“The sword missed the major organs. She was lucky. She could’ve bled out if it had been a few inches to either side.” Britt stood, a smile on her lips, as she stared directly at the aggressor. This one was Michel, she was almost sure of it. He was filled with a pain she could not touch. She was about to turn and leave, but felt the necessity to add something for Michel’s benefit. “But you, you have some wounds, yourself. Deep wounds. And the healer for those lies in this bed.”
Britt turned to Nicolas and Matthias. Both men smiled at her as Nicolas pulled her close. She felt exhausted, as over the last two days she had barely gotten any rest. She wobbled on her feet, even in Nicolas’ embrace.
“Are you okay?”
“I’m just exhausted.”
Thierry and Alain stood in the hallway, the latter resting along the wall, popping bits of apple into his mouth from his blade. Thierry looked pensive, his furrowed brow hiding how handsome he had been when he’d introduced himself. “Kadence?”
“She’s healed,” Matthias spit out from her side. “Britt needs to rest. We need to get her into a room.”
“No. Thierry was supposed to have answers for me. I’m tired of being kept in the dark.”
Thierry smiled. “My dear, we will have time for that tomorrow. We’ve all had a hell of a night. I, for one, could use a shower and a soft mattress. It looks as though you could use the same.”
“I’ve been waiting too long.”
“Aye, that you have. But one more night won’t be the death of you. It will be much easier to handle the truth if you’re rested.”
How in the world was she going to rest knowing her future was going to be determined by what he said? It looked as though she had no other choice. “Fine. Tomorrow, then.”
Matthias grasped her hand and led her up another flight of stairs. Rich, red brocade fabric glistened with hints of golden thread under her feet as she moved, soft lights glittering along the wall sconces. Nicolas opened a door to the right, his hand skimming the wall until the light was turned on. She eyed them both before she walked in. She wanted to sleep within both their arms, but at the same time wanted a moment of privacy, something she hadn’t felt she’d had in forever. A good night’s sleep, alone, would do her wonders.
The two men followed her in, their larger than life personalities filling up the large space. Her gaze floated over the large four-postered bed with silk bedding and the antique pieces all over the room. Ornate wardrobes and dressers littered the space, making it feel more like a museum than a home. Thankfully, the bed looked sumptuous, and she could imagine getting lost in the layers of thick bedding atop it. Getting lost sounded soothing. Not being here, in this moment, surrounded by the insanity she’d fallen into would be a cure-all.
Britt avoided Nicolas and Matthias. She waited for them to get the hint and leave, but they were being thick or obstinate, or perhaps a little of both. She lifted her gaze to each of them as they lounged against the back wall, both of them watching her with hooded glances.
“There’s a bathroom through the door on the left. There should be dry towels and a robe or two in there, if you wanted a shower before you went to bed.”
Britt looked longingly at the door. A shower was definitely on the agenda. “Where are your rooms?” Perhaps that would be a stronger hint for them to leave.
Both men turned to one another for a split second before their gazes locked on her. Matthias stepped closer to the door. “This is Nicolas’ room when he stays. My room is across the hall. Come find me if you need anything.”
Nicolas remained in the spot along the wall, silently appraising her. “Do you want me to find elsewhere to sleep?”
“Yes.” She did, yet didn’t. He rose to his full height and headed for the door, no questions asked. “Wait.”
Nicolas turned and faced her, one brow raised in question.
“Do you agree with Matthias?”
His eyes rounded as he apparently caught her meaning. She didn’t want to spell it out for him, as saying the word whore would have been too difficult. His expression softened as he gazed at her. “Not hardly, but in his defense, he was raised in another time.”
“As were you. That doesn’t excuse what he said.”
Nicolas moved closer, drawing her into his arms. His firm embrace was warm and loving. As she melted into his heat, he dropped a kiss to her forehead, and the connection came alive. The conduit of emotions and sensations was a bridge linking them together. Britt felt tears spring to her eyes. This was a closeness she didn’t want to forgo. The thought of never being this close to either of them was heartbreaking.
“No, it doesn’t excuse what he said, but he hasn’t accepted the changing of time as easily as I have. He’s much too serious. I have embraced the changes through time more readily than he has and enjoyed the world around me. Matthias shies away from the world, preferring to be a silent witness than a willing participant. So, in some ways, he still holds on to some of the old tenants. Someone needs to open his eyes to what the possibilities could be.”
“I discussed it with him, his mind seemed set. I won’t fight him on this, but then that puts me in an awkward position. If I turn to you, I ruin your friendship. If I walk away, none of us finds happiness.”
“Britt, you are a woman beyond compare. You’re stronger than any female I’ve ever met. Don’t give up on what could be. Go to him.”
“I tried. I won’t chase him. If he can’t accept this, then it’s all our loss.”
“You would walk away so easily?”
“Easily? It will be the hardest thing I ever do.” Britt moved into Nicolas’ embrace, needing to feel his strong limbs around her. Perhaps she needed one night, one night to forget there would be no tomorrow for them. She nuzzled his neck, smelling the masculine scent of him.
Nicolas’ lips found hers, his rough kiss searing her nerve endings, the sensation sizzling to the tips of her toes. He drew her even closer, molding his large body along hers, allowing her to feel every inch of him. His cock grew against her belly, letting her know he was ready for more than her kiss, he wanted her body. She wanted him as well, but feared pushing Matthias further away. Britt pulled from his insistent mouth, her mind on only one man. Unfortunately, it wasn’t the one in her arms.
“I want you more than I can put into words, Nicolas, but without Matthias, it doesn’t feel right.”
“He had you alone on the plane. I had to listen to the two of you, wanting to join you and couldn’t.”
“I’m sorry.” Matthias had wanted her to choose, and she’d been incensed. It seems she had chosen all along. “You mean a lot to me, but I can’t be with you without him.”
Nicolas stared at her for a long moment, a wash of disappointment running over his face before he caught the emotion and hid it away. “I’ve lived a long life filled with folly, running after wine, women, and song. Matthias was always the strong one, his shoulders bearing the weight of more than they ever had to. He has never found love. Of either of us, he deserves the happiness you could provide. I will walk away; I know the connection you share with him is stronger. Better that one of us hurts than all of us. Go to him.”
“I don’t want any of us to walk away.” She felt a strong connection to them both, but what he said wasn’t a lie. There was definitely a stronger pull toward Matthias. “But you would do that for him?”
“I would do that for you both. He’s laid down his life for me in the past, on multiple occasions. I’d lay down my heart for him to find the happiness he deserves.”
The door to her room opened. Matthias entered and rested his shoulder on the corner of the wall, looking to them both. “Perhaps none of us have to walk away.”
Surprise filled her as his words penetrated her exhaustion-addled mind. “You said—”
“I said a lot of foolishness.” Matthias stepped closer to them both and then took Britt’s hands in his. “I’m sorry for what I said. I never meant to imply you were anything but the incredibl
e woman you are.”
Nicolas snickered at her side. “How long have you been at the door listening?”
“For most of it. At first, I waited to see if she’d kick you out. I hoped for it. Then I was about to burst into the room in a jealous rage and make a complete ass of myself. Fortunately, I was able to control myself and hear what you both said. It made me realize I was the only thing in the way of our happiness. I don’t want any of us to walk away.”
Matthias opened his arms for her, and she rushed in, his arms enveloping her. She inhaled his musky scent, the smell firing her up immediately. Nicolas moved in behind her to enclose the gap. She was the center of their warm cocoon, and she knew it was the only place she ever wanted to be.
Nicolas left them for a moment, and she heard the tub filling behind her. Matthias kissed her and started propelling her backward toward the bathroom, his lips never leaving hers. In mere moments, she was naked, goose bumps skittering along her skin as a draft of cold air wafted over her belly. Matthias’ warm palm traveled over the spot the chilled breeze had traveled, warming her.
Matthias lifted her off the ground and placed her in a warm bubble bath, quickly grasping a cloth and soap to wash her sore limbs. Nicolas unclothed as she watched, her pussy growing warm as he stripped for her, his eyes on hers. He slowly bared his skin for her, enjoying each moment of the display as Matthias teased her hardened nipples with the soft cotton in his hand. Nicolas stepped into the glass-enclosed shower, steam swirling around him as the water sluiced down each hardened curve of his muscled body.
His gaze never left hers as he washed his own cloth over his nudity, paying much attention to his growing erection. Matthias nuzzled her neck as he continued to wash her stomach, each circle of the cloth going farther down to where she wanted his touch most. Britt arched her back as he barely dusted across her clit, the sensation amplified by her staggering need. The next swipe brought the cloth fully against the tightened nub, as Nicolas’ cock filled to full size. His cock was long and thick, with heavy veins protruding along the shaft. He dropped the towel to a hook and continued to move his hand along the length as Matthias worked his hand over her clit, this fingers pressing firm circles over the hood.
Nicolas was a total exhibitionist, enjoying her prying eyes and his body on show. The longer she looked without breaking her stare, the hotter he seemed to get. The hotter he got, the more turned on she became. She’d never watched a man pleasure himself and found it very appealing. Perhaps it was who it was, not the act itself. She wanted to see Nicolas pleasured, and if being watched was his fetish, then she would watch all he wanted. Matthias’ touch and lips only made it that much more out of control. Sensation swirled within her, and she noticed a glow coming from the bath. She broke Nicolas’ stare for a brief second to see her skin softly glowing.
As her illumination grew, it shimmered along his body, allowing her to see his motions better. His hand pumped along the shaft, squeezing the purple head with each upstroke. His feet lifted off the tiled floor each time he reached the bulbous tip. He lifted one palm to the glass to steady himself as the sensation grew. She teetered close to the edge, and she knew he did as well. Moments later, his cock erupted, his thick semen spreading along the glass wall. The look of pure rapture on his face was enough to push her over the edge, her body convulsing against Matthias’ hand, a scream dragging from her throat.
Nicolas washed himself and the window with the stream from the showerhead, smiling at her as he did it. Matthias leisurely washed her rubbery limbs as Nicolas left the shower and dried off. The two men then traded places, Nicolas dropping to his knees beside her as he took the washcloth from Matthias.
Matthias began to disrobe, his back to her as he did so. He wasn’t the exhibitionist Nicolas was. A smirk came to her lips at his modesty, something he had no reason for. His body was thick and muscular, perfectly formed. As he took off his pants, his rounded buttocks screamed for her fingers to pinch them, hold them close as he plowed deeply in her pussy. She needed him to turn and show his body; she needed him to allow her eyes to inspect him. She’d seen him semi-nude on the plane, but now, she wanted a full show.
She nearly came again when he finally turned.
His hooded gaze met hers, but she quickly looked away, too intent on seeing his thick cock. It swung like a meaty vine between his massive thighs. Her fingers itched to touch him, taste him. He stepped behind the glass, the heated water still steaming. He quickly washed his body as she watched, his gaze unable to keep hers. His shyness was attractive and showed a new side to him. Matthias was big and strong, forceful in all he did, but his swagger ended the moment he was naked before her.
He soaped his limbs and abs, the suds sliding off and catching in the nest of light hair surrounding the base of his cock. Once he was finally through, he captured the hefty shaft in one hand and spread the bubbles over the length of it. His stare eventually caught hers, and she felt the rising need within her as he moved his grip along the shaft.
Nicolas dropped the washcloth, and his hand found her pussy, two fingers spearing inside the opening. He surged forward, stroking the inner walls of her channel as Matthias leaned in to the glass wall, his shyness slowly evaporating as she watched his hand move over his shaft. Nicolas soon found her g-spot within her, just under her clit, and massaged the area with two fingers. His come hither motion brought a cry from her lips, the sensation overpowering.
Within three strokes, she came violently, a sweeping rush of wetness easing from her pussy as she crashed along Nicolas’ hand. Her eyes closed briefly as the sensation washed over her, but she soon had Matthias in her stare, and he followed behind her, his cum shooting from the broad tip of his cock.
Britt could barely breathe as she recovered from her second orgasm. Her body felt weightless in the cooling water. Nicolas lifted her in his arms and lowered her to her feet as he gently dried her body. Her knees wobbled, and she could barely stand. Matthias finished drying himself and then stood behind her, his semi-hard cock hot against her lower back. She leaned into him, allowing him to support some of her weight so she wouldn’t fall.
Matthias lifted her as soon as Nicolas finished drying her, and he walked to the massive bed in the center of the room. Matthias lowered her to the bed and pulled the covers back to let her slip in. Nicolas rounded the bed to the other side, and both men slid in beside her, surrounding her with their heat and caresses. She slipped into sleep before she even knew it.
Chapter Ten
Matthias watched Britt sleeping in his arms, the moonlight coming through the stained glass window above the bed shooting different shades along her ivory skin. He couldn’t sleep, knowing that tomorrow would come much too fast. Nicolas was quick to pull her into the fold, oblivious to how she may or may not react when she learned the truth. She continued to ask for a return to her old life, but she also sensed she belonged with them, so she possibly realized the truth subconsciously. Even if they gave her what she asked for, she would be in danger for the rest of her life. There was no way they could leave her life up to chance, but she may fight them on it.
He wasn’t looking forward to her reaction. He’d already told her the truth, but she’d shrugged it off. Nicolas’ half-truth hadn’t helped either. It had always been part of Nicolas’ politician nature. He would rather discuss an outcome than fight for it. Tomorrow, they’d have a fight on their hands, for sure. Matthias caressed Britt’s face as she slept. He was amazed at how soft she was yet how strong.
A woman was a weakness. He knew it in his heart and soul, knew it was better for him to just walk away, but he couldn’t. Not only was she a weakness, but she also made him weak. He didn’t much care for the sensation. A week ago, he’d been a killing machine, and now this tiny female had him wrapped around her little finger. And not just him. She’d brought two violent immortal Templar Knights to their knees.
He trailed a finger along her supple bottom lip, loving the feel of its silkiness against his roughened
tip. Fear grew in his chest the longer he watched her, knowing the largest hurtle was before them. Dawn began to break, the sky lightening in the heavens above them. The colors spreading across her body began to intensify as moonlight was replaced by sunlight in the prisms of colored glass in the window above.
She was glorious.
“Have you slept at all?” Nicolas whispered.
“No. I couldn’t. We have a big day ahead of us.”
“She will accept the truth.”
“You’re so certain. I’m not. She wanted to go home yesterday. After she hears the news, she may be ready to go again.”
“She also wants to be with us.”
True enough. Would they be enough reason for her to stay? Matthias had never held on to happiness for very long. He’d been ripped from his mother’s bosom, the last woman who’d shown him any real affection, and he’d had that love beaten out of him over the years. He’d been taught the world was a dark, cold place and there was no room for love in it for him. Even if you found it, it would be taken from you. He’d accepted these hard truths and kept his heart hidden for seven hundred years.
And then Britt had come along, with her touch that pierced his very body and soul. She’d seen inside him, saw the man he was and didn’t cower from it. But once she learned all the truth, all bets were off.
Nicolas rose and began to dress as Matthias held Britt closer. He lowered his head to place a chaste kiss on her lips, but couldn’t help deepening it, her mouth so tender to his touch. She sleepily responded, her mouth moving on his as her hands began to wind in his hair.
“What a seductive awakening. I think I like it.” Britt smiled against his lips, and he leaned back. Her stomach interrupted them with a gurgle. She snickered. “Some food may be in order.”
****
Britt felt the tenseness of both the men flanking her at the enormous table. All the males but Gabriel and Michel were there, Kadence still sleeping off the effects of her healing. Quiet conversation filled the grand dining room as a servant brought out more breakfast foods to a sideboard set up against the backdrop of the valley below. Verdant green leapt for miles, with sprigs of spring flowers interspersed through the foliage. The view was spectacular, although the room they sat in was just as spectacular. Twenty-foot ceilings with windows spanning most of it along one wall allowed them to soak up the morning sun, the light glittering and sparking against four large chandeliers lined along the length of the room.
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