by Lara Jones
Ricky moved around her arm and pulled her into a hug.
“Oomph.” Grace had the air roughly pushed from her lungs but wrapped her arms around his waist. She held on tight to the top of her hat to keep it in place as Ricky moved away. She was surprised he hadn’t broken a rib. The man was large and probably outweighed her by close to a hundred pounds.
Ricky pushed her away, then one of his hands patted her shoulder.
“You’re my friend now, Grace. Right, Grace? We’re friends?”
Grace chuckled and patted his arm.
“Yes, we are. Now you better get those to the store. Be careful, all right.” Grace watched Ricky walk off, pulling his wagon behind him. She turned, her smile fled, and she froze when she caught sight of Joe standing there watching her.
“Wait, Grace,” Joe said and took a step toward her when she turned to move away.
Grace turned back to him and looked him in the eye.
“I’d like it very much if you’d leave me alone. I don’t know what your problem is with me.” She looked down and away. “But right now, I don’t have the energy to care.”
Joe began to say something to Grace when the door opened, and Alec and Lily came out with frowns on their faces directed at him.
Joe gritted his teeth in frustration. Hell, frustration had been one of the primary emotions he’d felt because of this woman since he first laid eyes on her in the diner. It felt like he’d known her for a long time instead of just days because she was the center of his world already. She was all he thought about all day and his body ached, and his nights were tormented with all the things he wanted to do to her and all the love he wanted to give.
The strength it took for Grace to leave the only home she’d ever known, alone, to come across the country to warn her cousin and then plan on moving on to protect Lily further was mind-blowing to him. This tiny, timid little woman was one of the strongest people he’d ever known and the only person that had ever tied him in knots.
Her clothes hid everything very well. He had no idea and didn’t care about her shape. He was afraid he’d fallen in love with her that first day, and it just seemed to get stronger.
After seeing her with Ricky, a man most people didn’t see because of his mental hindrance, his feelings had been cemented in him and would be with him forever.
Lily hurried to Grace as she stood by the truck. “What happened? How are you?”
Grace glanced quickly at Joe and then away. “I overheard him talking to the man in the store about my clothes, and instead of hiding it made men more interested to see what was underneath.”
Lily gasped. Male attention was the last thing Grace would ever want. She reached out for Grace’s hand. “Did you ask him?”
“God, no,” Grace whispered as she darted a look at the men.
“Do you want me to ask Alec to talk to him?”
Grace shook her head. “No. I think Joe will stay away.” At least she hoped so.
“Come on, let’s get in the truck and wait for Alec,” Lily said and pulled Grace along to the other side of the truck.
* * * *
“Alec, wait up for a moment.”
“Yeah, Joe. What’s up?” Alec closed the back door, moved a few steps over, and fixed his eyes on the girls as they stood outside the vehicle and whispered to each other.
“Adam and I will be over later. We’d like to take Grace out and get to know her.”
Alec knew the feelings between the three were growing but wasn’t sure Grace was ready for what the two men wanted.
“I’m going to have to ask her, Joe. She hasn’t quite settled yet. I’d hate to upset her.”
Joe nodded kept his eyes glued to Grace’s back.
“I know. I understand. I think I’ve given her some mixed signals that I’d like to correct. I tried fighting my feelings for her, but they seemed to expand and overtake my heart without even trying. I’m not fighting it anymore.”
Alec squeezed Joe’s shoulder.
“I get it. It was instantaneous with Lily, John, and I. I think when we find our soulmate, it terrifies us but it also calms the animal in us, and the contrasting emotions get overwhelming at times.”
Joe hadn’t thought of that, but it made sense. Soulmates. He’d never really believed that was possible until he’d seen Grace for the first time. His heart had seen her for what she was going to be to him before his mind had been able to.
“Ask her and see. We don’t have to go anywhere. We could sit outside on your porch if that would make her feel better.”
“If I get a chance, I’ll ask her and get in touch with you.”
“Thanks, man.” Joe walked with him to the truck and watched him walk around and open the door for Lily as he moved up and opened the door for Grace. He didn’t like the startled, fear-filled look she gave him before she scrambled into the truck.
“Grace, look at me.”
The heat and scent from his body started to overwhelm Grace. She felt a trembling begin in her core as she tried without success to buckle her seatbelt.
A streak of tenderness unlike any he’d ever felt in his life drove through him.
“Here, pet, let me,” he whispered and gently moved her hands out of the way. He heard her shaky indrawn breath as he leaned over her to latch her belt. He pulled away a bit after the click and stared into her eyes.
“I could tell from your expression in the store that you hadn’t heard our whole conversation between my uncle and me. I was telling him how my feelings for you were testing my control.”
His hand came up to cup her cheek. He almost smiled and groaned as her eyes widened further and a flush of need stained her cheeks.
“I know you’ve got a lot on your plate right now…” He smiled at her look of confusion. “That means you’ve got a lot you’re dealing with, and instead of making things worse, Adam and I would like to be able to help you with whatever you need.”
Grace bit her bottom lip and tried to understand all he was telling her. Her hand came over his on her cheek.
“I don’t know what to say.”
“That’s all right. I just didn’t want you going away today thinking I felt anything negative for you. My problem is everything I feel for you is very good, and it’s just taken me by surprise. Do you understand what I’m saying, pet?”
Grace nodded. Her breath had stalled in her chest, making talking impossible.
“I’ll see you soon.” He stepped back and closed the door.
Joe grasped the hand Alec held out.
“That looked promising,” Alec whispered.
“We’ll see. Call me later after you talk to Grace and maybe get her to take a nap. She still looks exhausted.”
Alec looked into the truck to see Lily twisted around so she could talk to Grace in the back.
“Lily says she has nightmares.”
Anger raced through Joe. “Goddammit. What has she been through?”
“I don’t even think Lily knows the whole truth. Hopefully, you and Adam can get her to talk to you.”
Alec got in the truck and swept his thumb over Lily’s cheek. “Are you ready to head home, ladies?”
Lily nodded, smiled, and clutched at Alec’s hand.
Chapter 25
The next several days passed. Lily was happy that Grace was looking more rested and even happy at times. She was slowly coming out of her shell, wearing girl clothing all the time and leaving her hair down. She thought the fact Joe and Adam came over every night and the three sat out back or went on short dates and talked was helping to settle her.
The very first night they came over was pretty tense. They had just finished dinner when Joe and Adam showed up, surprising the women. What made it worse was it was the first time Grace wore a dress and was already very self-conscious.
Lily had fretted the whole time Grace and the men sat out on the front porch. Lily’s men tried to distract her, but she couldn’t get the frantic look on Grace’s face off her mind.
By the time Lily had made it to the door and turned back to check on Grace, Grace was breathing heavily as sleep took her down. The last thing Grace said was how much she enjoyed their kisses which made Lily happy and relaxed the anxiety she had in her heart for Grace every day.
The women were never alone, which might irritate some, but it made them feel safe and cared for.
Grace and Lily were staying with Mora and one of her men for the afternoon. Mora was going through her closets and looking for things Grace could wear since she was a few inches taller than them. She was looking for clothes that were longer on her so they’d fit Grace.
At first, Grace had balked at the idea of taking clothes from Mora just like Lily had, but once Mora showed her all the clothes she had, she gave in. Then when Dylan begged them to take more so he could have some closet space, it helped relax both Grace and Lily.
Mora made it fun. She called it a dress-up party, and all three tried on a variety of the clothing on hand. She was thrilled when they found several outfits that fit Grace well.
Mora lay on the bed in the master bedroom, clapping and encouraging the two to twirl and dance around.
Grace plopped onto the mattress on her back and sighed.
Mora lay down so her head was by Grace’s and then smiled when Lily climbed up to lay with them.
“I don’t think I’ve ever laughed like that in my life,” Grace whispered. “My tummy and cheeks hurt,” she said and giggled as she pressed down on her stomach.
Mora blinked back her tears.
“Well, we’re going to do a lot of that here, sweetie.”
Grace tilted her head to the side so she could see Mora.
“Thank you for today, Mora. I won’t ever forget this as long as I live.”
Mora sniffed a few times.
“Don’t you dare make me cry. It ain’t pretty,” Mora grumbled.
Lily snickered, which got Grace going again.
Four men stood at the doorway with different levels of surprise and tenderness.
Dylan cleared his throat, gaining the girl's attention.
The women stopped mid giggle, abruptly sat up, and faced the doorway to see Dylan and Alec, Joe, and Adam.
“What?” Mora snapped at Dylan.
Lily and Grace looked at each other and started laughing again.
Dylan stepped into the room and crossed his arms.
“What are you ladies up to?”
“We were having a dress-up party, and you men weren’t invited.” Mora rolled her eyes when that set off the girls again.
Lily wiped her eyes.
“I can’t believe you talk to him like that,” she whispered.
Mora looked at Lily, confused. “Like what?”
Grace pressed her hands to her mouth to hold back a snicker.
Alec walked over and held out a hand to Lily.
“You ready to go home, baby girl?”
Lily grabbed on and stood gave Mora a hug.
“Yes.” She turned toward the bed again to gather the clothes, only to have Alec take them from her. “Thank you, Mora, for the clothing and dress-up party.
Chapter 26
Lily watched in delight as Grace grew stronger every day both in body and emotions. They had always been distant cousins, but Lily was enjoying the friendship that just grew deeper between them.
It was beautiful to see the relationship deepen between Grace and her men as it did with Lily, Alec, and John.
Joe and Adam brought Grace home early one night, and she immediately pulled Lily into her bedroom.
Lily took one look at her face and grew anxious.
“What Grace?” She grabbed onto her arms to hold them both steady. “Tell me.”
“They want me to move in with them.” Grace pulled away and sat on the bed. “What do I do?”
Lily went and sat next to her.
“How do you feel about that?”
Grace looked at Lily in confusion.
“I’m terrified but excited at the same time.”
Lily chuckled. “I understand those feelings.”
“How’d you deal with them?”
“It was a little easier for me because I really didn’t have a choice at the time. I think it’s harder for you because of it. You don’t want to make a move before you’re ready.”
“I think I want to try it.”
“Are you sure?”
Grace thought for a moment then nodded. “Yes, I’m sure.”
“When did they say it would happen?”
Grace took a shuddering breath.
“Tonight.”
“Oh,” Lily said and sat back. “That’s quick.” She turned her head to Grace. “I’ll miss having you here.” Her voice softened.
Grace squeezed Lily’s hand.
“It sounds like we’re still going to see each other every day. They’re talking about coming up with a schedule, so at least one of the men are with us.”
There was a moment of silence.
“Lily, can I ask you questions about…you know?”
“You can always ask me questions, Grace.”
“Joe and Adam are going to want me to sleep in a bed with them, right?”
“Yes.”
“What do I have to do if they want…you know?”
Lily’s smiled reassuringly. “I think you just need to let them handle everything. They’ll tell you what to do, I’m sure. My guys did. Can I ask you if they make you feel different?”
“Oh my, yes. All I have to do is hear their voices, and my body gets all tingly. When they touch me, my body tightens and becomes all achy but in a good way.”
“Do you leak when you get excited?” Lily asked and then laughed when she could feel the burn of a blush take over her face as she watched a similar one cover Grace’s.
“Yes, but I’ve overheard my brothers talking and know that’s normal, but I still get embarrassed.”
Lily giggled and nodded.
“Is it going to hurt? The guys have touched me down there, and I like it, but I’ve heard when they…you know, it hurts.”
“The first time was uncomfortable, but it went away quickly. Now I crave their hands on me all the time now. If you relax, you’ll enjoy it.”
“So, do you like the wild monkey sex Mora tells us about?”
There were muffled groans and a few cuss words at the door.
Both women turned, gasped, and then turned bright red to see all four men looking at them with different degrees of shock.
Alec moved into the room and stood in front of the women and crossed his arms and stared down at Lily.
“Do you want to tell me what you were just talking about?”
Lily bit her lip and shook her head while Grace looked down at her lap.
“Lily?”
Oh, shoot. Why hadn’t they shut the door? Now she would have to explain the talk the girls had one day recently. Lily’s chin came up with defiance, and her eyes narrowed.
“No. It was a private conversation, Alec.”
One of his eyebrows shot up at her tone. Jesus, she was becoming more like Mora every day, and most of him was appalled, but he had to admit to himself he enjoyed her spunk and was looking forward to some of the punishment that went with them.
“We’ll talk about this later.” Alec nodded when Lily started to get a little worried. Good, she should be.
Joe walked over to stand in front of Grace.
“Have you decided anything, pet?”
Grace looked at Lily, then Adam, and finally at Joe.
“Um, yes. I want to come to your house.”
Joe crouched down in front of her and grasped one of her hands.
“I’m very glad. Why don’t we pack a bag for tonight and then we’ll come back for the rest tomorrow?”
Grace took a breath and nodded.
“I’ll help her,” Lily said and stood. “Come on, Grace. Gather some of the things, and I’ll go get a bag.”
John cleared his throat. “I’ll get her one, Lily. Stay and help Grace. I’ll be right back.”
Joe, Alec, and Adam stood off to the side and watched as the girls gathered a few of Grace's things.
“Here’s a bag.” John set it on the bed.
Alec frowned as he watched Grace fidget nervously.
“Look at Grace, guys. She’s tense as hell,” he murmured softly to the men.
Joe nodded. “I know. We’ll take care of her, and if she gets too anxious, we’ll bring her back until she’s ready.”
“Good,” John replied.
Grace heard the men talking softly across the room but couldn’t hear what they were saying.
“I…I’m ready.”
Joe walked up to her and tilted her chin up.
“Are you sure about this, sweetheart?”
Grace blew out a breath and nodded.
“All right. Let’s go home.” Joe leaned in and kissed her quickly on the lips and grabbed up her bag before wrapping an arm around her waist.
Chapter 27
Lily, Alec, and John waved the others off.
Alec knew Lily was worried about Grace and was making a plan to distract her. He grasped Lily’s shoulders.
“I want you to undress and lay on the bed and wait for us.”
Lily’s eyes widened, and she shivered because of the dominant tone of Alec’s voice. She looked from one to the other, nodded, and walked off.
John rubbed a hand over his face to hide his grin until she was gone. “What’s the plan?”
“We know she likes anal play. I say we start with an erotic spanking, but with her, for tonight, we’ll call it her punishment. We’ll stretch her with a plug while we do it, and then we take her ass tonight.”
John chuckled, slapped his hands together, and rubbed them back and forth.
“Let’s do it. I’ll get the plug.”
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