Unbreakable Bonds of the Heart

Chapter 2

"Oh, Naya , I am so freaking happy right now, I'm marrying the man of my dreams and want nothing else except children"Tammy turned to Naya thank you for all the work you're doing, and I know that Father tried to pay you what you usually charge and that you wouldn't accept"

Reaching into her purse she pulled out a check and tried to hand it to Naya .

"I already told your father no,Tammy and I meant it, you're my best friend and I'm happy you chose me to be your wedding planner"

"But-“

"No I don't want more money, I want my best friend to be happily married with at least three children for me to spoil" Naya laughed

"Well what a sight, Pippin has returned" Briggs mocked from the door way. He had been watching them for a minute and was surprised to see Naya refuse the money Tammy had offered. But then again, she was maid-of-honor and Tammy 's best friend.

She didn't want to seem greedy too soon, there was still time. "Ive been back for two months" Naya said looking at the magazine in her hand. Mad again that Tammy had talked her into coming.Tammy had asked Naya to organize an engagement party and that's why she was here so close to Briggs again after ten years.

When she'd rather be skydiving with no parachute. She was still embarrassed at the accusations he'd made to her and of the way she had melted into his kiss. She had had a huge crush on Briggs when she was younger and had always wanted him to notice that she wasn't a little girl anymore.

The reason her dress for the party had been so short. And the one time he had noticed, it had turned into the worst day of her life since her father had died and she found out her mother was sick.

"Where's Michael?"Tammy asked "He ran to his office to get something for you" Briggs sat behind his desk "Ill be right back"Tammy rushed out the office leaving her alone with Briggs.

Naya could feel his eyes boring into her but wouldn't look at him.

"What made you come back?" he asked suddenly

"I was missing home Naya stated

"After ten years, you missed home?" Briggs Snorted

“Yes and my mother is sick" she said meeting his eyes. No one else knew that Naya's mum was sick, not even Tammy .

"Tm sorry to hear that, I hope she'll be okay" Tears burned her eyes and she blinked them “Please don't tell Tammy , it would upset her" tear rolled down her face. Naya's mum had been like a mother to Tammy too, and had made Naya swear she wouldn't tell Tammy .

Swearing Briggs came around the desk and handed her tissue. I won't tell Tammy " he said Is it serious?" Naya nodded her head “Breast cancer" the tears rolled faster Briggs pulled her up out of her chair and into his arms "is there anything they can do?"

"They want to operate, but insurance wont pay for all of it" Briggs stiffened “How much is needed?"

He didn't even blink when she named the amount. A plan formed in his mind as he held Naya in his arms as she calmed down. She needed a large amount of money, and he wanted to know what she was up to, so he had the perfect arrangement.

Pulling away from her he said “Tammy will be back any moment, so go wash your face before she thinks I made you cry, "He rolled his eyes making her laugh. “ And don't worry about your mother, I have an idea" When Naya would have asked questions Briggs held up his hand "Just go freshen up, and leave everything to me" he pushed her towards the in-suite bathroom.

Smiling as she closed the door. He had her exactly where he wanted her. It was only a matter of time before she showed her true colors.

He frowned: she still smelled like cinnamon still and that aroused him faster then the most expensive perfume.

Naya washed her face and reapplied her lipstick. She wasn't sure what made her tell Briggs about her mother, but when he had coldly asked her why she came back, she broke.

In the past Briggs had always tried to help her and Tammy with anything he could, and apparently he wanted to forget the awful night ten years ago.

That was fine with her; she had tried to forget it too. Sighing deeply she pasted a smile on her face and went back into the office where Tammy and Michael had just wallked in. sitting back down she switched to business and started planning Tammy 's engagement party.

"Oooh, that means new dresses for us!"Tammy exclaimed poking Naya "Yes, it means hours in a shop with you as you try on numerous dresses" Naya sighed

“Hey, you need a new dress too"Tammy said glaring at Briggs as he laughed

"Do you remember the dresses we wore for our graduation party?" Briggs tensed up not wanting to hear about that night “yes" he said reluctantly

"Naya designed them and papa had them made for us"Tammy turned to Naya

I would love it if you designed another one for me, papa will have it made just like before"Tammy grabbed Naya 's hand And of course we'l pay for it right Michael?" her fiancé nodded.

Naya had not heard the last part she was mentally going through the designs at she had already drew up at home. And a dress that screamed Tammy popped into her mind.

"0f course if that's what you want, come over later and Ill show you some designs, or you can tell me what you want"

Tammy squealed and threw her arms around Naya “Im so glad you're home"

Over Tammy 's shoulder Briggs was looking at her as if she was something on the bottom of his expensive shoe.

Her phone rang "Excuse me" she wallked to the huge windows overlooking Central Parkand answered her phone. Sighing when she heard Mrs. Harriman- Smyth's voice.

It was ten minutes before she could hang up the phone.

Turning she smiled sadly "T'm sorry but there's a major problem that needs fixing, I have to go" she picked up her purse and kissed Tammy “Call me and let me know what you want to do about your dress" waving bye to Briggs and Michael she left. Feeling Briggs's gaze hard on her.

Once she was gone Briggs got to his feet "Sorry kids, I have something important to do feel free to stay here" grabbing his coat he left too. Russo had called before the meeting and said he found something interesting.

Whatever it was Briggs was going to use it to his advantage. In the elevator he could still smell her cinnamon scent and wanted to kiss her again. The last kiss had been earth shattering; he wondered how she kissed now.

Four hours later Briggs was knocking on Naya 's door. Russo had uncovered some interesting information. Naya had left a rich boyfriend behind, Blake Westby, when he wouldn't buy her a bigger shop. And she had accepted a check for a large sum from Blake's father, apparently to buy a home in New York. Looking around the neighborhood he had to admit that she had picked a nice area to live.

He owned a home down the street for his overseas emnployees who come to work at the company's headquarters.

Blake had warned Briggs not to get involved with such a money hungry Woman.

"Briggs? What are you doing here?" Naya asked her hazel eyes wide and innocent. She must have just gotten out the shower; her hair was damp and curly around her face. She wore a simple t-shirt, with a cartoon character on it, and a matching pair of shorts. She had the sexiest legs, he thought, imagining them wound around his hips or shoulders, her hazel eyes dark with passion, her full lips open as she gasped his name.

He had to have her at least until this want for her ran its course.

"I came to talk to you about your mother's surgery" he said the first thing coming to his mind and regretted it as soon as her eyes darkened in worry.

"Come in" she stepped back from the door.

Walking past her, he inhaled deeply, cinnamon was starting to be his favorite smell. Following her into a large living room he looked around, surprised to see mannequins in various stages of dress. Huge rolls of fabric in different colors lay against wall, and two tables were littered with drawings and rolled up pieces of paper.

"Sorry about the mess, now you know what a slob I can be," she said with her back to him as she straightened papers and placed them inside a portfolio “Tammy thinks it's hilarious that calm, organized, quiet Naya is such a lousy house cleaner" she laughed nervously as she reached up to place the portfolio into a space on the bookcase, giving a wonderful few of her body in profile.

She was made for pleasure; he repeated the angry words he had said to her. But damn if he wasn't right.

I have a plan to help your mother" he said quickly She turned to him “what?" she'd agree to just about anything to save her mother.

“Simple I want you to become my mistress"

Naya 's mouth dropped open in shock, surely she was imagining things “What?" she croaked out.

He glared at her I want you to be my mistress, agree and I will give you the money for Naya's operation"

Naya closed her eyes in grief. There was a time when she would have jumped to be with him, would have pulled out her fingernails just for a smile from his handsome face.

But that time had passed. She had grown up and would not let her lust for him over weigh common sense.

If she agreed her mother would get the surgery she needed, but Naya would get her heart broken by the too handsome man that stood in front of her. His hair was as black as hers, and was a little too long but she liked it.

His dark blue eyes were burning into her awaiting her decision. He really left her no choice she loved her mom and would do anything for those she loved.

"What would I tellTammy ?" she asked stalling

Briggs shrugged his shoulders "I don't see how it's any of her business, but tell her you just couldn't resist my charm"

Naya shook her head how about you couldn't resist my charms?" His broad shoulders shrugged

"Whatever you wish, so do we have a deal?"

Naya frowned «How long?" she needed to know how long until her heart broke

“Tammy gets married in April; we'll call it off after she leaves for her honeymoon, that way you're not worried about her being upset on her wedding day"

Six months, Naya sighed “then I agree" what choice did she have? Briggs' smile was heart stopping

"Perfect I'll have my lawyers draw up a contract, and PIl add enough money for you to open your own shop" he could afford to be generous; he was getting open use of her sexy body.

"I only need the money for my mother, no more" she had pride and she would make the money for her shop herself.

Briggs shrugged again “Whatever, just one more thing Naya ," his eyes turned hard "There will be no children, this is a temporary situation and I have no need or wish for a child, so don't think that getting pregnant will make me keep you"

“And I have no wish or need to have your child, besides I'm on birth control so don't worry" Still, he would make sure to use to protection every time he took her beautiful body. On the way home he'd buy more condoms.

"ll call you tomorrow when the contract is done," he walked to the door "One more thing, I expect monogamy, I don't share well with others"

"You don't think very highly of me do you?" she asked leaning against the door janm as he stepped out into the crisp night, her eyes sad.

"Do you think highly of me?" he asked back surprised he was anxious to hear her answer.

"Yes, I do. I think you are a wonderful big brother, a genius in the business world and back when you liked me I thought you were a hero" with that she closed the door.

Stunned Briggs stood there dazed for a moment, but quickly shookit off.

She was trying to confuse him, but he already knew exactly what she was and there was nothing she could say to change that.

Naya leaned against the closed door, her heart beating wildly. She had just agreed to a deal with the devil. And she couldn't wait to feel his body on hers.

A package was delivered to Naya early the next mnorning by courier. It was the contract Briggs had his lawyer draw up. Reading through it quickly, she frowned when she came to the part detailing the amount she would receive when they were done.