The anger inside of him was out of control. He couldn’t stand men like Tom who beat women – either physically or verbally. Men like this needed to be taught a lesson, and Brad didn’t mind being the teacher who presented Tom with this particular message.
“Hey scumbag. Hw does it feel to be hit by someone bigger than you?” Brad asked in between hits. He wasn’t sure if he knocked Tom out, but the man’s weak body wasn’t moving. Blood spilled from his nose and his mouth.
“Brad, stop.”
Tyger touched his shoulder, and the softness of her hand brought him out of his temper. He looked up at her. Tears streamed down her face and reddened cheeks. He quickly rose and gathered her in his arms. “Tyger, honey? Are you all right?”
“I am now.” She pressed her face against his chest. “But how did you know?”
He kissed the top of her head. “I don’t trust him. From the stories Amanda and Pat have told me, not to mention what he’s done to you, I wasn’t going to stay away in case he became angry.” Brad glanced down at Tom. He wasn’t unconscious, but he moaned in pain as he tried to curl up into the fetal position. Good! The man deserved that and more.
Brad met Tyger’s watery stare and gave her a wink. “I was outside the whole time, waiting for the right moment to rescue you.”
“My hero,” she sighed.
“Sweetie, I hope you don’t mind, but I’m going to call the police. If they were looking for him before, I’m sure they’re still looking for him. And if he does sell drugs as you suspect, I’m sure they’ll lock him away for a very long time.”
“Okay,” she said softly.
It took the police exactly ten minutes to arrive, and ten more minutes to cuff Tom and drag him into the police car. One of the officers asked Tyger some questions. Within minutes, another officer entered the apartment and walked directly to her.
“Miss Loveland, I need permission to search your shed.”
Her forehead creased. “Why?”
“Because we think he was storing drugs inside the shed.”
Closing her eyes, she shook her head. “Yes, you have my permission.”
“Oh, and Miss Loveland.”
She looked at him again.
“We discovered your boyfriend’s alias is Tom Patterson, but his real name is Howard Olsen.”
Brad’s gasp overrode Breanna’s. When her gaze met his, he arched an eyebrow. “Howard... as in the man who was in charge the theft last night at the warehouse?”
“Oh, no.” She placed a hand over her mouth.
“Did you tell him nobody was going to be at the warehouse last night?” Brad asked.
She shook her head. “I told him about Rita’s wedding shower and that we were all throwing her a party.”
“We’ll check into that,” the policeman said.
Suddenly, Breanna grasped the cop’s arm before he moved away. “Every job I’ve worked at since knowing Tom... uh, Howard, has been robbed. Do you think he’s behind it?”
The young officer smiled widely. “I’ll bet money on it.”
Once the police officers left, Brad gently pulled Breanna to the couch and sat. Her body was finally relaxed, and cuddling with her like this was so very enjoyable. Everything now was peaceful, just as it should be.
She finally received the answers she’d been searching for, and at last, her life would have order. He was sure that was the very thing that calmed her.
He stroked her arm, trying to get warmth into her body. The overwhelming feeling to protect her stayed inside him, making him feel like her champion. “Tyger?”
“Yes.”
“I think I broke your door.”
Her body shook with a silent laugh. “I think you did, too.”
“So, I don’t think you should stay here tonight.”
She lifted her head and gazed into his eyes. “Where do you think I should stay?”
“With me.”
“At your father’s house?”
He grinned. “Yes, but he won’t mind. He likes you.”
She arched an eyebrow. “He does?”
“Of course. What’s not to like?” He cupped her chin. “My father also noticed how I acted when I was around you. Apparently, a change has come over me since I met you.”
“What change? You haven’t changed, have you?”
“Yes. Believe it or not, I’m thinking of my future. Before, I drifted from one town to the other, from one party to the next. But now, I’m eager to take over one of my father’s magazines.”
“Brad? Can I ask you a personal question?”
“You can ask me anything, my love.”
“If you don’t have a job, how did you get to be a billionaire?”
His mouth twisted as he tried to hold back a laugh. “There aren’t a lot of people who know this, so please don’t say anything.”
“Of course. I’ll keep it between us.”
“Well, you see, I’m a little embarrassed about it.”
She tilted her head. “Why?”
“Because six years ago, I invented a video game – several of them, in fact. They took off and kids everywhere wanted it. I made an app to put on their cell phones, and that only increased my profits.” He shrugged. “That’s how I got my money.”
She chuckled and hugged him tighter. “Will you show me how to play this game?”
“I don’t know.” He sighed. “I’m actually looking forward to becoming a mature adult now by running one of my father’s magazines.”
She laughed fully now. “Being an adult isn’t all it’s cracked up to be, you know.”
He shrugged. “So far, I’m liking it.”
“I’m glad.”
“So what do you say? Do you want to stay at my parents’ house tonight? They have plenty of guest bedrooms.”
She cocked her head. “Are you kidding me? You want me to stay in a guest bedroom? I thought for sure you’d invite me to stay in your bedroom.”
The heat inside his body turned up a notch, and his heart thumped wildly against his ribs. “What would you have said if I did ask you that?”
She rubbed her hand on his chest. “Why don’t you ask me and find out?”
Excitement shot through him. Was she seriously thinking about making that big step? He wasn’t going to push her, but he’d definitely take her if she agreed.
He swallowed the lump in his suddenly dry throat. “Tyger, would you like to come with me back to my place and let me take care of you the right way?”
By now, he could read her expressions and this one, unfortunately, looked teasing. Still, he held his breath, waiting for her answer.
TWENTY
Breanna didn’t know why she was playing with Brad’s emotions this way. She knew what he wanted, and one day, she would want the same thing. Just not tonight. Tom had hurt her not only physically but mentally, and she needed to get over her feelings. Brad was the right man for her, not Tom, but she still should heal before she gave her heart and body to the man she loved.
“I would love for you to take care of me, even though it’ll be a first since nobody has ever taken care of me before.” She stroked his sexy trimmed goatee. “However, as much as I would love to see your bedroom again, maybe it’s too soon to become that close with you.”
A frown marred his face, but there was a twinkle in his eyes that let her know he was playing along with her teasing. “Why did I know you were going to say that?”
She chuckled. “After what I’ve been through with Tom, don’t you agree with me?”
“Yes, you’re right. But we can still cuddle, can’t we?”
“Of course. I’d be very upset if we didn’t.”
His wide smile returned. “That’s all I ask for right now.”
She moved away from him and stood. “I’ll go pack a few things.”
He nodded and rose to his feet. “And I’ll try to fix your door enough so it can stay closed tonight. I’ll get someone here tomorrow to repair the damage.”
&nbs
p; “You know, now that I think back on it, you did look rather gallant busting through the door, ready to pounce on Tom.”
“I’ve never been so angry in my life.”
“Me, neither, but...” She pushed a lock of hair behind her ear. “Why didn’t you just open the door?”
Brad threw back his head and laughed. She loved hearing him this way. Not only did she fall more in love with him, but she had more self-confidence in herself. Brad made her feel like an interesting woman. No other man, especially Tom, had made her experience such elation.
She leaned up and kissed him briefly on the lips. “I won’t be long.”
“Good. I’m anxious to get you somewhere safe.” He wagged his eyebrows. “And maybe bring a swimsuit. We’ll take advantage of the pool and spa.”
“Sounds like a plan.”
BREANNA DIDN’T WANT to awaken. Brad’s bed was so soft, so cozy, and still held his masculine scent of musk and spice on his sheets and pillowcase. But she needed to get out of bed. She’d been through a lot in the past twenty-four hours, but she needed to rejuvenate and get on with her life.
She climbed out of his large bed and walked into his adjoining bathroom. When she glanced at herself in the mirror, she gasped. I look a mess! She quickly ran her hands under the faucet and dampened her hair. Then she ran her wet fingers underneath her eyes to remove the black makeup smeared there. Her cheek held the proof of Tom’s anger. Tenderly, she touched it and flinched. Hopefully, the pain would leave soon.
Leaving the bathroom, she glanced around the room, searching for the suitcase of clothes she’d brought to stay the night. She needed to change out of these clothes since she’d slept in them, even if it had only been two hours of sleep.
Out of the corner of her eyes, she noticed Brad’s closet door was open. Hanging next to his clothes were hers. She smiled as her heart skipped a beat. He was such a thoughtful man. How did she get so lucky to find him in her miserable world? But she wasn’t going to question fate. She’d accept it wholeheartedly.
She quickly changed into another dress he’d purchased for her when they’d gone shopping. This one was made of green spandex, and fitted her figure like a glove – or closer, actually. The collarless dress had short sleeves, and three buttons that trailed down the bodice. The hem hit her just above her knees. When she slipped on her black heels, she couldn’t help but feel like a model. Then again, Brad had a way of making her feel that way.
She left the bedroom and wandered down the hall. The house seemed quiet. Then again, with the noise from her heels clicking on the hardwood floor, perhaps that drowned out any sounds going on downstairs.
Just before she reached the stairs, one of the bedroom doors opened and a man stepped out. To keep from running into him, she stopped suddenly. The man’s eyes widened as his gaze moved all over her, from the top of her head, down to her black heels. Although she’d never met him, she knew this was Brad’s brother, Corey. His hair was a lighter brown and shorter, but he still had Brad’s sparkling blue eyes, and his handsome face.
He grinned, and just like Brad, he grinned more out of one side of his mouth.
“You must be Breanna... or Tyger.”
She nodded. “I’m Breanna, but Brad calls me Tyger.”
“I’m Corey.” He held out his right hand in greeting.
She shook it. “Nice to finally meet you.”
He glanced up the hallway toward Brad’s room before returning his gaze to her. “Are you staying with Brad now?”
“Just for tonight. I’ve had a terrifying twenty-four hours.”
Corey’s smile disappeared. “Yes, my dad told me what happened. I’m glad you and my brother made it out of the warehouse alive.”
She nodded. Apparently, he’d not heard about the situation with Tom, but she wasn’t going to enlighten him. That part of her life she wanted to forget. “Yes, Brad and I were blessed, that’s for sure.”
He motioned toward the stairs. “Were you heading downstairs for dinner?”
“Uh, well... I didn’t know it was dinner, but I was going down to find Brad.”
His full smile returned. “You must join us for dinner, then.”
“Your family has been so kind to me. I don’t know how to repay you all.”
He flipped his hand in the air. “There’s no need to repay us. Any woman who can tolerate my brother and still love him for his faults is a good person in my eyes.” He winked.
Breanna’s cheeks warmed. He winked like Brad, too. “Your brother has been a godsend to me. I don’t know where I’d be without him.”
Silence stretched between them as they headed down the stairs. Since meeting Brad, she felt awkward if people were quiet around her. Funny, since she used to enjoy silence. “Brad tells me you have your own computer business.”
“Yes.” His face brightened. “A chain of them, in fact.”
“You must be very successful.”
He shrugged. “I’m trying to be like my old man except in a different field.”
She laughed. “Well, it sounds like you’re on your way.”
“I certainly hope so.” He smiled. “I’m glad to know you’re as sweet as my brother has talked about.”
Her cheeks heated once again. “Actually, it’s your brother who is sweet.”
“I’m sure he’s that way because of the woman he’s with.”
Breanna didn’t think he was hitting on her, but he was definitely a flirt like his younger brother. “If I had met you somewhere else, I’d know immediately you were Brad’s brother.”
He arched an eyebrow. “Really? How?”
“You have the same charm.”
As they reached the bottom of the steps, Brad moved around the corner and blocked his brother. Brad wore a scowl as he crossed his arms over his chest.
“I figured you would try hitting on Breanna when I wasn’t around,” he snapped.
Corey’s harsh expression matched his brother’s. “Are you kidding me?”
“Do I look like I’m joking?” Brad’s face beamed red.
Corey shook his head. “You really think I’d flirt with your girlfriend?”
“I don’t have to think, brother dear. I heard you just now.”
“So what are you going to do about it, brother?” Corey folded his arms.
“You aren’t even going to deny it, are you? You really want to steal the woman I love.” Brad’s voice rose.
“Why can’t you let the past rest?” Corey asked. “We aren’t in high school any longer.”
Breanna didn’t know what to do. Obviously, Brad hadn’t gotten over feeling jealous of his older brother. She wanted to correct Brad, but she didn’t dare. Tom had taught her to hold her tongue or feel stupid afterwards because of his mean words.
“I think we need to take this argument outside,” Brad snipped.
Breanna’s heart dropped. She must say something no matter what Tom had taught her. She didn’t like the sparks shooting out of Brad’s eyes. She stepped next to Brad and grasped his hand, linking her fingers with his. “Brad, Corey, there’s no need to take anything outside.” She met Brad’s gaze. “I met your brother in the hallway as I was coming out of your room. We chatted. That’s it, and that’s all there was to our conversation.” Brad inhaled and opened his mouth, but she placed her hand over it and smiled. “And, if you want to know what we were discussing, we were talking about you and how much I love you.”
The tightness in Brad’s face disappeared the longer he stared at her. Soon, his mouth lifted in a smile. “Really?”
“Yes, really,” Corey answered for Breanna before she could. His attention moved to her and he added, “Please forgive me if I offended you. That’s not what I wanted at all.”
“You didn’t offend me at all, Corey.”
He threw Brad a glare before walking out of the room.
She slid her hands up Brad’s muscular chest and linked her fingers around his neck. “Brad, I’m sorry if I made you feel uncomfortable.”
He kissed her briefly before shaking his head. “No, it was my fault.”
“Why do you still think your brother wants to steal your girlfriends?”
Brad blew out a heavy breath and wrapped his arms around her, pulling her closer.
“It happened a couple of years ago. Corey was married, and he and Melissa were here for a family dinner. After the meal, I decided to take a dip in the pool and so did Melissa. I don’t know why she was hitting on me. I thought she and Corey were happily married. But she kept getting bolder with her flirtations, and soon, she had me pinned to the wall of the pool. Before I could convince her to move, Corey walked in and saw us.”
Breanna held her breath. Why would that woman do such a thing to her husband’s brother? “Wh-what happened then?”
“Melissa blamed it all on me, of course, but she hurried and left the pool. Before Corey left, he threatened me. He said one of these days he’d take away the woman I loved. And since you are the only woman I love...” He shrugged.
“Oh, Brad. You can’t possibly think your brother was trying to take me away from you.”
He nodded. “Yes, that’s what I thought.”
“Your brother probably said those things to you out of anger.” She stroked his soft goatee. “I’ll admit, Corey has your charm, but believe me, there is no way I’m going to give you up so easily.”
Brad grinned. “That’s good, because look at what we went through to get to this point.”
“Exactly. But I think you should talk it out with your brother. All he needs is to understand what really happened in the pool. I think he’ll believe you.”
“Do you think so?”
“Yes. It’ll be better if you work things out with him now. The longer you go without talking, the further apart this will pull you. And believe me. You don’t want that.”
“You are right. I’ll talk to him later. Besides, how can I deny you anything when you look at me with your hypnotic eyes?”
Her heart skipped. She loved this feeling. Going with her instincts, she placed her mouth on his for a slow kiss. Brad’s lips were so gentle, and so very fervent. She could kiss him all day long and not get tired.
The Irresistible Billionaire: Billionaire's Clean Romance (The Tycoons Book 3) Page 15
