In Too Deep

By Mia Ford

The baby that was supposed to bring us all together, has torn us all apart.

She's mine! 

I need to have her.

But fate wants something else.

Very soon she'll belong to my elder brother.

It's my brother's wedding and she is the maid of honor. 

She stands across at the altar,

And I just can't keep my eyes away.

Our attraction is mutual,

A magnetic force pulling us together.

Both of us know it's forbidden,

But keeping our fling a secret wouldn't hurt anyone, would it?

That's just what we thought,

Until…

The tragedy strikes,

And our whole world is shattered. 

Tomorrow is the day when she's agreed to get married to my brother.

She says we need to give up, distance ourselves – that it won't work out!

But I am already in too deep. 

How can I give up so easily? 

• Language: English
• Publisher: Mia Ford
• Release date: Dec 7, 2019
• ISBN: 9781393987833

Book preview

Chapter One – Persephone

L iza, you look... I can’t even finish that sentence, the words get stuck firmly in my throat as emotion get the better of me. I choke desperately but still a tear falls. I’ve never seen you look so lovely. That dress is honestly the best thing that I’ve ever seen in my life. It’s stunning.

It did cost a fortune. Liza giggles and twists her hips from side to side. But I think it’s worth it, don’t you? Marcus doesn’t mind anyway. He says I’m worth every single penny.

I bite down on my bottom lip, trying my hardest to keep my opinion inside. I respect Liza’s decision and there’s obviously a lot she loves about Marcus. I might think he’s a bit dull for my once extremely wild older sister, but she’s happy now and that’s all I care about. Clearly by the time she met Marcus she was more than ready to give up her wild, partying days anyway, so that’s fine, and he is very handsome in a Wall Street banker type of way. I suppose they complete one another.

Actually, Marcus is fine, he isn’t a problem at all. It’s his family I don’t much like. His father is a stuffy rich guy who seems to think the rest of the world is beneath him, and his mother gives the impression that she thinks Liza is only after Marcus’s money, which definitely isn’t the case. Our family isn’t exactly poor anyway. Just because we’re not caviar eating, mansion living in, gold pooping wealthy, doesn’t mean that we need them for the cash. No, Liza just loves their son.

Well he’s right because you look stunning. I love the mermaid design of it, it clings to you in a lovely way. I brush my hands down her sides with only a tiny spark of jealousy inside me. I haven’t ever harbored dreams of getting hitched myself, I don’t think I’m a romantic type, but seeing my sister look so lovely makes me wish for just a little bit of romance. It’s been too long. You must be happy.

Oh I am, Sephy, she swoons, actually clutching her hands together in glee. So happy.

Her dark blonde hair, which is exactly the same shade as mine but longer and wavier, is tied up in a complicated looking chignon on top of her head. We also have similar blue eyes and high cheek bones, both of which came from our mother, but my frame is curvier and my breasts heavier. Usually we look quite similar, but today even in my bridesmaid dress I look like a bag of crap next to her.

Well I’m glad you’re happy. Who would’ve thought that when we met him eighteen months ago in that wine bar that it would lead to here. I was there that night and I certainly didn’t think that way. I didn’t think Marcus would manage to woo my sister at all, but here we are. Crazy, huh?

What’s crazy is apparently his brother was there that night. You know the guy who’s his best man.

Best man? I screw my nose up in confusion. I guess I thought there wasn’t one.

I don’t tell Liza this, but I assumed his father had vetoed the idea of best man because that would involve a bachelor party and a speech that he couldn’t control. In all the rehearsals there certainly hasn’t been any mention of a best man standing at the end of the aisle with Marcus.

No, well I think it was up for debate for a while. Liza shrugs and turns to stare at herself in the mirror again. She runs her fingers along the slightly low cut neck line and smiles. Alex has been travelling and I don’t think they were certain that he’d be back on time.

For his own brother’s wedding? That’s insane. I never would’ve missed this.

Well, Marcus and Alex must be close as well because he said if Alex couldn’t do it, he didn’t want one. Anyway, he landed late last night, back from... I don’t know, Australia, I think, so all is well.

I purse my lips and nod. Any complaint I’ve got is irrelevant, this isn’t my day. If there’s a last minute best man then so be it. I just believe if the last minute inclusion came from our side of the family it wouldn’t be allowed. Marcus’s day would’ve lost his shit.

Not my issue, I remind myself. I’m just here to keep my sister happy, that’s all.

A beeping sound comes from outside the window which means it’s time to get the show on the road. Are you ready, Liza? It sounds like it’s time to head to the church.

She pauses for a moment and takes in a couple of deep breaths, looking hesitant for only a brief second. Then she nods determinedly. Yep, let’s do it, Sephy. I’m ready to get married.

You’re going to be a wife, I chuckle as I remind her. Who’d have thought it?

Liza grabs my hand and smirks at me, then we move towards the stairs to get to church.

I help Liza bundle herself and her dress into the car before squeezing into the small space next to her. As we move along the road, I realize that nerves are actually kicking in. There are butterflies swimming everywhere, making me tremble just a little bit. It might not be my big day, but I’m still going to be a part of the center piece. There will be eyes all over me too, if only for a second.

But I guess that’s not what I’m really irritable about. It’s going to be the reception that’s really hard because then everyone will ask me questions about when it’ll be my time. I might be younger than Liza, but since I was with Bobby for nearly three years I guess there was a lot of expectation that I would get wed first. I thought so too, until I caught him in bed with my supposed friend.

Urgh, don’t ruin today thinking about Bobby, I warn myself. That was last year. He’s gone now, in the past. I’m over him even if no one else is. I don’t even care anymore.

That’s actually the truth, I’m not lying to myself to make me feel better. Once I got over the initial shock of losing Bobby to Erica, I realized that our relationship had gone stale a long time ago. Of course, I wish he hadn’t cheated on me but in a way he did us a favor. He separated us in a violent way, but he freed us from our rut. We were friends, stuck to each other because we couldn’t get out.

From what I hear, he’s much happier with Erica which is fine by me. I guess I just wish I could find some happiness of my own. I’m satisfied in some aspects, I enjoy my job as an assistant to an interior designer, I have some new friends even if I’m not as close to them as I was Erica, and I have my family too. It’s all good, I guess I just wish I could have a little more... or maybe I just feel that way because it’s Liza’s wedding day. I’m getting caught up in the romance of the situation already.

My heart skips a beat as we pull up outside the church, it really does look lovely. Someone has decorated the entire building in lilac colored flowers which are Liza’s favorite. It’s sweet, it makes me wish that someone would love me so much to do something like that for me.

Are you ready? I gush while clinging onto Liza’s hands again. You can still back out?

I hope you’re joking, Sephy, Liza warns me. You know I want this more than anything.

I was only half joking. I mean, if Liza had told me that’s he wanted to run, I would’ve helped her. I’m not ashamed to admit that I would have jumped on the nearest plane with her and gone wherever. It could’ve been fun, actually. We could have headed to some remote island for a few weeks to swim in the bright blue ocean and relax on the white sands. We could have had tanned, muscular men bringing us a constant stream of cocktails that would’ve resulted in us partying like we used to back in the good old days. But of course I’m happy to head with her into the church as well.

Liza braces herself for her big moment and she leans in the door to give a nod to the wedding planner. The music kicks up and the time finally arrives. I take my place behind Liza, holding tightly onto the train of her dress while I wait for the moment to go inside. All I need to do now is walk in a straight line, keep this dress up, and not fall ass over tit down the aisle. Simple. Since our dad died five years ago from the dreaded ‘C’ word and we don’t have a male role model replacement, it’s up to me to make things run smoothly. I’m basically the person that’s walking Liza down the aisle... oh God.

I keep my breaths as steady as my feet as we walk. I focus so hard on just going forward in a straight line that I don’t even see anyone around us. The church is absolutely full, probably way above capacity, but they’re all a blur to me. I’m using all my brain power on the one task at hand.

And then we get to the front of the church and I step to one side. I’m no longer needed, which gives me some time to breathe. I find a smile creeping up on my lips as I finally lift my eyes off the ground to take a look around. The first person I see is Marcus’s father, which isn’t a pleasant sight, so I drag my eyes over the crowds rapidly. I want to find someone interesting to stop me from getting bored.

Oh my... All of a sudden I unexpectedly see someone that I haven’t seen before. The mysterious best man that I’d almost forgotten all about. I can tell he’s Marcus’s brother because he has a similar dark hair and warm brown eyes combo, but his frame is bigger and more muscular, and he has a really cheeky smile. He definitely looks like the more fun of the two brothers which is interesting.

Not interesting, of course, but... amusing. He looks like someone who enjoys fun which is exactly what I need to get through this reception. If I can drink and dance with someone then maybe I won’t get the continual stream of questions that I really don’t want to answer.

Almost as if he sense my eyes upon him, the best man stares up at me and he grins which immediately makes me flutter all over. For just a second, I feel unsteady on my feet, as if he’s ripped the rug out from underneath me. My heart hammers against my rib cage I feel like I’m locked in this cage with only him. It’s strange, there’s a pull inside of me, a yearning that I can’t quite place.

Hi, he mouths at me in what seems to be a playful manner, which only intensifies everything.

Hello, I mouth back, my chest filling with promise. I want to say something else to continue on the silent conversation that’s just for us, but I can’t because at that moment the priest leaps in and he starts the wedding speech, introducing everyone in a very traditional way.

I glance down for a moment, trying to break the magic between us for long enough to gather myself back up again, but when I drag my eyes up he’s still looking at me. I don’t think it’s just me, I think he’s looking at me in a really interesting way. He seems to like me, which is an information I don’t know how to process. I shouldn’t enjoy the thrill that gives me but I do.

Damn it, it’s just because it’s been too long, that’s all.

Chapter Two – Alex

Hmm, this is interesting ...

From the very first moment I learned that my older brother was going to get married, I knew that my time travelling the world was up. I wanted to be back here, there’s no way I could miss Marcus’s big day. After all, we’ve always been best mates and it makes a lot of sense that I would be chosen as his best man, but I have to admit it was hard to pull myself away from all the fun I was having.

Riding Gondolas in Venice, mountain climbing in Japan, partying on the beach in Hawaii... I’ve done so much, but I really wanted there to be more. I know there won’t be now though. My father barely let me go the first time, he wanted me straight in the family firm the moment I left college. There’s no chance of him allowing me to escape my family responsibilities again.

He isn’t a bad man, my father, he just has his expectations. Unfortunately Marcus has always fallen into line, he’s spent his entire life doing exactly what Dad wants, which only makes it worse that I have other ideas how I want to spend my time. If I could, I’d leave again as soon as the ceremony is over, but since I need Dad’s money to make that happen I can’t. Now, I’m trapped, but for Marcus I suppose I’ll do it. He needs me here on the happiest day of his life, so here I am.

Mom hasn’t been too complimentary about Marcus’s bride to be. I think she assumes that Liza is a gold digger, but from what I’ve heard from my brother, over messages and emails, and during the brief time that I’ve been back, she’s amazing and he really loves her. She makes him happy.

Liza looks nice. Her walking down the aisle is the first time I’ve ever seen her – which might be a little bit awkward when it comes to the speech – but my first impression is that she’s genuine.

But she’s not who I find interesting. Not really, it’s her sister, the bridesmaid in the lilac dress. There’s something about her that really interests me. She’s got a glint in her eye that intrigues me.

During my travels, I’ve spent time with many exotic women from all over the world. Some of them have only been in my company for a few hours, some for a couple of weeks, but they’ve all been flings. There hasn’t even been a glimpse of something serious. One, because I was travelling anyway and never in the same place for too long, but two also because I’m nowhere near ready to settle down. There’s a lot of the world to be explored, lots of growing up for me to do, and plenty of time.

But none of those women have fascinated me like the bridesmaid. There’s something about her that I want to lean into and discover more about. And it isn’t just the idea of ripping off her clothes and discovering what’s underneath... although that is a part of it. She is stunning and I’d love to dig my fingers into those curves, but I probably shouldn’t. I don’t think Marcus would like it. She’ll just have to be a temptation that I can never get my hands on. Someone to catch my eye.

Strangely, I think I sort of recognize her. I can’t because I don’t know any of the Smithers family, but there’s something a little familiar about this woman. I try to place her, but from where? I rack my brain trying to see if there’s been a night out where I’ve spotted her or talked to her, but nothing comes to mind. There’s been too many nights out, too much drink, lots of women. I think I’d remember her but maybe not. Maybe I’ll ask her later on if I get a chance to speak to her alone.

We are gathered here today to witness the union of Marcus Grint and Liza Smithers...

I know I came here for the wedding, and I’m being supportive. I honestly am, but the traditional wedding vows make me snooze. The whole concept of a wedding is boring. It’s very Marcus, I understand that, but it definitely isn’t for me. I don’t think I’d be able to do it for myself, I can barely listen now. Luckily for me, I have the beautiful bridesmaid to capture my attention.

Every time she looks at me, I feel a skip in my chest. It’s like my heart has stopped beating for just a second, and each time I get a shy smile from her, I know that I’m going to have to find out more... starting with her name. I’m sure Marcus has told me that once or twice before but I can’t remember. I didn’t know I was going to want to remember, to be honest. I’ll have to catch up with her afterwards.

Ring, Marcus hisses at me, suddenly reminding me where I am. Alex.

Of course... I almost forgot that I actually have a role in all of this. I give him an apologetic look and pass him the gorgeous, platinum ring that he lovingly picked out for Liza. I remember hearing all about it because Mom spent the whole trip trying to convince him to get a pre nup before the ceremony. As far as I’m aware, that’s the one area in which he resisted our parents wishes.

Do you, Marcus Grint, take Liza Smithers to be your lawfully wedded wife, asks the priest, getting down to the nitty gritty. In sickness and in health, for richer and poorer, until death do you part?

I do, he says proudly while looking at his wife with shining love in his eyes.

And do you, Liza Smithers, take Marcus Grint to be your lawfully wedded husband. In sickness and in health, for richer and poorer, until death do you part?

I can’t help myself, I suck in a nervous breath while I wait to hear her answer. Of course she should want to marry my brother, but there’s always the horrible fear that she might say no at the last minute. I know Marcus well, I don’t think he’ll be able to hack a runaway bride.

I do. I let out the breath as she puts Marcus out of his misery. Of course I do.

I now declare you lawfully husband and wife. You may now kiss the bride.

Marcus dips Liza down into a kiss and a raucous cheer breaks out in the church. I’m sure my parents aren’t pleased with the noise but I join in regardless. I don’t care, this isn’t about them. They might’ve paid for most of it, but that’ll be because they want to control it, but that doesn’t make it is their day.

Finally, Liza and Marcus walk back down the aisle, looking flushed with love as they go. I can’t help but smile brightly as I watch them, they look incredible. Seeing them just married and extremely in love makes me yearn for something I’ve never craved before. I never thought I’d want romance but a little bit of me does. I’m sure I’ll shake it off later on, but for the moment it’s there.

I think erm... The bridesmaid gives me a coy smile. I think we have to go too, for the photographs. As far as I’ve been told, we’re being photographed in the field out back.

I put my hand on my hip and offer for her to link an arm through it. Sounds good to me. There’s a strange fizzing as she brushes her skin about me. I’m Alex, by the way.

Oh yeah, I know. Liza told me. I’m Persephone, but everyone calls me Sephy.

Sephy, that’s a really nice name. We walk towards the exit together, leaning on one another as if we’re together. Well I’m glad I have you, Sephy, I’m not great at photos so I’m glad I don’t have to go through it alone. She giggles at my joke which makes me continue. I know you might not be able to tell by my extremely handsome face but I’m not very photogenic.

She turns and cocks her head towards me with a playful smirk. I can’t imagine that.

As she flirts with me, I realize that we’re both in a lot of danger here. It can be fun to have a laugh with one another, and I truly am glad that I get to spend some time with someone so awesome, but that’s all it can be. I know myself, I know what I can get like, and I don’t want to overstep the boundaries and make things complicated in the future. Now that I’m back permanently, there might be