how when I first moved to Maryland from Florida, the winters were a shock and the cold temperatures were bitter. I still wasn’t a fan of the cold or anything to do with the snow, unless I was looking at it through a window.
But I loved the seasons now. I loved the way everything changed and bloomed. I even loved the way everything fell away in the fall. Being here in Cali reminded me of that, because I found myself lying there in bed, looking forward to the crisp air when we got home.
This turned out to be a great family trip, even though technically we were here because of work and the fact Romeo wasn’t willing to be on the other side of the country from me right now.
I didn’t go to their game here. I was afraid it would be a circus with the media, considering the last game I attended, my accident, and now the impending charges against the two photographers who ran me off the road.
Instead, Ivy and I went shopping. Trent and Drew were our unfortunate bodyguards. I say unfortunate because I was sure they’d rather be at the game than walking behind us down Rodeo Drive like security guards.
In our usual fashion, Ivy shopped like a boss while Nova and I followed along and looked at the sights and in the windows. I got a few nice things, most of them Ivy picked out, but there was this one thing I chose for myself, a pair of designer leggings.
They were black and looked like leather; they weren’t shiny, though, like I belonged in some eighties hairband. They were butter soft with a matte finish, and they hugged my body like they were made just for me. They weren’t even too long (a rare thing). The fabric stopped at my ankle in a stylish flare. Even I knew they were the perfect length for a pair of cute shoes.
Not heels. Maybe wedges.
Or maybe studded sneakers… Ohh yeah. Those.
I also picked up a few things for Valerie. With Christmas coming up, I figured it would be nice to choose a few really nice things to wrap up.
I’d seen her a few times since our talk that day about the miscarriage. We had lunch, and I’d asked her to help me plan another fundraiser. I was more open to our relationship now, more willing to set aside the past to move on to the future.
Our talk that day really helped me; in some ways, it helped heal me.
I was so grateful I’d ordered her a beautiful pair of Uggs, had them gift-wrapped, and sent them to her house. I wasn’t sure she’d actually wear them, even though she said she’d been looking for a pair. But it was a gift solely from me, a gift I never would have considered sending before because I would have thought she would have been offended.
She called me the day they were delivered. She exclaimed over the quality and couldn’t believe they could be bought at Target. I didn’t bother to tell her I’d gotten her the designer brand and those weren’t from Target.
Valerie said she loved them, she couldn’t wait to wear them, and she was so touched I’d thought of her. Things were good between us, and I sincerely hoped they stayed that way.
It was nice in California. We blended in a little better. People here weren’t as “star struck,” because celebrities were a dime a dozen.
I even saw one of the most-photographed stars walking down the opposite side of Rodeo Drive with a gaggle of cameras blocking her path.
Admittedly, when I first looked up and saw the spectacle, my entire body tightened and I froze. Anxiety that they would turn to me, understanding of what the celebrity must have been feeling, and memories of everything that happened most recently rendered me immobile for a few long seconds.
Ivy hadn’t noticed at first; she’d been going on about a window display and a pair of sunglasses, but then she realized I wasn’t there.
The family surrounded me. Ivy gently took the handles of Nova’s stroller, Drew angled his body in front of mine so I couldn’t see the circus, and Trent wrapped his arm around me and tugged me into his side.
We ducked into the closest boutique. Drew stood at the door with his arms crossed over his chest, watching out the glass like he would physically deter anyone with a camera from entering this shop, while Trent stayed glued to my side.
I had the best family, and I found myself blinking back tears because I was lucky enough to call them that.
In between the football games, the training, and Romeo’s busy schedule, we managed to take Nova to the beach, go out to dinner, and Romeo and I snuck off to a movie for some alone time.
It felt almost more like a vacation than anything. I was more relaxed now than I’d been in so long. I’d literally forgotten what it had felt like.
I was still lying in bed when I heard the key in the door.
“Smalls!” Romeo called when he walked in. This hotel room was like a small apartment, and his voice echoed through the room to reach me.
“Back here!” I called.
He appeared in the doorway, leaned against the doorjamb, and grinned. The purple Knights T-shirt he wore stretched across his chest and biceps with the team logo dead center on his chest. He kinda looked like a superhero.
It kinda turned me on.
“How
was the team meeting?” I asked.
“Endless.” His eyes roamed the bed and blankets covering me.
“That’s it, though, right? You have a little time off now?”
He nodded. “No game this coming weekend. I’m all yours.”
“I like the sound of that.”
“You been in bed this whole time, Smalls?” Romeo half smiled. I liked the way the smirk met his eyes. He was in a playful mood.
“It’s hard work being married to you,” I jested. “I’m tired.”
“Whatcha got on underneath those blankets?” He wagged his eyebrows.
I wagged mine. “Why don’t you come over here and find out.”
I almost bounced off the bed completely when he took a running leap and landed dead center in the mattress. I squealed as my body flew up, but he locked an arm around me, anchoring me in place.
Laughter filled the room as he ripped back the blankets and scowled.
“You led me on, Smalls. You told me you were naked.”
“I did no such thing!” I gasped. “Your dirty mind just assumed I was. I don’t lie around naked, you know.”
“You should,” he muttered and stuck his head beneath the T-shirt I was wearing.
I started to speak, but my mind went blank when his lips grazed up my middle and latched onto my breast.
I groaned as familiar heat pooled between my legs. My fingers yanked at his shirt. Because it was so snug, it didn’t slip off so easily, and I groaned in frustration.
His laugh vibrated against my skin before he appeared from beneath my shirt. “Impatient this morning, are we?”
I narrowed my eyes at him. “Yes, so get naked.”
The sound of his laugh was muffled by the insistent beating on the door.
“Go away!” Romeo shouted and reached for me again.
“Romeo!” Ivy yelled, still knocking on the door. “Romeo!”
He vaulted out of bed, a low curse following him as he moved quickly through the suite. The urgency in her voice alarmed me as well, and I jumped out of bed and adjusted the shirt I was wearing and reached for a pair of pajama shorts nearby to hastily pull them on.
“Ivy, what’s wrong?” Romeo demanded the second he swung open the door.
“Thank God!” she burst out, and I stepped into the sitting room as she rushed into the room.
Her hair wasn’t styled, she didn’t have makeup on, and I was pretty sure she’d forgotten to put on pants. Unless Braeden’s old Alpha U shirt was so long it hid them.
I’d never seen her so… looking like me before.
Romeo glanced out into the hall behind her, likely looking for Braeden. But she was alone. “Where’s B?” he demanded. “What happened?”
“I have news!” she held up her phone like it was evidence.
“Ivy!” Romeo grabbed her by the shoulders and forced her to look at him. “Is everyone okay?”
I could see the concern on his face, the way his body was tensed and ready to react. It wasn’t very often Ivy came rushing to him. So obviously, the fact she was, plus the absence of Braeden, made him worried.
It worried me, too. So much that I rushed past them and into the hall toward their suite, which was on our floor.
Their hotel room door swung open, and I was so intent on finding my brother, I collided into him and Nova.
“Whoa.” He steadied me with one arm.
“Braeden,” I said, relief strong in my voice. “You’re okay.”
I collapsed against him, wrapping my arms around his waist. Nova patted me on the top of the head.
“I’m fine, sis.” He assured me. “I told Ivy to calm down. She was gonna get everyone all worked up.”
“What’s wrong?” I glanced up, still hugging him. I wasn’t ready to let go yet.
He shrugged. “I don’t know. She didn’t even tell me. She just started yelling, Oh my God, and ran from the room. Took me a minute to finish wrangling Nova into clothes.”
“But you’re okay?” I asked, wanting to be sure.
“I’m perfect, just like always.”
Obviously. His big ego was still intact.
A little farther down the hall, another door opened. Trent stuck his head out. “What the hell is going on?” he demanded.
“Ivy is having a breakdown,” Braeden deadpanned.
“Something’s happened,” I said, elbowing B in the side.
“Forrester!” Trent called behind him. “Family meeting!”
Braeden and I went back into our room, leaving the door open for Trent and Drew. Romeo was standing in front of Ivy, who was waving her phone around. “I can’t believe it!” she was saying.
“What the fuck did you do to my sister, B?” Romeo drawled when we walked in.
“Like she needs my help to be insane,” he muttered.
“Hey!” I exclaimed. When Ivy said nothing, I glanced over at her, but she was still beyond occupied with whatever she needed to tell us.
I looked at Romeo, then pointedly at her.
He sighed, dropping an arm around her shoulders. “C’mon, princess, tell me what’s going on.”
“I’m so sorry,” she told him, her voice calming as he led her farther into the room.
“Don’t be sorry. It’s not the first time someone’s knocked urgently on our hotel room door.”
She shook her head. “Not for that, for what I have to tell you.”
Drew and Trent came in the room, shutting the door behind them.
“Ivy, what’s wrong?” Drew asked, his eyes going right to her.
Nova was fussing around in Braeden’s arms, wanting down. There were a few toys still in here from the day before. Braeden sat her down with them, and we all turned to look at Ivy.
She gave me a regretful look, then turned her eyes to her phone. “After Nova ate this morning, she was playing and watching cartoons, so I was going through my email—you know, checking to see what I missed while I was here and what needed my attention when we got home.”
Romeo shifted, crossing his arms over his chest.
“Blondie, the point.” Braeden tried to hurry her along.
She nodded and looked at me. “Remember how I said I wished there was something I could to do help with the press stalking you?”
I nodded.
“When I went to New York and had those meetings at People headquarters, I nosed around, talked to some of the staff… put out some feelers to see if anyone knew who it was that was offering such an insane amount of money for any big story on you.”
I didn’t like the way this was sounding.
“And?” Romeo asked.
“No one knew anything. Of course they heard about the pay, and they always had their contacts looking for stories, too.”
“Ivy,” Romeo growled.
“I’m getting to it!” she snapped. “Well, apparently, some of the people there kept digging around. And they found something. It’s all right here in this email.”
“What does it say?” I asked, my stomach twisting.
“It’s not good, Rimmel.” She actually looked like she might cry, which made me incredibly nervous. “They finally found someone who was willing to give up a story on you.”
“Who?” I frowned. Please don’t let it be my father.
“There’s an exclusive story that’s going to be a huge headline. It’s actually being shopped around right now… The bidding is insane.”
The room was silent; everyone was holding their breath for this latest bombshell.
“It’s Jonathan Kane,” she whispered.
I gasped. All the blood drained from my head. A slight buzzing sound was all I heard. I stared at her without really seeing… memories coming at me full force… terrible, shameful memories I’d worked really hard to put away.
Strong arms came around me. I gave them all my weight as I fought against the feelings and emotions swirling inside me.
“Who the fuck is Jonathan Kane?” Romeo roared.
I forced my eyes
up. It took a moment to focus on his face. “It’s him,” I whispered. “The guy who took my virginity.” When I was only thirteen years old.
Oh my God, everyone will know.
“Oh, hells no!” Romeo yelled.
The next thing I knew, he was gone, and I was being supported by Braeden. Romeo was pacing the room like a caged lion.
“Why would the story of your lost virginity be worth so much money?” Braeden asked the room.
Only Romeo and Ivy understood.
I hadn’t told anyone else; it was too embarrassing.
I cleared my throat. “Because—” I began, and Romeo made a sound.
“You don’t have to tell them.”
“They’re family,” I said.
He rubbed a hand over his face.
I felt all three of my brothers stare.
“After my mom died… I went through this phase… I was, um, really different than I am now. I fell in with the wrong crowd, some older kids… One of them told me he loved me, and I believed him.”
Braeden remained silent. I didn’t look at him. I was afraid to. Instead, I looked at Trent and Drew. Their mouths were drawn, but Trent looked at me with acceptance, and it gave me strength.
“I gave him my virginity. I was only thirteen.” Braeden sucked in a breath. I kept my eyes on Trent. “After that, he refused to talk to me. Everyone acted like I didn’t exist… That’s how… It’s why I was so guarded when I first met Romeo.”
It’s how I became a #nerd.
“I’m so sorry, Rimmel. I didn’t want to tell you, but this is something you needed to know.”
“This isn’t your fault, Ivy,” I said, trying to regain some composure.
Braeden was so tense it was actually making me uncomfortable. I knew he’d never hurt me, but it was like he was holding it all in because he was about to blow.
I patted his arm and stepped away. Reluctantly, he let me go. He joined Romeo in the mad pacing across the room.
“Who bought the story?” Romeo demanded. “When’s it running?”
“It’s still being bid on. People was given an option to bid. That’s how I found out. He actually hasn’t done the interview yet… He’s giving it today.”
#Bae (The Hashtag Series Book 8) Page 23
