Cause of Action (Hamilton Brothers #1)

Chapter 1

CHAPTER 1

Roman

“You haven’t told us yet how last night went.” My brother Parker elbowed my arm.

“It was okay.” A smirk crossed my lips. “I mean, it could have been better, but?—”

“But what?” my other brother Julian asked.

“Let’s just say she was very vanilla. I was bored and just wanted to get it over with.”

“Shit. I hate women like that.” Julian shook his head.

“You’d never know that by looking at her,” Parker said. “Anyway, I’m happy Glen decided to get married here. We were long overdue for a vacation.”

“I know. As soon as this wedding ends, the rest of the island is ours for a few days.” I grinned.

We sat in white chairs that lined the sugar-white sand, surrounded by the turquoise waters of the Caribbean. A tall arch with tropical flowers and greenery perfectly framed the serene ocean view behind it. The music began to play, and the bridesmaids walked down the aisle. Hailey, the woman I’d slept with last night, smiled at me as she passed our row. Her look told me she wanted a repeat of last night, which wouldn’t happen, and I’d have to break her heart.

“Hi, Roman.” Hailey walked over just as dinner was about to start.

“Hi, Hailey. You look nice.” I smiled, holding a glass of scotch.

“Thank you.” A smile crossed her lips. “What are you doing after the reception?”

“Going to my suite and to bed.”

“I can’t stop thinking about last night.” A smile crossed her lips.

“And?”

“Maybe I could join you.” She ran her finger down my chest.

“I don’t think so, Hailey. Last night was a one-time thing.”

“What do you mean, Roman?”

I furrowed my brows because of what she didn’t understand.

“It was a one-time thing.”

“My brother doesn’t sleep with the same girl twice.” Julian walked over and hooked his arm around me.

“Wow. So you used me last night just for a thrill?”

“Listen, Hailey?—”

“What my brother is trying to say is that you weren’t that good, and he has no interest in sleeping with you again,” Julian said, and I sighed as tears emerged in her eyes.

“You’re nothing but a total asshole, Roman Hamilton. I can’t believe you.” She shook her head and slightly lifted her dress so she didn’t trip as she stomped away.

“You’re such an asshole.” I shook my head at my brother.

“I know.” He grinned. “But admit it. You were going to tell her the same thing. ”

“What’s going on over here.” Parker walked over. “Why is Hailey crying?”

“She wouldn’t leave our brother alone, so I told her what he said about her not being good in bed.” Julian smiled.

“You’re such a douchebag.” Parker chuckled.

“The Hamilton brothers.” Glen grinned, walking over. “Thanks for coming. It means a lot.” He shook our hands.

“We wouldn’t have missed it for the world.” I smiled. “Congrats, Glen.”

“Thanks, Roman. I couldn’t be happier. Enjoy the reception.” He patted my shoulder as he walked away.

“We’re out of here after dinner,” Julian said.

“I couldn’t agree more.” I threw back my drink.

The following morning, I opened my eyes and placed my arm over my aching head.

“Shit,” I mumbled as I stumbled out of bed.

After my brothers and I ate breakfast, we changed into our swim trunks and headed to the beach, taking three lounge chairs before the shoreline.

“There’s something about the Caribbean that is so much better than the Pacific,” Parker said as we stared at the ocean.

“It’s fucking hot out here,” Julian said.

“It’s time to drink.” I grinned.

“Hey, check her out.” Parker nudged my arm.

I stared at the beautiful brunette, her hair swept in a ponytail, oversized sunglasses, and a bikini that made my imagination and cock go wild. She stopped before us, held up her phone, and pointed it at the ocean. I couldn’t help but stare at her perfectly sculpted ass.

“Excuse me,” I shouted.

She turned around and looked at me. “What?”

“You’re blocking our view of the ocean,” Julian said. “ But we’re not mad about it.” He grinned, and I smacked his arm.

“I bet you’re not,” she said, moving over a few feet.

“Is she videoing that couple in the ocean?” My brows furrowed.

“Maybe they’re her friends,” Parker said.

She placed her phone in her oversized bag.

“Damn,” I said, watching her walk away.

Morgan

I took my seat in first class and looked around at the other first-classers. This was life. Harlow, the woman who hired me to spy on her husband, booked me a window seat, and I was grateful. I was also grateful that nobody had sat in the empty seat beside me so far.

“Can I get you something to drink?” the flight attendant asked.

“Whiskey, please. On the rocks.”

She gracefully nodded and asked the people sitting behind me. My gratitude quickly evaporated when a man sat in the seat beside mine.

“Would you mind switching seats?” he asked.

“Yeah, I do mind. I have this thing with aisle seats. If I were to sit where you are, I’d be throwing up the entire flight,” I lied. “I don’t know why that happens. It’s so weird, right?”

“Yeah. Sure. Whatever you say, lady.” He rolled his eyes.

Asshole.

He perfectly situated his neck pillow, popped a pill, and wore a sleep mask. We hadn’t taken off yet, and he was all tucked in for the flight. Good. I didn’t need or want him talking to me.

As soon as we were in the air, I signaled to the flight attendant. She walked over and stared at me.

“Can I get another whiskey, please?”

“Of course.” She smiled.

A trip like this was exactly what I needed, even if it was a work trip. I still hadn’t decided whether to stay in New York or move on. Seattle was a shitshow, and so were things with Tom. I had to leave before he found out who I really was and what I was doing. One lousy mistake could change the course of your life, just like it did my father’s.

We finally landed—one of the smoothest landings I’d ever experienced. I nudged the man next to me, and he grunted.

“We landed, and I need you to move so I can get off this plane.”

He took off his eye mask and looked at me.

“Already?”

“I guess time flies when you’re drugged.” I smiled.

He stood up and waited for the cabin door to open. Grabbing his bag from the overhead, he blocked the way so I couldn’t get out.

“Will you hurry up?” I asked.

“Lady, what is your problem? I’m getting my bag.”

I slightly pushed him so I could exit my seat.

Stepping off the plane, the sun was hotter than Hades.

“Shit.” I put on my sunglasses.

After clearing customs, I hailed a cab.

“Where to, ma’am?”

“The Shore Club.”

Arriving at the hotel, a man rushed over and opened the car door .

“Thank you.” I smiled as I took in the beauty of the place.

Walking over to the reception desk, I checked in.

“Name, please,” the friendly woman behind the desk spoke.

“Morgan Ashley.”

“Welcome to The Shore Club, Miss Ashley. We hope you enjoy your stay.”

“Oh, trust me. I will.” I grinned.

“This is Renaldo, your butler.”

“Butler?” My brows furrowed.

“Yes. He comes with your suite. He’ll help you with anything you need, including groceries. Renaldo, please take Miss Ashley to room 2501.”

He took me on a tour of the resort before taking me to my room. When we entered the elevator, he pushed the button labeled P.

“What does the P stand for?” I asked.

“Penthouse floor.”

“Excuse me? Penthouse?”

“Yes. You reserved the one-bedroom penthouse.”

“Ah, yes. That’s right.” I smiled. “Damn, Harlow. You really know how to do it up,” I whispered.

“Excuse me? Did you say something?” Renaldo asked.

“I can’t wait to see it.”

He held the keycard up to the door and unlocked it. He set my suitcase in the bedroom while my eyes scanned the overly large suite with a panoramic view of the ocean.

“Wow. This is amazing.”

“It is, isn’t it?” Renaldo smiled. “Over here,” he pointed to the table, “is a welcome gift, and a complimentary bottle of champagne is in the refrigerator. I’ve also reserved cabana number eight for the week at our primary pool.”

“My own cabana?” I grinned .

“Yes. Is there anything else you need?”

“No. I think I’m good.” I reached into my purse and pulled out some cash.

“Thank you, Miss Ashley. I’ll be checking on you throughout the week. Please let me know if there’s anything you need.”

“I will, Renaldo. Thank you.”

He nodded as he opened the door and left. Pulling my phone from my purse, I called Harlow.

“I take it you landed?” she answered.

“Yes. I just got to my room. Wow, Harlow. The Penthouse?”

“I put it on Rick’s credit card, so live it up while you’re down there. Do not, and I mean do not spare any expense. I know it’s expensive, but I want you to be comfortable and order anything you want at the hotel. Go to the gift shop and buy some souvenirs. Just get me what I sent you there for, Morgan.”

“Don’t worry. I will.”

“I have to go. You do realize this is an international call, right?” she said.

“I know. I just wanted to let you know that I’m here.”

I went into the bedroom, took my laptop from my carry-on bag, and opened it. With a few clicks of the keys, I was in the hotel’s system.

“Which room are you staying in, Rick?” I said to myself.

Found him. Ah, room 2503. He was in the suite across from mine.