Chapter Six.
Oakley
I was a little perplexed when Harley dashed out of his room, muttering about drinks. Gingerly, I moved over to the bed and settled down.
Harley hadn’t answered me where he’d been sleeping, but I was hoping he was not expecting to share with me. Married, we might be getting, but I wasn’t ready to sleep with him—no matter how attractive he was.
And damn, he did get my hormones tingling.
No. Harley was a really decent guy helping somebody out. Harley wasn’t interested in me, and I shouldn’t go looking for something that doesn’t exist. This was a temporary thing. Hell, I didn’t know where I was going to live once I was married. Harley and I hadn’t discussed that.
Someone knocked, and then an older man entered. He stopped when he saw me, and I gaped at him.
“Where’s Harley?” he demanded, his eyes narrowing.
“He left to get drinks,” I replied, backing into the corner of the bed.
The guy’s gaze swept me up and down. “You’re not planning on staying the night? Barflies ain’t allowed.”
His voice held a tone of derision, which I did not like. There was an implied insult in barfly, and I didn’t quite understand it. I did know I didn’t have to suffer this.
“I’ll leave. That’s no skin off my nose. Could you pass me the chair?” I asked as I shifted to the edge of the bed.
The guy peered around, spotted the wheelchair, and stared at me. “You need help?”
“No.”
His eyes raked the room and landed on my suitcases and bags. His brow furrowed, and then he looked back at me again. This time, he took longer to study me, and I squirmed. His eyes warmed, and a smile broke out across his face.
Wow, he might be an asshole, but he was a damn good-looking one.
“You’re not a barfly,” he stated.
“I don’t know what that is,” I responded, “but Harley’s a friend.”
“Really. Funny how I’ve never seen you before,” the guy murmured, his keen gaze raking me over.
“Why would you?” I demanded.
“Because I’m his father.” “Oh, shit!” I exclaimed and looked at him, horrified.
“Yeah. Tell me, why haven’t I ever met you before?”
“Because, Dad, Oakley is a new friend. She’s in trouble, and I’ve been helping her. Did you want me for something?” Harley announced from behind Drake, and I sighed in relief.
Drake stepped to one side and eyed the both of us. “This is the girl you called Doc Paul for?”
“What? How the hell did you know that?”
“Because I am your dad. So, Doc wasn’t lying to me when he claimed it didn’t concern you,” Drake said, folding his arms across his chest.
A look passed between father and son, and it was clear I was missing something.
“I’m fine and have been for a few years, Dad. Stop worrying. Everything is okay. If anything was wrong, I’d let you know,” Harley replied softly. A twinkle lit his eyes. “And then you could tell Mom.”
“Like fuck. That would be on your head.” Drake turned back to me. “Introduce me, Harley.”
“Oakley Ferguson, meet Drake Michaelson. Dad, Oakley is in trouble, and I’ve been helping her for a few days.”
“How bad? Do I need to rally the brothers?”
“No. I am handling it. I’m going to bring Oakley to Reading Hall tomorrow. She’ll be staying for a while until we can resolve her problems,” Harley said.
Drake stiffened, and his body straightened as he looked between Harley and me. A knowing glint came into Drake’s eyes. “Is that so? Well, I’ll see you then, Oakley.” He grinned and disappeared.
Harley groaned. “Ah fuck. I know that look. Get ready because tomorrow Mom will be all over you.”
Wonderful. This was complicated.
“I’m sleeping in a guest room,” Harley said, collecting some of his items and literally running away.
Damn coward.
◆◆◆
I couldn’t believe I was getting married. Harley had secured the marriage licence and managed to get us a slot.
I was in front of a judge saying vows that, a few days ago, I was meant to say to Bronson. However, this time, there wasn’t a sickening feeling in my gut. Nor did I feel the need to flee. As Harley stood beside me and recited our vows, I felt… safe.
That was something I’d not experienced since grandad died and Aspen disappeared.
I shoved aside the momentary sadness and relished in taking control of my life back. And this man placing a ring on my finger was the reason. Behind us stood his brother Jared, his sister Jodie, Klutz, and Gunner.
Jodie and Jared were signing as witnesses. What Harley had told them, I’d no idea, but they were here.
I had been expecting some sort of judgement, but everyone was really nice to me. Harley had even bought me a bouquet and wedding rings. He planned to sit down with his parents once we hit the hall this afternoon.
“You may kiss the bride,” the judge announced with a grin, and Harley bent and pecked me on the lips.
Wow!
I shivered under his hands, and he lifted his head with a knowing smile. That must run in his family, I decided.
“Congrats!” Jodie shrieked.
Moments later, we signed the papers.
“I’ll go and file these,” Klutz said and gave me a hug. “You’ve got our protection, Oakley, don’t be a stranger.”
“Thank you,” I replied.
“You better tell your parents. This sits uncomfortably with me,” Gunner rumbled.
Harley nodded and wheeled me out of the courtroom.
“We’re heading that way now. Jodie, can you take Oakley? But let me get in front of you,” Harley said, and my head swivelled. My happy feeling started to dissipate as I realised we had to face them.
What if they threw me out?
I straightened my shoulders.
What did it matter if they did? I was married. My family and Bronson couldn’t touch me now. My life was finally mine again and it started with finding Aspen and filing the patents. That would put their noses out of joint. A feeling of glee swept over me as I settled into Jodie’s car.
On the drive, Jodie tried prying several times, which I shut down easily, but she was certainly persistent. I understood she was curious and wanted to protect her brother, but I had Aspen and Archer to think of. This marriage had just given me the power to take control.
“Do you know a good PI?” I asked Jodie, and she remained silent.
“PI?”
“Yes. I need one,” I replied.
“Dylan Hawthorne. He’s the premier company in South Dakota,” Jodie responded, looking curious.
“Thanks. And you’d recommend him?”
“Yup. Dylan is also a friend of Rage. He’ll be able to help, and I’m sure you’ll get the family discount,” Jodie said.
“Money’s not a problem,” I muttered as my mind focused on what I needed to do next.
“Now that you’re married to Harley,” Jodie snapped.
“Precisely,” I replied, distracted still. There was a squeal of brakes, and Jodie pulled over.
“So, you wed Harley for money?” she demanded.
“What? No! I have my own, well, I don’t, but I will. Now I’m married, I can claim my inheritance. Plus, there’s the patent.”
“I have no idea what you’re talking about,” Jodie said.
“I don’t need Harley’s trust fund, Jodie. That’s the truth. We only met a couple of days ago. How the hell am I married?” I cried as the situation hit me hard.
I started panicking, and Jodie reached out and grabbed my hand. My chest heaved as I hyperventilated and struggled to draw air into my lungs.
“Breathe, Oakley,” Jodie urged.
I gasped and clutched Jodie’s hands, squeezing them tightly as I tried to catch a breath. Jodie rubbed my back and soothed me as I fought to get the panic under control.
Jodie shoved my head down, and finally, I was fine.
“God, I’m married,” I muttered.
“To my brother,” Jodie said with humour.
“Oh shit,” I exclaimed. “Can we get it annulled? No. They’ll force me to marry Bronson. I can’t win!” I wailed.
Jodie kept rubbing my back. “Oakley, I have no idea what’s going on, but you’re in real trouble, aren’t you?”
“Yes. But Harley marrying me gives me protection from my family.”
“Then let him take care of you,” Jodie responded. “Okay. I’m going to drive home, and you and Harley can sort things out. But don’t try to blow smoke up Mum’s ass. She’ll cut you,” Jodie warned.
“I’ll remember that,” I replied dryly. My breathing was still hitching, but the panic had subsided.
Jodie looked over her shoulder and performed a turn in the road. “Actually, Harley needs to explain what’s happening to Mum and Dad. Let’s go get a meal. I will text him.”
That made me feel better.
Harley
Fuckin’ typical of Jodie to turn things on their ear. She’d sent me a message saying Oakley had suffered a panic attack. Then added to it by telling me to grow a pair and sit Mom and Dad down alone. And then said I shouldn’t expose Oakley to them while I explain, because Mom would think the marriage was genuine.
As much as I hated to admit it, Jodie had a point. Mom would get overly excited and then be bitterly disappointed. And it wasn’t fair to subject Oakley to that either. I was just swinging off my bike when my phone rang.
“Harley, we’ve got more information, and it’s a doozy,” Dylan Hawthorne said as a way of greeting. I perched my ass against my Harley.
“Go on.”
“There’re several things. Let’s start with the grandfather. He was an inventor by the name of Wilf Ferguson. He did a lot for the environment. Wilf made a fortune in designing gadgets for green energy and recycling. Before his death, Wilf announced a new design for an unlimited supply of green energy. The design would have revolutionised clean fuel and was worth billions. However, there was a problem.
“Only a drawing remains, and the technical plans disappeared. Scraps of paper were found burned in a fireplace at Wilf’s home. They were the missing technical plans. Many have tried to recreate them and failed. Gossip claimed that his two granddaughters each created a component—the girls helped with the design.”
“I’m with you so far. That’s why Oakley did an electrical course in college,” I replied.
“As did Aspen. Oakley’s father, Edmond, tried selling a plan, but without the two missing components, they are useless. Wilf’s will left everything to Aspen, Archer, and Oakley. He completely cut Edmond and Sarah from it. Harley, Wilf’s inventions sold for small fortunes.
“Aspen is five years older than Oakley and has a disabled son. Archer is autistic. Over half of the money went to Archer for his long-term, lifetime care. Aspen was put in charge of the trust fund, but Edmond challenged that and managed to get his name on it. Edmond successfully argued that if something happened to Aspen, then nobody would be around to look after Archer’s interest. The other half of Wilf’s fortune was spilt between Aspen and Oakley. Held in trust until they’re twenty-five or married. Whichever came first.”
“Wait, how old again is Aspen?”
“Aspen turned twenty-five three years ago, just before she disappeared. Before Aspen vanished, there was gossip concerning a potential marriage. After her disappearance, the rumours died out. Oakley’s parents put a lot of pressure on Aspen to give up her plans, and she refused. My thoughts are both girls were holding out until they turn twenty-five and then they’d sell the design with the missing parts intact.”
“How much are we talking?” I asked, my mind making connections.
“Easily a billion. The design is set to revolutionise green energy. Leila’s looked at the plans and said they’re highly creative. It is one complete unit that utilises tidal, solar, and wind energy. They are built like windmills, but the top has a solar panel, and the pole is made of solar tubing. They are drilled into a seabed, and there’s a tidal generator under the water. One machine does the job of three and cuts down on having fields of solar panels or loads of unsightly windmills,” Dylan explained.
“Sounds like a good idea,” I murmured.
“The energy companies are gagging to buy the rights. They’ve had their own designers on it to try to recreate the missing parts. And they fail. Those trying to copy the design have hit a glitch. The unit uses far more power than it makes. So whatever components Aspen and Archer have… they’re worth millions of dollars. The plans that Oakley and Aspen hold are vital.”
“If Edmond is a co-trustee for Archer’s trust fund, then he is probably milking it,” I surmised.
“Yeah. The Fergusons live well beyond their means. And if Aspen disappears or is found incompetent, then Edmond takes over.”
“Where is Archer?” I asked, worried.
“He’s missing alongside Aspen.”
“Shit. Why Oakley’s forced marriage? That makes no sense,” I demanded.
“Leila said the parents are deep into this church. By wedding Oakley to Bronson, the reverend’s son, he would control her fortune. Clearly, there is some agreement around sharing the money. I also reckon they have Aspen and Archer locked up somewhere. And what’s the betting they’re using them to manipulate Oakley?”
“And her marrying me?”
“What?” Hawthorne exclaimed.
“Never mind. But if Oakley is wed to me?”
“She becomes Archer’s other guardian. Edmond loses control over Archer’s trust fund. Oakley also has power of attorney over Aspen, as per Aspen’s own wishes,” Hawthorne answered.
“What a cluster fuck. And if Oakley is married, she can manage everything,” I guessed. “Yup. No wonder her parents were forcing her into a marriage they could control. Poor girl. Leila is hunting Aspen and Archer. Hopefully, we’ll have some news. She’s already scoured Illinois and is now moving to the surrounding states.”
“Keep Leila on it and charge my card. Thanks,” I said and disconnected.
I sat thinking for a few moments and stood up.
A cough from behind me made me jump, and I turned and saw Mom and Dad standing there.
“Something you want to tell us?” Dad demanded.
“Married?” Mom breathed.
“Aw, shit,” I groaned.
“Let’s talk, son,” Dad ordered and pointed to the Hall.
Yeah, okay!
Oakley
Jodie went out of her way to put me at ease as we were seated in a restaurant called Bernard’s. She appeared to know the owner and was quite popular, judging by the amount of people stopping by the table. They weren’t even fans.
I recognised Jodie from her TV series now. She was a big name. But those saying hi obviously knew her in a personal capacity.
After the meal, we headed back to her car, and she drove us to the Hall. Jodie’s earlier animosity seemed to have disappeared, and she was chatting merrily away.
I was rather terrified as we pulled up outside Reading Hall and completely in awe of the massive structure.
“I’m in love, I adore gothic architecture,” I exclaimed. Reading Hall was a dream come true.
“It was a wreck when Mum bought this. I’ll never forget the day we first set eyes on it. The roof was damaged, most of the glass was missing, and there was damp everywhere. Mum fell in love, and that was it,” Jodie explained as she got my wheelchair. I nodded as I twisted in my car seat. Harley marched around to my side.
One of the massive double doors opened, and Harley came out, followed by Jared and Cody.
“They’ll get your bags,” Harley announced, and bent and stared at my face. “You’re tired.”
“Yes. But I’m okay,” I insisted as Drake and a lady appeared at the door and gazed at me.
“Cody, grab Oakley’s wheelchair, dude. And then can you help Jared bring her bags in?” Harley asked.
The woman hadn’t taken her eyes off me, and I squirmed.
“You did explain?” I hissed at Harley.
“Yeah. Mom and Dad know I am helping you out. Come and meet them,” Harley answered.
Before I could speak, Harley scooped me up, and I squealed. “Put me down, what will they say?”
“Not much,” the woman replied as we got closer. “I’m Phoenix Michaelson; you can call me Mum.”
“Oh. Er…” I muttered as Harley groaned and glared at his mom.
“That was a joke. Lighten up. Welcome to Reading Hall, Oakley. Harley has explained your circumstances. Please let me know how I can help. Meanwhile, I’ve put you in the room next to Harley’s. Good job you’re no longer in the tower,” Phoe said.
“Tower?” I asked.
“I’ll explain later. Mom, can we go in?” Harley demanded.
“Here’s Oakley’s chair, bro,” Cody announced and wheeled it in. Harley gently placed me in it and began pushing me without another word.
“He was taught manners,” Phoe called.
Harley grunted and continued. He pushed me into a large room, and I gaped at the opulence. “This looks like something from a TV drama,” I gasped.
“The drawing room. It has been restored to its former glory,” Phoe said, entering. Harley parked my chair and lifted me onto a sofa. I stared at the Christmas tree dominating the room, and Phoe scowled.
“I hate that damn thing,” she moaned.
“It’s gorgeous,” I refuted.
“It had invaders. There was a family of chipmunks living in it,” Phoe hissed, and I bit back a smile.
“Laugh; we all did,” Drake permitted, sitting next to his wife. He looked so out of place with his ripped jeans, black tee, and leather cut. But at the same time, he belonged.
“Chipmunks?” I repeated.
“Yup, the fuckers attacked,” Phoe stated, nodding and giving the tree an evil look.
“They didn’t attack. They were more scared of you than you were of them,” Harley interrupted with a sigh.
“They hissed at us and bit Grey. Klutz molested Carly, and one tried to rip Christian’s face off!” Phoe cried.
That was a lot to unpack, but it all sounded interesting.
“Mom, Christian shoved his head into the tree and frightened the chipmunk inside it,” Harley refuted.
“It attacked my boy!” Phoe insisted.
“And Klutz only groped Carly because she climbed him like a monkey,” Drake drawled.
Phoe’s eyes narrowed. “They were killer fucking chipmunks. If you disagree one more time, Drake Michaelson, no Christmas sex!”
“Mom!” Harley yelled.
I smothered a giggle.
“And you, son, I’ll put you in charge of the Hellions for a full month!” Phoe threatened Harley.
I smirked as Harley shut his mouth and leaned back. This could be rather amusing.