Chapter Two
♥
Alexandra woke in the middle of the night urgently having to pee, so she squeezed out from under the pile of male bodies and went to the bathroom. She rubbed her brow. Everything seemed to be getting so much more difficult. I love two men. Now what? When Alexandra returned to the bedroom, only her primary partner, Patrick “Gabe” Gowan, was still there. She didn’t have to ask to know he’d woken Conor and Jonathon and made them leave the bed. It was no secret he didn’t mind sharing her, but he preferred sleeping alone with her. She tried to hide her disappointment that he’d sent Conor away.
Gabe asked, “Are you all right?”
“I’m okay, had to pee, kind of hungry,” she answered, not climbing into the bed.
“Want me to make you something?” he asked.
She nodded, walked closer to the bed, and held out her hand to pull him up. Guilt plagued her soul. She’d been so angry about the thought of Jonathon being in love with Gabe, but now she couldn’t stop thinking about Conor. I’m such a hypocrite!
He took her hand and pulled her down on top of him. She shrieked, then laughed as he rolled her under him. I love Gabe. I’m marrying Gabe. She bent her knees and lifted her hips. “Food can wait. I’d rather have you.”
He turned up the lights, which made her nervous as he searched her face. Gabe finally said, “It’s been an emotional few days. Are you okay?”
She shrugged, looking away and whispering, “The three of you had to do what you had to do. Doctor’s orders, right? I was sick. Yes, I hated being held down and forced to swallow pills, food, water, but if you hadn’t done those things—”
“It was us or the hospital.”
“See? Don’t ever make me go to the hospital—no matter what. Promise me?”
“I will do everything in my power to make certain you are never put in a psych ward again. I don’t know that I can promise you never going to a hospital, because if it comes down to saving your life and watching you die, I’ll take you there.”
She shook her head and looked away.
“If I was bleeding out, would you take me to a hospital?”
“You know I would.”
“When you were the victim of a bioterrorism attack, did you think twice about calling for an emergency medical evac?”
“No, I didn’t think twice. You’ve made your point.”
He turned her chin, and she met his gaze. “The makeup sex was…?”
Feeling a blush rise up her cheeks, she asked, “What do you want me to say? The three of you are amazing.”
He filled her forcefully, making her moan. “I like having you to myself and knowing I caused your every moan.”
It was too late to go back to just the two of them. In her mind, she so easily saw him fucking Jonathon―it was only a glimpse, but a glimpse that had rocked her world. He should have told me.
“Tell me what you’re thinking.” He pushed deeper with a hard thrust, stealing her breath.
Kinda hurts. She shook her head, lying, “Nothing.”
“Please, tell me what you’re thinking. Are you okay? Was tonight too much?” He covered her mouth with his lips, but instead of kissing, he caught her bottom lip between his teeth and pulled as he fucked her. She cried out, panting and bucking beneath him. He released his hold on her lip.
“I’m tender, but tonight was good. I loved everything.”
“But?”
“I woke up thinking too much, and I want to stop thinking. Too much can go wrong.”
“So much can go right.” Gabe kissed her gently, sucking her lips as he thrust slow and steady.
“M-mm.” She didn’t admit Conor had said the exact thing.
“Too tender?”
“I was well fucked and liked it.”
“The three of us made love to you.”
“Even Jonathon?”
“You doubt it after last night?”
“He held me down and finger-fucked me, not really a sales pitch for what you’re wanting me to believe.”
“He loves you; he has a hard time showing his true feelings to any woman.”
“Oh, great. Just what we needed—another person in the mix with emotional issues. God, we are all such a fucking mess.”
“Together we’re a beautiful mess. Do you want me to take your ass so you won’t be too tender to enjoy it?”
“That might be for the best.”
Without withdrawing, pulled his fingers through her slickness, dragging the fluid over her back passage. Gabe thrust his cock slowly and gently in her vagina as he pressed the dampness on his fingers into her anus. Alexandra made a whimpering sound as he slid a finger into her bottom. Her back arched with need and she pushed her ass against his hand. “More.”
He removed his finger and pushed her knees higher, straightening her legs. “Too much?”
She shook her head.
“Hold your ankles.”
She complied, and he pulled out his dick. Using one hand, he rubbed his glans over her puckered entrance, bringing more dampness to the tight hole before penetrating her.
“Not slow,” she begged. “It hurts too much when you try to go slow.”
“Shh, relax.” He pressed in, bumping her tight sphincter.
She closed her eyes and willed every fiber of her being to relax and become fluidly welcoming. He pushed through the sphincter and kept going deeper. When he was fully seated inside her, he gripped her pelvic bones and pulled her tighter to him, taking himself that small bit deeper.
Alexandra concentrated on breathing as he lowered himself. The gentleness was killing her.
He slid in and out. “Is this position okay?”
“I like it,” she admitted. There was nothing quite like being fucked backdoor while staring into someone’s eyes.
“Allow me to use you just a little roughly?”
“God, yes!”
He thrust and almost completely withdrew before thrusting again. It was fast and hard, and sounds came from her throat she’d never heard herself make. She couldn’t tear her gaze from his, and it seemed he was seeing everything. She felt exposed, vulnerable. Suddenly she was crying and unable to stop. He kept bucking against her until her tears turned to screams of release. He kept filling her again and again until she’d lost count of the waves crashing over her and lifting her anew with each thrust.
♥ ♥ ♥
The morning of the MacKenna-Van Zant family reunion and her parents’ fiftieth wedding anniversary dawned clear and bright. The outside temperature was a comfortable sixty degrees, leaving Alexandra absolutely no excuse not to attend.
Gabe was humming cheerfully.
“How can you possibly not be hungover?”
“I didn’t decide four a.m. was perfect for a whiskey-and-mashed-potatoes binge.”
She held her head. “Don’t ever let me do that again.”
He kissed her cheek. “As if I could have stopped you? I know that look in your eye when nothing is going to stand between you and the prize.”
She snorted.
“Shower. I’ll make coffee; you’ll feel better in no time.”
She showered, did her makeup, and dressed in black yoga pants and turtleneck with the required kelly-green T-shirt layered over. She didn’t feel better. She sat on the bed and laced on a pair of black-and-green athletic shoes.
“Karen and Rowan are downstairs waiting; you ready?” Gabe came in the room dressed and ready to go. “What on earth are you putting on your feet and why?”
She reminded, “Field events.”
He kissed the top of her head. “Which you are taking no part in, remember? Doctor’s orders. Take it easy a few weeks.”
“I’ll see how I feel and base my decision on that.” She batted her eyelashes at him. “Did Conor and Jonathon ever get here?”
“They’re waiting too, as if you’d doubt for a minute they wouldn’t be.”
She stood up and added sunglasses to the ensemble. “I’m not going anywhere until I have a dark roast in my hand.”
♥ ♥ ♥
Alexandra and entourage arrived in three black SUVs with two Secret Service agents and eight AODH Genetic Research and Development Facility tactical team members wearing black suits, who immediately did a perimeter search and stationed themselves around the property. Their arrival was duly noted by the neighbors, and as Alexandra exited the vehicle, she lifted her hand to wave at those who stood gawking at the spectacle.
She walked beside Gabe, who carried Rowan. The infant girl was wearing an adorable matching green knit dress, white leggings with a shamrock design, and black patent-leather shoes. A long strip of wide white lace, wrapped around her head, a floppy bow positioned to the side, was an accessory added by Karen. At that moment Alexandra realized she was in over her head, having the premonition Rowan would soon be the most photographed baby in the country, at least for a while. There was too much controversy surrounding her adoption by a woman in a multiple-partner relationship for her to escape photographers seeking the next tabloid photo. No doubt Rowan needed her own stylist/personal shopper.
Karen, Conor, and Jonathon followed closely behind, lugging all the baby stuff required for a day away, including a Pack ’n Play, a bouncy walker, a stroller, and two diaper bags filled with clothing changes, baby food, and bottles.
She was immediately surrounded by Simon, Samuel, Phillip, and Paul, four older brothers she hadn’t seen since Brandon’s funeral. After hugs and inquiries about spouses, she discovered Simon was still single and transient. Neither came as a surprise. “Since you are here for a few days, come by the pub tomorrow,” Alexandra offered.
“Full Irish breakfast buffet, all the beer you can drink, and soccer tourneys on eight large screens,” Gabe added as he approached, having had Rowan stolen away by Ellen as soon as she’d seen her newest granddaughter. He reached out his hand. “You may not remember me. Patrick Gowan.”
“Gabe! As if we could ever forget the kid always leading our sister into danger,” Paul said, shaking his hand.
Gabe winked. “Aye, that’s me. I’ve been upgraded to fiancé now and trying to keep her as far from danger as I can. It’s a difficult task some days.”
“Bodyguards, Alexandra? Mom and Dad might be Internet illiterate, but you were trending for three weeks straight because of that video.” Samuel elbowed her. “We heard the G version of the tale last night.”
“Those are no normal bodyguards.” Simon was frowning, head tilted. “What are you into, sister? What requires ten protective agents?”
How do I tell the brother who’d rescued me time and again from dangerous adventures abroad as a marine that now he’s retired it’s classified? She deftly changed the subject, “Gabe, introduce them to my men.” Alexandra shook her head and walked away, but was quickly flanked by Simon.
“I’m not letting this go,” he said, keeping pace. “The video smoke screen only detracted so much. Homeland and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention being moved into your facility? And now you arrive surrounded by federal agents?”
Alexandra met his gaze; her mouth opened and closed without answering.
“What danger have you fallen into this time?”
“Maybe you were a Raider too long, Simon.” Referring to his two decades in the marines’ special-ops command unit. “Seeing shadows where there are none.”
He shook his head. “I never see shadows only truth, and since I’ve rescued you a few times, I know the look you’re wearing in your eyes.”
She pulled him aside and whispered, “The situation is classified.”
“The situation?” He pushed up her dark shades to meet her gaze. “So the dark-web rumors surrounding AODH are true. You’re creating biological weapons now?”
“God, no! I’m the one fighting the whole goddamn war!” She turned her back to him, saying “Fuck” under her breath. She readjusted her sunglasses and faced him. “How do you do that?”
“Discovering truth is my superpower,” he answered nonchalantly. “Now, tell me about the hit out on your pretty little head.”
With a firm grip on his elbow she pulled him away from anyone who might overhear. “How do you know about that?”
His eyes narrowed. “Really? Now that I’m freelance, it’s my business to know.”
Freelance. She shivered, thinking he might have discovered her name when he was looking for his next assignment. “Look, I can say no more. I’ve already said too much. There will be an announcement coming about my new appointment, and the men are keeping me as safe as they can. As you can see, I go almost everywhere with my own personal army now.” She hugged him and tugged on his past shoulder-length locks. “Your hair is officially longer than mine. I was glad to hear you retired, not so thrilled thinking you might be a soldier for hire.”
He stepped back. “I went from knowing who I was to—not knowing anything.”
“Redefining yourself—trust me, I know what you’re saying.”
“Let’s just hope we both like ourselves once we figure it out, aye? I’m going to go get acquainted with your men.” He winked and returned to the cluster of brothers.
“Lord.” Alexandra joined her mother and Karen, who looked quite comfortable in side-by-side lawn chairs, drinking beer. Alexandra sank into an empty one. “Hand me one of those beers.”
“Hair of the dog that bit you? Eh?” Her mother opened the cooler beside her. “Harp? Bass?”
“It’s early; let’s go with Harp.”
Her mother handed her a beer. “And the best part about being Irish?”
Alexandra laughed, saying, “It’s never too early or too late for beer or whiskey.”
The two women clinked bottles.
Alexandra watched Gabe, Jonathon, and Conor chatting it up with her brothers. “Think they’ll make it all day without fists flying?”
“Maybe,” her mother said optimistically. “Depends on if they can burn off enough steam during the field games…or we could have your father drag out the goals for a soccer match.”
“I’m surprised they’re not already set up, to be honest,” Alexandra replied, pointing at Rowan, who was gnawing on Ellen’s beer bottle.
Her mother dismissed the concern with a wave of her hand. “All my children cut their teeth on beer bottles. It’s fine, and she’s getting no alcohol.”
Alexandra grimaced. “But you’re getting baby saliva in your beer.”
Her mother burst out laughing. “Oh to be a fly on your wall as this baby grows and the messes get bigger and more disgusting.”
“I can hardly wait.” Alexandra looked away.
“So, you have sex with all three of them. How does that work, exactly? Each guy gets a night? Or—”
Alexandra stood. “Good god, I’m not drunk enough for this conversation. I’m going to go find Dad and help him drag out those goals.”
“No, no, sit back down! I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have asked. It’s nice seeing you, and you look well, better than you’ve looked in years, and if I have those three men being in your life to thank for the healthy glow in your cheeks, so be it. I’ll love them all too, because I won’t be worried about a middle-of-the-night phone call saying you’ve died.”
Alexandra saw her mother brush away a tear with embarrassment, so she sat and squeezed her hand. She was so glad Gabe hadn’t called her over the damn high fever. “I’m not checking out anytime soon, Momma. I’m happier and more content than I’ve ever been. I have a doctor who can actually stand to be around me, and I have Karen.”
“God bless Karen.” Her mother grabbed Karen’s hand and kissed it.
“And now you have this beauty.” Ellen kissed Rowan’s cinnamon hair. “You’re going through with her adoption?”
“The adoption was finalized last week. She is officially a MacKenna-Van Zant.”
“The men all adore her?”
“They dote on her. She will be the most spoiled child to walk the earth,” Karen said. “Her bedroom is going to be magnificent, and the stairway to her suite of rooms will also have a slide.”
“A slide in a house? And a suite of rooms? For a baby? This is in the house you’re building with Gabe?”
Alexandra nodded excitedly. “I can hardly contain myself. My contractor was out doing the survey the day after the ice storm, and he said they are breaking ground today.”
“How will you raise her with three men living with you? What morals will you teach this child?”
“I suppose I’ll be teaching her not to fear her sexuality,” she replied snidely. “And don’t forget there are going to be an equal number of women living with us as well.”
“Three women?”
“Two for certain. I’m currently seeking qualified nannies—Grace didn’t quite work out—and a housekeeper. I’d like to find a couple who could care for the house and grounds. I’m certain Karen won’t be a stranger, though she refuses to move in with us.”
“I do have a life away from AODH…and you.” Karen winked then chuckled.
“So you keep telling me.” Alexandra stood, shielding her eyes from the sun.
“What is it? What’s wrong, dear?”
“Is that Jake? Who is he with? I didn’t know he had a girlfriend.”
“I know; news to your father and me as well when he announced he was bringing her. He’s been trotting off to some kind of conventions for comic-book heroes and supposedly met her there. They seem to have quite a bit in common. Her name is Alyssa.”
Alexandra, Karen, and her mother watched him pull a wheelchair from the trunk of the car. He set it up and helped get his girlfriend settled.
Seeing the wheelchair, Alexandra sat. What were the chances it would be the only Alyssa in a wheelchair she knew of?
Ellen whispered, “For obvious reasons, your father and I are very concerned. I can’t remember her last name. It’s common.”
“Smyth,” Alexandra replied, watching them approach and recognizing Alyssa from the photos her father, Ronald Smyth, a founding sponsor of AODH, had shown her. “Her name is Alyssa Smyth. She has muscular dystrophy. I know her father.”
A shriek came from behind her. “Alexandra the Great! Is that you?”
A wide smile spread across Alexandra’s face as she turned to see her only sister running across the lawn. She left her chair at a sprint, shouting, “Jessica Rabbit!”
The two women collided, wrapping each other in their arms.
“That hair!” Jessica ruffled Alexandra’s long bangs. “How can you still be this beautiful and look so freaking young?”
“I look just like you, and you’re fishing for compliments quite blatantly.” Alexandra hugged her again. “You do look fabulous! I’d never guess you’re almost fifty!”
“Ah-ah, don’t rush the years. I’m only forty-two, and well you know it!”
“It’s been too long, Jess.” Alexandra clung to her, fighting back the emotion catching in her throat. She didn’t say, Not since Brandon’s funeral. She wondered why it was only death that seemed to allow people to pause their lives long enough to embrace the living. She was glad to be able to focus on the two teens appearing at their mother’s side. “Since these two were much shorter! Dear God, tell me this isn’t Jeremy Jr. and Rebekah?”
Jake and Alyssa also joined them. Jake introduced, “My sisters, Jessica and Alexandra. My friend, Alyssa.”
The young woman beamed, and Alexandra was floored by how exotically beautiful the brown-eyed brunette was. Although she knew her entire medical history via her father, she’d never met the girl.
Alyssa locked down her chair and pushed herself to standing.
“Dr. Van Zant.” She reached out her hand. “I am so excited to finally meet you!”
Alexandra accepted Alyssa’s hand and was immediately pulled into a hug. She was quite surprised by the woman’s upper-body strength.
Jake whispered, “She doesn’t like to be touched, Alyssa.”
Alexandra closed her eyes and hugged Alyssa back tightly, fighting tears. “It’s fine, Jake. For Alyssa Smyth, there’s an exception.”
A tear slid down Alexandra’s face, but she quickly brushed it away and lent Alyssa a steadying hand as she settled again in her chair. “I feel like I’ve known you for years, and I am equally thrilled to meet you.”
“My father tries to keep his relationship with you a secret so Alan and I won’t get our hopes up for a cure, but we know what’s going on.”
“He approached me six years ago when you were first diagnosed. AODH had just opened its doors for business, and if not for your father’s persistent visits, our research wouldn’t be nearly as far along as it is. You’re very lucky to have a father who cares so much for you.”
Alyssa snorted. “Not me—Alan, heir to the kingdom. My father wants to make certain his only son doesn’t pass on the disease to his children, but I’m fine with that plan. I don’t want another person to have to struggle with muscular dystrophy.”
“Alyssa, I’d like to introduce you to my parents,” Jake interjected.
“Of course,” Alexandra said. “Meet everyone. We’ll talk more later.”
Gabe, Conor, and Jonathon arrived, and the reason for Jake’s sudden departure suddenly became clear. Gabe held open his arms. “Jessica!”
Alexandra’s eyes widened as Jessica slid easily into Gabe’s embrace. He kissed her cheek. “You’re even more beautiful than the last time I saw you. How’s Boston suiting you?”
“I’m leaving Boston.”
“You must be sisters.” Conor stepped in for a hug when Gabe released his hold. “I’m Conor Larkin.”
Jessica hugged him, looking over his shoulder at Alexandra. “Conor, the other man? Mother didn’t warn me how absolutely gorgeous all three of you are.”
Jonathon stepped up and hugged her as well.
“And you’re the other other man?”
“Jonathon,” he said, ducking his head.
Paul shouted across the wide grass lawn, “Gabe! Jon! Con! Soccer!”
“Jon and Con, is it?” Alexandra chuckled.
“They love us. At least until we beat their asses in soccer,” Gabe informed her. “Wish you could be out there.”
“Maybe next game.” She winked. “For the love of God, don’t break anything important.”
Conor came up behind her and caught her to him, whispering against her cheek, “Baby, it’s all important. I’m so glad you’re speaking to us again, and I’m really, really glad you’re not going to kick the bucket anytime soon.”
He stole a kiss on her cheek, but he was already rushing away, chasing after Jonathon.
“Mom? Can we?” Jessica’s kids asked, and she said, “Go! Go! Watch your uncles make fools of themselves.”
The two raced off and were joined by a dozen of their cousins. The shrill laughter carried across the field. Alexandra reflected, “That was us once.”
Jessica whispered, hugging herself, “That was us a long time ago.”
Gabe stepped closer and asked, “Kiss for luck?”
“Pushing your luck, are you?”
He shrugged. “It was worth a try.”
Alexandra caught his hand and squeezed. “Be careful. You’re not twenty anymore.”
“Extra careful. I’m banking on more makeup sex later.” He winked and hurried to catch the others. In the distance, she could see them setting up the nets and pacing it off.
“So? Am I hearing there’s been trouble in paradise?” Jessica asked.
“Oh my God. Not really. I was sick last week. My physician went into panic mode because my heartbeat was even more irregular than usual, and I had a high fever. They barricaded me into the apartment above the pub so I couldn’t get to the lab to work. Bed rest, no sex, and no alcohol for four days! I refused to speak to any of them until late last night.”
“They love you, and it sounds like it could have turned out to be very serious. I know you know that.” Jessica grabbed her hands and squeezed. “Jesus, Alexandra! Hold on to them. Don’t let silly fights get in the way of your great love affair. Don’t be an idiot like I was and wake up to discover there’s no way to ever apologize. There’s never again going to be incredible makeup sex.”
Alexandra closed her eyes, knowing Jessica was talking about Jeremy. When she opened them again, she met Jessica’s gaze. “You said you’re leaving Boston?”
“This might require whiskey. I’m not really sure what I’m going to do.”
“Ouch, sounds serious.” They sat in the chairs abandoned by Ellen and Karen. “What’s going on?”
“Jeremy Jr. is a special guy. He’s sharp as a tack, but his grades are atrocious. He was held back last year, leaving him in junior high instead of high school. First quarter he’s shown zero interest in any of his classes because the kids make fun of him.”
“Special? Savant special, autistic special? Or…?”
“I don’t allow my kids to be labeled. On a whim I applied for him to be part of an accelerated-learning ocean-science program in North Carolina. Someone dropped out before the program started, so they had a national search for applicants. It was a long shot based on a ten-page essay written by the student as to why they wanted to commit their education to oceanography and ocean preservation—and holy crap! He’s been accepted. So, I resigned my position as a senior business-loan officer, sold everything, including the car, and now we are on our way to a new place.”
“Everything?” Alexandra asked, disbelief evident. Jessica was the least impulsive person she’d ever known.
Jessica shielded her mouth and leaned nearer. “We were packing, the kids their things, me all the household stuff, and it was going slow. Everything that was going into the boxes had a memory of Jeremy attached that was so fucking painful. So there I am, sobbing, drinking, holding on to a pillow, and the kids found me like that—”
“God, Jessica, I can’t imagine.”
Jessica nodded, still clearly embarrassed. “Yep, full-scale breakdown. Rebekah got a big empty box and labeled it PAIN. She took the pillow from me and chucked it in the box. She said, ‘This box is for the hurt that has no business leaving Boston. The ghosts stay here.’”
“Wow, that’s pretty deep.”
“My kids amaze me every day, but in that moment, they both stepped up and helped me through the heartbreak of saying good-bye”—her face fractured with emotion—“and by the end of the day, every box was labeled PAIN. Mine and theirs. I knew Boston was smothering me, but I had no idea how stifled the kids were as well until we started talking. They both admitted they needed a fresh start away from Boston and the chains of the Williams name.”
“God, Sis, I had no idea.”
Alexandra hugged her, but Jessica insisted, “No, no, this is good. Hard, yes, but in the end, hopefully great. Fortunately the company I worked for has allowed me to take a position as a work-from-home mortgage-loan officer at a fifty percent pay decrease, so we are going in with no house, few housing options, and no car. Hopefully one of those coastal towns will have a house to rent, and I can pick up some part-time work as a bartender.”
“Where’s the school?” Alexandra asked.
“Small town named Nags Head. I’ve already enrolled Rebekah in the public school. We fly out from Cincinnati tomorrow on a wing and a prayer, because they both start classes Monday.”
Alexandra started laughing.
“Wait, what’s so funny? I’m terrified.”
“Serendipity. It is just like you to uproot and blow to where the wind takes you.” Alexandra picked up her purse, pulled out an envelope, and placed it in Jessica’s hand. “This was in today’s mail. It’s the new set of keys for my house on Cape Hatteras. I just had it completely redone top to bottom, inside and out. It’s yours now, if you can stand the hour-one-way drive twice a day.”
Jessica’s mouth dropped open. “You’re letting me borrow your house?”
She shook her head. “I’m letting you have my house if you want it—five bedrooms, four and a half baths, gourmet kitchen, pool, and on the beach. I slept there for a week once, five years ago, and I couldn’t stand the quiet. There are pics in the envelope. Say yes, and I’ll have my attorney transfer the deed to your name. There’s a car in the driveway. Keys for the car are under a flowerpot by the front door.”
Jessica covered her mouth with her hand and started sobbing. Alexandra pulled her into a hug. “Stop. You’ll make me cry too, and everyone knows Alexandra Van Zant doesn’t do that shit. Ice queen, I have a reputation to keep.”
Jessica excused herself and hurried toward the soccer field, where she gathered her kids into her arms. Even from the distance, Alexandra could see her shoulders convulsing with sobs. Rebekah and Jeremy started jumping up and down with excitement and she could hear the shouts of happiness from across the field.
Alexandra turned away smiling. She stepped into the house and went into the bathroom, called her attorney, and explained all the deed-transfer info and that she needed a top-of-the-line, new-model SUV delivered to her address on Cape Hatteras, titled to Jessica Williams, and keys left under a flowerpot out front.
She stepped out of the restroom and heard a soft voice behind her say, “Alexandra?”
She turned to find her twin and pulled him into her arms. “Alex.”
She laid her head on his shoulder and dissolved into sobs. “God, I’ve missed you!”
♥ ♥ ♥
It was hours later when Alexandra and her brother exited the house with their arms wrapped around each other’s waists, to find everyone gathered on the patio with plates and beers in hand. Alex lifted his hand to acknowledge Simon. She led Alex to where Gabe, Conor, and Jonathon were leaning against a retaining wall. Gabe set his beer and plate on the brick wall and embraced Alex. They pounded each other on their backs. “It’s been too long, man. Jesus. I thought you must have been swallowed up by a sandstorm by now.”
“There’s been quite a few sandstorms here lately, but I made it out for this. Quite the celebration!” Alex nodded, wrapping his arm around Alexandra’s waist again. “It’s quite surreal—being back here in the states. It’s so fucking loud all the time.”
Gabe nodded. “So it’s true; you are still hiding from life in the desert?”
“Deserts, mountains. As long as there is no light pollution, it is home.”
“How’s Kate?”
Alex looked down and shook his head, admitting, “She filed for divorce. I’m back in the States to talk her out of this insanity or at least salvage whatever we can of our relationship.”
“That’s tough, man. I feel for you.”
“She waited sixteen years for me to get the nomad out of my system. I just never did. The fault’s not with her. So you? I hear you finally asked my sister to marry you. Congratulations.”
Gabe nodded, and they clinked beer bottles. “Sláinte. Meet my mates, Conor―”
Conor stuck out his hand, and Alex released Alexandra’s waist long enough to shake hands.
“And Jonathon.”
Jonathon shook Alex’s hand as well.
Alex pulled his twin into him, kissing her temple. “You’re happy, aye?”
“Happiest,” she assured him, wrapping her arms around his neck to lay her head on his shoulder. “Come by the pub in the morning?”
“People.” He shivered in her arms.
“Come in through the alley door. I’ll sneak you into the private dining room. It will be just family.”
“Maybe,” he answered, and Alexandra knew he wouldn’t.
♥ ♥ ♥
Conor cornered Alexandra in the kitchen and with only the dark intent in his gaze left her speechless and trembling. He laughed softly not believing Gabe had never noticed just how submissive she was. Her lowered gaze didn’t hide her wide eyes when she noted his erection straining against his jeans. “You still fear me?”
He saw the wave of uncertainty slide through her eyes before she denied his question, arguing, “I was never really afraid-afraid of you. Nervous, maybe. Cautious.”
“Nervous, maybe? Cautious? Yes, both of those are warranted. ” She’d pushed her long sleeves up to her elbows and he ran the edge of his fingernail over her goosebumps pebbled forearm. She shuddered in response and he chuckled. “Now that’s an honest response. You want me as much as I want you.”
She swallowed hard and lifted her gaze to his, but he couldn’t figure out the question she was asking with her eyes. He moved nearer and nearer, crowding her. She backed up and he followed, maintaining his press forward until she was backed up tight against the counter with the hard, thick ridge of his erection pressed against her. Sounding nervous, she whispered, “Someone might come in.”
He nodded and bent enough to kiss her cheek, lick her temple with a quick flick of his tongue and whisper his agreement, “Someone might.”
Her sweet, heated breath caressed his cheek as she leaned nearer; her eyelashes fluttered and he knew she was thinking too hard. She stated the obvious, “We’re standing in my mother’s kitchen.”
“We are,” he agreed. Aware some of her family were just outside on the back deck that ran the length of the house, he asked very softly, “Do you fear being caught with me?”
She swayed and closed her eyes. “The last time we weren’t even doing anything, but you and Gabe both came away with shiners.”
“There’s disappointment in your tone. You’re still irritated we were so rudely interrupted.”
“It’s the principle,” she hissed, getting flustered. “You’re reading only my pent up and unresolved frustr—”
Conor swallowed her excuse when he covered her mouth with his. He kissed her softly, though perhaps not as gently as Jonathon could. He took his time, teasing her lips apart with sheer tenacity. She didn’t make it easy, apparently too worried about being caught. Her fear made him even hotter. “Is this a mind fuck for you? Hearing your fiancé and father talking out on the deck, while you’re committing illicit acts in the kitchen of your childhood home with your other man?
She shook her head, smiling softly.
He again claimed her lips, kissing her with greater urgency and slid his hand down the front of her yoga pants and silk panties to cup her sex. He rubbed his fingers over her velvety vulva and pulled a moan from her mouth. Maybe it was too much to ask, but he wanted her solely focused on him, so he took his time, breaking down her defenses one nibble and one lick at a time, until he had her relaxed, opened, and reciprocating. Only then did he deepen the kiss, kicking up the urgency.
He plunged his fingers into her channel to discover she was soaked, and allowed his fingers to play in her wetness. By the time he thrust one finger into her, she was begging him to take her down the hallway to the guestroom. She panted and begged sweetly. “Please, Conor. No one will go in there. I need you inside me.”
He added a second finger and pumped both in and out slowly. “I am inside you.”
She cried out softly, thrusting against his hand and begging, “Please. Please!”
“You’re such a naughty girl, Xandra. Imagine your parents finding you here, like this, with me.” He used his thumb to rub and circle her clit as he set an easy rhythm.
“God no! We can’t get caught, Conor. Pleeease!”
Pumping her harder and faster, he felt her pussy contracting around her fingers as he pulled an orgasm from her. He pushed his shoulder against her mouth to muffle the sounds she was making. She bit hard and held his shirt covered flesh between her teeth as he pulled a second and third orgasm from her. He felt the second her emotions broke and released her as a sob broke free. She lowered her forehead to his chest as she gathered herself and he adjusted her clothing.
Panting, she whispered, “Oh my god! I can’t believe you just did that to me in my mother’s kitchen! She taught me how to make chocolate chip cookies right where we’re standing. I was so small then, I had to stand on a kitchen chair to use the mixer.”
Conor had the grace to duck his head to partially hide the joy he felt flustering her so. “Tell me thank you for giving you such a powerful orgasm, mo chroí.”
She shook her head against his chest and he pushed her back far enough to meet her gaze and found her cheeks damp. “Tell me, Alexandra, or I’ll have you screaming the house down in less than a minute.”
She narrowed her gaze, and he’d bet his life savings she was calculating the odds of him following through on his threat. “You’re a cocky bastard, and completely full of yourself, but I do thank you for giving me such a powerful orgasm. I really needed it.”
He kissed her cheek, tasting her salty tears. “Glad I could help, love. Seems to me that you have a bit of a slutty exhibitionist hiding inside you.”
With a shocked gasp, she smacked his stomach playfully then smiled and blushed as her expression turned bashful.
The wood and glass French door to the deck creaked, making Alexandra jump. Someone was coming in. He blocked her from the intruder’s line of sight and she escaped the kitchen and fled down the hall with a shrill laugh. He assumed she went to the guest bedroom or bathroom, but he didn’t follow. Instead, he kept his back to whoever was still out of his line of sight, opened the refrigerator door, and grabbed two bottles of water. Nonchalantly, he turned and faced off with one of Alexandra’s brothers. Jake. He knew her younger brother detested him. Perfect. “I was just grabbing a couple waters, need anything?”
“I came to find you.”
Conor arched his brow. “Oh yeah? What can I do for you?”
“For starters you could walk away from Gabe and my sister. Sell him your share of the pub, leave town, and never see them again.”
Conor barked with laughter. “Is that all? Not happening, mate, but I give you props for asking. That took some stones. I assume you gave Jonathon the same advice?”
“Not yet, but I will. The thing you don’t understand is that my sister is better than the likes of all three of you. She’s been on the fast track toward greatness since she was a child; while I don’t doubt she needed the distraction the three of you’ve provided her with everything that’s going on, she’s just toying with you. Eventually, she’ll kick all three of you to the curb and abandon Rowan for her true love, science.”
Conor nodded thoughtfully. He wasn’t sure where Alexandra was exactly, but he knew she was close enough to hear. “We’ll have to agree to disagree because I’m going nowhere. I’m committed to Alexandra, as are Gabe and Jonathon, and as for Rowan, you’re absolutely insane if you think your sister would abandon her daughter.”
“Believe what you want, but I’ll be standing right here with a big, fat I-told-you-so smile when she disappears inside herself and your only option is to walk away. My sister has been certifiable since she was a child. Ask any of her older siblings. They’ll tell you how it is if you don’t want to believe me.”
Alexandra came around the corner and closed in on Jake. She sounded hurt when she said, “Good to know how you really feel. Since I’m bat shit crazy and you never know what I’ll do next, you better watch yourself. Or perhaps you forgot who taught you everything you know?”
“A threat, Alexandra? Really? And I was a child then; I’m not a boy anymore and the writing is on the wall. Jesus, Xandra! You should thank me. You do realize next year is a campaigning year? Right? I’m trying to save you from a broken heart! Do you really think the president of the Unites States will allow his science advisor to bring her scandalous lifestyle to the White House?”
“No one knows about my appointment yet.”
“You forget who I work for. I know shit and this relationship experiment you’re conducting is about to ripped to shreds by the powers that be.” Jake shook his head and left the kitchen without another word.
Alexandra stared after him dumbfounded. When her lower lip started to quiver, Conor closed the distance between them and looped his arm around her waist. “Hey, hey, none of that. No tears. Don’t let Jake get to you. So far the president has been very magnanimous and I don’t see that changing overnight.”
“What if Jake is right? What if the president discovered he could scrub your pasts? What is he walks back his promises? ”
“What if, love?” Conor turned her to face him and kissed the center of her forehead. “What if you woke up and the sky was purple? We could play that all day and never know the answer to a single question.”
The glass French door opened in, creaking, and Jonathon came in looking flushed. Seeing Alexandra in Conor’s arms, he glanced over his shoulder looking nervous but didn’t mention it. “There you two are! I’ve been looking everywhere. The goals are up and the great soccer debacle begins in ten.”
“Really?” Conor looked toward Alexandra and noted her tense expression. “You going to come watch your men and brothers make fools out of themselves?”
“You two go on; I’ll be out in a few minutes. I just want to check on Rowan and Karen. Make sure they’re getting on all right.”
SOON AS CONOR and Jonathon were outside and away from ear shod of the others, Jonathon asked, “Did you think no one would notice you and Alexandra missing from the crowd?”
Conor gave him a sidelong glance and walked faster toward the soccer field that had been set up in a back lot. “What are you talking about? We were in the kitchen. I grabbed a couple waters, and while I was there she and Jake had an argument about her men, so I wasn’t about to leave her alone to fend him off.”
“She argued with Jake?” Jonathon kept pace even though he didn’t have as long a stride, and grabbed Conor’s hand when he wasn’t expecting it. He took a long sniff. “Mmm-hmm. Sure smells like arguing to me.”
“You’re getting on my nerves, Jonathon. Walk away,” Conor advised.
Gabe jogged over from the field smiling, but it faded quickly. “What’s up?”
“Ask him.” Jonathon jogged out onto the field.