“We’re taking you to Cocin first for a nice meal. After that, we’re taking you dancing.” Teague took her hand and led her to the skimmer.
Her eyebrows went up. He guessed she was surprised at where they were going. Her outfit would fit in at the restaurant. That probably wasn’t what shocked her. Cocin was exclusive and pricey. It was one way of showing her how serious they were about her. He’d love to take her to one of the more private establishments, maybe one with a privacy booth, where they could have the opportunity to touch her.
They’d decided against that type of restaurant. First, Kassius didn’t know if she was ready for that level of intimacy. Pressing too soon could make her think the attraction was only physical. Before they took her to one of those restaurants, he wanted to have more time with her. Second, he intended to touch and kiss her at every opportunity.
They’d take her out and make sure that everyone knew they’d chosen her as their woman. Including her. He didn’t want her to mistake the reason for going to an intimate restaurant. On top of that, he didn’t intend to let her think they were trying to hide her from everyone.
“Sounds good.” She stepped up into the skimmer. “I’ve never been there.”
Berenger climbed in beside her, and Kassius slid into the pilot’s seat. He glanced back to make sure she’d buckled the safety harness. He saw the straps stretching across her shoulders and over her chest, but he also noticed her hand rested easily in Berenger’s large palm.
He smiled, turned back around, and activated the skimmer before taking it up to entry height. Piloting the skimmer occupied his attention until he glided into the landing lot of the restaurant. He guided the vehicle into one of the delineated slots before bringing it to a halt. After he released the hatch, he stepped down and walked around the vehicle. He watched as Teague helped her from the back. After he saw Berenger get out, he closed the hatch, locked the skimmer, and set the alarm.
“I think you’ll enjoy the food here. They have the best fish in the city. I know the owner. He has connections with some of the best fishermen on the coast.” Berenger led the way to the restaurant but looked back at her with a smile.
“It sounds great. I love seafood,” she said, walking beside Teague toward the restaurant.
Their fingers brushed as they approached the restaurant. Following behind them, Kassius saw the moment Teague clasped her hand. She looked over at him and edged closer. Their hips touched with each step to the door. Kassius thought that might have been a good move on Teague’s part. They needed to show her they craved being close to her.
“I know you love seafood. It’s why we chose this restaurant,” Berenger said when the door slid open in front of them. He waited there until Teague and Sephanie went through.
Kassius followed them into the restaurant. He came through the door in time to see her frown at Berenger. He wanted to kiss her lips until she couldn’t think of getting mad at them. That immediately led his mind to thoughts of teasing and tasting until she sighed her contentment. Unfortunately, that would have to wait. This wasn’t the place. He also didn’t think she was ready yet.
“How do you know about my love for seafood?” She still held Teague’s hand as she tossed the question at Berenger.
“We told you we were interested in you. We listened. We watched and talked to everyone we could about you and what you liked.” Teague drew to a stop when they arrived at the hostess station in the restaurant.
“Well, not everyone. You could have come to the source.” She shook her head, but a smile curled her glossy lips.
“At that time, we were keeping our distance to maintain perspective on your safety and make sure no one tried to harm you. We have regretted that.” Teague’s other hand lifted and stroked over her arm.
Kassius personally regretted not pressing their suit before she’d gotten involved with the last men she’d dated. The misunderstanding in the shop would never have happened if they had already been in a relationship.
They had a reservation and didn’t have to wait. The hostess showed them to a round, linen-covered table and left them in the hands of their waiter. Kassius remained standing until Teague seated Sephanie, then took one of the seats near her.
After the waiter brought them some wine, Kassius focused on their woman. He put his hand over hers where it rested on the table, drawing her attention to him. When her beautiful green eyes met his, he smiled. He intended to focus completely on her tonight.
They talked, ate, and drank. She’d relaxed in the relatively short space of the meal and begun opening up to them. The night went fabulously until she asked Berenger about his business.
“It’s been busy, especially over the past week or so. To the extent that I haven’t been able to help out Kassius as I usually do at this time of year.” Berenger smiled at her. “But you have reminded me I haven’t seen your vehicle in a while. Schedule an appointment.”
She looked down at her plate and pushed a small bit of food around with her versa-utensil. Taking a deep breath, she lifted her gaze and met Berenger’s stare. “I took it to another shop right after I got back from my, um…vacation.”
Kassius winced. He saw Berenger’s face harden. He hoped Berenger moderated his tone when he asked the questions that obviously demanded to be answered.
“Were you avoiding us? You know you could have brought the skimmer in and not seen me on some days.” Berenger leaned forward, his eyes locked on hers.
“That was right after I’d heard you. You know what I thought. I was furious with you. My skimmer needed service. I was so mad at all three of you that instead of risking seeing you, I made an appointment with another company.” She held Berenger’s stare.
“I want to see the skimmer as soon as possible. Make an appointment, or I will.” Berenger reached across the table and put his palm over her free hand.
“I’ve told you it has been serviced recently. It’s in good condition.” She frowned.
Kassius wasn’t certain, but he thought he heard a little hesitation in her voice. The rest of what she said sounded so confident he couldn’t be sure. He didn’t know why she’d feel any hesitation. Other than not confronting them about what she’d heard them saying, she seemed more than capable of arguing or denying them.
“It’s been serviced. Did that service include putting in some of the modifications I specifically told you you didn’t need the last time you brought your skimmer to me?” Berenger raised a brow.
Sephanie squirmed in her seat. “One.”
Berenger sat back in his chair, his hand slipping off Sephanie’s. “Let me guess. The accelerator boost.”
She bit her lip and nodded. “It is my skimmer.”
Kassius could see her hackles rising in spite of her obvious nervousness. Maybe she thought Berenger had singled her out for that denial. “Sephanie, he won’t let even me have that one. He threatened to take apart my skimmer at night and leave it in a million little pieces if I got it somewhere else.”
“He won’t?”
“Not any of us or our families. Something about it not being good for the skimmer long-term and a bunch of technical speak that made me zone out until he smacked me on the shoulder to get my attention,” Teague inserted. He stroked her hair.
“I don’t know whether to feel flattered or outraged on mine and everybody else’s behalf at your high-handed behavior.” She stared at Berenger.
“Doesn’t matter. That modification is coming off.” Berenger smiled.
Kassius shook his head when he noticed that smile. He knew that look well. Berenger was determined. She’d be lucky if she didn’t wake up to find her skimmer gone one morning and back by the afternoon.
“Maybe. I’ll do some research and see what I can learn.” She shrugged, but the smirk on her lips held a bit of a taunt.
“Do your research, but I’ll still take that thing off.” Berenger’s muscles relaxed, and he began eating again.
She laughed. “Not as long as it doesn’t g
o into your shop.”
Kassius didn’t bother correcting her assumption that Berenger would leave her vehicle alone if she kept it away from his shop. She’d learn that lesson during their relationship. If they had their way, Berenger would have unlimited access to her little skimmer sometime soon. She was going to be part of their life. Berenger wouldn’t stop trying to protect her from something he believed was harmful because she didn’t cooperate.
Chapter Four
After the meal, they left the restaurant and took her to the club Turana. Turana catered strictly to those in a relationship. There weren’t singles looking to find a man or woman for a night of fun at this establishment. They wouldn’t have to deal with other men trying to draw their woman’s attention. Kassius definitely appreciated that aspect of the club. They could focus totally on her. On top of that, the club played a mix of music designed to let men get close to their partners.
Kassius took Sephanie’s hand as they approached the club. The sign along the top of the building proclaimed the club’s name in silver and purple letters. Berenger walked in front of them, paying for their entry into the club while Teague strolled along behind them.
Kassius didn’t blame him. The view of their woman from behind was entrancing. Her round hips and the delicious curve of her buttocks swaying side to side called to a man to bend her over and give her cheeks a few smacks before he drove into the heat of her pussy.
Walking into the club, Kassius glanced around. The interior carried the same colors as the sign. Purple and silver were complemented by black throughout the room. Tables flanked the large dance floor, but Berenger bypassed them for one of the booths along the back wall.
“Get us something to drink. Sephanie and I will be dancing.” Teague stepped up beside Sephanie and held out his hand.
She smiled at him and placed her palm onto his. Kassius released her other hand and watched them walk away. Sometime tonight, two of them would dance with her at the same time, but he thought they should build the relationship slowly.
On the dance floor, her arms wrapped around Teague’s waist. She relaxed against him while they moved around the floor. Kassius kept his gaze on her. She was gorgeous, especially when she laughed up at something Teague said. Teague’s hand slid down to her hip but didn’t go any lower.
“She looks calm,” Berenger said.
Kassius glanced over and saw Berenger’s eyes were trained on their woman. Her body moved sensuously to the beat of the music. Her hips twitched and circled as she glided around the floor with Teague. Kassius would bet Teague enjoyed the brush of her body against him even though it frustrated him.
The drinks arrived as the song ended. Teague escorted Sephanie back to the table. One of her arms tangled with his, and her fingers curled around Teague’s larger hand. Kassius stood and allowed Sephanie to slide into the booth. He slipped in next to her. She lifted one of the bowled goblets and took a slow sip of the cool concoction.
He smiled at her. Her drink was a fruity, only slightly alcoholic mix. He didn’t plan to let her get drunk. Although he’d love to rush into sex, she needed to be fully capable of choosing to be with them tonight.
“What do you think of Turana?” Kassius asked and stroked his thumb across her knuckles. Her fingers were long, the nails short. There was strength in her hands.
“I like it. I never thought about it before, but it’s kind of reassuring to be somewhere only other couples and groups in a relationship can be. I can dance with one of you and not have to worry about some single woman approaching the other two of you.” She edged closer to him.
Kassius took the opportunity to curl his arm around her. She leaned into him. He savored the feeling of her body against his. The soft curve of her breast pressed against his chest. He wished he could cup his fingers over the lush mound. He’d waited for this and wanted it for what seemed an eternity. She was finally within reach.
“I feel exactly the same way. I’m fairly sure some other man would try to cut in on us if we were out on the floor at another club. Especially since our relationship is so new. Some idiots live to try to take another man’s woman. And I won’t risk spending the night in a cell because I showed him how wrong he was.” Kassius flexed his fingers and bunched them into a fist underneath the table. Anger pulsed through him merely at the thought of another man trying to come between them. He’d do what he had to do to make sure she was theirs.
“Well, that would sure cut in on a night out, wouldn’t it?” She grinned. “I wouldn’t get a kiss good night.”
“We’d make up for his absence.” Teague’s expression held no sympathy. “I’m sure with a little work you wouldn’t notice he was gone.”
“I’d know, but I’m sure you could occupy me for a time so I didn’t worry about him.” Her gaze drifted over Teague’s body.
“All night long, Sephanie. And then sometime midafternoon, we’d go bail him out.” Teague’s voice deepened and became rougher than normal.
Kassius had no doubt Teague was thinking of the many ways he could keep her moaning and begging, out of her mind with pleasure. He knew they immediately jumped into his mind. Stripping her naked and running his lips over her soft skin. Tasting that sweet pussy. He groaned. His pants felt too tight against his hardened cock. He eased his leg outward to lessen the constraint on his dick.
“Before we go any further, I wanted to assure you we’ve all had the requisite injections to prevent sexually transmitted diseases.” Berenger reached over and put his hand on her arm. “I’m not saying we’re expecting sex tonight. If it happens, that would be great.”
“I’m current, and my contraceptive implant is current. It’s something we needed to discuss, considering how explosive we are together.” Sephanie licked her lips.
Berenger stood and held out his hand. “Would you like another dance, Sephanie?”
Sephanie nodded. “I’d love to dance again.”
Kassius stood and let her slide out of the booth. He didn’t intend to stay there. He’d give her some time with Berenger, and then he’d join them.
“She’s a little curious about how we’ll work this out. She asked some questions about whether the interaction will be one-on-one always or together. Don’t let her wonder too long.” Teague relaxed back in the booth, but his eyes were on Sephanie.
“I’m not going to. After watching you dance with her, I need to feel her moving against me.” Kassius hadn’t expected the possessiveness or the desire to feel this intense.
“She’ll drive every thought out of your mind. I can’t wait until I can feel her curves without the clothes.” Teague smiled.
Watching her sent his mind flying to the carnal. He didn’t admit that aloud. He stood and walked toward the dance floor. He saw her hips rocking forward in time with the music. That had to be making Berenger crazed. The sight of it urged him to take her somewhere more private so he could feel that movement skin to skin.
“Ready for me to join you, baby?” he asked when he reached them.
She turned her head. “Oh, yes.”
She started to turn toward him, but he put his hand on her shoulder, stopping her. “Stay in that position for now, Sephanie. I’ll ease in behind and enjoy the feel of your delicious ass wiggling against me.”
He suited words to action. He settled his palms on her hips, letting her dance but needing the contact with her. Her hands lifted to Berenger’s shoulders and rested there. She continued to move to the beat. The soft swish of her hips rubbed her ass across the ridge of Kassius’s cock with every shimmy. Even though they were separated by her dress and his pants, a streak of raw hunger slammed through him with those light brushes. He loved dancing with her, but his body tensed more with every moment that passed. The aching torture was worth it. She relaxed and appeared to enjoy herself.
Her ass rocked back and ground against his cock. He drew in a hissing breath. He thrust his hips forward for a longer, firmer caress, but she once again moved to the beat as if it hadn’t
happened. He managed to keep with them, but his mind wasn’t on the dance.
“She did that on purpose,” Berenger said before his head lowered. He nibbled along the curve of Sephanie’s neck. “She did the same thing to me and laughed while I stood still in the center of the dance floor.”
“Well, let’s see how she likes a little of the same treatment.” Kassius smoothed one hand up and let it trail inward over her belly.
He skimmed it up under the curve of her breast, appreciating the weight for a moment. She drew in a breath. He hoped she wondered what he’d do and if anyone might see. The low light on the dance floor provided enough privacy he didn’t have any qualms about it. Only the three of them would know with certainty where he touched her.
He swept his palm upward, letting it graze over the taut nipple. He wanted to spin her around and take a look at her again. He could feel the heat of her body through that dress but knew she probably wore some kind of bra. He wished he could slip his hand inside her dress to discover what was beneath, but he’d have to wait. Her dress didn’t give him that kind of easy access.
She stiffened. One of her arms tried to block him from roaming any farther. “Someone will see.”
“Trust us. We won’t let anyone see anything intimate. Not unless that is something you want.” Berenger took her arm. “Does his touch feel good?”
Her arm stopped trying to block him, but she stumbled, leaning into Berenger as she caught her balance. “It feels good.”
“Then relax. Let us touch you in all the right places.” Berenger’s arm rose to block any view of what Kassius did.
She laughed. The low, husky sound sent an image of a warm bed and hot sex through Kassius’s mind. He hoped they could make the vision a reality. Soon. It took all his concentration to follow the sway and twist of the dance instead of picking her up and taking her out of the club.
“You can’t touch me in all the right places here,” she said.
He could hear the teasing in her voice and was thrilled her mood was light enough for her to provoke him. On the next step, he glided closer to her, pressing his entire body against her before easing back.
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