Phantom's Pleasure

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Phantoms’ Pleasure ISBN #978-1-906811-18-1 ©Copyright Brynn Paulin 2008 Cover Art by Lyn Taylor ©Copyright October 2008 Edited by Claire Siemaszkiewicz Total-E-Bound Publishing This is a work of fiction. All characters, places and events are from the author’s imagination and should not be confused with fact. Any resemblance to persons, living or dead, events or places is purely coincidental. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any material form, whether by printing, photocopying, scanning or otherwise without the written permission of the publisher, Total-E-Bound Publishing. Applications should be addressed in the first instance, in writing, to Total-E-Bound Publishing. Unauthorised or restricted acts in relation to this publication may result in civil proceedings and/or criminal prosecution. The author and illustrator have asserted their respective rights under the Copyright Designs and Patents Acts 1988 (as amended) to be identified as the author of this book and illustrator of the artwork. Published in 2008 by Total-E-Bound Publishing 1 The Corner, Faldingworth Road, Spridlington, Market Rasen, Lincolnshire, LN8 2DE, UK.

Warning: This book contains sexually explicit content which is only suitable for mature readers. This story has been rated Total-e-burning.

Circle of Three

PHANTOMS’ PLEASURE Brynn Paulin

Dedication To Chris. Thanks for holding my hand when I wobble.

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Chapter One

This wasn’t exactly her thing. Things actually. Costumes, Halloween parties or ménage. Jahzlyn Monroe looked around her cousin’s large backyard. The party was in full-swing as everyone took advantage of next week’s holiday and got in touch with their inner child. An array of costumes surrounded her and laughter competed with the crash of Lake Michigan’s waves just beyond the yard and a wide expanse of beach. The night was unseasonably warm and the couples had opted to revel outdoors. Well, not couples. Trios. A few dozen trios. Looking around the wide expanse, decorated with cornstalks and intricately carved pumpkins, Jahz felt ill-at-ease. She drew her light-weight black cape around her and covertly watched the interactions while trying not to be an obvious voyeur. She wasn’t quite sure if it was that she didn’t like the idea of a ménage, or if it intrigued her far too much for her comfort, or if she just felt like a complete oddball in this group. It was the second two reasons, she supposed. There was no way she could call her feeling dislike. Admittedly, she wasn’t the only singlet. There were a few others wandering around who weren’t in matched groups. Across the yard, two men dressed in black with black masks caught her attention. Black curling hair fell over the top edges of both their masks and their clothes concealed well-built bodies. Obviously, they were waiting for their woman to get there. They couldn’t be single—of course, maybe they were together. That could happen. Both their gazes swung in her direction, and she smiled benignly, embarrassed to be caught staring. Nonchalantly, she shifted her gaze away, pretending she was actually surveying the crowd and not ogling them. Her belly gave a little flip when she realised a few moments later that they were still watching her while they talked without diverting their gazes from her. Were they interested in her? She shifted her eyes away again, even though her attention remained firmly on the pair. Her glance landed on three people in the midst an embrace. One man kissed the woman’s shoulder while the other kissed her lips.

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A sharp intake of breath accompanied a clench in Jahz’s womb. Goose bumps lifted on her arms, and she was quite sure it wasn’t from the light breeze coming off the placid lake but from the idea of having two men love her at once. Her cousin Tamera sure seemed to like it. She and her two husbands seemed to have an idyllic, loving and damned hot marriage. All the women here appeared to have two men each who cared for them as if they were the most precious beings on the planet. “Having fun?” Jahz looked up at the woman, dressed as a medieval serving wench, who sidled up to her side. “Hey, Tam. Oh yeah, it’s great. You guys did a wonderful job on the decorations.” She lifted the glass of brandy she’d been cradling in one hand. “Great drinks.” Tam frowned. “You’re bored.” “No! I’m just…I feel like a third wheel,” she confided, then looked around her. “Or should I say fourth wheel. I appreciate you inviting me—” “You are staying with me.” “I know. It’s nice of you and Brian and Kai to let me stay here while I get my life in order.” Tam made a sound in her throat. “Let’s not go there again. You’re family and my best friend. I want you to stay. It still pisses me off that that asshole ex-husband of yours…” She dropped off as three of the partiers passed them. Jahz smiled at the trio dressed as two sheiks and their harem girl—she wouldn’t mind being a harem girl. She mentally smacked herself. What was she thinking? “You were saying?” she prompted once the three were out of earshot. “Well, you know what I mean,” Tam replied. “He’s a jerk. I feel bad that I introduced you.” “Yeah, I know,” Jahz responded. It wasn’t Tam’s fault the man had been able to hide his true self behind suave charm. But Jahz had soon learned. She’d changed her entire life to avoid him—moving to different shifts at the hospital where she’d worked as a nurse in the maternity ward, changing all her daily patterns so their paths wouldn’t cross, looking for a job at a different hospital. She hadn’t escaped soon enough. She’d had to move across country and come home after her husband—ex-husband—had decided to throw around his weight as a high-ranking and respected doctor. He’d gotten her fired.

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Just as well she supposed. She didn’t want to see the man who’d used her as a punching bag until she’d gotten the courage to leave him. He didn’t accept their divorce or the restraining order against him. Jahz shivered again, this time because of the perilous situation she’d been in. If not for the life she’d built in LA while she and her ex, Payton, had lived there, she’d have packed up and come home as soon as she’d left him. She shoved a strand of her long brown hair behind her ear. This was hardly home since most of her family lived several hours away, but Tam had wanted her to come here. Jahz wondered if it was a mistake. Polyamorous relationships weren’t really her thing although what she was seeing intrigued her as it had more and more over the past week that she’d been here. “It’s not as strange as it seems,” Tam chuckled. “I wasn’t thinking that.” “What were you thinking?” Jahz felt heat rushing up her neck but the cape of her vampiress costume probably obscured it. “I’m…intrigued.” “Really? I should introduce you to—” “Hey, wench, we’re in need of…servicing,” a deep voice growled, as a hand appeared on Tam’s shoulder. “Kai!” Tam admonished then sighed as Brian kissed her neck. “How are our babies?” he asked. “Shhh…fine,” Tam murmured. “What’s this?” Jahz asked looking at the slight swell of Tam’s belly. She hadn’t imagined… Kai slid his arm around his wife’s waist while Brian circled her from the other side. “We’re pregnant,” Kai confided. “All of us,” Brian added. “We weren’t telling anyone yet,” Tam said, with a quelling look to her husbands. “Cranston is on the front edge of the fertility research that will enable a woman like me to have a baby with both her husbands…at the same time. I’m still in a dicey period. In two more weeks, my doctor feels we’ll be safe to start feeling comfortable.”

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“Oh my God, Tam! Congrats,” Jahz exclaimed in a hushed voice, conscious her cousin wanted it to be a secret. “Well, fuck,” Kai said to her surprise. “What?” Brian asked. “Andy. How the hell did he get in here?” Jahz followed Kai’s gaze and saw the man she knew from back home. She grimaced, knowing his story. He’d insisted Tam was his betrothed and had caused quite a bit of problems for her cousin. Another jerk. The water in her hometown must be toxic to men. Both Andy and Payton were from there. “Let’s stay calm,” Tam advised. “You know the only reason I didn’t take him apart last time we saw him was out of respect for your parents,” Kai growled. “They didn’t need their new sons-in-law starting a brawl in their house.” “I’ll go call Sheriff West and ask him to come over,” Brian offered. He looked at Kai. “Stay with her.” “You know I will.” Jahz suspected the two didn’t trust Andy as far as they could throw him. And with their wife pregnant, they’d be doubly vigilant. She shoved her drink into Kai’s hand. “I’ll go talk to him.” Before any of the three could stop her, she started across the yard. She had plenty of experience dealing with unwanted visitors in the maternity ward. It wasn’t all flowers and baby booties. Occasionally, someone arrived who might upset the mother and Jahz had often been charged with their removal. She’d divert Andy before he caused her cousin any stress. “Andy,” she said through her teeth, as she grabbed his arm and pulled him towards the front yard and out of the sight of the partiers. “Long time no see,” he said, pulling his arm from her grasp and turning on her. “I hear you spent all Pay’s money then dumped him so you could whore around. You always were a bitch.” Her insides seemed to turn to lead. Her clenched fingers were as cold as if she’d been coated in ice. “He told you that?” she asked in disbelief. After all the pain her ex had dealt, now he followed her home with lies.

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“Yeah he told me all about it. Quite a line of men you’ve had. Since you like cock so much, how ‘bout some of mine. I’ve always wanted to fuck you, but you belonged to my main man, Pay.” He jerked his head towards the kerb. “My car’s right over there. Nice big backseat. And if someone happens by, maybe they’ll wanna join. You know that’s what they do around here.” “You’re a jerk,” she replied, hoping the police officer Brian had gone to call would show up soon. “Tam doesn’t want you here. You should just go.” “Okay,” he grabbed her hand and pulled her towards his car. “Let go of me!” she yelled at the same time a deep voice demanded, “Let go of her.” Her gaze flew in the direction of the voice. The men who’d caught her attention in the backyard stood only a few feet away. “Now,” the other one asserted, underlining his partner’s demand as they advanced. Before Andy could blink, the men had her away. One held her against his chest, his woodsy scent filling each of her breaths while the other man stepped between Andy and her. She looked over her shoulder in time to see Andy’s punch fly, be deflected, then returned. He went sailing onto the ground with an audible thump. “Are you okay?” the man who’d put Andy down for the count asked. She nodded as a police cruiser pulled in front of the house. Minutes later, they’d all given their statements and Andy was led away. She realised belatedly that the men who’d rescued her still had their arms around her, much like Kai and Brian had held Tam earlier. Self-consciously, she pulled her cape around her and stepped out of their casual embrace. Just standing that close to them had heated her skin and made her soft in places she didn’t want to think about. And damp. Her chest rose and fell as she fought back her arousal. She looked around the small group. Tam and her husbands had come hustling around the house just as Sheriff West had arrived. No one had removed their masks and everyone seemed to know everyone else. Jahz found herself at a supreme disadvantage. “Are you sure you’re okay?” Tam asked, just as Jahz was about to ask names. “Yes, these two recued me just as Andy was getting out of hand.” She looked at the black-dressed pair. “Thank you.” “You didn’t make much of an effort with your costumes,” Tam criticised Jahz’s rescuers. “What are you supposed to be?”

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Brian coughed, obviously covering a laugh. “Excuse her. Pregnancy hormones have made her really crabby.” “Who else are you going to tell?” his wife demanded. “You’re so sleeping on the couch.” She turned her glare on Kai. “I didn’t say anything,” he defended with raised hands. Jahz pressed her lips together to hide her smile at the exchange. She knew Tam well enough to know she wasn’t upset with her men at all and Jahz had a feeling it would be one happy threesome in their bed that night. A stab of jealousy swept through her, but she pushed it aside as she glanced at the other men from the corner of her eye. What would it be like to be loved like her cousin was? She sucked in a frustrated breath. She needed to stop this. Tam turned back to the pair dressed in black. “What are you?” she repeated. “We’re dark phantoms,” one of them laughed. “We swoop in under the cover of the night.” “Saving the day and whisking away the fair maiden,” the other said. Jahz yelped as she was suddenly swept over a solid, wide shoulder, while everyone else chuckled. “Tam! Help!” She smacked the back of the man. “Let me down!” Her cousin stepped forward, following as Jahz was slowly carried away. Tam kissed her on the cheek. “You’re perfectly safe,” she whispered in Jahz’s ear. “You were interested. There’s no better pair to explore with. Relax and have fun.” She paused and tilted her head. “Do you want them to let you go?” Did she? Or did she want to see what this could be all about with two men who’d already proved themselves dashing rescuers. Tam trusted them… She looked at the man following along with them. “Nothing I don’t want?” He smiled, displaying straight white teeth in stark contrast with his clothing and mask. “Nothing. We promise.” He poked his partner. “We promise,” he prompted. “Ow! Damn it, Chay. I thought that was a given. Yes, of course I promise that.” He turned back to the trio they’d left behind. “Congrats Coz! Congrats Tam and Brian!” Then he turned back the direction they’d been heading, leaving Jahz to stare helplessly back at her family.

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Okay, the taller one was named Chay. This one carrying her was Kai’s cousin, Garrett— he was damned strong and the play of his muscles beneath her body turned her on at a level she’d never imagined. His hand smoothed up her thigh and she realised the short black skirt she wore as part of her vampiress costume must have been pulled upward by her position. Cool, autumn air licked at the bottom of her ass and she wondered exactly how much of it was visible to anyone who cared to look. A lot, she concluded as his hand crept higher on her leg. And her thong didn’t hide much. His fingers slipped inside, moving even closer to her pussy. Just another inch and he’d find out how hot she was… He turned his face towards her hip. “Yes?” he asked, his voice a low rumble. Oh God, yes. She’d needed to be touched since they’d captured her attention and given her quivers from across the backyard. Her forehead pressed to his back. She nodded, her face rubbing against his silk shirt. The warm muscle beneath heated her cheek. Slowly, he moved his palm upward until the edge of his hand pressed to her burning sex. His thumb traced the lower crease of her ass, following the narrow strip of cloth covering her until he reached her pussy. Over and over he followed the same path, sending tremors through her and slick arousal from her. He had to know. He had to feel it. If she shook much more, she’d fall. Anticipation of what might happen made her feel wanton. She’d never done anything like this. Despite Andy’s accusation that she was ‘after cock’ the only one she’d ever had was Payton’s and that hadn’t been particularly good. And now, going off with two men who were essentially strangers. She’d always had a fantasy of being with a stranger—someone who’d treat her well and fuck her until she was lost in an oblivion of rapture with no ties. What a shock to have two such men! They weren’t quite strangers, but she didn’t know them either. And since she planned to leave Cranston in a few days, she’d probably never see them again. Take the adventure, Jahz. Make a few good memories to replace the bad. It dawned on her through her fuzzy thoughts that they were heading to the house next door to Tam’s—where Kai’s cousin, Garrett, lived with his best friend, Chay. Well, duh. Chay opened the front door and they all entered. Garrett stopped teasing her as soon as the door closed. Aggressively, he pushed aside her soaked panties and two fingers plunged into her pulsating folds. She cried out, her body

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lifting with the pleasure. Chay adjusted her so that her hands were braced on his shoulders. His lips covered hers while Garrett continued to finger-fuck her. Chay’s tongue pushed against hers as he absorbed her cries and explored her mouth. She tasted the wine he’d had at the party with a slight taste of mint and man. He cupped the back of her head, threading his hand into her hair and better angling her for his kiss. There was no denying his domination as he devoured her. “Baby, you’re so fucking wet,” Garrett murmured at her hip, the pistoning rhythm of his hand never slowing as she convulsed around his touch. Waves of sensation swelled from her pussy in explosions that rolled over her body. She couldn’t believe what was happening as she hungrily kissed Chay. She couldn’t believe she was hanging helplessly over a stranger’s shoulder and letting two men have their way with her—and loving it. Her thigh lifted slightly on Garrett’s chest, giving him better access. She wanted more. She wanted the pleasure until she collapsed from the exertion of it. In five years with her ex, she’d never felt as sexually alive as she felt right now. Chay pulled his mouth away. Taking her wrists he lifted her and pressed her palms to the wall directly behind him. “Hold on,” he murmured, as he ducked beneath her arm. Looking over her shoulder, she watched him come chest to chest with Garrett. Chay’s hand cupped the back of Garrett’s head and Jahz watched wide-eyed as he kissed him briefly, but deeply, then pulled away and kissed her hip. His lips trailed along her thigh, edging towards her centre. “I need to taste you,” he breathed. “God, Garrett, she smells so good.” Jahz shrieked as Garrett’s fingers disappeared and Chay’s tongue replaced them. With teeth and tongue he consumed her folds, collecting her honey while Garrett licked her juice from his hand. He smiled devilishly, his partially obscured eyes full of decadent promises. Once he’d finished his feast, he placed his palm at the back of Chay’s head as his partner pleasured her. She could hardly breathe for the unexpected power of the love between these men as they explored her body. Tam’s love wasn’t like this…the men never connected like this. But this…it was as if she was part of a circle of bliss. Chay turned his head back to Garrett, sharing her in an unexpected way. His thumb massaged her clit. He licked her again. Kissed Garrett again. Licked. Kissed. Licked. Kissed.

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She thought she’d go mad from it as her fingers pressed into the wall and she breathed raggedly. All at once, his teeth captured her clit and he gently tugged. Her scream echoed through the house as an orgasm slashed across her. Her vision blurred and her sweaty hands slid down the wall. A moment later, she realised she was in front of Garrett and he was carrying her and kissing her as Chay followed. She could taste her tangy flavour on his tongue as it thrust into her mouth and it intoxicated her, making her want more of these two even more. Thank God, Tam had convinced her to give this a chance. He pulled back and pressed his forehead to hers. “Are we going too fast for you?” What a time to ask, after several orgasms. “I’ve never done this,” she admitted. “But…no. I want…both of you.” “You’re okay with us getting naked, touching, fucking? The whole thing…?” he pressed. “Yeah. All of it.” Excitement surged through her veins. She’d take everything they offered. Chances were she’d never be in this position again. He set her on her feet in a room done in browns and greens. Her bare toes curled in the plush carpet and she realised she’d lost her Manolos somewhere. They’d had her so distracted she hadn’t noticed the loss of her shoes. Without her fuck-me heels—perhaps that was what had initially drawn their attention—she stood a full head shorter than her lovers. Whoa, they were tall. She’d stood nearly eye to eye with Payton. She liked the feeling of being small and delicate while sandwiched between Chay and Garrett. Together they undressed her until she wore only her black push-up bra and a lacy, black thong that was more decoration than useful. From behind her, Chay leaned forward and kissed Garrett over the top of her head, while his hand came around to knead her breast. Garrett covered the other with his large hand. He pulled down the cup of her bra then captured the taut nipple between his fingers. Jahz moaned as he rolled the tip. Then their mouths were on her shoulders, nipping at opposite sides, laving the small wounds, kissing her neck. Arousals poked at her from the front and back and her body wept with the desire to feel both cocks nestled inside her. She’d never been so wet that she’d felt it on her thighs. Hell,

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she barely got wet ever. This was incredible. They were incredible. She wanted to give them some of what she felt. Taking their hands, she led them towards the bed as nervous butterflies dive-bombed in her middle. She wouldn’t chicken out but doubts assailed her, making her wonder if she could make two men happy at the same time. God knew she’d never made Payton happy. She wouldn’t think of him! He wouldn’t ruin this! She paused beside the bed and contemplated what she’d do. She had no idea how a threesome worked. Did they take turns, one watching while the others fucked, or did they all love together in tandem giving and taking pleasure as they had downstairs? “Baby, kneel on the bed,” Chay urged. “On your hands and knees.” Another surge of arousal flowed into her pussy as she swallowed and looked at the bed. Biting her lip she took the plunge and put her knee up on the mattress. It was all or nothing. She wasn’t backing out now. The hiss of zippers lowering accompanied her. She hesitated, unsure exactly what they wanted, but willing to do just about anything. Since her first time, she’d never been particularly excited by sex, but with these two…excitement seemed such a lame word. The need to have them take her, nearly tore her apart with its intensity. Now naked, except for his mask, Chay climbed onto the bed and leaned against the headboard, his body nestled into the pillows. He splayed his legs, one going on either side of her, and beckoned her forward. His hand stroked his long cock as it rose straight up from a thatch of black curls. A droplet of pre-cum formed on the tip. She licked her lips, her eyes riveted. His knees raised to bracket her body as she moved between them. He leaned forward so that he could speak in her ear. “Suck my cock, baby. I want to feel your mouth so bad.” She smiled. She wanted to taste him so bad. After all the pleasure they’d given her, she’d gladly give some back. Besides…this was something she’d enjoyed. The power of feeling a man squirm while she brought him to the edge. Pushing aside his hand, she grasped him at the root of his cock and took his wide girth into her mouth. A hum of pleasure vibrated in her throat as his taste covered her tongue. The hum turned to a gasp as Garrett hooked his fingers in her panties and dragged them to her knees. Oh lord…

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Her belly quivered as the wantonness of her position hit her—head down, a man’s cock between her lips, while she knelt with her ass in the air and her panties tangled around her knees. In the midst of a sexual encounter with two ‘phantoms’ whose faces she’d never seen. Two ‘phantom’ rescuers with whom she’d never had a conversation before they’d swept her away to their lair. She couldn’t think of any other way she’d want to be than here in their bed, here for their pleasure. Then Garrett spread her lower lips with his thumbs and put his mouth on her cunt and she immediately revised her thought. This…this was perfect. Mindlessly, she worked up and down Chay’s shaft, drawing soft moans from him while she writhed against Garrett’s questing mouth. Her thighs trembled as a slow burn radiated from her core, growing bigger as her epicentre shuddered then exploded with sensation. Arching upward, she pulled her mouth from Chay and let out a keening cry as she shook. Chay smoothed back her hair from her face as Garrett continued, never letting up and pushing her into another orgasm. “Let it all out,” Chay murmured. “Give it all to us.” “I—oh, God!” Her arms gave out, but he caught her before she fell. He pulled her up against his chest. Garrett climbed up beside her and wrapped his arms around them both then kissed Jahz’s shoulder. “Where’ve you been all our lives?” She frowned and looking down as unwelcome reality seeped in. Where had she been? “In LA.” With her ex husband and certainly not with two hot men. As she stared downward all she saw was the crease where their bodies pressed together beneath her and a little shimmer went through her. She’d never have imagined this when she’d woken up this morning. She couldn’t even blame her odd behaviour on the brandy she’d had at the party. A few sips certainly wouldn’t cloud her thoughts. “Hey,” Garrett said, catching her chin with the crook of his finger and lifting her gaze to him. “You okay?” His dark eyes peered at her from behind his mask. How kinky was that? If she saw either of the men on the street tomorrow, she doubted she’d recognise them. As if reading her thoughts, Garrett’s hand lifted to his mask. “No don’t,” she protested. “At least, not yet.” She drew a shaky breath. “What you both must think of me,” she whispered. “I really don’t run around—”

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“Oh honey, we know,” Chay interrupted. “It’s evident in every sweet move you’ve made. It’s all new to you.” “That’s for sure,” she replied, feeling a little better. She shoved away the past again. It had no place here with the three of them. She wanted a new life. This might not be it, but she certainly didn’t need to dwell on what she’d left behind. “I might be new to this threesome thing but I know enough to realise you guys didn’t come.” Beneath her, Chay chuckled. “We will.” “Later,” Garrett added. Chay chucked him in the shoulder and his body hair tickled hers as he moved. “Maybe in a few minutes.” “I need to know something first.” “I’m not married or taken or have any diseases,” she said quickly. “But do you have a name? You know ours, and crying out ‘Oh fucking hot lady!’ is such a big mouthful.” Jahz sputtered with unexpected laughter. “It’s Jahzlyn. Everyone calls me Jahz.” Chay played with her hair, while Garrett smoothed his hand down her arm. He trailed his fingers to her shoulder, slipping them beneath her bra strap. He pushed it onto her arm then pulled down one cup. A breast popped out into his hand. He palmed it. Her pebbled nipple rubbed against his calluses sending lightning searing to her pussy. “Garrett,” she gasped. “Jahz,” he returned. “Chopped liver,” Chay murmured. Jahz turned her head and looped her arm behind his head. “Never,” she murmured, bringing his lips to hers while Garrett continued to torment her throbbing peak. It felt so natural to split her attention between the two men, to adore them both while they stroked her. How could it be natural? Was she some sort of oddity and she’d never known it. Aside from her initial hesitation and awkwardness, she was enjoying this more than she would have believed. She cried out as Garrett’s mouth tugged at her breast. He peeled back the other cup of her bra to gain access for his hand. Not to be ignored, Chay reached down and rubbed her

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clit while he continued to kiss her. Her legs fell open for him without second thought. It was as if in coming here with them she’d given over herself to their desires. At the moment, she wanted whatever they wanted. A glowing haze of bliss seemed to surround her. It enveloped them in a bubble of oneness. Garrett moved. His knees worked between hers and he shoved them further apart. The wide head of his cock wedged against her opening. She pulled her mouth from Chay’s. “Fuck me Garrett. Oh please, fuck me hard. Yes!” she cried as he surged inside her slick folds. She was so ready for him, and even as the walls of her channel struggled to accommodate his girth, sharp sensation, pleasant, yet needy and full of fire, raked up her body. Chay shifted her completely onto her back and turned on his side beside her. His hand rested on her belly as her hips jerked upward into Garrett’s thrusts. “Fucking beautiful,” he murmured. Could he feel his partner’s cock burying deep inside her? Her muscles clenching as she took him? “Can’t wait for my turn,” he added. “I’ve tasted you with my mouth and hand. I want to feel your fire around my cock. I want you to milk me like you’re milking Garrett.” Another cry squeaked from her as her cunt responded to his words and squeezed Garrett. “Chay, stop. I’ll never last…” Garrett grunted. “I know.” Garrett growled and, to her delight, ploughed harder into her tender folds. The vibrations of it, thundered through her body. Up on his knees, he gripped her hip and reached over and dragged Chay over to him. Fingers buried in his hair, he ravaged his mouth while never slowing his rhythm.

Garrett was in bliss. The woman beneath him had stepped straight from his dreams. This was her. She was the one. Byrnam’s instinctively knew their partners and he knew her. Just as he’d known Chay the first time he’d seen him. Pulling back from Chay’s mouth, Garrett stared at him. “You suck.”

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“Yeah, I know.” Leaning forward, Chay dragged his tongue over Garrett’s nipple and gave it a rough nip. Garrett’s balls jerked. Fuck! Chay leaned back on his heels and slurped two fingers into his mouth. He climbed behind Garrett. Double fuck! Staring down at Jahz, Garrett leaned forward and captured her mouth. God how he loved the feel of her cunt around his cock and her smooth, womanly body contorting beneath him. There was no missing the haunted look that occasionally entered her eyes, and he longed to erase it. Fucking her helped, but he knew it would be back… Chay nipped his shoulder blade at the same time Garrett felt those wet fingers press to his ass. One fingertip slipped past his resistance, slowly working him open. It was fucking hard to relax while he thrust into Jahz. Chay worked with him, pushing in a little at a time with each of Garrett’s back-strokes. It wasn’t as easy as it would have been with lube, but Garrett wasn’t complaining. Chay managed to get in his second finger and his fingertips bumped Garrett’s prostate. Jahz cried out arching at the same time as her orgasm hit her. Garrett jolted from the powerful sensations. Throwing back his head, he howled, his seed exploding from him to fill her. His forehead dropped into the valley of her breasts as he moved with the last of his energy trying to wring her full release from her as Chay continued his finger fucking. He felt Chay angle away, then a moment later, chilled gel filled his ass. Chay’s fingers worked more easily, but he pulled them away. Garrett felt the slick head of Chay’s cock press to his opening. Garrett knew what would happen. He’d be hard again in seconds. Already he was growing. He’d fuck Jahz while Chay fucked him. Chay was eager and there was a slight burn as he pushed forward. “Hold on, baby,” he told Jahz. “More?” she asked. “Lots. It’s gonna be hard and fast. Can you take it?” She sighed in complete contentment. Whatever she’d been about to reply was lost as Chay moved forward, slowly filling him. In turn, Garrett pushed deeper into Jahz. Then withdrew to push back onto Chay. It was one heaven or the other. “Yeah, oh yeah,” Chay groaned.

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Over and over, Garrett impaled then was impaled. He wouldn’t last long like this, he realised as his balls slapped into Jahz. He saw rather than felt another climax rock through her. She reached up and brushed her fingers over his nipple. “Just stay still,” she coaxed. “You’re so hard in me like this…and each time he…” Her mouth dropped open and she sucked in a breath as Chay surged forward. It could have been Garrett’s breath as he choked in air. “And,” Jahz continued, “When he fucks you…it’s like he’s fucking me too.” It was almost too much, staying still beneath Chay, staring into Jahz’s passion darkened eyes. Pressure seemed to build inside him. A release screamed and clawed his balls as if he hadn’t lost it in Jahz a few minutes ago. Chay’s cock sawed over his prostate. “Yeah, love, give it to me,” Chay groaned as Garrett instinctively shoved deep into Jahz, his ass clenching. This time Chay didn’t withdraw. He rode the waves slamming over both Jahz and Garrett. His cum streamed into Garrett. He and Garrett fell to the side as one, still connected. Garrett pulled Jahz with him. They all lay panting. “Unbelievable,” Jahz whispered. “Perfect,” Garrett replied as his lids drooped. “Perfect.”

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Chapter Two

Perfect… Early the next morning, Jahz sat at a small table at the local restaurant, Carol’s Cravings, and sipped a black coffee while she contemplated the word. Perfect. Yeah, that described what had happened last night. But it had been a one-night encounter. She’d known that going into the tryst and she knew that as she’d silently gathered her clothes and left the men’s house a few hours ago. Her stomach twisted with longing as she remembered her Halloween lovers nestled into their pillows, their masks still in place, their hard naked bodies relaxed in slumber. She’d wanted to turn around and crawl back onto the sheets with them. That wasn’t to be. She’d gone back to Tam’s, left her a note and grabbed her own things. It was time to go home before she got caught up in things here. Wasn’t last night an example of how quickly her life could go awry if she stayed? “What’s wrong, sweetie?” Everything. Jahz looked up to see Carol Sommers, the owner of the restaurant, standing beside the table with a carafe of coffee. They’d met a few times over the course of Jahz’s visit, and Jahz had found, she really liked the straight-talking woman. “I’m leaving today. Time to go home and keep searching for a job.” “Afraid?” “A bit. I mean…by this age, I figured I’d be well on my way in life. A husband, maybe kids, a home, a great career. Here I am at twenty-eight, unemployed and heading home to live with my mom and dad with only an eight-year-old car and two suitcases of clothes.” Carol shook her head and pulled out the chair opposite her. After setting down the carafe, she steepled her fingers and looked at Jahz with deep brown eyes that seemed to see into her soul. “Are you afraid of what you found here?” Jahz looked away. Having Carol cut to the heart of her feelings was a surprise. She hadn’t expected analysis along with her morning coffee. Heck, that’s why she was leaving before the sun was up. She’d figured neither Chay nor Garrett would be up at this early hour

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and no one in Tam’s household would stir until at least eight given that they were all school teachers and this was the weekend. Feeling relatively safe that she wouldn’t have to explain herself, she’d stopped at Carol’s Cravings for coffee and a Danish before hitting the road. Lord knew she didn’t want to run into anyone who might try to convince her to stay. Her fingers tightened on her mug. “A little,” she admitted. “I was once, too. Then I met my Jake and Nate, and they convinced me that three is the perfect number. Exactly what I was craving,” she said with a wink, then she grew serious again. “I’m not gonna tell you what to do, sweetie, but just remember that what society dictates as right isn’t always. You need to look at what you want.” Standing, she pulled her order pad from her pocket and handed a sheet of paper to Jahz. It was blank save for a phone number. “Your breakfast is on me. That’s my number. If you decide to come back, you can have a job here while you’re lookin’ for something in your field.” Before Jahz could protest, Carol picked up the coffee carafe and walked away. Jahz shoved the slip in her pocket. It was nice of Carol to offer, but it was unlikely she’d be back for more than brief visits.

**** “Okay, so we were spontaneous and went with the flow and it sucked,” Garrett complained as he stared at the coffeemaker and watched dark liquid drip into the pot. “It didn’t suck,” Chay replied as he clicked away on his laptop, checking their investments as he did every morning. It had been his idea to be more spontaneous. As a banker, things were pretty much mapped out in his life. Some people in his field liked that. Chay didn’t. He liked his job, but when he thought about it, he found much of his existence boring. He’d fallen into habits that were so predictable people could tell time by his movements. “No, being with Jahz didn’t suck at all, but this morning does.” Chay frowned. Yeah, it did suck. Not only was Jahz gone when they’d woken, but she’d left town. He hadn’t thought the sex was that bad. It had been spectacular. Then what…? She was scared. That had to be it.

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Getting up, he went to the fridge and grabbed a frozen breakfast from the wide selection in the freezer. After prepping it and shoving it into the microwave, he turned to Garrett. “I guess she wasn’t the girl for us.” Damn, that hurt to admit. Neither he nor Garrett were much for random fuckings. Jahz had struck a chord with both of them. “Man, you know that’s not true,” Garrett replied. “Why, because your Byrnam gypsy blood says so?” His friend stared at him, his lips turning white around the edges as he struggled to contain his anger. Without a word, he slammed down his cup on the counter and left the kitchen. Well, shit. Way to rack up the points, Chay. He closed his eyes and pressed his hand over his face. Just what he needed. Pissing off his best friend. His day just couldn’t be much better.

**** “Look man, I’m an asshole.” Garrett looked up from his drafting board. “Yeah, you are.” Chay sighed, but Garrett wasn’t feeling charitable. That little dig in the kitchen ticked him off. They both knew Garrett wasn’t particularly fond of his heritage and the way it sometimes poked its way into his life. They also both knew that he’d never been wrong. Ever. Waking up to find Jahz had hightailed it outta town had shocked the hell out of him. “Could you throw me a bone here? I’m trying to say I’m sorry.” Garrett picked up the bottle of water he’d gotten from his mini-fridge and took a long drink while he glared at Chay, then deliberately turned back to his project. “I thought you said none of yours was pressing this weekend,” Chay growled. “It’s not.” “Then will you fucking talk to me?” “Why?” “You know what? Fine. I said I’m sorry, but you’re a jerk.” Chay spun and left the room.

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“Hey!” Jumping off his stool he followed Chay. Grabbing him by the arm, he turned him back and yanked him against his chest. “Don’t call me a jerk and storm away.” “Jerk,” Chay repeated, this time with a glint in his eyes. “I’ll give you a jerk,” Garrett threatened. His hand thrust into Chay’s hair, and he dragged his mouth forward for a kiss. “Let’s skip coffee and go sit in the hot tub for a while.” “Sit?” “Well, I didn’t say where.” He pulled Chay’s hand over the thick bulge of his erection where it strained against his pants. “I’m sure you’ll find an acceptable seat.” Chay dropped to his knees and pulled open Garrett’s pants. “I’m sure I will. Hmm…free-balling, I see,” he commented as Garrett’s erection popped out. “All the better to fuck you with, my dear,” he quipped. “I thought you were a phantom not a wolf.” Leaning forward, Chay pressed his tongue to the head of Garrett’s cock. Garrett groaned as fire leapt through him. His partner could always get him going with a few torrid licks. “That was yesterday. Today, I might just start howling,” he managed, as Chay took him deep, looking up at him with soulful brown eyes as if worshiping him. The sight of his cock sliding in and out of Chay’s mouth nearly undid him as did the burning sensations shooting through him. “Oh God, Chay, that feels good.” Chay raked his teeth along the under side of his cock and Garrett fumbled for the wall. Chay roughly pushed him back against it, never letting up from the suction he’d begun. Garrett swore as Chay lingered at the head of his shaft, his suction increasing while he flicked at the tiny slit. Futilely, Garrett urged Chay to take more as he felt his orgasm sweep along his shaft and take a strangle-hold on his balls. But his lover refused, intent on his purpose. He stroked a hand over Garrett’s belly, gently pushing, as if to say hold still, but there was no way Garrett could stay still with Chay’s large, callused hand splayed possessively on him. Garrett’s head thunked back on the wall as his eyes closed. Grasping him, Chay pumped his hand up and down Garrett’s shaft while he continued to torment the head. “Oh fuck!” Suddenly, Garrett’s need to come overpowered him and slammed along his limbs as the waves of release hit him.

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With a growl, Chay finally moved his mouth forward as Garrett exploded, releasing hot cum down his throat. “Shit, Chay,” he mumbled, blindly threading his fingers into Chay’s hair as he trembled with the last of it. With a final long suck, Chay pulled free and rested his cheek on Garrett’s thigh. “I’m sorry about what I said.” Sliding to his knees, Garrett embraced him. “I love you.” Both of them needed a woman to complete their relationship—this was just a half-life for them—but loving each other would do for now.

**** Halloween and her phantoms were far, far away. Wasn’t it supposed to be her handsome prince who was far away but soon to start his quest to find her? Jahz had learned long ago that life wasn’t a fairytale. She examined the black and orange polish on her fingernails and studiously ignored her mother and father as they shared an intimate snuggle across the kitchen before her father left for work. She should have stayed in bed a little longer. While she was fantastically happy that her parents had a good marriage and had celebrated their thirtieth anniversary this year, the reminder of what she hadn’t had in her marriage was painful. Even more, it made her wonder what could have happened with Garrett and Chay if she’d stayed in Cranston. She missed Tam, and truth be told, she wanted to spend more time in the arms of her phantoms. What did they look like without their masks? No matter what they looked like, she thought they were beautiful. One night of loving in their arms had done that. The door banged shut behind her dad and she sighed, rubbing a hand over her face. She needed to get a grip. “Would you like some French toast?” “You don’t need to wait on me, Mom.” Her mother lovingly smoothed a hand over the back of Jahz’s hair, then sat down kittycorner from her. “How often do I have my one and only daughter home?” “Could be a while if I don’t find a job.”

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“There’s a hospital just outside Cranston. Maybe fifteen miles out. Have you tried there?” “What?” “Darling, I’m not stupid. I know you were upset over the split with Payton, but you were far more relieved than anything else. I saw you after that ass caused you to lose your job and you were angry. This…” She wagged her finger towards Jahz to emphasise her point. “This is something else. Something happened while you were with Tamera.” Jahz pulled in a shuddering breath. “There were two guys—” “Two?” She levelled a chagrined look at her mother. “It’s Cranston.” “I suppose, but…I never figured you’d be one for that.” “Are you angry?” “I always thought you’d go a more traditional route.” “I did that. It didn’t work out so well.” She shouldn’t even be discussing this with her mom. It was hard enough to grasp what she was feeling without talking about it with someone else. “Yes, I suppose you did.” Her mom got up and headed for the refrigerator. “French toast, then?” “Sure.” Jahz looked away, unexpected tears pricking her lids. This whole thing was so frustrating. She needed to find a job, but she wanted to be back in Cranston more than anything else. She’d loved the small town and the people there. She wanted to find out what would have happened with Chay and Garrett if she’d given it time. Had it been a one night thing in their minds or had they wanted more too? After the phenomenal experience with them, she definitely wanted more. “All right then,” her mom said. “Run along and repack your suitcase. You can head back after breakfast.” “What?” she exclaimed in surprise. “I’ll explain it to your father. Somehow. God knows I’ve wondered what two men would be like. Sometimes I think of it when—” “TMI, Mom!” She paused. “You’re sure you’re okay with it?” Her parents’ approval didn’t guide her, but it would mean an awful lot to her.

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Her mom shrugged. “Some people might condemn me for it, but I just want you to be happy. And if this is it…” She sniffled and Jahz didn’t press the subject. She rose and hugged her mom. “I’ll be right back.” She’d call Carol and see if the job was still open, then she’d go from there.

**** Good lord her feet hurt. Jahz hadn’t expected Carol to put her to work this afternoon or she would have dug out better shoes. Her tennis shoes were great with her jeans and sports shirt with the Carol’s Cravings logo on it, but they weren’t great for long term support. A long soak was definitely in order tonight after her shift. Thankfully, she wouldn’t have far to go since Carol had given her the use of the apartment over the restaurant. She’d even dusted and changed the linens when she’d known Jahz was on her way. The woman’s kindness touched her as did the down-home friendliness of the people in this town. She smiled at the family who was leaving and went to their table to finish clearing it. Once that was finished, she checked on two of her other tables before heading over to the kitchen to see if food for the third was up. It was and she grabbed the hot plates to take out to the two customers—a pair of single men. She’d wonder if they were Chay and Garrett, but they hadn’t said a word to her that hinted at recognition. She’d waited on several other men, single and in pairs today, too. As she approached the table, they both looked up and smiled. A little quiver shot through her belly. Good lord, she’d turned wanton. Two cute guys smiled at her and her panties grew damp? Perhaps coming back to Cranston wasn’t such a hot idea. She didn’t want to be the town tramp. Forcing her smile to remain in place, she placed a plate in front of each man. She was hardly a loose woman. Just because she was aroused didn’t mean anything—these were the first men who’d drawn this response all day and she didn’t have to act on it. “Be careful. It’s hot,” she warned. And so were they. One had dark brown hair with chocolaty eyes while the other was blessed with the classic black hair, blue eyes combination. They both had strong masculine features, but it didn’t detract from their handsomeness. But

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it wasn’t their looks that aroused her. It was the way their gazes remained riveted on her at all times. It’s because you’re a new-comer, dork. Get over yourself. “Thank you,” they both replied. Her throat dry, she nodded and pulled the faux-leather folder Carol had given her from her apron pocket. She removed their bill then placed it on the table. “Let me know if you need anything else. Just wave me down.” She prayed they wouldn’t see the tremble in her legs as she walked away. Guilt plagued her. She didn’t have a commitment to Chay and Garrett, but she had a stronger moral core than her body was indicating. “You look a little peaked,” Carol commented, when Jahz slid into the kitchen and grabbed her bottle of water. Thank goodness they were closing early so everyone could be home for trick-or-treaters. It was unlikely she’d have any at the apartment over the restaurant. “I’m okay, but let me tell you, when we close in a half hour, I’m running for a hot bath.” “Feet hurt? Why don’t you run on up now? I can finish up your tables.” “You’ve been here longer than I have—” “An hour. After your phone call, I knew I’d be here tonight, showing you the ropes, so I got my sister Kelly to do the morning shift. Now scoot before I change my mind.” “Seriously?” “Go!” Carol growled. “You shouldn’t piss off the boss on the first day.” “Okay, I’m gone. Thanks! Oh and thanks for the job, too. I appreciate it.” Ducking out the back door, she headed up the outside steps that lead up to her apartment. Relief filled her at the thought that she’d soon be off her feet. Even better, she’d be out of temptation’s way and her body could stop acting like a wanton, sex-starved nympho. After letting herself into the apartment and sliding the chain, she headed straight for the bathroom, dropping her apron on the couch and kicking off her shoes in the hallway on the way. A bubble bath called her name. Letting her mind drift, she dropped her clothes to the tiled bathroom floor while her thoughts turned to Garrett and Chay. Tomorrow after her shift, she’d visit Tam then take a walk over and see the guys. Would the men be glad to see her?

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A lukewarm reception was a possibility she had to face. Even so, she wouldn’t regret coming back here. As a gated community, Cranston offered her a kind of security she didn’t feel elsewhere. It obviously wasn’t foolproof since Andy had managed to skirt the town’s safeguards, but it would pose trouble, probably more trouble than Payton thought she was worth. Even across the country from where she and Payton had lived, she still didn’t feel completely safe from him. And he wasn’t across the country. Her mother had mentioned seeing Payton when she’d called to check on Jahz’s arrival this afternoon. If she could put walls—or gates—between them, she would. Dread crawled up Jahz’s back. She didn’t want to deal with her ex-husband and his threats. He no longer controlled her life even if he seemed to think he could. Shoving him from her head once more, she stepped into the sudsy water. The heat seeped into her, at once refreshing and soothing her. Heaven. The scent of lavender and vanilla surrounded her as she slipped neck-deep into the bath. It felt so good on her aching body. She cleared her mind of thought and let peace fill her, but her mind wouldn’t relax. After a few moments, two black-masked faces entered her thoughts and she smiled. Chay and Garrett. She wanted to know them better and she prayed she’d have the chance. For now she imagined them touching her as the heated water and bubbles caressed her. Finishing her bath, she climbed from the tub and dried herself with a thick towel then wandered into the bedroom. A quick search of her suitcase found her favourite silky pyjamas. Her thoughts had veered down a sensual path with her two lovers as the stars. She’d want to wear something sexy as she climbed into bed and let them dominate her dreams. Her silky ice-blue chemise filled the ticket perfectly. Her nipples hardened as it slipped over her body and brushed her curves. She stretched languorously, enjoying the slide against her bare skin. She’d skipped panties and it made the feel of the soft fabric all the more decadent. It was still quite early but she hadn’t slept much while she’d been away. Coupled with the day of waitressing, and she was ready to hit the sheets. Bed and sultry fantasies awaited.

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A knock on the front door startled her from her languid mood, and her brow furrowed. Who on earth could it be? It had to be Carol. No one else knew she was here. She grabbed the throw from the bottom of the bed and wrapped it around herself, then hurried for the door. “Who is it?” she called. “Trick or treat,” a deep male voice replied. “And we guarantee it will be a treat.” The promise in their voices hit her middle like a freight train filled with lust and she knew exactly who was at the other side of the door. She opened it, leaving the chain on and peeked out at them. Two smiling men, two black masks, two pairs of worn blue jeans hugging rugged legs and black T-shirts stretching over wide chests. Apparently, word was out that she’d returned. She blinked coyly at them. “I don’t have any candy for you.” “I bet you do,” Garrett replied. “The sweetest kind.” “Let us in, Jahz,” Chay said. She hesitated a moment at his tone then reminded herself that not all men were like Payton. She couldn’t let her experience with her ex colour her future. And despite Payton, she appreciated a man who wasn’t a wuss. Her body vibrating with the excitement of what was sure to come, she released the chain and let the two men into her apartment. They stepped inside, then in near unison, removed their masks. They were the men from the restaurant. The guilt she’d felt earlier flipflopped into relief. No wonder she’d been aroused by them. Instinctively, some part of her had recognised them. Their gazes captured her. Deep and intense. Need swirled in their eyes along with unmistakable wariness. They were worried about her reaction to them. “Chay Harper and Garrett Byrnam,” Garrett said, placing his palm on his chest. “And now that that’s behind us…” He pulled her to him, and she gasped at the feel of his warm, hard length against her softer body. He kissed her quickly then handed her over to Chay who just as quickly stormed her mouth with a deep, claiming kiss. “We need to talk,” he said. Taking her hand, he pulled her into the living room. After she’d sat in the recliner, he and Garrett took places on the couch. The arrangement surprised and frustrated her. She wanted to be in their arms again, surrounded by them, filled by them.

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Shocked by her shallow thoughts, she stared at her hands in her lap. Of course they should talk. If their relationship was to be anything but fucking they needed to know one another. But…did she want anything more than that? She’d been burned by her last relationship. Chay and Garrett aren’t like him. Don’t make them into that, she admonished herself. “Do you have a problem that Chay and I are together?” Garrett asked. Her gaze shot up. “No,” she exclaimed, surprise evident in her tone. “You seem happy with each other so I don’t see where…well…I fit into the picture, but—” “We’re bi-sexual not gay,” he interrupted. “A woman, one particular woman, will fit very closely into our lives.” Her stomach jerked again at the thought that he could mean her, but Chay glared at him. He shook his head as if to say ‘not now’ then shrugged with a grin. “We like women, but what we need to know before we start something else is if you’re okay with two guys. And if you’re okay with two guys who have sex with each other as well as you.” “You make it sound like this thing,” she waved her hand between them since she lacked the right word to describe what was going on between them, “could go on for a while.” “It will,” Garrett growled. Her pussy gave a happy clench at his possessive tone. She pressed her thighs together as moisture gathered in her folds. Was she jumping from one fire to another? “Garrett,” Chay rasped. Her tongue darted out to wet her lips. She decided to focus on what Chay had said rather than the reaction she was having to Garrett’s pronouncement. “I thought you two together were very…hot. It turned me on to watch you with one another and to know you were just as much into me. You obviously love one another but you never left me out.” “We never will,” Garrett said. He looked at Chay and raised his brows as if to say, ‘don’t stop me this time. I’m saying this.’ She was intrigued by their silent conversations. Obviously, they knew each other well and could intuit each other’s thoughts. He turned back to her. “If this continues…” She already knew he was sure it would.

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“…then sometimes, Chay and I might be alone. Or sometimes, just you and I or just the two of you, but never with anyone else or to the exclusion of the third person.” Chay ran his hand through his wavy, brown hair. His intent brown eyes captured her. “You’ve told us that you’re okay with us being bi-sexual… How do you feel about ménage?” Silence filled the apartment and grew oppressive as she sought words. Ménage scared her to death. Could she tell them that? Sure the sex was great…but everything that went with it. Was she ready for that? She didn’t condemn it. She loved Tam and she seemed to have a perfect marriage filled with love and happiness and three adults in the same bed. It had shocked Jahz at first, but that was all. After all, of all the places Jahz could have chosen to go after fleeing LA, she’d chosen here. Not once, but twice. How did she put all that into words? Could she? “I’m willing to try it,” she finally said. “The whole thing, not just the out of this world sex.” “It was pretty out of this world,” Chay laughed. “Then why did you leave?” Garrett demanded. “She was scared, bonehead.” They both looked at her. “Yes, I was scared,” she admitted. Garrett held out his hand. “Come here, baby.” Conversation over. Time for togetherness. Thank goodness. Her heart thumping a little faster, she rose and let the throw fall from around her, leaving her in only her chemise. “Sweet heaven you’re beautiful,” Chay murmured. “Yeah…” Garrett enjoined. Taking her hand, he pulled her to sit in the narrow space between him and Chay. They each pulled her legs open. “You don’t ever need to be frightened with us. We’ll never hurt you.” “Well, we might spank you,” Chay interrupted, his voice a sensual rumble as his fingernails lightly abraded the inside of her thigh. “Leaving like you did was awfully naughty.” Her breath shuddered and her body shocked her by responding in pleasure to his deep threat. He didn’t scare her, nor did his threat of sexual edge-play. She almost wept in relief. Payton hadn’t ruined her. “Now?” she asked.

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He shook his head slowly, a devilish glint in his eyes. “Now, Garrett and I show you that you should stay here with us and not run off to places unknown.” She leaned back against the couch. “And how’s that?” “You’ll see,” he replied. She suspected she would. Already, Garrett’s fingers explored her upper thigh, his hand moving closer and closer to her needy flesh. Chay leaned over and kissed her. He smoothed his palm up her torso to her breast then caught her nipple and rolled it. The fabric of her chemise caused extra friction that sent a current of arousal singing to her womb. Moaning, she shifted with the pleasure and inadvertently bumped her pussy against Garrett’s hand. “That’s right,” her murmured. Chay lifted his mouth to her ear. “I haven’t fucked you yet. Are you gonna let me inside you’re sweet cunt tonight?” She nodded. “Good,” he whispered, nipping her ear. “I want to feel you so bad, honey.” Oh God, she wanted to feel him too. Both of them. “Come on, baby,” Garrett told her. “Now, the spanking.” She gasped. Now? But… “No arguments,” he said. He scooted forward so that his legs were off the couch, then pulled her to sit on his lap. “First, off with this,” he said and swept the chemise off of her. He tossed it aside. “I want you to feel every shift across me.” Turning her, he positioned her body across his parted legs, her breasts on one thigh while her belly was on the other. Trepidation rifled through her as his hand rubbed across her ass. “Now, press your hands to the floor and don’t move them,” he instructed. What the hell was she doing? Squeezing shut her eyes, she tried not to panic. This was just play between lovers. As if to confirm her thought, he smoothed his hand down between her legs to her pussy. He parted her, spreading her lips wide and Chay groaned. Then, she heard a zipper. He was going to stroke himself while Garrett spanked her? Arousal sent a shudder up her and she moaned as Garrett’s jeans abraded her nipples. Every stroke he gave her would be sweet torture. How long could she stand it?

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To her surprise, Chay knelt between her legs and she felt his wide cock press to the flesh Garrett had spread. He easily slid through her cream and the head of his cock forced its way inside. And he paused. “Please…” Jahz moaned when he didn’t move. Garrett’s hand slapped down on her buttocks and she yelped. Her body clenched in reaction, her pussy clamping on Chay as he moved forward a fraction. “Oh God,” she whimpered. Garrett spanked her again and again while Chay moved forward, this time slamming all the way in as she squeezed him. Her nipples slid against the Garrett’s denim, but he grabbed her shoulder with his free hand to keep her anchored. Chay started a smooth pistoning motion, his balls slapping her clit with each thrust and Garrett’s hand coming down on her ass with each withdrawal. She could barely breathe for the sensations flying through her, from her breasts to her ass to her womb to her pussy. Her palms scraped on the carpet, her arms and legs trembled. “You were a bad, bad girl to go like that,” Garrett rasped. She threw her head back as she rode the power of what they did to her. “Oh God, I was. I was so, so bad. Don’t stop. Please.” Her ass was on fire and it burned like wild flames to her cunt, making her hotter with each stroke. “Oh honey, you squeeze me so tight,” Chay moaned. “Climax, honey. Pull my cum from me. I want to fill you until you know you belong to both of us.” “Yes,” Jahz screamed, waves starting in her pussy then shooting to her toes and fingertips. Garrett’s hand came down one last time and shoved her irrevocably into the abyss as she distantly heard Chay shout behind her a moment before his seed splashed into her womb.

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Chapter Three

“Honey? You okay?” “Mmm…” Jahz muttered. “Maybe you shouldn’t have spanked her so hard,” she heard Chay say. “S’okay,” she murmured. “Liked it. Have to be bad again sometime.” She rubbed her cheek against her pillow. Warm, hard…she opened her eyes…flesh coloured. Tipping up her head, she looked into Garrett’s concerned blue eyes. “What happened?” “You passed out when you came,” Garrett told her. “Rock on. That’s cool,” she replied weakly. “That’s not cool,” Chay snapped. “You scared the shit outta me.” She giggled. “As long as you clean up after yourself.” “That’s not funny.” Turning over, she found Chay was right beside Garrett. She ended up on his chest, their faces nose to nose. “I’m sorry I scared you, but you have to know, that was probably the most naughtily erotic moment of my entire life and I’d like much more, please, sir.” “You’re incorrigible.” “I might need a lot of discipline.” She smiled knowing she’d like whatever discipline these two dished out. “We’re in bed,” she commented when she realised where they were. “Yeah, we’re staying. Hope you don’t mind,” Garrett laughed. “There’s less chance of you running off in the dead of the night if we’re at your house.” “Mmm…sounds good.” She stretched out an arm over him and snuggled her head into Chay’s shoulder. What was happening here? Tenderness—belonging—settled over her like a cloak. She shouldn’t be feeling this way yet. The emotions infiltrating her heart terrified her. It was too soon for this— “What’s this from?” Garrett asked, interrupting her thoughts. He ran a finger tip down a long, jagged scar on her upper arm. She bit her lip. She could tell them she’d fallen like she’d told everyone else or she could tell the truth. “My ex,” she admitted.

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“What!” both men exclaimed. “Let me see,” Chay demanded, shifting her onto the mattress and sitting up. “Oh my God. An accident?” Disbelief and outrage warred in his tone. She shook her head. “Bastard,” Garrett muttered. “What else did he do?” Chay rasped. She shrugged. “He was abusive. That’s why I left him. I’ve had bruises, black eyes, broken fingers and ribs. He always had alibis with his good old boys club. I could never prove anything. And he’s a highly respected doctor where I worked. No one would believe he’d ever do anything untoward.” “Asshole.” Garrett shoved a hand through his hair as he sat up too. They both stared down at her with pain in their eyes. “And you let us do that?” He swept his hand at the door, indicating the living room and the BDSM-like activity that had taken place there. “I loved it,” she said quickly, the tenderness she’d been feeling amplifying onehundredfold at his concern. “And you’d better plan on repeats. You two are nothing like him. He never cared what I felt like—during or afterward. It was all about him and gratification of his anger and frustration.” Chay looked at Garrett, and they both seemed at a loss for words. “Let’s not think about it,” she urged, reaching up and placing a hand on each of their chests. “Baby, how can we not?” Garrett protested. “He hurt you—” “But I’m not with him anymore. I’m with you and that’s what’s important right now.” Chay grinned, while his eyes still retained a slightly haunted glimmer. He was fighting it though, and she appreciated that. Payton was in her past and she wanted to keep him as far from her new relationships as she could. While she knew it was impossible to completely rid herself of him since he’d painted her past in wide blood-red strokes, he didn’t need to paint her future. “The night’s still young…” Chay said. She grinned. “And I want more treats.”

****

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“Delivery, Jahz.” Jahz looked towards the counter where Carol’s sister Kelly waited with a deliveryman who held a long, white floral box. Trepidation roiling in her stomach, she looked over to the spot where Garrett and Chay had camped out since she’d started her shift at eleven. One man did paperwork while the other surfed the net on his laptop. Neither looked anxious to see her reaction to a delivery or excited at giving her a gift. That was what worried her most. That white cardboard didn’t contain a gift from her new lovers. It was a reminder from her old one. November first was the day she’d always received a white floral box. It had always contained two dozen long-stem red roses and a typed card saying, Happy Anniversary, Pet. She dreaded that this one might say the same. It couldn’t be. Payton didn’t know she was here, and even if he did know she was in Cranston, he didn’t know she was here at Carol’s Cravings. He couldn’t. Reluctantly, she took the box from Kelly and gave the deliveryman a tip. She set the container on the counter as he left. “Do you know who it’s from?” Kelly asked excitedly. “Unfortunately, I have a suspicion.” As if the white cardboard might contain snakes, she carefully lifted the box. Yes, nothing untoward to naïve eyes. Two dozen absolutely perfect, blood-red roses. Her breath faltered, panic oozing past the barriers she’d erected to keep out her ex and his insidious control over her. “They’re beautiful,” Kelly murmured. “Aren’t they?” Jahz replied, unimpressed. She could see the bold writing on the card that had been inserted. Hand written, not typed. The implication was clear. He was near and probably watching. Desperately, she squelched a sob, but she couldn’t stop the way her shoulders shook as she tried to breathe. Raw horror welled inside her, clawing up her spine and squeezing her throat. “Are you okay?” She shook her head. “They’re from my ex-husband. Today would have been our seventh anniversary.” If I hadn’t divorced him two years ago…

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Kelly’s excitement turned acid as she glared down at the offending flowers. “Do you want me to get rid of these?” “Baby? What’s wrong?” Garrett asked behind her before she could answer Kelly. His arms slid around Jahz’s waist, his solid chest lending her strength. She nodded towards the box. “They’re from my ex—Payton. He…knows I’m here. He knows where I’m at.” Chay’s arms wrapped around her from the other side. “He’s not touching you again.” “I’ll just throw these in the dumpster,” Kelly said. “Thanks,” Jahz replied. She pressed closer to her men, absorbing the security of their presence and thankful she didn’t have any other tables that afternoon so that she could freely indulge in their comfort. Most of the town’s residents were away to attend a football game almost two hours away. She leaned her head against Chay. The clean scent of the two men reminded her of the many rounds of loving last night. Her body was a little tender from the exertions, but pleasantly so. More would definitely be okay. Hedonist, her inner voice admonished. She never had been before. “I’m okay,” she told them. Reason began to override her initial panic. She sighed, letting out her pent up tension. “Andy probably told him I’m in Cranston, and everybody in town knows where to find the newcomer,” she said, trying for a laugh. It fell flat as a day-old soft drink. Fortunately, she was saved from discussion by the entrance of a very pregnant woman. Jahz broke free of the men. “Hi,” she greeted the customer. “Table for one—and a half?” “I think almost two,” the woman laughed. “Let’s get you both seated then.” A few moments later, Jahz had the woman, who’d introduced herself as Gwen, at a table close to both the bathrooms and the front door. She had to smile at yet another reminder of small-town friendliness. Back in Madison City, and especially in LA, people didn’t introduce themselves to the waitress at a restaurant.

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She headed into the kitchen to get Gwen’s drink and noticed that both Garrett and Chay had returned to the table where they’d been hanging out. They’d each angled their chairs for a clear view of the door. Their concern warmed her and in truth made her feel a little better. They wouldn’t let anything happen to her when they were nearby. And they seemed intent on keeping her in their sights—if not closer. In the kitchen, Kelly leaned against the stainless steel prep counter with her eyes squeezed shut. Her skin look pallid, though she’d been fine mere moments before. “Are you all right?” Jahz asked, her nurse’s cap slipping into place. “I have a crashing headache.” Kelly pressed her hand to her head as she took a shaky breath. “Do you think you’ll be okay for a few minutes if I run over to the drugstore?” “Yeah, sure,” Jahz replied. “It’s not like we’re terribly busy. I can handle this mad rush. Maybe you should go upstairs and lay on my couch for a while when you come back.” Kelly gave her a faint smile and grabbed her purse. “Thanks. Maybe I will. I’ve never had one of these hit me so fast. Be back in a few minutes.” Gwen was frowning when Jahz returned to the table with her drink. Like Kelly, her eyes were squeezed shut, her face contorting in pain as she panted. This wasn’t a migraine headache. “Gwen…?” Jahz asked. “I’m okay,” the woman panted. “Just a Braxton Hicks contraction…I’ve been getting them for months.” Jahz wasn’t so sure. She’d seen enough women in labour to suspect something was amiss. Missing her job—her other job as an obstetrics nurse—hit her hard. Perhaps she was attributing signs to Gwen because she missed her work so much. “When was the last time you talked to your doctor?” she asked. “Two days ago. He’s sure I have another week.” “Babies can be surprising. How long have you been having these pains?” “Like this one? Today you mean? This is the first one.” Jahz decided to keep a close eye on Gwen. She wasn’t confident this was only a false contraction, but with late-term babies it was always wait and see. Forcing a smile, she took Gwen’s order. The cook had disappeared when Jahz dropped the order in the kitchen. What the hell?

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“Burt? There’s an order here for you,” she called. A cough from outside alerted her that he’d propped open the back door and stepped outside for a smoke. Good thing they weren’t busy. Taking a moment, she took a sip of the bottled water she’d left in her waitress cubby earlier and let her thoughts wander. She’d technically been together with Chay and Garrett for two nights and a day, yet she felt closer to them than she’d ever felt to most people in her life. Perhaps it was the intensity and the saturation of the time they’d spent. It wasn’t casual dating. They’d shared hours in close intimate contact. A lot of it talking—naked, but talking. Already she sensed their fierce possessiveness and she had no doubt they’d flatten Payton if he came near her. A flush of awareness had followed her all day. Could a person get arousal overload? By the time her shift ended today, she’d be ready to jump them in the middle of Main Street— another reason to be thankful so many people were out of town. She took another sip of water, titillated by a vision of riding Garrett’s thick cock and giving Chay head while cars drove past. Her pussy pulsed, wanting their cocks now. Damn, she’d better get back to work before she got herself in trouble. Agitated by her thoughts she pulled her shirt away from her beaded nipples. No one would believe she was cold, not with the heat she felt in her cheeks. Re-entering the dining room, she meandered over to her lovers. “More coffee?” Or tea or me. Please say you want me…the customer always knows best and I’d have to deliver. “How long until you’re done, honey?” Chay asked, his dark eyes were almost black with repressed need. It jolted her and she wondered how apparent her own was. “Why? Do you have big plans?” “Maybe…and you’re the guest of honour.” Excitement surged through her, and her pulse throbbed with joy. “Hmm…the guest of honour? Should I wear anything special?” “It’s definitely come as you are. Clothes optional but not suggested after we arrive,” Garrett told her. The side of his mouth turned up in a mischievous smile. “I’m thinking you might like my wrist cuffs.” Oh yes… If it was anything like his spanking, she knew she would. She glanced at her watch suddenly anxious to be finished with her shift. “Another hour,” she reported.

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Chay couldn’t wait to get her out of here. His territorial instincts had slammed into high gear when he’d seen her reaction to the flowers, and he knew Garrett was feeling the same way. While Garrett was distracting Jahz with talk of his bondage paraphernalia, Chay could only think he couldn’t wait to get her at home behind their alarm system. Every time Jahz went into the kitchen and out of their sight, his shoulders tensed, his gut knotted and he had to fight the urge to dash after her. She’d taken so long this last time, he’d been getting up when the door had swung open. He tried to tell himself his worry was unfounded. It wasn’t as if just anyone could get through Cranston’s gates, but there were ways if someone was determined to sneak inside the town. Garrett had reminded him of that enough times over the years—and Garrett would know since he was the architect cum city planner who’d designed Cranston. His uncle had hired him straight out of college and Garrett spent innumerable hours working and reworking Cranston’s design as the town expanded yearly. He’d taken on more and more architectural design jobs both in and out of town over recent jobs, but Cranston was his baby. Still, Chay had a feeling that with Jahz’s ex making his presence known, Garrett would be scaling back temporarily and sticking close to home. As the bank’s Chief—and only—Financial Officer, Chay didn’t have that option but it comforted him to know that come Monday when he had to return to the office, Garrett would be watching over their woman. Their woman… Thinking of Jahz that way was novel, yet so right. Tamping down the proprietary desire to demand she stay within arm’s reach, he watched her glide across the restaurant to check on Gwen again. What would it be like to see her just as pregnant with their child? He chuckled to himself. There would be plenty of time for that in a few years. Why rush the time the three of them had together now? Still a completely primal instinct grabbed his cock. His hand fisted. The sex, however, could be rushed, with Jahz bent over a table and him taking her hard and fast. “This day will never end,” he muttered. “I need to fuck so bad.” “You’re so completely besotted,” Garrett laughed quietly. “Look who’s talking. I bet you have a raging hard-on, too. Do you feel like dragging her back to the cave?”

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Garrett nodded. Whatever else he might have been about to say was interrupted by the screeching of the town’s only ambulance as it raced down Main Street. They glanced out the window. “I wonder what’s up,” Chay said. The ambulance rounded the corner to Riley Drive and sped out of sight. “No idea, but I’m betting it will be the buzz about town in about ten minutes— fortunately for whoever it is, almost everyone is at that football game,” Garrett replied. Chay looked at him, seeing a note of worry lining his forehead. “What is it?” Garrett shook his head. “I don’t know. Something’s off… God! This is so frustrating. You know how it is. Sometimes, I get these feelings but no information to go with them. This isn’t like it was with Jahz when I knew right away that she was our one. I just know the sooner we get Jahz out of here and to our house, I’ll feel better—and not because I want to drill her into the bed either.” Tension clamped onto Chay’s shoulders again. Enough was enough. Getting up, he met Jahz halfway across the restaurant. His hands settled on her lush hips, and he was immediately reminded of clasping them last night when he’d fucked her. Forcing down his response, he kept his grip light. “Do you think you can bust out of here a little early? Garrett and I can grill dinner for you.” “You know I’d love to, but it’s my second day—” “Carol won’t care. It’s dead around here.” “Kelly’s not back yet, either. She wasn’t feeling well. I’d feel guilty—” A pained shriek rattled through the restaurant. “Gwen!” Jahz exclaimed. Chay felt the blood drain from him as he saw the pool of liquid on the floor around Gwen’s chair. His hands tightened on Jahz’s hips as his vision swam. She smacked him. “Don’t faint! Garrett, call 9-1-1.” She dug in her pocket and shoved her keys at Chay. “Go up to my apartment and get a blanket and towels.” “Should I have the cook boil water?” Chay wasn’t sure but he thought he saw her roll her eyes. “No, just get the blankets and towels.”

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Unbelievable excitement vibrated through Jahz. This was her forte. God how she’d missed it. She certainly would rather be in a hospital helping deliver a baby but at least she could help here. “Gwen? Where are your husbands? Can we call them?” “Football game,” the woman panted. “What! You’re this far along and—” “Jahz,” Garrett interrupted. “They’re the head coach and the band director. Um…can you come over here a sec?” Loathe to leave her patient, Jahz frowned. “Gwen, rest your arms on the table and breathe. As soon as Chay gets back we’ll get you laid down until the ambulance gets here. I’ll be right there,” she said, pointing at Garrett. “Everything’s going to be okay.” Standing straight, she made notes about the course of events on her order pad while she walked over to Garrett. “What’s up?” she asked. “The ambulance is going to be a while.” “Why?” “They were picking up Kelly at the drugstore. She collapsed. They were on the way to our medical centre when she started seizing and now she’s not responding. The doctor is with her, and they’re rushing her to the city hospital, but it’s thirty miles away.” “But she was fine! Oh my God! Why didn’t they airlift her?” “There isn’t one.” Jahz took a deep calming breath. “Okay, then we take Gwen in your car.” He shook his head. “You don’t understand. The doctor is with Kelly.” “The doctor. There’s only one?” she exclaimed. “It’s a small town, Jahz.” “Okay. Okay. This is okay.” She wouldn’t freak out. She’d done this before, but always under much better circumstances. “Tell 9-1-1, they need to get someone here ASAP, but that we can deliver the baby. We’ll need post-natal facilities. And try to get her husbands on the phone. They need to know what’s going on. This is more important than football.” Without waiting for more questions, she hurried back to Gwen. Thankfully, Chay returned with what she’d asked for. “I brought this from your bathroom,” he said, holding out a bottle of hand sanitizer.

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“Great. Help me move Gwen away from this puddle. Gwen…hon, we’re going to move you to the floor. I’ll have to deliver the baby unless the doctor gets back in time. Don’t worry. I have lots of experience—” “You do?” Chay blurted. She levelled a look at him. “You’re not going to be like this when I have a baby, are you?” Her eyes went wide as she realised what she said. “I mean…umm…” “It’s okay.” He grinned. “I probably will.” Wow. His admission stunned her—not just his belief that he’d freak, but the intention in his declaration. Her gaze flew to Garrett. He grinned and winked. Oh my… So she wasn’t the only one feeling their connection. “Gwen,” she said, turning back to the expectant mother. Together with Chay, she moved the woman to the blanket Garrett hurriedly laid out just ahead of them. “I’ve helped deliver hundreds of babies and I’ve even delivered about a dozen all by myself. Garrett go flip the sign to closed so no one comes in, but don’t lock the door so the EMTs can get in when they finally get here. Chay, I need a few pillows to prop up Gwen.” “You’re very bossy when you’re working,” he commented. “Nobody’s perfect. Go!” She took Gwen’s wrist to check her pulse after Chay had run to get the pillows. “Men aren’t very good at this.” “Hey!” Garrett complained. “Come here and hold Gwen’s hand. Remind her to pant.” Quickly she used the sanitizer on her hands. “Gwen,” she said, using the woman’s name again to keep her focused. “I’m going to see how close you are.” “Oh no you’re not. Not while I’m right here,” Garrett exclaimed, genuine distress filling his words. “Stop. At least you’re not having a baby.” Moments later, she knew there was no waiting for the doctor before the baby would get here. “Oh God!” Chay exclaimed, walking in on the exam. “Get back here,” she called when he turned to leave. Looking at the floor, or Garrett, or anywhere but the women, he returned.

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Jahz propped the woman. Ignoring her lovers, she talked to Gwen, telling her when to push—and not to. Jahz was in her element. “How much longer for the doctor?” she asked. “Call and find out, would you?” “Is everything okay?” Gwen exclaimed. “Everything’s perfect. I’m just thinking you’d like your doctor. Okay, Gwen. This is it! Push!”

“The ambulance is ten minutes out,” Garrett reported. He watched, stunned, as Jahz delivered the baby, cleared its passages so it could cry and handed it—her—to her mother. She covered both baby and mother with the clean towels and wrapped the edges of the blankets around Gwen’s legs. “I brought you fresh clothes,” Chay reported. Jahz looked ruefully down at herself. And Garrett almost laughed at her surprise. “Will one of you come with me a minute? I need one of you to stay here, but I don’t want to touch anything.” “Good idea. I’ll come with you,” he said, picking up her clothes and leading the way to the bathroom. The sight of Jahz working had been one of the most exhilarating experiences of his life. How cool it had to be to bring lives into the world like that. “Why are you waitressing?” he asked a few minutes later when they were alone in the bathroom and Jahz was washing. “Pay got me fired from my job.” She peeled off her clothes then washed again. “I love being a nurse. I started applying for jobs around the state when I came to stay with Tam. It’s a slow process—the waiting you know—and there are a lot of hospitals, but something should come up soon.” “You have been?” he asked, panic gripping him. If she got a job across the state, she’d leave Cranston—well, obviously. Why would she turn down a job in her field when she loved it? “Yes. No bites yet.” She pulled on her clean clothes. “Has anyone called Carol? She needs to know about what’s been going on.” She pulled her notepad from the pocket of the discarded apron and wrote down the last of Gwen’s labour details then shoved her clothes in a plastic garbage bag that had been beneath the counter. “I should have called her earlier.”

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“You were a little busy,” he said as he followed her out of the restroom. “You know your ex really is an asshole.” “You have no idea.” She sidled up to him and leaned against him, kissing him quickly. “But you’re not. And Chay’s not. And I can’t wait to get to your house.” His arms slid around her. “Home.” He couldn’t wait to get her there, and he hoped that someday soon she’d be calling it home, too. He’d designed the house with a wife in mind, and he could easily see Jahz as mistress of the house. “Mmm…” she hummed, snuggling against him. His cock immediately responded. Soon, very soon he’d have her. Worry for her, as well as anger at her ex, had taken its toll on him. He needed to feel her flesh to flesh and reassure himself of her safety and his ownership. “I need to go check on Gwen,” she murmured. The doctor arrived shortly after and was more than impressed by Jahz’s work. Carol had been, too. After giving everyone the rest of the day off—although she’d muttered something about firing the cook who’d disappeared in the crisis—she’d shut down the restaurant then rushed for the hospital where they’d taken her sister. Kelly had been stabilised but Carol understandably wanted to be at her side. “It’s a good thing you’re coming home with us,” Chay commented, as they walked the short distance from the restaurant’s back door to their house, half a block away. “You don’t have any linens.” They’d been thrown away, along with her other clothes. “Not that you’ll need any,” Garrett said. “Or clothes, for that matter.” He intended to get her out of the ones she wore as soon as possible. She plucked at her T-shirt. “But I thought you were grilling dinner for me.” “You don’t need clothes for that.” He imagined Jahz spread out, naked, on the lounger on their back deck. Perfect. At the house, he punched in the security code. After they’d dropped their things inside the doorway, Chay headed for the kitchen and Garrett twined his fingers with hers then led her to the deck. It was split, part open air and part enclosed. He and Chay hadn’t put in the

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storm windows yet, so the cool November air wafted through the screens. With the heat they’d generate and the warm water of the hot tub, it wouldn’t matter. He hit the switch to start the jets churning the water then turned to Jahz. “It’s beautiful here,” she murmured, looking at the lake crashing to the shore in the distance. Trees bordered their lot giving the yard privacy until the beach. A breeze rustled the branches and the few leaves that had yet to fall. The sun was low in the sky. Its mellow light cast an orange glow over the water and the deck where they stood. “It’s probably my favourite place in the world.” “I can see why.” Coming up behind her as she watched the waves, he lifted the hem of her shirt and skimmed it over her head. “I’ll get cold,” she murmured as his hand splayed on her flat abdomen. He slid his palm towards her belly, letting his fingertips slip beneath her waistband. “I’ll keep you warm,” he promised. He kissed her shoulder and nudged aside her bra strap. “When I designed these houses, I envisioned them as havens of privacy. Places to be alone with lovers, yet close to nature. I planned Cranston around the natural landscape of this area.” “It’s marvellous. I didn’t realise you were the designer.” He let out a dry laugh. As much as they’d discussed, they’d all managed to skirt their careers, keeping their talk on relationships. That shocked him actually since he usually defined himself by his job. “I’m an architect with specialisation as an urban planner. Chay is a financial officer over at the bank. He guides people on their investments. Helps them with loans, retirement plans. Stuff like that—it seems odd that I’m telling you this now.” He unhooked her bra and tossed it aside, as well. “I guess we’ve had more basic communication between us.” She sighed. “Will you massage my nipples? That feels so good.” “Oh yeah, baby. Tell me anything you want.” She turned. A flush burned up her neck and into her cheeks. “I liked…um…last night. The two of you…I guess it would be…dominating me.” She bit her lip. “Neither of you will

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hurt me and it’s all part of the play—I need that. It makes me feel like a woman. Is that weird?” She covered her face with her hand. “Oh God this is so embarrassing. I shouldn’t—” “You can say anything to either of us,” Chay said, his voice deep with arousal. Garrett turned to see, his partner was standing near the door with a platter of steaks and potatoes for the grill. His cock tented his soft jeans and he’d discarded his shirt in the house. Garrett gave him a slow smile. While some men might be resentful of sharing, he wasn’t. Chay was his other half. They thought alike, though their personalities differed. They operated in a similar manner, wanted the same things, loved in the same manner… And Jahz? She was quickly becoming their heart. He kissed the soft, sensitive skin behind her ear. “Anything, Jahz.” He felt her swallow, as tiny trembles worked through her. “I want to be your slave—for tonight,” she added quickly. “You’re sure?” “Yes.” His thumb stroked over her wrist as he thought. A misstep would be a death knell to their relationship. But Jahz trusted them, and he had enough control to stop if she needed it. “If you want us to stop, at any time, say snowman and we’ll stop. Immediately. Do you understand?” She ran her tongue over her lips. “Yes. Snowman. Got it.” He smoothed his hands down her shoulders. “This is for pleasure—especially your pleasure. Okay?” “Okay.” Satisfied that enough safeguards were in place, he sternly regarded her. “Slave, you will call Chay and I master tonight. Master Chay is going to put the food on the grill and I’m going into the house. You will obey me and undress then wait on the lounger. If you deviate from my instructions there will be punishment. Do you understand?” “Yes, Master,” she replied with downcast eyes. It didn’t hide her glee. “I recommend you don’t disobey.”

She’d never been so aroused by words alone. As Garrett disappeared into the house, she stared after him shocked at what she’d asked and how he’d reacted.

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“I’d suggest you get to it,” Chay suggested. She swallowed reaching for the button on the waistband of her jeans. “Yes, Master Chay,” she whispered, trying out the title. She pushed down her jeans and was in the process of removing her panties when Garrett returned. Hastily, she jumped on the lounger, tripping on her underwear, then kicking them off her foot. He assessed her boldly, his gaze running her length. She shivered under the invisible touch, goose bumps lifting on her skin. The nerve endings in her pussy thrilled to life, immediately begging for his presence between her legs. The faint, musky scent of her arousal accompanied her need. Garrett shook his head regretfully. “Naughty, naughty slave. Somehow I knew you’d misbehave.” Somehow, she knew he wasn’t one bit regretful. “I’m sorry, Master,” she said, blinking up at him. She loved when he talked like that. “Don’t pull that innocent act with me, slave. Get up. Bend over and place your hands on the seat then spread your legs.” Eagerly, she complied. Whatever he planned, she was sure she’d enjoy. “Like this?” she asked. Garrett groaned. His hands stroked over her ass. From the corner of her eye, she saw Chay nonchalantly placing steaks on the gas grill on the outside portion of the deck. Lifting a bottle of beer he must have brought with him to his lips, he stared of into the distance as if nothing unusual occurred a few feet from him. A stab of displeasure went through her at that thought. How many other women had they played this game with? Garrett had come up with the weird safe word of snowman awfully quickly. His hands left her ass for a moment. When they returned, she shrieked at the freezing cold gel coating his fingers. “Where do you keep that? Antarctica?” “Silence slave.” He pressed against her anus, lubing her opening. “Garrett…Master,” she stammered. “I haven’t ever—” “Silence, slave!” His fingers continued pressing until one fingertip slipped inside her. “Don’t worry, baby,” he said, breaking character for a moment. “I’ll be gentle with you. Just relax.”

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It was hard to relax with her ‘Master’ sliding his finger, then fingers, in and out of her anus, occasionally adding a little more of the icy lubricant. Just when she finally got used to his touch, Garrett removed his fingers. A moment later, something else replaced them. She strained to look over her shoulder but couldn’t see what he held. “Head down,” he told her. “Deep breath. Now push it out.” The object slipped inside her until with a pop her muscles closed around the narrowed base. It pushed against her vaginal wall from the opposite side. She’d never experienced a plug, but she was fairly sure that was what he’d just worked inside her. He wiped his hand on a washcloth from the plastic box he’d brought. She wondered what else he had in there. “Lay down on your back,” he said. “Put your hands over your head.” “Yes, Master,” she replied. By now her nipples were small rocks. She hoped he’d take them into his mouth and sooth the shameless points with hot flicks of his tongue. Standing behind her, he adjusted the top of the seat so she was nearly reclining. He grabbed a wrist and wrapped a cuff around it, then attached it to the frame of the chair. She left her other hand docilely above her head though rivulets of trepidation streamed through her. She had to believe she wasn’t stupid in leaving herself open to whatever he wanted to do. Garrett cared for her and had been concerned about any fear she might have. As if knowing she’d be unsettled, he grasped her chin with his fingers and turned her gaze to him. “You okay?” he asked. “Yes, Master. Perfect. Fuck me soon.” She shifted her hips. “I need you so bad.” “We’ll see. You are the naughtiest slave. Telling your Master what to do,” he chided her. Taking her ankle, he fastened cuffs around both of her ankles. Bending the first leg, he shackled it to the frame. She tested it as he drew up her other foot and found she had mere inches of leeway for movement. Before she could panic, he had the other fastened to the frame on the other side in a matching location. She stared up at him, feeling totally vulnerable to her Masters, her hands useless, her legs bent and opened. She was theirs for the taking and there was nothing she could do about it. “You’re ours, slave,” he told her. “Completely ours.”

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Jahz swallowed and took a deep breath that sounded a bit choked. Like this, spread open for him like this, her arousal was evident. He had to see how the juice coated her folds, making her slick for him. His cock strained against his jeans. He made no move to release himself. “Please,” she begged. His head tilted down as he pressed his lips together and shook his head. “Naughty, naughty slave.” She bit her lip. He trailed his fingernail up her thigh. “What would my wanton little slave do if I did this?” She pressed her feet into the chair’s frame and lifted herself into his touch. He splayed his hand on her pelvis and gently pushed her back to the seat. His thumb stretched down to rub over her clit and Jahz moaned in frustration. Her body clenched around the plug he’d put in her. “Please…” she begged. “Please, what? Please, Master? Please let you go?” he asked, deliberately misunderstanding her. “Oh no, not yet.” Reaching into his box of toys, he pulled out two small objects. Deftly, he attached them to her nipples. She moaned as a shaft of pain went through each tip. Then he flicked his thumbs over them and the rings began to vibrate. “No,” Jahz whispered as frissons of sensations arrowed from her breasts to her pussy. “I can’t take it.” “You know the word to say.” She pressed her lips together, her hands fisting at the intense stimulation. Climbing between her legs, he opened his pants and pulled out his cock. Long and hard, it rose from his dark thatch of hair, the head purpling with his deep need. Slowly, he stroked his hand over it and watched her. She stared at his hand, mesmerised by the measured movements up and down the shaft. A whimper rose in her throat. “Please, Master. Let me suck your cock.” She longed to taste the pearl of cum that formed at the head as he worked his hand.

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“I think I’d prefer to be inside you.” She moved her knees farther apart to give him space, but didn’t say a word since he seemed to do the opposite of whatever she voiced. Leaning forward, he fitted his cock to her opening and pushed inside her. Though she was slick, the slow slide produced just enough friction. His shaft pressed to every sensitive spot as her tender tissues clenched around him. She writhed trying to get more of him, desperately needing more. Hard. Fast. Deep. “Oh God,” she cried out, twisting beneath him. “You like it,” he rasped. “Don’t you. Being helpless and at my mercy.” “Yes, yes…only you. Only Chay,” she gasped. She could never do this with anyone else. She wouldn’t trust them enough—not like she trusted Chay and Garrett. “What a bad girl you are,” he chuckled. “Wanting two Masters. What should we do with you?” “Fuck me harder,” she demanded, then added, “Master.” Her channel clenched around him, trying to hold him, and immediately reminding her of the plug lodged inside her, pushing against him as he moved. Was this what it felt like to have two men at once? It was so tight. So full. She wanted to know what it was like to feel both Chay and Garrett inside her at the same time. “Garrett…” she pleaded. Suddenly, he was gone. “No,” she gasped, her cuffs clanging on the chair’s frame as she tried to reach for him. Panting, she stared at him. What had just happened? Garrett had been in her, both of them deep in the pleasure, inches from coming and now he was walking away and fastening his pants? He took the tongs from Chay. Chay turned to her, his hand already on his pants. “I hear you’ve been a bad girl.” She shook her head. “Oh you have. Don’t try to fool me.” As Garrett had done, he pulled open his pants and knelt between her bound feet. “I can’t wait to feel your sweet cunt again.” “What are you two doing to me?” she groaned as he slid deep inside her with no preliminaries, but she was ready.

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“Yes,” she hissed, slamming her hips into him. Her inner muscles squeezed his long shaft. She groaned as they also squeezed the plug. Distantly, she hoped it was stimulating the men as well. “Have you ever heard of tag teaming?” “Like a relay?” “Just like. Lovers switching off until somebody wins.” “Oh my God,” she whispered. “You don’t come. We don’t come.” This relay fucking could last for a very long time. Sweat coated her skin as she frantically worked toward her release. She’d get there. They couldn’t stop her. Chay reached between them and released the rings holding her nipples. She screamed as pleasure-pain rocketed through the mounds. As she gasped, he bent and pulled a throbbing peak into his mouth, tugging hard as he ran his tongue over the tip. His fingers worked the other tip until she was again in a frenzy. “More,” she begged, feeling her channel flood around him. Her thighs and ass burned with her efforts. She didn’t slow, taking as much of him as she could. Release hovered a stroke away. With a sigh, Chay pulled out. He kissed the side of her mouth as she clenched her teeth in denial, tiny sobs shaking her. “Sorry honey. Bad cop over there says no coming for you.” “Don’t listen to him,” she pleaded, as her body begged for completion. Just as Garrett had done, he went to the grill and took the tongs. Garrett returned to her. “You told your Master Chay not to listen to me?” She blinked up at him, feeling the game deep in her middle—right where she needed to come more than she needed to breathe. “Please, Master Garrett,” she pleaded. “I need to…” She swallowed wondering if she could say it out loud. “I need you,” she said instead. Garrett leaned over the end of the lounger and nipped the inside of one thigh then the other. Grabbing an ankle, he released one foot and brought it up. Holding her gaze, he lightly closed his teeth on her instep. Jahz’s toes curled, and she tried to pull away from the sensations zinging up her leg. He repeated the move with the ball of her foot, while his fingernail trailed a line behind her toes.

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“No, stop,” she whispered, but she didn’t so strongly want him to cease that she’d force the safe word between her lips. Slowly, he worked his way up her leg, gently biting her inch by inch as he went. He licked the back of her knee until she trembled and, in earnest, renewed her attempt to yank away. He didn’t let go, instead sucking at the sensitive skin. He refastened her foot then moved over her until he rested on his hands and knees but didn’t touch her. He dipped forward until his chest brushed her aching nipples and his mouth was a breath from hers. “Does my slave want my cock inside her?” “Yes. More than almost anything.” “Hmm…” he replied. To her chagrin, he sat back and repeated his process with her other leg. “I’m going to kill you,” she rasped, as his teeth sank into her instep and lightning streaked up her leg. “Oh God, Garrett—Master—I’m going to die if you don’t stop.” He rose. “No!” she protested. “I don’t want you to die,” he said lightly.

Garrett watched Jahz carefully as he traded off with Chay. She was frustrated and on edge, but there was no missing the excitement and pleasure in her eyes. She was completely into this. He’d been worried about exerting any dominance over Jahz after what she’d told them yesterday, but he’d been unable to deny her when she’d specifically asked for it. The game of Dominant and submissive was his favourite bedroom sport. And Jahz was very good at it. Chay immediately shucked off his pants and shirt and climbed over her. “Shh…I’m gonna let you come, honey but you’ve gotta be really quiet. Garrett’s right there, but we don’t want him to know.” She nodded, and Garrett grinned when she answered. “I’m pretty sure he knows exactly what was happening.” He almost snorted aloud and gave away that he eavesdropped on them. Garrett’s cock jerked as he watched Chay thrust into Jahz. He wanted to be the one—he should have taken her before he’d handed control back over to Chay.

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She groaned and yanked at her restraints. They held tight and the illicitness of the moment drove Garrett’s arousal higher. Shoving off his jeans, he kicked them aside and reached for his cock. Though he was facing away from the couple, his hand moved in time with Chay’s pistoning. He couldn’t see them, but he could hear each powerful thrust borne on each of Jahz’s keening cries, each slap of flesh to flesh. He turned to look at her. Tears streamed down the side of her face as she reached for her release and fought past the frustration they’d built inside her. Suddenly, her mouth dropped open and her body arched upward, her hands spread open like little stars. He could almost see the burst of energy exploding through her as she jerked with her release. When her eyes refocused, though she still looked dazed, she shifted her gaze to him, realising that he’d moved to stand over her while Chay continued to pump his cock into her. “Please,” she whispered, flexing her fingers. Reaching over, he released her then bent, taking her lips. Her breasts rubbed his chest as he kissed her with all the pent-up passion roiling inside him, showing her how much he needed her, how much he wanted to be with her, even as he felt each of Chay’s drives into her. She shoved a freed hand into his hair, holding him to her mouth as he absorbed her screams. Her other hand wrapped around his as it glided up and down his cock. Absorbed in the sensuality, he sped his strokes. Chay grabbed his arm, squeezing it as he came with a bellow. Release grabbed Garrett’s balls and it would finish him in seconds. He tore his mouth from Jahz. “I’ve gotta move or I’ll—” “I want you to. I want your love on me like Chay’s is in me.” “No,” he rasped, her words pulling him closer. “Yes, please Master,” she whispered. Her lips curved into a naughty grin. “Yes,” she cried, as his cum spewed onto her belly. “Oh, it’s so hot. Garrett…” The three of them sagged into the canvas lounger, unable to move, Garrett draped over Jahz, Chay draped over him. He kept himself lifted slightly so they didn’t crush Jahz. “Dinner’s ready,” he muttered. Blindly, he fumbled for the releases on her ankle cuffs.

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Chapter Four

Jahz couldn’t move. She didn’t want to eat. She wanted to stay on the lounger, wrapped in her lovers’ bodies. With a groan, Chay left them and disappeared into the house saying something about a new platter for the cooked food. “How do you feel?” Garrett asked. “I have no words,” she replied. He reached into his toy box of wonder and withdrew a cloth. She trembled as he strode to the hot tub to dampen it and she lost his heat. A moment later he was back. Gently, he wiped the hot cloth over her belly, cleaning away his cum and their sweat. After he dampened another cloth and again returned, he gently urged her to bend her thighs up as they had been before then cleansed her tender folds. He tapped the end of the plug. “Need to take this out,” he told her. “Will it hurt?” “Not if you’re relaxed.” “I’ll try to be,” she muttered. Just having him near her, having him touch her, sent tension through her. Granted it was the best sort, but she wasn’t relaxed. “Kiss me,” Garrett said, leaning over her. He folded her legs up so they rested on his shoulders. Lazily, he explored her mouth. His tongue glided against hers, tickling the roof of her mouth, flicking against her lips. She moaned into his mouth as arousal rekindled in her belly. It was impossible, yet he re-stoked the fire and reinvigorated her tired muscles. It wasn’t until she felt a pop that she realised he’d pulled free the plug. There was a burn, but nothing enough to pull her from the sexual haze. Rising, Garrett lifted her into his arms and carried her to the hot tub. Still holding her, he sank into the bubbling water. “Oh…” Jahz sighed as the heat seeped into her. “Feels so good.”

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She leaned into his body, resting her cheek on his chest. His hands made slow sweeping circles on her back. “I brought towels,” Chay said as he stepped into the hot tub beside them and placed a platter of food on the deck near their shoulders. She hadn’t even realised he’d returned, but he had and he’d cut the meat and potatoes into bite-sized chunks. He slipped a piece of meat into her mouth then gave Garrett a piece as well. Garrett caught Chay’s fingers and pleasure flared in Chay’s eyes as Garrett sucked away the juice from the steak. Mesmerised, Jahz watched the interplay between the men, reminded of how deeply they loved one another. They’d been so focused on her, she’d momentarily forgotten they’d been lovers first. “Do you guys want to be alone?” she asked kindly. They’d spent every moment with her for the last twenty-four hours. Even when she was working, they’d been within sight. She shrugged. “I could go shower or something.” Garrett’s arms tightened. “No. You’re part of us.” Chay leaned forward and kissed her. “Stay.” “Okay. I just don’t want to butt in on your together time.” They laughed. “You won’t,” Garrett said. “As long as you accept us—” “And never make us help you deliver a baby again,” Chay interrupted. “No promises on the baby, but…of course, I accept you.” “Will you accept us both at once?” Garrett whispered in her ear then nipped her lobe. “Inside your sweet little body.” “I don’t know if I can.” The thought of it excited her, especially since she’d contemplated it before and wanted them to love her at the same time. “You can,” he assured her. “But will you?” “Yes,” she replied. “I want you both at once. I’ve thought about it.” Chay fed her a potato cube. He leaned over and kissed Garrett. Jahz grinned, loving the sight of their lips and tongues meeting right in front of her. She leaned in, kissing the sides of their mouths. They turned including her in a sloppy three-way kiss. “I’m not very hungry,” she told them.

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“Let’s eat later then.” Garrett stood and climbed out of the hot tub then lifted out Jahz. Grabbing Chay’s hand, he pulled him up. “This will work better in the bedroom.” “I’ll take the food to the kitchen,” Chay said. “Don’t go too far without me.” Garrett wrapped Jahz in a towel. After he’d slung one around his hips, he lifted her into his arms to carry her upstairs. “I can walk,” she protested. “Why waste your energy?” He nipped her bottom lip. “Trust me. You’ll need it.” Arousal flooded into her pussy. She wanted Garrett’s cock so bad. She wanted him buried inside her while he came. “I want you,” she whispered. He lowered her to the bed, and she realised with a giggle that they’d made it to the bedroom. Garrett crawled over her, his leg working between hers. With two fingers, he tugged down the towel covering her breasts. They peaked, the colder air pulling her nipples tight. “So pretty and pink,” he murmured, laving his tongue over one. His teeth caught a tip. “Garrett,” she cried. Her pussy rubbed against his thigh. “Fuck me,” she whispered. “Let me come with you this time.” He reached between them. Slowly, he worked his fingers along her slit, gathering juice on his fingers. Reaching lower, he pressed the sodden fingertips to her anus. “Chay will take you here,” he said. “He’s a bit of an ass man.” She shuddered as he worked his fingers inside her and worked her sensitive flesh. Earthy desires rocked her. Forbidden needs. She wanted Chay inside her now. “He’ll work in and out, while you bend over me, then slowly, ever so slowly, I’ll push inside you.” Jahz shuddered as his thumb pushed into her. “I’ll be able to feel him in you—” “Telling all our secrets,” Chay interrupted, sitting on the side of the bed beside them. “Not all,” Garrett replied. He rolled onto his back, bringing Jahz over him and positioning her cunt over his cock. She looked over at Chay as he eyed her ass up in the air waiting for him. “Are you ready, honey?” he asked. She nodded. “I’ve been ready since last week. Please Chay, I want to feel you in my ass.”

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She bit her lip, unable to believe she’d said it aloud. These two brought out deep-seated needs she’d never realised she possessed. She looked down at Garrett, his face fuzzy with the passion glazing her vision. He palmed her breasts, then leaned forward and reclaimed the tip he’d worked a moment ago. Her womb quivered with the pulses vibrating from her chest. Chay climbed between Garrett’s legs. Leaning forward, he parted her buttocks and groaned. “I need to taste you.” Jahz bucked, her gasping a scream as Garrett grasped her nipple with his teeth and Chay lazily dragged his tongue from her clit to her ass. “Oh my God!” she cried as he flicked forbidden territory. She’d never imagined… As Garrett had done, he worked a finger inside her. “Jahz, honey, you’re gonna take me so perfectly. You’re gonna feel so good.” “Yes, now, please,” she begged. Cool gel answered her plea and Chay’s fingers slid more easily. He applied more gel. Mindlessly, she worked against his hand. Her slit glided over the length of Garrett’s engorged shaft. “Yes. Oh yes,” she muttered as the head of Chay’s cock pressed to her. He grasped her hip. “Slowly,” he warned. “Not too fast yet.” It burned as he pushed and her mouth opened wide on a silent cry. Her whole body seemed to absorb the burn, firing it into arousal so deep it became pleasure instead of the slight bite of pain. “More,” she begged. “You’ll get all of me.” “Now.” Leaning forward, he bit her shoulder blade. “Wait.” Inch by inch, he sank inside her while he held her completely still. Tilting her head, she breathed shallowly and savoured the feel of him completely inside her. The fullness, the way he stretched her. “My turn,” Garrett said. Suddenly, she wasn’t sure it was possible. While Chay held her still, Garrett guided his cock to her pussy. He slid deep and fast. “Oh God!” she exclaimed. Two men inside her. They didn’t let her think. Immediately they began a smooth alternating piston motion that stole her breath. Serpentine pleasure cut

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through her body as they loved her, but refused to let her move. Her muscles shook, demanding the action they denied her. Release built in her womb, spiralling, twisting, knotting on itself, but denied, by their slow movements and her imprisonment. “Harder! Oh, more,” she begged. Garrett slipped a hand to pussy. “Now baby,” he gasped. Ruthlessly, he thrummed her clit with his callused fingertip. “Come for me. Let me feel your honey all over my cock.” She shook at his words, the release growing inside, threatening to explode. “Come,” he demanded. “Now slave. Now. Come for your Masters.” Her body jolted. Violently, she jerked between them, her climax blasting to the tips of her limbs. Jahz screamed. There was nothing. Just pleasure. And flying. Inexplicable joy. She barely registered her lovers’ yells or the powerful bursts of cum inside her. “Wow,” Jahz whispered as she settled her head on Garrett’s pec and flicked her tongue over his nipple. “Baby,” he groaned. “I think you were made for two.” She smiled. Maybe she was. Her eyes drooped. She barely opened them when they pulled her to the shower. “I’m so tired,” she yawned. “Just stay still, honey. We’ll take care of you,” Chay promised. And they did, even bringing her dinner in bed later. Garrett tossed her purse on the bed beside her when they came back upstairs. “Your purse has been ringing.” It started again as she dug for her phone. Groaning, she opened it. “Hi, Mom.” “Where’ve you been? I’ve been calling for hours,” her mom exclaimed. “I just wasn’t with my phone. What’s up?” “Sunday dinner tomorrow. Your father wants you to come down so he can meet your boyfriends. You don’t have to work do you?” Her dad wanted to meet Garrett and Chay? She couldn’t imagine that going over well with her Irish Catholic father. She was surprised he hadn’t called yet to ream her over her choice. “Dinner? No, I don’t have to work. Of course, I’ll come.”

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“And you’ll bring your friends?” She looked at the guys as her mother said something else. “I don’t know. How does Dad feel about it?” She put her hand over the phone. “Do you like football?” “Who doesn’t?” Garrett replied as Chay nodded. “Dinner tomorrow?” she asked. They nodded. “Yep, we’ll definitely all be there, Mom.” Hanging up, she shoved the phone back in her purse. “This will be interesting.” “It’ll be fine, baby,” Garrett said, but she knew he was lying. He couldn’t quite meet her eyes as he drew a circle on her belly. “We’ll stop by your apartment tomorrow morning so you can get clothes for the day. It’ll be a nice drive.” “I hope so,” she sighed. “The fall colours might be the only good part of it.”

**** Cheating Bitch! Die Bitch! Jahz stared at the two-foot-tall red letters emblazoned on the pristine white walls of her apartment. Her hand pressed over her mouth as both terror and horror filled her. Payton had been in her apartment. How would she explain this to Carol? She jumped, a shriek escaping her as strong arms wrapped around her from behind. “Shh…” Garrett whispered, trying to calm her. Unmistakable anger vibrated in his voice. “We won’t let him hurt you.” “I’m calling 9-1-1,” Chay grated. His face was a mask of rage as he stepped past her, careful not to touch anything. Jahz heard him murmuring into the phone as she surveyed the damage. Payton had destroyed everything. The drapes and furniture were slashed. Tables were broken. Paint had dripped to the carpet. He’d overturned drawers onto the floor. Down the hall she could see shreds of her clothes trailing into the hallway. What would he have done to her had she been here? What would he have done to Chay and Garrett if they’d been with her?

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Garrett’s arms tightened as she started to shake, her fear overtaking everything else. She turned in his arms and pressed her face to his chest. “Sheriff West is on his way,” Chay reported as he snapped shut his phone. “I’m sure I locked the door. I was in a hurry, but I double-checked it.” “This isn’t your fault,” Jahz said, pulling from Garrett’s embrace. He caught her hand, keeping her close as Chay moved deeper into the apartment. “Chay, be careful,” Garrett warned. “I doubt he’s still here, but—” “He’s not. West just sent Deputy Kozminski to our house. The alarm was going off. I hope he shoots the sick fuck.” “No! He can’t do this to your house,” Jahz exclaimed. Now that the initial shock of this act of hatred had passed, her own anger took its place. How dare he do this? How dare he touch other people’s property? “As long as it’s not you.” Chay cupped her cheek. “I know you told us what he did to you, but what he’s done here—this horrifies me. He’s a sadistic bastard. If you’d been here by yourself…” He trailed off unwilling to voice what she’d already considered. Angrily he marched down the hall to see what else had been done. A moment later, he came back, his face ashen. “Jahz, promise me, as long as he’s on the loose you’ll stay with us. You’ll always have one of us with you.” Her blood seemed to drain away. “What did he do? What’s worse than this?” “Don’t—Jahz stop!” he exclaimed as she wrenched from both of them and dashed down the hall. The ceiling light cast a garish light on the shredded mattress and pictures…slashed pictures of her…amid crumpled pieces of her lingerie. A suspicious white substance coated much of it. She didn’t fight as they pulled her from the room, out of the apartment and down the stairs. Garrett pulled off his leather jacket and wrapped it around her. It wasn’t until his scent enveloped her that she realised she was shaking, her teeth clattering out of control. Sheriff West pulled to the kerb beside the sidewalk where they stood. “Folks,” he said, tipping his hat. “I’m gonna go on up and take a look, but I’ll tell you right off, I believe this is connected to the assault on Kelly Sommers and Burt Thompson yesterday. I’ve ordered surveillance of this area. Kozminski is already on the detail and has warned Mrs. Gentry and her husbands.”

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“What assault?” Jahz asked. Payton wouldn’t hurt anyone besides her—or maybe Chay and Garrett because he was jealous. Would he? What had she brought to this idyllic small town? “We believe Ms. Sommers was poisoned. We’re waiting for toxicology reports to be returned but the preliminary diagnosis and tests indicate that she somehow ingested or absorbed some sort of toxin.” “And Burt?” she asked, feeling guilt that she assumed he was shirking duties last night. “Someone attacked him near the restaurant’s dumpster last night. Dragged him behind it so he was out of sight. He called us after he regained consciousness. We checked the scene but there was nothing unusual. The city’s forensics team will take a look when they get here—and now your apartment as well.” “We thought he’d left without telling anyone,” Chay explained. That sound she’d heard—Pay had been that close to her! He could have dragged her from the kitchen and no one would have known. Why hadn’t he? “Did you look in the dumpster?” she asked. “There should be a white floral box.” She closed her eyes and shook her head. “I bet it’s not there anymore.” While West jotted notes on his notepad, she explained about her ex husband, his abuse and their subsequent divorce. She told of the flowers she’d received the day before. “I might be wrong—I hope I’m wrong—but what if there was something in them. What if Kelly couldn’t resist smelling them and that’s what poisoned her? And then when Burt went outside later, he surprised Pay who was trying to retrieve them.” She shrugged. “Forget it. That’s stupid. Why would my ex do that? He’s a highly respected doctor. Smart. He could get away with what he did to me, he knows better than to think he could get away with this stuff.” “Not so stupid,” Garrett disagreed. “I could imagine you would send a man over the deep end.” “I swear if he touches you,” Chay enjoined. “I’ll—” “Hey,” West interrupted as he pulled on a pair of latex gloves. “Let’s not be making threats I’ll have to remember later. Miss Monroe, I hate to admit it, but I think you’ve got a very good theory. Let’s see if that box is still here, shall we?”

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Of course, it was gone. “Is there anyone else who might have reason to hurt you, Ms. Monroe?” She shook her head. “What about Andy?” Garrett asked. “Couldn’t be,” she replied. “He attacked you at the party. He accused you of cheating on your husband and he obviously wanted you,” he reminded her. West wrote down the information. “That’s a good point, Mr. Byrnam.” “Pete, for God’s sake. Call me Garrett. We’ve known each other since we were toddlers.” “Whatever you say, Mr. Byrnam.” The sheriff winked at her then went to the car to retrieve a small tote. Once West had finished with them and gotten their cell phone numbers, they went back to the house and found there’d been no damage and no sign of entry. Minutes later, the place was locked up and they’d piled into Garrett’s SUV for the trip south to Madison City where Jahz’s parents lived. Jahz shifted in her seat, agitated at the thought of seeing her parents—well, having her parents meet Chay and Garrett. They were great guys, but she still wasn’t sure of her parents’ reaction to the ménage relationship she’d entered. After the past few days and the way her two men had protectively closed in around her, she believed this liaison was turned on a long-term course. “Hey,” Chay said, leaning forward. “The police will find the guy who did this, whether it’s Payton or Andy. Garrett and I will make sure you’re safe.” She shook her head. “It’s not that. It’s my family. Neither of my brothers have come home with more than one lover and neither has my sister. They’re all happily married. One spouse each. I’m not sure how they’ll take it.” “But your mom knows. You’ve said that she encouraged you to come back.” “Yeah, she did. I’m hoping that since Tam’s dad is my father’s brother that my dad will be somewhat accepting.” She knew Chay wasn’t from Cranston, that he and Garrett had met in college. “What did your parents think?”

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Chay laughed. “That I’m gay and lying to them. My mom keeps trying to get me to come out of the closet. Truthfully, I think she’ll be relieved to meet you. And my dad will tell me he loves me then refuse to let me come to any gathering where people might find out and our family pics won’t be on the walls of the house with those of my two brothers and their families. It’s hard to take which is why I’m so thankful for Garrett’s family. They get it.” She sighed. “Polyamorous relationships aren’t exactly mainstream. While people around the country are debating about same-sex marriage, no one’s considering unions like those in Cranston. My parents are nice people, but don’t be surprised if you’re interrogated or if I get dragged aside and asked what the hell I’m doing.”

**** “What the hell are you doing?” Her father demanded after dragging her into the garage to ‘talk’ which meant he’d interrogate and she’d listen. Nervous about the confrontation, she ran her fingers along the hem of her new silk and lace top. Garrett had insisted on stopping for clothes on the way, and she now had several new outfits as well as sleepwear and underwear. “Dad,” Jahz pleaded. “I’m a grown up.” “That’s not what I asked, young lady. I know exactly how old you are and I know that a romantic relationship is intended to be between two people. One man and one woman.” “Dad, traditional relationships are changing—” “You think I don’t know that? I’m an anthropologist for God’s sake. And don’t ‘dad’ me in that tone of voice. I am not being unreasonable. We don’t live in a primitive society where the natives are fighting to reproduce and the women have two men to raise the chance of conception. It’s just not done here!” “It’s not done here or it’s not done in your family,” Jahz retorted, getting angry. “Well that’s not true. Tam has done it and she is family. Look how happy she is. Don’t you want me to be happy? I know you want me to have a traditional relationship, but I did that. Payton beat me up—more than once. He broke my bones a few times. He demeaned me, he got me fired, and now he’s threatening me.”

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Her father blanched, reminded of something he’d tried to put out of his mind. She would have felt bad if not for his behaviour. Her mother had been warmly welcoming to Garrett and Chay. Her father on the other hand had been distantly cordial. Almost. “Now those two men in there are everything I want. They would never do what Payton did to me. Hurting me is the last thing they’d want. Can’t you at least try to be nice to them?” “I’ve been nice—” She tilted her head sideways and raised her eyebrows. “This is my house. You’re not telling me what to do, young lady.” She shook her head. Going to the chest freezer at the back of the garage, she retrieved the ice cream she’d been sent outside to get. She was finished talking. Her father was just going to have to come to terms with this. Thinking that didn’t resolve the knot in her stomach. She couldn’t force her dad to like her decision. As sick as it made her to ignore his will, she had to this time. She longed to tell him about Pay’s latest ‘games’, to use it as leverage to his changing his mind about her threesome with Chay and Garrett, but she knew if she told him, nothing less than brute force would get her out of this house tonight. Her dad would fight to protect her tooth and nail. He shoved his hand in his pant’s pockets, his cardigan bunching behind his arms. “Your mom says they like football…” “Yeah, they do.” “Hmm. We’ll see.” There had been a long discussion about football in the car. More than she’d wanted or needed. But she now knew just how much they loved the sport. “They both played football at Michigan State.” Her dad’s eyes lit up, but he wasn’t ready to give an inch yet. “Traitors.” She rolled her eyes. “Just because it’s not U of M—” He snorted. “Let’s go in before the ice cream melts.” Chay and Garrett waited in the kitchen trying not to seem obvious in their concerned over the ‘what the hell’ conversation taking place in the car. She winked at them, then handed the ice cream to her mom. “Boys, why don’t you go into the family room with Jahz? You can get settled before the game begins.”

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“Everything okay?” Chay asked as they left the kitchen. She shrugged. “My dad knows where I stand.” She settled herself on the couch between them, resting her head on Garrett’s shoulder while her hand lay on Chay’s thigh. The stress of the last day and a half was getting to her and she didn’t know if she’d make it through watching the game. Her dad came into the room, stopped short, then sighed and headed for his recliner. He didn’t say a word, his fingers tapping on the arm of the chair as he flipped through channels with the remote. Garrett must have heard her growl in response to her father’s behaviour which was worse now than before. “It’s okay, baby. We understand.” “You understand what?” he father snapped. “That you’re happily leading my daughter into the land of orgies.” “With all due respect sir, there are no orgies,” Garrett replied. “There are committed relationships between three people. Only three people and no one else.” “Maybe you should talk to Uncle Stephen about this—” “Your uncle is a hippie freak.” “Nice, Dad,” she admonished. “Maybe we should leave,” Chay murmured. “I think maybe we should,” Jahz replied, getting up. Without another word to her father, she headed for the front door, stopping long enough to grab her purse and say goodbye to her mom. “He’ll come around,” her mother said. “But you do have to admit it’s unconventional.” Jahz shook her head. “Of course, I know. I questioned my decision, too, but I was miserable with second guessing my choice not to explore this. Since I’ve gone back, I’ve never been happier.” Except for the Payton crap, but she wasn’t sharing that. “It won’t be easy. People will stare. They’ll question your morals and your lifestyle. You’ll forever be answering questions and having people suppose you’re a loose woman. Two men, Jahz? I thought you’d go back, have a fling and be done with it.” “No, this isn’t a fling, Mom. I know people will question my life, but that’s why Cranston exists. It’s a refuge against close-minded people.” “I just don’t want you to be hurt.”

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Jahz closed her eyes. It was her family hurting her. It was her ‘conventional’ husband, now thankfully an ex, who hurt her. It wasn’t Chay and Garrett.

**** They stopped for the night at a hotel. Chay promised they’d leave early enough that she’d make her shift at Carol’s Cravings although Garrett suspected the restaurant wouldn’t be open. Just the same, they needed to get back. For safety’s sake, Chay called in to the bank and took a vacation day while Garrett cancelled his appointments for the next few days. Neither of them was willing to leave Jahz vulnerable to an attack. She had a feeling if they could steal her away to some undisclosed location, they might. As if to confirm her parents’ words, the desk clerk gave them an odd look when they’d checked in. When he’d realised they were ‘together’, he gave her a salacious look. Garrett’s arm tightened around her and she thought he might go over the edge. Chay carted them both to the elevator. Mentally exhausted, they laid in the bed wrapped in each other’s arms, none of them up for a fashion showing of Jahz’s new lingerie. She fell asleep to the sensation of Garrett’s lips caressing her forehead and Chay’s nose pressed to the middle of her back while he idly stroked her arm. In the morning, they completed the trip to Cranston. The restaurant was indeed closed but Kelly was doing much better. Carol reported that Kelly would be released the next day if all went well. She told Jahz not to worry about the apartment—that’s what insurance was for—and she hoped like hell they caught the rat bastard who’d done it. The week passed without event, the restaurant reopening on Tuesday and Garrett accompanying Jahz for every shift. She felt guilty making him miss work and sit in a restaurant, but he didn’t seem to mind. The only low spot in the week came on Thursday evening. “May I speak with Ms. Jahzlyn Monroe, please,” a strange voice asked when she answered her cell phone just before dinner that night. Behind her, Chay nuzzled the back of her neck. His arms circled her, his hands flattening on her midriff. Jahz smiled. He missed

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her during the days while he was at the bank and usually spent several minutes when he first came home playing octopus. “This is Jahzlyn,” she told the caller. Chay stilled. She linked her fingers with his as she listened to the caller, her pulse increasing as he offered her a job. Across the state. Five hours from Cranston. She’d interviewed with the hospital administrators weeks ago and had thought an offer wouldn’t hit the table. She thanked him for the opportunity and told him she’d let him know by Monday. “Are you going to take it?” Chay asked quietly. “I don’t know,” she replied. “It’s the only offer I’ve had in my field so far.” He regarded her solemnly for a moment, then left the room. When Garrett came in a few minutes later, the look on his face told her Chay had shared her news. And he wasn’t any happier. They ate dinner in silence. Guilt assaulted her from all directions, telling her she was betraying the two men she loved. She did love them. The solemn atmosphere of the evening grew oppressive with none of them sure how to overpower it. They wanted her to relieve their fears but she couldn’t tell them she wasn’t taking the job. Unable to take the silence and the strained conversation any longer, she excused herself to bed early. For the first time since she’d been at their house, she didn’t feel welcome in their bed. She stared at it, tears forming in her eyes. It wasn’t right that she had to choose between career and love. Unwilling to hurt them further by leaving their bed if they didn’t want her to, she climbed in. She scooted to the far side so that they could have the rest of the bed to themselves if they wanted it. Until now, she’d always slept between them, wrapped in their arms. Tears she’d been holding in fell as she silently sobbed. Eventually, she dropped into an exhausted sleep. Garrett’s moans woke her. As she looked around in disorientation, she realised he and Chay weren’t in the room with her. A light filtered into the room from the bathroom. She could see the shadows of their bodies through the steamy shower door. Garrett’s hands were pressed to the wall while Chay fucked him from behind. Jahz stared mesmerised at the picture of their perfect loving—Chay powering into him, Garrett turning his torso and stretching up to kiss him. Their moans were like music, an

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animalistic backdrop to the sound of falling water. They came in unison amid a chorus of earthy grunts. And when Garrett stood straight and turned, they embraced. Together they stood beneath the shower’s spray, holding one another and kissing. The tenderness broke Jahz’s heart with the deep needs piling up inside her, and tears again rolled down her cheeks. Yesterday if she’d woken and joined them, she knew they would have enthusiastically welcomed her. Today she knew joining them would be viewed as an invasion. Full of regret, she buried her face in the pillows. When she woke again, Chay and Garrett had moved her to the middle of the bed. Each man held on to her so tight she could barely breathe. She didn’t care. She needed them. She needed their arms around her as they were, reassuring her, soothing her, loving her.

**** “Ms. Monroe, this is Sheriff West. I’m calling to let you know this morning we arrested Andy Turner, trying to break into your car.” “Andy?” Jahz repeated full of disbelief, the bright kitchen seeming to shift sideways with her shock. She knew he’d been a pain in Tam’s ass, but when had he become a skulking terrorist? “We’re pretty sure he’s the one who broke into your apartment. His car was parked about a quarter mile from town. His shoes had red-paint stains on them. We’re waiting on a DNA match but we’re pretty sure this is our guy.” She thanked the officer and disconnected her phone. Still a bit shell-shocked, she turned to Chay and Garrett who sat at the table. When the call had come, they’d been reading the paper while they’d had coffee. Now they watched her expectantly. “They’ve arrested Andy,” she told them. “It wasn’t Payton after all.” A muscle in Garrett’s cheek ticked. He nodded silently, an indefinable emotion in his eyes. When she glanced at Chay, she saw much of the same. It twisted her heart. Though they’d made slow, sweet love that morning, everything was falling apart between them, all because she wanted a job in her career field.

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The tension was speared by the peal of the doorbell. “I’ll get it,” she said, needing an excuse to be free of them for a few minutes. “Hey neighbour,” Tam said, when Jahz opened the door. She shoved a plate of cookies at Jahz. “I hear it’s safe to wander the streets again.” “So I hear,” Jahz replied. “What’s wrong?” She shrugged. “Things are a mess and it’s all my fault.” “Wanna take a walk and talk about it?” Tam rested her hand on her belly. “I’m supposed to be exercising every day, but I don’t think what I’ve been doing qualifies.” She winked. “But it’s fun.” Jahz pressed her lips together before she started crying and turned away quickly to place the cookies on the entryway table. “I’m going for a walk with Tam,” she called, grabbing her coat and rushing out the door. “Out with it,” Tam demanded before they’d reached the end of the driveway.

**** Chay slammed his coffee cup down on the table as he heard the front door shut. “This is for shit!” he exclaimed. “What do you propose we do? Tell her not to go?” Yes, that was exactly what he wanted to do. If they told Jahz how they felt, would she still leave? “That’s exactly what I want to do, but it’s not fair to her.” Garrett took their coffee mugs to the sink and rinsed them. Chay could see the strain tightening his wide shoulders, and his partner’s pain hurt him almost as much as the idea that Jahz would leave them. Her job offer had been like a poleaxe through their middles. Neither of them wanted her to go and neither of them knew what to do about it. Perversely, he almost wished the law hadn’t caught Andy and she’d be forced to stay with them longer. Now, even that was gone. God, what was he thinking. Of course he was glad Andy was behind bars. He didn’t want that fear hanging over her head. “We need to think of something. She’s giving them her answer in two days.”

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**** Tam hugged Jahz tight. “We’ll think of something. I promise. What do you want to do?” “I want to stay here with Garrett and Chay. But that’s dumb. They haven’t asked me to stay, even though I can tell they’re pissed about this offer. And it’s a chance to do what I love again.” She dragged her arm over her damp eyes, then used her hand to wipe the moisture from her cheeks. “The medical field is booming. I could wait. I just wish I knew what they wanted.” “They want you.” “For how long? I can’t… It doesn’t make sense to waste and opportunity on the hope of what might happen. I mean…the way things are going this morning, our relationship might be over by tonight.” “You don’t really believe that? My God Jahz, they love you.” “How do you know?” “They’ve put you above everything else since they’ve met you. I wouldn’t be surprised if they’re just as upset by this as you are.” Jahz scuffed the toe of her tennis shoe on the sidewalk. “I know they are. I just don’t know what to do. Let’s go back,” she said when she saw Tam shiver. “I’d feel guilty if you got a cold because I’m whining.” They turned and started towards Chay and Garrett’s home. She scuffed her foot again, kicking a pebble down the cement. It landed beside a pair of feet and when she followed the path of his long legs, she stopped dead, her heart stopping. Her entire body shook. Reflexively, she pushed Tam behind her. “Payton,” she whispered. “Nice of you to recognise me, pet,” he grated. His hand lifted and he pointed a gun at her head. “You’re coming with me and I’ll make sure you never cheat again, bitch.” Tam’s fingernails bit into Jahz’s arms. Jahz slowly backed away from Payton. She had to keep her cousin and her babies safe.

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He jerked his head at a car parked at the kerb. “Just get in and I leave your little friend alone.” “No, don’t do it,” Tam begged. “Don’t trust him Jahz.” “She’s pregnant, isn’t she? Do you really want to risk her?” “Promise me that, if I get in the car, you won’t hurt her.” “As if you’d trust me.” He sighed. “Such lack of faith in a wife. No. I won’t hurt her.” Jahz bit back her response. When had he ever done anything to garner her trust? Not in years. He yanked open the door and she saw a black gaping grave. If she got in that car, it was over. She didn’t doubt he’d kill her. If she didn’t get in the car, he’d kill them both. In a moment of clarity, everything crashed around her. She’d let a job be so important to her that it had destroyed the last hours she’d had with Chay and Garrett. She’d never tell them how much she loved them or even see them again. “Tell them I love them,” she whispered to Tam. “No!” Tam cried. “I have to go. Tell my parents I love them, too.” Tears pricking her eyes, she marched towards the car and climbed into the driver’s side. Payton prodded her and she crawled across to the passenger seat. And never looked back on everything she lost.

**** “Garrett! Chay!” Both men came running as Tamera’s screams shot through the house. Garrett skidded into the entryway first, his blood turning to ice at the sight of Tamera’s dishevelled figure, tears ravaging her face as she sobbed and screamed for them. “Where’s Jahz?” he exclaimed as Chay dashed in behind him. “Payton,” Tam gasped. “He forced her into a car. He had a gun and threatened to shoot me so she went. Oh God!”

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“I’ll get my car,” Chay said, his voice a dry rasp. Garrett wasn’t sure he’d sound any better as horror squeezed his throat. They’d thought a job across state was unbearable. If Payton killed Jahz— “Call 9-1-1,” he told Tam as he started after Chay. “What colour was the car and what direction did he take?” Payton wouldn’t take Jahz from them. Garrett had promised to protect her and he would, no matter what he had to do. His fingers fisted. With her in Payton’s hands, he’d already failed.

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Chapter Five

“If you weren’t such a lousy wife, it wouldn’t have come to this. You would have been thrilled with the flowers. And when you swooned, I would have swooped in and saved you.” Jahz stared at Payton. He was insane. When had he turned this corner? He used to be a jerk, but not a lunatic. “And how exactly would you have saved me?” “By taking you home where you belonged and showing you the error of your ways.” He was gonna kill her. She had to get out of this car as soon as she could. “You’re a friggin’ fruitcake,” she ground out. “Only a lousy husband would have tried to poison me to make me be with him.” His hand flew out, smacking her across the face and slamming her head against the window before she could steel herself against his attack. Stars swirled before her eyes. Blindly, she grasped for the door handle. They were on the rural highway but as soon as he slowed, she’d dive from the car. It was far more palatable than death at his hands. “You may think I’m lousy but I’m a hell of a lot smarter than that lout of a boyfriend you’ve got. I followed him right into your apartment and waited in the closet when he grabbed stuff. He almost caught me when he came up the second time. Not so smart that one. I waited for you to come upstairs…but you never did. Too busy whoring around with your two men. Since you like threesomes so much, perhaps I should invite over a few of my buddies for a fuck-fest. A bunch of cocks should be great fun for you. Better than two.” He hit at her again but she was able to deflect most of the blows. She winced as his signet ring caught her across the collar bone then slammed upward into her jaw. The car swerved as he beat at her and she fought back. When the wheels hit the side of the road, spitting gravel behind them, she shoved open the door and rolled from the car. The impact jarred everything in her, but self-preservation drove her. Run, Jahz, run! For God’s sake… A litany of curses followed her as she dashed into the field that edged the road, remembering every chain email she’d ever gotten that had told women to run from an

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attacker when death was imminent. She prayed what they said of gunmen was true. They were less likely to hit a running target, especially if they were running too. And Payton was no gunman. She couldn’t fathom where he’d even gotten a firearm, unless he’d been planning to grab her for quite a long time. Gunshots rang behind her, ripping into the ground around her. She hoped he ran out of bullets before he gained accuracy. Fighting her terror, she put on a burst of speed. Suddenly pain lanced up her leg as she caught it in the soft dirt and it twisted beneath her. The air whooshed from her as she slammed into the ground. Desperately, she scrabbled forward. She grabbed at clumps of grass as she tried to regain footing with Payton’s pounding feet growing closer. The bullets stopped. “No!” Garrett? She turned to see him racing down the slight embankment from the road. Chay at his heels. Payton ploughed into her. Screaming, she fought him, punching kicking, twisting. A searing pain lanced into her middle, followed by another. Cold lanced into her, her arms becoming leaden as another stab followed. Her phantom rescuers were too late.

**** Garrett had never known terror until he saw Payton’s knife slashing into Jahz while Payton straddled her and she fought to get away. His feet were like lead, unable to carry him fast enough to her. Rage filled him until he thought he might murder Payton when he got his hands on him. His terror multiplied tenfold as Jahz stopped fighting, her arms sagging weakly to the ground. No! No! No! No, please… Wrenching Payton off Jahz, Garrett smashed his fist into the twisted bastard’s face. When the man staggered and would have fallen, Garrett grabbed his collar. He pummelled

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him over and over, his agony over what Payton had done to Jahz, giving him strength and feeding his fury. “Garrett,” Chay yelled. “I need you!” Dropping Payton, Garrett raced to his lovers’ sides. Desperately he pressed his hands over the bleeding gashes. “My God! Where’s the police? She’s bleeding so much.” “Call them. Tell them we need an ambulance.” Garrett yanked out his cell phone, fighting with it as it slipped in his bloody fingers. Quickly he told the emergency dispatcher that they needed an EMT along with cops. “She’s dying,” he sobbed unable to keep back the emotions. Fuck the manly bullshit he toted around. Jahz was dying and he thought he might too if they lost her. “Chay, she can’t die,” he said, pulling off his T-shirt and pressing it to the flooding wounds. Chay closed his eyes, his lips moving in soundless prayer. Garrett couldn’t. He couldn’t speak to a God who might let this happen. He stared down at Jahz’s limp, ashen face, nearly blinded with his tears. “Don’t die,” he whispered. “Please don’t die.”

**** “Hey, hon. Gonna wake up and talk to me?” Jahz struggled to place the female voice. So much pain…she couldn’t breathe right. Angrily, she struggled to escape the fog holding her and rip away the web holding her and keeping her from breathing. “Calm down, Jahz. Sweetheart, you need to stay still or you’ll rip your stitches.” A hand grabbed hers and she clutched it like a lifeline, her panic receding slightly. The woman crooned lightly at her, rubbing her hand. “Can you hear me? You’re in the hospital. Oh God, Payton hurt you, but you’re gonna be all right. You’ve made it through seventy-two hours. Keep fighting. Don’t let him win. You’re gonna be okay.” The woman sobbed. The woman…Tamera. “You’ve gotta be okay.” Jahz weakly squeezed her hand again. “Don’t cry,” she rasped, her voice a barely discernable whisper. “Don’t cry. Not your fault.”

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“Oh God! Jahz!” Tam kissed her hand. “She’s awake,” Jahz heard her say to someone. Chay and Garrett? Disappointment weighed heavily on her when she learned it was only a nurse.

Across the room, Chay pressed a hand to his mouth, an arm tight around his middle, as he watched the nurse care for Jahz. Tam looked at him and he shook his head, knowing he’d lose it if he tried to speak. The last thing Jahz needed was her lover sobbing all over her like a lunatic. He was supposed to be her big strong lover. He was supposed to protect her, to keep her from harm. Glancing at Garrett, two feet away, he saw the same agony he felt. Garrett closed his eyes, shaking his head. Chay knew they were of one mind on their failure and the way they’d let her down over the job offer. They didn’t deserve her. Shaking his head, he left the room. Garrett followed him, grabbing him outside the door and pulling him into his arms. Holding Garrett tight, Chay pressed his face into his neck, and his body shook as he let loose the tears he’d held in for three days. “What a fucking wuss I am,” he choked when his shoulders stopped shaking. Garrett was so much stronger than he was. “No you’re not. You have a heart. You’ve been so strong for Jahz for days.” “Crying like a baby—” “I lost it last night when we had to go home without her again. What if we never get to take her home?” Garrett interrupted with a shake of his head. “Don’t say that.” Chay dashed a hand over his face. “I haven’t cried since I was a kid. Fuck I hate it.” “I don’t think you’re supposed to like it. Ready to go back in?”

“Tam? Where are Garrett and Chay?” Jahz struggled to open her eyes. It was so hard, and the light hurt. She panted from the exertion of speaking and her chest burned, feeling heavier than the time she’d had pneumonia. “We’re right here, baby.”

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She struggled to open her eyes. The two people she loved best leaned over her, their sorrow ravaged faces filling her vision. Smiling faintly to have them near, she closed her eyes again. “I love you.”

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Epilogue

Six weeks later Jahz unlooked the door to her new home and wandered inside. Chay and Garrett wouldn’t be home for a couple of hours. She had a surprise for them when they got there. Setting her purse and cell phone on the table in the entry hall, she looked around. She loved this house and was so glad it was part hers. Now. How life had changed over the last six weeks. Chay and Garrett had offered to move to Detroit with her so that she could take the job that had been offered to her, but Dr. Gravett from the Cranston Medical Centre had beat them to the punch. The day she’d been scheduled to leave the hospital, he’d come to her room and sat on the edge of her bed, regarding her earnestly. “I need an OB specialist onboard at the centre. I think that person is you.” There’d been no question as to her answer. She stretched, then shrugged out of her coat. She loved Cranston and she loved working at the medical centre. She’d almost thank Payton if he hadn’t tried to kill her. He’d be spending a lot of time at the Jackson Prison. She wouldn’t be visiting him. Wandering towards the stairs to go to the bedroom she shared with her lovers, she flipped the switch that would ‘light up the world’ as she liked to joke. A bazillion and twelve tiny lights surrounding the house winked to life. Stopping by the living room, she plugged in the lights on the tree. Excited by what lay ahead for the night, she jogged up the steps, cognitive that her scars didn’t pull and twinge as they had just two weeks ago. It wouldn’t do for them to be a problem tonight. She wanted to be ready when her guys got home. They’d love the lingerie she’d gotten for tonight. Maybe she’d wait in front of the tree wearing red lace and nothing else. They’d like that—

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She gasped and took a step backward as she encountered two men in the bedroom. Her men. Dressed in tuxes. “What’s this?” she asked, taking in the carnations and daisies filling the room—they’d agreed to never get her roses. Champagne chilled in a silver bucket on the dresser. Sensuous music played as a quiet backdrop to her loudly thumping heart. “A little bird told us you were given go ahead for regular activity today,” Garrett told her. She made a face, ready to strangle her boss. “So much for HIPPA laws. Dr. Gravett has a big mouth. I wanted to surprise you.” It had been a long, long six weeks. Since one of her wounds was to her lower abdomen, her doctor had advised her to restrict activity, including sex with her two vigorous lovers, until he’d deemed her completely healed. Knowing how lucky she was to have even survived Payton’s attack, she’d complied. But waiting had been hell. For all of them. In a way, Payton had given her an invaluable gift—six weeks of tenderness and getting to know each other without the distraction of sex. The guys had abstained one hundred percent, too, though she’d told them they needn’t suspend their activities with one another. Taking her hands now, they pulled her further into the room. They each kissed her gently on the lips, leaving her wanting more, then fell to their knees in front of her. Her eyes wide, she took a step backward in surprise. Chay tugged her left hand before she could go far. “Jahz…” “We love you,” the men said together. “Marry us.” “Please,” Garrett concluded. He leaned backward and pulled her with him until they were a jumble on the floor. Chay dove in, his limbs adding to the pile. They rolled her to her back and both leaned over her. “Will you?” Chay asked. Garrett smiled devilishly. “Will you be a slave to our pleasure?” “Hmm…let me think about it.” She looked at them seriously. “Of course, I’ll marry you. I love you. I love you both so much. I already belong to you…and your pleasure. My dark phantoms, I’ve been yours since the day you swooped in to carry me away to your lair and into your hearts.”

About the Author

When it comes to books and movies, Brynn Paulin has one rule: there must be a happy ending. After that one requirement, anything else goes. And it just might in any of her books. Brynn lives in Michigan with her husband and two children, who love her despite her occasional threats to smite them. They humour her and let her think she's a goddess...as long as she provides homemade chocolate chip cookies on a regular basis. Brynn is president of her local chapter of Romance Writers of America and also hosts a weekly writing critique group. She’s conducted workshops at several writers’ conferences around the country as she enjoys mentoring and meeting new people. According to Brynn, her writing success can be attributed to 70's music, her local road construction crews, a trusty notebook, and of course, her husband (and willing research subject), AKA Mr. Inspiration.

Email: [email protected] Brynn loves to hear from readers. You can find her contact information, website and author biography at http://www.total-e-bound.com.

Also by Brynn Paulin Redemption: Fallen Redemption: Incubus Tribute for the Goddess Circle of Three: Tempting Tamera Legend: A Legend Arises Legend: A Legend Accomplished

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