Honestly, Holden's idea to invite her over to our place is so smart. We’d draw way too much attention at any restaurant. Behind the privacy of our four walls, anything can happen. Bonus, since we live in the same building, her security team won’t be posted at our door—she’s already texted us the good news. After a hectic and demanding day, a casual and laid-back evening with our princess is exactly what the doctor ordered.
Since Holden extended the invitation, he went to pick her up. We’re already pushing the envelope, it would be incredibly foolish for both of us to show up at her door. It’s best for people to think my best friend is the only one in the picture.
For the past few minutes, I've been pacing eagerly around the kitchen, checking my watch every so often. I also keep an eye on the main dishes in the oven to make sure we don't overcook them. I opened a bottle of red wine to let it air out the second Holden left. The appetizers are ready to go and dessert is waiting patiently in the fridge. In other words, it’s game on.
I look down at my watch again and sigh. "Why is this taking so long?" I ask aloud. "He doesn’t even have to deal with traffic," I chuckle.
I just finish checking on the meat when I hear Holden opening the door. "Finally," I mutter before heading out to join them.
“Hey Brandon, we’re here,” Holden announces as he enters.
“Hey—” Holy shit. I stop dead in my tracks when I catch sight of her. “Amelia, you look absolutely stunning," I marvel as I take her in.
"Thank you," she gushes. "I hope I'm not overdressed." Is she kidding me?
"Not at all," I respond. She’s fucking gorgeous.
Since Holden told me of the good news after his run yesterday, I’ve been in a sustained state of arousal. The mere act of thinking about Amelia makes me rock hard. I want this woman so much that I woke up this morning grinding my hips into the mattress because of a very intense dream featuring our little princess trapped between Holden and I as we claimed her together. Fuck.
"I had the same reaction when she opened the door. Her beauty nearly knocked me off my feet," Holden says from over her shoulder, bringing me back to the moment. He flashes me a sly grin. It’s as if he knew that my mind had drifted to perverted places. A lovely shade of pink creeps up on Amelia’s cheeks. Damn.
My eyes travel the length of her body one more time. "Seriously, Amelia, wow."
I’m never at a loss for words, but right now, I can’t come up with much more. Every time I see this woman she knocks it out of the ballpark. What an elegant sense of style.
"You don't look so bad yourself, sir," Amelia says.
"Oh, this?" I ask, pulling at my blue shirt. “Pfff.” I playfully dismiss her compliment by waving my hand in the air.
She takes a few steps towards me. She's now standing only inches away. Even in her skyscraper heels, she's just a short little thing. I watch her with interest as she inspects my shirt. She reaches out and runs the back of her finger along my forearm. The electric current running from her body to mine surprises us both. God, I want to touch her. It’s been two weeks now since Holden first laid eyes on her. I can’t believe she’s actually standing here in the flesh. Her green eyes hold mine. A slow smile spreads across her lips. Unable to contain myself, I mirror her.
"I'm guessing it’s bespoke," she starts. “Milan?” I nod. "That's what I thought.” Her eyes drop to my light gray pants. “The same applies to the trousers. The impeccable way with which they fall screams custom-made. If I were a betting woman I'd say the same applies to those gorgeous black shoes, but then again they could be from Bond Street.” I grin from ear to ear. “Don't kid yourself, sir, you have exquisite taste." I didn't expect that from her. Her sense of humor is delicious. She moves her gaze away from mine and turns her head to face my best friend. "He’s also a very sharp dresser. You two are quite the pair," she says.
You have no idea, sweetheart.
Holden puffs his chest out with pride. And so he should. He's wearing a thin gray round neck cashmere sweater that shows off how much he takes working out seriously and a pair of fitted dark wash jeans. His modern cognac color double monks brogues shoes are flown straight from Italy.
"If we’re extending compliments, I guess it's my turn now." Shamelessly, my eyes caress her exposed skin.
“Let me start by saying, you’re fucking hot. I mean why mince my words?” She laughs. It’s breathy, rich and thoroughly delightful. Damn. That sweet laugh has been echoing in my ears since that ceremony. Hearing it again is music to my ears. A sharp tug of my balls indicates that other parts of me are also affected.
Although my eyes zoom in first on her pouty lips painted in blood red, I purposely move my gaze away from them for fear that I'll give into my urges and ravish the heck out of her before even offering her a drink. "I like the updo on you. Very. Sexy.” The truth is, I’d love nothing more than to free her long glossy brown hair from whatever contraption she has it in and run my fingers through her mane until I fist it possessively, forcing her head to tilt back submissively.
Fuck.
My eyes drop to her bare shoulders and her pale, pale skin. Under these lights, her skin is luminous. "Your white top could get a guy in trouble.” That V-neck is dangerous. “Well, I guess I should speak for myself," I add with a cheeky smile. She rewards me with a huge grin. "Your red skirt is nothing but a big ol’ tease. The way it hits you past the knees makes one wonder what's underneath."
Yeah, I went there.
Her eyes widen with surprise and her face bursts into flames. I love seeing that delicious shade of pink on her cheeks. "There's so much to say about those heels that nearly match your skin color, but I'm too much of a gentleman to even start."
"Because that comment about the skirt isn’t raunchy as hell?"
I ignore Holden's comment. Amelia laughs.
"And I'll have to say this, I curse the lucky bastard who was able to put that gorgeous emerald and diamond ring on your finger."
Her eyes dart to her right hand before lifting back up to mine again. "That would be my father." She arches an eyebrow.
Ouch. "Did I just put my foot in my mouth?" I ask.
"I'm afraid so," she bats her eyelashes.
"You just couldn't keep it to ‘hello’," Holden scuffs. "For the love of God she just got here, we don't want to scare her off."
We all laugh.
“Daddy gave me this ring a few years ago on my twenty-first birthday. The stone is jadeite." I frown. "It's a rarer type of jade from Burma. It's a nod to my middle name, Jade," she explains.
"It looks beautiful on you, just like everything else you're wearing," I say sincerely.
"Thank you for the compliment,” she pauses. "I already mentioned this to Holden on the way up here, but thank you for the invitation. It's such a treat for me to go out and for it not to be related to a formal function, a gala or an event. I can't tell you how grateful I am that I won’t have to shake hundreds of hands and forget countless names tonight," she laughs.
No, sweetheart, there are only two names you need to remember.
"Thanks for accepting.” I bend my knees to kiss her on both cheeks. She gets on her toes to accept. This first touch is so arousing. I could get used to feeling her skin under my lips. “Allow me to speak on behalf of my best friend,” I say as I reluctantly distance myself from her. She's only been here a total of five minutes and I’ve already been way too forward. I'm very aware that I have to bring it down a notch. “It's an honor... and a real treat to have you all to ourselves tonight." Cue the innuendo. She blushes furiously. Holden grins at my effrontery. Oh well, I tried. “Why don't we all go inside instead of standing here in the entrance?” I suggest.
"Is everything ready, Brandon?" Holden asks.
"Pretty much," I confirm. "The deck awaits us."
I extend my arm to let Amelia lead the way. "How's the jetlag?" I ask as she sashays past me. "Holden told me that it hit you really hard."
"Honestly, yesterday was excruciating.
I needed toothpicks—like they do in the cartoons—just to keep my eyelids from touching. I crashed at seven o'clock last night and didn't get up until ten o'clock this morning. Fifteen hours of interrupted sleep and I feel like a new woman."
"I'm happy to hear it. Other than that, you're holding up okay?"
"I am. Thanks for asking. That means a lot to me. I've managed to lose myself in work today and, lucky me, I'm here with you now."
"We'll take care of you. Not to mention that you're in the company of ex Navy SEALs. That said, clearly you can stand your own. Holden tells me you're a fighter. I'm not surprised."
"This isn't going to break me," she states firmly. Holden was right, her resolve is admirable.
“Any news on the Baroness?" I ask.
"I was just telling Holden that I dropped by the hospital around lunchtime today. She's finally awake. She's also livid as hell. She's going after Ralph Delaware for everything he has, which according to my father isn’t much these days. The Baroness’ kids are very astute. Her sons and daughters have formidable business minds. Over the years, they’ve taken her already colossal fortune to a whole other level. She intends on suing the pants off of Ralph’s ass. It's safe to say, Mr. Delaware will be licking his wounds for a very long time to come."
"I'm glad to hear the asshole is going to get what he deserves," I say.
"I second that," Holden agrees.
“The kitchen is to your right,” I say as we get near the end of the long hallway.
"I'm going after him for frotteurism," she announces as she turns the corner.
“For what?” Holden and I ask in unison.
She stops and turns to face us. “It's the legal term for what Ralph did to me. My father and I talked about it in length before he left for Brussels. Ralph rubbed himself against me. Against my will. It's a sexual offense. Plain and simple," she says, matter of factly.
"How will you prove that?" Holden tackles the question. "I hate to say that, but isn't it his word against yours?"
She pulls her lips up into a smirk that’s dripping with contempt. “Ralph isn't a very smart man. Perhaps that's why he's running his companies into the ground. He should've known security would be tight. There were cameras everywhere. My father's team spends a week before every event wiring every corner of the selected venue to ensure that each person attending is on camera from the moment they pass the gatekeepers to the point where they leave. Our voices are drowned by music, but my father already has a team of expert lip readers transcribing every word that came out of the idiot’s mouth."
"Seriously?" Holden and I react at the same time.
"Absolutely. The way Ralph lied about what he did to me was disgusting. If you’re going to do something that repulsive, own it. Ralph doesn't realize it yet, but karma has no menu. You’re served what you deserve. And Ralph is about to get a heaping portion."
Good for her.
"If there's anything at all you need from us, you know where to find us," Holden says.
"I agree with Holden. We'll gladly testify."
"Yes, we will," Holden confirms.
"Thank you. I really appreciate that. I might take you up on your offer. I’ll let my lawyers know."
"Please do. I mean it," I reiterate. “It seems like your father and Ralph have a history.”
“My father was very circumspect on what he was willing to divulge about their strange relationship. That said, he did mention that Ralph has always been extremely envious of his life and success. He’s aware of it because Ralph has done a good job at putting my father down at any occasion. The thing is my father has a lot of allies—people who love and respect him. My father's adversaries may not all agree with his conservative views, but they still respect him as a leader. Ralph Delaware hates my father with a vengeance."
"That's so messed up," I say.
"In more ways than I can count. If it's okay with you, I'd rather not keep talking about Ralph. He doesn't deserve our attention."
"You're right.” I lift my hands up in a sign of truce. “Fine by me."
"I agree," Holden says.
"It seems that the two of you can't take a break from being my knights," she offers a half smile.
"It was a good way for us to keep bumping into you, but it’s better now that we know you're just a text and an elevator ride away," I grin from ear to ear.
And just like that, the tension leaves the room.
CHAPTER 20
Holden
After giving Amelia the grand tour, all three of us each grab a platter and carry it to the lower deck. This place is so kickass that it has a smaller deck near the kitchen and a massive one on the second floor. The one down here is perfect because climbing stairs while balancing plates weighed down with food could be a recipe for disaster. Not to mention, in those heels, I can’t see how Amelia would’ve been able to manage.
I shake my head as I trail behind the sexy little brunette that’s sashaying her hips so temptingly. I know I scolded him a few minutes ago, but Brandon is right. Her flirtatious skirt begs to be pulled all the way up and bunched around her belly as one of us explores what she's hiding. I bet she’s sweet as hell. Intoxicating even. I wonder which one of the two of us will taste her first. Damn.
“What a perfect night,” Amelia says. “I have a stunning view of Hyde Park and the London skyline from my place, but yours is absolutely breathtaking."
I'm still blown away by the turn of events that led to Brandon and I entertaining a woman who has been a fascination, bordering on obsession since we landed in London. For a week and a half, we didn't even know her name. And now she's standing on our deck admiring the view stretching in front of her. I agree with what she said the other day when I walked her back from Whole Foods. God's hand is all over this one.
“Wait until you see the view from the upper deck,” I say.
“I still can’t believe you have a firewood oven, a barbecue and a Jacuzzi.”
“Don’t you?” I ask.
She shakes her head. “Only the split-level penthouse suites in both buildings have a Jacuzzi and the firewood oven.”
“Lucky for you, you know two guys who are renting the top floor of this building,” I say.
She turns her head slightly to the right and seems to hesitate before saying, "Indeed, I do.”
I can’t help but chuckle silently. “I know we were up there quickly, but it's worth hanging out there at night."
“I have no doubt," she responds. "If it's anything comparable to this, I'm sold.”
"It's far better and the fact that the deck wraps around the suite, gives you a serious vantage point. Between the view and the dark sky illuminated by a constellation of stars, it's something else. It isn't even something we’re able to get in New York."
"Why not?"
“There—”
“Sorry to interrupt. Do I drop the tarts on the table or do they go over there?” She points to the long stainless kitchen cart set on the side.
“I think the table is fine,” I say.
She drops the platter she's holding.
I do the same and meet her gaze.
"You were saying?" she asks.
"There are lights everywhere in Manhattan. There's just too much vying for your attention. You rarely pay attention to the sky. Things aren’t much better for us out here in London. It’s go, go, go. Some days, I barely have time to look up, let alone admire the sky. The last time I gazed at stars was when Brandon and I were on missions and we had nothing else to entertain ourselves with than to lie down on our backs and look up at the sky."
"We need to change your ways, Chief Petty Officer Barclay."
I’ve fucked a string of women who’ve climaxed screaming my title at the top of their lungs, but only on Amelia’s lips does it sound so fucking erotic. Instinctively, I arch an eyebrow. I think she takes it as a sign of defiance.
“Seriously,” she adds. She purses her lush lips for good measure. Her mouth draws my attention. Suddenly I
can only think of two things. One, I want her on her knees with my cock in that gorgeous mouth. Two, I want that mouth crying out my name and Brandon’s as she tips over the edge.
“Do we?” I ask with mock gravity.
“Absolutely," she matches my tone. "Ignoring a sky studded with stars should be considered a crime. There should be a punishment for that, if you ask me for my humble opinion.”
"Really? In that case, how do you plan on chastising me, Miss Cavendish," I match her playfulness.
"It's very simple, sir." Yes, that last word does something to me—especially with her British accent. "Even during the colder months, I always make it a point to end my day outside on my deck. It's incredible what a hot cup of tea and a blanket can do. Oh, coffee with a shot of cognac or Bailey's Irish Cream work equally well. You can take it up a notch with a shot of Irish whiskey. A dollop of whipped cream is optional.” She had to go there. Now my mind is clouded with dirty images of me licking whipped cream off of her sinful body while she does the same to Brandon’s cock. Fuck. “No matter how hellish of a day I’ve had to endure, when I step onto my deck, I leave it all behind. Since summer is at our door, there’s no excuse for you. I swear, once you try it, you’ll be hooked."
"I’ll have to remember that, or better yet, maybe you'll have to teach me how to change my ways," I smile wide.
She bites her lower lip. Fuck. I should be the one doing that. I’m guessing her reaction is a combination of nervousness and anticipation. She then drops her eyes for a beat. "Maybe I will," she says seductively from under her lashes. A move that only makes me harder. Jesus, is it normal to be turned on by eyelashes? “Chief Petty Officer Barclay,” she adds after a long pause. Her tone holds so many promises. I didn't expect that. So far, she seems unfazed by our forwardness. Good girl. I guess she knows exactly what’s going on here.
Bad Boy SEALs Page 14