Bad Decision: The Carter Brothers Read online

  His words wound my soul and he knows it. They were meant to and I look down, suddenly very interested in my computer screen. I hear her giggle, somewhat nervously which strikes me as strange because she doesn’t seem the nervous type to me at all. Then I hear a sharp,

  “Amelia. I will be taking my fiancé to lunch. We will be gone for two hours. Re-schedule my meeting with Grady for 3pm.”

  I look up and see those blue eyes looking at me with promise. He knows exactly how I feel and is twisting the knife even more.

  I nod miserably.

  “Of course, Sir.”

  He takes her hand and gazes at her lovingly.

  “Come, my darling, you have my undivided attention. Nothing is more important to me than making you happy.”

  She giggles again and I am grateful to see them leave. As he closes the door behind them he shoots me an ice-filled look. I know that look. He hasn’t finished with me yet and I hate that my body can’t wait.

  I use my time wisely. I have two hours to go over the preparations. I check my ticket and go over the schedule. When Scott Parker is standing in front of the altar committing himself to the cold, hard, life of the marriage of convenience, I will be turning my back on him, forever.

  I have known for some time that I need to break free from this endless cycle of addiction. Like any addict, I crave this life and the more I get the more I want and need. It’s not normal, and it’s not healthy. The trouble is, he won’t let me leave. He has threatened me on many occasions. He will find me and then my punishment will be too much to bear. When you get into bed with the Devil, there is no escape. Scott Parker likes to control and assert his dominance over every aspect of his life. If he thinks I’m slipping away, I’m afraid of what he will do. I must always remember never to underestimate him. When I leave, there will be no coming back. I will need to disappear—forever.

  ***

  Chapter Four.

  By the time he returns I have gathered myself together and even managed to grab some lunch with Didi. I envy her. She is married to her childhood sweetheart; a mechanic at the local garage. They live in a pretty house in the suburbs and she is pregnant with their first child. She is happy and fulfilled and I crave any information she gives me about her life. Many would say ordinary, I say she is living the dream.

  He’s soon back and my heart twists in my chest as he strides past us, barking,

  “Amelia, my office—now.”

  Didi raises her eyes and looks at me sympathetically. I push back my chair and roll my eyes at her as the phone rings. Turning to answer it she leaves me to follow him inside.

  As I stand in the doorway, he says harshly.

  “Close the door.”

  My heart thumping, I do as he says and stand nervously in front of him.

  He looks at me for a minute and I see the muscle in his neck throbbing, which always happens when he’s angry or upset. He says in a low, angry voice.

  “Come here.”

  I will my feet to carry me the short distance and move to his side. He grabs my wrist and says darkly.

  “I haven’t forgotten your punishment young lady. Now it has doubled. I saw the look in your eyes earlier when Shelby was here. You looked down on her and I will not tolerate it.”

  I shake my head vigorously.

  “No… I don’t… that wasn’t what I….”

  He says forcefully.

  “Enough! I know what I saw. You want what she has and you feel superior to her because of what we share. Well, let me remind you what happens when you displease me.”

  Roughly, with one flick of the wrist, he pulls me across his lap. He pushes my skirt up roughly and pulls my pants down. Then he proceeds to punish my ass by raining blows down on it with no regard for me at all. The tears sting my eyes as he releases his pent-up rage on my ass. The force is hard and unyielding and he doesn’t stop. On and on he goes and I bite my lip to stop from crying out. I hear his breath becoming more and more labored and feel his dick hard against my stomach as he carries on the attack. Just as I think I can bear no more he pushes me to the floor and looks at me with derision.

  “Now tidy yourself up and get me a coffee. I haven’t finished with you yet. I have plans for us this evening little slave which is long overdue. Don’t think that just because I’m getting married you are off the hook. I may be otherwise occupied for the next two weeks but so will you. I will still control that sweet little ass of yours and you will long for my return. When I do, nothing will change.”

  His eyes flash and he smiles in a sinister way. Lowering his voice, he whispers.

  “And you will love every minute of it.”

  Quickly, I get to my feet and straighten my clothes. Brushing the tears away I take a minute to compose myself. When I head back outside the mask is in place.

  Didi looks up and I swear she can see my heart thumping from here. She smiles and raises her eyes, whispering.

  “Are you ok, Amelia?”

  I smile shakily.

  “Yes, he just tore me off a strip about my lateness.”

  She looks annoyed.

  “Bullshit. You were five minutes late, and he was five minutes early. I’m betting he’s taking out his frustration on you because of having to put up with that vacuous vessel he is doomed to marry.”

  She grins. I laugh and her eyes soften.

  “That’s better. You should laugh more, Amelia. It suits you. You know, maybe in the next two weeks you should take the time to relax a bit and maybe head out to find a good guy to hold. You need a man in your life my girl.”

  I just smile ruefully.

  “I wish. The trouble is I work all the time and have no room in my life for love.”

  She smiles sadly.

  “Then you need to re-adjust your priorities. Work is a means to an end. The real riches in life are to love and be loved. You really have nothing without it.”

  I nod and head off to get the coffee. She’s right, I have nothing and yet I have everything I think I want. The thought of loving another fills me with fear. I need to find Amelia James before I go looking for love. I lost her a long time ago, and she is sorely missed. Maybe when I find the girl I used to be I will look for love. For now, I need to concentrate on survival.

  3pm comes along with Grady Vincent. He strides into the office like he owns it and barks.

  “Tell the Senator I’m here.”

  As I reach for the phone, I feel his eyes boring into me. Looking up, I am slightly taken aback as I see the greed in his eyes. He is a large man who is a powerful force around here. Like Scott, he sits with the President and controls the world outside. He holds immense power and fills the staff with fear. He must be in his late forties and by all accounts is married to another daughter of the Washington Elite. Unlike Shelby, his wife is as powerful as him. She’s a Judge and feared in the courts. No nonsense and driven by success. Where Shelby is polished and beautiful, Judge Vincent is plain and hard.

  As I look into the eyes of her husband I shiver inside. I don’t like the look he’s shooting me. He licks his lips, and I feel stripped bare. The door opens and breaks the spell and Scott greets him like a long-lost friend. They slap each other on the back and head toward his office. Looking back Scott barks, “Amelia, coffee!”

  My heart sinks. Two more days and desperately counting.

  My heart thumps as I enter the office, balancing the tray of coffee and biscuits and willing my shaking hands not to spill a drop.

  The two men are deep in conversation but stop as I enter.

  I feel nervous as they both watch me silently and set the tray down on the desk.

  Nervously, I look at Scott.

  “Can I get you anything else, Sir?”

  He smirks and looks at his friend.

  “What do you say, Grady? Would you like anything else from Amelia?”

  My heart freezes as Grady runs his hand up my leg and under my skirt. Scott just looks at him with interest and I shudder as I feel his finge
rs slip inside my panties. I look at Scott in shock and he glares at me icily, forbidding me to move with just that one look.

  The fingers dip inside me and Grady laughs softly.

  “Mm. Your assistant is every bit as amenable as you told me she was. I will look forward to working her hard in your absence.”

  I look up in shock and move away. I don’t care that it causes a frown to cross the face of the man opposite me. I stutter. “I’m sorry, Sir; what did you say?”

  Scott glares at me angrily.

  “I told you, Amelia. While I’m away you will not be complacent. Grady has a project that he could use some help with and I have offered your services. You will report to him on Monday morning and do whatever he tells you.”

  I look at Grady with shock and feel sick as I see the lust in his eyes. He raises his finger to his lips and licks it pointedly. Then he growls.

  “You will find me a hard task master, Amelia. I expect my staff to give me their all. You will be no exception.”

  My legs start to shake and I look at Scott in despair.

  “But I have booked leave.”

  He shakes his head. “You had booked leave, but I canceled it. Your work is more important. The country needs to be able to count on its workers. Just because I will be away it doesn’t stop working. Do as I say, Amelia, if you value your job.”

  I blink to keep the tears from falling. My head is buzzing and I can’t focus on anything but my need to run.

  Scott leans on his desk and says darkly.

  “I will be checking up on you. If I hear that Grady is displeased with your services then I will not hold back on my return. You must afford him everything you do me and don’t hold back. I will be disappointed in you if you do and you know what I do when I am disappointed.”

  I nod miserably. “Of course, Sir. You can count on me.”

  He settles back in his chair and smiles at Grady.

  “See. I told you Amelia was good. She won’t disappoint you.”

  Grady nods and looks at me hungrily. “I sure hope so, for her sake.”

  As I turn to leave, I take the sound of their laughter ringing in my ears. Biting my lip, I try to keep the tears from falling. It feels as if a prison door has slammed shut behind me. I need to think about this and fast.

  Chapter Five

  The rest of the day passes in a blur. I go through the motions but my head is pounding. I can see everything I have planned melting away in a sea of despair. I should have known that he wouldn’t leave me to my own devices for two weeks. I never thought he would loan me out to that arrogant creep Grady though. The bile rises in my throat at the mere thought of him. The meaning was crystal clear. Grady is going to take Scott’s place for the next two weeks and there's not a thing I can do about it.

  6pm comes and Didi packs up her things. I don’t miss the worried look she throws my way as she raises her eyes.

  “You coming, honey?”

  Shaking my head, I look at her miserably.

  “I have to work late to make up for my late start.”

  Didi looks at me angrily.

  “Five minutes late, that’s all it was. The man’s a monster.”

  I bite my lip to contain the tears threatening to fill my eyes. I just shrug.

  “It’s fine. I need to finish the Jefferson file off, anyway.”

  Didi looks concerned.

  “Listen, Amelia. Say no if you want but I am having a get-together tomorrow night. Nothing fancy, just me, Tony and a few friends.”

  She winks and says lightly.

  “A few of them are single and really hot. You never know, you may fancy one of them.”

  Before I can answer we hear a terse voice say,

  “Amelia, in my office now.”

  I smile at Didi apologetically and head inside.

  Almost before the door closes, he is on me. He pushes me against the wall of his office-hard.

  Kicking my legs apart he pushes my top up over my breasts. He bites them hard and then pushes my panties away roughly. In no time at all, he unbuckles his belt and releases his hard-throbbing dick. As he thrusts inside me forcefully, he growls,

  “You are mine, Amelia. Nobody else’s. Remember that, while I’m away. Grady may have the use of your body but your heart and mind are all mine. There will be no socializing with other men and I expect your loyalty.”

  He carries on thrusting gripping my arms and holding me in place. I feel my desire flooding through me as he gives me what I crave so much - Him.

  The whole thing is quick, brutal and incredibly hot. This man possesses me in a way that excites the hell out of me.

  As he explodes inside me I quickly follow. Our breathing is labored, and the sweat runs down our bodies, merging as one. Then he sinks against me, grabbing hold of me possessively. He says softly.

  “You make me lose my mind, Amelia. I can think of nobody but you. Your face and body fill my thoughts every waking hour and the thought of you with another man is killing me inside.”

  He draws back and looks into my eyes. I am taken aback with the tenderness that I see and my heart races a little faster.

  Stroking the side of my face he whispers,

  “I may fuck Shelby but it’s your face I see. Your body I touch and your voice I hear. She may soon have my name but you have my heart. We are two sides of a matching coin. We belong together and you will be the woman I grow old with. You may not bear my children but you will be my only love. When I walk down that aisle it will be your face I see waiting for me. When I pledge my vows, it will be to you. You are mine, Amelia, nobody else’s, not ever. We just need to get through this charade and then our worlds will balance once again.”

  My eyes fill with tears as I see the incredible love in his eyes. He means every word, I can see that. He is a victim of his position and is as much a prisoner as I am, in a world that has no parole option. He is right, we are two of a kind. I want this as much as he does, if not more. Reaching up I hold my hand to his face and he clasps his hand to it. I smile and say softly.

  “We will get through this, Master. I feel the same as you. I think of you every hour of the day; I crave your touch and feel desolate when you withdraw from me. Seeing you with another fills me with jealousy and my body melts when you honor me with just one look. I am yours, mind, body and soul and will always do whatever you ask. You own me, you have for some time. Don’t worry about me, I’ll be fine.”

  Then he kisses me hard and fast. I feel his pain and desperation and something shifts within me. He may control me in every way, but the real power is mine. Despite what I told him a plan is beginning to form in my mind. Only I have the power to end this for both our sakes. I will not let him down.

  ***

  Chapter Six

  As I get ready to go out for the evening, I wonder where we are heading. Scott told me to go home and dress for dinner. This is his last night of freedom and he has arranged something special. Tomorrow night he will be expected to entertain the wedding guests and he will leave me with the promise of two weeks of hell.

  I take care with my appearance. I choose my black lacy underwear that he loves so much. I rub the expensive cream into my body and spray the scent he loves so much. For once I take a great deal of care in styling my hair and applying my makeup. As I slip into the clinging black dress and climb onto my six-inch heels, I am pleased with the results.

  This may be our last night and I want it to count for something.

  At 8pm I hear the horn outside. Grabbing my coat, I head out to join him.

  His driver nods as I slip into the rear of the regulation black car and slide beside him.

  My breath catches as I smell his distinctive scent and see the hunger in his eyes.

  He maintains a distance; after all, in public, we have a professional relationship. To everybody else, I am accompanying him on a business dinner as I’ve done countless times before.

  As we head off, we say nothing.

  I look out of th
e window at the scenery flashing past and wonder where we’re going. He told me that wherever it is, was long overdue. A special night planned. I wonder what it could be.

  The car draws up outside an impressive town house in the center of the city.

  The driver gets out and opens the door and we stand on the sidewalk looking up at the huge property. This place is worth millions; the district alone dictates that. I follow Scott inside and look around with interest. A man appears and we hand him our coats. He nods respectfully and disappears without a word. I hear voices coming from an open door and Scott looks at me, his eyes flashing with excitement.

  In a low voice, he whispers.

  “Tonight, Amelia, you join the club for good. This is our wedding of sorts. This will bind us together forever and whatever you see or hear within these walls must never be spoken of. Do I make myself clear?”

  I nod nervously, not really knowing what I have just agreed to.

  Taking my hand, he leads me inside.

  We enter a large impressive room. All around us are people dressed to impress. The women are wearing sexy dresses and the men smart dinner suits. I recognize many faces but the rest are strangers. I register that Scott’s band of brothers are all present. The men that flank the President on all sides and my heart flips as I see the great man himself. The air is stifling. The power in this room is intoxicating and the atmosphere full of expectancy. All around the room is a general buzz of excitement.

  As they see us coming, the President walks over smiling and thumps Scott on the back.

  “Good to see you, Scott. This is your last proper night of freedom. Don’t worry we will make sure it’s a good one.”

  His gaze falls to me and I feel the blush rising as he looks me up and down. He licks his lips and smiles.

  “And here is your lovely assistant, Amelia. It’s good of you to give up your evening my dear.”

  I almost want to curtsey but just smile at him shyly.

  The President moves away and Scott squeezes my hand.