Montana Legacy\'s Forbidden Love
LEGACY’S FORBIDDEN LOVE
Chapter One
Two years earlier
Trey Harrington and his wife Francesca walked from their apartment building in Paris, France into the mid morning sun. Trey was tall with broad shoulders and black hair that fell to just below his shoulders. He had his mother’s emerald green eyes. His skin was a golden brown, inherited from his Crow ancestors. He was preoccupied with his own thoughts and paid little attention to his wife of six months. Automatically he slowed his pace as she was heavy with child. The baby was due in three weeks, and they planned to fly back to the states in a few days. He hadn’t told his parents about their marriage, because they had married quickly as she was pregnant.
He had planned to surprise his parent’s with the news, but he had received word from his parent’s that morning informing him that his twin brother’s wife had died in a car accident. Trey was worried about his brother and knew he must be suffering terribly. His plan was to fly back to the states first thing in the morning, but he hated to drop such shocking news on his parents at a time like this. Still, it couldn’t be avoided any longer, the baby would arrive soon, and perhaps that would help ease his parent’s grief. His Father had sounded weary on the phone.
Beside him Francesca was frowning. His wife was tall with long black hair, and dark eyes. The only extra weight she carried was her pregnant belly. She had small breasts, and tended to be too thin.
Trey was ignoring her again; he barely paid her any attention. She knew he was upset about his brother, but his interest in her had been slipping for a while. He worked long hours on top of school and she barely saw him. They hadn’t made love in a couple weeks, and she had begun to fear he was seeing another woman. Francesca hated what the pregnancy had done to her body; she would be glad when the baby was born. Still she knew they wouldn’t be able to make love for a while after the birth, and she could feel Trey slipping through her fingers. Francesca loved him so much, and he had told her he loved her, but sometimes she wondered if that was true. More and more she feared his only reason for marrying her was the baby.
Turning she stepped in front of him to stop him, intending to give him a kiss. As she stepped in front of him she heard a loud boom, but thought nothing of it. The impact of the bullet slammed her forward into Trey. Catching his wife as the loud boom finally registered in his mind. Someone was shooting at them! Picking his wife up, he scanned the buildings around him for the shooter, but he didn’t see anyone as he raced back into their apartment building. Francesca moaned in his arms as he set her down in the lobby.
“Someone call an ambulance, my wife’s been shot.” He shouted in French to the doormen.
“I love you.” She whispered weakly. She knew she was dying, but she was fighting to hang on for the baby.
“You’ll be alright, help is on the way.” He replied. Trey was in a state of shock. His hand gently stroked her hair as he waited for the emergency crew to arrive. It seemed to take hours for them to arrive, but they arrived within minutes.
Trey backed up to allow them to take care of his wife. She was moaning in pain. He stood there his clothes covered in blood. He watched as the Emergency crew quickly loaded his wife into the Ambulance, climbing in behind them. The ride to the hospital seemed to last forever. Francesca was moaning, her breathing shallow, her body shaking. They finally arrived at the hospital and raced his wife inside. He knew from the looks on the faces of the hospital personnel that his wife wouldn’t make it, but he held out hope for the baby. While he waited in the waiting area he was questioned by the police about the shooting. There was nothing he could tell them, he didn’t have a clue. All he knew for sure was that the shooter had intended to kill him.
An hour later the Doctor came out his face grave. “I’m sorry Sir, but we were unable to save your wife.”
“What about the baby?” He dared to ask.
“We performed an emergency c-section; you have a son. But the baby is in critical condition, the bullet tore through your wife’s womb.” The Doctor answered.
His son, whom he named John Edward after his father and grandfather, died twenty-four hours later in his arms.
Francesca’s parents arrived to find their daughter and grandson had died. Trey left the hospital unable to face their grief, he was overcome with guilt.
Trey quickly made arrangements for his wife’s funeral, before flying back to the states, just in time to attend Laura’s funeral. His parent’s were angry over the fact that he hadn’t returned sooner. Both were grief stricken and didn’t notice how terrible Trey looked. He stayed for the funeral and left to return to Paris the next day, further angering his parents.
Francesca was laid to rest in a small Providence where she had grown up. His son was laid to rest cradled in his mother’s arms for all time. Although Trey spared no expense on the funeral service, her family was put off by his cold manner; he may as well have been a statue. He didn’t shed a single tear at the funeral, just sitting coldly through the service, his face set in stone. When the service was over he left. He had never returned, although he made sure that Francesca always had fresh flowers on her grave.
After the funeral he hired men to investigate the shooting. It took them a month to discover the identity of the killer. Trey in the meantime had hired his own security detail. Once he had the identities of the killers he and Damon, the head of his new security detail, killed the men responsible. It was Trey that pulled the trigger on his wife’s shooter. It was the first time he had ever killed a man, but he felt no remorse. When it was done he returned to the states, he dropped out of school, and went to work for his Dad at Harrington Enterprises.
*****
Standing inside the crowed airport; waiting to board the plane that would take Kristen and her Grandmother to California to see her cousin Jamie. Kristen could hardly stand still she was so excited. Not only was she excited to be going to California with her Grandmother but she was also relieved, because it would be taking her away from her mother for couple of weeks. Over the last few weeks Kristen had been falling deeper and deeper into depression, suicide had become the only answer too her many problems. And than out of the blue, her Grandmother had asked her to accompany her on her trip to California. Kristen could hardly believe her luck, her Grandmother had even convinced her mother to let her go which had been no small task. Since Rebecca (Kristen’s mother) was dead set against Kristen going at first, but Bernice (Kristen's Grandmother) had insisted that Kristen go along saying she didn't like traveling alone. And so Rebecca had ever so reluctantly decided to let a much relieved and excited Kristen go. As she watched Kristen and her mother disappear down the hallway to board the plane, she began to have second thoughts, but it was too late they had already disappeared from sight. She and her other two children watched as the plane took off, she had the distinct feeling that something awful was going to happen on the trip her daughter was taking. She watched until the plane was out of sight and than turned and walked through the Airport with her two children. Still feeling uneasy but not sure why after all what could possibly happen.
*****
Joshua Harrington’s world had come crashing down on him two years earlier when he received a call from the police informing him that his wife had been involved in a car accident. Laura was his High School sweetheart they had dated all through high school, than they had gotten married right after high school. Laura had gotten pregnant right away and given birth to a little girl whom they named Kayla. Their daughter was only a year old when Laura died.
Laura had gone to a party while Josh stayed home with Kayla. Unlike Joshua, who had settled right into married life, she hadn’t settled down. She wanted to party and have fun with friends and wasn’t ready to care for a baby.
The night of the accident she had gone to the party with Josh’s best friend Brian. They both had too much to drink, but had driven home anyway. Brian had rounded a sharp corner going too fast and had lost control of the car, causing it to flip over several times. He was killed instantly while Laura was transported to the hospital. Josh had raced to hospital and was able to see his wife one last time. It would have been better if he had been too late. Because on her death bed Laura had revealed a terrible secret that still haunted Josh’s dreams.
He was devastated by the loss of his wife, and Brian had been his best friend since Junior High. They had grown up together and shared everything. He had been closer to Brian than he was to his own twin brother.
After the funeral he had crawled through daily life. Josh returned to college and took care of his baby whom he loved dearly. He had a lot of help from his parents, and had finally graduated in May. . His friends had talked him into going to L.A for the summer to celebrate their college graduation. Josh was also working part time at Harrington Enterprises until the summer was over. This was something that annoyed his brother Trey to no end. His twin brother believed he should be working full time, not messing around with friends. They were identical twins, but other than physical attributes they were as different as night and day. Both were tall like their father standing at 6”4. They had broad shoulders and hair that was as black as coal. Josh’s hair was cut short, while Trey’s hair touched his shoulders giving him a rebel like appearance. Their skin was a deep bronze taken from their Crow ancestors, but they had their mother’s green eyes. Josh had a calm and gentle nature, while Trey had a much darker nature.
“Josh, this is crap!” Trey told him, holding up the report in question. He was reviewing Josh’s reports for their father.
“What’s wrong with it?” Josh asked. He was standing by the window in his office looking out at the city of Los Angeles.
“It’s sloppy and in concise.” Trey replied. “You need to spend a little less time partying and a little more time doing your job! This part time shit isn’t going to fly.” He told Josh.
“Dad told me I could work part time this summer.” He reminded his brother.
“I know what Dad told you. This dead wife shit is only going to work for so long!”
“What?” Josh demanded his face darkening.
“You heard me. Your wife has been dead for over two years. Get over it!”
“I don’t expect you to understand. You’ve never given a damn about anyone!” Josh exclaimed.
“These reports need to be redone before you give them to Dad.” Trey said, rising from his chair.
“I’m not redoing them.” He replied, shaking his head.
“Fine, turn them in like that. Dad will just hurl them back at you! If you don’t want to work that’s fine resign, but if you’re going to work here then work!” He ordered.
“When was the last time you got laid?” Josh wondered aloud.
“This morning. Why?” He asked.
“Squeeze it in between meetings?” Josh asked shaking his head. “Have you ever had a girlfriend?”
“Not recently. What’s your point?” He asked with a frown.
“Aren’t you tired of having meaningless sex all the time?”
“You should talk. According to the guys you’re going to set a new record in one night stands.” Trey told him.
“I’m not like you, I want a family of my own.” Josh replied.
“Then stop moping around and get one already!” Trey told him coldly.
“I wish it was that easy.” Josh muttered.
“I don’t have time for this.” Trey told him as he started for the door. “I suggest you redo those reports, because if Grandpa sees those he’ll be flying in from the Island for sure.”
Josh watched as his brother exited the office before turning back to the window. He wished he could be as cold as Trey; nothing seemed to bother his brother. But at the same time he felt sorry for him his brother had never known what it was like to be in love.
Trey left the office building with his security detail and headed for the airport where a company jet waited to fly him home. He was tired and his brother’s cutting remarks hadn’t helped. The truth was he was sick of having meaningless sexual encounters with various women but he had never met a woman yet that could hold his interest. Francesca had held his attention for a while, but eventually he had become bored with her as well. He had very little respect for women in general, save his Mother. Josh had loved his wife dearly, but she had been a little cheat. An Autopsy had been performed on Laura’s remains, ordered by his Grandfather. The report had noted that she had intercourse on the night that she died. Since Josh was at home with their baby, she hadn’t had sex with him. His Grandfather had of course pushed further. Samples of semen were taken, and a comparison on DNA identified Brian as the donor. Laura had been banging Josh’s best friend, but that wasn’t the worst of Laura’s secrets he knew. Trey only hoped that the other secret never came out. His parent’s were unaware of Laura’s deceit, his Grandpa had only shown him the report. That report had left a bitter taste in his mouth, and he had come to the conclusion women were good for only one thing, but while sex satisfied his physical needs it did nothing to fill the emptiness inside. He found himself watching his parent’s with envy. They had such an open and loving marriage. His Father was a very lucky man they didn’t make women like his Mother anymore. The limo arrived at the airport and the door opened for him. Trey stepped out of the car and was immediately surrounded by his guards, who walked him to the ramp of his plane.
“You boy’s get some rest, I’ll see you in a week.” He told them as he started up the ramp. His Dad’s security people took over for his men.
Stepping inside the plane Trey sank into a plush leather chair with a weary sigh. This trip had been a complete waste of time. If only Josh would just do his job, it would help to take some of the weight off his shoulders. His Dad had started to depend on him more and more. He flew all over the world to take care of various business problems and it was starting to wear thin.
*****
Landing in L.A Kristen and Bernice leave the plane and walk toward the Airport Terminal where Kristen's cousin Jamie is waiting for them.
"Grandma, Kristen over here!" Jamie said waving as she pushed through the crowded Airport toward where they’re standing. "Grandma, I'm so glad you could make it, it's so good to see you." Jamie says giving Bernice a hug. "And Kristen, I'm so glad you could come it's been so long since I last saw you, look how you've grown. My God I do believe Kristen's sprouted breasts will you look at that.” Jamie replied loudly.
"Jamie!" Kristen admonished softly, turning three shades of red in her embarrassment.
"I'm just kidding!" Jamie said hugging Kristen. "It's good to see you." Jamie replied as they all started walking toward the baggage claim area. "Boy are we going to have some fun Kristen. I’ve got it all planned out, it's about time you got out and had some new experiences, and a boyfriend." Jamie said slyly, as they entered the baggage area, which was packed full of people waiting to get their luggage.
"Grandma why don't you let Kristen bunk over at my apartment she'll have great time at my place, what with all my roommates." Jamie said.
"Of course Kristen can stay with you, she'll have a lot more fun over at your place, than she will at Russell's." Bernice replied hoping that a couple of weeks with Jamie would bring her out of the deep depression she had been in the last couple of years. Time away from her mother was exactly what Kristen needed. Bernice feared that Rebecca would destroy the girl eventually, and secretly wished Kristen would never have to return to Rebecca and her hateful ways.
"Is it always this crowded?" Kristen asked not liking being so enclosed. Especially being that she only stood 5"2 in height and most everyone towered over her.
"What can you expect it's summer and tourist season. But don't worry we'll be out of here soon." Jamie said seeing Kristen's disturbed look.
"There’s our bags now!" Bernice said indicating their suitcases.
Having collected their bags they head through the Airport and out into the parking lot too Jamie's car. Opening her trunk Jamie helped them load their luggage.
"Geeze Kristen!" Jamie exclaimed taking her only bag from her. "I can already see I'm going to have to teach you the finer points of packing. The first lesson being always over pack never and I mean never under pack!" Jamie said closing the trunk. "Hey Kristen you wanna drive?" Jamie asked jokingly.
"I can't drive!" Kristen answered stunned at her offer.
" Neither can I but that's never stopped me!" Jamie replied "Just ask my Dad he'll tell you." Jamie replied getting into her car and starting the engine. Than pulling out of the parking spot they head out with Kristen hurriedly pulling on her seat belt. "Are you scared Kristen?" Jamie asked laughing at her actions as Kristen casts her and unsure look.
*****
Joshua laid in bed staring at the ceiling of his room thinking over what his brother had said. Maybe he wasn’t cut out to work at Harrington. He wasn’t like his brother, he didn’t want to spend every waking moment at work. He wanted a family and more children. The problem was he was afraid to love again because he never wanted to hurt like that again. Would there never come a day when he would be able to put his heart in harm’s way again? It had been two years since his wife Laura had died. The two people he had cared the most for in this world were gone, leaving in their wake an empty place. His thoughts turned toward his daughter Kayla who he had neglected in his grief over her mother's death. He had not seen her all summer, leaving her in the care of his mother. He sometimes wished he could be more like his older brother Trey. But they were complete opposites, which was odd because they were twins. They had been close as children but had drifted apart after high school. He missed that closeness with his brother. Trey had always looked out for him.
`The stirring of the woman's body that lay next to his in the bed brought him out of his troubling thoughts as he glanced down at the young woman who slept so peacefully in his arms. Her hair was long and dark her eyes were green. Her body was a golden brown. Exceptionally beautiful; he thought as he lay studying her as she slept. They had met at one of the many parties he and his friends had attended since coming here to celebrate their graduation from college. Josh had enjoyed the past two weeks he had spent with Colleen, but though he cared for her he knew he didn't love her. Knowing how deep her feelings for him were he decided it was time to end their relationship.
Sitting up, he pulled on his robe and climbed out of bed. Going into the bathroom he turned on the shower and removed his robe, climbing into the shower. As he washed off he was haunted by the night his wife had died. Losing Laura to death wasn’t the worst memory he had of that night.
In the bedroom the woman stirred awake she reached over for Joshua. Not finding him she sat up and glanced around the room. Hearing the shower she glanced toward the bathroom door with a smile. She was about to get up and join him when the phone rang. She answered it reluctantly.
" Could I speak to Joshua?" John asked, sitting at his desk in his office.
"He's in the shower at the moment could I take a message?" She asked as she sat in bed.
"Tell him his father called and wants him to call back as soon as possible." John replied.
"I'll tell him." She replied.
"Thank you.” John replied before hanging up.
She replaced the phone on the hook and pulled on a green silk robe Joshua had given her. Turning around she found him dressed in a pair of jeans and red T-shirt.
"Good morning." She replied softly with a smile, her eyes glowing with love for him.
"Morning! Who was that on the phone?" He asked going to the night stand to get his watch.
"It was your father. He wants you to call him back." Colleen replied, turning away and going into the bathroom. Going over to the nightstand Joshua picked up the phone and dialed his father's office. Joshua listened as the phone rang.
"Hello.” John said as he picked up his private phone.
“Father, its Josh, you wanted to speak to me?” Josh said sitting down on the bed.
“How’s California? Are you enjoying yourself?” He asked his son as he signed reports.
“Good.” He replied simply.
“Did you talk to Trey?” He asked.
“Yes, I met with him yesterday.”
“Did he go over your reports?” He asked, setting down his pen to lean back in his chair.
“Yes.”
“Where are they? I need those reports done for the quarter.” He told his son.
“I faxed them to you last night.” He answered.
“They must be in the stack Judy brought in this morning. Have you seen your brother this morning?”
“No. He flew back to the ranch yesterday.” Josh answered.
“He’s in Montana? He hasn’t shown up at the ranch.” John said with a frown.
“He said he was returning to the ranch.”
“He’s probably off messing around with some woman.” John muttered shaking his head. “Well I won’t keep you son, I’m sure you have things to do. Your mother wants to know when you’ll be coming home?”
“I told her I was planning to spend the summer down here.” Josh said with a sigh.
“She worries about you. We both do.” John admitted.
“I’m fine, I need to get to the office.” He lied.
“Bye Son.”
“Bye.” Josh said, hanging up the phone.
*****
Jamie and Kristen arrived at Jamie's apartment and began to unload the car having dropped Bernice off at Jamie's , Dad's house. Throwing open the door to her apartment, Jamie and Kristen enter closing the door behind them
"Well what do you think?" Jamie asked indicating the apartment. Kristen looked around the messy room in disbelief. How could anyone live in such filth Kristen wondered, but than again at least her mother wasn't there and that in it's self made the place seem almost welcome.
"It's nice." Kristen replied setting her stuff down.
" Sorry about the mess but we had a party recently and we just haven't got around to cleaning the place." Jamie said noticing the look Kristen had given the place.
"That's okay!" Kristen replied before looking for a place to sit down in the mess.
"So tell me what's your Mom up to these days?" Jamie asked before throwing some clothes off a stuffed chair to sit down.
"Not much, she's been looking for a job, but she's so picky I doubt she'll find a job." Kristen said from her spot on a old brown sofa, having found a spot free of clothing.
"How’s Kathy and David? Jamie asked.
"Their okay. They’re both getting bored though, there isn't much for them to do in Spokane during the summer." Kristen replied.
"Well we better find you a place to sleep, although you won't be getting much sleep tonight." Jamie said leading her into one of the bedrooms where a cot has been set up for her. Jamie lived in a three bedroom apartment with two roommates. The apartment was small but nice. "Great John did remember to get a cot. Well Kristen your all set now. Just throw your stuff in the corner" Jamie said surveying the room.
"Why won't I be getting very much sleep." Kristen asked as she set her stuff in a corner of the room.
"Because I'm taking you out tonight, its time you see more of the world." Jamie said before leaving the room. "Who knows maybe will even find you a boyfriend." Jamie called from the living room.
"Mom wouldn't like me going out!" Kristen replied coming out to the living room.
"Well your Mom's not here and if we don't tell her she'll never find out will she?" Jamie replies slyly.
Kristen shakes her head and smiles at the idea of doing something behind her mother’s back.
*****
Coming out of the bathroom after showering and dressing Colleen crossed to the patio door. Joshua stood there moodily surveying the world through the glass door of the patio.
"Good morning." She said, slipping her arms around him from behind.
"Morning!" Joshua replied softly before turning to give her a leisurely kiss. His lips moved down over her neck. Pausing for a moment, he pulled her shirt up and over her head. His hand cupped her breast rubbing the nipple through her black lace bra. Unfastening her bra his mouth settled over her nipple, causing her to moan. Next he unfastened her black slacks and pushed them down, his hand sliding into her black lace panties. Feeling how wet she was he picked her up in his arms and carried her to the bed. He pulled off his shirt as she unfastened his jeans, pushing the jeans off his hips and down his legs. Falling back onto the bed they rolled so that she was on top. Her mouth moved down over his hair dusted chest, until she reached his enormous erection. She sucked his harness deep into her mouth. He groaned as her mouth moved expertly over him.
When he could no longer bear it he pulled her up so that she straddled his erection. She rode him eagerly, her cries of pleasure filled the room.
"I love you!" She told him when she was finally able to breathe. She had collapsed on top of him after her mind blowing climax. Hearing her admission he rolled her off of him and sat up with a sigh.
“What’s wrong?” She asked in surprise.
"I should have ended it sooner. I'm sorry Colleen." Joshua replied, turning toward her.
"What do you mean you should have ended it sooner? We just made love!" She replied, stunned at his admission.
"I care for you as friend, but I don’t love you." Joshua replied truthfully while cursing himself for not ending it sooner.
“We’re so good together! Aren’t I good enough for you?" Colleen asked, her voice breaking, tears springing into her eyes.
"That's not it at all," Joshua assured her. "Ever since losing my wife I've been unable to love. Maybe it’s because I'm afraid of loving someone again; I don't know. I'm very sorry if I hurt you, it wasn't my intention." Joshua told her.
“You were just using me for sex, is that it?” She asked angrily.
“No, I enjoyed being with you.” He told her shaking his head.
“Than why are you breaking up with me?” She asked, tears streaming from her eyes.
“It wouldn’t be fair to you to continue our relationship. You deserve someone who will love you in return.” He told her gently.
"I see. Well I better get going I have to be at work soon." She said in defeat. Rising from the bed naked, she quickly gathered her clothes before going into the bathroom.
After Colleen had left Joshua wandered across the room to the patio door, struggling against memories of the past. Would he ever find a girl for whom he could love? He was so wrapped up in his own dilemma that he forgot that he had a crucial meeting set up for that morning. The meeting was important as Harrington was looking to buy out one of its competitors.
