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

the direct contact of this virile man.
    “You’re shaking.” He said searching her face. Looking at Tilly he immediately took charge. “Bring me a glass of brandy.” He ordered and Tilly jumping obeyed his command.
    “Is she ok?” The voice from up on the balcony called down.
    “Yeah .” He answered looking up. “A little shaken & bruised but she’ll be ok.” He said now looking at Bailey. Tilly appeared with a crystal glass half filled with a warm golden brown liquid which he took and held out to Bailey. “Drink this.”
    Bailey looked at it and shook her head “I don’t drink.”
    “Drink it….it will help calm your nerves .” He again ordered as he pressed the glass into her hand while his other hand rested on her arm to steady her.
    Looking up at him she knew he wouldn’t take no for an answer and she held the glass to her lips swallowing in one gulp. As the liquid spread its warmth down her body she coughed at its potency. Handing the glass back to Tilly she looked back up at the stranger with tears in her eyes. He waited patiently for the brandy to have its effect then smiled. His whole face lit up in amusement as he revealed his pearly whites.
    “You really don’t drink do you ?” He grinned.
    “No t really….sometimes I have a beer….or a glass of wine.” She said trying to control her breath. Finally finding her manners she smiled. “Thank you.”
    “You’re welcome .” He said still holding one arm gently. “You’re not what I expected.” He admitted.
    Bailey studied him then recalled the words Jasper had used. Suddenly she realized this was the man she was scheduled to marry. He didn’t fit any image she had created and her surprise must have shown on her face.
    “So I’m not so much of an ogre as you expected?” He grinned wickedly.
    “No .” She said stepping back forcing him to release his hold on her arm. “Um…I’m Bailey.”
    “Beckett…Beckett Birmingham .” He said formally holding out his hand in amusement.
    Bailey took his hand and when it closed around hers she noticed the callouses on his hand . It told her he didn’t sit behind a desk for a living. Despite his strength he seemed to almost caress her hand as he held it. She wondered how his hands would feel if they caressed her body. Embarrassed at her thoughts she removed her hand and that seemed to amuse him even more as if he had read her thoughts. Both eyes turned as the elderly man joined them. It was obvious he was related and by his age Bailey assumed he was Beckett’s father.
    “Dad…this is Bailey Montgomery .” Beckett said making the introductions. “My fiancé you might say.”
    Blushing at the circumstances she turned to face the older man. His smile was warm and sympathetic as he took the hand she extended.
    “It’s a pleasure to meet you sir.” She said politely and she noticed the way he raise one eyebrow in surprise.
    “I’m sorry I didn’t come to your aid but when I saw my son I didn’t feel the need .” He smiled.
    “Thank you….I’m just glad he was there .” She said shaking involuntarily again
    “We’ll make sure he doesn’t bother you again .” Beckett frowned seeing the darkening shade of the bruise.
    “Bailey…Bailey come see our rooms .” Alexis cried as she dragged Tristan behind her.
    She froze at the top of the stairs seeing Bailey with two strange men. It was Tristan ’s reaction that surprised her. Letting go of Alexis’s hand he ran down the stairs and stood in front of Bailey as he sized up the two men.  Both Beckett and his father seemed amused at his protective stance. Beckett decided to take the lead. Kneeling down so he was at Tristan’s level he held out his hand.
    “Hello…..my name is Beckett .”
    Tristan eyed him then took his hand squeezing hard like Matt had taught him. “My name is Tristan.”
    Beckett groaned under the grip which caused Tristan to smile satisfied he had made his point.
    “Wow….no one better cross your path.” He