On The Hunt

by Tl Reeve

  “Do something intimate. Make her feel special. It’s not about you, it’s about her and her forgiving your actions,” his friend advised. “Sometimes the smallest gestures get the biggest responses.”

  “Right.” He headed for toward the travel room. “You might want to take your words to heart, Heath. She’s waiting on you too. Julian and I have seen how she looks at you.”

  “I’ll take your statement under advisement.” He lifted his hand to wave, then buried himself in his work once more.

  When Theo arrived back at the house, Julian stood in the kitchen fixing himself something to eat. Piper was nowhere to be found. He’d really screwed shit up. There was a bit of him that was jealous, he supposed. The strong connection already forming between her and Julian rubbed him the wrong way, and he knew it was all on him, not the other way around.

  “Hey, can we talk? I’d like to go over something with you,” he stated, edging toward the counter.

  “Sure.” Julian turned and showed him a sandwich. “Want one?”

  “Yeah, thanks.” He took the plate Julian had in his hand.

  “What did you want to discuss.”

  “We should get away from here. Take a day off.” He took a bite of his food and groaned.

  “Why do you want to take a day off?” Julian placed a square of cheese on the bread, then added a tomato slice.

  “Piper is obsessed with this case. Everything we do and say is wrong. She needs perspective. Needs to clear her mind so she can focus on facts and less on us.”

  Julian glanced at him. “What did you have in mind?”

  Bingo, an in. “Heath said there are bath houses here; some are for the poor, others for the rich. Some are setup like spas while others are used for medicinal purpose. He showed me a country estate not far from here that caters to the wealthy. We should take her there.”

  “We’re not wealthy.”

  Theo laugh. “Compared to their standards, we’re millionaires.”

  Julian continued to fiddle with his lunch. “We’ll have to go by carriage. It’s obvious we can’t walk.”

  “I’ll get us one.”

  “Who is going to tell Piper?” He cocked a brow.

  “Neither of us,” Theo replied. “It’s a surprise. I will make sure everything is arranged for us to leave in the morning. No use in telling her tonight. It’ll only give her time to think of a million ways to get out of it.”

  “This is true.”

  “Then it’s settled. I’ll take care of the fine details and will let you know when to be ready.” He placed his plate in the sink, then slapped Julian on the shoulder. “I think a little down time will give us a fresh set of eyes to solve this case.”

  Julian looked at him, and trepidation filled his gaze. “What if you’re wrong and this backfires on us?”

  “Eh, won’t be the first time something goes wrong. Probably won’t be the last either.”

  Chapter 5

  Piper woke to the knock on her door, surprised by the earliness of the hour. Julian left her sometime after she’d fallen asleep, leaving his side of the bed cold and empty. Though he hadn’t taken “advantage” of her delicate emotional state, he had tried to soothe her. They talked about his parents. They were divorced. His father remarried a couple of times before finally settling down with wife number four. His mom drug him and his siblings through a couple of relationships, but never found her place.

  The knock came again, and she pushed aside her blankets. She crawled out of bed and grabbed her robe on the way to the door. “Give me a second.” She pulled the lapels together, then tied the sash before opening the door. “You could have come in, I wouldn—”

  “Good morning, Piper.” Heath stood before her, a welcoming smile on his face. “After breakfast, a carriage will be waiting for you to take you to the country for the day.”

  “O-okay. Thanks. Are you coming with me?” She hadn’t intended to sound so eager. However, the thought of spending the day with him did sound inviting.

  “Unfortunately, no.” He frowned. “I have more research to comb through. But, you will have fun.”

  “Am I going alone?” What fun would it be if no one was there to go with her?

  “No,” he answered. “It’s supposed to be a surprise.”

  “A surprise?” She tried to push aside the nervous flutter in her belly. “Why would I need a surprise?”

  Heath gave her a look, the kind that said, as if. “Go along with it, Piper. I’m sure it’ll fun.”

  A small voice at the back of her mind said Theo set it up for her, but she brushed away the idea of as wishful thinking. After yesterday’s little stunt, she was more than sure he packed up and left. She frowned. Why did he bother her so much? Hadn’t he proven time and time again he didn’t like her?

  Which then left her to ponder about Julian. He had the crafty skill to pull something like this off. Again, the questions swirled of why and what for, however, she pushed them away. A day away from the case might do her some good, after all. She had a bad habit of obsessing over the smallest thing. Perhaps, taking a day not to dwell would open her mind to the truth she couldn’t quite grasp yet.

  “I’d say, I’ll take pictures, but…”

  He chuckled. “Wouldn’t want an international incident.”

  “No.” She said her goodbyes, then turned from the door as he walked away.

  I need a shower. Unsure of how much time she had before the carriage arrived, she hurried to her bathroom for a bath. She probably set the land speed record, even as fastidious as she’d been. The gentle ebb of excitement building in her had her hands trembling slightly and a pleasant tension building within due to the unknown. She wondered if her little escapade outside on the stoop with Julian would continue and bloom into something more if he were her companion. Or if his actions were meant only to soothe her tattered wits.

  However, sitting on his lap as she had, and exploring his exposed flesh, awoke some dormant part of her psyche. The tactile nuance gave her strength and control. A piece of her she’d lost in Berlin—the place she swore to never speak of. Skimming her fingers over his hard nipples, watching the muscles of his stomach ripple…feel his shaft thicken against her hip, was powerful. Emboldened her. When his lips finally touched hers—magic.

  His kisses had gone straight to her head, leaving her dizzy with wanton desires. The intense bliss had been more than she expected at the time. Piper sighed as she scrubbed her face. Getting all worked up over her momentary lapse in sanity wouldn’t help calm her down so she could finish dressing. As it was, the layers upon layers of fabric she wore were cumbersome, to say the least, and a pain in her ass. Breeches for women were unheard of in Victorian London. Women were supposed to be proper ladies. Cinched to within an inch of suffocation and buttoned to the neck while showing the barest minimum of skin. In all honesty, she hated it. At least while she was in the lab, she could wear her yoga pants and tank tops.

  As she stepped out into the hallway, she expected to see Julian waiting for her. Instead, the place was empty, dashing her hopes of some morsel of normalcy. With a lift of her chin, she headed for the door. Fine, if no one wants to go with me, I’ll have fun on my own.

  As she stepped outside into the early morning sun, the dirty factory air coating the sky in a thick gray haze, she spotted Julian standing next to the door of the carriage, waiting for her. She kept her steps even while devouring him with her gaze. The suit he wore was new. Charcoal with hints of crimson and white. It fit him perfectly, showcasing his broad chest and trim waist. Her mouth watered.

  “Good morning.” He leaned in to brush his lips over hers. “Did you sleep well after I left?”

  “Yes.” She breathed in his fresh, crisp scent and sighed. “I didn’t want to get out of bed.”

  He grinned. “I didn’t want to get out of bed either. I dreamed of rousing you from your sleep and slipping between your thighs.”

  Oh yes. She’d have totally allowed him too. “You shou
ld have woken me.” Heat crept into her cheeks. “I’d I have said yes.”

  “I know you would have.” He ran his knuckle down her cheek, before placing a kiss on her nose. “It’s why I left. You needed a night to think about all I am offering you.”

  A life. A happy one too, full of love and a sense of belonging. God, she wanted what he offered her. Still, she wouldn’t be complete without Theo and Heath, if he’d give her a chance. Would Julian accept them too? Did she have the guts to find out?

  “Thank you.” She glanced up at him, and his heated stare shot a rush of desire through her. Transfixed on his handsome face and hypnotic violet eyes, she forgot how to do everything.

  “You’re welcome.” He held out his hand to her for balance as she climbed into the carriage. “Are you hungry?”

  “Starving.”

  “Perfect.” He settled in across from her before producing a small basket from under his seat. “You can eat with us. We have plenty.”

  We?

  As if he heard her, Theo joined them. He took a seat beside Julian and gave her a wink. “You didn’t think you’d go without me, did you?”

  Well, after yesterday… “I’m glad you decided to come.”

  “I am too.” They lurched into motion, bouncing down the rutted lane. “Heath said something about the country. Where are we going?”

  “There is a hot spring bath about ten miles from here. It might require us staying overnight.” Theo handed her a fluffy biscuit from the basket Julian held. “What little research we can do says the place is a modern-day marvel for everything that ails you.”

  “Everything cures what ails you now, including opium,” she whispered. “What makes this place different.”

  Julian shrugged. “Sounded like a spa to us.”

  “What about disease?” Her nose wrinkled as she spoke. “There are things…diseases in this time which have never been eradicated.”

  Theo laughed, before popping a grape into his mouth. “It’s high end. Only rich people go to this one. The poor and sick are relegated to the bath house in White Chapel.”

  When watching movies about the Victorian Era, it seemed so pretty and clean, for the most part. Experiencing it, nothing had been clean enough for her standards. “If you say so.” What the hell was wrong with her? “I’m sorry. I shouldn’t be so pissy. I need this.”

  “I think you’re upset about me being here after yesterday,” Theo interjected. “I want to apologize. I didn’t mean a word of what I said. I guess, in a way, I was jealous.” He shifted in his seat, as though he were uncomfortable with his admission.

  In for a penny. In for a pound. “Theo, you never have to be jealous. We’ll figure this out together.”

  “I hope we’re not late.” The buggy stopped in front of the vast staircase leading to the mansion. Footmen waited to grab their things, but in a foolish attempt at making their trip a quick one, Julian hadn’t wanted to ruin the surprise, nor did he want to go through Piper’s things without her permission, so he left it. No matter, he was sure they could find a proper dress or two for Piper.

  “I suspect we’re right on time,” Theo stated, opening the carriage door.

  “It is beautiful.”

  Quiet too. A few couples strolled through the garden while others lounged under one of the trees, sharing their lunch. The mansion was more like a castle, something fit for a king, and not an aristocrats bath house.

  “Let’s check in.” Julian held his arm out to her, as Theo did the same.

  “But what about clothes? Did you pack me anything?”

  Julian shrugged. “We’ll wing it for now, and get something sent to you in the morning.”

  “Are you sure?” She nibbled on her bottom lip, distracting him. “Julian?”

  “Hmm?”

  “Clothes?” She quirked a brow.

  “Oh, yes. Yeah. I’ll have a dress brought to the spa in the morning.”

  “What would you like to try first?” Theo nodded to the man at the door who held it open for them.

  “Massage first,” she said. “Then we’ll see where the day takes us. Whoa.”

  The ornately decorated lobby stunned him. Dark walnut pillars and hardwood floor gleamed in the sunlight. The scent of lavender and something else, he couldn’t put his finger on, permeated the air. The sound of water trickling drew his attention to the water feature against the wall. Decadent didn’t even begin to cover this place.

  “Hello,” he stated, stepping up to the counter. “Mr. Julian Reinhart checking in.”

  The man behind the counter flipped open a tome then trailed his finger down the page before tapping it. “Here you are, Mr. Reinhart. I hope you and your guests enjoy your stay.” He rang a bell on the counter, and a woman appeared seconds later. “Sarah, if you’ll be so kind to show Mr. Reinhart and his guests to their room, please.”

  Sarah curtsied and beckoned for them to follow. “The treatment rooms are marked. You’re welcome to use whichever you please. Dinner is served at six, and there is a parlor room on the first floor if you wish to entertain with the other guests.”

  The assistant pushed opened the bamboo and rice paper door of their room, and he swore they’d been transported to an Onsen—a Japanese hot spring. Natural, light-walnut hardwood floors showcased the small hot spring pool in the middle of the floor. Along the back wall, facing the beach, were beautiful Japanese screens that could be opened or left closed. The soft scent of Japanese cherry blossoms and the gentle caress of Koto music played on a phonograph, hidden from their prying eyes, pushing back against the silence. He took a step into the room, taking in every inch of the amazing space. The music swelled, adding to the peacefulness he sought for their tryst.

  Sarah turned to them. “If you need any assistance, please ring the bell.” She backed out of the room, closing the doors behind her.

  This had been nothing like he expected. The Chinese and Japanese influences weren’t widely appreciated yet. The most they were known for was their fine-bone china and their opium. Seeing this though, shocked him.

  His gaze landed on Piper as she made her way around the room. She stopped to admire every small detail, then moved on to the next. The way her fingers traced the delicate fabrics and jade figurines had him yearning for the same caress. He swallowed hard and adjusted his trousers.

  “I have the massage table laid out for you. If you’d like to climb up and get ready. I need to talk to Julian for a second.” Theo motioned to the table and winked.

  * * *

  The scent of lavender oil and something else greeted her as she drew near the small wooden table. When she glanced over her shoulder, the conversation both men were engaged in didn’t appear as heated as it did the day before.

  While they continued their back and forth, she stepped behind the dressing screen and removed her clothes. Was she really going to give them a chance? Her heart gave a funny little flutter. Her stomach flip-flopped with a happy tingle. But, what did this say about her and Heath? Were they only meant to be friends?

  For all his words, which now that she pulled them apart, were all truthful, it led to one conclusion, even if it was far-fetched. A foursome. Was that the correct term? Sharing all three men. Could she do it? Piper peeked out from where she stood and watched as both men removed their shirts, then pants. Her knees turned to water. Her girly parts tingled, while her panties dampened. They were gods. Who knew stuffy-pants Theo was built like an Adonis, with intricate tattoos under all those expensive, perfect suits. Tying the sash of her robe, she stepped out.

  Both men’s gazes landed on her. The heat burning in their eyes chased away the anxiety coursing through her. Piper’s legs shook as she closed the distance between them. Though it had only been a few feet, it was as if she crossed the Mojave Desert on a hot summer day. By the time she stood before them, her heart was pounding hard enough she thought it would leap from her chest. Her stomach knotted with anticipation.

  “Ready?” Julian held his hand ou
t to her.

  “No.” She resisted taking his hand. She trembled standing in front of both of them. “I’m not sure I can do this.”

  “What? Enjoy a massage?” Theo quirked a brow, unfolding his arms.

  “Well, yes.” She shrugged, unable to meet either of their stares.

  Julian stepped forward and tucked his index finger under her chin, tipping her face up. “You’re here to relax, let us help you.”

  Chapter 6

  Swallowing hard, she watched in rapt fascination as Julian made quick work of her silk robe and exposed her nakedness to both men’s perusal. Her nipples hardened to the point of pain with his grunt of approval. Theo didn’t make a move; he stood to the side observing her. His face was blank, not even a hint of emotion, though, when she glanced down, his thick erection let her know he was affected by what he saw.

  “Like a delicate flower blossoming under the appreciative sun, you open for us.”

  She flushed. The heat radiating over her skin causing it to tingle and goose bumps to form in its wake. What did she say to Julian? He skimmed his knuckle over her nipple, and her ability to speak disappeared. She listed, leaning toward his touch. The sparks of pleasure centering in on the sensitive bundle of nerves between her thighs had her pussy clenching with need. She moaned and bit her bottom lip to quell the noise.

  “She is so responsive. Join us, man.”

  Theo stepped forward. The neutral facade he’d adopted faltered, and she saw the banked lust burning in his green gaze. He reached out to her, his fingers skimming over the soft flesh of her breast. He groaned her name, and in a blink of an eye, he had her wrapped in his arms, his mouth claiming hers. The desperation and hunger she tasted and felt consumed her. She wrapped herself around him as all the questions she had about where they stood were answered with each swipe of his expert tongue. She whimpered, trying to press herself closer to him even though they were plastered together. She felt Julian grab her hip, holding her in place, as he kissed the back of her shoulders while rubbing his groin across the cleft of her ass.