Resume?
Jason dropped his head forward. "Is she married? Does she have a boyfriend?" I raised a brow and met his gaze. "What?" He asked while looking at me like I was stupid. "I'm just trying to find out if I'm going to have to dispose of a body or not."
I remained silent. Devon didn't. "You really would kill her husband, wouldn't you?"
"Are you telling me you wouldn't?"
Devon didn't answer. He didn't need too. All three of us already knew the truth, anyway.
That truth: Each of us would get rid of anybody standing between her and us. We'd waited too long to find her. Now that we had, nothing would stop us from claiming her.
We may not know Ava Jackson, but our souls recognized her.
She. Was. Ours.
I slid my shaking hands into my pockets. "So what the hell happened?" I glared at Devon. I had a feeling his hotheaded ass was the culprit. "What did you do, Dev?"
Taking off his ball cap, he tossed it to the desk and sat down. "She was here to apply for the receptionist job." I waved my hand in the air, urging him to continue. "She works at the diner downtown. I've been watching her for weeks, waiting for the right moment to make my mood. Yesterday morning a couple of guys were fucking with her. I had to step in and warn them away." My anger flared. I wanted to know who had been messing with her. And when I found out, heads would roll."She's too damn beautiful to be working in a diner or in a construction office where men constantly come and go. You know as well as I do that they'd constantly flirt with her and make her feel uncomfortable. I won't fucking allow it."
"I was trying to think of a way around hiring her without pushing her away when Jason barged in and complicated shit."
"What did you do, dipshit?" I asked Jason.
His eyes narrowed. "I didn't do shit! I was half a second away from tossing her over my shoulder and carrying her out to my truck when this dumb fuck,"—he pointed at Devon—"hurt her feelings and made her run away."
Hurt her feelings. My anger flared at those words.
Devon shot up from the chair he was sitting on. "Fuck this," he barked before pulling his truck keys from his pocket and walking around the desk toward the door.
Lifting my chin in the air, I asked him, "Where are you going?"
Coming to a standstill, he opened the door. Looking back at Jason and me, he replied, "First, I'm going down to the diner where she works to tell that vile bitch Gayle that Ava won't be returning. Whether she works here or not, she's not going back there. I'll support her myself before I let her spend another day working in that dump." Devon looked like he was about to blow a gasket. "Then, I'm going to that shitty ass motel Ava's living at to find her."
"What. The. Fuck!" Jason yelled from behind me. "Don't tell me she's living at the Traveler's Lodge down the road." Devon nodded once in affirmation. Jason continued to curse. "Son of a bitch! You better fix this, Dev. If not, I swear to God…" His voice trailed off as he sucked in a breath and spun around. He looked like he was half a second away from shoving his hand into the wall. Not that I blamed him.
"I will." Devon's voice was firm, resolute. He looked at me. "Close the office down and head home. Get the house straightened up and figure out what the hell we're going to do for dinner."
I quirked a brow. "Planning on bringing her home for dinner?"
Devon shook his head. "No. I'm planning on bringing her home to live."
Without uttering another word, he walked outside, slamming the door behind him.
I turned around the face Jason. His eyes were locked on the door. "Son of a bitch better bring her home."
"And if he doesn't?" I asked, already knowing what he'd say.
A slow smile spread across his face. "Then I will."
Chapter Four
Ava
I woke to the sound of someone pounding on the door.
Rolling to my side, I climbed out of bed and stumbled across the floor. My entire room was cast in an orange hue which meant the sun had begun to set.
Exactly how long did I sleep?
Placing my hand on the doorknob, I asked, "Who is it?"
I never had any visitors, so I had no idea who could be out there. The only person that had ever stopped by my room was the maintenance guy, and that was when I couldn't get my stupid shower to turn off after I broke the hot water knob.
"Ava, darlin', open the door," a familiar, deep voice rumbled from the other side of the metal door.
Devon.
Shocked, I sucked in a breath. "Uh," I said, standing there motionless. "What are you doing h—here?" I stuttered.
"Open the door, darlin'," he commanded, ignoring my question. "You and I need to talk."
Chill bumps erupted across my skin at the sound of his voice. "Answer my question first."
He chuckled. "Ava, baby, if you don't open this door within the next three seconds I'm going to break it down."
My eyes bulged. I should've been scared, should've been terrified at his words but I wasn't. Even though he was threatening to break down a door to get to me, I knew he wouldn't hurt me.
I'm losing my mind.
Refusing to give into his demands, especially after the way he'd treated me earlier in the day, I crossed my arms over my chest and shot lasers at the door with my eyes. "No."
A second of silence past. Then, "Alright," he replied, "don't say I didn't warn you."
I held my breath.
He won't kick in my door, will he?
"You better not be standing in the way, darlin'. If you are and I end up hurting you, I'm gonna spank your ass red, yeah?"
I don't know what caused me to do it, but I quickly moved to the door. "Wait!" I yelled as I unhooked the chain from the door and pulled it open. "Don't you dare—"
I didn't get a chance to say another word before Devon pushed through the slightly cracked door. I squeaked in shock as his hands went to my hips and he pressed me against the wall. Caging my body in with his much bigger one, he dropped his head next to mine and whispered, "Next time I tell you to do something, you do it. Don't hesitate, don't argue. Just do it," directly into my ear.
My breath caught in my chest. I couldn't have uttered a single word if someone was holding a gun to my head.
Devon's body heat bled into mine, making me dizzy. With no warning, he pressed his nose against my neck and inhaled deeply. My eyes slid closed, and my hands flew to his hard biceps.
"You smell so fucking good." He inhaled again. "But I bet you taste even better."
Taste? Did he mean…?
I dropped my head back against the wall. "Oh God," I mumbled incoherently.
Soft, warm lips met the base of my throat. "When I make you scream—and you will scream, darlin'—make sure it's my name that leaves your sweet lips, not God's."
Another kiss on my throat.
I felt lightheaded, almost dizzy, as Devon moved closer, pressing his hard body against my soft one. My hands slid from his biceps to his chest where I clutched the fabric of his shirt in my shaking fingers.
His hands dug into my hips. "Earlier, you ran out on me." Moving his head, he looked down into my eyes. "Listen to me, Ava"—his face inched closer—"the only reason you should ever run away from me is if you want me to chase you." Licking his lower lip, he continued, "And you better be prepared for what happens when I catch you."
My stomach tightened, my core ached.
Holding on to his shirt tighter, I whispered, "What happens if you catch me?" I couldn't believe I'd asked such a question, but the words had slipped free so effortlessly.
Devon exhaled. His breath danced across my face and my heart rate accelerated. Both of his hands slid from my hips to my sides where they rested at the top of my rib cage. He dropped his head and pressed his forehead against mine. "When I catch you, darlin', I'm gonna fuck you harder than any man has ever fucked you before." Again, his fingers dug into my skin. "You won't be able to walk for a week when I'm done with you"—he paused and kissed my forehead—"and tha
t's a promise."
I suddenly forgot how to breathe. Still, I managed to find a way to speak. "No man has ever…" My voice trailed off as I slammed my eyes shut.
Devon's head snapped back. I could feel his eyes boring down into me. "Ava, look at me." As if on automatic, my eyes opened. "You telling me you're a virgin?"
Feeling like a fool, I nodded.
A smile spread across Devon's face. "Not for long."
Half a second later his lips collided with mine.
I unabashedly kissed him back.
I had no idea what I was doing or why I was acting the way I was. All I knew what was being close to him and allowing him to touch me felt right.
Devon slid one hand into my long hair, wrapped the strands around his balled fist and jerked my head back, giving him better access to my mouth. His other hand slid down my side and over my lower back before landing on my butt where he grabbed a handful of flesh and squeezed—hard.
I moaned and pressed my chest into his abs.
He groaned before swiping his tongue across my lips. "Open, Ava. Now."
Again, I obliged his command. My mouth opened and his tongue plunged inside. He tasted like a mixture of coffee and chocolate. I moaned at his taste. The sounds I made only spurred him on, causing him to deepen the kiss.
Before long he'd wrapped his arms around my lower back and lifted me off the ground. Two seconds later, my back hit the bed. Devon followed me down. He settled his hips between my spread legs as his body blanketed mine.
Without missing a beat, he continued to kiss me as he pressed his rock—hard erection into my aching—and from the feel of it, soaked—center. My nails dug into his shoulder blades and although my mind was screaming, "What the hell are you doing, Ava?" I ignored it. My body, not my brain, was in full control.
Devon ripped his mouth from mine, and I whimpered in protest. "Devon," I cried, begging for something that I didn't quite understand. "Please, give it to me."
He tilted his head to the side and looked down at me with lust—filled eyes. "Give you what, darlin'?" He pressed his cock into me, and my hips jerked in response. "Tell me, baby, what do you want?"
Frustrated, I shook my head back and forth. I didn't know what I wanted. All I knew was that every inch of my body vibrated with need. "Devon, Devon, Devon," I repeatedly moaned his name in a plea filled chant.
He chuckled. "Don't worry, my beautiful girl. I'm gonna give you everything you need plus more." I looked down at him as he shifted his body lower on the bed. His eyes met mine. "Watch me, Ava. Watch me make you feel good."
Before I had a chance to reply, Devon lightly bit down on my right nipple through my dress. Arching my back, I screamed. Loud. "Devon!" He groaned before slipping his hands beneath my dress and yanking my wet panties off me in one quick movement. Balling them up, he shoved them into the side pocket of his jeans. His fingers skated back up my inner thigh; his middle finger made contact with my center and again, I screamed.
"You're fucking soaked," he growled as he shimmied lower and pushed the fabric of my dress up over my hips. "Spread your legs, Ava. Show me your pretty little pussy, darlin'."
I bit my lower lip and hesitated. My brain was slowly beginning to win the war against my body.
I shouldn't be doing this. I don't even know this guy!
"Ava, beautiful, if you don't—"
Devon's words were cut off when someone banged their heavy fists against the motel room door. "Motherfucker!" He cursed as he pulled my dress back down and stood up. "I should've known. Shitheads couldn't wait, could they?"
Confused, my brows furrowed as I stood from the bed. "Who's out there?" I croaked in a voice that sounded rough to my ears.
Devon looked over his shoulder and scowled. "Go to the bathroom, darlin'. Brush your hair or something. Give me a second alone with my brothers, yeah?"
My confusion only grew.
Why are his brothers here?
"Uh, okay," I mumbled as I turned on my heel and headed for the bathroom. Just as I shut the door, I heard the door open, followed by, "What the hell are you doing here? I told you I'd bring her—"
"You were taking too damn long," Jason barked. "She's mine too, dick face, and I'm not waiting anymore."
My head spun. His too? I didn't understand.
"Alright, calm down," the third brother said next. "If you two scare her away again, I'll kill you both." Silence ensued, but I could feel the tension between them radiating through the bathroom door. "She belongs to all of us so just chill out."
My mind nearly exploded with his statement. Was he crazy? Were they all crazy? Seriously, I didn't understand what he meant by 'she belongs to all of us'. Nor did I understand why warmness spread through me upon hearing all of three of them lay claim to me.
I don't even know them.
Turning around, I looked into the mirror and stared at my reflection. "You are losing your mind, Ava. Absolutely losing your damn—"
Someone knocked on the door, cutting me off mid—sentence. "Ava, baby, get out here."
It was Devon.
Without hesitating, I opened the door and stepped back into the room.
Yep, definitely losing my mind.
Chapter Five
Ava
Jason's hungry gaze raked over me.
His hands twitched at his sides, and I knew he was fighting the urge to pull me into his arms. "Hey beautiful," he said, his voice strained. "I missed you."
I arched a brow. "Missed me?"
He nodded slowly. "Yeah, Ava"—he paused—"I did."
Not knowing what to say, I looked around the room. "I know I heard three of you out here. Where is…" My voice trailed off when I realized I didn't know the third brothers' name.
Devon scowled again. "Eric. His name is Eric, and he went to settle your bill at the front desk."
Hold up. "Excuse me? Settle my bill? Why?"
Jason crossed his arms over his chest. "Because you're not staying here a minute longer."
"Where am I going?" I fidgeted in place and picked at the hem of my dress.
"Home," Devon barked, crossing his arms over his chest and mirroring Jason's stance. "With us."
I'd be damned. "Uh." I forced a smile. "No offense, but I don't think that's a great idea."
Before either of them could reply, Eric pushed the door open and stepped inside. "Bill is paid. I checked her out and returned the keys."
His eyes found mine. "Hey, baby." The smile that spread across his face was genuine; it instantly put me at ease. "Fancy seeing you here."
I couldn't help but smile in return. "Hey, Eric." His eyes sparkled when I said his name.
"Don't think I'll ever get tired of hearing you say my name."
Devon—I need to start calling him Mr. Grizzly Bear or something—growled and snapped his fingers. "Alright," he hissed, "let's get this show on the road. "He looked at me. "Darlin' go in the bathroom and pack up all your stuff. We'll handle everything out here." He looked around the room and furrowed his brows. "Won't take us long to have the trucks loaded and ready to go."
Now, wait a minute. "Again, I don't think that's a good idea."
Jason smirked. "Yeah?" He asked. "And why not?"
Was he serious? He couldn't be serious. "Uh, where do I start? First, I don't know any of you; therefore, I'm not going to pack up what little I own and move out of my home."
No matter how crappy it is, I mentally added.
My hands went to my hips. "I'm beginning to think y'all are crazy or something. Is that it? Are all three of you mental?" At that moment, my pettiness decided to rear its ugly head. "Besides, I wasn't good enough to work for you so why in the heck would I be good enough to live with you?" Much as I hated it, I couldn't hide the hurt welling up in my throat. Every ounce of it leaked into my voice.
I will not cry.
I will not cry.
Jason moved before I had a chance to blink. Like Devon had done earlier, he closed the space between us, wrapped his
arms around my waist, and picked me up. A couple of seconds later, we were in the bathroom and once again, my back was pressed against the wall.
His hand wrapped around my jaw. "Listen to me, princess," he said in a stern tone. "The only reason Devon was hesitant to hire you was because he didn't want you sitting at that desk alone as men paraded in and out of the office." I sucked in a shocked breath. That was why? "But as far as I'm concerned, if you want the job it's yours. I only have a few stipulations that need to be in place before I put you on the payroll."
My heart thudded in my chest. "What s—stipulations?" I stuttered for what felt like the millionth time that day as a mixture of excitement and lust raced through me.
Jason's eyes dropped to my lips. "One: Either Devon, Eric, or I has to be with you at all times. Two: If any of the men—I don't care who they are—flirts with you, says something inappropriate or makes you feel uncomfortable in any way, you agree to tell one of us. Three: No wearing dresses or skirts to work."
"Why can't I wear a dress?" Out of everything that flew out of his mouth that's what my mind decided to seize on. See? I was going crazy!
Both of his hands landed on my outer thighs. Fingertips traced up my sensitive skin. "Because"—he moved his lips closer—"I won't ever get anything done if you do."
My body burned with the need to touch him. "Jason," I whispered his name as I arched my back and pressed my chest into his rock—hard abs. "Please, kiss me."
I didn't know what it said about me that I was begging for him to kiss only minutes after his brother had touched me in a place that no man had ever touched me before. At that time, I didn't really care either. All I knew was that I wanted—needed—to taste him, to feel him.
Jason smiled. "Your wish is my command."
His lips touched mine, and my heart clenched deep in my chest.
Right or wrong, having him close, tasting him, felt right.
Just like it had with Devon.
Both of his hands slid around my back, and he pulled me against him harder; his fingers trailed up and down the length of my spine. I hadn't expected his touch to be so gentle, so soft.
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