Secret Baby With My Ex’s Damaged SEAL Brother

1. Anya

CHAPTER 1

Maybe it’s the alcohol messing with me, but my heart skips a few beats when I look at the man across the bar. He is undeniably attractive with his dark hair and piercing brown eyes, he has the type of face that could make a good girl lose her home training.

Except I’m not a good girl. Inside I am broken-hearted, sitting in a bar alone and looking for some sort of relief. I had alcohol in mind when I walked in here an hour ago, but now I no longer think it’s the best option.

I need the man across the bar, and I can tell from the way his eyes are drinking me in that he feels the same way. He's surrounded by his friends, all of them good-looking, stand tall and confident, their bodies toned. But to me, he stands out the most, his gaze piercing as it meets mine.

He’s swirling a glass of bourbon in his hand and circling the rim with a finger, basically seducing me from a few feet away.

God, the things he’s doing to me with that movement.

All he has to do is utter one word and I’ll crawl over to him.

My phone buzzes. I take it out from my purse and swipe up to read the text message displayed on my screen. I’m sorry if I hurt you, Anya. I didn’t mean for us to end this way.

I’m sorry if I hurt you?

I snort, clenching my phone and holding myself back from throwing it across the bar.

I caught my boyfriend of two years cheating on me this afternoon—with a girl he told me not to worry about—and all he has to say is that he is sorry? For what exactly? Being a dick and wasting my time?

Fuck him.

To be honest, I’m to blame for the mess I’m in. I should’ve known he didn’t think much of me when he refused to introduce me to his family, even to his older brother, who he raved so much about.

I'm too caught up in my anger to notice when the attractive man from the bar approaches and takes a seat next to me, looking at me with raised eyebrows. "Is everything alright?"

Damn, even his voice is deep and husky. It has to be illegal for anyone to be this hot.

I keep my gaze on him as I take a sip of my martini. “I wasn’t expecting you to walk over.”

He smiles and butterflies gain wings in my stomach. His smile is so gorgeous. He has the most perfect set of teeth I’ve ever seen, and his eyes crinkle, catching the neon lights in the bar.

His gaze travels down to my exposed legs, then lingers on my chest before meeting my eyes again. The intensity in his expression suggests he can hardly contain his desire to rip off my dress and please me. “You’re beautiful. I couldn’t resist coming to you.”

I forget how to breathe for a moment.

Normally, I wouldn't consider a one-night stand, but tonight is an exception. I can always blame it on my recent breakup or the alcohol in my system. Maybe both. I just want to loosen up a bit tonight. I might regret it in the morning, but who cares?

"A negroni is always my go-to drink for nights like this," he says, nodding towards my glass. "You seem to have a lot on your mind. A negroni might help."

I huff out a low laugh and take another sip of my martini. “Is your expertise in reading minds?” I ask, licking my lips. I want him, and I’m not ashamed to show it. If my sucker of an ex-boyfriend can cheat on me after two years, I can flirt with a stranger at a bar.

He runs a hand over his dark hair and smiles at me. God, it’s insane how gorgeous he is. “When it comes to pretty ladies? Yes. And there are a lot of other things I’m good at.” He waves a hand to the waiter. “Do you mind if I buy you a drink?”

I rest my hand on the bar and consider his offer. I’d be more impressed if he offered to take me home, but a drink is fine. If he wants to play the perfect gentleman before taking me home, then I don’t mind at all. “Sure, but I might want more than just a drink.”

A smirk curves his lips. “Anything for a beautiful woman.” He winks at me, and then he turns to the waiter and orders our drinks. I finish my martini as I wait for him. The waiter passes two glasses to him, and he pushes one of them to me.

“Thank you,” I say. I give him a really appreciative smile.

“Can I get your name?” he asks, swirling his glass and pinning me with all of his attention.

“Anya,” I answer, my smile widening.

He groans, as if he’s just had a taste of the most delicious thing on earth. My cheeks burn with a blush. “Anya,” he echoes. “That is unusual, but somehow fitting. I’m Brandon.” He extends a hand to me. “It’s such a pleasure to meet you.”

I stare at his hand for a heartbeat, feeling a low hum in my chest. “I can say the same.” I shake his hand. His palm swallows mine whole, and it’s so warm that I feel my body heat up. He takes it a step further and caresses the back of my hand with his thumb.

The feel of his touch is electric, seeping from his skin into mine and simmering in my veins. My body comes alive instantly and my core throbs with the electricity. It’s been a long time since a man made me feel this way. Not even my ex-boyfriend holds a candle to the man in front of me.

“So, Anya, why are you drinking alone in a busy bar?” he asks. He brings his glass to his lips and takes a sip of his drink.

I follow suit and take a sip from my own. I can already feel the alcohol taking control of me. “I had a terrible day. Figured a drink or two might help keep the melancholy at bay.”

He’s still caressing the back of my hand, even after minutes have passed, and I’m so comfortable with his touch that I don’t bother pulling away. “Don’t you have any friends to drink with?”

I shrug, trying to ignore the fluttering in my chest for a second. “I have a lot of friends, but I didn’t want their company tonight.”

My best friend happens to be my cousin, Gianna. She moved to a small town a couple of months ago and life’s been dull without her around. It’s hilarious how she always found Spencer to be suspicious, especially when he refused to introduce me to anyone apart from a few of his friends.

I realized how foolish and naive I had been. All the signs were there, but I had been too blind to see them. I couldn't believe how much of an idiot I had been,

Brandon finally releases my hand and gazes at me with a penetrating stare. "I understand now," he says “Has anyone ever told you how attractive you are?”

I blush. The compliments flow out of him so easily, and they hit me with a strong wave each time. “I’ve heard that a lot. The real question is, has anyone ever told you how handsome you are?”

He smiles, his brow lifting. “You’re the first.”

I give him a knowing look. “We both know that’s a lie.” I’m certain he’s had millions of girls attracted to him. He has the most beautiful smile and piercing brown eyes. He actually reminds me of Spencer a bit, whose smile and eyes looked much like this man's.

I have to stop thinking of that asshole.

I take another swig of my drink until the glass is empty. Brandon hails the waiter and orders another one. “What do you think?” he asks. “Is a negroni better?”

“Surprisingly so.” I’ve had just a glass and I already feel like I’m on top of the clouds. I love the feeling. The only problem is that my self-control is seeping out of me with each passing second. I don’t know how much longer I can hold myself back from ripping Brandon’s clothes off him, and I won’t care who’ll be watching. “Are those your friends?”

He nods.

“Shouldn’t you be with them?” I ask, taking my drink from the waiter.

He cranes his neck to glance at his friends. “They’re fine without me. Trust me on that.” Returning his attention to me.

An idea blooms in my head. Anything for fun. “We could play a game, have some naughty fun together and you forget about going back to your friends tonight..”

He narrows his eyes suspiciously. “What game?”

I bite into my lower lip and grin. “Truth or dare.”

He cocks his head. “Are you sure about that? You may not like the outcome, Anya.”

Good heavens, the way he purrs my name makes my chest tingle. Could this man be any more alluring than he already is?

“Do I look like someone who cares about consequences?” I trace his legs with my toes. “What do you say? Game?”

He looks like he’s considering his options for a moment. “Game.”

Excitement flares in my chest. “Truth or dare.”

“Truth.” I stare at his fingers; there’s clearly no ring, but it doesn’t hurt to know for sure. “Are you married?”

“No. I’m not divorced either.” He smirks as if he wants to tease my curiosity, but he doesn’t. “My turn. Truth or dare?”

“Truth.” I feel like I just set myself up with that one. I know what he’s going to ask.

He doesn’t think before he blurts, “Why did you say you had a terrible day?”

I don’t hesitate to answer. I’m ten times bolder thanks to the negroni. “Caught my boyfriend cheating. We broke up and I just needed to escape the reality of it.”

He mumbles something.

“What?”

“He’s an asshole,” he says. “Any man would be lucky to have a girl like you. You’re gorgeous and fun to be around. His loss.”

I can’t help the smile that plays on my lips. “By any man, do you mean you, too?” I don’t breathe as I anticipate his answer.

“Are you asking because it’s your turn? I didn’t choose truth.”

I grin. He’s so smooth; what a way to avoid the question. “Truth or dare?”

“Truth,” he answers.

“What are you thinking right now?”

His gaze skims over me, pausing on my chest for a moment. “I’m thinking I want to take you home, pin you to a wall and make you forget that asshole who broke your heart.”

Shit. Shit. Shit.

That sounds so hot. It’s even better knowing I wouldn’t object if he tried to. Fuck, I’ll even jump into his car and let him take me wherever he wants. It’s becoming even harder to ignore that I’m pulsating all over for him.

I down all of my drink in one gulp and slam the empty glass on the bar. Wiping my mouth with the back of my hand, I hear myself say, “I want to do that too. I want you to take me home, Brandon.”

My head is spinning in circles right now, and my thoughts are not aligning. Next thing I know, I’m on my feet, and then I’m leaning over him. He wraps his arm around my waist, but he doesn’t move it, which I find odd.

Most men would throw themselves at a drunk, horny woman, but he’s holding back. I hate that he’s holding back, but I also admire him for it, because I can feel he wants me too.

"Are you still trying to act like a gentleman?" I ask, playfully wrapping my arm around his neck. The alcohol has loosened my mind and I can't resist teasing him further. "I know you're dying to do some really naughty things to me right now, Bran."

His Adam's apple bobs as he swallows, his eyes dark and intense. “You have no idea, Anya. But I like my women consenting.”

Bringing my face closer to his, I feel the heat of his breath on my skin, sending shivers down my spine. "I'm consenting," I whisper.

"You're also drunk," he murmurs, his hands resting lightly on my waist.

I laugh, feeling giddy and reckless, then boldly press my lips against his in a passionate kiss.