Baby Bargain (Winston Brothers Book 3)

by Stacey Lewis

  “I don’t care if she doesn’t want the help. Don’t give her a choice.” I growl. Fallon snickers, a smile that makes her eyes sparkle forming against her lips.

  “How did you come to know anything about Mel anyway? She’s extremely private. I’m assuming she didn’t just say she owes that much money.”

  I scratch at the back of my head, my dress slacks suddenly feeling too tight, my palms sweating and my heart beating out of my chest and all from the tiny little questions that Fallon just asked me.

  “Yeah, she didn’t exactly come out and tell me but I’m smart enough to piece two and two together. I saw a paper on her dining room table. I don’t know if it was receipt or invoice or what. I didn't ask. I wanted to talk to you first.”

  “Yes,” She starts the pauses and sighs, sadness filling her eyes. “Mel has had a rough life, with her father leaving her mother, and her and sister, well she was fighting cancer to all the debt accumulating. I mean I know they had bills, who wouldn’t when her dad isn’t paying a single dime but I didn’t expect it to be that much.”

  I feel sick to my stomach, knowing all I do now. Mel is so strong I can tell that just from knowing her in the short time I have, but no one deserves to have to be strong forever. What happens to them when they need someone to hold them up?

  “She’s got abandonment issues because of her Dad so I know she doesn’t date anymore, so I’m a little shocked that you’re here asking about her.”

  I crack my neck feeling pent up with anger, “We aren’t dating. I’ve asked her numerous times and she keeps saying no. She’s got to much going on. Or she doesn’t date guys younger than her.” Annoyance laces my words, even though I get why she’s being so cautious.

  “Don’t take it to heart Rem. She’s just facing an uphill battle. Last I talked to her about her sister they were discussing some experimental drug, but the company didn’t allow payment plans, and I know it’s not covered under any kind of insurance and I’ve already tried paying for it but she told me if I did she’d disown me as a friend.” Fallon frowns. “And honestly she would. She’s that strong willed, and bold headed.”

  I check the inside of my cheek, the copper taste of blood fills my both but I don’t stop. I contemplate my next move. I can’t let Mel live life the way she is anymore, not when I have all this money, and all these resources on hand.

  It would be so easy to help her, so easy to take the burden off her shoulders.

  “What hospital does her sister go too?” I ask curiously.

  “Mercy.” Fallon narrows her eyes as if she can tell what I’m going to do before I even have the chance to deny it. “And if you’re thinking about helping you better hope to God she doesn’t find out. She doesn’t like owing people money, and she’s a pain in the ass if she thinks you’ve done anything good for her.”

  Fallon’s comment makes me laugh, “Oh that’s fine by me. I love sparring with her. In fact it’s the damn highlight of my day.”

  “Do you… Do you love her?” Fallon questions, her question merely innocent. She’s not out to stir the pot I know that, but I can’t really say if I love her or not just yet.

  “I don’t know. I can tell you I care about her. That the potential to love her is there but I’m not at that bridge yet, and I won’t know if what we have can work till we get there.”

  Tears well in Fallon’s eyes and she jumps across the small space separating us, and wraps her tiny arms around my large frame. She squeezes me as tightly as she can before releasing me to look up into my eyes.

  “I just want you both happy, together or not. Mel has been through so much and I know she’s not going to give into love without a fight.” I pat Fallon on the head and she gives me a dirty look batting my hand away.

  “Don’t you worry little sister. I’ve got this. I’ll do what I can to make her happy and see that I’m the best option. In the end the choice will be hers. But that doesn’t mean I’m going to watch her struggle. You might not be able to help her, but she already kind of dislikes me so I’ll be the one to do it.”

  “Don’t let it backfire on you.” Fallon stands, and walks over to the Maverick. She checks on him but he doesn’t stir, and I make move for the front door. Fallon looks like she could use the rest now that the baby is asleep and I’ve got my own work cut out for me.

  “I won’t baby sis. I’ll stop by later when Reed is here. Thanks for giving me the info I needed.” I press a kiss to her forehead and scurry outside and down the sidewalk and to my car. When I slip inside I pull out my phone... as a Winston I’ve got connections to people that most normal people don’t.

  Those connections, and money can get me anything.

  Let’s just hope this time it can keep me the one thing I want most.

  Melody.

  Chapter Nine

  Melody

  I stare at the computer screen knowing I need to write this article and yet no matter how much I will the words to come they don't. Instead my mind drifts to Remy. I wonder what he's doing right now? Probably lounging in his office at Winston Industries pretending to do work while he racks in the millions.

  I nibble on my bottom lip, as my thoughts turn hotter...remembering the way he made me feel, and the things that he did to my bottom bringing me to climax again and again, and never asking for a single thing in return.

  That was what separates the men from the boys.

  Men take care of women.

  Boys just take… there's a difference.

  My phone dings, and vibrates against my desk, the noise pulls me from my thoughts and I grumble as I grab the hand-me-down iPhone with a cracked screen and squint to read the message.

  MOM: Are we still meeting for lunch at the diner? I’m here, but I don’t see you.

  It takes me a moment to shuffle through my thoughts, and then my gaze moves to the little time on my computer screen. Fuck! It’s already noon. I shoot her a text back and grab my purse, and slip my feet into my heels before hurrying for the door.

  I can’t believe I fucking spaced lunch with my mother. I haul ass down stairs via the elevator, and then rush out of the building and onto the sidewalk. Francy’s the diner we always have lunch at is center perfectly between mom and I’s works.

  Where I’m a lousy journalist who gets paid by the stories my mom is an accountant, though she doesn’t make nearly enough money to pay for the things her and Maddie need.

  My heels clack against the concrete and within minutes of jogging in my heels I’m at the restaurant. Ten minutes late but still here.

  I walk in side, huffing and puffing, suddenly realizing that I need to work out more. I find mom at our regular table and walk over to her sinking down into the booth as if I’m melting into a liquid pile of mush.

  When I finally catch my breath enough to talk I notice my mother is grinning from ear to ear. I haven’t seen her smile like this in years, since she was with dad actually.

  Fear, worry, excitement, they all creep into my belly.

  “Not to like ruin the mood or anything but why are you so happy? I haven’t seen you smile like you’re smiling right now in forever. What’s going on?” I murmured looking over the menu even though I knew what I was going to order.

  I ordered the same damn thing every time I came here. There was no real reason to be staring at the menu except for the need to be doing something other than staring at my mother who still hasn’t answered my question yet.

  “You know right? The doctors called you and told you right?” Elation, and excitement laces her words, well confusion mares my features.

  “What are you talking about? Is she okay? Did something happen?” Fear spikes deep inside me, and my belly starts to churn.

  My mother shakes her head, her dark brown hair slipping from behind her ears with the motion, “No everything is okay. More than okay actually. I just thought you knew since the doctors told me it was you that helped pay for it.”

  My brow furrows and my confusion mounts, “Pay for what?
I have no idea what you’re talking about? I didn’t pay for anything. The last time I saw Maddie was just the other day.” I don’t dare bring up when she told me about not wanting to continue on with the treatments if it doesn’t work this time.

  Mom would have a flow blown panic attack if she knew. The happiness in her dark eyes dims and I’m almost angry with myself for having to be the one to tell her I didn’t do whatever great they she is claiming I’ve done.

  “I thought you got a grant or something? Maddie was accepted into the program for the experimental drug for her specific type of Leukemia. I thought you knew, and were just wanting to surprise me.” My mouth pops open and then shuts again, shock consuming me.

  “I….” I stumble over my words, because I know what this means for Maddie. This could be the cure to her cancer, then end to her exhaustion, and fight for her life. I can’t tell my mom I didn’t have anything to do with it, when she clearly thinks I did, but I have to find out what the hell is going on.

  Who could’ve paid for that kind of bill?

  “It’s so damn exciting. It’s like God is looking down on us for the first time since your father left and saying, just keep pushing on.” Tears form in her eyes, and I clasp her hand in mine. The stress, and worry of the last few years shows in her face, but those wrinkles do nothing but make her look tens times more beautiful. They show the pain, and storms she’s weathered through.

  “It is. It’s got to be a sign of more good things to come.” I further encourage, loving the positivity that’s oozing from her. Seeing her happy is all that matters to me. It’s so important...so important. It isn’t long until we order or regular orders, and discuss how our weeks been going. I try to focus on the conversation but the fact that somebody paid big bucks for my sister to be accepted into the experimental drug program for her specific type of cancer naws at me.

  Why would they do that? People in this day and age aren’t kind and if they aren’t, they aren’t spending money like that out of pure kindness.

  “I’m worried about you sweetie. You’ve barely ate any of your food, and you just seem to be lost in thought.” Mom’s booming voice drags me back to reality.

  “Oh I’m okay Mom. Just tired. I’ve got tons of work to do for the paper. Articles to write, and then I’m picking up some extra hours at the bar, so I haven’t really been getting the best amount of sleep.” I confess even though I know I’ll scolded for doing so.

  “You know now that your sister is in the program you can probably quit your second job. We will have enough to pay on the debt instead of trying to pay on the debt and save money for the experimental drugs too.” Mom smiles, and it’s that smile that eases the tension right out of my bones. I shove around the potatoes on my plate and contemplate what she’s saying.

  “Yeah I probably could, but I want to be able to help you out with bills as much as possible since I know dad is refusing to pay a single dime to you.”

  A sour looks forms on her face, “Your father will pay for the things he’s done to us someday. I might not be there to see it but he will pay. I want you to quit your second job and try and get some more sleep sweetie. You’ll age faster than hell if you keep living life the way you’re.” I choke on my water as I take a sip of it.

  “Seriously mom. I’m not even twenty five yet.” She laughs back, and I relish in the moment of us doing something other than talking about Maddie and her illness, and the looming debt that sits upon our shoulders, waiting to bury us alive.

  Mom’s gaze slips to her watch and I know it’s time for her to get back. We pay our bills and say our goodbyes. I pull out my cell and text my boss letting her know I’ll be back to the office late and that I’ve found some debts on an epic story.

  Then I’m off, taking the subway to the hospital so that I can figure out who the hell it is that just made my mother’s and I’s life ten times easier.

  ***

  “What do you mean you can’t tell me who paid for it?” I exclaim. The woman behind the receptionist desk in the bill department gives me a look of shock as if she can’t believe I nearly yelled the words.

  “I mean…” She pauses typing a few more letters into the computer before starting again, “I’m going to need some identification. I can’t just give this information to anyone.” I bite my tongue, because I seriously want to lash out.

  I pull out my driver's license and toss it at her before saying, “If you can’t just give that information to anyone then how did someone pay for the treatments? That’s a lot of money to come from an anonymous donor.”

  There’s no way and hell I can hide the simmering rage inside me. After breaking my heel off on the tarmac well waiting for the subway, and then dealing with this witch I’m done for the day. I quit.

  Bridget, her name tag says, finally picks up my ID and looks it over before handing it back to me. When she speaks again I almost lose it.

  “What is that you wanted to know?” She asks politely, thought it’s snotty as hell.

  “I want to know who paid a payment on my sisters account today.” I growl. Silences follows and then a few more clicks on the computer and she finally speaks again.

  “It looks like a Remy Winston made a payment last night.” She squints at the screen as if she can’t really believe what she is seeing, and then it hits me, the name she just said.

  Remy.

  Winston.

  My eyes bulge out of my head and my heart hammers in my chest. “Thanks.” I mumble over my shoulder as I take my ID back and shove it into my purse before walking back upstairs and out of the hospital. I call for an Uber, and wait outside, anger, sadness, elation, and pure frustration consume me.

  Remy doesn’t even know me and yet he’s done the kindest thing a person has ever done for me, and somehow I still want to claw his eyes out and tell him he has no right to do such things. I never asked for his help, or anyone’s for that matters.

  Tears sting my eyes, because I know I’ll never be able to repay him, which means I’ll be forever in his debts.

  Fuck. I curse him, wiping away the tears the slip from my eyes and run down my cheeks staining them with proof that I still do feel.

  I straighten myself, and contemplate my next move even though I’m certain I know what is going to happen next.

  Remy Winston. I’m coming for you.

  Chapter Ten

  Remy

  I expected a phone call at the very least, but when two days pass and I have heard nothing from Mel I wonder if the money was even deposited into the account or if she even knows what I’ve done for her, her mother, and most importantly her sister.

  Nervous anxiety takes root in my belly, because I know Mel will eventually make her appearance and show her disapproval for what I’ve done. I know it. It’s only a matter of when. I finish up a meeting with Reed and Ryker and head out onto my floor, finding Jared the floor manager before heading back into my office.

  “Please set up a floor meeting for next week at one. It’s mandatory.” I state, a mass of black hair and perfectly tan skin catches my eye and I turn away from Jared just in time to see Melody walking right up to me, a fury so hot it could burn me if I touched it exploding from deep inside her and radiating out into me.

  Jared’s eyes grow huge as he excuses himself back to his desk and walks away. It’s as if he too can feel the fire brewing inside this woman, my woman.

  “Who the hell do you think you’re Remy?” Her lip curls with anger, but instead of looking angry she looks adorable as fuck.

  “If this is about….” I’m cut off before I even get the chance to finish my sentence.

  “Oh you bet your ass this is about the money. I didn’t sleep with you to have you pay for my sisters medical bills. I don’t need your pity money.” She growls, fire flickering in her eyes. It takes everything in me not to grin, knowing I’d most likely die right here if I do so.

  “I didn't do it because of that….” Again I’m cut off.

  “Obviously yo
u see me as some kind of whore otherwise you wouldn’t have paid for something you had no business knowing about. I mean was it that good that you had to invest half a million dollars? I mean seriously Remy. I’ll never be able to pay you back.” With her fists clenched at her sides, and her body pressed, against mine, all thoughts that don’t include me picking her up and fucking her senseless get shoved out the fucking window. I can feel eyes on us, and know this conversation is best saved for the confines of my office.

  Instead of shoving her away, I take her hand into mine, and drag her towards my office. She struggles to keep up with me, her mouth running the entire time as she curses me for doing exactly what any good willed man should do.

  “I will not accept your pity money Remy. You can take it and shove it straight up your…” I decide then as I close the door and whirl her around, so she’s firmly against my chest, that if she’s not going to let me talk then I’m going to reason with her the best way I know how: through sex.

  When our lips touch it’s an explosion of want, hate, and lust fueled by this raging fire that stirs in our blood. Our teeth clash with the force of the kiss, and within seconds I find Mel peeling away my jacket, tie, and reaching for my belt.

  “I hate you.” She mewls as I pepper her throat and chest with kisses, my hands ripping at her button down blouse causing the buttons to scatter across the floor. We’re like to animals on the hunt, with nothing but blood on the mind.

  “Good because I’m fucking certain I love you.” The words come out before I can stop them but not even Mel seems to notice what I’ve said. Her lips find mine once more and before either of us realize it we’re both stripped naked, my dress slacks are tangled around my ankles, and her pencil skirt is in a heap on the floor.