Ethan told her to pipe down. She quipped back with a smart-ass reply, and then they came to the top of the stairs.
Ashley stopped short and looked at us skeptically. “What are the two of you doing here?”
“We have a little surprise for you,” I said.
She still looked unsure, like we were setting her up for a trap. Ethan put his hand in the small of her back and pushed her toward us. “What are you three playing at? There better not be someone ready to jump out and scare me.”
“We wouldn’t do that to you, Ash,” Jesse said, shaking his head at her. “Just come over here. Take a look at this door.”
“The door?” she asked, puzzled.
Jesse and I both stepped aside so she could see the door. She looked at it like it was an exquisite piece of art, which it was. The glass was beautiful, and an artist like her would appreciate it. Then her eyes narrowed on the gold text. “Ashley’s Art Studio,” she said quietly, her eyebrows drawing together. She looked up sharply at the three of us.
I tipped my head to the door. “Go inside.”
There was a smile beginning to press into the corners of her mouth. She reached out and turned the handle. It clicked open, and she pushed the door in and then stepped over the threshold to stand in her art studio for the first time.
We hung back, and Ethan snapped a photo of her back as she looked from side to side. I could tell by the way she was standing that she was trying to absorb everything. After a minute or two, we followed her in.
I put my hand on her back. “This is your new work space, Ashley. What do you think?”
“I think—I think—” She shook her head, unable to string the words together.
“Do you like it?” Ethan asked.
“Give her a minute,” Jesse scolded.
Ethan glared at him and then looked back to Ashley. “Ash? What do you think? Say something.”
“It’s incredible,” she whispered. Then she turned in a full circle. “This is mine? You guys did this for me?”
We all nodded.
“How did you pull this off?”
“It was Dean’s idea,” Jesse said.
“But we all worked together to make it happen,” I said.
Ashley put a hand to her chest as her eyes grew wet with tears that glittered on her bottom lashes. “You didn’t have to do this for me.”
“We know,” I said as I took her hands in mine. “But we wanted to. We wanted to do something to show you how much we really care. It’s a dream come true for us to give you what you deserve, Ashley. And you deserve this and more. This is the start of your dream. Right here. And we can help with that. Come, look at these.” I showed her the blue prints we had drawn up. “You can choose whichever one you think is best for your business.”
Ashley shook her head. “This is too much. Way too much. How much will this cost?”
“It doesn’t matter,” I said.
“Of course it matters!”
Jesse piped up. “Our agency has made us pretty wealthy, Ash. We can do this for you. Let us. Please.”
She ran her trembling fingers over the blueprints. “What did I do to get so lucky?”
Jesse grinned sheepishly. “We’ve been wondering the same thing.”
EPILOGUE
Ashley
Registration for my first class started exactly one month after the July Fourth party. Within five days of opening my website up for people to sign up for my first class, an introduction to watercolor, all twenty spots were booked, and eight people were on the waitlist to get in if there were any cancellations.
The guys said there was no chance anyone was going to cancel.
I was apprehensively excited. This was going to be the first time I ever stood up in a classroom and taught something I was passionate about. Up until now, I’d been enduring English lessons in high schools and blundering my way through other class material. None of it had been enjoyable. None of it set my soul on fire.
But this was going to be different. Everything was going to be different.
The four of us were heading out to a fancy dinner to celebrate the success of my first class and my resignation from teaching.
“Ouch.” I winced as I burned my finger on my hair curler. I uncurled the strand of hair wrapped around the barrel and scrunched it up, trying to ignore my now pulsing finger.
I was almost ready to go. The guys were all out in the living room of Ethan and Jesse’s apartment, waiting for me as I put the finishing touches on my outfit.
It was going to be a big night, and I wanted to look the part.
For the first time in a long time, I’d made the effort to do my hair. I curled the final strand and sprayed it down with a loose hold hairspray before running my fingers through the curls to loosen them up. Dangling gold earrings winked in my ears, and a matching choker danced at my throat.
I was wearing a short red dress that had a high neckline and a plunging back. I knew how much the brothers liked my body, and I always liked to show them different parts of me when we went out. It drove them mad.
I stepped into the heels I’d brought into the bathroom and tightened the strap around my ankles. Then I painted my lips with a shimmering gloss and nodded at my reflection with satisfaction. Even I thought I looked like a smoke show.
My stomach tightened with nerves as I went to leave the bathroom. This was a big night and not only because of the art class. There were things I had to talk to them about. Important things and changes on the horizon.
“You can do this,” I said to myself before leaving the bathroom and joining them in the living room.
“Bloody hell,” Jesse whispered when I emerged. His eyes raked me over, and he stood looking as blown away as Ethan and Dean. “You look magnificent.”
I twirled the edges of my dress as I did a small curtsy. “Thank you.”
“Suddenly, I’m not hungry anymore,” Ethan muttered.
“Likewise,” Dean agreed.
“Guys,” I started, unable to stop myself from grinning at them as they adored me, “There is always time after dinner to—”
“Nonsense,” Jesse said.
“Now is better,” Ethan said. “Now is always better.”
“Really?” I pouted, putting my hands on my hips. “You’re sure it can’t wait? There’s something I want to tell you guys.”
Dean nodded to the sofa. “Go sit your sexy little ass down.”
I walked to the sofa and spun around to drop into it in a huff. I tried to put on an act that I was making a compromise for them, but they could see right through me. I was as turned on as they were. My pussy was already aching for them, and I could feel my wetness spreading through my center.
Dean stepped behind the sofa and unzipped my dress as Ethan dropped to the floor in front of me. He pushed my legs apart and arched an eyebrow. “Somebody isn’t wearing any panties.”
I bit my bottom lip as Dean pulled me back so that I was resting against the plush sofa cushions. His hands massaged my shoulders and then moved up under my jaw so he could tilt my head back, forcing me to look up at him. He leaned over me and kissed me upside down as Ethan pushed my dress up. I spread my legs wider, and he rubbed my pussy.
Dean nipped at my bottom lip, and Jesse began undressing.
Ethan pressed two thick digits inside me. The pleasure was intense. I gripped the sofa cushions beneath me and moaned into Dean’s mouth as he kissed me. He tasted like mint and smelled like pine.
I reached down and guided Ethan’s hand so he was burying his fingers deeper inside me. Nothing felt like enough. I needed more. I craved them all so desperately, I thought I might come apart.
Jesse was naked. Ethan got to his feet and started stripping. Dean was doing the same as Jesse took me by the hips and flipped me over effortlessly so that I was on my hands and knees facing the back of the sofa. He tugged me to the edge and slapped my ass.
I let out a surprised yelp and giggled. He slapped me again and then pressed
his thumb into my ass. I moaned as he rubbed my pussy with his fingers. Then he replaced his fingers with his cock. I moaned and arched my back for him.
Dean’s hands in my hair pulled me back up. His cock was ready for me in front of my face. I put my elbows on the back of the sofa and opened my mouth as I looked up at him. He smiled down at me. It was a lustful, hungry smile. I ran my tongue along his tip and teased him as Jesse fucked me slow and steady. My pussy screamed for more, and his finger in my ass had me close to an orgasm.
I opened my mouth for Dean. He pushed into me, inch by inch, until he touched the back of my throat. I continued looking up at him as Ethan came to stand beside him, stroking his cock in his hand. Dean gave me a few more thrusts before moving aside for Ethan.
I let them both fuck my mouth as Jesse fucked my pussy and ass. I moaned with pleasure and bounced on his dick when I wanted more.
Ethan pulled his dick out of my mouth. I looked over my shoulder at Jesse when he slid his cock out of my pussy. It was slick with my juices when he pushed into my ass. I gripped the cushions harder and moaned his name as I reached between my legs to rub my sensitive clit.
I came instantly. “Yes, fuck me, Jesse. Fuck me!”
He grabbed my hips and bucked against me until he came. I held his cum inside me and opened my mouth for Ethan again. He eased along my tongue, and I sucked him off as Dean moved behind me. He squeezed my ass as he pushed his cock in my pussy. I opened up to him, worshipping his length, and pushed back into his crotch, demanding more.
He gave it to me. As he thrust in and out of me, he grabbed my hair and pulled my head back. Ethan followed, and I kept sucking his cock until my mouth was full of his sweet and salty cum.
Jesse and Ethan watched as Dean brought me to another climax. I cried out with pleasure and buried my face in the back of the sofa to muffle the sound as he fucked me until he came inside me.
When we were done, the four of us collapsed naked all over the living room. I stayed on the sofa, and Dean came to take the corner spot. I nuzzled into his side to rest my cheek on his chest, and Jesse and Ethan took the other chairs that faced us.
“So, dinner,” I said breathlessly.
The three of them laughed. Dean rubbed my shoulder and traced small circles on my skin with his thumb. “Maybe we’ll give it another twenty minutes or so. Then we can head out?”
I nodded. “Sounds good. This was a better way to celebrate the art class anyway.”
“I couldn’t agree more.” Ethan grinned.
“There’s actually something else we are celebrating tonight,” I said. “Something I haven’t told any of you yet.”
The three of them all exchanged a look and then returned their gazes to me. They nodded in unison.
That same nervousness I’d been suffering with all day spread through me. I took a deep breath and closed my eyes. When I opened them, they were still waiting patiently. Just say it, Ashley. Just say it.
I pushed myself up so that I was sitting straight and Dean could see me. Then I forced my thick tongue to work and said the truth that I had been carrying with me for over a week and a half, waiting for the right moment to tell all three of them together. “I’m pregnant.”
None of them said anything. I wrung my hands in my lap.
They were probably freaking out. I should have prepared them for such a big announcement. I should have hinted toward it. They weren’t ready for this. I wasn’t even ready for this. How could I have been so foolish as to let this happen? They must be thinking the same thing.
“Seriously?” Dean asked, pulling me toward him.
I nodded, biting down hard on my bottom lip to stop myself from crying.
Then he kissed me. The kiss was deep, passionate, and completely swoon-worthy. My skin felt hot and tingly as his hands wandered all over my naked body.
And then Jesse and Ethan were there, too. Their hands kissed my skin and pulled my legs apart. One of them entered me. I sighed into Dean’s mouth, and he buried his fingers into my hair.
“Are we ready for this?” I whispered.
Dean pulled away and looked down at me. Jesse was buried in my pussy. Ethan was rubbing my clit and suckling my left nipple. Dean trailed kisses down my jaw and to my ear, where he whispered, “We’re ready for anything, baby. Now relax and let us take care of you.”
And I did just that. I let go of all the tension that had built up in my muscles and gave in to their touch; their exquisite, divine touch. I let them carry me away into the throes of passion. My body called all the shots, and my mind took a back seat.
They worshipped me all night. They did things to me I never dreamed possible, and they made me feel like the most loved woman on the planet. We missed our dinner reservation, and instead, we had sex until darkness crept in on us. We only stopped to order food on Jesse’s order because now I was eating for two. And even after we ate, their sexual appetites were not satisfied.
They brought me to the bedroom where they proved to me over and over again that I was meant to be with them.
Forever.
ALSO BY VICTORIA BELLE
Here’s a sneak peak of my newest release, Her Protectors.
I hope you like it!
Her Protectors Preview
1
Britt
“You going to be ok?” Simone’s spacey blue eyes were all concern.
“Seriously? You’re the one who needs protecting, little Miss Simone from Paris, remember?” I told her.
“Still, though.” She lingered, looking over the chrome of the back-kitchen top and sink, as if willing another crumb on the spotless, just-scrubbed surface. “I could stay an extra thirty to help you finish up.”
“What – and not get paid for it?” I shook my head. “Don’t bother. Besides, Walter hasn’t been that bad lately.”
As she frowned at me, I mustered up a valiant smile. “Worse comes to worst, I can always make more whale of about him.”
Simone giggled. “I swear, you really could sell those. You should” – she grabbed my hand, squeezed it – “Come with me to Artist’s and Flea’s Chelsea market; set up a little table.”
“When is it again?”
“This Saturday. So you’ll go?”
“I’ll see. I don’t know if I really have anything ready.”
“C’mon Britt!” Simone’s tone was exasperated, but her French accent made it more cute than convincing. “Stop waiting on tomorrows!”
“Speaking of…” – I took a pointed glance at the clock – “If you want to make your bus, you have about three minutes to leave.”
Simone glared at me, staying put, crossing her thin arms over her bony chest.
“Simone honey,” Walter’s low crooning voice came over from the front. “You know I’m whaley not paying you a cent if you stick around past your shift to gossip with Britt.”
“Whaley,” Simone muttered.
I shook my head darkly. “And to think, I’d thought we’d actually had a day where Walter wasn’t cracking lame whale puns.”
Simone glided to the back door, her apron still on. “Good luck. And if any bullshit goes down – text me.”
“Got it,” I told her.
Though we both knew I was merely humoring her. I’d been on my own for years now, growing up in the wild merry-go-round of the foster care system. Working under a pervy whale-joke obsessed boss was nothing I couldn’t handle.
“Looks like it’s just us now.”
At the hot feel of his breath on my neck, I steeled myself. I turned to give him a ‘fuck-you’ smile and strode to the front. “And then there were two.”
The thing with Walter, and most pervy guys who pushed the envelope, was that they were piranhas, plain and simple. You just couldn’t show them the slightest cut.
In the front, I busied myself with the last of cleaning up – dumping the coffee grounds, scrubbing down the whale-carved counter. As I worked, my gaze strayed irresistibly to the walls. Nestled amidst whale sculptur
es, whale clocks, whale paintings and whale figurines, was the art.
Sweeping greens and yellows played into a tree-sitting finch while brushes of red and purple formed a fox. Then, over to the left, was where my art should be.
“So, Walter, I was thinking,” I said, instead of, Walter, I’ve been painstakingly planning this out for the past two months since you hired me, and this is, really, the only reason I wanted this job in the first place and stayed here amidst your creepiness.
He moved with a pantherlike grace, lounging with his arm on the countertop. His eyebrows raised. “What a coincidence, I’ve been thinking too.”
“About my sketches – do you think I could bring some in and show you, maybe have a spot for next month?”
Walter pursed his mouth, ran a finger over his moustache, nodding. “Alright, okay, we could see about that.”
“Yeah?”
His gaze was an actual stroke, his smile a warning he never intended. “Yeah.”
As the whale cuckoo-clock chimed, I burst into the back. Past the empty half-lit kitchen, away from Walter’s “Hey, what’s the rush?”
I grabbed my purse, ripped it open so I could shove in my tip envelope. Whirling around, I run straight into Walter, who was wearing a look like he’s actually expecting an answer.
“What,” he said in an unconvincing jokey tone. “Running off to your boyfriend, is that it?”
“The bus actually,” I said, rushing past him.
Outside, in the fresh air, he called something after me, but I didn’t hear him.
Out, thank God, I was out. Away from that creepy asswipe. Although…
Looking around, I groaned. Seriously Britt?
By the looks of it, in my haste to leave, I’d sped-walked straight out the sketchy way – down the alley that I didn’t even dare venture down in the brightest hour of a Manhattan noon sun.
“Shit,” I muttered, grabbing my zipper.
Yep, that 12-hour shift was really taking its toll on my brain cells. I’d wandered into the sketchy alley with my purse actually open. Why don’t I wear a ‘mug me, I don’t have pepper spray’ sign while I’m at it?
Her Independence Day Page 21