Hell yes. Even in my despair, having Wyn’s body cuddling mine was an erotic experience.
I feel my cheeks reddening as I nod. I can’t bring myself to answer verbally.
“New plan. You two are having a morning after brunch. You’ll have a wedding night at a hotel or one of your houses if you like. Then have a bon voyage brunch, so Karessa and I can get all the details, then we’ll send you off to your honeymoon.”
Honeymoon. The new couple sex vacation. I put down my drink. Then pick it back up once I realize I need it.
Chapter Ten
Imala
I love the bold masculine look of Oran’s office. It screams that he’s a confident man’s man. Which he is. I wave at his assistant and push my way inside, since he’s expecting me. Oran looks up at his desk and gives me one of his rare smiles. I feel honored to be one of those who deserve them. His dark gray eyes shine with the happiness he feels with my sister and my upcoming niece or nephew. They’re waiting to find out.
“How can I help you today, my angel?” he greets me then pecks my cheek. “Want me to beat up my cousin?”
I laugh at his question. “First, I’m loving this charcoal suit on you.” He grins and waves off the compliment. “Second, no. I’m here for a much different reason. Short of digging up his mom’s number, I figured you’d be the best resource.”
He rubs his beard, intrigued by my statement. “Go on.”
I wring my hands and look down at my navy skirt before shooting my eyes back to him. “I want to do something big for him. Meaningful. He’s done so much for me and I’d love to do something for him.”
The thought always makes me a little emotional, which is why I was nervous to visit. LeClaire tears for Oran is like showing a bull red.
“What’s wrong?” he asks, kneeling in front of me to look me in the eyes.
“I’m fine. I just need to do something that would express my appreciation.”
“May I ask, appreciation of what?” Oran takes my hand and squeezes it.
I nod then tell him. “He saved my life.”
“What! How? When was it in danger and why in the hell didn’t anyone call me?”
“It all happened so fast, I’m happy he was there.” I squeeze his hands. “I think Caerwyn should tell you the details.”
“Is that why you’re marrying him?”
“There’s other reasons but him saving me did help sway my decision.”
“Okay.” He thinks for a moment and grimaces, then shakes his head like he dismissed it.
“That one. The one you just dismissed, what is it? Hit me with it. I can take it.”
“It’s a tall order, sis.” I shake my head defiantly. “Okay, he doesn’t talk about it much, but he hates that he doesn’t have a better relationship with his brother.”
“Berke? The big British bastard?” Hey! Alliteration. I giggle to myself. “I’ll call him 3B for now. If I get him to the wedding and have him act right, then maybe they can talk it out?”
“More like beat each other’s asses. But yes, if you can facilitate some kind of olive branch between the two, I know he’d love it.”
“Has anyone ever tried this before?” Oran gives me a blank look.
“No. My aunt and uncle think Berke will come around, Wyn thinks Berke hates everyone, Elmer didn’t give a shit, and I would crack his jaw if he says the wrong fucking thing. Honestly, it’d turn into Jagger and I taking turns kicking his ass.”
“Why is he so mean?”
Oran shrugs. “Who knows maybe it’s on his mother’s side. He just started refusing to come to the island, and when he did show up, he was an ass to everyone.”
“More than the usual Hale grump?” Oran grins at me.
“Much more. Just in case, I’ll create a list of other things you can do for him.”
I pat Oran’s shoulder. “Don’t underestimate me, big brother. I’m quite tenacious when I need to be.”
He stands as he chuckles but respect shines in his eyes. “Good luck anyway.”
Caerwyn
I sit back in my chair to watch Oran’s hulking figure pass through the doorway of my office. His appearance makes me realize he’s never set foot into my office until now. If he weren’t my cousin, him entering my territory would be overwhelming.
“What brings Zeus from Mount Olympus?” I joke, despite the seriousness etched in his face.
“How did you save my angel's life?” He jumps in without preamble.
I’m not sure why the question is jarring. We’d have to discuss it eventually, Imala texted to warn me she was coming clean to her sisters. And in her usual thoughtfulness, she also told me she will leave the how out of her version since it’s my story to tell. I just didn’t think I’d be telling it now. Since Oran is the only person I’m willing to tell, now is a good time to get it out of the way.
Opening the drawer, I pull out my decanter of the very expensive cognac I love and two crystal glasses. Oran raises an eyebrow at my emergency stash.
“Looks like we’re cancelling the rest of our day.” I don’t miss the trepidation in his voice.
“Maybe.” I close my laptop.
The tension eases a little with my first sip. I love how smooth it is.
“I was considering hiring a hacker to follow the money trail. We were supposed to meet at a diner, but you know hackers, ultra-paranoid. He never showed. From the window, I saw Imala leaving the bookstore.” I take another sip before continuing. “I was walking to meet her when some guy moved in front of her. At first, I thought it was accidental, but I saw the fear on her face. She tried to run when another guy surfaced. They grabbed her and tried to take her.”
Oran sat up, his body tight with rage but I’m already reliving the memory.
“One of those grimy assholes grabbed her by her hair then covered her mouth when she yelled in pain. She fought back. She got out of the guy’s hold but the other one grabbed her and held a knife to her cheek. He told her to cooperate or he'd mess up her pretty face.”
I stop talking to take another drink, the anger I felt when they accosted her makes my hand tremble. I’d never felt a strong desire to hurt anyone until they tried to take her. The fear I’d felt rushing to get there before it was too late has my heart pounding.
“I told him to let her go. The other guy pulled a gun because they decided to take me too. I was pissed. Like, so mad everything got hazy. I just wanted to hurt them worse than they were hurting her. I disarmed the guy and told the other to let Imala go. He said he didn't care that I had the gun because I'm not a killer. People have called me nice my entire life and I'm fine with it but not when a woman is in danger. Not when I'm trying to save my woman…"
I drink again. Oran remains silent, the fury set in, but there's nothing he can do with it. I've taken care of it, so I continue.
"I let the guy go. The other one called me a pussy and I told him to come get the gun since he wanted it that bad. He pushed Imala to the guy I let go. I hit him in the throat with the butt of the gun when he got close. The hit made him lean over to cough then I uppercut him and knocked him on his ass. I pointed my gun at the other guy and told him to get his fucking hands off her. He let go but the one on the ground tried to kick me. I bent, putting all my weight on him. I told him I wasn't a killer, but I'd fuck up his life so bad, he'd wish I were one. I told Imala to call the cops but the guy I'd let go tried to rush her."
Emptying my cup in a gulp, I add more with a shaky hand. After another sip, I meet Oran's eyes.
"I shot him in the back before he could reach her. The other one swung at me. We fought, struggling for the gun. All I could think about was saving her. He'd threatened to sell her already so when I had the chance, I shot him as well. In his dick." I didn't realize I was shedding tears until one hit my desk. "I'm disjointed, Oran. I did what needed to be done. While I didn't think I was that guy, part of me knows I'd do it again." I swipe the tears. "Sorry, I guess this is a side effect of saying it out loud for the
first time."
"None of this is anything you'll ever have to apologize for to me or anyone else. I felt capable of killing my own dad because he attacked Karessa. We have no idea what would have happened if I had access to a gun. Hell, I gave the okay for him to be killed." He waved his hand around. "And it wasn't even for any of this stuff. It was because he jumped on my woman. I don't need to explain what I felt when I heard her scream because you lived it. Elmer would have raped her. Those guys would have done that to Imala and more. You are a nice guy, but you were the man she needed at that moment. Never. Apologize. For. That." He emphasizes each word by tapping his knuckles on the desk. "You shot to save and not to kill. You are a hero."
I stand when Oran does. I'm done for the day. I shrug into my blazer then turn to face Oran once he moves around my desk. He smacks my hand when I try to shake his and pulls me into a hug I didn't know I needed. His support makes me feel better. Pulling away, he grabs my shoulders and his gray eyes bore into mine.
"Here are some truths: I'm proud of you. I love you. I approved of the marriage the moment I found out but find it's more fun to fuck with you." He smiles when I laugh. " Now I know for a fact she's in good hands. In the same way I threaten to kick your ass, I'll do much worse to anyone who would hurt you because I consider you the brother I've never had."
His confession makes me happy since my own brother never wanted me.
"Thank you. I really appreciate you telling me that. Now you do have a brother."
"Dallas is an addition, not a replacement." He informs me with a pat on my back. "I'll send you the information to that asshole I'm forced to see every other week."
"Asshole? He must be really good."
Oran laughs as he leaves my office. I release a breath I didn't realize I was holding. It feels good to get it off my chest. My mind shifts my thoughts to my betrothed. I have something I want to tell her.
I text her once I'm in the parking lot. She emerges from the bank in a navy pleated skirt that swallows her and a pale blue color shirt to match. Her ponytail swings behind her as her ballet flats carry her to me. Imala pushes her clear frames up her nose then smiles up at me.
"What brings you by, Mr. Hale?"
I pull her to me, the urge to touch her much too great to pass up. Her soft lips part in surprise and are too irresistible to pass up. I take a kiss but meet in the middle of our expectations. It's more than a peck but less than the kind of kiss I'll expect after we're married. My bottom lip slides between hers as I take just enough to satisfy me but not go too far.
She's much redder when I pull back. Her dark eyes are warring between surprise and desire. Her delicate hand flies to her lips like it'll protect the memory of our kiss. Her eyes dart around searching for spectators.
"Our upcoming wedding is all over the news. Us kissing won't be a scandal, Caterpillar."
"Is that why you came?"
"No. That was a bonus." I smile at her, but she sees through it.
"What's wrong?"
"I just came to thank you."
The way her face tugs with confusion is the cutest thing I've seen today.
"For what?"
"Not fearing me."
Imala smiles at me, her soft hand cups my cheek. "Never." The mischief returns to her eyes. "Only scary thing about you are the suggestions you send me."
Tighten my grip on her hips. "Oh, once we're married, you'll love those."
Chapter Eleven
Imala
It's three weeks before our wedding and that asshat still hasn't responded. I've sent the invitation, but he didn't return the RSVP. I reached out via email but didn't receive an answer or a read receipt. Now, I'm holding my phone to my ear waiting for him to answer. Maybe the third time's a charm.
"What is it!" his rude ass practically yells. It's only a little after eight at night his time.
"Hi, this is Imala—"
"So?"
"Caerwyn’s fiancée," I continue like he didn't interrupt me. "You haven't responded to my correspondences, and as the brother of the groom—"
I stop talking when the line goes silent. I stare at it for a moment.
I know this jerk didn't just hang up on me!
"Sorry, we were disconnected," I tell him once he answers again.
"No. I hung up on you," he confirms before repeating the action.
Shocked, I stare at my phone for a long time, seething from his disrespect. Unlocking my computer, I log in and confirm a few things. Satisfied, I make arrangements to take our private jet. Then make a phone call.
"Hey, Ainslee. How's the pregnancy going?"
"Good. Struggling to breathe." She laughs.
"I bet. Twins are not a small feat. I know you're busy, so I'll get to the point. I need to take an unexpected trip in a few hours and need a companion. Preferably female; I'm over men I haven't already met prior to right now."
"I understand." Nothing criminal gets past the Bishops. I know Ainslee knows what happened to me without asking. "Sounds like you'll like Luci. How long is the trip?"
"I'm hoping to only be there for a day."
"Okay, I'll have her pack a bag and meet you at the airstrip at…"
"Five o'clock."
“Perfect," she chirps.
"Thank you so much."
"No problem, chica."
I climb off my bed, grab my overnight bag, and begin packing. After calling Wyn, I attach my Bluetooth headphones to keep my hands free.
"Hello?"
Hearing his voice always makes me smile but it's a treat after dealing with his brother.
"Hey, sweetheart."
"Sweetheart? Is it my birthday?"
My eyes roll towards my ceiling although I'm smiling.
"I can't call you a term of endearment?"
"Yes, but you haven't. What are you up to?"
"Ah, the suspicious mind of a lawyer."
"Not suspicious. Apt."
"I have an international business trip. I'll be gone for a day or so."
"Where are we going?"
"We?" I pause mid shirt folding to frown.
"Yes. I don't want you leaving the island alone. I'll feel better if I'm with you."
"And you wonder why I call you a sweetheart. I already spoke to Ainslee. She's sending someone with me."
Caerwyn saved me and I know he'd do it again but there's no point in continually putting him in that position when there are people trained for that purpose.
"Are you sure?" The concern in his tone is endearing.
"Yes. It's okay to be my fiancé and not my bodyguard."
"It's part of my job description, Caterpillar. I protect my woman."
Shit. That's arousing and I don't know why.
"Noted, and you do an amazing job but not this time."
"Can I at least take you to the airport?"
"I'd love that. I'll need to be there by five."
"Okay, I'm leaving now."
I’m done packing by the time we disconnect, and I have the hotel booked when he arrives.
My insides melt at the sight of him in cobalt blue. Bold choice but sexy, nonetheless. His brown hair falls in his face as he smiles down at me. I should be used to seeing him, but that chiseled Hale perfection never gets old. My arms wrap around his waist because they can. I sigh when he returns the hug.
His chest vibrates when he speaks. “Now, I know you’re up to something.”
I look up at him with all the innocence I can muster. “It’s a crime to hug my fiancé?”
His look remains skeptical, but he grabs my bag, then my hand.
“Let’s go.”
Caerwyn refused to leave until he grilled Luci and almost got beat up. She’s not the biggest woman in the world. Shorter than my five-feet-five-inches. Her hair is a brown mass of Afro-Latina curls with tips kissed by the sun. She looks like a Stepford Wife with her 1950s inspired floral dress and cream cardigan. I’ve seen her before. When her face broke into a smile that didn’t really shine from
within like Markos’, it clicked. She manages Ainslee’s bakery. I used to wonder what was behind the forced cheerfulness, but I should have known.
“Ainslee sends treats.” Her comment is followed by her lifting a bakery box.
“Thank you.” I accept the box and watch her get settled in the plush seat across from me. The sweet, buttery scent of a sugar cookie makes it impossible to resist opening the box.
I eat the cookie, humming happily as I brush crumbs off my skirt. Luci studies me, her brown eyes observing everything. She plants another fake smile on her bronze face once she realizes I’m watching her as well. Each smile looks more exhausting than the last.
“You don’t have to do that,” I tell her.
“Do what?” she asks with the smile stuck in place as she crosses her sandaled feet.
“Pretend. If you aren’t naturally bubbly or prone to smile organically, I’m not going to hold it against you.” The smile instantly vanishes, and her face relaxes. “Better?”
Her dimple pops when she twists her face. “Much better. What’s the mission?”
“My future brother-in -law is an asshole—"
“Are we killing him?” The first sign of real cheer lights her face. “I could seduce him, give him a slow acting poison, and we’d be back on the island before he dies.”
Her plan doesn’t shock me and that is what’s actually surprising. “No. But let’s shelf that as plan D. He’s been an ass to Wyn most of his life. Our plan is to get his ass back to the island to make it right.”
Luci sighs. “Can I at least threaten him?”
“I’ll do you one better: If he gets out of line, I’ll allow non deadly force. Oh, and don’t break anything important.”
"Sounds fun."
I laugh at the difference in our definitions of fun.
"I'm tired," I explain as I recline. "I'm gonna take these six plus hours to sleep. Feel free to do so as well since Manchester is five hours ahead of us."
She nods but doesn't verbally respond.
Closing my eyes, I pray Berke doesn't make me expend all my energy.
Hale to Pay (Arrangement Series Book 6) Page 6
