Love -n- Protect: Breckon House, #2

By Tressie Lockwood

Awbry James was stoked to get the promotion to manager of Breckon House. The bar wasn't hers, but she loved working there. Not to mention enjoying the sexy view of her boss' identical brother Merrick. He's always happy, always joking, and always looked good enough to eat.

 

Awbry's got her hands full trying to decide what to do about her financial troubles. She's buried under a mountain of debt left over from her father's illness. She's wondering if she should take some of the burden off and marry her ex, or if she should look for someone new.

 

The last thing Awbry expects is to have Merrick come on to her. He's out of her league, but the offer to become lovers is too tempting. Things turn bad when her brother brings danger to her doorstep and threatens both her safety and her job. Merrick swoops in to protect her, but Awbry's used to standing alone.

 

The stubborn man won't stop trying to be her knight. At this rate, she's going to fall in love. But what's going to happen when her mistakes come to light? Will Merrick step up, or will he turn his back on her broken heart?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Tressie Lockwood
• Release date: Oct 9, 2021
• ISBN: 9798201257408

Book preview

Chapter 1

Awbry dried her hands on a paper towel and checked her makeup in the mirror. She frowned at her reflection. Bags had begun to form beneath her eyes. She was too young to look like she hadn’t slept in a hundred years. No matter how much the books needed to be gone over, she required rest. Her future husband wouldn’t want her if she looked like a freak.

Well, nothing she could do about her appearance today. A couple delivery guys were due to show up, and she had to make sure the vendors weren’t trying to change the agreement Breckon House had made with them. They’d tried that crap a time or two.

As she passed the office door, she heard feminine giggling. Stop playing, Rhys. We can’t do that here. Awbry ground her teeth. Resentment made her want to chew her tongue off, but she did everything she could to suppress it. Noelle wasn’t her enemy. Hell, the woman had helped her get the job as manager of Breckon House. Awbry should be grateful.

That doesn’t stop me from wishing she and Rhys never hit it off!

Honestly, Rhys didn’t appeal to Awbry. He was all dark and broody, something Awbry never liked in a guy. Plus, there were rumors about his desires in the bedroom. No way. Not for her. She wanted love from someone who was meant for her.

He probably doesn’t exist, she muttered to herself as she checked to see if they had sufficient cases of vodka in the basement. I should stop playing around and accept Chester. Can I do any better than a guy as nice as him?

She sighed. Problem was, Chester was still stuck on Noelle. Talk about obsessed. He’d once defended Awbry with her family situation, and she thought it would lead to them drawing closer. Then Noelle came back to town, and Chester forgot Awbry’s name.

"Will anyone ever be hung up on me? Yeah right. I see that happening this century. Not!"

Her cell phone dinged. She assumed it was one of the drivers letting her know he had pulled into the alley for his delivery. Instead, Chester’s name appeared on her screen.

Hey, was thinking about you. We were cool together. Wanna do dinner?

She cringed. They hadn’t seen each other or spoken in a couple months. Then here he was talking about they were cool? Whenever Noelle was in the room, he couldn’t stop staring at her. How did he think that made Awbry feel?

Regardless, she was tempted.

I’m so pathetic.

She fought with her resolve for a few moments. Her fingers danced over the keys to type an acceptance, then she erased the words. She typed it again and scrubbed it. Frustration and anger churned her stomach. She shoved the phone in her pocket and stomped upstairs.

As she rounded the corner to head into the main part of the bar, she ran into a flesh and blood wall. A yelp escaped her, and she tumbled backward. A hand shot out to catch her. On instinct, she smacked it away and landed on her ass.

Ouch!

How’s the weather down there? Pretty good?

She glared into silver eyes full of amusement, and the anger melted some. Merrick, welcome back.

This was her boss’ twin brother. No, not his twin. There was another one. Merrick and Rhys had a brother, born the same time, which made them triplets. To think there were three of these beautiful men, built like linebackers, well over six feet tall, and handsome as hell, it boggled her mind.

Thanks. I just got in. Thought I’d take my brother and Noelle to lunch. They here? He reached a hand out to help her up. She started to ignore it and then changed her mind. He whipped her onto her feet like she weighed nothing.

Yes, they are but… She bit her lip, and he laughed. Something told her he knew to be careful about barging into the office.

Got it. I’ll just text him first and wait at the bar. Is it too early to get a drink?

We’re not open yet, but of course I’ll get you whatever you want.

She tried to concentrate on adding ice to a tumbler and mixing his drink. Every nerve-ending was aware of him sitting on a stool at the bar. Not because she was attracted to him but because he made her just the tiniest bit nervous.

He set his laptop on the counter and punched a few keys, concentrating on the screen. Once the bar opened for business, it wouldn’t be safe to set electronics up there. For now, it was fine. Awbry kept the place as spotless as possible after hours. She and her staff did what they could when customers filled the place.

Merrick frowned at the screen and scratched his head. She’d heard that he worked on a novel. That’s what Noelle helped him with, but Awbry didn’t know the details. She wasn’t all that close to the family. What she learned about them was more from overhearing conversations. Not that they guarded their secrets around her. She figured she was more like the invisible hired help.

What little I know about them, they probably know far less about me. What’s there to know anyway?

Awbry, I want you to read something, and tell me what you think, Merrick said.

Her gut tightened. Me?

Just one paragraph. I promise. He swiveled the laptop around to face her and pointed out the passage. Start here.

I…um…I’m not really an expert when it comes to…

He flashed that charming smile he used as a weapon. I’ll be forever grateful if you give me your honest opinion. Don’t spare my feelings.

She read the passage, and her mind went blank. Oh God, what did she say to him? Writing or whatever wasn’t her thing. Not that she was dumb, but numbers were a lot easier. They were never up to interpretation. The answers were what they were. Period. This? Who the hell knew what he intended to say or what his character meant?

Moisture gathered on her top lip, and she scrubbed it away with the back of her hand. Um… I think…

He must hear her heart pounding. She felt his gaze locked on her face, waiting for her answer. Did he really give a damn what she thought? Merrick was nice and all, but he was too into himself at the same time.

Noelle had once said Merrick was convinced of his own brilliance. Awbry thought Noelle meant he wasn’t a good writer, but she later changed her mind. Noelle seemed like the kind of person who wouldn’t be able to stomach working for an idiot. Merrick was likely a good writer, and he knew it better than anyone.

It’s pretty interesting, she said after some time. Your character has a lot going on in his head.

Yes! Exactly! Merrick nodded, grinning like a loon.

She breathed a sigh of relief, and before he could ask her to read more, she mumbled an excuse and escaped to the kitchen.

Alone at the metal counter, which held a huge tray of glasses she had washed earlier, she chided herself. Merrick liked her response. He might keep asking her what she thought of his book. God, why couldn’t she have said his character sounded like a self-righteous idiot?

She laughed under her breath and began offloading the glasses to a smaller tray, one she could carry. There was no way she would insult Merrick or his writing. One, she imagined it took a lot of work to do what he did. And two, he was her boss’ brother. They were close. Nope, to insult Merrick might mean she was out on the street.

I need this job.

Her cell phone dinged again.

Hey, little sis, miss u. Thought I’d stop by your place.

Her heart jumped into her throat. Not now. Not after things had started to settle. She didn’t want to face family drama and racked her brain for words that would put her brother off.

Miss u 2. Call u next week. Work is busy.

Heard u got a promotion.

She cursed. How did he always know what was going on with her? For someone who had moved away from their town, calling it too small to contain him, Vincent sure kept up on the latest news. Then again, she wondered if her mom had been talking to him more often than she let on. Yeah, that had to be the explanation.

Talk later. She hoped the repeated monotone would put him off.

When he didn’t respond, she breathed a sigh of relief and headed back into the front. Merrick was nowhere in sight, and she no longer heard Rhys and Noelle in the office. Good because the office was supposed to be the manager’s territory. She hardly ever stayed in there because she preferred to remain hands-on with every aspect of the business.

Breckon House might not belong to her, but she loved the bar. The manager’s duties were a fulltime job, but she put in extra time and filled in the gaps when one of the employees couldn’t make it in. She didn’t mind. One day she might own her own business, although the way things were going with her savings, it might be a pipe dream.

A banging on the front door made her jump. The sky had turned dark, and rain pelted the window. Who in the world couldn’t read the sign that clearly outlined when they opened? The man at the door stood with his back to her and a jacket over his head to keep from being drenched.

The door vibrated on its hinges, letting her know the fool kicked the door with his heel. She stomped over to the door and yanked it open. Sir, I’d appreciate it if you wouldn’t—

Hey, little sis.

Her brother faced her, grinning. Taller than her five-foot one inch by half a foot, her brother remained just as slim. His once smooth cocoa skin had a black undertone, and his eyes and cheeks were sunken in. He looked like Death.

What are you doing here, Vincent? I told you I have to work.

Is that any way to say ‘hi’? He dragged her into a hug that cut the circulation in her arms.

Hi.

He pushed past her, scanning the interior of the bar. Wow, this place has changed, even the name. I liked O’Shalley’s.

No one else did.

He turned to face her, dark brown eyes narrowed as if he assessed whether she disrespected him. After a moment, he seemed to let it go. Breckon House sounds like they think they’re better than us.

It’s their last name. I don’t know how it could sound like a superior attitude.

He grabbed her arm and jerked her forward, his fingers biting into her flesh. What’s your problem? Sounds to me like you’re letting your promotion go to your head. What, you’re better than me, too? Is that it?

Ouch, Vincent, you’re hurting me. Let go. She fought to keep the tremor out of her voice.

He let go at once. Sorry, little sis. Don’t gripe at me, K? You know how I get. I just wanted to see you. Is that so bad?

How did you know I got a promotion?

He swung away from her and headed to the bar. Make me a drink since I’m here.

I can’t do that, Vincent. We’re not open. If my boss comes in and finds out I’m giving out free drinks, I’ll get fired.

I didn’t say I wanted it free. I was going to pay for it. This is a family place. I’m family.

"It’s a family-owned place, and we aren’t a part of the family. She bit her tongue. The last thing she needed was to set off his temper, which was always near the surface anyway. One would think she had learned her lesson long ago. Regardless, her mouth ran away with her far too often. Sit down. I’ll get you something, but you have to drink it fast so I won’t get into trouble."

If your boss is so much of an asshole that he’ll fire you for one drink, maybe you shouldn’t work here. I could have a talk with him and let him know what’s up.

No!

He stared at her.

I mean… He drove her nuts. The man couldn’t just leave her to live her life as she saw fit. No, he wanted to keep pushing, keep interfering with her peace. I’ll get you a beer.

No, make it whiskey on the rocks.

It’s a little early.

Just do it, Awbry, damn!

She made the drink and set it on the counter in front of him. While he drank, she pretended to be busy with other tasks. Fact was, she couldn’t concentrate with him there. All she could think about was Rhys walking in and them getting into an argument. Vincent would embarrass her. He might try to tell Rhys what he would and wouldn’t accept with treatment of his sister. She might not know Rhys well, but she knew enough to know he wouldn’t be dictated to by anyone.

One of the glasses she brought in from the kitchen slipped through her fingers and shattered on the floor. She bent to pick up the pieces, and by the time she stood up, Vincent had disappeared. His glass sat empty on the counter.

Oh wow, did I get off easy?

Something thumped in the back, and she flew to the office. The door stood partially open. When she pushed it wider, she found her brother at the desk, going through her purse.

Vincent, what do you think you’re doing?

Oh damn, you caught me, sis. He didn’t appear to be sorry or feel guilty. I need a little help.

You could have asked me.

I could tell you were feeling uptight today, so I thought—

You would steal from me.

He frowned. It’s not that big a deal. We’re family.

It is a big deal. I have bills to pay.

You got a raise.

So I should give you the increase?

You need to watch your mouth!

She clicked her teeth together, tightening one hand into a fist. With everything inside, she tried to curb her own anger and resentment. Always resentment. God, it was enough. I don’t have any extra money to give you, Vincent. I’m sorry.

I’m going through a hard time. Don’t you care?

You’re always going through a hard time. You were going through a hard time the last time I saw you. What was that six months ago? Please put my wallet back.

He stood still, holding her wallet in his hand, fingers on the zipper. She had a flashback of having found the designer wallet at a garage sale for a great price. That was usually how she got anything nice, there and at thrift stores.

You seriously don’t give a damn about your brother and what kind of trouble he might be in?

Emotion closed her throat. He tried to guilt trip her, as if she hadn’t helped a thousand times before. He was older by two years, being twenty-seven. Yet, he kept looking to her to bail him out of his bad choices. It wasn’t fair.

When she didn’t speak, he went on. I got laid off from my job, but you don’t care. My landlord’s talking about kicking me out. My cell phone—I need money for the bill—is all I have to help me get this job. They’re calling like tomorrow or the next day, and I’m about to get disconnected. But you won’t help.

He had the excuses ready. She wondered if he thought about them on the way to the bar or if they came out of his mouth on the spur of the moment.

Awbry?

She ran a hand over her forehead and pressed fingers against her temple.

Awbry!

Alright, but I’ll decide how much I can spare. You’ll have to hit up one of your friends to get the rest.

Can’t you go to the bank?

No.

She stuffed a few bills in his hand and begged him to go. He started to argue and then kissed her cheek then left. The front door opened and closed, and she tucked her wallet away. Back at the bar she threw the broken pieces of the glass into the trash and straightened the bar up some. That’s when she noticed Vincent had taken the bottle of whiskey she poured him a drink from. She would need to replace it out of her own money.

Tears filled her eyes. Before she made a mess of her makeup, she dried her eyes and blew her nose. Vincent had caused her to cry over him far too many times in the past. And hell, six months had passed the last time she saw him. Maybe another six would go by after this.

The door opened behind her, and she grew queasy thinking he had come back. Rhys, Noelle, and Merrick swept in, chatting like a happy family.

We won’t stay in your way, Awbry, Noelle told her. I forgot my bag in the office.

Awbry’s head spun. She grabbed hold of the counter. What if Vincent found Noelle’s purse and stole from it? God no, please no. Not her boss’ girlfriend.

While Rhys waited by the door, looking preoccupied, Noelle ran to the office. Awbry turned her back on the brothers, so they couldn’t see how sick with dread she was.

Awbry.

She jumped at hearing Merrick’s voice so close by. He reached around her and shook a small paper bag with handles in front of her.

What’s that? she wondered.

Your gift.

What? Her eyes widened.

He winked. You helped me, so I brought you dessert. I hope you like chocolate truffle cake.

Y-yes, I do. Um, thanks.

My pleasure.

Reviews for Love -n- Protect

[Nakeesha · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

Awbry hasn't felt loved and protected since her father got sick despite having her mom and brother. Losing her father sent the family on a tailspin of debt, drugs, loneliness and domestic abuse. All she wants is to be loved, protected and financially secure. A new opportunity may up her chances at finding love, happiness and security.