Taming Mr. Darcy: The Taming Series, #4

By Nia Arthurs

The only thing Alexi Reyes and her big sister Melody have in common is their love for chocolate and ice cream. Where Melody goes out of her way to be friendly, Lexi prefers the solitude of her laptop and the quiet of her apartment. She's independent, cool, and confident. And she definitely doesn't need anybody to be happy. But hiding from the world doesn't shield her from falling in love. And Lexi is completely unprepared for the sensation.

Video game designer, Andrew Darcy, has the last name of a literary heartthrob and the looks to go with it. He's in Belize for a few weeks, helping out at the station that Lexi's working for. He's reserved and arrogant, and Lexi feels an immediate dislike. Until he reveals his true colors and she finds the red tones of his generosity and yellow bursts of his kindness unendingly attractive. Lexi knows all there is to know about marriage and relationships. She's got a game plan for that time, whenever it comes. 

Can she keep her head on her shoulders when she's head over heels in love?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Nia Arthurs
• Release date: Jun 25, 2018
• ISBN: 9781386480778

Book preview

1

My fingers flew over the keyboard. Numbers and codes rushed before my eyes like millions of tiny soldiers scurrying to do my bidding. My phone rang in the distance but I ignored it. I was in the zone and I’d hate to pull out of my rhythm now.

The chiming stopped and I enjoyed the stillness, returning my full attention to the computer screen. I soaked in the silence the way a potato soaks in the rain.

Do potatoes soak in rain? I should do some research on that.

Just as my living room-slash-office settled into the quiet, my phone vibrated against the bookshelf and in an obnoxious tone sang: "I’m… too sexy for my shirt, too sexy for my shirt, too sexy it huuurts."

My fingers froze. I glanced at my smart phone as it danced to the annoying rhythm.

You have got to be kidding me.

I groaned and left my comfortable swivel chair to swipe the phone off. My sister’s beautiful face beamed up at me from the screen.

Melody

I should have known.

I answered and yelled, Really, Mel!

Melody giggled on the other end. Marriage and motherhood had done nothing to curb her weirdness. I had no idea how Spence put up with her.

I thought I’d try something new to get you to answer your phone the first time I call.

I rolled my eyes. Of the three Reyes sisters, Melody and Eryn got all the charisma. My eldest and youngest siblings were like supernovas. They were brilliant and energetic and sociable. Melody was adored by her friends and everywhere she went, she made new ones.

Eryn was only fifteen, but she attracted boys the way blood attracts sharks. My parents were having a field day warding off all her admirers.

"Melody, I’m working. Not all of us have rich husbands who can let us quit our jobs, you know."

Nearly seven years ago, Melody met her husband, Spencer, on a job assignment to the States. They bumped into each other when she got off the elevator. Spencer claims he fell in love with her from that first moment.

I believe him. Melody has broken many hearts, and she has absolutely no idea. Spencer was lucky enough to keep his heart intact and get the girl.

Hey! I’m working too. Melody protested. I’m writing an epic novel.

Yeah, yeah. I waved my hand dismissively though she could not see me. After returning to my swivel chair, I stuck my phone between my chin and my shoulder to keep it near my ears and focused on my program.

I don’t like your tone, Lexi. I’m still your older sister, and I can still kick your butt.

I grinned. Both Eryn and I had surpassed Melody in the height department. Melody hit her first growth spurt when she was twelve and then her body gave up and decided to stop trying.

Is that a threat?

Little Alexis let out a strangled cry in the background and Melody shushed her.

See? I cooed to my niece. Baby Alexis doesn’t like it when you threaten her favorite aunty.

Alexis Grace Braden was born three years ago. She was spoiled by her daddy, her grandparents, and her many aunts and uncles. The kid was going to become a monster of a brat if we didn’t let up.

Actually, I heard something brush against the phone and Alexis quit her wailing, she pronounced Eryn’s name properly last week.

I gasped. Ever since Alexis started talking, she’d been butchering our names. It was adorable and hilarious. It was also a competition to see who could teach her to say their names first, and it looked like I lost.

I sniffed. "Pepsi is her pet name for me, which proves that my niece loves me the best."

Melody laughed. I’m calling to remind you about Archie and Susan’s homecoming party.

Crapperdoodles. I’d completely forgotten.

Archie Hamilton danced into the Reyes home seven years ago. He wore a full beard and had colorful tattoos running up and down his arms and chest. He looked like the kind of guy my dad would rather die than let us bring home.

But Archie Hamilton was so much more than his outer appearance. Though he was introduced to our family because of Melody, he was adopted into our family because he’s just so darn awesome. Archie was the son my father never had.

Earlier on in our acquaintance, I’d had the biggest crush on him. I wasn’t as open about my feelings as Eryn and Melody would be, but I dropped little hints and even wrote him a Valentine’s Day card.

Unfortunately, Archie never acknowledged my affections and considered me his sister no matter what I did.

The crush died a quiet, unassuming death. It was a good thing too. Archie dated Susan for nearly three years and finally got married to her this summer right before Susan graduated with a Masters in Law.

For a while there, everyone thought that they’d live in the States so that Susan could open a practice. We were pretty psyched when Archie called from California and announced that he and Susan would be moving back to Belize soon.

Melody interpreted my long silence as guilt… which it sort of was.

You forgot?

I coughed. Uh—

Lexi, you’ve got to get off that computer long enough to live your life!

I dragged the phone from my ears as Melody began to rant about how I should stop being so anti-social and marry some random guy in order to give Alexis cousins to play with. I set the phone down and continued to type as she raged on.

I could see where Melody’s apprehension stemmed. When it came to social events, I instinctively bowed out. I enjoyed spending time with my family and even with Melody’s best friend Mia and her husband, Peyton.

But a big party? I heard that Archie’s dad, his mom and his step-dad were throwing it. There would be a ton of people I didn’t know and who I honestly didn’t care to know at this shindig. I am not excited.

Melody’s shrieking quieted, and I knew it was my cue. I hear you, Mel. I hear you.

I could almost envision her narrowed eyes and gritted teeth. Grr…

Pepsi! Alexis squealed.

Alexis says ‘hi’, Melody grumbled.

Hi baby!

Pepsi!

I smiled. Pepsi should pay the kid to star in an international campaign. They’d make millions.

Don’t think I’m distracted. Melody’s voice was firm. Put on the dress we bought six years ago for your prom or something. I don’t care, but get yourself down to Queen’s Hotel at seven sharp, do you hear me?

"Yes, mom."

Love you.

I sighed. I love you too.

Lexi…

Yeah? I asked, expecting my sister to apologize for her bossiness.

Don’t wear the prom dress. That was just a joke.

I shook my head. Big sisters rarely apologized for anything.

Okay. I ended the call.

My head thudded already, and I hadn’t even gone to the party yet. I tried to delve back into my code but I couldn’t. Melody and Alexis had totally blown my concentration and now I was freaking out about what to wear tonight.

I saved my program and closed my laptop. I worked for Belizean schools and businesses fixing computer networks, handling network security and creating databases for banks, credit unions, and government departments.

The analytical programming side of me paid the bills, but my passion was creating cartoon animation. So far, I’d published a few short animes about an intergalactic female warrior who could shape shift.

I fell in love with Japanese animation when I was fourteen. Telling my own stories was a dream of mine. I was never going to get rich off it but who gets rich off their dreams these days?

I’m too sexy for my shirt, too sexy for my shirt, too sexy it huuurts.

I groaned and stood.

Melody again?

Would my big sister ever stop bossing me around?

Poor Alexis. I might have to kidnap her from her mama and go raise her on a llama farm or something. I would never boss her around. I would let her roam free in the grass and learn the ways of the llama.

Sighing lightly, I picked up the phone. You know I’m going to change that ringtone.

I’ll change it right back, Melody said. I’m coming over.

What? Why?

You have nothing in your closet and it’s unfair of me to bother you if I’m not willing to help you out.

Mel…

I’ve called Mia. She’s coming too. Evana will take care of the shop while she’s gone.

Mia Johnson—Mia Lowry now, was Melody’s best friend since childhood. I’d always had a rock star view of Mia. She was raunchy, rude and pretty messed up, but I admired her dedication to being open instead of hiding behind pious behavior.

Mia was a lot calmer now that she was a citizen of the Kingdom, but the girl used to be a wreck and I loved it.

No one in my family understood the way I struggled with my faith. I could always hide behind Melody’s exuberance and dedication. Sometimes, I wondered if the Kingdom lifestyle was worth it. It had been a journey to decide for myself, but I finally did. Sort of.

Do what you have to do, I said. It made no sense arguing with my sister. She’d bulldoze over all of my objections and do what she wanted anyway.

We’ll be there in fifteen.

She and Mia were there in ten.

My sister’s friends all looked like models. I’m not even kidding. Mia wore a sleeveless white turtleneck tucked into a long black skirt that was actually a pair of extra stretchy pants. Her long, dark hair was loose and curled to her chest. Her makeup and shoes were on point.

When I worked at Mia’s boutique, I did so partly for the money and partly for the amazing discounts. Did I mention that Mia’s also a fashion designer? We’ve finally convinced her to sell a few original pieces in the boutique. They’re going like hot stuffed jacks.

Hey, you. Mia gave me a hug. I hugged her back. Mel’s friends came around so often I considered them my family. Mia’s always been there for me, just like Archie.

Girl, when was the last time you took a bath? Mia sniffed my shoulder.

Or did any laundry? Mel picked at a loose blouse I had hanging over the sofa handle.

My apartment, my beautiful apartment. Mia poked my shoulder and gestured to the cobwebs in the corners of the walls.

This place has been home to Mia and Susan. Both women only moved out when they’d gotten married or engaged. The apartment has now been dubbed Cupid’s Place. I was pretty sure Mia and Melody had bets on when the magic of this room would work on me.

I’ve been busy lately. I’ll get around to chores and personal hygiene later.

Honey, Mia put an arm around me, got another whiff of my B.O. and then promptly moved away, you should bathe at least once a day.

Or every other day. Melody piped in.

Mia shot her a glare.

My sister raised her arms. I’m just saying.

I glanced at my sister enviously. She was gorgeous. Her long curly hair was fixed into a messy bun. Her light brown skin was glowing. She wore a green and white diamond-patterned summer dress and leather sandals. Her baby bulge had disappeared since Alexis’ birth.

It was so unfair. Even with a husband and kid, she maintained her pretty and youthful air. Just the other day, I was shopping with Melody and someone asked if she was finished with college yet.

No one ever asked me that.

You’d think I had severe imposter syndrome around these beauties, but I’d never had a problem with self-esteem. I was pretty enough. My dark brown hair was long and curly. My eyes were small and dark. I thought they made me look exotic.

Plus, I had something no one else in my family did—sentient lips that changed their plumpness according to the weather. A cold front had been hovering over Belize for the past few days so today my lips were flat and a cross between the color of a plum and a strawberry.

I rocked my old jersey pants and T-shirt, but compared to the two models in my living room, I looked like a hobo. Not that I cared.

Melody clapped her hands. Let’s get this party started!

Mia led the way into her old bedroom and cast the plastic-covered dresses on the bed. She laid out each one with the gravity of a casket lowering.

Where’s Alexis? I whispered. It seemed fitting to whisper given Mia’s somber expression.

Melody placed a hand on her hip, her eyes glued to the dresses on the bed. Spencer came home.

Oh. I understood. Spencer treated his baby girl like royalty. The only woman he treated better was Melody. After her birth, Spencer held Alexis for hours and refused to let her go to anyone else. He didn’t even fall for my ‘hey-look-over-there’ trick.

Okay! Mia swept her arms forward. I know you’re the type that covers up all the time and rarely wears anything showing too much skin…

I snickered at Mia’s expression. No one in my family understood my fashion choices. Tight shirts and skin-bearing bottoms were not me. I felt self-conscious when too much of my boobs or thighs were showing in public.

I’m scared.

Don’t be. Mia unzipped the first plastic. I thought you might like this one. She held up a red and black number and I could already tell that it would fit me too tightly.

I shook my head and rotated my finger. Next.

I told you she would be picky, Mia grumbled. She offered me the next dress, a long chiffon creation that was cute but not my style.

Ha! I laughed, but stopped mid-way when I caught Mia’s furrowed brow. Oh, you’re serious? Uh, no to that too.

You need to try them on at least, Melody yelled.

I can tell when I like something or not.

Mia unzipped the last dress and held it out to me. The dark blue gown with the lace sleeves and structured bottom captured my attention.

That’s the one. I smiled and held it against my body. The hem stopped a few inches above my knees. I could live with that.

We have a winner, baby! Mia threw her fists to the ceiling and Mia screamed in celebration.

I threw a hand over my eyes and prayed that Mr. Nandwani, the building manager, didn’t burst through my door and kick me out for being a nuisance. At least, Mrs. Bethel had moved out to live in the States two years ago so I was safe on the nosy neighbor front.

Hey, Mia said when they both calmed down enough to speak, "now we’ve got to get ready. See you tonight?"

Yeah. I led them out of the apartment. Thanks, Mia. Thanks Mel.

Anytime!

I closed the door behind them and grimaced. It was time to put my game face on and get social.

Whoopee.

2

The hall of the Queen’s Hotel was buzzing with conversation. A crowd of beautiful dressed people mingled, chatting and laughing about things that—if I had to guess—probably weren’t that funny.

The tiled floors were mosaic print and the clack of women’s high heels added a staccato beat to the lively jazz music pumping from the speakers. Expensive perfume danced with the chemical scent of hairspray.

I coughed once or twice and kept to the side of the room with the open balcony.

A gorgeous chandelier hung from the middle of the ceiling, individual bulbs spraying light on every corner of the room. Where would I possibly hide in all that illumination? 

I pulled the hem of the blue dress down and cursed my choice. My hips had been a little too wide for the gown and so it was a lot shorter on me than I’d first thought. I probably should have put it on before choosing it

Thirty minutes had passed, but I’d already reached my quota of talking. Answering the same questions over and over again was mentally draining.

Yes, I enjoyed college. I’m glad I have my Bachelors in Computer Programming.

No, I’m single.

Yes, I work from home.

No, I’m not actually this tall. I’m wearing heels.

Yes. I’m completely satisfied with being alone. I don’t need to meet your cousin, your brother, your nephew, or your grandfather.

Ugh, people were so exhausting. My computer never talked back or asked me why I was single with a disgusted expression like singleness was some kind of scum disease that required a desperate cure.

I appraised the hall for a great hiding place and decided on a quiet corner next to a fake plant. I made my rounds once or twice and then I stuck to that corner of the hall and played on my phone.

Hey! Susan found me. We were both alike when it came to socializing. She could handle herself, but eventually, she needed to get away and recharge before chatting up a storm again.

Hey! I waved. Just like Melody’s other friends, Susan was drop-dead gorgeous. Tonight she rocked a tasteful black slit dress with peep-toed heels.

Susan took the term ‘exotic’, sprinkles diamonds all over it and then releases it back into the dictionary. With her light skin, hazel eyes, and piquant features, she reminded me of a tropical fairy.

I’m sorry I didn’t get to greet you when you came in. You seemed busy.

Yeah, there are a lot of people here. She blew out a breath. A lot.

I totally understand, Sus.

Where’s your husband?

Susan’s cheeks reddened. It was the sweetest thing to watch. He’s over there. She pointed to where Archie spoke to his mom and dad. His beard had gotten shorter during the four years that he’d been gone. It wasn’t even a beard anymore. It was more like scruff.

You convinced him to cut the beard?

No way. The beard is his decision. I don’t get in the way of that relationship.

Smart girl.

Susan relaxed into the chair next to me. So how have you been?

I didn’t mind discussing my life with Susan. She was a part of my family and I hadn’t seen her in a really long time. We discussed my graduation, my return home, my freelance business, and my manga.

Susan listened with interest, but eventually Archie’s mother pulled her away. I hunkered into my chair and watched my friend go. Archie’s mom was kind of stuck up. She didn’t even acknowledge me.

I couldn’t stand arrogant people. Spencer, Peyton and Archie were ridiculously loaded, but they were all humble and genuine people. Mrs. Lowry, or whatever her maiden name was, could learn a thing or two from them.

What are you doing hiding out back here? Melody popped into my face, blocking my view of Susan and her new family.

I glanced up and down, admiring my sister’s outfit. She was wearing a short A-line dress and brown stilettos. Melody could wear really short dresses and never seem smarmy. Class oozed from her pores.

Curse her and her elegant self.

I’m hiding, I said.

I know. Melody rolled her eyes. But you’re not allowed to hide. Even Eryn is moving around and enjoying herself.

My gaze searched the crowd until it landed on my little sister. Handsome young men surrounded her. Not even Dad’s frowning countenance could drive them away.

I shook my head. I’m comfortable right here.

Come on. Melody pulled my arm. At least come and stand with me and Spencer?

Did you bring Alexis?

Melody grinned. You are obsessed with my kid.

She’s the perfect child. Why would I think of anyone else?

Look around. There are a bunch of eligible men here. Why don’t you get up talk to someone? I’m sure one of these guys loves anime as much as you do.

I narrowed my eyes at her cluelessness. One does not simply get up and introduce the topic of anime. That’s weird.

Just give me Alexis and let me live my life. I followed her through the crowd to where Spencer held the baby in his arms.

Uh-oh. Prying that little girl from him should be fun.

Babe… Melody walked to her husband. Lexi wants to hold the kid.

Spencer arched an eyebrow. It’s a really nice looking eyebrow. In fact, everything on Spencer is good looking—from the straight cut of his hairline to the tips of his fancy shoes. Sometimes, I wondered how a guy as calm and cool as him survived with Melody.

Give me the child, Braden. I stepped closer and held my arm out. Ally wants to come to Aunty. Yes, she does.

Alexis responded to my cooing and arched her back toward me. I cut Spencer a victorious glance, and he reluctantly handed her over.

My little niece was adorable in a ruffled blue polka dot dress and pink shoes with white socks. The bombastic color-coding was definitely her mother’s idea. Spencer would have put his daughter in black. That’s his favorite color.

Let’s go say hi to Mr. Baxter, babe. Melody tugged on her husband’s arm so that I could have more time with Alexis. Glancing back at his baby, Spencer allowed Melody to drag him away.

You look hungry, Ally. Wanna go get some cheesecake? Yes? Yes you do.

We walked to the buffet at the back of the hall. There were cartons of rice and beans, stewed chicken and salad along with escabeche, an onion soup, and tamales. I skipped the main meal and headed straight for