by Opal Carew
He shook his head. “Never forget where you come from, my father said. He put that there when I turned eighteen, like his father did to him. Reminds me there’s predators and prey, and I’m better off as a predator.” His eyes narrowed as he studied her. “Like now.”
His cock nudged against her front, already rising to the occasion. She instinctively rocked against it, feeling her desire rising again.
She couldn’t hold back a laugh. “Aren’t you ever tired?”
“With you? Here?” He locked eyes with her and she froze, caught in his hypnotic gaze. “Never.”
Before she could reply he took hold of her hips. He easily lifted her up and slowly lowered her down on him, sliding into her with a satisfied moan.
“I’ll never get tired of this,” Blake said.
Emily let out a sigh as he filled her again, pulsing inside her with new purpose. She arched back, overwhelmed by the emotions washing over her.
As if they’d practiced it for years, Dane moved behind her, hands covering her breasts. He squeezed gently as he knelt, keeping his weight off Blake’s legs.
“And you’ll handle the two of us,” Dane said as Blake swiveled his hips, shooting her senses into overload. “Every night from now on.”
She wanted to say something, anything, but Dane found her nipples and pinched them, rolling them between his fingers as Blake thrust upward again, the two of them finding a perfect routine to drive her wild.
Emily let her head fall back onto Dane’s shoulder, whimpering as her body rose and reacted, despite her exhaustion from the previous two orgasms.
“Once more,” Dane ordered, his hot breath searing her skin. “Because we want it. Because we need it. Because we’re demanding it.”
She drew in a staggered breath, her world spinning around her in a mixture of flowers, water, and the musky scent of two men who loved her with all they had and all they were. Blake’s firm grip on her waist and Dane’s soft lips pressing hard against her throat were all she needed for one last . . .
Her world shattered, a kaleidoscope of pink and purple, black and white, blinding her in a final, mind-blowing explosion.
She fell forward and collapsed onto Blake’s chest. It was an effort to breathe, the exhaustion complete.
Blake gave a last few thrusts and grunted through his own completion. He sighed and released her hips to stroke her slick back, leaving tiny tremors in his wake on her sensitized skin.
Dane lay down beside them, resting his head on Blake’s shoulder. He reached up and joined Blake in touching her, drawing a single finger along her arms, adding to the sensory overdrive.
They lay there in perfect harmony, breathing in unison.
Chapter Eight
“So where do we go now?” Emily looked up at the full moon, marveling at the way it lit up the cove.
It’d taken her a few minutes to gather the strength to roll off of Blake and settle back into the grass, both men cradling her between them. She felt warm and loved, her soul at peace.
Blake stroked the inside of her arm. “Where do you want to go? I’ve got my helicopter here, remember?” He lay his head against her shoulder, matching Dane on the other side.
It took a concentrated effort, but she pulled a hand up and rubbed her eyes. “We waited so long to decide we needed each other. Like this.” She couldn’t help running her fingers through Dane’s blond hair. “We wasted so much time.”
“Not wasted,” Blake said. “I don’t think we could have made this work five years ago. We didn’t know what we know now, and we didn’t have the security and confidence to do what we want to do.” He nodded. “What we need to do.”
“We’re not going to wait another five years. We’re not going to wait another five minutes.” Dane’s tone left no room for discussion. “As soon as we can we’re going to start shopping for a new home.”
Blake raised his head and eyed him. “You want to live together? The three of us?” He grinned. “I’ve got some land I’ve been dying to build a house on. Get a good architect and we’re on our way.”
Emily looked from one man to the other. “You’re serious. Totally, stone-cold serious.”
“Yes.” Dane nodded. “To hell with the rules and to hell with what people think. We’re in charge of our own lives, and we’re going to do what we want.” He kissed her. “It’s going to rock the tabloids for a few weeks, but then it’ll quiet down.”
“Sure will.” Blake grinned. “Until we announce our company merger.”
Dane pulled back, scowling. “What?”
“Just kidding.” Blake gave a low chuckle. He laid back and put one hand behind his head. “You couldn’t afford to buy me out. Maybe before, but not now.”
“Excuse me?” Dane shot back. “I . . .” He broke off as Emily increased her grip on his hair.
“That’s enough. And you.” She directed this at Blake, her other hand sliding under to grip the back of his neck. “You should know better than to start this up right here, right now. I have half a mind to leave the two of you here and take a town car back home.”
Blake drew his eyes over her naked form and smirked. “You might want to get dressed first.”
Emily pulled her hand free with a snort.
Blake looked over at Dane. “She’s still pretty feisty. Thought she’d be at least a little tired by now.”
“Guess she got her second wind.” Dane smiled at Emily and she felt the simmering desire beneath the surface.
“Good for all of us,” Blake replied, adding his gaze to Dane’s.
Emily fought back the shivers threatening to break free.
“Shall we move this private party to someplace a bit more comfortable?” Dane shifted his weight. “Nothing against this lovely spot, but I wouldn’t mind a nice soft mattress and maybe a bite to eat to top off the fuel tank.” He smacked his lips.
“Excellent idea.” Blake levered himself up on one elbow. “I can fly us out to my yacht right now. The chef’s got an amazing recipe for eggs Benedict and I know there’s plenty of champagne chilling, waiting for us.”
They both looked at Emily.
She blinked, suddenly realizing they were waiting for permission.
She arched an eyebrow and looked at Dane. “A helicopter ride? I thought you weren’t keen on heights.”
He returned her eyebrow rise and doubled it. “I think I’m ready to start taking some risks. With the two of you.”
Blake grinned as he sat up, a lock of hair falling over his forehead. “Then get ready to jump in feet-first. We’re going to have to fight our way back through the press to get to the chopper. Not to mention dealing with the event itself. I’m sure our absence hasn’t gone unnoticed, and the rumor mill will be running overtime by now.”
Emily pressed her palm to her forehead. “Oh, God. The gala. They must be going crazy without us there.”
Dane snorted and shook his head. “No they won’t. If anything it’s become a buzzing nest of gossip right now, which is great for the foundation. The press picks up on it, it goes viral, and it generates plenty of publicity. Publicity means donations, and donations mean everyone wins.” He looked at her. “And if we don’t meet our fundraising goal for whatever reason, Blake can make a huge donation since he’s got all this extra money to burn.”
“Hey.” Blake reached over and punched Dane’s shoulder.
“All right.” Emily forced herself to sit up. “We should go back. If we’re gone for too long someone’s going to come looking for us, and the last thing we need is to have pictures of us like this sneaking out.”
Blake stroked her bare ankle, raising goosebumps on her skin. “Might start a new trend. We’d be breaking new ground. Just imagine the fashion possibilities.”
Dane shook his head and sat up. “Sorry, Blake—I’d rather not see your naked ass bouncing on the front page of the New York Post. Or anything else bouncing.” He reached out and snagged his underwear. “But you’re right, we do need to get back.”
Blake stood up and pulled his pants on, forsaking his briefs. He picked up Emily’s panties and slip before she could reach for them, stuffing them in his pockets. “A memento.” His eyes twinkled with laughter. “When you take that dress off on my yacht we’ll put it aside. Then we’ll set it in a place of honor in our new mansion, behind glass, with a small plaque listing the time and date.” He winked at her as he tugged at his shirt, the suspenders flying free against his legs. “It’ll be in the front hall so everyone can see it and try to figure out what it’s doing there.”
“You would do that, wouldn’t you?” Dane, wearing only his briefs, offered her a hand.
“Damned straight.” Blake reached out as well.
She looked at the two hands and grasped them at the same time.
As both men helped her stand Emily looked around at the blossoming flowerbeds. The hydrangeas shone in the moonlight, giving them an otherworldly sheen.
She turned around, taking deep breaths of the sweet fragrance. It was better than any expensive perfume she’d ever bought.
“We’ll take some with us.” Dane knelt down and gathered a small bouquet of white flowers. “If you want, we can plant some in our new garden.” He eyed Blake. “I assume we can get enough land for that.”
“Acres if you want. All white and purple.” Blake picked up the dress from the grass and shook it out. “Looks fine to me.” He smirked as he held it out for her to shimmy into. “Looks better without anything underneath.”
Emily stepped into the sheer fabric and allowed him to pull it up, shifting her hips as it slipped over her skin. It felt strange to be wearing nothing but the dress itself, but there was no other option.
Dane handed her the bouquet and stepped behind her. He swept her loose hair over her shoulders, clearing it away from the zipper.
She sighed as he drew the zipper up and the cool metal brushed against her skin. It signaled the end of the fantasy in her mind, at least for the present.
Blake gave her a light kiss. “Don’t look so sad. Think of it as moving to a much more comfortable bed.” He put a hand on the small of his back and grimaced. “Easier on a number of fronts.”
“We can always come back here. Anytime you want.” Dane picked up his tuxedo jacket from the grass. He slung it over his shoulder with one hand, leaving his dress shirt half-undone. “I don’t think the college will begrudge us a trip here every now and then.”
“I don’t know,” she said. “I like the idea of a yearly pilgrimage.”
“Then it’s once a year. Like Christmas but with more unwrapping of presents.” Blake knelt at Emily’s feet, holding her shoes. “I’d suggest going back barefoot, but I guess you don’t want to make it that obvious.”
She laughed, a sudden giddiness filling her soul. “I don’t think it’ll make a difference.” She took the black pumps from him and swung them around her index finger. “Besides, I like how the grass feels under my toes.”
Blake grinned. “Then let’s go say our goodbyes and fly off into the sunrise.”
Emily stretched out her hands to both men. “I’m not sure it’s that late, but yes. Let’s.”
Dane took her left hand, Blake her right, and they walked back along the trail to the event hall.
There was a peacefulness in Dane’s soul, something he hadn’t realized he’d missed until this moment. It wasn’t the usual calm after making love with Emily, although that had always been the highlight of his day, of his life. It was something more, something fulfilling.
It was as if he’d been sampling a fine buffet, but had never dared to fill up his plate. The sense of satisfaction, of completion—he’d never felt like this before.
Now he never wanted to stop.
Ahead of them lay the bright lights of the gala, the music streaming out from the open doors. The string quartet was still in fine form, now playing a gentle classical tune.
“Last chance.” Blake looked at Emily first, then Dane. “Say the word and I’ll go ’round back and come in through another door, make it look like I had a quickie with one of the caterers. That’ll keep them off you long enough for you to sneak in, settle at a table, and play like you’ve been there forever. No one’s going to blame you for taking a break and having some fun in the bushes. Might even add to your rep.”
Dane turned to Emily. “Your call. Whatever you want.”
She drew a deep breath, freezing them all in place for a long second.
“No.” She squeezed Dane’s hand first, then Blake’s. “If we’re going to do this, then let’s do it in style. Let’s go in, say our goodbyes in a proper way, and then head for the chopper. Leave them wanting more and let them figure it out on their own time.”
“I like the way you say that,” Blake replied. He licked his lips. “Let’s do this before I toss you down on the ground right here, right now.”
Emily took the first step toward the building.
Blake’s head was spinning. He hadn’t wanted to make the offer, but he had to give Emily a chance to back out of their arrangement. It was only fair, and if she’d asked him to go through with the distraction he would have—while hoping they’d be able to work something out later, in private.
But here she was leading them both to the very door she and Dane had escaped through earlier. There was more than a good chance people were standing nearby, and they’d pick up on their appearances instantly. He doubted anyone would be bold enough to call them out and ask where they’d had mind-blowingly great sex, but it wouldn’t be a secret anymore.
The sex wasn’t necessarily the problem. It was the threesome.
Emily and Dane together—not that much of an issue. They were a couple, after all, and it’d be expected they might sneak off for a rendezvous in the bushes. It’d add to their reputation and aside from the giggles and chortles, wouldn’t cause much of a fuss.
Blake and an unknown woman—again, not a surprise. The gossip would rise and fall in waves because he was single and it was expected of him. After all, he was Blake Wittsworth.
But this . . . this was about to change all of their lives.
Emily came to a stop before the door. She threw her head back, the long loose hair framing her face like a wedding veil. The flowers Dane had given her were tightly gripped in her hand, both of them holding onto the hydrangeas as if they were made of gold.
Emily smiled and looked to her left, at Dane.
Then to her right, at Blake.
“Let’s do this,” Emily said.
She led both men in.
Emily couldn’t help thinking back to the old Western movies where the stranger would walk into the bar and the music would stop, and all of the card players and dance girls and gunslingers would stop and stare at the newcomer.
This wasn’t anything like that.
It was a thousand times, a million times, more intense.
The musicians, God bless them, didn’t miss a beat and kept playing. She saw a few curious looks from the quartet, a raised eyebrow here and there, and she picked up a sour note or two. But for the most part, they stayed professional, although she knew they’d be nattering on their break.
The rest of the attendees, however . . .
Mind. Blown.
Most of them didn’t speak, their eyes taking in the image of Emily Pierson, shadowed by Blake Wittsworth and Dane Gordon, going to an empty table and sitting down. Her hair was loose and she was barefoot, her shoes dangling from the same hand that carried a bouquet of white flowers. The two men looked calm and relaxed. Blake’s shirt was half-open, suspenders hanging free while Dane’s shirt was buttoned almost to the top. He held a wrinkled tuxedo jacket in his hand that, if you got close, smelled of flowers and fresh-cut grass.
It was a hell of a sight.
Dane dug in his pocket. “I don’t think we’ll be needing this anymore.” He withdrew the car keys and tossed them to Professor Hattenberg, who was s
tanding nearby. “Would you mind taking this off my hands?” He glanced at Emily. “We’re flying out tonight.”
Emily couldn’t hold back a laugh as the academic stared at the keys, his mouth slightly ajar.
Dane smiled. “Consider it an unworthy start on how much we all owe you.”
The older man looked at Emily and nodded, a grin spreading across his face. “Go. Be happy.” He raised the keys in the air. “You three deserve it.”
Blake put his hands in his pockets and nodded. “Time to go. I’m feeling the need for some private time.” He glanced at the nearby clusters of people watching them. “We can make the yacht in plenty of time to set up for a sunrise viewing. After that, well . . .” He rocked back and forth on the balls of his feet. “We’ll take things as they happen.”
“Let’s get going.” She swept her arms around, feeling freer than she’d ever felt before. “I believe you said something about the sunrise?”
Blake grinned and took her left hand as Dane moved up on her right side to do the same. She gripped their fingers tightly and headed for the door.
A flash went off, then a second.
The tang of fear Emily had in her heart since leaving the grotto disappeared with each photo. She knew in seconds it’d be up on the social media pages and around the world, Emily Pierson with her two men.
And she didn’t care.
The night air washed over them as they strolled out to the helicopter waiting patiently on the grass, the soft blades brushing over her feet with every step.
Behind her she could hear the murmurs and the rustling, the cell phones held high and the cameras going off, flashes illuminating the dark field around them.
Blake brought her hand to his mouth and kissed her palm before releasing it. “Unfortunately, I need both hands to fly.” He looked at Dane. “No offense, but do you mind sitting in the back?”
Dane smiled and nodded. “As long as I get to be in front at some point later.”
Emily clapped her hands together as Blake opened the helicopter door and ushered her in.