As her heart got more and more erratic, Josef pulled away and Peri fell against his chest. He encircled her body and held her tight, Gabe running a hand up and down her back softly.
“Dear Jesus – that was – Jesus, I can’t talk!” Peri was still lost in a host of sensations that were running through her, and she wished they hadn’t stopped. She wanted more, a lot more.
Josef chuckled. “Not now, later, once you’ve had time to think about it, Peri. You’ve kissed us both, felt both of our passions. Now the decision is yours, Gabe, me, or both. You can let us know what you decide. Now go and have a nice long bath, the girl will be here soon to help you get ready.”
Josef pushed Peri in the direction of the bathroom and gave her backside a swat as she left. She whirled around at the sting on her behind, then smiled cheekily and ran for the bathroom. Once again, she locked the door.
As she got inside, she ran the water and started to pull her clothes off. As she got to her underwear, she realized they were wet. Josef had said this was normal? She was a full-grown woman who had no idea what was going on with her own body. She wished she knew about these things. She thought, could she ask Josef? Maybe.
Gabe let out a long breath. “I’m gone, my man, she’s inside me. I’ve never felt like this, Josef!”
Josef looked at his friend and realized he had never seen him like this. “Gabe, my friend, I also am lost. The little Witch is chipping away at my armour and the ice around my heart.”
Both men looked at each other, then the bathroom door. What they would do to be in there with her just now.
Chapter 6
Peri took her time in the bath, relaxing in the warm, bubbly water. It was a luxury she hadn’t had in a long time.
She took the time to think. Gabe and Josef? A Wolf and a Vampire, jeez, she didn’t do anything by halves. Up ‘til now, she had never even spoken with a member of the opposite sex, other than to do a deal or finding one. Neither of those situations had her wanting to kiss anybody.
She didn’t want just to kiss either. The thought flew into her head and she took a deep breath in. Oh my, she was feeling all hot and bothered again. But two? Really? Wasn’t that bad? Wouldn’t she be a – a – a slut?
She had no idea, only knowing that the fire that those kisses had started was burning brightly in her nether regions right now. She had never even, well, done it to herself. Growing up as she had, all talk of sex and stuff was not on the menu. She had read magazines over the past few years, picking them out of bins, she couldn’t afford to buy one herself. She had read about pleasure, orgasms, stuff like that, but had no direct experience.
She had no internet access, a laptop way out of her reach. She barely could eat, far less think on things like laptops, magazines, books. No, she hadn’t had any of those on any kind of regular basis. She only had a very old second-hand mobile phone, and she needed to keep in touch regarding bounties. Sometimes she didn’t eat, because she had to buy credit for her old phone.
The internet was a complete mystery to her, and she thought she might like to find out a bit about it. She was sure Josef would teach her.
Her mind kept going back to those kisses, both were breath-taking, both so different. She was sure she could not choose between the two.
Her excitement started to rise, as she realized she was going to get all prettied up. She hoped the guys liked how she looked.
Finally, she came out of the bath and wrapped a towel around her, padding back through to the bedroom, her gown hanging out. She couldn’t believe it was hers. A soft knock on the door brought her out of her reverie and she answered it with a quiet “Yes?”
The door opened and the salesgirl walked in, a large smile on her face. Peri smiled back and wished she had a girlfriend she could confide in.
Peri put a robe on before she sat at the dressing table and let the girl get to work. She chattered away and Peri had difficulty even understanding half the things she spoke of. The girl, Tania, even helped Peri with her hair. She dried it and used some clips to maneuver it into an unfussy up-do.
When she was finished, Peri didn’t even recognize herself. The makeup was flawless and not too much. Tania confided that Josef had said not to use a lot, that Peri was beautiful without it.
When Tania said that, Peri’s stomach filled with butterflies, and she hoped Josef liked the way she looked. Tania wanted to help her into her gown, but because of the scars, Peri moved into the walk-in wardrobe and pulled it on. Tania helped with the shoes and put a small compact with the lipstick they used into the matching purse.
Tania went to the bedroom door and peeked out. “They’re both there, come on.” Tania motioned with her hand and Peri followed her.
Tania walked out, shouted “Ta-da!” and moved her arm in a wide arc, coming to bear on the doorway. Peri was very nervous, hoping she looked okay.
As the salesgirl shouted, both Josef and Gabe looked around, their eyes glued to Peri. Gabe couldn’t breathe, his lungs weren't working. She was a vision, like something out of a top class magazine. The dress was a better match to her eyes than they had thought and her hair, whatever she had done, she looked out of this world.
Josef looked with a smile creeping onto his face. She was so beautiful and she had no idea. Her innocence and pure heart shined through brightly. He hoped to Christ she stayed, because he was looking forward to taking care of her, teaching her...so many, many things.
Both got up quickly and moved over. “You look stunning, Peri, absolutely stunning.” Josef smiled down at her, as he took one of her hands in his.
Gabe was trying to find the right words, but then gave up and just spoke from his heart. “You are a vision like none other I’ve ever seen. You are truly beautiful, baby. That dress fits you like a second skin, I wish it were me.”
Peri laughed, this kind of attention was not like any she had ever had before, and she liked it. She had never, not once, thought she was even pretty. Then again, she didn’t look in a mirror much and had never worn makeup or a gown. Or high heels.
“So let’s go, I’ve made dinner reservations – very private and exclusive little place. I hope you like it.” Josef started to lead them out the door, and they realized that Tania was still standing there.
Peri smiled. “Thank you, Tania, very much.”
Tania said, “I’ll see you tomorrow afternoon for our makeup lesson, have a good time tonight, Peri.”
Josef pulled his wallet out and handed a huge tip to Tania. She looked at the money in her hand, he knew it was more than a month’s wages for her. She thanked him and walked out, a smile still on her face.
Peri pulled back a little. “Okay, let me see you two, oh, you both look so handsome. That suit really does suit you, Gabe, you look real good. Josef, immaculate, that suit is immaculate. How many of those fancy suits do you have?”
Josef chuckled “Oh, I have many, Peri, very, very many.”
The men took each arm and they left the penthouse, making their way to the private elevator. Peri was impressed, her eyes wide as she took everything in. As they came out of the lift into the parking area, she saw the most gorgeous car she had ever seen.
“That’s so hot, whose is it?” Her voice had risen. She knew nothing about guys, sex, internet, and a host of other things, but cars? She loved cars, she would spend hours staring at them, whether on a stakeout or just because she was sleeping in hers and they flew past. She loved her cars and dreamed of a day when she would have a great big, fast car.
“That would be mine,” said Josef. “It’s a...”
Peri interrupted, “Oh, I know what it is, it’s a Jaguar, import from UK, mint condition. The power that these things have, oh Josef, are we taking it tonight? Can I sit up front? Please!”
Peri’s excitement and enthusiasm was like a breath of fresh air to the old Vampire, and he joined her in laughing. “Of course you can, little Witch, come on.”
Josef took her to the car and helped her in. Gabe got in back and he was chuckling away, Peri’s excitement getting to him, too.
Josef got in. “Okay, buckle up,” he said, as he smiled over at the most gorgeous female he had ever laid eyes on.
Peri complied and had to contain herself. She felt like jumping up and down in her seat.
Josef drove a little too fast, wanting Peri to feel the power in the vehicle. Peri felt very strange, it almost felt like when she had been kissed. What was that about?
“Oh, so you like the power, Peri, I’ll keep that in mind for the journey home! I may just get a few speeding tickets, but it’ll be worth it, if it makes you feel like that!” Josef looked in his rear view mirror and saw Gabe’s shocked expression.
Josef pulled up at a little building, nondescript on the outside. The valet took the keys and Gabe rushed to help Peri get out. She smiled shyly up at him and got that tingly feeling again as their hands touched.
The smile almost made Gabe bend and kiss her lips. He couldn’t wait to taste her again.
Josef could feel the younger male’s anticipation and eagerness, he hoped he kept it in check. Peri was still skittish about all of this, and he didn’t want Gabe to scare her.
As they walked to the door, two very large doormen opened the doors and they went inside. The difference between out and in was phenomenal, inside was the most luxuriant Peri had ever seen. It was quite small and all the tables had plenty of room. There were several semi-circle booths and it was to one of those that they were ushered.
Peri got in first and scooted around, so she was in the middle of the seat and facing outwards. Josef and Gabe got in either side and sat very close. She could feel a thigh against each of hers. Her heart rate shot up.
A waiter appeared as if from nowhere and Josef asked for a bottle of wine, a rosé, but a very expensive one. The menus were handed over, as the waiter left to get the wine. Peri opened it and nearly died. No prices again, but she wasn’t sure what half the stuff was. Her idea of an exotic evening meal was a kid’s meal at one of the burger chains.
“What do you like, Peri? Meat, beef, chicken, fish?” Josef had felt her unease.
“I like meat, could I have a steak? I’ve never had enough to buy one.”
She looked from under her lashes and Josef almost groaned, she looked so damn sexy, when she did that. He coughed and answered, “Of course, do you want me to order? Do you want plain or with a sauce?”
Gabe broke in, “I’m getting a porterhouse with onions and mushrooms, no sauce. How does that sound?”
Peri nodded her head, “Okay, then that’s what you shall have. Do you want a starter?” Josef asked and Peri shook her head. She wasn’t used to eating more than one meal a day and definitely never more than one course.
“You’re too skinny, Peri. We need to get some meat on those bones.” Josef smiled, he had noticed the size of the clothes she had bought, size zero, not healthy. He would get her to eat some more and buy her another wardrobe.
“I’m not sure my stomach would manage, Josef, but I might want a sweet, most I’ve had is an ice cream flurry!” Peri thought this was funny, but the frown on both men’s faces showed they didn’t think so.
“Oh, you’ll have a sweet baby, we could share one if you don’t think you’d manage it all.” Gabe was getting more forward and Josef frowned at him. Did the boy not know the meaning of taking things slow?
Peri caught what she thought was a double meaning but wasn’t sure, so she smiled. “I think I’ll manage a sweet on my own, Gabe.”
Gabe pouted. “Don’t know what you’re missing!”
Peri laughed. “You look just like a little boy I saw who wanted a chocolate bar and his mom said no.”
Josef burst out laughing, Peri had hit it right on the nail.
“Okay, well can I at least hold your hand until dinner’s served?” Gabe tried again, desperate to feel Peri.
Peri lifted both hands, placed one in Gabe’s lap and one in Josef’s, both men covered it with their own in less than a second.
The waiter arrived with the wine and Josef nodded curtly, letting him know just to pour it without tasting, he did so and left. Peri looked at the glass in front of her and then down at her hands. Josef leaned forward, picked up her glass with his free hand and brought it to her lips.
Peri took a sip, Josef thought it was the most erotic thing he had seen in a long time. A frown came over his features. He wasn’t keen on the way this young woman made him feel. He had been distant and cold most of his life and for good reason. He didn’t want to open himself up for hurt.
Once. He had done it once and that’s what had left him the way he was. Damaged. Cold. Hard.
Gabe couldn’t stop staring at Peri, she was out of this world, and his Wolf was misbehaving something terrible. As Peri had taken a sip of the wine, he all but whined in frustration. Josef had a deep frown on his face, and Gabe thought he knew why. Peri was affecting Josef as much as she was affecting him and his Wolf.
“So, how’s this...arrangement...with me staying, that is, how’s it going to work?” Peri knew she was occupying the room that the men usually used for their ‘play’ and she didn’t know how much of an inconvenience that would cause them. She hoped for a particular answer, but knew she had no right to infringe on their being with other women. The thought of them with someone else turned her stomach.
“In what way?” Josef asked, even though he had sensed what she meant.
“Well, I’m in your, you know, room that you use for – others – isn’t that going to bother you?” Peri was biting her bottom lip, desperate for the answer she wanted. She had no idea the effect of her doing this had on both males.
Gabe coughed, choking on the wine he had just swallowed. The sight of Peri nibbling on her lip almost had him crushing her to him and taking control of her lips and the rest of her.
Josef had more restraint and frowned harshly at Gabe. Gabe saw it and only shrugged, he had no control when he was around Peri.
“Well, I don’t see us entertaining any time soon, if that’s what’s worrying you?” Josef wanted her to progress anything, if indeed anything was going to happen. It had to be her decision and hers alone.
“Yeah, sort of,” was all he got from her and he tried again.
“Peri, would it bother you if Gabe and I brought a lady back?” Josef now held his breath and Gabe was openly staring at Peri’s face, both wanted a reply to that question.
Peri’s stomach was doing flip flops and she sneaked a peek at both men. Both pairs of eyes were intent on her face. She blushed slightly and took a calming breath.
“Look, I’m really confused. I’ve looked after myself for six years now and I did okay. I’m not usually scared of anything, but this, it does make me feel anxious. And the answer to your question is yes, it would.” Peri desperately wanted a drink of wine, but both her hands were still held by the Vampire and Wolf.
Josef reached over and brought the glass to her lips once again, and she knew he had read her, again. Jeez, he must know how she felt, the embarrassment, the anxiety, the way the kisses had made her feel. He would know it all.
Peri took a few sips this time, desperate to get the alcohol inside, get a little buzz, so she didn’t feel so bloody awkward.
“Peri, yes I can feel you, I know you’re scared and the feelings are a little overwhelming. As I said before, both Gabe and I will take care of you. We would never do anything to hurt or scare you and if things go too quick, if you want to stop you just say it. I promise we would stop.” Josef knew he would, no matter how hard it would be. He would do it so as not to cause her any unnecessary hurt or fear. And he would make damn sure Gabe did so, too.
“Can I have my hands a moment?” Peri asked and both released their hold. She reached forward, grabbed the wine glass and drank it all down. Josef filled it up again before speaking.
<
br /> “Peri, I don’t mind you having some wine to help you relax, but neither of us will do anything with you your first time, if you’re drunk. That would be taking advantage and we won’t do that.”
Josef knew she wanted a buzz on, but she had to know their rules. They never started anything with a completely drunk female. If they ended up drunk, all three of them, that was different, but never at the start. Josef made it a rule that the women they had knew exactly what was going on, otherwise it would be wrong, that was a code he would not break.
“So I can’t get drunk?” Peri’s eyes were wide. She had hoped to be drunk the first time to help her nerves.
“No, Peri, a few glasses of wine, no more...that is if you want anything to happen. Plus, little Witch, you still haven’t answered the most important question.” Josef could hear her heart beating way too fast.
“What question?” Peri was confused. What was Josef talking about?
“Gabe kissed you and so did I, and I must say it was the most gorgeous kiss I’ve ever had. The question is, your first time, you need to decide if it will be one of us? If so, which one or both?” Josef looked to Gabe, as the Wolf hissed through his teeth. Josef could feel the arousal running through his friend’s body.
Peri picked her wine glass up again and downed it in one gulp. Jeez, she knew in her head, but Christ, she didn’t know if she could get the words out.
“You have to tell us, Peri. Gabe has to hear it from your mouth.” Josef was watching the Witch, hoping she would say what he had seen in her thoughts. She had to verbalize it. Him just seeing her thoughts was not a green light. People thought many things, but didn’t always act on them.
The waiter arrived with their food and Peri sighed, she didn’t have to answer right now.
“We’ll eat, and when dessert is served, we’ll resume this conversation. For now, let’s enjoy our meal and talk about other things.” Josef felt Gabe’s disappointment. The Wolf was eager to find out Peri’s decision.
The Witch, The Wolf and The Vampire Series Boxed Set Page 6