Forbidden Lust

“I’m sure you don’t remember every single woman you bed.”

“Me? No,” Connor said, shaking his head. “But Barrett does… every single one. It’s truly a gift.”

“He’s right. I never forget a name.” Ever since I could remember, I’ve made an effort to know and recall names. A simple thing like that got you noticed, especially when trying to climb the ranks as a youngster amongst the wealthy.

She groaned and turned around. A shade of crimson bloomed at the nape of her neck. I smirked. There was something about getting under her skin that got me off.

“Fucking around isn’t a good idea, sis. We’re men.” Connor put his phone down, glaring in her direction.

I pushed my chair out. “Hell, I’m leaving that one alone.”

“Don’t start me with the sexist rhetoric, Connor. I’m reaching my threshold with it. Especially from you and Mom.”

“It’s for your own good. You know we all love you. Don’t go trying to change the status quo that’s existed in this family for generations.”

I kept out of their family business, but I could sense her chomping at the bit to scream from the rooftops. Shit, I would. I’d never say that to my sister. She’d endured enough for any lifetime.

“Anyway, let’s not argue. I’m heading back. Last chance to come back with me?” Conner asked.

She glanced at me. “I’ll stay here for now. Something will come up soon. Don’t worry. I won’t cock-block you, Barrett.”

I laughed. “Oh, I know that.” I held her gaze too long before looking away. “You can stay as long as you like.”

I turned to Connor. “See ya, bud. Let’s catch up when I’m back in Manhattan. My nine o’clock is waiting.”

“Count me in. Hey, wait up a second, I’ll walk you out.”

Walk me out? Fuck.

Grabbing my phone and keys off the counter, I headed for the door.

“Sis, make me another?” he said over his shoulder.

Standing out front, I turned to him. “Now I know you don’t want to kiss me goodbye, honey, so what is it?”

He lifted his head, obviously deep in thought. “It’s Lourde. This behavior has to stop right here, right now. She can’t be bringing stray men back here, Barrett.”

“So, what do you want me to do about it? I’m not a fucking bodyguard.”

“I know, and you’ve done enough by letting her stay here. But man to man, keep an eye on her, please.”

Concern etched on his face, but I didn’t care. I had a job to do, and it wasn’t being her babysitter.

“I’m at work all day.”

“It’s the nights I worry about, especially now that she's the single one and her friends are all shacked up.”

“She’s twenty-three, Connor.”

“And still a Diamond daughter and sister. She can have fun but just not the type of fun you and I have.”

Ah, and there it was. The precious reputation is what he cared about, making dirty Diamond headlines and fucking up everything.

“I’m no babysitter,” I echoed.

“Just please, you’re all I have out here,” he said, desperation lacing his voice.

I checked my Cartier watch. “Jesus, fuck. Okay, I’ll watch her. Now I really have to go.”

“Thanks,” he said, and I walked toward the car.

“Oh and, Barrett?”

“What the fuck is it now?” I turned around, and his eyes darkened.

“Don’t fall in love with her.”

I laughed. “You’re kidding, right? Fuck me.”

Opening the door, I slid into my midnight blue Aston Martin Vanquish, realizing my heart was beating ridiculously fast.