Her Wicked White

by Tammy Andresen

  “Such as?” Ben said as he started toward her.

  She took another cleansing breath. Had she gotten herself involved even without trying? “I couldn’t begin to say.”

  “Why not?” Dez crossed his arms glaring toward her. “You’ve been around long enough.”

  “Have I?” she asked as Ben reached her side. He didn’t touch her, but his look held such heat and intensity, he might as well have put his arm about her. Her own body shivered in response.

  “You know our father was a complete ass,” Dez added, his gaze travelling between her and Ben.

  “True,” she answered, her hands folding together. She’d not add anything more.

  “And you know we both want the best for Millie,” Ben added.

  Chloe saw Millie purse her lips. “Of course, you do.”

  “But there are also several points on which we disagree.” Dez stood straighter. “For example, I do not feel it’s appropriate to bring the rest of our brothers here.”

  Chloe began to understand the outlines of the conversation that had happened before she’d arrived and why she’d woken to voices. Those voices had been yelling.

  Ben raked a hand through his hair as he spoke, his words clipped. “He’s tied our inheritance into a family reunion and that benefits everyone. While I agree, it was a final manipulation on his part, in a relationship full of deviant influence, you can’t deny it would help everyone here.”

  Dez scowled. “You don’t know he’s actually going to give us anything. This could very well be a trick or a trap. Like his ‘inheritance’ is the lesson to only rely on ourselves and not expect anyone to give us money.”

  Chloe pressed her hands to her stomach. Dez had a very solid point.

  Ben glared. There was no other word for the expression on his face. “That is easy for you to say. You have a successful business, if I’m not mistaken. Look around at these ladies. They need whatever is bequeathed in that will.”

  Dez took three steps forward, his fists clenched. “How dare you lecture me on what they need.” He jabbed his closed fist about the room. “Where the fuck have you been? Now you want to tell me what Millie needs?”

  Ben moved in front of her as though blocking her from Dez’s anger. “You’re right. I haven’t been there for Millie. But I wasn’t just talking about her. I was also discussing Chloe and Esme. They don’t get what’s coming to them if Justice and Satan don’t arrive.”

  Dez snarled as he took two more steps closer and despite knowing Dez, Chloe tucked herself a bit more behind Ben.

  The last thing she needed was to get caught between the brothers.

  “Just because you’re the duke now doesn’t mean you get to start telling us what to do. I didn’t bow to him and I’m not going to fucking bend to you.”

  Millie stepped between her brothers then. “He didn’t ask you to.”

  Chloe’s brows rose. Was Millie standing up for her eldest brother? It was a marked change from Millie’s previous feelings.

  “You’re taking his side?” Dez roared, the sound echoing off the walls.

  “No,” Millie said, her voice far quieter. “But even you have to admit that our father has a knack for stirring trouble between us. Even from the grave apparently. But you’re once again allowing Father’s wishes to sour your feelings about one of your siblings.”

  Dez’s jaw turned to granite. “I have not allowed Father to do any such thing.”

  “How do you figure that?” Ben asked.

  “If I had allowed Father to influence me, I would have done what you did and what Justice and Satan did and just left without a glance back.”

  “You think he wanted that?” There was an edge to Ben’s voice that Chloe had never heard before. She stepped closer and touched his back, her fingers and palm pressing against his spine. She’d like to press her cheek to the same spot. Let the heat of his body seep into her skin. “For me to leave?”

  “I do.” Dez answered. “He could control all of us better if we were divided.”

  She felt Ben suck in a breath, felt his heart stop for a second before it raced his chest. Was he all right?

  Fear skittered along her skin as she moved even closer. Had those words hurt him? Frightened him? A need to comfort him overwhelmed her and she softly whispered. “It’s all right, Ben.”

  Chloe’s breath whispered over the skin of his neck even as her voice soothed. Dez’s eyes narrowed and Ben knew that his brother had heard her whispered comfort.

  Was Dez experiencing the same jealousy that Ben felt whenever he considered the idea of Chloe and Dez together? Because it was clear in this moment that Chloe was on his side. She’d tucked herself behind him, her hand touching him, her words soothing him. She was his. All his.

  Satisfaction and pleasure washed over him. This moment proved his jealousy had been unfounded. There was nothing going on between her and Dez. They’d not even looked at each other and now she touched him, not his brother, murmuring close to his ear.

  Ben closed his eyes, forcing his thoughts back to his argument with his brother. He needed to focus on Dez. Mr. Veritas had sent investigators to find their other two brothers but if Dez left, Justice and Satan may as well not come at all.

  “How can we bring both of them here in a way that would satisfy you?” Ben asked.

  Silence met his question. Was Dez considering the options?

  Finally he spoke, his voice dropping deadly low. “What did he promise you?”

  A bit of guilt niggled down Ben’s spine. He had set about this endeavor because he wanted something for himself. This house. Was that wrong? He didn’t want more wealth. More power or property. He simply wanted a slice of happiness that he’d been missing since his mother’s death. “He promised me nothing.” And that was the truth. It was only a hope on Ben’s part.

  Dez cocked his head. “Why are you doing this? It’s not like you to want to play the part of caring older brother.”

  The accusation in those words rankled. Yes. He’d kept himself apart, but it had protected all of them from their father’s games. “You think I left because I didn’t care?”

  “I think you left because you only care about yourself.”

  “Dez,” Millie cried. “Please.”

  But it was too late. Those words caused a red haze form over his eyes, his body tensing. “How dare you,” he gritted out.

  “Ben.” Chloe flattened her hands on his back, her palm pressing against his jacket, her fingers splayed out. “You’re all right.”

  He sucked in a large gulp of air, clearing some of the haze.

  Chloe’s touch, her voice soothed him, and he took another large breath. “I left because I was tired of his manipulations. Cutting myself out of the family was the only way he’d ever allow anyone peace. If he’d found out I had contact with any of you…”

  Dez ran his fingers down his face. When he looked up, he appeared calmer too. “I have to confess that I see your point. If you’d continued a relationship with Millie, he’d see her as a weakness to be used against you.”

  Ben nodded. “I’ll not deny that it was easier to just leave but every time I tried to reach out to one of you before I left, he’d make certain I’d regret it.”

  Dez ran a hand through his hair. “Like that time he gave me your dog?”

  “Exactly like that.” Pain rippled through Ben, but he focused on Chloe’s touch. When had she become such a calming force?

  Dez shook his head. “I don’t want them here. They’re not fit for Millie, Esme or Chloe. But they can stay at my house until Mr. Veritas arrives. That is if they agree to come at all. While they could likely use the money, they’re both fiercely belligerent when it comes to Father.”

  Ben grimaced. “Can we at least try?”

  Dez gave a curt nod.

  Rather than respond, he turned around, Chloe just behind him. It had been her influence that had allowed him to keep his head. And while he’d been a man who’d operated without aid, with a duk
edom, and siblings who were back in his life, he could see that, just like his sister, he might benefit from Chloe’s presence.

  With that in mind, he bent his head. “I need to speak with you.”

  Her brow furrowed as she looked up at him. “About what?”

  He swallowed, making a decision. “Come see me after you’ve broken your fast.”

  Then he headed out the door toward his study. He didn’t know how she’d respond to his request, but he wanted to try. Of course, when he thought about what he intended to ask…

  It was an hour before she finally arrived.

  Her soft knock at the door made his chin snap up. He stood as he called. “Come in.”

  She slipped into the room, her large blue eyes looking stormier than usual. “You wished to see me?”

  “I did,” he said as he came around the desk. “Why do you look so worried?”

  Her lips parted, soft and sweet and he wished to kiss them closed again. “You’ve never requested to speak with me before.”

  He reached for her hand then, hoping to comfort her. “I haven’t.”

  “What made you request this meeting today?” she said, standing close enough that he could smell her sweet scent as it curled around him. Floral and light, it eased some of his tension.

  “You’ve wondered about your future. It’s what I hoped to discuss with you.”

  Her eyes widened as her fingers laced through his. “My future?”

  “Yes. I know you’re considering what your next position might be. I have an offer I’d like you to think over.”

  “Position?” she asked, her brows knitting as her head cocked to the side.

  “I can’t deny that you’re an excellent influence on Millie. And you have that same effect on me. You soothe my rough edges.”

  “Thank you,” she answered, her features relaxing.

  He took her other hand. He’d kept himself from meaningful relationships for so long, he found the next words difficult to say. “I’d like to see more of you, Chloe.”

  Her mouth formed a small o. “More of me?”

  “Indeed.” He hadn’t quite meant the innuendo there, but it made him smile. He did wish to see more of her in every way. “That’s why I’d like you to consider the position of my mistress.”

  “Your…” her words trailed off and the color drained from her face. “Your what?”

  “We’d wait until Millie is settled into marriage, of course.” He winced. This is what he’d been afraid of. That she’d take it was an insult. “You’d be cared for,” he said by way of answer. “Compensated adequately.”

  “Compensated adequately?” she repeated pulling her hand from his.

  He frowned, as he stared down at her. This was a large step for him. He’d never stayed with any woman longer than a night. For him, this might be the biggest commitment of his life. “It could provide a future for you. A way forward.”

  Her head shook back and forth but her cheeks remained pale and her features pulled tight. “I need to think on it.”

  “Do,” he answered. But as she spun away and left the office, he had the feeling that the meeting had gone terribly wrong.

  Chapter Ten

  Chloe had spent the better part of a day and night hiding in her room. There were no other words to describe her behavior. But what Ben had asked…

  There was no way she could consent.

  She wanted him, that much was clear. Her attraction to him was undeniable.

  And there was a part of her that would like nothing better than to fall into his strength and ignore the future.

  But she knew that the future came anyway, no matter how much one didn’t want it to. When she’d first been left on her own after her father’s death, she’d tried to pretend it wasn’t happening, that someone would rush in and save her. She’d not live like that again, attempting to ignore the realities of a situation.

  But even knowing what her answer was going to be, she’d not been able to leave her room. Morning gave way to the noon hour and she stayed tucked in her suite. At least the view out to the ocean was delightful and the room itself comfortable and cozy.

  When a knock sounded at her door, her breath caught. Could she deny she was here hiding? What if it was him? She couldn’t say yes but she didn’t wish to say no. In truth, a part of her wanted to accept, wanted to ignore the future and lose herself in the present.

  “Who is it?” she called, knowing full well she couldn’t.

  “It’s me,” Millie replied.

  Chloe got up and crossed the room, opening the door. “Thank goodness,” she said in a rush of air when she saw Millie.

  “Why is that?” Millie asked walking into the room.

  Chloe shook her head. “It doesn’t matter. Is Dez still here?”

  Millie nodded. “He is. You missed an interesting dinner last night. He and Ben intermittently glared or grumped at each other. They’re like two old dogs fighting over a bone.”

  Chloe smiled. “They’re so much alike.”

  Millie sighed as she started for the bed, stopping at the nightstand and picking up a candelabra that sat next to the bed. Her fingers brushed over the smooth edges, worn from many hands. Millie knew, of course, that the piece was from Chloe’s parents’ bedchamber. One of the few mementos she’d been able to take with her. “Indeed. More so than I even remembered. I always assumed I’d stay with Dez. But Ben is the head of the family now…”

  Chloe frowned as she moved closer to sit on the bed near where Millie stood. Millie had her own decisions to make. “Did you decide what you might like to do?”

  Millie shook her head. “I’m trying to listen to you and get to know Ben again. Dez is quietly furious about my wish to do so. He hasn’t outright said so, but I think he’s hurt that I don’t consider him enough and that I might make a place in my life for Ben. And since he hasn’t actually said anything to me, I don’t know how to explain the situation to him. How do I say that Dez did a wonderful job, but that Ben has always been part of me? I’ve four brothers and one half-brother. I wish to know all of them.”

  Chloe nodded. “I understand.”

  “I knew you would. It’s why I’ve missed you.” Millie stepped closer. “How long are you planning on staying in here? Are you ill?”

  “No.” Chloe shook her head. “Unless you count duke fever as an illness.”

  “Duke fever?” Millie raised a brow. “What does that mean?”

  “Your brother’s a plague.”

  Millie’s hands came to her hips. “Tell me something I don’t know.” Then her eyes narrowed. “But why don’t you tell me specifically what he’s done? Because I know it’s something or you wouldn’t be hiding in here.”

  Chloe twisted her hands. She wasn’t certain confiding in Millie was a good idea. “I can confess that I find Ben attractive.”

  Millie waved her hand. “Of course you do. All my brothers are handsome. And, I hear that Justice and Satan’s antics are legendary.”

  Chloe shook her head. That was likely true, but she didn’t feel about Dez the way she did about Ben, and she doubted she’d want Lord Justice or Lord Sayden either.

  “That still doesn’t explain why you’re hiding.”

  Chloe crossed back to the window. “He’s too tempting to share his company.”

  Millie followed her. “I don’t follow.”

  Chloe lifted her hands, rubbing her temples. She and Millie didn’t keep secrets. They were a team. Still, she hesitated to share with her friend. Her relationship with her brother was tenuous at best. Wringing her hands, she turned back to Millie. “He offered me a position as his mistress. I can’t accept, though some part of me is interested.”

  “Interested?” Millie covered her mouth with her hand. “Don’t be ridiculous. Of course you can’t accept.”

  Chloe looked back at Millie, whose face had gone quite red. Was Millie embarrassed? Angry? The situation was beyond delicate. “He said he would compensate me. And while it might
be enough for a dowry, my principles just won’t allow—” but she stopped as Millie spun around, racing from the room.

  For a second, Chloe stared at her blinking and then, lifting her skirts, she followed. Where was Millie going?

  Dread tightened her stomach into a knot. She shouldn’t have told Millie. This was why she’d been hiding in her room.

  Millie rushed down the stairs, making her way to her brother’s study, the door ajar. Chloe followed, trying to catch up. “Millie. Wait.”

  “Benedict,” Millie shrieked as she rushed to the door, standing just outside.

  Oh dear. She’d not heard Millie use his full first name ever. She tried to call Millie back, calm her. This sort of irritation wouldn’t help anyone. “Millicent!”

  “What’s the racket?” But it wasn’t Ben who asked. Dez stood at the bottom of the grand stair.

  Millie ignored her brother, Dez. “Whitehaven,” Millie yelled louder. “You louse of a man. Come out!”

  Ben appeared in the door of his study a frown marking his brow. “What’s all the yelling about?”

  But Millie didn’t answer as she rushed up to him and hauled her hand back, smacking him full across the face.

  Chloe gasped, her hands flying up to cover her mouth. She’d never seen Millie act this way, but then again, she was a White.

  Ben’s head snapped back and for a second he looked confused. Then a cold glare settled on his features, his hands clenching at his sides. “What the hell was that for?”

  Dez began bounding up the stairs two at a time. “What the bloody fuck did he do?”

  Chloe gasped, and knowing where all this was going, rushed in front of Dez. She then zipped around Millie, inserting herself between Millie and Ben. She wasn’t even thinking about her position, which at the moment was tenuous, but rather that the siblings’ relationship was in jeopardy of never recovering. “It’s fine, Millie. I’ll figure this out on my own. I don’t need—”