“I doubt it’s her,” said Dom, not averting his gaze.
“Then you won’t mind me answering it. It was my number I gave her. She’s expecting to talk with me.”
The phone continued to ring.
“If it’s her.”
Just as they reached for the phone together, it silenced. “Fuck!” He twisted away, his arms in the air.
“I’m tracing it,” said Dom, bending down and wrenching open the lower cupboard where they kept most of their surveillance equipment.
Grayson knew in that moment Stephanie meant more to him than the average woman. There was just something inexplicable that drew him to her. Was it her beauty, her fearlessness, or the depth of her dark eyes? Or was it because she reminded him of Naomi?
“Wasn’t her,” Dom announced.
They were fighting for nothing, getting on each other’s last nerve like teenagers waiting for a girl to call. “Forget this shit. Let’s go out for dinner.”
Grayson changed into Wranglers and a hockey jersey. They’d probably hit the wing place near the fire hall. He needed to clear his thoughts of Stephanie Vasquez. She was a virtual stranger. And he wouldn’t let a woman get under his skin.
They took Dom’s pickup truck. He had it pimped out with custom chrome and raised suspension. It was his baby, and even Grayson wasn’t allowed to drive it.
A night out after a long shift was just what the doctor ordered.
* * * *
“What are you doing tonight?” asked Stephanie.
“The guys are taking me to the movies.”
“On a Wednesday?”
Tammy giggled. She hated talking to her friend when she wasn’t alone. Her firefighter ménage was sickeningly sweet when she was sitting alone in her apartment with no prospects. “It’s the last day of their shift, and then I have them to myself for a week.”
“Right.” She sighed. “It’s too bad about those cops,” said Stephanie.
When Grayson Myers gave her his phone number, it was like receiving the golden ticket. She felt honored, thrilled, and ready to call after the customary twenty-four-hour wait. But when she’d mentioned her great fortune to Tammy, she was told stories which turned her off completely. Apparently, they were players and into some kind of heavy kink. She’d had her share of cheating boyfriends and couldn’t handle another one. Why did she think such eligible men in uniform would be relationship material? If they were, they’d already be taken, with a dog and 2.5 kids.
“You could do better,” said Tammy.
She’d tried. The jerks flocked to her and the decent guys were intimidated. “I guess. I’m taking a walk. Have fun at the movies.”
Stephanie slipped on a light jacket and grabbed her keys. She enjoyed walking in the early evenings when the birds were still chirping and the sky was close to shifting colors. There was a Tim Horton’s on nearly every corner, so she always brought her mini purse that she hooked across her chest.
Her spirits were in much better shape than earlier in the week. Nobody at work had asked her if she’d seen anything suspicious when taking pics of the car. They probably just assumed she’d mention something if she had. Her initial upset had passed, but she still didn’t want to relive it under an interrogation. It was best to let the police deal with it and do their job.
On her way home from her hour-and-a-half-long walk, she picked up a French vanilla cappuccino. She ran into Gabe and his dog about ten minutes from home. He was cute, and she would have tried to snare him a year ago, but he was gay and taken.
“Nice evening,” he said.
“Gorgeous.” She bent down to pet the hyper little Jack Russell. “So cute.” The dog braced its front paws on her knees, trying to lick her face.
“This guy bothering you?”
She turned her head to see where the deep voice resonated from. It took her a minute to place the two men. They looked like quarterbacks, out of place on her stomping grounds. Grayson and Dom waited for her answer. Idiots.
“No, he’s not bothering me.” She stood up. “He lives in my building.” Stephanie waved as Gabe continued up the street.
“Just double-checking,” said Dom.
“Why are you both out of uniform, and what are you doing in this area?” So, it wasn’t just the uniform that attracted her to them. It was the men.
“My truck is just up the street.” Dom pointed to an oversized pickup half a block away. “When we saw you walking this area alone, we thought it would be safest to keep an eye on you.”
“You mean you followed me?”
“It’s a bad area. A cute thing like you could get into a lot of trouble.”
Rather than feel stalked or offended, she felt flattered. Their possessive streak aroused her when she so desperately wanted to belong. But she had to avoid them. Tammy confirmed they were heartbreakers, not relationship material.
“I’m a big girl. I’ve been taking care of myself long before you two showed up.” She started to walk away along the sidewalk.
“You didn’t call me,” Grayson called out.
Stephanie walked backward. “I have standards. I don’t share my men.”
Her comment appeared to pique their interest and they began to walk faster.
“What’s that supposed to mean? You think we’re a couple?” asked Dom.
“No, but Tammy said neither of you are capable of commitment. That’s why I didn’t call back.”
She trusted her friend’s opinion. They’d been through a lot together since they met a couple years ago. Tammy had just broken up with her obsessed boyfriend and Stephanie had finally had the nerve to break it off with her cheating boyfriend. It had been one of the most difficult times in her life. For months, she tried to pretend nothing was wrong, believing all his lies. It was so much easier creating a fairy tale in her head rather than accepting the ugly truth. Her self-esteem had plummeted so low that she stopped taking care of herself, barely fixing her hair and not bothering with makeup.
After she finally had the balls to leave her ex, she vowed never to let a man put her in second place again. She’d be everything or nothing at all. Stephanie was proud of how far she’d come. She had a new apartment, new job, renewed optimism and self-worth. Even though it was beyond tempting to give up all her ideals for one night with an officer, she had to look at the big picture. If she gave in to their seduction, she’d only hate herself in the morning.
“We barely know Tammy,” said Grayson. “She can’t just judge us on looks.”
“I’m sure her men tell her lots of things when they’re alone. You do know the firefighters at Station 23, don’t you?”
She nearly lost her footing. She’d been walking backward the whole time she’d spoken, and now she’d trapped herself in the entrance to a rundown alleyway. The officers were right—she lived in a bad area. But she’d never had a problem in the past two years she’d lived here and couldn’t afford the rent in the better areas of the city.
“They see the outside,” said Dom. “Only what we want them to see.”
“Really…”
They both moved in on her now, steering her deeper into the alley. The sun was setting beyond the urban landscape and the streetlights were yet to come on. She wasn’t scared, but her heart pumped wildly.
“Did you realize we caught you jaywalking back there? Tax payers don’t appreciate citizens who can’t follow the rules. The pedestrian lights aren’t cheap.” Grayson braced a hand against the brick of an old garage. She felt the cool, hard surface against her back.
“Y–You don’t have a female cop with you,” she whispered. Her body knew what it wanted, and she’d be a fool to deny its wish this once. It’s not like she expected a happily ever after. She just wanted to be sated, enough to keep her going another couple years. Then she’d invest in some cats to keep her company.
“We’re not on duty, little one.” His words were a mix of warning and seduction. It thrilled her that these cops were willing to break the rules for he
r.
“So, what do you want from me?”
“Everything,” said Grayson. He reached out and outlined her face with a gentle finger. The simple touch registered strong for her. She had to resist leaning into his touch.
Stephanie had to witness Tammy and her firefighters and their constant displays of affection. Love emanated from them like a living force. Although she was happy for her friend, her loving relationship reminded Stephanie how lonely she was. It would be so easy to fall victim to sweet words and affection when she was desperate for both. But she was better than that now. Stephanie wouldn’t let her past dictate her future. So what if she’d never had a male figure in her life growing up? It didn’t mean all her adult relationships had to be dysfunctional. It would be healthier if she didn’t have the deep-seated need for approval at all, but at least she was overcoming it a day at a time.
“Why me?”
Grayson trailed his finger lower, running it along the inside edge of her neckline. All her nerves in the area sparked to life, making her hyperaware of his every movement. “It’s your eyes. They tell me a story.” He tilted his head, looking at her like the main course. Her pussy moistened, mimicking the steady beat of her heart. He had such a profound effect on her.
She swallowed hard. “Is it a good one?”
“It can be. I know you crave direction, a firm hand.”
The heat of his stare and careful pronunciation of his words lulled her into submission. “I don’t need a man telling me what to do, thank you.”
“Doesn’t the idea of being dominated excite you? Don’t lie to me. I’ll know.”
Of course Grayson would know. He was a cop, probably trained to detect dishonesty and deception. “I think you’re sick. Both of you.”
“Grayson, lay off it for a minute, will you?” Dom shoved the other man over slightly, taking up residence in front of her. “Let us take you out to dinner, to make things right.”
She kept looking over at Grayson. How could a man’s eyes be so dark, yet so alive at the same time? He watched her like a predator, the slight smirk on his lips pulling her in like a lamb to slaughter.
Dom tilted her chin up so she was forced to focus on him alone. He was the opposite of Grayson, with eyes as deep and blue as the ocean. She’d only seen the ocean once in her lifetime, on a childhood trip to British Columbia with her mother. That was a long time ago.
“With both of you? What game are you playing?”
“We’re partners, Stephanie. We do everything together.” Dom’s voice was hypnotic.
Was he serious? She’d get a two-for-one special? She may have had her fair share of boyfriends since her teens, but there were two things she certainly hadn’t experienced—real love or a ménage.
“That’s just too weird for me.” As much as she wanted to scream yes, she had to have some standards. Her instincts told her to follow her heart, but her brain demanded only a whore would share herself with two men.
As she attempted to slip away, Grayson barred her escape. “What about Tammy? She’s your best friend. Do you not approve of her ménage a cinq?”
She’d never even thought of the comparison. Her friend had found real love, happiness, and security—all things she desired. There was nothing sordid about their unconventional relationship. The five of them lived together, sharing a passion to envy.
“I–I never thought of it like that…”
“You should. Have you ever had two men pleasure you at once?”
No, but she could imagine, and had, with great detail. “I have to go.” She ducked under his arm and headed for the mouth of the alley. There was a frog in her throat that she couldn’t swallow and her face felt flushed. As much as she wanted what Grayson suggested, fantasies and reality were two very different beasts. Her friends may know her as the outgoing one in the bunch, the flirt, a no-holds-barred kind of woman. But there were deeper layers to her personality—insecurities, deep-seated values, and the fear of abandonment.
“Just dinner, Steph!” Dom called out. Her nickname on his lips made her skip a step, but she kept going.
“I can’t.” She started to jog up the street. Why were tears threatening to spill? She barely knew these men. She’d been jealous ever since Tammy settled down with her firefighters, wishing the same luck would come her way. Now that it appeared to be happening, she pushed the chance away rather than embrace it. Why? She was angry with herself for being weak. It she didn’t take risks, how would she find the right man?
By the time she got to her apartment she was out of breath. Her mind was processing dozens of scenarios. Part of her had wanted them to chase her, to take control, as Grayson said. Right now she felt as if she balanced on the wings of a butterfly, no stability, ready to lose all control at any moment. She needed an anchor only a man with a rock-solid, dominant personality could offer. What she chose was to be alone—like her mother.
“You’re weak,” she scolded her reflection in the hall mirror. “You’re supposed to be better than this!” Stephanie’s goal was to move up at work, to be a strong, independent woman, and to find a love to rival all her romance novels. She was working on the first two but never really expected much from the latter. Now it was all she could think about. Could Dom and Grayson be the answer to her prayers or just another nightmare to add to her list of bad relationships?
She stripped off her clothes and climbed into bed. The sheets were cool as she stretched her legs amongst the multiple layers. Would she give up her independence for the love of a man? Would it be worth it? She’d hate to take that leap only to regret it.
Stephanie leaned over and turned on her iPod. The music came through the speakers of the docking station, calming her mind with the rich, somber rhythm. Sometimes when she felt down, a sorrowful song was her best friend, reminding her she wasn’t alone in the world. A good cry was exactly what she needed after the week she’d had. Tomorrow she’d wake up renewed, a fresh page turned. But tonight, tonight she’d let the music guide her, take her on a journey where she didn’t know the destination.
Chapter Five
Dominic’s heart went out to Grayson. Ever since Stephanie had entered the picture he was in a perpetual black mood. At first he wasn’t sure what was wrong with his partner until he caught him flipping through an old photo album in his room. When he’d left for his daily jog, his curiosity got the better of him. What he found had shocked him. The photos were nearly identical to Stephanie Vasquez. But they were of Grayson’s deceased wife.
No wonder he felt so conflicted yet drawn to the girl. Dominic had never known his partner’s wife. She’d died a year before Grayson joined the force. It had taken a long time for them to bond after being assigned as partners. Grayson had a tough outer shell that took ages to dissolve enough for a lasting friendship. Now, eight years later, they were as close as two men could get.
It was Friday morning, their last day of work before their three-day weekend. Dominic hoped Grayson’s mood improved before they made the long drive north, or it would be a very awkward vacation.
“Drive by Station 23. I have to drop something off for Jake.”
Grayson didn’t question him. When they arrived it was only twenty after seven, but he knew the firefighters would be awake and ready for a call by now. The sky was still dark navy thanks to the shortening days. Within the next ten minutes it would start to lighten, bringing the city to life.
He stepped out of the cruiser and slammed the door shut. After banging on the heavy metal door of the station, he was buzzed in.
“Dominic! Good to see you. What brings you by?” asked Conall. The blond-haired Viking bound across the room with a smile on his face. His suspenders were loose at his sides, his chest bare.
“I wanted to talk to Jake. Is he around?”
“He’s still upstairs in bed. You can head on up if you like.”
He nodded and then took the stairs two at a time. He’d been to the station numerous times over the years for both business and
pleasure. Their assignments often overlapped and they were all good friends.
“Hey.” He knocked on the partially opened door a few times before pushing it open. Jake was lying on a lower bunk reading a thick book.
“Dom?” Jake shifted to his side, slipping a bookmark between the pages. “Something wrong?”
He briefly looked down at himself. He was in full uniform, ready for duty, but he wasn’t there on business. “It’s about Grayson. I’m worried about him. I know you’ve been through the pain of losing someone. How long did it take you before you were able to move on with your life? How long until you were ready for love?” It may be an odd topic between two grown men, but Jake wasn’t an average man. He was dark and intense, never holding back to save anyone’s feelings. Everyone thought he’d be alone forever until Tammy came along. Somehow she’d changed him, molding him into something new and better. Could the same be done for Grayson? After nine years of shallow relationships, it was time for him to take a chance on love again.
“This have something to do with the cute brunette?”
“How do you know about her?”
“When Tammy’s best friend comes around asking twenty questions about two particular cops, it grabs our attention. Stephanie wanted to know if you two were worthy of her time—”
“And what did you tell her?”
“That she’s better off looking elsewhere.”
“Fuck! Why’d you go and do that?”
Jake swung his legs around, leaning over his knees. “It’s like you said, Grayson’s a lot like me. I still think Tammy deserves better than this. Than me.” He clapped himself on the chest.
“But you’re happy. All of you. Don’t you think Grayson and I could have that with Stephanie?” He wasn’t even sure where the words came from or when he assumed the three of them should be together. Maybe Stephanie was exactly what both of them needed, a dark-haired angel come to give them both a second chance. From the first day they pulled her over, there was something about her that he couldn’t get out of his head. She was a mix of strength and beauty, independence and vulnerability. He could envision a future with a woman like her.
Lawful Domination [Uniform Fetish 2] (Siren Publishing Ménage Amour) Page 4