Soldiers of Pearl 6: A Touch of Fear (Siren Publishing Ménage Everlasting)

by Dixie Lynn Dwyer

  “Good, because we want the painting. How much is it?” the man asked.

  “It’s sold already. I bought it,” Breaker stated firmly and then looked away from the couple and then at the painting.

  “I’m sorry. It seems it is sold already.”

  The couple walked away in a huff.

  Howard looked at Breaker. “This painting shouldn’t have been placed on the floor as an item for sale. Maggie didn’t want it to sell tonight. I think she can’t part with this one yet.”

  Bandit watched Breaker and that serious expression he had when he meant business.

  “Wrap it up, and don’t tell Maggie I bought it. Got it?”

  Howard slowly nodded then said under his breath, “Lucky lady.” He snapped his fingers, and some helper came over to take the painting and wrap it up.

  “So I guess you really liked that one, huh?” Logan teased.

  “That was the painting Maggie was creating in the park a couple of weeks ago when I met her there. She added the cowboy under the tree.” Breaker watched the man take the paining and wrap it up over by the side.

  “That was supposed to be you? She added you later?” Stack said, and Bandit understood what was happening here. Maggie did want to be with them. Their attraction was mutual.

  He looked over toward the other hallway and saw that guy with his hand at Maggie’s lower back as she spoke to him about the painting they stood in front of. He didn’t like the jealous feeling he had. In fact, if that guy continued to touch their woman, he might just lose his cool and intervene.

  “He’s awfully close to her, considering they’re looking at art,” Logan stated.

  “He’s taking advantage of her. Who wouldn’t want to get close up and personal with Maggie, especially in that sexy dress? What the fuck?” Stack said.

  “I think I’m going to go introduce myself and lay a little perimeter for the asshole,” Bandit told them and then headed that way.

  * * * *

  Maggie moved a little to the right to dislodge Pierce’s hand from her hip. As she went to point out another piece to show him, she felt the large hand on her waist, and she gasped, and then smiled as soon as she saw that it was Bandit.

  He leaned forward and kissed her hello, letting his hand glide over her ass where Pierce could see. She was a bit embarrassed but also found it amusing. She could use a little help. Pierce was kind of handsy.

  “Hey, baby, you look gorgeous as usual. Am I interrupting?” He gave Pierce the once-over. Surprisingly, Pierce did the same thing back. Before they got into some kind of pissing contest, Maggie introduced them, but she hugged Bandit’s arm as she did the introductions.

  “Pierce, I would like you meet my friend Bandit. Bandit, this is Pierce Farrow. He’s a collector and a business acquaintance of mine.”

  They shook hands, and Pierce looked him over.

  “Well, a little more than just business acquaintances. Remember Dallas?” Pierce said, and she didn’t get what he was saying, but obviously just hinting that there was more to that statement got under Bandit’s skin. He practically growled at Pierce, but before she could ask what he meant, Pierce continued.

  “Do you collect art?” he asked Bandit, looking at him as if he didn’t fit in. Now even she was getting annoyed.

  “I do, actually. My favorite work is from an artist who is beautiful and talented.”

  “Ah, and that would be?” Pierce asked, and Bandit looked at Maggie, reached out, and caressed a finger along her jaw as he spoke.

  “M. Reed. My favorite.”

  He leaned forward and kissed her softly on the lips. She was done for. She couldn’t even think, never mind come up with words to speak.

  “I have several of Maggie’s pieces. In fact, I was going to make plans for us to do dinner next week in Fort Worth. Why don’t I leave you two to chat, and we can continue our work in a little while?” Pierce said and then walked away.

  “Dick,” Bandit mumbled. Maggie faced Bandit and he pushed a strand of hair away from her cheek and behind her ear.

  “Be nice, Bandit. He’s an important client,” she whispered, looking way up into his eyes.

  He snagged her around the waist and pulled her closer, letting his finger splay over her lower back and ass. She was so turned on by him and his possessiveness.

  “He wants you in his bed.” Bandit looked over her shoulder toward where Pierce had left.

  “Well, he can’t have me in his bed. I don’t date, remember?”

  He squeezed her and lowered his mouth to her ear.

  “We’re working on changing your mind. You wanted slow, and it’s killing us,” he told her, and she leaned closer and then caressed his arms as he held her.

  “You’ve been patient, and I had to work some things out, but I’m so glad that you’re here tonight. It’s been crazy all evening. Where are the others?” She looked around for them, and they were all coming closer. She felt her heart race, and a smile formed on her face at the sight of them. They were so good looking they were to die for.

  “Watching you and getting pissed over that Pierce guy. I don’t like him, Maggie. He touches you too much. And he hinted that there was more between the two of you than business.”

  She looked up into Bandit’s eyes and swallowed hard.

  “There isn’t. I think he was just trying to be tough because you intimidated him.”

  He caressed her ass and her lower back. “He should be intimated and should know that you’re taken.”

  As he said the words, she felt a mix of emotions, especially as he held her gaze, his dark brown eyes so serious. She felt her body shaking. Then she felt the second set of large hands on her shoulders as Logan pressed up against her and kissed her cheek.

  “Finally, we have you all to ourselves.”

  She gave a small smile, Bandit’s claim to her still having a lasting effect on her body and her mind.

  Logan wrapped his arm around her waist from behind as Bandit stepped to the side. They surrounded her, blocking everyone’s view as they stood in front of a large landscape painting done from a boat on the River Walk.

  “Tell me more about this piece.” Logan kissed her neck as he inhaled against her ear.

  She was losing focus as she tried to describe the scene but felt Logan’s hand smooth along her belly then brush under the swell of her breast. Her nipples hardened, and her pussy began to ache with such need.

  “God, you smell so good and feel amazing in my arms,” he told her, and she leaned back against him until his thumb grazed over her nipple.

  “Logan,” she hissed and tried pulling forward, but his hold was firm.

  “You’re safe here. No one can see but us,” Breaker said from the left of Logan. They were in a semi circle. No one but them could see what Logan was doing to her.

  His thumb traced over the tiny, hardened bud, and then he leaned down and kissed her lips. It was so erotic and slow. It was pure torture, but she wasn’t in a panic from his touch. She liked it. In fact, she liked it too much to be reacting like this in public.

  “Logan, someone might see.”

  “No one but us can see how hard your nipples are, and I bet your panties are wet too,” Breaker said to her.

  She gasped and pulled forward then tried to caress her hands down her dress.

  Logan pulled her back against is chest. “You’d better stay like this a while and let those nipples settle down. They’re for our eyes only,” he said firmly then nipped her ear.

  “How is that supposed to happen with you still holding me and saying such things in my ear?” she asked.

  “Are you saying that we turn you on and that you like our touch?” Bandit teased as he caressed a finger along her cheek and jaw.

  “Of course I do. The four of you are a force no woman could resist.”

  Stack stepped in front of her and clutched her chin, tilting it up toward his face. He was so tall with wide shoulders and lots of muscles. His deep brown eyes were gorgeous and
held such emotion in them. Even the light shadow of a beard along his cheeks and chin aroused her senses, and made her think of tracing his firm jaw and feeling the pinch of stubble along her fingers.

  “You’re the only woman we want. Come home with us tonight,” he said, and she lost her breath.

  She was shocked as she pulled from Logan’s embrace. She ran her fingers through her hair and then paced in front of them.

  “I can’t do that. I…how could you even ask me to do that when we hardly know one another? I mean I know we have been talking, and we kissed, and there’s an attraction, but…I don’t sleep around. I’m sorry if that’s the kind of women you’re used to, but that’s not me. I can’t. I’m sorry.” She started to flee, but Stack grabbed her hand and pulled her close.

  “Calm down, baby. God, you’re in a panic. We’ve been patient. We’ll continue to be patient. We know you’re not like other women we’ve been with. I don’t know what kind of men you’ve been with, but we’re different.”

  She shook her head. “Please, let’s not talk about it anymore.”

  “Honey, did someone hurt you?” Logan asked her, and she stared at him, shocked.

  She knew she would need to tell them about her fears. Anna and the therapist she’d spoken to the last two weeks had made it clear that Maggie was allowing fear to stand in the way of opening up her heart and trusting men. She really wanted to let go. How would she know if she was ready if she pushed away from every opportunity to be alone and intimate with Stack, Bandit, Logan, and Breaker.

  “Give me more time. I can’t talk here, but there are things I need you to understand. Things I never told anyone. I want to trust the four of you. I do. I just need a slower pace than what you’re obviously used to.”

  “There you go again, making it sound like all we care about is getting you into bed. That’s not the case,” Logan said to her.

  She exhaled and then looked around at them. Even in high heels, she was still petite compared to these cowboys.

  “Let’s see how late this event goes until, and then maybe just a drink someplace where we can talk privately?” she suggested.

  Stack nodded, and then he leaned forward and kissed her sweetly. It was meant to last and make her think of it for the rest of the night. She definitely would be.

  * * * *

  The gallery event ended later than she had expected, but they were determined to spend more time with Maggie and find out what held her back from letting go with them. In Logan’s mind, he truly felt that someone had hurt her. Thinking that that someone was a man, perhaps a lover or ex-boyfriend really played on his nerves. He was so damn jealous, and he didn’t even know if this man existed or if he was creating the scenario in his head. He was just relieved that they’d talked her into coming back to their place for a drink, because it was so late. The bars would close soon and right now were very loud and crowded. She was hesitant, and tried to push off talking until tomorrow, but they told her it was important for them to talk now and get things straightened out. Tomorrow they could make plans for spending more time together.

  Breaker and Stack disappeared for a few minutes while Logan and Bandit gave her a tour of their home. It was crazy, but just having her here felt so right. Wherever she walked, he could smell the hint of her perfume that lingered there. He didn’t want to lose that scent. He wanted to smell it long after she left. But thinking of her leaving made him feel even more possessive as if he couldn’t let her go.

  “This place is so big and very masculine. I can tell that four men live here.” She caressed her hand along the leather couch in the study.

  Bandit stepped up close behind her and placed his hands on her hips.

  “I like having you here and smelling your perfume. I’m so glad you’re here right now.”

  She turned in his arms, and he swept down and kissed her deeply, pulling her against him as he pressed her against the back of the couch.

  When she was theirs, and she would be their woman, Logan would take her against that couch. He’d strip her naked and lick and suck every inch of her as he stroked her pussy, marking her as his woman.

  He had to steady himself as he watched Bandit cup her breast and heard Maggie moan. He stepped closer, feeling the excitement of sharing her with his team.

  “Bandit,” she pleaded as Bandit suckled against her neck, and then his mouth moved lower over her breast. He didn’t press the skimpy material away but, instead, feasted on her flesh through the fabric. Logan could see how hard her nipples got, and he felt his cock harden within his dress pants.

  “You’re gorgeous, baby. You fit perfectly between us,” Logan told her.

  She pressed her palm to Logan’s chest. He gripped her wrist and brought her fingers to his lips. He kissed her knuckles and then suckled one finger into his mouth.

  Her plump, sexy lips parted, and she held his gaze, looking as aroused as he felt.

  “Don’t wear this dress again unless one of us is with you. Do you understand?” Logan asked as he pressed his hand along her neck to the back of her head and then swooped down and kissed her. He could feel her shaking, and he slowly released her lips and then touched his forehead to hers.

  “I thought we were having a drink and going slow.”

  “It’s harder than we thought it would be,” he replied, and Bandit chuckled low.

  “I’ll grab us some drinks.”

  Maggie stepped back, and Logan took her hand and led her to the sitting area that contained a love seat and a long couch. She took a seat on the couch, and he joined her. As she crossed her legs and took a shaky breath, he watched the material part, showing more of her breast. She tried pressing it closed, but she was too well endowed for that. Her body was fucking incredible.

  Stack and Breaker walked into the room, rejoining them and looking as if they were up to something. One silent expression, and Logan was less concerned than he was curious.

  “Here you go, baby.” Bandit handed her a glass of white wine and a beer to Logan.

  She took a sip and stayed leaning forward as though she was on guard.

  Logan leaned back, crossed his one leg over the other and watched her as Stack and Breaker walked over with two small snifters of brandy.

  They all sipped at their drinks.

  “You have a great home,” she whispered.

  “We’ve only been here for a few months trying to put our stamp on it and make it into a home,” Stack told her as he held her gaze while he took another sip of brandy.

  Logan placed his beer onto the table in front of them and then placed his arm over the back of the couch behind Maggie. She was so shy. He’d never met a woman who was as shy and reserved as her. She was young, but there was something more to her shyness. He played with strands of her long brownish-red hair. It felt like silk as it glided between his fingers.

  She shivered and turned toward him, and he couldn’t resist kissing her again.

  He gripped a handful of her hair as lightly as he could muster. considering he felt about ready to explode. and drew her closer. She didn’t resist. Instead, her lips parted, her eyes showed all her emotion, and right before his lips touched hers, she closed her eyes.

  The room was so quiet, but all he could focus on was the feel of her lips, the taste of her mouth, and the way her thigh felt as he glided his hand along her knee and then under the material of her dress. He leaned her back a little farther, and he pressed his hand between her thighs as he deepened the kiss.

  Then he felt her hand grip his wrist, and he slowly released her lips, but not the position of his hands. She was breathing erratically as their gazes locked.

  “I love kissing you and touching you.” He stroked his fingers between her thighs, hoping she would uncross her legs so he could explore her pussy and bring her pleasure.

  “Don’t be afraid of me, of us. We would never hurt you baby,” he said to her.

  “You believe me?” he asked, and she slowly nodded.

  “Uncross y
our legs. Your skin is so soft I want to feel more of you.”

  She shook her head.

  “No?” he asked her, and she lowered her eyes.

  “Maggie, talk to me, to us. What’s wrong?” he asked her.

  He released his hold on her hair, but as he leaned back, she leaned back too. He kept his hand on her thigh, and she covered it with hers and gave it a squeeze. He got the feeling that she needed reassurance and maybe even strength from him.

  “There are things even my friends don’t know about me. Things that, over the years, have made me hold back from letting my guard down.”

  “Someone hurt you. Was it a man, a boyfriend?” Breaker asked her.

  She swallowed hard.

  She hesitated and looked at each of them and then down at her hands.

  “I’ve never had a boyfriend.”

  “Really?” Bandit asked her.

  She nodded. “I’ve never let a man get close to me, not like the four of you have.”

  “Wait a minute. We’ve only kissed you and held you in our arms. Are you saying that you’ve never had a lover, never had sex?” Bandit asked.

  She nodded her head, and Logan was shocked. He couldn’t even speak.

  “There had to have been a reason why you didn’t. You’re stunning, smart, classy, and have a hell of a body on you, so why did you wait?” Stack asked her.

  “I was too scared.”

  “Scared to have sex?” Bandit asked, seeming shocked at the idea as his eyes widened and he looked at her inquisitively.

  “Scared because of what the person I knew did to me and made me feel when I was younger,” she whispered.

  Logan felt his gut clench. Why did he suddenly feel as if he was going to be very upset when she told them what had gone down?

  “Go on and explain what you mean,” Stack said to her.

  “There was a friend of the family’s. From the time I turned fourteen, he watched me like a hawk. He would always start conversations with me at family gatherings, and he would sometimes show up at the mall when I was with my friends. My parents trusted him and liked him.”