Train Me by Mia Ford (22)

Ivy gulped, licked her lips and stared back at him with heavy lids.

“And I wish you the best of luck too, Leon. I hope you get the woman you want, that she realizes what a fool she is by giving you up. And I hope that you both are happy together.” Ivy said, and she stepped away from him.

The peace and quiet of them working together was ruined again. She wished she hadn’t started cleaning the dishes.

“It doesn’t work that way.” He said, surprising her with his words. She hadn’t expected him to answer her statement. When she looked at him, he was running his fingers through his hair again.

“What do you mean by that?” She asked him, and he only stared at her blankly.

“What you said. About the woman I used to love, and having her back. It doesn’t work that way.” He replied, facing her now with saddened eyes.

“Leon.” Ivy whispered, her heart beating rapidly against her chest in the silence of the mansion. “Will you please tell me what happened? I’m leaving tomorrow, we’ll never see each other once I leave town. Just tell me what happened and get it off your chest.” She implored him, and he could see it in her eyes.

She watched as he licked his lips, took in a deep breath and then sat back down at the table again.

* * *

Ivy joined him at the table, sitting across from him, but said nothing more to urge him on. It was evident to her that he was the kind of man who spoke very little about his feelings. He disclosed nothing to anybody, so he needed to take his time.

They sat silently for some time, while Leon seemed to be arranging his thoughts.

“Her name is Vivian.” He began, and Ivy clenched her jaws. She didn’t realize how jealous it would make her feel, just to hear the name of the “another woman.”

“She was my daddy’s secretary’s daughter, so she grew up at our ranch. We used to play together as kids. She was a little older than me, by a few years, but we got along well.” He continued.

Leon wasn’t looking at her as he spoke, but Ivy kept her eyes trained on him. She wanted to see his every muscle move, she wanted to drink in the handsomeness as much as she could now. She wanted to burn his image in her brain so that she could remember it clearly later.

“As we grew up, grew into teenagers, I couldn’t help but fall madly in love with her. Vivian with her wild red hair, her green cat eyes…she was the most beautiful creature I had ever seen. She was also one of the only girls I was friends with. That could have been the problem.” He said.

Ivy could feel the jealousy coursing through her veins now. She hadn’t expected him to describe the other woman in such great detail. She didn’t want to picture this beautiful Vivian, Leon as a teenager, chasing after her. She had to clench her fists on her lap to stop herself from saying something. She wanted to be a good listener to him.

“Anyway, she led me on.” He said, and quickly exchanged a look with her.

“How did she lead you on?” Ivy asked, finally breaking her silence.

“She knew I loved her. And she wanted my money, my daddy’s money. Even as a young sixteen-year-old, she knew that if she married me she would be able to make use of my inheritance.” He said, running his fingers through his hair again, out of nervousness.

“And how did she lead you on?” Ivy asked again, knowing fully well that her cheeks were burning up from jealousy now. But Leon didn’t seem to have noticed it.

“She used her body, how else?” He said, looking at her again. Ivy saw the rage in his eyes. He looked away, trying to control it.

“She knew I was young, foolish, a stupid fourteen-year-old. She gave her body to me and I made her a promise that I would marry her the day I turned twenty-one.” He continued.

“And did you?” Ivy asked, now her jealousy was bubbling up to her throat. She was afraid she was going to scream. So, this was why, Leon had reacted so terribly to her seduction! He thought she was using him too. That she was after his money.

“No, she married my cousin instead.” He said flatly.

Ivy’s mouth fell open.

“She married your cousin?” She asked, her hands flying to her mouth.

“It was a family business. My daddy’s brother owned it jointly, and he had an only son. My cousin, Michael. Michael was older than me, older than Vivian and she seduced him too. They were married on my twenty-first birthday. She did it to spite me.” His voice was shaking now as he spoke. Ivy gulped, her brows were crossed. She could see the pain and rage in his eyes. He was forcing himself to talk about it.

“So, what did you do?” She asked softly.

“I tried to forget her. What else could I do? She lived with Michael, in our joint house, while I worked on the ranch every day. Trying to forget my feelings for her. How she had betrayed me.” He said, and banged his fists on the table.

Ivy didn’t know what to say any more. She didn’t know what to ask him. What could she possibly ask him now? She could see how he was feeling.

“I did ask her, why she couldn’t wait a day and marry me instead.” He said, in a much softer voice. He was still struggling with his emotions. Ivy held her breath for the answer. A part of her didn’t want to know any more. She didn’t want to know how much he was hurting. How she had mis-judged him.

“She said that Michael made her feel good. He was a man, while I was just a boy. She had a smile on her face when she said that.” Leon said. Just as Ivy gasped, he picked a plate up from the table and flung it to the floor. It crashed and broke into a million pieces and Ivy jumped off the chair.

“She’s a bitch, Leon. She lied. She never loved you.” Ivy was saying, the words were tumbling out of her. But Leon had lost control of his senses now.

He too jumped off his chair and was rushing towards the kitchen door.

“Leon! She was a liar!” Ivy screamed after him, but he was gone.

She didn’t know what to do but remain standing where she was, looking after him. The front door opened and closed and she knew he was gone, out of the house and to his horses. She needed to give him his space, the time he needed to recover. But it was approaching night again, and the next morning her father would be there.

She wanted to talk to Leon some more. Explain to him that Vivian had purposely manipulated the family, that he had to forget about her and move on. But how could she when all he did was push her away?

* * *

Ivy didn’t see Leon till the next morning again. She was giving him the space she thought he needed.

But she was awake at the crack of dawn the next morning, showered and packed and ready to go. She had finally replied to her father’s text messages to tell him that she was expecting him. He had told her that he would arrive by mid-day to pick her up.

She could hear Leon walking around the house, and when she stepped out she found him in the kitchen again. He hadn’t changed, or showered and wasn’t looking fresh like he did the previous day. He had clearly had a rough night.

But he couldn’t stop himself from looking at her. At the polka dotted vintage style yellow dress she was wearing. He had noticed the yellow ribbon she had tied to the top of her head; his eyes had glittered when he took in the sight of the golden tight ringlets adorning her head like a crown.

Ivy had taken care to present herself well. She wanted him to remember her like this, to remember her the way she did when she looked her best.

“Good morning, Ivy. I hope you slept well.” She heard him say.

She could smell eggs being fried, and melting buttered toast. She realized she hadn’t eaten in a long time and her stomach was rumbling.

“Good morning, Leon.” She said, walking into the kitchen.

“Take a seat. I’ve made us breakfast. I wanted to give you a good send off.” He said, looking tired and ill rested.

Ivy took one of the chairs at the dining table and waited for him to join her. The sun was just rising and it filled the kitchen with a golden orange hue, in which Leon’s dark brown eyes shone, and caught the brilliance of his sandy blonde hair. She could still feel the texture of his hair on her fingertips, when she had run her hands through them, when he was kissing her neck.

She felt her belly twitch, and she couldn’t be certain if it was because she was hungry, or because of how handsome he looked.

Leon placed a plate of fried eggs, toast and sausages in front of her, and did the same for himself. When he settled into a chair in front of her, he cleared his throat, finally meeting her eyes.

“I wanted to apologize for my behavior last evening. I know you were just trying to be friendly.” He said.

Ivy stared at the food in front of her, suddenly she wasn’t hungry any more. The realization had struck her like a rock slapping her on her face, she was going to leave this place soon. She was going to miss him. She was going to miss her need for him.

“It was my fault for pushing you. I shouldn’t have forced you to talk about something that hurts you so much.” Ivy said, without looking up at him. She didn’t want his emotions to spiral out of control again, not so soon before she was about to leave.

“No, it wasn’t your fault. I need to learn to be able to put things in the past. But now you can see why I can’t have you here, in my house.” He said.

Ivy could sense his eyes on her, she knew he was studying her face, but she refused to look up at him. There were so many undercurrents of emotions in the room, she was afraid of cracking and spilling everything out.

She only nodded her head.

“I can’t have another woman in my life right now. I left Minnesota, the home I grew up in…to get away from Vivian. And as much as I’m attracted to you, as much as I want you, I can’t let you in.” He continued.

Ivy nodded her head again. She understood what he was saying, even if she didn’t agree with him, she understood.

“But not every woman is like her, you know.” She blurted out before she could stop herself. She looked up at him, just as he took a bite of his toast. His eyes looked wild, like he hadn’t had any sleep for several days. His heart was at war with his brain, and she wished she could make him see how good they were for each other.

When he didn’t respond, she continued.

“I am not Vivian. I don’t want your money. I slept with you, because I wanted you, not all this.”

Ivy looked around her to indicate the house, and Leon watched her movements with steady dark and narrowed eyes.

“I know, but I can’t just take your word for it.” He said harshly. Ivy opened her mouth to speak, but he raised a palm to stop her.

“I know what you’re about to say. But, Ivy you are very young. You have a good opportunity to begin a career. I can’t allow you to stay here, live with me and ruin your life. As a test.” He said, in a louder stricter voice. It was as though he was trying to convince himself, just as much as he was trying to convince her.

Ivy shut her mouth close again, and started eating her breakfast. She knew she had no chance to explain her point of view. Leon Cooper was not the kind of man who would sit down and listen to what she had to say. He had made up his mind and there was no way that she could change it.

They ate in silence, and then waited in silence for her father. Ivy only tried to enjoy the few hours that she had with him, in his company. She was grateful that even without explanation, he was willing to give up his work for the day and pass the waiting time with her. It was his own private way of demonstrating to her, that he would miss having her around.

* * *

They both heard the honk of Ivy’s father’s jeep in the distance, together. She leaped out of her chair, and hurried to her room to collect her bags.

Leon followed her, and picked up both the bags himself.

“I’ll show you out of course.” He said as they made their way towards the front door of the house.

Ivy followed him silently a little of the way, and then she stopped.

“Leon, you don’t need to do this.” She said, unable to control herself any longer. He was only punishing himself, and punishing her in the process too.

She watched as he straightened his shoulders and clenched his jaws.

“Your father is waiting, Ivy.” He said, in all seriousness. Refusing to respond to what she had just said.

She was fighting the tears, as he carried the bags out of the house, she was following him slowly, keeping her distance.

It was eleven now, and hotter than it was the day she had first arrived at The Old Marigold Ranch. The place she had slowly started to fall in love with. Heck, she’d even miss Mocha. She’d miss the sound of horses in the ranch, the sound of their hooves as Leon rode them behind the mansion, the sound of the ceiling fan in her bedroom, the scent of his cologne as he walked around the house, the full pantry, the silences they had shared within these walls. As harsh as he had been to her, he had also been kind in his own way. He had been respectful; he had made her feel important and beautiful. And now, by denying her the employment, he was punishing them both.

She could see her father’s happy smiling face in his jeep, with his one arm hanging out of the window. He was happy to see his daughter, and waved.

Neither Leon nor Ivy waved back at him. How was he supposed to know what had happened in these past few days, the myriad of emotions they had both felt, the real reason why she was leaving the ranch?

“Changed your mind then, Mr. Cooper?” Her father’s voice rang through the air, as they approached his jeep. Leon was walking ahead of her, carrying the two heavy bags and making them look like they were as light as feathers.

“Sure did. I didn’t have enough work to give her, and I didn’t want to waste her time.” Leon said.

Ivy felt the same emotions again, as she had felt when he had first walked into the pub. She couldn’t see his face, but she wanted him desperately to turn around and look at her. She wanted to see his jaws move, the strength in his cheekbones, how his neck looked strong and masculine.

Her father gave a chuckle and then shook his head.

“I hope she’s been no trouble to you.” Her father said, looking from her to Leon, and then back at Ivy again.

She held her breath, anxious to hear what Leon might have to say.

“No trouble at all. It’s been a pleasure having her.” He said and they finally came to a stop, still several feet away from the jeep.

Leon dropped the bags to the dusty ground, and Ivy turned to him. She knew he could see the fat tears at the corners of her eyes, and she didn’t care anymore what her father could see nor what he thought was going on between them.

“Leon!” She cried and lunged at him. She was surprised to find that he had his arms wide open to receive her and she fell into them, her face pressing against his chest as he held her close.

“Ivy?” She heard her father’s voice in the background but she didn’t pay any heed to it.

“Leon, you are being too harsh. I wish you could see that I’m not Vivian. That I want you, I actually want you.” She cried, looking up at his face. He towered over her, shielding the glare of the sun with his head and shaggy blonde hair.

His eyes were narrowed, sparkling, studying her own large green eyes. Then she felt his thick rough thumbs on her cheeks, wiping the tears away.

“I know you’re not her. But I don’t want you to regret this, Ivy.” He said, softly.

“Mr. Cooper? Ivy?” Her father was still calling out to them.

“It’s just a job. Can I not leave whenever I want? What would you do without me?” Ivy asked, still crying. He was still brushing the tears away from her cheeks.

Then, after several seconds of silence, he shook his head.

“I don’t know what I’d do without you. I’m being foolish.” He said and pulled her to him in a tighter embrace.

“There’s been a mistake, Mr. Hart. I’m sorry for making you come here all this way, but Ivy will be staying with me for a little while longer. I’ve found a few new tasks for her.” He called out to her father.

Ivy had a beaming smile on her face when she turned to look at him. She could see that he had got out of his car and was standing with his arms flailing, confused and bordering on anger.

“Ivy? What the Hell is going on?” Her father asked.

Ivy shook her head and then slowly wriggled out of Leon’s arms.

“Sorry daddy, I’m not going home with you. You can go back home now. Thank you for not coming to pick me up when he first called.” She said and went over to hug her father as well.

He was still confused, still at a loss for what to do.

“Ivy, maybe you should just come home. I think you’re confused, my darling.” He said as she pulled away.

“I’m not confused daddy. I have never been surer of anything as much as this. You can leave now, daddy. We have a lot of work to do.” She was beaming as she said it. Her life was just about to begin, and she was glad now that she had never replied to that email.

* * *

Leon had carried her bags back to the house, and now they were both standing in her bedroom with several feet of distance between them.

Ivy could feel her shoulders rising and falling, her breasts heaving with anticipation. Neither of them had said a word since they returned back to the house. They just stood there, staring at each other. This was actually happening. She was actually going to be here in this house with him. She couldn’t believe it.

“Leon…” She began, breaking the silence.

“Ivy, this is just a job for now.” He interrupted her.

She shook her head, with a broad smile on her face. She would take anything. She would agree to anything, just to be close to him.

“I can’t promise you anything more than an employment for now.” He continued and she shook her head some more.

“I don’t expect anything more, Leon. We don’t even know each other. All I want is to be able to work for you, to make some kind of living, and to be close to you.” She said, and he took a few steps closer to her.

Just that movement was enough to set her body ablaze. Ivy felt like all her limbs had turned to soft clay and like her knees were going to buckle. She had hyped herself to accept that she would never see Leon again in her life, to be back in the room, to have him so close to her, close enough to touch him…felt like it was too good to be true.

He had his eyes focused on her, he was licking his lips like he was preparing himself for the hunt. They were both holding themselves back, they both knew what they wanted. But they had to get the talking out of the way.

“And, you are free to leave whenever you want. You are not a prisoner here and neither do you owe me anything.” Leon continued.

“I know that. I just want to work here.” She added.

“And to be with me.” A smile was creeping up on his face again, and Ivy felt like she was going to melt straight into his arms.

“One of the perks of this job.” She said, tucking in a few errant curls behind her ears. She could see that his gaze had fallen to her cleavage, to her waist where her dress was cinched and then fell in waves to her knees. He was imagining her naked, just like she was imagining him.

“Good. So, that’s sorted.” He said gruffly and took two quick strides towards her and she was in his arms again.

Ivy smiled at him, giggled and then accepted the lips that engulfed her own.

“I’ve wanted this for so long, Ivy. When I saw you in this dress today, I knew I wouldn’t be able to control myself for very long. What are you doing to me?” Leon’s voice was hoarse as he was kissing her, her chin, her neck, the top of her breasts.

Ivy felt more courageous now and she allowed her hands to travel down the front of his chest, down his abdomen, unbuttoning his shirt as she went along. Then she found the belt and the buttons on his pants. She undid them as he kissed her, his hands squeezing her breasts.

His pants fell to the floor, around his ankles and Ivy didn’t waste any time this time. She wanted to feel his dick in her hands. It was big and strong, and growing even more now that she began stroking it. She heard him groan as his mouth found the front buttons of her dress. He undid them with his teeth.

“Your breasts look delicious. You’ll need to put them on display when you work around the house.” He said, and she felt his hands slap her butt. Ivy gave a little mock shriek and she giggled again. He was holding her close to himself, her body was pressed against his own muscular frame. She felt like he could lift her up in the air any time and she would be defenseless against his powers.

Her hands were working away; his dick was growing and she could feel herself growing wet between her legs. Her body shook with thrill as she tried to imagine what he would do to her this time, how he was going to take her.

She wanted to learn all the ways a man could pleasure her, and she knew there could be no better teacher for her, than Leon.

His mouth had found its way to her breasts, and now he was sucking on her nipples, as she stroked his dick. The wetness of his tongue on her pert hardened nipples sent her body soaring high. She closed her eyes tightly shut and craned her neck back.

“Leon! Please do it. Don’t make me wait.” She cried hoarsely and then she heard him chuckle.

“You have to hold your horses, woman. I am only getting started now. Now that I have you, I’m going to keep you here all night.” He said, raising his head from her breasts.

She could feel herself growing hotter, her wetness swelling. She was ready for him, she wanted him inside her right away. How much longer would she have to wait?

But she was putty in Leon’s hands, he was her Master and she was his pupil. She had never been with any man before, and if he could make her feel this good, this pleasured, then she was going to just have to wait and learn from him.

“Turn around.” She heard him say and she bit down on her lip. “I’m going to show you how I like to fuck.” He added and Ivy could barely wait, she was dying to learn his ways.

* * *

Ivy stepped out of the bath and wrapped a warm dry towel around herself, before stepping in front of the mirror. It had fogged up and she wiped it with the palm of her hand, to look at herself better.

The face she looked at was vibrant, fresh and excited.

It had been four weeks since she moved into this house, and Ivy still felt as excited as the first day she had come to this place. She still welcomed Leon back to the house after a day’s work like she was seeing him for the first time. He still made her feel good. Their attraction to each other, hadn’t faded a single bit.

She liked to dress up for him in the evenings. Spending the day in the huge house by herself wasn’t boring at all. In the past week, she had taken up gardening, she was sewing new upholstery for the whole house and had started taking accounting classes online. Leon had set up a study room for her where she spent a few hours every day, working on her lessons.

The rest of the hours, she spent cleaning the house, working on the new garden and cooking meals for them both.

She liked that he gave her privacy, that he always asked for permission before spending the night in her bedroom. She liked their little arrangement. She liked having her own bedroom, and having him spend the night in her bed when they were both hungry for each other’s bodies.

Unlike any other romantic relationships, she had, both of which had ended in her teens in disaster, with Leon there were no fights. It was a mature, working adult relationship where they gave each other their space, acknowledged their sexual needs and respected their privacy. Ivy couldn’t believe how happy she was.

She was only twenty-one and she didn’t want to settle down, she was still finding out what this man she was living with was really like, and for now she was comfortable with where their relationship was going.

Ivy moisturized her face and her neck, applied a thin eyeliner on her lids and some red gloss and stepped into the clothes she had laid out for herself. An electric blue wide skirt, just the kind Leon liked and a white silk blouse tucked in at the waist. She did up her hair he liked it, with a blue ribbon holding her ringlets together.

It was nearly eight in the evening and it was time for Leon to meet her at the dinner table.

Ivy had laid out the food already, and when Leon came in she noticed with awe again how handsome he looked. Freshly shaven chin, his eyes were large and sparkling brown, his jaws were angular and striking. His shirt, which she had ironed the previous day, clung loosely to his large frame and he had a smirk on his face.

“How was your day? You look beautiful.” He said, walking up to her and taking her in his arms. Ivy accepted the hug, and kissed him gently on his thin lips. They were smiling, blushing, looking forward to the night. Even though it had been four weeks, they could still hardly keep their hands off each other. Their bodies craved for the night when they could sexually explore each other.

“Thank you Leon, and I had a productive day.” She said, bringing the tray of freshly roasted sweet potatoes to the dining table. He followed her, and then took a seat, unravelling a hot napkin on his lap.

“Classes going well?” He asked and Ivy nodded her head.

“Very soon I’ll be able to look after all your accounting needs.” She said with a laugh and gave him a little twirl of her skirt.

Leon threw his arms open at her and she fell into them, sitting on his lap, snuggling her nose under his chin.

“Maybe you’ll turn into our local accountant, for all the businesses in town.” He added and she wriggled out of his arms.

“That’ll be nice. Finally, daddy will have some use for me.” Ivy said, taking a seat in front of him.

“The food looks great, dig in?” He said, in his usual quiet brooding way. They started eating immediately.

“You’ll get to test your skills on someone else soon.” She heard him say and looked up at him. There was a smile in Leon’s eyes as he ate, he was watching her closely.

“Someone else? Please don’t tell me you’re planning on inviting daddy for dinner here.” Ivy said, raising her eyebrows.

“Your daddy? Are you mad? What would he think of our little arrangement?” He said with a laugh.

“Who then?” Ivy asked, her brows crossed now. She didn’t think Leon knew anybody, that he had any friends.

“My brother.” He said, casually chewing on his food, while the fork fell out of Ivy’s hand.

“Your cousin, Michael? Vivian’s husband?” She gawked at him and Leon laughed.

“No, of course not. I don’t speak to them. My brother, my twin.” He said. Leon had stopped chewing now and he was watching Ivy closely, to see her reaction to what he was saying.

“You have a twin brother?” She almost jerked out of her chair in surprise.

“Yes, he’s coming to visit me here. And you should know, we are very close. My brother and I share everything.” He said and Ivy noticed that he was looking at her with a smile on his face, a glimmer in his eyes that she didn’t recognize.

She raised an eyebrow and licked her lips.

“Well, if your brother looks anything like you, Leon, I can assure you that I’d be very pleased to see him.” She said with a laugh. Leon only laughed and took a sip of his water.

“What’s his name?” She dared to ask him.

“Archer. His name is Archer Cooper.”

* * *

BOOK 2 : COWBOY TWIN’S ROMANCE (PART 2)

Blurb

Ivy Hart thinks she has accustomed herself to a quiet and peaceful life on the beautiful Old Marigold Ranch. She is still Leon Cooper’s housekeeper, but they share a professional relationship with benefits. What more could she possibly ask for? The easiest job in the world, that comes with its own wet-dream perks.

That is until Leon Cooper tells her that his twin brother will be visiting. Leon is the hottest man she has ever laid eyes on, what is his twin brother going to look like?

And when Archer Cooper does arrive, Ivy realizes that there is a choice to make. The twins are both equally hot. Equally dreamy. Equally rugged thoroughbred cowboys.

This could be the hardest choice that Ivy has ever made. And there is only one way to decide.

* * *

Six weeks ago, Ivy Hart arrived at the Old Marigold Ranch, where the new owner Leon Cooper, a young brooding handsome billionaire had appointed her as the housekeeper and resident accountant. And six weeks ago, Ivy’s life had changed forever.

She was sitting at her computer now, in the study that Leon had set up for her and she was staring at the screen, her mind elsewhere. It was very difficult to concentrate on the online class that she was taking, trying to get an accounting degree. It was hard to concentrate because she had too many things on her mind.

A few weeks ago, Leon had revealed to her that he had a twin brother, and also that his brother was supposed to be arriving at the ranch, to stay with them. He hadn’t told her when, and since then hadn’t spoken about it again. So now, every day, Ivy waited and was filled with a nauseous sense of nervousness about meeting this new man. A new man who was Leon’s brother.

She was also distracted because she was day dreaming about Leon. Although seven years older to her, he was the man she had given her virginity to. He was the man she couldn’t resist. With his chocolate, brown eyes, sandy blonde hair, chiseled square jaw and a rugged body, Leon Cooper was capable of setting Ivy’s body on fire just by looking at her. She couldn’t help but wonder what his twin brother might look like.

Ivy’s fingers hovered over the keyboard as she licked her lips. Was his brother’s arrival going to change anything between them? She still slept separately from Leon. Over and above anything else, theirs was a professional relationship. She looked after the luxurious eight-bedroom mansion that he lived in, while Leon worked on the ranch. That was her professional role. The undeniable sexual attraction between them was something that they attended to on a few nights a week.

Ivy was happy with this arrangement. She was content in living with Leon as his housekeeper, and on some nights having him in her bed. But would anything change, now that his brother was going to arrive?

She heard the crunch of Leon’s boots in the hallway, and Ivy turned in her chair; just in time to catch him entering her room unannounced. She was surprised because he usually stayed out all day working on the ranch. She only ever saw him in the evenings, at eight, when he returned to the house for his dinner.

“What are you doing here?” She blurted out, when his brown eyes rested on her flushed face. She felt a little guilty when she saw him, because he had caught her day dreaming about him. A small smile flickered on the sides of Leon’s mouth, as though he knew what she had been thinking about.

“I wanted to warn you that my brother is arriving today, so the house needs to be in top shape.” Leon said, in his usual deep calm voice. His eyes were dark brown and sparkling, and Ivy couldn’t help but notice how his large hands looked dusty and hard worked. It immediately sent a shiver down her spine. Just looking at Leon made her wet between her legs. He was the most masculine man she had ever met.

She stood up with a jerk from her chair, tucking in her blonde ringlet curls behind her ears. She could see that he was watching her closely too, he was looking at her body, the body that he possessed. Ivy blushed under his gaze.

“When is he coming? Will he be here for dinner?” She managed to ask. Leon smiled, noticing how flustered he had made her.

“He’ll be here in a few hours. Yes, include him for tonight’s dinner.” He said, still watching her with those hawk eyes. Ivy felt shy under his intent gaze, she didn’t know where to look. And it was like Leon was happy about making her feel uncomfortable. He was smiling too.

“What’s the matter? Are you nervous?” He asked, still standing at the door. Ivy gulped and shook her head.

“I’m not nervous. Just that you haven’t told me anything about him, I didn’t even know you had a twin.” She muttered and Leon gave a short deep laugh.

“What do you want to know about him? Don’t worry, Ivy, he’s only human. He won’t bite.” He said and she jerked her head up to look at him daringly.

“I’m not afraid of him! Just curious.” She said and he laughed again. He was enjoying watching her blush and fret.

“Good, some curiosity has never harmed anyone. Just make sure that dinner is ready by seven tonight and the house is in good order.” He said, and without waiting for a response, turned around and walked out of the room, slamming the door shut behind him.

Even though it had been six weeks since Ivy had known Leon Cooper, she couldn’t honestly claim that she actually knew him. Other than making it clear to her that he wanted her body, that he was attracted to her, he had revealed very little else about himself or his feelings. Ivy still spent all her day by herself, taking care of the house, gardening and studying. And at night when they did spend time together, they did very little talking.

Ivy sat back down at her computer with a thump and pouted her lips. She would have to forego her study plans for the day, and spend some extra time on the house today. Not that it really mattered, it wasn't like she was being able to concentrate on her work anyway.

So, she switched off her computer and tied her hair up in a bun. Ivy was ready to work on the house, and was already making mental notes on the variety of dishes she was going to cook for the night. Going by Leon, it was highly likely that his twin would be as impressed by her cooking as he was.

* * *

The house was clean in two hours, and the food was as good as ready, all Ivy needed to do was set the table. It wasn’t seven yet, and she decided to take a bath and get ready for the evening now that she had some free time.

At half past six, Ivy was holding up her recently washed dress up to the washing line behind her bedroom. That’s where she hung all their clothes to dry, but this evening she had only hand washed her own dress. She had a clothes peg in her mouth while she held up the dress to the line as she tried to arrange it neatly.

A gust of breeze was blowing in her direction and Ivy was already regretting stepping out here in nothing but a towel wrapped around her. Her hair was still damp from the bath she had just had and she could feel the goosebumps on her flesh from the breeze. But this was at the back of the house, a small private yard behind her own bedroom, so she wasn’t that worried about the breeze or her towel or her damp hair. Nobody would see her here.

So, when a strong gust of wind blew in her direction again, Ivy took care to hold on to her dress, instead of paying attention to the towel wrapped around herself. Which, in a swift moment, before she could stop it, had untangled away from her body and blown away.

Ivy shrieked from the shock of the cold breeze that lashed against her body. She was standing completely naked, covered in goosebumps and still trying to fix her dress on the washing line. It made her smile, because she assumed that she was by herself.

Till her eyes settled on the tall figure leaning against the brick wall of the house, several feet away from her, but looking at her nonetheless.

Ivy shrieked again. It wasn’t Leon and she didn’t recognize the man. She fumbled quickly to get a hold of the dress from the line to cover her breasts. She had squeezed her thighs together in an attempt to hide the rest of her modesty. But the man was smiling. He had seen what he needed to see.

It had to be Archer Cooper.

Astonishingly, he looked nothing like his twin, Leon. He had thick dark wavy hair, that was so black that it was almost blue. His jaw was covered in a dusting of a dark stubble, like he hadn’t shaved for a few days. His eyes were sharp, but unlike his brother’s his were an electric blue and it somehow made him look more dangerous. He was very tall too, even from the distance, Ivy could see that he was taller than his brother, at least six and a half feet. And Archer Cooper was grinning at her, because she could see the deep dimples that slashed across his cheeks. But there was something in his eyes, in the way his jaws were sharp and chiseled, which gave it away, that he was Leon’s brother.

Archer remained where he was, leaning against the brick wall, facing in Ivy’s direction. He had a lit cigarette between his fingers which he now brought up to his thin red lips and sucked in a mouthful of smoke.

“Don’t mind me.” He said lazily, when he let out the smoke from his mouth. That was when Ivy realized that she had been frozen to the spot, that she hadn’t moved since the towel fell away from her, since when he had seen her completely naked.

“This is a private space.” Ivy snapped at him, clutching her dress ineffectively over her breasts. She knew that he had seen her, he had seen what he had to see.

He continued to smile, and continued to take long lazy drags of his cigarette.

“My brother doesn’t like me smoking in front of him, so I had to find a quiet spot.” He said, ignoring the rage in Ivy’s voice.

She didn’t know why she continued to stand there, why she didn’t just rush back into the house, save whatever bit of modesty that she could. There was something about this man that drew her, to watch him, to look at him.

Ivy could feel her heart beating against her chest wildly, these were the exact feelings that she had felt when she had first laid eyes on Leon.

“Can you please leave?” She forced herself to say, aware that she was sounding rude. But he didn’t seem to mind, in fact the smile on his face only grew wider.

“Why aren’t you going back inside?” He said with a laugh in his voice. He formed a thick cloud of cigarette smoke in front of his face when he blew it out of his mouth.

Ivy was growing conscious of her hardening nipples, how her stomach was clenching and unclenching itself the more she looked at him. Whatever Leon had awakened in her, his brother was doing the same.

She glared at him for a few seconds longer, and he continued to smile back at her, till she turned on her heels with a flourish and rushed back into her room through the side door. She knew he had seen her naked back, her bare butt, but what other choice did she have? He wasn’t offering her any help and she only had the dress to save her.

When she was safely back in her room, Ivy rested her damp head against the door and slid down to the carpeted floor. She was breathing heavily; her chest was heaving. She couldn’t be sure what was happening to her, what exactly was going on. Why was her body reacting this way, like she was excited that Leon Cooper’s brother had just seen her naked?

She should have been embarrassed and angry, but instead Ivy could feel a thrill coursing through her veins, and she tried to suppress a smile.

* * *

When Ivy came into the dining room, she noticed that Leon, or perhaps both the brothers had already set the table and were sitting at either end, talking. A hush descended in the room when she walked in.

Ivy had taken care to present herself well this evening. She was in a white lace dress that fell wide from her waist and reached her knees. She knew the dress worked well at revealing her curves, the full figure of her breasts and matched the golden color of her hair. She had let her curls hang loose, and her ringlets fell like a curtain around her shoulders, as she drew out a chair for herself and sat down.

Ivy was conscious of the two brothers studying her. She looked from Leon to Archer and then down at her lap. Leon was watching her with the usual grim expression on his face, while Archer still had that dimpling smile. Now, more than ever, that they were in the same room together, they looked like brothers.

“I believe you’ve met my brother. Ivy, this is Archer.” Leon said to her and she finally looked up. She had turned to Archer with a red flushed face, shy now in the knowledge that he had seen her completely naked.

“We have met, very intimately in fact.” Archer said and she noticed how his arms lay on the table, on either side of the plate before him. He too, like his brother wore a plaid shirt with the sleeves rolled up to his elbows. He too had the same wide shoulders, the broad chest and the narrow waist, and Ivy couldn’t help but wonder what he might look like without any clothes on. It wasn’t that hard to imagine, because she had seen Leon naked, several times.

“Ivy is a brilliant cook.” Leon said, breaking the awkward silence. Either he hadn’t noticed the awkwardness that Ivy was suffering, or he didn’t care. She wondered if Leon knew what had happened earlier, that his brother had seen her naked.

“I can see that.” She heard Archer say, while she kept her head hung, focusing on her fingers on her lap.

“How is Minnesota, brother?” Leon asked, changing the topic immediately, while the two brothers began to serve themselves.

“The way you left it. Nothing has changed. But this place is amazing. Daddy would have been proud.” Archer replied.

Now that the two of them were talking amongst themselves, Ivy had the courage to finally lift her head and look at them. They looked so different and yet the same. It made her feel strange to have someone who spoke and talked like Leon in the same room. It made her fingers shake and she had lost all her appetite.

“Gravy?” Archer had said, snapping her out of her thoughts and she realized that he was holding a gravy boat out towards her, still grinning, with those dimples on his cheeks that made her weak in her knees.

She only shook her head instead of saying anything, and Archer suddenly let out a laugh.

“Your housekeeper doesn’t seem to say much.” He had turned to his brother, as though Ivy wasn’t even in the room. She looked at him again, glaring with her burning green eyes.

“I’m only giving you two time to catch up.” She snapped at him, and it made Archer smile and look at his brother knowingly. When she looked at Leon, she realized that he had been smiling too. They were both smiling, at her, like they had an inside joke. What had Leon told his brother about her?

“I apologize. You’re very kind. And your food is very tasty.” Archer said, tilting his head at her like he was some kind of seventeenth century Lord of the Manor. It only made Ivy angrier, and she started serving herself some food.

“And her food isn’t the only tasty thing about her.” Archer added suddenly, and Ivy looked up at him sharply, completely abashed. She couldn’t believe that he had just said that.

“Oh, I forgot about that.” Leon added to that, and both the brothers were laughing hard. So, Archer had told his brother about what happened. Clearly there were no secrets between them.

Ivy’s face had turned a deep bright red and she stood up with a jerk from the table.

“I’ll have my dinner in my room.” She said, interrupting their laughter. She picked up her plate in silence, while Archer was still coughing and laughing and started walking out of the dining room. Neither of them said or did anything to stop her from leaving and she walked to her bedroom with her heart beating crazily against her chest.

When she shut the door behind her, she sat down on the carpet again, being careful to place the plate on the floor without spilling any food. How had Archer dared to make a comment like that? How had Leon not been angry with that?

She felt ashamed and enraged at the same time. Just handling Leon’s broody mood was a task enough, but now with the two of them around, Ivy wasn’t certain any more if she would be able to handle them both. They were brothers, twins and had their own bitter sense of humor. Neither of them seemed to care how she felt, they didn’t seem to be aware of other people’s feelings.

She could feel her lips quivering as she sat there on the floor of her room. Conflicting emotions kept her from eating, from even thinking straight. She couldn’t stop being mad at Archer and Leon at the same time as imagining them naked. Now, slowly, she had started to wonder what the two of them were talking about, after she had left the room.

If the twins shared everything, what was Leon willing to share with Archer?

* * *

Ivy woke up with a start when she heard a sharp knock on her bedroom door. She hadn’t realized that she had dozed off to sleep on the carpet, the plate of food lying pushed far under her bed. The lights were off in her room but she could see a sliver of light from under the door that she slowly walked towards now.

From under the door she could see the shadow of someone standing outside, knocking again. She had assumed it was Leon, but when she opened the door, she found Archer standing in the dim light of the hallway, his hands shoved deep into the pockets of his jeans. He had a grin on his face and his dimples looked deliciously deep on his cheeks.

“Did I wake you?” He asked, looking at her sleepily. He was drinking in her tousled curls, the creased lace dress that she was still wearing. All the sleepiness Ivy had been feeling, was quick to fly away. She was wide awake now, and starkly aware of Archer’s sensual presence at the door of her bedroom.

“Can I help you with something?” She asked, jutting her chin up in the air. She was trying to put on an air of pride, but he was seeing right through her. He knew that she was shaken by him. He smiled.

“I’m not here to ask for anything, and you can relax, I’m not going to attack your either. Your shoulders look very tense.” Archer said, and before she knew what he was going to do, he had placed both his large hands on her shoulders and she felt the tinge of his rough palms on her soft bare skin that was only barely covered by the thin straps of her dress.

Ivy felt an electric shock run down her spine from his touch, but she was frozen to the spot again. She knew she should have moved away from his touch, stepped back, but she couldn’t. She only stood there, staring up at his face, with a look of surprise on her face.

Archer was staring down at her, smiling and now stroking the soft muscles on her shoulders with his large palms.

“I’m fine.” She managed to mutter, and he only smiled more.

“My brother forced me to come here and ask for your apology.” He said, ignoring her protest. He continued to touch her, to stroke her shoulders and surprisingly, as hard as Ivy struggled against it, she felt herself relax. It was a calming effect, the soft stroking of her shoulders with his big hands.

“Apology for what?” She asked him, her eyelids were getting heavy. She still hadn’t managed to take a step away from him. Archer smiled again, his dimples grew deeper, he could see the control he had on her body.

“For what I said earlier.” His hands finally dropped off her shoulder, and Ivy managed to take a stumbling step back, he was still grinning at her, aware of how flustered she was. Both the brothers seemed to enjoy making her uncomfortable for some reason!

“It’s too quick for me to accept your apology like that.” Ivy said, shooting him a look of warning.

“Even after the amazing shoulder rub that I just gave you?” Archer asked, testing her further.

“I didn’t ask for it. In fact, you forced it on me.” Ivy snapped, clasping her hands together tightly. Archer was nodding his head slowly. He seemed to be pleased with her response.

“Alright. I apologize for that too. From now on, I will be asking you before I make any sudden movements.” He said and Ivy found that she couldn’t stop herself from smiling. But she managed to make that smile disappear quickly, she didn’t want him to know that he was capable of entertaining her. That would only end up encouraging him.

“So, do you forgive me then?” He said and Ivy gulped.

“What have you done to deserve forgiveness?” She asked him. She was aware that her breasts were heaving and Archer’s eyes were flickering, from her bulging breasts, to her face, to her clenched hands and then back at her face again. He was studying her, trying to figure her out. But still Ivy kept her head held high.

“Nothing. I’ve done nothing to deserve your forgiveness, yet. But I promise you that I feel bad about what I said. I should have known that you were embarrassed.” His eyes had suddenly taken on a softer hue; his jaws were unclenched and he wasn’t smiling any more. In a matter of moments, Archer Cooper was able to make a show of feeling sorry. Ivy felt her knees buckling under the weight of her conflicting emotions.

“Alright. Whatever. I forgive you. Will you leave me alone, now?” She said, forcing herself to sound strong.

With the light of the hallway behind him, she could see the shape of Archer’s frame. He was muscular, more muscular than Leon. His neck was broad and his biceps bulged under the fabric of his plaid shirt. He had a sharp nose, an even sharper chin and his height made Ivy wonder what he was hiding in his pants. She shook her head vigorously to make herself stop thinking these thoughts.

“Thank you, Ivy Hart. I’ll leave you alone now. Have a good night.” He said and before he could say anything else, she slammed the bedroom door on his face. She didn’t want to hear any more.

She didn’t like the way he was making her feel. She was still attracted to Leon, and it was unfair to also be attracted to his brother at the same time.

The last thing she wanted to do was make either of them jealous. She didn’t want to come between the twins. But it was plain to see that Archer Cooper had set his eyes on her, he had liked what he had seen and even though he was asking her for forgiveness, he wasn’t just going to give up that easily.

* * *

Leon hadn’t come to her that night, instead Ivy had stayed awake for several hours, blinking up at the ceiling as she could hear the loud voices of the two brothers on the porch.

They were talking, laughing and that went on till the wee hours of the morning, till somehow she had drifted softly away to sleep with the background sounds of those two strong voices in the corner of her brain. It was like music to her ears.

Ivy woke up with a start the next morning, a little dazed, and turned with a jerk to see if someone was sleeping next to her. Her bed was empty, it had only been her, the whole night. But in the privacy of her thoughts, she knew that she had been dreaming about Archer. For the past six weeks, since she met Leon, he was the only one who occupied her mind, who invaded her dreams; but last night had been different. She hadn’t been able to keep Archer out of it.

Ivy jumped out of bed, got dressed in a hurry and when she came out of her room, she realized that it was nearly ten. She had overslept. Leon was usually up and ready to leave for work on the ranch by eight, and she hadn’t missed a single morning. Now she was worried that he might be angry with her.

She rushed out of the house, tensed, and stood on the porch, straining her eyes to see if she could see Leon.

She saw both the brothers instead. Each on their own horse, in a distance, riding together, laughing, kicking up clouds of dust behind them as they rode.

Ivy leaned against the pillar on the porch as she stared at them. They were handsome, rugged and purebred cowboys. Despite the luxury they lived in and the amount of money they had inherited. Both the brothers looked at ease out in the open like that, in their cowboy hats, riding their horses.

She could feel something moving in her, was it the wetness? She pressed her legs together in shock. How was it possible to feel this aroused by simply looking at them? By looking at the two brothers? What kind of hold did they have on her?

Ivy felt suddenly very shy and she turned away from them, she knew she was spying and she shouldn’t have been. She had housework to do, her accounting classes to catch up on, and she hadn’t paid any attention to her gardening in the past two days.

She could still hear the sound of hooves in the background as she went back into the house. They were out there, training their horses together, like regular brothers, with a strong bond between them, even stronger because they were twins. And Ivy couldn’t stop thinking about how handsome they both equally looked, on their horses.

She hadn’t realized that she had kept the tap in the kitchen sink running, she had her hands under the flow of the water and was day dreaming about the brothers. Till she heard the sound of Leon’s voice behind her.

“It’s going to overflow.” He said and Ivy started, turning around to him and splashing a handful of water on the front of her linen pants. Leon raised his eyebrows, he was mocking her for her clumsiness, but he didn’t comment on it.

“Sorry, I’m just a little tired. I didn’t get much sleep last night.” She said, rubbing the back of her wrist on her forehead.

“Were we very loud?” He asked, and walked over to the refrigerator. Ivy was following him with her eyes, a little nervously. She was afraid that Leon would see it on her face, that she was lusting after his brother.

“It’s alright. I’m sure you both had a lot of catching up to do.” She said, licking her lips. Leon had bent down in front of the refrigerator, to extract a bottle of homemade iced tea that Ivy had made the previous day.

“Yes, we did.” He said, cradling the icy cold bottle in the crook of his arm. His presence in the room, so close to her, was a sudden reminder of how attracted she still was to Leon. How he was capable of making her melt in his arms.

“Are you both very close?” She blurted out, not quite sure why she chose to ask him that. Leon was about to turn and leave the room, but he stopped and he turned to face her again with a grin. Unlike Archer, Leon smiled very rarely, and every time he did, it caught Ivy by surprise.

“Yes, we are. Archer and I share everything. Nothing is out of bounds between us.” He said, and Ivy noticed how he clenched and unclenched his jaw. He still had that soft smile at the sides of his mouth that made her stomach drop.

Leon was gone in a flash, leaving Ivy alone in the kitchen again, making her feel like someone had knocked the living breath out of her.

What had he meant by those words? That they shared everything? Nothing was out of bounds between them? Why did Leon stare at her like that, smile at her like that? A million questions were whizzing through Ivy’s mind as she stood clutching the sides of the kitchen sink, trying to recover her breath.

It was almost like Leon was giving her permission to think about Archer, like he approved of her having those thoughts about his twin brother. Nothing was out of bounds between them. They shared everything. Did Leon mean that he intended on sharing her with him too?

Ivy drew in a sharp deep breath at the thought of that. She couldn’t get the image of the two brothers on their horses in the distance, out of her mind. She knew she was lusting after them both. The previous day, when she first set eyes on Archer; she hadn’t moved because she wanted him to see her naked. How were both of them doing this to her? Making her feel like she had no control over her own body or her reactions.

* * *

“Fancy seeing you here.” She heard Archer’s voice behind her as she placed a bucket of water at the foot of the stable door. She had carried it from the well behind the house for the horses.

Ivy whipped around to find Archer walking over to her, his hands in the pockets of his jeans. He looked rugged, hardened after a day’s work and his pants were covered in dust. His boots were dusty too and he towered over her, as he drew closer.

“I’m just getting my work done.” Ivy said, wiping her damp hands on the front of her linen pants. Archer had that same smirk on his face that made her stomach do somersaults. Those dimples looked too good to look away from.

“I didn’t think my brother would make you do any heavy lifting. You look too delicate for that.” He continued, now coming to a halt in front of her. Ivy’s back pressed against the warmth of the wooden stable door as she stepped away from him. She didn’t want him to be any closer to her, because she was afraid of what she might do. The man was growing more irresistible to her by the second. So, her only defense against him was to snap.

“Of course I’m not, and Leon doesn’t make me do anything. This is the only way I can help him with the horses.” She said, trying to put on a sour look on her face. She wondered where Leon was, but kept her thoughts to herself. His voice, telling her that he shared everything with his brother came waltzing back to her brain. She wouldn’t mind sharing herself with Archer, she was well aware of that. And neither did Archer look like he would mind sharing with his brother. He was looking her up and down, it was like he couldn’t stop looking at her in fact.

“Do you need some help with that?” He asked suddenly and bent forward to reach for the bucket of water. When he did, his face grazed along the front of her legs, their skin separated by the fabric of her pants. But she had felt the coarseness of his stubble, and it sent her skin tingling. She wanted to feel her fingers on his chin, to taste his breath in her mouth, it was getting too hot there, she could feel herself beginning to sweat. Archer Cooper was too close for comfort.

He had picked the bucket up and now was stretching his hand in her direction and Ivy cowered. But instead of touching her, he had pushed against the wooden door behind her and the door gave way. Ivy’s body moved lightly with it, making her sway on her feet.

“Oh, careful now.” Archer said with a chuckle as he walked into the stable. Ivy’s heart was beating maddeningly as she steadied herself. He knew the effect he had on her, and he was enjoying himself.

She followed him in silently, her breath had caught in her throat and she couldn’t protest against him anymore. Archer was doing as he pleased.

He carried the bucket in one hand, lifting it like it was as light as a feather, the trait of strength he shared equally with his brother.

“Where do you want it?” He asked, suddenly turning to her, just when she had been studying the muscles on his back.

“Anywhere, I’ll fill their troughs with water later.” Ivy was fumbling with her words; she could feel herself growing hotter under her blouse. What was he going to do? They were surrounded by the towering presence of five horses in their stables. The horses were quiet, but she could feel their powerful presence around her. But nothing felt more present, nothing had more of an effect on her than Archer.

He placed the bucket gently on the ground at his feet and then straightened his back.

“Let me be honest here.” He began, startling her with the calmness in his voice. “I want you.” He said and Ivy nearly gasped. Those were not the words she had been expecting to hear from him.

Ivy couldn’t respond, instead she just stood there, dumbstruck by what he had just said.

“And I get the feeling that you want me too.” He said and she noticed the way his eyes immediately swung to her breasts. She didn’t need to look to know that he was referring to her erect nipples. He could see them through her flimsy pastel pink cotton blouse. They were hardened mounds, yearning for his touch, for his mouth and Ivy had never felt this helpless about her body before.

“But I…but.” She was stuttering.

“I know…but I know Leon. He won’t mind. In fact, it might even amuse him.” Archer completed the sentence and Ivy could feel her knees wobbling.

What was happening? Her world was being turned upside down. Was she right in thinking that Archer was suggesting…it couldn’t be!

He was staring at her with a deathly intensity. The dimpling smile on his face had disappeared and now he looked more like his brother than ever. He meant business and he wasn’t shy about it.

“Maybe we should ask…” She began to say again; her hands were trembling from the force of her desire for him.

“Are you kidding me? He’s my twin, I don’t need to ask permission first.” Archer said and in two quick steps he had closed the gap between them.

Ivy had her mouth slightly open, and Archer went for it. He was kissing her within seconds, taking the breath away from her and Ivy had no choice but to simply melt into his arms.

* * *

Ivy remained suspended, while Archer kissed her, ferociously, like he wanted to taste her mouth with urgency. She could feel his tongue roving inside her mouth while his hands explored her breasts. He had seen her hardened nipples and he wanted them. He cupped and squeezed her breasts and pinched both her nipples hard.

She winced against his mouth.

“What’s the matter? You didn’t like it?” He asked, drawing himself away from her. When he did, she suddenly felt dizzy. Her desire for him was overpowering, she could barely stand straight. Then Archer was on his knees, right in front of her, unzipping her pants.

Ivy closed her eyes tightly shut as she felt her pants come loose and then fall to the ground. They were in the stable, surrounded by the horses, with the front door closed and very little light coming in. But she didn’t need to see to know what he was doing next.

Archer had hooked a finger under the seam of her panties and he was slipping it down, gliding it down her curvaceous smooth thighs, then her calves and then Ivy was naked, bottom down in front of the full clothed Archer.

He remained kneeling in front of her, looking up at her face expectantly. What did he want her to do? She felt lost, overwhelmed, and she licked her lips nervously at him.

He smiled suddenly, those dimples reappearing on his face. His dark shaggy hair glistened in the golden light filtering in through the wooden slits of the door.

“You better not move.” He said, in a hard-authoritative voice and then his fingers were feeling her wetness. Ivy gasped from the suddenness and the pleasure of that sensation. It was enticing to have Archer’s thick long fingers sliding smoothly into her. She welcomed him in, and he slipped two fingers into her, still looking up at her face. He wanted to watch as her body reacted, he wanted to catch that exact moment when she would scream from pleasure.

His fingers reached, deeper and deeper into her and she stood over him, with her legs parted, unable to move.

“I have to prepare you for what’s coming. You’re so tight.” She heard him say, and instantly she could feel her juices flowing out of her, trickling down the insides of her thighs. Archer raised his other hand and placed it on her waist, holding her in place as he started pumping his fingers into her. Ivy could feel her legs quivering, her body shaking from the motion of what he was doing. He had a victorious smile on his face as he did it. He was happy with what he was seeing.

“You’re ready now.” He said, suddenly taking his fingers out, right when she was so close to the edge. When she was going to come. Just one more push and she would have come instantly. But he was going to make her wait.

He kept his eyes locked on her, as he started unbuckling his jeans. They fell to the ground and Ivy bit down on her lip. Archer Cooper’s glorious big dick faced her, hanging hard and strong from between his legs. He was ready too, big and throbbing. She breathed in as he reached for her shoulders with both his hands.

“You’re going to have the ride of your life, little Ivy.” She heard him say, just as he lifted her up. His hands were on her waist and he picked her up, their faces towards each other, the tip of her nose was facing him.

She felt Archer slide into her, the moment she wrapped her legs around his waist.

Ivy moaned loudly and flung her head back. He was propping her up, using his hips to start pumping into her. She could feel the thickness of his dick, how big and deep he was inside her. She was grateful that he had prepared her first, because she might not have been able to take in his full length. And again, she felt like she wasn’t going to last very long.

“You better tell me if you’re coming, young lady.” Archer growled as he thrust and thrust, deep inside her, stroking her G spot repeatedly, making her body quiver with agony.

“I’m coming. I’m coming.” Ivy screamed, unconscious of who could hear her cries. She felt her body release as Archer continued to pump. Her hands clutched his broad shoulder, she could feel her breasts squeezing against the rock-solid chest that he was pressing her against. He was holding her up like she was no weight at all, and bouncing her off and in on his dick.

Archer was laughing as he watched her come, and then he shot into her as well. Her orgasm was lasting for ages; her breath was still caught in her throat. Archer’s grip on her waist intensified as he rammed himself into her repeatedly. They were coming together now. Archer’s laughs made her laugh too. It was a heady mixture of pleasure and happiness as she felt him emptying gloriously into her.

She remained entwined with him, while he shuddered, emptying the last of his juices into her, burying it deep inside her. Ivy hadn’t realized how hard she had been squeezing him with her legs, and now that she released him, she tumbled softly down. He kept his grip on her, so that she landed on her butt, gently on some hay and Archer laughed.

“Careful there, young lady, we wouldn’t want you to hurt yourself.” He said, in a deep humorous voice.

Ivy bit down on her lip and giggled, shaking her head to move the curls away from her face. Finally, when she looked at him, she could now see Archer Cooper in all his naked glory. With no thread of clothing on his body, she could finally admire him.

He didn’t look like his brother; she had been imagining it all wrong. They had similar broad chests, muscular shoulders and a light dusting of dark hair running down in a line from his navel. But Archer Cooper was definitely his own man, and he had fucked her in a way entirely different from Leon.

* * *

Ivy couldn’t keep herself from smiling as she walked back towards the well behind the house, the empty bucket hanging from the crook of her arm. The orgasm that Archer had given her, had an all-encompassing happy feel and suddenly Ivy felt like she was on seventh Heaven. Like everything was good in her life and she had all the happiness in the world to look forward to.

She couldn’t be certain how long this feeling was going to last, but she sure as Hell was going to make use of it.

They had put their clothes back on, and Archer had pressed his hot lips to her perspiring forehead as a quick goodbye back in the stable.

“Still have some work to do.” He had said, before leaving her there and rushing out. She had stared after him, admiring the muscles on the back of his legs, how swiftly he walked, how tall he was. She couldn’t stop thinking about him, about how he had prepared her for his dick, how he had lifted her up. Just her day dreams about Archer were good enough to make her want to come again.

Ivy landed the bucket down on the ground and turned her wrist to look at the time. It was already past the time that she started preparing dinner. She shook her shoulders and her head, in an attempt to loosen her body and free her mind from thoughts of the man who had just made her have a screaming orgasm. Just like Archer, she too had work to tend to.

When Ivy turned, she bumped straight into Leon’s hard chest.

“Darn it!” She squealed, clutching her nose. Leon was quick to cup her jaws and lift her head up to look at him.

“Keep your head upwards, so that you don’t bleed.” He said, in a deep throaty voice, the voice that comforted her, the one she knew so well. His chocolate brown eyes were narrowed and were peering into her face.

“You have to stop creeping up on me like this.” Ivy said, holding her face up, being forced to hold her face up rather, by Leon’s strong grip. She saw from the corner of her eyes that he had smiled.

“I just realized that I hadn’t seen you around for a while.” He said, dropping his hands from her face and gripping her waist now. He had pulled her close to him, and she was crushed by the weight of his heavy arms, with her cheeks pressed against his chest.

That was when the realization of what she had done suddenly hit her. She tried to wriggle out of his grip, but Leon was holding her tightly to himself.

“I’ve been here, around the place. But I have to go now and get dinner ready.” She said, trying to avoid his glitteringly intense stare. Leon never smiled, but now he didn’t look displeased either.

“I missed you last night, but I didn’t want to wake you.” He said, in his deep throaty voice and soon enough, his thin lips were searching hers. She tasted his breath in her mouth, the roughness of his chin, and Ivy couldn’t control herself much longer. She had given in to his kiss very soon, kissing him back with fervor. The last thing on her mind was that she had been kissing his brother merely an hour ago, with the same intensity. While she was kissing Leon, she had forgotten about Archer.

“Why do you have hay stuck to your hair?” Leon asked suddenly, pulling himself away from Ivy. She felt her cheeks instantly blush. Archer had told her that Leon wouldn’t mind, that he probably even wanted them to do it, and Leon himself had confessed that the two brothers shared everything, but a nagging feeling was creeping up on Ivy that Leon wouldn’t be too pleased to learn that she had slept with his twin.

She tried to wriggle out of his grip again, and gave a short laugh.

“Have you been rolling around in the hay?” Leon asked and delicately dusted it out of her hair, the hay that she had managed to get stuck in her hair when she fell out of Archer’s naked arms.

She hadn’t answered his question, but only continued to blush.

“Anyway, you’re right. I should let you set up dinner. We can spend some time alone tonight.” He said, pulling himself away from her, and before he went he gave Ivy a loud slap on her butt. She bit down on her lip, to stop herself from wincing, realizing at the same time that even in those few moments, Leon had managed to turn her on. So quickly after his brother had made her come!

“And I hope Archer and you have made up now.” He said, turning suddenly to her. Ivy couldn’t say anything to that either, and she felt her cheeks flush to a bright red. Leon turned and walked away from her, back towards the stables and Ivy was immediately filled with a rush of guilt.

Did he know what had happened with Archer? Had his brother told him already? Ivy could feel her heart beating and stopping and then beating out of her chest again. She was filled with anxiety and dread from not knowing what was going on. How Leon was going to react. He was her first, the man she relied on, the man who could make her wet between her legs by just looking at her. Had she ruined it all by being foolish? Had she been too quick to assume that Leon had meant sharing her too, when he said he shared everything with his brother?

She rushed back to the house to cook their meal, but her heart was just not in it this time.

* * *

Ivy knocked on Archer’s door at half past seven, after both the brothers had returned to the mansion and parted ways to get ready for dinner.

A few moments after knocking, Archer opened the door of his bedroom wide. He was standing with his dark hair glistening wet and ruffled, and with a towel wrapped around his hips, way down his groin so that she could see the ridges that led to his dick. Ivy jerked her head up to look at his face again. It was this kind of foolishness that had led her to what had happened between them!

“I didn’t expect you here, so soon. It’s only been a couple of hours.” Archer was grinning at her, those dimples making an appearance on his cheeks again. He still hadn’t shaved, and the stubble had started to take on the appearance of a scruffy beard around his jaws. Setting him apart from his brother even more now.

Ivy cleared her throat.

“I’m not here for that.” She said, which made Archer smile more.

“You mean you’re not here for an orgasm?” He said, knotting his brows in mock-confusion. Ivy licked her lips and tried to remind herself that she had to be strong and resist all temptation. At least for now.

“Can I come in?” She asked, dropping her voice to a whisper. Even though Leon’s room was way down the hall and there was no chance of him overhearing, she didn’t want to take the chance.

Archer stepped aside, making room for Ivy to step into his gorgeously decorated room. She had been in there before, to do the cleaning and dusting, but now the French-window paned gloriously lit bedroom was filled with Archer’s masculine musky scent, and for a second it made Ivy dizzy. She whipped around to look at him again and now he was standing behind her, the towel still achingly low on his groin and he a grin on his face.

“I’m here because I wanted to talk about Leon.” She said, and even with the mention of his brother’s name, Archer’s expression didn’t change.

“My brother? What about him?” He said casually, and it made Ivy shake her head in surprise. How did this not matter to him? How was he not concerned how it might affect his twin, to know that he had just fucked the girl that Leon was sleeping with?

“Well, you said that he would be amused.” She said flatly, dropping her arms to her side. She could feel the rage building up inside her. It was going to be very hard for her to keep her voice down if Archer continued to play dumb this way.

“Yes, he probably would. He’s never been concerned about who I sleep with.” He added, looking at Ivy with amusement.

“Ok, and what about the fact that I work for him?” Ivy raged, speaking to him through gritted teeth.

“You’re over reacting, dear girl.” Archer said, stepping towards her. Ivy stepped back, she didn’t want to be tempted again, not this soon. And with the sharp as saws jaws that Archer sported, and the biceps bulging on his arms; it would be very easy for Ivy to be tempted. “You only work for him. He doesn’t possess you. Who you sleep with is none of his concern either.”

When he said that, Ivy knew immediately the horror of the mistake that they had committed. She had been wrong in assuming that the brothers shared absolutely everything, that Leon had told Archer everything. He had most definitely not told his brother, that he was sleeping with his housekeeper.

“What’s wrong? You look a little pale.” Archer said, the smile finally flickering on his face. He had at last started figuring out that there might something seriously wrong here.

“He didn’t tell you. I thought he told you…” Ivy began to speak, and Archer’s brows crossed.

“Told me what?” His voice was a little raised now.

“That we are sleeping together. We’ve been together for the past six weeks.” Ivy said and her own hands flew to her mouth in anguish. Her nostrils were flared; she was close to tears and it made matters worse in seeing Archer’s reaction. He had taken a few steps back away from her, the smile had disappeared, it wasn’t all fun and games for him anymore.

“No, he didn’t tell me. Why didn’t you tell me?!” Archer said, running his hands through his hair furiously. He was trying to keep his voice low as well, and had his jaws clenched.

“I tried to, but you kept interrupting me. You said that Leon wouldn’t mind.” Ivy had a tear in her voice, she had grown desperate. She could see that Archer was afraid of what had happened too.

“I meant that he wouldn’t mind me sleeping with his housekeeper. That’s what I meant!” Archer thundered, shocking Ivy into sudden silence. She hadn’t expected this kind of rage from him, she hadn’t expected him to react this way, to direct his anger at her. She wasn’t the only one at fault here.

Ivy let out a deep breath and rushed out of his room, without looking back. Not that Archer had called out for her either. She was bounding down the stairs, and eventually locked herself up in her bedroom. The food was ready, it was all laid out on the table, she was going to stay in her room all night again. She didn’t want to see the faces of either brother. She didn’t want to face Leon. She didn’t want to know what excuse Archer might give him. All she wanted to do was be by herself.

Ivy stuffed her face into the pillow and let out a loud scream, her voice muffled by the bed. She wanted to throw a plate at the wall, she wanted to scratch her own skin. How could she have been so stupid? How could she have been so weak? When Leon was the best thing that had ever happened to her.

* * *

“Ivy?” Leon’s voice came like a warning through her bedroom door. She had remained on her bed, with her face stuffed in the pillow for several hours. She could hear the brothers in the dining room, chatting and laughing. She was angry at Archer. Angry at how he could act so normal after what she had told him. She couldn’t even bring herself to look at Leon, and he was out there breaking bread with him.

“Are you sleeping?” Leon’s voice returned, making Ivy jump up in her bed. She knew he could see the light in her room, and he hadn’t seen her the whole night. It was only fair that he might be concerned about her at this point.

She dragged herself out of the bed, aware that her hair and her face were in a mess, and she opened the door silently, avoiding looking at Leon directly.

“No, I’m not sleeping.” She said, leaving the door open for him to come in. She walked back lazily to her bed, clutching the folds of her silk robe tightly over her breasts. She had changed out of the clothes that she thought reeked of Archer’s scent and had put on a different pair of pants and a fresh blouse.

Leon was standing silently at the door, he had only taken a few steps in. The one thing she knew about Leon was that he was a gentleman. If he got the feeling that she didn’t want him here, he would leave. He would never force her to talk or be with him. It made her feel worse. It made Ivy even madder with herself for cheating on him. And cheating on him with his own brother, no less!

“What’s wrong then?” He asked sternly. His brows were crossed with concern as Ivy continued to avoid his gaze. She knew she would break down if she looked into his eyes directly.

“I just wasn’t hungry.” She said, noticing now that he was stepping towards her.

“Why do I get the feeling that you’re avoiding me?” Leon’s voice was calm and even. He wasn’t accusing her; he was only curious about her behavior. Ivy knew that and she wished she could explain, but she didn’t have the courage in her to confess.

“No, I’m not avoiding you Leon. I just wasn’t hungry.” She said, now aware that he had come even closer. She nearly winced when she felt his large hands on her shoulders, right where his brother had held her, stroking her muscles. She was instantly filled with guilt and dread, she hoped that he couldn’t see it in her eyes.

Leon was trying to catch her gaze, he was being gentle with her, trying to understand what was wrong and all Ivy could do was push him away, because of how angry she was with her own self.

“I missed you last night.” He said, in a low deep voice that sent shivers down her spine. She wished she could kiss him, that she could bury her face in his chest. As much as Archer was tempting, as much as she had enjoyed herself with him, Leon was the man who made her feel safe, who made her feel comfortable. And she had betrayed this man, and it made her angry.

She didn’t reply to him, and her limbs froze when he bent down to kiss her. His lips found hers and he was pushing his tongue into her mouth to part her lips. She felt his large masculine hand with the thick long fingers she knew so well, start tracing out the curve of her breast. He kissed her, and at the same time tenderly caressed her breast, reaching for her nipple, circling it and then pinching it gently between his thumb and forefinger. They were hard for him. As much as she was angry with herself, as much as she wished she could push him away, she couldn’t. Her body had the same animalistic reaction to Leon’s touch.

His mouth was sucking on hers, feverishly now as he pressed himself to her. She could feel his hard on, the throbbing erection in his pants, pressing against her abdomen. It instantly made her wet between her legs, she was going to slide down her own panties, she was going to put her hand down Leon’s pants just so she could feel how much his dick had grown, because of her, wanting her.

But she suddenly shoved him away.

“No.” She blurted out and when she looked up she saw the confusion on his face.

“What?” He asked, his voice reaching a quick high note. He was shocked at her reaction. She usually simply melted in his arms, he didn’t have to ask her twice.

Ivy remained silent, avoiding his gaze and biting down on her bottom lip, where Leon had been kissing her. How was she supposed to explain to him that she still yearned for him, that she still wanted him to kiss her? But she had to push him away.

“Fine. I’m not going to force you.” He said, in a menacingly angered voice, and he pivoted on the heels of his boots and was out of her room in a flash, banging the door shut behind him.

Ivy breathed in deeply, in an attempt to even her breath. She was afraid of breaking down, and afraid of crying. Because of what she had done, because of Archer, she had managed to push away the man that she cared for. The man who was the first one to make her feel good. The man who had taught her everything.

She flung herself on her bed, burying her face into the pillow again. There was nothing else for her to do but to wait and see what the next day would bring for her. One thing she was sure of was that she was going to avoid Archer Cooper like the plague.

* * *

Ivy woke up in her bed, covered in sweat. It was the middle of the night; the house was shrouded in silence and her eyes had yet to adjust to the darkness.

She had been dreaming about Leon, about Archer, about them both.

She gulped and blinked up at the ceiling, realizing that she was wet between her legs. The dream was too realistic; it didn’t feel like a dream at all. She thought she was touching him, Leon or was it Archer?

When she shut her eyes close again, Leon’s somber face drifted up again. She could see him clearly, his brown eyes and sandy hair, with the cowboy hat on his head, riding his horse. Ivy couldn’t help but bite down on her lip. Her hips arched upwards as she writhed under the sheets. She had pushed him away when he visited her in her room, but the reality was that she was pining for him.

She knew how he tasted, how his mouth tasted on her lips. And now he was tracing down her skin, her throat, the top of her bare breasts with his wet tongue. He found her nipples and latched on to one of them, sucking on it hard with his slippery tongue. Ivy jerked her eyes open, she realized she had been pinching her nipples herself, and they were hard, ready. She shut her eyes again. Even though she knew this was wrong, it was unfair, she couldn’t stop herself. She had gone too far to turn back now.

Now it was Archer she was imagining. With his glistening, rugged muscles, covered with a film of sweat, his harsh muddy boots, his dick pulsating roughly against her thighs. Archer had laid her down on hay, and was licking her belly, down her navel, cupping her wetness with his hands. He was going to slide his fingers into her again. Ivy jerked her eyes open. She was breathing hard; her body was covered in sweat. She flung the covers off the bed, only to realize that her fingers had found her own wetness. She had been stroking herself, where Archer had stroked her that afternoon.

Ivy breathed in deeply. This was so wrong. She was dreaming about both the brothers. Archer and Leon. Leon and Archer. She shouldn’t have been. She should have remained true to Leon. But now, even with her eyes open, she could see Leon stripping down. She could see the way his dusty jeans fell to his ankles. He still had his hat on. His eyes were narrow and dark, focusing on her naked body, on her bouncing breasts, on her fully erect nipples. He had stripped down completely, naked and hung, he had started stroking himself.

She gasped in the silence of her bedroom, when she imagined Leon’s enormous dick. Or was it Archer’s?

Ivy jerked up in bed, yanking herself out of her dream. This had to stop. This was so wrong. She shouldn’t be interchanging the two brothers’ dicks! She had to choose. No. She shouldn’t have to choose. She should never have slept with Archer!

She realized that she was still wet between her legs, sticky and moist between her thighs where her nightdress had revealed it. She had pulled the nightdress up to her waist so that she was completely bare, exposed and ready for Leon, or Archer, to ravish her.

Ivy tried to steady her breathing. This had to stop. She had to tell Leon. It was going to be up to him to make a decision.

But she had seen the anger in his eyes when she had pushed him away. Leon was not an easy-going man. There was no way that he was going to simply forgive her for what she had done. He wasn’t just going to sit back and accept the fact that she had slept with his brother.

And now she was spoiled goods. Archer wasn’t going to accept her either. Now that he knew that she had been sleeping with his brother, in his mind he would think that she had tricked him.

Ivy gulped, licked her lips and tried to think straight. If she absolutely had to choose between the two of them…Leon was strong, handsome, had been the first man she slept with, he knew how to make her feel good. Archer was new, equally handsome, tall and rugged and knew how to please any woman. How was she supposed to choose?! Did she even have a choice?

Chances were that neither man would want her any more. Was it time for her to leave?

Her heart was beating fast, as she thought about the option of simply disappearing. She didn’t want to cause trouble between the brothers, and neither did she want to have to look at Leon’s face when she told him what had happened.

Her body was returning to its normal state now. Her heart had relaxed to a more even pace; her brain was now capable of thinking again. She was forcing herself to forget about the two brothers and their gorgeous bodies and focus instead on her possible options.

She would much rather leave the ranch than cause Leon to lose his calm. In fact, wasn’t that what she deserved anyway?

Ivy winced when she thought about leaving. Leaving this life where she had everything. Her work, the luxury, her studies, and most importantly a man who she trusted, who she had started to care for and who she felt safe with. This was what it had come to. She would have to give all this up, give up Leon, because of one moment of weakness.

But despite herself, Ivy couldn’t help smiling when she thought about that moment of weakness. It was one Hell of an orgasm and a little part of her, didn’t regret it so much.

* * *

Leon came into the kitchen the next morning for his breakfast, while Ivy was standing, leaning against the kitchen sink, chewing on a piece of buttered toast. Her mind was boggled. She was still day dreaming about the two men, and also trying to force herself to stop thinking about them. When she heard Leon’s, boots scraping the marble floor of the kitchen, she straightened herself with a jerk, ashamed of the thoughts that she had been having.

Leon was the one who seemed to be avoiding her gaze now, while she yearned to talk to him. She wished she could tell him everything, get it all off her chest. But he wasn’t in a mood to talk.

“Morning.” She dared to say, as she watched his tall brooding form, sit down at the kitchen table. He reached for the pot of jam in silence, lathering one of the toasts with it using a knife.

“Did you sleep well?” She asked, when he hadn’t responded to her.

“I slept alright.” He said, suddenly fixing his deep brown eyes on her. It made Ivy blush instantly. He was looking at her like he was challenging her, like he knew what she had been thinking. Like he knew she was lusting after his brother.

There was silence in the room, save for the sound Leon made while chewing his food. She could tell that he was upset about her behavior the previous night.

“Leon…” She said his name in a near whisper, but he didn’t look up at her.

“You don’t have to explain.” He said, like he didn’t mean it. He continued to chew on his food and stare at his plate in silence.

“But I want to.” She said, hearing the crack in her own voice. She was trying to build up the courage in her to say something, to tell him the truth.

“No, you don’t have to.” Leon snapped, focusing his eyes on her, which communicated exactly what he was feeling. She could see that he was hurt. That he hadn’t expected her to suddenly push him away like that, for no reason, out of the blue.

She knew Leon was still hurting. She remembered why he had moved to Montana, why he had bought this ranch, why he had chosen to live away from his family. She remembered the story about Vivienne, his redhead childhood sweetheart who had promised to marry him, but married his cousin, Michael instead.

A whimper escaped Ivy’s lips. She had turned into Vivienne, she had slept with Leon’s brother, she had essentially betrayed Leon the same way that Vivienne had.

She whipped around, to turn her face away from him, in silence, but she could feel her lips quivering.

“Ivy, you don’t have to explain. You should have just told me that you didn’t want me last night. I would have gone away without putting any pressure on you.” She heard him get up from his chair. He was walking towards her. She felt her muscles contract, her limbs grow cold, she was so ashamed of herself. She didn’t deserve his kindness. She had betrayed him and he didn’t even know it.

“Ivy, look at me.” She heard him say and then his hand was on her shoulder and he was trying to gently coax her to turn around, to turn to him.

She did, unable to meet his gaze, unable to actually look directly into his eyes. His harsh gaze had softened, he even had the flickering of a smile forming on his face.

“Hey, it’s alright. I’m not angry with you. You should have just told me.” He said, and he pulled her close to him. Ivy broke down, she bit down on her lip to stop herself from actually crying, but she couldn’t hold it back any more. This man was like a dream come true. He was so kind to her, so understanding and yet had no idea the way in which she had betrayed him. She didn’t deserve him; she didn’t deserve his generosity.

“Ok?” He said, pushing her gently away from him and looking into her eyes.

Ivy tried to force a fake smile on her face, and she nodded her head wildly, hoping that he would believe that she was only upset about her rude behavior the previous night.

“I’m sorry for pushing you. I shouldn’t have.” He said, whispering.

“No, you didn’t. I’m sorry I pushed you away.” She said, in a tearful voice.

“Don’t be silly. You have a right to push me away.” Leon said, and gave her his best full smile. Those sharp jaws, the high cheek bones stretched in a warm genuine smile and Ivy could feel her heart melting. She had given up all this, she had given up Leon!

“Now, back to work for me. And you should be getting on with your classes!” He said, in a sudden jolly voice. She tried smiling at him again as he turned from her and left the kitchen.

There was a harsh ray of sun filling the kitchen with a bright golden hue. Ivy turned and saw Leon leaving the mansion, through the kitchen window. She saw him walking confidently, his back straight, his shirt sleeves rolled up for the day, his cowboy hat on his head.

Ivy felt like crying again. She had betrayed him, his trust and done the very thing that he had been running away from. She had turned into his worst nightmare and done the one thing that he had never expected her to do.

Ivy knew she should be punished, she should leave the ranch. She knew she needed to go before she could cause any more harm or heartache to the man who had put all his trust in her. But before that, she would have to face Archer again. He had to take responsibility for it, just as much as she had.

* * *

Ivy found Archer lying on the field behind the house, a few hours later. He had his hat covering his face and seemed to be enjoying a sunny nap.

“You!” She thundered at him as she walked towards him like she was on a mission. She was wearing a long cotton dress, the bottoms of which were trailing in the dust but she didn’t care anymore. Her clothes were the last thing on her mind today.

Archer lazily lifted the hat off his face when he heard her voice, and blinked his eyes against the sun’s harsh glare.

“You!” Ivy repeated herself as she walked closer to him. She had lost her trail of thought when she saw him. How could she express her anger at a man who looked like that?

Archer was lying in the sun with his shirt off. His skin was glistening, tanned to the color of caramel, his washboard abs were hard and rigid as he bent his torso upwards to support himself on his elbows. She could see that he was assessing her again, with his usual dangerously blue eyes. His dark wavy hair fell over his forehead in a mess, one thick curl was over his right eye as he stared at her with an unwavering gaze.

He had noticed the way the blue cotton dress stretched fabulously over her big breasts. He was following the bounce of her hips with his eyes. She was curvaceous, small and had a big frame, and his eyes told her that was exactly what he liked looking at.

That devilish smile was still on his face as he watched her approaching him, the dimples dangerously close to appearing on his cheeks. He seemed to have forgotten their conversation in his room from the previous day. He didn’t seem to be concerned any more about what he had done.

“Are you offering fries with that shake?” He asked, just as Ivy came to a halt in front of him, folding her arms over her chest. She rolled her eyes at him, ogling his beautiful naked torso and at the same time, annoyed at his casual air.

“I’m glad to see that you don’t care anymore.” Ivy snapped at him and Archer smiled fully now.

“Care about what?” He asked, straightening himself to a full sitting position.

“That we have both betrayed Leon. He’s your brother, in case you’ve forgotten.” Ivy said, trying to narrow her large green eyes at him. But she kept getting distracted by his smoking body, and Archer knew that. He had caught her looking.

“Betrayed? Don’t be so dramatic, my dear Ivy.” He said with a short laugh.

“You were quite dramatic last evening too!” She snapped at him, still in disbelief that he could be this nonchalant.

“I was surprised that Leon was sleeping with you. In retrospect, it doesn’t surprise me. After all, we do have the same tastes as you can imagine. We’re twins.” Archer was still grinning, enjoying the way Ivy’s face lit up, from shame and anger.

He didn’t seem fazed. He seemed like he didn’t care, while Ivy was aware of what Leon’s reaction was going to be. She cared that she had betrayed him the same way Vivienne had.

“Well, I’m going to just leave then.” She said, whipping around. Archer had heaved himself up in one quick motion and pulled her towards him, so that Ivy landed with a thud on his glossy bare chest. Despite herself, how much she was mad at him, how angry she was with herself, she couldn’t help but admire the strength of his maneuvers, how absolutely smooth this man was.

“And just where do you think you’re going?” He asked, in a whisper, looking down at her face menacingly. Ivy jerked her arm away from him, her nostrils flaring. As sexy as this man was, he wasn’t going to be able to hold her back.

“I’m leaving this place. I don’t want to be a part of this. I can’t do this to Leon.” She said, finally managing to break free from Archer’s grip.

“Are you afraid of not being able to resist me?” He asked, flexing his muscles at her. He was standing with his feet apart, grinning at her, enjoying the fact that she couldn’t keep her eyes off his washboard abs.

Ivy rolled her eyes and whipped away from him. She was glad she had made this decision. She was glad that she was going away. Archer was right. He was a temptation. She knew how he could make her feel, how easily he could make her come. He wasn’t just a fine thing to look at. And she didn’t want to put herself in that position again, of betraying Leon.

“Just don’t tell him.” She said, suddenly remembering what she had come here to say to him. When she turned, she found that Archer was in the process of silently putting his shirt back on. He took in a deep breath as he slipped it over his shoulders. Ivy saw his muscles arch, his torso move, the dark trail of hair down his navel that disappeared into his jeans. She forced herself to look back up at his face.

“But I don’t keep any secrets from my brother, Ivy.” Archer said, with a teasing cruel look on his face. He seemed like he had nothing to lose. He knew his brother couldn’t fault him. He didn’t know Leon was sleeping with Ivy, she did. And she had chosen not to tell him.

“Please, don’t. Not till I leave.” Ivy said, gulping.

Archer shrugged his shoulders and gave out a short laugh. Ivy knew immediately what that meant. She had to leave the ranch, and soon. Before Archer told Leon, before the cat was out of the bag.

Ivy turned on her heels and started running towards the house. She still had a chance to make it. If she ran fast enough, she might still be able to get out of the house before Archer told Leon and he found her, and stopped her, and made her regret that she ever met him. Ivy was afraid, very afraid now.

* * *

Ivy threw her clothes into her bags, and was out of her bedroom door in a matter of minutes. She hadn’t even had a chance to look at herself in the mirror, or prepare herself otherwise for leaving the house. What she also hadn’t thought about, was how she was going to get to her own home. Her father’s house was several miles away, closer to the town center, which meant that she definitely wouldn’t be able to walk it there.

Her only option was to leave the ranch and start walking, after that she would have to try calling her father on her cell phone and hope that he would be able to drive over and pick her up. What else was there to do?

Ivy felt like a criminal, or someone who was trying to escape alive as she rushed towards the main door, carrying her bags in her hands, stumbling and rushing. She knew she had to stay strong. She had to make sure that she didn’t just burst into tears.

She had spent nearly seven weeks at this ranch. This place had soon become her home. And now she was going to leave this place forever.

Thankfully, she could sense that she was alone in the house. Neither Leon nor Archer were in yet, but she had a feeling that Archer had found Leon in the fields and now they were both on their way back to the house.

Ivy stumbled to the front door and let out a huge sigh. She only had a few moments to give one sweeping look to the whole house, drink in the space, the luxury of the mansion, the kitchen where she had spent so much time. The door to her study, which Leon had set up for her was open and she could see in, at the computer…she was going to miss it all. Most of all she was going to miss being surrounded by the scent of Leon, that masculine musky scent that permeated the whole house while she lived in it.

She didn’t have time for more, and picking up her bags again she burst through the front door.

Only to discover that she was too late. Leon and Archer were on their horses and were riding towards the estate from the far-off horizon. Leon especially was riding his horse in great speed, Archer was trailing behind. There was no way she was going to be able to make it to the front gates of the ranch without being intercepted by him first.

But still, she had to try.

Ivy bunched up the skirt of her dress in one hand and ran, silently cursing herself for having chosen to worn this long dress today, out of all days. But she had no other choice. With the bags dangling heavily on one arm, and hitching up her dress with the other, Ivy was running towards the main gate. In some strange hope that Leon wouldn’t be able to reach her, that he wouldn’t just ride after her, past the gate, till he had caught up with her.

She wasn’t thinking about anything else, other than getting away from the brothers. Not because she didn’t want to see them again, not because she didn’t want them, but because she couldn’t face up to the look on Leon’s face. She didn’t want to see the look in his eyes that would tell her exactly how she had betrayed him.

Ivy arrived at the gate which was closed shut and hurriedly, dropping the bags to the ground, she tried to unlock it, scanning the land behind her, where still in the distance she could see Leon and Archer galloping towards her. They weren’t simply silhouettes in the horizon now, they had nearly caught with her, she could almost see Leon’s rigid face.

She swung the gate open with one hand and picked up her bags again and when she turned to give the brothers one last look, she realized that they were too close now. It would only be a matter of seconds…

Leon had grabbed her, and Ivy shrieked. He had barely slowed the speed of his horse down but scooped in to lift her up. His arms held on to her as he continued riding, and lifted her up further so that finally she was sitting on the saddle in front of him, with her legs both dangling from one side.

Ivy was still shrieking. She was still in shock. In those moments of panic, she didn’t know if he was going to hurt her, if she was going to fall…but he had caught on to her tightly, he had managed to lift her up swiftly and smoothly on to the saddle. But Ivy’s heart didn’t know that, it was still beating harshly out of her chest.

They were containing to ride. She in front, aware of Leon’s hard muscular chest pressing against her back as he held on to her, his arm encircling her waist. Ivy felt hot, too hot under her dress. Her golden ringlets were blowing in the breeze as they continued to ride. She had no idea where Archer was, she didn’t dare to try and look for him, but she knew he couldn’t be too far away.

“Where did you think you were going to go?” Leon’s voice was strong and loud in her ear. She could feel his lips moving against her earlobe. Ivy couldn’t reply, she was panting hard, she felt like her chest was going to burst any moment. She knew Leon was capable of many things. But scooping her up like this? Despite everything that was going on, she knew that this man was sexier than ever.

* * *

Ivy jumped off the horse without any help, even though Archer had extended a hand towards her. When Leon finally slowed his horse and eventually came to a halt, Ivy was quick to jump off. She was still trying to keep some of her pride intact, even though she was outnumbered now, by two strong cowboys who also happened to be twins.

She took a few steps back from the horse as Leon jumped off the saddle as well, and to her absolute horror, she saw Archer approach his brother. Now they were standing side by side. Nothing she had ever seen, had ever looked this good. They were both oozing masculinity, both muscular, handsome with sharp eyebrows and chiseled jaws. And she also knew exactly what they both looked like without their clothes on.

“Ivy, where did you think you were going? You have a duty to this ranch.” Leon was the one to break the silence. He wasn’t smiling, and neither was Archer. But to Ivy’s complete surprise, they both looked quite calm, and quite comfortable with each other, given that they had both slept with the same woman.

“I give up on those duties. I don’t want to work here anymore.” Ivy said. She was the only one among the three of them who was still breathless, who was still speaking too loudly. She didn’t know what to expect. What sort of punishment did Leon had planned for her?

“You can’t just quit your job like that. Without notice.” Leon continued and now he had crossed his arms over his wide chest. The muscles on his arms clenched and Ivy gulped. Those were the very arms that had swept her off the ground and placed her on the saddle of his horse.

“Ok, here is my notice now.” She said, jutting her chin up in the air.

“Why are you leaving, Ivy?” Archer said and she jerked her head to look at him. How dare he ask her that? She narrowed her eyes at him and had fixed a harsh glare on his face, and to her further surprise, a smile was breaking on Archer’s face.

“My brother tells me that he recently got a taste of what I have.” Leon said and Ivy almost felt her knees buckling. Here it was. So, Archer had told him. She could feel her nostrils flaring, her lips quivering. She didn’t want to hear what Leon had to say to that. She was suddenly very afraid of him, and afraid of Archer too.

“Does that have anything to do with why you were planning to leave?” Leon continued and Ivy hung her head down in shame.

“I am ashamed for betraying you, Leon.” She forced herself to say. Now that he knew, she had no other choice but to admit to what she had done. Now there was no escaping this.

She looked up when she heard Leon laugh, and soon enough, Archer had joined him too. The brothers were laughing.

“I tried to tell her. But you know how she is, a feisty one this one.” Archer was speaking to Leon, through his laughs, while Leon laughed silently, his shoulders shaking. Ivy’s mouth hung open. She couldn’t believe what she was seeing. Why wasn’t Leon angry? Why wasn’t he angry with her? With Archer? Why wasn’t he feeling betrayed?

“Why are you ashamed, Ivy? Didn’t I tell you that I share everything with my brother?” Leon said, his laughter finally dying down.

“Even me?” Ivy still couldn’t manage to keep her mouth open. She couldn’t quite understand what Leon was saying, none of this was making sense to her.

“Of course.” Leon said and now he took a few steps towards her.

Ivy gulped, following his movement with her eyes as he came closer towards her.

“My brother and I share everything, Ivy. And I planned on sharing you too. I’m glad you had a chance to experience him before I suggested it to you.” Leon said, coming up to her and holding her face in his hands. There was a sudden warmth in his eyes, that made Ivy’s heart flutter. She could hardly believe what he was saying. It seemed too good to be true. She could never have predicted it.

Archer was standing where he was, and smiling at them.

“Do you understand what I’m saying?” Leon said and Ivy licked her lips.

“There is no jealousy between us, Ivy. We have always been this way, ever since we were kids. What’s his is mine and what’s mine is his.” Archer was the one speaking now. Ivy looked at him, over Leon’s shoulder who was still holding her face in his hands.

She looked back at him, her eyelids flickering. If what he was saying, was to be believed, it meant that she could have both the brothers, in the same house, as often and as much as she liked, without either of them having a problem with it.

“You understand, Ivy?” Leon asked huskily, before lowering his face so he could fuse his lips with her. She nodded her head as he kissed her. She could feel her belly twitching, and she kissed him back. This would mean that she wouldn’t have to leave the ranch. That she wouldn’t have to give up this life, and she wouldn’t have to choose between one or the other brother.

When they parted, Ivy was gasping for air. Archer was still behind them, his arms crossed, smiling.

“Now, can we go back to our usual day, please?” He said, and Ivy couldn’t stop herself from breaking into uncontrollable laughter. This was actually happening. Her biggest, deepest, darkest fantasy was actually going to come true. She had completely misjudged Leon. He was happy to share her. She hadn’t betrayed him; in fact, she had done exactly what he wanted her to do. She leaned her head-on Leon’s arm and looked up at him with a soft smile on her face. He had no idea how happy he had just made her.

* * *

Blurb

Ivy Hart and Leon Cooper’s blissful sexually charged story continues…

Their little arrangement is working well. Ivy continues to be employed as the housekeeper of The Old Marigold Ranch, but now there is a twist. Leon Cooper has made it clear to her that he shares everything with his twin brother, Archer.

What more can Ivy want? Leon’s sexy dark eyes, chiseled jaw, broad shoulders…and Archer’s clear blue gaze, his shaggy dark hair, his looming frame. Both of their larger than life members! And if the brothers agree that they want to share her, then who is she to complain?

But there is soon cause for complaint, when their little world is not as peaceful any more. Something has changed. It’s a love triangle now and Ivy wants desperately to find a way to choose between the two hottest hunks she has ever met.

* * *

Ivy couldn’t sleep, she kept waking up to a heavy beating heart in the silent house, sweating through the bedsheets and the covers. It had been three days since Leon Cooper, the owner of the ranch she was working as a housekeeper at, had revealed to her that he wanted to share her with his twin brother Archer. And not just as help around the house, but share her in bed.

Leon, in his usual silent brooding style, had revealed nothing more. She had slept with them both. Leon, consistently over the past seven weeks and Archer only once. After she slept with Archer, she was prepared to leave, ashamed at herself for betraying Leon’s trust, for sleeping with his brother, but Leon had stopped her. He insisted that he shared everything with his brother, that he wanted to share her with him in fact, and that was his plan all along.

Now, it had been three days and neither brothers had made a single move. She had been sleeping alone in her bed all the nights since, still wondering when Leon might come to her. When he might explain the terms and conditions of their little arrangement. For now, she was continuing with the housework, with her gardening and trying to work on the online accounting classes she was taking part time.

But at night, when she was surrounded by the privacy of her own room; Ivy couldn’t keep herself from dreaming, yearning for Leon. For Archer. For them both. Both the brothers were equally delicious, equally good lovers. And now finally, she didn’t have to choose.

Ivy swung her legs off the bed, her feet touching the warmth of the carpeted floor. She needed to get some fresh air. The window in her room was shut for now but Ivy walked over to it, opening it wide so that she could finally fill her lungs with some much-needed oxygen.

The breeze blew into the room, blowing her thick golden curls behind her. The slip she was sleeping in had turned damp from the feverish dreams she had been having, and now as it started cooling, it sent goosebumps down her flesh. What had she gotten herself into? What had she agreed to? Both brothers? How was she going to handle them both? What if there were complications?

But her worry was quickly overridden by her excitement at having them both. The Cooper brothers were twins and an amazing example of male perfection. Both tall, muscular, with hard worked natural washboard abs. They were both cowboys, grounded and masculine, and of course, rich as Hell. Leon had bought this ranch worth millions and she was their housekeeper, the person responsible for its maintenance, the food on their table and also for feeding their sexual desires it seemed.

Ivy smiled to herself as she thought about it. She was far away from prying eyes on this ranch, in this private little world with two brothers who fulfilled all her sexual needs. Could life look any better? The only problem was that neither of them had made a move yet, and in the light of day, Ivy was too embarrassed, too shy to say anything. She even wondered now if all of that had been a joke, if Leon had changed his mind. After all, why would he want to share her with someone else? Even if that someone else was his twin.

She shut the window and eventually climbed back into bed. She was growing impatient now. How many more days would she have to wait? How long before she could have Leon again? Could have Archer again? Would it be too bold to make the first move?

She felt the coolness of her soft pillow as it grazed her cheek. She needed to come up with a plan. She had to find some way to break the ice, otherwise she wasn’t sure how long she could still stay sane in anticipation of what was to come.

When she shut her eyes, all Ivy could see was the two brothers, in their cowboy hats, riding their horses together, riding them towards her. Their smiling hardy faces, their biceps flexed, their long strong legs bouncing off the sides of their horses. She could have them both, she could have them whenever she wanted…could she?

Ivy jerked up in bed with a start again. What if it wasn’t her choice? What if part of the deal of having both the brothers was that it was entirely up to them? Was she a prisoner in this ranch? Ivy tried to remind herself of Leon’s actions. How he was always kind to her, how he had always treated her with respect. He had never forced himself on her. He left her alone all day, and only came to her bedroom at night if she agreed to it. But he hadn’t visited her in over a week now. Neither had Archer made a move. What did all of this mean?

Ivy looked at the clock on the wall. It was only four. Four more hours before she was expected to serve them breakfast. She decided she would speak to Leon then. She had to put her foot down and ask him to clarify what he had meant by all that he had said. There was no point talking to Archer, even though they were twins it was easy to see who was the more authoritative of the two brothers. Besides, this house and this ranch was Leon’s not Archer’s, which meant that everything that was done had to be done with his permission.

Ivy tried to lull herself back to sleep, as difficult as it was, she needed to rest so that she could have a fresh start to the new day. It was going to be a big day, and had the possibility of changing her life forever, if she played her cards right.

As she slept, she dreamt about them both, even in her sleep she couldn’t choose between them. They were both too good to be true.

* * *

Ivy was ready and in the kitchen by half past seven. She knew their schedules well by now. Leon was the first to wake, be ready and down for breakfast at eight, sharp. Archer was usually not in the kitchen before nine, sometimes even half past. This would give her just the chance she needed to talk to Leon privately.

She had dressed carefully this morning, making sure that her golden tight ringlets fell like a curtain around her shoulders, her green eyes were bright and sharp. She had chosen a green dress to match her eyes, a thin cotton one that reached her knees in a wide frill. She knew Leon liked her to dress up. She knew he watched her walking around the house, following the way her wide hips swayed, how the curves of her butt swung with every step she took. This dress had a deep plunge in the front, so that her cleavage was revealed in full form, enticing with its juicy fullness.

When Ivy heard Leon’s footsteps on the stairs, she positioned herself in front of the table, making sure her curls fell over her shoulders, accentuating the rise and fall of her breasts. She stood with her hands on her hips so that he could appreciate her full form. Her cheeks flushed the moment Leon walked into the room, because she was aware of the set up. She was setting him up for seduction. She wanted him to be the weaker one in the room so that he would be forced to talk to her.

Leon entered, tall and heavy, his sandy blonde hair brushed messily to the back. He was in his usual plaid work shirt, with the sleeves rolled up. His jeans were several days old, covered in dust and caked mud. He didn’t care how he looked, but just the sight of him made Ivy immediately excited. She could feel herself beginning to grow wet between her legs. In his hands, Leon was clutching his cowboy hat, but his deep brown eyes settled on her and she saw the look of surprise. He was surprised to see her dressed up this early in the morning. And he had definitely made a mental note of her bursting cleavage.

“Morning.” Ivy chimed, smiling coyly at him.

“Morning.” He said in his deep thick voice. Did she detect a stutter? She had taken him by surprise. He hadn’t planned on being aroused this early in the morning. She could see that he was trying to settle himself. He hadn’t even made a move towards the table or the food, even though Ivy had his breakfast neatly laid out.

“Off to work?” She asked him, still keeping her voice cheerful.

“The usual.” He said, and grumpily pushed past her to pull a chair out for himself. Ivy smiled because she could see how turned on he was, and how angry he was with himself for that.

“Here let me butter your toast.” She added, and over his shoulder she reached for one of his toasts. She noticed the way his eyes went directly to her breasts, that were hovering over one of his shoulders. He gulped and then looked up at her face.

“Are you going somewhere?” He asked, after a few moments of silence. Ivy’s breasts shook softly as she buttered his toasts and then placed them back on his plate. She turned to him with a wide smile on her face and her brows crossed.

“Of course, not. Why do you ask?” She said and straightened herself, being sure to keep her breasts jutted out towards him, her back straight. He was looking at her with his brown eyes narrowed, his focus on her face. He was making a mighty attempt to not stare at her breasts again.

“Because you look irresistible and I have to work.” He said it flatly, like he was reading something out from a piece of paper. Ivy took in a deep breath and bit down on her lip. She had been waiting to hear him say this for so long. She had been waiting so long for him. She was ready to rip his clothes off.

“Good, because I’m tired of you staying away from me.” She said, in all seriousness, returning her hand to her hip. Leon’s brows furrowed.

“Staying away from you?” He asked and she nodded her head gently.

“You haven’t come to me for over a week. You said I could have you. Have you both.” She said and a soft smile appeared on Leon’s face. His gaze dropped to his lap and she saw what he was looking at. There was a tent in his jeans, he was aroused beyond belief, just by looking at her. And it made Ivy smile.

“I’ve had a lot on my mind.” He said, when he looked back at her. She still had the smile on her face when she reached for him, for his lap, under the tablecloth.

She breathed in sharply when she felt him in her hands. When she felt how madly he wanted her.

“That’s a shame, because I’ve only had you on my mind.” Ivy said and she saw the way his features darkened. Leon was struggling to keep his cool. He knew what she was doing, he knew that his resolve was going to break any instance, but he was still foolishly resisting. She saw his jaws clench and unclench, his hands remained on the table while he looked at her.

“I have to work. I have a full day ahead of me.” He said hoarsely, like his breath was caught in his throat.

“So do I. Since when has it taken you very long to make me come?” She said, courage coursing through her veins now, as she bent down further to feel him better in her hands. When she looked up she knew he was gone for. Leon was not going to be able to stay away from her any longer.

* * *

Leon reached for her breasts with both his hands, making her tumble. He only needed to tug the front of her dress a slight bit with his teeth and her full firm breasts were revealed to him. Her dress was barely holding them up together. He looked into her eyes, for only a moment, as though he was asking for permission and when Ivy smiled he extended his long bubble tongue for her erect pink nipple.

She could feel herself bursting through her belly, something was moving inside her. The sight of his tongue reaching slowly for her nipple which was at level with his face. She closed her eyes and bit down hard on her lower lip. Just when the wetness of Leon’s tongue touched her painfully aroused nipple. Then his hand cupped it, squeezing her breast further into his mouth. He sucked ferociously. Ivy moaned, still bent over him, her other breast swaying in front of his face.

She reached for him again with her hands. His dick was hard and throbbing in his dusty jeans and she quickly unzipped him. It sprang out, and was velvety smooth and yet hard as a rock in her hands. She was stroking him as he sucked on her breasts, switching from one nipple to the other, hungrily. Like she was his breakfast.

“Ride me.” He said hoarsely, suddenly looking up at her, his chocolate brown eyes narrowed and intense. When Ivy didn’t move, he parted his leg, indicating that he wanted her to sit on his lap. She complied.

Within moments, Ivy had settled herself down on his lap, with her back pressing against the edge of the kitchen table. She was sandwiched between it and Leon’s own muscular body, trapped, with nowhere to go. She reminded herself that this was what she had wanted.

His hands were on her again, holding her by her waist while she could feel his throbbing dick underneath her, pressing up against her moistened panties. Her legs hung on either side of him, while she looked into his eyes.

“You shouldn’t be making me do this. Not right now.” He said and Ivy fluttered her eyelids at him, thrusting her bare breasts towards him again.

“You shouldn’t be this aroused then.” She said coyly and moved her hips in concentric circles, grinding into his dick. She heard him take in a sharp breath and then his grip on her became stronger.

“I’m going to have to fuck you to make it stop.” He said, and he lifted her up. A squeal escaped Ivy’s lips and then she felt his dick slide into her. He had pushed her panties aside, her wet dripping panties. She was so ready for him, she had been ready for him for very long, and when he slid in, Ivy moaned loudly, arching her back from him, throwing her head back in pleasure.

He was deep inside her, holding her tightly by the waist as he made her bounce on his lap.

“You’re going to come for me. Quick.” He said, too loudly this time as he bounced her. She could feel him deep inside her, stroking her G spot repeatedly, thrusting himself in and out of her. She didn’t want him to stop, she didn’t ever want him to stop. It was only a few minutes later that she realized that she had been screaming, loudly, loud enough for Archer in his room to hear.

Leon had a smile on his face, his lower jaw jutted out as he increased his pace, pulling her up and forcing her down to slide down his dick again. She had wrapped her arms around his thick neck, her curls bounced with her, her breasts bounced with her, and Leon continued to smile. He liked watching her come. He liked to see her this helpless in his hands.

“I can’t…I can’t!” Ivy screamed again. She could feel her face going red. He had pushed her over the edge. He was so tight and big inside her, stroking her there, over and over again, giving her no chance to cool off.

“Do it. Now!” Leon growled and she screamed for one last time as she felt her body shake uncontrollably. Leon was coming too, shooting inside her, deep into her where she could feel him emptying himself. He grunted loudly too as he came, his grip on her waist stung now, he was holding her that tightly.

And then slowly, several minutes later, Ivy felt her body beginning to relax. She had had her fill. He had finally satisfied the itching craving she had been having so long for him.

Silently, without a word, Leon eased Ivy off his lap so that her feet were touching the floor again. She straightened herself, and realized she was still a little wobbly from the force of her orgasm. When she looked at him, he was zipping himself back. And then as cool as a cucumber, he picked up one of the buttered toasts and took one big bite out of it. She smiled and shook her head, amazed how quickly he had gone back to being his usual self.

“I’m going to be in the stables if you need me, brother.” Archer’s voice startled them both. Ivy spun around to see him at the kitchen door. The handsome man with his shaggy dark hair, in his full six foot and six inches. He had a dazed expression on his face, but a smile on his face.

“I’ll be there shortly.” Leon said behind her.

“What about breakfast? I have toast and eggs for you.” Ivy called after him, but Archer had turned away from them and disappeared out of sight.

When she whipped around to look at Leon, he was finishing up his food, taking a quick gulp of his lukewarm coffee. She wanted to ask him if everything was fine between the two brothers. If something had happened since they last spoke, but Leon had shut himself off again.

“Have a good day, Ivy.” He said, standing up suddenly. He pressed his lips to her cheeks quickly before he walked past her. And he was gone before she even had a chance to wish him the same.

* * *

Ivy was taking her online classes, when she heard a knock on the door.

“Come on in.” She called out, not quite sure which of the two brothers it was. When the door opened, she found Archer on the other side, with a polite smile on his face.

“Leon wants you to know that he won’t be home for dinner tonight. He’s going to town for some work and will be eating there.” Archer said, with his hand still on the doorknob.

Ivy was a little taken aback by this information, considering that Leon had never done this before. In the weeks that she had been at the ranch, he had not once left the place or gone anywhere, other than to shop for their pantry. And even then, he was always back in a few hours. But she tried to hide her surprise now.

“I see. So, will I only cook for you and me then?” She asked, smiling. It was her way of finding out if Archer was going with his brother as well.

“Yeah, only me and you.” He said, crossing his arms over his chest and leaning against the door frame. He was looking at her now, studying the dress that she had previously used to seduce Leon. She could see that Archer liked it too. The brothers definitely had the same tastes.

“Good.” She said, meeting his eyes.

“Good.” He repeated after her, a knowing smile creeping up his face.

She could feel her nerves twitching. She was getting the sense that Archer was implying something, that perhaps it was going to be their night. But was Leon leaving to give them privacy? Why would he do something like that? The house was big enough, the ranch was big enough for privacy. But she said nothing, only held Archer’s gaze.

He looked handsome in his rugged clothes, the stubble he had not yet shaved had grown to a full-fledged beard now and she was curious how it would feel against her face. His blue eyes were piercing, trying to communicate with her, slowly undressing her as she sat in front of her computer.

Even though Ivy was sexually satisfied now, after Leon that morning, she found herself beginning to crave Archer again. Just the way he was looking at her was enough to tell her what he planned on doing.

“So, I’ll see you tonight then.” He said abruptly and she nodded her head. He was gone again and Ivy was left alone with her thoughts.

The way it looked now was that Leon was leaving for the evening to give his brother his promised share of Ivy, and she couldn’t be more excited. Her one encounter with Archer had left her craving for more, and this was going to be her first opportunity in days.

She blushed as she thought about Archer, his body, about how he was still unexplored and new to her.

She tried to concentrate on the classes again, but it was too late, he had successfully managed to distract her by now and she couldn’t get back to it.

So eventually she left her study and proceeded to the kitchen. It was time to start preparing dinner, it was already late afternoon and if she didn’t start now, she wouldn’t have time to clean up and dust the house before they sat down for their meal.

While she was distracted with thoughts of Archer, she only realized much later in the evening, that she hadn’t seen Leon at all. Not since that morning.

It was when his truck started with a roar outside the kitchen window that she looked up and was surprised to see his face at the truck’s window, looking intently ahead. Ivy waved, hoping that he might look in her direction. But he didn’t. Then Archer appeared in her view, he was walking towards his brother’s side of the truck. They were talking about something, something serious but unfortunately they were too far away for her to be able to overhear.

All she could see was that Leon was saying something, and Archer nodded his head repeatedly. Then he was clenching his jaws and placed a hand on the truck’s roof. Ivy bit down on her lip as she tried to study the brothers’ body language. It didn’t seem like they were having a normal conversation, but it didn’t seem like they were arguing either. As far as Ivy could tell, Leon seemed to be giving Archer strict instructions and he was simply agreeing with them.

She decided they were discussing work. They couldn’t be talking about her! So, she turned away from the window and started tidying up the kitchen counter. When she looked up again, Leon was driving away. He hadn’t once looked in her direction, not that she had noticed, and now Archer remained where he was, watching the back of his brother’s jeep driving away. He had his hands stuck in the pockets of his jeans and was slowly shaking his head. Like he was disappointed with something that Leon had said.

Then he suddenly looked up, it was too late for Ivy to look away and their gazes locked. For a moment, she thought that Archer was going to say something, something harsh. But instead his face broke out in a smile. The dimples appeared and deepened on his cheeks and then he shrugged. She had no idea why. What was he trying to tell her?

And then Archer had walked away from her vision, back to the fields to finish the work for the evening.

Not that Ivy had any reason to, but the exchange she had witnessed had left her with a nagging feeling. She remembered how casually Archer had appeared at the kitchen door that morning, just moments after Leon and she had orgasmed, like he was waiting for them to finish. How he hadn’t remained for breakfast. How Leon had ignored her all day, and sent her his messages through Archer. Something didn’t quite feel right, but she decided that it was only them. The two brothers were strange and stand-offish and there was no point dwelling on it.

* * *

Archer was on time for dinner that night, he appeared in the kitchen right at eight and took a seat silently at the head of the table. Ivy felt her brows furrow a little when she saw that. It was strange seeing someone else sitting where Leon usually sat, but she said nothing. They were brothers, twins, and like Leon had insisted so many times, they shared everything.

“This looks lovely. You’ve outdone yourself, Ivy.” He said, picking up his fork and knife.

She had cooked them each a medium rare sirloin steak, with mash, peas and carrots. A garlic peppercorn sauce was served in a gravy boat on the side and some rosemary potato wedges as well. He was right, she had outdone herself. She wanted to impress Archer, she wanted to demonstrate to him that this night was special. Without being too forward. She didn’t know Archer well enough, unlike Leon, to simply out rightly seduce him. And they had gotten off to a rocky start in their relationship.

“Thank you.” Ivy said, shifting in her chair. She was still in the same green revealing dress which made her cleavage float invitingly under her neck. Archer wasn’t pretending to not notice it. His gaze kept dropping to the rise and fall of her breasts, and every time he looked back up at her eyes, she could see that he wanted her more and more.

“Where has Leon gone?” Ivy asked, after they had been quietly eating for a few minutes. Archer seemed to take a sharp intake of breath and continued chewing silently.

“He had some work in town.” Was all he offered. Ivy was beginning to get the feeling now that he didn’t want to talk about his brother.

“I hope the food is good.” She said quickly, trying to change the topic and not dampen the mood. She didn’t want Archer to think that she wasn’t going along with the arrangement, like she didn’t want them to share her.

“You definitely know the way to a man’s heart.” He said, his eyes dropping to her neck, her cleavage again. Ivy blushed and looked down at her plate. He was beating around the bush. Unlike Leon, who got straight to the point, Archer seemed to not want to talk about it openly.

“Yeah, I have a feeling that was what attracted Leon to me.” Ivy said, and then wanted to bite her tongue. There was Leon again! Why couldn’t she stop talking about him? When Archer so clearly didn’t want to. He only gave a small smirk and nodded his head.

“For me, it was definitely your breasts and your ass.” He said suddenly, and clanked his cutlery down on the table. She thought he was about to stand up and lunge towards her, but he didn’t. Something seemed to be holding him back. He had been so forward and authoritative when he had taken her in the stable the last time. Now, he was holding himself back. What was he waiting for? Ivy wanted him to quickly make the first move. She wanted a taste of him again, but she was too shy to say anything directly.

“Look, Ivy, I know Leon told you that we want to share you. That we always share.” He began to say, and Ivy nodded her head. Finally! They were going somewhere with this. She wanted him to admit that Leon had left for town that evening so that they could be together.

“And that is true. We have always shared everything.” He continued.

“Even Vivienne?” She blurted out, even though she hadn’t meant to ask him that. Archer seemed surprised, he fell silent suddenly and then looked like he was searching for the right words with which to frame the next sentence.

“No, not her. He was in love with her.” He said, looking deep into her eyes. Ivy knew he wanted her to flinch when she heard the words. She almost did. They were somehow harsh words. They were proof that Leon was willing to share Ivy with Archer, only because he wasn’t in love with her. That it was just about the sex. And she had known that, deep in her heart she had known that was why, but till now she hadn’t admitted it. And now Archer had said it directly to her, so there was no denying it.

“I see.” Was all she could say. Archer sank back in his chair, looking at her solemnly.

“We’ve shared girls before, my girls, his. Women seem to get a kick out of it, maybe because we’re twins.” He continued.

“And maybe because you’re both so hot.” Ivy blurted out, and giggled nervously. She didn’t want Archer to see how his previous revelation had affected her. She didn’t want to appear weak.

Archer’s eyes narrowed on her, and he smiled.

“Maybe.” He said, quietly and now a smile was forming on his face again. Ivy gulped, aware of the twitch in her fingers, the feelings of disappointment and the lingering sadness that she was trying to suffocate inside her. Leon didn’t love her. He didn’t care for her enough. That was why he wanted to share her.

“I just wanted you to know that.” He said.

“Know what?” Ivy found herself snapping at him, but he hadn’t noticed the change in her tone.

“That we’ve done this before. That we’ve shared other girls before. So, that you have no doubts about it.” He said, and Ivy could do nothing other than nod her head.

* * *

“No, I don’t have doubts.” Ivy said proudly. She didn’t want Archer to see that her pride had been wounded. She didn’t want him to think that she hoped that maybe Leon could love her. He wanted to share her with his brother after all, and she wanted to be shared too. So, what else could she expect?

“That’s what I wanted to hear. I didn’t want to cause complications.” Archer said, wiping the sides of his mouth with the back of his hand.

“Why would there be any complications? We all get what we want this way.” She said, raising her eyebrows and jutting her chin out. That was the truth, wasn’t it? They were all getting what they wanted. She wanted Leon, and she also wanted Archer and they both wanted her.

“That’s right.” Archer said and she noticed how he was beginning to look at her again, like she was already naked in front of him. She hoped she could forget about Leon’s feelings quickly, so that she could fully enjoy the experience of being with Archer now.

“So is that why Leon went to town tonight?” She couldn’t stop herself from asking.

Archer cleared his throat and then shrugged his shoulders.

“Something like that.” He said, smiling again and when those dimples appeared, Ivy knew that she was floored. She wanted him to come closer. She wanted him to touch her right then.

“I’ve had a good meal, Ivy.” He said, rubbing his stomach in quick rotating motions. “And now, I believe it is time for me to collect what is due me.” He said and slowly she watched as he pushed his chair back and started to stand up.

Just the implication of what was going to happen, was enough. She had forgotten about Leon. Archer was the only man who existed in that room and he was walking towards her.

She turned on her chair towards him, her body shaking a little now from the rush of excitement she could feel.

“Are you ready for me this time, Ivy?” He asked her hoarsely, approaching her in a slow pace. While Ivy remained on the chair, she turned her face up to look at him. Archer towered over her, looking down at her with his dark blue eyes narrowed, down her cleavage and she could see the hunger in those eyes. Just like her, he too had been waiting to be with her again.

“Stand up, Ivy.” He said and she did as she was told. Even though she knew they were brothers, the thought didn’t enter her mind. Leon and Archer were two separate people to her, and right now, all she wanted was Archer.

When she stood up, Archer stepped towards her, and he seemed to be studying her body slowly, from the golden curls around her face to her ankles. He seemed to be assessing her, like he was planning on what to do.

“Good.” He mumbled as she stood before him, confused now about what exactly he wanted her to do.

Then Archer had placed his large hands on both her shoulders, he was dragging the thin sleeves of her dress down, along her arm, so that her breasts covered in her bra were revealed to him.

But Archer didn’t stop there, he kept pulling the dress down, past her navel, down her hips till they were lying in a heap around her ankles.

She could feel the goosebumps appear on her flesh by now. She felt conscious of her body, of her naked bare body. And Archer was only the second man who had seen her like this. His brother was the first.

“Now I can look at you properly.” She heard him say, although he wasn’t really looking at her eyes. His focus was entirely on the rest of her body. She pressed her thighs together, to experience the tingling feeling between her legs. As she had predicted, she was wet already. That was the answer to his question of whether she was ready for him or not.

“I wonder what you taste like.” Archer had leaned towards her to say, so that now his breath shook a curl that had fallen on her face. He blew it away, and she felt a shiver run down her spine. He wanted to taste her? What did he mean by that?

“Lie down on the table, Ivy.” He said, like he was answering the thought she had just had.

Her mouth hung open slightly as she looked up at him. He only nodded his head as an encouragement.

She took a few steps back till her butt pressed against the dining table. She wasn’t even thinking about the food or the plates on the table, she simply leaned herself back and did a little jump. She felt the top of her head knock against a bowl or plate, but she didn’t care. She was lying, in her underwear on top of the dining table and feeling suddenly very shy.

She quickly wrapped her arms around herself, over her breasts and pressed her legs together again.

“How am I going to get my dessert if you don’t show me what you’re offering.” He said, looming over her. Archer had that smile on his face, those dimples were there on his cheeks, his blue eyes looked intense. Like he was on a mission.

He didn’t have to touch her for her to slowly start parting her legs. She moved her arms as well so that her breasts were revealed to him. Her nipples were erect and standing up through the fabric of her bra. She knew that he could see the wetness through her panties too.

Archer seemed to take a step back to admire the view.

“Delicious.” He said, looking back at her.

* * *

Archer was down on his knees, still fully clothed. Which somehow was turning Ivy on even more. It was like the anticipation of seeing him naked again, was making her more wet. He was teasing her. He could see that she wanted him to strip.

When Ivy lifted her head up slightly she saw that Archer had positioned himself between her legs. His head was at level with her wetness, her sex, her dripping waiting core. He was watching it, then looked up at her face.

“You’re very ready. This is going to be good.” He said and she gulped. With furrowed brows, Ivy let her head hit the table again and she closed her eyes. The coldness of the granite table top was cooling her back, while the rest of her body was burning up. She wanted to hold something, to clutch anything, but there was nothing, so her arms remained on her side. She was clenching and unclenching her hands in anticipation.

Then she felt Archer’s breath on her, there, he had brought his face closer to her.

“You smell fresh, young, very tight.” He said, more to himself than to her. “I’m going to enjoy this.” He was repeating himself, like an internal monologue, and Ivy gulped again. She was afraid of how she was going to feel. Of how her body was going to react.

Then she felt his fingers, slide up the inside of her thigh till it rested on the seam of her panties. She wanted desperately for him to tear them off. She wanted him to do something, anything, but Archer Cooper was taking his time.

He lifted her it slowly, it was sticking to her. And then he started sliding it down, forcefully, till it reached her mid-thigh.

Without a word, Archer shifted her legs closer together so that he could further slide it down past her knees. And she didn’t hear the sound of it landing on the floor, but she knew that she was now almost entirely naked, except for her bra. Archer Cooper had laid her out on the table and was going to have his fill. But again, he was watching her now.

“Part your legs Ivy. Show me in.” She heard him say, in a low grunt and she did what she was told again. Ivy parted her legs wide, and Archer wedged himself in, right up close to her so that she could feel his breath on her wetness again.

The sensation, of his tongue on her, shook her like a strong electric current. Her reaction was to suddenly press her legs together again, but she was obstructed by Archer’s presence between them. She heard him give a small laugh.

“A little jumpy?” She heard his muffled voice, and he licked her again. Even though she couldn’t see, she could feel his long tongue on her. He was lapping her up, licking her juices, simply touching her there with his tongue.

She shook her head, pressing her eyes close tightly. She wasn’t sure what these feelings were that were coursing through her. This was more intense than sex, more violent than Leon being inside her. Archer’s tongue was now pushing, thrusting, slowly parting her sex lips.

“Very tasty.” He said, his voice was muffled again and in a flash, he had stuck his tongue into her.

A loud moan escaped Ivy’s lips. She arched her back and her legs spread apart on their own, Archer shifted, moving his face closer to her so that he could start really tasting her. His mouth was pressed to her. She had imagined feeling the coarseness of his beard on her face, but now it was grazing against her legs, against the soft core of her. And it was a crippling feeling, she knew she wouldn’t be able to stand up steadily on her feet even if she tried now.

She felt Archer’s hands move down and cup her butt now as her legs spread wider and wider, inviting him in deeper. His tongue was thrusting, the same way his dick had thrust into her before, but his tongue was reaching her fleshy corners, stroking her in places nobody had before.

Ivy couldn’t help but moan, while Archer’s voice remained muffled, stuck to her there. She knew she was going to come soon. It was going to happen soon. Her eyes rolled back and her mouth had hung open. Nothing had ever felt this good.

“I see you started without me.” Leon’s voice jerked her up from the table.

Ivy lifted herself, a gasp escaping her lips. Leon was at the dining room door, two plastic bags hanging from his hands. There was a soft smile on his face, and his chocolate brown eyes seemed to be dancing.

“Archer, Archer.” Ivy gently touched the top of his head. But Archer seemed to be lost. Either he hadn’t noticed the presence of his brother at the door, or he didn’t care. But Ivy’s heart was racing. Leon was watching her; he was watching them. He was smiling at what they were doing. His brother’s head between Ivy’s legs, the way he was sucking on her, licking her there, thrusting his tongue deep into her repeatedly.

Ivy gulped and said his name again, but Archer didn’t look like he was going to stop.

What was going on? Ivy was confused, and slightly ashamed. She didn’t want Leon to see her like this. Even if he had given them the privacy to have sex, she didn’t want him to actually see them doing it. But she couldn’t make Archer stop, all her resolve was gone, he was still making her weak, making her feel so good. She was still on the brink of an orgasm.

She simply stared at Leon and he stared back at her, while Archer continued to lick her, forcefully, like he wasn’t about to stop unless she came.

Leon took in a deep breath and the plastic bags fell from his hands to the floor by the door. He wasn’t just going to keep standing there any more, he was coming in.

* * *

Ivy was suddenly afraid, as Leon approached her on the table. He wasn’t looking at his brother any more, his entire focus was just on her. He was looking at her naked body, at the way her face was scrunched up with pleasure. How helpless she looked while his brother had pinned her down.

“Are you enjoying this, Ivy?” He asked, taking a few long strides so that he was beside her now, looking down. She didn’t know what to say, she felt ashamed and guilty. But Leon wasn’t behaving like he was angry or upset at having caught her with his brother. And moreover, Archer had still not stopped, he was still licking her.

“I asked you a question, Ivy.” Leon said and she watched as he placed one of his hands on her bare belly.

“Yes. I am.” She stuttered and Leon looked at her again, and smiled.

“Good. I’m glad Archer has been giving you a VIP treatment.” He said and ran his hand over her abdomen now, up towards her breasts. Then he was tugging the clothing away. It gave way and snapped to the side so that her full juicy breasts with her pink erect nipples were revealed to him. Archer had still not moved; he hadn’t even lifted his head. He was like a machine, only built for her pleasure.

Ivy blushed as she looked dazedly at Leon. He seemed to be amazed by the sight of her breasts, one of which he now squeezed.

She was confused again. What was going on? Why were they not uncomfortable in each other’s presence? Was this what they meant when they said that they wanted to share her? This was not what she was expecting. Both of them together. How was she going to satisfy them both?

“You look confused, Ivy.” Leon said, tearing his gaze away from her breasts to her face again. Archer stopped suddenly, his tongue stopped stroking her and he lifted his head too.

Both the brothers were looking at her. Fully clothed, twins, the most gorgeous men she had ever set eyes on, were staring at her, smiles dancing in their eyes.

“Are you confused, Ivy?” Archer asked, in a friendlier tone.

“No. I mean, yes, a little bit. I don’t know what’s going on.” Ivy said, lifting her head up to them. She felt outnumbered and helpless, completely naked and lying on a dining table like that. She watched as the brothers exchanged looks and smiled.

“Nothing’s going on, Ivy. It’s just that we want to make you feel good. We want you to have the best time of your life. You would like that, wouldn’t you?” It was Leon who spoke, in his deep calm voice. Like he was simply instructing her on how to ride a horse.

Ivy gulped and nodded her head. Of course, she would like that. Having both of them together? That would be a dream come true. In fact, she hadn’t even fantasized about that. She didn’t even think that would be possible.

“I knew you would.” Leon added and then gently stroked her head.

“Lie back down, Ivy.” He said and she again, did what she was told.

She stared up at the ceiling, blinking, still in some shock that this was actually happening. What more could she have asked for? Being the center of both Archer and Leon’s attention, at the same time. But she still wasn’t experienced enough. She still didn’t know how this was going to work.

Till Archer went back to licking her.

Ivy gasped again, because he had done it unexpectedly, and she felt his tongue thrust into her.

“Just relax and enjoy yourself.” She heard Archer say, in a muffled voice while he continued to lick. Leon was still looming over her, but he suddenly bent down to her exposed breasts. He had started doing what he liked best, sucking on her nipples.

He squeezed her other breast with a hand, while he sucked and licked on the other.

Ivy felt like she was going to explode. Never in her wildest dreams could she have imagined that it could feel so good. But then, she had never imagined both Archer and Leon together. And they had just gotten started.

She couldn’t even imagine what else they had in store for her.

Leon continued to suckle, while Archer licked her between her legs. Ivy was moaning, wriggling in her position, arching her back.

“Make her come, brother. I want to watch you make her come.” Leon lifted his head from her breast to say, and immediately Archer was licking harder. Stroking her faster with his tongue, thrusting it deep into her, harder and rougher so that Ivy was gasping for air now.

She opened her eyes to see that Leon was stripping. His shirt and jeans came off, and then his dick was in his hands. Ivy couldn’t think straight any more, Archer was making her come, very hard and Leon was going to simply watch.

He had stepped away from them, and was standing with his legs parted, stroking his massive dick in his hands, stroking it repeatedly, watching Ivy’s face as it contorted with pleasure.

She couldn’t hold back any longer. She was going to come, loudly and strongly. Archer remained between her legs, licking her gently when she exploded. She couldn’t control her screams any more, and her body jerked forward as she released, right into his mouth, on his tongue.

Archer remained where he was, while from the corner of her eye, Ivy could see that Leon was stroking himself faster, making himself ready. She knew this was not where this was going to end. Soon after Archer, it was going to be Leon’s turn, and he would want to show off to his brother how he could make her come too.

* * *

“You should have her first, brother.” Archer said, finally standing up.

Ivy had barely caught her breath. She was still climbing down from her orgasm, her vision was still hazy, but she could see that Leon was ready for her.

Completely naked, with his six pack abs glistening in sweat, his back arched in an athletic curve. He took a few strong steps towards her, the muscles on his thighs flexed. He only grunted a response to Archer.

In moments, Leon had positioned himself in front of her, where Archer had been. He was between her legs now, but the only difference was that he was standing, and his throbbing rock solid dick was in his hands.

So soon after her orgasm? Ivy wasn’t sure what she wanted now, but the sight of Leon in front of her, staring directly into her eyes was enough. She was ready for him again. She was still wet, and her brows creased as she felt him slide into her. He was inside her with one forceful thrust. Leon placed his hands, clenched on either side of her, and his torso was above her.

He was pumping into her, watching her face, repeatedly, forcefully and Ivy had no other choice but to give in to what her body was experiencing.

She sensed a movement on her side, and turned to see that it was Archer who was undressing now.

Tall, lean and muscular, just like his brother. Archer too grabbed his hard cock in his hands and started stroking.

“Take care of him, Ivy.” Leon barked, as he continued to pump into her. With each pump, Ivy’s body shook, her breasts bounced and her back was sliding on top of the table counter. She wasn’t sure what Leon had meant by that but his brother seemed to, because Archer came close to her now, by her side.

“Take me in your mouth.” He grunted and she looked up at him. Archer’s blue eyes were dark and narrowed on her. Those dimples and that smile was gone. He was glaring at her, while he turned his cock towards her. In her mouth?

Ivy opened her mouth wide. She was going to be a good girl and do as she was told. Leon was still pumping, using her dick to stretch her tight, fill her up.

Archer’s grazed her parted lips with the velvety smoothness of the tip of his cock. She gulped. How was she going to take his full length in her mouth? He pushed it in. She nearly gagged but he had pulled out of her.

“She has a lot to learn, doesn’t she?” Archer looked at his brother. He pushed his cock into her mouth again, and this time Ivy moved her tongue out of the way and closed her eyes. This was starting to feel good. Leon’s dick inside her, deep there, stroking repeatedly while Archer’s was in her mouth.

She felt helpless in their presence and she enjoyed it, it made her wetter, Leon was sliding in and out of her.

“Watch me make her come.” She heard him say and Archer quickly pulled his cock out of her mouth.

Leon leaned in over her.

“Look at me Ivy.” Leon roared at her. She opened her eyes and found him staring down at her.

“Come for me.” He roared again, and he was pumping hard into her. Repeatedly, over and over again, thrusting into her till she was bouncing off the table top.

Leon pulled her up closer to him with a strong grip on her sides, so that her breasts were pressed against his chest. She was going to come. He was deep inside her, he had reached her there. There was no stopping it any more.

Ivy came again, loudly, screaming and gasping for breath. While Leon came too, exploding inside her with a few growls. Their bodies rocked together as they orgasmed together, and Leon suddenly pushed her away from her, tightly holding her still with his hands.

His eyes were on her, as she tried to catch a breath. Ivy’s body was shaking in his hands. She could see something else in his eyes. He was looking deep into them, like he was focusing on her soul.

“Good girl.” He said, in a hoarse whisper. Almost like he didn’t want his brother to hear. She felt dazed, still a little confused and she collapsed back on the table top with a gentle thud.

She felt spent, dizzy from two explosive orgasms. She still hadn’t had the opportunity to properly wrap her brain around what had just happened. How had all this happened? How had she ended up here? Was this some kind of a trick? Or a dream?

Archer was still stroking himself beside her as she felt her heavy lids flickering, she was going to quickly fall asleep. She had no control over her body or her brain now, it was shutting down.

“She needs sleep.” She thought she heard Leon’s voice somewhere in the background, but she couldn’t quite bring herself to pry her eyelids open.

“But I’m not finished yet.” She also heard Archer say.

Then she felt someone’s hands on her, and she knew she was being lifted, carried, her head pressed gently against the strong bare chest of Leon. He was carrying her to her bedroom. Ivy had still not managed to open her eyes, but she felt her head softly lay against her pillow.

Someone was pulling the covers of her naked body that was still burning up. She was drifting away. She was completely spent. She didn’t have the energy to even force her eyelids open to make sure that it was Leon who had carried her here.

“Get some rest.” That voice was definitely Leon’s, but soon she was drifting away. A peaceful sweet darkness had enveloped her and she was falling asleep. She wasn’t going to be able to think about this for a while now, and she gave up trying to struggle against it.

* * *

Ivy awoke to the comfort of her own room the next morning, still feeling dazed and quite unsure of where she was. She had been buried in a long peaceful sleep and when she woke up, she straightened her back and stretched her arms. A happy yawn escaped her lips, she was yet to recall the events of the previous night.

She remained sitting on her bed for a few more moments, enjoying the way the sunshine flooded her room, and covered everything in a sea of gold. A sudden image of Leon standing over her, brought everything back to memory in a gush. A gasp escaped her lips and she covered her mouth with a hand. Did all that actually happen last night?

She was out of bed and on her feet within seconds. But once up she wasn’t sure what to do next. She was afraid of stepping out of the room. She was unsure of whether the dynamics in their relationships had changed.

Ivy was pacing the floor, only a thin silk robe covered her body. Whoever it was the previous night who had laid her down in bed, had done so without putting her clothes back on her. She had slept naked the whole night.

Memories of the previous night were flooding her brain now. She could feel a thrill run down her spine. She was definitely satisfied, her brain was buzzing from how excited she had been, how dream-like the whole episode had been. But other than how good the two brothers had made her feel; Ivy was getting a nagging feeling that all was not well in paradise.

She remembered little snippets of the exchange of looks between the twins. How Leon had barked commands at both of them, how Archer had followed Leon’s orders and how he hadn’t been allowed to come.

It could have been because she had passed out. It could have been that Leon saw how exhausted she was, and how she was going to fall asleep in any minute and he just wanted her to rest. But for some reason, Ivy got the feeling that he purposely didn’t let Archer finish what he had started. It felt like Leon had entirely hijacked the night. He had appeared out of nowhere and even though it was a ménage, it was Leon who had all the control. He was holding the reins.

Ivy was still pacing, barefoot and in her robe, she clutched her arms to her belly. It was like she could still feel Leon’s grip on her sides as he drove into her, making her come, forcing her to come. And then she remembered the way Archer had licked her, he had shown her a new way of pleasure that she had never imagined herself being involved in.

Her mind kept drifting back and forth. For a few minutes, she got lost in recalling the pleasures of the previous night, and soon after she felt confused again. She didn’t know what to think. Was all that normal?

Archer had told her that they had done this before. They had shared other girls before. At the time, Ivy only thought he meant that they slept with the same women. She hadn’t considered that he might have been talking about sleeping with them at the same time.

So, if the brothers were experienced in this. If they had done this before, why did she feel like the previous night hadn’t gone as smoothly? She had heard the accusation in Archer’s voice when he told his brother that he hadn’t finished. She remembered the way Leon assumed charge and fucked her, right after commanding his brother to make her come with his mouth.

Ivy shook her head vigorously. She realized there was no point just pacing about the room and wondering what was going on. After all, how long was she going to keep herself locked up here? They had both seen her at her most vulnerable. It was like there was nothing to hide between the three of them. It was time to leave the room and face the music.

Ivy showered, washing away all traces of Leon from her body, and Archer’s mouth. She couldn’t help but smile to herself in the shower as her skin tingled under the jet of piping hot water. Despite all the misgivings she had regarding the situation, the truth was that she had never had a more enjoyable night before. She had never felt this alive. And also, strangely safe, protected.

She changed into a pair of skinny dark jeans that showed off her curves and picked out an oversized white cotton shirt, in a thin translucent material that showed off the pop of pink of her bra.

She carefully dried her hair and styled it to fall in their usual shining blonde ringlets around her face and shoulders. It was time to face the brothers.

When Ivy checked her watch, it was nearly eight, which meant that at least Leon, if not Archer, would be down for breakfast already.

She sucked in her gut, drawing in a deep breath and prepared herself for the moment of truth. It was time to ask Leon some serious questions. For instance, did all those things actually happen or were they simply a fragment of her imagination.

Ivy stepped out of her bedroom, closing the door shut gently behind her. She could see into the kitchen, and her heart was beating hard against her chest as she walked in.

Whatever it was that she was expecting, she wasn’t expecting to find an empty place. Ivy’s face swung over to the clock on the wall. It was ten past eight already, where was Leon? In all the time that she had been in this house, he had never once been late for breakfast.

Ivy gulped as she continued staring at the clock. Something was definitely wrong.

* * *

Leon never turned up for breakfast, and when Ivy went looking for him, she couldn’t find him in the stables either. Neither was Archer anywhere in sight. Suddenly, she felt like she was all alone on the ranch. Like the two brothers had for some strange reason, abandoned her.

She walked back dejectedly towards the mansion, and just when she was about to enter the house, she noticed Leon driving down the driveway. She stopped in her tracks and placing her hands on her hips, she stood waiting for him.

Leon seemed to be ignoring her. He parked the truck under the tree where it usually remained and slammed the door shut hard when he jumped off. She couldn’t guess where he had gone this early in the morning.

She shaded her eyes with a hand as she watched him approaching her. It seemed like he was going to completely ignore her and walk past her, instead of acknowledging her presence there. Even though she was taken aback, Ivy realized that she had to say something, quickly before he was gone.

“Leon!” She blurted out, like she was accusing him of some crime. He stopped in his tracks when he heard her voice, only a few feet away from her. But he was in no hurry to turn and look.

“What’s going on?” She asked, dropping her hands to her sides. Ivy couldn’t pretend any more that she wasn’t confused. That she didn’t want some answers.

“What are you talking about?” He asked, finally facing her. His brown eyes narrowed on her, strained by the harsh sun on one hand and concentration on the other. He seemed unhappy to have been stopped in his tracks.

“I’m talking about us. And you skipped breakfast.” Ivy said, stepping towards him. She realized that she had been yelling out of anxiety, when there was no need to. He was close enough to hear.

Leon shrugged his shoulders, his cowboy hat was shading his eyes but Ivy could see the coldness in them.

“I wasn’t hungry. What do you want me to say?” He asked. She felt her lips quiver. She was growing desperate. She wished he would just forget about the barriers he had built around himself, and just give in to their emotions. She wished that he would just scream and yell and tell her what was on his mind, instead of being so passive and aggressive. Most of all, she hoped she might be able to throw her arms around him, just hug him tightly. She really needed that. But he was treating her like she had done something wrong.

“Did you put me to bed last night?” She ventured to say, and watched as his chest grew as he sucked in some air. He seemed annoyed with her, with her questions.

“Yes, you had fallen asleep. What else was I supposed to do?” He growled, like she had accused him of something awful.

Ivy held up her hands in a defensive stance, her voice cracking under the pressure of Leon’s reaction.

“I was only asking. I wasn’t blaming you. Jesus!” She said, her breasts rising and falling as she tried to catch a breath. She knew her cheeks had turned red; she could feel the back of her neck burning up. Why was he acting this way? After being so tender the previous night. After carrying her to bed and tucking her in. What had changed so drastically?

“Anything else?” He asked, snapping her out of her thoughts.

“Well, I just wanted to talk.” She continued, a little afraid of asking him anything else now. She wasn’t sure what might set him off.

“Talk about what? What is there to suddenly talk about?” He asked, clenching his jaws. He looked really annoyed, as though he honestly couldn’t understand why she was wasting his time.

“About us. About what happened last night!” Ivy was screaming again. She couldn’t hold her emotions in check any more. She felt like she was going to burst now.

“Now is not the time. And there is nothing to discuss. You seemed to be enjoying yourself last night.” Leon’s voice had dropped, but he was speaking through gritted teeth, Ivy could see an angry vein throbbing down the middle of his forehead.

“Of course I did. But I still want to talk about it. And why you’re behaving this way with me now.” She said, crossing her arms over her breasts. She could feel her nails digging into her flesh as she held her arms tightly. It was like she was trying to defend herself against Leon, even though he hadn’t even made a move towards her. And she knew he wasn’t going to.

“Look, Ivy.” He was suddenly deathly calm. Something had switched off in him. The throbbing vein had disappeared from his forehead; his eyes had become softer. He was staring at her, but not angrily any more. “There is nothing to explain, nothing to talk about. What happened last night will never happen again.”

With that, Leon was gone, back into the house, leaving Ivy standing at the door with her jaw hanging open. Will never happen again? But it had been his idea to begin with. He was the one who had turned up in the kitchen and initiated a ménage. He was the one who encouraged Archer to make her come. Why was he suddenly behaving like he didn’t enjoy it? Like they had done something wrong?

Ivy could feel herself trembling as she stood, watching the screen door of the house swinging in the soft warm breeze. Leon had disappeared into the house and she was left alone, completely in shock. She didn’t know whether to feel guilty or angry with the things that he had said.

Did he not want her anymore? Was he repulsed by her now? What had she done, for him to react this way?

* * *

She didn’t go looking for Archer, but he found her in her study some time later. Just when she had settled in to take an accountancy class. That was the only way she figured she could get her mind off Leon, and his behavior.

“Hi.” He said softly, entering the room without knocking.

Ivy flipped around in her chair, startled by his presence. But she was immediately comforted by the kind look in his clear blue eyes. He looked handsome, still with his stubble, and looming in the room. He stood in front of her with his cowboy hat in his hands. He looked like he had something to say, but didn’t have the words for it.

“Hi.” Ivy replied, forcing a smile on her face.

It was a pleasant change to be in Archer’s much calmer, easy going presence. Especially now, right after Leon had lashed her with an onslaught of cruel coldness.

“I was wondering if we could have a chat.” Archer said, walking closer to her. She had to crane her neck to look up at him from her sitting position, and a sudden flash of memory returned. Of Archer’s face between her legs, his lips on her wetness, his tongue stroking her. She blushed, and he must have noticed too, because he smiled. Those dimples appeared on his cheeks. He was thinking about it too.

“Yes, I would like that. I tried talking to Leon, but he wasn’t interested.” She said, looking up at him from under her heavy lids.

Archer gave a sort of snort. Like he didn’t expect his brother to entertain a chat in the first place.

“I don’t think Leon is the chatting type.” He suggested, with a weary smile on his face. Ivy could barely look at him without her cheeks burning up. He had made her feel so good. She couldn’t get that out of her mind.

“No, he’s not.” She said meekly, and Archer snorted again.

“I’m guessing he was mad at you.” He said, shrugging his shoulders. Ivy nodded her head, thankful that at least one of the two brothers was more understanding.

“Yeah, like I had done something wrong.” She was quick to say.

“Yeah, he’s acting mad with me too.” He said, drawing even closer to her.

“But I thought you two had done this before. You seemed so comfortable together. With me.” She said, still blushing, and now also a little confused.

“Yeah we have. Several times, with other girls.” Archer replied, and shrugged his shoulders again. He seemed as exhausted with his brother as Ivy was feeling.

“Then what was the problem now?” She asked him, standing up from her chair.

“Who knows? It’s not like Leon will ever talk about it. It’s difficult to know.” Archer said, stepping closer to her. Their bodies were inches apart now; she could smell the musky scent of him. He smelled great, like the outdoors. She had a sudden urge to feel his breath on her face. To have his lips on her neck, for his breath to blow her curls away.

She felt like she hadn’t enjoyed Archer fully. There was still so much about him yet to discover.

“What are we going to do about it then? He told me it’s never going to happen again.” Ivy had clasped her hands together. She could feel her distress rising, but she was thankful at the same time that Archer was there to talk it through with.

“Did he actually say that?” He asked, meeting her green eyes with his own soft blue ones. He looked concerned when she nodded her head.

“Do you think he means that he doesn’t want to share or none of us are…well…going to be with each other again?” She was fumbling with her words. Archer looked at her calmly, smiled and placed one of his hands on her shoulder affectionately.

“It doesn’t matter what he wants, Ivy. What do you want?” He asked, staring straight into her eyes.

She could barely meet his gaze, not without her cheeks flushing.

“I enjoyed last night. That’s what I want.” She managed to say, and Archer’s smile grew. He was pleased with her answer.

“Me too. Well, I want that because I want you.” He said and she felt the goosebumps on her flesh appear again. He had a tantalizing effect on her. Just his voice reminded her what he was able to do with his tongue. She felt like she was going to drown in his eyes, and that she needed support if she wasn’t going to buckle down.

“What are we going to do then? Leon said no.” She said, still fiddling with her fingers. She felt nervous, excited, afraid…all at the same time.

“Like I said, it doesn’t matter what he wants. He isn’t the boss of us. He’s only my brother.” Archer said and Ivy’s head jerked up to look at him. Where was, he going with this?

“Come away with me.” He said, suddenly, almost defiantly and she sucked in her belly. He couldn't be serious!

“I’m going back to Minnesota. I have to go back home in a few days. Just come with me. What are you going to do cooped up in this place with Leon anyway?” He continued, when she hadn’t replied to him. What he was proposing wasn’t a mad idea, but she hadn’t thought about it. She hadn’t thought about leaving Leon. She hadn’t realized that she could.

But the more that she thought about it now, the clearer it seemed to her. There was nothing holding her back. Especially now, after he had made it clear to her that he was displeased. That he wanted to make some changes. That things were going to work on his terms, and his terms alone.

“Ivy?” Archer asked, squeezing her shoulder as he tried to catch her gaze again. She wasn’t looking at him anymore. She was only thinking about how her life might change if she left this ranch. If she left Leon. What was he giving her anyway? Nothing that Archer couldn’t give her too.

* * *

Ivy peeped out of the living room, gently pulling the lace curtain aside. The brothers had taken their dinners separately and Ivy had eaten in her room. There was a chilly air of uncertain in the air, and it was evident to her that the relationships between the three of them had changed somehow.

Now Leon was sitting by himself, on a large wooden rocking chair on the porch, sipping on a glass of iced tea. The house was dark, as was the porch, but the full moon had cast a silvery glow on Leon, and Ivy admired him silently.

This was the man who had taken her virginity, the man she had so willingly given it to. He had asked her for nothing, but had not given her anything in return either. He made sure that she was well looked after, compensated for the hard work she put in to maintain the house, paid for her accountancy lessons…and most of all, he had been an incredibly good lover.

But now Ivy was beginning to wonder if she wanted more from him, from their relationship. After Archer, had arrived at the ranch, nothing had been the same. She had gotten a taste of what life could be like if someone was more attentive to her, if a man spent more time talking with her, and now she was convinced that she wanted to experience that life too.

Ivy cleared her throat when she stepped out on the porch. Leon would have heard her, but he made no move to acknowledge her presence. He remained sitting on the chair, rocking back and forth gently, staring ahead in the cool darkness of his estate.

“Leon.” She whispered his name, afraid that he would be ready to push her away again. After a few moments of silence, he stirred, moving in his chair to finally look at her with his sparkling dark brown eyes.

“Have you come to try and talk to me again, Ivy?” He asked her, and she had nothing more to say but remain silent.

“What is it?” He asked and turned away from her again. Now that he didn’t have his eyes on her, she felt like she could look at him better, she had found her voice again.

“I wanted to tell you that I’ve decided to leave.” Ivy said, clasping her hands together. She could feel her heart racing; she was afraid that he might be able to hear it too. Leaving this ranch, leaving Leon hadn’t crossed her mind seriously before this. And Archer had changed everything. She didn’t know if she could continue living like this, dancing around on tippy-toes, around Leon’s whims and fancies.

He breathed in deeply and trained his eyes on her again.

“I’m guessing it’s Archer. It’s Archer who has offered to take you away?” He said, in a low knowing voice. He didn’t sound angry and she was relieved. At least this might happen smoothly without another big fight.

“Yes, and I want to go to Minnesota with him.” She found the courage to tell him. Leon breathed in again heavily. He was taking his time to respond to her, while Ivy’s heart continued to race. She was afraid of her knees buckling from nervousness. Seeing Leon like this had reminded her why she was so attracted to him, why she had found him irresistible from the first moment that they had met.

“I don’t blame you.” Was all he said, several seconds later after having considered what she told him.

Ivy wondered if their little talk was over already. If Leon had any other questions for her, but he seemed to have fallen into his own silence again.

“I’m sorry.” She blurted out, not quite sure what she had to be sorry about, but she felt like that needed to be said.

Leon looked at her somberly, with tired eyes, like he was already exhausted with the conversation.

“Why are you sorry, Ivy? You’ve done nothing wrong. Archer is my brother, and I wish him well too. I hope the two of you are happy together.” He said, scratching his knee listlessly, almost like he was trying to find ways of occupying his hands. She had been avoiding his eyes till now, but Ivy looked him squarely now. She couldn’t believe that Leon was giving up this easily, that he wasn’t even putting up a fight.

“Yes, but I’m sorry because I feel like I’ve betrayed you by wanting to go away with him.” She said, a certain anger arising in her voice. Leon recognized it too, because he raised his eyebrows and continued staring at her. A smile was forming on his face, but this one didn’t melt her heart. This was a cruel smile.

“You don’t have to feel bad about that Ivy, I know you get nothing from me and your hope is that you’ll get something from him.” He said, and she felt her muscles stiffen. So, he wasn’t giving up without a fight. Leon was planning on ridiculing her decision, making her feel like she was silly and a young foolish girl.

She raised her chin up in the air and stuck out her jaw at him.

“I know he can give me more than you ever gave me.” She said, her breasts were now rising and falling with her heavy breathing. Leon’s half smile turned into a full one and he shook his head, like he was disappointed with a naughty child.

“What makes you think that? You’ve only known him for a few days.” He said, as calm as a cucumber, while Ivy felt like she was tearing up on the inside. Leon was self-confident, he didn’t seem to be concerned by her decision.

“He’s been kinder, more attentive. He is willing to talk. He wants to talk to me.” She said angrily, angrier now that he was smiling.

Leon shook his head again, making her wince.

“I love my brother. I would do anything for him, so I’ll just keep my mouth shut now.” He said.

Ivy’s brows were crossed; she couldn’t quite understand what he had meant by that. If he was simply trying to provoke her.

“Leon, you should just be honest with me. I know you love him, but…” She said and he interrupted her.

“Sharing you was his idea, not mine.” He growled.

Ivy’s lips closed shut tightly when she heard the words. What was that supposed to mean? What was Leon trying to tell her?

“He was the one who wanted to share you with me. And I agreed because we had done it before. So, you’re right. He is more attentive; he is willing to go the extra mile to have you. You should be with him; he definitely wants you more.” Leon stood up now, looming over her, and she looked up at him, confusion darkening her face.

“So, you didn’t want to do it? Share?” She asked, trying to catch his gaze again. She could see that she was quickly losing him again. Leon was losing his interest in having this conversation. He wanted to return to his silent solitude again, but Ivy wanted answers.

“No, I didn’t. Not really. Not you. But Archer was insistent, he said you wanted it too. He said you slept with him because you wanted to be shared. And I couldn’t just deny you what you wanted. And I couldn’t give you up either. I was foolish.” Leon had covered his large hands over his face, and then he swooped them down, widening his eyes and running his fingers through his hair. She could see that this was an ordeal for him, that he didn’t want to talk about it anymore.

“But Archer said that you shared all your girls, except Vivienne.” Ivy mumbled and Leon shot her a look.

“That’s right. We did. We do. But I didn’t want to share you. I was selfish, and greedy, and so you deserve to go with him. He is more open, loving and can give you what you want.” Leon said, and stepped to the side, he was making to go for the screen door but Ivy was quick to move, to intercept his path.

In the darkness, she leaned in towards Leon. She could smell his scent, his musky masculine smell that filled her lungs, reminding her how happy they were together in those weeks before Archer. How she hadn’t care how often Leon spoke to her, because she was the only person who existed in his world.

To her surprise, he leaned in too. Their lips met, she could taste him on her tongue, she extended an arm, wrapping it around his bent neck. She was pressing herself to him, running her hand down his muscular shirted arm. But then Leon pushed her away.

“Not any more, Ivy. We’re not sharing. You belong to my brother now and I don’t want to do this any longer.” He said, and this time she couldn’t stop him. He had flung open the screen door and disappeared into the house. Ivy contemplated following him in, chasing him to his room, confronting him and demanding further explanations. But she knew him well, even though Leon revealed so little about himself, she knew a lot about him. He was done now. He had made his decision, just like she had. He wasn’t going to talk about it anymore. There was nothing to discuss.

Ivy gulped and licked her lips. She could still taste him in her mouth. That was to be her last kiss with Leon. It was only going to be Archer and herself now, and she tried to smile. He made her happy. He made her laugh. He took out time to be with her. He had pursued her, and he deserved his prize.

Leon had done nothing. She was the one who had coveted him from the start. She seduced him to sleep with her. She made him agree to allow her to stay in the house after their first quarrel. Besides his name, and some bits about his past, Leon revealed very little. The fact that he didn’t want to share her with Archer, could mean anything. That nagging feeling, that maybe Leon had actual feelings for her, were being shoved into the back of her mind. Even if he did, he wasn’t ever going to say the actual words.

Ivy had her whole life ahead of her, she wasn’t so sure if she would be able to spend it with a man who spoke so little. With someone who denied her the privilege of actually expressing his feelings. She wondered if she might feel trapped, just like her mother had. She remembered her mother’s words of caution. To run away from living in isolation if she could. She was certain that Archer would give her a better, more fulfilling life. The kind of life that her mother had never been able to lead. What sort of life would Leon give her?

Ivy shuddered as she thought about it. She had never been to Minnesota. Archer had promised to leave the next day, so that they wouldn’t have to remain in the hostile environment of Leon’s ranch for much longer. She felt lucky and privileged that Archer was willing to do so much for her, sacrifice his own relationship with his brother for her sake.

There was nothing left for her here, she thought as she looked around the estate in its darkness. Leon had his chance, nearly seven weeks to express his feelings. To make her believe that he had more to offer her than employment and satisfying sex.

And now it as time for her to move on, with a man who really wanted to be with her.

* * *

That familiar feeling of packing her bags and readying them next to her bedroom door, returned to her in a flood. This was the third time she had done this, preparing herself to leave Old Marigold Ranch. And this time, it appeared as though it was time to leave for good. A feeling of calmness had descended upon her. She was resolved to not cry, or make a scene.

Archer knocked on her door at eight and she opened it, his smiling dimpled cheeks greeted her. And Ivy was filled with a conviction that she had made the right decision.

“Where is he?” She asked him, her heart thumping.

“Who? Leon? I’m not sure, but I told him last night that we’re leaving today. So, he knows.” Archer said, smirking at her before picking up her bags off the floor.

“How are we going to get into town? Are we taking a train?” She asked him, mighty anxious now. She had never been to Minnesota and she was beginning to grow excited. Archer smiled at her, as he turned to carry her bags over to the front entrance.

“Don’t worry, I’ve taken care of everything. You just get ready.” He said, and she nodded her head.

Ivy had been ready since six, but now she gave herself the once over in the full-length mirror. She would miss this room, she thought, as she pinned in a few more black bobby pins into her hair, holding her beautiful golden ringlets in place, neatly away from her face.

But Archer was rich too. They were both wealthy, and she bit down on her lip wondering what kind of house he lived in.

She was in a yellow summer dress, that matched her hair perfectly. One she knew Leon loved her in, because it accentuated her curved. Not that she wanted to stir anything in Leon any more, that would be wrong of her to do, she knew that. She was the one leaving him.

Ivy smoothened the pleats on the front of her dress, and a noise at her door made her turn. She hadn’t shut the bedroom door and now Leon was leaning against the frame. His arms were crossed over his chest, and he was looking at her with his usual expressionless face.

“So, you’re ready to go?” He asked her, and she smiled at him. Nothing could change the fact that she was leaving, so it would be better if she left on good terms, she thought.

“I am. Archer has everything arranged.” She said, walking up to him.

“I’m sure he does.” Leon said, straightening up. She studied his sharp chiseled jaw, that sparkle in his eyes that was lost somehow. His broad chest that made his plaid shirt taut with tightness, how narrow his waist was, how strong his legs were. Ivy gulped, this was going to be more painful than she thought. Leon was like a drug to her. She had fallen for him when she least expected to and he had taught her everything. He helped her explore her own sexuality and she hadn’t thanked him for it.

Ivy fell on him, wrapping her arms around his waist. For a few moments, it seemed that Leon wasn’t sure how to react. His arms were spread open in surprise, till slowly he started to relax. She felt a hand on the small of her back. He was holding her.

“Thank you for everything Leon. I promise I won’t disappoint you. I’ll keep studying.” She said, drawing her face away from his chest, where she had buried it earlier. Leon was looking down at her, and something had changed. His expression had grown softer, and his eyes were shining bright.

“Ivy…” He began to say, and she bit down on her lip. She had no idea what he was about to say, but this was the first time she had seen that look on his face. This was the first time there was an actual imminent danger to their relationship. Was he finally going to say something?

“Stay with me.” He said it in the most neutral, but heavy voice. There was a hint of a strain there, but she had heard it. And Ivy was suddenly struck with a feeling of utter happiness, like she had never felt before.

She flung herself on him again, pressing her face to his chest, tightening the grip of her arms around his waist.

“That’s all I wanted to hear from you, Leon.” She cried into his chest, as she felt his hand on her head. He was stroking her hair.

“That’s all I wanted to say to you. I’m sorry I didn’t say it sooner.” She heard him say, and she couldn’t control herself any more. Ivy felt like she was going to burst.

She pulled herself away from him, and Leon dropped his hands to her face, caressing her gently. Holding her in place.

“I love you Ivy. I always have. That was why I didn’t want to share you with Archer, with anyone.” He was saying, but Ivy could barely hear him. She was laughing from her burgeoning happiness. Nothing that Leon could say could make her feel better. This was what she was waiting for. There was no choice now. She would never leave him; she couldn’t live without him. Everything she did, had done…she had done to please him.

“I love you Leon. I don’t want you to share me with anyone. I don’t want to go anywhere. I want to stay here with you.” She was crying by now, but they were tears of joy.

“As my wife. By my side.” He said, looking deep into her eyes. He wasn’t the kind of man who was going to get down on his knees, and Ivy didn’t care.

“As your wife.” She said and they were kissing, blissfully unaware of the fact that Archer had appeared at the bedroom door. He had turned away, leaving Ivy’s bags at the front door. He knew when he had lost, and this time, he had lost to his brother Leon. And he was man enough to admit defeat.

* * *

There are more bonus stories ahead…..just look what you want to read next via the Table of Contents (TOC)

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