by J. A. Bailey
Blake gritted his teeth. From the way Ebony was eyeing Walker, she was no different. Walker ran a hand through his dark blond hair and Ebony watched every movement closely as they leafed through her appointments.
So he had a choice. Leave her to Walker or make a move and break every one of his rules which said you should never get involved with a client. And don’t forget the risk of rejection, he added silently to himself. As close as they might be, he just couldn’t tell if Ebony desired him as she blatantly did Walker.
Damn, if Walker wasn’t his best friend, he really would take him to pieces. But Walker knew him better than anyone and Blake understood he was riling him, pushing him to take a leap with Ebony. Blake wasn’t an idiot. He saw through Walker’s plan. Problem was, how much of it was real and how much of it was put on? He’d seen his friend seduce many women with his act but never had he seen him look at a woman like he did Ebony.
Fuck. If he wasn’t mistaken, Walker was falling under her spell. If he wasn’t careful, he’d have a real fight on his hands.
He stood and strode over to the walnut breakfast bar and Ebony jabbed at her iPad.
“No way,” she said emphatically. “I can’t miss that shoot. It’s huge.”
“It’s too dangerous,” Walker replied. “Out in the open, anything could happen.”
“But it’s for one of the biggest magazines in the UK. Blake, tell him!” Ebony motioned with her hand.
He put a hand to her shoulder and felt her slight tremor. “He’s right, sweetheart. A photo-shoot outside is too risky. It’s only for a while, at least until the cops have processed the CCTV and all the employee records at the arena.”
She licked her lips and glanced at his hand. “I can’t afford to miss out on this publicity. You know I can’t. I haven’t had any new material out in ages. If I don’t do this, everyone will forget about me.”
“I highly doubt that,” Walker said with a chuckle.
Ebony narrowed her gaze at him and Blake gave her shoulder a reassuring squeeze. What Walker didn’t know was how hard Ebony had worked to get to where she was and how simply it could all be lost. With no new songs, it would be so easy to sink into oblivion. This past year of protecting her had taught him a lot about the music business and it was damned cutthroat. He’d hate to see all her work go to waste.
“Can we see if they’ll move the shoot indoors? To somewhere of our choosing?” He glanced at Walker. “Does that sound okay to you? Somewhere we can keep secure?”
Walker sucked in an audible breath. “Okay, that sounds fine.”
Ebony offered Blake a grateful smile, one that tugged at his heart. “Thanks, Blake.” She patted his hand and then reached over to take Walker’s. “I owe you guys so much.”
Scowling at the sight of Ebony’s hand over Walker’s, Blake wondered why jealousy didn’t eat at his insides like it should. Maybe because, with his best friend at his side, he knew they could protect Ebony. And Walker was the kind of guy who would protect what was valuable to Blake at all costs. They’d been through some scary shit together and always had each other’s backs. In spite of not wanting to relinquish Ebony to him, he realised if it happened, there would be no other man he’d rather lose her to. Walker would guard her with his life.
And at the end of the day, Ebony’s life and happiness were the most important thing to him.
If he had to, he would step aside, he decided. But that didn’t mean he’d give up. No way. He hadn’t got where he had by giving up at the first hurdle. He’d play Walker’s game and they’d see who came out on top.
***
“How do you do it?”
Blake peered at Walker. “What do you mean?”
He gestured to Ebony where she was posing against a white screen, the bright lights illuminating her pale skin and making her red hair even brighter. “How do you stand here and watch this?”
Glancing over at her, Blake sighed. “With difficulty,” he admitted.
In a tight leather dress, which was slashed down to her stomach, and red heels, Ebony embodied just about every man’s fantasy. Her beautiful petite face spoke of innocence while her body just begged you to throw her over your knees and spank that tight little arse before fucking her until she screamed.
“Buddy,” Walker slapped a hand to his shoulder, “you have more control than any man I’ve ever met. One week in her company and I’m dying to see what she’s like in the sack.”
Blake tried to summon some jealousy but he couldn’t. Who could blame the man? Ebony had to be the most gorgeous, funny, savvy woman he knew. Yeah she played up on her sexy image but it was all a ploy. She knew exactly how to market herself and he couldn’t help admire the shameless way in which she did so. His ex-wife would never have approved. She was so straight-laced and yet when it came down to it, she was the one who cheated. He couldn’t help think that being more open like Ebony was way better for any relationship.
He almost groaned as the realisation struck him. Unlike him. He’d never told her how he felt. Never even given a hint. But did she even feel anything for him? Blake threw a glance at Walker and saw the knowing glint there. He’d have to find out, even if it was just so he could wish her well with Walker. He had to know.
Soon, he promised himself. Soon, he’d ask her how she really felt about him.
***
Ebony peered at the two men through the bright lights as they watched her pose. Between her thighs, she was a mess of desire and dampness. Dressed in the tightest leather dress ever, she posed for the photos with ease. But the two men studying her made it difficult to concentrate. She did everything mechanically. The same smiles, the same sexy poses. Thrusting her breasts out and stretching her legs. This is what people wanted from her. She was a sexy bad girl with a husky voice and a great rack.
And she was fine with that. Only important people knew the real her. Like Blake. And maybe even Walker. The past week, he’d been charming and friendly—always willing to chat. She had to admit, she liked his sexy smooth chin, blazing green eyes and amazing body. Yes, she’d got glimpses of that gorgeous stunning body when he’d come out of the pool. Unlike Blake, Walker didn’t seem to mind mixing his personal life with his work and had no shame in stripping off and joining her for a swim. Many nights, she’d dream of just wrapping her legs around him and riding him until she exploded. And some nights, Blake turned up in her dreams, dark and brooding. He would be angry at first and then turned on. Then he would tie her up and both he and Walker would deliver a sound punishment.
She licked her lips and drew in a breath as the photographer prompted her. God, she was losing it.
Relieved when the photographer called it a wrap, Ebony stretched her aching muscles and headed for the dressing room. One of the assistants helped her out of her dress and pulled apart the elaborate 40’s style hairdo. She was standing in her black lace underwear when Blake barged into the room. He froze, his dark gaze tracing her body. Her nipples peaked against the thin lace and goosebumps danced across her skin. His nostrils flared. There, just beneath that expressionless face, was a glimmer of something.
Desire.
She gulped and forced herself to face him head on, hands on her hips. “Yes, Blake?”
“We need to move. Security said they saw a suspicious vehicle. I don’t want to take any chances.”
“Ok, give me two secs.”
Hastily, she thrust her legs into her jeans and yanked on her stomach baring top. The whole time she felt Blake’s gaze on her and it sent thrills spiralling through her, straight to her pussy. She fluffed out her hair, keeping her head lowered so as to avoid looking at him. If he looked carefully, surely he’d see how much she wanted him. Ebony concentrated on taking calm, quiet breaths.
“Come on then,” she mumbled as she shrugged into a light jacket.
Blake hooked a hand around her elbow, his fingers warm through the cotton of her sleeve. Her heart pounded—not from fear but from the desire to have those fingers elsewhere. Sk
imming over her breasts perhaps or dipping between her thighs. Curving over her arse and spreading her for him. Then Walker came to her side, his hand on her other elbow and her simmering desire turned to molten lust. All her imaginings seemed to combust in her mind.
“Out the back,” Walker told Blake. “The car is waiting. I’ve already scoped the area out.”
“Good.”
They led her out through the back of the studio, pushing open a heavy fire door that led to a narrow alleyway. Red brick buildings rose up around them. Suddenly a bang rang out and Ebony found herself slammed against the brick, the breath knocked from her. Both Walker and Blake had her pinned, their hard chests pushing against one breast each.
She pressed a hand against both of them but there was no moving them. She was trapped by walls of muscle. Eyes wide, she took in their intent looks as they listened, eyes narrowed, jaws tense. She’d never wanted them so badly. One blond, one dark. Both sexy as hell.
“Just a car,” Walker concluded. “Backfiring.”
Blake nodded. “Yeah, you’re right.” He turned to look at Ebony. “You okay?”
Mouth open, she tried to form a response but nothing came. His pupils darkened and he had to feel the point of her nipple pressing against him. She swallowed. He did, if the hardening arousal pressing against her thigh was anything to go by.
If happened slowly, yet almost too soon. She wasn’t quite prepared. Blake lowered his head and took her lips in a hard kiss. And before she could even register the sensation of Blake’s lips on hers, a second set pressed against the exposed side of her neck.
Walker.
She gasped against Blake’s mouth and he used the moment to thrust his tongue into her mouth. Ebony tangled hers eagerly with him while Walker’s skimmed a hand down to cup her rear. They seemed to move in some perfectly co-ordinated dance. She couldn’t help but wonder if they’d done this before. When Blake gave up her mouth to kiss the skin of her neck and lower to her chest, Walker claimed her mouth. His kiss was different. Less hard, with slightly more finesse but no less exciting. Heat and arousal gathered between her thighs and she wound her hands around their necks.
Another noise filtered in—the sound of a car engine and both men tensed. Their mouths left her, much to her disappointment and Walker stepped away first. Blake remained flattened against her, his gaze locked onto hers. Both of them struggled to maintain their breathing as emotion and need blazed between them. Ebony took a moment so see what Walker was doing. He stalked to the end of the alleyway and peered around carefully.
“It’s clear, come on,” he called over his shoulder.
Using his body to shield her, Blake led her out from between the buildings and pushed her into the waiting car, following her swiftly in. Walker took a moment to scan the street before coming in the other side.
“Get moving,” he told the driver before settling back in his seat next to her.
Ebony concentrated on breathing, her body still ablaze with need for the men on either side of her. Their knees brushed her legs, sending tingles racing through her. Walker slung an arm over her shoulder but none of them spoke. She didn’t know what to say. Was it just a one off? Did they want her as badly as she wanted them? She’d never been with two men. What did she do next? How did it even work?
She leaned back and closed her eyes, absorbing the strange experience that had been two men touching and kissing her. A hand came to rest on her knee—Blake’s hand, she suspected—and Walker stroked his fingers across the back of her neck.
Whatever had just happened, she didn’t think it was over. Ebony suspected they were just getting started. And she could not wait to see what they had in store for her.
***
Walker peered over Ebony’s head at Blake, trying to discern his friend’s mood as they pulled through the gates of the Georgian mansion. What had happened in the alleyway…Christ, it had blown him away. Never had a mere kiss had such an effect on him. Even now his cock throbbed.
Blake looked his way and glanced down at the sleeping woman between them before meeting Walker’s gaze once more. There was no animosity as he might have expected, only a wry raised brow as if to acknowledge that, yes, Blake was feeling the same thing.
The car pulled to a stop and Blake nudged the sleeping woman. She peered around blearily and offered a weak smile while Walker got out to check the grounds. Satisfied all was clear, they led Ebony into the house. He didn’t think anything would happen at her home but better safe than sorry. She wouldn’t have been the first celebrity to have intruders on their grounds though her security was tight. Walker had checked it all over when he first got there.
Smothering a yawn, Ebony started up the stairs. “If you guys don’t mind, I’m going to nap for a bit. Photo-shoots always tire me out.”
“Sure thing, sweets.” Walker smiled his understanding. No doubt all the work she had done had exhausted her but he reckoned she was escaping.
He didn’t blame her. What had happened had been totally unplanned and was probably pretty daunting, even for a wild child like Ebony. Besides, he welcomed the chance to talk with Blake about how they’d move forward. He, for one, was not willing to let it end at just a kiss. He wanted—needed—more. And if Blake felt the same, so did he. So in Walker’s mind there was only one solution.
Share her.
He and Blake had once indulged in an amazing threesome with a beautiful French woman whilst on a job and they worked well together. On the field and off it, he thought with a smirk. He had no doubt they could bring Ebony pleasure like she’d never had before.
“So,” he said, turning to Blake, “what now?”
His partner scowled. “Let her rest. We’ll go over tomorrow’s schedule later.”
“I meant, what do we do about that hot little woman and how badly we want her?”
Blake paused, his jaw working. A gradual smile crept across his face. “She wants both of us, doesn’t she?”
“Yep.”
“I must admit, I didn’t think she’d really be interested in me.” He crossed his arms and raised a teasing brow. “And I’m guessing you want her just as bad.”
“Oh yeah.”
“I’ve got to admit, there could be worse things than sharing her with you. Though it won’t be easy figuring it all out.”
“Like if she’s actually willing to do that.”
“Walker, you’re one of the most persuasive men I’ve ever met. I’m certain you can talk her around.” Blake relaxed his arms and shrugged. “Now, I think about it. I think we could have a lot of fun with her.”
“And you’re not worried about losing your focus?”
Blake scraped a hand through his hair. “I should be but…damn, I need her, Walker. If I don’t have her, I’m going to go crazy. Not being able to touch her is distraction enough. I can’t help feeling I’m not going to be able to keep my mind on the job unless I have her. It’s been a long and torturous year.”
Walker chuckled. “Buddy, I know the feeling and I’ve only been here a week. You have the patience of a saint. But I guess that’s why we work so well to—”
A scream cut him off and Walker’s heart bounded into his throat. Both men stormed up the elegant staircase to be confronted with a wet and shaking Ebony. With only a flimsy blue towel wrapped around her, wet hair hanging over her shoulders, she looked pale and vulnerable. Blake immediately went to her.
“What is it?” Walker demanded while Blake took her into his hold.
“In-in my bedroom.” She motioned with a shaking hand.
Cautiously, Walker eased open the door and studied the room. The bed was perfectly made up, its cream sheets pristine. There on the pillow was a rose and a note. In the same blood red colour as the rose, it said: You are going to die, whore.
Walker saw red himself. He barrelled back through the door. “Another note,” he said to Blake. “Get her into your room and lock the door. I’m going to get the security guards to search the house top to bottom.�
��
Blake nodded and led her into his room. Walker hurried down the stairs to the security room. He shook his head. The psycho was playing with them, taunting them. Walker thought it would just be a matter of playing it safe and waiting for results but the enemy had just upped the game. If they didn’t find out who this guy was soon, he didn’t doubt the stalker would make good on his threats. And clearly the guy was more resourceful than they’d realised.
He slammed his palm against the banister of the stairs. How the fuck did he get in the house?
***
Blake had Ebony calmed down by the time Walker returned and announced the house was clear. It might have been hard holding a wet, sexy woman in his arms if it weren’t for her patent fear and the dread that thrummed inside him. He knew they were up against someone who wasn’t your average psycho but he genuinely didn’t expect someone to break past their rigorous security.
Walker paced in front of the window. The man was tense, more tense than he’d ever seen him before. They’d been in worse places—Afghanistan for example, and in more danger than this but Walker had the ability to always remain calm and in the control. Unlike him. Yet another reason they worked so well together.
He glanced at Ebony, pleased she’d stopped shaking. But now he was much more aware of her nipples peaking against the thin towel and the way the skin of her shoulder felt under his fingertips. She remained burrowed into his side and the trust she put in him made his chest swell.
Would she trust him to do the right thing with Walker too?
He had to admit, the idea of teaming up with Walker made his cock twitch. Ebony meant the world to him and he wanted to do everything in his power to make her feel amazing. To blow her away. With Walker at his side, he was confident he could do that. The same way they worked a job together, they knew how to work a woman’s body together. Add that to the fact he was sure Walker felt a lot more than just desire for her, and they could certainly bring the foxy little rocker to her knees. And then some. The image of her lips parted as moans of pleasure emanated from her made his erection thicken.