Forgotten Promise (Forgotten Series Book 2) Read online

  Graham returns a little sweaty with a piece of paper in his hand.

  “Phone number?” Clayton asks sarcastically.

  “Ah yeah,” Graham says as he folds it up and shoves it in his pocket.

  We watch girl number two approach.

  “Hey,” is all she says as she leans against Graham’s body. Rubbing like a cat in heat, as all three of us watch in curiosity.

  “Dance with me?” she asks as she pulls him by the hand, not waiting for an answer.

  “Hey, I know I’m not looking but do I have the word taken stamped on my forehead?”

  “No,” he quickly replies. “It says OLD FUCK.”

  I reach over, grab his beer out of his hand and slam it down, chugging every last drop then banging it down on the table. “I don’t see your dance card filled either, Clayton.”

  He laughs. “Fuck, what do these woman see in him? Seriously?” Clayton asks.

  “Dude, are you seriously asking me to check out our new employee and share his attributes with you?” I question with raised brows.

  “Ah, never mind.” Gritting this teeth, as I hold back a laugh.

  “There’s a table of women in the corner, Clayton. Go do your best” As I casually nod over my shoulder.

  “They don’t have a chance.” He brags.

  Watching him leave and stalk over to the table. Amused at his so-called smooth moves, leaning on their table with just one elbow smiling, laughing. I also watch as he successfully pulls one by her hand out to the dance floor.

  And Graham just arrives with, yet, a different girl. His shirt damp and his short hair looking like it’s been in the hands of several women.

  “Graham, having fun, man?” I sarcastically say, watching the new woman eye him up so she can make her claim known.

  “This is a great place, Nathan. Thanks for the invite, man. You guys sure know how to have a good time.”

  He doesn’t have a clue. “I’m glad you like it, but I’m not staying much longer.” Knowing I have the hottest woman waiting at home is making this scene unbearable. “In fact, tell Clayton I’ll see him tomorrow, you two have fun. I’ll grab a cab.”

  As I walk out the brisk cool air bites my face. Yet, in the distance, the exhaust from the sedan is clear. This is fucked up, I know this is the same car that was behind us, now he’s here? Parked, car running? Tomorrow, security meeting. As I memorize his plates.

  ~ ~ ~

  I stand in the doorway to our bedroom. I love the sound of that, our bedroom. God, I’m such a fucking girl. I see her long blonde waves spread over both pillows. The only light is coming from the hallway behind me, that’s all I’ll need. I undress quickly and quietly. Contemplating all my choices.

  I crawl ever so gently between her legs, and I hit my target with my tongue. I spread her legs even farther apart and see she’s already wet and ready.

  “Oh God, Nathan, is that you?” she asks in a half-in, half-out sleepy voice.

  “It better be me, considering what I’m doing.” I tease.

  “Definitely don’t stop, no matter who you are,” she commands.

  I continue my wicked assault on her wet core, and her moans increase along with my own.

  “Oh God, right there.” Once I hit her clit.

  “Right here?” I stop.

  “Don’t stop, God, don’t’ stop.”

  I’m amused, and the devil in me wants to play. “God, huh? Are you referring to me or some higher power, because it seems I’m doing all the work here.”

  She laughs and sits up on her elbows to glance down. “Are you a comedian?”

  Seeing the sweetest smile. “That’s not exactly what I was going for, no,” I answer.

  “When I scream God, let’s just assume I’m talking about what you’re doing. Are you planning on leaving me like this?”

  “No, ma’am.” My tongue drives into warp speed, to answer her question. The more response she gives me, the more I want to give. Her pleasure is my pleasure. I insert one finger while still concentrating on her clit, and I feel her whole body tense.

  “Yes. Oh God, Nathan, I’m so close.”

  But I stop, hearing a moan of displeasure. “Not yet, baby.” As I climb up her body licking anything in its path and pressing my body on top of hers, I kiss her passionately and slide my hard cock into her wet pussy. “Jesus, Bryer, I’m fucking home.” Reaching for her hand, I entwine our fingers and hold on. I quicken my tortuous thrust, knowing she’s right on the edge. “Feel me, baby? Tell me what you want, I’ll take you there.” I hear her gasp.

  “Harder.”

  I climb into her with all I am, fire burning in my veins. Hearing our bodies meet is the sexiest sound ever.

  “Oh, Nathan, I’m coming.”

  I was wrong—that’s the sexiest thing I’ve ever heard. Her legs wrap around my hips like a vise. I feel her inner walls squeeze me, seeing fireworks. “Fuck, Bryer, I love you.” As I spill into her with every last drop of love I have. My breath finally slowing enough for speech, I’m still caged against her, then our eyes meet. “Miss me?” I say, admiring the view.

  “Always.” In a relaxing sexy voice, that could stir me back to life.

  “I don’t want to move from here, being inside you is where I belong.”

  She smiles. “Then don’t.”

  I kiss her gently, making the moment last as long as possible. “You need your sleep.” I begrudgingly climb off and pull her into me. Feeling a force field hover over us like electricity.

  Nothing can touch us here.

  Chapter Two

  ~Bryer~

  I wake to an empty bed, his pillow cold but the musk still lingers. Grabbing my robe, I head for the aroma calling me. Once I meet the grand staircase, I notice the sunlight spilling from the glass, causing prisms to climb the wall. The beautiful waterfall texture of the floor-to-ceiling windows allow light in but offers complete privacy. No surprise, this house doesn’t spare on details.

  As I pass the island, I notice my phone charging and the green light blinking. But I reach for the cream and sugar first. Once I take my first sip, I contemplate turning it on. It’s too early to deal with anyone or anything. Yet, I sit and stare at it while I come alive from the burst of caffeine.

  One more cup, and I’ll turn the phone on. One missed call, the one I’ve agonized over these past few weeks. A voicemail, the first. I take a calming breath as my finger hovers over the voicemail key, one number away from hearing his voice.

  Suddenly, I’m catapulted to a place far from blissful memories. To that first day, I was so innocent, the first time I looked into those hazel eyes dancing maliciously with golden flecks. Oblivious to how dangerous he really was.

  “And you are?” His slow southern drawl spilling out like sex.

  I look up from my desk to the vision in front of me, suited to perfection, all but his loosened tie and one button undone, leaning on the door frame with a small smirk on his face as if reading my mind.

  “Time’s up,” he says, grinning.

  Obviously noticing my sensory overload.

  “I’m Cash Harrison.” He walks closer, and his hand reaches out.

  I stand, to meet his, in lieu of conversation.

  “You’re new?” he continues.

  “Yes.” Knowing I have to catch up with the one-sided conversation. “Bryer Reid”

  “Well, Bryer Reid, it looks like we are the only ones with no life willing to work late on a Friday night.” His eyes scanning my body.

  “I work late every night.” I swallow and answer, feeling the potent force radiating off him.

  “What a pity.” Not willing to release my hand. “Join me for a drink?”

  The warmth still lingers, and the tingle shooting up my arm is causing me to sway. “We just met, Mr. Harrison.” Releasing my hand from his. Animal magnetism oozing off him is causing my body to be on high alert.

  “Well, darlin’, that’s how you get to know someone.” Leaning over my desk, putting both h
ands flat on top of my scattered paperwork.

  Now only inches away, he has my complete attention as he zeroed in on his target. “Persistent,” I say, hoping to deflect his powerful hold.

  “That’s my aim.”

  God, he’s smooth. “I’m a legal assistant, and you are a…?”

  “Junior partner,” he interjects.

  “You see, conflict.”

  “Is it?” Now gently sitting on my desk, his arms crossed.

  “Does this,” I pause, circling my hand from him back to his self. “Work on other women?”

  “Like a charm.”

  His charisma was maddening. “That’s a lot of ego floating around here.”

  Chuckling. “By all means, Bryer Reid, speak your mind.” He stands, and his hands go into his pockets. “I’ll tell you what.” He pauses for effect.

  Damn him, it’s working.

  “I don’t usually go right for pressure tactics, but I am quite influential here.” Immensely pleased with himself.

  I’m surprised I’m not annoyed by this arrogance. He’s got player written all over him, yet I reluctantly surrender and head out for that drink. Thinking he’s going to make a great fucking lawyer.

  Pressing the number one on my phone, I watch my message comes to life. I take in a frantic breath with anticipation physically paralyzing me.

  “Bryer, pick up your phone or call me back, I have to talk to you, it’s business.”

  That’s it, one sentence yet it has so much power. Panic rushes through my body, he’s lying. I delete the message. I won’t let him get close to me. I’ll be in over my head, and I won’t allow him to taint my new life.

  I make it to work late, but no one seems to notice. And after a dozen emails and a meeting with the design team, I notice a text. Nerves suddenly awaken, but just as fast are put to rest when the warmth of Nathan’s name appears.

  Call me.

  I immediately connect.

  He answers on the first ring. “You looked sweet in our bed this morning.” His sexy voice unhurried and relaxed.

  “I missed waking up with you.” Sighing, unashamed of the truth.

  “I must say it was hard to leave your warm body.”

  I can feel the emotion through the phone. “Mhmm.” Apparently rendered speechless.

  “Are you okay?”

  Suddenly aware of the internal struggle that still lingers from this morning. “I’m fine.” Code for every woman that means no.

  “You don’t seem fine.”

  “I’m just tired from last night.” Knowing this is a lie. When did I start lying to Nathan?

  “Need I remind you that last night was worth losing sleep over?”

  I can hear the smile in his voice. “I may need some reminding.” Teasing back.

  “Stellar idea.” He pauses. “But we have to work around a meeting with our security advisor Stan tonight.

  “And why is that?” Nerves pricking, knowing why this meeting is scheduled.

  “It’s pretty obvious, isn’t it? Your ex is sniffing around, and I know he’s up to no good.”

  I’ll have to tell him tonight, about the call. He won’t be pleased. Anytime the word Cash is involved, it’s bound to get messy. “Yes, I can see that. It’s time to turn the tables,” I say.

  “You can count on it, see you at six?” he says.

  “I’ll be there, love you.” Smiling at the ease in which this flows from my lips.

  “Me too, then I’ll make good on the reminding.”

  Sex-God, as if I need reminding.

  ~ ~ ~

  Listening to the old grandfather clock chimes, I know it’s six o’clock, and Stan will be here soon. I can’t say I’m opposed to the security, but the intrusion at work is where I draw the line. At least I convince the team and Nathan he can only sit in the car while he’s there.

  Hearing voices, I realize he’s arrived, and Nathan and Stan have already started their discussion.

  “That can definitely be arranged,” Stan answers.

  I shake Stan’s hand. “Stan.” As I welcome him into the kitchen where we all sit around the granite island, I notice the cool surface on my palms that have started to sweat.

  “There’s been an update, Bryer.” Nathan starts. “Perhaps you’d like a drink?” He offers, or stalls.

  “Not yet, but I’ll keep that in mind.” My imagination piqued at this point.

  “I was followed last night,” he says.

  “By who?” I ask.

  “Thanks to Stan we know it’s a private Investigator. Let Stan explain.”

  “He’s local, and not one of the best, in my opinion. We traced the money trail back to your ex-boyfriend, Bryer, he’s paid him to find you. We’re quite certain he knows where you work and where you live. The question I have for you is, what does he want?” Stan looks at me for answers.

  “It’s business.” And both heads turn to me in confusion.

  “Business? How do you know?” Nathan asks with a hint of malice in his voice.

  “He left a voice mail last night,” I confess.

  “Of course he did. Let me hear it.” Nathan grabs my phone.

  “Bryer, this could be evidence of harassment. We don’t know what his motives are.” Stan chimes in.

  “I deleted it.” Knowing this will short circuit both men.

  “Why? Why would you do that? What did it say? I need some fucking answers, Bryer.” Nathan’s anger is about to hit the roof.

  “He said that he wanted to talk to me, and it was business.” I could see Nathan balling his fists to the point where they are turning white. “I didn’t reply, I don’t want to speak to him, meet with him or feel this turmoil that he alone can cause.”

  I didn’t know if the tears that were bubbling at the surface were caused by anger or sadness that Cash could still touch my life and turn it to chaos. I could feel the mood shift when Nathan’s eyes meet mine, he knows the brave but turbulent front I was hiding behind. And cocooned me within his arms.

  “What’s our next move, Stan?” Never once letting me go.

  “We could go after the P.I or straight to the source—either way there’s no guarantee they will tell us what we want to know. Do you think he would harm you, Bryer?” Concern obvious in his professional mask he constantly wears.

  “No, not hurt me physically. A dangerous game of manipulation, possibly. And I’ll make every effort not to get tangled in his web.” I promise.

  As Nathan lifts my chin, our eyes meet. “What are you really afraid of, Bryer? Does he have the power to tear us apart?”

  Brutal honesty hitting me full force. There it is, exposed to the light, my biggest fear. Cash’s power over me, over what I have with Nathan. “He’s destroyed many things, Nathan. He has a power where he can make you sell your soul to the devil.” The silence between us is deafening.

  “I’ll start with the P.I.” Stan breaks the tension and silently leaves.

  “I trust you, Bryer. I trust us.”

  Nathan’s forceful confidence may reassure him, but not me.

  Chapter Three

  ~Nathan~

  I reach for my phone and Gen’s name pops up on the screen, this should be interesting. “What a surprise,” I answer.

  “Is it? It shouldn’t be. You should be calling me, planning your girlfriend’s birthday party.”

  “We’re having a party? I just thought I would take her out, you know, alone without you or anyone.” I smirk, acknowledging to myself it’s fun to piss her off.

  “Poor schmuck, do you know anything about women?”

  “If someone asked me five minutes ago, I would have said yes.” Almost enjoying this little game she likes to play, and is damn good at it.

  “This isn’t remotely funny, you don’t have much time to plan.”

  “Plan? Jesus, Gen, you scare me.”

  “I’ve heard that before. You know her favorite color is yellow, right?”

  “Yeah, so?” Acting dumber than I really
am, or I think I am.

  “Ok, so now you know our theme.”

  “Theme, yellow.” Wanting to be a smartass. I’m seriously thinking about letting her plan the entire thing, but that won’t win me any boyfriend points.

  “What’s the gift?”

  “I think I’ll keep that to myself,” I say, firmly.

  “Living dangerously, are ya?”

  I can hear the smile in her voice. “Confidently, it’s only going to be a handful of us, she won’t want a big fuss.”

  “Fine, don’t let my girl down, Nathan.”

  “Wouldn’t dream of it, Gen. Bye.”

  Poor Walker, no wonder her boyfriend travels so much. High maintenance and bossy. Then there’s stupid, senseless Clayton, he wants to tap that? Sweet Mother of God. Moron.

  ~ ~ ~

  “Hey, I didn’t know you were here, you must have stealth-like qualities,” Clayton says, walking into the office.

  Looks like I’ll be having some fun after all.

  “Who was that on the phone?” he asks.

  “Gen.” I wait 3…2…1.

  “Holy shit, dude, why is she calling you?” Jealousy written all over his face. “Doesn’t she know you have erectile dysfunction? Doesn’t she know I’m a cock-rocket?”

  Waiting for the I’m just kidding that never comes. “Poor bastard, you have it bad. At least you’re admitting it finally.”

  “Finally what?” Honestly confused by my statement.

  “I just said, you’re admitting it?” I repeat, with a snicker he has to notice.

  “No, I’m not. I’m just watching my best friend cock block me.”

  “I’d never do that, Bro.” This is comical.

  “What…Did…She…Want?” Clayton’s persistence climbing.

  “You’re taking this way too seriously, Clayton.” Resting my hand on his shoulder, watching him squirm.

  “Bryer’s birthday is coming up, you’re invited.” I spill. Knowing he was on the verge of a melt-down.