Inside the Maelstrom

by Grace McGinty

  I’d always been fast, mostly because I was small and light, and being a swimmer had given me good endurance. The wind on my face felt good, and I tried to remember the last time I just ran. It had been too long. Before driving into that tree. Before the drinking and meaningless sex. Maybe before I even went away to college and realized I didn’t have a personality.

  I swerved around the people walking their dogs, the leisurely strollers and the guided tour groups. I smiled, uncaring if I got bugs in my teeth or hair; I was just happy to be free. Free to do whatever I liked. There was no one to disappoint here. I watched a double-decker bus with a morbid kind of fascination as it came lumbering down the road. One quick burst of speed, and we’d collide.

  I didn’t realize I was laughing until we hit an intersection and a hand wrapped around my forearm. I looked up at Sampson, who was lightly puffing, his eyes taking in my face. “You okay, Good Girl?”

  I grinned at him. “Don’t you ever feel like just running?” I looked between him and Evan, who was watching the crowd like someone was about to pull a gun and shoot us both. Sampson just continued to stare, but Evan winked at me, his chest heaving slightly.

  My expression probably bordered on manic as Sampson held my hand, pulling me close to his side as we crossed the road, walking toward the Wellington Arch. It was pretty, and also kind of terrifying. Walking through it, I ran my fingers along the stone of the giant arch, appreciating the grandeur of it. Old and grand—that was London in a nutshell, wasn’t it?

  Suddenly, Sampson dragged me into his body and pressed me tight against the wall of the arch. He captured my lips with his, kissing me hard. A dominating, oxygen-stealing kiss. His tongue plunged into my mouth, stroking mine like it was trying to lure it to the dark side. His hand dropped to my ass and he squeezed it tight with a groan. I gripped his hair, threading my fingers through the dark strands and held on for dear life as he dominated my body.

  Someone made a disgusted noise and Sampson slid his hand higher, baring the side of my ass to the world. When someone nearby muttered something about children being present, he finally drew back, and I was panting harder than I had after I’d sprinted for a mile. Sampson stepped back, but kept a hand on my hip.

  “Your madness is the worst kind, Aviva. It’s the kind that infects those around you.”

  With that, he turned and walked away. I watched his heaving shoulders as he emerged out the other side of the arch, the sun hitting his mahogany hair and making it shine.

  I stood there, looking back at Evan, who was watching me with a guarded expression. My cheeks flushed and I shrugged. If he was disgusted with me, he didn’t say anything. “Let’s go.”

  He ushered me in front of him until we caught up with Sampson. Just when I thought Sampson was going to ignore me, he reached out and gripped my fingers. He didn’t look at me, or say anything, but that small connection meant something.

  I just didn’t know what.

  Chapter 20

  Hendrick

  Aviva was still avoiding me, but it was harder to do in a small suite than it had been in a large facility. I’d been asleep when she and Sampson had returned home again, but Otto had said she’d basically gone straight to her room. He also said that she’d looked flushed and disheveled, and I briefly wondered if Sampson had fucked her in the back of the SUV.

  I was surprisingly okay with the idea. I kind of wished I’d been there to watch, but that was it.

  I was almost finished dressing for dinner at Nobu, and she still hadn’t emerged. Otto was playing with his hair in the bathroom, looking fine as fuck.

  “Should I go and talk to her? Maybe she wasn’t as cool with us as I thought.”

  Otto looked at me in the reflection of the mirror. “I don’t think that was it. She’s probably just embarrassed.”

  I screwed up my face. “Why? It wasn’t her that got caught with their dick in their hand.”

  He shrugged, and went back to making his hair look like he just ran his fingers through it rather than styled it for twenty minutes. It was an artform, apparently.

  I knew I should just leave it alone, but leaving it alone wasn’t really my style. I liked to poke at things until they bled.

  I didn’t knock on her door, just entered, kinda hoping she’d be naked. Instead, she was applying her makeup in the bathroom.

  “Ever heard of knocking, Hendrick?” she snarked as she attempted to apply her mascara.

  “Why? Whatever you’ve got, I’ve seen a hundred times over.”

  She speared me with a look. “I don’t want to hear about your body count.”

  I snorted. “As if my body count is a hundred.” It was more like twice that. I’d lost count after a while. Her expression said she definitely didn’t think it was lower.

  I cleared my throat. “Should I apologize for what you saw this afternoon?”

  “Not to me. Maybe to Sampson though.”

  I frowned again. Had Sampson said something? “I don’t think Sam minds. He’s seen it before. Sometimes when we all fuck one girl, he watches me fuck Otto. Or vice versa.”

  “Fuck.” There was a loud clatter as she dropped the mascara wand, her left eye all scrunched up. “Fucking hell, Hendrick. You can’t say that shit while I’m waving something that close to my goddamn eyeball. Jesus. Dammit, that stings.”

  I walked further into the bathroom, grabbing a cotton pad from the vanity. Pouring some makeup remover over it, I held it up to her eye, batting away her fingers. I stroked away her carefully applied eye makeup, and she sighed.

  “Now I have to start again.”

  I grabbed the makeup remover, pouring some on another cotton pad. “You don’t need it anyway.” I carefully wiped off the eye makeup on the other side, stroking off the foundation until she was barefaced again.

  “Maybe I like to wear it. Men always think we wear makeup for them. Maybe I just enjoy using my face as a canvas?”

  I met her pretty blue eyes. “Do you like it?”

  She shrugged. “I just don’t want to look like I haven’t made an effort.”

  I looked down at the pretty silk shirt and tight black jeans she was wearing. Everything hugged her tightly, and her hair was tamed into soft ringlets today.

  “You look beautiful.”

  She shoved at my shoulder. “Stop being sweet, butthead.” But I noticed the pink on her cheeks. “You take makeup off like a pro. Are you a drag queen in your spare time?”

  I gave her a shit-eating grin. “Worried about me wearing your pretty lace panties?”

  She flushed even redder, but gave me the stink eye. “Now I’ve seen your dick, I’m pretty sure the thongs that Sampson chose for me aren’t going to keep that shit in.”

  I laughed, climbing up to sit on the vanity beside her. “My mom would get blackout drunk and I’d take off her makeup for her while she slept. If she woke up in ruined makeup, my dad would hit her. I like to think I was saving her a little.”

  Viva’s hand stilled from where she was applying a nude lipstick. “I’m sorry, Hendrick.”

  “Sorry for what? You didn’t beat her.”

  She chewed her lip, already ruining her lipstick. “Sorry for thinking your life was all gold bullion and roses.”

  I lifted a shoulder. “You aren’t entirely wrong.”

  She swiped on the mascara again, blending some pink cream onto her cheekbones, and that was it. She gazed at herself skeptically, but I thought she looked beautiful.

  “So we’re okay? Otto said you might be embarrassed.” She stood, uncurling from the vanity. She was wearing chunky high heels and it made her legs go on and on. “Fuck, you are so goddamn hot.”

  She waved me away. “No, I’m not embarrassed. Well, maybe a little, but no more than if I’d seen a private moment between two other people.” She picked up a small clutch, looking over her shoulder at me. “Maybe a little jealous.”

  I swaggered over to her, a smirk on my face. “Wish it was you fucking me?”

  S
he grinned. “Well, I have always wanted to peg a guy. But no.”

  I frowned. “Wished Otto was fucking you?”

  She shook her head again, and my heart unclenched. I stepped closer so my lips were close to her ear. “Wished we were both fucking you?”

  She paused, and looked up at me under those long, long lashes. “Yes.”

  I grinned, racing for the door. “Dinner’s off. We’re staying home to have an orgy,” I shouted out to the living room, and she gasped.

  “Like fuck! Get your ass out here—it's nearly time for our reservation,” Sampson yelled back, and I laughed. Viva was gazing up at me with that sneer again, the one that made me hard as fuck.

  “Not funny, Hendrick,” she hissed.

  I leaned forward and kissed her hard. “I wasn’t making a joke, Viva.” I spun her around and slapped her ass. “Let’s go before Sampson gets his balls in a twist. He hates being late for things.”

  She squeaked but strode out of the room, shooting daggers at me over her shoulder. She met Otto in the hall, and he looked hot as hell. She gazed up at him, and I could see him melt into a puddle. They really would be perfect together.

  “You look very handsome, Otto,” she murmured.

  “You look beautiful too, Aviva.”

  She leaned in close, whispering something in his ear. His eyes widened slightly and his cheeks flushed. Dammit, I wanted to know what she said. As she pulled away, he looked over her shoulder at me and yelled, “Dinner’s cancelled. Staying home for an orgy!”

  Sampson appeared at the other end of the hall, a frown already on his face. “One, I’m hungry. Two, you bastards fucked this afternoon. So keep it in your goddamn pants.”

  “Three, I spent hours getting ready, even though Hendrick ruined it,” Aviva added, and gave me that disgruntled look again. “And I really feel like sushi.”

  “Mmm, I could eat too,” I purred, but no one thought I was talking about sushi.

  Sampson’s phone chirped, and he looked at us, still scrunched up in the foyer, Viva happily surrounded. He put on his stern face and pointed at the door. “The car is downstairs. Go.”

  I grinned at him as I walked past, and winked. I hadn’t been this excited for the future in months. We were definitely going to have to leave the cleaning crew a tip.

  Chapter 21

  Aviva

  Despite all the talk of an orgy, I drank way too much wine with dinner. On top of my meds, I’d been drunk as hell by the time we walked back through the door of the suite. Otto had put his foot down, taken me to bed, helped me strip down to my underwear and tucked me in like the true gentleman he was. I had a vague memory of telling him how hot he was, and how sweet, and goodness knows what else, but then I’d passed the hell out.

  Thank fuck for that. I felt like I was bipolar around these guys.

  In the morning, I woke up clear-headed, determined to get through this trip without succumbing to the insane sexual attraction I felt for them. But the longer I was in their presence, the more I wanted to throw caution to the wind and bang them all into next week.

  Not one of them was safe. It should be illegal to have three hot friends.

  The smell of coffee dragged me from the bed, and I threw on my oversized hoodie. Despite not being a designer brand, I loved it. It was roomy and comfortable. I felt like me in it.

  Jonathan the butler was in the kitchen when I emerged. “Good morning, miss. Would you like a coffee or tea? Some pastries?”

  My hangover made me squint at his loud voice. “Yes. Please. Coffee.”

  Jonathan managed to contain his mirth and whispered, “Your companions are on the East Terrace. I shall bring you out your beverage momentarily.”

  Now I kind of wished I’d put on pants, but at least this hoodie hit me mid-thigh. I walked through to the furthest door that opened onto the terrace. The guys were all sitting out there, drinking coffee and talking quietly.

  Otto noticed me first. “Morning, Viva.”

  I smiled as much as I could without giving myself a pounding headache. “Morning.”

  He pushed a glass of water toward me, with cucumber and lemon slices floating in it, and I drank it down gratefully. They all watched me like predators, and I knew something had shifted in our dynamic.

  Jonathan hustled out, breaking the tension, placing a coffee and some pastries in front of me. The first sip of coffee was like an orgasm. So freaking good.

  Sampson cleared his throat. “The former owner of the bookstore has agreed to meet us there at eleven. You have fifty-seven minutes to be ready.”

  Hendrick had insinuated that Sampson had a ‘thing’ about being on time. I guess he hadn’t been exaggerating.

  “Okay.” I tried a scone with strawberry jam and cream, and moaned. Delicious.

  The guys fell into easy conversation, while I looked out over Hyde Park. It was weird being up here, seeing such an iconic part of London spread out before me like it was my backyard.

  Taking another sip of coffee, I turned back to them. “Sorry I was so weird about the hotel yesterday.”

  Hendrick waved a hand. “Don’t worry about it. We’re used to you being weird now.”

  Otto elbowed him but I couldn’t keep the grin from my face. “Asshole,” I teased back. “But, I’d appreciate it if we didn’t, um, stay anywhere this…” I gestured around the suite, trying to describe everything without words.

  “Ostentatious? Over the top? Ridiculous?” Otto supplied helpfully, and Sampson snorted.

  I nodded. “Yes. I appreciate it, but it makes me feel wrong.”

  Hendrick rolled his eyes. “Otto explained about your middle class guilt, Viva. Don’t worry, the next place we stay will be the size of a cardboard box and only have one bed.” He grinned. “Just to keep you happy. I don’t have an ulterior motive or anything.” He wiggled his eyebrows, and I laughed.

  “Sure.”

  Otto popped a strawberry into his mouth. “I’m in charge of accommodation now. It’ll be fine, Aviva. I’ll balance us all.”

  Once my stomach had settled from full-on revolt to mere grumblings of discontent, I hurried through my routine, not only to meet Sampson’s deadline, but because I wanted to see the bookstore. Wanted to see if Nemo had left me another note.

  I pulled out my copy of Twenty Thousand Leagues from beneath my pillow. It was beginning to look well-thumbed and a little tatty already. I let my eyes wander over the cursive strokes of Nemo’s handwriting.

  Love, it’s a wild force. Ferocious and cruel, or a soothing savior. It’s always a gamble, but it’s a wager between God and the Devil to which side the coin will land.

  What had Nemo been through? Was he like me, just desperately searching for something to give his life meaning, to draw him out of the numbness of existing?

  “Let’s go, Good Girl,” came Sampson’s voice, and I slipped on my sneakers, pushing the book back under my pillow. I knew that Nemo wouldn’t be at the Iron Nautilus now, but what if he had arrived at the Iron Nautilus and it had been closed? How would I find where he went next?

  So many fucking questions.

  “Aviva!”

  “Fucking hell, Sampson. I’m coming.” I stepped into the hall and found Hendrick leaning across from the door.

  “Not yet, Viva, but it can be arranged.”

  I rolled my eyes at him and strode down the hallway. Stopping in front of Sampson, I gave him a jaunty salute. “I’m ready, sir.”

  His eyes hooded with lust and he growled low in his throat. Whoops. Should’ve thought that one through. It wasn’t quite the effect I’d intended, but apparently I’d unlocked a kink I didn’t realize I had until right now.

  Hendrick was laughing behind me. “You’re in trouble now, Viva. I’d run if I was you.”

  Sampson flicked his eyes at Hendrick. “You are both lucky we have an appointment right now.” Turning on his heel, he walked toward the door.

  Otto came up behind me, looking between us all with amusement. He held out his
elbow and I slipped my hand into the crook. No one spoke as we left the hotel and climbed into the car. Evan appeared from nowhere, sliding into the driver’s seat.

  I leaned between the seats. “Morning, Evan.”

  He looked at me, his face giving away nothing. “Morning, miss.”

  “Call me Aviva.” If we were going to be on a round the world tour together, he should call me by my name.

  I could feel the tension in the car again, and I looked back over my shoulder. All the guys were watching the interaction with wary expressions. For fuck’s sake.

  “Put your seatbelt on, Aviva.”

  Did I imagine the emphasis Sampson put on my name? Probably. But like the good girl he always taunted me for being, I belted myself in. “So, how’d you track down the former owner?”

  “My assistant is adequate at finding public records.”

  “And how did you get him to agree to open the store for us?”

  Sampson looked out the window. “I bought the store.”

  There was a giant tire screech in my brain. “You what?”

  He slid his eyes back to mine, his chin tilted stubbornly. “I bought it.”

  “Pull over,” I said to Evan. When he didn’t move, I got slightly more hysterical. “Pull the fuck over!” I screeched.

  “Aviva,” Otto started, but when the car slowed to a stop, I climbed out.

  “Do not follow me. Any of you.”

  I slammed the door. I could hear Sampson yelling, but ignored him as I ran down the sidewalk. A door slammed, and there was the pounding of feet behind, letting me know someone was chasing me. Finally, a hand reached out and grabbed mine.

  “Fuck off, Sam, I told you I didn’t want any…” It wasn’t Sampson, but Evan. I frowned because I guess they’d followed my wishes, kind of. “What are you doing here?”

  Evan’s jaw tensed. He was younger than I thought, but still easily in his thirties. He was average looking, but not in an unattractive way. The perfect kind of bodyguard. He’d blend into the crowd unless you were looking for him. But the lines at the corners of his eyes said he smiled often, and I had a feeling that when he did, it lit up his whole face.