Double or Nothing

by N. J. Walters

  Wes wasn’t sure who she was trying to convince of that—him or herself. “You could have a life here with us.”

  “That’s crazy.” Her words were little more than puffs of air against his face. He leaned inward and rubbed his cheek against hers before gently kissing the corner of her mouth.

  “Not so crazy,” he whispered back. Wes inhaled deeply and carefully moved his hands over her shoulders and down her arms, using touch to gentle her as he would any high-spirited horse. Just as when dealing with the proud, large animals, Wes wanted to soothe Cherry, not do anything to upset her.

  “I live in Boston.” There was a sense of desperation in her tone that worried him. “And what would I do if I stayed, live with you both?”

  “Yes.” Remy had obviously lost patience, which surprised Wes, considering his brother was renowned for his low-key manner with animals. But Cherry was different. She was important to both of them. Remy wanted her as much as he did.

  He wanted to warn his brother to go slow, but knew it wouldn’t make any difference. It was already too late. Remy sensed Cherry was getting ready to bolt and was getting ready to rein her in. Wes feared if he did she’d eventually run and this time she’d never be back.

  “Remy.” There was a wealth of warning in his tone, but his big brother wasn’t listening.

  “No, if she’s going to leave, I want to give her something to remember.” Remy shouldered him aside and scooped Cherry into his arms.

  “What are you doing?” she demanded. “Put me down.” She slapped at Remy’s shoulders but didn’t really struggle.

  Wes followed his brother up the stairs and into Remy’s bedroom.

  “Put me down,” she demanded again.

  “Anything you say, darlin’.” Remy opened his arms and dropped her onto the bed. She gave a small scream and bounced on the mattress before settling. She started to scramble away, but Remy pulled her back. “Oh, no you don’t. You’re not getting away so easily.”

  “Remy,” Wes began, slightly worried about what his brother would do next. Oh, he knew Remy would never hurt Cherry, but he could make her mad enough to leave for good.

  Remy tossed her back onto the bed and reached under the bed by the bedside table. Wes’ eyes widened when he saw the length of old bridle in his brother’s hands. Cherry saw it too and scrambled toward the other side of the bed.

  She almost made it too, but Remy grabbed her and quick as a wink wrapped the leather around her hands, binding them together. Then he looped the length of leather through the slats in the heavy wooden headboard, tying them off.

  Cherry pulled at her bonds, but she wasn’t going anywhere.

  Remy knew he should stop and let her go, but he couldn’t. Hearing her talk so casually about leaving snapped some tether deep inside him and unleashed the more primitive side of his nature. His woman wanted to leave him.

  The more logical part of his brain argued that she wasn’t his woman, not yet, and maybe not ever if he didn’t let her go. But the more emotional side of him urged him to stake his claim, to make her understand exactly what lengths he’d go to in order to keep her with him.

  He knew Wes was concerned about him and the situation, but there was no turning back, not for him. And Remy knew that no matter what he did, Wes would back him.

  Sure enough, Wes sighed. “What now?”

  “Now you two Neanderthals let me go.” Cherry was so mad she was practically spitting fire at them. Her lips were set in a firm line and her glare scorched him.

  Remy went to her feet, capturing one when she tried to kick him in the balls. He grinned. Cherry was on hell of a woman. “Now I remove all your clothes.” He tugged on her shoe, tossing it aside. His words stunned her enough that he was able to remove her other shoe without worrying about serious injury to his person.

  “Then I’m going to kiss and lick every inch of your delectable body.” He slowly peeled her socks off. Her lips were parted now, her breath coming in short puffs. Her cheeks were no longer pale, but a pretty pink. “Then I’m going to fuck you until you come again and again.”

  Cherry licked her lips. “Why? I don’t understand.”

  Remy paused with his hands at the snap of her jeans. “Why? Because you belong to me. To us. Don’t you see? Don’t you feel it?” ‘Cause he sure as hell did. Remy knew he was a lot like the animals he worked with. He listened to his instincts and understood his own nature. Cherry was the right woman for him and Wes. He’d spent the last decade without her, living but not truly happy. Having her here made everything seem…right.

  Cherry didn’t know whether or not she should laugh at Remy or yell at him. Her mind was screaming that this wasn’t a good idea, but her body had other ideas. Remy was dead serious about stripping her and fucking her into oblivion. And after last night, she knew that he and Wes could do just that.

  She glanced at Wes, but he didn’t say anything. His jaw was tense, his eyes narrowed as he watched her face. She could appeal to Wes and he’d stop Remy.

  But did she really want to stop him? That was the real question.

  Cherry closed her eyes and took a deep breath. She was so confused about her feelings for these men. Her life was in such turmoil with the death of her father and the subsequent problems it left her to deal with. There was so much legal work and paperwork to deal with, so many details that needed handling at the ranch, so much to do. This was not the time to get into any kind of serious relationship, let alone one with two men.

  That was what bothered her the most. She had feelings for both Wes and Remy. Deep feelings. They seemed okay with sharing her now, but what about a month from now, a year from now. Could she truly love two men enough to make all of them happy?

  “Cherry?” Remy’s deep voice started a trembling deep inside her body. Chill bumps raced down her arms. “Look at me, darlin’.” She opened her eyes and stared into concerned blue eyes. The scar on his left cheek seemed whiter than usual. “Everything will be okay.” She didn’t know how he could promise such a thing, but she was willing to go along with it, for now.

  He reached for the fastening of her jeans and glanced at his brother. “You helping?”

  Wes stirred and toed off his boots before removing his shirt. Cherry swallowed hard as the broad expanse of Wes’ tanned chest was exposed. Her fingers ached to touch him, but that was impossible because she was tied to the bed. She tugged on her bonds but knew it was no use. She wasn’t getting loose until they set her free. The leather wrapped around her wrists didn’t hurt, but it was a reminder that she was totally at their mercy.

  Wes slowly unbuttoned the front of her blouse, one button at a time. Remy wasn’t nearly as patient. He yanked her jeans down her legs and off, leaving her almost bare from her waist down.

  “Her bra closes in the back.” Wes’ casual comment had Remy reaching down into his boot. He came back with a small, but sharp knife.

  “Use this.” Remy handed the blade to his brother. Wes carefully placed the flat of the cool steel against her skin and flicked upward, slicing the thin band of her bra. The cups pulled back, exposing her breasts.

  Cherry’s breath caught in her throat as the knife was withdrawn. He’d cut her bra with a knife. Sexual excitement warred with nervousness. This was crazy.

  If she didn’t trust them as much as she did, she’d be worried right about now. Instead, excitement and anticipation shot through her.

  She licked her dry lips and started to speak, but before a word could leave her lips, Wes leaned down and captured one of her breasts, taking the turgid nipple into his mouth and sucking hard. His short hair brushed against her sensitive skin, electrifying the entire area.

  Cherry cried out and her hips canted upward. Remy chose that moment to pull her panties down her hips and off. Her eyes flew downward, past Wes to Remy. He captured her gaze easily, holding it while he removed his shirt and unbuckled his jeans. He stripped slowly and methodically until he was naked.

  Damn, he was one fine-looking
man. Thick, roped muscles corded his arms and legs. His chest was wide and lightly furred. But it was what jutted from between his thighs that captured her attention. His cock was hard and erect, the broad head dark and damp.

  Remy wrapped his fingers around his shaft and pumped several times. Cherry panted for breath, wondering what he would do next.

  He crawled between her legs, widening them with the sheer bulk of his shoulders until her thighs were as wide as they could go. He released her gaze and lowered it to stare at her pussy. She was hot all over, not with embarrassment, but with arousal. She knew he could see every inch of her pink sex. It was daylight and the drapes were open, allowing in the sunlight.

  “So damn pretty.” Remy traced one thick finger over her slick folds, avoiding touching her clit. Her hips lurched upward, seeking his touch. She pulled on her bonds, wanting to get free so she could touch him.

  Wes tugged on her nipple, carefully using his teeth and tongue to stimulate it. Cherry cried out and thrashed on the mattress, but she could barely move with Wes leaning over her and Remy keeping her legs wide open.

  “What do you want?” Remy asked. He flicked the tip of his tongue over the swollen bundle of nerves, drawing a gasp from her. It felt good, but it wasn’t enough. Her entire body felt as though it were on fire with need. She yearned for more.

  “You. I want you.”

  Wes raised his head, his lips moist, his short hair mussed. An overwhelming tenderness filled her.

  “You too,” she told Wes. “I want you too.”

  He cupped her cheek and rubbed the rough pad of his thumb over her skin. “I always want you, Cherry.”

  The emotion behind his words made her eyes well with tears. Wes leaned down and touched his lips to hers just as Remy sucked on her swollen clit. Her cry was swallowed by Wes’ mouth as he kissed her as though he were a man lost in the desert and she was water.

  Thinking was beyond her. Her skin tingled and her body craved their touch. Wes’ lips dominated hers, taking her breath and all her thoughts. His hands molded her breasts and teased her nipples, arousing and soothing at the same time.

  Between her thighs, Remy ate at her pussy, using his tongue and teeth and lips in a way that had her crying, the sounds incoherent, but their meaning undeniable. Remy thrust one thick finger into her slick channel and she came. A long, low cry released from deep within her. Heat washed over her, claiming her. It was like being tossed in a raging river, rolling wherever the waves took her.

  Her lungs ached, starving for air. Wes pulled back and she gulped for oxygen. Wes soothed and petted her, murmuring low words meant to comfort, but she couldn’t hear any of them over the pounding of her heart in her ears.

  Between her legs, Remy finally released her and raised his head, his stubborn jaw wet with her juices. He licked his lips and she shuddered. Her body was still quivering from her orgasm, but she still wanted more.

  Wes rolled from the bed and shucked his jeans. Remy crawled over her, his dick rubbing her belly as he yanked open the drawer to the bedside table and pulled out a couple of condoms. He tossed one to his brother and they had them on in the blink of an eye.

  Remy gripped her waist and lifted her upward slightly, removing some of the pressure on her bonds. “Roll over,” he commanded.

  Her legs were like jelly, but she managed, coming up on her knees. She rested her head against her bound hands and shivered as another aftershock of pleasure shook her to her core.

  “That shirt has to go.” Wes’ statement made her raise her head as a loud rip filled the room. Air skated over her spine. They’d ripped her blouse right up the back, but the collar held.

  But not for long. Cool metal skimmed along her neck and then the blouse was pulled away. She closed her eyes as they cut the arms off and then the straps of her bra.

  A frisson of fear went through her. As though he knew exactly what she was feeling, Wes leaned down and licked just behind her ear. “Trust us, sugar.” His low whisper settled her nerves. This was Wes and Remy and she trusted them as she’d never trusted another.

  Totally naked and bound, she waited to see what they would do next. She knelt on the mattress in the glorious sunlight streaming through the window, her skin moist with perspiration and the smell of sex filling her nostrils.

  Both men were breathing heavily and then the mattress depressed behind her. Hot breath brushed her neck and then sharp teeth nipped her skin. She gasped and jerked, but there was nowhere for her to go.

  “I want to mark you.” Remy laved the small bite with his tongue. “But I won’t. Not this time.” He used his knees to widen her stance. “Lean forward.”

  Cherry shifted her upper body and Remy eased her lower half back just enough so he could fit his cock head to her opening. He thrust inward, hard and fast, burying himself to the hilt. She gasped and her entire body jerked back. Remy reached around her, cupping her breasts in his large hands.

  “You make me feel like a stallion whenever you’re around.” His low, rough tone heightened her arousal. He began to thrust, short hard strokes that stretched her pussy and filled her completely. “Whenever I see you, I want to tear off your pants and mount you.” He kept fucking her, his movements getting faster and jerkier. “If you wore a skirt, I could toss it up and fuck you anytime I wanted.”

  The blatantly sexual picture he painted, along with the heavy thrusts of his cock, pushed her over the edge. She came hard and fast, crying out. Remy swore and rammed into her again and again. Then his hands tightened around her breasts and he thrust into her one final time. His cock pulsed and jerked inside her and she knew he was coming into the condom. For the first time in her life she wished there was no barrier between her and a man.

  Remy pulled out of her and she cried out as his still-full penis dragged along the sensitive tissues of her pussy. He dropped onto the bed beside her and threw an arm over his face, his lungs working hard.

  She was barely beginning to recover when the bed dipped behind her again. Strong hands gripped her hips and a thick cock slowly pushed its way inside her. Her inner muscles were swollen and tender and resisted his penetration at first, but Wes was determined and kept up a steady pressure until her pussy admitted him.

  “That’s it,” he crooned. “You can take me, sugar.” Wes reached one hand down between her thighs and teased her clit, keeping the touch light as a feather. His lips teased her nape and he worked his way to her ear. He tugged on the lobe with his teeth, his fingers still stroking her clit.

  Cherry panted hard, her skin slick with moisture, her pussy pulsing heavily. This should be impossible. She’d come twice already and she was ready to come again.

  Wes began to rock their bodies together, his cock slipping out an inch or two before sliding in again. Unlike the almost animalistic joining with Remy, this one was more comforting.

  She gave herself over to Wes’ care and allowed him to move them both. Her head dropped down between her arms. The creak of the leather against the wooden slats of the bed, the smell of leather and sex and musky male, the carefully advance and retreat of Wes’ cock and the tender touch of his fingers against her clit, coalesced into a moment of sheer perfection and sent her over the edge. She came, not hard and fast, but slow and long this time. Her pussy clamped down hard on his cock and he wrapped his free arm around her waist and whispered her name like a prayer.

  He stiffened behind her and she felt the pulse of his release and, again, she felt cheated by the thin layer of latex between them. She slumped forward, totally spent.

  Wes withdrew and held her as Remy released her arms from the leather binding. She groaned as the muscles in her arms protested. Wes laid her on the bed and began messaging her shoulders. “Run a warm bath,” he ordered his brother.

  “We’ll take care of you,” Wes promised. “A bath and some rest and you’ll be fine.”

  But Cherry was no longer sure she’d ever be fine again. She closed her eyes and tried not to think about what she was going to ha
ve to do.

  Chapter Eight

  Remy watched Cherry carefully as she sat at the kitchen table and slowly ate the ham, lettuce and tomato sandwich he’d made for her. She looked pale and tired. Of course she looked tired. He’d rutted on her like a stallion on a mare in heat. They both had. Although, if he was being honest, Wes had been more gentle with her. But still.

  She was dressed again, wearing her jeans, but she was wearing one of Wes’ shirts, a dark-blue one that helped cover the fact she wasn’t wearing a bra. There was obviously no salvaging either the blouse or the bra they’d cut off her.

  Wes sat beside her, watching her intently, but she wasn’t looking at either of them.

  Remy raked his fingers through his hair and let his gaze drift out the kitchen window. He was doing something he rarely ever did—he was second-guessing himself. Had they done the right thing by making love to her again? He almost snorted. He hadn’t made love to her, he’d fucked her hard and fast, needing to be inside her more than he’d needed air to breathe.

  Was it too much, too soon?

  He grabbed his cup of coffee, pushed away from the counter and strode over to the table and sat across from Cherry. “How you doing, darlin’?”

  “I’m fine.” She didn’t look at him, which worried him some. She set down the half of the sandwich she hadn’t yet had a bite of and brushed the crumbs from her fingers. “I really need to get going. I have a ton of work to do at the ranch.”

  Wes reached out and captured her face with his hand, tilting her chin toward him. “We’ll take you home. But are you okay? You’re awfully quiet.”

  Cherry shrugged. “I’m honestly not sure what to say.”

  That wasn’t good. Remy reached across the table and took one of her hands in his. “This isn’t the end, Cherry. I wasn’t kidding. We weren’t kidding,” he corrected himself. “We want you to be a part of our lives.”