“Love, what we have in mind doesn’t require an overnight bag… or clothing for that matter.” Ethan’s words wash over me like spring water gushing from the ground.
“Hell, no, it doesn’t,” Xander adds, just in case Ethan’s explanation wasn’t crystal clear.
Copy that.
I laugh nervously. “Those kinds of promises can mess with a girl’s head.” It comes out more as a plea than a statement.
“Trust me, your head is the last thing I want to mess with. There are other parts of you that I’m sure are way more fun to tease,” Ethan says, dropping one arm against the window before leaning in and brushing my lips tenderly. I open my mouth, but before I can think of a retort, he brushes a loose strand of hair from my cheek and drops a finger to my lips. “Don’t you think that would be way more pleasurable for all three of us?” I don’t have time to answer. Ethan crushes my mouth and devours my lips.
“Oh,” I exhale in his mouth before returning his kiss.
After a few heart-stopping seconds, Xander taps Ethan on the shoulder. “I thought you said she was ours for the rest of the evening, mate. Don’t be so greedy.”
Ethan takes a step back. “I must have been pissed drunk when I said that.” He pouts like an unimpressed kid.
“Too bad, bro. It’s my turn now.” Xander cups my face in his hands and takes my lips.
I close my eyes and tilt my head back against the glass, shutting down the pesky little voice inside my head that’s returned. She’s screaming at me to stop. She’s pressuring me into believing that too much of a good thing just leads to mayhem. I ignore that voice. I’m so ready for a little—or a lot of—depravity. After a few minutes in his blazing embrace, Xander pulls away from me and I already miss his lips against mine. And Ethan’s.
Wow.
“You guys have a way of disarming me. And to think, the night has just begun. At this rate I’ll lose my head before cocktails.”
I’ve lived for so long without any affection, and now I’m getting a veritable deluge of it. I’m not complaining. I’m loving every minute of it.
“You’re right, love.” Ethan speaks first. “We should behave. At the very least we should feed you first. After that, all bets are off.”
“At least I can’t say you didn’t warn me,” I laugh.
“Xander, we have a willing party.”
“It certainly sounds like it. The sooner we get food into her, the sooner we get to enjoy her.” Xander flashes me a triumphant grin.
“You guys are funny.”
“I hope you’re hungry?” Ethan asks. I’m so grateful he changes the subject because I truly can’t handle the flood of raging sexual fury filling me. I’m not used to being the center of attention like this.
“Yes, I am.” I guess a girl can’t live off of lust alone. I avert my eyes to avoid the temptation I read in his. If I don’t I’m liable to let them do whatever they want with me, right here.
“I, for one, am completely famished.” Xander’s comment makes both Ethan and I laugh.
“You’re always hungry, mate.”
“I got back from Dublin just before we left to pick up Delilah. I’m surviving on the rotisserie chicken sandwich from Poulet Bonne Femme I had lunch, which was”—Xander pulls at the sleeve of his shirt to look at his watch—“eight hours ago. It might be dubbed the best sandwich in Ireland, but it’s still long gone.”
“Hold your horses, mate. Let’s focus on the lady first, shall we?”
“Of course.” Xander smiles sheepishly.
“Ignore him.” Ethan waves the back of his hand in Xander’s direction. “He can be worse than a child when he needs to eat.” He chuckles. “You’ll be happy to know that we have a delicious meal planned for you.”
“Since Xander was away, did you do all the cooking?” I ask, surprised.
With their jet-setting lifestyle, I didn’t expect them to be domesticated.
“God, no.” Ethan looks completely freaked out by my suggestion. “This is supposed to be a treat. I don’t intend on poisoning you. Someone with bona fide skills did all the cooking.”
“So you didn’t slave over a hot oven all afternoon on my account?” I ask with a teasing smile hanging from my lips.
“I’d sooner sweep the streets of London with my tongue before that ever happens.” I guess I’m not the only who’s completely inept in the kitchen.
“I’m incredibly disappointed.” I laugh.
“Trust me, love. You don’t want to eat my cooking. For crying out loud, I’m not even capable of boiling water.”
“I’d take his word on that, Delilah. The poor bloke is barely able to make a decent cup of tea.” Xander chuckles.
“Does that mean you hired a big production house for tonight? You know… a full kitchen bustling with busy staff, three, if not four five-star Michelin chefs and a slew of housekeepers at your beck and call?” I laugh.
“You must think we’re billionaires. We’re not, love.” He winks. “Alas, I’m going to burst your bubble. We still have a few pounds sterling stashed in a bank account, but we’ve had to considerably downgrade our lifestyle now that we’re defunct pop stars,” Ethan mocks.
“These days, we prefer to keep things as simple as possible,” Xander adds.
“Exactly. We don’t need a staff that rivals the pricey Dorchester Collection Hotel. We can only afford the strict minimum—a cleaning lady and a gardener. They’re not even full-time staff. No way.” I love how he says ‘only.’ And if that’s their definition of ‘strict minimum,’ sign me up. “And to answer your original question, a chef from a catering shop I hired for the afternoon did a superb job of coming up with a menu we hope you’ll remember for a very long time. It’s like eating at a top restaurant, but we get to do it under this glass ceiling looking up at the sky sparkling with stars.” Ethan points above his head. “Everything is ready, we just have to cook it. Or should I say, Xander will be the one taking care of things. Among his many talents, he’s actually a pretty damn good cook.”
“I’m flattered you’d fuss over me like this. I’m already salivating.”
“The pleasure is all ours. Come on, let’s go.” Ethan grabs my hand to lead me back to his house. I turn around to make sure Xander is following us. He is.
“Can you reveal what’s on the menu or is that a secret?” I know I’m being cheeky, but Ethan has piqued my curiosity.
“It’s not, but it will be way more fun for you to discover it. It shouldn’t take more than twenty minutes to prepare.”
“Fair enough. I can’t wait.” I wink.
“While Xander fires up the barbecue, I have chilled champagne in my wine fridge. Would you like a glass?”
Seriously? I stop in my tracks, forcing them to do the same. I furrow my brows, shifting my eyes from one to the other. “Is that a trick question?”
Ethan and Xander look at each other before meeting my gaze. “What do you mean, sweetheart?”
“Don’t play coy with me, Xander. You know exactly what I’m talking about.” I’m so not falling for that twice.
“Actually, I don’t or else I wouldn’t ask.” Xander shoots Ethan an inquisitive look.
“I’m as much in the dark as you are.” Ethan answers his silent question.
“Am I actually going to be able to drink the champagne this time or are you two going to pour it all over me like you did last week and send me to the brink of ecstasy?”
They both laugh.
“You must’ve enjoyed that a lot since you’re still talking about it, huh?” Xander asks.
I’m sure I shouldn’t admit this aloud. “More than words can say.”
CHAPTER 24
Xander
We spend the evening enjoying an outstanding dinner and making light conversation. Charles Duncan, a talented personal chef we’ve hired from time to time, outdid himself. We’re so lucky he had a cancellation this afternoon and he was free when Ethan called him. Since Ethan sprang this last-minute idea on
me, there was no way I would have had the time to whip up anything comparable after I got home—no matter how much I love cooking.
Charles’ cooking humbles me. Ethan’s idea of an all-American dinner was as brilliant as the rest of his plan. We feast on beer can bacon burgers. Basically, Charles molded beef patties seasoned with a few shots of Jack Daniels around beer cans. He then wrapped them in bacon and placed them in Ethan’s fridge. The magic happens when I stuff the hollow parts with the rest of the ingredients he prepared—sautéed peppers, mushrooms, tomatoes, onions, sausage and sharp cheese. I barbecue them until the cheese melts into a gooey delicious mess and serve them on homemade hamburger buns. It was so delicious, we all had to restrain ourselves not to lick our plates. Violet Callaway, Charles’ business partner and pastry chef extraordinaire, complemented a delectable meal with a sinful traditional New York strawberry cheesecake. Honestly, it’s a masterpiece. She definitely aced it.
Although the wooden table is massive and sits ten people comfortably, we’re huddled on one side. Ethan and I are sitting side by side across from our redheaded beauty. We’ve just polished off the last bite of our heavenly dessert and we’re leaning back against our seats, utterly satisfied. The evening is full of lustful innuendos on our part and a lot of blushing on our little Southern Belle’s part. We’re all laughing, trying our best to pretend I haven’t invited Delilah to stay over for a night of illicit pleasure. Last week, Hush only served to whet my appetite. We’re so ready to take this to the next level. I live for the high that precedes a threesome. All this sexy banter, those furtive looks that aren’t so innocent and all the lies you tell yourself in an attempt to pretend that you’re not horny as hell. It’s unbelievably intoxicating, addicting even. Since I’m always too eager for my own good, I follow Ethan’s cue. The last thing I want is for my impatient nature to frighten her.
I reach out for the bottle of Pinot Noir Ethan brought back from France and offer to top up Delilah’s glass. “More wine, sweetheart?”
“I really shouldn’t,” she says, lifting her right hand. “Between the delicious champagne and the phenomenal red, I should stop while I’m ahead. If I continue, I fear I might no longer be in possession of my full capacities.” She laughs.
Personally, I don’t see that as a problem.
“I agree,” Ethan chimes in. “You asked her a question earlier and she hasn’t answered yet. I think it’s best if she’s sober enough to be fully aware when she decides how far she wants to take this.”
An awkward silence fills the room. I’m not surprised Ethan remembers that Delilah hasn’t said yes or no yet. What does take me aback is how blunt he is about it. Here I am thinking I’m the one who’s on the verge of losing it. I guess he’s in the same boat as I am—consumed with desire for her. I don’t possess any psychic abilities, but if the playful glee I’ve read in her beautiful blue eyes all evening is any indication, I’d say it wouldn’t take much for her to agree to stay over for an all-nighter of forbidden raunchiness. My cock is already hard with anticipation.
“So you were serious? It wasn’t something you were saying in passing?” Delilah asks.
I shake my head vehemently. “There’s nothing casual about how much I want you.”
Ethan leans back and steeples his hands together. “Xander might have been the one to ask the question, but don’t think he’s the only one who wants to wake up with you in his arms, love. I haven’t been able to think of anything else since I sampled you.” Ethan’s confession does the trick. Delilah’s eyes grow wide as her cheeks turn beet red. This is the most I’ve seen her flush all night.
She blinks, surprised. It’s almost as if she’s unwilling to accept Ethan’s words. “This kind of stuff just doesn’t happen to a girl like me.”
“I suspect it’s because God needed a little bit of time to mastermind His plan to ensure our paths crossed.” I smile at her before reaching out to stroke her hair.
“Maybe you’re right.” She purses her lips together.
“I know I’m going to regret agreeing with him, but Xander is spot on with his observation,” Ethan says.
I roll my eyes dramatically. “How many times have I told you that since we were kids? It’s only now that you clue in that I’m always right?”
We all laugh.
I’m all for this flirty banter, but my cock has other more pressing plans. “So sweetheart, are you ready to take two men who desperately want to defile you until dawn?” Just like that, I bring the conversation back on track.
Delilah is so taken aback her mouth gapes open, but nothing comes out.
“You’re not mincing your words tonight.” If it weren’t for the veil of lust covering his eyes, I’d think Ethan was scolding me. Trust me, he’s not.
“I’m way past that,” I reply. Ethan chuckles.
“God, Xander… You’re so—”
“Horny?” I cut her off. “That would be a resounding yes.” I grin from ear to ear.
She sighs heavily. That doesn’t sound good. “Over the last few days, I’ve had time to think things through.” Delilah pauses. Her gaze bounces from mine to my best friend’s. We’re both waiting with bated breath for her to continue talking. “I want this,” she declares. “Us.” She waves her finger in a circle, uniting the three of us. Wow. That didn’t take nearly as much coaxing as I expected.
“That’s good, love.” I can hear the surprise in Ethan’s voice.
“Are you sure?” I press. Since Ethan is the sensible one between the two of us, normally he’d be the one asking that question. I suspect all the blood from his brain has traveled down to his cock, which means I’m the one with that responsibility.
“Yes, I am. I decided the very next day.” That’s amazing. “I just needed to find the courage to tell you.”
“Sweetheart, you’ve made me the happiest man on the planet.” I grab her hand and bring it to my lips. I drop a soft kiss and she laughs.
“Delilah, I can’t tell you how fucking excited I am to hear you say that. But…” Ethan lets his words hang. But what? The woman just said yes. End of story. “There’s something we should talk about before we move any further.”
“Okay.” Delilah’s eyebrows rise in surprise.
“We haven’t known each other long and we haven’t had a chance to chat much, because everything between us has been pure combustion. That said, I want to make sure you’re okay with us being older.”
She nods. “Yes. You mentioned it at the restaurant.” She worries with her lower lip.
“It’s not a huge age difference,” I offer.
“I guess it’s not.” She gives me a one-shoulder shrug. “I just never thought I’d be able to elicit any interest from men who weren’t in my age group.”
“You’re selling yourself short, love. Age is nothing but a number. It’s about the connection between people. You, Xander and I have that undeniable bond.” Damn right we do. “That’s all that matters. The three of us together will be mind-blowing—that much I’m certain of.” Ditto.
Delilah smiles wide at Ethan’s repartee.
“Since I didn’t know what to expect, I did a little research.” Now you’re talking.
“You don’t say,” Ethan sneers.
She nods. “I spent the entire evening on the Internet when I came back from work yesterday,” she announces proudly. “I did do a few searches on Sunday, but nothing comparable to last night. I just went crazy.” I love that level of eagerness. “I’ve been trying to understand how it is for a woman to be with two guys. It’s all been very informative—to a certain extent—but it’s still not clear to me. I know there are sites I can go to and get the visual of it, but I’m too much of a chicken to even check those out. I think I’d rather die than visit a porn site.” We’re definitely going to have to change that. “So what I’m trying to get to in a roundabout way is how will this work?” Delilah’s question is filled with innocence.
Ethan and I look at each other. I nod to let him kno
w that I’ve got this.
“There’s a lot out there, right?” I already know the answer. Porn can come in handy when you need to take the edge off.
“God, is there ever,” she exclaims. “I mean it’s dizzying. Where do you start? How do you decide what’s real and what’s just pure fantasy?”
“Now that you’ve agreed to us being together, we’ll be your guides.” My voice is low and gruff. “There isn’t a cookie-cutter approach. That would be utterly boring. It’s all about us giving you a taste of what we like and seeing how you respond. From there, we can always turn up the heat. We can make this as scorching hot as you can take it, sweetheart.”
Her lips form an O, instantly hardening my cock. How does she keep doing that to me?
“I have another question.” She averts her gaze.
Ah. Delilah’s innate shyness takes over. As much as I get a kick out of her inexperience, the most submissive women I know are also incredibly confident. Delilah has given us a glimpse of her self-assurance the first time we all met and again earlier today at her place when Ethan and I were joking around. I know it’s in there. I’m determined to pull it from her when it comes to her asking for what she wants from us. We’re definitely in control of her pleasure, but I want her to formulate her question.
“We’re all ears,” I say. “Don’t ever be afraid of asking us anything.”
“Ethan is absolutely right,” Xander says. “Nothing is off limits with us. If you’re not one hundred percent comfortable with us, you’re not going to trust us enough to let go. It’s only when you submit fully that we can make you lose your mind.”
“Okay. Thanks for saying that.” She inhales and let out a long breath before speaking again. “So on one of the sites I was on… they were showing the best positions for when you’re with two guys. One of them was… you know…” I lean in towards her, hoping the proximity will give me a better insight on what she’s trying to say. “It kind of looked like …” She waves her index finger between the two of us. “I mean, I guess it’s to be expected…” Huh? Her question is on the tip of her tongue, but she’s unable to spit it out.
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