by Leah Brooke
“He’s afraid you’ll get hurt. You’re hurting now, although you’re trying very hard not to show it. This is a dangerous business, Serena, and shouldn’t be taken lightly.”
“Why do the two of you think I‘m taking this lightly? I’m just trying to help do something that neither one of you can do.” Dropping her head back against the headrest, she closed her eyes and sighed. “I’ve spent my entire life living as a hermit because I couldn’t control it.”
Lifting her head, she stared at him with sad, violet eyes. “You and Ian have made it possible for me to be around people again. You’ve shown me that I can control it now, at least a little. It gives me hope that I can learn to control it more and more. You’re always there with me.” Reaching out, she touched his arm. “You don’t know how that helps me. I know that, if I mess up, you’re there to block everything for me. It gives me the courage to push further. I’m getting better and better at it every day, and it’s all because of you.”
Alastair wondered if his helpfulness would come back to bite him in the ass when Serena no longer needed him. “I’m glad that you don’t have to be isolated, and Ian and I are both happy that we can help you.”
“And I want to help you.” Sitting up, she partially turned toward him, gripping his arm with both hands. “You and Ian are in danger because of what you do, and if I can give you enough information to give you an edge, I want to do it. Yes, it’s exciting to be able to help you, and it gives me practice controlling this thing, but it’s not a game to me.”
With his guts twisted in knots, he took her hand in his and lifted it to his lips. “I understand that, but you have to understand that we don’t know enough about your gift yet, or your ability to control it, to be comfortable letting you get involved in things that might be over your head.”
Squeezing his hand, Serena frowned. “I thought you were on my side.”
He smiled, pleased to see that her color had improved, even though pain lingered in her eyes. “I’m always on your side, darling, even when you can’t see it. I understand that you want to do something useful with your abilities, but we don’t even understand the extent of those abilities. You can read people’s minds but aren’t very good at shutting them out so you can function.”
He lifted a hand when she started to speak. “Wait. Hear me out. You’re getting better, but you and I both know that you could never be in a crowd without either Ian or me with you. Now, it appears you can actually get into someone’s mind to the extent that you feel what they feel so strongly that it’s dangerous. Garner’s passion distracted you, and if Ian and I hadn’t been able to slam those doors closed, Rita’s death might have killed you.”
“I hate being so dependent on you.” The sadness in her quiet tone tugged at his heart.
With a sigh, Alastair glanced at her. “Which is one of the reasons you want to help. I understand that. You have to admit that what happened when you were watching Rita Savon and Tom Garner surprised even you. I don’t even want to think about what might have happened if Ian hadn’t been there.”
Approaching the house, he released her hand to push the button on the remote to open the gate. “Let’s get you inside so you can rest a little.”
“I’m fine, Alastair.”
“Your color’s a little better, but you’re still pale. You’re also still trembling, and I can see the pain in your eyes.” It angered and scared him more than he wanted to admit. When she gave him another of those fake smiles and started to object, Alastair cut her off without a qualm. “Don’t give me one of those fake smiles. I see right through them. I’m not blind, and I’m not stupid. Don’t fight me on this, Serena. You’ll lose. Big time.”
Chapter Eight
Serena studied her reflection in the mirror, hiding a smile at the hungry looks from both of her lovers. She’d picked out the outfit on one of her shopping trips with Alastair, unable to resist it.
The tight-fitting black pants looked great on her, hugging her bottom and thighs in a way that seemed to enthrall Ian and Alastair. The bustier emphasized her breasts and lifted them in a way that kept drawing her lovers’ attention.
She slipped into the long jacket that went with the outfit, meeting their almost identical looks of disappointment. “I love this outfit and bought it to wear for you. Does it make me look like a dominatrix?”
Alastair, also dressed in black from head to toe, smiled slowly. “Nope. Those eyes give you away, but DuBois isn’t very observant.”
He and Ian had been hovering over her all day, as if expecting her to keel over at any time. They’d gone over the plan repeatedly, fine tuning it when she refused to back out.
Alastair had been silent and pensive for the most part while Ian had been more vocal about his objections to the plan for her meeting with DuBois.
Pacing, Ian kept watching her, his expression grim. “We can find another way.”
“Give up, Ian. I’m doing this.” She struggled to hide her excitement and nervousness, knowing he would find any excuse to keep her from meeting with Jean Paul.
Ian continued to pace, glancing at her every few minutes, his frown growing. “I don’t like it.”
Both men wore tight-fitting black pants and black turtlenecks. Black gloves and black ski masks lay on the bed.
Rip, who’d taken his usual spot close to her feet, rose and started toward the bed with the obvious intention of jumping onto it.
A cold glare from Ian had Rip turning around and settling about a foot from her feet again.
Pausing in front of her, Ian shook his head, his eyes hard. “You’re not ready for this. I don’t like you meeting with him.”
Adjusting the jacket and buttoning the single button, Serena smiled and patted Rip’s head. “So you’ve said. Many times.” Moving closer, she reached out and spread her hands on his chest, loving the solid feel of him. “You don’t think I can do it, do you?”
Ian’s hands went to her waist, clenching slightly and pulling her closer. “I know you can do it. Worse, I know that you’ll put yourself in danger trying to get it done. That scares me. You and I are going to have to talk about some rules.”
Serena stood on her toes to kiss his jaw. “Ian, don’t worry. I’ll be okay.”
Gripping her upper arms, he lifted her higher, his jaw clenched in fury. “Don’t you dare try to patronize me! You’re going to obey me on this, or you’re not leaving the house. I want your promise that you’ll keep us informed about what’s going on.”
Stunned at his outburst, Serena wrapped her arms around his neck. “Ian, I have no desire to get hurt. As for keeping you informed, I’ll do the best I can.”
“I need more than that from you, Serena.”
With a smile, she glanced at Alastair for some help, but he merely raised a brow. “You have to understand that I’m not used to having two conversations at once the way you and Alastair do.”
Alastair moved in behind her and ran his hands over her bottom. “Try to leave the door open the way we’ve been practicing.”
Ian stiffened against her. “What are you talking about?”
Knowing that this was a sore spot for Ian, Serena shot a look at Alastair. “You shouldn’t have told him that. Ian already has his panties in a bunch because he’s afraid that I’m going to read his mind and learn all of his secrets. He doesn’t believe me when I tell him that I’ll let him know if that ever happens.”
She smiled to hide the heartbreak of knowing that, when that day came, things would change between them forever.
With a sigh, Serena cuddled closer to Ian. “Alastair and I have been practicing opening the doors so that we can hear what the other is hearing. I’m not real good at it yet. But I’ll do my best.”
Alastair kissed her shoulder, running a hand down her back before heading for her closet, coming back with a pair of flat boots. “You can run like hell in these if you have to.” Grinning, he wrapped an arm around her waist from behind, taking her from Ian’s arms to set her on t
he edge of the bed. “Besides, they look perfect with that outfit. You look very sexy.”
Leaning back on her elbows, Serena lifted a foot, watching him slide one of the boots on. “When I get home, I’ll work on dominating you.”
Dropping her foot, Alastair reached for the other. “Reverse that and you’ve got a deal. I’ll be happy to tie you to the bed and have my way with you.”
Ian dropped onto the bed and stretched out next to her, sliding a hand over her breast. “She liked that, and I’ve had fantasies about having my way with her many times.”
Serena smiled, arching into his caress. “You have your way with me all the time.”
Leaning over her, he bent to touch his lips to hers. “The need just keeps growing, baby, and if you get hurt, I’m gonna be pissed. You’re too important to me.”
Alastair straightened, standing between her thighs. “Which is why she’s not going alone.”
Serena sat up abruptly, looking back and forth between them. “What are you talking about? I have to go alone, damn it! DuBois is never going to buy it if one of you comes with me.”
“You’re right.” Taking her hands in his, Alastair hauled her to her feet. “But Rip can go.”
Hearing his name, Rip rose and eyed Alastair expectantly.
Alastair pointed at Serena. “Guard.”
Rip stiffened and moved closer to Serena, becoming more alert and watchful.
Apparently pleased with himself, Alastair shared a look with Ian and grinned. “Rip will literally rip DuBois’s throat out if he threatens you.”
Watching Serena with narrowed eyes, Ian took her hand in his and tugged her closer. “Tell me more about leaving this door open.”
Alastair reached into his pocket and drew out a small listening device, which he attached to Rip’s collar. “It’s a work in progress. Since we can’t count on it, we’ll use this to listen in.”
Serena lifted her gaze to Ian’s, the reality of what she was about to do hitting her hard. “Are you going to be close?”
A muscle worked in his jaw. “Close enough to hear you scream.”
Alastair straightened. “I’m coming, too.” At her look of surprise, he smiled and reached out to run the backs of his fingers over her cheek. “Don’t worry. He won’t see either one of us. No one will.”
“You both can’t come with me.” Her stomach clenched hard at the thought of what they would be risking. “Someone could see the two of you together.”
“We’ll be in separate cars.” Alastair turned her toward the door and patted her ass. “Besides, some things are worth the risk. Protecting you is definitely one of them.”
* * * *
Still frustrated that she couldn’t talk at least one of them out of coming, Serena pulled on her gloves as she approached Jean Paul DuBois’s front door.
Ian had dropped her off about three long blocks from Jean Paul’s home, and she’d walked down the street with Rip, wishing she could see more of the houses in the upscale neighborhood.
Deciding to practice her communicating skills with Ian and Alastair, Serena took a deep breath and concentrated on both of them, hoping that at least one of them would hear her.
It’s very quiet here. There’s no one out at all.
There’s a man out jogging. He’ll be coming up on you soon.
Alastair?
Yes?
Can’t Ian hear me?
I hear you.
Surprised at the anger coming from him, Serena blinked. Stop sulking.
I’m not sulking. I’m worried. You need to have your ass paddled.
I’ll sic Rip on you if you try.
Rip growled low in his throat, and at first, Serena thought he’d reacted to her threat, but seconds later, she saw the jogger approach, illuminated by the many streets lights that lined the quiet street.
Feeling Alastair’s presence from somewhere behind her, and Ian’s from off to her right, she turned to glance in both directions but couldn’t see either one of them. Keeping her steps even, she kept an eye on the jogger, unable to hold back a smile when he caught sight of her and smiled widely.
Her smile fell when she heard his thoughts about stripping her naked and taking her from behind, her smile widening again when he finally saw Rip.
Giving her a wide berth, he hurried his steps and passed her without saying a word.
“Nice job, Rip. He was a pervert.” She looked down at herself. “Then again, look how I’m dressed.”
She could have sworn she heard chuckling before she heard Alastair’s voice in her head.
Whenever you go out on your own, I’m sending one of the dogs with you. I like his effect on other people.
You’re coming up on DuBois’s house now. Be careful. The tension coming from Ian unnerved her. I swear, Serena, if you get hurt, I’m gonna kick your ass.
Ignoring his threat, Serena made her way up the walkway to John Paul’s house. It was a stark contrast from the way it had looked the night of the party. The outside lights were off and the only light came from inside the house, making navigating the stone sidewalk treacherous. Focusing on putting one foot in front of the other, she made her way slowly up the steps while watching for shadows in the tall hedges.
Grateful for Rip’s presence, she noticed things about the house she’d missed the first time.
Although it was larger than Ian and Alastair’s home, it didn’t possess the grandeur.
It was a beautiful two-story stucco home, with wide windows in the front, but didn’t have much land around it, and the landscaping appeared to be half-dead.
I think Jean Paul spent the bulk of his money on the decorating. His landscaping needs some attention, and so does his house. It doesn’t look like he does any maintenance. The bushes are downright creepy.
He’s out of money, darling, remember? You really don’t think he’s going to go out there and trim the bushes himself, do you?
Smiling at that, Serena rang the doorbell. What would you do if you suddenly found yourself poor?
She could almost feel Alastair smile.
I guess we’d have to live off you.
Ian cursed soundly. We’re not going to go broke. We don’t throw our money away the way he does.
You bought me that necklace. That must have cost a fortune. Alastair buys me clothes. If the two of you keep spending your money on me you’re going to end up as broke as he is.
Drop in the bucket, baby, and I make more every day. I’m good at what I do—at everything I do. Concentrate on what you’re doing, and get out of there as fast as you can.
The sound of locks unlocking had her staring straight again at the door, surprised to find that DuBois opened it himself. Dressed in wrinkled dress clothes, barefooted and with his shirt open in the front, he staggered slightly. Bracing himself against the door, he squinted, holding his hand up to block the light coming from either side of the doorway.
He blinked several times as if trying to figure out if he was seeing things.
Tightening her hold on Rip’s leash, Serena injected amusement into her voice, raising a brow. “Staff off today, Jean Paul?”
He ran a hand through his hair, blinking again as he straightened. “Serena? What the hell are you doing here?”
She let her gaze rake over him, taking in his mussed hair, rumpled clothes, and unshaven features, not bothering to hide her distaste at the smell of sweat. “Looks like you had a rough night.”
Running a hand through his hair, he gave her one of his practiced smiles. “You must have had a rough night, too, if you’re here. What happened? Have another fight with Wyn? After the way he hovered over you the other night, I figured you two would make up.”
Shrugging, Serena struggled to focus on his thoughts, finally coming to the conclusion that the dizziness that she felt came from the fact that DuBois was more than a little drunk. “Wyn likes to have things his way. He’s very forceful. What did you do, drink your dinner? Something…upset you?”
Even in
his drunken state, his eyes sharpened, and he stood a little straighter, his lips thinning. “Of course not. What are you doing here?”
“Rip and I are out for a walk.” She couldn’t hold back a smile when he noticed Rip for the first time, the German shepherd not liking the anger in Jean Paul’s voice.
Jean Paul hurriedly stepped back at Rip’s deep growl. “What the hell is that dog doing here?”
Reaching down, Serena patted Rip’s head. “He doesn’t like to be called a dog. I told you, he and I are out for a walk. Wyn and I had a little disagreement, and I needed some air. Besides, I’d like to talk to you.”
Leaning out, DuBois looked around, his features tightening as he glanced at his gold watch. “As much as I’d like to invite you in, I’m a little busy right now. I’m waiting for someone.” His smile didn’t quite reach his eyes, and she wondered if he realized that a drunk’s charming smile wasn’t all that charming.
Serena wrinkled her nose. “If you’re expecting a woman, you might want to think about taking a shower.”
Anger flashed in his eyes, but he recovered quickly, especially for a man in his condition. “It’s business, not pleasure. Believe me, the only woman I want is you.” Reaching a hand toward her face, he smiled, his smile falling when Rip emitted a low growl.
Jerking his hand back, he glared at Rip, who rolled his shoulders and growled again. “Does Wyn know that you’re here?”
Serena snorted. “Of course not. Wyn would never approve of what I’m doing.”
DuBois raised a brow, a small smile playing at his lips. “And what exactly are you doing?” His gaze raked over her, his eyes widening when he got a good look at her clothing. “Damn. I hope it’s something sexual.”
Following instinct, she stepped closer and ran a finger down his chest. “No. At least not yet. But we are going to do something that could get both of us in a lot of trouble.”
Some imp inside her had her reaching out to flatten a gloved hand on his chest. “Especially you. You’ve been a very bad boy, Jean Paul.”