Taking a Gamble on Three of a Kind (Siren Publishing Ménage Everlasting)

by Kalissa Alexander

  “I can’t. Trust me when I tell you it really is for the best.”

  “Best for them or best for you?” Luke asked harshly, his jaw rigid.

  “You should both go now.” Jenny felt like she was being attacked, and she didn’t like it.

  “And I think otherwise,” Luke said. “In fact, I think it’s your mother I should be speaking to.”

  “Oh, so you’re going to speak with my mother about this? And then what, report back to your father that you think you can handle his love life better than he can?”

  “God, you can be a bitch.”

  “You and your brother make me think my mother was more than justified in cutting your father loose. She doesn’t need a man who sends his sons to fight his battles.”

  “Son of a bitch,” Luke choked out, his face turning a deep shade of red. “Do you really hate the thought of your mother being with another man so badly you’d stoop so low as to try and degrade my father? He doesn’t even know we’re here.”

  Jenny immediately felt shame wash over her. However, this was no time to back down. She had to continue the charade or all would be lost, and her mother might never get better. “Our fighting won’t change anything. Go home and stop putting your nose in where it doesn’t belong.”

  Luke took a step toward her. Jenny backed away. She knew Luke was close to his breaking point. His anger was palpable. For the first time, she felt afraid.

  “Luke,” Adam said in warning, his hand on his brother’s arm. “She’s right. We should go. This isn’t getting us anywhere.”

  “This isn’t over,” Luke said, turning to his brother. “I’m not going to let her destroy what Dad and Marlene have.”

  His eyes returned to Jenny. “You aren’t going to get away with this. I promise you that.” Luke turned sharply on his heels and stormed out the front door.

  Adam took a deep breath before he spoke. “You have to know this is killing him and me. This isn’t just about our parents. It’s about us. You, me, Luke, and Justin. What happened between us wasn’t some random thing, just like what’s between our parents isn’t either. He’s not going to let you or your mother go, and neither am I. So be prepared, Jenny. We don’t like to lose, and when the stakes are this high, we seldom ever do.”

  “I’m sorry your dad’s hurt. It’s not what I wanted.” She felt terrible about everything, and she understood their anger and concern, however, they had to let this go for her mother’s sake, and she couldn’t allow them to intimidate her into telling them about her mother’s problem and the real reason for the breakup.

  “I think you’re hiding something. You better come clean with us, Jenny, or you’re not going to like the results.”

  Jenny felt the blood drain from her face. Although his voice was calm, it was like a knife slicing through her. She had no doubt that Adam would be as relentless as Luke in his search for the truth. However, recalling Luke’s words, when the stakes were this high, she knew she would do whatever she had to keep her mother’s secret even if it meant that the three men that had made her feel things she hadn’t thought possible hated her.

  “Don’t threaten me, Adam. It doesn’t become you.”

  “And lying doesn’t become you. I thought you were better than that. But it looks like I was wrong about you. You’re a destructive force in your mother’s life and now my father’s, to say nothing of your own. Hurting the people you love doesn’t become you.”

  “You better leave. Your brother’s waiting for you.”

  Adam turned and walked out the door. She shut it. Her whole body was trembling. She had never had a confrontation like that with anyone.

  “What was all the yelling about?”

  Jenny looked up to see her mother standing at the top of the stairs. How much, she wondered, had she heard?

  Chapter Twelve

  What a difference a few weeks can make. Jenny shut the door to her dad’s old truck. Her mother was in therapy, and she was working. And despite Luke’s and Adam’s threats, she hadn’t seen them since that night at her house. Maybe she and her mother could get through this.

  Jenny walked quickly to the employee entrance of the Redwood Casino and slid her ID badge through the card reader and waited for the door to unlock. Once inside, she walked up the escalator to the casino offices and the staff locker room.

  She had three costumes, and she kept all three at work. She had no desire to wear them back and forth to work like some of the girls, and besides that, the casino had them dry-cleaned free of charge, so there was no need to bring them home. But more than that, all her mother needed was to be reminded of where she worked. It was enough that she had taken the job against her mother’s wishes.

  “No, Jenny,” her mother had all but yelled when she finally had found the nerve to tell her that Anne had helped her get the job. “You can’t work there. You’ll be nothing but a sex object encouraging people to drink too much and gamble even more. It’s not right.”

  “It may not be right in your mind, but it’s going to help us pay the bills. I’m lucky I got it. There are plenty of people out there looking for work, and this job pays well. We need it.”

  “There has to be something else. You just have to look harder.”

  “I told you before there isn’t anything around here that has the earning potential of working at the casino. I’m sorry, but I have to do this.”

  When her mother shook her head and silently walked away, Jenny knew she had won, but it wasn’t the kind of victory she enjoyed. Her mother’s shoulders were slumped and she knew what was going through her mind. She was blaming herself. However, what choice did she have when they were so desperate for money?

  Jenny hurried to the locker room and slipped into the gold-and-black corset that lifted her large breasts upward and outward. It would have been nice if it were a little less revealing, but there were no other options if she wanted to keep her job.

  Once she had clocked in, she went to the manager’s office to get her assignment. Michael, the assistant manager, was waiting for her with a smile on his face.

  “Hey there, Jenny. As always, it’s good to see you.”

  “Thanks.”

  “I’m putting you on the poker tables, one through ten. That should keep you busy. We have a good crowd tonight.”

  “Good. I like the poker tables. The tips are usually very good.”

  “Samantha will be waiting for you. She’s anxious to get home. She did a double today.”

  “Wow. Did someone call out sick?”

  “Yeah, your friend, Anne. She called out three times this week. I’m beginning to wish I hadn’t hired her, but then again, she did recommend you.”

  “I don’t think she’d call out unless she had to.”

  “Well, if she continues, I will have to let her go. It’s not fair to the other girls.”

  “I’m sure she has a good excuse,” Jenny said, not wishing to continue the conversation that made her uncomfortable. “I better relieve Samantha. See you later.”

  “Definitely,” he said, his eyes looking her up and down.

  She turned quickly and walked out of his office. Michael had an eye for the ladies, but he was harmless. She had been told by a couple of the other girls that he had a wife he adored along with three kids. She hoped they were right. The last thing she needed or wanted was anything to complicate or threaten her job. Her mother might not approve, but it was turning out to be exactly what they needed to stay ahead of the creditors and keep the house.

  “Jenny, you’re here a little early, and am I glad,” Samantha said, walking up to her with a tray full of drinks. “I’ll deliver these and be right back.”

  Jenny watched Samantha walk away with a deliberate sway to her hips. She was almost six feet tall and was all curves. The men at the tables couldn’t take their eyes off her, for all the good it would do them. She was engaged to two professional football players who she said didn’t mind that she worked serving drinks to men who ogled her. They
were confident in her and knew she loved the work. Jenny could understand they trusted her, but why Samantha liked to serve drinks to men who undressed her with their eyes was something she would never be able to figure out. She knew as soon as she could, she would give her notice, but that, unfortunately, wouldn’t be for some time.

  When Samantha returned, she gave Jenny a rundown on the tables and then took off. The only table that had given her any problems was filled with old men who looked like they were ready for the nursing home. She supposed they thought age gave them certain rights. She’d be nice to them but not overly friendly. Luckily, they behaved themselves and were generous with the tips.

  By the end of her shift, her feet hurt. She hated the spiked heels she had to wear, and would have given anything to be able to wear sneakers or even a pair of low-heeled shoes. She was delivering her last tray of drinks when she looked over at the table next to her. She felt as if the wind had been knocked out of her. Luke Rowan and his cousin Justin were staring her, and if looks could kill, she would have dropped to the floor from a heart attack. Holding on to her tray securely, she took a deep a breath and delivered her drinks without spilling a drop.

  When she was done, she didn’t look back and walked directly to the bar where she hoped her replacement would be waiting for her. She breathed a sigh of relief when she saw Roseanne talking with the bartender.

  “How’s business tonight?” the pretty blonde asked her.

  “It’s good, Roseanne, and no one looks like they’re leaving. You should have a good morning.”

  “That’s why I’m here,” she said with a smile.

  They talked for a few minutes about the tables. It was standard practice to make sure your replacement knew what to expect. She was happy there wasn’t much to talk about. All she could think about was getting off the casino floor and away from Luke and Justin. The last time she had seen Luke, he had been anything but pleasant, and she wasn’t looking forward to another yelling session. She was too tired to cope with it or the onset of one of her migraines that she knew had to be stress related. She still hadn’t been to a doctor.

  Changing her clothes as fast as she could, she practically ran out of the casino and to her truck. She had just unlocked the door when she heard footsteps behind her.

  “You’re in a big hurry.”

  Luke’s voice caused her back to stiffen. “I am,” she said, opening the truck door.

  “I forgot your mother had kept your father’s truck.”

  “No reason why you would remember,” she said, turning to face him. “What do you want? I’m too tired to fight with you again.”

  “I don’t want to fight with you either. Just thought Justin and I would say hello, and since you didn’t stick around, we decided to come looking for you.”

  “Cut the crap, Luke. You didn’t find me to just say hello.”

  “Would you believe me if I said I missed you, that we all missed you?”

  “Right, I don’t have time for this. Have to go.”

  “Come back to Justin’s with us. Adam’s there.”

  Jenny knew she should just get in the truck and drive off, but something in Luke’s tone of voice stopped her. He had a lot of nerve, but her body was responding to his demand even if her brain was telling her it was nothing but a ploy to get information about their parents’ breakup. She had missed them…a lot. She hadn’t wanted to admit it, but not a day or especially a night went by that she didn’t think about what it was like to be in their bed. She groaned silently, wishing he weren’t standing so close to her.

  “That’s not a good idea,” she said, hoping he would simply let her go and not say anything else. She needed to get away from him and Justin. Justin’s eyes were all but devouring her. She felt her resolve weakening. She was tired and that made her vulnerable.

  Maybe they heard the weakness in her voice, because Justin suddenly pushed forward and grabbed her hand. “We won’t do anything you don’t want us to. It’s just that you’re all we can think about. We won’t talk about your mom, promise. Come with us, Jenny.”

  “I can’t.”

  “Yes, you can,” Luke said, drawing her to him. “Yes, you can.”

  “I thought you hated me,” she said breathlessly.

  “Hate’s a mighty strong word. Believe me when I say, I don’t hate you. I want you, we all do. Tell me you don’t think about that night.”

  Jenny lowered her eyes. She was losing the battle between her body and her brain. She could feel her resolve weakening. Why were they doing this to her? Maybe to prove that they could. If she went with them, she would end up doing whatever they wanted. Did they think she would tell them what they wanted to know? She couldn’t change that, no matter how much her body wanted to have them inside her.

  “No.” She turned and got in the truck, slamming the door behind her. She put the key in the ignition but nothing happened. She tried it again. Nothing but clicking. Not now, she prayed as she tried to start the truck again. Luke and Justin were standing outside her window. She rolled it down.

  “Won’t start? Want me to try it?”

  She nodded at Justin and got back out of the truck.

  He got in and Luke went to the hood of the truck and opened it. He wiggled a few wires, and Justin tried it again. Nothing. After a few more attempts, Luke shut the hood of the truck and walked over to her.

  “Dead as a doornail I’m afraid. Looks like us being here turned out to be a good thing after all.”

  Justin shut the truck door behind him. “Can we give you a ride?” He smiled.

  “I guess the answer to that question would be yes. I’ll need a ride after all. This is the first time the truck has given me any trouble.”

  “We’re parked on the other side of the casino,” Justin said.

  Silently, they walked back into the casino and to the exit for the customer parking lot. Luke clicked the remote, and the lights on his Land Rover blinked a few times. He opened the door for her and she slid into front passenger seat. Justin crawled into the back as Luke slid into the driver’s seat and started the car.

  “Put on your seat belt, Jenny,” he said, his eyes watching her as she did as he instructed.

  “That’s a good girl. We’ll come back for your truck tomorrow.”

  “It will probably have to be towed,” she said with a sigh. How much is this going to cost? She would have to have it repaired. She needed it.

  “I have a friend that might be able to take a look at it. We’ll see.”

  “Luckily, I don’t work tomorrow.”

  “Good,” Justin said from the backseat. “Everyone should have Sunday off. The casino should be closed at least one day.”

  “It’s open twenty-four-seven, it never closes,” Jenny said. “However, I do agree with you.”

  “Did you just say you agree with Justin? Did I hear you right?”

  “I’m not that disagreeable, am I?”

  Luke kept his eyes on the road as he pulled out of the parking lot onto the highway. When he glanced her way, his eyes lingered on her face before they lowered to her breasts. She could feel the heat from his stare before he turned his attention back to his driving. “We’ll be home before you know it,” he said almost as if he were talking to himself.

  She was going to say and you’re taking me straight to my home, but she knew that wasn’t going to happen. Her panties were wet and her nipples were hard. She hated herself for wanting them so badly. They were going to take her to Justin’s, and she wasn’t going to stop them because, God help her, that’s what she wanted.

  Chapter Thirteen

  Adam opened the door. Jenny smiled shyly, feeling slightly intimidated by the man standing in front of her. His lips were set in a firm line. He didn’t look pleased.

  “I guess your mother’s confession gave you a change of heart?”

  “My mother’s confession.” She repeated what Adam had just said. “What are you talking about?”

  “Damn it, Adam.”
Luke shook his head with a sigh, brushing past Jenny. “We were going to get to that.”

  Jenny looked from one man to the other with dread. “What did my mother tell you?”

  “Your mother told my father about her gambling problem,” Adam said, using the voice she imagined he did with patients who were being told bad news. “Did you really think we wouldn’t find out?”

  “I’m sorry, Jenny,” Justin said from behind her. “Sorry for everything that’s happened to you, but I’m also sorry that you felt you couldn’t confide in us yourself.”

  “When did you find out?”

  “Dad and Marlene told us tonight,” Luke said.

  “And you couldn’t wait to see me and rub my nose in our problems that I’m sure your father will make go away with a wave of his checkbook? My mother will be indebted to him for life.”

  “She hates the fact that you work there,” Justin said, gently pushing her body through the open doorway before he closed the door behind them. “She told us you’d be there and what time you got off.”

  “And my truck didn’t just not start by itself, did it? What did you do?” She already knew the answer.

  “I’ll go back tomorrow and reattach the sparkplugs,” Luke said without any shame in his voice. “We needed to talk to you about your mother and my father. I had a feeling you’d get your back up when you knew your mother had finally done the right thing and told my dad the truth. Taking away your ride was all I could think of to get you back here with us.”

  “Smart,” Adam said, looking at his brother and then Justin. “And a bit devious, but it did work.”

  “You’re right, I would have never come with you,” Jenny said, feeling a wave of anger overcoming her. “I can’t believe she went to your father and told him. I told her we could dig ourselves out of the mess she created without anyone’s help. I thought she never wanted your father to know, for anyone to know for that matter.”

  Jenny felt Justin’s hand on her elbow and allowed him to guide her into the living room where she sat on the sofa. This was all too much. She never expected her mother to turn on her. But she had, and it was all too clear to her that Jack Rowan meant a lot more to her mother than her own daughter.