A tiny smile hovered on her lips when she realized she had his attention. Reaching inside the apartment, she knocked on what was left of the door.
“May I come in?”
Lucien barely suppressed the urge to roll his eyes. She was beautiful. On any other day, that detail might’ve kept him civil. Today was not that day.
“If you must.”
She didn’t bat an eyelash at his gruff tone. Instead, she made a show of stepping over the line of herbs without disturbing them.
“I see you’ve pissed off one of my sons. Which one was it?”
Recognition hit. Lucien flew to his feet. He didn’t know if he should bow, get down on his knees, or beg for his life. He’d never been in the presence of Harper Angelo before. Her eyebrows rose, making him realize he hadn’t answered her question. Lucien rubbed the back of his neck.
“Solas.”
A smile exploded across Harper’s face. “Wow. He’s the least volatile of my four boys. I’m impressed.” Without waiting for Lucien to drum up a response. Harper paced away, walking the perimeter of the apartment and taking in its contents before returning to his side. “So this is where my daughter-in-law has been hidden away. Your doing, I assume?”
Lucien rubbed his temples. He’d honestly believed there was no way his day could get worse, but the situation continued expounding with every passing moment. He owed Harper an answer, but everything seemed lacking. Not to mention, even though little was known about the woman who’d captured the interest of the king of Hell, rumors abounded. Lucien spent a moment wondering what life would be like for him after today. Who would create the most torturous hell for him, Dheath Angelo or Solas?
“Yes,” he finally said, because he couldn’t avoid her question forever. “In my defense, I didn’t know she belonged to Solas.”
Harper nodded as if she heard the words he didn’t say. “Would your heart have cared if you’d known?”
Lucien didn’t answer. He couldn’t.
Spreading her hands wide, Harper seemed to search for a way to respond. When she finally spoke, Lucien could only stare at her in awe. “You know, all that nonsense about love being patient and kind? It’s all bullshit.” In spite of himself, Lucien snorted. Harper continued, feeding off his reaction. “Love is impatient and greedy, wanting everything you have to give and needing it all now. It’s a hot coal sitting in your gut, making you scared shitless of the day you’ll be forced to live without this person who’s captured you so completely.” Listening to Harper had Lucien’s shoulders relaxing. Her passion and words mimicked the furious emotion burning away inside him. Her face hardened, fascinating Lucien. “Love is that rage you feel when you realize you’ll go to any length, become someone you no longer know, and do things you can’t take back to hang on to this person you can’t live without.” Harper fell silent. Before Lucien had time to dredge up a powerful enough response to her speech, Harper’s expression turned serene once more. A small smile hovered on her lips.
“Love also isn’t as exclusive or cut and dry as poets would have you believe. Our hearts are insatiable monsters, gobbling up every morsel of pleasure they can find.” Since Harper didn’t seem to need him for this conversation, Lucien held his silence. Her smile was too knowing. “The question is—what length is too far for you to go?”
“I haven’t found a line I won’t cross yet,” Lucien admitted without an ounce of shame.
Harper’s mouth lifted in one corner, and her eyes flashed with mischief. “My son issued you a challenge. I suggest you take it, or you’ll wonder for the rest of time if you could’ve held on to some part of Bailey while gaining more than you ever dreamed in my son.”
Harper headed for the door while Lucien floundered. Before she made her escape, Lucien called at her back. “How did you know about the challenge?”
Harper smiled over her shoulder. “I guess I should’ve mentioned I’m a seer. A trait I passed to my son,” she added, kicking aside Solas’ spell as if it was mere table salt. “Now, get going before Dheath comes looking for me.” Harper disappeared and Lucien jumped at his chance at freedom. The last thing he wanted was to get caught alone with Harper if Dheath should come along.
He didn’t consider what he was doing. Thinking always landed him in trouble. Instead, Lucien headed straight for the water’s edge. With the snap of his fingers, a boat appeared. Being a Ferryman had its perks. Solas lived on an island; no map could lead to his location. If, by chance, the damned rose up against the leaders of the underworld, they’d never find him. They’d simply drift along, forever lost in the river’s fog.
Lucien knew exactly where to find him. He could feel Bailey. Perhaps she was through with him. Worse yet, she belonged to another. Harper was right; neither of those things meant a damn thing to his heart. If she needed to spit in his face, then she should. At least then he’d feel a hint of closure. Right now, all Lucien knew was this yawning space where she’d been ripped away from him. If he was lucky, Solas would destroy him and take away the pain.
* * * * *
The short, silk bathrobe was the only barrier between Sol’s bare chest and Bailey’s delectable body. With her back against his chest and her ass brushing his erection, every time she shifted positions, Sol tried breathing through his nose to hold on to his sanity. He’d experienced a great deal of greed in his life. Nothing compared to having Bailey back. If he had his way, they’d never leave his bed again, but he needed to give her a break. In an effort at distracting them, he’d promised to show Bailey how to create her first potion. Of course, it was a potent sexual lubricant, meant to heighten lust, sensations, and cause everyone involved an insatiable craving for one another.
Bailey hadn’t complained. In fact, he was almost certain her ass grinding was intentional. She was doing an admirable job of hiding her thoughts and keeping him guessing. Reaching over her shoulder, Sol corrected the amount of Citrulline inside Bailey’s dropper before she made the solution so strong it would cripple him for life. Her ass bumped him again. He grabbed her hips, holding Bailey in place.
“It’s oilier than expected.”
Against his will, Sol snorted. “It’s a lubricant. It’s supposed to be oily.”
She tried moving from his hold. He swatted her butt. “You’re killing me. Be still.”
Bailey set aside the concoction and gripped the edge of the desk. “I can’t help it. You’re poking me in the ass.”
Sol cupped her breasts, enjoying the way they overflowed in his hands, and let Bailey have her way. “I’m not poking you in your ass, but give that potion a moment to settle, and I’ll be easing my way in.”
Bailey’s knuckles whitened. He could have her bent over the desk in half a second. The tingle at the back of his throat warned they’d soon have a witness, and he hated getting caught unawares. Cupping her sex through the robe, he let her moisture soak through the thin material.
“I want to shove my tongue inside and let your juices coat my mouth, but we’re about to have company.” No sooner than the words left his lips, the library door flew open beneath the force of Lucien’s passionate rage. With a final stroke of Bailey’s clit, Sol turned away, facing their intruder.
Lucien only had eyes for Bailey. The lust in the room was almost tangible. Sol glanced Bailey’s way, taking in the sight of her. Her blonde hair was tied in a messy knot at her nape. The silk robe did nothing to hide her hard nipples. Her cheeks were flushed and her lips were kiss swollen. She looked like a woman who’d been thoroughly ravaged and was ready for more. Sol stood bare-chested with his arms hanging loosely at his sides, awaiting Lucien’s next move. As a creature of the underworld—one who was even older than Solas—Solas couldn’t read Lucien’s thoughts as clearly as he could Bailey’s. For a full minute, even the room seemed to hold its breath.
“I’m not sure what to say now that I’m here.”
Bailey didn’t offer Lucien a hand.
“Well, that was anti-climactic,” Sol said, sounding bor
ed even to his ears, and reminding the other man of his presence.
Lucien still didn’t bother glancing his way. He stared at Bailey as if she was the only lifeline left in the universe. Bailey stared back, looking brokenhearted. “I want to fall on my knees and beg you to forgive me while praying you’ll take me back. It doesn’t seem to matter to my heart that there’s no chance of either.”
A pain so powerful that Sol couldn’t decide whom it belonged to slashed through the air. His patience snapped. “Enough of this.” Chains dropped from the ceiling, snagging Lucien’s wrists and pulling his arms above his head before he could move away. Sol moved to stand between Bailey and Lucien, forcing his powerful presence on them both. He faced off against Lucien. “Why are you here?”
Lucien didn’t back down. “For my necklace and Bailey’s forgiveness.”
Sol’s cock jumped. Lucien’s confidence was such a turn on. “The necklace belongs to my wife. It’s hers to give if she so chooses.” He’d called Bailey his wife on purpose, reminding Lucien of his place. Circling the man’s body, he stood at Lucien’s back, looking over his shoulder and taking in the sight of Bailey. Her chest rose and fell with every breath, but her mind remained blank—filled with shock.
“Forgiveness is also hers to give, if she feels you’ve earned it,” Sol said, speaking closely to Lucien’s ear, keeping him unbalanced. “She still wants you,” Sol whispered, torturing Lucien with the knowledge. “But she belongs to me. I wonder how far you’d be willing to go to hang on to her.” Lifting Lucien’s hair, he watched as chill bumps rose on Lucien’s skin. Satisfaction roared through his veins. As he’d done with Bailey earlier in the evening, Sol tied Lucien’s hair into a messy knot. “What would you do, Lucien, to keep her in any way you could, even if it meant you had to share?”
“Anything,” Lucien said on a growl and without hesitation.
Holding Bailey’s stare over Lucien’s shoulder, Sol dragged the tip of his finger down Lucien’s spine. The man’s clothes disappeared beneath his touch, dissipating into thin air. Bailey’s face remained blank, but he could taste her lust.
“I’ve been teaching Bailey magic,” Sol said, staying close to Lucien’s back. He wanted the energy radiating from his body to flow over Lucien’s skin. If Lucien wanted Bailey, he’d have to do so openly, as he should’ve from the beginning. “Bailey, show Lucien what you’ve made.”
Bailey blinked, as if coming out of a trance. With shaking hands, she picked up the small clay pot and closed the distance between them. She stopped a foot shy of Lucien.
“He wants you to touch him, Bailey. It’s the only thought in his head with your gorgeous body taunting him. That oil should be ready. Show him what it does.”
Bailey didn’t budge. Her confusion hurt him. It was painful listening to her thoughts. Sol would always be the greatest love of her life. Without an ounce of pride, he knew this. But she’d forgotten to remember him, and that was his fault. During those months, she’d fallen in love with Lucien. It didn’t make her wrong, nor would it go away simply because she didn’t want it. Being placed in this position by Sol was almost physically painful to her. Sol could see it all inside her head. She wanted to touch Lucien, but not at the expense of Sol. He smiled. The wickedness of it wasn’t lost on him. One day soon, she’d remember all the perversions they shared, and laugh at her current reluctance. For now, she needed a push, and Lucien needed to learn his place in their home if he intended to stay. Reaching past Lucien, making sure to press against the length of his bare skin, Sol dipped his fingers in the pot.
“It’s okay, Bailey,” Sol said quietly, soothing her. “I know you like to watch.”
Her lips parted on a breath as Sol stroked Lucien’s cock. He was hard and ready for whatever Sol had planned. Sol smiled in approval. Bailey’s gaze dropped to where Sol’s oil-slickened hand worked at Lucien’s erection. The flush that already rode high on her cheeks deepened. Pressing closer, Sol dipped lower, coating Lucien’s balls. Lucien’s chest seemed to expand a little farther with each breath. Testing his luck, Sol massaged the spot beneath Lucien’s balls, working his way slowly toward the man’s asshole. Lucien’s breath hitched, but he spread his knees wider, giving Sol access to all of him. He dipped the tip of one finger inside, toying with Lucien before moving away.
“Come here, baby.”
Bailey set the pot at her feet and did as Sol bade. As soon as Bailey moved within Sol’s reach, he snagged the lapels of her robe, pulling it open before using the material to haul her flush against Lucien’s skin. Their combined lust hit him at once, washing over him in waves, and making his dick leak. Sol pressed his lips to Lucien’s spine, forcing his desire to new heights.
He held her heated gaze. “Be bad, Bailey. A good girl will never survive either one of us.” Switching his attention to Lucien, he spoke against the man’s ear, heightening his lust. “Tell her, Lucien. Remind her of all the games we like to play.”
“She knows,” Lucien said, sounding desperate.
“Then tell me,” Sol demanded. “Remind me again how far you’ll go to keep her,” he said, making sure his lips brushed Lucien’s skin with every syllable.
“Give me your worst,” Lucien taunted, showing the bravery that must’ve won Bailey’s attention.
Waving his hand over the chains, Sol gave Lucien more play. “Then I suggest you use those chains to hang on,” Sol warned. “Because I won’t take mercy on you.”
“I deserve none,” Lucien said, making Sol’s respect skyrocket.
Sliding down his zipper, Sol shoved his knee between Lucien’s, forcing his legs wider. He met Bailey’s stare. “Be brave, baby.”
“I love you.” Her thoughts hit him like a blast of warm air. Smiling, he helped her climb Lucien’s body, wrapping her legs around them both as she went.
“I love you too,” he mouthed over Lucien’s shoulder for only her to see. Lucien moaned as Bailey’s body pressed against his and slipped lower, taking him inside.
Tearing her gaze away from Sol, Bailey met Lucien’s stare, making Sol proud. “This isn’t forgiveness.”
“I don’t care if it’s your hatred as long as you kiss me,” Lucien said, sounding like a man dying of thirst. When she did, their combined love slammed into Sol, making him snap. Holding on to one of Bailey’s thighs, he used his free hand to position his cock at Lucien’s asshole, shoving inside. With his hands bound, Lucien had little control over the way they used his body. Sol’s strength showed itself in the way he kept the three of them in rhythm. Their thoughts, emotions, and sensations paired with his, making Sol half crazed. His fangs cut into his lip, reminding him of his body’s need to claim this new flesh pulling greedily at Sol’s cock with his tight ass.
It was part of Sol’s dark nature. He couldn’t resist its call. Without warning, he struck, sinking his teeth into Lucien’s shoulder, pulling deeply on the man’s blood. He allowed the bitter taste to coat the inside of his mouth. Lucien’s loud groan of pain and pleasure barely penetrated Sol’s high. Now, wherever Lucien went, Sol would able to find him. The man would forever be a part of Sol, just as Bailey was.
Even though it had been nature driving him, Sol had known what he was about. He’d stolen Lucien’s ability to sneak away with Bailey ever again. If Lucien wanted Bailey, he had to accept Sol as well. They were a package deal. Having gotten what he was after, Sol waved away the chains binding Lucien before easing the pair to the floor. He took great pains to ensure Bailey wasn’t crushed beneath them. Lucien surprised him with his continued acceptance of Sol’s intrusion. In fact, he seemed to revel in it, keeping his hips tilted for Sol’s dick as he pounded away inside Bailey.
Sol accepted his gift, fucking the man’s ass and losing himself in the pleasure. Lucien felt so hot, squeezing Sol’s cock. The tightness was almost crippling. Sol changed angles, going deeper, and making sure he hit all the right places, making Lucien come unglued.
He felt Bailey’s orgasm hit. Her pleasure pulled Sol under, s
tealing his orgasm before he was prepared to give it. Lucien groaned and his ass clamped down on Sol’s dick. Sol sucked a hiss through his teeth, unsure if he’d be able to walk afterward. He held still, trying to breathe through the pairs emotions as they both came beneath him. Times such as this could end up being the death of them all… if they could die.
With the barest of thoughts, Sol willed them into bed. He wanted Lucien to stay a while, but Sol needed to leave. “Will you stay?” he asked, speaking low against Lucien’s ear. Lucien nodded. “Good,” Sol praised as he repositioned their bodies and took control. Holding on to them both, Sol leaned in and captured their mouths. Their tongues entwined. Sol couldn’t remember a time when he’d tasted so much dark and light simultaneously. He didn’t want to leave, but he had an appointment he never missed. One he would never share with Bailey. Not to mention, the pair in his arms wouldn’t speak freely with him hanging around. They needed to before this became tiresome. They could keep Lucien or Sol could kill him. Sol was fine with either, but they needed to decide.
For a moment, he deepened their kiss, clinging to the moment before pulling away. “Damn, I hate to leave all this, but I have duties I can’t ignore.” One in particular he refused to let go—his daily torture session with Bailey’s father. It took every ounce of Sol’s willpower not to let an evil smile grow. The idea of going to the man with Bailey’s scent and juices coating his skin fed something dark inside him like nothing else could.
Switching his gaze between the pair, Sol made his expectations clear. “Neither of you are allowed to leave this bed before I get back. Is that understood?” He could feel Bailey’s exhaustion and knew she wouldn’t leave, but Lucien was a runner. He could sprint at any moment. Concentrating on Bailey, he held her stare, hoping to make her feel everything he did when he looked at her. “I love you.” He didn’t spare Lucien a glance. This was part of the new relationship dynamic Lucien would have to accept. “I’ll return before you miss me.”
Spent (Wrecked #2) Page 8