Bad Decision: The Carter Brothers Page 4

  We take those stairs two at a time and fly into the crowd. Charlie doesn’t question me, he knows not to. This is what we do. We’re a team and where one goes, the other is close beside them. The crowd parts as we barge through them. I have only one destination in mind and I see the fear in the faces around me as we head with determination toward the bar. The security all around look nervous. They know what we’re like and this is unusual. Normally, we would alert security to any dodgy dealings but this time, for some reason, it feels personal.

  As we near the bar, I see the guy standing way too close and the girl looks nervous. He looks to be encouraging her to drink by raising his glass to hers and taking a sip. I watch as the glass travels close to her lips and just in time reach out and grab it from her hands. Charlie moves behind the guy and I see the alarm on the girls face as I say darkly, “Drink it.”

  I hold it out to the guy who looks around him fearfully. The crowds stand and stare as he shakes his head. “What the fuck, no, drink it yourself.”

  Charlie grabs the guy’s head and pulls it back. I take hold of his mouth and pour the contents of the drink down his throat until it spills down his neck. He starts to choke and Charlie snarls, “Drink every fucking drop, mother fucker.”

  The guy starts to gag and we pull him roughly from the scene. We bundle him outside and ignoring the line outside I punch him square in the stomach and knock him flying. I hear the screams and nod to Vinnie on the door. “I don’t want to see him in here again. Deal with the evidence.”

  Charlie has a hold of his friend who is cowering in his grasp. I rifle through his pockets and pull out the bag of pills he was packing and say angrily. “You fucking bastard bringing this filth into my club. Did you really think I’d watch you date rape my customers you fucking pervert?”

  The crowd murmur as he pleads, “I’m sorry, man. They aren’t mine.”

  I’ve heard enough and knock the fucker flying into the gutter. Turning to the line, I snarl, “If any of you think bringing drugs in here is ok, think again. I won’t tolerate it in my club and that’s what happens to those who do.”

  Then we head back inside and Charlie whistles. “Man, that was quite some bag he was packing. Good job, bro.”

  I growl. “Fucking bastards. I hate drugs and I hate men who try to drug a woman to get what they want. He’s just lucky I didn’t kill him.”

  Charlie nods. “Fuck me, this day is turning out to be one big workout.”

  We reach the door and he says wearily, “Come on, let’s get laid. I need to finish the day in a much more satisfying way.”

  I roll my eyes. “You mean you didn’t get satisfaction from that?”

  He grins and I laugh. I know he loves that part of what we do. Unlike me, he thrives on it. Charlie is a fighter and relishes the opportunities that present themselves. He takes great delight in wielding his power and I know he would have got a rush from that. He grins. “Come on bro, let’s go and get hammered.”

  As we head toward the stairs, I whisper to the guy on the rope. He nods and as we move back up to join the other VIPs Charlie says, “What did you say to Tony?”

  I grin. “Just extending an invitation.”

  Charlie grins. “I thought there was a reason you went flying off. I’ll watch with interest.”

  As he heads back to his proposition, I think about the girl I saw and hope she takes the bait. From the brief glimpse I got of her she’s perfect in every way and I hope she doesn’t let me down.

  7

  Summer

  I’m still shaking. Tracey looks at me in shock and says loudly, “What the hell just happened?”

  I can feel the stares all around us as we try to blend into the shadows. I can’t stop thinking about him. The man who came to my rescue and then left as quickly. There was something so incredibly hot about what he just did—what they just did and I think I know the answer already as I say,

  “Who were they, Tracey?”

  She shakes her head and says almost reverently. “The Carters.”

  I fight to breathe and fight to stay focused.

  “The Carters,” I say in a detached voice. “So, I have brothers?”

  She shakes her head slowly. “Technically, yes. However, they are more like stepbrothers because they aren’t Joey’s sons by birth. He married their mother, and they came too.”

  I’m not sure why but I breathe a little easier. Stepbrothers. Two ferocious, sexy as fuck, machines who don’t even know I exist.

  We are interrupted as a man stands beside us and says in a low voice, “Ladies. The management apologizes for your trouble and invites you to continue your evening in a safer area.”

  Tracey’s eyes can’t possibly get any wider as she fails to contain her excitement.

  He stands to the side and says in a voice that expects obedience, “Follow me.”

  Ordinarily, I would be heading the hell out of this place after what just happened. Ordinarily, I doubt I would have stayed as long as we have and ordinarily, I would keep as far away as possible from the likes of the Carters but I have questions that need answers, so smile sweetly.

  “Thank you.”

  I look at Tracey who appears horrified yet excited at the same time. She grabs my elbow and pulls me back, saying, “Are you sure you want to do this?”

  I shrug. “I’m doing nothing. I’m just checking things out before I make any decisions.”

  She nods and we follow the man to the roped off stairs. He swings aside the barrier and winks. “Enjoy your evening, ladies.”

  My heart thumps with every step I take as I climb the stairs toward my future. Stepbrothers. Why does that thought leave a bad taste in my mouth? I should be glad to find a new family. The more the merrier—surely? However, those guys look dangerous in more ways than one. My head may be telling me they’re family but my heart wants much more from one of them.

  The air is different up here. It may be crowded, but it’s a completely different type of crowd that sips champagne and look around them with interest. There are little booths set all around that are crowded with people, except one. The one roped off at the end and currently being cleared by a server. A smart woman approaches, smiling warmly. “Welcome, ladies. I have taken the liberty of clearing you a table. Follow me.”

  Tracey shakes her head and I can see she is finding it hard to act normal. This isn’t normal. None of it and I struggle to get a grip on reality as we follow the woman to the roped off booth. An ice bucket sits on the table with four glasses. I feel my heart thump as I understand who will be joining us. I’m not stupid and struggle to get my mind in the game. This is it, my opportunity to find my father and I can’t mess this up.

  We take our seats and the woman smiles. “I’ll be back shortly with some food. Enjoy your evening and if I can help with any more drinks, please let me know.”

  We slide into the booth and Tracey whispers, “Pinch me, I must be dreaming. This doesn’t happen to girls like me and I want to beam this out to planet internet to rub in the faces of all those bitches out there who laugh at me.”

  I smile. “Then why don’t you?”

  She looks horrified. “That would be so uncool. You only get one shot at the big time and I’m not going to mess this up by looking like a complete airhead.”

  We laugh and then the atmosphere changes as two dark shadows appear. Before I even raise my eyes, I know who’s standing there and think I hold my breath as I stare up into the eyes of the man who made such a first impression.

  My breath hitches as I stare into two of the darkest eyes I have ever seen. There is no warmth, no life, just the cold, dead, eyes of a killer. His hair is dark and cut about an inch all over. His body blocks the light and I watch the swell of his chest and see the tattoos covering his arms. Although dressed smartly, he has a toughness about him that calls to the woman in me. This man is what my mother often referred to as a hard man. Now I know what she meant because this man is magnificent.

  I look beside hi
m and see an almost mirror image but one. This man has fairer hair and a chiseled look that he wears well. He is looking at me with a hint of uncertainty that belies the person he is. The first man nods. “Please accept my apologies for your trouble tonight. I can assure you we don’t tolerate that type of behavior in our club.”

  I find my voice, although I don’t recognize the shakiness in it. “Thank you. We appreciate your intervention.”

  Tracey nods, apparently tongue-tied and the other man smiles impishly. “So, this is the plan. You now have your very own personal bodyguards to keep you safe while you have some fun. What do you say, are you up for it?”

  Tracey wriggles on her seat and I laugh inside. If looks could talk, Tracey’s is screaming at them loud and clear and I see they don’t miss it and smile cockily. They slide into the booth beside us, one on each end and we are now trapped by a wall of muscle. The man beside me extends his hand. “Allow me to introduce myself, I’m Maxwell Carter and this is my brother Charlie.”

  Charlie salutes us and pours the champagne into the four glasses. Remembering my manners, I say breathlessly, “I’m Summer and this is my cousin Tracey.”

  Maxwell’s lips twitch into a pantie melting smile and I see a spark in his eyes that mesmerizes me. He says softly, “It suits you.”

  “What does?”

  He reaches out and runs my hair through his fingers. “Summer - your name. You look like sunshine.”

  Charlie laughs loudly. “Fucking hell bro, that’s cheesy as fuck.”

  Tracey laughs and Maxwell shrugs. “Learned it all from you, brother. At least I didn’t use your favorite one, what was it? Oh yes, you’d look cuter with something in your mouth.”

  Charlie laughs. “It always works for me.”

  He winks and takes a swig of the champagne and I can’t help but grin. These brothers share something that can’t be broken. Love. It’s obvious by the way they talk, walk and share things. Like a well-oiled machine, they move in sync and it’s quite spectacular to watch.

  I don’t miss the surrounding curiosity. I feel the stares and the jealous looks from the girls that watch carefully. They want these guys and that must be a lot to deal with. However, I need to remind myself why I’m here and not fall into the trap being set. Because I know this is a well-executed plan of interest. These brothers must do this all the time. See a girl they like and lay on the charm. If only they knew it wasn’t going to work this time.

  Trying to fight the disappointment, I look at Maxwell with interest. “So, you own this club. That must be quite a responsibility.”

  He nods. “It is but I don’t do it alone.”

  Charlie pipes up. “He’s the lazy one. You’re looking at the one who does all the work.”

  Maxwell laughs and shakes his head. “Says the man who gets lost on the way to the office every day.”

  He lowers his voice. “For some reason, I keep finding him where he shouldn’t be. Mainly in the women’s changing rooms.”

  Charlie rolls his eyes. “Only because I’m looking for you.”

  They laugh and my heart settles a little. I can tell they love each other and it makes me happy. Maybe this family isn’t as bad as Aunt Kim painted them to be.

  Charlie starts whispering to Tracey and Maxwell leans closer. “So, tell me why Summer has hit London so early in the year?”

  A little of the happiness dies inside me and I shake my head sadly. “Circumstances.”

  I see the concern in his eyes as he says softly, “Where are you from?”

  “California.”

  He laughs. “That figures.”

  “Why?”

  “Because you look like a typical California girl. Before you even speak your body gives it away. You have a golden tan and your hair is more sun-kissed than bleached. Those teeth of yours betray a fine dentist and the fact you don’t dress as a drag queen sets you apart from the rest.”

  I cock my head and smile.

  “You can tell all that by looking at me. What sort of guy are you, a fortune teller?”

  He laughs and grabs my hand and I try to ignore the shivers that run through my body at his touch.

  He opens my palm and strokes it gently while looking into my eyes. His voice captivates me as it’s so husky, and rough around the edges. He says, “I can tell you’re going to meet a stranger who will sweep you off your feet. Be afraid though because he will steal something of yours that you can’t live without.”

  Laughing, I raise my eyes, “Which is?”

  He winks cockily. “Your heart.”

  Snatching my hand away, I laugh incredulously. “Your brother’s right. You’re so full of cheese I could throw some pepperoni on you and bake you in the oven.”

  He grins and settles back in the chair.

  “So, tell me again. What brings you to London?”

  An innocent question that promises total devastation. I feel Tracey tense beside me and look afraid and I don’t miss the look that passes between the two men as they sense the unease in the air.

  I think I hold my breath as I say slowly. “I’ve come to find my father.”

  Maxwell

  Something about the way Summer said it makes me on edge. I can tell Charlie feels it too as we share a look. I say carefully, “Do you know where he is?”

  She nods but won’t look me in the eye. Her cousin looks uncomfortable and the light atmosphere has changed into one that promises to destroy something even before it’s started.

  Leaning back, I take a deep breath and ask the question I know in my heart the answer to.

  “What’s his name?”

  I see the stricken look on both girl’s faces as Summer appears to steel herself and looks me in the eye bravely as she says, “Joseph Carter.”

  I say nothing but her words just tore my heart out. I can tell Charlie feels the same and we just sit staring at the girls with hard expressions.

  Tracey, tries to make herself as small as possible but something about the proud, defiant look on Summer’s face calls to me and rather than having them thrown out, I say softly, “How do you know this?”

  She sighs heavily. “It’s on my birth certificate.”

  Turning to face me, her eyes hold mine and the pain in them makes me lose my mind. “I know you think I’m some sort of crazy person but I’m not. I only found out a couple of weeks ago and my search brought me to London.”

  Charlie says softly, “What other information do you have?”

  She shrugs. “My mom was born here and lived here most of her life. She lived in this area and dated Joseph. I understand she fell pregnant with me and then he was arrested. Mom met my father and moved to California where I was born and raised.”

  Her words are crushing my soul but I don’t show it. Every word that spills from her lips is like a dagger to my fragile heart. Seeing her sitting here so bravely makes me want to wrap her in my arms and never let go. But if what she says is true, how can I?

  Charlie senses I’m losing my shit and says loudly, “We can settle this tonight. What’s your mum’s name?”

  I see the pain flare in her eyes and she looks like a ghost as she whispers, “Megan Jefferson but he would have known her as Megan Greenford, or maybe Meg.”

  I watch Charlie typing and feel compelled to probe deeper.

  “What does your mum think about you coming here?”

  I watch the tears well in her eyes as she says in a broken voice, “She’s dead. They’re all dead. My mom, dad and little sister. Killed in a car crash just a few months ago.”

  Her cousin places an arm around her shoulder as Summer breaks down. She says sadly, “It’s ok, babe. Let it all out. You’re not on your own.”

  She pulls Summer to her and fixes me with a defiant look.

  “Listen, Summer isn’t some crazy person who’s just walked in off the street. She’s genuine and really believes Joey is her father. She only just found out that Todd isn’t her real one after they buried him. So, cut the poor girl a li
ttle slack and give her a minute, will you?”

  Her angry stare brings a brief smile to my lips. Thank god, Summer has her because seeing this broken girl weeping at my table is enough to send me feral.

  Charlie looks across and says grimly, “He’s on his way.”

  Leaning back, I breathe out slowly. That’s all the answer I need. My father wouldn’t tear down here if that name didn’t mean something to him. Shit just got real.

  8

  Summer

  They give me some time to settle myself and then Maxwell says curtly, “We should take this somewhere quiet.”

  Charlie nods and they both stand and Maxwell says, “Follow us. We need to sort this out tonight.”

  I feel my legs shaking as we follow them through the crowd of people who are openly staring. Then we head through a door to the side which cuts the music off as the door slams. Suddenly, it all feels very real as we follow Maxwell down a passageway with Charlie bringing up the rear. It feels so final. Whatever happens next will give me the answer I need. If it doesn’t turn out to be him, then I would continue my search a little happier. The reason for that happiness concerns the man striding in front of me who has affected me in a way I wasn’t expecting. Just one look from those enigmatic eyes makes me shiver with lust. If I am related to his father, nothing could ever come of it.

  He leads us to a door at the end of the passageway that opens into an office. Pulling out a seat, he says curtly, “Here, you may as well sit, he may be some time.”

  I look at him in surprise. “What, he’s coming here, now?”

  He nods and I feel something inside that can only be described as a mixture of excitement and trepidation. I’m not sure I’m ready for this. It’s too soon. How can I face him like this, so harsh and brutal?

  Tracey looks at the guys and says angrily, “For fuck’s sake, this is cold. If Joey is Summer’s father, shouldn’t we give them some privacy?”

  Maxwell sits behind the desk and shakes his head. “If he asks, of course.”

  Charlie sits by the door and I feel him staring at me as I start to play with my fingers nervously. I hear the clock ticking loudly on the wall and the silence is oppressive and mistrusting. All the time the two men stare. They are unflinching and any earlier friendliness has been left behind in that booth. They are intimidating, cold and I find myself struggling to breathe.