Page 23 of The Fallen
“He threatened me. He would be at my house waiting for me. He told me that he had the power to ruin our family. I wasn’t thinking about proof then. Just that I’d let this happen. The stories in the papers were because of what he dug up on us. That was part of sabotaging us – blackmailing us. The author was his cover and a means of getting closer. He’d go on about how we were so self-obsessed that it was easy to set it all up.”
“Why did he kill the author?”
“Because she did her job too well. She was hired to disrupt and cause negative press, to make people doubt us. But as she was looking into the history of the Broderick family and the company, she started to piece things together. From the messages Ivy left me, and what Lewis told me about the Davis side of the family, she must have found a connection or at least got close. But if she exposed the scandal, then Lewis would lose part of his leverage. It wasallabout money for him, in the end.” My voice trails off. Nothing about this is easy, and there’s a sadness to it all that seems to have infected me.
“It always is. So, did he poison the author himself? Staged the burglary to retrieve the laptop and information?”
“He didn’t share every detail of his plan with me. I wasn’t his accomplice in this,” I snap, feeling the pressure of the words as I recount them. But Noah just continues to sit, unaffected by my story or my agitated state. “I guess he didn’t realise the author sent her research to Ivy. But that was about the right time for when things started …” I don’t know why I can’t say it again. I’m already painted as the weak and gullible one, but somehow it feels worse that he got away with being violent and threatening, and I didn’t do more to stop it.
At least now I’ll be able to put that right with Noah’s help.
“Why are you scared of him?”
I get up and throw another log on the fire, pulling the blanket around my shoulders despite the toasty heat in the room.
My eyes roll. “He attacked me. He threatened me with a gun, he liked to show it off, I think. Probably the same gun he used to kill my father. God knows what he’s capable of now.” My anger grows with each point I make until my breathing is ragged and my heart pounds in my chest. “And he still hasn’t got what he wants. Is that enough?” All the details paint Lewis, not as the victim, but as the villian he really is.
I go looking for the half-finished beer in the kitchen and down the rest. Maybe Noah's pushed for a reason, but I can’t help this agitation he’s stirred up with his level-headed questioning. Needling away at me until I confessed? Maybe he’s testing my innocence or that my story holds up. Who cares?
I’m done with memories tonight.
“So, now I’ve told you the story again, is it time for the sex part?” I ask, walking back into the lounge.
He looks me over, then turns his attention to his TV setup and picks up the remote. “No. Not tonight. Looks like you could use some sleep.” I let out a sigh I didn’t know I was holding in, and look to the stairs, still feeling strange about being in his bed. “Second door on the right. I won’t be up till later. Bathroom's across the hall.”
“Spare room?” Although, I know there isn't one. He shakes his head and takes another sip of beer. “Just sleep then?”
“Yes, Neve. Go and sleep.”
Okay.
Chapter Eleven
NOAH
Morning wood always plays a role in my life. Fucking annoying usually, but not today. Not that it is morning. Nearly lunchtime, so the clock says. Must have needed the sleep. Her too.
I stare at her back, looking at all that shiny, wavy hair tumbling against the pillows. She’s kept a t-shirt on, maybe hoping that might stop this happening. Isn’t going to. Nothing is. It’s the only thing she has that I want, and – I reach for some of the hair, twisting it in my fingers lightly – it’s the only thing I’m willing to risk pissing her brother off for.
She grumbles about something and shifts her body, pulling her legs up tight to her chest. That’s not going to work either. I tug a little harder on her hair with one hand, bringing her back to me, and reach for her hip with the other. Her body goes rigid the second she realises what’s going on. Makes me smile and tuck her in tight to me, my fingers running the length of her exposed legs and lace knickers.
Lace. Been a long time since I’ve felt anything as fine as that under my fingers. Makes me concentrate on the feeling of it for a few minutes, enjoying the sensation. Soft skin, classy perfume, and lace. I like it. Add in her attitude and smarts, and I’m ready to get balls deep in this expensive pussy.
I groan as she moves around a little and nudges my cock. It’s almost hostile at the thought of fucking. Good. She needs to know what she’s agreed to. I’m not usually a gentle guy, and this isn’t a commitment of any sort other than a payment in kind.
My hand reaches around the front of her, fingers delving inside the lace that’s keeping her covered. She’s quiet as a mouse as I move them lower and play around. No moving, no spreading her legs. Just still and quiet. Fine by me. I don’t need her to enjoy it, nor do I care if she gets herself off.
Actually, yes, I do. For once, and because this is a Broderick princess, I do give a fuck about that. I want to know she's come for me. Want to know my background, and the hands forged from that, cause a reaction in her privileged existence.
I spread her legs for her and tuck my arm under her neck, making sure she stays exactly where I want her. No objection from her but no interest either.
“You gonna pretend you don’t like fucking?” I murmur. She stays quiet, keeps herself still and rigid. “I like fucking. I like my cock deep inside pussy, like to feel the silk of come all over me.” She whimpers as I push a finger straight inside her, and then she squirms when I start rolling my thumb over her clit softly. “Didn’t think I’d know what to do, did you?” Her head shakes under my arm, fist going up to her mouth. “You can moan, you know. Or talk. I like a talker.” My face runs through her hair, mouth going for her shoulder, as I keep strumming and delving about inside her. “Do you even know what dirty is, Neve?”
“Oh, God,” drops from her mouth.
She moves, tries getting away from me. Not happening.
I’ve got a cock to get inside her.
