The Strand Brothers Series: Complete Set

by Lora Ann

*****

  I entered Nik’s home and sauntered into his office. He sat staring at a glass of Jameson, perplexed. “What’s with that look?”

  He startled. Whoa, he’d been deep in thought. “I didn’t hear you come in. Sorry.”

  “Nik, you’re scarin’ the hell outta me.”

  His eyes shot to mine and that was when I saw how red they were. Drunk? He sure didn’t seem like it. When a stray tear ran down his cheek, I knew what was up. First thing that popped into my mind shot out, “Is Aimee okay?”

  “Yeah,” he rasped.

  I grabbed his shoulders, shaking. “Is the baby alright?”

  He nodded.

  I took a deep breath of relief. “What the hell, brother?”

  “I just…fuck.” He stood and began pacing. Both of his hands raked through his hair and pulled, emphasizing his anxiety.

  “Rachel?” I speculated.

  For a beat, everything went eerily still and silent. “She’s dead. I can’t bring her back.”

  “No. But you loved her very much. I would think it’s perfectly normal to think of her, considering.”

  “Aimee doesn’t need this.”

  “Your wife is an amazing woman who loves you. Have you talked to her about it?”

  The glare he shot me said it all. That’d be a fuck no. I waited him out. “She’s had morning sickness and I can’t put more stress on her.”

  Before I could speak up, the woman we were discussing replied, “Last I checked, we were in this together. Stop babying me and realize I love your ass and want to help.”

  I grinned at her and stood. “Hey there, sis.” Kissing the top of her head, I whispered, “Get him, girl.”

  Without a word she went to Nik, wrapping her arms around his waist. The sight alone was beautiful and intimate. I was an intruder on their private moment. My first inclination was to leave. Nik and I could catch up later. As I went to step out of the room, Aimee stopped me. “E, where are you going?”

  “Somewhere else so you two can work things out.”

  “Pfft…we’re family.”

  Nik’s deep, raspy voice carried across the room as he told her, “You are my life.” His hand rested on her low stomach and the love radiating off of them was a movie moment. Love like theirs was awesome and precious. Lacey and I had found it. Alex and Sofie had it too. My parents had left quite a legacy. Nik must have felt nostalgic also. “Momma and Dad made sure we all appreciated marriage and love. We will pass it on.”

  She cupped his jaw. “Damn straight.”

  He kissed her reverently before she left us alone.

  I poured myself a glass of vodka. “We are some lucky SOBs.”

  He nodded and took a seat. “So let’s discuss your honeymoon location.”

  Unable to contain the excitement, I stepped beside him and looked over his shoulder at the monitor. “Holy fuck. You own this?” Just so happened, Keeley had divulged this was a place Lacey always wanted to visit.

  “Just purchased it actually. Was going to take Aimee to check it all out, but with the pregnancy we’ll hold off.”

  “Not like you to buy sight unseen,” I pointed out.

  “True that. Yet when the deal of the century presents itself, you don’t walk away,” he beamed.

  I raised my glass. “Hear, hear.”

  After spending the afternoon hammering out the details, I couldn’t wait to see Lacey’s face. I’d purposely kept this from her, wanting it to be a surprise. Antsy for Saturday to hurry up and get here so she was officially mine, I decided to call Alex and workout. We met up at Golden Gate Park for a run. Felt amazing to get out and push my muscles. Yes, I was back. And my honeymoon was going to be fucking out of this world.

  Chapter Ten

  Lacey

  Exhausted and ready for my “big day” to get here. Plus my wonderful period had shown up, making me one mean bridezilla. Though Keeley had been right, at least it was before the wedding and honeymoon. Still, I went from bitch to weeping mess in two-point-two seconds flat. Good thing E was busy and we hadn’t been alone since my mother arrived. Sliding on the hooker boots, as my sister called them, to complete a little ensemble I had chosen to wear for the bachelorette party. Grateful to be on my light days so I no longer felt like a pufferfish. I did one last hair and makeup check before heading out to meet everyone in the hotel lobby. My mother had decided that it was inappropriate for me to stay at the penthouse with E. So I was now at The Strand with her and Keeley. Fun times.

  The elevator was taking fooooooorever and the only thing to really look at in the hallway happened to be my reflection. The leather boy shorts didn’t flash my goods but they were sexy. One of the many dancer outfits I had in my closet since E would no longer let me perform at the club. Only dancing I got in now was at the studio I taught at. At least it was hip-hop classes. Adjusting my girls one last time before the door to the car opened. E was standing there looking fine as hell as he held the doors open for me. “What are you doing here?”

  He eyed me and growled, “Where the fuck you going dressed like that?”

  “Out,” I stated.

  “The hell you are.” We were enclosed inside when the elevator began its decent. His hand slammed against a button suddenly. He pinned me against the wall as the car came to an abrupt stop.

  “E—” Silenced by his furious mouth on mine, I took everything he offered. His hands were roughly cupping my boobs as I raised my leg against his hip. He ground into my invitation. Friction and heat brought my moaned, “I need you.”

  With his forehead against mine, he rasped, “Fucking need to taste your pussy.”

  I stilled him with, “Shark week.”

  “Whatcha talkin’ ‘bout, sweetness?”

  That made me giggle, normally he’d say ‘Willis.’ Then it clicked, he had no idea what shark week was. “Girl code for I’m on the rag.” He stared at me stunned silent. Yeah, the stress and tension had made me uncensored. “Sorry. Should’ve said my period.”

  His booming laugh was contagious. “I like you sassy.” He calmed enough and continued, “Besides, I always thought ‘Aunt Flo is in town’ was code for that.”

  “Yes, we use that one too.”

  “Personally, I think ‘shark week’ is most appropriate.”

  My foot began to tap. “Really? And just what do you mean by that.”

  “Oh nooooooooo.” He cupped my jaw. “You’re beautiful. I love you no matter what time of the month it is. And this little outfit of yours…fuck baby, you’re smokin’ hot!” His lips captured mine once more as our tongues dueled for control. He pulled back breathless.

  The fact I could do that to such a virile man did things to me deep and low inside. “Why are you here?” I panted out.

  His gaze locked on mine. “Hell Lacey, I don’t care if you’re bleeding. I have to touch you.”

  I gnawed on my lip. “E, everyone is waiting for me in the lobby.”

  “For what?”

  “Bachelorette party.”

  “Ah, that’s right. My bachelor party is tonight, too.”

  I nodded, remembering. “Besides,” tracing his full lips with my thumb, “I won’t stop you if you start. I can’t begin our marriage with you pissed at me for letting you break your vow.” With his mouth against my cheek, he moved to my neck and bit. “Ow,” I squeaked before he soothed the sting with his tongue.

  “You. Are. Mine. Say it,” he growled.

  “Yes. I am yours. Always and forever yours.” I leaned forward, taking his bottom lip between my teeth until the copper of his blood could be tasted. His kiss turned ferocious as he devoured me. We broke apart gasping for air. His fiery, quicksilver gaze held mine. He didn’t have to say a word. His eyes were clearly communicating. “You marked me first. Seemed only fair I return the favor,” I answered with not a little sass.

  “I’m sooooo spankin’ your ass for this,” he said with promise, pressing the button to start the car moving again.

  Crap. That should
not have turned me on like it did.

  E reached over to adjust my black, satin bra that was visible through the sheer, red blouse. “Anyone lays a finger on you,” his hand raking through his hair, “or even looks at you—I’ll lay him out.”

  “Hey now, no going to jail and delaying our wedding,” I affirmed, stilling his hand. “I’ll be fine. My sisters won’t let anyone near me. Okay?”

  A nod of his head was all I could get before the elevator doors opened.

  Caught in the “whoops” and whistles from Aimee, Renée, Sofie, and Keeley I barely heard E’s, “Fucking ass is all mine, later.”

  God, the thought of that crop across my butt as he licked away the sting brought shivers over my body. Almost decided to use cramps as an excuse to stay at the hotel, until Aimee wrapped her arms around me and exclaimed, “Oh! I can’t wait to see what you think of tonight.” She was so adorable excited, how could I say no? This was her childlike side that I’d learned to adore. How she pulled off sweet and sexy at the same time was beyond me. Once the others joined her and champagne was placed in my hand, I was going whether E liked it or not. I caught a glimpse of him leaning against a far wall, arms crossed over his chest, watching with an expression I didn’t recognize.

  Keeley tugged my arm. “Come on, we have a stretch limo waiting.”

  I glanced sidelong, passing E, and could have sworn there was a twinkle in his eyes. Now that didn’t make a whole lot of sense. I must’ve misread it. Disclosure’s “Holding On” was pumping loud enough the limousine shook from the bass. Aimee and Keeley weren’t able to drink so the rest of us enjoyed our adult beverages, but no one got crazy. First place we hit was one of E’s clubs. I leaned into Aimee. “Making sure our men know we’re safe?”

  “They wouldn’t have it any other way,” she smiled.

  Renée added, “Ain’t that the truth. Girl, you don’t mess with Strand men and their ladies.”

  “Word,” Keeley chimed in.

  Sofie wrapped her arm around my shoulders. “Just learn to go with it, Lacey.”

  Yes, I knew they were right, but, for whatever reason, it ticked me off instead of making me feel loved and protected. What the hell was wrong with me? There wasn’t anything inappropriate with our men wanting us to have fun yet stay safe. Wow, my stress levels really were through the roof. I gulped down my champagne and refilled. Time to loosen up and enjoy myself.

  *****

  This wasn’t the club I’d worked at. In a more hipster part of the city, even the crowd was different. We made our way to the V.I.P. section as I took in my surroundings. Noticing this was a younger, upbeat clientele, more my age and most likely just there to dance. Doubtful there was a dungeon in this particular club or anything related to BDSM. Keeley confirmed, “This is one of E’s clubs strictly for dancing. They do have a ladies’ night though.” She winked, ordering a club soda with lime.

  I gasped, covering my mouth as it clicked, there were only women here. “Male dancers.” My incredulousness came through in my tone of voice.

  “Hell yes,” Keeley affirmed.

  The spotlight lit the stage I hadn’t noticed until then.

  The MC announced who was performing, but with all the screams I didn’t hear him clearly.

  The lights went low as the dancers took their places. The Weather Girls, singing “It’s Raining Men” as the scene from Magic Mike took place front and center. Sofie’s, “Oh my, God!” drew my eyes closer to the men on stage.

  But it was when Aimee said, “You’ve got to be shittin’ me,” that their hats came off and the umbrellas dropped.

  “No fucking way!” Keeley exclaimed.

  Renée clapped and hollered, “Take it all off, baby.”

  Aimee put her hand over Renee’s eyes. “Don’t you dare look at my husband that way.”

  My mouth was stuck in a permanent O. Just like the movie, guys were only shirtless, yet I was all too aware that E had skills. Well, to be fair, they all did. Made me think their marital arts background helped with that. And Tarius had some serious moves, taking the lead dancer role. “Holy crap, Kee, that man can bump and grind.” She licked her lips and watched in fascination.

  After the set was over, lights went low again and who I considered the actual performers did their solo acts. Up in our section though, our men joined us, dancing along to the music for our eyes only. They kept their pants on but were grinding all over their ladies, shaking their asses and family jewels. I sipped my drink and watched E do things with his hips that made me nearly beg for him to take me right there. They had managed to seclude each of us behind a curtain as Ginuwine’s “Pony” began to play. Watching my man move his body like that to such a sex driven song made me horny. When he ripped those pants off and gyrated in nothing but a G-string, I was pretty sure my panties were going in the trash. He rubbed his beautiful cock centimeters from my mouth. My God, the man was sex on a stick! And he was all mine. My hands were locked down by his on the arm rests of the captain’s chair as he continued to tease and flaunt his stuff before me. Right at the end of the song he pulled his cock free, tracing the outside of my mouth with the wet tip before he tucked it back inside and pulled his pants on. I licked his salty essence off my lips. Disbelief filled me as he opened the curtain and in my ear whispered, “Dream about that.” He then sauntered off with his brothers, but not before I noticed a big, shit-eating grin on his face.

  “Bastard,” I huffed, but there was awe in my voice too. Punishment like that could send a woman over the edge.

  Aimee was beaming as were the rest of them. Seemed I wasn’t the only one teased mercilessly. Realization hit that my sister wasn’t with us, neither was Tar with Nik, Alex, or E. Hmm…something told me Keeley had not shared the entire story about him.

  Later, I watched my sister dirty dancing with one of the paid dancers. My concern only ramped higher when she was suddenly encircled by two more. Their hands were all over her, and honestly, I couldn’t tell whose tongue belonged to whom as they were caught in some form of mating frenzy. Renee’s hand slid around my waist. “You want me to break that shit up, baby?”

  I turned into her. “It’s not her first rodeo.”

  “I feel you. But it is your party.”

  I glanced over at Keeley as she was being felt up on the dance floor by three men. “Excuse me.” I gave a watery smile to Renée and beelined for the ladies’ room.

  Aimee stepped out of a stall, wiping her mouth with some toilet paper. “Lacey! Honey, what’s wrong?” There was no containing the dam that broke. She’d most likely just thrown up and here she was comforting me. In some ways, she was more of a sister to me than Keeley.

  “Nothing. Just hormones.”

  Her hands went to her curvy hips. “Don’t bullshit me.”

  I sat on the sofa in the lounge area and grabbed a box of tissues. “You callin’ me out?”

  “Damn straight.” She rinsed her mouth out at the sink before sitting next to me. “Start talking.”

  I leaned my head on her small shoulder. “I do love you.”

  “Oh, Lacey, I love you too. Now what’s going on?”

  I sighed, “Keeley.”

  “She’s a wild one,” quickly covering her mouth, “Oops.”

  I chortled. “It’s true. No need to apologize.”

  “These pregnancy hormones cause a fog. I never seem to reel in what I shouldn’t say out loud.”

  I gave her a leveled look. “Aimee, you’ve never really been that censored.”

  “Well, crap.” She looked down and placed her hand on her low tummy. “Guess mommy can’t blame you for that, huh peanut?”

  There wasn’t baby bump yet, though I laid my hand over hers. “I can’t wait to hold you,” speaking softly, as if a sweet infant was already present in our arms.

  Her eyes were full of tears. “Ever since I saw peanut’s little heartbeat flashing on that ultrasound, I can’t seem to stop talking to my belly.”

  “I’d be the same way.” I tu
cked her hair behind an ear. “Just means you’re going to be an awesome mom.”

  “Sure hope so. I have the best. No way could I top her.”

  “Then don’t. Give little peanut exactly what she gave you. Love.”

  She hugged me hard. “Love is the greatest gift we can give anyone.”

  “Absolutely. And this family of ours has it in abundance.”

  She bobbed her head.

  Keeley entered the ladies’ room flushed. “Holy crap, Kee, you let them have their way with you?”

  She gave an indignant huff and disappeared into a stall. Aimee straightened and stood, walking over to where Keeley was at. Her tone was firm. “You, young lady, need a good old-fashioned spanking. This night is for your sister. Instead of celebrating and being happy for her, you’re off fucking men who won’t know your name when we walk out that door.”

  Keeley slammed the stall door open and stared. “Nice to know you all think so highly of me.”

  She marched towards the exit and paused. “For the record, I fucked no one tonight. Just had a little fun. Didn’t realize that was a crime in this family.”

  With that she left, and I knew my sister. Just to prove she could, some man or several men were going to have her tonight, and there wasn’t any way to stop her. Aimee shook her head and pulled out her cell phone, texting. When she finished, there was a huge grin on her face. “Problem solved.”

  “What did you do?”

  “Made sure Tar takes control of the Keeley situation.”

  “Oh my, God.” I covered my mouth on the gasp. “I’m not so sure that’s wise. She has a thing for him.” I paused and inquired, “He’s still here?”

  Aimee sashayed to the door. “Doesn’t matter if he’s here or not. He’ll get here PDQ. And in case you missed it, he has a thing for her too.”

  I stepped out into the main part of the club considering that. At least he was man enough to handle my sister. Still, he had his hands full. That was fact.

  Chapter Eleven

  E

  What Lacey and the ladies didn’t know was that we had stayed at the club. In another section few knew existed. Only time she’d left my sight was when she went to the ladies’ room. Nik was worried sick over Aimee. I hoped the two had met up in there and were just chatting in the lounge.