by Calista Fox
“Thank you,” Lily said, her stomach fluttering. “Are you enjoying the party?”
She’d seen him swarmed by people earlier. And there was no shortage of beautiful women hanging on his every word. Until he’d slipped away.
“It’s a great turnout,” he said. “But I had some business with my manager to discuss.” He raised his other hand, indicating his phone.
“On New Year’s Eve?”
Jax chuckled, a low, sensuous sound that caressed her soul the way his music did.
“Yes. There are a lot of details to firm up for the studio recording and the international tour.” He seemed to deliberate this or that for a few moments, then caustically added, “Lex and I were hoping by tonight we would have reached a juncture where we could give these people—close friends, critics, fans—a taste of what we have planned for the new CD. Unfortunately, we’re nowhere near that.”
Her head tilted to the side as she regarded him thoughtfully. “Your music is stirring. Filled with emotion. From what I’ve heard so far, even more compelling than yours and Mr. Alexander’s past compositions. If you don’t mind me saying.”
Lily had to remember her place. Not get so caught up in Jax’s smoldering pewter gaze.
So she covered her tracks by telling him, “Of course, you’re obviously both perfectionists. And I’m honored to be privy to the development of the new arrangements.”
Jax sipped, then said, “You immediately get drawn in. I can see it on your face and in your eyes. And you lose your breath.”
“Yes.” There was no denying it or trying to hide it. He clearly saw her.
“That reaction is exactly what we want,” he admitted. “Yet we’re still falling short.”
“I just can’t imagine how—” Lily’s mouth snapped shut. Who the hell was she to share her opinion on this matter with him? Jackson Sterling. She shook her head. “My apologies.”
Jax’s gaze narrowed on her. “Lily. You’re my butler, yes, but that doesn’t mean I don’t value your opinion. If you have something to say, I’m not going to discount it. I told you I’ve noticed how the music moves you. That you . . .” He let out a low groan. “Regardless of being my employee, I didn’t miss the way you looked at me in my bedroom, either. And you didn’t miss the way I looked at you.”
A tremor rode the fiery sensation in her veins. Thank God there were no drinks on her tray, because she was suddenly nowhere near as steady as she’d been with her childhood friends Rogen and Vin. She clasped the edges of the smooth metal and held the tray flat against her waist with both hands, hoping Jax hadn’t seen the slight quiver of her fingers. Uncharacteristic of her. But this was risky territory.
Though she very earnestly said, “I consider myself extremely fortunate to have landed this job. Not just because the music is so darkly, richly haunting. But because I need it.”
Jax gave her a half nod. “Point taken.”
“I’m only here for two months.” She wasn’t sure why she’d brought that up. To warn him that her presence wasn’t permanent? Or . . . to encourage him that if he had any intention of making a move on her, it’d better be sooner rather than later?
Oh, you just had to go there, didn’t you?
She really could kick herself. Flirting with her boss? Seriously?
She’d been much more sensible the other night, making a hasty retreat after she’d gotten a solid glimpse at his naked torso. Ridiculously broad shoulders. Well-defined pectoral ledge. Cut abs. It really wasn’t fair to a woman’s senses for a man to be that magnificently built. She had no doubt Lex would double the viewing pleasure.
And that was her mental cue to move along before she issued a real invitation.
“If you’ll excuse me,” she said, all breathy again. “I have others to serve.”
“And I need to rejoin the party.”
They both remained where they were. Staring at each other for endless seconds.
Until Lily somehow found the good grace to break the eye contact and turn away.
She collected a scotch and rocks from the bartender, who’d been hitting on her all night, despite her actually demonstrating the utmost professionalism with him and the other staff. The guests. It was Lex and Jax that made her insides blaze and the most inappropriate thoughts and words spring to mind.
She delivered the cocktail to Lex, who was just as dashing in his designer tux as Jax was—and was engulfed by female admirers.
Despite his groupies, Lex grinned at her. “Sensational dress.”
“I’m glad you like it.”
He took her in from head to toe. And the sexual tension ratcheted up numerous degrees.
Trying to be cautious and conscious of what it was she might be silently putting into play, she left Lex with his fans and continued making the rounds.
Midnight approached, with the ceremonious countdown and a phenomenal display of elaborate fireworks over the bay. There were well wishes and kisses delivered.
Lily stood off to the side, doing her damnedest not to succumb to envy should Lex or Jax get caught up in the celebration with the women who flocked to them in droves.
Worse, she had to do everything in her power to keep from fantasizing about them whisking her into their arms and kissing her senseless. Either of them . . . both of them.
The party didn’t run too late, with the last of the guests departing just after one a.m. Lily prepped the men’s suites and then entered the music room while they changed into casual attire in their dressing rooms, since they’d informed her they intended to work this evening. She poured Pellegrino when they joined her, dropped in lime twists, and handed them each a cut-crystal tumbler. She’d already set out the glass coasters, one on the ledge of Lex’s piano and the other on an end table next to the conglomeration of Jax’s violins.
She remained unobtrusive, truly appreciative that they permitted her to stay awhile as they practiced, then debated this or that, then practiced some more. The stopping and starting didn’t faze her. She was thoroughly engrossed the whole time, even when replenishing their sparkling water.
About an hour in, Lex said, “Lily, take the rest of the night off. Your feet must be killing you.”
“I’ve been on them through plenty of double shifts. I’m fine.”
“Take it as an order,” Jax added with a pointed look.
Clearly the bossy one of the duo.
“Very well.” She carefully removed the diamonds, placed them on the linen napkin lining one of her trays, and put it on the grand piano. “I’m sure you’d prefer to keep these in your own safe overnight. I’ll bring the box by first thing in the morning.”
“Did you enjoy wearing them?” Lex asked, a roguish glimmer lighting his eyes.
“Very much. I was a bit worried I’d break a clasp or something, but otherwise felt rather princess-like. The dress is lovely as well. I’ll have it returned to my tailor, assuming that’s where it came from.”
Lex gave a nod.
“I’ll leave you both to your work, then.” She headed toward the entryway.
Before she passed through it, though, Lex told her, “Keep the dress and the shoes, Lily.”
She shot him a look over her bare shoulder.
“They’re perfect on you,” he said.
Her heart constricted at his kindness—and generosity.
But . . .
“I really couldn’t,” she contended.
“Consider it a bonus for a great performance this evening.”
“They’re both Prada and much too expens—”
“Keep the dress and the shoes, Lily,” Jax insisted in his deep, sensual tone. “You were flawless tonight. You earned them.”
Lily was almost too speechless to even say, “Thank you.” It came out low and shaky as emotion swelled in her throat.
She loved the dress. Couldn’t wait to wear it in Paris, because she owned nothing that could ever compare—nothing truly worthy of a special night out in la Ville Lumière.
Neither man had any idea they were making her dreams come true in so many ways. Causing tears to prickle the backs of her eyes.
Still reveling in her Cinderella moment, she gave them both a warm smile. Then left them so they could continue playing.
Chapter Five
Jax woke around six in the morning with a hot, pulsating erection and the vision of Lily crawling all over him blazing through his brain.
He’d been dreaming about her. Dreaming of her lying on top of him, her tongue sweeping over his muscles, her teeth tenderly biting his nipples, her wet pussy rubbing against his abdomen, coating his skin. Lex was behind her, carefully fucking that enticing ass Jax had been fantasizing about nonstop since she’d come to the mansion. Lily was moaning and her manicured nails were digging into Jax’s shoulders, driving him wild.
His hands were on her hips, not guiding her in any way because what Lex did to her rocked her body against his. Her warm breath teased Jax’s skin, getting him harder.
“I have to feel you, too,” she told Jax. “Inside me. Now.”
He groaned. Double penetration was the ultimate in pleasure as far as he was concerned. For all involved.
“Jax,” she urged in a raspy voice. “You want to fuck me, don’t you?”
“Yes,” he all but growled. His cockhead nudged her opening as Lex continued to pump slowly into her.
Her sharp pants of air filled the quiet room. Her breasts nestled below his pecs, her tight nipples rubbing along his sinew.
She gazed into Jax’s eyes and said, “I want you. So much. I want you and Lex to make me come.”
He pressed in. She cried out.
“Fuck,” he murmured as heat rushed through him. He couldn’t hold back and thrust fully into her, making her scream as the climax tore through her.
And he and Lex were not far behind . . .
As Jax lay staring up at the ceiling, he regretted not sending her away when he’d first thought of it.
Because now, he absolutely had to have her.
A few evenings later, Lily entered the music room wearing a sexy red satin gown that had been tailored for her. Halter-style, tight around the breasts and waist, then with a gradual flare at the hips that led into a flowing pool around her feet. She wore the diamonds again. Because Jax had arranged to keep them on loan awhile longer.
Lex’s idea of having their beautiful butler also serve an inspirational purpose—their muse, as he’d indicated—was not a notion Jax had gone along with initially. But he couldn’t deny that the passion he’d once felt for Katarina was reignited with Lily. And suddenly infused into his music. Since the party, his mind was clearer when it came to the compositions. He had a more acute sense of what it was he and Lex were trying to accomplish. And how to achieve it.
It wasn’t just his groin that was on fire—so, too, was his creativity.
Lily crossed to the wet bar, giving him a pretty smile along the way.
She really was too stunning for words.
Jax had his violin in hand, but his eyes remained on Lily. He wasn’t referring to sheet music at the moment. Just playing before Lex—who was presently showering—joined in. His friend was going to be on his knees when he saw Lily this evening. Her hair was pulled up on the sides, with the long, gleaming strands cascading down her back in soft curls. A few tendrils were left at her temples. She’d done her eye makeup with the smoky accent she seemed to prefer; it set off her tawny irises. Crimson lipstick once again enhanced her features and served as a provocative complement to her porcelain skin.
She set a snifter of brandy on the coaster by his violins. As she straightened, her gaze slid over him. Not as boldly as he would have liked. Apparently, she was a little off kilter with this new dynamic—the extravagant attire they’d requested she wear this evening, as they had with the party. But there was no mistaking the heat in her eyes.
Jax was in his usual late-night practicing mode with black drawstring pants and tank top. Lily’s gaze lingered on his abs, pressing against the tight material, before slowly rising to meet his.
He didn’t say a word. Just absorbed the nearness of her, the sensuality exuding from her, the deep breaths that had her chest expanding and her nipples puckering beneath the thin, smooth satin.
His cock twitched. It should be a wonder that he could concentrate on her and the music at the same time. But it came quite naturally and he found his desire for her permeated his senses and guided his movements, leading him into a slow, seductive rhythm as he drew the bow over the strings. And kept his gaze on her.
As though entranced, Lily sank into an armless chair, all the shimmering red material striking against the plush white furniture.
Tonight Jax wasn’t playing a composition for the CD. He was playing for her.
And it flowed effortlessly.
Something that had not happened from the time he and Lex had agreed to collaborate until she’d come to the estate. This wasn’t painstaking. Or agonizing. It was easy. Dramatic, yes, because that was what his music was all about. But it was just so damn intuitive to play for this captivated audience of one, who stirred his soul.
Still, Jax did notice when Lex quietly entered and sat at his piano—they were that instinctively connected to each other. He joined in. A simple complement to Jax’s stronger, poignant notes.
When they ended the piece, Jax was highly aroused.
And Lily was motionless, gazing up at him, her eyes misty.
Yes, there was definitely something to this muse idea of Lex’s.
Long drawn-out seconds stretched between them. Then Lily seemed to catch herself. She inhaled deeply, as though to get her emotions in check.
She pushed out of the chair and went directly to the wet bar to pour Lex a scotch.
Jax dragged his gaze from her and glanced over at Lex. Who looked pretty damn enrapt himself. Completely taken by her. As Jax was.
While Lily served the scotch, Lex said, “We have a proposition for you.”
“Oh?” Her brow crooked.
Lex told her, “We’d like to have more dresses ordered for you, if you enjoy wearing them.”
“I do,” she enthusiastically assured him. Though a heartbeat later, her tone dropped an octave and she more hesitantly said, “But I’m not sure why you had this one sent over earlier, since you’re not entertaining company this evening. It’s just the three of us.”
“Lex and I both agree that we need something to help us break through the musical block we’ve been experiencing,” Jax told her. “We both felt a surge of motivation when you arrived. Not just because of your natural response to the compositions—apparently we needed that sort of reaction from an impartial party we trusted. But also . . . there’s something very mysterious about you, Lily, that makes us both feel you can help us through the barriers that have kept us from elevating these particular arrangements to the next level.”
She glanced briefly at the crimson satin covering her. “So the gown isn’t just for eccentricity?”
Lex chuckled. “No.”
She frowned. More of a sexy pout, actually, that tempted Jax and made him burn to taste her lips. Not to mention other parts of her.
She said, “I’m not sure I fully understand what you’re getting at.”
“You seem to be the muse we’ve both been lacking,” Jax explained. “For years, to be perfectly honest.”
She contemplated this a moment before asking, “By wearing designer dresses and the jewels that came with security guards the other night?”
Jax grinned. “The store insisted we increase the insurance policy for the extended loan period and we were happy to do so. Not necessary, but if it keeps them from leaving their own people here twenty-four seven . . .”
Lily’s gaze lingered on him a few seconds more, then shifted to Lex. “I’m still not certain what you’re asking of me. Perform all my normal duties as butler, just at night, I’m to serve you all decked out?”
“Yes.”
“Well,” Jax int
erjected. “We’d be remiss, Lily, if we didn’t tell you that both Lex and I are attracted to you. Deeply attracted. And you should be aware of that before we proceed.”
“Proceed?” she cautiously inquired, though her eyes suddenly lit up. As though this was news she’d been hoping to receive. Still, there was no missing that she instantly weighed everything he and Lex had divulged thus far.
Lex gently told her, “You’re visually stimulating, Lily. In your uniform, yes. But all glamorous like this . . . you’re breathtaking. And that stimulation is what’s providing a renewed vigor for us. Inspiration, if you will.”
“Of course I’m happy to help you both, in any way I can,” she said in a slightly perplexed tone. “If it’s me in fancy gowns that sparks your creativity—”
“In an arousing way.” Jax cut right to the chase.
Lily gasped. And the fire in her eyes overpowered the uncertainty, spiking the testosterone coursing through Jax’s veins.
Trying to maintain an even tone, not let his own excitement skew this delicate matter, he carefully admitted, “You need to know all of this up front.”
Neither he nor Lex said anything further. Let her process their request and the very clear revelation of their mutual interest in her.
Jax suspected it was the best way to acclimate her to the situation—to the notion that he and Lex both desired her.
A three-way fascination could be an extremely tricky scenario, if all parties weren’t fully on the up-and-up. On the same page.
Eventually, Lex offered, “Technically, you’re on the clock in the evenings. So that presents a moral dilemma to consider. But mostly, we’d like you to sit. Listen. Absorb the music.”
“Why would that present a moral dilemma?”
Lex stood and closed the gap between him and Lily. He took one of her slender hands in his and earnestly said, “Because I don’t think Jax and I are the only ones aroused.”
Her mouth worked as though she were at a loss for words. But Jax didn’t believe that was truly the case—she’d flirted with him at the party, as a matter of fact. It was likely them openly discussing this subject that threw her for a loop.