“Um, I wasn’t,” she said. He started to bring his wrist toward his mouth like he was going to speak into it, and she stopped him. “It’s okay, Ziek. They are friends of mine I’ve known for years. It’s okay, really.”
“But they upset you this morning on the phone.”
Her eyes widened.
“I overheard. I don’t like it. If you want them up here, then I remain in the apartment with you and them.”
“That really isn’t necessary.”
He raised both of his eyebrows at her.
“Okay, I get it. Orders. Fine. Let them up,” she said, and he spoke into the cell phone and walked into the apartment with her. “Would you like something to drink, Ziek?”
“I’m good. Thank you.”
She walked over to her desk, wondering why Emanuel and Iglesias were here. What did they not get?
When they knocked on the door, Ziek went to answer it. They both looked shocked.
“Can I help you?” Ziek asked.
“Ziek,” she said but remained standing a good distance from the door.
“Upset her, and I toss you out on your asses,” he said to them.
Both men looked annoyed, but Gisella felt surprised and cared for. She just didn’t know if it was because Ziek worked for Fedarro and Collin or because he truly cared about not wanting to see Gisella upset.
The men entered and hugged and kissed her hello. She was stiff in their arms and didn’t reciprocate their greetings. Both held onto her hips and an arm, and with one glance at Ziek, she could tell he didn’t like that. She pulled away. “What are you doing here? I have some clients coming over shortly.”
She walked into the kitchen. Her apartment was very large and had an open floor plan with long, high windows overlooking the city. It was nowhere near the size of a penthouse, but she didn’t think she needed anything bigger, considering she lived alone and was hardly here.
“I’d like to assume since this guy is here that your meeting is with the Fiorre brothers,” Iglesias said, glancing over his shoulder at Ziek.
“Or you lied to us this morning and they already got you in bed,” Emanuel said.
She raised her hand toward Ziek, who looked ready to say something. “It’s none of your business, and you still haven’t told me why you’re here.”
“Does he need to be right here listening in? He’s a guard hired for security. He shouldn’t be privy to private conversations.”
“He’s more than a guard. He’s a friend.”
“We need to talk to you privately,” Iglesias stated.
She exhaled and looked at Ziek, giving him a pleading look.
“I’ll stand by the door, no farther,” Ziek stated firmly and then walked toward the door.
Iglesias stepped close to her and placed his hand on the island in the kitchen and the other against her hip, caging her in. “What the hell is going on? When did you start getting involved with them? What does this mean to us and the family?”
“This is all new, and it came out of left field. Things happened.”
“Do you realize the type of danger you’ll be in, probably already are in, getting involved with men like them?”
“It’s true, Gisella. You won’t be able to come and go as you please, not as long as the Fiorre men force control on you,” Emanuel added, joining his brother close to her.
She looked at them. They reminded her so much of Vender, and she knew that was why she kept a relationship going. Iglesias had Vendor’s eyes and the same style hair. Emanuel had Vendor’s same voice and demeanor, never mind the same facial expressions. Combined they were identical to Vender.
“I don’t want to argue. I also don’t think my personal life is your business anymore.”
Iglesias tightened his hand on her hip. “Really? Because last we checked, it was our cousin you were in love with, and we’ve made it our responsibility to protect you.”
She felt offended and angry. “I was twenty. I’ve learned a lot since then. Besides, if that were true, then somewhere along the way in the last few months, you forgot about the protecting part.”
Iglesias squinted at her. “How so?”
“By bringing me into that meeting with York Saint James. You know I’m legit all the way. There’s no need for me to do anything illegal to make money. I’ve made my money by working hard and not by spreading my legs, taking bribes under tables, or dealing with criminals.”
“So you’ve changed too in the last forty-eight hours since the Fiorre men entered your life,” Emanuel snapped.
“They haven’t asked me to do anything illegal,” she stated strongly.
“Yet,” Emanuel said.
“Really, Emanuel?”
“Spreading your legs and letting them seduce you into bed to get what they want from you?” Emanuel added.
“That isn’t what they’re doing. Damn it, why I am even having a conversation with the two of you about my sex life? If I choose to jump into bed with anyone, it will be my decision, not yours. Did I talk the two of you out of any of the bimbos you’ve taken to bed? No. I never did. Why? Because we’re friends. Because there isn’t anything romantic between us or a connection beyond something from the past, so can we move on?”
“We’re worried about you,” Iglesias told her, reached up, and caressed her cheek.
She pushed his hand away. “Don’t do that.”
“Do what? Care about you, want to protect you? Are we supposed to stop doing that because of them?” Emanuel asked.
He seemed so much angrier than Iglesias, and it made her think that he was the one who had wanted her in his bed even more so. “Listen, no matter what happens between myself and Fedarro and Collin, you’ll both remain my friends. You’ll both be part of my life.”
Emanuel looked toward Ziek. “I doubt that.”
She exhaled and then went to move. Iglesias stepped closer and pressed against her to whisper into her ear.
“We don’t want you to get used or hurt by them. They have reputations you know nothing about. Their money, their charm, and their power can be used against you to destroy all you’ve worked for, baby. You’ve accomplished so much on your own. Vender would have been proud, and damn fucking lucky if he lived.”
She couldn’t help the tears that filled her eyes. He pulled her into an embrace.
“We’re just watching out for you, that’s all.”
She heard the door open, and as Iglesias turned to look, Fedarro, Collin, and Roman entered the apartment.
* * * *
“Any good reason why you’re that close to our woman?” Fedarro asked. He watched Gisella step away only for Emanuel and Iglesias to move next to her, flanking her in a protective stance. He narrowed his eyes at the men. His guards were all now in the apartment.
“Your woman? That’s not what Gisella just told us,” Emanuel said.
“Emanuel, I said it’s new,” Gisella said to him and then looked at Fedarro and Collin.
Fedarro could tell she was scared, nervous, but she wasn’t denying her feelings or that a relationship was getting started. “Our relationship with Gisella is none of your concern. Why are you here?”
“That’s where you’re wrong, Fedarro. She is our concern. What are your intentions?” Iglesias asked.
Gisella gasped and looked back at them. “Don’t do this. Just leave it alone. I don’t need this drama.”
“Our intentions are none of your business. Now before this turns out badly for the two of you, might I suggest you leave?” Now Fedarro was getting really angry.
“You may be more powerful than us, but Gisella will always be a part of our family and we’ll always protect her.”
“Really, Emanuel? Because if that were true, then why bring her around such dangerous man as York Saint James?” Collin asked.
“We were there to protect her. It was a minor thing for her to be there and of his assistance,” Emanuel stated.
“What? That man asked for me to be there for what r
eason?” she asked them.
“Tell her. Tell her how you two were going to use her just a little bit to butter up York on the deal you made with him. Maybe have her stay and have dinner with him, enjoy an evening with him,” Collin said.
“What?” Gisella stepped to the side and crossed her arms in front of her chest.
“That isn’t true. Those are lies. You can’t trust them, Gisella. They’re already trying to rule your life and get rid of the friends, the men who care about you,” Emanuel said.
“It’s obvious you don’t care about her,” Collin stated. “Now get away from her and leave.”
“No. We aren’t going anywhere. We do care about her. Tell them, Gisella. Did you tell them about Vender?” Iglesias asked, and Fedarro wondered who they were talking about.
“No, I didn’t tell them about him.”
“Why the hell not?” Iglesias asked.
“Why? Because I am not even dating them, Iglesias. I haven’t gone on one damn date. So what, we fooled around. We kissed and enjoyed exploring a little but no date. I haven’t slept with them, I haven’t decided if I want this relationship, and the reason why is because of Vender. That’s my secret, my story, my heartache to tell, not yours. I think you should leave, especially now that you’ve embarrassed the hell out of me,” she said and glared at them.
Fedarro wanted to know who the fuck Vender was. Obviously some ex of hers whom, maybe, she loved? Jesus, he was fucking jealous. He didn’t want to think about her being with anyone else but him and Collin.
“We’re not leaving with you upset like this,” Iglesias said, rubbed her arms, and stood in front of her.
Emanuel glared at Fedarro and Collin.
“Are you going to be okay with them?” Iglesias asked.
“She’d be safer with us than she would ever be with you two,” Collin thought to say.
Fedarro was fuming. These men touched her too much, remained close, and knew more about her than he did, and that pissed Fedarro off.
“You know I will be. This was supposed to be a business meeting,” she said to Iglesias.
Fedarro didn’t like her tone or the way his gut clenched in anticipation of the direction the day was going.
“We’ll call you later and touch base about tomorrow at the office.”
“Okay,” she said.
Iglesias leaned down and kissed her cheek. Then Emanuel did the same thing. Roman walked them out. Gisella stood there, looked toward the window, and exhaled.
“Gisella,” Fedarro said.
She shook her head. “Let’s go over the contract and start the meeting.”
She began to head toward the table, where it looked like she had set up some papers, but before she could cross the room, he snagged her hand and pulled her into an embrace. She gripped his shoulders. With one hand he held her lower back and ass and eased the other hand up under her hair, keeping her in place as he looked into her eyes.
“Don’t shut us out.” He stared at her light-green eyes and saw the tears in them.
She blinked several times, and those full, lush lips pouted. “This is turning into a mess. Maybe we’re better off not going any further after this deal.”
He shook his head, and Collin stepped up behind her. They held her between them, and she closed her eyes.
“Who is Vender?” Fedarro asked.
She opened her eyes and shook her head. The tear escaped. “I can’t yet. I can’t, Fedarro.”
“Why not? Obviously he’s the reason why you’re holding back and not letting us in,” Collin said to her.
“I’m not ready to talk about it. Like I said, we haven’t even gone on a date. I don’t know what the two of you want from me.”
“That’s not true. You know what we want,” Fedarro said and then pressed his lips to hers. He pulled back. “All of you to belong to Collin and me.” He kissed her again.
Collin was kissing along her neck and sucking her skin. When she started moaning and then relaxed in their arms, he knew she was losing her inner battle to resist them and what was real and powerful. He plunged his tongue into her mouth deeply and explored her while squeezing her ass. He felt his brother cup her breast, and she moaned louder.
Gisella felt incredible in his arms, and he couldn’t stop running his hand along her curves. She was built to please them, and this first date shit needed to get out of the way so they could claim her as their woman. He understood that whatever had happened between her and this Vender guy meant something and was causing her to hold back with them. They needed answers, and answers were what he was going to get.
Easing back from her mouth, he held her gaze. “You’ll tell us about him when you’re ready. Perhaps after our first date we need to plan?”
“Couldn’t right now count as a first date?” Collin asked and nuzzled against her neck, making her giggle.
“No. It can’t count,” she replied.
“Well then, let’s get down to business so afterward we can enjoy a little pleasure,” Fedarro told her and eyed her body in the slim-fitting business dress. By the looks of the ties on her waist, one good yank could make the whole dress come undone. His cock hardened. He took her hand. “Let’s get this business stuff over with.”
* * * *
Gisella smiled as she, along with Fedarro and Collin, talked with Myran through Skype. He had them laughing, and she realized immediately how much Myran respected Fedarro and Collin, as well as how much the Fiorre brothers respected him. She sat between Fedarro and Collin, and they squeezed close so Myran could see the three of them. This back and forth with her emotions and gut instincts made her more confused. One minute she was scared of them and of their power and capabilities, and the next she liked them so much that she didn’t think she could resist the attraction or the depth of what she felt for them. Knowing that Myran respected them, liked them, and even joked around with them, making both serious men smirk a little, made her smile and like them again. This was what people meant when they referred to a roller coaster of emotions.
“Congratulations again. Now do me a favor and take that gorgeous woman between the two of you to dinner. She deserves it.”
“That’s the plan, Myran,” Fedarro told him.
Myran smirked. “Ahh, so I was right after all. The three of you are getting along well? Perhaps they’ll be more, let’s say, deals in the future?”
“We’ll see. I appreciate you putting your trust in me to handle this, Myran. I hope that when you visit NY you’ll let me take you and Eleanor out to dinner,” Gisella said.
“Will do. Take care and enjoy.”
Gisella hit the button and closed up the laptop. She leaned back. “I love them. They are such nice people.” She went to move, but Collin kept a hand on her knee. Fedarro placed his arm over the back of her chair and smoothed his hand under her hair. She glanced at him.
“Before we take you to dinner, we have a couple of hours to spare. Can you think of anything we could do in that time to help you trust us more?” He leaned closer and kissed her temple.
She closed her eyes and absorbed how it felt as he trailed those kisses to her jaw, then her lips, and then her neck and shoulder. Collin took over, sliding his hand up and down her thigh closer to where she really wanted his fingers—her cunt.
“Open for us. Now,” Collin demanded in a soft yet strong whisper.
She didn’t hesitate. It aroused her, the way both men demanded things in such sexy ways. This was why deciding on giving into them was so difficult. She worried about the downfall, the broken heart, the feeling like shit when they tossed her away, bored and uninterested. There was someone next—another woman, another conquest. As Collin touched her panties, and she pushed his hand away and shoved back on the chair. She slid away from them and rubbed her palm along her cheek and neck as if she had an aching neck, but really she felt confused.
“Gisella,” Fedarro said.
She glanced at him.
“Enough of this. What the hell was jus
t going through your head? What were you thinking?” he demanded.
She parted her lips and looked away.
“No. Tell us now. I want the truth. What was going through your head?”
“How it would hurt when it was over. When you were done with me, bored and ready to move on to the next conquest, the next woman who’s caught your interest.”
He narrowed his eyes at her, and so did Collin.
“Why would you think that, especially as we were kissing you?” Collin asked.
“I just did. I’m not sure about this. I told you that.”
“Is this some kind of game?” Fedarro asked.
She was shocked. “Game? No, why would you think that?”
“Because every woman we have ever met practically throws herself at us. You shy away, push away, yet when you let go for a moment and just feel, you enjoy it and hold on, wanting, moaning for more. What are you so afraid of? What, damn it?” Fedarro raised his voice.
She couldn’t hold back. The tears fell. “Of wanting both of you; of needing you; of becoming dependent on you to live, breathe, and think; and then losing you to danger, to anything I don’t have control over,” she said to them, and apparently it shocked them.
Fedarro closed the space between them and pulled her into his arms. He hugged her tight, and then she felt Collin press against her back. She was wedged between them.
“There are no guarantees in life, Gisella. I can’t make you any promises of eternity right now, but I can tell you that Collin and I want you in our lives. We want you in our beds, between us, and we want to get to know you, to care for you, to protect you, and to spend time with you.”
He stroked her jaw and tilted her chin up toward him. He pressed his lips to hers as Collin gripped her hair, moving it to the side so he could suck the skin against her neck.
“Give this a chance. Let go of the fears and trust us. We won’t hurt you. Not ever,” Collin said to her.
She hugged Fedarro tight and wondered if she could trust them, if she could let go and just follow her heart one more time.
Fedarro slid his hand up her dress along her thigh. She pulled back slightly and locked gazes with him, and his eyes zeroed in on her lips. He pressed his lips to hers, and she let go. She relaxed in their arms and let them touch her, caress her, and arouse her like they said they wanted to.
Made Men 4: One More Time (Siren Publishing Ménage Everlasting) Page 10