Romance: My Stepbrother's Plaything

by Valentine, Annie

  Chapter Six

  Rick left without saying another word to her that day. But he left his card with his contact number and email address on it. So as planned, she emailed him two design proposals for his wedding. They were short of time, but her crew can get the work done within two days.

  She got a reply from him with the chosen design and he asked if they could further discuss the details with his fiancées. Though she vehemently insisted on keeping a strict business relationship, a little part of her had hoped that he would burn bridges for her and change the situation they were stuck with. Yet his bravado went somewhere, leaving her hanging.

  Marly wore a cocktail dress that wasn’t too revealing that night. The couple had requested that they talk about the plans over dinner. She was curious to meet the woman who he decided to spend the rest of his life with.

  When she arrived at his house, memories of their intimate moment flashed rapidly. She inhaled deeply before getting in.

  Dinner was served at the rooftop of the house. She didn’t have time to marvel at the beauty of the place or the sight presented before her for her body stiffened upon seeing the woman he chose to marry.

  The bride’s German origins were very prominent in her physical features. She wore a black satin dress that left her back bare. Her white skin matched perfectly with his bronze skin.

  For the first time since she came to the ranch, Marly felt unattractive. She wanted to shrink and wished she had a smaller waistline and a doll-like body. It’s no wonder that he chose her over Marly in the end.

  “Hello, Miss Andrada. It’s so nice to meet you.” The woman greeted her with a hug. Though there was a light hint of her German accent, she was very fluent with her English.

  “It’s a pleasure meeting you, Mrs. Lane.” She matched the cheerfulness of the bride.

  “Oh, I’m still Sara Schmidt.” She giggled and guided her to the table. “The reception design is fantastic! Maverick said you really know how to capture moments. And when I saw how the place would look like on my wedding day, I nearly jumped. It’s so lovely.”

  “I’m delighted. There’s no better compliment than seeing you adore the design.” She looked around to find Rick. “Isn’t Mr. Lane joining us this evening?”

  “Oh! I forgot to tell you. He is in a very important meeting right now. It was so sudden we didn’t have time to cancel our dinner. I hope you don’t mind.”

  “Not at all. Most of the time, it is better to talk with the bride about the wedding plans. Men are lousy at remembering all of the important details.”

  Sara kept a tight smile. The night was young and the wine served by the waiter was to die for. I might as well indulge myself, she thought to herself.

  Their conversation over dinner initially started with talking about some details Sara wanted to be part of the altar decoration. The reception area was left for Marly’s expertise. Then, they went to talk about how she met Rick through a site.

  “It was a friend of mine who insisted on checking out this site she heard so much about. So I went there, created a profile. I didn’t give much thought to it. I really did it to stop my friend from bugging me about it.” She slurred a bit after drinking a couple of glasses. “So you could imagine my shock when he contacted me.”

  “It must have been quite a shocker.”

  “I was so impressed by his profile I didn’t waste time to get to know him. He is really funny and very sensitive. I fell for him right away. And I believe he feels the same way too. He is nothing but considerate and kind.”

  Marly began to feel a tightening feeling in her stomach. It was like acid being poured on an open wound. She wanted to change the subject but Sara went on about their online relationship up until he proposed to her in between sipping her wine as Marly watched Sara with envy.

  “I think you’ve had too much of a drink, Honey.” Rick stopped Sara from taking another sip from her glass. “You should call it a night.”

  He helped his bride up and half carried her downstairs, without glancing at Marly’s direction. Tonight, she felt so unwanted and unattractive. She wanted to cry, but her eyes remained dry as she made her way towards the guesthouse. The house was awfully quiet as she walked across the living room.

  The cart that brought her in earlier was still parked outside with the driver snoring. After gulping down some more wine from the bottle, she felt a little dizzy. The alcohol was taking its effect. She had to take off her shoes because it was becoming a burden, she could barely keep her balance. She drank some more and the steps down doubled, she had to wave her hand to make sure it wasn’t an illusion.

  “You’re drunk,” Rick whispered in her ear after he successfully prevented her fall. He held securely by her waist.

  “No, I’m not. A little tipsy, I guess.” She giggled this time.

  “Stop doing that,” He warned.

  “Doing what?” She giggled again. His arm was tickling her. “Oh, you have to stop touching me, it tickles.” She couldn’t stop laughing.

  Rick turned her around so she was facing him. The look in eyes was a mixture of anger, regret and lust. Yes, the thing they had, the same thing she was wallowing about, for him, was lust.

  “Stop. Just stop.”

  “Why? Do I turn you on?” She asked with a flirtatious smile.

  “You’re drunk, Marly. You don’t know what you’re asking for.” He said.

  How did he know what she was asking for? She wasn’t asking for anything. Although, she had hoped for a miracle.

  “Okay. I give up. I’ll move on with my life.” She nodded her head out of alcohol intoxication. “Sayonara!”

  She peeled off his arm around her in the attempts of walking away, but she was drunk and remaining upright seemed impossible. Rick caught her again before she could harm herself.

  “Let go of me, you jerk!” She screamed as she tried to free herself.

  “Marly, stop it. You could seriously get hurt.”

  But she didn’t listen. She tried pushing him away. When that did not work she weakly punched his chest with the intention making him feel the pain she was suffering from.

  “Jerk!” She yelled again.

  Rick did the one thing that could truly shut her up. He greedily kissed her. And with a longing heart, she passionately kissed him back.

  Chapter Seven

  “Erin!”

  “Hey, girl!” Erin gave a peck on the cheek.

  “I’m so glad you could make it. Thank you, really.” Marly led her friend to the cart waiting for them outside the hangar.

  On board the ranch’s private jet was Erin and her crew who would decorate the makeshift altar and reception area. As she had previously planned to do, she asked Erin to take over the project as soon as the development started.

  “Oh wow, this place is fantastic. I can’t believe you didn’t ask me to come sooner.” Erin couldn’t keep her eyes from checking every angle of the ranch while on their way to her cottage. The crew was set to use the cottage next to hers.

  “Believe me, I have been tempted to call so many times,” She said without adding too much information.

  As much as possible, she wanted to leave the ranch without Rick knowing for he would surely stop her somehow. She didn’t want to make a scene as much as she already has, especially after her drunken stunt the other night. Thankfully, the heated moment ended just before both of them ended up doing something they would be regretting later.

  The entire day yesterday, she avoided being in his presence. She devoted the entire time in the cottage, contacting everyone that needed to be on the plane. She emailed him about the plan and he agreed to fly in her crew with his jet.

  And surely, his bride had kept him busy the entire day too since he didn’t try to see her yesterday. It was like they were invisible to each other. She tried her best not to pamper the aching of her traitorous heart. At the moment, an emotional breakdown would definitely ruin the contract. She didn’t want that for so many reasons.

&nb
sp; “You’re awfully quiet. Is something wrong?”

  “No.” Marly laughed half-heartedly at the question. “Do you need change before we meet the client?”

  “I’m good.” Erin smiled widely. “I’m excited to meet the famous Maverick Lane.”

  She smiled at her friend’s enthusiasm. That’s right. She could fake it well so long as Erin didn’t figure out what was really going on.

  After dropping the crew and Erin’s things, they immediately headed towards Rick’s house. He insisted in his email that she bring Erin to his house for a meet and greet before they started the job. Though, nervous and uneasy as they got closer to his house, Marly remained calmed knowing Erin was there with her.

  “Marly!” Sara called out cheerfully at her as they got out of the cart.

  “Good morning, Sara.” She shook the hands of the bride. “This is my good friend and trusted colleague, Erin. She will be helping us with the materialization of the entire plan.”

  “Oh hello Erin, I’m Sara.”

  “Hello, Mrs. Lane.” Erin shook the woman’s hand.

  “Please come in.”

  The interior of the house had become a familiar sight. She inhaled deeply, readying herself for whatever bomb was waiting for her inside. And true to her suspicion, Rick was waiting for them inside holding a glass of whiskey.

  “Good morning, ladies.” He greeted them with a warm smile.

  “Good morning, Mr. Lane. I’m Erin Michaels, Marly’s colleague.”

  “Hi, nice to meet you.”

  “Nice meeting you too,” Erin replied.

  “Let’s go to the rooftop. I’ve prepared a healthy breakfast for us all.” Sara ushered the crowd toward the staircase that lead to the rooftop.

  Erin immediately started a conversation with Sara after asking the bride about her beauty secrets. They become close right away when it turned out they were using the same brand of cosmetics. And she was left to deal with Rick, who alongside her, walked silently.

  “Honey, I need to show Marly some materials I want to be incorporated in the setup. You go on ahead, okay?” He suddenly announced.

  “Sure. Take your time, Honey.” Sara eagerly answered back.

  As the two women climb up the stairs, Rick held her hand and hurriedly led her to his private office. She followed without a fight because she didn’t want an audience. When they got in, he locked the door behind him.

  “Why are you avoiding me?” He asked angrily.

  Marly turned to face him with a blank stare. She wouldn’t allow her emotions to ruin her plans if she wanted to keep her dignity intact.

  “I’m not.”

  “Where were you yesterday?”

  “In my room, working.”

  Her lack of emotion drove his anger a little more almost making him mad.

  “Why are you doing this?” He stepped closer to her but she backed away. “I don’t like it when you’re cold and distant.”

  “Are you kidding me? Really, Rick?” Now she was mad. “Do you honestly think I would grovel at your feet just so we can secretly meet like this?” His selfishness was too much. “This will not work. Nothing will work for us. There is no us!”

  “How can you be so sure?”

  “I cannot give you what you want.” She breathed in deep. There, she finally said it.

  “Do you really know what I want right now?” His eyes narrowed in anger.

  “It doesn’t matter,” She said firmly. “Just keep your hands to your wife. Good day, Mr. Lane.” She walked past him and slammed the door as she went out.

  It was over, finally over. She can walk out of his life and leave the ranch with a lighter heart. When the time came, she would recall the memories she had with him and laugh. Because that was what everything between them would become, a memory.

  Chapter Eight

  It had been a week since she her trip to the ranch. After returning from her trip, she left work indefinitely. She needed time to rethink things and put her life back together. She didn’t want put on a fake persona and lie to everyone about how her trip really went. She cringed at the thought of having to deal with friends asking about how her heartache came to be. She needed some alone time in order to heal.

  As she stared at the undisturbed surface of the water in the lake, she sighed heavily. It’s been a week yet her burden still felt as heavy as it was before she left the ranch. Who knew that falling in love could be the most difficult thing she would have to deal with? Her high school heartbreak was nothing compared to how she felt.

  After tightening the white cardigan around her body, she picked up her small sling bag and her camera before walking back to her cabin. The vacation house her cousin lent her was just a few hours’ drive from her apartment. She wanted to be away from the city life but be close enough so she can drive back whenever she was ready.

  The serenity of the nature around her was blissful, and it renewed her dwindling spirit. She needed rejuvenation and she was gradually having it. When she got into the small house, she went straight to the kitchen to pour herself a cup of coffee. Her hands were freezing.

  “Can you make two cups, please?”

  She nearly lost her consciousness after hearing Rick speak and seeing him calmly seated on the couch. She froze, completely surprised at his sudden appearance and puzzled by the thought that he got in the house even though it was locked.

  “How did you get in?” She had to ask. But then, it wasn’t the pressing matter at the moment. “Why are you here? How did you find me?”

  “One question at a time.” He raised his hands.

  “What are you doing here?” She finally was able to think correctly.

  Instead of answering her question, he stood up and walked toward her. The intention he had was clear in his eyes and it made her lean on the kitchen counter for support. He stopped just a few inches away from her, his stare fixed on her.

  “Do you know how I almost got crazy looking for you?”

  “I got so mad when I found out you left the ranch the same day you refused to give me a chance to explain.”

  “There was nothing to explain. I already told you what you needed to know. Just leave me alone.” She whispered helplessly. “Leave me alone, please.”

  “You know I can’t do that.”

  He held her by the neck and pulled her close to him. He crushed her lips, maddened by the situation they were in. She tried to push him, but he was strong and determined.

  Rick lifted her up on the counter top and started removing her cardigan. She wanted to push him again, but when his kisses became sensual and persuasive. It was want she had wanted the whole time. She longed for him. To be touched again by him without holding back.

  She kissed him back, pouring out her heart. Giving him a taste of the heartache he had given her, the sadness she had to endure after giving up on him. She allowed it all out. She helped him out of his clothes while he did the same to hers.

  Once half of her body was exposed, Rick cupped her breast while his mouth sucked on the other. She arched her body as she allowed him to taste her skin. He took everything she was offering, not leaving a spot of her body untouched and unmarked. He licked and bit her at the same time which made her body shudder.

  “Oh Rick….” She moaned his name.

  He tilted his head up and kissed her again while hurriedly removed the remaining clothing on her body. The cold marble made contact with skin, yet it warmed up as he lifted her bottom so he can enter her.

  The forceful thrust made her cry in both in pain and pleasure. He was rough and in a hurry, still he kept her in a daze. His thrusts were strong, urging her to open up to him more. With every entry, she gasped with unfathomable pleasure.

  He came in faster, increasing his speed as he went in deeper. Marly had to wrap her arms around his neck so she won’t drift away with the overwhelming ecstasy. She came once while he vigorously pushed inside, shaking his hips to tickle her walls. He kept repeating it, again and again until he burst
inside her and she came for the second time.

  Rick leaned on the counter while he remained inside her. She rested her forehead against his, still catching her breath. She could still feel his weak pulsing inside her.

  “Marry me,” He asked, still out of breath.

  “What??”

  “We’re both single, so what’s the problem?” He asked again.

  Marly opened her eyes to look at him. What happened to their wedding? All of the work and time she spent planning it for them had suddenly gone to waste.

  “We can talk about that later. Just answer my question.” He said before kissing her passionately. “Will you marry me?”

  “I don’t know.” She was still unsure why he ended up asking her to marry her when he was supposed to be married a week ago.

  “Maybe this will help you decide.”

  Her eyes grew wide when she saw the huge diamond ring he pulled out of his pocket. She was in complete shock. She decided to take a leap of faith and give it a chance. After all, he came all the way there to find her and that gave her the feeling that it was meant to be.

  “Yes!!” she said as she embraced him. She was once again lost in the pleasures of her heart.

  4. Fausto and the Nolan Brothers,

  A Mail Order Bride Romance

  By: Emily Sharpe

  Fausto and the Nolan Brothers,

  A Mail Order Bride Romance

  ©Emily Sharpe, 2015 – All rights reserved

  Published by Steamy Reads4U

  No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form, including electronic or mechanical, without written permission from the publisher, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles or reviews.

  This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, businesses, places, events, and incidents are either the product of the author’s imagination or used in a fictitious manner. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or actual events are purely coincidental. This book is licensed for your personal enjoyment only.