by Marie Carnay
He steered her out of the empty reception room and into the hallway, but Jess pushed at his arm. Holt needed to listen, not try and get in her pants.
“I’m serious. We need to talk about this.”
“Talk about what?” Gage smiled as he walked up to the pair of them. “Is something the matter?”
Thank God. Gage would understand the urgency. “Yes. Nicky Gordon is buying under the MacIntosh umbrella, but then he’s doing something with it that doesn't seem right.”
“It’s probably just another move to delay the sale. He’s always coming up with something.” Gage fell in step on Jess's other side and slid his arm around her waist.
Wrapped up together, they all three walked down the hall, but Jess wasn't ready to give up on Gordon. She turned to Holt. “It’s more than that. I think he’s up to no good.”
“Whatever it is, it can wait until the morning.” Holt’s arm slid lower to cup her ass. For once, she wished his touch didn’t turn her on.
“Stop it. I need you to listen to me.”
Gage stroked her side. “We’ve both spent the entire evening listening and smiling and pretending to care. Right now all we want is to stop talking.”
They were as bad as Harvey back at NNT. No one ever wanted to discuss her neighborhood. “I really think you’ll want to hear about this.”
Gage’s voice rumbled from deep in his throat. “Stop. Talking.”
At the exit to the building, Gage paused. He turned toward her and before Jess said another word, Gage had boxed her in, chest brushing hers as he backed her into Holt.
The three of them were locked together, one brother behind, one in front, both dominating her space and thoughts. They consumed her whole world.
Damn. She opened her mouth, but Gage kissed it shut.
“I don’t want to hear any more about Nicky Gordon tonight.”
Holt nuzzled her ear. “Neither do I.”
She tried to steel her expression and keep calm. But the more they crowded against her, the less fight that remained.
Holt ran his hands over her ass and Gage leaned in to kiss her again. One touch of his lips on hers and she surrendered. They were right. Nothing could come of what she’d learned at two in the morning.
At last, Gage pulled back. His dark eyes swirled with heat and passion, so different from how he looked at the rest of the world. “Have we convinced you?”
Jess made a motion like a lock turning across her mouth and Gage smiled.
“Excellent. Our car is waiting.” Gage pushed the door open and tugged Jess out into the night with his brother on their heels.
Chapter 18
GAGE
He’d vowed not to let this woman dominate his thoughts. But Gage had failed right from the start. One look at Jess in that dress with Holt’s arm draped around her and Gage lost control.
All those sexy curves, the midnight laugh echoing through the empty room, the sparkle in her eyes. Giving Jess up wasn't an option. Not now.
Tomorrow would be another day. Clawing back the veneer of control was easier in the daylight. In the morning, he could pretend she didn’t consume him. Own him. But tonight, Gage was giving in to Jess and the promise of an impossible future.
They fell into the limo in a tangled-up mess, Jess on top, Holt right behind.
Lips on lips. Hands roving everywhere.
Gage pulled Jess across the bench seat of the limo, her creamy skin soft beneath his fingers. Fuck. Every inch of her begged to be caressed. Gage grabbed the hem of her dress, bunching the silk in a pool around her waist.
Thank God the penthouse was only a few minutes away.
Every tug on the fabric exposed more leg, more luscious skin he needed to stroke and kiss. At last, her thigh came into view and Gage dove for it, slipping his hand between her legs, higher and higher until Jess moaned. Mmm.
“I bet you’re wet for us, aren’t you? Soaking through those panties at just the thought of my tongue dipping inside you, tasting you. Holt’s body pinning you down.”
Gage found the edge of her underwear and followed the trail of satin until he wedged his fingers beneath the fabric. “Just what I thought. You’re dripping.”
He knew it was reckless—every word from his lips an admission of how much she controlled his every move. Not an hour went by where he didn’t want to drop everything and rush to her. Strip them both bare and lay his soul out for her pleasure. Gage had fallen for the same woman as his brother.
Holt wasn’t the only one in love. Too bad it could never be. Gage rose up and kissed Jess’s earlobe while his brother slid over. Holt reached out and stroked her breast. As his thumb circled around her nipple, Jess spread her legs, surrendering to them both.
In a fevered rush, Gage tugged her panties to the side and sunk two fingers into her slippery heat. Damn. Drenched was an understatement. He ran his fingers through her folds, up and down, stroking her clit before dipping back inside.
Jess reached out, grabbing hold of both men’s thighs as she opened wider. Yes. Show us you want us. Show us you need us.
Holt took her jaw in his hands, turning her toward him before capturing her mouth. She moaned and Gage zeroed in on her clit. Around and around he rubbed, teasing her, ramping her up, pushing her toward an orgasm in the back of their limo.
Jess cried out and bucked into his hand as Holt tugged down the front of her dress, freeing one of her breasts. Fucking spectacular. Gage would never tire of her body or the way she responded to their touch.
Holt broke their kiss and dove for her breast, lapping the puckered nipple into his mouth, sucking hard and flicking fast. Jess’s panting turned to gasps and Gage increased his efforts, teasing her clit over and over as the limo turned a corner. Almost home. He reached up with his free hand, pulling her face down for a punishing kiss as he pinched her clit.
Jess groaned into his mouth, her orgasm flooding her body as the car pulled into the drive. As she came down, he pulled back and tugged her panties into place. “Looks like we’re home.”
JESS
Oh my God. The last wisps of her orgasm faded as the limo door opened. Holt stepped out and took her hand. “How about you hold onto me? You need the support.”
Everything rushed by in a blur. The private elevator. The marble entryway. The view of Central Park. Everything a pair of billionaire brothers took for granted. Things she’d never dreamed of.
Jess wasn’t a celebrity or a spoiled little rich girl. She was an average researcher making ends meet in Atlanta. She didn’t even have a pet. Twenty-six years old with no boyfriend and no lasting relationship after her father died. Nothing but a best friend who told her over and over to take a chance.
Here she was, taking all the chances. The three of them stumbled into Gage’s bedroom with the view of the New York lights out the window. The city winked at her, sparkling little gems of encouragement as Gage tugged her dress to the floor.
Somehow in the past two weeks, she’d opened her heart and let Holt and Gage take up residence. She might tell herself that it was only a fling, but she knew better.
Gage spun her around in his arms, lips landing on hers with an urgency to match her own. God, the man could kiss. Soft and slow, deep and sensual. He slid his hands up her back and swiped his tongue across her mouth, demanding entry.
Jess opened with a moan, letting him in to lap at her tongue and tease her higher. As Gage kissed her breathless, Holt’s hands landed hot on her bare skin. Oh, God. The MacIntosh brothers were overwhelming. Why had she ever tried to keep them at arms length?
They weren’t just eye candy or a fun fling. She was in love with them both. Gage with his cool exterior and fiery eyes. Holt with his heart on his sleeve and hair sticking up in every direction.
She wanted to stay wrapped up in their arms forever, not for only a few more days. Jess knew it was crazy. She knew it would never work out. Two men? Brothers, no less? It was beyond inappropriate. It was wicked.
How could she hav
e room for both of them in her heart? How could she want them both so much, so equally?
Gage ran his hands over her sides as Holt slipped his fingers beneath her panties. It didn’t matter how ridiculous or inappropriate it all sounded. Jess loved the MacIntosh brothers, and tonight she would show them just how much.
Holt pushed her panties to the floor as Gage reached behind her to unclasp her bra. There she was, naked and exposed.
Before it always made her shy and insecure. Not anymore. Not with both of them.
Gage stepped back to shed his clothes and Jess watched in appreciation. Hard, sculpted muscles. Smooth skin. A body to worship.
Holt was no worse. The sound of his shoes hitting the floor made her turn. Where Gage was lanky and lean, Holt was solid and strong.
Both honed from hard work and dedication, both more than ready for her. Holt’s cock bobbed in the air as he slipped off his pants, thick and sturdy like the rest of him. He motioned toward the bed and she turned back around in time to catch Gage tossing his clothes on a chair.
His cock stood tall and proud and impossibly hard. Jess inhaled. She needed them both. She never thought she’d want two men. Who would? But the MacIntosh brothers made her forget her insecurities and fears. Together they made her soar.
As Gage fished condoms out of a drawer, Holt led her to the bed. He climbed on and caught the foil package his brother threw his way.
Jess hesitated. Now was her chance. Ever since they started down this road, she had wanted them together. Both brothers at once. But would they want to? Did she have the courage to ask?
“You’re thinking something.” Gage’s voice landed softly in her ear. His nose nuzzled her sensitive neck.
Jess nodded.
“Tell us.”
She bit her lip and glanced at Holt. He’d already donned a condom, his cock eager and ready. “I want you both.”
“I thought we’d established that.” Gage’s tongue tickled her earlobe.
“No. Not like before. I want… you at the same time.”
Gage’s hand trailed up her thigh and swirled around her ass. “You mean you want us both inside you?” He reached between her legs and coated his fingers in her cream before slipping one inside. “Here.”
She nodded.
Gage eased his finger free and trailed it back to the place she never dreamed of letting a man go. “And here.” He pressed against the puckered flesh, easing his finger inside. Oh, yes. A wave of pleasure, dark and heady, swept over her and Jess fell forward, her hands braced on either side of Holt.
“Yes, please.” Her voice sounded so quiet and far away, like she’d already left her body to float in a sea of bliss.
Gage pumped his finger, deeper and deeper inside her ass as Holt reached forward to find her clit. His fingers stroked the little nub while his brother worked her from behind. Jess arched her back for more.
Gage slipped a second finger past her tight ring and Jess shuddered. “She’s ready.”
His fingers slipped out and Jess reeled from the loss. She moaned and Holt pulled her toward him.
“Come, ride me, Jess. We’ll give you what you need.”
She nodded, crawling up the mattress before swinging her leg over Holt’s thighs. He reached up to stroke her breasts as she positioned herself above him.
“Are you sure?”
She met his hooded stare and nodded. “I am.”
“Then fuck me, Jess. Take me like you want to.”
She sank down in an instant, impaling herself on his length, and Holt groaned. “Mmm. Just like that.”
He pulled her down on top of him again and thrust, bucking up into her and sinking his cock to the hilt. As he ran his hands down her back, Gage slipped off the bed.
Up and down, side to side, she worked Holt, riding him like he’d asked. Her own need spiraled out of control. As Jess closed her eyes, Gage crawled back onto the bed, kneeling behind her. His hand slipped between her ass cheeks and a slippery wetness made her gasp. Lube. She smiled and leaned over, kissing Holt as Gage positioned himself.
He nudged against her tight little ring and she tensed until he slowed. “Relax, Jess. I’ll go easy.”
She nodded against Holt’s lips and Gage pushed with gentle pressure until her body opened up for him. His hands wrapped around her front, massaging her breasts as he pushed deeper and—Oh my God. His cock slipped inside and Jess was overwhelmed.
Their thick muscled bodies were everywhere. Above and beneath her, filling her and rocking her whole world.
Holt pulled back and thrust and all she could do was hold on. She grabbed him by the shoulders, digging her nails into his skin as she broke their kiss. “Harder, Holt. Fuck me harder.”
He grunted his agreement, pulling back and picking up speed as he filled her up. Every roll of his hips sent him deeper, and every pull back brought her down on Gage’s length. She was riding a wave of cocks and sweat and sex and she’d never been more complete. Free.
If she could have these two men in her life and in her bed, she’d stop being the wallflower. She would live her life in the spotlight. It would be worth the pressure to have two men who accepted her and let her be herself.
Holt groaned and shifted her body, angling his hips so every thrust slammed against her clit. Jess was so swollen and sensitive already, she cried out as the pleasure flooded her. From above and below, bliss hit her in waves and her muscles clenched.
Gage mumbled behind her, words tumbling from his lips and into her shoulder. He shuddered and came and Holt came with him, thrusting hard as he dragged her body closer. She shook and trembled and the world fuzzed into spiraling colors and wonder. She’d never get over that high.
At last, Gage and Holt slipped away, and she collapsed onto the sheets. To feel like that every night… She tugged a pillow toward her and a blanket slipped up around her shoulders. She wasn’t going anywhere. Not tonight.
Holt crept up, naked warmth heating her back and Gage did the same on the other side. With their bodies tucked in around her, everything felt so right.
The relentless buzzing was driving her insane. Jess reached out, palm flat on the bedside table, slapping around to turn it off. Her phone shook beneath her hand. Damn it. Who’s calling this early?
She picked it up and squinted at the screen. The texts kept coming. One after another after another, so fast the words blurred together. She swiped the phone open as another popped up, this time with a photo.
Oh, no. She clicked on the picture and almost dropped the phone. Everything is ruined.
Chapter 19
JESS
This can’t be happening. Jess tucked herself into a corner of the kitchen and pried open her laptop. The guys were still passed out down the hall and they needed to stay that way.
She clicked on the link Wendy had been hammering her email and phone with for the past two hours. Oh, God. It was worse than she realized.
The headline splashed across the screen in garish neon yellow: Billionaire Brothers Back to Their Old Tricks!
Right below it, a grainy photo of two men and one woman all tangled up together. From the angle of their jaws to the deep purple of her dress, there was no mistaking it: the tabloid had a photo of Gage, Jess, and Holt doing very naughty things.
She stared at Holt’s lips on her neck and Gage’s hand on her hip for so long, everything blurred into a sea of bad decisions. How had she been so careless?
The photo had been taken with a telephoto lens through the door to the reception hall. Jess closed her eyes and remembered the moment. Right before they tumbled into the New York night and the waiting limo. She’d been talking, trying to get them to listen.
But one press of Gage’s body against her and Jess gave up. She let them carry her away into this other world. A place where she was free to love and desire and satisfy her wants without a second thought.
She shifted on the bar stool just remembering it. Last night might have been the best sex of her life, but it mea
nt nothing if the media descended like vultures. She ran a search for her name.
So far not a mention.
The tabloids hadn’t connected the dots all the way back to her, but they would. It was only a matter of time. Jess hung her head. She knew it was too good to be true.
Every minute she spent with the MacIntosh brothers has been borrowed time, and now real life was calling.
Literally.
The phone’s ring jolted her out of the train wreck and she answered without thinking. “Hello?”
“Tell me it’s not true. Tell me that’s not you in that photo.”
Jess rubbed her temples. “Hi, Harvey. Good morning to you, too.” It was as good as an admission.
“Oh, Jess. How could you?”
“I didn’t plan it, if that’s what you’re wondering. It just sort of happened.”
“They are your assignment.” The disappointment in his voice was plain. “I expected more from you.”
“I’m sorry, Harvey.” Her boss was silent for too long. Jess sat up straighter on the stool. “It won’t impact my reporting, you know that.”
“This isn’t easy for me, Jess. You should have been a top-line reporter.”
“What does that mean?”
Harvey sighed. She could see him now, leaned back in his desk chair, shirt collar open, tie tugged to the side. His silence only meant one thing. “I’m sorry, Jess.”
“No, Harvey, listen. You don’t have to do this. I told you, I can be impartial. If you don’t want me associated with the piece, I understand, just let me hand what I’ve done over to someone else.”
“It’s not that simple.”
Panic percolated in her gut. She’d never known how much the job meant until that moment. “Please, Harvey. Give me another chance.”
“This isn’t about you, Jessica. It’s about the network’s reputation. NNT can’t be seen as a puppet for its new owners. We are a serious news organization. If I don’t let you go, we’ll lose all credibility.”