by Fiona Archer
This time she couldn’t help but blink. “Yes, you know him?”
“He’s a friend from Harvard. Haven’t spoken to him since last year’s old boys reunion. Good business head, even better, a good man.” The change in Nathan was subtle, but she caught the slight relaxing of his shoulders as he sat back in his chair.
“Absolutely.” It hadn’t been easy leaving her job. Saying good-bye to Charles had been even harder.
“He wasn’t happy to lose her to King’s Bluff. The man told me outright he’d pay her whatever she wanted to go back,” Kane stated with a trace of pride in his voice.
“Olivia belongs to us.” Alex’s voice brooked no argument.
Olivia stared at Alex. His declaration sounded so…final. And felt damn sexy.
“That’s my thinking.” Kane’s gaze locked across the table to his brother’s. They stared at each other, with neither looking away. “In fact, I’m damn certain.”
The silence stretched on. Olivia looked over to Nathan to see his own gaze switching between the men. And then he smiled. Big. Open. It reached his eyes, crinkling the lines around them, which only served to make him look even more handsome.
“Forgive me for my unceasing questions, Olivia. I’ve been looking out for these two since they were young hellions. I’m a protective old bastard.”
She wasn’t sure what to make of Nathan’s statement. Was he protective, as in her professional relationship with her being their PR consultant for the lodge? It didn’t sound like that. It sounded way more personal. Had the guys said something to him? Did he know about their agreement for this weekend?
“I’m not sure what—”
But Nathan wasn’t finished. “So tell me, what have the boys shared with you? That on one of the many occasions they stayed with my family during term breaks they rewired my burglar alarm so that every time my wife or I went to the bathroom at night, we’d set the damn thing off?” He threw a not-so-pretend scowl at both men. “Or maybe when my daughter’s schmuck of a boyfriend dumped her two days before the prom, they—at ages seventeen and thirteen I might add—put on ski masks and jumped him, stripped him naked, tied him to a light pole, then covered him in itching powder with a sign around his neck saying ‘tickle me.’” He let out a somewhat resigned-sounding sigh. “The only reason they weren’t charged was the fact the boy’s father was so embarrassed.”
“Now that was fun.” Alex grinned at his brother.
“Good times.” Kane nodded, returning his grin.
Her mouth wasn’t hanging open, right?
“No, they hadn’t mentioned that.” Clearly she had a lot still to learn about these two. “So far they’ve shared that Kane had a crush on his teacher’s daughter, and Alex, err, entertained ladies in his dorm room.”
Nathan’s head went back on a burst of laughter. “Hell, I remember that. Thankfully the school called me and not Claudette, since I was listed as Alex’s emergency contact.” He grimaced. “Speaking of the witch, you heard from her recently?”
Obviously, Nathan shared Alex’s opinion of his mother. She glanced first at Kane, then Alex.
Kane said, “She showed up yesterday.” His face hardened. “The usual thing.”
Nathan shook his head. “I’m sorry, son. I know you hope for more from her.”
“I did. Not anymore. Some things can’t be fixed.” Kane’s words hung in the air. Both Alex and Nathan stared at him, surprise evident on their faces, but Kane ignored them. He gulped down the two-thirds of orange juice still in his glass. “We have bigger problems than Claudette. You’ve read Alex’s e-mail regarding Lawson?”
At that, Alex visibly tensed, but it was Nathan who spoke. “We need to make a plan of action.”
And that was her cue to give them privacy and maybe get a little for herself, too. “Gentlemen, you need a chance to discuss business, and I need to get my bags packed for the flight.” She smiled. Appreciating the fact they understood her motives and therefore didn’t put on a false show of delaying her exit. “Why don’t you call me when you’re finished, and I should be done.”
“Half an hour?” Alex asked as he and Kane stood, the latter putting his hand on her waist and giving it a squeeze.
“Fantastic.” She smiled at each man in turn, taking an extra moment to study Alex, but his unreadable expression gave nothing away.
There was so much she wanted to say. How did you thank someone for a weekend of hot, dominant kinky sex? Was there a Hallmark card?
Now that would be something to see.
She didn’t want to say good-bye, but instead wished like hell she could snuggle up against his broad chest and relish the warm, cared-for feeling that she’d had only hours before in his arms.
As she entered Kane’s bedroom, the nerves in her belly dipped and dived like seagulls hunting fish in the ocean. She wanted to get to know Alex and Kane better, form deeper connections, and learn more about herself and her boundaries through BDSM. To do that, she had to grab some gumption and ask both men if they were open to extending their weekend arrangement into something more. The alternative was to walk away. And she had to make that decision by the time she walked back down the stairs. In less than an hour, she’d be on her way back to King’s Bluff. Would she be eager, her mind filled with possibilities, or wondering what might have been?
* * * *
Alex glared at Kane but waited until he could no longer hear the light click of Olivia’s heels on the tiled floor before he spoke. “You’re damn certain? What the hell are you playing at?”
“I’m trying to save you from yourself.” Kane’s returned fire came with his own glare. “Olivia’s right here, under your nose, in our care, and you’re running scared.”
“Jesus, Kane, give it a rest.” Alex grabbed the napkin off his lap and threw it on top of his plate.
“Cut it out, both of you,” Nathan demanded.
Inside, Alex seethed as he and Kane exchanged glares, but he held his tongue in respect for the older man who meant the world to him.
Nathan sat back in his chair, looking ready to give judgment. “Kane, you obviously like the girl. Not hard to see why. She’s charming, has spirit—the kind that means she won’t wilt under the force of both your personalities. I like that. I also like that she’s smart.”
Alex forced his muscles not to tense. It wasn’t like he didn’t know all this about Olivia. And like it, too.
“But you indeed have a problem.” Nathan turned his head to face Alex. “Son, pull your head out of your ass.”
He jerked his head back. “What?”
The older man heaved a sigh. “I’ve watched you grow, seen your successes, failures, and said my prayers when you entered the SEALs, hoping with each deployment you’d make it home. And thank God you did.” He let out a breath, but Alex could tell from the way the man’s gaze hardened that he was far from finished. “But none of that worry compares to the sadness of seeing you so lonely.”
He scoffed. “Nathan, I’m not lonely.” He dated. Well, took women out to social functions. Slept with them.
Kane cursed and clenched his fists on the arms of his chair.
It wasn’t until Olivia that he’d enjoyed the simple acts of sitting together on the couch, hearing her laughter or watching the way she rubbed the toes of her sock-covered feet together when nervous.
Nathan’s gaze hardened on Alex. “If you let that girl leave this afternoon without telling her you want more time with her, then you’re a fool. And Jesus, boy, I didn’t help raise a fool.”
Alex felt the tic in his jaw pound but kept his voice even. “I respect your opinion, but—”
Nathan cut in. “Tell me this, because I need to understand and I know your father would want me to ask this since he’s not able to kick your butt himself, but why does a smart man like you allow people so underserving as Caroline and Claudette to dictate your right to happiness, or should I say lack thereof?”
Alex’s body stiffened. Each breath became a controlled
exercise of forcing air in and out of his lungs. “That’s unfair.”
“It’s the truth.” Kane’s voice sliced into the tense atmosphere.
Nathan didn’t respond. He simply stared back.
His godfather didn’t understand. How could he? The man had found the love of his life when in college.
It had taken Alex longer. But at age twenty-nine, he’d found the one. Caroline. A year younger than him, she worked for her father, who owned his own construction company. Not nearly as big as MacKenzie Corp, even back then, but their business was big enough to provide for his wife and daughter to live in comfort.
On their first date they’d discovered they liked the same food, music, even had the same favorite ice cream—rocky road. She seemed drama free. Even Kane liked her.
Caroline had doted on her nieces and nephews. I can’t wait to have kids, Alex. Two boys and a little girl. Their children would be loved, cherished.
As if fate had finally smiled on him, she’d fallen pregnant. They hadn’t planned it, but he’d been ecstatic.
Then a month later came his thirtieth birthday. Home on leave from the SEALs, he had the engagement ring in his pocket. They’d discussed marriage and the plan that he’d re-up for more time in the SEALs. Neither he nor Kane, who was only twenty-six, wanted to take on the day-to-day running of their family empire. Whatever makes you happy, honey. She’d stand beside him.
He’d stood out on the terrace next to a table with balloons and a dozen red roses. She’d come to him, wearing a short satin nightie and rubbing her backside from the spanking she’d received an hour earlier. BDSM wasn’t her kink, but she’d allowed some bondage and spanking. Since he loved her, he’d restricted their play to suit. Relationships were about compromise. Whatever it took, he wanted her happy.
At the sight of the balloons and roses, her eyes had lit up. A celebration? You’ve finally got control of the company? It’s all ours? Alex had shook his head, explained he’d signed over control to the board. Remember, Caroline, like we’d discussed. Apart from assigning Kane more shares, thus equaling his ownership in the company, Alex had locked him and his brother out for the next two years. It’s done. Kane and I will take it over then. Sure, he’d followed Nathan’s advice, adding a clause giving him final override control, but promised the old man he’d keep that fact a secret from everyone but he, the trustees, and Kane.
Her face had turned confused, then hard. So very hard. “Two years? What do you mean two years!?”
He’d stood there, a sudden coldness hitting his gut as she began to scream. “No. No. No! You weren’t supposed to lock us out. Just get some idiot in to run things. My dad isn’t going to wait two years. That’s not what we’d planned, for fuck’s sake. It has to happen now.” She’d jerked a hand through her blonde hair, her teeth clenched as she paced back and forth, not looking where she was going.
Not what we’d planned? Then her words clicked into place.
“Your dad isn’t going to wait two years? What has to happen now?”
But Caroline wasn’t listening. Her laugh, bitter and harsh, cut through him like a jagged blade tearing into flesh, leaving ragged bits of his soul hanging exposed and bleeding in its wake.
She’d screamed at him, told him he’d ruined her family. Her dad’s business was about to collapse. They’d counted on merging the two companies, using MacKenzie Corps cash flow to cover their debts. It would be simple. Alex would be away saving the world while her dad controlled things back home.
But she saved her biggest betrayal until last. He’d forced the words out of his throat, even though deep in his gut he knew the truth. “And the baby?” Her face had turned to stone, her eyes empty. “What baby? Easy enough to get pregnant once the money’s in the bank.”
Hours later, Kane had found him alone and in the dark, sitting on the steps of the terrace. He’d arranged to leave for Alex’s birthday party.
His brother handed him a beer and let him be for the thirty minutes it took before Alex could tell him of the total fuckup he’d made with his choice of fiancée and the fact he’d allowed her to play him for a fool. Kane had turned to face him, his features just visible in the light from inside the house. “It’ll get better, bro.” He’d clinked beers with Alex. “I’ve got your back. You’ve got mine. Always will.”
That was what they’d done in the ten years since—stayed loyal to each other. Stuck together.
Now he had a decision to make. Stick together or go separate ways? Kane had made his choice clear. He wanted to ramp things up with Olivia. If he had to, Kane would go for it on his own.
Alex’s gut tightened. He didn’t want to contemplate that outcome.
“Well, brother? Do Caroline and Claudette have that much control over you?”
He stared at Kane, wanted to shout no. But he knew the answer. Yes, he’d given them that power. For years, nearly all of his life in his mother’s case. He’d allowed both women to keep him on his knees emotionally. Him, a man who’d faced down some of the most evil bastards in hand-to-hand combat, and yet he hadn’t the balls to exorcise those ghosts.
The realization hit hard. His heart pounded like it wanted to break out of his chest. A rushing sound filled his ears as he turned to stare at his brother.
“They did.” Alex’s voice sounded like he’d just tried to gargle with gravel. “But I finally pulled my head out of my ass.”
Kane’s mouth slowly stretched wide. Fuck him, but Alex could feel a similar smile break out on his face, too.
He couldn’t let it go without offering his brother something. “I’m rusty on the romance stuff. If we don’t want to scare off Red, you’re going to have to cover for me.”
“No problem. I’ll be your relationship wingman.”
Alex winced. “Never say that out loud again.”
Nathan’s low chuckle caught his ear. The old man’s eyes were shinning. “Good to have you back, son.” He gave a suspicious cough as he stood. “As for Lawson, Alex, you can call me with whatever plans you and Kane make. I’m your sounding board, but you guys lead the attack. Now I’ve got to get home. The grandkids are over and Lucy’s going to kick my ass if I’m late.”
Kane threw his head back. “I forgot. Lucy e-mailed me, demanding to know when we’re available for dinner.”
Nathan’s wife had given the best hugs when they were growing up. Alex lifted his chin to his godfather. “Tell her we’ll get there within the month. Maybe bring Olivia.”
Now it was Nathan’s turn to smile wide. “She’ll love that,” he said as the three of them made their way to the front of the house.
Kane went to find Phillip, who’d drive him and Olivia to the airport.
Alex and Nathan reached the foyer at the same time the elevator door opened, revealing Olivia with her suitcase, laptop bag slung over her shoulder, and her tote.
Her eyes widened when she caught sight of them. “Finished already?”
Kane joined them as Nathan walked up to her. “It’s time I left you three alone. Besides, I’m due back home.” Taking one of her hands in both of us, he squeezed. “Great meeting you, Olivia.” He cast a look over his shoulder toward Alex and Kane, then back at her. “I have a feeling I’ll be seeing you again soon.” He lifted an arm in a wave to both men, then left, shutting the door behind him.
Kane nodded toward the stairs. “I’ll get my bags. Phillip’s bringing the car around to take us to the airport. You got everything?”
“Yeah, it’s just my tote, bag and my suitcase.”
He nodded. “Back soon.”
Alex studied Red, watched her eyes dart around the foyer for somewhere to look other than at him. Nervous? She shifted her feet. Definitely.
“Olivia, I—” He paused, hearing soft footfalls coming from behind.
“You’re all ready?” Bonnie said as she stepped around him. Her genuine smile was all that kept him from groaning out loud in frustration.
Olivia nodded. “Uh, huh. Kane’s getting our s
tuff.”
Seemingly oblivious to the swirl of tension in the air around her, the cute housekeeper moved forward, and as if on the spur of the moment, hugged Olivia. Red’s arms went around the woman in an instant.
Alex watched, surprised and yet not. Bonnie was a sweetie—softhearted, kind, the nurture-type who thrived on taking good care of him and Kane. And Olivia? Earlier she’d fed the flecks of pastries from her plate to a couple of wrens on the terrace steps. Feeding the birds was a natural act, unguarded. But her act of kindness said a lot.
“It’s been lovely having you.” Bonnie chirped. “And hey, you’re welcome back in my kitchen any time. Those scrambled eggs were amazing.”
Alex lifted a brow at Olivia. “You cooked this morning?”
Bonnie got in first. “She made the scrambled eggs while I worked the pastry for the croissants.” She turned back to face Olivia. “I’ll take the secret you showed me to my grave. Don’t worry.”
Alex slowly crossed his arms over his chest. “Bonnie doesn’t allow anyone to help in her kitchen but Phillip. And that’s only when she needs something from up on the top shelf.”
Bonnie made a dismissive gesture with her hand. “That’s just everybody else. Olivia’s special.”
Alex stared at Red, watching her cheeks pink from the compliment. Modest little sub. “That she is.”
Behind her, the front door opened. She swung around like a burglar caught in the act. Phillip must have taken in her expression since his lips twitched before he came to stand next to her, a soft grin on his face.
“Sorry to startle you, Olivia.”
Phillip’s use of Olivia’s first name was telling. A naturally serious but confident man, Phillip was the perfect foil for his hug-first-ask-questions-later wife. He would only address Alex and Kane by their first names when in private, which Alex knew was a show of respect in front of others. Hell, he had given up asking Phillip to change his mind. But he’d never under any circumstances, as far as Alex could remember, addressed one of their female guests in such a way.