Taming Her Billionaires

 

By

Syndi Burns

And

J.L. Beck

 

Chapter One

 

Maddie

 

“Yeah, that’s it, Maddie. Lock your sweet, little fingers around my stick. Feels good, right? Having complete control. In your pretty little hand. Right here between my thighs…”

 

My fiancé, Cole, tightens his thick fingers, engulfing my hand that’s covering the helicopter cyclic control switch, as he’d explained. Just a lot of gears and switches to me, but a thrill surges through me having control. It’s a bonus Cole had learned to fly in the Air Force, so he’s used to holding people’s lives in his hands. Clearly, he’s holding my heart—well, him and his twin brother, Warren, my second fiancé.

 

I need a plan to make our wedding day uber memorable, like the night I gifted my virginity to both Cole and War at the very same time. Hard to top that. I’ll need something bigger, something extreme, a way to gift wrap my body to both of them as we leap into our future.

 

The helicopter takes a little dive before evening out, and my tummy rolls. Sure hope our maiden voyage to Las Vegas has a happy ending, or everything we’ve built our dreams on could come crashing down.

 

“That’s it. You’re flying,” Cole announces.

 

A ripple of exhilaration and fear darts through my belly. I don’t tell Cole with words how my heart thunders behind my ribs because my smile crimps my cheeks, and he’s known me since I was five, touched every cell in my body with his heart, hands, and/or other parts of his hunky body. Sometimes, I think he knows what I’m feeling, what’s best for me even before I do. “I am. I’m flying the helicopter. War, isn’t this badass?”

 

I glance over my shoulder at War who strokes my outer thigh a little too fast, but his heated touch and knowing it soothes him to touch me sends a quiver of need straight through me. This is what I’ve always wanted—me and my guys lost in our own little bubble. I can’t wait to tame their wild desires until they’re helplessly sated in every single way possible, as soon as we take possession of the million-dollar estate they've inherited.

 

“I’m proud of you, babe. You’re always so willing to try something new, like you did delivering that calf last night. You’re an amazing vet and an amazing woman.” War squeezes my thigh.

 

Warmth touches my heart from War’s words. He’s pretty amazing, too. It’s easy with my fiancés. I’d say my life is almost as perfect as the sunset painted like embers across the skyline. My body’s practically burning up from how experienced they both are—Cole working the control panel while War’s touch arouses other buttons on my body.

 

“Whatcha smiling about, sugar?”

 

Cole caught me eating my pony’s sugar cubes when I was a kid, and he’s called me sugar ever since. “You know I’m flying high, as long as we three are together. But I would be lying if I didn’t say I can’t wait to lose myself with you two in every way possible, and then fall asleep snuggled next to you both for a straight week.”

 

Cole’s sunglasses disappear into his dark hair as he adjusts them, taking over the controls as we descend. “Always and forever, we’ll be together, sugar. I’ll be burying my cock in that silky, wet pussy of yours as soon as we land. But I’m not sleeping the week away when there’s renovations to be done, and I have ideas about this place that will knock your socks…er, thong clean off.”

 

I pump my brows and slide my hand over the bulge pushing against his zipper, giving his growing cock a squeeze. I don’t want to admit that, even though I’ve encouraged them to take possession of the house, I’m having second thoughts. Still, I have to remain positive, right?  “Can’t wait to check out all your ideas, cowboy.”

 

“Easy, sugar…” Cole warns.

 

Even though the dark frames conceal Cole’s sapphire-colored eyes, I know he’s staring right through me, wanting me. War tightens his grip, assuring me he’s on board with what's happening in the front seats. But where Cole’s already traded rags for riches, I’m not sure if War’s embracing the future as a billionaire, as Cole plans.

 

“Why not christen the helicopter as soon as we land, if that’s your goal,” says War, deepening his voice, as if he means business. “Then we can turn back toward home, put this place up on the market. We might be billionaires now, but you never know what life’s gonna throw at us.”

 

“Which is why we have to make the most out of now,” Cole rebuts.

 

See what I’m saying? For the most part, I’m a lucky girl. Except, since my fiancés inherited a billion dollars from their late father, things have changed and are changing between us. Sometimes, I feel they’re keeping me at a distance, protecting me from their past. I’m thinking their issue revolves around their father’s betrayal more than their inheritance, and the situation their father put them in. Financially, he didn’t have the means to care for them, and with the teens in and out of trouble, he believed foster care was the right decision. If he couldn’t evoke common sense out of them, maybe someone else could.

 

Sure glad my mom adopted the troubled teens who’ve turned out fine. Perfect to me. At least they were perfect. Since they’ve inherited their father’s self-made fortune, Cole’s spending money like his life depends on his next purchase—this helicopter. War’s pocketing every penny, checking his online investments every chance he gets—like now—and he hasn’t purchased a thing.

 

I can’t put my finger on how to balance out everything quite yet, or how to stop them from fighting over where their dollars should be spent. It’s unnerving, but I’m not about to upset my guys today with my take on where they should invest their money as they’ll be looking into a slice of their late father’s life.

 

I adjust the headphones, not because Cole needs to tell me something important, but because he pulls me close and licks a wet, warm path from the scoop in my neck to the pulse right below my ear. Normally, his attentiveness wouldn’t be a problem, but when War plants a warning death grip around my shoulders, I know I have to say something. “You’re supposed to be paying attention to the sky, Pilot,” I scold Cole, adding a little smile.

 

“Sugar, you’re too tempting, sitting shotgun and looking all beautiful in that navy sundress I’m thinking about stripping off those creamy shoulders.”

 

Cole snaps back into place in the driver’s seat, or whatever you call the actual seat the pilot sits. Cockpit? He adds a sensual grumble of disapproval, since we’re both strapped to our seats by a five-point harness and separated by a good foot when we both want to tangle up until we're lost in each other’s minds, bodies, and souls.

 

Cole and War are my guys, and I want to please them with my words and body, as much as I want to take care of every need and fear they come across, same as they do mine. Today especially. Their need to touch me palpates through the cabin scented with spice and sweat, both the good kind and the nervous kind, as if their contact with me calms their nerves somehow, when I'm not sure touching me isn't making matters worse.

 

Makes sense. Facing your past can be scary. Facing an unknown future, too. Served with a hefty inheritance is an entirely different lifestyle and loaded with responsibilities I’m not sure if either of them—or me—is ready to embrace.

 

“There it is.” Cole points to the estate up ahead.

 

The six-bedroom, nine-bath, hilltop home overlooks a green golf course, sand traps, and lake below, squirting a geyser from the fountain centered in the middle. Can’t wait until the boys make me...squirt. I cover my giggle, and Cole flicks his gaze at me. The house is several miles from the Vegas strip, secluded, and on a five-acre lot within the gated community. “I can’t wait to check out our new place.”

 

Truthfully, from the outside, the house isn’t much different than the others dotting the gated community. It’s a tan monstrosity, sitting on perfectly manicured landscaping that lacks personality, unlike my family ranch and the little cottage and two-acre lot back in Brown Valley that also houses my veterinary clinic. I guess the uniqueness of the place comes from inside. I’ve seen snapshots.

 

The home has a second-floor master suite that faces the Vegas Strip and comes with an elevator and a movie theater. I have no idea why a single man would’ve needed such lavish amenities. But maybe that’s my lesson: to accept that not everything needs to have a purpose, and that it’s okay—for once in my life, once in the guys’ lives—to have the freedom to want for nothing without feeling guilty, and to have the courage to share our fears without judgment. I’m still on the fence about everything, except how much I want to have a normal life with my men, including marriage and children.

 

My belly somersaults as the helicopter sways, and War slides his hand into mine. He rolls his thumb over the solitaire engagement ring riding my ring finger. I struggle to see him as the harness strains across my collarbones and bites at my nipples. “I don’t mind flying. It’s the taking off and landing that scares me.”

 

War takes my hand. “I’ll parachute to the ground and catch you to keep you safe.”

 

Cole raises his sunglasses. “Trust me, bro. I’ve landed hundreds of times. No one’s jumping today...except into bed. ”

 

Cole stabs me with his hungry gaze, and his blue eyes darken, mimicking beautiful gems embedded in a dark cavern, begging to be displayed as jewelry. I squirm against the delicious pulsing taking place inside my moistening channel, and I rewarded him with a little smirk. “I think we should christen every single room tonight.”

 

War threads his fingers through mine, adding a sensual hum. “I second that.”

 

They’d do anything to keep me happy. “After pulling that all-nighter delivering that calf, I’m sure we can all agree that falling into bed is the best medicine.”

 

War lifts my hand, sinks his teeth into the flesh of my palm, and draws a little yelp from me. “I’m gonna suck those lips of yours soon as we land this cracker box…and I’m not talking about your mouth.”

 

Cole adjusts the stick, and the helicopter descends. “You two are motivating the fuck out of me to hit the mark in three, two, one...”

 

“Cole, watch out!” War shouts as a woman wearing a bright-red, glittery evening gown bursts from the house and runs out onto the terrace.

 

Her raven hair spins about her bare shoulders as she waves her hands, keeping us from landing on the helicopter pad marked with a big white X.

 

My eyes fly wide as the beautiful stranger stays planted. The home is supposed to be vacant, except for the bodyguard and his wife whom will see to our needs. Crazy, I know. The guys and I have a bodyguard. And, apparently, an intruder. Fuck this shit. “I want the hell off this ride now, and we need to find a safe place to land before I lose my cookies.”

 

Cole’s grinding his jaw, and War’s cussing into his mouthpiece, so we all hear his complaints about the woman who's blocking our way of cashing out on a happily-ever-after, our way of landing for the moment. But neither man seems as shocked.

 

I ask the question I’m sure both men know the answer to and have been holding back from me since the reading of the will. Holding back, as if they’re afraid to lose me when I’d never leave them, no matter what their past holds. “Who is she? And don't sugarcoat the answer.”

Chapter Two

 

Cole

 

There’s pissed, and then there’s seeing flames. I grip the control, jerking us all as we slide in our seats, leaning to the left. My jolting reaction is a novice move, but this isn’t about skill. I barely miss the woman who darts in front of us and mumble a curse.

 

“I asked you both a question,” says Maddie, as if she’s ready to jam her hand down my throat and pull the answer straight out of me.

 

I’ve wanted to protect Maddie from the drama of our inheritance. Guess the blast from our past my father had treated like his wife, aka Eve Devereaux, isn’t ready to walk away like Warren and I had been promised by the attorney who’d settled the estate. Using a cell phone inside a cockpit violates Federal Aviation Administration rules, but fuck if anyone’s playing by the rules tonight. I lift my cell from my pocket, ready to call Arnold, the bodyguard I kept on whom once worked for my father, and cancel our contract.

 

“This inheritance is cursed and isn’t worth the headache,” Warren grumbles, as if I haven’t heard this debate a thousand times before, and he’s through with arguing.

 

Maddie clutches my shoulder, wadding my jacket in her hand, and the phone falls onto the floor at my feet before I can contact Arnold.

 

“I’m scared, guys. Who’s this woman?”

 

I sneak a peek at Maddie. I want to protect her from everything. But even though her sandy-brown hair is tied into a kempt ponytail that spirals across her shoulder, making her bleed innocence, her large brown orbs demand an answer, telling me she’s mature enough to hear the answer.

 

“Don’t let guilt stop either of you from enjoying the blessings you deserve. Things will work out. We just have to make it through a storm or two.”

 

Or three, or five. Shit. Maddie’s encouraging words, the love of my life, force the answer from me. Sure hope Maddie knows I’d do anything for her, even holding back the information that could hurt her. “The woman’s name’s Eve, and she’s a complication we’d thought was taken care of.”

 

“Well, obviously this Eve didn’t get the message. Cole, War, some stranger trespassed into your house? I mean, Eve obviously has a key. By the way she threw herself in front of our path, she’s not messing around.”

 

Fuck, I wish Eve would disappear. I circle around and decide to land on the golf course where the grass area is clean, flat, and wide, which is a bitch to locate, considering the landscape is dotted with rolling hills, sand traps, lakes, trees, and the only hint of day is a purple haze.

 

“When were you planning on telling me you guys have a stalker? Tonight when we’re asleep. Tonight when I wake to find her standing over me, us?” Maddie crosses her arms and stares back toward the house as the lady in red grows smaller and smaller.

 

“There,” War calls out. “Looks like we’re lucky bastards after all.”

 

I focus on where he’s jabbing his finger, and maneuver the helicopter to our left. I hover for a moment over the only clear spot on the course, and then descend until the skids meets the ground, the left making solid contact before the right finds home. “Good eye, bro.”

 

“Fuck, yeah.” War unbuckles his harness as the propellers wind down. He leans forward, jamming his thick shoulders between the seats as soon as he gets free. “Maddie’s freaked as I am at Eve’s appearance. I told you we should have let Maddie in on the details of Father’s lifestyle and the problems we’ve had associated with inheriting his fortune. We were doing just fine in Brown Valley. We don’t need problems returning to haunt us.”

 

“Problems?” Maddie squeaks.

 

War needs to shut his fucking mouth, and I shoot him a warning stare. I don’t want Maddie involved in any type of shit, past or present, when we’re the guys used to dealing with the hard stuff. “Eve isn’t a typical billionaire groupie; Father cared for her. We don’t know why he didn’t list her as a recipient to his fortune. Our attorney is getting a call ASAP. For now, let me handle her, Warren.”

 

A car passes on the high road that winds around the estate homes dotting the community, and the backfire punches the air like gunfire.

 

Maddie flinches, as do we all.

 

“Shit. That scared the hell out of me.” Maddie heightens the pitch of her voice and narrows her focus on the disappearing headlights. “This woman could be dangerous. I think we should confront her together—you know, strength in numbers—to find out what she wants.”

 

“It’s been decades since we entered the foster system and your mother adopted us. We were dirt poor. It’s the main reason Dad gave us up. Eve struggled, too, and Dad gave her a job tutoring us—not much good it did in the end. I imagine that’s how she’s feeling. She had nothing, then everything, and then nothing at all.”

 

“Forget the rags to riches argument. Your father’s girlfriend and your tutor?”

 

Shit. Figures Maddie would focus on another woman when Maddie lacks the experience of age, pain, and rejection. “Yes. I know the pain associated with losing everything. If I don’t deal—”

 

“Bro, we’ll deal with Eve, together.” War pops open the door, letting inside the rush of fresh-cut grass.

 

I guzzle the scent that reminds me of home in Brown Valley. Except I don’t want to think about what we left behind, what we may never return to. I want to grab hold of what we have right now and soar to a fresh start. “I don’t know the dynamics of Eve and Dad’s relationship since…  Hell, we didn’t know of our father’s whereabouts until Maddie’s dad handed us the summons to appear at the reading. Last thing I want right now is to deal with a crazy bitch.”

 

“I agree, Cole. So let me diffuse her. You’ll only agitate her further.”

 

It’s true. Eve and I butted heads. But Maddie’s taught me patience. Even now, I want to pamper Maddie in every conceivable way, starting with her pouty, little lips and working my way to her slick, welcoming core and her swollen clit until she screams my name. She’s my pleasure addiction. As long as she’s happy, I’m A-OK. “Eve’s playing cockblock, and she’s a perfect example of why I’m focusing on living life to the fullest, while luck is on my side when obviously her luck’s run out.” I punch open the door.

 

Maddie unwinds from the belts and sits with her legs hanging over the side. She stares out the window as the desert breeze whips sectors of her silky hair across deep-brown eyes, and she pivots her body, perched and ready to bolt. “I’ve heard about these gold digger types. They study who’s wealthy, target family lines and potential beneficiaries, or they hunt in the obituaries for their next victim, and what not.”

 

“Could be Eve planned on cashing in all along,” says War, feeding Maddie’s conspiracy theory. “We’ll never know her motive. I’m sure as hell not gonna listen to more of her bullshit. I mean, she acted, as if she had this great relationship with our father at the reading. Was her recount true in the eyes of their friends? Not that I could see.”

 

Maddie leans forward a bit, and I can tell she’s trying to unravel some twisted plot.

 

“We know your father was a recluse after he left Brown Valley. We know he became a self-made billionaire at some point. Maybe Eve believes she’s entitled to the money, even though he only kept her on as an employee. If she can convince a judge by producing a marriage certificate from another state, she might have a chance at obtaining half of his fortune. But as it stands, Nevada doesn’t recognize common law marriages, so without the docs, she’s a woman, a con, after his money, similar to tabloid reports of women and their sugar daddies…”

 

Maddie’s voice trails off, but I know what she’s conjuring in her pretty head. “Don’t think for a moment, sugar, you’re anything like Eve. We’ve loved you forever, age differences and all. You’d never put together a plot, faking you’re in love when all you’re interested in is the money, so don’t you worry ‘bout a thing.”

 

“How can you be so sure?” She grabs her bag and sets it in her lap, clutching the straps. “People might be thinking the same thing about me. That I’m a con or a complication that needs to be ‘taken care of?’ Because a good con makes people believe their lies are the truth.”

 

She has a point, sure, but I’m not buying whatever fear she’s selling. I reach over and take her hand, trying like hell to infuse her with calm no one inside the cab is feeling. “There’s nothing standing in our way of getting married, having babies, and doing whatever the hell you wish for that I won’t see settled.”

 

“We should still call the police. Eve’s obviously unstable. She could be dangerous.” War crawls out of the helicopter and opens Maddie’s door.

 

I nod my agreement, retrieve my cell from the floor, and place a call to Arnold, who picks up on the first ring. “What the fuck is Eve doing there?” I bark out, yeah, like a fucking big-ass dog.

 

“Mr. Pierce, sir? Eve? She’s here on the premises? She must still have a key and has disarmed the alarm. I’m heading up to the main house now…” Footsteps pound out a pulse through the receiver, along with Arnold’s rapid breathing.

 

My gut clenches and a wave of familiar nausea swarms my belly from the pressure, stress of the situation, and from imagining what our precious Maddie must be thinking—that we’re responsible for this mess. “Hold Eve until the police arrive.”

 

“On it, sir.” Arnold ends the call.

 

“Consider this, Cole.” Maddie slips her hand around my wrist. “If you don’t deal with Eve face to face, things might escalate.” She squeezes, her concern radiating from her pleading gaze. “Let’s try to talk to Eve, maybe make some sort of arrangement, find a truce or, at a minimum, hear her side of the story.”

 

That’s Maddie. Always taking in the strays...as she’s done with War and me. Fuck.

 

“Maddie’s right,” War interjects. “We need to cut ties with Eve and anyone else that might show up.”

 

“There are others?” Maddie sighs.

 

Her concern draws me back to her. As cute is she is in her dress and pumps, her complexion can’t conceal the bags taking up space under her eyes. She’s dead tired, as we all are. And I owe her big for giving me her love when I had nothing. Maybe that’s what our father once had with Eve—a woman who potentially loved him when he had nothing—and what me and Warren got caught thinking about threw him over the edge. Love or little delinquents? There’d be no choice for me. Kids get off track. Parents gotta keep setting them straight. But Dad couldn’t cope. Maybe our inheritance is his way of apologizing for all the bad shit that happened to us? Fuck if I know… I peg War with my stare. “I’ll send Janet to pick up you two—”

 

“I’m going with you,” Maddie jabs me with a hard stare.

 

“No, Maddie,” says War, his tone soft as a saint’s. “We’ll handle this. Besides, we need the golf cart to carry up the luggage. Cole will wait with Arnold and Eve until the police arrive.”

 

Thank fuck, War’s playing along, using his tender side to distract Maddie’s direction. I cup Maddie’s neck, drawing her near, hoping she can see in my eyes I’m trying to protect her. Reality is, there may be a time when I can’t, and that fact grinds on me, my neck muscles knotting. “I’ll see you in ten minutes.”

 

“Eve could ruin everything for us.” Maddie raises lashes off pale cheeks. “Don’t let her.”

 

I lean in, claiming her mouth, and spiral my tongue with hers as she hums against my lips. Here she is trying to assure me by sealing her body against mine, instilling in me that she still wants me, still wants us, even though we’ve kept much from her. “Don’t you worry ‘bout anything, sugar. I’ll have Eve under control before you reach the mansion.”

 

I can only hope as I hike up toward the house that what they say about Vegas actually stays buried in the lights, crowds, and games. We’re all screwed if Eve doesn’t disappear, and everyone has a price. I just have to figure out what Eve wants most.

Chapter Three

 

War

 

“I want the house and to continue my allowance that I deserve after caring for your father. He owes me, and I want to remain assisting the Pierces. Remember how I once served you, Warren?” Eve purrs, as if she’s a cat in heat.

 

Eve’s seductive tone grinds on me, and hell if I’m going to let some long-ago-tutor, fuck-buddy turned con-woman ruin the life I’m trying to build for Maddie, Cole, and me. I grip the fucking cell so tightly to my ear, my fingers grow numb, and keep my voice hushed as Maddie’s introducing herself to Janet, Arnold’s wife, who’s come with the golf cart. “How the hell did you get my number?”

 

“I have my ways…”

 

“Listen up,” the words rush past my lips, and my mind spins with the solution, praying I can talk Eve into leaving before Cole makes it across the Terrace. No telling what Cole will do once he sees the woman who destroyed our relationship with our father, the same woman who made sure we ended up in foster care and… Don’t go there. Not now....

 

“I’m listening.”

 

“No. Fucking. Deal, Eve. Whatever Father’s arrangement was with you is over. He didn’t name you in the trust, and you’re the fifth woman to lay claim to his fortune,” I lie, but I’m sure there’ll be others…

 

“That doesn’t change a thing between us. We can make a new contract. So call off your dog, Arnold, or I may have to let your little princess in on a few secrets....”

 

I fight against the shiver that darts through me. The last thing I want is to have Maddie witness skeletons falling out of my closet when that door holds things I’m not ready to relive.

 

“Your pause tells me you haven’t told her about us.”

 

“Go to hell.”

 

“Eve!” Cole’s shout echoes as he mounts the terrace, crossing the expanse.

 

“We both know Cole. He won’t tolerate your intrusion. Fuck, I’ll be lucky if he doesn’t kick my fucking ass for warning you...’cause right now, Eve, you’re walking on shaky territory when my brother’s eager to claim what’s his, and that no longer includes the likes of you.”

 

The sound of something heavy being rolled back echoes through the cell, and Eve’s breathing, as if she’s on the move.

 

I’m doing damage control, that’s my gig. Always has been. If Maddie finds out about our twisted connection with Eve, it’d send Maddie over the edge in a hot second, and she’d sure as shit call off the wedding...at least I imagine the worst. Cole and I once destroyed our family. We deserved to be exiled, and we were, until we were adopted by Maddie’s parents. But isn’t this life? Just when things fall into place beautifully, someone comes along eager to tear it down—us down. No way in hell am I allowing that to happen. Payment in dollars may not be the true price Eve’s wanting. Nor am I willing to give into Eve’s demands and threats, which means I have to come up with another plan to keep Eve subdued. A personal barter.

 

“Pay attention, Eve. We’re reclaiming what’s ours, so you have thirty seconds to crawl into that fancy car and drive off into whatever-the-fuck sunset you’ve painted for yourself, along with all the money you conned off a dead man.”

 

“It was a business deal,” she says, winded. “You know who I want, who I’ve always wanted, and I’m not taking no for an answer this time, War.”

 

“Your services are no longer needed. Get that through your thick, fucking head.”

 

“Are you so sure about that?” says Eve, as if tempting a starving man with a double-double all beef hamburger combo. “This is Vegas, baby. I’m sure after you’ve explored the city for a few months, you’ll get tired of the provincial life and seek out the adult playground waiting for you, just like when you turned twenty-one, just like you found me and did your worst.”

 

Nausea fills my belly, and I check out the nearest tree, thinking I might puke. Fucking the tutor is as cliché as it comes, unless that tutor is a grown woman, you and your twin teenage brother fantasize about tag-teaming her, your father finds out, and that woman is the one Dad’s fallen for because he’s afraid he’s gonna age without a partner, and suddenly she’s victim to something potentially scandalous. Throw into that mix me and Cole’s juvie record, a woman who suddenly wants us gone, and I understand why Dad handed us over to the foster care system. At least I try to understand.

 

I palm the gnarled trunk and dry heave at the memory of what Cole and I did to celebrate our twenty-first…. Truth is, what we did was more than a have good time, but the punishment stole any pleasurable memories, and the one dishing out the punishment was Eve.

 

“War, can I help you?” Maddie taps my arm.

 

I practically jump out of my skin as she rubs small circles on my back as I’m bent over. “It’s okay. The helicopter ride made me a little woozy.” I wipe my mouth on the back of my sleeve—nothing but a little spit—and press the cell to my chest so Eve can’t eavesdrop. “Let me finish this call, babe. Go ahead and take a seat inside the cart. I’ll be right there.”

 

I watch Maddie as she heads toward the cart, drinking in the sway of her ass that lulls me into thinking she’s okay. That we’ll all be okay once Eve’s out of the picture. Except she’s not.

 

Yeah, Maddie’s teased the fuck out of us for the past two hours, and just the thought of her taking me in her talented mouth makes my dick twitch. She’s so much more than I deserve, and she’s my angel. Cole’s, too. Eve’s the devil. I raise the cell to my ear. “Take your cheap offer and peddle that shit to someone else.”

 

“I’m anything but cheap. You’ll see. Things will change… With your financial freedom comes boredom, but I can show you ways to explore the fun side of life like no other, now that you’re older and your father’s gone,” she says, as if that’s been her ultimate desire all along: Father’s money, our bodies. The perfect mix of sex with no limits.

 

My skin crawls at the thought of her hands on me, and no amount of shivering shakes off the regret from my past. Already things are changing...I mean, fuck, we’ve parked a helicopter on the golf course at the foot of our estate, and I’m wondering what’s next. Could Eve be right? Will our desire for more send us back to the life of BDSM? No. Fuck no with Eve. Maybe with Maddie, if that’s what she wants. “You have ten seconds before the police arrive.”

 

“You wouldn’t dare.”

 

“Watch me.” I end the call.

 

I’ll come up with creative ways to keep our wealth hidden. Save more. Spend less. Blend in. Try to keep me and Cole under the guise of two cowboys and their fiancée when he’s wanting to build a castle in the sky and rain down dollars to those below. Always the hero, that guy, which is why Arnold and Janet have been retained full time, contractors, designers, chefs....

 

The whirl of flashing lights in the distance catches my eye. This is the shit side of money. Temptation arriving when you’re least expecting, and with the potential to fuck up the happiness you’re building with the love of your life.

 

I pack the luggage onto the back of the cart. A minute later, I’m sitting on the second-row bench seat with Maddie as Janet propels the cart onto the roadway and heads uphill.

 

Maddie blinks up at me. “We need to have the locks changed first thing in the morning because I won’t be sleeping until I feel certain no one we don’t want inside gets inside.”

 

“I’ll stay awake all night to make sure nothing happens. Don’t you worry, babe. ” Don’t worry, babe? Fuck. Even as I make the promise to Maddie, I have one of those I’m-gonna-need-a-bigger-boat moments regarding Eve. She’s never been one to back down. ‘Course, neither has Maddie. But at the same time, I wonder how many times I’ll have to lie to Maddie about me and Cole’s history with Eve before this nightmare is over.

 

The roar of a car’s engine snaps my attention as it rounds the hill, bright white headlights blinding me. Tires squeal as the driver seems to gun the engine, heading straight for us.

Chapter Four

 

Maddie

 

Janet’s scream pierces my ears, and my heart launches into my throat, thinking the end is here before we’ve began.

 

War leaps between the seats, seizing the steering wheel, and cranes the cart to the right, as if he’s a stuntman for The Fast and the Furious movies, or could be his quick-thinking stems from his teenage years when he and Cole raced their street cars on Road 29. Either way, we land on a narrow “Carts Only” path as a silver Jag whizzes past us.

 

A chill snatches my breath, leaving me gasping, heart galloping, while I’m craving my guys huddled around me so closely I can’t tell whose limbs are whose.

 

“Fuck that was close,” War says, his words stumbling from his lips.

 

“I agree. My life flashed in slow motion until it went black, and I think we’re all watching the same reel. Why would she do that? I mean, I didn't get a good look at the driver, but I sensed it was her.”

 

Janet grips War’s arm where his jacket bunches up and watches the sedan that speeds around the corner, taillights bleeding red against the night. “You can’t explain crazy. But if it wasn’t for Warren’s quick thinking, I’m afraid we all may have played our last round.”

 

War plops beside me and roams his hands across every inch of my body. “Are you hurt?”

 

A knot lodges in my throat, and I roll into him so tightly he has to peel me back a few inches to check out my fear-filled expression under the streetlight’s yellow glow. “Not physically. But what happened?” I ask, as if I didn’t just witness a near hit and run. Shock is a sneaky bitch. I’m a vet and know the signs, and I’m suddenly shaking, and my hands are ice cold, even though Las Vegas is near seventy degrees tonight.

 

“Eve happened. She won’t be coming back anytime soon. I promise.”

 

I knew it was her… “Always trust your instincts.”

 

War tightens his grip on me, as if he can infuse me with his promise when the future is a blank canvas, ours now tinted black from the threat of Eve. My shaking knees join the party, and I’m not sure I can stand as Janet engages the cart, turning us around until we’re racing uphill toward the estate.

 

“Police,” Janet murmurs when we pull into the circular driveway.

 

Sure enough, the presence of the police drains me even more, when all I want is to climb into bed, get lost in the pleasure that is my guys, and hold them right back, celebrating we’re still breathing and safe.

 

“Can you stand?” War thumbs my cheek and roams his dark gaze over my face.

 

“Yes, but I want to go inside, preferably find a small closet where I can hide.” My words tremble out of me on a strange chuckle that doesn’t sound like my voice at all. Shit.

 

The police have other ideas about letting me leave, and they wave us over. Two officers are questioning Cole and the man I’m assuming is Arnold, who’s a good two inches taller than Cole, putting Arnold around six-foot-four. I can’t hear what they’re talking about exactly, but Cole jabs his hands into the air, his face flashing red and blue from the police car lights.

 

Shit’s getting real. Even the illuminated palm trees planted in the center island where the four are standing bat their fronds, as if irritated by the situation. Eve is ruining everything, but something tells me she’s only beginning to mess with us.

 

War wraps me in the warmth of his arm and helps me across the concrete driveway toward Cole. Guess my rubbery knees are weaker than I realize because they collapse as soon as Cole reaches for me, and he ditches the terse discussion. He cradles me, as if he hasn’t seen me in months.

 

“I’m okay, sugar. Eve left before I could talk with her. Now that the police are here, I doubt she’ll return.…” He pushes back my hair, inspecting me.

 

Here Cole is, completely unaware of Eve’s threat against me, War, and Janet five minutes ago. I snake my hands around his neck that’s taut from the stress and pull him to me until my arms strain. “I know she’s gone because she tried to run us down on her way out.”

 

“The fuck she did.” Anger pours from his rigid body in waves, and his face matches the color of the squad car as he eases me back. He shoots War a flummoxed glare and mimics War by patting down my body, checking to see if I’m whole.

 

“I’m fine. Just shaken. But if it wasn’t for War, I’d…we’d be....” I glance away as Cole turns blurry, and I’m not one to let my emotions overtake a situation that needs clear thinking.

 

“Officer Soares. I want Eve located and arrested, even if her name’s still on the residents list, and I want to file charges against her,” Cole snaps, as if he’s a trap wanting a second shot at catching a tricky mouse.

 

I’m likeminded. At first. The policeman heads toward the other officer and leaves me standing there with my guys. “Arrested? Won’t that exacerbate the situation?” I whisper.

 

Cole draws me to him, and my ear meets the lapel of his jacket. He smells like spice and nerves, but I breathe him in anyway ‘cause after that move from Eve, I dare to think the worst, that this moment might not be happening if it wasn’t for War’s quick thinking.

 

“Sugar, I’m sorry, so sorry. I should have anticipated trouble from Eve…”

 

Anticipated? Before I can comprehend what Cole’s saying, he ushers me into the house, as if the night air is acid and I’m a delicate flower, which I’m not. But I let him hold me until we cross the threshold, knowing he’s as shook up as I am.

 

This is one reason why I love my guys and want to make our union permanent—they take time from the chaos so the three of us can regroup. Seems simple enough, but Janet’s still putzing around the cart, and Arnold’s still chatting up with the cops, as if he barely knows her and she’s not his wife. For fuck’s sake. Maybe I’m more of a baby than I realize snuggled up to my guys? Or maybe A and J don’t have the kind of marriage I’m fighting hard to form? My heart hurts for her.

 

War’s trucking right behind us and clears his throat as we enter the cathedral foyer. A grand chandelier hangs over a marble table centered in the room. Besides the floral spray on the table, a few Japanese vases, and a Monet—the one with the bridge over the pond of water lilies—the room is sparsely decorated. The white space sends a chill straight through to my bones.

 

Cole spins to face War. “We could have avoided this collision, somehow.”

 

The chandelier lights up the fear in War’s eyes, and tension weighs heavy in the room as he sets two pieces of luggage off to the side. “That didn’t go so well last time you met with her alone.”

 

My curiosity piques. “Last time? What last time?”’

 

“We were fucking kids that first time—” Cole abruptly ends his sentence.

 

There’s history between the three and, like always, these two believe I need protecting. “I know what it’s like to stand on the sidelines and watch a collision unfolding, like when War used to ride the bulls, get bucked off, and be lying on the ground as the bull charged right before the clown jumped in to save him. After tonight, I know what it’s like to be helpless and waiting to be rescued. But sometimes you have to rescue yourself, and we all need to take a fucking moment and stop blaming one another for things that happened in the past.”

 

I slide from Cole’s arms, landing a little unsteady on the white marble floor. Cole darts out his hand, but I wave him away. Even When Cole’s feeling off-kilter, which he obviously is by the way his body’s trembling and he’s glaring at War, he’s careful with me. I need to be as gentle with him—them. “We’ve handled trouble before. Thanks to War’s quick thinking—”

 

“That bitch could have killed you.”

 

“She called me.” War palms the air in defense.

 

Cole’s pupils narrow to the size of pins, as if he’s actually as shocked by the reveal as I am, which isn’t my Cole at all.

 

“I should kick your fucking ass...”

 

“No one’s doing anything to anyone’s ass.” As soon as the words roll out, I want to take them back. It’s the one thing I’m still shy about asking from them: for them to possess all of me. I bury the thought that creeps right back up. Frankly, if letting them claim my ass would erase what happened here tonight, as well as the tension, I’d ask them to take me right here on the hard, cold floor. “I’m only concerned because I don’t know if Eve was trying to scare us or actually trying to hurt us. Maybe she didn’t see us coming up the hill she was rounding—”

 

“She saw you. She’s not one to do anything that doesn’t have an angle. Which is why I wanted to talk to her face to face.” Cole pegs War with a hard glare, adding a sneer. He rolls back his shoulders, puffing out his chest. “Instead, you go and, what, warn her when she calls you?”

 

I watch Cole readying himself to launch at War. They both have a unique telling trait right before they start brawling, and War wears a white scar in his brow from when they fought over me when we were teens. For some people, it’s the only way to differentiate between the identical twins. But that’s not my concern right now. “Is that who you were talking to? I mean, how does Eve have your cell number, War?”

 

War glances out the open door, and he huffs. “Yes, it was her. I have no fucking clue how she got my number.”

 

“You going behind my back, again? Our back, now? Thinking of cheating on Maddie now that Eve’s up for grabs?”

 

War cocks his head to the side and launches himself at Cole, his right hook grazing Cole’s cheek as they both land up against the wall, tipping the Monet. “Fuck you. You want another?”

 

“Whoa, whoa!” I dive between them, risking my health, and jam my palms on each of their heaving chests. My ears practically bleed from the information I’ve received and what’s transpiring. Sometimes these two make me cray, cray. I push out my arms. “Stop fighting right now. I’m sure you each have your reasons for wanting to talk with Eve privately. Maybe you should.”

 

Warmth trickles down my face. Oh, hell. I split my gaze between the two. “If you’re having second thoughts about me...now’s the time to explore—”

 

“No, no.” War releases Cole, trading the brute for me. He clasps my wet cheeks. “I want you. We want you. But this shit with Eve is messy.”

 

“War’s dead on, sugar.” Cole fingers a lock of my hair. “She’s an old demon, believe me.”

 

I nod as tears crowd my throat. “You both want to protect me, and all I want is for us to build a happy life together. I’ll be devastated stuck in the middle trying to stop you two from pummeling each other. So, let’s stop arguing over who-did-what-and-why, especially when we all need to focus on how to stop Eve from returning, so we can focus on us. We don’t need any more scars. We need to all heal and move forward.”

 

“You’re right, babe. There will always be those trying to jam a wedge between the three of us, and if Eve was here right now, she’d be winning.” War blows a breath and rakes his hair that’s trimmed tight along the sides and slightly longer on top.

 

The two have a minute-long stare down, Cole backing down for once. “But that’s not all she wants, and you know it…” Cole cautions as if he’s picturing her demands.

 

Maybe he is rehashing their past. Or the real villain of this story: the Pierce fortune. Clearly, I’m missing a huge piece of this backstory, but I’m not sure I’m ready to hear the details tonight. On a good note, looks like the art and vases are safe. But is my heart?

Chapter Five

 

Maddie

 

Another hour has passed, and I’m still a hot mess, sitting on a sectional couch that overlooks the terrace that’s lit up like a luau is about to take place. The fight’s done left my body. I need some fucking privacy, but the police are still hashing out details. Not sure what they’re waiting for, so I’m asking the question no one’s asking. “What are the police doing about Eve now? What other precautions can we take, so she doesn't come onto the premises in the future?”

 

Cole shoves his hands into his pockets and glances to the kitchen where the officer is finishing up with Arnold. “I’ll order the contractor to have the locks changed in the morning. We’ll have to check with the HOA to see if iron fencing and gates can be installed to secure the lot. The security system company has been alerted already, and they’ll send out a rep tomorrow to upgrade the system. The new installation will have both visual and audio capabilities that can be streamed to our cell phones via an app. If anyone enters the property, we’ll be alerted.”

 

“What about wolves. Can we order some big-ass dogs to roam the grounds in case of a power outage?” War chuckles as he’s sitting beside me stroking my thigh, in long, purposeful strokes.

 

It’s his nervous laugh and behaviors, similar to when my father’s questioning—more like interrogating—War about us three having children and raising them with two fathers, and other things War can’t possibly know about. No one’s a psychic or in possession of a crystal ball that can foresee the future. Although we are in Vegas, but that’s all smoke and mirrors. I reach for Cole’s hand while cupping War’s, calming his movement. I tug the two of them against my body that’s even more chilled than an hour ago, even though their warmth seeps into me, letting them know I’m here for them.

 

That’s how I’m wired. I internalize danger and trouble, similar to when I’m performing a delicate surgery as is necessary for my job as a veterinarian. I’m not one to spaz out during a crisis, like we had tonight, so at least I don’t holler and carry on. But this shit is getting ridiculous, and I’m numb, chilled, and I think the guys know because they’re doing that silent glance thing the twins have done since I met them when I was five. “I need some coffee or tea and these men gone. It’s not a murder scene; just a misunderstanding.”

 

“Janet, can you bring some tea for Maddie?” War calls out toward the kitchen where she’s busying herself.

 

A minute later, Janet’s standing over me. “Maddie. Here you go.”

 

She hands me a piping hot cup of chamomile tea with milk, as if she read my mind. And for the first time, I see Janet. I haven’t really looked at her before because the darkness shadowed her features. I was focused on Cole dealing with a crazy woman and avoiding getting made into road pizza. She’s about the twins’ age, mid-thirties, with black hair that’s clipped into a loose bun. Like me, she’s not wearing much makeup, except for a bit around her eyes, making her seem exotic in that Pacific Island kind of way. And she’s tall and slim with muscular arms, as if she works out a lot more than I do.

 

“Can you show Maddie to our quarters?”

 

“Of course, Warren. Let me gather her things.”

 

“I can—”

 

“No. Maddie, I’m here to help you in any way I can, and you’ve been through a lot tonight.” Janet heads toward the foyer, grabs my luggage as the front door opens.

 

Office Soares comes into the living room holding a pad and a pen. “Before you go, I wanted to inform you we’ve located Ms. Devereaux at her condo.”

 

Cole punches to his feet. “Has she been arrested?”

 

“No. She’s denying ever being here or talking to Warren and was very accommodating.”

 

“I bet she was....” I murmur cockily. What? I’m pissed off and my jaw aches from grinding my teeth because I haven’t slept in nearly forty-eight hours, and this officer has wasted three hours of our time.

 

“I personally checked out the video at the guard station that clearly shows the silver Jag you all described leaving the community, but we couldn’t identify if the driver was Eve, nor were we able to confirm if the car used to force you off the road is the same as the vehicle in her possession. The vehicle leaving the community was void of license plates as shown in the video feed.” Soares flips over his pad of paper and pockets his pen, as if it’s a wrap.

 

I’m confused and take a sip of my tea. “Isn’t it against the law to remove the license plates?” The high pitch of my voice startles even me, when clearly there’s a lot more going on here than I’m privy to knowing.

 

“True, Maddie.” Officer Soares coins my name from Janet, or could be Cole. Hell if I know. “I don’t think Ms. Devereaux will bother you tonight. But as a precaution, I’ve beefed up security at the front gate, and I’ll be parked in front of your home all night.”

 

A flutter of relief fills me, and I relax my shoulders a bit. I suppose being in Eve’s shoes I’d have felt the urge to rush outside and shoo away a trespassing helicopter that randomly targeted landing in my backyard. Embarrassed as she must have been, denying she almost ran us down is a forgivable offence if it was an accident. I swerved, almost hitting a raccoon when I was upset and not paying attention to the roadway, once. But what bothers me is that she denied being here when clearly we all saw the woman. “Thank you...You say you’ll be parked outside tonight, Officer Soares? That seems extreme, unless I’m missing something you’re not sharing with us. Like she’s a serial killer…”

 

“She’s owner of an exclusive gentlemen’s club and BDSM gallery.”

 

I spit the tea I’m drinking and hope it doesn’t come out my nose. Now I see what the guys hid from me and why. Inadequacy rushes in, reminding me I will never be enough for them if they’re craving the likes of a glorified madam, ex-stripper, or whatever, who probably thinks porn is gallery worthy. A hand holding a handkerchief comes into view from the officer that I take. “Thank you.”

 

“It’s the least I can do. Richard Pierce Sr. was a contributor to the police force and an outstanding citizen. Whatever his sons need, I’m here to help, but tell me...which of these men is your father?” He pins me with his questioning stare.

 

Warren’s eyes practically bug from his face, but I hold up my hand and set the officer straight. “I’m both Cole and Warren Pierces’ fiancée, and we’ll be marrying as soon as we set a date. You’d better jot that down in your notes.”

 

Officer Soares glances at his feet for a moment, as if he’s waiting to be sent to the corner or the dog house, but I have my own problems.

 

He clears his throat, his cheeks pinking. “You have an ageless look about you, like you could be twenty instead of thirty five. My apologies.”

 

“I am a decade younger than my fiancés, and I do have a girlish look about me. But for the record, we’re here to make Vegas our winter home after we’re married.” I motion to his notebook. “So, should we have any further problems with Eve, you might want to add a scorned woman as possible motive.”

 

Soares pens some info in his notes, or maybe he’s covering up his embarrassment, but I give my guys a squeeze, letting them know I’m still here with everything and anything thrown our way. It’s to be expected—judgments. I push to the edge of the couch, taking a good, long drink of my tea before setting it on the glass coffee table. “I think we’ve all had as much as we can take tonight, and, frankly, all this stress has me craving a hot bath where I can wash away some of the creepy-crawly feelings. So, if that’ll be all....”

 

The guys unfurl their arms from around me, and I’m missing their touch. As if they’re pillars, I’m bridged between them, and I’m not even aware they’re supporting me until I’m standing on my own wobbly legs. Definitely shock.

 

“This way…” Janet motions for me to follow her, and I do.

 

 

* * *

 

 

The bubble bath rises with steam, a bath towel that resembles a cloud floats on a little teak stool, and Janet closes the door behind me, leaving me alone for the first time in the strawberry-scented room.

 

I don’t want to break down, but my body has other plans. My eyes are like faucets as I replay the last two months where my life morphed from twin lovers I’d given my virginity to at the same time to twin fiancés who’d become overnight billionaires and inherited something the cat puked up. What if I’m not enough for Cole and War, this new life?

 

By the time I’m dried from the bath and head to the bedroom, the house is quiet, and my guys are showered and waiting for me. Their presence tugs a weary smile from my face, and my belly flutters, waking my desire for them like they always do. I’m a lucky girl. I can do this. Them. Us.

 

A purple glow off the Vegas Strip paints their naked bodies, as if they’re my amethyst gems brought to life on the fur-covered, king-sized bed made to look even larger in the pure-white room. My breath catches and I drop the towel, letting it pool around my feet before I climb between them, settle against the heat of their bodies, and thread my legs with theirs. “You two never cease to surprise me.”

 

Both gaze at me with a seriousness I’m not used to witnessing as we’re all still processing the “what-ifs.” Eve’s drama is screwing up everything…or maybe it’s something deeper, as if their past has reanimated and is choking our HEA.

 

I place one palm on Cole’s cheek and the other on War’s, dragging them from their thoughts. “I don’t want either of you to let the guilt of your past keep you from embracing our future or talking to me about anything. So, no matter what you have to say, I’m ready. I know what I want, what I’ve always wanted, and that is both of you as my husbands.”

 

“If you knew our past, you’d have nothing to do with us,” says War, as if he’s just bitten into a sour lemon and it’s stuck partway down his throat.

 

“Eve isn’t the bomb, guys. She’s just the fuse to something that’s been on the verge of exploding for years. You know, maybe your father left you his inheritance as his way to say he’s sorry for everything he put you through with her. Maybe he saw his mistakes and wanted to earn your forgiveness. But first, you’ll both have to forgive yourselves if the three of us are to find our happy place.” I force a smile, kissing War because he’s raw emotion and Cole because he’s hiding his feelings behind his brawn. “Change is as difficult as switching out every light bulb to red that turns Vegas into a violet oasis. It can be done, but it’s hard to know where to start. Ya, know?”

 

War tosses his arm over his eyes, hiding his emotion, while Cole pulls me forward, kissing my hair.

 

“You’re the best thing that’s ever happened to us. Don’t ever forget that, sugar,” Cole says, his words like a cherry on top of an ice cream sundae.

 

However, Eve's a worm eating away my belief I can be enough for my guys, but I don’t share my fears. Not tonight… I have to prove to the guys I can be more to them than Eve ever was, and I’m starting right now. 

Chapter Six

 

Cole

 

I wanted to change Maddie’s world for the better, but here she is changing mine, even as the threat of my past soars above me like a vulture wanting to pluck my bright future straight from my heart. “Maddie, I regret not selling Dad’s place straight out—”

 

She lands her little finger on my lips and replaces her finger with a kiss.

 

Sweet like honey, delicate with the hint of chamomile from her tea, and her, I drink her down. She glides across the length of my body, her skin softer than these silk sheets I’m lying against, taking her place between me and War. I cup her cheek, now pink and warm from the bath, and I open to her eager kisses that I’m wanting to savor like this is the very first time. “Slow down, sugar,” I murmur, hoping this night will last forever when there’s no guarantee.

 

“Never slowing until I’ve had you in every way possible. I want you both, wanted this”—she peppers my lips with kisses—“all day...all night.”

 

She must usher Warren to scoot closer because I catch his hungry gaze out of the corner of my eye, and he brushes his ear against mine, and, like me, I assume he’s captivated by the power she has over us with a single command.

 

A chill blankets my lips when she pulls away to hover over War’s. But I watch her claim my twin’s mouth with tender kisses and gentle mews that turn to deep thrusts of their tongues and guttural pants as passion builds between them. I groan and fist my hard cock, pumping the shaft in long, slow strokes.

 

“That’s my job, Cole.” She slides her hand around me, upping my pleasure tenfold.

 

She loves us both, I realize, maybe not for the first time. But if there was doubt in me, that feeling is long gone. What if she finds out about Eve? No. I won’t let that happen. I ponder the steps needed to lock in my plan, even though she’s working my cock, as if my body is hers. Of course it’s hers. So I’ll make sure everything she’s ever wanted—marriage, babies, a happy home—is fulfilled. I have the power to make our union permanent. Money is no longer an issue.

 

“I’m gonna take care of you two forever.” She shimmies lower, taking Warren in her other hand as she strokes both our dicks, upping her rhythm until I’m thrusting into her palm and the talented mouth both War and I are struggling to claim. “Fuck, sugar, you're gonna make me come.”

 

She eases back, her lips resting on my sensitive tip. “That’s the idea.”

 

Down her throat, one inch at a time, my length disappears, and I’m getting lost in her heat, my impending orgasm clenching my balls. She releases me, and I’m missing her like fuck, but she takes my twin, his moans of pleasure filling the space. Only I demand more, and that fact rises from the grave where I buried my past with Eve…a complication I can no longer ignore.

 

Our sweet little Maddie crawls to all fours, pushing her heart-shaped ass into the air and readying herself for me to take her sweet ass cherry as soon as she tugs me to take my place behind. “You know what I want, Cole: anything you want to give me. Take me now....”

 

Yup. Fuck, I know exactly what she wants and why I promised myself I wouldn’t do anal with her, with anyone else, ever. I have to be in control, but with Maddie sweet as she is? She’s the one with all the power, and she doesn’t even know it.

 

My legs shake, and I’m tempted to throw her onto her back and shove my hard length into that juicy pussy. But how can I deny Maddie when she’s proclaiming she’s ready for anything, and I’m thinking she’s had enough pain for one night. Enough intrusion, and I don’t want to be that man to hurt her, ever.

 

Okay, that’s a fucking lie. I want to tie her stretched hands, place them above her head, roll her flat on her belly, ass up, blindfolded. Or better tied to a ring that hangs from the ceiling and wrap her body in knotted silk.

 

“Cole, I love when you’re so hard....”

 

“Make me last, sugar…” Temptation to do with her whatever the fuck I want wanes.

 

Eve’s presence tonight has my sordid past rushing to the forefront of my mind and stirs inside me all kinds of thoughts about how Eve taught me pain and pleasure and sex are a grand threesome when done right. Fucked as hell when things go wrong…

 

Don’t go there. I have no desire to ever again see or be with Eve in any capacity, and neither does my twin. But the thrill of plunging my hard length into Maddie’s tight ass shoots blood to my tip until my cock throbs with pain.

 

“Do it, Cole. Possess the only place you’ve never claimed.”

 

She’s right. I want to fuck Maddie’s sweet, tight, virgin hole. I want to watch my cock get lost inside her forbidden cave until I explode as she’s screaming my name from the Big O I’m giving her. Fuck, yeah. “You’re too good for me, sugar,” I whisper.

 

Maddie takes War into her mouth, and the sound of her slurping on his shaft echoes in the huge room that’s too white, too open with that panoramic window I want to throw a big, black tarp over to cover how exposed I’m feeling, even though I’m strumming her clit, and she’s singing her pleasure, as if I’m her everything.

 

War’s playing it safe, and by the look on his face—eyes rolled back, lips parted—he’s not thinking about Eve at all, which is good, and obviously where I need to be right now.  I should be focused on Maddie and not the woman who ruined me and War’s chance of ever having a relationship with our father. The need to trade places with him swarms me, but I grip Maddie’s ass, knowing if I don’t shake hands with forgiveness, I’ll be stuck resisting what I need: the urge to dominate.

 

Maddie tosses a glance over her shoulder, reaches between her legs, takes me in her tender hand, and guides me into her silky core. “Make me scream.”

 

I roll my eyes to the back of my head, bury my cock into her slick, tight, welcoming pussy and lose myself because being with Maddie feels like the first time. Every. Fucking. Time. I never want to screw that up, and yet, maybe I already have. Doubt flutters deep inside my belly, but I fight it off, too afraid of giving into it.

 

I’m holding her cheeks, and the scoop of her ass fits perfectly against me. I slide up my hands to clasp her shoulders that strain under my weight. I should lean back a bit to take some of my weight off her, but she’s rocking her hips into me, meeting my demands, taking my length and girth and what I’m giving her. “Sugar, I’m gonna make you come so hard you’ll never want to leave this bed.”

 

“Fuck, you’re beautiful, babe…” War tips back his head and threads his hands in her hair, guiding her mouth over his cock as she takes all of him. “That’s it, babe. Suck me, harder, deeper. You’re perfect, so fucking amazin’.” Sweat slicked, a satisfied smirk climbs War’s face.

 

Maddie quickens her pace, her mewls filling the room and tempting me to take what she’s offering. Her ass delights me, as if it’s a button waiting to be pushed so I can collect another O of hers, of mine, and send us both over the plunging cliff.

 

“Take me, Cole.” She whimpers.

 

“Sugar…” Sure, I’ve tongued her there, but she wants more. Fingers, my rockin’ cock. Then what? I swallow hard, careful what I’m wishing for—someone to submit to me—when she’s only growing stronger...more like...

 

She moans around War’s shaft. She’s close, so close, the flush of her cheeks burn crimson. She doesn’t have to speak because I know her, know what her body craves, what she’s needing, what I’m scared of giving her because once I cross that line, there’s no turning back for me, as I’ll demand anal from her every time. But what if that which I’m craving she is too? Like Eve. No, no. Not Eve. I can’t shake the thoughts running rampant in my mind.

 

Maddie’s a strong woman who knows what she wants. We’ll barter on the topic, I decide, then as I slip my thumb into my mouth, juicing the digit, palm her hip, knowing she’s ripe for my taking… And I sink home.

 

“Yes,” Maddie cries out. Her pussy clenches my cock as she goes rigid, her toes curling.

 

“That’s it. Fuck my thumb in your sweet ass, sugar. Fuck it good and hard.” I’m grinning, so pleased with myself that I can make her feel so good. But she’ll want more; she’ll want all of me. I almost shake my head as a singular question circulates through my mind: Why the fuck am I so hung up on claiming her or her me, as long as we're loving each other? Except I already know the answer. I don’t think her name. Can’t risk saying it out loud.

 

Wish it away…. It lingers.

 

“I love you, Cole.”

 

Fuck me. “Love you, too, Maddie.” My O barrels home, as soon as the words roll out of my parted lips. Because I do love her. Maddie is the woman who taught me what love means—love without betrayal. All I have to do is get the fuck out of my own way. Make her my wife now, work through the other shit later.

 

“Yes, yes!” She rocks, finding her rhythm that locks the three of us together, as if she’s a rope and Warren and I are working her body back and forth—a game of tug-o-war.

 

Balls clenched to the base of my shaft, cum rockets out the tip of my cock, filling her channel until I’m curled across her back, lungs pumping, and dazed to the fact War’s stretched out beside me. I’m exhausted, mentally and physically.

 

We settle into a heap of sweat and heated breaths and ecstasy so all-consuming I’m blinded by the sun that is our bride-to-be. And wouldn't you know that our sweet little Maddie’s wearing the most beautiful smile I’ve ever seen as I fade off to sleep…as we all do.

Chapter Seven

 

War

 

I crack open my sleep-laden eyes and catch a dim shadow as it darts across the far wall. My heart slams into my throat, but I resist the temptation to feed the rising fear. It was a mirage and as solid as the fact that I’m sleeping beside my fiancé and Cole. Nothing more.

 

I stroke Maddie’s head, plant a kiss on her silky locks, and ease back so I don’t disturb her or my twin. Foreign scents mix with those I treasure and tease my angst over Eve’s demands. I fucking hate her, or at least what she represents. A selfish, entitled bitch. Demanding in her own way and forever trying to ruin what has always been ours. Eve’s wants our fortune. Us. I want peace, and that’s what she stole from me tonight. Again. And I’m sure Eve will interrupt us over and over until she gets what she wants from us.

 

But I need a plan. Something Eve won’t guess. I won’t let Eve ruin what I have or harm my family. I’m breathing too fast, shivering more than I should be, even though I’m surrounded by blankets and those I love. Because Eve’s still covetous, still as cunning, a cougar stealthily hunting her prey and just as deadly to the happiness I’m building. Hell if I’ll let her have control over my life. I shake away the thought of her controlling me before it has time to sink in.

 

I roll off the bed, pull up my shorts, and head to the window, feeling the heat rolling off Cole’s body before he brushes against my arm. “Couldn’t sleep either?” I glance at my twin.

 

He shakes his head, bangs falling loose on his forehead, and he’s wearing nothing but a towel. “Heard a creak in the hallway... Must be the wind though...”

 

I glance at the vacant wall. “Eve’s not here, or we’d know. Police are on site. Arnold. In a few hours, this place will be a construction zone, and Eve wouldn’t dare trespass, so we can finally check out the house, let our guards down, and chill.”

 

“You’re right,” Cole says, adding a nudge.

 

For a moment, we stare at the wide-open, rolling hills beyond the terrace and golf course cast pink by the pending sunrise, sharing nothing but our thoughts. That’s when I catch my reflection. To have a future, I have to believe in one, even without our fortune… An idea surfaces in my mind. “For Maddie, I don’t want to lose this, ever. But to make Eve go away permanently, it’s gonna cost us everything.”

 

Cole jerks his head toward me, meeting my gaze with a baffled stare. “Shit, you’re not thinking—”

 

“Offing Eve? Many times, bro, for what she did to us, keeping us away from our father and convincing him we were his enemies. But I’m not one to cross that line.” I lean in, glancing over my shoulder toward Maddie to make sure she’s sleeping. “We need to make our trio permanent.”

 

“And we will, soon as we’ve renovated this sterile mansion with our rustic touches—”

 

“No. I’m talking Saturday,” I deadpan, hoping like hell Cole will agree with me.

 

“Elope in two days. Fuck, are you crazy? Besides, her mom will disown us for a fact if we pull that shit,” Cole says, his words punctuated like nails in a coffin.

 

“Hear me out. I know Maddie’s slow burn about this wedding planning and wants her fingers in every detail. If we go at her leisurely stride, we’ll be sprouting gray hairs before we’re married. We have a CD ready to be cashed out from the interest I’ve hid for a rainy day. Looks like it’s pouring. So we arrange for Maddie to work exclusively with Extreme Wedding consultants.”

 

“That shit’s going to cost us half-a-mil?” Cole rights his towel hanging low on his hips.

 

I choke on my spit and the price tag hanging off a wedding like that, knowing Maddie’s more like me than Cole and focused on doing shit herself. But what the hell do we know about weddings? “We may be over our heads with this shit, and our inheritance isn’t confetti. But Dad found something in us, in him that inspired him to want us to be happy.”

 

“We could host the wedding here. Hell, I’m sounding like you tracking pennies.” Cole huffs. “With all the construction taking place this week to increase security, plus what the interior designers are doing to the house, Maddie won’t have a clue we’re doing this for her.”

 

“It might work. I say we fly in her mom today. Send them both off to shop.” Warmth replaces the chill inside that quickly returns. “After last night, I don’t think Maddie will fight us on moving up the wedding, even if she finds out. But there’s more. A rushed wedding won’t get rid of Eve. So I’m proposing one hell of a wedding present.”

 

Awareness widens Cole’s eyes, and he glances at Maddie, her chest rising and falling with each gentle breath. “‘Cost us everything....’ We need to make some calls. Fast.”

 

For the first time since touching ground in Las Vegas, a smile crimps my cheeks. “It’ll be our surprise to Maddie. She’ll love it. Then Eve won’t want us broke bastards any longer, and we’ll all be free.”

 

“War? Cole?”

 

Maddie’s sweet voice summons Cole and me, and we pad back to the bed, slipping in beside her. We don’t mention our secret plans that will be set in motion come morning, but even as I lie beside her after I text her mom, I focus on the wall where I still picture Eve’s silhouette standing over me: the ten-year-old child, the twenty-one-year-old, the now thirty-five-year-old man still scared the monster will destroy everything if she gets the chance, and I’ll once again lose everything I love.

Chapter Eight

 

Maddie

 

Automatic blinds slide open, the scent of cinnamon and coffee fills the air, and the most beautiful men in the world straddle the changing room’s lounge chair while I’m putting on my shoes. It’s hard to call Las Vegas home, feeling off-balance after last night. But the morning sun, Cole’s sexy smirk that pinches his blue eyes, and War offering me a bit-size piece of French toast tugs at hope today’s gonna be perfect.

 

Shit happens, right? I’m thinking last night was a fluke, and we’re back on the path to our happily-ever-after, except I need to caution myself. Nothing is as easy as it seems. “What are you two up to, and why are you pampering me this early in the morning?”

 

“You’re showered, it’s nearly ten, and we have a surprise waiting for you downstairs, so you need to eat quickly. You’re going on an excursion.”

 

I snap up the piece of French toast, chewing around my words. “Excursion? Haven’t we had enough surprises? I haven’t even checked out the house.”

 

A loud bang shakes the windows, and I yip. “What the hell was that?”

 

Cole darts his gaze at War.

 

“Construction,” they say in unison.

 

Twins, what can I say? “I need to be here with you both, in case you need me. You’ll be hungry if you’re working—”

 

I stop my own sentence, remembering Janet and these two are billionaires. They don’t have to lift a finger if they don’t want to. Of course, I know them like I know myself. They’ll both be knee deep in doing whatever they have planned. “What if you get hurt?”

 

“Nonsense. You deserve a break. Ready?” War stands, all six-foot-two of him.

 

That’s when I spot something under the bed, something that catches the light near the towel. I bend to pick it up, but War tosses me over his shoulder before I can clearly see what it is and ignores my little yelp. “There’s something shiny under the bed…”

 

“Leave it. Now, close your eyes,” Cole orders. “Don’t open them until I say.”

 

Blood rushes to my head as I hang upside down. I palm War’s sexy buns, and even though I keep my eyes closed, I know we’re descending the spiral staircase from third floor to the first floor. Curiosity piques. What was that object? Whose? Eve’s? I pocket the topic as I don’t want to ruin the jovial mood or their little surprise. “I hope what you both have planned for me doesn’t take too much time. I’m barely settled in—”

 

“Darling!”

 

Warmth surges inside my chest at the sound of my mom’s voice, and War releases me to the floor, adding an apologetic grin.

 

Before I’m able to process Mom’s here, she rushes me and flings her arms around my neck.

 

“This place is beautiful.” She shoves back a few inches, examining me. “You’ve bloodshot eyes… And your cheeks are sunken a bit. Boys, are you feeding her.”

 

I flip my gaze to War, the taste of cinnamon fresh on my lips, and consider if crawling back into bed with my men is on the itinerary. “They’re taking good care of me, as always, and I can take care of myself, Mom.”

 

“I heard about the break-in.”

 

A tinge of betrayal hits me, and I drop my jaw. “You guys told her?”

 

“Police were onsite,” War says, as if he’s stating facts like Officer Soares.

 

Mom squeezes my shoulders, and then paces the floor in a tight circle. “I don’t like this once bit. You should all move back to Brown Valley permanently and forget this winter/summer move. Home is where we can sleep with our doors unlocked, windows opened. You three could build a palace on the ranch, up in the hills...” she says, her speech droning on like a sales pitch. “And another thing, I almost got run off the road on the way here by a work truck. It happened fast, but I managed to get a good look at the woman. She wore her hair in an updo and seemed to be wearing a whole lot of glitter around her shoulders, like sequins. Seems strange for a construction worker...”

 

Cole beelines toward front door and is gone before I can wrap my mind around what has happened. Would Eve go to such extents as to plan an attack on my family? “Could be the woman dropped her husband off to work in construction before she went to work in the city and was simply distracted.”

 

“That’s what I was thinking... But she glared right at me, like I was a target, or I’d done something to personally offend her when I’ve never seen this woman before. I shouldn’t have brought it up. Instead, I should be focusing on our day, wedding dress shopping.” Mom squeals. “I’ve got all the locations plotted out…”

 

Mom’s pumped, and I should be, too. But even though Mom’s rattling off locations, as if she didn’t almost get sideswiped, I have to consider if I’m worrying for nothing. Coincidences happen all the time… Except intuition tells me on this one, Mom’s wrong.

Chapter Nine

 

Cole

 

“Mr. Pierce, I need you to come downstairs straightaway,” says Tal, the contractor I hired, concern woven in his voice, as though someone’s about to throw down.

 

Tal’s overseeing the work being performed today, a man highly recommended by Arnold and a decade older than me. When he talks, people listen.

 

Only I’m frozen to the carpet in the master bedroom and clutching what I believe is my mother’s earring. I have to consider if the noise I heard last night wasn’t the wind after all, and my heart slams my ribs, as if in warning. Did Eve stand over us while we slept?

 

I spin and face Tal, holding up a finger before I text War, both wanting to warn him about Eve and to make sure he’s okay. If Eve was actually inside the house last night, there could be a breach in the security system, or a doorway to the outside no one is aware of.

 

Cole: We may have a problem.

 

War: 27 dresses and still counting. Dinner?

 

Cole: Where?

 

War: Leoj Nohcubor

 

Old memories dart through my mind as my mouth waters.

 

“Sir, this really can’t wait…”

 

I hover my finger over the letters, deciding quickly I don’t need to bother Warren with something I can handle. War insisted on tagging along with the girls. Let’s say shopping’s not his forte, but now I’m wondering if my imagination is once again running away from me. Fuck if I’m ruining his day with our bride-to-be. Plus, knowing he’s close to the girls gives me peace of mind. I pocket my cell and the earring, opting to follow Tal out of the master bedroom to the spiral staircase that overlooks the entry.

 

“Tell me you’ve found a stable, couple horses saddled up and ready ride back to Brown Valley…” Sounding like War, I practically cringe. But, hey, we’re twins in all things. I need to remember we want what’s best for Maddie, too.

 

“I’ve found more than leather and crops. We have a breach in the security system. A room that’s not on the master plan at all. But that’s not all,” Tal says, as if skirting around a rattlesnake.

 

Arms bulked up to the size of mine, I take serious the caution in his words and follow him as he leads me past the gourmet kitchen on my right.

 

Whatever Janet’s making fills the house with savory spices that cause my mouth to water again. I can’t remember when I relaxed over a decent meal. Tonight, I guess.

 

“This way… I suggest you contact the police again, sir.”

 

His warning zips through me as we traverse the sterile-white living room to the left, getting a makeover Maddie’s gonna flip over—tufted, gray furniture she likes. A fur the size of Texas lies adjacent to the fireplace. The thought should stir my cock as an image of her forms, me taking her sweet ass cherry right there in front of a roaring fire like she’s been hinting at. Instead, nothing. What the hell’s wrong with me that I held off what she’s been begging me to give her?

 

“Show me the concern before I make the call.” I stuff the debate with myself for later...

 

The large hallway winds around toward a service kitchen, laundry area, and a set of three rooms that could be maid quarters, den or office, except they’re already redecorated by the interior designer and made into guest rooms, like some five-star hotel. Maybe War’s right, and I need to temper my urge to spend every penny for fear my good fortune will be stripped and turn around and head back to the one place I truly call home.

 

Tal holds up halfway down the hallway. “I suspected this panel led to a panic room, as many of these types of homes are built with secret rooms. But this is a threat that must be dealt with before things get too out of hand.”

 

I pinch my gaze, heart thumping, and examine the fine split in the wall that looks more like a seam in the wallpaper than an actual hidden door. But sure enough, the seam tracks all the way to the ten-foot ceiling across a threshold and back down, meeting the floor four feet over.

 

“I would have missed this a hundred times over, but I guess that’s the point.” My words shake out of me because I already know what we’ll find, and I’m certain Eve was actually inside my bedroom last night.

 

A flashback of me, Cole, and Eve inside a similar playroom that ended up destroying our father, our family, tears at my walls, but I don’t break. I won’t. “Open it.”

 

“I’ve already taken liberties. Prepare yourself, sir.” Tal pulls forward the sconce adjacent to the panel, revealing a keypad that he quickly disarms, and the door folds inward.

 

Within the dim room, the scent of fresh paint rushes my nose, and I choke back the fumes, squinting as my eyes acclimate to the dim lighting and the black walls on three sides.

 

“The mural is tacky, sir. I assume whoever painted it has not been gone long... Perhaps within the last few hours. But this must have taken them all night to create.” He pauses. “The mural’s likeness is near a spitting image of you and your brother—at least a slightly younger version—but the woman… It’s not your fiancée is it, sir,” Tal says as more of a statement than a question.

 

I ball my hands, rage like fire boiling inside my veins. The desire to rip down the wall slams into me, and I raise my cell, snapping several shots and sending them to War. Fuck, he’s gonna flip the fuck out. “I want this wall torn down and replaced.”

 

My feet seem to have a mind of their own as I stroll deeper into the room, and my cell’s having spasms inside my pocket that I’m not answering. There’s a poster bed on the far wall—like Tal suggested, plenty of play toys and a wall of silk twine—that I bypass to examine the painting. It’s Eve with me and Cole the day before she ended our world. Parkside, laughing.

 

“Video, audio, and motion detection will pick up everything now, Mr. Pierce. Windows and doors are wired. The only way someone could break in now without the security system being alerted is for you to have given them access to the front door and the ability to disarm the alarm themselves. Otherwise, they’d have to come straight through the exterior.”

 

“Eve won’t stop until she gets what she wants. If she could throw a man’s children under a bus, what will she do next?” Tal doesn’t answer, and I stare at my younger self, hope-filled blue eyes that seem to speak to me: What do you want? What will you do to get it? “What limits would you cross to protect your family?” I finally break the silence.

 

“Me? If I was in your shoes, a man with billions? Unless I was struck down with the fear of spending money, there’d be no price. Even if I had to sit watching the house from the roof, or with the man in the moon. Belongings are nothing compared to the ones you love.”

 

“Fear of spending money is War’s problem. He’s scared we’ll go without a roof over our head. Been there. Never again. We have Maddie to live for…”

 

“Exactly. There’ one more thing I need to show you….”

 

I scope out the room, noting the bed’s askew. “A hidden exit door. It’s on the far wall, behind the bed.”

 

Tal strolls into the room, passing me. He yanks back the bed, revealing a door to the outside he’s boarded up. “As far as I can tell from the house plans, the exit wasn’t included in the original design. It’s why it wasn’t wired for security, as if whoever added this room did it without the knowledge of the previous owner. Can I ask how you knew that, sir?”

 

“Because I know Eve…” Fear stirs bile in my stomach as her name passes my lips, and I stalk out of the room and into the hall, where sunshine shoots through the picture window. The urge to control every aspect of every decision, even when they’re not my own to make, engulfs me. But as I catch a glimpse of myself in the window I’m passing, I have to consider maybe relinquishing control is what will save me. I lift my cell, stare at the number I snagged from War’s cell—a number I shouldn’t be calling—and place the call.

Chapter Ten

 

Maddie

 

“Another bite, babe?”

 

War spoons coconut mousse with lemon crème into my mouth, and I savor the mouth-watering bite like I savor War’s kisses. Leoj Nohcubor is a five-star restaurant with purple walls, black crystal chandeliers, and even the carpet has gold wedding bands linked to one another. It’s the finest restaurant with the most scrumptious food I’ve ever eaten. But something’s off.

 

Cole’s laughing more than he was before I left this morning, but I caution myself to ask him about his day. War’s tracing his fingers along the deep V in the back of my silver party dress and is almost too clingy. I don’t want to ruin our dinner and the mood. I slide my hand onto Cole’s thigh, moving up the inside of his slacks, but stopping just shy of the pleats. “I like seeing you like this: happy.”

 

He covers my hand, drawing sensual circles with his thumb. “Careful, sugar, or you’ll have more than lemon crème on that pretty little mouth of yours.” Cole leans in and sucks the corner of my mouth, licking me off.

 

My breath catches, and I tease him, inching my palm upward until I cover his bulge. He’s hard, and when I squeeze, blood fills his shaft, widening his girth even more. “Maybe I’m looking for a bit of trouble tonight.”

 

Cole grins, but it doesn’t pinch his eyes the way I anticipate. Yes, something is off about him, but I’m not sure what. War tucks his hand into my dress and pulls me closer. I want to hug both of them and tell them I’ve never been happier than in this moment celebrating us, but I realize that in my bliss they’re unsettled, and I have to wonder if coming to Vegas was the wrong move. Guilt from encouraging them to return mounts, and I take a guess at the reason something between us has changed. “Did you talk to Eve today?”

 

Anguish flashes on Cole’s face, and he glances away for a moment. “We both went to see her while you accompanied your mom and Arnold to the airport. We made it clear she’s not to make contact with us, including you, or we’ll press trespassing charges against her.”

 

Betrayal rips through me, but I did encourage them to talk to her, and we’re all adults. I know these guys, everything about them, and they’re the ones marrying me. Still, I’m worried if Eve affects them this much and we’ll all be living in the same town that our trio is doomed before it’s really begun. “Are you sure she won’t cause any more trouble?”

 

Cole takes a swig of Merlot that spins pink in the bowl of the crystal stemware. “Positive. So let’s put her behind us and focus on the future.”

 

War holds out the last bite of dessert, when suddenly I’m not feeling hungry.

 

“Eat, Maddie,” War insists. “This is a night to celebrate, because we want to move up the wedding to Saturday.”

 

My head spins—part excitement, part panic. But as I examine my guys’ faces, Cole’s eyes are as glassy as War’s, and I automatically think what I’m seeing is regret. There’s more to what happened with Eve than what they’re letting on. Or maybe it’s me? The past twenty-four hours have been a rollercoaster of emotions. Why can’t I accept our future? I love them more than breathing, which is cliché, I know, but it’s true. I’m ready to give myself to them in all ways. But I don’t want to be the cause of their torment. “Are you both sure it’s me you’re wanting?”

 

They sandwich my body and wrap me in their arms so securely that I’m drawn to hug them right back.

 

“You’re all that matters to us, Maddie.”

 

They say the words in unison, and tears prick the back of my eyes. “You never cease to surprise me, guys. Yes. Yes, I don’t know how it’ll work, but I’ll marry you both on Saturday, and I don’t care how or where. I just want us to jump and never glance back.”

 

The waiter opens the sliding door, as if he’s been summoned and pops the cork of the champagne bottle, pouring all of us a round. “Hey, aren’t you two the Pierce twins, the Chippendale Twins pictured in the bar?”

 

Chippendale Dancers.... I vaguely remember my mom tsking the twins over the phone about War’s new job dancing when War attended UNLV, where he obtained his MBA, and for War dragging Cole along after he left the military. But dancing and dancing as a Chip puts their skills at an entirely different level.

 

In a rush, wetness pools between my legs as I grasp a new understanding of their synchronized moves they perform on my body. “Um, how do I not know this? I mean, I’ve never watched either of you dance, even at the pub back home?”

 

War tosses his napkin resting in his lap onto the table, and within moments, the dishes are whisked away. “Some things are best left in the past, babe. But not everything. Like this place.”

 

War managed to arrange a private room for the three of us, having a long-standing friendship with the owner, as he’d explained. After finding the perfect wedding dress, I feel like a princess whose head is in the clouds. I mean, whose life am I living? I have to give the guys the credit they deserve for taking care of Eve and tying up loose ends, so we can all move forward with our new life. “Fill me in on the pros of Vegas again, and don’t leave out any details.”

 

For once, Cole kicks back, enjoying his flute of champagne. Yeah, Cole’s found bubbly now, and he’s loosening up to the point he and War catting about America’s Playground and when it was their hometown. I take a sip of champagne, the bubbles nipping at my nose, and an eagerness spikes my courage to ask. “Do you still remember your moves?”

 

Cole blushes for the first time ever, so I beg a bit. “Please, dance for me… We need to get our money’s worth out of this room, and the thought of both of you grinding on me in all the right places turns me on.”

 

The guys share a look, and Cole leaves the room, while War picks up his cell and starts flipping through his music, as if he’s actually going to dance for moi. Maybe I’ve gone too far, but my core’s on fire, and I’m practically melting I’m so turned on and surprised by these two. Married, in two days… “I never want this moment to end, War.”

 

War cups my face, landing his mouth against mine. The brush of his lips starts out slow, but when he stakes me with his tongue, finding his rhythm—the perfect rhythm that is War and me—he’s releases a groan to die for.

 

“I want to climb inside you, babe. Never let you go.”

 

Raw emotion fills me, fills us both to bursting. He’s so much a part of me.

 

Behind me the door slides closed, and Cole drops to his knees in front of me. “Getting started. That’s good. I like you wet, sugar. So, take off your thong. Do it for me, now.”

 

My breath catches at his demand, and I slip my hands up my thigh to my white, lace thong, slipping free of the restriction. I dangle the little string and lace off my fingertip. What if I’m not ready to experience everything with them? Here. “What if someone comes in?”

 

“Taken care of,” says Cole, as if he’s in control of the world. He brings my panties to his face, and a smile replaces his primal expression. He pockets the tiny wad of lace and smooths my thighs with his palms as he works his hand up until he finds my tender folds. “Slick, hot, perfect in every way, Maddie.”

 

My breath catches at the rush they’re giving me, and I tip back my head a bit as I spread for Cole, wanting and waiting to feel his mouth on my most sensitive parts. “I like the way your dance begins, cowboy.”

 

He pulls to stand and leans in, placing his mouth over my ear while fingering my clit. “I’m taking that sweet ass of yours, so get ready.”

 

My core spasms and fire licks my cheeks.  “Oh, God. I think I just came.”

 

“There’ll be no question when we’re done,” says War against my neck as he cues the music.

 

The tempo heightens my raging pulse, my desire for them to take me, and for once I let go of my fears, knowing if we want each other, that’s all that matters. Making each other happy is all I’ve ever wanted for them. I really can be everything for them and give them all they want.

 

Cole slinks to the floor right in front of me, arms extended, as if he’s getting ready to do a push-up, but instead only the lower half of his body moves like a wave, rolling and pumping his hips into the floor.

 

I wish I was the carpet he’s making love to. I want his weight on me, his heat, his delicious sweat slick against my aching nipples. Reality hits me that I want all of them—the good, the bad. Their past, their future. “This wasn’t on the dessert menu…”

 

“Oh, it’s a seventeen-course meal, Mrs. Pierce…” War swings his leg over my head, places his ass in my lap, and grinds his hips while palming the floor. He pumps his hard cock against my thighs.

 

I cup his tush, the motion making me squirm in my seat. I’m still swooning from him calling me Mrs. Pierce, reminding me I have to do something special for them, something out-of-the-box. “You two are wild, and I love this.”

 

The room grows dark, and out of the corner of my eye, I watch Cole working the wall switch. Shit. Things are gonna get dirty. War strips off his coat, and Cole follows. Next, the two sidle up to me, one on my left and one on my right.

 

Music slows, the cadence matching their sinewy dance as they grind their twin cocks over my tender breasts. My nipples turn to rocks from their touch. And I’m floating with the stars, thinking if my life got any better, I might die and go to heaven.

 

War lifts me with ease, spins me so I’m kneeling on the chair, putting my face almost in line with his and my hands in line with his belt, which I unbuckle.

 

“My turn…” I slip the belt free of its loops, hoping War can’t tell what a novice I am. I mean, I’m like any twenty-five year old who’s read the newest sexy romance, and I can tie a simple knot like a pro. “Give me your hands, War. A girl’s gotta tame her billionaires anyway she can.”

 

“Oh, fuck, yeah.”

 

The champagne bottle falls from the ice bucket, spilling liquid and cubes of ice on the floor.

 

We all jump, but War thrusts his hands forward, encouraging me with his sapphire gaze. “Fuck the ice.”

 

I’m so hot, maybe I should. War’s willing to being tied, and I edge his arms behind his back. I wrap one strap of the belt around one wrist and circle the other, loose enough if he wants to break free he can unravel the leather.

 

Here’s the thing about War: in the bedroom...er restaurant, he’s open to me with everything, but I’m still trying to figure out his mind. He keeps checking out Cole who’s standing behind me. Is War searching his brother for approval, permission, or for Cole to join us with a little light bondage, too? Am I being too controlling, kinda stealing their show? Or are they keeping more from me than I can ever imagine? I let my worry slide for now and sink into War’s chest. I sprinkle kisses down his neck, beginning with the soft spot right below his ear.

 

“Babe…” War moans as he tucks me against his body with his chin.

 

Cole’s heated breath paints the back of my neck as he hikes up my dress, folding the material into the V back. From behind, he slips his cock into the crack of my ass. “I’ll go slowly. You tell me to stop, I will.”

 

I gasp at the idea, the deed, and how his words rumble across my skin with his promise to allow me to be in control knowing how hard it is for Cole to let go. Slickness coats his shaft, as if he’s planned this moment, including lube. Butter? I don’t think my ass will care… “Will it hurt?”

 

“Relax. Breathe, sugar.” Cole groans and sinks deeper.

 

Outside the room, the band strikes up, drowning out the clink of the belt that bound War’s hands as it falls to the floor, the music streaming from War’s cell, and my cries of pleasure from War who suddenly snakes his hand between us and strokes my clit. He’s a master over my body, circling the ripe bundle of nerves in delicious swirls until I’m tingling all the way to my toes.

 

Cole heightens my senses as he increases the pressure, tapping on my back door. “I’m gonna come, and you’re not even inside me yet.” I warn the guys.

 

“This is all about you, sugar, this first time,” says Cole, his deep, dark voice as robust as the Merlot, or, as if he’s king of the jungle and controls the Savannah that is my body with his pledge to take me not once, but again.

 

I push out my ass, spreading for Cole as War works my clit with his talented thumb. I slip my arms around War’s neck for balance, breathing too fast against the crook of his neck from the growing anticipation and the bite of pain as Cole increases the pressure, and I think War’s enjoying the show because he’s breathing as fast as I am, and his cock impales my belly, as hard as the marble statue perched in the corner of the room and as expertly sculpted.

 

“This is gonna go fast,” Cole warns.

 

Is he talking about me or him or War?

 

Cole slides forward, spreading me, and pain grips me. I hold my breath. “What if it’s too much?” I barely get out the words as pain and pleasure zip through my body a moment before Cole plunges inside, his girth widening my sensitive opening. His length fills me to the brink of pleasure, so I’m suddenly lost in a bubble of sensation my guys create just for me.  “Ah, Cole… Ah, War.”

 

Maybe it’s the champagne or the wine or the taboo deed that I’ve been wanting. Or perhaps it’s the possibility that I can give Cole and War my body in a new way. Hunger for release heightens, and I rock against Cole, grinding my face into the crook of War’s shoulder. My orgasm stampedes my awareness and overtakes my quivering body that locks around Cole’s cock. “Feel. So…”

 

“Good.” Cole barely thrusts forward with his powerful hips, he’s so gentle with me, when hot jets of cum fill me to the brim, lubricating his withdrawal.

 

I collapse against War who pulls me against his chest, winded and lost for words. Trying to dispel the truth that I’m not the first woman they’ve taken at the same time, her name still teases the outskirts of my mind.

 

“Babe, you okay?”

 

“Sugar, say something.”

 

I’m panting, coming down from the strongest orgasm and highest high of my life the twins have choreographed like the dance they performed. And I want this, want more than I even know I’m needing. “Better than okay. When can we do that again?”

 

The door slides open, the waiter barely blinks, and Cole doesn’t miss a beat. “Check, please.”

Chapter Eleven

 

Maddie

 

The restroom mirror is studded in crystals that match the little black pendant lights, and the fixtures are gold. The room is as luxurious as the dining room with all the things I need to spruce up while Cole and War pay the check.

 

I stare at my reflection in the mirror, large brown eyes outlined in black to match my lashes while freshening up my foundation. It must have worn off where I ground my cheek against War’s collar. Should I sneak War a towel to clean his shirt, Cole one to wipe his parts? Uncertainty finds me like a plague and steals my bliss.

 

A shiver runs down my spine as I think to myself. I wouldn’t dare address what just happened inside that private room, because if I do, I might get all kinds of creeped out, but, hey, it’s Sin City, and I’m not pretending that doing the nasty wasn’t hot as fuck. I smooth my lipstick with the tip of my finger.

 

I fluff my silky, brown hair so I don’t look just-fucked. Oh. My. God. It’s then that I realize my cheeks are the color of salmon, so I search through my clutch and pull out a bottle of foundation, patting my cheeks and blending the makeup to cover the blush. I don’t want to look like a mess when I walk out of here.

 

The rustle of cloth alerts me, and I freeze. I’m so busy fixing up myself, I don’t hear or feel another person in the bathroom with me until she speaks.

 

“You’re with the twins.”

 

It’s not really a question, and I must look panicked because the woman approaches me in a hot minute.

 

“Can I give you a hug?”

 

The mystery woman’s husky voice wraps around me like a feline, but I usually like strays. And since I’m the huggy type, I pull her to me, thinking she must need it more than I do, considering I’ve been thoroughly hugged in the past fifteen minutes. Suddenly, I wonder if I smell sexed-up?

 

She eases back, showing me her smile that’s outlined mauve, so my nerves settle because she seems friendly enough. “You know my fiancés?”

 

She gapes then snaps her lips closed. “You must have the magic touch to have turned those bad boys into husband material. The two were a mess. I thought they’d fallen off the earth, wound up in jail, or died.”

 

Pet peeves can take a fine mood and spin it on its head. I smile back, though the last thing I want is for some stranger to tell me about the twins’ past indiscretions, when I’ve seen firsthand what these two have gone through and are still going through to find happiness.

 

“I did nothing but love them like they deserve to be loved, and I’m not just talking about fucking them like they need to be fucked.” I state the last part, making sure she’s aware how much they’re a part of my life as much as I am theirs.

 

The woman smooths her silk shirt where the deep collar meets the first button hidden in her cleavage. “Oh, you’re as fiery as the guys warned me you’d be before I came in here. I can see why they care about you so much.” She holds out her hand, which I shake.

 

Seems a strange gesture after we’ve just hugged, but I go with it, not wanting to be impolite. “How do you know Cole and Warren?” I ask, feeling as if I may have given away too much of myself, but there’s no backing out now.

 

The woman smiles once more and, even though it’s a sweet smile, I can’t help but feel unnerved by her presence.

 

“Through their father, Richard. I was sorry to hear of his passing but happy to hear the boys intend to provide for Eve. I mean, they can always go back to Brown Valley; although I sure do miss them bringing in business on Ladies Night.”

 

Her admission sinks deep into the pits of my stomach, and before I can stop myself I’m speaking, the words come out like proverbial vomit. “Excuse me, but my fiancés haven’t made arrangements to caretake Eve.” Blinking doesn’t seem to rid the nightmare that has now appeared right before my eyes.

 

The woman before me seems confused as she speaks. “That’s not what Eve said. And she was just here… She explained she had business at the gallery.”

 

A light bulb goes off inside my head. I’ve never crossed the line I’ve drawn where Cole and War’s past and mine fall away. I know they’ve had full lives that didn’t include me in the slightest. I had no idea about Eve, let alone what kind of gallery she owns and where the business resides. “Yes, of course, because of the—”

 

“Opening tonight at nine. It’s upstairs from Aces, right across the street from the restaurant and down a couple of blocks. Pierces—the gallery—has a private showing on Thursday nights, and scheduled photoshoots. I’m sure Eve would love to entertain you as she once did the twins.”

 

The woman interrupts me, and a sheen of sweat forms against my palms. Betrayal isn’t the blade, it’s the handle, and that blunt handle penetrates deep inside my tender heart, twisting until I clutch my chest. Eve’s named her gallery after my guys. I realize then that the entire charade tonight has to have been the men performing for Eve as a way to prove to her they loved me. Was she watching us?

 

“For fuck’s sake,” I choke out as I spin around to leave, though my feet have a mind of their own as I slip out of the bathroom, checking to make sure Cole and War aren’t in sight before I sneak out of the club.

 

The cell locates Pierces Gallery, and I hustle across the street, walking briskly as the night air bites at my skin and steals my breath. My insides roil acid, and as badly as I don’t want Cole and War following me, I know they will.

 

As I enter the gallery, I’m taken aback by what I see plastered on the walls and by the real-life models twisted up in twine and either posed or waiting for their turn at a photoshoot. I drink in what I imagine must be some kind of BDSM gallery, and I’m not one to judge, but when I see Eve, I do.

 

She’s wearing a dress, if you can even call it that. The front is cut into a deep V, showing off her tits, while the sheer color of it leaves very little to the imagination. Her arms are decorated in twine, as if someone has knitted right over her skin, encasing her arms in rope cuffs.

 

An unexpected arousal drifts over my body and, if I’m honest with myself, the knotted technique is beautiful and carries an air of sensuality. My nipples turn to pebbles, my reaction scaring me a bit, and Eve takes notice as our gazes collide.

 

She sits in a clear plastic chair, sipping a glass of white wine. “You like what you see…”

 

It’s not a questions, and I cross my arms, but I can tell she’s coins pleasure from her effect on me, leaning back in her chair all nonchalant while I’m feeling self-conscious. The worst part is, I was stupid enough to fall into her little trap, luring me here.

 

“I thought you might show up,” she says, her tone edged in sultry notes like a high-society Southern belle. 

 

I can’t help but feel intimidated by her class and beauty, her power over everything. “What do you mean, you thought I might show up?” I’m shocked, and surprise rushes my lips as a white curtain falls to my right, revealing an entire wall of photos.

 

“There’s much we need to discuss, but first let me show you my pieces and the art of Shibari.” She stays seated, luxuriating in my panic.

 

I palm my jolting heart trying to flee my chest, and though I should blink at a minimum and escape what is my worst nightmare, I can’t turn away. These are not just any photos. No, these are special. Not because of who took them, but instead of who is pictured. “Cole… Warren…” I murmur, speaking their names out loud, wanting to peel the images from my mind.

 

“Yes, your perfect twins.” Eve sighs, as if she’s reliving the memories from the photos.

 

I involuntarily ball my fists, anger raging just below the surface. Another truth hits me, and her name is Envy. Seconds tick by, and another woman appears beside Eve, whispering something in her ear, and Eve stands, flashing me a slice of her leg from ankle to hip.

 

“I must step away, but have a look around. I’m sure you’ll discover a side of your men you probably never knew existed.” Eve smiles, but it’s at best a half-sneer with an evil edge.

 

I face Eve, squaring off with her, even though shivers race down my spine. As badly as I want to walk away, I don’t. “The three of us share everything in every way. That’s what it means to love someone….” I lie, and I think she knows, but I don’t back down. I can’t.

 

Eve excuses herself with a gentle nod, and I hate her. Thank fuck she can’t see me because my insides are a quivering mess. I know I should bolt, I’m craving fresh air so badly, and I’m almost hyperventilating. Instead, I let my feet carry me over to the wall where the photographs hang, if only to prove to myself if the guys can endure—even crave—the punishment Eve has performed on them, I’m strong enough to stand here and stare at photos...and in the back of my mind, someplace raw and hidden, I wish they were doing that with me.

 

One by one, I examine the black and whites, some in color, but Eve seems to like the monochromatic prints. There are various photos of War tied up, and the longer I scan the photos, I discover the ones where Cole’s doing anal with Eve as she’s hanging from the ceiling.

 

Each one causes a piece of my heart to break off, realizing how alike I am to Eve, wanting Cole and Warren, and how different because I’m lacking the adult experience she has with them. If they cared for her once, maybe even loved her, how can they look at me and not think of her? How can they truly love me when I'll never be this for them?

 

A muffled cry escapes my lips, and I cover my mouth. Am I really too vanilla for them? I mean, Cole’s proved that to me, and after what he did to me tonight, I’m sure he feels dirty, and maybe… I can’t stop the thoughts from coming. Maybe, that’s why he drank so much wine? Why he was so eager to play his old dancing part, as if he was acting? Why he chose tonight to take me from behind...

 

Every revelation comes tumbling down right then and there… It’s no wonder why they keep me at arm’s reach… And that gap can only widen if I suggest something so erotic...

 

I remind them of the one person they dislike most: Eve.

Chapter Twelve

 

War

 

Rage spirals inside me as Cole and I follow Maddie toward Eve’s gallery. When Maddie slips inside, my entire world falls away. I can see the photos hanging on the walls from across the street from Pierce’s Gallery. A blonde woman hangs suspended by a rope pentagon harness, but I don’t linger on her. I search the walls, knowing what I’ll see before I land my gaze on photos of Cole and me. “Eve’s going to ruin everything if we don’t stop her, Cole.”

 

The street crushes with cars, like every night, and holds Cole and me prisoner. Air rushes into my lungs, the subtle scent of Maddie mixed with exhaust and a clove cigarette long extinguished. I know the brand—Eve’s.

 

Cole snarls through tight lips, as if he’s ready to tear down her house and the world we left behind over a decade ago, but other than that, his hands lie still at his sides. I know he’s feeling the same anguish as I am, as trapped as the photographs that hold us behind glass. “Maddie’s image of us will be tainted once she sees the photos. She’s going to think that’s what we want from her, or worse, that we want Eve to dominate us like we once did when that’s far from the truth.”

 

“Yeah, that’s exactly what she’ll think.” Cole steps off the curb the moment Maddie comes into view.

 

Fear reflects in Maddie’s eyes as she gazes at the images and hugs her body. I can tell she’s afraid, worried, consumed with emotion, and I want to go to her more than anything and tell her how wrong she is believing we returned to Las Vegas for Eve. It’s Maddie that we want. “We have to stop Eve before it’s too late.”

 

Cole pegs me with his hard stare. “I’ll talk to Maddie, and you make sure those photos get destroyed. I don’t want anyone, including Maddie, ever having to see them again.”

 

I nod and we dart across the street, ignoring the honking horns from several cars we dodge. As we pull open the door, in our haste to decide what to do, we fail to stop Maddie from leaving.

 

“Fuck,” I mutter softly, just as Eve appears from the back.

 

A threatening smile mars her high cheekbones, pinching her too-large eyes, the whites no longer bright but made yellow from the hard life she’s chosen. “Tonight’s on me…” She motions to the photographer waiting for his next model.

 

Cole gives a sign before working his powerful thighs as he jams toward the back where Maddie disappeared.

 

“Shall we, Warren?” Her black gaze stabs mine.

 

A sick feeling fills my gut, and I don’t skip a beat. “I want the photos of Cole and me. All of them,” I order gruffly, not wanting to have a lengthy conversation. Maddie’s the only thing that matters and the only reason I’m here.

 

A frown forms on Eve’s face, her red lips falling flat and making her thin cheeks appear gaunt. “Sorry, Warren, but those photos aren’t for sale,” says Eve, as if those specific pictures hold up the building’s walls.

 

Maybe they do, at least in her mind. And as I scope out the place where I once saw adventure and rebellion, a way to test my limits and fate and all that shit I once thought meant something, I discover it leaves me flat. The only thing that mattered was finding that person who losing terrified me to the point I couldn’t breathe. Now I know that’s Maddie. “Name your price.”

 

“That’s tricky… You see, they remind me of a time when I was happy and flourishing with life, when I had everything I could ever want.” She steps closer and runs a single finger across my shoulder and down my arm.

 

I clench my fist, while my other hand slips into my jacket where my checkbook sits. “We all know that money is all that matters here, so be honest. Tell me, what’s it going to take to make these photos disappear?”

 

Eve smirks, leaving me as she glides to the wall. She runs her hand along the bottom of the nearest framed picture, the one where I’m bound, gagged, and hanging inverted by a gunslinger harness. “Why do you want to hide something so beautiful? Something that can still lure customers, like all the others.” She fans out her hand.

 

I narrow my stare at her and unleash the words at the tip of my tongue. “Maddie is the love of my life. Of Cole’s life. Nothing you say or do will ever change that. These photos? They’re of us, and since we didn’t give you permission to display them…”

 

Fear spikes in my belly at the thought of her doing something unspeakable with them, like sending them to Maddie, one at a time, day after day after decade. I shudder at the thought.

 

“You don’t know what you’re saying, Warren. Neither of you love that girl. Neither of you have changed. That little twerp is a stand-in for the taboo you’ve always craved. She’ll grow old with time, and you’ll grow tired of her simple ways, but these photos of us… Artistic. Erotic. Timeless...” She moves toward me.

 

I step back out of instinct. I don’t want her touching me again. Not when it’s Maddie’s hands that should be on my body—only Maddie’s. “These photos are wrong.” I gather my thoughts because I’d do anything for or to Maddie, and after witness the pleasure written on her face after tonight, I believe she wants more than she’s been asking for. “They’re wrong because they no longer represent that part of my life, a time I never want to relive. So name your price, and I’ll take them off your hands. If you don’t want to sell them, then I’ll get our lawyer involved. One way or another, those photos will be mine.”

 

“Your bride to be doesn’t appreciate my talent or your tastes. She’ll never marry you now. How could she when she believes I’m a monster, and then witnessing her own.”

 

A gut-punch feeling knocks the wind out of me. Eve’s dead right. I can still picture the look on Maddie’s face, and I pray like hell that Cole has caught up to her and convinced her this isn’t us. There’s no way we’ll leave Maddie alone in the city by herself.

 

“Five hundred thousand dollars,” she says without pause.

 

I stare at her—really stare—examining her features, the fine lines around her mouth, lips made full by surgeries, and her nose...the way the tip is peaked. Fake. Nothing like Maddie who bleeds wholesomeness. What had I ever found attractive in this woman?

 

“Five hundred K it is.” I write the check out and sign my name across the bottom before handing it to her. “I want them delivered to my storage unit on the outskirts of town,” I order, rambling off the address before turning away from her and in the direction of the door. I don’t spare Eve another glance.

 

“You really didn’t come here to play did you?”

 

I chomp the inside of my cheek, hating the way the word “play” makes me feel. I’m not a perfect man, but one that has sinned a fair amount in my life, but when it comes to one person, and the future that we have, I’m willing to make changes. I’m willing to give up a past that I know can never be my future.

 

“No, I really didn’t come here to be with you, Eve. We came here for Maddie, and even if you don’t believe in love, we do, Cole and me. So please, leave Maddie alone. Because next time, there won’t be a check waiting for you. You won’t have a chance to buy yourself out of the problem.” I force my voice to stay calm, even though I’m on the verge of exploding.

 

As I walk out the door, I’m certain this shit is in my past, and my future is right in front of me. I pull out my cell, finding Cole’s name before pushing call. Bringing the phone to my ear, I prepare for the worst. This might be the one mistake we can’t come back from.

Chapter Thirteen

 

Maddie

 

Regret prickles at my skin, and I run through the house, the mansion the twins said we needed so badly. How stupid could I have been to believe they wanted me?

 

Tears sting behind my eyes, and I feel the sudden urge to destroy everything in front of me. I grab the nearest item and toss it. The vase shatters like glass as it slams against the marble flooring, just like my heart, cracking into jagged shards. “I’m stupid, so stupid!” I cry, the echo amplifying the silence of the house, which only mounts the raging inferno inside me. I’ll never be good enough for them. I’ll never be the woman they want. I’m just a reminder

 

I stare at the ring that rests on my ring finger, the very symbol of our love. “I hate this place!”

 

Screaming does me no good, and as I descend down the hall, a strange panel to my right is ajar and calls to me. Secrets. Everyone I know has secrets.

 

Anger clings to my insides, and I bypass assorted construction tools lining the hallway. I push open the door. My gaze roams over every aspect of the room. A poster bed butts the far, black-painted walls. Rings hang from the ceiling, and chains extend from the wall to the floor.

 

I cover my gasp, enter the room, and close the door behind me. That’s when a mural of Warren, Cole, and Eve rises up and knocks the wind out of my soul.

 

The three are painted on the wall, tangled in each other, laughing. Mocking me. Tied up and twisted and subdued. Panic grips me in a way I’ve never experienced. Nausea slams into me, and I throw up, heaving until there’s nothing left inside me—not even hope for us.

 

There’s a huge chest off to the right of the room, and I’m tired of being lied to and treated, as if I’m too good, too provincial. I will strength to fill me and, finding my courage, I open the top that creaks like it’s a crypt, even though I’m afraid to discover what’s inside, even though I’m afraid to face the facts.

 

I catch a glimpse of a whip and step back, letting the chest lid fall, and wouldn’t you know it, the hinge is one of those locking hinges that hold the chest open, as if allowing all the skeletons to spill out and crawl towards me. “Who are you?” I cry out, knowing there’s no one to answer me. I’m marrying strangers, men I thought I knew but who I haven’t the first clue.

 

My eyes catch on the ring then, and I know what I have to do. I rip the ring from my finger and toss it into oblivion, the ding of it hitting against the wall and pinging to the floor as loud as a gunshot ringing in the night.

 

I’m nothing to Cole and War. Nothing but a fool.

 

I’m no one’s fool. Rage blazes through me, and I race from the room, going straight for the sledgehammer propped against the wall in the living room that was left behind by the construction workers. I drag the hammer across the marble, the steel head raking and etching the marble. I stalk the hall, worming my way toward the secret room Cole and War kept from me.

 

The room that I want destroyed.

 

“I’m nothing to them. Not a friend. Not a lover. Not a fiancée. Never a wife.” My words bounce off the walls, and I lift the hammer. With a grunt, I raise up the weight and then swing the handle down, the head striking against the mural, and dividing the threesome by a jagged crack that crawls up the wall. I want to destroy them. The image of them together. The woman who ruined everything. The woman who drove a wedge between us.

 

Over and over again, I work the weapon, striking the target until I’m covered in white dust and the image is obliterated like my life. But where I expect release from what I’ve destroyed, a wall of sadness rises inside me, deepening the betrayal I’m feeling.

 

The hammer falls from my hands. My arms ache and my muscles are on fire, and for the umpteenth time, I dry heave until I fall to the floor on all fours.

 

But as the dust clears, something sparkles from the corner of my eye. Lying against a bamboo cane is my ring. Ten fat, ridiculous carats…

 

Carrots…

 

I reach for the hammer, but something hangs me up. A thought that I’m the guys’ carrot, their sugar and their babe. I know as a veterinarian, winning trust and love is easier with carrots, with treats and sugar, as compared to a stick.

 

Their past is the stick. Eve is the stick, and she beat them into submission.

 

I roll back onto my heels, and memories of the three of us fill my head. Memories of laughter and triumph and fighting to be together. Not because we were forced but because we chose this path. Because we’re perfect for each other, only I couldn’t see that, blinded by my own fears and judgements against myself. I’m the one who has to take a moment and stop blaming the guys for what happened in their past. Clearly, they’ve changed and are changing. I need to join them.

 

I crawl toward the ring, grinding my knees against the chalky grit, and clutch the ring to my chest, as if it’s my heart and holding it is the only way to breathe hope and life into my soul, into our future.

 

I slide the ring back onto my finger, pledging never to take it off. “God, they have to be worried sick about me. I have to help them. Find them. Tell them I don’t hate their choices and I respect them in all things. I’ve been their reasoning for keeping me in the dark because they feared my judgment. Me,” I whisper, wiping the sweat and the tears from my cheeks.

 

“Babe. Fuck.”

 

“Sugar, whatcha doin’…”

 

I twist to face the sound of Cole and War’s voices, both so choked with emotions, I lose it. Tears rain warmth down my cheeks and muddy my face as a thought propels into my mind. We all have hidden monsters, and the only way to destroy the beast is to fight. Keep fighting. I’m ready to battle for my men in all things, and I'll never stop until that thing is long buried. Maybe not forgotten, but far, far away in a grave where I choose when to visit, or to walk away and never look back. I form words that spill from my lips, “Don’t worry, I was cleaning house. But now I need you both to do the same.”

Chapter Fourteen

 

Cole

 

Maddie gazes up at me, love in her eyes like every time she’s looked at me since she was five years old, and I don’t deserve her love after the shit that just went down. But I’m not in control of her feelings and emotions. She is. She’s all grown up, making decisions, and I’m gonna let her make this one, even if she decides she’s walking away and leaving us with nothing but the clothes on our backs. I’m giving up control if that’s what it takes. War’s agreeing, too, sitting with his head hung low on the other side of Maddie, both of us unsure of our future together.

 

“I don’t want either of you to think I’m still innocent. I’m not. You’ve seen that tonight.” She picks up a piece of drywall and tosses it into a little pile that’s slowly growing taller.

 

I give her space, sensing she’s not ready to be crowded. But I can’t help noticing she keeps checking out the chest. Eve’s chest, I’m assuming, but I can’t be sure. “I-I don’t want you to think you have to do this wild shit for us, for me,” I stammer, too overcome by how strong Maddie is when Warren and I are sitting in a pile of rubble and just as ruined.

 

“For you?” She pops up her head, splitting her glare between me and my brother. “Is that what you’re thinking? I’m wanting to try different things for me. It’s what I want.”

 

“I’m sorry.” And I am. How fucked up is it I can’t grasp that she wants to enjoy her twenties like War and I had. That she wants to explore her sexuality like War and I had...with Eve. Try every position, twice. Push her limits.  “I’m an asshole for pushing you away, making excuses, and that includes chastising myself for holding back so long what you needed, what you wanted until tonight.”

 

“You wanted it, too. Now I know why you held back. But tonight you both hurt me. I felt like what you did at the restaurant wasn’t for me, for us; it was for Eve. Tell me, was she there in the room with you, in your mind?”

 

Maddie’s question is an awakening slap in the face, and I cringe imagining if I was in her position. “No. Fuck, no.”

 

“Then why tonight? Why there?”

 

“Every addict has a trigger. Las Vegas is mine. But Warren and I have a fucked reason I keep this shit—our shit—from you.”

 

“I saw the photos, so I’m in the know, Cole.” She tosses two more pieces onto the heap, and two large pieces come tumbling down.

 

Yeah, I’m seeing symbolism everywhere. “We’re homewreckers, and once you hear why we’ve never shared this part of us with you, you’ll hand down the final strike and fuck up our shit.”

 

War scrubs his face, smearing his cheeks white. “The end,” he whispers.

 

As if he and I couldn’t be in a worse mess, I agree with him. But fuck if Maddie doesn’t surprise the hell out of me when she crawls toward us and slides between us, taking War’s hand and mine and placing both in her lap.

 

“That’s not true. I love you, Cole. I love you, War. Everyone makes bad choices; sometimes with the best intentions that turn sour. You had an entire life before me—an adult life. I’m not so blind that I didn’t catch Eve flirting with you tonight, War.”

 

“I’m sorry you had to see that, but know I rejected her advances. She’s obsessed. She played us. It’s always been about the money, and tonight I paid her off. I’m not sure if five hundred thousand is enough to buy off Eve, but threatening her with a lawsuit would ruin her reputation and most likely destroy her business.”

 

“Thank you for sharing this with me. But I’m still curious how you reconnected with Eve. As the photos revealed, you all seemed content, happy even. So, why didn’t you make contact with your father and rekindle that relationship? I mean, you were both doing well in life and in your direction. I’d think he’d have been thrilled to have you both back in his life.”

 

I clasp War’s shoulder, letting my brother know I’m too shocked by Maddie’s jump and her search for answers to speak, but my lips have other ideas. “When we were twenty-one, War and I celebrated our birthday Vegas style. We ran into Eve. We thought it was out of the blue….”

 

Fire burns my insides, and I recoil at the things I’m about to say out loud to her. “We were fooled into thinking running into her was nothing more than a coincidence, and then she brought us home, told us the place was her estate...”

 

War shakes his head, and his face turns beet red.

 

He’s still angry we weren’t smart enough to see what was right in front of us. Maddie’s mocha depths pierce mine, she squeezes my hand, and I know I have to continue…

 

“We should’ve been smarter than to believe Eve, but sadly we weren’t.” I pause, swallowing around the lump that’s forming in my throat. “Instead, I followed her orders, and she dragged us around like we were her puppies to train... I tied her to rings similar to those above like she asked, twisted her up in silk twine that took forever to braid around her like she ordered.”

 

Maddie’s eyes brim with tears, but she proves her strength by holding onto her emotions.

 

I can’t take my eyes off her as I continue on with the final words. “Then Warren gagged her like she demanded, and I’d be lying if I didn’t say doing so was hot as fuck—the tutor we’d always wanted tied up and wanting us, wet for us, begging us to... And while War fucked her pussy, I fucked her ass, just like she wanted, all while we pledged our love to her.”

 

Maddie stiffens, but I shake my head to show her I’m not finished just yet and pray she doesn’t close down. “Only the bitch had everything planned down to the very second, and just as my father opened the door to his home, to his playroom, he got the shock of his life, witnessing his sons fucking the love of his life. Every single thing that mattered to him slipped away, I know that now.

 

“Eve… She got what she wanted. War and I exiled for good. Dad believed we targeted him and that we both screwed his wife as payback. She stopped him from pressing charges…” I scoff at the memory. War shifts his weight and ditches his slumped position, I assume finding his strength like me now that the secret is out.

 

“That’s about the only good thing she’d ever done for us. We never saw her or him again.”

 

At War’s addition, I bite the inside of my cheek, an unsettling feeling sinking into my bones. Maddie’s quiet once more, her face flat and unreadable, too pale. As expected. There’s a million different thoughts running wild in my mind, and as I twist away, she reaches out and pulls me back to her, always back to her.

 

“She played you. Hell, she still is, but I won’t let her fuck with me and my future husbands. I won’t let her trample our love…” There’s a brief pause and a flicker of fear in her eyes. “You love me, right?”

 

My response escapes my lips faster than any words ever have before. “More than anything in this world, Maddie, but you see, I’m fucked up in the head as is War.”

 

“Not to me. I still think you’re perfect, and I’m ready to prove it come Saturday with everyone we know here as witnesses.”

 

Hope builds between us as she pulls War and I together and climbs us like a tree, her perfectly sculpted legs wrapping around our hips and drawing us closer.

 

It’s then that everything hits me all at once—the emotions the uncertainty. I have a future in her, in us, and I can’t just let it go. I won’t just let it go. She’s all that matters in this moment, and with that single thought on my mind, I know there’s nothing that can touch us—not even Eve.

Chapter Fifteen

 

Maddie

 

My wedding gown should be stained black after all the shit I’ve been dragged through the last couple of days, but I made the guys promise not to say anything to my parents about Eve. Ever. They agreed one hundred percent.

 

Miracles of miracles, the wedding planner, aka Janet, is a saint and I’m staring out of the third story window at the transformed terrace below. I catch a glimpse of Arnold who steals a kiss under our wedding arbor before dashing off. Secrets, I know, and I guess he and Janet are okay after all.

 

The landscaping has been transformed, and I’m told the faux arbors are adorned with twinkle lights. Dining tables circle the pool, and Janet’s draped the round tables in my favorite color that matches the sapphire in my guys’ eyes. What they don’t know is that underneath my corset-style wedding gown, I’m wearing even more bindings for them to untie. I’ve learned from watching How to Shabari on the internet. Crazy, right? It’s not only for them. I understand the extreme BDSM is not their thing, or mine, and I’m okay with that, but they get me. Me. And my desire to test my limits a bit.

 

Mom’s pacing our master bedroom, as if she’s holding something inside, and every time I look at her, my insides quiver. I’m her only child, and she’s gifting me away. That’s cause to make any mom freak.

 

She glances at her watch for the fifth time in ten minutes, and I feel the need to comfort her when she’s supposed to be the one fussing over me. “Don’t worry, Mom. Both Sampson and Dad agreed to walk me down the aisle. I’m over the moon about Dad finally coming out to our family and friends.”

 

She bites her nail then pivots to face me, her pink cheeks flushing a bit before turning pale.

 

I pull her to me, worried she’s concerned about my choice. “Mom. This is the path I’ve chosen. I love Cole, and I love War—”

 

“There’s a problem,” she blurts, as if the house is on fire and the flames are licking the closed bedroom door.

 

“What?” My knees turn to rubber, but I stiffen my legs. “Whatever is happening will pass.”

 

“No. Cole can’t find War. He’s called in the police. There’s talk about a strange woman….”

 

“Fuck.” I grip my mom’s shoulders and give her a gentle shake, fleshing out a plan. If Eve’s here, there’s no telling what damage she plans to inflict on my family. “Find Dad and Sampson. Bring them out onto the terrace and stay with them. Don’t come back inside the house looking for me, for us, until either myself or the police tell you it’s okay. Promise me.”

 

Before Mom can counter, I flee the room, hitch a hip on the spiral staircase, like I once rode sidesaddle on my pony, and slide down the railing rather than trip to my death in these four-inch heels.

 

My pulse spikes as I hear a muffled sound from somewhere deep inside the house, and at the same time, Cole bursts into the foyer through the front door. “Did you hear that?”

 

He nods, holds out his hand that I grip, as if it’s my life that’s counting on him. Together, we spring toward the secret room that’s no longer a secret, and my heels click against the floor.

 

The muffled sound permeates the walls again, and Cole makes quick work of opening the door, using the code pad hidden inside the wall sconce.

 

Eve swings the cane she’s holding, the firm, thin rod connecting with War’s back that’s lined in pink, raised welts as his arms are tied above his head to the ceiling rings. “Again!”

 

War forces the words from his lips as he clutches the bindings. “...love you, Eve.”

 

I’d never been gut punched. Really, that’s a lie. Words can knock the wind out of you, and the pain can be so great you’d wished yourself dead. “The fuck he loves you, bitch.”

 

War’s urgent breaths halt, and his body shakes uncontrollably. He grips the chains that hold his arms. “One more time...is all I had to do to protect both of you....” War begs, like he’s a martyr.

 

Well fuck that even if confusion blast through me at how she captured my groom. War refuses to look at me, and I’m fearing he believes he’s betrayed me, betrayed us, when I know this man. He’d suffer in silence to protect his twin. Me. That’s when I see the scattering of pamphlets on the ground, facedown. “Blackmail...” I whisper, understanding his reasoning.

 

Cole’s had his fill of Eve pissing him off, and he puffs out his chest. He bolts, knocking Eve on her plump, sparkly ass that doesn’t look so good now that her dress is hiked up to her panties.

 

While Cole’s cutting away War’s bindings, I’m thinking about all the ways I want to take this bitch out, but the urge to comfort War overwhelms. “War, there’s never going to be a last time with this monster because she doesn’t play by rules.”

 

The moment War’s free, he tangles his arms with mine and grips my body, as if he’s rescuing me and hasn’t just been kidnapped and whipped.

 

“Always my rules, you’ll see,” Eve warns.

 

War’s eyes flash with fear, and I wish I could turn back time and save him when I spy a single pamphlet turned faceup topping the pile of rubble, depicting Cole, War, and Eve.

 

Dressed in my corset gown with the bindings laced at my back, it takes every bit of restraint I have to keep from physically hurting Eve because I’m panting with rage and finding breathing difficult. “You’re a monster who’s preyed and capitalized on exploiting others, children. There’s no place on earth for a person like you.”

 

Cole hitches his arm around War’s welted back, and War yokes Cole’s shoulder as they head past me, but it’s too late.

 

The shrill sound of my mother’s voice reaches my ears, but Eve won’t have the last laugh.

 

Arnold and Officer Soares burst into the room. “Eve Devereux, you’re under arrest.” Officer Soares rattles off a list of offences as Eve’s led past us, this time in steel cuffs.

 

“Wait.” War scopes out the single earring dangling from her lobe. He turns his stare on me.

 

A silent message transpires between us—between me, War, and Cole—as though our minds are fused. I don’t know how I know the earring has sentimental value, but I yank it from her ear. “You won’t be needing this where you’re going.”

 

Eve’s removed, but she fights the officer all the way out, promising vengeance.

 

A wave of sadness hits me. Money changes people, and I don’t want to end up letting money dictate my life. Eve had everything, and she wanted more and more, like she’s an empty vessel of greed.  “I don’t want to be married to billionaires.”

 

War pulls me against his tacky body, and I practically crawl up on him, my dress hiked up so I’m locked around his hips, and Cole sandwiches me from behind.

 

“We have something to tell you, but it can wait.” War claims my lips.

 

Maybe he kisses me to silence my questions, but here’s the thing: I know we all have to work through secrets before we reveal them to those we love. It’s not the secret that wounds, but the wedge they create between us when we’re scared to be judged after the reveal. I love them unconditionally, and I’m not feeling guilty knowing I have the freedom to want for nothing. When War’s ready, he’ll tell me everything, and we have our entire lives ahead of us. We hold onto one another until Janet appears in the doorway, and I know it’s time to solidify our love, our union...and my out-of-the-box reveal.

Chapter Sixteen

 

War

 

What the fuck was I thinking agreeing to Maddie’s wedding ceremony done Vegas Style? She said ropes and bindings…

 

Extreme Weddings and jumping out of a fucking helicopter strapped to a flimsy parachute? The air blasts against my face the moment the wedding coordinator opens the door, and I’m thinking Eve didn’t seem this dangerous. Okay, that’s a shitload of shit. Because here I stand. Me and Cole, holding our girl so tightly with feelings of love surging through my body and filling me up with strength enough to take seriously I’m leaping into the blue. “On the count of three, babe.”

 

“Hold me tight, War. Don’t ever let me go.” She turns to Cole, squeezing my hand, and I assume my twin’s. “You too, Cole. Never let go.”

 

“Not a chance, sugar.”

 

The officiant nods, giving Cole and me the go ahead to slip the band on her finger, right next to that big-ass rock.

 

But where once I thought I’d be nervous on our wedding day, calm suddenly overtakes the moment and affects me so deeply that I tear the fuck up when she holds up the symbol of our love.

 

“I. Do. I Do!” Maddie squeals and launches her sweet little body at me and then Cole.

 

“We have something else for you...and we can understand if you don’t want them, but they were our mother’s and never should have been with…” I don’t give voice to her name. Instead, I dig into my pocket and retrieve the earrings now that we have the pair. “These were our mother’s, and they’re only crystal, but she loved them, and I remember her piling her hair up like you have now when she wore them.”

 

Maddie’s lip quivers as she takes them in her hands, and, for a split second, I think I’ve made a mistake and she’s gonna chuck them out the open door. But then she squeezes them and holds them to her chest, right over her precious heart, as if she understands why even Eve held them in such regard.

 

“I’ll keep these forever, treasure them just as I treasure both of you.” She lands her soft lips against mine, repeating the endearing kiss with Cole. Now that we’ve kissed our bride, I pledge to look to the future, believing one exists for eternity. Our future, a trio of lovers. “On the count of three, we jump. “One, two, three!”

Epilogue

 

Maddie

 

The big oak tree had sat on the Brown Valley Ranch for the past three generations. Didn’t matter which side you chose to sit, either you were watching the sunrise or the sunset. That’s why my great-great grandparents picked this spot for our family cemetery.

 

Some say you can never really bury your past, but I’d convinced Cole and War that they should try.

 

Greed had led Eve to jail first and soon after to her grave. At one time, she may have pictured herself as part of a loving family, but since she had no living relatives Cole and War’s hired investigators could uncover, even the guys had problems with putting her in the ground where no one would remember her.

 

“I hope Dad doesn’t roll over in his grave now that they’re planted side by side.”

 

I shrug the best I can, holding Warner on one hip and Colin on the other to keep the two-year-old twins from fighting over who places the flowers on the graves when this is a task reserved for their daddies. Twins, what can I say?

 

Warner yawns and Colin rubs his eyes. “You two ready for a movie?”

 

The boys fall fast asleep ten minutes into the show, and War picks up Warner and Cole Colin, settling the twins into their cribs. Three minutes later, the guys join me in our adult playroom we’ve built in a secret room adjoining our master suite as part of our mansion on the Brown Ranch, close to Mom, Dad, and Sampson.

 

“We’re ready for you, babe.”

 

Excitement zings through me. This is what I’ve always wanted. For both of them to have me, heart, mind, body, and soul, and now they can because there is nothing that can pull us apart.

 

I lay on the bed, and soon as I do, Cole and Warren stare down at me, amusement and love flickering deep in their hungry eyes. I can see the love they have for me in the single look they’re giving me.

 

“Get on your knees, sugar,” Cole orders.

 

Lightning zings through me as I roll over and push up to my knees, leaving my entire body exposed to them. My pussy clenches as I imagine both of them inside me, moving in and out to the beat of their own drums.

 

“What are you going to do to me?” I squeak as Warren crawls up the side of the bed, and Cole bends over the nearby chest, pulling out what I assume is a paddle or riding crop. We’ve grown in sexual exploration, and with that, so did our love.

 

“Spank you, punish you.”

 

Compassion and need trembles over my skin from Cole’s voice. There’s a slight tremble that always gives him away. I can’t respond, though, because as soon as I lift my head to speak, Warren is standing in front of me, his cock jutting from his hard body and there for me to suck.

 

“You’ve been teasing us all day,” says Warren, his voice dark and gruff, as if he’s ready to pounce.

 

My pulse picks up as that power and need vibrates straight through me. I reach out, taking his cock and smoothing my thumb over its velvet head. Pre-cum glistens at the tip, and I dart my tongue, licking and tasting the salty goodness.

 

“Fuck,” War hisses between clenched teeth as he ties my hands behind my back with a silk tie, making sure the fabric isn’t too tight, while I lick the head of his cock.

 

“Such a pretty woman you are…” Cole compliments as the tip of the riding crop makes contact with the top of my ass crack.

 

Shivers wrack my body as he pulls back the riding crop.

 

Again he lands the leather across my ass.

 

The air pushes from my lungs, my pussy throbs with each sting of the riding crop, and I moan around War’s cock, the head slipping to the back of my throat with ease. “Mmmm…”

 

“You’ve always been a dirty girl, Maddie. Our dirty girl,” Warren praises me this time, his hands weaving into my hair as he fucks my mouth, holding me in place.

 

My tits bounce back and forth, heavy with need, to be cupped, the nipples eager to be teased. “Take me, Cole. Please…”

 

“I want you to come for me, sugar. I want you soaked and ready, so when I slip deep inside that tight pussy…”

 

The words are barely out of his mouth, and I’m coming, as if Cole’s commanded me to do so. My core clenches, and my orgasm overtakes me, stealing my breath and momentarily my sight, but not the sound of pleasure that escapes my lips. “I’m coming…”

 

“Fucking Christ. Cole, can we fuck her already?” Warren moans, his cock slipping to the back of my throat once more, his eyes rolling to the back of his head with every thrust.

 

I love the pleasure they give me, and I want to give them the same pleasure back. Having Cole dominate me sends a surge of wetness to my core. “Fuck me…” I gasp, “Please, fuck me.” I’m not above begging, and know as soon as the words slip from my mouth that I’m in for a wild ride.

 

Warren pulls out of my mouth with a wicked glint in his eyes.

 

The bed creaks as Cole climbs onto the mattress, and I risk a glance over my shoulder at him, the other half to my heart, the man who sets my body ablaze and makes my heart pitter-patter within my chest. I know they’ll never leave me, that I’m more than good enough for them. I’m everything they need, and much, much more.

 

“You sure you’re up for the two of us together?” Cole whispers against my earlobe, my body already preparing itself. My pussy is soaked, dripping, and Cole knows it as he slips a finger between my folds, bringing some of my juices up to my puckered asshole.

 

“She’s ready for us, brother,” Cole growls, on the verge of being animalistic.

 

Any smart woman would be afraid to be sandwiched between these two men, but I’m not her.

 

Warren smiles up at me as he slips beneath me, his cock getting caught between us, while Cole massages my ass cheek.

 

“I want you both, together, forever, just like we were always meant to be.” Love seeps from within me, and as Warren cradles my face and plucks at my pointed nipples, Cole slips his thumb in and out of my ass with ease until he’s managed to get two fingers deep inside me.

 

“God, Maddie, your ass is so tight, so warm, I just want to fuck it until I explode.”

 

His words turn me on even more, and I start pushing back against his hand, my ass fucking his fingers until I feel the slow building of another orgasm.

 

“War, let’s do it.” Cole groans.

 

Excitement flashes through me, and together with Warren in the front and Cole in the back, they enter me, piecing us together, as if we were the last three puzzle pieces to our happily-ever-after.

 

Their moans and gasps mean everything to me as they both rock into me, my body becoming a start and end point for them together. Without thought, I come, again and again, my body and soul connected to them, as if we’re all the same person.

 

I’m gasping for air as sweat clings to my brow. War’s gaze pierces mine, and I know he’s close, so fucking close.

 

“You’ve got to come, brother. We have to come together. We have to fill her pussy and ass at the same time with our seed,” Cole orders Warren.

 

Within seconds, we’re all skyrocketing into space, our sweat-covered bodies cling to one another as we slowly slip down from the high. Cole’s warm seed’s planted deep in my ass, while War’s seed slips down and out of my pussy, mingling between our bodies.

 

As we lie sated in our bubble of love, I realize this—them, our new family—is what we fought to have and is worth every single heartache and tear. “I’m gonna love you two as long as I live and even after.”

 

“We know, babe. We’ve always known.”

 

“Ditto, sugar...forever…”

 

 

 

The End