4 Men Of The House with correct Also By page

by Knight, Natalie

  The house is humming with the buzz and excitement of the upcoming party. It reminds me of days past when my father was around.

  He loved this kind of thing. He loved people to take advantage of the estate, and he loved to entertain people. He was charismatic by nature.

  One thing’s for sure, having Meg here has definitely lessened the blow of losing my dad. She’s made everything light up. Her mere presence is a pleasure—and yet it’s also made me become somewhat obsessed.

  I enjoy being at the mansion and being able to watch her every second. She spends lazy days by the pool and time in her room. She works out and walks the ground.

  I’ve virtually become a master at recording Meg’s life. I like to be under the same roof as her, so I can keep an eye on everything and to make sure she’s safe.

  I know, I know. What the fuck is this unguarded sentiment I find in myself, right? I’ve never felt this way before about any woman—and yet with her all things are different.

  I adjust my tie and put my suit jacket on while taking the whiskey down in one shot. I always have a bottle of the best stuff on hand in my quarters. It’s a little something I learned from my father.

  I leave my wing of the house and make my way towards the party, which is already happening in full swing. I walk through the center of the house and see all manner of people arriving in their best gowns and masks and tuxedos. It’s an elaborate affair, as it always should be.

  “Hi, Matt, how are you?” A woman pulls me aside.

  “Hey, Heather, it’s been a long time,” I say, kissing her on both cheeks.

  This is a woman I bedded a long time ago—but she’s never forgotten me for an instant. Every time I see her, she tries to make that one night repeat itself. She was a good lay, sure, but I’ve had better.

  I tear myself away from her, so I can greet the other incoming guests.

  “Hi, Priscilla, John, nice to see you again,” I say to a couple that always comes to our parties.

  “Darling.” Priscilla kisses my cheeks. “How have you been? We’ve been thinking of you so much after the death of your father.”

  “Thank you. That means a lot, especially coming from you. Things have been fine. Both the mansion and work are running as smoothly as ever,” I say to her.

  It’s nice that people have such an interest in our well-being. A lot of the people here are friends of my father’s who come to these parties all the time. As I look around, I realize Meg did a very good job of making sure the party’s standards are of the very best quality.

  “John and I were just saying how very lovely this party is. It’s different than the ones your father used to throw. But we just love a masquerade ball,” she says, taking note of the velvet curtains that have been erected in all directions.

  “That’s just what I was thinking,” I say, thinking of Meg. “We had a new set of eyes determining the theme of this party. Please enjoy yourselves.”

  I haven’t even made it outside yet, and already, there are so many people I know. It’s nice to be the center of attention. I used to revel in it much more than I do now, though.

  I like being the focus of attention for women and the envy of all men, but tonight is different. Tonight there’s only one person whose opinion I care about: Meg’s.

  I finally make my way outside, sticking to the outskirts of the party to avoid meeting more people I know. I’m anxious to set eyes on Meg and to see exactly what she’s up to tonight.

  Luckily for me, I see her at a distance, also remaining at the edges of the party. She likely doesn’t know anybody here, and I’m happy to help alleviate that pressure.

  I walk up to her with my mask on and say, “You did a beautiful job here tonight.”

  She turns to look at me, those stunning green eyes striking as ever beneath her mask.

  “Oh, Matt, you’re saving me. I’ve been feeling so awkward, just standing here not knowing anybody.”

  I can’t imagine Meg feeling awkward for a moment. She’s too beautiful for all of that. She could walk into a room and take it by storm if she wanted to. She’s that remarkable.

  “I don’t believe that for a second,” I say to her, looking intently into her eyes. “You’re the most beautiful woman here. Don’t forget that.”

  She blushes, and her humility makes me as hard as ever. I have to fight the instinct to drag her back to my room, so that I can remind her just how precious she is.

  I tilt her chin up so that she has she’s forced to look at me. “Don’t ever feel uncomfortable. You’re the most beautiful woman in the room, any room, and you’d do well to remember that.”

  I’m just about to pull her in for a kiss when my brother Ian interrupts us. Of course, he looks good, and normally, I don’t fucking care, but tonight is different. I want Meg all to myself.

  “Ian,” she exclaims. “You look so great.”

  He pulls her easily to his side, and I take note that her hands are wrapped tightly around his torso, likely feeling the muscles that he sculpts every day in our home gym. I envy my brother for whatever hold he has on her. I note with dissatisfaction the way she’s smiling up at him, and I wonder at their connection.

  Is it stronger than what we have? Will she choose him over me?

  I feel jealous rage as I watch them together. I want to be a part of whatever they have. I want to be a part of her.

  But the realization that Meg might not be able to make a choice between us brothers doesn’t escape me.

  I don’t want her to feel pressure from me. I’m content to share her, as long as I have my fill.

  I realize that now. That she’s the only thing that matters to me at this point. That as long as I’m with her and she’s happy, then I’m happy.

  “Meg, where did you get that dress?” he says.

  She smiles at him, and I realize they have a sort of inside joke. This must be one of the gowns she purchased on their shopping excursion.

  “You’ve done a fantastic job on this party,” he says.

  “Well, I had a lot of help. You guys have the best party planners in the business. It was very easy to execute my vision. Do you like how dark and mysterious it is?”

  Both Ian’s and my expressions turn hungry as we realize what she’s saying. She obviously wanted the evening to be wrapped in romance and intrigue, and she certainly achieved that goal.

  “I…I just wanted to impress you guys. It meant so much to me that you wanted to throw this party. I hope it’s up to your standards,” she says.

  Her sensitivity turns me on like nothing else could. She’s nothing like any other woman I’ve met. She’s different, unique. Her rarity makes me crave her more.

  What the fuck is she doing to me? What is this hold she has on my heart...and my cock?

  I’ve already bedded her once, and yet I am not fulfilled. I want more, more, and more.

  What does this say about me?

  “Do you guys want me to get you a drink?” she asks.

  “No, babe, I’ll get it,” I say.

  She looks guilty for a second and says, “Actually, I’d like to circle the party and look for Paul and Evan, if that’s okay. I think we should all celebrate together.”

  I decide to cast off my jealous rage for a second and to let her have this moment. If she wants to look for my brothers, she can do that. Her happiness is more important than anything else...even if that means being with my brothers.

  I pull her into my arms and get that kiss I’ve been wanting. I feel her relax a little in my grasp, and it’s enough...for now.

  “Okay, do as you will,” I say, trying to hide my reluctance.

  She smiles at me. Sighing, I watch her go, her happiness my number one priority.

  The fact that I’m feeling this way is something unusual, for sure. I’m used to competing with my brothers and being jealous of their conquests. This used to be the case with Meg, too, but seeing as she’s decidedly torn between the four of us…I really can’t imagine putting any undu
e pressure on her.

  She deserves the world, even if that means having to share.

  Ian and I watch her walk away. Her backless dress hangs beautifully from her body, highlighting her gorgeous ass.

  “I could watch her like this all day,” I remark.

  “She’s certainly something, isn’t she?” Ian says.

  He shoots me a knowing look, and I can tell we’re both on the same page. If Meg was going to decide between us, she would’ve done it by now.

  Ian and I are both aware of the stakes, and we’re painfully aware that we might be sharing Meg in the foreseeable future.

  “What do you say to a truce? I don’t see any reason why we need to fight over Meg as she’s so obviously into all of us.”

  He looks at me with thoughtful eyes and says, “You’re right. You’re absolutely fucking right.”

  I hold out my hand, and we shake on it.

  We watch her disappear into the throes of people that are now surrounding the backyard. It’s going to be an epic party, for sure.

  With Meg gone, I take the moment to go mingle. Ian and I go our separate ways and venture into the crowd. We become the quintessential hosts that our father trained us to be.

  Chapter 36

  Meg

  I can feel the guys staring at my ass as I walk away.

  It’s a good feeling, knowing that their eyes are upon me. It’s a feeling that I never want to go away.

  Is it so wrong that I want this much attention from both of them…from all four of them, actually?

  I can’t decide if I’m just being selfish or honest. I can’t even consider the thought of letting go of one of the guys, because I have deep feelings for them all.

  I’m not trying to lead anybody on, and I certainly don’t think that they view it this way. I’m honestly torn between the four of them. Making a decision will be the hardest thing I’ve ever had to do in my life, and the truth is I’m not sure I can do it.

  Part of me thinks that I’d rather lose them all than have to choose one. I can’t imagine hurting any of them. They all bring different things to my life, things which I find I can’t do without.

  The party is brimming, as more people file in. Nobody wants to miss a Belcourt party, and this one is surely more different and exquisite than anyone has previously seen.

  I disappear into the maze of people, and I can’t help but feel quite thrilled at how the party’s turned out. Yes, it has a dark undertone, but people are loving it. I see them dancing and relishing every moment of the glamorous seduction.

  The party feels sexy—exactly what I wanted.

  Everyone’s laughing and dancing and having a good time. Hopefully, this party would’ve done George Belcourt proud. I didn’t even know the guy, and yet I felt such esteem for him. His reputation precedes him, and I know the guys want to live up to that. If he was important to them, then he’s important to me

  I grab a drink from the passing tray of champagne and try to ignore the various glances I’m getting from men. I appreciate the attention, but I feel taken. There are four men whose jealousy I don’t want to rouse.

  The guys must know that there’s no one else. They must trust me and understand that I’m nothing if not faithful.

  I overhear people gossiping about the Belcourt brothers while also paying tribute to the fabulous party.

  “Did you see the brothers tonight? They certainly fill the shoes of their father, don’t they?” someone says.

  “Oh, they’re doing well. George would’ve been proud.”

  A woman makes a snarky comment that I overhear, “I heard they have a new girl. She’s not even supposed to be that pretty.”

  The comment doesn’t hurt my feelings, because I know it stems from jealousy. The Belcourt brothers are a hot commodity, and luckily for me, I’ve experienced them all—though never simultaneously. Yet.

  People are gonna speculate forever about the Belcourt brothers. Their name is famous, after all. I’m not gonna take anything anybody says about me to heart. Besides, nothing can ruin the high I’m on this evening.

  “Whoever this girl is, the one they have their eye on, she’s going to get hurt. Doesn’t she know that the Belcourt brothers are known for playing the field?”

  Yes, I know. You don’t have to rub it in.

  I walk around the party looking for Matt and Evan. I see all number of models, business people, some celebrities, and artists. I try to blend in and find my guys.

  And then someone stops me and says, “Would you like to dance?”

  I smile at him and politely decline, “I’m sorry, I’m just looking for someone.”

  Dancing with another man is out of the question. I’d rather not be seen talking to a man, either. I know that the brothers have a jealous streak, and I don’t want to tempt fate by making them angry.

  I don’t see Evan or Paul anywhere, and I’m just about to give up the search when somebody grabs my arm and pulls me off to the side of the house.

  “Ouch, that hurts! Let me go,” I say, thinking I have an overly aggressive guest on my hands.

  “Oh, Meg, you’re never gonna get away from me. You’ve been silent long enough, and now it’s time to pay up.”

  The voice sends chills up my spine.

  Simon.

  “What are you doing here? I thought you dropped off the face of the planet,” I say angrily, trying to jerk my arm away.

  “Oh, you’d like that, wouldn’t you? Did you think I was gonna give up so easily? Did you think I wouldn’t know about the rumors that the Belcourt brothers have a new little slut? You’re nothing but a tramp,” he spits at me as he throws me to the ground.

  I note with irritation that I’ve got mud on my dress and that it’s all his fault.

  “Simon,” I say defiantly. “You have nothing on me. I’m not yours to claim anymore. I want you out of my life forever.”

  He hisses, “It’s not that easy, Meg. You promised me information, and you haven’t delivered. Don’t you remember what I said to you before you came out here? I told you I would ruin your life if you didn’t get this done, and that’s exactly what I plan to do. But first, I want to taste that sweet little pussy one last time.”

  “What are you talking about?” I don’t like the tone in his voice at all.

  To my utter horror, I see the glint of a gun being pulled out of his pocket.

  “I mean that I’m going to fuck you, and then I’m gonna kill you right here on the grounds of your gorgeous fucking mansion.”

  Suddenly, I realize that I’ve sorely underestimated Simon. He’s been verbally abusive for most of our relationship, but it’s never descended into the physical. I didn’t even know he owned a gun.

  His words make me flinch, and I don’t know what to say. I’m on the ground, vulnerable. I don’t see any way out of the situation.

  Maybe I could try to grab the gun from his hands? But Simon’s way bigger than me. No, I have to rationalize with him. These can’t be my last moments on earth…they just can’t be.

  So I try to reason with him. “Simon, didn’t you get my text? I’m right on the verge of finding the will. Being with the guys is just a ploy to get into their minds. Maybe they’ll tell me where the will is at.”

  My voice is trembling, and he can sense my fear. He preys on fear. It’s like a drug for him.

  “No, Meg, it’s too late for you. Didn’t you know I had spies in the house? Did you really think I’d set you off into the country, free as a bird? I know everything that’s been going on, and I know you haven’t been doing your job.”

  “Simon, please. Be reasonable.”

  I say the words, but I feel like they’re falling on deaf ears. He has a crazed look in his eyes that I don’t dare argue with. It’s as if he’s lost his mind.

  I knew Simon wanted the fortune, but I had no idea he’d be willing to shed blood for it. This just goes to show what kind of relationship I’ve been in.

  Floods of memories come washing in—eve
ry insult and snide comment he’s delivered my way, every single time he put me down. He was an abuser for sure, but now I see that he’s also a criminal. A murderer.

  My chance at life, at happiness, is over. And the last thing I’ll feel is his evil presence inside of me. I’ll be raped and left for dead.

  These are the last seconds of my life, and yet all I can think of are the guys and how devastated they’ll be to find me like this—and to see all at once that I’ve betrayed them from the beginning.

  I was on the brink of happiness—and now it’s all being snatched away. I should’ve known that it couldn’t all be so perfect.

  “Fine, Simon, have it your way. But you’ll never win. The fortune is beyond your reach, and the sooner you realize that, the better.”

  He kicks me hard in the stomach, and I gasp for breath, having the wind knocked out of me.

  “Shut up, bitch. You are going to die, and no one will care.”

  I close my eyes in fear as his weight bears down on me, and I feel him snatching at my dress, tearing it to pieces.

  The last thing I see are scraps of silver fabric and the distant light of many candles illuminating the party that should’ve been for me.

  My perfect night has turned into my perfect death.

  Chapter 37

  Ian

  “Ian, you are so hot. Doncha wanna recreate some memories? Remember when you fucked me in this pool? That was also hot. I wanna do that again.”

  This blonde bimbo is starting to bug me, and I regret ever having created a single moment with her. What was I thinking?

  If I had only known I’d meet someone. This girl pales in comparison to Meg. Everyone does.

  Speaking of which, where is Meg? She said she was going to find my brothers, but that was a while ago. I even see Paul and Evan by the bar.

  Everywhere I look, I see masks and people having fun. It’s a dark whirlwind of people laughing, dancing, drinking, and not having a care in the world. It’s as it should be…except there’s no Meg.