by D. M. Burns
“No offense Brea-bee but I want to punch him in the damn throat and watch him sputter.” She gets up and moves over to the lush couch area, flops down, and lays out across the luxury leather.
“I like her.” Brogan deadpans.
“Maybe I didn’t think this through,” I whisper to Brogan and he chuckles.
“I’m loving every damn second of this shit.” Brogan looks down at me and smirks. “Thanks, babe. Best vacation ever.”
I giggle as the stewardess appears handing off a container of cupcakes from the Cupcake Café to Channing. He looks over at me as his hand disappears into the box producing a huge, strawberry, whipped cream topping cupcake that has my mouth-watering. I eyeball it like it’s my newfound goal in life. Channing reaches out handing it off to me on a wink.
“You know I gotta take care of my sunshine.” He says.
“That’s not your job, asshole,” Brogan growls. Channing snickers and looks at him.
“Well, you gotta cupcake shoved up your ass we don’t know about? Because that’s what she wants.” He slow blinks at Brogan. “Didn’t think so. How about it? You want one too, you dick?” Brogan shakes his head no.
“They're like little cakes sent from heaven up above but Brogan doesn’t eat sweets,” I say.
“Yes, I do,” Brogan grunts out while looking down at me with a devious smirk playing out on his face. My cheeks turn beet red as I giggle and bite into my cupcake.
“Oversharing. There’s no need for that.” Tam says.
“How about you, blue eyes?” Channing calls out at Tam. She turns her head to the side in aggravation at his pet name.
“Pass.” She rolls her eyes at him then gets back to reading her Kindle.
“Fine by me. More for us, sunshine.” I nod my head in agreement while scarfing down my sugar intake limit for the day.
chapter 18
brogan
This island is guaranteed beauty as is the woman standing out on the balcony of our bedroom taking in the scenery that surrounds her. I knew she’d love this place and ever since we arrived, she’s been in awe. Her beautiful royal blues have been taking in the white sands that from a distance look like a fresh layer of fallen snow. The car ride to the estate presented a backdrop littered with whitewashed villages outlined by a deep-blue flooring as far as the eye could see commonly known as the Aegean Sea.
When we pulled up to the massive black wrought-iron gates that encase countless rolling acres covered in finely manicured moss green grass, I heard her gasp. It’s a lot to take in at first. She’s not used to this type of lifestyle. Hell, truth be known, she has a hard-enough time accepting simple purchases such as clothing from me.
In her eyes, I’m not a bank account to withdraw cash from. I’m simply the lucky son-of-a-bitch she decided to love; good, bad, or indifferent. Seeing the reality that comes with being the man I am and at my side, the magnitude doesn’t register to her until she’s staring at it. This was just another glimpse and eye-opening experience she had to face today.
The golden letters found in front of the manor are elegantly scripted out, HOC. Short for House Of Creed. The mansion is a little over twenty thousand square feet. It has everything your heart desires in amenities and more. To name a few; tennis courts, a golf course, a movie theater, stables, and an Olympic size pool. The place comes equipped with staffing headquarters as well.
Of course, after Brea told me she invited the DNA dickhead along, I made a phone call and had the staff setup the west wing. Which is, incidentally, located the furthest distance away from us. I wanted our guests so far away that they’d need to call ahead before coming to knock on our door. It’ll take them fifteen minutes just to hike over to our section, let alone pinpoint our master suite. I should feel bad, but I simply don’t.
Granted, their bickering back and forth on the plane was comical. And of course, I enjoyed the show. Anytime the opportunity presents itself where Channing has his ball sack in a bind or on broil by a female, I’ll put aside what I’m doing to root that shit on. But my entertainment and attention will be focused and found solely on the woman a few feet away from me.
It shouldn’t come as any surprise that I’ve tried talking her into moving into BC Towers with me, but each time the topic come up she has shut the idea down. Of course, I slipped into her minds filing cabinet, picking around at her thoughts. Sometimes my curiosity still wins out. What can I say? Old habits die hard. Her thoughts were a little bothersome but only because she’s scared of my penthouse, not at the thought of living her life with me. Hell, after catching a glimpse of her nightmares, I get it.
Admittedly, Brea’s loft is warm, inviting, but most importantly, houses her every night. I have no problem spending my time there if that’s my only option for being near her. Wherever she is, that’s where I want to be. Moving her in with me is a subject I haven’t brought up anymore. It’s not because I haven’t thought about it because that is on repeat in my mind. I’ve just been diligently working out another angle to get what I want, her. Hopefully, it’s one that’ll end with her rethinking that decision and see things my way. Time will tell.
Walking up behind her, I slip my hands over her hips drawing her body back into me. Her white flowing sundress blows freely in the breeze causing the silky fabric to tangle around my legs. In the distance, you can see multiple parasailers moving about the skies, like multiple birds soaring in the distance. Brea is captivated by what she sees when I’m simply fascinated by everything that is her.
“You like it here, baby?” I whisper into her ear then lightly kiss her neck.
“There aren’t words to describe it, this.” She holds her hands out at the picturesque landscape. “It’s so peaceful and a complete flipside to our normal in New York.” Her hands slide over mine lock around her stomach. “What do you love the most about this place?”
“You.” That was an easy Q&A. It’s the truth. She tilts her head and looks at me with a beautiful smile.
“Other than me.” She says.
“Walking the beach at night. It’s one of the most beautiful and peaceful delights that sold me on this place. The island that meets up and surrounds this property is private and I plan on showing it to you.”
“Thank you for bringing me here.” She rubs her palm across my jaw.
“You go where I go, always?” I say. She nods her head.
“Always.” She whispers.
“There you guys are… Jesus tits, this place is freaking fabulous.” Tamera waltz into our room without so much as making her presence known. I close my eyes and let my forehead drop to Brea’s. “I’ve been wandering around this maze of wealth for over an hour now looking for you. What’s on the agenda for tonight?”
“I’m sorry, honey. I’ll talk to her.” Brea presses her lips to mine and I reluctantly let her go so she can get her Tasmanian Tamera to safety before I lose my shit.
My patience is wearing thin with the asshole brother and friend tag along. We’ve spent the day entertaining them. Going into town like a bunch of tourists in and out of various shops. Which is different from what I’m used to and notably one of the many reasons why I like this place so much.
The people here don’t have any clue or give a shit of who I am. Very few here are equipped with this information. I don’t have to look over my shoulder for prying eyes or paparazzi snapping shots of my coming and going. It’s a countdown though. They’ll show face in a couple of days as soon as our destination location is confirmed.
As the lady’s scurry into another shop, I find a bench to occupy while watching the show. Brea peers back at me before the door swings closed and I give her a chin lift letting her know that I’m good. She’s been studying my mood all day waiting for any sign that I’m anything but content. I want her to enjoy her time here. I know by her laughter and carefree smiles that she’s doing just that even if my selfish ass wishes we were alone.
When Channing plops down next to me my head swivels to the side to see him t
onguing a double scoop of what I suspect to be mint chocolate chip ice cream. Does this burly bitch ever do anything other than fucking eat?
“I can hear your thoughts you, little prick.” He says as he bites into his cone.
“Wasn’t trying to block you out,” I smirk.
“She’s certifiably happy.” He eyeballs the store that the girls just disappeared in and shrugs while in inhaling the remainder of the cone. I’m not touching this conversation. I want to enjoy my time here with Brea. I’m quite sure if I entertain this shit it’ll only piss me off. “Her friend is a god damn pain in my ass though.” He smirks. I think this motherfucker has a hardon for the neon blue-eyed, no shits given vixen. “A gorgeous pain in the ass but one all the same.”
“Just so you know, when we get back, I’d like it very much if you’d entertain the gorgeous pain. I’m sure it won’t be a hardship for you.” I say.
“So… You’re asking me for a favor little brother.” He turns his black holes my way and I simply stare at this bastard. “Yeah, I got you, you little prick. Just think, with the rate that we're growing into this brotherly relationship we just might end up loving each other.” He turns to me and draws a fucking heart in the air with his hands then blows me a kiss.
“You’re a delusional motherfucker, you know that, right?” I deadpan.
“Admit it, asshole. You like me.” He chuckles.
“You’re an overgrown fuckface. But when you’re not going after the only thing I’ve ever loved, you’re tolerable.” I admit.
He wraps his arm around my shoulders and I look down at his bear claw clasping me in a tight grip. I’m about to break his hand. When I turn my head, he nudges his head indicating for me to catch a peek. I look up to find Brea smiling at me with renewed hope. For fuck sake. That smile has me returning the same smile without any needed solicitation.
“You didn’t think this PDA bullshit was for my benefit, did you?” He chuckles. “She’s not only trying for a god damn love connection between me and the friend, you unequipped and unfeeling prick. That woman is trying to push us together too. Jesus, for such a damn genus in the boardroom, you have no god damn clue at the depths that Brea runs, do you?”
“I know what she wants, asshole. That’s the only reason why you’re here and that hand isn’t broken already, her-always her.” I growl while shrugging his hand off my shoulder to stand.
“You know you secretly love me.” He chuckles as he stands. “I’m going to get another cone. Want one?”
“I don’t do sweets,” I say as Brea and Tamera join us.
“You want an ice cream, baby?” I ask while taking Brea’s bags and nodding for security to come and retrieve them.
“I wonder if they have strawberry shortcake… Yum.” She smiles.
“How about you blue-eyes? What flavor do you favor?” Channing wiggles his eyes at Tamera.
“Whatever kind doesn’t come accompanied with a Jolly Green Giant asshole. Isn’t that what you called his Brea?” Tamera deadpans. I laugh out loud because this girl is sharp with the wit.
“Less the A-hole part,” Brea says.
“Love you too, babe.” Channing winks at Brea.
“Watch it, asshole,” I growl while pulling my girl into my side.
chapter 19
Brealyn
Filtering my way through the beauty of this Greek castle, because that’s exactly what it reminds me of, I come to a complete stop in front of a huge painting taking up a ridiculous amount of space on the white wall facing the staircase. My eyes squint at the intriguing black chalk strokes. The detail in design is captivating. Remarkable rock barriers are etched out on all sides. The rise of the sea is in a maddening uplifting roar only to silently retreat back into the ocean for renewed strength. While one lone man bravely stands on the sand-covered beach in front of the fury of the deep-sea with his back facing to me.
He seems to be peering down at his bare feet even though the waters are destroying the outside world all around him. His shoulders and posture look deflated in defeated. It’s like he knows the devastation taking place but is uncaring and unable to help in any way. Acceptance in the outcome that he’ll remain untouched but left wishing he too, were caught up in the end of time, the end of his suffering.
My heart beats in my chest with an uncanny rhythm that holds an unfair amount of sorrow for his demeanor, the destruction. My connection and emotions to this painting are unreal and completely insane. I want to reach out and touch it, reassure this man that everything will be okay but scared to do so. Fear that I might feel his pain from the canvas strokes.
“It’s overwhelming.” When I hear his voice slide over my skin, I close my eyes and release a sigh.
“A beautiful pain,” I whisper. “Like he knows the danger, wants it even, but it’ll never find him even though he’s standing amid the storm.” I turn around and Brogan smirks as he takes my hand and moves through the house.
“I have something to show you.” He says.
“I’m not dressed but I can change right quick.” It’s turning dark outside and the sun is setting in all its glory.
“What you have on is perfect for my eyes, the asshole brother not so much.” He grumbles.
I have on the white two-piece bathing suit that I changed into once we got back from town to go swimming. Although, I threw a white, see through, long tank top on because this mansion stays cold but nothing else.
“You guys were doing so good before pool time though,” I say.
“That’s because his thoughts were uncensored and on loudspeaker.”
“You still didn’t have to grab him up in a chokehold,” I whine.
“Oh, baby… That was just some long overdue brotherly love.” He chuckles. “Tamera enjoyed the playful tone.”
“That’s because Tam likes to see him in pain. Come to think of it, she loves anything UFC related with a bloody aftermath.” I mumble.
“He’ll be fine and mindful of his manners from now on.” He says.
Following behind Brogan, his dark blue shorts hanging low on his hips. His tan skin and washboard abs are definitely distracting in a yummy way. We journey through his property and end up at his stables. The place is temperature-controlled and huge. I wind my way through the stalls peeking in on the beautiful horses that are lucky enough to be housed here.
“They're so beautiful,” I say. I pet the curious white and black spotted horse that pokes its nose through the opening. The hair is so soft. It flows around its face like a beautiful blanket.
“This one is mine. Well, they're all mine but he’s my favorite because he’s got an attitude with anyone other than me.” He chuckles. “His name is Windsor.” Brogan opens the stall door, turns, and walks back to me without a care in the world. Like the thought of the horse breaking away isn’t a concern for him. “You want me to saddle Mace for you?”
He points at the horse nudging its nose into my shoulder and I shake my head no while petting the side of its face. My eyes cut back to the stall that Brogan just left open and stepped away from. The last thing I expected was to stand back and watch a gleaming black horse trot his way out following right behind Brogan as if he holds a bag of apples. The large Arabian horse is hot on his heels. No lead, no coercion of any kind is needed. It’s like Windsor knows who the alpha leader is and wants to please him. That horse and I have something in common.
“This beauty looks more like salt and pepper than a Mace. I might be country raised but I’m sorta scared of horses.” I admit and Brogan smirks at me.
“The country girl has no problem up and moving states away to the big apple but is scared of riding a tamed horse.” He quirks his eyebrow at me while saddling the beautiful black horse and I shrug my shoulders.
“Maybe I just want to ride with you.” I smile wide.
“That’s the plan. I only offered to be polite.” He chuckles.
“What if I’d said yes?” I giggle. Brogan secures the last strap on the saddle then turns to
me with those eyes flaring out in amusement.
“I’d have convinced you otherwise.” He winks and I laugh at his playful undertone. Plus, I really can’t remember what my argument was with his bronze, naked, bulked up chest in my face, sue me. “You ready?” He asks and I nod.
Brogan turns around and places his foot in the stirrup swinging his godlike body onto the horse then turns back to me. “Foot in stirrup then pull yourself over. Just like I did, baby. Come on.” He holds his hand out to me and I grab hold without hesitation then slide into place behind him.
“See… No big deal.” Brogan says.
I slide my arms around his waist and lock my palms then bring my chest flush with his back. My heart is pumping. It’s not lost on me that Windsor has remained perfectly still throughout that entire event. Brogan makes a noise that has the horse moving and I press my cheek to his broad back.
“Windsor seems well mannered,” I say as we move about the property.
“This horse is simply misunderstood. He won’t ride others. He’s particular. I see nothing wrong with him being selective. Hell, I relate to it.” He chuckles.
After a scenic stroll over the beautiful property, our journey with Windsor comes to end on his private beach. Brogan helps me down then dismounts the black beast of beauty. He takes my hand and starts to lead us away.
“What about Windsor?” I ask. Brogan laughs out loud.
“If someone attempts to take that horse and they’re successful in doing so then they deserve him but I can promise you, that won’t happen. He won’t move from that spot either.” He says over his shoulder.
“Are you a horse whisperer too?” I mumble.
“You could say that.” He winks at me.
The tropical paradise surrounding us is indescribable. The beauty in the rocks and ocean glowing from the full moon above is that of pictures to come. I make a mental note to bring my phone back at night before leaving and snap some shots of this.
