Forbidden Contract (The Birmingham Brothers Series) by L. A. Miller Page A

if you will excuse me cousin.” She emphasized their relationship and how wrong his mental pictures were. “I am exhausted and plan to lie down for a bit.”
    Jasper grinned and blocked her path . “Care for company?”
    “You’ve got to be kidding !” She said pushing against his chest to move him out of her way. “Even for the South that’s so wrong.”
    Jasper grabbed her wrist and painfully twisting her arm behind her back pulled her up against his body. She could feel his desire press against her as she breathed in the stench of his breath. Despite her fear she refused to let him see his effect on her.
    “I was told you had no manners.” He said inhaling the lemongrass scent of her hair. “We will need to correct that.”
    “Let…me….go .” She demanded trying to pull her hand free. He gripped tighter and she could feel the bruise already begin to form.
    “Not before I get my kiss dear cousin .” He said moving his mouth towards hers. She turned her head sideways in time for his lips to make contact with the side of her head and he growled as his other hand grabbed her chin to force her face back to his.
    “I believe the lady asked you to release her .” A lethal voice said from behind them.
    Bailey could not see the source but there was no mistaking the deadly undercurrent of its intention. Jasper looked up at the man behind her and scowled.
    “This matter does not concern you Birmingham, it’s a family matter and you are not part of the family yet.”
    “Any time a man accosts a helpless woman I make it my concern….call it good manners .” He grinned. “Now let her go and I’ll let you keep that pretty face of yours.”
    Bailey felt Jasper tense as if he was trying to decide his next move. Out of the corner of her eye she saw the man on the balcony watching the scene below. He had moved from his earlier spot as if he had intended on coming to her aid but the younger voice from behind her had stopped him in his tracks. He seemed pleased with the actions of the other man and she almost believed she saw pride in his eyes. She tried to turn to see who was defending her but Jasper tightened his grip and she cried out involuntarily in pain.
    “Last warning.” He threatened. “Release her now!”
    Despite the fact he didn’t raise his voice Bailey could feel his steel resolve and Jasper must have sensed it too. Looking now at Bailey he grinned.
    “He won’t always be around cousin….we’ll continue this later.” With that he released her and headed for the family room.
    “M iss Bailey are you alright?” Trixie said coming to her side.
    Bailey saw the fear and shame in her eyes knowing she had done nothing to interfere. She nodded her head as she rubbed her wrist. Evidence of his grip was now appearing on her skin and as she tried to steady her nerves she turned to her protector. She gasped when she recognized the man who was now approaching her as the same she had seen riding earlier. His tight jeans and black t shirt were molded to his frame leaving nothing to her imagination. As she looked up into his eyes she saw his concern for her wellbeing.
    “Are you ok ?” He asked reaching her side.
    She had to look up to meet his eyes as he stood a good 7 inches taller than her 5’7” frame. He had dark hair that was as black as a ravens, high cheek bones that matched the long straight nose. His jawline was strong and it defined a perfect face. It was his eyes though that held her. They were grey yet seemed flecked with blue. She imagined they would change colors depending on the clothes he wore and his moods. Realizing she hadn’t spoken she simply nodded her head.
    “ Are you sure?” He said taking her hand and examining the fresh bruise.
    She saw his jaw tense in anger but his touch was gentle and it sent a wave of electric current all the way down to her knees. She hadn’t realized she was shaking till he touched her and she wasn’t sure how much was due to her brush with Jasper or