by Jane Jamison
“He made a false ceiling?” She waved the dust away. A cord dropped down from the attic hatch. “Wow. I never knew there was a ladder there. Hell, I never even knew there was an attic.”
Jax tugged on the cord and lowered the hatch, exposing a folding ladder. He pulled the ladder out and locked it together.
The attic loomed above her. “This is unreal.”
“Are you sure you want to do this?” Jax was already most of the way up the ladder. He reached over the edge and flicked on the overhead light. More dust floated in the murky air of the attic.
Was she ready? She bit her lower lip and darted her gaze to Jax and then past him at the dimly lit room she’d never known existed. “No, but I think I have to. If I don’t, I won’t be able to get it out of my head.”
“If you do, you still might not be able to forget what you see.” Ed skimmed a hand along her shoulder. “You don’t have to, babe. We could take care of it for you.”
“No. I have to see this for myself.” She took hold of the ladder and, being careful, started slowly climbing the rungs. Darton and Ed got ready to follow her as Jax entered the attic then held out his hand to help her the rest of the way.
At first, she didn’t see anything out of the ordinary. Once her vision adjusted to the dim lighting, however, she could make out shapes better. What she saw had her mind reeling.
“Are you all right, babe?”
Suddenly, she felt weak and badly in need of Ed’s strong arm wrapped around her shoulders. “I lied. I guess I wasn’t ready.”
She gave the room a hard look, running her gaze from one side to the other. A large cross rested in the middle of the room. Various hooks, cuffs, and more attachments sparkled against the black of the painted wood. She could easily imagine what some of the items were for, but others left her wondering.
To the side of the cross was a wooden table where various whips, paddles, and chains lay. The table was solidly built, broad and wide enough to support a person. Or two.
On the other side of the cross rested an old trunk, the type people used to carry their belongings. Were there old photographs and clothing inside? Or more tools of sexual fun?
But was it fun? She’d wondered about bondage and other freer forms of sexuality but had never had the nerve to try anything.
Darton strode to the cross. The cuffs he examined made a clanging sound that ripped into her. Had her father used those on women? Or had he been the one who’d gotten restrained?
When Darton turned back to her, he smiled, and she would’ve sworn a flash of dark red blinked in then out in his eyes. Why did she keep seeing red in their eyes? Yet right now, she had other more distressing questions that needed answers.
“I knew your old man was into a little kink, but I didn’t know he was into it this much.”
“I had no idea.” All the years she’d spent playing in the house and she’d never known. Yet why would she have when she’d been a child?
“Honey, you’re shaking. How about we get you back downstairs? Like we said, we can handle disposing of all of this.”
“Darton’s right,” added Jax. “It’s got to be rough knowing this was what your father was into.”
“No, I’m okay.” She was too curious to leave. Instead, she found herself drawn to the whips. A black whip, tipped on the end with fake red feathers, drew her closer. What would it be like to be whipped during sex? What would it be like to be cuffed by Darton? Or spanked by Jax? Would Ed like tying her up? “My mother always said my father was an animal. I just never thought she meant anything like this.”
She backed up hurriedly. “Shit. Forget I said that, okay?”
Ed took hold of her arm and turned her toward him. “Look, this is your father we’re talking about. Not some stranger. You don’t need to deal with this on top of everything else.”
“Not that there’s anything wrong with it.” Darton shrugged at Ed’s glare. “Hey, come on. It’s not like we haven’t tried it a time or two. There’s nothing wrong with a game of tie-me-down-and-spank-me. Right, Colby?”
She didn’t want to answer, didn’t want to admit that, at least in that area, she was a virgin. Yet the idea of these men using sexual tools on her sent a rush of warmth coursing through her limbs then on to center in her abdomen. “No, of course not. I’m not a prude or anything. To each their own.”
“Do you want to give it a try?”
At first, the idea was intriguing. But not intriguing enough. “You want to have sex?” Her gaze hopped from the table to the cross. “Here?”
“Damn, man, show a little class. She’s not going to give it a try with her father’s sex stuff. That’s fucking messed up.” Darton came to her and pulled her into his arms.
For the first time in a long while, she felt safe. Even with the knowledge of what her father liked and seeing his sex room, she felt comforted by Darton’s huge, muscled arms surrounding her. She stayed there, locked in his embrace, her head against his firm chest for longer than she should have.
For a couple of minutes, they stayed that way, together, giving and accepting comfort. At last, however, Darton took her under the chin and lifted her head, forcing her gaze to his. “You don’t, do you?”
“No. It’s too weird.” She was sure she saw a moment of disappointment flit over his features. “Not the sex part, but the fact that it was my father’s things makes it too weird.”
“Okay, then, let’s get you out of here. You let us handle this stuff.”
She nodded, started for the exit, and then stopped as a horrible thought struck her. Clutching Darton’s shirt, she searched him for the right answer. “You won’t let others see these things, right? I mean, even if they know about my father’s sexual activities, I don’t think I could hide the embarrassment of letting them see everything.”
“Of course not. We’ll be discreet.” Ed pulled her away from Darton and into his arms.
He touched her cheek, gently, respectfully. Yet, the feel of his palm against her skin was like a lightning bolt sending a quick shock of electricity into her flesh. She startled a little, stunned at how intense the sensation was. She stepped back instinctively then regretted it.
How could she be so drawn to them so quickly? Yet, every fiber of her being wanted more than a touch or soft words. She needed them and physically ached to have them.
“You feel it, too, don’t you?”
Breathing became more difficult as she once again lifted her gaze to find an answer. Ed’s unique silver gaze met hers. She’d never seen eyes like his. His friends’ eyes were unusual, too, but in different ways. Darton’s eyes were a deep, bottomless black that she could easily imagine could lead her down into his soul, while Jax’s were a moss-green that shimmered with hues of other greens.
“Feel what?”
Ed’s crooked smile was soft and knowing. “You don’t have to admit it yet, but you feel it. I know you do. We all feel it.”
“He’s right, babe.” Jax came up behind her.
His presence thickened the air around the three of them as though a smoke had risen from the floor to cocoon them.
“We want you, honey.”
Darton came closer, and when he did, the smoke grew denser and bright spots of red lights popped around her. She tried to make out what could be causing the lights but couldn’t. Was it something about the air and dust in the attic? A small window at the other side of the attic offered little light from the cloud-covered night.
“I don’t understand.”
“It’s too soon, Jax.” Darton moved back a little, his body stiff, as though he had to force himself to do so.
“I don’t care. It can’t happen fast enough for me.” Jax skimmed his hand along her shoulder. The touch was more erotic than any whips or chains could ever be.
“It’s simple and yet very complicated.” Ed offered her a small smile again. “We know what we want, and we want you. Simple, right? Yet complicated because you don’t know us.”
“T
hen—”
He tunneled his fingers through her hair and pulled her lips to his. The kiss was a surprise. So why did it feel as though she’d been waiting for his kiss since the day she was born? Although firm, his lips were demanding. Although soft, his kiss was possessive. She moaned and leaned into him.
A groan brought Jax closer still. He took hold of her hips as he pulled her shirt aside to nibble on her neck.
She wasn’t a coward and rarely backed away from a challenge, but this challenge was too frightening. If she answered truthfully, could she handle where it might lead? Was she ready, after mere hours of knowing them, to throw caution away and accept a dare that could change not only her life but also her very heart? She drew in a breath, ready to answer yet not knowing what her answer would be.
“Darton.” She couldn’t think of anything else to say. Having him join them was more important than any words.
He came to her, filling the circle of masculinity. She moaned as the kiss ended then clutched Darton’s dark hair and pulled his mouth to hers. Having the three of them with her was more amazing than she could’ve ever dreamed. She would’ve given them anything, done anything. Later she would ask why, but for now, they were all that mattered.
“Oh shit.”
The men jerked away from her at the sound of Melly’s voice. Colby’s mind still swam with lust, and at first, she couldn’t force her vision to clear.
“Damn, Colby, I’m sorry. I didn’t know…” Unlike another person who might feel embarrassed to catch her in a compromising position, Melly’s huge grin said she wasn’t sorry at all. “If I’d known they were up here with you, I would’ve waited for you to come down.” Her eyes grew wider. “Holy crap. Is that what I think it is?”
Oh shit is right.
There was no stopping Melly now. She was up and into the attic before Colby could attempt to stop her. Melly rushed over to the cross and then to the table. She picked up a black paddle and whacked it against her hand. “What the hell, Colby? I didn’t know you were into this kind of thing? Not that I’m judging. Hell, if anything, I’m impressed.”
“Melly—”
Her friend laughed. “Take it easy. I know this isn’t your stuff.” She dropped the paddle on the table and picked up a butt plug. “Wow. Who knew your father was into all this stuff?”
Colby’s body still hummed for their touch. Her libido was flying high and hard, and the last thing she wanted to do was to talk about her father’s sexual activities. But she had no choice. She had to take charge. If she didn’t, she’d never hear the end of it. “Guys, could you give us a minute?”
Judging by the expressions, the men were getting a kick out of Melly as she examined all the various tools and toys.
“Guys? Please?”
“Oh. Yeah, sure.” Ed shoved Darton toward the ladder. “We’ll give you two some space.”
“As long as you promise to think about what we said,” added Jax. His eyes had darkened, the craving still evident on his face.
She shot him a look, hoping he’d understand. “Please leave, okay?”
“Let it go for now, Jax.” Ed jerked his head toward the exit. Darton had eased over the edge and waited on the ladder.
“Fine.” His intense gaze never left hers. “For now.” Then the intensity was gone, replaced by a Cheshire cat grin. “You two ladies have fun, you hear? And if you need anything, all you have to do is holler.”
“Now, Jax,” ordered Ed.
Colby kept her gaze averted until they’d gone. Melly was quick to pounce on her.
“Damn. Who knew the old fart had it in him?”
“He was sixty. That’s not too old for anything.”
“You know what I mean.” Melly climbed onto the cross, holding on where she should’ve been cuffed. She faked a sexy moan as she planted her feet on the footrests and spread her legs. “Ooh, Jax. Ooh, Darton. Yes, please, Master Ed. Whip me harder. Lick me harder.”
“Stop it, Melly.” Colby scrunched up her face.
“But it’s sexy stuff, right?”
“It’s my father’s. Enough said.”
“I get that.” One eyebrow shot skyward. “Still… Tell me you didn’t think about using this with your three men.”
Colby tried to keep her unspoken answer from showing on her face, but failed.
“You did!”
“Stop it.” Colby whirled around and stormed for the exit.
“Colby, hang on.”
She reluctantly faced her friend, her eyebrows arched in question.
“What if you got rid of all your father’s toys and made it into a room you could enjoy? You know, with candles and a bed as well as a few sex toys? Would that be okay?”
She could see the room differently, more as a place of love instead of kink. “I guess, but I don’t have the money for redecorating. Besides, I’ve asked the guys to get rid of everything.”
“Everything?” Melly pouted. “You’re not going to keep any of this?”
“Hell no. And don’t you even think of taking anything for yourself. The thought of my best friend using things my father—” She shook herself. “No. Absolutely not.”
“Okay, okay. I’ll back off. Calm down. Don’t get your panties in a bunch.” Melly laughed. “Unless you’d like the guys to get them off you.”
Colby was on the ladder before Melly caught up with her.
“Colby, hold on. You know I was only kidding.”
She paused, her hands holding on to the ladder until her knuckles grew white. When she dared, she said, “I don’t know them.”
Melly stared at her hard. “Oh shit. You like them. I mean really like them.”
“Like I said, I don’t know them.” She was caught on the ladder, just as she was somehow caught with her strange yet amazing attraction for the men.
“What the hell does that matter?”
“It just does.” She started climbing, moving away from not only her father’s secret sex room but also her friend’s probing look.
* * * *
Colby made the only decision she could. After last night’s revelation of her father’s sexual proclivities, not to mention the carnal dream she’d had about the men, she had to keep things strictly business from now on. She’d allow the men to get rid of the contents of the attic and help with the ranch, but she’d do the smart thing and keep them at a distance.
She spurred her horse into a gallop. Living in Colorado Springs had made her forget how wonderful it was to ride. With the breeze in her face and the feel of control she had over the powerful animal, she felt freer than she had in a long time. Doubt had plagued her until she’d thrown the saddle over Ranger’s back. She didn’t know why or how, but riding across the land—her land—settled her nerves and made anything seem possible.
Her decision to move to Brimstone was the right one. Her job and her life back in the city had grown boring, and she’d lost the zest for living. As she took in the greenery spread out before her, she could easily imagine a life on the ranch.
Pulling Ranger to a stop, she leaned back in the saddle and let her mind wander. Somehow, some way, she’d make sure the ranch would not only survive but would also turn a profit. Maybe not this year, but it would come. As for the town and what it may or may not know about her father? She’d let it pass. She had her own life to lead, and she was determined to lead it her way. Neither her past nor his would hold her back.
Fortunately for her sanity, the men had gotten up early. She’d heard them rummaging around in the kitchen and had, as hard as it was, stayed upstairs. Since then, she hadn’t heard from them.
“Hey, babe. Hold up.”
Colby twisted in her saddle to find Ed, Jax, and Darton riding toward her. She lifted her hand, acknowledging them.
As happy as she’d been moments before, she was even happier now. What was it about these men that had her thrilling at the sight of them? Their good looks, even clothed in the worn jeans and rolled-up sleeves, wasn’t enough to account for
all the wild sensations storming through her unbidden. It was more than that. She couldn’t put her finger on it, but they had a special quality.
I have seen it before, but where?
Not in Colorado Springs. She was certain of that. Then where? Where else had she seen steely eyes and set jaws? Where had she picked up on a vibe that wasn’t merely testosterone but that held something extra, something almost predatory?
No, that wasn’t right. Not predatory. But it did make her think of an animal.
As the men pulled their horses to a halt behind her, she swung her mount around to face them. The sun shone behind her, casting the light on their faces. When it did, a tiny dot of red flared in Darton’s eyes.
The red. I’ve seen it before.
Not only with them but with others. But only others in Brimstone.
“Why didn’t you tell us you were going riding?”
Did Darton’s tone sound accusatory? Irritation flared. “I didn’t know I needed to tell you where I’m going.” As soon as she’d spoken, guilt swamped her. He hadn’t deserved her snipping at him.
“You don’t.” His surprised look left, replaced by a scowl. “Just asking is all.”
“I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to bite your head off.”
“Don’t worry.” Jax chuckled. “You couldn’t bite his head off. Not like we could.”
“What does that mean?”
“Nothing.” Ed pushed his cowboy hat back. “Don’t pay any attention to him.”
The gesture was simple, yet it stirred a craving in her. If she’d been able to reach him, she would’ve stroked his face. Or his cock.
Damn. I’ve got the itch, all right.
She could hear Melly’s voice as loud and clear as though she were standing next to her. “If you’ve got an itch, then just go ahead and scratch it.”