Inheriting a SECRET (Corrigan & Co. #7)(2)

“So what? You’re going to blackmail me into sex?”

“No. Never,” he says, stepping away and taking those glorious hands with him. “I won’t let you quit this assignment, but I’d never force myself on you. You’re going to come to me willingly, and we both know it. You were as into that kiss as I was.”

“We’ll just have to see about that.”

And I’ll also have to see how I’m going to survive this mission. I had no idea that he saw me when I was fifteen—all the rooms were dark. Because yes, it was me. I stole those jewels, not because I wanted to, but because I had to. Just like I have to stay on this mission. History seems to be repeating itself when it comes to Brayden James and his family, and this time I’m going to be a whole hell of a lot more careful. Especially since it’s only taken one kiss for me to realize that he could be the one. The one, and falling for him just might be worse than jail.

* * *

Brayden

That kiss. Fucking hell, that damn kiss. It was somehow better than I’d imagined it would be for the last ten years. And when she let me touch her. I-I won’t even go there. I can’t. What I need to do is get my head on straight. She’s nothing more than a means to an end, and I need to remember that.

“Thank God. Brayden this behavior is unacceptable.”

“What behavior, Mother?” I ask as I turn to her.

“Don’t ‘Mother” me in that tone. You know full well what I’m talking about.”

“I was busy.”

“Busy? We’re trying to salvage the scraps of your reputation that are left hanging, and you’re too ‘busy’ to even meet the fiancée you picked?”

“I just met her.”

“Was she everything you’d hoped for?”

Yeah, I’m not going there. “She’ll do.”

“I have to admit I was nervous due to her appearance, and apparent penchant for leather pants, but I’ve been pleasantly surprised. She’s very intelligent and has done everything we asked of her without complaint.”

“So no leather pants?” Damn, I want to see her in a pair of those.

“Of course not. We did compromise on skirts though.”

I wanted my hands on—and under—that little skirt she was wearing, so thank you Mom. “How progressive of you.”

“She will be a modern princess to be. I don’t expect her to wear a corset for God’s sake.”

I so did not need a visual of Cat—I mean, Darcy—in a corset. Really. The laces, and buttons coming undone in my hands while her sweet little tits are popping free.

“Brayden?”

“Huh? What? Sorry, I was off in my own mind for a minute.”

“I asked you if you’re ready to take her to dinner tonight for your first public outing together.”

No. I am not ready to go out in public with her. Because I want so badly to be in private with her, and I don’t know that I can hide that from all the press who will be photographing us. Or from Darcy herself. Not that I didn’t make my intentions clear earlier, but I promised not to push her. That’s a promise I’m not sure I can keep. It’s time to man up, though.

“Yeah, sure. Whatever we need to do.”

I’ll play the game, because I know I’m going to win. Darcy’s going to be in my bed, and those jewels are going to be back in my family’s castle. I promised my father that I would find them before I ascended the throne. My mother’s in good health, but like Simba once said, “I just can’t wait to be king.”





Chapter 1


Darcy

I need my armor—and my friends tonight. But there’s no way I’ll be allowed to wear leather pants, and my best friend is off with his girl—and a pony. Yeah I said “pony.” Who knew badass Nate Anderson would turn out to be such a romantic? Not me. I’m happy for him, though. Watching him pine over Jade for two years was getting old. Especially because I didn’t understand all the fuss.

She wanted him, he wanted her, and yet he refused to make his move. Now that I know everything, I get it, but then again, part of me still doesn’t. Maybe it’s because I can’t even imagine ever wanting to be with someone forever. I’m not sure something like that is even possible. Several of my friends from the Society have found “love” recently, but will it really last forever? And do people really want that? I know they do, but I don’t. I never have, and I can’t imagine that I ever will. Which makes my “fiancé” an even bigger problem.

I’ve never wanted love, but I do want him. I can even admit to myself that when he kissed me, I felt a connection that was more than sexual. I’m not looking for happily ever after, but I want more than one night with this man. Since we have to be believably in love, that’s a good thing for my mission. But I’m afraid that it’s a very bad thing for me. One night of release is all I’ve given any boy, or man. Ever. The fact that I’m wanting to give this one more is scary—but kind of exciting, too. Yeah, I’m screwed.

Before I can continue on with my pity party, a knock sounds at the door. I look at myself one more time in the mirror before answering. I had to forgo leather for lace, but I like it. The strapless pale grey dress has a high-low hemline and is covered in white lace that’s heavier on the bottom and top. It’s funky while still being somewhat proper. My hair is up in a twist and pearls are in my ears. I have white sheer pumps on my feet, and my “engagement” ring on my finger. I grab my clutch and open the door.