Dare to Surrender

by Jeanne St. James

  Eli moved away from the stereo, music now playing softly through the hidden surround-sound speakers. “Yes, I’m proud that you didn’t let his attorney get to you. You kept your calm and held your own. Très impressionnant, ma chérie.”

  “When’s his sentencing?”

  “We’ll find out soon, but you won’t need to attend,” Grant assured her, setting the glasses on the nearby table and filling them.

  “No, I want to. If you two don’t want to come along, then I’m sure Trey won’t mind.”

  Grant and Eli exchanged glances.

  “Ma chérie, we’re all in this together. If you want to be there, we’ll be by your side. Trey can come along, too, if he’d like.”

  Grant added, “They would’ve been here today, as well, but they didn’t want to make you nervous with all of us there.”

  “I wasn’t nervous.”

  Eli smiled. “We know. You were quite fierce with that defense attorney.”

  “Very,” Grant agreed, turning from the side table with a glass in hand. “It made my balls shrink up at the thought of ever having to cross-examine you.”

  Liv laughed, sinking into the comfy couch that sat in front of the cozy fireplace. Eli had started a fire as soon as they got home since winter was not being kind to the Northeast. “That’ll never happen.”

  “No, it won’t. But it was very hot to see you like that,” Grant murmured, handing the glass to Eli as he moved close.

  Liv’s lips twitched. “Mmm, was it?”

  “Yes, I think I got hard watching you on the stand being so ferocious,” Grant confessed as he approached with the two remaining glasses of red wine. He handed one to her.

  Eli settled on the couch to her right, laughing. “He’s not the only one.”

  “I have to admit it, even though I had to sit on the witness stand and face that monster, it was a good day. Dean will hopefully find a boyfriend to change his diapers in prison and I have the love of two good men who are about to make me forget what I just said about Dean.”

  Both Eli and Grant barked out a laugh.

  “I think we all need brain bleach for that one,” Grant agreed, settling to her left.

  “I agree, mon amour.” Eli lifted his glass. “The wine should help since we are celebrating.”

  Grant and Liv lifted their glasses, too.

  “Here’s to putting all of this behind us and moving forward together,” Eli said, his voice low and gruff, relief clear in his expression. He lifted his glass up toward the ceiling. “Home.” He held it out toward the fireplace. “Hearth.” Then he made a circle motion encompassing the three of them. “And love.”

  “Agreed,” Grant answered as they clinked their glasses together.

  Both men took a long sip. Instead of joining them, Liv leaned forward to set her glass on the table.

  Both sets of eyes landed on her untouched glass.

  “No wine for you, honey?” Grant asked in surprise.

  “Mmm,” Liv murmured. “I’m going to pass on that.”

  Both men put their glasses on the coffee table and turned toward her.

  “What? You? Turn down wine? Unheard of!” Grant boomed.

  “Is your stomach still upset from the stress of today, Olivia?” Eli asked, his face a mask of concern. “You did throw up this morning.”

  Not that she needed that reminder, she remembered it way too clearly. Eli had rushed into their master bathroom to hold her hair back. “No, that’s not it.” She gave him a small smile.

  Eli frowned. “Then what?” His face running through a gamut of emotions. “You threw up yesterday morning, too,” he announced suddenly as if she hadn’t been there for that memorable experience, either.

  A pensive look crossed Grant’s face. “And you went to the doctor yesterday,” he whispered. “I thought it was because you weren’t feeling well... Holy shit, does that mean we have something else to celebrate?”

  Her smile widened. “Uh huh.”

  Both men glanced at each other then back at her in shock.

  “Are you sure?” Eli asked, his eyebrows furrowed. “You went on the pill six months ago.”

  “Pretty sure,” she teased.

  Eli gripping her shoulders as he stared at her, his eyes bouncing back and forth from Grant to her. “And what would make you very sure?”

  “I’m very sure.” She smiled up at him. She slipped from the couch to her knees on the floor, so she could face them both. She placed a hand on each of their thighs which they both quickly covered with their own. She inhaled deeply before saying, “I know this wasn’t planned and I guess I’m in the small percentage of people where the pill fails... When the doctor confirmed I was pregnant... I must admit that I was happy. But I want you two to be, also. It’s unexpected, I know. We hadn’t discussed this and I’m sorry if it’s too soon... and...”

  “Honey,” Grant whispered, pulling her from the floor into his lap. Eli slid over and wrapped his arms tightly around them. It felt great to be part of their man sandwich. She couldn’t imagine being anywhere else, with anyone other than the two men she had fallen in love with so deeply. She couldn’t be more pleased at the thought of carrying their child. Of making a future with them. Of creating a family of their own.

  Eli slid his hand down to her belly as he blinked more rapidly than normal, which made her do the same.

  “So, you’re happy?” she asked softly, trying not to bawl.

  “Tellement heureux. Tu n’imagines pas comment, ma chérie.”

  “Mon coeur, I haven’t learned that much French yet,” she reminded him.

  “He said you have no idea how happy you’ve made us. And I agree.”

  “Well, I’m glad because it’s not like you had a choice in the matter,” she giggled through her unshed tears.

  Grant reached a hand between them and placed it along her belly with Eli’s. “So that’s our kid in there,” he whispered with awe.

  “Yep. The doctor thinks I’m only a little over five weeks, so it’ll be a while until you can feel the baby bump.”

  Eli laughed. “I know, ma chérie. But I’m sorry, I can’t wait until you are heavy with our child.”

  “Yes, something to look forward to, being fat,” she joked, thinking about Paige and her meltdown over being pregnant. Now, late in her pregnancy, the woman had a hard time moving around with two active babies in her extended belly. Liv didn’t know how she did it.

  “We’ll love you no matter what. And we’ll love our child no matter what, also. I’m glad you finally accepted the job Gryff offered you since now we won’t miss a minute of this pregnancy.”

  “Mmm, yes, I am, too, but I’m sure not every minute will be so joyous. Like more morning sickness and swollen feet. And the actual birth,” she reminded Eli.

  He made a noise. “That’s just all a part of the making of a life. One that will be a part of all of us.”

  “I’ll remind you of that in the birthing room when I want to kill you both.”

  Grant snorted, and Eli laughed.

  “Why didn’t you tell us yesterday when you found out?” Grant asked.

  “I was hoping today would go as we planned and this whole Dean thing would be behind us, so we could move away from that ugly past and into a future full of hope. Plus, it just gave us one more thing to celebrate today.”

  “You might not be able to enjoy the wine, but we can celebrate in plenty of other ways,” Eli promised, brushing a kiss along her temple.

  “And I look forward to each and every one of them,” she admitted with a smirk.

  “Mmm, me, too. Have you told Trey he’s going to be an uncle?” Grant asked.

  “Absolutely not, you two are the first to know, of course.”

  Grant’s eyes crinkled at the corners and he smirked. “I want to be there when you tell him.”

  “Me, too,” Eli agreed.

  “Why?” she asked. “Do you think he’ll get out the shotgun?”

  “Well, he’ll definitely f
lip.” Eli added, “But I imagine in a good way. I think all three of them will love having a niece or nephew.”

  Grant shook his head, smiling. “That’s going to be one spoiled kid.”

  “That he will.”

  “She.” Liv corrected Eli.

  “Whether a he or she, he will be very loved.”

  “Yes, she will. Just like her momma.”

  “Comme nous tous.”

  Like all of us, Liv translated in her head.

  She couldn’t agree more.

  If You Enjoyed This Book

  Thank you for reading Dare to Surrender. If you enjoyed Eli, Grant and Olivia’s story, please consider leaving a review at your favorite retailer and/or Goodreads to let other readers know. Reviews are always appreciated and just a few words can help an independent author like me tremendously!

  * * *

  Want to read a sample of my work? Download a sampler book here: BookHip.com/MTQQKK

  About the Author

  JEANNE ST. JAMES is a USA Today bestselling erotic romance author who loves an alpha male (or two). She was only thirteen when she started writing and her first paid published piece was an erotic story in Playgirl magazine. Her first erotic romance novel, Banged Up, was published in 2009. She is happily owned by farting French bulldogs. She writes M/F, M/M, and M/M/F ménages.

  * * *

  Want to read a sample of her work? Download a sampler book here: BookHip.com/MTQQKK

  * * *

  To keep up with her busy release schedule check her website at www.jeannestjames.com or sign up for her newsletter: http://www.jeannestjames.com/newslettersignup

  Author Links:

  Website: http://www.jeannestjames.com

  Blog: http://jeannestjames.blogspot.com

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  Twitter: https://twitter.com/JeanneStJames

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  www.jeannestjames.com

  jeanne@jeannestjames.com

  Also by Jeanne St. James

  Made Maleen: A Modern Twist on a Fairy Tale

  Damaged

  * * *

  Brothers in Blue Series:

  (Can be read as standalones)

  Brothers in Blue: Max

  Brothers in Blue: Marc

  Brothers in Blue: Matt

  Teddy: A Brothers in Blue Novelette

  * * *

  The Dare Ménage Series:

  (Can be read as standalones)

  Double Dare

  Daring Proposal

  Dare to Be Three

  A Daring Desire

  Dare to Surrender

  * * *

  The Obsessed Novellas:

  (All the novellas in this series are standalones)

  Forever Him

  Only Him

  Needing Him

  Loving Her

  Temping Him

  * * *

  The Rip Cord Trilogy:

  Rip Cord: The Reunion

  Rip Cord: The Weekend

  Rip Cord: The Ever After

  * * *

  Down & Dirty: Dirty Angels MC Series:

  (Can be read as standalones)

  Down & Dirty: Zak

  Down & Dirty: Jag

  Down & Dirty: Hawk

  Down & Dirty: Diesel

  Down & Dirty: Axel

  Down & Dirty: Slade (coming soon)

  * * *

  You can find information on all of Jeanne’s books here:

  http://www.jeannestjames.com/

  If you haven’t read the first book in the Obsessed Novella Series, turn the page to read the first chapter.

  About Forever Him

  This is not just a love story, it’s an obsession…

  * * *

  I can’t keep my eyes off the tall, dark, and confident man who stops in the coffee shop every morning. I want this stranger more than I’ve ever wanted anyone before, even though I only know his first name. As an author, my imagination is my ultimate writing tool, men like Kane my muse. And the minute he leaves, I’m overcome with fantasies I can’t control and my fingers fly across the keyboard … until one day, I almost snap. My embarrassing outburst has me running out the door when he catches me and takes me to his home.

  * * *

  Though it’s risky, I can’t resist him. And with one kiss, he now owns me. This man will capture my sanity and trap it forever. He’ll steal me one piece at a time until he possesses me completely. He’ll ruin me for any other man. But I don’t want anyone else, for it’ll always be forever him.

  * * *

  Note: All books in the Obsessed series are stand-alone novellas. It is intended for audiences over 18 years of age since it includes explicit sexual situations, including BDSM.

  Forever Him - Chapter One

  His name is Kane.

  I will love him forever. He just doesn’t know it yet…

  The only reason I know his name is because every morning when he stops at the coffee shop for his large black coffee, the barista calls out, “Kane with a K.”

  Every. Single. Morning.

  I assume the barista does it on purpose. Possibly to coax a smile out of him. But it never does. His expression never changes. It seems forever stuck in serious mode. He just grabs his coffee, throws money into the tip jar, spins on his heels, and leaves.

  Maybe he’s an important man. A busy man. A man with a lot of responsibilities on his broad shoulders. Maybe his mind is on what he needs to get done for the day.

  But he never deviates from his routine. Black coffee. No cream. No sugar. No pastries.

  Not once since I’ve noticed him.

  I rarely pay attention to people coming and going from the shop since the mornings are usually busy. I sit in my corner with my laptop open, my brain spinning with ideas. Or not.

  Sometimes I have severe writer’s block. Those are the times my brain seems dark and empty. Nobody’s home. I had it the first morning I noticed him. During those times, I stare off blindly while reaching deep into my head. Searching for… something. Anything. Begging for just a couple words to spur my creativity.

  The front door with its delicate dinging bell usually never pulls my attention. Until that day. The day I happened to be staring at the door mindlessly, not paying attention to the influx of customers.

  Until him.

  He’s tall. And broad. Not fat, no. Heavy muscles bunch under the dress shirt he wears as he pushes the door open and steps inside. His dark hair is super short on the sides, just a tiny bit longer on the top. A no-nonsense haircut. Like him… No nonsense.

  His perfectly ironed, deep purple dress shirt is tucked neatly into his black slacks. His black leather belt is held together by a simple gold-tone buckle.

  His eyebrows appear dark and heavy above eyes that make me blink. They are so light but I can't tell if they are gray or blue. No matter what, they’re a shocking contrast to his skin color.

  The only visible accessory he wears is a watch on his wrist. Even from where I sit, I can see it’s quality. One I could never afford, and I probably wouldn’t know the brand. But it screams expensive.

  His legs are long and unmistakably solid, giving him a confident stride as he beelines to the counter.

  Why does he stop here for black coffee? I’m sure he can afford a coffee maker. It isn’t difficult to make. Some grounds, a filter, and some water. Push the button, wait, and voilà…

  Ah, maybe he doesn’t like to wait. But is it actually quicker to stop here every morning?

  Maybe he doesn’t like to clean up. Though, after studying him, my gut instinct says he can afford someone to take care of dirty dishes. Perhaps he even has a significant other who would be willing to do it. A wife. A husband.

  A lover…

  It doesn’t matter why he st
ops each morning because once I notice him, I can’t take my eyes off him. I can’t concentrate.

  I watch his lips move as he places his order. I wait for the corners of his lips to turn up as he talks to the barista. They don’t. No eye crinkle, no smile, not even a nod of his head to acknowledge that he’s speaking to a fellow human.

  Nothing.

  He never takes out a cell phone once while waiting for his coffee. I have never even seen him with one in his hand.

  He would be the kind of person to think it rude to be on your phone instead of giving your full attention to the person serving you. Even if that attention is cold, lifeless.

  He’s consistent, and he always comes alone.

  One day I switch from my regular table in the corner to a table where I can see his left hand. His ring finger appears bare. Though, that doesn’t guarantee he isn’t married. Or in a committed relationship. A lot of men don’t wear bands.

  I watch him every day. I learn the way he moves, that he’s right-handed, that he takes fifteen strides to the coffee counter. That he always checks the lid on his coffee to make sure it’s secure before pivoting to leave.

  I turn into Pavlov’s dog. When the bell rings at 8:02 every morning, I have to glance up. I can’t fight it even if I want to.

  After I watch him walk out the door, I spin fantasies about him. How he will look naked. How his face will twist when he comes. How his fingers will feel deep in my pussy, stroking my insides, making me wet.

  How serious his kiss will be when he crushes me against him.

  I can’t escape my thoughts. My desires. My panty-soaking fantasies.

  I think about changing coffee shops because I‘m becoming obsessed.