“You are nothing. You came from nothing, you have nothing, and you will return to nothing. No one cares about you. You had everything in the palm of your hand, and you threw it away for a few lousy dollars. You hurt a good man, damaged a relationship, and when that wasn’t enough … you came back for more. But let me explain something to you. You can’t destroy them. You can’t break them. They will forever be better than you, and if their happiness comes at the expense of yours … I’m good with that. In fact, I relish it.” I stood back up and cocked my eyebrow. “And yes, I know they care for me. You see, you get what you give, and there are no better people on earth than the Wright brothers. So, bitch, remember that when you’re sleeping on someone’s couch and walking to your job.”
She stood up shakily, her earlier venom rapidly disappearing in the face of our united front.
“I’ll make you pay for this. I swear.” Her voice wavered unsteadily as she backed away from us.
“Empty threats are unbecoming,” Michael observed, his expression disinterested. She pushed through the door and tried to slam it shut, but the door wouldn’t allow it, and the entire floor heard her shriek of frustration as she stormed off.
“Thank you.” Michael’s voice was quiet, and I glanced at him inquiringly. His smile was rueful as he tucked his hands into his pants pockets and rocked back. “It’s rare that I lose control. You kept me from acting regrettably.”
“She would have deserved it.”
“Yes, but it would not have served us well.”
“At least she’s gone,” I muttered, the day’s revelations weighing heavily on me.
“I’m not one to condone keeping secrets from loved ones, but in this instance ….” He met my gaze, and I nodded. “Perhaps Ian doesn’t need to know all of the details revealed today.”
I didn’t relish lying to him, but I also didn’t believe in hurting him unnecessarily. Audra’s deceit could disappear with her. Ian needed to heal, and rehashing the past would benefit no one.
“Agreed. I don’t feel the need to ever speak of that wicked woman again.”
“Then on to more pleasant topics.” He gestured to the hall. “Would you care for a tour of the building? It has quite a historic significance. Then a light lunch before we head to Tulane for a second tour.”
I laughed lightly at how he slipped in the news we were going on yet another tour. “A second tour? Didn’t we see everything yesterday?”
“The dean is personally escorting us today. I also arranged for another of Loyola, since they were the best options.” I gave an exaggerated sigh as I looped my arm in his.
“You are determined, aren’t you?”
“Faint of heart never won fair lady. I’ve yet to lose what I set my mind to.”
“I’m trembling in my heels. Which by the way, we will be stopping by the hotel to shed, so I can put on sneakers if we’re going to be walking.”
“As you wish.”
It was after eleven when I finished my shower. Michael had kept us busy all day with tours, but it had proven valuable, since I’d decided Tulane was the best choice. It had a larger campus with a more diverse student body, which I found invigorating. I knew Ian would as well.
Michael had insisted on a late dinner after we finished and successfully managed to keep me distracted all day. I’d managed a few quick texts with Ian, but he was equally as busy in London. He had sent pictures of the sights, mostly taken from inside a car, but it was still thrilling to see. The idea that I might one day get to take in those same sights with them sent a spark of joy through me.
I missed his devilish half grins and double entendres. I even missed Buster’s booming voice demanding I try again when I thought I couldn’t take another step, much less throw a punch to bring him down.
We’d built something here, a family unit of sorts, and without the two of them we were incomplete. Their absence had shown me more clearly than anything how important we were to one another. Leaving at the end of the summer had ceased to be an option for me. It would be like trying to drive a car that had a missing wheel. It was hopeless.
The living room was empty when I came back from the bedroom. I glanced around, surprised Michael wasn’t there. It was unusual for him to go to bed before any of us. He usually waited to say goodnight before retiring.
An orange glow from the balcony caught my attention. I wandered over to see Michael leaning against the railing, the cigarette on his lips glowing a deep red as he inhaled. He glanced over as I stepped out and moved to put out his cigarette.
“Its fine,” I told him, the scent of tobacco drifting to me in the warm air. “I don’t mind. My grandfather smoked for years,” I chuckled. “It brings back good memories of him.”
“Nasty habit. One I keep telling myself I’ll quit.” He held the cigarette up. “So far, I have not.” He took a drag as he stared off into the distance.
“My grandfather was in his eighties when he finally quit.”
“So there’s hope for me yet?”
“Yes.”
“Good.”
An easy silence settled between us as the raucous sounds of the French Quarter at night flowed around us.
“I never thought I’d consider any place home, other than London. Everywhere I’ve traveled over the years was nothing more than a temporary destination; a job to do and then home again. But this city … it digs deep; pulls you in with her grace, her liveliness, and her defiant nature.”
“That’s quite a compliment,” I responded as a flash of white revealed his smile.
“You mean from my original assessment that it was a cesspool that would benefit from a thorough cleaning?”
“Well, yes.”
“Perhaps, it’s what I’ve found here that improves its stature in my mind.”
“What have you found?”
“Something I believed I’d lost forever.” It was too dark to read his expression, but I felt his eyes rest on my face. “My brother. The laughing boy from my childhood, the one I’d lost to grief without ever realizing.” He took a quick drag from his cigarette before putting it out. “I don’t know if I can ever adequately thank you for that.”
“It’s not necessary.”
“Yes, you wouldn’t think so. But I know differently. I will forever regret not recognizing my brother’s antics were a product of grief. You healed him and, in doing so, brought us closer together.”
“You’ve always been together. As much as I hate to bring her up, Audra was correct about one thing. He does adore you. He looks up to you.”
“Idolizes me, you mean?” The words were bitter. “A man who couldn’t recognize grief and pain. What kind of brother does that make me?”
“A human one?” I brushed his sleeve. “And you did recognize it. You were prepared to seek revenge when you came here. You didn’t know why, but still you were determined to make them pay for the hurt they caused. You took care of him, protected him. Cut yourself some slack, Michael. You’re not perfect. I know that may come as a shock to you, but it’s true.”
A harsh laugh escaped him, and he shook his head.
“You do know how to deflate an ego.”
“Maybe, but I do know this. I don’t think there’s a better brother in the entire world than you, Michael Wright.” I pressed a kiss to his cheek and squeezed his hand. His next words caused me to pause in the doorway.
“Ian is a lucky bastard. He couldn’t have found a more perfect match than you.” He sighed wearily. “You’ve made us whole again.”
“You say Ian,” I began carefully, nerves skating through me as I sought the courage to tell him it wasn’t only Ian I wanted.
“Yes, you make him happy,” he acknowledged and I nodded.
“Do I make you happy?” I inquired, trying to see if there was any hope for the three of us. Michael had been the first to kiss me, but since then he’d been careful to keep his distance.
He gave a startled look.
“Yes, why do you ask?”
I shrugged, and not sure if he could see the movement, said, “Because you make me happy too,” I took a deep breath as he stilled at my words. “I love Ian, and Buster, and you, Michael.”
“Jane,” he exhaled and my nerves took over.
“I know it sounds crazy, but think about it for just a second. We’re a family. We belong together. I belong to you.”
I heard his swallow as my fingers knotted together.
“I’m not sure I completely understand what you’re saying,” he finally stated, stepping toward me.
“Kiss me,” I blurted out, my cheeks flushing in mortification at my boldness, but considering what I was asking him to accept, it seemed foolish to be embarrassed.
“I won’t hurt my brother,” Michael answered, his voice growing cold.
“It won’t,” I rushed to assure him. “I swear. Buster kissed me right in front of Ian and he was fine.”
“Was he?” Michael’s voice was silky, sending a shiver through me.
“Yes,” my voice was so shaky it almost came out like a question.
Michael stepped closer, and as his finger skimmed my cheek my head tilted back.
“You understand what you’re asking,” he stated, and my head bobbed, my voice stolen by the promise in his words.
“We won’t let you go once you’re ours.”
I shook my head, clearing my throat to say, “I don’t want you to let me go.”
A smile curled his lips, and the way the light shined on him, he could have passed for an angel. A fallen angel, I mentally corrected, as his gaze dropped to my lips.
“Are you going to kiss me?” I finally asked, desire pulsing through me, and causing my words to come out breathy.
“Your skills of observation continually take me by surprise.”
“Thanks?”
He chuckled, “To answer simply, yes, Jane, I’m going to kiss you.” He leaned toward me and my face lifted eagerly, drawn to him like a magnet. “And so much more,” he finished, his lips finding mine as he pinned me against the wall of the balcony.
Chapter Twenty-Four
Michael
Her body conformed to mine as my tongue sought entrance to her mouth, her lips parting on a sigh and I groaned deeply. She tasted as sweet as the honey I drizzled in my tea, but she burned like my favorite bourbon.
I pressed against her as her hands wrapped around my shoulders, desire scorching through me at the thought of possessing her. She’d caught me by surprise with her offer – the idea of sharing her with my brother and Buster had never occurred to me, but I couldn’t deny my body’s reaction to the thought.
My hand cupped her neck, tilting her head so I could delve more deeply with my tongue. She opened, her tongue matching mine stroke for stroke as my other hand slide up her waist. My thumb stroked the underside of her breast, the satin of her bra the only barrier.
“You want this?” I asked, pulling back with a gasp as I rested my forehead against hers. “There will be no going back after tonight.” Our heavy breathing was the only sound I could hear, the noisy street below us fading as I waited for her answer. “I can share you with them, but I can’t let you go. Do you understand?”
“I understand,” she whispered, her hands slipping down my back as she tugged my dress shirt from the suit pants I wore. “Kiss me, Michael,” she finished, tilting her head so our lips brushed together. “Please.”
I didn’t need any more as my lips devoured hers, my fingers making short work of the clasp on her bra, the weight of her breasts spilling into my hand pulling a groan from me. As my thumb stroked her nipple, I felt a tremor go through her, so I did it again and she wiggled against me. My thigh slipped between her legs and her hips moved restlessly against it, pressing her hot core more firmly against me. I rolled her nipple between my fingers before switching to her other breast and her mouth left mine as she pushed her breast into my hand, her own hands skimming over the skin of my back.
“More,” I barely heard the word as blood rushed through me, the desire I’d kept under careful control now demanding I take what I wanted. I tugged the shirt over her head, ignoring the fact that we were still on the balcony as my head dropped to her puckered nipple, the night air tightening the skin further. “Michael,” she whispered as I sealed my mouth around the sweet bud, sucking as her hips rode my thigh. I switched to the other nipple as my hand drifted to the waistband of her pants, my fingers stroking her soft belly. I kissed my way up her chest as my fingers slipped inside her panties, eager to feel her wet heat. Soft curls met my fingers and I dipped one finger down, and felt how damp she was for me.
“You feel so good, so wet for me,” I groaned against her throat, my fingers stroking over the tight folds. “Be a good girl, and open for me a bit,” I asked, nudging her thighs apart with my own. I grasped her hip with one hand, keeping the other firmly between her thighs. I brushed my thumb against her swollen clit and heard her gasp as her head fell back. “That’s good, you like that,” I murmured, my finger gliding around the swollen nub as she nodded, her hips lifting as I held her. I dipped my finger into her, her wet folds a vise around it as I used my thumb to press against her clit.
“Please,” she gasped, not seeming to know what she begged for and I hummed, my own body throbbing as her body locked around my finger.
“Shhh, Jane,” I crooned, slipping a second finger into her folds, stretching her even as her body clamped around my fingers. “You’re so tight and hot,” I groaned, thrusting my fingers gently inside of her. She moaned as my thumb circled her clit faster and I knew it wouldn’t be long until she came apart in my arms. I tilted my head, taking her nipple into my mouth and she tightened around me. I released it with a pop, blowing gently on the damp nipple and watched it pucker. She was panting by then, the combination of my fingers deep inside of her and my thumb massaging her swollen clit almost too much.
I did the same to her other nipple and she gave a keening cry, her hips bucking against my hand and I lifted my head to her ear whispering, “Come for me, Jane.”
Her reaction was immediate as her body clamped hard around my fingers, a rush of moisture as she cried out.
I slipped my fingers from her, raising them to my lips to taste her as she laid against me limply. I reached down to adjust myself, the throbbing in my dick impossible to ignore after having her come apart in my arms.
“That was amazing,” she said finally as I adjusted her against my chest. “Can we do it again?”
I chuckled, one of my arms resting under her butt as I supported her, the other stroking her thigh.
“That was just a taste, my lovely Jane,” I informed her. She lifted her head, tilting it curiously, and I placed a light kiss on her nose. “The rest will require a bed because I refuse to take your virginity on a balcony in New Orleans. It sounds crass.”
“But its perfectly acceptable to make me come on a balcony?” She replied archly, her expression sated in the way only a good orgasm could produce.
“That was only the first time,” I assured her. “I have no doubt making you come on the balcony will become one of my favorite pastimes.”
Her eyes lidded with desire and I strode through the door, unable to wait any longer to be inside of her. I pulled her head roughly to mine, kissing her as she moaned against my tongue, her hands tangled in my hair as I brought us to my bedroom. She broke away with a gasp, glancing around.
“I’ve never been in here,” she muttered as I tossed her on the bed, my fingers going to my shirt to strip it off. She watched me, licking her lips and my dick twitched, drawing her eye to the hard bulge pressing against my dress pants. She reached out to run her finger along it and I jerked back at the touch.
“I won’t last five seconds if you push me,” I warned her with a growl, the sight of her spread across my bed sending visceral pleasure through me. She still wore the horrendous flannel pants she insisted she sleep in, but her naked torso was on display, the pert breasts I’d sucked tipped up an
d waiting on my mouth.
I yanked my shirt over my head, almost forgetting the tie I had on, and as I reached to tear it off too, she stopped me.
“Leave the tie,” she asked, getting to her knees, her breasts swaying and my dick throbbing so hard I thought I’d come before I got my pants off.
I undid the button and my belt, sliding the pants down roughly and leaving only a pair of boxer briefs. The head of my dick poked up, purple as I reached to palm me. She stared in fascination and I reminded myself to slow down. She wasn’t experienced.
She belied my words when she used my tied to jerk me closer. Her tongue darting out to flick on of my nipples and I couldn’t suppress my groan at the spike of pleasure that went through me.
“You like it too,” she said in delight and it was all I could do not bury myself inside of her immediately. I stroked her hips, pushing the pants down as she kneeled before me.
“I do, and I’ll like it better when you’re naked,” I told her roughly, my patience almost gone. She leaned into me, forcing me to take her weight as her breasts pressed against my bare chest and the pants she wore slipped down to the floor. I had her on her back a second later, pushing her legs up, and leaving her exposed to my gaze.
“You’re beautiful,” I informed her, swallowing thickly as my cock throbbed, popping with the need to be inside of her.
“So are you,” she replied shyly, her gaze taking in the evidence of my desire as her fingers brushed it gently.
“I can’t,” I broke off as she gripped me firmly, all thought lost at the feel of her hand wrapped around my dick.
“You can,” she whispered, guiding me to her entrance. She hesitated after that, her cheeks flushed. “I don’t know.”
“I do,” I said, taking over as I slid inside of her, feeling the resistance, but the tight heat of her was too much and I pushed inside as she whimpered. I stilled but couldn’t stop myself from rocking against her tight walls. “You okay?” I forced myself to ask, even though all I wanted was to slam inside her until she milked me dry.
Charming Jane_A Reverse Harem Romance Page 26