Branded (Strand Brothers Series Book 1) (6 page)

Her brows rose. “Really? ‘Cause you seem pissed off that I’m here.” She glanced away. “I didn’t mean to invade your space.”

I stood and placed two fingers under her chin, raising her face so she’d look at me. “Go on,” I coaxed.

She closed her eyes to break contact. I wanted to shake her lightly to get her to open them again, but I resisted. After a beat, she looked at me directly. “You looked so sad in your sleep.” She disclosed, “I wanted to comfort you. That’s all.”

Could she see into my soul?—well, the pieces that were left—was it possible she understood me a little? “Why?”

She pulled her face away and then walked across the room to look out the window. “You seem lost,” she whispered, “I know how that feels.”

Oh man, did she have me pegged. Instinct told me to rush over and hold her tight. However, male pride reared its ugly head. “You’re wrong,” I insisted. As I stepped over to the side bar to refill my glass, I offered, “Would you like something to drink?”

“No, thank you. I’m good.”

I gulped what was left of the fiery liquid and then refilled it again. Dammit, my hands were actually trembling.
What is it about her?
I turned to stare at her back. She was all curves, with an ass that begged for my hands. It was not the first time I’d felt lust for a woman. I’d had plenty of women of all shapes and sizes; though, I didn’t usually go for blondes. “
Because no woman compares to Rachel
,” the little voice in my head whispered.
Shut the hell up!
I began to pace while I conveyed, “It shouldn’t take long for the investigation to be completed.”

She turned around and queried, “Do you think they can figure out who did it?”

I didn’t lie to her. “No. I don’t.”

“Oh,” she gasped. Once she collected herself, she asked, “Then why exactly am I here?”

Good fucking question.
“I wanted you to feel safe,” I replied.

She held my gaze. “Why would that matter to you?”

I strode towards her. When I rounded the desk, I set my glass on it. I took a hold of her shoulders and honestly answered, “I don’t know.”

Her head was tilted back due to our significant height difference. “I see.”

Now that shocked me. “You do?”

She reached up to hold my biceps, which flexed under her long, slender fingers. “You feel that?”

How could I not? The air crackled with the sexual energy coming off both of our bodies. But there was something else, too, and it scared the hell out of me. As I pulled back, I dropped my hands to my sides and clenched my fists. “We’re attracted to each other. Doesn’t mean anything,” I stated. But I didn’t know if I said that for her benefit or mine.

“If that’s the way you want it, fine,” she acknowledged.

She sashayed across the room to the door. I stood there and admired those gorgeous hips in motion. What would they feel like underneath mine as they arched up to pull me deeper inside her?
STOP! We are not going to tap that.
My self-control was at its limits. I was a goner if she spun around and offered the invitation. She glanced over her shoulder. “Too bad.” She added, “We could be really good together,” as she closed the door.

A woman who knew and accepted her sexuality—not to mention wanted me as much as I wanted her—had just walked out of my office. I barely restrained myself. Truth was, I could not deny myself much longer. I poured myself another drink and hoped the investigation was complete by morning. Otherwise, I would have one helluva case of blue balls. I could do this. I
would
stay away from her.
Liar.
Could and would. Once Aimee Taylor returned to her apartment, and her life, I would keep my distance. Yeah, right. Who was I kidding? If only, I was that strong.

Chapter Six

Aimee

Did I just proposition the most gorgeous and dangerous man I had ever met? Yes. Yes, I did. OMG, what was I thinking? First off, I’d never done such a thing before in my life. Men simply wanted me. I’m not conceited. I simply knew how to work my God given assets to the best advantage. Granted, my body would fit in better in a different era. However, I was always pleasantly surprised by how many men liked a curvy woman. I remember being so concerned with that when I chose to escort. I thought men this day and time preferred svelte bodies. Or even athletic ones. No amount of working out was going to get rid of my butt. I could give J. Lo a run for her money. And my rounded size double Ds were not the result of surgical enhancement. I always felt my hips were too wide, but they did seem to balance the package. The only two things I really liked about my body were: my tiny waist and shoulder-length natural blonde hair. Of course, Nik’s hair was much longer than mine, but my color was darker with more gold in it. None of that mattered at the moment, point was, I’d offered myself and was shot down. That hurt. More than I was willing to admit, even to myself.

As I stepped into the shower, I reevaluated where I went wrong. Maybe it was him? Gah, I didn’t know the answers. What I did know was that I wanted him with a ferociousness that terrified me. It wasn’t just his looks. Even though he was by far the most striking man I had ever laid eyes on. I wasn’t kidding when I referenced him to Thor. He was tall—probably six-foot, four-inches or more—and his shoulders were massive. I wanted to run my tongue along every hard, heavy muscle on his big body. He was a masterpiece, with angles and planes on his rugged face. And sculpted lips that made a woman beg for them to be anywhere on her. There was no mistaking the danger and power that radiated off him. I loved successful men. They all had such pull, like gravity itself.

Once I sat on the bench inside the shower, I instantly remembered that look in his eyes—the one that disclosed vulnerability for just a moment. He was broken somehow, and that was what really drew me to him. How did I thaw him? He gave a whole new spin on the quote “Island unto oneself.” I wanted more than his body. I wanted to know the man inside. I felt connected to his wounded soul, as if I had known him for years. Maybe, I was seeing my other half. I didn’t know what it was, but I needed to find out.

I was startled when a deep male voice called out, “Hello. Everything okay in here?”

I swallowed the lump in my throat and answered, “Yes.” I entreated, “Give me a few moments, please.”

“No problem.”

There was a red silk robe hanging on the back of the bathroom door. I ensconced myself in its luxury. The lining was soft terrycloth and I nearly moaned from the pleasure of my body encased in such extravagance. I padded into the guestroom and stumbled a bit when I saw the man lounging in the arm chair by the fireplace. He was just as magnificent as Nik. When he stood, it became obvious he was just as tall, yet leanly muscled. He wore his hair short in a classy GQ style. Everything about him screamed urbane and money. The look he gave me was peculiar, as if he had just seen a ghost. He recovered quickly before he spoke, “You must be Aimee. I’m Alex, one of Nik’s younger brothers.” Oh, his cultured voice was melodic. Unlike Nik’s, which had that dark rasp. Though they both shared that hint of an accent I still couldn’t place. I held out my hand. “Nice to meet you, Alex.”

He smiled and there was an adorable dimple on the left side of his mouth. Wow, I had no doubt this man could have any woman he wanted. Where his older brother was enigmatic and brooding, he was laid back and charming. I was going to need a cold shower when he left. Too bad I wasn’t drawn to
this
brother—he would’ve been better for my overall well being. He took my hand with masculine grace and brought it to his lips for a soft kiss across my knuckles. Goodness, these Strand men were enough to make a woman melt. “I hope you don’t think I’m being presumptuous,” he stated. “I wanted to meet you on my own without Nik standing guard, if you know what I mean?”

I chortled, “Actually, I do.” I waved my hand in a motion for him to sit back down. I took the chair across from him. “He can be a bit intimidating,” I acknowledged.

“Don’t let him frighten you,” he professed.

“I’ll try. Not an easy task, considering he vibrates with restrained violence.”

“Yeah, well, there is that,” he confirmed with a smile. As he sat up straight, he held my gaze with his beautiful cornflower blue eyes behind a sexy pair of tortoiseshell glasses. “He won’t hurt you. I hope you know that.”

Maybe not physically, but I wasn’t so sure about emotionally. I had a feeling Nik could absolutely break my heart if I let him in. I had no words so I simply nodded and pulled my robe a little tighter around me for security.

“I’ve made you uncomfortable,” he proclaimed. “I apologize.” Sincerity laced his voice.

“It’s not that.” I glanced over at the fireplace and mustered up the courage to ask him questions regarding Nik. Finally, I turned my head back towards Alex. “Can I ask a few questions?”

He held his hands out. “By all means, I’ll do my best to answer.”

“Nik is a former UFC heavyweight champion?”

He grinned, “Yes. That’s common knowledge, Aimee. What do you really want to know?”

“Well, how did he go from that to successful mogul?”

“He has always been good with money. Also, he has an MBA.”

“Doesn’t surprise me, although, it still doesn’t make sense.” I could see the confusion on his face, so I spelled it out. “How did he get the money to start up a company?” I raised my shoulder in a slight shrug. “I mean, did your parents have a lot of capital?”

“Why all the financial questions?” he probed defensively.

“I meant no disrespect.” I waved my hand around the room for emphasis. “I was just trying to figure it all out.”

He rubbed his jaw with his forefinger and thumb contemplatively. “I see where you’re going with this. You think most cage fighters come from rough backgrounds?”

I nodded emphatically. “In my experience, they do. Have I missed the mark with Nik?”

“No, not at all. As a matter of fact, you’re spot on. However, this isn’t my story to share. You need to ask him yourself,” he affirmed.

I appreciated his loyalty to his brother, even if it frustrated the hell out of me. “Fair enough, Alex.”

He reached for my hand and clasped it in his. “Was there anything else?”

At that moment someone coughed. We looked up at the same time to see Nik leaning against the doorjamb. He looked confident and relaxed, but his eyes gave away the storm raging inside him. “Are you finished talking behind my back?”

Alex stood with ease, not at all intimidated by his enormous, pissed off brother. “We’re good,” he said. As he walked through the door, he cuffed Nik on the shoulder.

*****

Once Alex was gone, Nik stepped into the room. “Did you need to know something?”

I twisted the belt on my robe around my hands —a nervous habit of mine. I tried to hold his gaze, but it was no use. “I didn’t mean to intrude on your personal business. I apologize if I have upset you.”

He scoffed, “Bullshit. You had every intention of wringing out every drop of information you could from my brother.” He sauntered over to me and crouched down in front of my chair. “For the record, he’s my attorney. He won’t tell you shit that isn’t a matter of public record, sweetness.”

Oh, the man infuriated me
and
set me aflame with desire.
How does he do that?
“I was trying to learn more about you. Forgive me for giving a damn,” I snapped.

When I stood, he had to lean back on his haunches. Wow, the fantasy that played through my mind at such a visual. This man was beyond trouble. I needed to stay far, far away from him. I paced across the room then spun and asked, “Why are you here?”

He chuckled darkly. “I live here.”

I sighed in exasperation. “No. What I mean is, why are you in this room with me?”

He stood. “There are detectives here to see you.”

I shook my head to clear my thoughts. “You couldn’t have told me that from the get go?”

He shrugged his big shoulders. “I could have. I just didn’t.” He strode towards me, and I took a step back. “Get dressed,” he commanded over his shoulder at the doorway. “They’re waiting.” Then the door closed.

Grr.
I wished I had something to throw at the stupid door. Better yet, at his head. Oh, the man was pushing all my buttons. And I would be lying if I didn’t admit; he was turning me on. Big time.

*****

I put my clothes back on, sans panties—since that always grossed me out to put on dirty underwear after I was clean—and walked into the living room to meet the detectives. Once introductions were fulfilled, we got down to business. I learned that they, Detectives Michaels and Reeves, had no idea who had broken into my place, which wasn’t at all a huge surprise. I knew they had done their job, but, still, I felt uneasy. I inquired, “Do you think whoever it was will return?”

Reeves answered, “Can’t predict that, ma’am. If they do, you’ve now made a paper trail. That’s always important in prosecuting, if it comes down to that.”

“Alright. Is there anything else I should do?”

“Yes, ma’am,” Michaels replied. “Don’t go back to your apartment until it’s been cleaned up.”

Well, duh. As if I would want to step foot in there again with it looking like a tornado had hit it. Plus, I didn’t want to see that horrid word—albeit fact—written across my stuff.

Reeves pulled me from my reverie. “Do you have some place to stay?”

I was pretty sure Renée would let me crash with her. Of course, there was a reason we were no longer roommates; however, a few days wouldn’t kill either one of us. “Yes. Thank you for asking.”

When Detective Reeves smiled, I realized he was an attractive man. I glanced down and caught a glimpse of the wedding ring on his left hand.
Ah, a very married good-looking man.
“Stay aware, Ms. Taylor. Make sure you don’t go anywhere alone.” I heard the concern in his voice and was touched.

Then Nik replied, with a resounding, “I’ll see to it myself, Detective Reeves. Thank you for your time. If you need to reach Ms. Taylor, she’ll be here,” he announced.