by Piper Stone
My father took several deep breaths, his face turning red.
What a shame.
I did so hate seeing my father disturbed.
“Anyway, I tried to get her to return home, especially since Chase already made good on his treats to discredit her. If I had to guess, I’d say you spilled more dirty laundry to Bridgett than you want to mention. Am I right? You certainly don’t want our father to know just how conniving the two you were, both of you plotting to destroy him. Now, you had entirely different reasons. You want the company, Chase. All of it. Bridgett wanted to avenge her father’s death and I have no doubt you had something to do with that, Pops. I guess Bridgett’s frustration with you continues since I’m certain she’s the person responsible for having you arrested.”
“What the hell are you talking about?” Chase demanded.
“Let me continue. The fun is just getting started. Chase, I think you’re the one who actually spread the information that the company stole the technology, thereby destroying any chances for the defense contract.”
Chase laughed. “Why the hell would I do that?”
“Because if stocks dropped, which they did, you knew exactly how frantic our father would become. You simply didn’t realize that he actually still believes in the company he built from the ground up. That’s why he wanted me to take control. That’s when things really got messy.”
“You’re fucking crazy,” Chase huffed.
“Is he?” my father demanded.
Chase snarled. “Get out of my house. Both of you. This is bullshit.”
“Not so fast. I do know for certain that you hired a photographer to spy on me. Fortunately, he came to his senses, but that was only after I threatened to beat the crap out of him. At that point, Bridgett was left to do the dirty work, following Bristol while she was planning our fucking wedding.” Goddamn, I was pissed. Taking a few seconds, I calmed my level of anger. “Hell, I even purchased a freaking weapon. Isn’t that funny? Oh, and my guess is that Pops didn’t tell you that the brakes on Ashley’s car were tampered with. I think Bridgett decided on her own that since she was tossed out of the money-making deal and the joy of wreaking the retaliation she’d counted on having, she decided to get revenge of her own. Sound familiar?”
Chase swallowed several times, his earlier look of arrogance no longer visible. I watched as my father shifted his gaze, horror on his face.
“Yes, our sister could have died. Instead, I almost lost my fiancée, a woman who is much better than all of us. Fortunately, I was able to save her, but that doesn’t mean emotional scars won’t remain. I doubt she’s going to remain by my side after this fucking bullshit she’s had to deal with, but I’m actually going to try because I love her. By all rights, I should allow the federal agents to haul your asses to jail. However, I don’t think you intended anything to get this far, which is why you actually terminated your relationship.”
Now the quiet in the room was almost deafening.
“As I said, Bristol is a better person than all of us. I’m sorry that I brought her in under false pretenses, but I’m damn glad I at least had the opportunity to meet her. She’s taught me a thing or two, including that everyone has two sides. Even you, Chase.”
“What do you want, son?” my father asked.
I took a deep breath, thinking about what Bristol had told me in the hospital. “Is it true that you’ve provided financial aid for several businesses, even given to charities, Pops?”
He seemed embarrassed at the question. “I felt it was the least I could do.”
“And did you kill those men?”
“No! I told you that. I would never kill anyone. Broderick died of a goddamn heart attack two months after the deal was signed. Have I felt guilty as fuck ever since? Hell, yes. But he was a bad businessman who not only tried to recant our deal, he also spread lies about our company. So I did everything I could to crush him. As far as Bridgett’s father, the old bastard took the money and left the country, leaving his wife and daughter behind. He’s on some fucking tropical island sucking down drinks with a girl younger than Bridgett.”
“What?” Chase demanded. “You never told me that.”
“Because I didn’t want Bridgett to know. She deserved better, which is why I hired her in the first place. I knew from day one who she was. I’m no fool,” my father huffed. “I didn’t expect she was capable of revenge. I thought that when you took interest in her that she could find happiness. I guess I was wrong.”
“You wanted to buy her loyalty with the Powers money,” Chase stated quietly.
“Yes. Maybe I just wanted to protect her. When all the rumors started to fly, I thought they’d go away at first.”
“When they didn’t, you made certain you made an alternate plan to ensure Powers Enterprises would stay afloat,” I offered.
My father nodded. “I know what I did was wrong, but I felt I had no other choice. And do you really want to know why? Because Chase is in love with Bridgett.”
Chase sighed, turning and walking toward the set of double doors. “I thought she was the one. Isn’t that stupid?”
I shook my head. The power of greed was what had almost destroyed the company. “I’m going to make both of you an offer. This is a onetime deal. If you don’t accept, then I will walk out the door and you’ll never see me again. I couldn’t give a shit about this company or the money. If you accept, you will make certain that every member of this family is treated as if they matter, including Riley and Charity.”
As I allowed the concept to sweep through their minds, I realized that I was more at peace than I’d felt in a long time.
“After I give you the details, you’ll have two minutes to give me your answer. Then I’ll walk out that door.”
Only moments later, I took a deep breath as I headed out of my brother’s house. The air was crisp, even cool, the night beautiful.
At this point, I had only one thing on my mind.
Fighting for the woman I loved.
“Are you sure you can handle this?” I asked without bothering to look in Chase’s direction. During the ride over, he’d remained completely quiet, doing little more than staring out the windshield.
Chase removed his sunglasses, shoving them into the pocket of his jacket as I killed the engine. “I think there was a part of me that knew Bridgett had a hidden agenda, although for the life of me I couldn’t figure out why I felt that way. However, I should have followed my instincts. I hope at some point you’ll accept my apology.”
I thought about his words, and while I remained angry, it was time to allow the family to heal. “No apologies necessary.” I noticed the single police car pulling to the curb outside Bridgett’s house. At my request, no flashing lights had been used. While Bridgett had taken advantage of the entire family, she’d almost destroyed my brother. Still, she’d had her reasons.
“Let’s get this over with.” He climbed out of the car, taking a deep breath before walking toward her door. He waited until I’d flanked his side before knocking on the door.
The moment Bridgett opened the door, her face fell. “I was expecting you.”
Chase took his time before answering. “A part of me needs to ask you why, but I already know the answer.”
“I’m sorry, Chase.” Bridgett’s words were barely mumbled.
“I do have one question for you,” he continued. “Did you ever give a shit about me?”
Her lower lip quivering, Bridgett glanced into my eyes before returning her attention to my brother. “More than I can tell you.”
Inhaling, he shifted to his right, allowing her to see the two officers as they walked closer. I was surprised how calm she was, although there was a single tear slipping past her lashes.
“I appreciate you telling me. Good luck, Bridgett. I do hope you manage to salvage your life.” Chase turned without saying anything else, immediately heading for the car.
I gave her a hard look before doing the same, easing onto the driv
er’s seat. “Are you okay?”
“You know what?” Chase asked. “I will be. At least I’ve finally learned that blood is much thicker than water.”
There was no doubt my brother would heal, although it would take some time. Maybe we’d find a way to act as brothers again.
As I pulled out of the driveway, my thoughts shifted to Bristol. She’d become my family. Now it was time to give her my heart.
Chapter 15
Bristol
I stood on the deck, gazing out at the ocean, the morning light casting a shimmer across the water. Sadly, I still felt as if a black cloud was on the horizon.
Lies.
I would never forget my mother’s condemnation of lies. She reminded me that while no relationship is perfect, the ones beginning with a subterfuge of any kind were destined to fail.
Perhaps she was right.
Maybe I should heed her advice.
But the truth was I’d not only fallen in love with the rugged man with eyes the color of the lightest sapphire, I’d come to like as well as respect him. Although he’d come clean to his family, that didn’t mean we could continue our charade. He had his world and I had mine.
I no longer knew what to do, which wasn’t like me.
In the two weeks since the accident, he’d changed even more, helping his father weed through the ugliness that had enshrouded the corporation. He’d worked tirelessly late into the night, sharing ideas for improvements as well as overseeing the possibility of new contracts. He’d asked for my advice, using my expertise to guide them into making certain global changes with their contracts.
Our passion had increased, his needs bordering on sadistic, but I could tell he’d locked a part of him away, as if fearful of getting any closer. Maybe I’d done the same thing, relying on our insane chemistry to form a more significant bond.
Right now, it was all about saving the Powers Enterprise.
While the stocks hadn’t completely rebounded, they were on the way, allowing for a brighter future. Yet even though I could sense satisfaction in him from helping to save his father’s legacy, he wasn’t himself, as if the decisions he was forcing himself to make had wrapped around his soul.
As far as our wedding, he’d been the one to call it off, saying he’d wanted to give me more time.
In truth, he’d been right.
Maybe marriage wasn’t in our best interest.
Given his father had removed all codicils regarding marriage, there was no remaining requirement. The great William Powers had even given his blessing to our engagement, as long as we were in love. Were we? I liked to think both of us felt the same way, but I was no longer certain. I remained by his side, enjoying spending time with Ashley as well as making the home, our home, something special.
But I wasn’t certain about what the future would bring.
At least Bridgett had learned the truth about her father. While I could only imagine that the news had crushed her, maybe she’d find a way of healing. While somewhat surprising, Chase had remained by her side even though she was still facing criminal charges. I’d been surprised the damning evidence the Feds had was all about actions she’d taken, all discovered during their investigation. While her initial activities had been severe enough, the fact she’d convinced a mechanic to tamper with the brakes could force her to spend time in prison.
I took a deep breath as I walked through the house, smoothing down my dress. Later this morning was the beginning of a celebration, a rebirth of a portion of the company. There were no additional black clouds hanging over the Powers name.
At least for now.
I found Houston on the deck, leaning over the railing, his eyes glued to the rolling waters. He’d spent more time outdoors than I would have ever imagined, but the quiet time seemed to give him a sense of peace.
A growl slipped past his lips as he turned to face me, shaking his head as his heated gaze fell to my high heels then back to my face. “You look good enough to eat.” Reaching out, he snagged my arm, dragging me against his chest.
Every time he spoke, shivers trickled down my spine. “Be careful, handsome man. We can’t be late.”
“I get to decide.” He lowered his head, nipping my earlobe then inhaling. “You’re wearing that perfume again.”
“Your favorite? Yes, of course. All in an effort to tempt you.”
“Well, it’s working.”
I pushed away, giving him a mischievous look. “You seem tense. Are you happy about this?”
“I’ve had to make some tough decisions. At least my father has listened to my advice, which actually surprises me.”
“What’s going on with Bridgett?”
Houston half smiled. “Chase hired the best attorney in the industry. Given her grief about her father, whatever time she’s forced to serve will be minimal.”
“I’m glad for both Chase as well as Bridgett.”
“Yeah, it’s funny to see my brother in love but I’m happy for him. Now, I have a question for you.”
“Okay. Should I be sitting down?” I laughed, although I could see he was serious.
“If I returned to Atlanta, working my old job, do you think you’d want to return?”
I thought about his question. I’d thought seriously about returning, but I wasn’t certain what I would have to look forward to. “I love it here, Houston. I’m not going to lie. The ocean. The gorgeous weather. Even the house. But I don’t want to be here without you. I don’t know about Atlanta. In truth, I’m still angry about what happened. I still don’t know how Chase found out.”
“Didn’t you tell me that everyone has a price? It would appear your former boss did as well. However, they aren’t the only firm in town.”
“That depends on who you talk to. I’m just not sure what’s best for me at this point.”
Sighing, I could see a hint of sadness in his eyes. “I understand.”
“Why? Are you thinking about going back?”
He took a deep breath, glancing away for a few seconds. “I have. There’s no more investigation. From what I was told, the Feds officially closed it. Chase is really stepping up to the plate and doing a damn good job. At some point, maybe we’ll be able to mend the rift between us. Only time will tell. He’s talented and my dad seems to appreciate what he’s bringing to the table. Hell, my dad had even established more permanent funding methods for the small businesses he loves so much.”
“And Riley?”
“Oh, he’s going to get all the acclaim he deserves in about an hour. I think he’ll become the powerhouse of the company. Anyway, it was just a question. We should go.”
“Why do I feel like you have something up your sleeve?” I hated the moment of tension between us. We weren’t getting any closer, only further apart.
Grinning, his eyes twinkled. “Because you know me too well.”
“That’s what I’m afraid of.”
As he brushed a strand of hair from my face, his thoughtful look returned. “You’ve made me very happy these last few weeks. You’ve also forced me to realize that there’s more to life than money. That being said, I’ve decided to give a portion of my trust fund to my dad’s favorite charity.”
I slid my arms around him, tilting my head. “You really are a marshmallow inside.”
“Who told you that?”
“Ashley.”
“I’m going to kick her ass.” He lowered his head, pressing his lips against mine. “I think we can be a few minutes late.” As he captured my mouth, pulling me onto my toes, a shudder shifted down my legs.
His kisses were more passionate than anything and as he slipped his tongue past my lips, I moaned into his mouth, my body on fire. Just the feel of his fingers was enough to ignite the flames until they were white hot, searing every inch of my skin.
He ground his hips against me, causing an immediate reaction, my nipples fully aroused and my pussy aching. As he rolled his fingers down my side, I shuddered, lights flashing before my eyes. He
dominated my tongue, exploring the dark recesses of my mouth as if it was for the last time.
His actions became brutal.
Unforgiving.
Demanding.
And I loved every second of it.
As he crumpled the hem of my dress, tugging it up my thighs, the light breeze wafted across my skin creating goosebumps. The second he slipped his fingers under the thin elastic of my panties, I pushed against him one last time in some crazy effort to break our connection.
He was having none of it.
Breaking the kiss, he dragged his tongue across my lips then whispered a command. “Remove your panties.”
“We’re going to be late.”
“We have time. Do it.”
His commanding tone sent another wave of shivers through me. Taking several deep breaths, I slipped my hands under my dress, sliding the thin lace down my legs, struggling to pull them away from my heels. The smile on his face was barbaric and when he swung me around, pushing me hard against the railing, I issued a series of whimpers.
“I need to remind you to be a good little girl and that you belong to me and no one else.”
His words were thrilling and when I felt the first hard crack of his hand against my bottom, I lifted my head, savoring the moment as the wind wafted across my face. The scent of him was exotic, filling my nostrils until I was lightheaded.
Houston smacked me several times, moving from one side to the other, the sound of his palm slapping against my skin melodic, filling me with excitement. I couldn’t stop whimpering as the stings turned into pain, electricity shooting down the back of my legs.
“Oh… So mean.”
“Mmmm…” he huffed. “You will learn to obey my every command no matter what I ask.”
