Betting on Both

by Sheryl Nantus

  Kat relaxed, enjoying the good food. It was nice to not be chattering about work, worrying about whether the renovations would be on time or run over budget or . . .

  “Here.” Cole cut off a small piece of steak and offered it to her.

  Kat opened her mouth automatically. It was hard not to smile as she closed her lips over the fork and tugged, seeing his eyes widen with the simple gesture.

  She sat back, enjoying her control.

  Julien, not to be outdone, did the same with a bit of lobster. He dipped it in the melted butter, cupping his hand under the fork to make sure none dripped on Kat’s jeans. The succulent morsel had her smacking her lips, the tasty tidbit more delightful by the delivery.

  Cole countered with another sliver of meat, swirling it in the gravy first.

  Soon the two men were competing with each other to see who would feed her the most.

  Kat held up her hand and laughed after a few minutes. “I’m eating three meals here. Enough. Enough.”

  “Don’t forget dessert.” Cole nodded toward the fresh fruit plate. The strawberries, blueberries, and other fruit were laid out in perfect rows, waiting to be eaten. A chilled bowl of whipped cream added to the temptation.

  She shook her head and placed a hand on her stomach. “I’m too full.”

  “Good.” Julien gathered the near-empty dishes and put them back on the tray. “As I said before, I’m not a fan of the ladies who nibble on a carrot and call it a hearty meal. I love women who know what they want. Like you.”

  He sat beside her and took her hand.

  Kat felt the goose bumps rise on her skin as he brushed his fingers over the back of her hand, the long, slender piano-player fingers running over the inside of her wrist and up her arm.

  Julien moved in for a kiss and she closed her eyes, letting herself fall into the fantasy she’d created in her mind.

  His lips caressed hers, his tongue sliding along her bottom lip and darting inside as his hands went to her waist and held her still.

  She felt dizzy, the heated kiss deepening until she had to reach up and hold on to his shoulders for support, fingers tangling in his loose hair.

  Kat took hold of the soft locks and in her enthusiasm tugged on them, hard enough to bring a low chuckle from Julien.

  “We’ve got all night to sate that hunger of yours,” he murmured. “And I’m looking forward to it.”

  Another set of hands landed on her breasts from behind and she felt Cole’s kiss on the back of her neck.

  Her breath caught in her throat and she tensed up, keeping her eyes closed.

  “Relax,” Cole whispered in her ear. “Relax and enjoy.” He emphasized the last word with a nip of his teeth on her earlobe, the tiny jolt of pain mingling with her growing arousal.

  Julien whispered something in French as he deepened the kiss, drawing her closer.

  She felt the cool air rush in over her skin as Cole unbuttoned her blouse, revealing her bra.

  Julien pulled back with an approving grunt. “Black lace. I approve.”

  “As do I,” Cole said as he worked on the bra fastener in front. “But as beautiful as it is against your lovely skin, I think it’d be better off.”

  The fabric came away and his hands cupped her breasts, squeezing and fondling them. She squirmed under his touch, feeling him press against her from behind.

  Julien chuckled as she gasped, dotting her cheek with tiny kisses. “Maybe we should move this to the bedroom?” He looked at her for approval.

  She paused, caught in his deep brown eyes.

  “Yes. Please,” Kat whispered.

  Julien’s hands went to her waist as he stood and pulled her along with him. Cole released her and got up behind them.

  Julien took her hand and led her to the closed door leading to her bedroom. He stopped at the door and smiled.

  “Okay?” he asked.

  Kat nodded.

  “Good. Because I have to admit I’ve been thinking about this all day. Barely got any work done. Almost walked off the wharf by accident.” He led her in and looked over at Cole. “I’m sure it must have been hard for you.”

  Cole laughed as he moved around the queen-sized bed and pulled his shirt off. “Hard is a good way to describe it.”

  Kat sucked in her breath at seeing the light chest hair, speckled with a combination of scars and tattoos.

  He followed her gaze and tapped his left pectoral where one white streak lay. “Shrapnel, most of them. IED exploded on the side of the road, took my vehicle out. We all survived but got scratched up a bit.”

  “Impressive,” Julien said with no hint of sarcasm in his voice. “Thank you for serving.”

  Cole nodded, lips twisting into a grin. “And I will again.” He reached out and tugged Kat’s blouse off her shoulders, adding the bra a second later. “Here and now.” He brushed his thumbs over her nipples, bringing them to a tightened peak within seconds.

  “Slow down, soldier. Don’t get too far ahead of me,” Julien warned as he began unbuttoning his shirt.

  “No.” Kat put her hands on Cole’s, stilling them. “Let me.” She smiled at Cole and moved to stand in front of Julien.

  She heard an approving hum from Cole as Julien’s eyes widened at her approach.

  They weren’t the only ones who could work foreplay magic.

  She undid each button with a slow, calculated pace, thrilling at the effect it had on Julien. His hands lay at his sides, fingers twitching as she pulled the shirt out of his khakis with the same leisurely speed.

  He was hers.

  Kat ran her hand along the smooth skin, unmarred by any marks or scars. She drew her nails across a nipple and heard the sudden intake of breath, but Julien stayed still.

  She turned around to Cole and placed her hands on his chest before rising up to kiss him, not wanting to make him feel left out.

  “A generous woman,” Julien murmured behind her. “I like that.”

  Cole tasted of lobster, the buttery tang soothing as she melted into his strong embrace. It was hard not to keep from touching the tiny scars, to imagine where each had come from and wonder what story was behind them.

  Julien’s hands landed on her hips and moved to the front, unbuttoning her jeans.

  Cole kept her busy, devouring her with his mouth. It was different from kissing Julien—a hungrier, more feral kiss compared to the soft, delicate tongue play.

  She trembled as Julien tugged her jeans over her hips to fall to the floor.

  Yes.

  Cole couldn’t hold back a growl as Julien stripped her panties off, delicately picking up her feet one by one to free the tiny scrap of fabric.

  He was hard, painfully hard, his cock pressing against the front of his jeans. The lust simmering since he’d first met Kat McMaster was now at full boil, his need almost overriding his mental promise to go slow this first time, this first experience for her.

  Julien was being a gentleman to the very end, almost annoyingly so. He kissed the side of her neck, nuzzling her as she leaned back into his embrace, now naked and beautiful in his arms.

  Cole discarded his jeans and underwear, sorely tempted to touch himself now that he had an unrestricted view of the soft, white skin he’d only glimpsed a bit of over the past few weeks. His cock bobbed free, unerringly pointed at where it wanted to be.

  “Time to trade.” Julien moved forward and placed Kat in Cole’s arms, stepping away as she let out a soft mew of resentment, her lower lip jutting out.

  The annoyed whisper disappeared as Cole pulled her in for another passionate kiss, his cock brushing against her as his knee nudged her legs open. Her mouth opened in a moan, her eyes closing.

  He pulled the elastic holding her hair free and tossed it to the side, cupping the back of her neck as he plundered her mouth, hungry for the taste of her. He rocked against her, unable to keep still.

  A glance to the side showed Julien had stripped as well, his khakis now on the floor along with his underwear. He c
aught Cole’s attention and gave a wide smile, pleased with their progress.

  “I’ve been thinking about this for days,” Cole whispered into her ear. “It’s been very, very hard to sleep at night.” He took her hand and placed it on his cock, hearing her gasp of appreciation as it grew even harder under her touch. “You have no idea of the effect you’ve been having on me as you sat behind that desk, all prim and proper, giving orders.”

  Julien came up behind her and stroked her hip. “She is quite the bossy one.” He nipped her shoulder, sending a tremor through Kat’s body. “Always telling us what to do.”

  Kat moaned as Cole released her and turned her around to face Julien. “So here’s the next question—what do you want him to do?”

  Kat licked her lips, her head spinning. It was overwhelming, the two sets of hands running over her body, pressing and kissing and stroking . . .

  She felt Cole behind her, his cock pressing into the small of her back. He wrapped his arms around her waist and held her in place as Julien went to his knees with a mischievous grin.

  “I believe I’ve mentioned this position before.”

  Oh my God . . .

  He ran his long fingers up and down her legs and slid them between her thighs, ignoring the squeak of surprise as he touched her, a single finger swirling around her moist folds.

  “I think I know what you want me to do.” Julien withdrew a hand, slick with her own juices. He popped his index finger into his mouth and sucked it while staring at her.

  “Don’t tease her too much,” Cole warned. “I have a feeling it’s going to be a long, sleepless night.”

  Julien pressed his face to her thighs, kissing and nibbling his way up.

  Kat threw her head back against Cole’s shoulder as Julien’s mouth landed on her inner core, his tongue darting out to flick against her before alternating with long, lazy strokes.

  “I’ve got you,” Cole said, his grip tight around her waist. “Let yourself go, Kat. We’ll be here to catch you.”

  Her hands landed in Julien’s long hair, taking a firm grip in the dark locks. A finger slipped inside her and Kat’s knees went weak, her hips automatically thrusting against his face.

  “That’s it,” Cole murmured as she felt herself beginning to come apart under the gentle but persistent barrage on her senses.

  She struggled against him, finding his grip impossible to escape.

  “Oh, no.” Cole let out a growl. “You’re not getting away from this. You’re going to take it and enjoy it.” He nipped her earlobe. “Let go, Kat. Let go.”

  Her fingers tightened in Julien’s hair as he increased his pace, adding a second finger. The double assault on her senses was overwhelming, pushing her toward the edge with a speed she’d never experienced before.

  The orgasm shocked her with its intensity, shooting her up and over in a vibrant explosion that sapped her of both speech and energy.

  She slumped in Cole’s arms, working to catch her breath.

  Julien let out a triumphant laugh as he looked at her and licked his lips. “Not a screamer? We’ll have to work on that.”

  The world spun around her as Cole lifted her in his arms and placed her on the bed. Both men stretched out on each side as she struggled to slow her frantic pants.

  Julien drew a hand along her side, chuckling as she twitched under his touch. “Still sensitive.” He looked at Cole. “And quite tasty.”

  Cole’s voice rumbled from behind her as he nuzzled the back of her neck. “I’ll find out for myself soon enough.”

  Kat drew a shuddering breath.

  What have I gotten myself into?

  Julien couldn’t contain the pride surging from inside, the pleasure at making her come so quickly. It was as if she’d been waiting for him all of her life, her body attuned to his touch.

  He marveled at the tiny earthquakes traveling over her skin as he stroked her hip, her legs. She couldn’t stop trembling under his hand, and his heart shuddered with the intense sense of satisfaction. His cock, however, shuddered with a more driving need.

  Julien looked at Kat. “Ready for a bit more?”

  She nodded, letting out a hoarse laugh.

  “Oh, now.” Cole knelt on the bed, near her head. “She’s got the energy to laugh.” He took hold of himself and stroked his length slowly, making sure he had captured her attention. “We’re not doing our job properly.”

  Her eyes widened and Julien grinned, enjoying the wordplay.

  Kat pressed her lips into a tight line before reaching up to take hold of Cole, her hand wrapping around his cock and drawing him onward.

  Cole let out a gasp and bucked forward into her touch, his shocked expression telling Julien he hadn’t expected that particular response.

  Julien let out a rolling laugh, enjoying Cole’s reaction. “I believe our petite fleur has gotten her strength back.” He looked around, wondering if he’d have to leave the room to get condoms from his briefcase.

  “The bedside table behind you,” Kat rasped as she increased both her grip and strokes, bringing a growl out of the bodyguard.

  “Read my mind. And if you can do that, you know what’s coming next.” Julien turned over to find a string of condom packets in the drawer. It took only a few seconds to rip one open and sheathe himself, his arousal growing as he watched Cole and Kat on the bed. She stayed on her back, her full attention on the paladin at her command.

  A queen and her adoring subjects.

  Her lips were open slightly and moist, wetted again by her tongue flicking out over them. The flush on her skin had eased slightly but Julien knew how to bring it back.

  He went to the edge of the bed and tugged on her ankles.

  Kat laughed and rolled onto her stomach before wriggling back toward Cole. He held up his hands, tilted his head to one side, and smirked as he settled at the top of the bed.

  Her retreat route cut off, she rose onto her knees in anticipation of what was coming.

  Cole advanced on her. “Aren’t you the little tease?”

  She crooked a finger at him. “Come on and see.” Kat paused and looked over her shoulder at Julien. “Both of you.”

  Julien started out chuckling as he slid into her and ended up moaning, the tight wet heat drawing him deep on the first stroke.

  He grabbed her hips, certain he’d leave bruises.

  One thing was for sure—he’d fallen and fallen hard for Kat McMaster.

  Cole had died and gone to heaven.

  Kat reached out and caressed his balls, pulling him close so she could get all of his length down her throat, the wet heat sending him charging at the cliff’s edge in record time.

  He wound his fingers through her soft hair, trying hard not to be demanding. It was so tempting to be rough, but . . .

  Kat looked at him with wide eyes and smirked before rolling her tongue around the crown and sucking him right to the back of her throat.

  It took all of Cole’s self-control to not scream. Instead he turned it into a growl and tightened his grip on her hair.

  His free hand shot out to land on Julien’s shoulder, helping keep Cole balanced.

  Julien didn’t pull away from his touch but instead adjusted his rhythm, matching Kat stroke for stroke.

  Cole let out a long moan, his fingers digging into Julien’s slick skin.

  “You little minx,” he choked out.

  Kat laughed and did it again, letting out a whimper as Julien drove into her again and again from behind. He bent forward and slipped one hand around her waist. The other moved around and into her damp folds, unerringly finding his target by Kat’s reaction. She groaned around Cole’s cock and closed her eyes.

  “Come on, sweet thing,” Julien said from the end of the bed. “Don’t be holding back on my account.” His voice broke on the last word and he cursed in French, gasping as he slammed into her again and again.

  Cole would have laughed but he was blinded by shooting stars, Kat bringing him up and over the precip
ice. He dug his nails into Julien’s shoulder and felt the muscles flex under his grip, mimicking his own release.

  He let go and pulled away as she dropped her head to the mattress and screamed, burying her face in the soft sheets.

  Kat had read about multi-orgasmic women. She’d envied them and wondered at times if it wasn’t an urban myth created to make everyone feel somewhat inferior, no matter how good the relationship. Over the years she’d taken lovers but none of them had been able to deliver on their promises for a second or third time, leading her to believe she was the issue, not the man in her bed.

  Now she knew better.

  And damn it, it was good.

  She stretched out on her belly, grateful of the fuss she’d made to get the extra-soft sheets. Her muscles ached, inside and out, and for the first time in years she felt sated.

  Exhausted. Complete.

  Cole curled his arms around her and pulled her onto her side, facing him. He kissed her while Julien disposed of the condom and slid against her from behind. His long hair brushed against the back of her neck as he let out a weary groan, dropping kisses along her shoulder.

  “That was . . .” Julien drew a shallow breath. “I can’t find the right words right now. I hope it was good for you?”

  Kat nodded, afraid to speak. The emotional wave of what they’d done was hitting her hard, the experience battering her senses.

  A tear broke free, dribbling along her cheek before falling off to soak into the sheets.

  “What?” Cole brushed his finger along her wet skin. “Are you okay? Did we do something wrong?” He glanced at Julien with a darkness in his eyes.

  “No, no.” It took all she had to speak but she couldn’t let Julien take the fall. “I’m fine. Just a little bewildered.”

  “Of course.” The note of pride in Julien’s voice made her laugh. “That’s no surprise.”

  Cole huffed. “Don’t get too full of yourself, piano player.” He snuggled close to her. “Rest. Sleep. We’ve got all night.”

  Kat sighed, feeling the heat from both men surging around her, offering her their strength. She reached back and stroked Julien’s thigh. “That was incredible.” She twisted up to kiss Julien. “Thank you. This was more than I could ever have imagined.”