by Nikki Landis
Wow. “That’s pretty generous. Are they super weird or freaky?”
She shook her head completely used to my level of crazy. “No. I need your decision now.”
“Bradford house here I come,” I mumbled with as much enthusiasm as I could muster. Not that I was excited. For Sarah, I would try. I sincerely hoped it wasn’t an insane asylum. Sure sounded like one.
“And I don’t think you’ll regret it.”
THE BRADFORD HOUSE – excuse me, mansion – was situated high up in the hills of the Harwood Estates in one of the ritziest neighborhoods I had ever seen, and that was only in the movies. I won’t even bother with details. The place was huge, immaculate, decorated from a magazine, and way too white. Right at that moment I became increasingly aware of my dark hair and propensity to wear a lot of black.
Goth chicks beware.
I carried my duffle bag up the large marble stairs and stood next to Sarah as she clutched my suitcase at its awkward angle and rang the doorbell. A man in full livery answered the door. He stared down his long nose first at Sarah, then at me. I nearly rolled my eyes. Seriously? I would never fit in here.
“Lawrence, please show them into the drawing room.” A female voice, kind but authoritative addressed the . . . butler? I think he was a butler. Did people really have those anymore? Wasn’t that kind of like a slave? Huh, maybe getting paid made a difference. Who knew?
I rounded the corner with Sarah and ended up walking into what can only be described as the lion’s den. A quick scan of the room confirmed this as I met each person’s gaze and then rested back on Mr. Bradford. He was the only male adult.
“Welcome, Coraline. I’m Mr. Bradford but you may call me Charles. My wife Cynthia. Our daughter Corinne and my youngest son Casey. We’re happy to meet you.”
All ‘C’ names. Huh, maybe I could fit in here after all.
Sarah smiled at the greeting. “I don’t have long. I apologize for leaving quickly but I have a mandatory meeting today.” She turned to me as I shot her an accusing glare. “I’ll text you later and check on how you’re settling in. Bye, Cora.” She gave me a hug and nodded to the couple, rushing more quickly than one would have thought necessary.
Uh huh. Thanks.
I cleared my throat awkwardly. “Hi, I’m Coraline but I prefer Cora . . . please.” Manners were important so I may as well make a good impression. Right?
Corinne rolled across the room in her wheelchair. “I thought you’d be scarier. I don’t see any blood or an axe.”
Cynthia gasped, “Corinne.”
A genuine laugh bubbled up and out of my throat. “I was expecting braces and a thick helmet.”
She grinned wider. “I guess we just have to settle with who we are then even if we’re disappointed.”
Returning her smile, I was surprised to find I liked Corinne immediately. “Without a doubt. Although, it would have been kind of fun to try out your helmet.”
Her giggle echoed throughout the large room.
Casey sauntered over, a taller and more masculine version of his sister and a nearly identical replica of his father. Tall with sandy blond hair and piercing blue eyes, he had playboy written all over him. “Hey, Cora. Glad you could join us.” I’m pretty sure he was over twenty-one as his eyes devoured me from head to toe. A grin appeared on his face which displayed the twin dimples in his cheeks. “I think we should all get to know each other.”
Huffing out a breath, I rolled my eyes. “I’m not here for a luncheon date you know.”
Corinne burst out laughing as Casey cringed. “She’s on to you already.”
“I can handle myself pretty well,” I announced, turning to Cynthia and Charles. “Thank you for taking me in. I know it must suck but I’m not a liar, a thief, or a cheat. I’m honest, sometimes brutally. I’ll try my best if you give me a chance, but I don’t respond well to harsh behavior or physical discipline. If you promise not to judge me too quickly or harshly, I’ll do the same.”
Charles nodded, his arm around his wife’s shoulders. “I think we can manage that.”
Cynthia smiled and slowly made her way over. “I’ve lost a daughter and gained one all in one year. This is an emotional time but I’m glad to have you here, Cora. I hope you’ll grow to think of this as your home.”
I rose a brow at the lost and found comment but let it go. “Thank you.”
She leaned forward to hug me, but I stepped back. “I don’t like to be touched.”
“You hugged Sarah,” Corinne pointed out.
“She’s the only one in ten years.” My voice was overly harsh, but I couldn’t help my protective instincts from rising to the surface. These people seemed alright, but time was the deciding factor. I knew how these “family meetings” went down and then everyone showed their true colors pretty fast.
Best to take the offensive from the start.
Cynthia seemed almost hurt and a little confused, but her smile was quick to return. “I’ll let Casey and Corinne help you get settled.”
Casey picked up my suitcase and headed for the stairs, jogging up the winding and never-ending marble steps.
I turned to Corinne. “How do you get up?”
“The elevator. Come on.”
Chapter 3 – Cora
I followed her down the hall until we approached a sophisticated metallic door that slid open at her touch. “Nice. Need help?”
She shook her head. “Not any more than you do.”
I snickered. “I need a lot of help, just not with walking.”
“Yeah, I can see that. Your wardrobe is atrocious.”
“So is your hair. Who did it, your mom?”
She sighed. “Yes, actually. Would you help me with that?”
I winked, happy to find a kindred spirit in Corinne. “Of course.”
Once the elevator opened, she led me down the hall beyond three doors to one on the far left. “This is yours. Casey should be waiting for us.”
Not prepared for what I would find, I stepped through after her into the largest room I had ever seen in my life. “This is all mine? You have to be shitting me!”
Casey laughed as he leaned against the four-poster bed. “Nope. It might meet your needs.”
I snorted. “It’s too much. I might get lost.”
Corinne laughed, shaking her head. “I hate this room. It’s too dark but I think you’ll like it.”
Casey looked my way thoughtfully. “I think it suits her, too.”
They exchanged a look and then Casey shut the door before sitting on a nearby lounge chair. “Privacy is hard to come by around here. We rarely leave the doors open. I hate to have anyone overhear our conversations.” He glanced at his sister pointedly.
“Have a lot of secrets?” I asked, tossing my purse and duffle bag on the bed and flopping onto it backwards.
“Yes,” Corinne admitted, “but that can wait. I want to know about you and the real world.”
I burst out laughing. “Don’t you get to go out much?”
She shook her head as her cheeks colored a little pink. I really needed to learn to censor the words that came out of my mouth.
Sitting up, I wrapped my arms around my knees. “Well, that’s something we’re changing almost immediately in addition to your hair and lack of makeup. You’re gorgeous, Rin.” New nickname. Starting now. “A little makeover and you’ll have the guys falling all over you.”
She smiled shyly. “I think that’s your experience not mine, but I do like Rin.”
I made a face at the absurdity of that comment. “Not for long,” I argued. “Have you been sheltered your entire life?”
Casey scowled. “Yes, she needs a friend like you, Cora.” The pleading look in his eyes proved every word he was saying was true. “Someone who isn’t quite so shy and reserved.”
Completely understanding, I nodded. “I need a bestie, too. You’re stuck with me now.”
“I think I like the idea,” she admitted with another giggle.
&nbs
p; “You think?” I asked, laughing loudly. “You may regret it later. I’m entirely obnoxious and opinionated about everything. I’m loud and crazy, and I like to do reckless things. I may be a bad influence.” At that declaration, I pulled out a lighter and cigarette and lit one up, took a puff, and handed it her way.
Casey snatched it from my hand and tossed it into the trashcan after smashing the thing against the side of his hand. He didn’t even blink at the sizzling sound I heard. How did he miss burning his skin? “Cora, let me talk to you for a sec.” He grabbed my arm and pulled me away from Corinne who coughed and shook her head, seemingly amused.
“You’re touching me,” I pointed out as he tightened his grip.
“I don’t care what kind of show you put on for us or even for Corinne, but she needs someone who will look out for her and keep her safe. I can’t be here all the time. I’m studying law and my father keeps me busy.”
“You’re touching me,” I repeated, trying to force his hand away.
“I would never hurt you so calm your shit.”
My eyes widened and I nearly panicked when he didn’t release me. “What game are you playing?”
He yanked me closer as I protested, a small tick pulsing in the side of his jaw. I wouldn’t call it anger but there was something in his gaze I didn’t care to explore. “I don’t play games, Cora but when I do, I always win.”
“You know, you’re kind of a douche.” I tried to pry his hand loose as he spun us into the bathroom and around the corner, his lips crashing down on mine.
Shocked, I didn’t shove him away until it was too late.
“Don’t play with fire, Cora or you’ll get burned.” His hands rose to my face, cradling my cheeks lightly but his gaze was as hard as blue steel. “One other warning, stay away from me.”
I smacked his hands away, near to hyperventilating with a combination of frustration and anger. “I said I don’t like to be touched.” His close proximity was making me feel suffocated. Really.
Casey didn’t move but lowered his hands, somewhat complying with my request but his body still pinned mine to the wall. “I’ll touch you if I want, Cora.”
A brief flash of fear caused my entire body to tremble. I’d experienced this caged in feeling before, and I swore I would never be so vulnerable again. The sudden reminder of my past made me flinch. “Please,” I choked, “don’t say those words again.”
His palms pressed flat against the wall on either side of my head. “What’s the matter, Cora?”
I didn’t answer. It wasn’t possible.
He frowned, his gaze searching mine. All pretense dropped. He might have been pushing it a little, but he seemed genuinely concerned now. “Who hurt you?”
I shoved at him, but he still didn’t move. “Please.” My voice broke and I saw his eyes widen.
“I asked a question, Cora. Who hurt you?” he demanded.
Well, wasn’t that a little arrogant? My chin rose in defiance.
“That’s a hell of a wall you’ve built up around yourself.” He dropped his arms and gently wrapped them around me, cradling my head against his chest. “Shhh, no one will harm you here, little Blackbyrd.”
I stiffened as he tightened his embrace. “Let me go.”
“I will,” he promised, “soon.”
Against my better judgment I let him hold me for a full minute and then I felt his kiss on the top of my head. “Casey, what are you –”
His lips lowered to mine and cut me off. “Beware of me, Cora. I take what I want . . . and I want you.”
What the hell? I just met this guy. Who the hell did he think he was? I shoved Casey away as he laughed, but I swear he was dead serious. “What’s the matter with you? I’m not a toy or a plaything. Get away from me.”
He leaned down until I was forced back against the wall. “I know all about you,” he whispered seductively. “You like danger. You crave mystery. You’re not afraid to have fun. Little Blackbyrd,” he repeated. “I’m way more than you can handle, that’s why you’ll be unable to resist me. I’ll be back. Soon.”
“There’s no way you know so much about me in thirty minutes,” I contradicted.
“I can read people pretty fast. You’re an open book, love. I have you all figured out,” he replied smugly. “And who says I’ve only known about you thirty minutes?”
I narrowed my eyes. Casey had creepy stalker vibe going way too strong. “You’re friggin’ crazy. Don’t ever come so close to me again.”
He grinned, his eyes lighting up with a mischievous blue sparkle. “Oh, I don’t think you’ll ever resist me, little spitfire. You want me as much as I want you.”
Frowning, I was completely taken aback. “Who are you?” He hardly seemed the playboy rich kid he was portraying. There was something else. I thought I caught a hint of magical vibrations. He wasn’t who he pretended to be any more than I was. We both knew how to play a part.
He smiled, slow and seductive. “I guess you’ll find out.” There was a small wiggle of his fingers as the lights flickered and he laughed. His eyes shimmered unnaturally in the soft glow of the room and I blinked twice to make sure I hadn’t imagined the entire thing.
No way. Magic? Impossible.
“Casey? Cora?” Corinne’s voice sounded concerned. “Everything alright?”
“Coming, little dove,” he answered, his eyes remaining on my face. “I’ll see you later, Cora.” Casey whispered my name with a seductive lure like he was casting a line and darn it, I wanted to bite.
How the hell did he figure me out so fast?
Casey left me standing there, bewildered and entirely too confused. He was nothing like I pictured downstairs or around his parents. He might be the trickster I had him pegged for, but he was also way more than that. Something dark and mysterious hovered around his sexy frame, an aura of danger and enticing sensuality that made my senses come alive.
One thing was for sure.
I had to stay far away from Casey Bradford.
Chapter 4 – Cora
“Cora? Hurry up. Some of this dye is in my eyes and it stings.”
Laughing as Corinne sat in the shower stall, I caught her glare through the door as she squinted. “I told you to wait for me. You’re too impatient.”
“Maybe.” She shrugged her shoulders and winced as more dark brown dye dripped down her temple.
Clucking my tongue, I was entirely too amused. “Lean forward and keep your eyes closed.”
Once the dye had been rinsed and she was dressed and dry, I pushed her in front of her wide vanity lit up like a movie star trailer and proceeded to comb out her hair. “I think you need some layers and a few inches off the ends. Do you trust me?” I asked, arching a brow. I knew what I was doing. Pretty much. One of my homes a few years back – one that I actually liked – the mom was a full-time hairdresser. She let me practice and taught me quite a bit.
I’d like to think I had some talent. If not, I could use a little extra help from a spell.
“Anything is better than before.”
I spun her around, her back facing the mirror. “No peeking. You don’t get to see until I’m done.”
For the next hour and a half, I cut and styled her hair, blew it dry, and added some product. Then I proceeded to do her make-up. Fair, the exact opposite of my dark raven locks, she required little. Some foundation, a little blush and lip gloss, and of course I played up her gorgeous blue eyes that were identical to her brother.
“Alright, turn around.”
Excitedly, she turned the wheels on her chair and faced the mirror, her eyes widening. “Oh, Cora!” She gushed, touching her hair and grinning from ear to ear. “You’re a miracle worker.”
Her jubilance and praise were sweet. “Make-up just enhances what’s already there, Rin. Your hair freakin’ rocks!”
She admired her reflection as she reached for my hand and squeezed. “Thank you, really, I actually feel like a rebel. Mom will be shocked.”
“We all ha
ve to rebel once in a while. It’s good for the soul,” I quipped, running my hands through my own hair. Raven at the top and growing redder as it reached the bottom until the ends were mostly a burgundy color. I used a similar technique on Corinne. Lighter blonde streaks on top and much darker underneath. When she moved an array of blonde and light brown shades shone in her hair.
“Corinne? Where are you?”
A deep masculine voice I never heard before entered the room.
“In here!” she called, smiling as a young man walked around the corner.
He stopped abruptly when he saw me, his eyes widening and then he relaxed, squaring his shoulders and moving forward to place a soft kiss on Corinne’s cheek. “Wow, who’s this beauty?” No, the comment wasn’t meant for me.
Corinne giggled. “You know who I am.” She grinned wider. “Meet our new sister, Cora.”
His full attention returned to my face as he scrutinized me from head to toe. “Hello, Cora. I’m Colin.” The signature cool blue Bradford eyes were more curious than anything else. He was definitely family. I immediately noticed his resemblance to Casey. Were they twins? Colin was a darker version of his brother and father, but all three men were tall and muscular in build. Not to mention handsome.
Nodding my head in greeting, I found his demeanor entirely different than Casey. “Nice to meet you.” Turning to Corinne, I frowned. “Are they twins?”
She laughed, glancing at her brother. “Yes, but not identical. I’m sure you noticed.”
“Yes.”
Colin frowned. “You met Casey first?”
I shook my head and shrugged, making a circle with my finger that indicated ‘crazy’. “Yes. I’m glad you aren’t as arrogant as he is.”
This earned a deep laugh and a wink from Colin. “I knew I liked you. Anyone who can figure out my brother that fast is a smart girl.”
“I certainly hope so,” Corinne joked, “he pulled her away for a few minutes and I became worried.” She shot Colin a focused stare but then her smile was wide when she met my confused look.
