Read Beginnings (Brady Trilogy) for Free Online Page B

promised again. “Great gathering.” She smiled and looked around. “I never had a chance to ask you though. Why this organization that helps domestically abused children in particular? It’s a great cause of course but I’m failing to make a connection.”
                  Luke looked away. “Let’s just say it hits close to home.”
    She was startled . Luke abused as a child? She couldn’t begin to imagine it. From what Rachel had told her, he had a loving family and they were all extremely close.
    Luke noticed her confusion. “No Isabel it’s not about me. I was fortunate to have a devoted father and very caring mother who loved me unconditionally and gave me more than I needed. Someone very close to me has had a bad upbringing in life. I first handedly saw how much he suffered and I would like to personally help any organization I can that saves children from domestic abuse. The idea of an adult taking advantage of their strength towards a child’s weakness leaves me bitterly disturbed and angry.”
                  “Wow.” Was all Isabel managed to say. She had admired his brilliance in his business. And now she admired his compassion. At this moment she fell for him a little more.
                  “Luke darling aren’t you going to introduce me.” The dark haired woman appeared by his side placing a possessive hand on his arm. Isabel from a distance couldn’t tell how beautiful she was. She had dramatic dark eyes and a long black mane. She looked of Latina heritage and was utterly gorgeous. “I’m Magda.” She extended her hand to Isabel. “Luke’s date for the evening.” She smiled smugly.
                  “Isabel. It’s great to meet you. Won’t you excuse me for a moment? There are a few things I’ll need to check on.” She replied politely. “Let me know if anything is needed.” She smiled warmly at Luke. No one could deny the affection in her eyes. A quick glance at Luke and Magda saw he shared the same impression. Luke did not look at women with this much heat. This made her burn with envy.
                  “You’re a little too late sweetheart. By the time you arrived everything was already taken care of. ” Magda gave her a snotty smile.
                  Isabel was amazed by the woman’s audacity. An angry shiver made the tiny hairs all over her body tingle from the reaction. “Miss Magda I’d appreciate it if you didn’t meddle in my conversation with my boss. Don’t you worry your pretty little head about how we handle our business affairs. Sweetheart.” Isabel’s unexpected reply was so sharp and crisp she had Magda gasping. She turned around and left heading for her table leaving Luke watching after her with a pleased twisted smile on his face. That was unexpected. Well, well, well. Looks like Linda wasn’t the only one with a bite.
                  “Luke’s going to be pissed for the way I talked to his date.” Isabel told Linda as she took a seat next to her. She was still sweltering with irritation. How dare that woman. She barely met her for two minutes and she was trying to degrade her in front of Luke.
                  Linda turned around and was surprised to see the outraged face of Magda. Damnit she must have missed something good she thought regretfully. “Don’t worry honey she’s a world class bitch. If that were the case I would have been fired a long time ago,” Linda said making her giggle.
    The rest of the evening we nt according to schedule. Luke gave his impressive opening speech welcoming his guests. The chairman had a few words of his own giving a background to how the organization started and gave his great gratitude’s to the Brady family for all its grand donations. Dinner would soon begin followed by an auction.
                  Luke and Magda were seated directly across from Isabel. Magda was becoming impatient with Luke’s lack of