Love -n- Ice: Breckon House, #1

By Tressie Lockwood

Noelle Lemise has lost all of her family. The one thing she had left was her uncle's inheritance but that is gone too. She returns to her hometown with no home, no money, and no prospects. Desperate, Noelle decides to confront the blackhearted devil who stole her uncle's bar and home. She comes face to face with a man who is as hot as he is cold, and he wants control of Noelle too.

 

Noelle can't tell what Rhys Breckon is thinking, but she knows what he wants. He wants her to obey his every command. She would be a fool to give herself over to a man she can't trust. Any relationship they form won't last. Tell that to her body, which responds to his every caress and spanking.

 

Author's Note: Adult situations and light domination/submission.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Tressie Lockwood
• Release date: Jun 30, 2021
• ISBN: 9798201188153

Book preview

Chapter 1

She stood there with the gun pointed at him, her hand shaking, and her heart about to burst. Good thing she wore a skirt, or he would see her knees knocking. Still, she stood straighter on her five-foot nothing frame and raised her chin. This wouldn’t go over well if she threw up right after she made her demand.

You’re going to give me what belongs to me, or else!

Oh God, that’s when she realized she sounded like the heroine from one of those sappy romance movies she never watched. And what would she do if it all went wrong and—horror of horrors—she was arrested? Anger drove her to confront him, but she was terrified she couldn’t back up the attitude. And what if he saw the fear that threatened to consumer her?

Ice-cold silver eyes met hers. The smirk grated on her nerves, but he didn’t seem to notice. Heck, he barely noticed the gun she had trained on him. Not even a flinch like he feared for his life, the bastard.

Did you think about what will happen after that doesn’t work? He nodded toward the gun. So he did see it.

W-what do you mean? She kicked herself for stuttering.

He busied himself stuffing fresh spinach leaves in a blender and pouring water from a jug over it. The blender came on, drowning out his words. She frowned at him. Coming early meant she could catch him before he left the house for work. From the shorts showing off the sexiest legs she’d ever seen to the bare feet to the tussled dark curls on his head he didn’t look like he intended to go anywhere.

A bum has what rightly belongs to me. Great.

What did you say? she demanded.

He swigged the concoction straight from the blender. She couldn’t help watching his Adam’s apple bob up and down as he drank. The strong neck led to huge unnecessarily wide shoulders. Wait, why the hell was she admiring his physique?

You do see this gun, right? Maybe you’re slow. I said you’re—

He tapped the granite counter with the blender container. I heard you. And I said, after you realize you’ve made a mistake—

I haven’t made a mistake!

—and you come back to your senses, what did you expect would happen?

She opened her mouth to answer, but a hand came around her from behind.

Whoa, what’s this? A man as big as the one standing on the other side of the counter—and just as gorgeous—nabbed the gun from her fingers. You don’t play around with guns, sweetheart. That’s dangerous.

The second man popped the clip from the gun to examine it. She swung her gaze from one to the other, back and forth. Someone lied. They said the thief lived alone. Sure, he met the description—tall, above six feet, muscular, dark hair and chilly gray eyes that could look right through a person.

She planned everything well, or so she thought. It didn’t matter that he was bigger and stronger than her. She borrowed the gun and even learned to use it. Sort of. The gun was supposed to be the equalizer between her and the enemy. What her intel didn’t say was that he had an identical twin.

A freaking twin! You have got to be kidding me!

You want some of this? the first guy asked his brother.

The twin cringed. Do I drink dirt? No. I’ll take eggs and bacon like a normal man.

I wasn’t offering that. Not sure I’ve got any eggs.

She blinked at the two of them, carrying on conversation like she wasn’t there. Her hands felt empty without the gun. Without a tool to threaten him, she was vulnerable and useless. She considered retreating but had to try something. A sleepless night and lecturing herself in the mirror got her here. She would have results if it killed her.

Score. Twin did something with the gun while she was distracted and looked in the fridge. Wonder if these are fresh. When did you get them?

I don’t eat eggs, idiot. They were here when I moved in. Probably belonged to the last guy.

That last guy is my uncle, she shouted, and neither one of you belongs here. You better get out before—

Before what? Chilly raised flawless eyebrows. No way they weren’t plucked. Then again, the rest of him had been cut from perfection. Do you happen to have the deed to this house or the land?

She said nothing.

The brother swung away from the fridge. "Whoa, that’s who she is? I thought she was another one of your women, come to shoot you because you broke her heart with empty promises."

Shut up.

Hey, man, don’t take it out on me. Twin chuckled, holding up his hands. I’m not the one who mows through women like a lawnmower over grass.

I can do without your lame similes.

Would you prefer a metaphor? Let’s see… Twin rubbed his chin, eyes glazing over. They were silver like his brothers, she noted, but not cold. If anything, they were filled with amusement and lightheartedness. She had no intention of falling for that. These men were evil, and they didn’t care whose lives they destroyed.

The cold-blooded thief strolled around the counter and stopped in front of her. She had to crane her head way back to look him in the eyes. God, she felt like a child standing up to him. His gaze burned into hers, and her knees started to quake again. As hard as she looked, she couldn’t find an ounce of human compassion in this man.

You don’t seem to understand the position you’re in. He spoke carefully and held up his phone. When I get the cops here, I won’t be going to jail.

No! The word wrenched from her mouth. She curled her fingers into claws and took one step forward. His reflexes were faster. He covered her entire face with one big hand and held her off that way. She struggled, feeling like a complete idiot. Her fist impacted with the steel muscles of his stomach, and pain shot up her arm. She screeched in frustration and anger. The whole time she went at him, she thought, This isn’t me, but what else am I going to do?

Hey, hey, stop, you’re going to hurt yourself. Twin moved up behind her and dragged her backward against him. He wrapped a single arm across her chest to hold her in place and glared at his brother. Take it easy, man. She’s small. You’ll break her.

You’re taking the attempted murderer’s side? In that instant, she realized the only time Chilly showed any warmth was with his brother. Even that was slight.

Murderer? That’s a little strong. Don’t you think? Twin grew comfortable holding her, and she kicked him in the shin. He grunted in pain and put her behind him, further away from his brother. Why don’t you run along, sweetheart? No harm, no foul, huh? The police don’t need to be involved.

She thought about what she might have in the car that would lend to her argument for not only staying but getting what she came for. Nothing came to mind other than the leftover paper from the fries she’d eaten the day before. She really needed to clean out the car.

Focus, girl.

I’m not leaving until he acknowledges what he did. She pointed at Chilly.

Twin leaned a hip against the counter and folded his arms over his chest. God, he was beautiful the same as his brother. Was that how life was? All the beautiful people had the power, the money, everything while the common folk struggle.

She chided herself on that stupid thought. Her current position in life was the direct result of foolish actions—hers and her uncle’s. That didn’t change the fact that they were wronged, and this man was the culprit.

So, if you’re not one of my brother’s ex-lovers, who are you? A hopeful?

Never!

Twin chuckled. She’s a feisty one, isn’t she? Dramatic.

She scowled at him. You’re think you’re special laughing at me, looking down on me. I’m a human being, and so is my uncle. Don’t pretend like you don’t know who we are. You weren’t surprised when I mentioned him earlier.

Twin grew serious. I apologize. You’re right, and I promise I wasn’t looking down on you. I like to keep things light in life because, well, why not? This one here, though, is all storm clouds and hail.

Are you a writer? The question slipped out without thought.

Chilly made a small sound that could have been a snort and returned to the blender. He drained the rest of the green liquid and washed the container at the sink. She watched him as reality took hold. He would win. Even if she fought him, he would win. If she took this matter to the courts, where would the money for a lawyer come from? Even still, she didn’t have a foot to stand on.

No, I’m not a writer, not in the sense you mean, I’m sure. Twin’s gaze slipped away from hers. He seemed to find the wall more interesting, or deep thought. While he was distracted, she spun on her heel and jetted out of there. As she ran to the front door and almost tumbled in the driveway, she bit back a sense of hopelessness.

Behind the wheel of her car, she turned the ignition. The car puttered and spat. The engine revved a few times and died. She smacked the steering wheel. Come on, don’t do this to me.

The noise from her twenty-year-old car polluted the peaceful sounds around her. She pleaded with it to cooperate, but luck wasn’t on her side. At last, she climbed out of the car and slammed the door. For an instant, she dreamed of opening the hood and wiggling a wire to bring the car back to life. Yeah, right, that would happen.

Dead, huh?

She jumped a foot and spun around. You scared me.

Twin stuck his hand out. Why don’t we start over? I’m Merrick Breckon. And you are…?

The woman whose inheritance your brother stole.

His eyebrows rose. Technically, the house and business were your uncle’s. Am I right?

She didn’t need to answer.

Sedgewick Lemise gambled away the business and the house and then passed away. You’re saying it was all supposed to go to you.

She clenched her hands at her sides and bit down to keep from railing at him. The anger and resentment churned inside. If she let it go out of control again, she might do something stupid—again. As it was, she didn’t know if Merrick followed her outside because he decided she needed to go to jail.

I went away to college, she began.

He rubbed his chin. You look young but twenty-two or three…?"

Did she think this man was friendlier than his brother? Wrong. I’m twenty-five! I…had a few challenges. Anyway, I came home to attend my uncle’s funeral and found out I’ve been swindled.

‘Swindled.’ Hm, you have a knack for the dramatic yourself.

Please, stop teasing me! This isn’t a joking matter. Your brother knew what he was doing. He knew— She stopped talking. He studied her face in silence. She’d give anything to drive away with all the dramatic flair she could muster. The car refused to cooperate.

Tell you what, Noelle. He knew exactly who she was even though she ignored him when he asked her name. Why don’t you stick around?

What do you mean stick around?

He glanced into her car, and embarrassment choked her. From that vantage point, he would see what a mess it was inside, crammed full with everything she owned plus trash from yesterday’s meal. She wanted to sink through the gravel beneath her feet.

The house is big enough.

Her eyes widened. You’re asking me to move in? To what, be his next conquest? I don’t think so! Forget it. I don’t need you, and I certainly don’t need your brother. Goodbye.

She started to walk past him, headed who knows where.

He caught her arm. "Not as his lover, as my companion."

Chapter 2

Noelle sat in the rear of an almost full parking lot. Somehow, she’d managed to get her stupid car started and left Merrick and his shady offer back at the house. What in the world did he mean he wanted her to be his companion? Like an escort? He could forget it. No way. She wasn’t that desperate.

You’re desperate enough to pull a gun on his brother though. She moaned and dropped her forehead against the steering wheel. There are any number of people who can put me up until I get on my feet. So not a big deal.

But it was a big deal. She stayed with an old school friend, but that had to change. Chester was starting to get ideas. She wasn’t going there. They were friends, but he wanted more. He kept hinting around, but soon it would get serious. Things were too unstable in her life to deal with that drama on top of having her dreams crushed.

Her stomach growled, and she rubbed it. A buzz in the opposite seat caught her attention. She searched through the books, papers, and trash for her phone. Speaking of the devil, he phoned. The hunger pangs morphed to nerves, but she forced herself to answer.

Hey, Chester, what’s up?

I’m just asking, okay? Don’t get mad.

Mad about what? He didn’t sound like he was about to confess his undying love.

He hesitated then spoke in a rush. You didn’t happen to go through my underwear drawer, did you?

Her throat closed.

I know it sounds crazy. I’m not accusing you of wanting to see… No, wait, I don’t mind…uh…I mean…

This was why she didn’t want to date him, or one of the reasons. Chester had zero confidence. It turned her off. She liked him. He was a nice guy, and he looked out for her when she was in trouble. The second guessing himself drove her nuts.

His voice cracked. I had a gun.

She froze. Merrick had the gun, and she forgot to demand it back. Now she had to admit to Chester she was in his bedroom. Not only in his room but in his stuff. It started out innocent. She searched for scissors while he wasn’t home. She knew now she should have called him to ask him if he had a pair. Instead, she had figured he didn’t have anything she wanted to see or anything to hide for that matter. She was wrong.

The timing of finding that gun in the mental state she was in couldn’t have been worse. So now what? Did she lie or come clean? If the gun wasn’t registered and Merrick turned it over to the cops, she might get Chester in trouble. He didn’t deserve that.

I borrowed it, she admitted after a mental debate. I hope you don’t mind. I’m sorry I didn’t ask, Chester, and there’s no excuse for going through your stuff.

Like I said, I don’t mind. She heard the smile in his voice. God, don’t let him be getting excited because she saw his drawers. What did you need the gun for?

Oh shoot, Chester, I’m about to go in for this interview. Can I talk to you later? Thanks. She disconnected the call before he could respond and leaned back in her seat.

There was no interview. The last one she’d gone to was day before yesterday, and she didn’t receive a call back. Several prospects looked promising, but she was out of time and money, waiting for a job that met up with her liberal arts degree.

I guess if I work night and day as a waitress, I can pay my student loans and get a place. Maybe.

Her stomach growled again, and she dove on the passenger seat to search for anything to munch on. The floor produced nothing either. She pushed her hand underneath the seat and felt around. Something cool and hard met her fingertips, and she brought out a quarter. A few more coins lay on the floor in the back of the car.

This is getting me nowhere. She checked her bank account online. A few dollars remained in the account, the number so low she couldn’t use an ATM. She would need to go inside the bank to make a withdrawal. Am I hungry enough to humiliate myself like that?

The job offer from Merrick was starting to look good.

Noelle, you are not selling your body for money! The idea tempted her again. He’s not ugly at least, and he smells good. Hold up. How do I know he smells good?

She recalled him grabbing her, holding her back from attacking his brother. Both of them were built like they were chiseled from stone, but yeah, that’s when she got a whiff of Merrick’s scent. Nice and manly and sexy. But no, her parents would turn over in their graves if she did some mess like sleeping with a man for money.

When she gathered enough change to head to the store, she decided to walk. Her gas tank at least was half full. She needed to conserve what was left and not borrow from Chester again. She didn’t know what she would tell him later about the gun.

On the way back from the convenience store where she had bought an energy bar, she caught sight of O’Shalley’s across the street. She stopped walking to study the green and gold colors outside of the place.

Her uncle opened the bar many years ago and gave it some convoluted name to make it sound like it was an Irish pub. Obviously, Sedgewick Lemise wasn’t Irish. She snorted at the idea, recalling Uncle Seddy’s coffee with cream complexion and tightly coiled hair, originating in the West Indies if anything. They were Black, and anyone

Reviews for Love -n- Ice

[Nakeesha · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Noelle lost her entire family but thought she would inherit the house and bar. When she arrived back to her hometown she realize those things were lost to her as well. In an attempt to gain her inheritance back lead to her downfall or a new family unit?!!