Centerfold

by Kris Norris

  He twisted slightly, aiming his gun at the corner, not that it mattered. To Candi, it would appear to be in Scarlet’s direction. “You heard her, Scarlet. You need to pay for what you did.”

  Scarlet shuffled over, holding up both hands as she slipped into his arms, mirroring the hold Candi had on Mary.

  “See?” Roman edged closer. “I have who should pay. Killing Mary isn’t going to bring you any peace. You need to end this. December’s the last month. It makes sense to skip ahead to who’s really responsible. The final month in the calendar.”

  The woman stared at them, alternating her gaze between the side of Mary’s head and Scarlet. Roman could see Candi’s indecision. The way her body seemed to twitch uncontrollably. Her brain was trying to compensate—somehow make the deal he’d offered her fit into her delusional plan.

  She screamed, still shaking her head. “It’s not right!”

  “No. But it makes sense. Scarlet’s the one you need. The one you should kill. You know you can’t kill all of them. Not now. So who do you want to finish this with? Ms. September?” He scoffed. “She’s nothing. Nobody. But Scarlet—she’s Ms. December. The least you can do is finish off the year. She’s right here.”

  Candi cocked her head. “You’ll give her to me?”

  “Of course. She betrayed both of us. All you have to do is shove Ms. September aside, and I’ll give Scarlet to you. And I’ll take the pictures.”

  She lowered her arm slightly, the knife pointing away when her eyes widened.

  Roman reacted, releasing Scarlet as she dove at Candi, grabbing the woman’s arm and reefing the knife away from Mary. He followed, shoving Mary aside then tackling the other woman to the ground. He grabbed her arm, knocking it against the floor until the knife clattered out of her hand.

  Aiden appeared off to his right as he retrieved the knife, offering Roman a set of zip straps. Roman helped flip the screaming woman over, securing her hands behind her back.

  “No. She’s mine! I have to kill her. She’s a whore. They’re all whores!”

  Her voice echoed through the space, the words becoming incoherent ranting. Aiden heaved her upright, spinning when beams of light filled the room. Roman glanced over his shoulder, smiling as additional agents filed into the room. They grabbed Nick off the floor where Aiden had left him then moved over to them, hauling Candi off, her voice still screaming out Scarlet’s name. One of them wrapped Mary in a blanket, leading her away as more light filled the area.

  Aiden kneeled beside them. “I’m afraid Mary’s partner didn’t fare as well. Nor Candi’s. Looks like Nick might have killed both men solo this time. His body’s over in the corner.”

  Scarlet sighed. “We were too late.”

  Roman cupped her chin, drawing her in for a quick kiss before shoving to his feet, taking her with him. She moved willingly into his embrace, her heart beating with his, nestling her head against his chest.

  He gave her a squeeze, resting his chin on top of her head. “We saved Mary. That’s something. And the rest of the models.” He tilted his head over to look at her. “I wasn’t sure you were going to like my idea.”

  “You mean the one where you offered to hand me over to her?” She snorted. “I’m thankful you never actually pointed your gun at me. That would have been grounds for a thorough ass-kicking.”

  “You could sure as hell try, darling.”

  “I have Aiden on my side. I don’t have to try.”

  Roman eased back. “He’s my lover, too. What makes you think he’ll side with you?”

  “Because I’m way cuter than you. And he wants my ass.”

  “He’s not the only one.”

  Roman looked up when one of the agents walked over, muttering about someone wanting to see them then waving at the doorway. He eased Scarlet away, taking her hand in his as he walked toward the entrance, Aiden behind him. They ducked under the yellow tape one of the other agents had strung then headed for the older man standing in the lounge.

  Glade extended his hand. “Congratulations. I see you caught Ms. November and her accomplice. I suppose this means I can rest easy, knowing the remaining models are what they appear to be?”

  “No promises there. Women are seldom that simplistic.” Roman shook the man’s hand. “Thanks for acting when you did, or this would have turned out as another bloody crime scene. Who knows if she would have even stuck around? We could have spent the next few months tracking her down, one dead body after another. And she would have kept killing. Of that, I have no doubts.”

  Scarlet punched him in the shoulder. “Don’t be so nice. I’m still pissed he knew and never let on.”

  Glade smiled. “Something tells me that maybe what you’re really upset about is that you’ve discovered you’re quite an exhibitionist at heart.”

  She snorted. “Not exactly what’s running through my head, but…”

  “Well, if you ever change your mind, give me a call. I assume the Feds will abscond with this round of pictures, as well. But if you ever decide police work isn’t for you…”

  A brilliant smile lifted her mouth. “Are you offering me a job as a model?”

  “I’d be a fool not to. And I stand by my original decision. You make a beautiful Christmas angel.” He stepped back. “Feel free to stay as long as you’d like—minus the pressure to join in any of the ‘reindeer games’. The room is yours.”

  Scarlet rolled her eyes as Glade headed toward Mary. “Can you believe that?”

  Aiden shrugged. “You do make a sexy angel, baby.”

  “I meant the part where he thinks a bit of flattery is going to gain him forgiveness…”

  Aiden wrapped his arm around her shoulders. “I think that man is smarter than we ever gave him credit.” His expression sobered. “How’s your head? Fuck, when Nick grabbed you…”

  “That damn camera flash was like a flash bang going off. Couldn’t see a damn thing. But you were on him.”

  “Not until he’d tackled you to the floor. And I’m betting he knocked your head again.”

  “I’m fine, Aiden. Let’s just concentrate on being happy this case is over.”

  “I don’t know, baby. I think Glade was on to something. I think you like being on center stage.”

  She whacked him in the chest. “In the center maybe. But not on stage.” She tugged Aiden’s hand. “Can we just go, now? I really would like to get some sleep.”

  “You want to stay here or head home?”

  She glanced at Roman, indecision creasing her brow.

  He stepped forward, taking her other hand. “Darling? Everything okay?”

  “Fine. I was just thinking…”

  “What?”

  “That I like the sound of that. Home.”

  “Us, too. So which is it going to be?”

  “If you two are up for the drive… Let’s go home. I’d like to wake up with you two in our own bed.”

  “Deal. Just be forewarned. You’d best get some rest because Aiden and I have plans. We still haven’t been together the way we’ve dreamed about, and as soon as we’re sure you’re not seeing double, you’ll be feeling it.”

  Chapter Thirteen

  Scarlet hummed, blinking her eyes open, squinting in an effort to bring the room into focus. Dull light streamed in from the window, the long shadows on the floor suggesting she’d slept late. All afternoon if her guess was right.

  She sat up, palming her head as the bed seemed to flip-flop. She vaguely remembered Aiden carrying her in from the truck and being sandwiched between the two men all night. Roman had woken her more than a few times to ask a few questions, then kissed her asleep again. And she’d apparently slept the day away.

  “I know that look, buddy. Our girl is plotting.”

  She shifted her gaze at the sound of Roman’s voice, smiling at the two men standing in the doorway. Chests bare, jeans slung low, they could have been models from any men’s magazine. And they were hers.

  They sauntered over, each going to
a different side of the bed. She watched them move, muscles contracting, flesh rippling. They were beyond handsome. But it was what hid beneath their skin that touched her heart the most. Their trust, their obvious pride.

  Roman sat on the edge of the bed, dipping the mattress slightly. He traced his finger along her cheek, skimming it over the bandage on her forehead. “How do you feel?”

  “I’m fi…” She sighed.

  Roman had trusted her enough to use her as bait. He and Aiden deserved more than just token answers.

  “My head hurts. The room still looks like a damn tilt-a-whirl.”

  Roman raised an eyebrow. “Honesty? How refreshing.”

  She swatted at his chest, resisting the moan that bubbled in hers as her hand connected with hard, warm flesh. “Bastard.”

  “So you keep saying.” He snagged her fingers before she could pull them back, holding it against him. “I’m just surprised. I’d expected you to lie.” He raised his other hand in apology. “Sorry…downplay.”

  “I just figured after your show of faith yesterday, you both deserved more.”

  He clenched his jaw. “If you’re referring to being part of the ploy, I’m still not happy with my decision. Thankfully, it all worked out.”

  “I’m not fragile. Still a homicide detective. You boys are still G-men. We have to trust the others to make good choices out in the field. And whether you boys like it or not, you’re not my keeper.”

  “Aiden’s not the issue. You’re the one who seems to think you’re bulletproof, despite evidence to the contrary. And we are your keepers. We told you we love you. That grants us certain rights.”

  “Then it follows that I have the same rights.”

  He smiled in a way that make her want to fuck him and punch him at the same time. “Afraid it doesn’t quite work that way, darling, but if you need to believe it does…”

  “Sounds like I might need to give you an ass kicking, after all. To prove my place in the pack.”

  “Oh, we have plans for your ass, but it has nothing to do with kicking. As a matter of fact…” He nodded at Aiden, smiling when he slipped in behind her, dragging her against his chest. “If you feel up to it, I think it’s time we showed you just how much we love you. What your life means to us.”

  “But…” Her gaze met Roman’s.

  Despite the playful bantering, he looked scared and, for the first time, she saw the case through their eyes. How she would have felt if someone had been stalking them instead of her. If their fate had become a carved up photo in a file on a desk. And just thinking about it made her stomach heave.

  She surrendered, lifting her arms as Aiden reached for the hem of the shirt they’d tossed on her last night, tilting her head as he pulled it over and off her then throwing it aside. He rose from the bed, shucked his pants then reclaimed his place, tracing a path down her body, caressing each inch of skin. It was then she realized this wasn’t just sex. It was a loving—a physical show of their commitment. She let her head fall back on his shoulder, savoring how he pulled her against him, rubbing his flesh across hers. He was always so warm and she loved how he touched her until their temperatures matched. Who was she kidding? She loved him—them. And she would until the day she died. They were more than partners. They completed her.

  “You’re so beautiful.” Roman stood then slowly removed his pants before offering her his hand. “Everett was right. You’re the perfect Christmas angel.” He tugged her onto her knees before leaning forward and tasting her lips with a fleeting kiss. “We’ll do this nice and slow. Just know this. Once we’re finished, you won’t want us to set you free.”

  “I already don’t.” She glanced over her shoulder at Aiden, noting how his eyes had narrowed and his lips had turned up at the edges. She looked at Roman. “And I don’t need slow.”

  “And the fact you said the room’s still spinning?”

  “Won’t matter when I close my eyes.” She turned into Aiden as he pressed against her back and nipped at his lip, knowing he loved the touch of pain as much as she did. “I need more than just a gentle fuck. I need you both to love me like you’ll never let me go.”

  The men exchanged a heated glance before Aiden tucked her against his chest and scooted over until he rested against the headboard, her body nestled between his legs. He looped his feet under her knees, splaying her thighs wide as Roman crawled onto the bed and settled between them.

  He placed his hand on her mound, drawing a finger through her slit. “Fuck, darling. You’re already wet.”

  “You mean still. I’m still wet from the last time you boys loved me.” She smiled. “Thinking I’m going to end up ruining more than a few pairs of pants from wanting you both all the time.”

  “I’m certain we can come to an arrangement that will save your pants.” He lowered onto his elbows, tucking his hands under her thighs and lifting her pussy toward his face. “No teasing this time. We need you too much.”

  “God, Roman.”

  Her breath hissed free as he buried his face in her crotch, licking and nipping at her sex. Aiden lowered one hand, spreading her wet folds apart, flicking his finger across her clit. Pleasure shot through her groin, coiling quickly in her belly as they launched her hard toward release. God, it’d only been a minute and she could feel her stomach fluttering, her skin warming as her orgasm swelled inside her. No slow ascent or subtle touches. This was no holds barred, zero to a hundred.

  Aiden bit at her earlobe, moving his lips along her neck. “Shit, I can feel you starting to pulse already. Damn, I love we can drive you mad in seconds.”

  “Two against one… Oh, God.” She sucked in a quick breath. “Not fair.”

  “Fair’s for wussies.” He licked her skin. “But mark my words. Next time, you’re getting that spanking we’ve been promising you. And you’ll come hard and fast with my fingers inside your ass as Roman peppers your skin with his hand.”

  “Fuck, Aiden.”

  She rocked her head against his chest, barely holding on as Roman sank two fingers inside her channel, thrusting them back and forth. Aiden growled against her neck, sliding his other hand under her hip, joining his finger with Roman’s before moving to her ass. His firm penetration pushed her higher and she held her breath as she quivered on the edge—her muscles clenching in anticipation. The boys held her there, waiting, until Roman latched to her clit and sucked.

  “Yes.”

  She hissed through her release, raising her hips to meet their penetration. The men kept moving, claiming her pussy and ass until she collapsed against Aiden—spent.

  Roman eased up from between her thighs, his lips glistening with her climax. Aiden speared his hand through Roman’s hair, dragged him to him then claimed the man’s mouth in a brutal kiss.

  “God, please tell me you boys are going to fuck again, because damn…just the thought is driving me crazy.”

  Roman pulled back. Knowing Aiden had licked the evidence of her release off Roman’s mouth had Scarlet whimpering as her pussy clenched around the emptiness.

  Roman leaned down, hovering his face next to hers, the scent of her orgasm surrounding her. “Naughty wench. This time’s about you.”

  “You can claim my ass while Aiden takes yours.”

  He closed his eyes on a grunt, the vein at his temple pulsing. He took a ragged breath then reacted, helping Aiden spin her around, her hands and knees once again hitting the mattress. Aiden shuffled beneath her, straddling her legs around his thighs as his cock pulsed against her groin.

  Roman crawled in behind her, jerking her head back with a sharp tug of her hair. “You told us you wanted us to love you like we would never let you go and we intend to do that—and more.”

  He nipped at her neck, slapping his hand across her ass. Damn, why did the pain feel so good?

  Aiden cupped her waist, drawing small circles across her hips with his thumbs. “We were going to spend hours worshiping you. Licking your sweet pussy over and over, building you up slowly.
But, damn, when you talk like that.” He wrapped one hand around her back, pulling her forward. “Guess we’ll do that next time. Now place those lovely breasts against my chest while Roman gets you ready.”

  Scarlet moved with him—certain his grip would’ve shifted her regardless—and laid her body on his, moaning out at the sensual way he drew patterns along her back. Aiden smiled against her hair, dropping a quick kiss on it.

  “Do you know how hard it’s been touching you without taking you like this?” His breath rustled her hair as he blew out in a long sigh. “Just watching Roman get the lube makes me want to thrust into you. Damn, I can’t wait until it’s my turn.”

  Scarlet tilted her chin, meeting his gaze. “Roman doesn’t have to be first.”

  Aiden smiled and reached for her cheek, drawing his hand along the curve. “That’s very sweet, baby. But I know how long Roman’s been waiting to love you this way. And seeing as I love him, too… But I’ll have you next. Make no mistake about that.”

  She smiled and caught his finger in her mouth as he traced her lips, sucking it inside with the same motion she’d used to drain him that first time. He groaned and punched his hips up, sliding his length through her slit, her moisture coating his skin. She matched his motion, brushing his cock against her clit, closing her eyes as her nub pulsed. She’d never responded so quickly before, going from hopeful to horny in a heartbeat, with coming full force after that. But just feeling Roman tracing the curve of her ass as she rode Aiden’s cock had another release hinging on the edge, one touch away from exploding.

  “You’ve got the most amazing ass.” Roman massaged her skin, easing some of the nerves fluttering her stomach. “I’ve been dreaming about this since that first time on the bearskin rug, but there was something missing.”

  Aiden glided his hands with Roman’s.

  “It’s not missing anymore.” Roman leaned forward, licking her earlobe. “I’m going to enter you first. Let you get used to the sensation of having me inside you. Then Aiden will join us. You’ll be full of us. So damn full you won’t be able to tell which part of your body belongs to you, because it belongs to us. We told you… You’re our soul and we’ll prove it.” He eased back, keeping one hand pressed between her shoulder blades. “Stay just like this, and trust me not to hurt you.”