Page 57 of Compelled Obedience

“Half-brother and no, I don’t know all the circumstances except for she went through some shit with her stepfather. I think there was a court battle. You’ll need to ask her. But don’t hurt her. She acts tough, but I’ve seen her almost crumble several times. I don’t know you at all, Mr. Wilde, but do yourself a favor. If you’re a friend, then thank you for being one. If you’re interested in more, know this. Casey comes first above everything else. If you can’t handle it, then walk away as soon as you can.”

“You’re wise beyond your years.”

She smiled then walked closer, rubbing her hand down Casey’s back. “You have to be, growing up in this side of LA.”

I watched Rebecca gather her things, giving me another look before heading out the door. When Casey put his arm around my neck, I realized I wasn’t certain what I’d gotten myself in the middle of. But one thing was certain.

I would do everything in my power to protect them both.

* * *

Kerri

As soon as I made it into the apartment building, I breathed a sigh of relief. Then I allowed my thoughts to drift to Grant. He’d left me alone the rest of the night, but I could feel his presence all around me. And I’d been able to feel the effects of the spanking the entire night in every dance move, every labored breath I’d taken.

Jesus. It was hot as fuck. The landlord was cutting costs again by not getting the fucking air conditioning fixed. I needed to move.

Where? Where can you go?

I hated my little voice almost as much as the man determined to raise my rent.

I’d danced my little head off, flirting with every male who came close, shocked I’d earned over three hundred dollars in one night. I wanted to do a little jig. Laughing, I had enough energy to take the stairs two at a time, eager to put the cash in my lock box that I had hidden in a very secure location in the apartment. I’d shoved the wad of bills into the bodice of my costume, grabbing my regular clothes since the spicy clothing definitely needed a spin in the washing machine.

After unlocking the door, I was surprised at the quietness inside. Usually by this time of night, Rebecca had turned on the television. I listened for any sound and when I didn’t see her, my anxiety skyrocketed. Thankfully, the windows were open, a lovely breeze flowing in through the screens.

Still, I sensed something was wrong. After closing and locking the door, I dumped my purse then flew to Casey’s room.

The moment I stepped foot inside, I went into a state of shock. I pressed my back to the wall, sliding down to the floor and wrapping my arms around my knees. A single tear slipped past my lashes to my cheek and it was one of the first times I didn’t wipe away my emotions as if they didn’t exist. I pressed the back of my hand across my lips and remained silent.

Very few things shocked me in this world. I’d seen and experienced too much in my twenty-seven years, but the sight of a powerful man like Grant Wilde lying in my brother’s twin bed, his muscular arm wrapped around my baby brother protectively was perhaps the most incredible sight I’d ever seen.

While the rebellious side of me wanted to be angry, even incensed, also horrified that my secret was out in the open, I couldn’t. I’d never seen Casey so comfortable, especially around a perfect stranger. I took a deep breath then realized my brother’s room would hold Grant’s scent for few days. It gave me a chuckle, enough so I pressed both hands against my mouth to keep from laughing out loud.

Then the way Grant’s muscles looked from where I was sitting drew my attention. He’d removed his jacket, rolling up the sleeves of his shirt, exposing glorious tattoos on one arm, the artwork so gorgeous he should never cover it up. Even his hair was tousled, which was something else unusual. He always appeared perfectly groomed and ready to take on the world.

My heart fluttered just looking at him, yet the ache remained. Now he knew my life was a direct opposite of his. Would or should that matter? I wasn’t entirely certain. We moved in such different circles, his world requiring different things. I was a girl from the wrong side of the tracks just like my mother. No amount of dressing me up would change that. I was shocked I was suddenly feeling sorry for myself. There was no need.

I’d done very well putting myself through college, finding a place in the world all on my own. I should be very proud.

Then why did the ache continue to furrow deep into my core?

Because you like the guy more than you should.

That was true enough. I did like Grant, including his dominating ways. I’d been allowed to see a different side of him when he’d believed me to be someone else. Maybe he had done some really bad things in his life, but that didn’t mean he wasn’t a good guy. What he’d done was a perfect example.

Wait a minute.

How had he gotten inside and where had Rebecca gone? I crawled up the wall, folding my arms. I should be angry with her for allowing him inside, except since he refused to take no for an answer, my guess was that she’d had no choice.

I paced back and forth, throwing the sleeping man a look every so often, startled that my nipples remained fully aroused, aching more than usual. After staring at the precious combination for a couple of minutes, I inched closer, trying to stay as quiet as possible. I hadn’t realized it before, but in small way, Casey looked like he could be Grant’s child.

“What are you doing?” I whispered out loud. The thought was ridiculous. Grant would never allow himself to be saddled with a child, especially one with issues. The usual sadness crept in, threatening to take away the beautiful moment that I wanted to savor as long as possible. I dared move a little closer, easing hair from Casey’s little face.

Then I felt a hard snap on my wrist, fingers digging into my skin. I had to fight to keep from making a noise.

Grant’s eyes were opened wide, the look in them catching me off guard. The man was ready for a fight, vowing to protect my brother with his life. I sensed it. I could feel the fire from his system flashing through mine. Only when he realized who I was did his facial muscles start to relax.

He remained quiet, a slight smile finally curling on his lips. Meanwhile, I was ready to die of embarrassment. When he let me go, he took a deep breath then slowly disengaged himself from the sleeping boy.

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