Love is Only a Whisper (Whisper Series) Read online

  “No, so don’t start trying now.”

  Nicole needed to get away from him before World War III broke out. She moved toward the door but Ashton stepped in front of her, blocking her path.

  She looked at the hand on her arm and then at him. “Excuse me.”

  He moved closer. She could smell his breath mixed with bourbon and a faint smell of peppermint on her face. It was intoxicating, reminding of her warm nights and seduction. A liquid heat swarmed her body and settled in a place she refused to acknowledge. Pride wouldn’t allow her to skulk away and hide so she stood still. All of her senses went on alert and she sucked in a ragged breath to steady herself.

  Ashton blithely ignored her request and the frown line that formed between his sleek, dark brows dismissed her words all together. She stood in a perfected stance, waiting for the flood to happen.

  His skin olive, inherited from his mother, who was half-Italian and half-Greek, was smooth and tight across his face. His broad shoulders, his height and no nonsense approach were attributes shared with his father.

  With Ashton’s feet slightly apart and arms folded across his wide chest he seemed larger than life. The power in his body only elevated his magnetism. Women, married and single, coveted him, openly, with heated eyes. He was what Sally and Danielle, her best friends, called a babe magnet. Hell, although she was in love with Brent, she even noticed the man had sex appeal. She could see why he was the one of the most eligible bachelors in Texas.

  This was the first time she was completely alone with him and it made her a little nervous.

  “You’re going to talk to me, Nicole, whether want to or not.”

  Her mouth felled open to deliver a blistering retort and then shut it. She wouldn’t give him the satisfaction.

  “What in the hell did you think you were doing with Brent?” he barked.

  Silently counting to ten, she inhaled and then exhaled. “First of all, you’re not my father or brother. I don’t, and I reiterate, I don’t answer to you. Now get out of my way.”

  “When it comes to you, he’s off limits. Stay away from him.”

  Nicole’s anger spiked, which she tried hard to control. Who did he think he was to talk to her like that? Okay, girl. Inhale. Exhale. “Brent is my friend.”

  Ashton eyes were hard with censure. “Not after tonight.”

  “I’m not going to let you dictate who I can have in my life.” She made a move past him, but he stopped her again.

  “We will talk, Nicole.”

  “Not going to happen.”

  “Don’t push me.”

  “Oh, am I supposed to be scared now?”

  He didn’t say anything but the tick in his cheek worked overtime.

  “You’re pissing me off, Ashton.”

  “What else is new?’

  His eyes ran slowly over her face. What was he looking for? She tried not to squirm, but he was silent so long she’d grown uncomfortable. He was deliberately trying to provoke her.

  “Your skin is so smooth…a creamy fudge like—”

  “Ah…you want to talk, so talk.” Did she really hear those words come from his mouth? What had gotten into him? He was definitely out of character tonight.

  He just stood there with that lethal stare of his. Damn. She would not be intimidated. And she wasn’t playing this odd game with him.

  “What I witnessed between you and my brother will never happen again,” he spat out.

  She bristled. Now this was the Ashton she knew, an asshole. “How many times do I need to tell you, Brent and I are friends?”

  “Friends?” His tone was menacing. “Really? Is that what you call it?”

  “I don’t have to justify myself to you.”

  “Too damn bad. Let’s go.”

  “Go where?” She stepped back.

  He reached for her arm, guided her out of the gazebo, and through the backyard to the front of the house. To mentally exhausted, she let him lead. Any other time she would have given him a piece of her mind for manhandling her. At his car, a S500 black Mercedes. The car was powerful and sleek— just like him.

  He threw open the passenger door. “Get in.”

  A brow lifted at his tone. This man ran the entire Sinclair billionaire empire and when he spoke, people listened but she wasn’t one of his puppets or workers.

  “Say, please.”

  “Now, you want to play games.”

  Not moving, she tilted her head, crossed her arms and glared.

  He swiped a hand through his hair, making it unruly. It did nothing to make him less handsome but added to his rugged appeal.

  “Will you, get in the car? Please?”

  She still didn’t move.

  “Melissa saw you and Brent together. They have been married forty-eight hours and already her husband has been found in another woman’s arms. How do you think she felt? Along with my parents’ anniversary celebration, they are also celebrating Brent and Melissa’s marriage. It was a good thing I found her crying and not the parents.”

  Nicole choked back a gasp.

  “That’s right. She saw you. I’m not going to let you ruin this night for her, or is that what you want?”

  Nicole got into the car and he slammed the door. She locked her fingers together in her lap, and stared straight ahead.

  He was right but she wouldn’t give him the satisfaction of knowing that. She should’ve known better. Her aunt would’ve been mortified if she’d found Brent and her together.

  He slid in, started the powerful engine, and then pulled out onto the highway with speed. The silence in the car was deafening but it was fine with her. She ignored him, happy that he didn’t try to make conversation. Through the car window, she saw nothing but darkness. Although the tall buildings in downtown Dallas were aligned with sparkling lights, it didn’t nothing to brighten her mood.

  Her mind drifted to Brent and his marriage. Why didn’t he tell her he was going to marry Melissa? The bond they once shared was over. She wouldn’t be the other woman in his marriage. He’d made his choice but it didn’t stop the pain.

  She inhaled deeply. Nicole felt Ashton’s eyes on her. She leaned back against the headrest and closed her eyes.

  When she opened her eyes they’d arrived at a sprawling estate outside of Dallas. She didn’t realize she’d fallen asleep. Blinking, she observed her surroundings as the car came to a standstill.

  “Why are we at your house?”

  He didn’t say a word but the left the car and came around to the passenger side. He opened the door and offered his hand. She took it. He shut the car door with his other hand and guided her toward the house.

  The mansion was beautiful but seemed to be too much for one person. She’d been to his house only once for a barbecue. A Sinclair tradition that was normally held at his parents’ home but last year, his mother had volunteered Ashton’s place for the event. Ashton hadn’t been happy but he never could deny his strong-will mother anything.

  At the function, Nicole never ventured inside the mansion, although she’d been secretly curious about Ashton’s personal space. But there had been no need since a large pool house and small cottages were situated on the two hundred acres for all the guests’ needs.

  Ashton punched in a code and the door slid open. He stepped back to let her proceed. When she stopped abruptly, he bumped into her. With a hand at the small of her back, he turned her towards him.

  “You okay?” he asked

  “Yes, I’m fine.”

  He watched her closely. “You look tired.”

  “I am.” She massaged the base of her temple.

  He didn’t say anything but led them into a spacious living room. Surprise at the opulent contemporary style of the room, her breath caught at the beauty of the high ceilings and the subtle but bright décor.

  A long off-white sofa covered with yellow and apple green pillows sat on an Asian rug. Shiny hardwood floors flowed throughout the room. Many homes in Texas were decorated in a south
western style but not this one.

  Although everything about the house spoke money, this room had an elegance Nicole immediately loved. Maybe it was because the man who occupied the house seemed too cold and emotionless to appreciate such beauty.

  Ashton pointed toward a sofa. “Have a seat.” He went to the wet bar across the room. “Would you like something to drink?”

  “Mineral water, if you have it.” She walked toward the sofa but didn’t sit. She didn’t feel comfortable sitting while he towered over her. Although she was of average height, he made her feel smaller.

  “You have a lovely home.”

  Cold eyes spared her a quick glance. “You’ve been here before.”

  “Yes, but never inside.”

  “Why not?”

  She shrugged. “There was no need.”

  He poured the mineral water into a glass added a couple of ice cubes and handed it to her.

  “Thanks.”

  He nodded, retrieved a bottle of whiskey, and released a measure into a glass. “I want you to feel comfortable.”

  She frowned. “Why did you bring me here?”

  “Tell me why you think I brought you here?”

  “I really don’t know. Whatever you had to say could’ve been said in the gazebo.”

  He walked to the window, looked out not saying anything for a long moment, and then turned toward her.

  “Your aunt and my mother are best friends.”

  “So? Should I treat you like a blood relative?”

  “Don’t get it twisted,” he said.

  She took a sip of her drink. “No riddles tonight, Ashton. I’m not in the mood.”

  He moved closer to her. “Do you realize that is the first time you’ve said my name this evening?”

  She frowned. “So?”

  “I like the sound of it on your tongue.” Then he abruptly walked to the bar again. “Besides, I have told you why you’re here.”

  He was one strange man.

  “No, you didn’t.”

  “Staying at the gazebo was out of the question. I didn’t want to risk running into Melissa. I needed to get you off the premises. Your house was too far. Mine was the closest and secluded.”

  She set her glass on a nearby table. “Okay. You achieved what you set out to do.” She crossed her arms. “So talk.”

  He squinted at her tone. “Brent’s marriage with Melissa needs a chance to thrive. They were high school sweethearts for a while. She’s loved him a long time. Let Brent go. She can’t compete with you for his affection. She’s not that type of girl.

  “So, what type a girl am I?”

  “Melissa doesn’t know how to fight for what she wants.”

  “And I do?”

  “Yes. I believe you do. You’ve matured into a strong woman.”

  “I didn’t know Brent was married until tonight.” Hearing the words caused a slight ache in her heart.”

  “The marriage happened two days ago. Since my uncle’s a judge there was no red tape. It was a quiet family affair.” There was a long pause. “Melissa is pregnant.”

  Surprised, she took a moment to compose herself. She wouldn’t let him see how this piece of information affected her. “Brent would’ve told me.”

  “No, he wouldn’t have.”

  She glared at him. “You like this, don’t you? For years, I could tell you didn’t want me with Brent. Your snide remarks, your brooding stares, it was evident how much you disliked me. In your eyes, I wasn’t good enough for him. I wasn’t the right color. I didn’t have the right pedigree. Oh, I had money but it wasn’t old money. It didn’t get your stamp of approval.”

  She was so angry she could barely catch a breath. She inhaled deeply reaching for control she didn’t feel.

  “What the hell are you talking about? ” He shook his head and rubbed a hand across his face. “I can’t believe you. You’re making excuses and I won’t let you. Our conversation is about an inappropriate relationship you have with a married man not about color.”

  “It’s more than that, and you know it.”

  A red tint stained his cheekbones. He was angry as well. But right now, she didn’t give a damn.

  “I don’t know how you could form the words to come out of your mouth. For tonight only, I’ll let it go because I know you’re distraught.”

  “Distraught? I’m not a child to be coddled. I’ve just lost the man I love. It’s only natural I’m hurting. I’ll not let you make me feel dirty because of my feelings for Brent. He and I have been friends, close friends, and I’ll continue to be his friend. You’ll not set the parameters.”

  “Well, someone needs to because you damn sure can’t do it. You’re too emotional.”

  “Of course, you wouldn’t understand. Emotions are alien to you. I love him. Love can’t be turned on and then off like a night switch.”

  He snorted in disgust, slamming down his whiskey glass on the counter. “Brent is married.”

  “I know that.”

  “You need to stop this foolishness and accept it.” He rushed on, “He was your first crush and you want to equate it to love.”

  She screamed. “Look who’s talking! A man made of stone. A man who sleeps with any woman who will spread her legs. You don’t know a damn thing about love.” She smirked. “As for passion? If it slapped you in the face you wouldn’t recognize it! Lust…” She uttered a short, brittle laugh. “Now that’s something you’re well acquainted.”

  Silence sliced through the room. His eyes narrowed into slits and his lips pursed together into a tight grim line. He reached for her but she wasn’t quick enough to evade his hand. Ashton slammed her up against his hard frame, circling her waist in a firm grip. Nerve endings fired to life with a fierceness that stung. His eyes darken to a smothering hue. He placed a hand at the back of her neck, pulled her to him, with his mouth inches from hers. She fought to hold back a moan as her breasts met the steel of his chest.

  “Such fire. Who would’ve known?” He dipped his head. “I believe you get pleasure out of pushing me.”

  “No…”

  “Yes.” He skimmed his fingers across her lips, caressing them until she started to crave something more. Of what, she didn’t know. She opened, he inserted a finger and she instinctively suckled the tip.

  “You want to be one of those women who open up for me? Would you like that?” His voice was rough. “Lust or passion? Choose one, or maybe you want both. Tell me what you want?”

  Breathing became difficult, so much so, that she couldn’t speak. Heat cascaded through her vagina, creating a flow that wet her thong panties. It angered her that he could make her feel things she never envisioned.

  She raised her hand toward his face. “How dare you!”

  He grabbed it before it connected. He smirked, brought his lips to her wrist and ran his tongue lightly across the skin. Her blood pumped furiously at the delicate touch. He watched her the entire time, boldly holding her captive with the intensity of his gaze. Finally, he laughed, released her hand, but kept his arms tightly around her waist.

  “I dare a lot of things when it comes to you, Nicole,” he said in a seductive voice. “Let’s see how much passion…and lust I can muster.”

  Chapter Two

  Nicole turned her head from the invasion, but not before his mouth landed on the side of her neck. His tongue gently suckled the rapid pulse. She squirmed trying to release the pressure in her core. Breathing hard, the blaze still shimmying throughout her body, she fought to rein in the emotions. Her heart pounded. If felt as if it would explode. She pushed at his shoulders, he released her and she backed up confused at what transpired. She laced her fingers together to stop the trembling.

  “Why did you do that?” she croaked, her voice sounded strange to her ears.

  “Do what?” The only evidence that he was affected by what happened was the tightening at the corners of his lips.

  “Grabbed me like that.”

  “I didn’t grab you. I
merely placed my arms around you. Did I frighten you?”

  Tonight when she was in Brent’s arms she’d felt protected, safe and his kiss had been warm and pleasant. Not the all-consuming heat she felt with Ashton. With Brent, she didn’t feel like she was spinning out of the control and falling into an abyss. Now her equilibrium was unbalanced and she didn’t like the feeling.

  “You didn’t frighten me.” It was said with more conviction than she felt. “You’ve never touched me before. It surprised me.”

  He poured another drink and consumed it in one swallow. She watched him closely and thought she saw his hand tremble but assumed it was her imagination working overtime.

  “You’re skittish as a colt.”

  “Why did you do it?” she asked again.

  Hard-as-granite dark, blue eyes raked over her body before finally condescending to meet her incensed gaze. “Don’t sweat it, Nicole. I didn’t kiss you.”

  Her hands clenched into fists. “That would be the last thing I would allow you to do.” Nicole released a nervous laugh. “I don’t know what’s gotten into you. We don’t even like each other.”

  His cold gaze was unflinching.

  When it came to business, Ashton had a habit of staring people down in long brooding and strange silences. It was known to cause many men to succumb to his bidding. But she wasn’t one of his acquisitions; she knew not to retreat.

  She could handle his self-absorbed arrogance and rudeness but he was different tonight and she didn’t know what to expect next or how to respond to it.

  “We like each other,” he uttered with no emotion. “A lot more than you think.”

  Did she just hear correctly? He must’ve had too much to drink at the party. And along with what he consumed, since they’d been at his house, it was impairing his judgment. All they had ever done when their paths crossed were to argue. Or was he making a joke? She looked at him. No, it wasn’t possible.

  Ashton Sinclair never joked about anything. Was it something else? Was he flirting with her? She shook her head at the thought. Get a grip, girl. You’re talking about No Emotion Sinclair. He doesn’t flirt. To do so, he would need a heart, a smile and the ability to be nice. To be fair, he did have a heart—one made of steel. He just didn’t process the other attributes.