Tonight’s auction played out on the ballroom stage, the submissive properly naked and shackled, her gaze lowered. Spotlights stole whatever privacy she might have had. The hooded Dom wore his black leather well and stood to her side in the shadows. Some might say he exuded quiet authority. Many would insist he showed impending menace.

A smile tugged at the sub’s pouty mouth. She and the other guests understood this was only a carnal game meant to seduce, thrill, and delight.

Mia Strand made damn certain no one crossed any line during their stay. Intimate Cravings, her private club and resort, offered whatever a consenting adult would covet—BDSM, voyeurism, sexual fantasies, and more. Better yet, the ranch proved a short drive from Austin, a liberal enclave in an otherwise staid and uptight Texas.

Cowboys, cowgirls, bikers, and businesspeople mingled more easily here than they would in normal society. This evening, some guzzled beers. Others sipped fine wine or threw back tequila and various hard liquors. Numerous private rooms awaited those who preferred to play behind closed doors. The eighty-acre land boasted additional seductive pleasures outside.

The auction commenced. Patrons in office attire, Western finery, and biker wear shouted their bids, the men far more generous than the women.

Despite this evening’s revelry, Mia rolled her shoulders and tried to relax, to reason away her disquiet. Her decision to buy this ranch as her escape and hideout from New York had proved sound. Money flooded in faster than she would have expected. Most importantly, no one in her past would think to look for her in Texas of all places.

Everything was perfect.

Almost…

Chance Thorpe and Riley Baker skirted the building crowd.

Mia’s stomach fluttered with outrageous longing. A reaction she couldn’t seem to stop since she’d hired them to run her security team.

Both men were in their early thirties, six-three or more, and a zillion percent male—the rugged outdoor kind, nothing citified or prissy. Snug black tees hugged their broad shoulders and sculpted abs, black jeans moulded to their powerful thighs. They strode with a panther’s grace and quietly accessed the surroundings.

As Patsy Cline’s Crazy poured from the sound system, Mia understood how poor Patsy felt. Love sucked when it died or got dangerous. She’d fled Kipp and their so-called relationship before things grew too scary. Hooking up with a guy wasn’t on her dance card any longer. Indulging in two lovers was downright insane, no matter their allure.

Chance’s tat peeked from beneath his left sleeve. The design sported bold and brutal swirls, totally masculine, same as his bruising biceps and shoulder-length black hair. He’d tied his mane back with a leather cord, like a modern-day pirate.

Her mouth went dry at the thought.

Riley’s dark stubble was a delightful contradiction to his thick blond hair, cut short on the sides and back but long enough on top to dangle over his forehead. Those locks begged for a woman to ease them back. Chance’s hair urged a female to set it free.

No way would she go there with either man. She squeezed her fists tight enough to hurt.

“Well, hey, we’ve been looking for you.” Avery ran up and threw her arms around Mia.

Isaac McCoy, Avery’s husband, smiled from behind.

Mia grinned in return and patted Avery’s ringlets, perfect for a fairy-tale princess or a preacher’s daughter, which Avery was. Even with her old-fashioned upbringing, she’d landed Isaac, also known as Badass in BDSM circles.

He shouted above the escalating noise. “Your place is looking good.”

“Thanks to you.” Mia had happened upon his bar Hardbodies, learned he was into the lifestyle, and brainstormed with him about what to offer at her resort. He’d proposed nightly events like the one going on now. Then he suggested she hire his buddies Chance and Riley to head security.

She didn’t argue with him on any point, especially about them.

Riley and Chance conferred with a stocky team member. He nodded to them, elbowed through the horde, and pulled a young guy from the stage staircase before he could get to the sub and her Dom.

“Hey.” The troublemaker flailed his arms. “Let go.”

Another team member snatched the guy’s longneck.

“Fuck you, that’s my beer. Give it back.” He grasped wildly for it. “Get your damn hands off’a me.”

The security guys pulled him toward the front entrance. Several women blew kisses or waved bye-bye to him. He fought like the Devil to get back to them, but couldn’t break the team’s hold.

Riley scanned the others here.

Chance turned and met Mia’s gaze.

Her heart pounded fiercely. Heat barreled through her.

Avery tapped her hand. “What’s everyone bidding on?”

Chance’s lushly lashed eyes seemed lighter in the shadowed room, his irises’ green tint a perfect complement to his olive complexion.

Unsteady, Mia locked her knees. “Huh?”

“The bids.” Avery leaned in. “What are they for?”

Voices rose above the music.

The Dom strode across the stage and displayed numerous straps in his beefy fists. Some leather proved thick yet supple, others thin and firm. Each meant to pink up a sub’s ass and deliver an initial sting followed by warmth and pleasure.

Mia didn’t doubt Chance would wield the belts with precision and expertise, exactly as he did everything else. Riley would perform as spectacularly.

She inhaled deeply to calm herself. Didn’t work. “Ah, they’re bidding on what the Dom will use for the sub’s discipline and how far it will go. One lick, two, three, whatever, and whether he’ll use a strap, paddle, flogger, or something else. Highest amount wins the punishment of his or her dreams, acted out on stage. Within reason, of course. No one ever gets hurt here.”

“I would hope not.” Avery pulled out her smartphone.

“Hold on.” Mia gently cuffed Avery’s wrist. Security should have taken her phone at the front door and given her a receipt to reclaim it when she left. “No photos allowed.”

“Sure, no problem. I wasn’t going to snap any.”

“Right. Sorry.” She released her. “Going to check with the babysitter?”

Avery and Isaac were new parents.

“I did twice between your parking lot and the front door.” She smiled sheepishly. “I’m sure the sitter wants to strangle me. Thankfully, everything else is fine. Do you share the money from this event with the sub and the Dom? Do they know each other?”

“They’ve been dating for years.” The main reason Mia chose them for the event. Their stable relationship, respect for each other, and playful attitudes made them ideal performers.

If she’d been on stage with Chance and Riley, she would have blubbered for them to do her hard, long, and thoroughly no matter how many others leered at the scene.

She wiped perspiration from her neck. The air-conditioning pumped full blast, but struggled to keep up with the stifling summer heat and her reckless passion. “As far as the event proceeds go, I’m donating them to several women’s shelters in Austin and other cities.”

Avery nodded. Her thumbs flew over the keyboard. “By the way, I’m here for research. Mind if I put this event in my next book?”

She wrote romance novels. Since she’d hooked up with Isaac and had previously studied sexual moves at a Las Vegas brothel, her tales had evolved from mild bed play to erotic. They were also sold nationwide. Maybe not much in the Bible Belt, but certainly in New York, the contemporary Sodom and Gomorrah.

If Kipp chanced to read them and put two and two together…

Mia’s stomach rolled. “The event’s fine, but you can’t use the Intimate Cravings name or locale. This is a private club. I need to keep it that way for my patrons’ protection. They’re not looking for publicity. I’m not either. Ever.”

Something crossed Isaac’s face. “Everything been going okay here?”

“Sure.” She forced a smile to ease his concern or suspicion about what she didn’t want anyone to find out. “I’d rather not court trouble from the conservatives, you know? Last I heard, they’re trying to get Austin and its pinko liberals to secede from the state.”

Avery flicked her hand. “You’ve got nothing to worry about from them or anyone else. Why do you think I write under the Sable Hunter moniker rather than my own name? I’m not into fame either, at least as myself. By the time I get through with my story, you won’t recognize what I’ve used from here. This is to give me ideas.”

“Understood and thanks.” Mia squeezed Avery’s arm. “Feel free to roam. We have several private rooms available tonight, and there are always the Adams and Eve events outside.”

Isaac scratched his jaw. “Adams with one Eve? As in ménages?”

“And more.” Mia rocked on her heels, proud of the wanton pastimes she’d come up with. “Whatever your heart desires.”

“We’re good with each other.” Avery slipped her arm around Isaac’s waist, staking her claim.

Wasn’t necessary. He adored her.

Mia envied them both.

Avery pocketed her phone. “Let’s roam.”

“In a sec.” He held back. “Chance and Riley working out okay?”

Too damn good considering Mia’s wayward lust had nowhere to go. She stilled. “They’re awesome.”

“Great.” Isaac’s smile brightened his handsome face. “They like you, too.”

Her spirits soared, then plummeted. “Have you guys discussed me?”

“Shouldn’t we?”

Not if she wanted to maintain her good sense and protect her battered heart. Workplace romances never panned out. She was the poster girl for that mistake. Threesomes weren’t much better—not that she’d ever engaged in one. Hadn’t been tempted until now. Choosing between Riley and Chance would prove impossible. Given that insurmountable barrier, who knew if they’d be up for something unorthodox? They were Texans and ex-military, specifically former Army Rangers. Those guys were into God, mom, and apple pie, not ménages. Better to avoid that hot mess entirely in her thoughts, dreams, and reality.

She managed a chuckle to maintain her fake nonchalance. “Hope they haven’t been comparing what I pay them to what you’re giving your staff. Don’t know if I can afford to give Chance and Riley a raise.”

“Trust me, that’s not what they want.” Isaac smiled mysteriously and pulled Avery close. “Ready?”

“Sure.” Avery gave him an odd look.

Whatever Isaac meant by his cryptic comment and grin, he didn’t stick around to explain. The gathering swallowed them.

Mia caught a shallow breath and warned herself not to seek out Riley or Chance. Most likely, Isaac had been having fun with her. Men didn’t discuss women except to boast about their conquests.

Chance and Riley would never experience any with her, individually or jointly.

An approving roar rose from the spectators.

The Dom circled his sub and flicked the thickest strap.

Eyes closed, she bent over a table and lifted her ass, welcoming discipline. Craving it.

Strategically placed TV screens displayed the event in glorious color right down to the sub’s plump pink folds and slit, damp and glistening from her excitement.

Perspiration rolled between Mia’s breasts.

“Do it!” A young woman in heavy makeup, a spangled mini-dress, and tasseled cowgirl boots shouted. “Give it to her good!” She pumped her fists, eyes wide, features ecstatic.

Past her, Chance stared at Mia.

Her legs went watery.

Riley joined him and also regarded her.

The air thickened, sounds faded, her vision dimmed. If she fainted, they’d catch her and she might do stuff with them she’d eventually regret.

She steeled herself against an ache so deep it stole her breath and hoped to God she’d have the will to resist them for months or years. However long they stayed in her employ.

Her cellphone buzzed in her back pocket.

She ignored it.

After a seeming eternity, the call cut off then instantly started anew as it had these past weeks. The caller never left a voice mail or texted a message.

The intent seemed solely to hound her.

At first, she figured someone was selling something. Now, she wasn’t certain and feared Kipp might be on the line.

Uneasy from the calls and frustrated from too much yearning, she dug the phone out of her leather jeans, but didn’t check the display.

Chance and Riley kept her from noticing anything other than them.

 

*****

 

When it came to women, Chance wasn’t a novice. Hadn’t been since his thirteenth year. Of course, that didn’t mean he understood their ways. Especially Mia’s.

She shifted her weight, possibly ready to run from his attention, but stilled instead. Female interest brightened her beautiful blue eyes.

Maybe fear hadn’t rooted her to the spot.

Air ruffled her honey-brown locks.

He bet those glossy tresses bore her fragrance, something enticing and rich tinged with her natural musk. Completely provocative like her clothes—black jeans and a sleeveless leather top, its neck high enough to cover her throat. The extra material didn’t hide her womanly assets. At twenty-eight, she was fully grown.

Her impressive rack and lavish hips set his pulse racing, same as her spike heels. In his bed, the shoes would be all she’d wear.

She parted her plush lips.

His cock thickened, but he wasn’t about to bolt toward her even if “welcome, soldier” shone in her eyes. Something was wrong. She gripped her phone so hard her knuckles and forearm must have hurt.

As a rule, he was a cautious man, prone to weigh eventualities before making his move. Right now, he didn’t want to debate possible outcomes and risked a step.

She checked her phone display and hurried past the crowd, away from him.

Not the reaction he wanted, but should have expected. Acting on instinct or unruly lust never got a man anywhere. Neither did hesitation. The competing emotions dogged him with cruel intensity. If trouble stalked her, he wanted to know and should as her security chief. Maybe he could do something to help.

He shouldered past several businessmen who’d forgotten to sip their sissy Margaritas. Their mouths hung open at the Dom punishing his sub.

Her ecstatic moans and the sharp leather cracks against her generous ass had quieted the onlookers.

“Hey, move.” A twenty-something guy danced around Chance and craned his neck to see the stage even though the screens showed everything up close and personal.

Chance sidled past others.

Someone gripped his arm. He looked over.

Riley.

“Whatever it is, it’ll have to wait.” Chance pulled free. “I have to check out something.”

“I can see that.” Riley grabbed him again. “You going to her office?”

That’s where she was headed. “Not with you hanging onto me like a lovesick schoolgirl. Mind letting go?”

He didn’t. “She looked upset to me. Aren’t you worried about us bothering her?”

“Us?”

Riley smiled knowingly. “Cut the crap. Surely, you don’t think I’m letting you comfort her by yourself.”

Wasn’t in the cards, given their connection. They’d been friends and blood brothers since their sandbox days and shared everything, bad or good. Mia definitely was in the latter category. Chance would gladly take a bullet for Riley. Even so, he didn’t appreciate being manhandled. He pried Riley’s fingers from his arm. “No one’s stopping you from tagging along.”

Shoulder to shoulder, they plowed through the patrons toward the back hallway.

Chance spoke first. “With you and me here, who’s watching the depraved groupies?”

“On it.” Riley gestured two team members over. “Keep an eye on things.”

They nodded and circled the room.

Riley caught up with Chance and spoke as softly as the noise level allowed. “What do we say when we see her?”

He hadn’t a clue. “We could be honest or skirt the issue.”

“Honest in what way?”

“About how she looked and behaved a few seconds ago. She was definitely undressing me with her eyes.”

“I dare you to say that to her.”

No man was that brave unless he had the lady in bed, gloriously naked, and beneath him while he plowed into her good and hard. To have Mia regard his comment with surprise, or worst disgust, would make working here beyond crappy. “Let’s play it safe. We’ll ask her how things are going. Who knows, she might open up.”

“Or cry. Her mouth was wiggling. The same as any woman when she’s getting ready to bawl.”

An older couple raced toward Chance. He stepped aside, barely avoiding a collision with them. “When did that happen? She looked fuzzy to me, like she might pass out.” They’d reached the hall. “She—”

Head lowered, Mia dashed from her office, rushed their way, and straight into Chance.

His breath puffed out.

She skittered back, eyes wide, face flushed, her reading glasses askew.

She looked beyond delectable, straight into mouth-watering delicious and intelligent. For some reason, he found her specs sexy as hell. “You okay?”

“What?” She righted her frames and rubbed her chest.

He would’ve sold his soul to explore a trifle lower. Her nipples pebbled against the smooth leather. Her lush mounds tempted a man to provide them with his ardent attention, first with his hands then his mouth. “You ran into me.”

“Sorry.”

She stroked his pecs.

Breathing wasn’t possible any longer. Staying upright proved freaking difficult on rubbery legs. “No problem. No harm done either.” This was the best shift he’d ever had in this place or any other.

She ran her fingertips over his nipples.

His hair stood on end. “Are you all right?”

Mia lifted her face. “What?”

Chance wasn’t certain how to answer. Wonder and need lit her lovely features, same as they had in the ballroom. “Huh?”

“I’m sorry. I didn’t mean…I’m…” She cradled his face and lowered it to hers. Their lips brushed.

He hauled her against him and drove his tongue into her achingly soft mouth. Whatever had brought on this change in Mia, Chance couldn’t deny himself or her any longer.

She moaned softly.

Precisely what a man needed to hear from the lady in his arms—sweet surrender and a promise for more pleasure, the crazy good kind. Them naked and writhing on a bed, chairs, tables, sofas, a bathroom shower, or the ground, whatever proved available. His tongue danced with hers. He indulged in her fresh, minty flavor and a taste that belonged to Mia alone. Indescribable yet wondrous.

She snuggled into him.

Her ripe curves did wicked things, stirring his soul, tingling his skin.

Fevered and greedy for everything she could give, he tried to get closer. She did, too. They pressed into each other and swayed left and right.

The wall stopped them once. The next time they ran into Riley.

He grunted.

Mia pulled free of Chance. Panting, she stepped back.

He didn’t dare risk a frown at her affection coming to an end. If he appeared the least bit displeased, she might bolt.

She looked at Riley.

He affected an innocent expression faster than a boy did with his mother.

Mia melted into his arms and pulled his mouth down to hers.

 

*****

 

Riley froze, not expecting this. Sweet Jesus, she was a major contradiction, enjoying Chance one minute, avoiding them both the next, now this.

Who was he to question his good fortune? However, once things quieted down he did want answers concerning her unpredictable moods.

She wrapped her leg around his and kept him close.

As if he’d be anywhere else with her satiny lips pressed to his. Her scent filled him and proved more delightful than the most fragrant morning or priceless flowers. Hell, she smelled better than baked goods and a Jack Daniel’s barbeque would to a starving man.

Riley dove in for seconds and pushed her tongue from his mouth so he could fill hers.

She surrendered immediately and willingly, her arms wreathed around his neck, her precious mound snug to his rigid rod and tight balls.

His equipment hurt enough to sting, his skin stretched to its limit.

Working through the pain, he kissed her thoroughly, as any sane guy would. This wasn’t the time for half measures.

Someone sighed loudly. Could’ve been Chance.

Riley stroked Mia’s back. For a tall woman with a centerfold’s build, she seemed amazingly delicate. Afraid he might hurt her, he gentled his hold, but not his passion. He explored her waist and dynamite ass.

An earthy sound spilled from her, proving her base need. She nestled close, froze, and yanked free.

Hair spilled over her forehead. She shoved it away and knocked her eyeglasses. They tilted. Red blotches covered her dewy cheeks.

Desire burned in her eyes.

Riley heaved in air and waited for her next move. Could be it was Chance’s turn now. Mia was a principled boss, so she had to be a fair lover, giving him and Chance an equal share.

She pushed up her specs and rubbed her temple.

Chance inched closer.

“Hold it right there.” She put out her hand. “This has to stop.”

“What does?” Riley wasn’t playing dumb. He truly didn’t know whether she was putting the kibosh on Chance’s passion or his, too.

She squared her shoulders. “You kissing me.” She shot Chance a look. “And you.”

“You did it first.” Chance cocked his head. “Remember?”

Her color drained, leaving her paler than normal.

Riley didn’t want to add to her distress, but he couldn’t ignore the truth. “You did it that way with me, too.” He could still taste her on his lips. Nothing except death would wipe her fragrance and heat from his mind. “I was just standing here. Not that I’m complaining. You?” He elbowed Chance.

“Nope. I enjoyed it.”

Her mouth quivered.

Before any tears fell, Riley held up his hands. “We all lost our heads. No biggie. It was only a kiss. A damn fine one in my book. If you want to do it again, I’m game. You name the place and time, I’ll be there.”

Chance nodded. “Same goes for me. Your call.”

“This can’t happen again.” She fled to her office and shut the door.

Riley suspected she might have thrown the lock, though he couldn’t be certain given the hoots and whistles in the ballroom that drowned out most sounds. “What happened here?”

“I’m not sure, but I’m guessing she didn’t have a good time.” Chance crossed his arms. “She was all right until she kissed you. Please tell me you used tongue.”

“Only when I could get hers out of my mouth, which wasn’t often. Of course, I did. How can you even ask? You know me better than that.”

“Not when it comes to pleasing a woman.” He leaned against the wall, his face lifted to the ceiling. “I’ve never indulged my passion with you.”

“Be serious.” Riley lowered his voice further. “Did you see how she was ready to cry?”

“Yeah. Do you think it’s because she’s interested in both of us?”

“She doesn’t strike me as backward concerning sex. Look at this place and where she’s from. Manhattan isn’t exactly Perryton or even Amarillo. The conservatives there are still in love with hellfire and all that.”

Chance lowered his face. “PMS?”

“You want to risk asking her? I sure as hell won’t. I’ve grown accustomed to my balls and prefer she not chew them off.”

“Point taken.”

Something smacked the wall or door in Mia’s office.

Riley rubbed his neck. “Given what we just did, things are going to get uncomfortable around here. We can ignore it and pretend nothing happened or do something.”

“Like what exactly?”

“Discuss the problem with her.”

Chance stared at her office door. “We’ve already tried to do that. Didn’t work out, remember? I say we give her time to calm down and then feel her out when we know what we’re going to say.”

Typical Chance. When they’d been boys and then in the Rangers, he’d planned things to the last detail. He liked order, probably because he’d learned regimentation from his dad who’d also served in the Army.

Riley was less rigid. He’d been twelve when his father died, which made him the proverbial man of the house or so he thought. His mother and older sister had run things, but he’d devised ways for them to supplement the household income. Planning had nothing to do with it. He’d always been a doer, not a brooder, and wasn’t about to change now.

Whether Chance wanted to follow Riley’s lead in this or not was up to him.