Fred nods slowly. “How?”
“Whatever it takes.”
“Man, be careful. Those guys aren’t ones to screw around with.”
I stare at him for a heartbeat before returning to shaving. The bunk squeaks again as he rolls over. I rinse the cream from my face bracing myself for the cold. I pack my few belongings that will come out of here with me.
“Don’t die man,” Fred says.
“Yeah,” I say.
“Prisoner 6218856,” a new guard says from the door reading my number off a clipboard.
I stand, pick my duffle bag up, and turn to face him. He glances up to see my compliance then turns on his heel.
“Follow me,” he says.
Processing out takes an hour. Six years gone and this one hour seems to take just as long as my entire sentence. At last they lead me down a long hallway through several doors of bars then I’m standing in front of the main gates. I inhale the fresh air deeply, my first taste of freedom. They issued me a bus ticket and a small pittance of cash.
“Sir?” someone asks.
I open my eyes and a man in a black suit and tie stands there with a chauffeur cap on his head. Just down the road a limousine is parked. I smile. Mom didn’t forget me. Now if she listened on my other instructions as well. Lucille can’t know I’m coming.
I nod to the chauffeur who reaches out to take my bag. I let him have it and follow him to the car. He holds the door as I climb into the back. There’s a fully stocked bar so I fix myself my first drink in six years. Leaning back into the leather seats I sip at the whiskey and plan.
Lucille needs me again. Even though she doesn’t know it, I’m coming to save her again.
Chapter seven
Lucille
“The acquisition is complete and we are in the final stages of merging Obstatech into our operations. Their Japanese offices have been fully integrated, those in Turkey are lagging behind but should be finished by the end of the month,” Jules Starkin the company CFO says finishing her report.
There are murmurs of assent and congratulations around the board room. I jot down a couple of notes about her report before looking to the next item on the meeting’s agenda. Alan Meriweather the CEO of my father’s company gives his thanks and then hits a button on the controller in front of him.
“That finishes old business,” he says.
A murmur of noise starts at the far end of the table by the door to the room so I look up to see what’s causing the disturbance.
Samuel is standing there.
My stomach sinks as the floor drops out from under me. I blink twice sure this must be a dream, some kind of nightmare that I might wake up from.
Samuel continues to stand in the door with every board member looking at him. He looks … amazing. I haven’t seen my brother since the day he was sentenced. I can’t forgive him for what he did that night. All these years and a lot of therapy. I’ve only just come to terms with owning my own guilt over the situation but I’m nowhere near ready for him to be here. Or for him to look so good. His shoulders are broader, his hair is cut and trimmed, he’s clean shaven. His gray eyes are sharp and piercing. He’s dressed in a nice suit, polished shoes, tie and cuffs. He looks the part of a multinational business man. Technically he is, he owns one half of this company.
He moves into the room as board member start to rise and go to him. They all start kissing his ass like he always should have been here. Like he never did anything wrong. A low burning anger settles over me and I struggle to not let it out. Memories of that night flash to mind. Samuel pulling Todd off of me. Samuel beating him then hooking him and throwing him. The sickening sound of Todd slamming down on that rusty tool.
I ball my fist up, digging my nails into the palm of my hand. The pain distracts me, pulls me out of the memories, focuses me in the now. Samuel’s eyes haven’t left me. He glances a moment at whichever board member is directly in front of him but then his attention jumps back to me. Those burning, intense eyes bring back other memories. Ones even less appropriate. Buried and hidden feelings, desires that I never acted on, ones that I can’t act on. Then he’s here, standing in front of me.
“Hey sis,” he says.
His voice is deeper than I remember. This close I can see the small trail of a white scar along his jaw. He’s so much bigger than I remember. He puts his arms out but not around me asking for but not taking an embrace. I feel so small next to him, I can see the muscles bulging under his tailored suit. He’d been fit when he was sentenced but now he seems twice the size. Unbidden I conjure an image of him naked and I blush, heat rushing from my core to my cheeks.
“Samuel,” I say tense. “You’re out early.”
“Good behavior,” he says his arms still out requesting that embrace.
I fold and step into it. Appearances must be maintained. He’s still in the inheritance line for half the company. I can’t let the board sense there’s a rift between us or they’ll use that to manipulate us for their own ends.
He wraps his arms around me tightly and for a moment all the past is gone. I feel safe here in this island of him. The past doesn’t matter. I know he’ll be there to protect me. He smells amazing and I let it cloud my judgment for a moment. Then I remember that night and my body stiffens. I step back from the embrace.
“Welcome home,” I say.
There’s an instant I think I see pain in his eyes but then it’s covered over and his face is a mask.
“Thanks sis,” he says then turns to face the board. “I’m sorry I missed most of this meeting. I’m back now and ready to step into my role.”
I paste a smile on my face as my mind starts spinning. His role? What the hell role does he think he has? Father is in semi-retirement and I’ve spent the past six years being groomed, training and working my ass off to take this company over. In the past years under my guidance the company has increased revenue three hundred percent and net profit by over two hundred! His role is going to be to stay the hell out of my way!
The board all but cheers his announcement as I seethe. The CEO calls the meeting to order again and we all take seats and finish the day’s agenda. As the members file out they all take time to talk individually with Samuel. They speak about wanting to hear his vision and direction, what thoughts he has on various functions and activities the company is doing.
His vision? His direction? He’s been in JAIL for six years! He has no vision! No direction! This is MINE! I force my fist to unclench before my nails draw blood from my palm. At last the board room’s empty except for Samuel and me. I remain sitting while he’s standing at the far side of the long mahogany table. He turns to look at me and smiles in a friendly, everything is okay way.
“Well sis,” he says. “That was fun.”
“What the hell are you doing Samuel?” I ask.
“What do you mean? I’m coming to work.”
My hands shake I’m so pissed. I can’t even see straight he’s blurring in my vision as tears threaten to fall. He can’t take this from me. I won’t let him. He’s taken enough from me there’s no way in hell I’m going to roll over. I’m not a mousy teenager anymore, he doesn’t scare me and I won’t let him have this.
“Like hell you are,” I say through gritted teeth.
I see him step back with shock apparent on his face. “I’m sorry you feel that way,” he says softly. “I’ve changed sis. A lot. I’m sorry for what happened but I’ve done my time. Now I’m here and I really hope we can be close again.”
He doesn’t even wait for me to respond just turns and walks out the door. What an asshole! Now I have to go home and deal with Bradford. Why is my life turning to shit again the moment he shows up?
Chapter eight
Samuel
It takes me three tries to get the bow tied right on my tuxedo. I was never good at this before and it’s been over six years since I’ve had to put one of these monkey suits on. Finally getting it right I feel a sense of satisfaction.
Tonight has
to go right. The board meeting did not go the way I planned it out in my head. Lucy was so angry with me. I hadn’t really considered that she would be so angry. Seeing her for the first time took my breath away. She’s grown up and come completely into her own. Just the sight of her made me ache for her. My mouth was dry and my hands shook but I couldn’t let any of the board see that.
I have to get close to her. I have to get to her boyfriend tonight. Lucy has no idea how much trouble she’s in with him. A pang of jealousy stabs me as I think about this ass who’s moved in on her. I should have been there for her, protecting her. She should be mine! My fist swings before I even realize it, smashing into the mirror and breaking it into shards. A dozen sets of my own eyes accuse me for not being there to protect her.
I’m here now. I will save her.
The cuts on my hand are superficial and clean up well enough then I’m off to the company sponsored charity dinner. I glance at my watch as the driver moves us through the city. I’m going to be thirty minutes late but that’s okay. It all lines up with my plan.
There’s no line of cars as we arrive, an advantage of arriving late. The driver opens my door and I step out to a flash of cameras and the oohs and awes of the gawkers. I smile and wave as I walk up the red carpet to the dinner. Let them think what they want, I’m not here for them.
The moment I walk in it feels like the room stops. Everyone is looking at me then the whispers start. I smile and make the rounds of the room. They all want to shake my hand, to touch the rebel son. I play their game but I’m trying to find Lucille. I know she’s here somewhere.
I’m talking with a television executive and his wife when I spot her. She’s with him.
“So you see Samuel, there’s really a lucrative market for this,” Jason says one hand resting on my shoulder gripping it firmly.
“I’ll put some thought into that Jason,” I say staring over his shoulder.
She’s wearing a midnight blue evening gown that’s slit up the side revealing her thigh when she walks. High heeled shoes sparkle each time they poke out under the edge of her dress and her ass sways as she moves. Her hair hangs in loose ringlets framing her perfect face. She has the grace of a runway model. I feel myself stiffen at the sight of her, straining against my pants, until I see him.
He’s next to her wearing a dark suit. He smiles and shakes hands with various people as they move through. He points with the glass in his hand, laughing, joking and never once actually looking at my sister.
“Uhm, Samuel,” Jason says bringing my attention back to him.
I’d been shaking his hand and my grip was getting too tight for him. He’s still smiling but I can see him starting to sweat. I let his hand go and pat him on the shoulder.
“We can talk later, call me,” I say.
Bradford leaves Lucille’s side and makes his way back over to the bar. I take my leave of Jason and his wife and follow over.
“Look, make that right. It’s two fingers of whiskey, one finger of seltzer,” he says to the bartender.
The young girl tending bar has a fixed smile on her face as she pours his drink. It’s obvious she’s used to dealing with obnoxious asses. I step up close behind Bradford just as he grabs his drink and turns around sloshing some of it onto me.
“Jesus, watch where you’re standing!” he cries out.
His eyes meet mine and I stare down at him. He’s shorter than me and nowhere near as broad. I lean in towards him, a trick you learn to use when you’re a bigger man. He takes a step back conceding to me.
“Sorry,” he mutters and tries to step around me.
I step into his path continuing to stare at him. He looks up and meets my eyes for the first time and I see the first hints of fear.
“Look, I said I’m sorry okay?” he says.
I shake my head negatively at him. “I need to speak to you. Now. Step over there,” I say pointing to a side room.
“I need to get back to my fiancé,” he says trying once more to step around me in the opposite direction.
“This is important,” I say blocking him easily.
I herd him where I want him to go. We enter a side room off the main event just far enough from prying eyes to give a modicum of privacy.
“Do you know who I am?” I ask positioning myself to block him exiting the area.
“No, should I?” he asks taking a sip of his drink.
“What matters is I know who and what you are. I know what you’ve done. When we leave this room, you are going to leave this event. You are going to go to the condo you live in. Then you will pack your bags. Before this event is over you will be out of Lucille’s life. You will never call, text, or attempt to see her again. Ever.”
“All right then,” he says. “I’ll get right on that. Now I think security is going to hear about your threats, whoever you are.”
He steps to the side and tries to move around me. I grab him by his arm and throw him roughly against the wall. He drops his drink and the crystal glass smashes across the floor.
“Woah!” he says. “Look, this has gone far enough!”
He’s looking over my shoulder then he tries to squirm past me again and I throw him against the wall again.
“All right man,” he says putting his hands up palms out between us. “Look, I don’t know what your deal is, who you are, or why you’re here but I’m very much in love with Lucille. We’re going to be married in a few months. So whatever your tie to her is, I’m sorry it didn’t work out but hey it happens right?”
I can’t stand the sound of his voice. Smug and all knowing, my fist is cocked back and about to launch before I even realize I’m doing it.
“Sam no!” Lucille cries from behind me.
Chapter nine
Lucille
Where in the hell is Bradford? I make my way around the party shaking hands and welcoming everyone. It’s important that I make sure all the right people are spoken to and thanked for their contribution. The company charity fund is a major deal. It does a lot of good and it makes a lot of great PR for us.
Somewhere along the line Bradford has disappeared. He was already well on his way to being a liability. He started drinking the moment we arrived and once he gets drunk he doesn’t hold his tongue well. I can’t have him embarrassing me. Something crashes and I hear the tinkle of glass breaking.
Looking to make sure that the servers are cleaning up their mess I don’t see the source of the sound. It didn’t come from the prep area so it had to be out here somewhere. I make my way through the groups of three and four trying to find the source of the sound. Then I catch a glimpse of a side room and I hear Bradford’s voice.
Just as I enter the room I see Samuel raising back to hit Bradford. I’m immediately back to that night. Samuel is about to hit Todd yet again. My heart beats insanely against my chest, a cold sweat chills across my hot skin, and my breath comes in short ragged gasps.
“Samuel no!” I scream just like I did that night. I couldn’t stop him then can I now?
Samuel’s hand stops mid swing. He doesn’t turn around to look at me but reaches over to Bradford and straightens his jacket for him. He smoothes the arms of Bradford’s suit and he says something to soft and low for me to hear. Then he turns to look at me with his broad smile and beautiful eyes.
“Hey sis,” he says like I just walked in on nothing.
Bradford stands behind him looking scared then he steps around Samuel and comes over to my side. He places an arm around me in a rare display of public affection between us. I put my arm around his waist staring at Samuel.
“What’s going on here?” I ask.
“Just meeting your new guy,” Samuel says. “Thought I’d introduce myself.”
He stares at Bradford the entire time he speaks. I look back and forth between the two of them. Tension rides the air between the three of us. I can’t stop myself from comparing the two men. Bradford is nowhere near the man Samuel is. As my anger fade a deeper longing follows
behind it, one I thought gone since the night Samuel lost control but here it is again.
“Yeah,” Bradford says. “Just getting acquainted.”
He’s lying. Bradford may think he’s a good liar but he’s terrible at it. Probably why he’s so terrible at gambling, he has a million tells. He doesn’t look directly at Samuel, there’s a slight sheen of sweat on his forehead, his hands have a minor shake.
“Well, good. Then you know my stepbrother Samuel,” I say indicating him to Bradford.
The two of them shake hands. Samuel makes his grip too tight for Bradford but he doesn’t complain.
“Bradford would you get me a drink please?” I ask him sweetly.
“Yeah, sure honey,” he says turning and leaving the room. He pulls his cell phone out as goes.
I turn on Samuel staring him down. “What was that?” I ask.
Samuel smiles as he looks down at me. He places a hand on the side of my face cupping my cheek. I start to lean into it, his hand is so strong, rough but nice against my skin. I want him to take me in his arms and pull me close …
“Stop it,” I say stepping away from him.
“Right,” he says pulling his hand back. “Sorry.”
He steps around me and disappears into the mingling crowd. I inhale deeply trying to calm my nerves. This is the last thing I need. I have enough problems with Bradford without Samuel complicating things. I make my way back out and mingle until it’s time for the speakers to start. Bradford finds me again and he’s obviously drunk.
“We need to leave,” Bradford says.
“Not yet,” I tell him.
He grips my arm hard enough to bruise. I try to pull free from him but he just tightens his grip. I don’t want to cause a scene here and I’ve done my duty for the company. If we’re going to have a fight I don’t want it seen by the public.
“All right,” I say.
Outside the valet pulls our car around for us. Bradford grabs the keys before I can and rushes around getting in the car. There are patrons outside in ear shot of us. I really don’t want to ride with him in this condition but I push those concerns aside in favor of not causing a scene.
A Baby for My Hero Stepbrother: Forbidden Billionaire Romance Page 3
