by Fiona Archer
The sound of the door opening had both of them turning around. Alex entered, his gaze locked on Olivia as he shoved his keys into his gray pants pocket. He’d rolled up the sleeves of his white business shirt. Teamed with its open collar, it gave this normally urbane looking man a rougher, more blatantly masculine air.
She liked it.
“Phillip’s set up things on the terrace.”
“Good.” Alex kept his gaze on her. “Give me a minute and I’ll meet you out there.” With a last, long stare, he headed up the timbered staircase with its many levels that acted like rest stops between the three floors.
A quick break sounded like a great idea. “Do you have somewhere I can freshen up?”
“Sure.” Kane led her to one of the doors near the stairs. “Here’s the powder room.” He gestured out toward the back of the mansion. “When you’re ready, head on straight through those glass doors. They’ll lead you out to the terrace.”
She nodded. “Okay, great.”
The powder room was larger than her mom’s bathroom back home. The white wainscoting on the walls was set off by blue and white wallpaper. A white marble vanity and sink sat under a huge mirror with silver edging. She dumped her bag on the vanity’s counter and used some rose-scented soap to wash her hands. After a quick check of her appearance, she reapplied her lipstick.
Her cell phone trilled from in her bag. Snatching it up before it went to voice-mail, she glanced at the screen as she tapped to answer. “Hey, Mom.”
“Hi, sweetie. I missed your call earlier today, but wanted to check in. How’s everything going? Are you getting out and having fun tonight?”
“Yeah.” Does dinner with two gorgeous men count? “I’m out with Alex and Kane.” In their home. But she didn’t want to get into that with her mom right now. “You rang while I’m in the restroom.” Technically, that wasn’t a lie.
“The MacKenzies? On a Friday night? Is it a business dinner?” Maggie Fletcher’s tone bubbled with eagerness.
“Well,” she had never been able to hide much from her mom. Ever. It had really cramped her teenage years. “No, it’s not. It’s a date.”
Without missing a beat, her mom answered, “Then own it.”
Olivia blinked. “Own it?”
“Life’s too short to live it in safe mode, Olivia.” A thread of strength underlined Maggie Fletcher’s voice.
“Safe mode?” What self-help book had her mom been reading?
But the older woman was on a roll. “Go after what you want. Flip that switch from safe to brave.”
“Just like that, huh?” Sounded too easy. And she had so many questions to ask of herself, let alone Alex and Kane.
“How else are you going to find what makes you happy? You said you wanted to start over, make decisions just for you, not putting a husband first.” Her mom softened her voice. “Now’s a good time to start.”
“And if some of those decisions turn out to be disasters?”
“Then you get up and ride again. Each time you hit a bump in the road, the bruise on your ass reminds you not to make that mistake twice. Sometimes the first bruise isn’t big enough to teach us a lesson. We have to keep falling until we finally learn.”
Olivia huffed a laugh. Her mom’s down-to-earth advice, usually coupled with a warm hug, always made her feel treasured. “Good answer, Mom.” Then she couldn’t help asking, “You ever had one of those lessons?”
Silence followed her question. She waited. Waited.
“Yes,” her mom finally answered.
Olivia stared at a spot on the blue patterned wallpaper. Unable to stay silent, she asked, “Was it over something important?”
“Someday I may tell you about it. We’ll see.” Her mom chuckled, lightening the mood. “Now, you have two gentlemen waiting for you. Go have fun.” Her mom blew a kiss into the phone. “Love you!”
Olivia shook her head as she dropped the phone into her bag, watching it slide down to nest beside the BDSM guidebook.
With one last look in the mirror, she grabbed her tote, then headed out toward the terrace.
Both men were waiting for her. As she stepped through the wide French doors, they turned. It was all she could do to keep her step.
Two sets of eyes, identical in their interest, stared back at her. They may look similar, but these two guys were as different in personality as night and day.
Alex, with his short-cropped hair, allowed his power to do so much of the talking for him as he silently assessed those around him with the same alert countenance he would have used as a SEAL team leader. He gave nothing away, ever. At least not to any great depth.
Then there was Kane, a man likely just as lethal on the battlefield, but who in business and pleasure used charm and a quick mind to disarm his opponents and friends alike.
With each step she took over the stone pavers it was like she was heading further into a spider’s web, willingly entangling herself in their snare.
“I see you’re still carrying your body armor?” Alex nodded at her tote.
She laughed, the sound gushing out of her in a rush of nervous relief. “Hey, girls need their bags. They go everywhere with us. Restrooms. Meetings. You name it.”
Kane came forward, holding out a cocktail glass with a light green mix. “Margarita okay?”
“Oh, lovely, thanks.” She took the drink and sipped, loving the burst of lime. Just right. Dropping her tote beside one of the chairs, she pushed it out of the way with her foot.
Alex moved closer, now just a couple of feet away. “So if there was a burning building and you had to choose between going back for your bag or say the plans to build a machine that would stop all wars, what would you choose?”
No contest. “Men will always go to war. They’d just work around whatever obstacle was in their way. But I’ll never willingly give up the contents of my bag. There isn’t a man on the planet that could make me.”
Alex lifted a finger to brush a stray lock of hair behind her ear. “Is that so?”
Her tummy did this weird fluttery thing while she tried not to swallow loudly. Throwing down a challenge, even in jest, to these guys never went unnoticed.
She turned her head to the side and took in the view of Lake Union. Even as the light faded, she could see the shadows of the gardens, with its large trees and a lawn that led down to the water’s edge.
“That’s a beautiful view.”
“Red, look at me.”
Compelled by Alex’s low, commanding tone, she obeyed.
He was there, right there, so close she could see each individual fleck of gray at the sides of his temples. Even in her three-inch heels she had to tip her head back to stare into his eyes.
He took her glass out of her unresisting grip, passed it to Kane, then cradled her face in his hands. “I’m going to kiss you.”
“Oh.” It was all she could think to say.
Lowering his head, he claimed her mouth. She expected a hard kiss, but instead his firm lips moved lazily over hers, gaining her willing response as his tongue slid inside. He tasted her, making searching sweeps. She tried to match him, passion for passion, but he’d withdraw, then force his way back into her mouth. His kiss. On his terms.
She raised her hands, giving in to the urge to rub her fingers over his chest. He was a solid wall of muscle and it served in stark contrast to the firm but still gentle hold of her face. This was a man who knew his strength down to the last ounce.
Alex drew back gradually. One hand cupped her cheek, while with his other he brushed his thumb over her mouth. “You’re beautiful, Red.”
Though he stepped back, his gaze never left hers, even as he moved his hands to her shoulders before turning her around to face his brother.
Kane wrapped his arms around her, pressing her arms to her sides and forcing her chest up against his body. His gunmetal gray eyes were filled with purpose.
“Last time we kissed at the pub, you weren’t sure of my motives. This time you’ll have no doubts.”
Kane captured her mouth with a determined urgency, meshing his lips to hers in a long hard, kiss. Her head swam. This was no laid-back charmer. This was a man intent on gaining his prize. He thrust his tongue past her lips, seeking more.
She answered with pure instinct. Her tongue danced with his as her hands, still locked by her sides in his tight embrace, itched to touch him.
Kane lifted his head, but kept his arms around her. He studied her face, smiling with undeniable satisfaction when he glanced at her lips.
They felt swollen and bruised, but in the most obscenely delicious of ways.
“Any doubts?” Kane raised a brow.
“No.” She coughed to clear her throat. “You, uh, cleared that right up.”
One corner of his mouth lifted before he dropped a kiss on her forehead. “Good.”
Slowly, he lessened his hold around her until his arms fell by his sides.
She stepped back, needing air. If she could get a second to herself, just to gather her thoughts, then she might feel more in control. Her foot moved back behind her, ready to take another step in retreat.
Something snagged on the heel of her shoe. Her ankle twisted.
“Arrrgh!”
She started to fall. Reaching out blindly, she grasped a hard forearm.
“I’ve got you, Red,” Alex lifted her up in his arms, then placed her down on one of the padded chairs.
“Thanks.” She gingerly straightened her left leg. A dull ache radiated from her ankle to over the top of her foot. “Ouch.” She bent over to check for damage.
Alex and Kane crouched before her, looking all big and male.
“How bad is it?” Kane removed her shoes.
“I think it’s just a twist.” Apart from a residual ache, no real harm.
Alex’s touch was gentle as he cupped her injured heel and prodded her ankle. “This hurt?” He slowly turned her foot.
“No.” Tell the truth, all she could think about was his touch and the sight of his tanned hands on her pale skin.
Her skin!
Her gaze flew down to her lap. No. No. No. The dress’s hem was bunched all the way up to her waist, giving them an awesome view of her white cotton panties.
Heat flooded her face. She wanted to die.
Just. Die.
She tried to raise her knee. “It’s fine. Honest. Give me a minute.”
“Can you feel anything broken?” Kane asked his brother, ignoring her as he leaned close for a detailed look.
“I tripped, that’s all,” she mumbled, trying in vain to push her dress down at the front enough to cover her thighs, but it was bunched too high on her waist.
“Looks like a twisted ankle.” Alex lowered her foot back to the pavers.
She gripped the chair’s wooden arms, about to heave herself up.
Alex rose up. “Stay put.” When she opened her mouth he leaned over her. “You move and I’ll tie you to that chair.”
Her breath lodged in her throat. A wicked lick of heat swept through her body. She grasped the polished wood harder.
Still, she couldn’t just sit there and allow herself to be bossed around.
“Don’t be silly. I’m fine.” She leaned forward, pressing her good foot harder onto the stone paver.
“One move, sweetheart.” Alex stood like a war chieftain, tall and dominant, his muscled forearms on show with his sleeves rolled to his elbows. She didn’t doubt he meant his threat.
His brother rose beside him. Finally, a male she could reason with.
“Kane, make him see sense. I’m fine.”
He placed his hands on his hips. “Take a step and I’ll get the damn rope myself.”
“What?” Her voice came out more of a squeak. “You can’t say things like that.”
But he wasn’t listening. She followed his gaze to the ground. Her blue silk scarf and the rest of the contents of her tote spread out across the pavers. The kink guidebook.
Dammit.
“What’s this?” Kane picked up the paperback, studied its cover, then showed it to Alex. He fixed his gaze on her. “Tell me why you’re uncomfortable. Is it the fact Alex and I said those words or that the idea turns you on?”
The air felt hotter. Had the guys stepped closer? It felt like they were practically on top of her.
“You’re talking nonsense. Put my book down. My reading choices are none of your business,” she snapped.
“Now that’s where you’re wrong, Red. On both counts.” Alex folded his arms across his chest. “At the club your interest in BDSM was there for all to see. It was honest and open. The book shows you’re curious to know more. And that makes it our business.”
“Oh, really?” She didn’t hide her sarcasm.
Kane’s gaze narrowed. “You think your reaction doesn’t have an effect on us? We’re Doms, Olivia. It’s not just a state of mind. It’s something that’s instinctive, down in our DNA. We’re attracted to you, have been since we first met you. Knowing that you’re interested in BDSM only increases that attraction.”
“I’m picking you up. Don’t fight me.” Alex scooped her up in his arms, then sat on the edge of the chair. He settled her onto his lap with care, adjusting her dress so that it covered most of her thighs, but his grip stayed firm, letting her know she couldn’t break free.
And dammit, she liked that. Warmth pooled between her legs. The obvious strength of his arm at her back both reassured and excited her.
Kane dragged a chair over, then sat in front of Alex. His body formed an effective barrier to her making a quick escape.
She licked her lips. Caught by the MacKenzies. She felt her nipples tighten. Tried to get control of…everything. This was wrong. How could she feel this way, letting them take command of her so easily? But her body didn’t give a damn about such rational thoughts.
“Look, I’m just reading a book. Chloe gave it to me.” Panic made her offer her friend up as some kind of excuse. “It’s no big deal.”
“You’re a natural sub, Olivia.” Kane gently gripped one of her hands. “The kind that would light up under the control of a powerful Dom.”
Under the control. Wasn’t that just code for having no choice, being second every time?
She wrenched her hand free. “I spent the last ten years married to a guy that took control, had his way in everything. It’s not something I’m prepared to repeat.”
Alex’s gaze sharpened. “You’re thinking stereotypical images that have nothing to do with a real BDSM dynamic. Was your husband in the lifestyle?”
The question almost made her laugh.
“No. Alan wasn’t into BDSM.” He’d mocked the fact it was so accepted in King’s Bluff. ”Freaking tie-me-up capital of the US.” He just wanted to come first always.” And she’d let him. More fool her.
“So your divorce had nothing to do with BDSM. Your ex was an arrogant ass. Not a Dom.”
“No, he was a cheating ass but,” she broke off, glared at them both. “Don’t twist this around on me.”
“You can’t argue with the truth, Olivia.” Kane captured her hand again, this time holding on tighter when she tugged to get free. His thumb traced over her knuckles with slow, gentle strokes, as if soothing a frightened kitten. Alex’s hands rested on her hip and thigh—his grip firm, strong, providing her a delicious contrast between their touches.
“The real question is do you have the courage to see if you’d like BDSM?” Kane said.
Ha! She had them there. “Who says I haven’t?”
His thumb ceased its stroking. “What does that mean?”
Alex’s arms tightened around her. “The truth, Red.”
Her defiance started to wobble under their hard stares. “I’ve searched online, visited some forums.” She rushed out the last words. “And some chat rooms.”
“What happened there?” Alex’s gaze sharpened at her hesitation.
Butterflies danced in her belly. “I didn’t say much. And I didn’t give out my personal details,
even when that Dom demanded my info.”
“Fuck.” Kane scrubbed his free hand over his face.
“A Dom asked for your address?” A muscle ticced in Alex’s jaw.
“And phone number.” She hurried on. “But I didn’t give it out. I’m not a complete fool.”
Kane’s face tightened. “When did this happen?”
Jeez, enough with the third degree. “It wasn’t while I was at the lodge, if that’s what you’re worried about.”
Kane’s hard gaze held hers captive. “Answer me.”
“Last Wednesday night.” She couldn’t look away from Kane, yet all the time she felt Alex studying her.
“Have you been back to that forum? Chatted with any more Doms?” Kane demanded to know.
She shook her head slowly. “No. I decided I’d wait until I’d read up some more.”
His eyes narrowed. “You’re determined to keep looking, asking questions?”
Flip that switch from safe to brave.
She swallowed. Nothing in life is easy, right?
“Yes. It’s time I found out exactly what I like.” Her soft laugh sounded more like a nervous giggle, even to her own ears. “By taking me to the club, you guys opened a Pandora’s box. I’ve been around the fringes of BDSM for years. Not, you know, right into it, but I’ve known about it. Now I need to take it further. See if it’s really for me.”
Alex said, “Even with all the reading in the world, it’s dangerous to hook up with strangers and road test the lifestyle like you’re buying a new car.”
“Who said I was planning to?” The words were pure stubbornness on her part. At some point she’d have to find a Dom to play with to gain some practical experience. How ironic considering the two men she’d fantasied about teaching her everything had their hands on her right now.
“Then how do you plan to learn? Make an ad online? Go to a munch? Join the club at the lodge?”
“Maybe, I don’t know.” She wriggled, trying to get off Alex’s lap, but his arms tightened around her, locking her in place.
“I won’t let you take risks, Olivia.” Alex firmed his jaw.
She straightened her shoulders. “That’s not your choice to make, is it?” Who did he think he was? Her keeper? Certainly not her Dom. She squashed the ridiculous pang of regret.