The Heiress (Book 2 of the Forbidden Series)

4

The sun shone through Layla’s bedroom windows. She rolled out of her king-sized bed and strolled over to the large French doors that opened out onto a small terrace overlooking the gardens below. The sun was warm against her skin, and she stretched taking in a deep breath. She loved the way the fresh, crisp winter air smelled.

Layla went back inside and took a seat at her vanity. She picked up the silver handled hairbrush and combed out the tangles from the night. She stood up and walked over to her closet where she pulled open the double doors exposing the large walk-in space. She stepped inside and began to go through her wardrobe to select her clothes for the day. She chose a short black, and yellow skirt and a long white vest styled shirt with a thick black belt that went well with her new leathered boots.

Layla tied up her hair in two braids and headed downstairs for breakfast. She trotted down the stairs and into the huge stainless-steel kitchen where her parents were already sitting at the breakfast table. Her father was drinking his morning coffee and reading the paper. “Morning Daddy.” She said kissing his cheek. “Morning Mama,” Layla said grabbing a bowl from the cupboard and pouring herself some cereal.

“Don’t forget that we’re expecting company today. Nick and Jeff are flying in this afternoon.” David said over his coffee. “That reminds me we need to have Beth make up the extra guest rooms.”

Layla cringed and hoped no one noticed, Jeff would be there soon and she would be forced to deal with him. He was the youngest son of her grandmother’s best friend who had married her father’s lifelong friend back before they had made it big. They flew in often and always stayed on the estate. It was one of the reasons they had started fooling around, to begin with, geographic convenience. She regretted it now. Now there was no way to avoid him; she would only have to pray Jeff would behave himself.

By late afternoon Layla was sitting out on the patio sipping margaritas and playing cards with her friends. Her uncle had taught her how to play poker, and she was up three hounded dollars when Jeff and his brother arrived. Layla groaned inwardly when Jeff and his older brother Nick stepped out onto the patio and greeted everyone.

As always both were fashionably dressed. Nick looked more like his mother with his dark hair and pale complexion. Whereas Jeff took after his father, with bright blue eyes and wavy blond hair. They both were not too tall, and Jeff was the better looking of the two and arrogant to boot. Everyone was happy to see each other as they always were. As usual, they horsed around while their parents socialized among themselves.

Jeff settled into the empty seat next to Layla with a smug smile. “Hello, beautiful.”

“Hello.” She said with little enthusiasm in her voice.

“Don’t be so happy to see me.”

“My apologies if I seem rude.” She said with a forced smile. He wasn’t a bad guy just not good with rejection.

“I have brought you a belated birthday gift.” He said reaching into his designer coat pocket removing a long velvet box.

Layla accepted the box with what she hoped was a grateful smile and opened it up. Inside was a stunning diamond necklace. “Thank you, Jeff, it’s lovely.” She said closing the box.

Nick was the next to present her with a gift. He had been carrying a gift bag, and as he took his seat, he placed it on the table in front of her. “I believe it should fit.” He smiled as she opened the bag and reached inside. Layla removed a designer dress that had just been released in the fall collection of a hot Paris designer. It was a light, breezy fabric that draped beautifully in a stunning emerald colour. “I was seeing this model in France, and she claims this guy is all the rage right now. You should be the hottest thing on the red carpet.” Nick said satisfied with the smile on Layla’s face.

“It is gorgeous I’ll wear it tonight.”

After a few drinks, they all decided to spend the rest of the day poolside. Layla lounged poolside with Jill and Kim while some of the others swam and splashed in the water. Her parents and their friends were down in the lower levels spending their time in the studio rooms. They often spent hours jamming and reminiscing when they all got together, giving her and her brother free rein of the house. The afternoon sun beat down bathing her body in warmth through the glass. It was an unusually warm day for late January. Relaxing back in her padded lounge chair she watched Eric’s boys tackle two of her model friends in the pool lifting the thin women on their shoulders and dropping them back in the water.

Dane was poolside squatting on the edge and flirting with the ladies in the skimpiest little bikini she’d ever seen. Dane always did well with the fairer s*x since he looked very much like their father, with his dark eyes and hair. His buddies stood off to the side chuckling at whatever her brother might have been saying. Layla closed her eyes and enjoyed the feel of the sun on her body. Images of her erotic evening with Alexander running through her mind, curving the corners of her full mouth in a satisfied smile. He was so sinfully handsome and so very good at what he did, but she felt so unsatisfied. If only he had not run off.

Kim tapped Layla on the shoulder. “Layla, you have an admirer.”

Her eyes opened to find Jeff standing in her light. He was three years older than her, but they had often played as children. When Layla went through puberty and developed her figure, his attention had changed from playing tag to playing doctor.

He was a handsome enough man; his pale blond hair whisked in his eyes. “Come swim with us.” He asked taking Layla’s hand.

“Jeff no, I’ll get my hair wet.” She protested as he flung her over his shoulder and tossed her into the water. She screamed as she fell and he leapt in after her the splash raining down on Jill and Kim. The girls squealed and jumped from their chairs.

***

Alexander watched from the yard outside the patio wall. The pool was behind glass separating him from them. It was a metaphor for his place in her world. Layla lived in a picture-perfect place with beauty and wealth everywhere. Not a care in the world, she wanted for nothing. Alexander stood on the outside, an outcast, allowed a glimpse but separated by an invisible wall that kept him out. He had done the right thing when he left her room last night. Regardless of how frustrating it had been after. He had a difficult time sleeping and had gotten up early in the morning hours to bathe and start his duties. He should not have let things go so far, but he could not change them now. It had been the most exhilarating experience when Layla touched him.

He had offended her last night because this morning she had walked right past him late that morning blowing him off in front of her friends. Ignoring him completely as if he had not even been there, as though nothing had occurred between them.

Annoyed Alexander shrugged it off, it was the way of the world, and he should be happy she was so ready to let it go, but the hypocrisy still bothered him. People like him were often good enough to employ as servants, good enough to sneak around with, but not to acknowledge. He both hated Layla and craved her; she was a stunning woman by any standard, able to break a man’s will. He needed to focus on something else, or he would drive himself crazy.

The sweat from his forehead dripped into his eye. Alexander used his sleeve to wipe the sweat from his brow and neck. It was unusually warm as he shovelled the excess snow and ice off the lower levels of the outside stone patio. The work was vigorous as he chipped away the ice. He took the handle of the tool and rammed it hard against the ice patches over and over slowly chipping away at the task.

***

Layla climbed from the pool, water dripping from her body as she reached for her towel. Noticing that her female guest’s attention was focused on things other than the pool she dried her hair and Layla pushed her way through the small group of ladies to see what was so captivating. Her question was answered immediately when she spotted Alexander in the distance his coat draped over a chair as he worked. His muscles flexed with each strained movement of his landscaping task.

“Now there’s a man I wouldn’t mind seeing soaking wet.” Commented one girl, licking her lips.

“I wish my house servants looked that yummy.” Giggled another.

“You never said your dad hired the Mob boy.” Kim pouted, recognizing him from the club two nights ago.

“Mob boy?” Questioned one of her model friends.

“We saw him two nights ago at a ladies’ night show; he was a mobster, damn good show too.” Jill smiled.

Layla cast a scolding glare her direction. She was sure Alexander had not wanted his night job advertised to the world. It would only be a matter of time now before all the guest knew.

“Really?” Blushed Linda, daughter to one of her mother’s bandmates, and a complete hussy. “I’d like to mess with that mobster.” She took her wrap from the lounge chair and slipped into her shoes. Linda picked up a still full glass of Coke. Layla watched as Linda strolled toward the glass door leading out to the patio with a sly grin. “He looks warm; we should offer the poor boy a refreshment.”

Layla watched as Linda sashayed over to Alexander. Strangely Layla felt irritated; a slight possessiveness crept over her. She wanted to pull that trashy little hussy’s hair and toss her out. Dismissing it as a petty rivalry, she pretended not to care. Arms folded across her chest Layla glared at the sight before her.

***

Alexander startled as he felt soft silky fingers gliding over his shoulder. “I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to give you a start.” The lovely blonde smiled flirtatiously, her breast barely contained by her tiny black top. She held her arm out offering him a drink. “You looked as if you could use this.”

Thirsty he accepted graciously and sipped the beverage. Sighing Alexander handed back the empty glass. “Thank you.”

“You are very welcome.” She said taking the glass back and shivered. “It’s cold out don’t you think?” She asked moving closer to him for warmth.

Alexander smirked at her obvious attempt to seduce him. What woman in her right mind came out in a bikini even when it was this warm? “Yes, it is. You should go back inside before you freeze.”

“You look as if you could use a break.” She hinted hoping to steal him away for a few minutes.

“I have a lot of work; I’ll rest at supper. Thank you for your concern.” He declined.

***

Layla smiled triumphantly at Linda’s defeat. He had not fallen for her, in a strange way it comforted her competitive nature, but her good mood changed when Linda pulled a dirty underhanded trick. Pretending to turn her ankle she fell into Alexander’s arms. Alarmed he scooped her up in his arms and carried her inside the house. Linda smiled and winked at the watching ladies poolside over his shoulder as they disappeared inside.

Layla slipped into the hot tub annoyed by Linda’s success with Alexander. Why had she not tried something underhanded like that? Well, she was distracted with her thoughts Jeff took the liberty of grabbing Layla’s arm and pulling her close to him in the hot tub. His grip was forceful, and Layla glared at him over the top of her sunglasses. “Hey, that hurts.” She whimpered, trying to pry his hand off her bicep.

“What is with the trash?” He snipped nodding toward where Alexander had been working. “I saw the way you were looking at him. Are you diddling the help now?”

“I don’t know what you are talking about, and he is not trash.” She defended Alexander trying to pull her arm away. “And even if I was it’s none of your business.”

“What are you doing with that guy? You can do so much better.” Jeff said innuendo-laced his tone.

“I’m not doing anything, and there is nothing wrong with him. He would suit me just fine.”

“Why do you fight us so much? We look good together, we come from the same walk of life, and your father adores me. I could give you so much more than that bozo.” Jeff reminded her sliding his hand over Layla’s shoulder.

The intimate touch made her shudder with disgust. She hated his arrogance; it was one of the major things that turned her off of him. “Perhaps the bozo is better in bed.” She heard Alexander’s silky voice from above them. They both looked up, and Layla moved to climb out of the hot tub and stand behind Alexander thankfully separating her from Jeff as he climbed out and glared at Alexander for interfering.

“Stay out of this boy, get back to work before I tell your boss you are slacking off.” Jeff threatened.

Alexander postured squaring his broad shoulders and rising to his full size which was far larger than Jeff. “Miss. Thompson doesn’t look like she wants your attention, perhaps you should go play water volleyball.” Jeff eyed Alexander with abhor. “Perhaps you should find someone else to harass.”

“I think you should get lost.” Jeff hissed.

Suddenly Alexander’s eyes narrowed, and his voice took on a menacing tone of warning. “I care little about what you think, but I will tell you this. I spent my whole life in the ghetto, and it would be no problem to deal with the likes of you. So, if you are as smart as you seem to believe you are you will keep your hands off the girls. I would hate for us to have… a misunderstanding.”

Jeff looked unfazed by the implied threat. He shrugged it off and looked out over the others playing in the adjoining pool as he casually said. “I see you think you are tough. Sure, you may be bigger than me, but you don’t scare me in the lease.” He said calmly turning his smile back on them. “But I’m going, for now, but this is far from over.” He said walking away.

Once he was out of earshot, Alexander turned to Layla. “What a jerk. He is got some guts though I’ll give him that. I didn’t expect him to have a backbone.”

***

David Thompson stalked his bedroom floor while his young wife dressed for dinner. “Did you see the way she was looking at that boy?” He grumbled. He had unfortunately noticed the looks his pretty little daughter had been giving the hired hand all afternoon, and he did not like them one bit. It made him greatly uncomfortable to think she was interested in a man like that. Even worse he had seen the looks the boy had given Layla earlier that day.

“He is a young firm male body darling all the girls were gawking at him.” His wife laughed as she pulled on her blue dress.

“I don’t care what the other girls do; I care about what Layla does. A guy like that could be a problem. What if he decides to sink his hooks into our impressionable daughter? That boy has gigolo written all over him.”

“You are overreacting darling.” Kat sighed while David zipped up the back of her dress. “The boy is harmless, and even if Layla was to entertain the idea of a relationship with the boy I’m sure it would barely be a fling she is far too frivolous to settle for anyone longer than a passing fancy.”

“I don’t like it. I don’t want him eating with us. There is no need to associate with him after all he is just the help.”

Kat spun around and shot her husband a scolding glare. “David Thompson how cruel. We associate with the rest of the help it would be intolerable cruelty to single the poor boy out simply because Layla smiled at him. He will eat with us, and you will be polite.” She warned.

“Why can’t she be interested in someone with some substance like Jeff? I would love it if those two hooked up.” David whined, annoyed by his daughter’s lack of interest in his pick. “Alex is a biker for the love of God.”

“That doesn’t mean a thing.”

“Why do girls always go for the wrong guy?”

“My dad asked the same question when he found out about you.” She teased.

“Oh, hush that was different.” David protested.

“You are right; Alexander’s not twenty years older than Layla or your best friend.”

“That is not fair.” David scolded.

“All I’m saying is it could be worse. Just leave it alone.” Kat kissed him and smiled. “Now let’s go join the others for dinner.”

***

Dinner was served late into the evening. After a long day of physical work, Rolland had taken Alexander aside and given him a large box. Inside he found a well-tailored suit. “I do hope it fits.” The old man said taking a seat on the single bed to rest his bones. He was already smartly dressed in a deep grey suit.

“This is for me?” Alexander asked taking the suit from the box.

“A welcoming gift from Mrs. Thompson, so that you fit in at dinner,” Rolland explained. “She figures that you are approximately the same size as her husband, so she guessed as to the size.”

“Dinner.” Alexander frowned. “I don’t think I should. I get the feeling not too many people around here like me… after all, I’m just the help.”

“Don’t let the young ones deceive you. They were born rich and spoiled. Mr. and Mrs. Thompson are more old school; they are not defined by class barriers. Both were very poor as children so when the work is done; we are all friends in this house. You will take dinner with the rest of us.” That was easy for him to say he had been with them from the get-go.

Alexander sat beside Rolland and ran his hand over the fine material of the suit. It must have been very expensive. “How poor exactly are we talking?” He asked a little curious as to his employer’s background.

“David was the eldest of five in a two-bedroom trailer home all his childhood,” Rolland whispered with a wink. “But you did not hear it from me. It just goes to show if you work hard you can make anything happen.” Rolland slapped Alexander’s knee and slowly stood up his joints cracking and popping with the effort. “So, get dressed my boy and come on up.” He left Alexander’s small room. Alexander took the rest of the suit from the box and began to change.

Alexander had changed in record time and gone up to the main floor. He was at the bottom of the main staircase when he spotted Layla at the top. She had changed out of the sexy little school girl number and into an elegant emerald green designer dress. She wore a beautiful diamond necklace and earrings. Her hair was done up in a stylish configuration at the crown of her head. She was a vision of beauty that took his breath away.

When she reached the bottom of the stairs, she playfully took his arm folding her hand over his forearm. “Wonderful an escort.” She grinned. “Do you mind?” Layla was stunning he found himself speechless. Finding no harm in simply walking her to dinner, Alexander escorted Layla into the large dining room.

The room was beautifully decorated in a style he could not place. Not being an interior designer, he knew little about fine things. There were paintings on the walls and fine dark wood furniture. The chairs were plush a dark red wine colour. The lights hung in what seemed like contemporary chandeliers. Fine china was set at the table, and the food smelled wonderful.

Layla chose the seats closest to her parents and looked at Alexander for a moment before he realized she was waiting for him to pull out her chair. Layla sat, and Alexander took the seat next to hers feeling awkward. It was one thing to deal with her pampered friends, but sitting there under her father’s scrutinizing gaze, he felt the collar of his shirt becoming tighter.

The meal began, and he was thankful the conversation took on a life of its own. He had been spared the awkward ‘getting to know you’ conversation that came with meeting people. If he sat quietly, perhaps he could get through the whole meal without having to say anything. The conversation had moved from reminiscing to business, and then to the plans of the younger generation gathered.

They talked about upcoming summer plans and vacation plans, then the woman he remembered Layla addressing as Pam spoke up to rave about her sons. “Nick is going back abroad next year to do another semester in Paris.”

“What can I say?” Nick shrugged. “It is beautiful over there I can’t seem to get it out of my system.”

Pam smiled warmly at him and then patted Jeff’s hand proudly. “And Jeff here was just transferred to Harvard Law.”

“Harvard?” David piped up sounding very impressed. “You must get your smarts from your mother.” He teased. David turned his attention to his daughter. “It appears we will have a lawyer amongst our musical bunch.”

Layla swallowed her food and forced a polite smile in her father’s direction. “That is wonderful.” She said.

“You know a successful lawyer can provide quite a lavish lifestyle, especially if you aspire to the bench. Don’t you think so Layla?” She nodded. Alexander now understood what Layla had meant; her father had hopes that she would eventually settle down with his friend’s son. It was easy to see why Jeff felt encouraged to pursue her even when she turned him down.

“And what is it you do when you are not here Alexander?” He heard her father ask and he almost choked on his food. He had hoped to be overlooked, but instead, he now faced a question he was not sure how to answer. He couldn’t very well say he stripped.

“Me? Um… I do some things; you know whatever strikes me.” He said elusively hoping it was enough to satisfy his curiosity. He was sure her father was only speaking to him out of courtesy, not actual interest.

“Like?” David asked insisting on an answer.

Alexander looked around the table at all the faces looking back at him awaiting an answer, but how honest should he be? The apprehension in Layla’s eyes was answer enough, warning him to keep his secrets. “I rebuild engines during the days, play pool, frequent clubs… dance.”

Kim chuckled at his obvious attempt to hide his true background only to be kicked under the table by Layla. Layla shot her friend a warning glare, and she stuffed a forkful of potato into her mouth.

David eyed the three of them suspiciously, and Alexander felt his collar grow tighter once more. “Yes, I recall you mentioning something like that. You dance for fun?”

“I… um…” He didn’t know what to say, but he felt suddenly hot with all eyes on him.

“He is a dance instructor.” Layla jumped in. “He told me so this morning.” The smile on her face seemed to have a calming effect on him but brought a grimace to her father’s face.

“A dance instructor isn’t that nice dear; he is a performer like us.” Kat grinned trying to lighten the mood.

“He is nothing like us,” David said half to himself as he cut his steak.

“Daddy.” Layla snapped at his rude remark.

David growled and placed his silverware on his plate. “Don’t Daddy me missy. This is still my house, and I’ll speak my mind if I wish. I expected better from you then to take sides against me for some halogen that is more likely to need bail money then to show up to work on time.” He snapped.

“David!” His wife gasped with horror at his outrageous behaviour. “I’m sorry Alexander, it’s just that-”

“Don’t apologize to him, I mean exactly what I say. Do you want her to end up with w*********h?”

Alexander wiped his mouth with his napkin and threw it on his plate. He had lost his appetite. He was used to being disliked by fathers, but he did not have to sit there and take this blatant abuse over a woman he wasn’t even sleeping with. Obviously, David had an issue with the way his daughter looked at him. It wouldn’t be the first time. At least he could keep a shred of pride. Alexander pushed back his chair and rose to his feet; he noted the smug, satisfied smile on Jeff’s face. He turned his attention to Kat and shook her hand. “Mrs. Thompson it was a pleasure, you have a beautiful home and a lovely family.” He could have gotten indignant about the obvious insult, but Alexander was raised better than that. He might have come from the ghetto, but even he knew how to be civilized.

“Oh, thank you, but Alexander, please sit and finish your meal.” She asked gesturing for him to take a seat.

“I’m afraid I have overstayed my welcome as it is. I don’t wish to ruin your evening further. If you will excuse me, I have previous obligations this evening.” He nodded to the others at the table. “Good-night.”

***

Layla was outraged at her father’s behaviour. She had not expected him to be arrogant and for no reason at all. She had never known him to be so terribly mean to anyone before. He had gone out of his way to drive Alexander off. “David that was uncalled for.” Her mother scolded.

Layla threw her napkin on the table and stood up in a huff. “Where do you think you are going?” Her father asked picking up his fork once more.

“I have lost my appetite.” She snarled. “I think I shall go see if Alexander requires any bail money. After all, someone should apologize to him.”

“Let him go.” Her father ordered as she stormed out of the dining room. Layla went out the front doors and found Alexander’s bike still parked out front. He had not left yet. She waited a moment, and Alexander came out the front doors dressed in his old torn jeans and his leathered coat again. She had to admit he cleaned up well but it was this roguish look that looked best on him. She smiled apologetically at him as he came down the steps and stood before her.

“I apologize for my father; he is not normally so rude. I don’t understand what came over him.” She said leaning back against the seat of his bike.

“I understand perfectly what has come over him. Like any other father, he doesn’t want the likes of me around his baby girl. Let’s face it I’m not exactly what parents dream of when they picture a lover for their princess.” Alexander shrugged, surprisingly good-natured about the whole thing.

“It still doesn’t excuse it.” Layla watched him pick up his helmet. “Does this mean you quit?” She asked, worried that her father’s behaviour had been too much.

Alexander tucked the helmet under his arm, and he reached out to stroke her hair. She felt a shudder of pleasure flutter through her as he looked at her. “I’m afraid not Princess; I need the money. That is if he lets me come back on the property.”

“My offer still stands, we could make a deal.” She offered, still sure that the best way to discourage Jeff was to place Alexander square in his path.

“Keep your money.” He said pulling on his helmet. He picked her up and set her aside as he swung his leg over the seat and started the engine. The bike revved loudly, and he kicked up the kickstand. Alexander drove off leaving Layla standing alone in the driveway.

Layla rubbed her bare arms and sighed; she was sad to see him go. Alexander was a nice guy and more to the point she was stuck having to deal with Jeff on her own once more. Darn it why did her father have to be so bloody unreasonable?

“World’s first.” Mocked a familiar voice from the door. Layla groaned and turned around to see Jeff smugly leaning against the door jam. “The poor boy rejected the princess. Now I know he is crazy. Perhaps now you see the error of pursuing men outside your social class.”

“Mind your own business, Jeff.” She snapped heading back inside. She gasped as he grabbed her when she passed him and forced her to face him. His body uncomfortably closes to hers.

“You are my business, Layla.” He said quietly.

“Let me go,” she warned in a whisper, “before I call for my father.”

“You are going to be mine Layla; everyone here knows it but you. I could make you happy.”

“I doubt it. Let go now.” She said with more conviction. It took a moment, but he finally released her and Layla ran up the stairs and into her bedroom. She slammed the door and locked it behind her. Her room has become her only haven from Jeff’s unwanted advances.

***

Alexander walked into the house late after driving around for a while. He needed to calm himself down from dinner before facing his mother. He had parked his bike in the garage and entered the house quietly, trying not to wake his ailing mother. She had been scheduled for a round of chemo earlier that day, and it always left her weak and tired. He quietly slid the locks in to place and kicked off his boots.

Alexander hung up his jacket and headed into the living room where he found his mother sleeping in the old armchair. The television was still on, and the remote had fallen from her hand and slid under the coffee table. Alexander picked up the remote and turned off the television. He placed the CD he had brought back on the coffee table with the remote and then leaned over scooping his slumbering mother up in his arms holding her close. She rested her head against his shoulder and opened her eyes. “When did you get home?” She asked in a whisper.

“Just now.” He answered carrying her into her small bedroom. Her double bed took up most of the space in the room. He placed her gently on the bed and pulled the covers up over her before planting a kiss on the top of her head. “Go back to sleep.”

She reached out and squeezed his hand offering him a weak smile. “How was your first day?”

Alexander smiled and stroked her hair. “It was fine.” He said heading toward the door. “Get some sleep.” He closed the door behind himself and made his way to the tiny room he used for his own. Shutting his door, Alexander stripped off his clothes and crawled into bed. Lying on his back, he tried to get comfortable on the thirty-year-old mattress.

He had given up his apartment to free up extra money each month and to be around to care for his mother. He tossed and turned struggling with his conscience, should he go back? He was a proud man, but he had already swallowed so much of his pride to provide for his mother what was a little more?

Alexander could not help but feel a little guilty about Layla. Maybe he should reconsider his rash decision not to help her. Jeff, after all, had been fairly pushy, and Layla was far too innocent a girl to put him in his place. Alexander groaned and rolled onto his back; it was not his problem, he had to put the girl out of his mind. He opened his eyes and stared at the ceiling. Who was he kidding, he was going back.