Forbidden Secrets

Another wave of nausea swept over her and Eve swayed on her feet. She gripped the stool and closed her eyes. Instantly Graham had his strong hands around her waist.

“Eve? What?”

She squeezed her eyes tighter, willing the unwanted nausea away. She couldn’t answer for fear of getting sick right here. She hoped staying still for just a moment would help...

“Eve, talk to me,” Graham urged. “Is it the baby?”

“Baby?” Nora exclaimed.

Suddenly Eve’s fear of getting sick wasn’t the issue. Now her sister knew and there was nothing Eve could do to stop this train wreck.

Ten

Graham didn’t give a damn about the slipup. And he could care even less if Nora was shocked. When Eve swayed and caught herself on the barstool, his protective instincts took over.

Scooping her up in his arms, Graham ignored her weak plea to put her down as he carted her over to the living area off the kitchen. Once he laid her on the sofa, he noticed her pallor and the sheen of sweat that dotted her forehead. He eased himself onto the sofa beside her and lifted her legs onto his lap.

“Get her a cold cloth,” he ordered Nora without taking his eyes from Eve. What if something was wrong? Why did she look so damn pale?

Eve laid one hand on her stomach and the other over her forehead. “I’m fine. Just give me a minute.”

Seconds later, Nora waved a washcloth in Graham’s face. He used it to wipe Eve’s forehead, her neck. He didn’t like this helpless feeling one bit. He’d seen his grandmother and his mother grow weak and pass. Not that Eve was dying, but the thought that there was nothing he could do for her right now really pissed him off.

“Eve.” Nora stood over the back of the couch and reached down to smooth a damp strand of hair from her sister’s face. “Are you pregnant again?”

Eve groaned, muttering something Graham didn’t comprehend because he’d homed in on the key word in Nora’s question.

Again?

What the hell did Nora mean by that? When had Eve been pregnant before?

“I’m pregnant,” Eve mumbled. “Don’t tell Grace. I’ll tell her.”

“Oh, honey.” Now Nora’s voice took on a compassionate tone, one that Graham instinctively knew had everything to do with this former pregnancy. He was almost afraid to find out the details, but he would. “How far along are you?”

“Seven weeks now.”

Graham listened to the sisters, but his mind was overloaded. A spear of unexpected jealousy hit him square in the chest. He had no right to be jealous of a faceless man who’d created a baby with Eve. Clearly they weren’t together anymore. But still, Graham didn’t want to think of her experiencing this with anyone else.

“Promise me,” Eve was saying, her eyes pleading with Nora. “Don’t say anything. Let Graham and me handle this. We want what’s best for the baby, and our families have to come to some sort of peace.”

Nora glanced at Graham before looking back down at Eve. “I promise. I know what it’s like to be pregnant and unsure of what to do next.”

Nora had been a single mother before she and Reid had fallen in love. Graham didn’t know much about Nora’s circumstances, but it sounded as though she’d been alone and scared. Fortunately, Eve wouldn’t be alone. Ever, if he had any say.

Eve started to sit up, waving her hand when Graham tried to ease her back down. “It passed. I’m fine. I’m just going to sit here for a bit.” Looking over her shoulder, she asked, “What did you need this morning, Nora?”

“What? Oh, it’s not important.” Nora smiled, then wrapped her arms around her sister. “I thought we might go shopping for party costumes for Halloween, but we can go another day.”

Again, Graham didn’t like being left out of this little shopping trip. Didn’t like being so easily dismissed as though he was replaceable.

“I’ll feel fine in the afternoon if you want to wait.”

Nora stood straight up and nodded. “Sounds good. Text me later. Reid doesn’t want to go, so I’ll just pick something up for him. But I was given a list of things he refuses to wear. Tights being at the top of the list.”

“No Robin Hood for him, then.” Eve smiled. “Thanks for understanding and keeping this to yourself. I know you have questions, but I’ll address them. Just not now.”

Graham watched the younger Winchester sister as she adjusted her cardigan and smoothed her hair back. “I promise to keep this all to myself, but if you need any help with doctor’s appointments or someone to—”

“She’s got someone,” Graham stated. “Just be sure to keep that promise.”

Nora pulled in a breath as if she wanted to let him have it, but Graham flashed her what he hoped was a charming smile. No way in hell was he letting anyone else care for Eve and his child. They may not be a couple, but she belonged to him now.

Closing her mouth without saying anything, Nora turned on her heel and left out the front door. Silence filled the spacious room. Eve’s legs were still in Graham’s lap, but she sat up with her arm stretched across the back of the sofa.

“We’re going to have to tell your brothers now,” she said, rubbing her head. “I’ll have to talk to Grace and...this is just going to be a mess.”

“This isn’t a mess. If our families can’t see that a child is more important than our rivalry, then—”

“Tell me more about Gerty.” Eve’s eyes held his. She reached down and took his hand.

“Excuse me?”

Eve glanced down, traced a pattern over his palm. “You seemed so happy when you were talking about her. You seemed nostalgic and that’s a side of you I don’t know.”

Graham swallowed. She didn’t know this side because it was the one that was most vulnerable. But he wanted her to fully know him, to gain her affection so that his plan would be flawless. In order for that to happen, he’d have to bare all his emotions where his past was concerned.

“Gerty was amazing.” Because he couldn’t sit still, he shifted from beneath her and went to the kitchen for her plate. After putting it on her lap, he set her juice on the side table. “She’d swat our hands with a wooden spoon if we cursed, then just as lovingly show us how to bake homemade bread. I’ve never known anyone like her.”

Eve continued to hold on to her plate. Graham picked up the fork and got a small bite for her. When he lifted it to her lips, she kept her gaze on his as he fed her.

“When I fell off the monkey bars in the first grade, she came right to the school because she didn’t want to worry my mom or disrupt her shift at the coffee shop. By the time Mom got home, Gerty had bandaged me up, given me ice cream for dinner, and we were watching Casablanca.”

Eve smiled as he lifted another bite to her mouth. “You get your love of old movies from her.”

Graham nodded. “I get many things from her. She would always say how she was just a waitress, but she took pride in her job. She told us to do whatever job we wanted, whether it be a janitor or a doctor. She wanted us to know that every job was important and to make sure we worked hard.”

Graham recalled her harping on how important hard work was time and time again. No matter the career, they had to put 110 percent into it. She was a proud woman and Graham knew his mother had found a real-life angel just when she’d needed her. Or perhaps they’d needed each other, considering that Gerty’s husband had just passed when she took in Cynthia.

Graham continued to feed Eve. He shared random stories about his childhood. Whatever popped into his mind, he shared. For once, he was completely relaxed. Surprisingly, he wanted Eve to be fully aware of where he came from. He didn’t come from money. He’d worked his ass off to get where he was at the law firm.

After her plate was completely clean, he reached for the juice and handed it to her.

“That was amazing,” she told him. “Feel free to cook for me anytime.”

Graham stilled. He wasn’t prepared to play house. He had no road map, no plan here. All he knew was the end result had to be that his child was raised as a Newport.

“I’m sorry,” she told him, glancing away. “I didn’t mean that the way it sounded.”

“Don’t be sorry.”

Shaking her head, she put her plate and glass on the table before leaning back on the couch. “You may be able to keep those emotions hidden in the courtroom, but I can read you better than you think. I understand you don’t want a relationship with me, or any type of commitment. I wasn’t implying that.”

Graham raked a hand over his face; the stubble on his jawline was itchy and annoying. “Neither of us is at a point in our lives when we can put forth the time and attention a relationship needs.”

Eve nodded. “I agree.”

“But that doesn’t mean everything that happened before I found out you were pregnant is over. I can’t just shut off my desire for you, Eve. If you want to cool it in that area, tell me now. I’ll respect your wishes and I’ll still do everything in my power to keep you and this baby safe and cared for.”

He had to say what she wanted to hear. He couldn’t scare her off this early. He couldn’t even hint at what his true intentions were.

Eve pushed to her feet and started pacing. She stopped in front of the fireplace and turned her back to him. His eyes focused beyond her, on the photos she had arranged across the mantel. Every silver-framed picture showcased her family. The sisters, Eve and her mother, a young Eve on her father’s shoulders. He didn’t want to get into that aspect of her life. Graham couldn’t afford to see Sutton as a loving father. Graham didn’t give a damn about Sutton, save for the fact that he knew who Brooks and Graham’s birth father was. Or he at least knew a name. The old bastard was keeping this information to himself and Graham would do anything to find it out.

But he wouldn’t use Eve or his unborn child to get it.

“I don’t know what I want,” Eve finally said. “This passion clearly isn’t going away anytime soon. But I need some space.”

When she turned around, Graham had to force himself to remain seated. She didn’t need him cutting her off, she needed him to be strong for her. But he wouldn’t stay away long.

“Wanting you has never been a question,” she went on. “But—”

“I know.” And he did. Graham came to his feet, pleased when her eyes raked over his bare chest. Let her look, let her continue to want and need just as he did. If she needed him, then that would play right into his hand. “I’ll give you space, Eve. But you need to understand, I’m not going away. I won’t pressure you or point out that you’re looking at me like you want to take the rest of my clothes off.”

Eve rolled her eyes. “So arrogant.”

“Accurate, not arrogant,” he corrected as he slowly closed the space between them. “I’m going to check on you every day. I’m going to be involved with this pregnancy. But you’re going to come to me on your own.”

He now stood so close to her that his bare chest rubbed against her T-shirt.

She tipped her head back. “You’re sure of that?”

Graham eased closer, his lips within a breath of hers. “Positive.”

He brushed his lips against hers, not quite kissing her, but feeling her warm breath. The slight whimper that escaped her was reassuring, but he stepped back. Fisting his hands at his sides to remain in control, he counted backward from ten.

She wanted space? So be it. She’d see just how difficult ignoring this desire would be.

“I’ll call you later.”

Graham forced himself to walk away. After getting his clothes and letting himself out, he reevaluated the plan in his head. Carson and Brooks needed to know about the baby, but he couldn’t tell them just yet. He needed to formulate a better strategy for dealing with the Winchesters that didn’t involve obliterating Sutton, and in turn hurting Eve. He didn’t want her hurt, he wanted her to be completely and utterly his. But he also wanted Sutton to divulge the name of his father before he died.

Damn it. There had to be a way to get everything he wanted and not hurt Eve in the process.

If Roman could find their birth father soon, Graham knew Brooks would ease off Sutton. Or if Sutton somehow found it in the deepest part of his dark heart to share the information he knew, that would be even better. But Graham feared the man would go to his grave with the secret.

Just like his mother had. Why hadn’t she just told them? All Graham had ever heard was how their father wasn’t in the picture and she didn’t want to talk about him.

So here they were with no answers, other than that Sutton was Carson’s father. But that was it.

Putting thoughts of Sutton out of his mind, Graham pulled away from Eve’s house, already planning on how to gain her attention, to make her come to him. Because he wouldn’t beg for any women...not even the mother of his child.

Eleven

Graham eased back in his chair and thanked God the case he’d been waiting on to go to trial was finally scheduled. This would be a slam dunk for his client, and another win for Graham and the firm.

Since she’d last seen him, he’d randomly texted Eve. He purposely didn’t flirt, didn’t get into anything sexual or do the whole pathetic what-are-you-wearing thing. Nope. He wanted to keep her guessing, because if she was guessing, then she was thinking about him and his next move. And if she was thinking about him, then her thoughts would travel to the bedroom all on their own.

But the wait was killing him. It had been too long since he’d touched her properly. The thought of having another woman didn’t excite him in the least. Eve was the woman he wanted in his bed, or anywhere else he could get her all to himself.

He knew she was getting ready for her sister’s upcoming costume party, but he still wanted to see her. She couldn’t come to him fast enough.

“Mr. Newport.” His assistant’s soft voice came through the speaker. “You have a visitor.”

Eve? No, that was ridiculous. She wouldn’t come here, not after she’d exploded when he’d shown up at her office during business hours.

“Shall I send Carson in?”

Graham came to his feet and pressed the speaker button. “Yes. Thank you.”

Graham’s door swung open and Carson stepped inside, closing the door at his back.

“You have a minute?”

Graham gestured to the seat across from his desk. “Of course.”

“I’ll be brief.” Carson remained standing, so Graham did, too. “I’m going to see Sutton this evening. He called me yesterday and wanted to meet. I’ve been hesitant, but his time is limited, so I’m going.”

Graham stilled. “Alone?”

“I know you and Brooks want answers from him, so if you want to go, we can all meet there. That bastard thinks he can always get what he wants, but we’re a team, so we’re in this together.”

Another encounter with Sutton? Why not. The more they pumped him for answers, the greater the odds he’d wear down and just tell them what they wanted to know.

“Is Brooks going?”

Carson nodded. “He’s meeting me there.”

Graham glanced at the files on his desk, the open emails on his computer screen waiting to be answered. Nothing was more important than another shot with Sutton. Their time was running out.

“What time?” he asked, turning back to his brother.

“Seven.”

Graham gave a firm nod of his head. “I’ll be there.”

Carson pulled in a deep breath and shoved his hands in his pockets. “I have no idea what I’m going to say. It’s still awkward for me, especially now that he’s dying...”

Graham couldn’t imagine the emotions Carson was dealing with right now. “Are you sure you don’t want to take Georgia instead?”

“No. She understands the need for the three of us to be there. I want to help you guys get the answers you need, plus I want to see what he has to say.”

Graham wondered what Eve would say if she knew he was going to see her father. She was protective of him, wouldn’t want anyone going to him on his deathbed and pumping him for information. Still, Graham was going to try one last time. Who knew when the man was going to pass? Sutton may have still been getting the best care at his sprawling estate, but that was only because of his billions. He was too proud to be in some facility like everyone else.

Had Eve told her father about the baby? Doubtful, or Sutton would’ve called Graham to meet with him, as well. Was Eve planning on exposing their secret or was she hoping to avoid telling her dad?

“You okay?”

Graham blinked and focused back on his brother. “Yeah. Fine. I’ll finish up here and meet you all over at Sutton’s.”

Carson let himself out and Graham hurried to finish up the work that needed his attention right now. Once he was done, he grabbed his cell and thought about firing off a text to Eve but opted not to. She didn’t need to know what was going on. If Sutton wanted her to know, he could tell her. Graham wasn’t putting himself in the middle any more than he already was.

Sutton’s affairs were his business, but Sutton’s affair with Graham’s mom was clearly out in the open now. Considering that Carson wasn’t much younger than Graham and Brooks, Graham knew the affair had started when he and Brooks were mere infants. There was no way in hell Sutton wasn’t aware of the first name of their father at least. Why did the old bastard care enough to keep it secret? Any information he provided would go a long way to helping them discover who their father was.

But maybe they wouldn’t like the answer. Maybe their father was fully aware of the twins he’d given up. Maybe he didn’t want anything to do with them. Still, that was a risk Graham and Brooks were willing to take.

In the end, Graham texted Eve, asking if she’d found a costume for the party. Simple enough, but effective in keeping her on her toes and their lines of communication open.

As soon as he started to shut the lights off in his office, the cell vibrated in his pocket. He pulled it out and nearly sagged against the wall. The image of Eve dressed as some sexy goddess with a white wrap hugging all her tempting curves had him gritting his teeth and cursing himself for telling her he’d give her space. The little vixen was playing games with him. She wanted him begging. He was sure that was her angle.

But two could definitely play at that game and he never played without every intention of winning.

* * *

Sutton Winchester’s house was a vast estate not too far from the offices where he’d once controlled the real estate world. Graham and Brooks moved in behind Carson as they were led toward the back of the house. The butler was solemn and said nothing as he gestured for them to follow. Not that Graham was expecting a warm welcome, but still.

He tried to take in the surroundings, tried to imagine Eve growing up in this cold mansion. There wasn’t a thing out of place and it looked more like a museum than a place where children played.

Graham instantly thought of his penthouse and cringed. Not exactly a playground, but he would make damn sure his child had a fun place to be a kid even if he had to remove his wet bar and put in an indoor jungle gym.

How pathetic was this? He was already one-upping Sutton in his own mind in regards to parenting. Ridiculous.

The servant escorting them motioned toward a set of double doors. Carson thanked the man and threw a glance back at his brothers.

“We’ve got your back,” Brooks stated. “Go in when you’re ready.”

Carson turned back around, placed his hands on the knobs and eased both doors open. Graham didn’t know what he expected, maybe a gray-toned man lying in bed hooked up to machines keeping him alive. But the reality was Sutton sitting up in a plush chair with his feet up by the fire in what Graham assumed was the master suite. A thick, plaid blanket covered his lap.

Sutton was once a kingpin in the corporate world, but right now he looked to be someone’s loving grandpa waiting for children to gather around for story time.

Actually, this was his child’s grandfather, but Graham would rather forget that little fact and focus on the reason for their visit now.

“I was hoping you’d come alone,” Sutton stated. “But I’m not surprised you brought your brothers.”

Graham didn’t reply. This was Carson’s show...for now. Carson had received the invite and it was Carson who had the most to get off his chest. Graham and Brooks were most likely beating the proverbial dead horse. Okay, really poor choice of words, but he couldn’t help what popped into his head.

“My brothers and I are a unit. You know all about family loyalty, right?” Carson mocked.

Sutton merely nodded, not answering the rhetorical question.

“I don’t even know what to say to you,” Carson admitted.

Graham exchanged a knowing look with Brooks. They both knew Carson was on edge, and it definitely cost him to admit it. The poor guy had been on the fence about whether to fully accept Sutton as his father, whether to approach him and listen to what the old man had to say. But they were here now and Graham was more concerned about Carson’s feelings than anything else.

“Have a seat.” Sutton turned his attention to the twins. “All of you.”

Carson remained still, staring at his father. Graham moved first to take a seat on the sofa on the other side of the oriental rug across from Sutton. Brooks sat beside him and finally Carson took the last spot on the end.

Sutton shifted in his seat. Graham wasn’t sure if it was nerves or if the old man was simply trying to get comfortable. Sutton wasn’t the type to show his emotions, so Graham doubted he was feeling anything but smug. He’d called Carson to come, and he had.

“Why did you want me here?” Carson finally asked, breaking the silent tension.

“You’re my son.”

Graham snorted, ignoring Sutton’s frown and quick, disapproving look.

“So you’re expecting us to get to know each other now that I know the truth and you’re sick?” Carson asked.

Sutton turned his face to the fire. Orange flames licked against the black stone. The Chicago air was cooling quite a bit, hinting at an early winter. Graham found it easy to focus on the weather, on the fire, on anything other than the fact he didn’t want to be here. Oh, he wanted to be here if he was going to get a name, but the chances of that happening were about as good as Sutton recovering from lung cancer.

“What you decide to do is up to you.” Sutton coughed, and that’s when it was apparent how sick the man was. This coughing fit wasn’t short and it wasn’t quiet. Finally, when he was done, he turned back to Carson. “I wanted you to know that I truly loved your mother.”

Brooks tensed beside Graham. Of course he’d bring their mother into the conversation. He’d pretend that he knew her well, that he was heartbroken to leave her. Sutton had left Cynthia alone and pregnant, just like he’d found her. Only this time she’d been pregnant with his kid and he hadn’t known it. Still, a lowly waitress and outsider wouldn’t have fit into his high-society world of luxury homes, cars and diamonds.

The atmosphere of anger and bitterness in this room enveloped them all. There was so much to be said, but at the same time they were dealing with a dying man...and Eve’s father. The grandfather of Graham’s baby.

Graham stared at Sutton and tried to imagine the man from the picture on Eve’s mantel. The man who held his daughter on his shoulders at some amusement park. Sutton may be ruthless, he may have had countless affairs, but he loved his children. Considering that he had been shocked by the news of Carson’s paternity, Graham wasn’t surprised he’d called Carson to his home. Sutton wouldn’t sit back and just ignore his child.

But he had no problem ignoring his ex-lover’s other children.

“If you loved our mother, then tell us the name of our father,” Brooks stated. “You were with her long enough. She would’ve confided in you.”

Sutton shook his head. “It’s because I loved Cynthia that I won’t betray her confidence. If she’d wanted you to know, she would’ve told you.”