Betting on Both

by Sheryl Nantus

  The confession took him aback, evident by the way he sighed as their lips touched. He pulled back first and laughed. “For me as well. Been a long time since I’ve been shocked in bed.” Julien kissed the tip of her nose.

  Kat grinned and turned back to Cole, giving him a kiss as well. “And you, too. My big strong warrior.”

  He stroked her cheek. “Love ya, boss lady. Now rest.”

  She couldn’t fight the exhaustion any longer. Julien’s hand rested on her waist as she sighed and allowed herself to slip away into a dreamless sleep.

  Kat woke with a start, the memories of the past few hours rushing in. For a fleeting second she worried it’d all been an erotic dream.

  Then she felt the arm around her waist, the soft breathing against her neck, and realized it’d all happened. Her cheeks burned as she looked at the top of Cole’s head and her own hand, possessively holding him close.

  She ran her fingers along his shoulder, wincing inside as she brushed against the tiny scars pitting his skin.

  Cole let out a whimper and shook, muttering something under his breath. Beads of sweat appeared on his forehead, prompting her to pull him closer.

  PTSD?

  Kat remembered she didn’t know much more about Cole’s past other than he’d spent time in the military and he’d previously been in a relationship.

  A ménage.

  Was that the cause of this distress or something else?

  Kat kissed the top of his head, brushing her lips against the short brown hair. He gave one body-shaking shudder and looked at her, eyes wide and unfocused.

  His arms tightened around her as she held her breath.

  “Hello.” Cole cleared his throat. “Hello.” He studied her for a second before smiling.

  Kat relaxed as she saw him come back to himself, return to their bed.

  “Are you okay?” she whispered.

  “Yeah. Just a bad dream.” Cole kissed her, a light brush of lips on lips. “I’m good now. Nothing to worry about.”

  Julien mumbled something into her shoulder, punctuated with a series of sloppy wet kisses along her skin.

  Cole chuckled and ran his lips along her cheek. “Ready for round two?”

  Julien let out a soft laugh. “You’re on point.”

  Kat groaned as Cole’s lips latched onto one nipple, his tongue flicking over the tip. The delicate touch of his lips countered the roughness of his tongue; the balance almost enough to bring her up and over again alone.

  His grip on her intensified as he moved over her, his free hand sliding between her legs to find her already damp with anticipation.

  Julien laughed as he rolled off the bed. “Don’t get too comfortable.” He passed a condom to Cole.

  “Here.” Kat took the packet and tore it open. “Let me.”

  He let out a grumble as he released her breast with a moist pop, dropping one last kiss on it as he rolled onto his back.

  It was hard not to prolong the anticipation, reveling in the way all of his attention was focused on her hands. He let his breath out slowly as she drew a finger over the rock-hard abs, skipping from ridge to ridge running south.

  Cole let out a strangled grunt as she carefully rolled the condom over his cock. She couldn’t help grinning as he twitched and bobbed under her touch, his hips shifting back and forth as he waited for her to be done. He pressed both palms into the mattress.

  “Killing me here,” Cole said through clenched teeth.

  She tapped the covered tip with a smirk. “There.”

  With a grunt Cole pulled her atop him. She straddled his waist before rising to take him in.

  Kat drew a shallow breath as she slowly lowered herself, his cock sliding in easily and filling her to capacity.

  She arched back, trembling at the sensation. Through it all Cole didn’t move, staying as still as he could, letting her control the pace. Her hands landed on his chest, sliding through the light body hair to balance herself.

  Julien moved behind her to straddle Cole’s legs, taking hold of her breasts. He pressed against Kat’s back and she felt his erection nudge the small of her back.

  Cole’s hands lifted from the mattress to her hips, fingers digging into her skin.

  He held her hips as she rose and fell, her over-stimulated nerves once again ignited by his strength.

  “Touch yourself,” he ordered, his eyes locking with hers.

  Julien pressed his forehead against the back of her neck as he played with her nipples, rocking in rhythm with her.

  Without breaking eye contact Kat slid her finger into her mouth, noting the catch in Cole’s breath as she withdrew her hand and moved it between her damp folds.

  She rolled her head back at the shock, the pleasure spiraling out from her touch and around the trio, inside them all.

  Julien groaned behind her. His fingers tightened on her nipples, rolling and pinching them. The jagged lightning flashed from there to her inner core and out, pulling her into a long-drawn orgasm.

  Kat screamed this time, choking up as Cole thrust into her one last time with a shout, his hands digging into her hips so hard she knew there’d be bruises later.

  She slumped against his chest, feeling Julien move away with a weary groan.

  “Maybe another nap.” Julien carefully pulled her off of Cole and into his arms, chuckling. “You’re intoxicating and exhausting at the same time. Quite the handful.”

  Kat yawned and curled against him as Cole disposed of the condom and joined them again, spooning against her.

  “Love you. Both.” She managed to get the words out before sleep dragged her again into a soft, warm embrace.

  Chapter Six

  Kat woke in bed alone.

  For a second she thought it’d all been a dream, a wild fantasy brought on by overwork and too much stress.

  She shifted on her belly and felt the sensual ache of long unused muscles, the lethargy in her system the result of an emotional and physical rush, not the result of a bottle of wine or a few beers.

  Not a dream.

  Kat stretched her arms and legs out and felt them burn with the realization she’d followed through with the crazy plan.

  And she felt . . . fabulous.

  Clutching the sheets around her, she shuffled to the door and opened it a crack.

  The smell of bacon wafted in, along with scrambled eggs and hot, fresh coffee.

  Her stomach growled despite the large dinner she’d had last night and she pulled the door open wider, scanning the living room.

  Julien stood there, freshly showered and wearing a new shirt and khakis. Cole looked over from the covered plates he was busy inspecting on the cart. He’d dressed as well, the white shirt, suit jacket, and dark pants a return to his unofficial security uniform.

  Julien smiled. “We thought we’d surprise you with breakfast in bed.” His eyes raked over her and she felt the sheet turn transparent under his gaze. “But maybe this would be better. Save us from housekeeping asking too many questions about the laundry.” He motioned at the maple syrup container.

  She laughed. “I’ll be out as soon as I shower and put some clothes on. You two start without me.” Just for fun Kat spun around, giving both men a clear view of her naked back.

  Julien’s wolf whistle followed her back inside.

  After a brief shower she looked over her wardrobe, settling on a T-shirt and track pants.

  Kat walked out to find both men waiting for her, standing as she entered the room. The stacked dirty plates showed they’d taken her advice and already eaten. The problem now was all their attention could be focused on her and her alone.

  It was . . . intoxicating.

  She felt like royalty as she sat on the couch. Cole placed a napkin on her lap as Julien settled in beside her.

  She couldn’t hold back her laughter. “You don’t need to pamper me like this.”

  “Why not?” Julien sat beside her. He reached out and played with her damp hair, his long fingers running
through the strands. “You deserve it all and then some, love.” He leaned in and gave her a loud noisy kiss on her neck.

  “Don’t leave any visible marks,” Cole warned him. “She doesn’t need to be explaining away a hickey.”

  “Fine.” Julien gave a lewd chuckle. “I’ll just have to place my mark elsewhere.” He growled, sending her pulse into triple digits.

  Cole leaned over and uncovered the various dishes sitting on the coffee table. “It’d be impolite to eat and run. Besides, we’ve got to play out the scenario.”

  Kat couldn’t help glancing at Julien. “Where did you get the new shirt?”

  He gestured at his briefcase. “Brought it with me. And if the paladin has done his job right I’ll be able to walk out of here as if we had a breakfast meeting, and not a night of wanton passion.” He winked.

  Cole nodded. “No problem. We have it scheduled and there’s a different hallway officer than last night. They shouldn’t notice a thing.” His thin smile set off warning bells in Kat’s mind.

  His eyes reminded her of the few moments of terror she’d had last night, from the few seconds he’d been away from her, from them.

  Something was wrong and she had no idea what.

  Kat put her fork down and studied Cole. “Are you okay?”

  “I’m fine.” His neutral tone reminded her of their first meeting at the airport. “Everything’s fine,” he repeated. “Got a long day ahead of us and I’m thinking ahead. Doing security checks on new personnel and issuing badges today. Have to make sure everything’s in line for the reopening.”

  She decided not to press him for the truth.

  “So.” Julien stood. “I’m honest enough to say I had a great time last night. I wasn’t sure if I would, but . . .” He leaned over and kissed Kat, sending her mind spinning. “I loved it. And you.”

  “Ah.” Kat exhaled, trying to steady her nerves. “I did too.” She looked at Cole. “And I’d like to keep seeing you. Both of you, I mean. Because I love being with you. And I hope you enjoy being with me, in and out of bed.” Her courage deserted her as she fumbled through her speech and she dropped her gaze to the floor.

  Julien stroked her back, the slender fingers caressing her through the thin fabric. “I’d love to.” He kissed her neck. “It’s been a long time since I’ve been surprised by anything. This was glorious.”

  “Yes,” Cole said, the neutral tone grating on Kat’s ears. He glanced at his phone. “I’ve got to go.”

  Kat frowned. “Problem?”

  “Of sorts. Nothing major but I’ve got to attend to it right away.” He bent to drop a kiss into her hair. “I’ll talk to you later. Ed’s taking the first shift in your office.” He nodded to Julien. “Later.” Cole finished off his coffee in two gulps and left the suite.

  Kat looked at Julien, caught between fury and heartbreak. “So what the hell was that?”

  Cole went to the lobby and out into the early morning air, his chest growing tighter with every step. Some of the staff waved at him and he waved back, resisting the urge to clench his hand into a fist and begin punching something, someone, anything in his path.

  He couldn’t go back to his room.

  So he went along the paved path leading to the riverboat, the construction still going on. Cole forced himself to keep his steps even and short as he studied the changes in an attempt to make it look like he was fine, doing an impromptu inspection of the property. His legs felt like rubber and he caught himself tripping over a nonexistent crack in the stones.

  You are not fine, his inner voice snapped. Sit before you fall down.

  He went along the path to the first wrought-iron bench and sat.

  A rush of nausea had him ducking his head between his knees, fighting the urge to throw up and/or pass out.

  Someone passed by, clucking her tongue.

  Cole knew what she saw. A drunkard, a victim of an all-night drinking binge now dealing with the consequences of his actions.

  She had no idea how close she was to the truth.

  Cole didn’t have the strength to look up and see who it was as she walked away.

  The band across his heart loosened as he took long, deep breaths.

  Another person approached, his shoes rapping on the cobblestones.

  The bench flexed as he sat beside Cole.

  Great, Cole said to himself. A damned spectator.

  He steeled himself and sat up straight, prepared to lie away his discomfort with some story about food poisoning or a touch of the flu.

  Julien stared at him, back ramrod straight with his hands on his knees. “Small world, hmm?”

  “I don’t need . . .” Cole started.

  Julien held up his hand. “Stop.” The tone in his voice jammed Cole’s thoughts. “Just . . . stop.” He leaned forward and entwined his fingers together. “Do you have any idea how much you’ve upset her?”

  Cole froze. “What?”

  Julien shook his head, the long loose hair draped over his shoulders. He lowered his voice. “How did you think she was going to react to you walking out on her? On us? When I left she told me she’ll be heading to her office after changing, but I know she’s having herself a good cry on the couch first.”

  “I didn’t walk out.”

  Julien glared at him.

  Cole reran the past half hour, shifting into a neutral observer.

  “Shit.” Cole scrubbed his eyes with both hands. “I didn’t think . . .”

  “That much is obvious,” Julien snapped. “I thought you were okay with this. You said you’ve been here before—” He cut himself off. “Fuck. Is that it? Are you still pining over a lost love? Hung up on an old girlfriend?” He sliced the air with one hand. “If you don’t care about Kat, why—”

  Cole dipped his head forward. “It’s complicated.”

  They sat there in silence for a few minutes. A pair of workmen walked by carrying boxes, grunting at each other in a foreign language.

  “I never wanted to hurt Kat. Ever,” Cole said. “She’s special.”

  “Yes. I agree,” Julien said. “She’s a hell of a woman. Which is why I’m out here talking to you instead of chasing those damned painters around to finish the second floor on the riverboat.” He shook his head. “Every time I go by they’re having another damned smoke break.”

  Cole chuckled. “Putting the fear of God into them?”

  Julien gave him a wide smile. “I prefer the fear of Julien. But God will work just as well. Or Kat, if I need to really scare the crap out of them. Once I lay her name down people tend to shift into a higher gear.”

  Cole nodded. “Definitely.” He rubbed the back of his neck. “I can’t tell you what’s wrong because I’m not sure myself.” He sighed. “When you go to war, you try not to think about losing. About losing anything. Your weapon, your helmet, your arms, your legs . . . your friends. But you know there’s a good chance it’s going to happen no matter what you do, what you say. And when it hits you there’s a hell of a void left over, something you don’t think can ever be refilled or replaced.” He looked at Julien. “I just need a little time to sort through this.”

  Julien nodded. “Understood.”

  “But that doesn’t excuse what I did to Kat.” Cole glanced toward the hotel. “Thanks for coming to find me. I’ll deal with this.”

  Before Julien could reply Cole strode off, his heart racing.

  He’d screwed up a good thing. Now he had to try and make it right before he lost it all again.

  Kat didn’t cry.

  She couldn’t afford to. She needed the energy to sort out what was going on in her mind and in her heart. So she tamped down the sadness and the panic, the annoyance and the anger, and got changed into a light yellow blouse and slacks, her kick-ass outfit.

  Ed was outside the suite, a middle-aged man with a smattering of crow’s feet around his deep brown eyes. He reminded Kat of a friendly uncle, always wearing a smile.

  One look at her face and he frowned, stay
ing silent but looking concerned.

  “I’m fine.” She forced herself to sound cheerful. “Got a full day ahead of me.”

  He escorted her into the elevator and to the ground floor. He didn’t say a word but she felt the worried gaze settle on her shoulders.

  Phil was waiting in the hall outside her office. He nodded at Ed as the security man turned away, headed back to his position watching her suite and supervising housekeeping.

  Kat worried for a second if they’d figure out what had gone on last night; if the three of them had left clues lying around. She pushed the thought away.

  It wasn’t anyone’s business if she had one man in her bed, never mind two.

  She pointed at Phil as he opened the office door and stood by, ready to take up his usual position inside.

  “No.”

  The man stopped, taken aback.

  “I’ve had one of you in my office nonstop since I got here. I’m tired of it. You can stand out here, in the hallway, as I work. If I’m firing someone you can come in and make sure he or she doesn’t break my neck. Otherwise you can chat with your buddy or play games on your phone. No one comes in now unless I request it.”

  Phil said nothing. He nodded and put his back to the wall.

  She knew he’d call Cole as soon as she was inside and she didn’t care.

  The requisite cup of coffee was already on her desk, hot and ready to go with a full carafe set on the nearby shelf. Kat took a sip as she booted up her laptop.

  She didn’t want anyone in her office while she dug up the past.

  It took only a few seconds to send off a request for Cole Harrison’s full military record, straight to the computer servers at McMaster Industries.

  She suspected what she was looking for wouldn’t be inside. But Kat had to do something to find out what had prompted him to flee both emotionally and physically from her the first morning after a wonderful, intoxicating night with her and Julien. Maybe there’d be something in his file, some clue for her to track down.

  Kat shifted her hips, feeling the bruises he’d left behind. Cole was a good man and she cared for him, as much as she did for Julien. Hell, she just might be in love with him. With both of them.