Upstairs Kristen wandered back to her room from Trey’s. She needed to get dressed for breakfast. She opened the door to her room and was surprised to find her mother waiting for her. She had never seen her Mom so angry. “You little slut, off spreading your legs again I see!” Rebecca growled as she started for Kristen. Backing into the hall Kristen tried to escape. But it was too late! Rebecca grabbed her by the hair, and started hitting her daughter in a blind rage. Kristen struggled to get free, but it was no use. She begged her Mom to stop. In the next moment she was free of her mother’s grasp.
“That’s enough.” Damon told Rebecca, blocking her path to her daughter. Kristen raced into her room, locking the door behind her.
“Take your hands off of me!” Rebecca yelled trying to jerk free.
“You have no right to abuse your daughter.” Damon replied calmly his eyes as cold as ice.
“It’s none of your business.” Rebecca huffed.
“Kristen is under Trey’s protection, which means she is under mine as well. You would do well to remember that.” He warned finally releasing her. He took up position in front of Kristen’s room.

Jessica was seated in the dinning room, enjoying a nice cup of tea. She was trying to soothe her frayed nerves. The last thing she needed right now was a visit from her father in-law. Things were bad enough, without him making things worse. She would have to keep a close eye on Kristen, once her father in-law arrived. She could well imagine his reaction to Trey marrying a simple farm girl. He had never forgiven John for marrying her. A simple waitress, with poor parents, her father had been a mechanic, her mother a waitress. They were poor people. But they had always done their best for their only child. Jessica had always had clothes and food. They had gone without to give her the best life they could. Her father was a fun loving man who liked to drink. Her mother was a gentle, hardworking woman, who always had a smile on her face. They had instilled strong values in Jessica. She had met John when he wandered into the café where she worked. His car had broken down on the nearby highway. He’d come in to get something to eat, while the car was repaired. She was eighteen and had never dated anyone seriously. She had never done more than kiss a couple of boys. She still remembered how John’s eyes had moved over her while she took his order. But Jessica hadn’t been taken in by his flirting. She was a serious girl, who knew her own way. She wasn’t about to let some handsome rich kid talk her into bed. But John was persistent; he kept after her until she agreed to a date. And from the first kiss it had been all over for Jessica. She had tried to resist his attempts to get her into bed. But in a moment of weakness she had given in. Waking up in his arms, she had been filled with remorse; sure that he had used her. But that hadn’t been the case. John had proposed to her. And she had accepted. His father had flown into a rage when John announced his intention to marry her. He had wanted John to marry a woman of wealth. Someone, who would, add to their wealth and power, He had called her a gold digger, said she was only after the family fortune. He’d done everything in his power to get rid of her. But for once John had taken a stand against his father. On the morning of her wedding, John’s father had handed her a check for a million dollars. All she had to do was disappear. She had refused. Now Kristen would face the same ordeal. Would the girl prove strong enough to survive? Looking up she smiled as Josh entered the room. But there was no answering smile. “Good morning.” She said watching her son take a chair at the table.

“Morning.” Josh replied. He was dressed casually in a polo shirt and tan slacks. He waited while a butler served him his breakfast.
“I take it; you’re not going to work.” Jessica said indicating Josh’s clothes.
“I resigned.” He reminded her, taking a bite of his food.
“You look unhappy, what’s wrong?” Jessica asked he had been happy the day before but now he looked miserable.
“Kristen has decided to marry Trey. She told me last night.” He replied staring down at his plate.
“Oh Josh I’m so sorry.” Jessica said her heart breaking for him. She had been afraid this would happen.
“It’s because of the baby. She wants the baby to have both its parents.” He said as he picked at his food.
“Good morning.” Trey said coming into the room followed by John. Josh didn’t bother to look up from his plate. Just the sound of his brother’s voice made him ill.
“Well isn’t this nice.” Jessica commented dryly. You could cut the tension in the room.
John took a seat at the head of the table without comment. He waited while he was served. Taking a sip of coffee he glanced at Josh. “You’re a little under dressed aren’t you?”
“Why?” Josh asked picking at his food. He’d lost his appetite as soon as Trey walked in. “I’m not going into the office. I resigned!”

“Your resignation will have to wait.” John stated between bites of food. “Your grandfather is on his way here.
“So?” Josh replied indifferently.
“So, he’ll want a full review of the company’s many projects.” John replied trying to hold onto his patience.
“Well that’s Trey’s department. He handles projects; I just do the grunt work he won’t.” Josh said tersely.
“That’s not true; you handled the project in Arizona.” Trey put in calmly.
“Only because you wanted to steal Kristen from me!” Josh replied angrily.
“What? You were assigned that project several months ago. After you complained about not being given enough responsibility!” Trey answered growing annoyed.
“You only gave it to me, because you considered the project beneath you.” Josh accused glaring at his brother. “I’m tired of taking your crap!”
“That’s enough!” John roared angrily. “I’ve had it with this fighting. The Arizona project is yours, and you’ll be the one to present it. So change your damn clothes!”
“John, just because you cater to that old bastard doesn’t mean our son has too.” Jessica said to her husband her eyes flashing.
“Jessica, stay out of this.” John warned her. “Look I know tempers are short right now. But like it or not we all have to work together.”
“I’m going back to California.” Josh stated getting up from the table.
“Fine, but you’re still presenting the Arizona project to your grandfather.” John replied sternly.
“Whatever.” Josh said storming out of the room.
“Well that was fun! I can’t wait until your father gets here.” Jessica said sarcastically her heart going out to Josh.
“You’re not helping.” John told her with a glare. “Good morning.” John said to Kristen who had just walked into the dinning room. He took in her red rimmed eyes the girl had been crying.
“Morning.” Kristen replied taking a seat next to Trey. Her eyes were still red from crying. And she was badly shaken from her Mom’s attack.
“What happened to your face?” Trey asked noticing a bruise on her left cheek. Her eyes were red from crying.
“My face?” She asked putting her hand to her sore cheek. “I wasn’t watching where I was going and I walked into a door.” She lied as a servant served her breakfast.
“You need to be more careful.” He commented reaching out to lift her chin as he studied the bruise.
“I’m ok.” She told him blushing under his stare.
“I have to go into work today.” Trey told her with a frown still studying the bruise. The location of the bruise suggested that she had been struck.
“You’re leaving me alone?” Kristen asked fearfully.
“No, my Mom will be here.” Trey assured her seeing the fear in her eyes.
“Sorry Trey. I can’t baby sit for you today. I have a charity meeting in town. You know how we Harrington’s have to keep up appearances.” Jessica replied bitterly.
“That’s okay, I don’t need a sitter.” Kristen said rising from her chair. She quickly left the room.
“Thanks Mom.” Trey said sarcastically, getting up to follow her.
“Quite the family gathering.” Bernice said getting up from her chair. She had kept her own counsel throughout the bickering session. She walked out of the room shaking her head.
“Was that necessary?” John asked his wife when they were alone.
“What?” She asked innocently. She felt bad realizing her words had hurt Kristen.
“You know what.” John said with a sigh. “Don’t do this, I need your help.”
“I have a meeting.” Jessica said rising from her chair. She didn’t bother to kiss her husband. She was too angry with him. She walked out of the room.
“She’s in your room!” Damon told Trey as he passed him. With a nod Trey headed off to his suite of rooms. He found Kristen standing outside on his balcony. “Are you alright?” Trey asked coming to stand beside her at the railing. Kristen nodded still gazing out at the mountains.
“Will you be alright by yourself?” Trey asked her wondering if he should take her to the office with him. But it would be pretty boring for her there.
“I’ll be okay.” Kristen said with a shrug. She turned to go back inside to the bedroom. “I can take care of myself, I’m not a child.” She called over her shoulder. It irked her that they thought she needed to be watched.
“That’s not what I meant.” Trey assured her having followed her inside. He swallowed hard. Kristen was lying on her stomach on his bed.
“That’s not what your mother thinks.” Kristen said moodily.
“She didn’t mean what she said. She’s just mad at my Dad.” Trey replied fighting back the desire to take her. “Sitting on the edge of the bed Trey gazed at the woman child who could so easily arouse him. It was disturbing.
“Are they fighting because of me?” Kristen asked with worry. She turned onto her side so that she could look at Trey.
“No, it’s over my Grandpa.” He answered her still struggling with his need to take her. He wasn’t used to denying himself anything. Which brought to mind the separate room’s issue? Clearly she was under the impression that she would be staying in his room. How was he supposed to tell her that she couldn’t without hurting her feelings?
“Do you have to go to work right now?” She asked shyly. She wanted him to make love to her again. Like he had in the barn. His eyes moved over her body slowly. He didn’t miss the look of desire in her eyes. He glanced at his watch. His father would be ready to go soon. He didn’t have enough time for what she wanted. Christ he wanted her! “There’s something we need to talk about.” He said with a sigh. “My Dad doesn’t want us sleeping together, not until were married.”
“Why?” She asked unable to hide her disappointment. She liked sleeping next to him. He made her feel so safe.
“Because of Josh.” He said quietly.
“But we slept together last night.” She told him. She had a horrible thought, What if it was because he didn’t like sleeping with her?
“Yes, and I caught hell from my Dad over it.” He answered, seeing the hurt in her eyes. “It’s not my choice; I want you in my bed.”
“I understand.” She said blushing. She got up and moved to the edge of the bed.
“Do you?” He asked grasping her arm. She turned to look at him. There faces were only inches apart. She nodded memorized by his gaze. And than he reached out to pull her closer, his mouth settling on hers, she returned the kiss eagerly. He groaned laying her back on the bed. He moved his hand to cup her breast, causing her to whimper with desire. He moved his hand under her shirt and over her bra. He undid the front clasp, and her breasts spilled free. Cupping her bare breast he ran his thumb over her nipple lightly. Before pushing her shirt up to bare her breasts, leaving her mouth he took her breast into his mouth. Flicking his tongue over her nipple, his hand moved down over her hip to cup her womanhood through her jeans. She moaned frustrated by the clothing that separated his hand from her flesh. Without thinking she reached down to undo her jeans. Than grasped his hand moving it inside her jeans eagerly. Smiling at her sudden boldness, he moved his fingers into her panties. Stroking the soft hairs, he didn’t move his fingers lower. He was driving her crazy. She wanted his fingers on her, in her. What was he waiting for? He moved his head to her other breast taking the nipple into his mouth. He slowly encircled the nipple with his tongue. “Lower.” She moaned unable to take the waiting anymore. She arched her hips in invitation. With a smile he moved his finger down over her pouting lips. He slowly separated the folds, slipping his finger into her slowly. Kristen moaned her whole body was shaking with the need for release. “Trey!” She begged when he stopped moving his finger over her. Raising his head he glanced at the clock on his bed stand. He needed to get downstairs. Turning his attention back to Kristen, he captured her mouth with his. While his fingers slipped back inside her. His fingers played over her expertly, knowing just where and how to touch her. In moments her body bucked with the force of her climax. He smiled pulling back. With a sigh he got off the bed. Going into his bathroom he washed his hands.
“I’ve got to get to work, I’ll see you tonight.” He told her heading to the door. He was gone before she could manage a reply.
Damon met Trey in the hall as he was coming out of his room. “Did Kristen tell you about her mother?” Damon asked him.
“No, what about her mother?” He answered him.
“I caught her mother beating her in the upstairs hallway.” Damon replied. “That’s how she got that bruise on her cheek.”
“What?” He asked remembering the bruise on Kristen’s cheek. “She told me she walked into a door.” He said with a frown.
“Victims often cover for abusers.” Damon commented.
“Dammit! Where is her mother?” Trey asked his face darkening with anger.
“In her room, I had security escort her there.” Damon replied.
He went down the hall to Rebecca’s room, with Damon. Not bothering to knock he entered her room. Rebecca was standing at the window and turned to glare at him with hate filled eyes. “I want you off this ranch.” Trey told her. He wanted to throttle the woman for daring to lay a hand on Kristen.
“What about Kristen?” Rebecca asked. How she hated him!
“She stays here!” Trey told her. “Will send for you when its time for the wedding. But until than you’ll stay away from Kristen!”
“I’m not leaving her here!” Rebecca said stubbornly.
“Oh yes you are. That ugly scene with Kristen was caught on our security cameras. And unless you cooperate, I’ll see that you’re charged with child abuse.” Trey replied.
“I’ll have you charged with rape!” Rebecca countered.
“Go ahead. It won’t look real good when my family, testifies that you sold your daughter to me!” Trey threatened.
“Fine I’ll go.” Rebecca muttered realizing she couldn’t win this battle. But some day she vowed he would pay!
With a nod Trey left the room. He ordered security to escort her to the airport.

Ifyou enjoyed this exerpt from my book you can purchase the book Montana Legacy's Forbidden Love at www.amazon.com

Thanks for all the great comments. The environment is so very important to all of us, and yet we don't seem to be doing anything to save our planet. Animals are so important to our lives. How can we stand back, and allow them to all die off? This is a very serious issue and needs to be addressed sooner rather than later. Having said this I will get off my soap box. Thanks Again!!

Desari

I stopped by a blog today that really made me think. It talked about how the honey bees and other animals are dying off. The stress of living on this planet is becoming too much for the animals that dwell here. Whales and Dolphins are committing suicide at an alarming rate. Our world has become so terrible that beautiful animals such as whales are beaching themselves rather go on living in the environment we're slowly destroying. This really got me to thinking about what this planet would be like without honey bees. First say good bye to flowers. Bees are such an important part of the environmental cycle and their dying off at an alarming rate. What happens when their gone? I for one love honey and its so good for you. Whales also serve an important role in our ecosystem. What happens when the whales are all gone. Such beautiful creatures completely wiped out. What does it say about our world that animals are being driven to commit suicide. I know that whales suffer from a high rate of miscarriages brought on by pollution. Is that why they are choosing death they can no longer bear the loss of their babies. I think its high time that people take a step back and think about a world without animals. Wouldn't you miss the sight of birds flying across our skies on a clear day. According to scientist whole flocks of birds are now refusing to return to their nesting grounds. Turtles are laying their eggs at sea instead of crawling up on beaches to lay eggs. What would life be like if we became the only species to exist on this planet. I myself would die of despair and beach myself somewhere. Animals are so important to me and I wouldn't live in a world without them. This situation has me very worried. I want my children to grow up in a world full of life and all the wonders that come from living in a world so full of life. We are never truly alone because all around us we are surrounded by living beings. They may not talk our language but they can still comfort us when we are lost. I would not have survived the dark years of my life without my dog Cochise. He loves me as no other ever has. So I ask you all to step back and think about what life would be like on this planet if there were no animals. Like it or not our planet is dying off slowly. When do we begin to care? It's up to us the people to save this planet and the animals on it. Our leaders don't care their only concerned with big business. Someone has to start caring and we need to make some serious changes. Because without animals I fear our race will be lost as well. I know I am simply a blogger with a small stream of visitors but I hope you will pass this message along for the sake of our children.

Desari

Turning she left the room and wandered back to her room. In her room she pulled a chair over to the window which she opened. Staring out into the darkness she thought about everything and what she needed to do. In the end there was really only one choice. She would marry Trey, there was no other choice. He was the father of her baby and she wanted her baby to have a family. Trey would be a good father tonight had shown her that and settled her fears in that regard. A knock sounded on her door and she called out come in.
“Hi.” Josh said as he entered the room.
“Hi, did you get Kayla to sleep.” She asked.
“Yes, you could have stayed you didn’t have to leave.” He told her.
“I needed to do some thinking.” She said her heart aching over what she would have to do.
“You look worried.” Josh commented.
“I made my decision about who I’m going to marry.” She said quietly.
“And?” He asked his heart sinking at the expression on her face.
“I’m going to marry Trey.” She answered sadly. “I’m sorry Josh.”
“He’s going to hurt you.” Josh sighed.
“Maybe, but he’s the babies father and I want my baby to have both its parent’s.” She told him.
“I understand.” He said his heart aching. “No matter what Kristen I’ll always be here for you. If you should ever need me all you have to do is ask.” He told her.
“I’m so sorry Josh.” She told him tears blurring her vision.
“It’s alright, I’ll be ok. I’ll see you in the morning.” He said his shoulders slumping.
Trey crawled into bed later that night but was unable to get to sleep. He was staring at the ceiling when Kristen hopped up onto his bed giving him a start. “How did you know where my room was?” He asked her as she climbed under the covers.
“I ran into one of your guards in the hall. They showed me where your room was.” She answered.
“I couldn’t sleep.” She told him.
“Why?” He asked although it was a stupid question.
“I told Josh I couldn’t marry him. He was pretty upset.” She was miserable over what she had done to Josh. He had already lost so much.
“Does that mean you’ve decided to marry me again?” He asked feeling relieved.
“Yes.” She answered happy that she could at least make someone happy.
“What did Josh say when you told him?” He asked pulling her into his arms so that she cuddled up to him.
“Just that he thinks I’m making a mistake.” She answered resting her head on his shoulder.
“Do you think that?” He wondered. Was he her first choice or was she marrying him because of the baby.
“I don’t know what to believe. We barely know each other.” She answered honestly. “But I believe you’ll take care of the baby and I.” She added.
“Why are you marrying me?” He needed to know that her decision to marry him wasn’t based solely on the baby.
“I love you.” She answered simply sounding sleepy.
“Go to sleep.” Trey said as relief washed over him. Kristen fell asleep in his arms feeling safe at last.
Dressed in a dark suit, Trey headed to the library before breakfast. His valet had told him, that his father wished to see him. He was in deep shit! Walking into the library Trey found his Dad seated at his desk. He closed the door, and took a seat. John had looked up from his desk when Trey arrived. He watched as Trey took a seat in one of the chairs facing the desk.
“I guess I didn’t make myself clear yesterday.” John said leaning back in his chair. “She spent the night in your bed.”
“How did you find out?” He wondered since the cameras were still down.
“One of the guards told Dino that Kristen asked how to get to your room last night.” He responded. “You’re out of here.”
“What?” Trey asked startled. “You’re throwing us out.”
“Just you, Kristen stays.” John answered gazing at his son.

“Look Dad, I know you’re mad about last night. I didn’t want to disobey you. But Kristen was upset and she came to my room. I didn’t have the heart to throw her out. But nothing happened, we just slept together. It won’t happen again.” Trey said he didn’t want to be separated from Kristen.
“I don’t have a choice. Clearly you can’t be trusted. And your Mom is having fits. She’s worried sick about Josh.”
“No, I won’t go. Not without Kristen.” Trey said firmly digging in.
“You’ll do what I tell you to do.” John said rising to his feet. “Your mother is certain that if you leave Kristen will choose Josh. She thinks your controlling the girl!”
“Than Mom is wrong. Kristen told Josh last night that she intends to marry me. It’s over between them so there’s no point in sending me away.” He told his Dad.
“Dammit Trey! This is going to kill your brother!” John muttered. But there was nothing to be done about it Kristen had made her choice and in truth John wasn’t surprised! Unlike his wife he had know Kristen would choose Trey. It was there in her eyes whenever she looked at Trey.
“He’ll get over it Dad. He’ll find someone else.” Trey said feeling guilty.
“First his wife and now this! I hope you’re proud of yourself!” John grumbled. Before Trey could reply Jessica came into the library. Storming over to her husband’s desk she tossed a crumpled piece of paper at him. “What?” He asked picking the crumpled paper up.
“Your father just faxed that to me. He’s coming for a visit. He sent me a list of instructions.” Jessica replied angrily her eyes flashing. “I’m not his damn servant!”
“Now Jess.” John said calmly. “It’s not personal he treats everybody that way, including me.”
“Figures you would take his side!” Jessica said in disgust.
“I’m not taking sides.” John replied trying to reason with his wife.

“You know just once I wish you’d take my side. But no you continue to let that man walk all over me. I’m your wife dammit!!” Jessica yelled losing her temper completely.
“Jess.” John began gently.
“Don’t you Jess me! You know what I’m done! You can deal with your father’s crap, because, I’m done with him, and you!” She said angry tears forming in her eyes.
“What’s that suppose to mean.” John asked with trepidation.
“You figure it out!” She said turning to storm out of the room. She slammed the door behind her.
“Christ!” John said sinking into his chair.
“She’s pissed.” Trey said getting up to wander over to the window. “I don’t know why she let’s Grandpa get under her skin.”
“He’ll be here tomorrow.” John muttered reading the crumpled paper. “As if I don’t already have enough to deal with. Did you tell him you’re getting married?” John asked with an angry glint in his eyes.
“No.” Trey answered staring out the windows at the mountains. He had a cabin on a lake in the mountains. He longed to take Kristen there. It was secluded and private. No one in his family knew about the cabin. It was his private sanctuary. He would take her their on their honeymoon.
“Than how does he know about it.” John accused angrily.
“Someone must have told him.” Trey answered absently still thinking about the cabin in the mountains.
“Dammit, he has an informant!” John ranted crumpling the sheet of paper up and tossing it across the room. “Where are you going?” He asked as Trey made his way to the door.
“To get something to eat, I assume will need to get things ready for Grandpa’s inspection.” Trey answered on his way out the door.
“We’re not through with our talk.” John said rising to his feet. But Trey just ignored him. “Dammit!” He said going after his son.

If you enjoyed this excerpt from my book you can purchase the completed novel at www.amazon.com. The book entitled Montana Legacy's Forbidden Love is published under the name Melinda Ann Camp. Thank you for visiting my site and I look forward to having you visit again. Thanks Again!!

Desari

I wanted to take the time to reply to all the great comments I have received. I apologize for losing my temper. It was not my intent to make my friends here at blog stream feel guilty for not leaving comments on my blog. I am a working Mom and understand that people don't always have a lot of time for blogging. I simply lost my temper because of all of the bickering taking place on blog stream. I have since recovered my normal calm and will try to keep the peace from here on out. Thank you to all of you for your warm support. You have shown me who my true friends are and I appreciate all of you so much. Blessings to all of my supporters and peace be with you.

Thanks Again,

Desari