Hidden Fantasy

Fantasy Resort 3

Hidden Fantasy Stubborn but sexy prosecuting attorney Larissa Viamari is targeted by a violent gang and goes into hiding at the Sensual Pleasures Fantasy Resort. She tries to blend in by joining in the activities, one of which is a body painting contest. Only, she has no idea it involves her two hunky cowboy bodyguards dragging paintbrushes over every intimate inch of her. Given she hasn’t have sex in seven years, she has a hard time dealing with the intense stimulation and longings bursting to escape. But then her cover is blown, and the gang finds her. She realizes some tough decisions must be made. What will she have to sacrifice, or rather want to sacrifice, now that she’s gotten to know these men better? Genre: Contemporary, Ménage a Trois/Quatre Length: 34,898 words

HIDDEN FANTASY Fantasy Resort 3

Melody S. Monroe

MENAGE EVERLASTING

Siren Publishing, Inc. www.SirenPublishing.com

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A SIREN PUBLISHING BOOK IMPRINT: Ménage Everlasting

HIDDEN FANTASY Copyright © 2011 by Melody S. Monroe E-book ISBN: 1-61034-835-4 First E-book Publication: October 2011 Cover design by Les Byerley All cover art and logo copyright © 2011 by Siren Publishing, Inc. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED: This literary work may not be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, including electronic or photographic reproduction, in whole or in part, without express written permission. All characters and events in this book are fictitious. Any resemblance to actual persons living or dead is strictly coincidental.

PUBLISHER Siren Publishing, Inc. www.SirenPublishing.com

Letter to Readers Dear Readers, If you have purchased this copy of Hidden Fantasy by Melody S. Monroe from BookStrand.com or its official distributors, thank you. Also, thank you for not sharing your copy of this book.

Regarding E-book Piracy This book is copyrighted intellectual property. No other individual or group has resale rights, auction rights, membership rights, sharing rights, or any kind of rights to sell or to give away a copy of this book. The author and the publisher work very hard to bring our paying readers high-quality reading entertainment. This is Melody S. Monroe’s livelihood. It’s fair and simple. Please respect Ms. Monroe’s right to earn a living from her work. Amanda Hilton, Publisher www.SirenPublishing.com www.BookStrand.com

DEDICATION To Diana DeBalko, the best and smartest publisher in the business. Thanks for setting me on the right path and believing in me.

HIDDEN FANTASY Fantasy Resort 3 MELODY S. MONROE Copyright © 2011

Chapter One “The greedy bastard nearly killed Dana.” Larissa Viamari dropped her head in her hands and wept. Her hair draped over her fingers, the blonde tips tangling in her opal ring. Her best friend, Shayna Williams, rubbed her back. “She’ll be okay. You heard the doctor.” Larissa sat up, swiped a hand across her eyes, and then blew her nose. “It’s not fair. He was after me.” She pulled the loose strands into a ponytail and secured it with a scrunchie. “So you think. Just be thankful the shooter only grazed her.” “If she hadn’t stepped behind me to pick up something she’d dropped, I’d be in the hospital now, or in the morgue.” Bile shot up her throat and into her mouth. “The police will get him.” She picked up Larissa’s hand and squeezed. Sympathy poured out of her friend, but Larissa wasn’t so sure the cops could do the job. Her ex was a slippery one. “They didn’t find Phil after he slashed my tires or after he smashed the windows in my house.” Not that she had proof he’d done either crime, but the constant phone calls and the increased tension in his voice told her he was on the edge and quite capable of any of

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those deeds. “This is bigger. He’s now an attempted murderer. I’m betting they’ll assign more manpower to the case. Don’t worry.” “I know how many people never get caught. Remember, I deal with scum every day.” Though she hadn’t been much of a prosecutor ever since the shooting. Concentrating on anything but Phil had been difficult. She leaned back on her sofa. “He’ll find me. I know it. He’s crazy and won’t stop until I’m dead.” Shayna poured another glass of wine and handed it to her. “Drink this. It’ll make you feel better.” Her friend tucked her legs under. “Maybe the person after you is someone you prosecuted and isn’t Phil.” She shook her head. “I checked the prison logs. No one I’ve sent away has gotten out recently. It’s Phil. He called me the night before the shooting.” “He still wants money, right?” “As always. We’ve been divorced, what, seven years, and he thinks he’s entitled to what I’ve earned since then.” Her forehead throbbed not only from the tension but from lack of food. “I almost feel like giving him half my savings. Maybe he’d crawl back to the rock he lives under.” “Men like him never stop wanting more. You know that. He’ll bleed you for the rest of your life and make you miserable if you let him. It’s a good thing you never remarried or had kids. No telling what he’d do to them.” “Jesus.” The thought of him hurting anyone else she loved chilled her. Shayna snapped her fingers. “What about the Southside Posse Bloods? One of the gang members could be responsible.” Larissa swiped a pending tear from her eyes. “I already put Jesse Castillo and Damon Rodriguez in jail. They can’t hurt me.” “You never got the head man, and you know they can put a hit out on you from jail.”

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The idea chilled her. “I’m not buying it.” Or rather she didn’t want to admit it might be true. “What about the guy who ran you off the road? The cops never did learn who tried to hurt you. Maybe he’s trying again.” “God, how could I have forgotten that?” Or the other three attempts on her life. “I really need to get out of town.” But she loved her home, loved Tucson. Shayna slapped her thighs. “I know. My sister has a friend whose husband runs the Sensual Pleasures Fantasy Resort outside of town. Maybe you could hide there until the Tucson police find Phil.” She waved a hand. “Or whoever shot at you.” Larissa polished off her drink. She closed her eyes and let the wine trickle down her throat. “I guess I could take my two-week vacation. It probably would be good for me to spend some time lounging by a pool instead of looking over my shoulder every time I go out.” Her muscles ached from all the tension in the last week. “Does this resort give massages?” Her attempt to smile failed. Her friend chuckled. God, the sound was music to her ears. “They do everything. Manicures, pedicures. And fantasies.” Her eyes popped open. “Fantasies?” A small laugh escaped. “My only fantasy is to see Phil fry.” “I don’t think they can help you there. From what my sister told me, women pay a lot of money to have their wildest fantasies fulfilled. Unfortunately, sex is forbidden.” “Well, then it’s no fantasy place.” She laughed. “You’d be surprised what really hot men can do without penetration.” “Shayna!” In truth, she was happy to get her mind off her immediate problems and didn’t mind hearing about other people’s fulfillments. “If there’s no sex, what do they do?” Shayna shrugged. “One lady wanted a Playboy shoot. Three men got her naked and photographed every intimate part of her body. She loved it so much, she ended up marrying them.”

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“Whoa. Not what I thought you were going to say. She married all three?” “Yep.” “That’s not legal.” Her friend shrugged again. “Works for them, apparently.” Larissa shivered. “I can’t imagine being married to three men. How could a woman survive having to perform all the time?” Shayna lightly tapped Larissa’s thigh. “Listen to you. You do need to get out more. Sex is not about performing. My God. Sex is wonderful. It’s something you dream about, want, desire, and definitely need.” “I’ll believe it when it happens to me. Tell me another fantasy.” Anything to get off the subject of being frigid. “Fine. Keep your head in the sand.” She smiled warmly. “Okay, another woman had intimate massages and realized she loved sex toys. Apparently, there are some wild new devices out there that the resort has access to.” She stroked her chin and raised a brow. “Now that’s something you ought to try.” “Sex toys?” “In the four years I’ve known you, how many dates have you had?” She didn’t need to go into that sore subject again. “You know why I don’t date.” “You can’t judge one man by that asshole.” “When Phil’s caught and convicted, I’ll think about giving a man a chance, but he’ll have to be as different from Phil as I can get. No more good-looking, smooth-talking men who want to control me.” Shayna rubbed the back of Larissa’s hand. “You’re too smart to fall for someone like him again. You’re not eighteen and running away from home.” “Right.” A small sense of empowerment embraced her. “Just make sure you don’t let your fear of getting hurt again stop you from looking for love.”

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Her stomach clenched, and the familiar shivers crawled up her spine. She didn’t want to let her past mess with her. Only it always did. What would it take to erase the hurt? “Thank you, Dr. Phil.” This time she did smile. “I’ll try.” Shayna got up and helped herself to another glass. Since she promised to stay the night to “protect” Larissa, she couldn’t complain if her friend got a little tipsy. “So will you do it?” “Do what?” “Hide at the resort? You know your boss will be okay with it.” “I know. He told me to take as much time as I needed. I can work from anywhere. I just won’t be able to do any trial work.” Shayna smiled. “There you go. So what will be your fantasy?” She held up a hand. “No fantasy. I’d be there to hide, that’s all. Let’s see if your sister’s friend’s husband even has room. Since I’ll be a paying guest, I want to be left alone.” “You got it.” **** Larissa hadn’t slept in days, and the deprivation was taking a toll on her thinking process. She wasn’t sure going to some fantasy resort was the best option, but she was well aware staying in town would be worse. Now that Dana had been released from the hospital and Shayna had promised to visit their friend every day, Larissa felt less guilty about leaving. From pressure at work to pressure from both Dana and Shayna to get away, Larissa caved and decided to head east to this friend’s resort. She wasn’t sure what she needed in the ways of clothes, so she threw in a couple pairs of shorts, a bathing suit, some jeans, and one dressy dress. She told her neighbor she was flying to New York to visit a friend in case Phil should come looking for her. The forty-five-minute drive actually helped relax her. Just

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knowing she was getting out of Dodge lifted a huge weight off her shoulders. The Sensual Pleasures Fantasy Resort sat halfway up Catalina Mountain and was easy to find since there was only one road in and one road out, albeit a twisty one. Tall, white columns flanked the entryway, and the large circular drive bordered a three-tiered fountain that spewed water a couple of feet high. But it was the lush foliage that gave the place a sense of relaxation. Maybe this was just what she needed. She parked on the side, grabbed her gear, and headed inside. To avoid Phil finding her, she brought cash to pay for her stay. Good thing the resort asked for her first name only. Anonymity seemed to be their style. A tall, thin woman approached her. “Hi. I’m Sharon. You must be Larissa.” So much for hiding and no one learning her name. Right now, all that mattered was a bed and a little bit of quiet time. “Yes.” “Since your presence here is a little out of the ordinary, Rod, the owner, would like to speak with you.” “Good.” They understood fantasy was not part of the package. After walking through a well-appointed foyer, the woman knocked on a large wooden entranceway. A handsome man pulled open the door and smiled. “You must be the friend of a friend of my wife’s.” “Yes.” He was obscenely good-looking and suave, but he exuded an aura of calm, which she liked. He motioned she take a seat across the desk from him. Next to his computer sat a five-by-seven picture of a beautiful woman holding a baby. “Is that your wife?” She’d be the friend of Shayna’s sister. “Yes. She’s with our daughter, Ann. In fact, Jillian is expecting again in six months.” “I’m happy for you.” She couldn’t help but notice the second picture had three men with a thin-looking Jillian sandwiched between

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them. One was the owner. Her mind shot to the multiple marriage idea but immediately dismissed it. He leaned back in his chair. “Shayna explained everything to me about your dire situation. I will assign two bodyguards to be with you on a rotating basis. We don’t want you to be alone at any time.” She wasn’t sure she could handle having someone hover, even if it would afford her peace of mind. “Constant supervision won’t be necessary. I don’t think Phil will link me to this place.” He looked up from his desk, his chin lowered, eyes raised. “This wasn’t a suggestion. Here at the resort, we believe in protecting our women. We’ll spare no expense to do so.” “Oh.” She wondered how much this was going to cost her, but she understood very well that one couldn’t put a price tag on safety. “There is one stipulation.” Here it comes. “In order for you to blend in with the rest of the clientele, you’re going to need a fantasy and participate fully.” Her stomach clenched. She wasn’t in the mood to interact with anyone. Her lawyer-self formulated an excuse. “Won’t it be hard to have a fantasy with a bodyguard standing watch?” While her voice came out calm, her hands shook. Even though sex wasn’t part of any package, just thinking about it would only highlight what she hadn’t had in so many years. Rod chuckled. “I was thinking my men could handle any fantasy you come up with.” She shook her head. “I’ve got too much on my mind to deal with such a distraction.” While her excuse might sound lame to Rod, it held a great deal of truth. “Let’s do this. I’ll speak with Chase and Tom and see if they can create something that will make it appear to others you’re living out a fantasy but still keep you in your comfort zone.” He leaned back and seemed to soak her in as if he could see right through her. “Chase is an amazing artist. I’m thinking he’ll want to paint you.”

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The tension in her shoulders lessened. Maybe she could sit by the pool, soak up the sun, and read a book while he did her portrait. “That sounds doable.” He held up a finger. “But to make this work, you have to do everything Chase and Tom say. And no arguing. They are here for your best interest. Specifically, they are here for your safety.” “I promise to never leave their side. Trust me. I have no intentions of sneaking out.” She tossed out a laugh, but she was pretty sure he could tell she was faking it. “Remember, once you’re in your room, please stay there until one of the men arrives.” “No problem.” “As for your payment, my wife told me before you became a prosecutor you used to do sexual harassment law.” “I did.” “How about if I engage your services while you’re here in lieu of payment? You’ll be considered an employee with fantasy benefits.” Not having to pay would be great, but she still wasn’t so sure about the fantasy part. She had little choice, however. “Works for me.” **** Larissa stepped out of the tub after a fabulous half-hour soak. The complimentary wine helped relax her achy and tense muscles, and the soft, terry cloth robe rubbed deliciously against her warm skin. This was the first time in weeks she’d not been afraid. Given she was asked not to leave her room, she dropped onto the bed. She’d rest for just a second then change before her bodyguard arrived. She closed her lids and let herself drift to a happier place. The soft knock didn’t register at first, but the latch opening had her sitting up too fast. Her heart pounded against her chest, and the lightheadedness took a moment to dissipate. She opened her mouth to

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shout for help, but the vision of the exceedingly handsome man at the door with his hands held high stopped her. She slapped a hand over her chest. “You scared the crap out of me.” He didn’t move. “I’m so sorry, darlin’. I swear I knocked. I was afraid that son of a bitch ex-husband might have gotten to you.” When his gaze drifted to her chest, she looked down. My God. Her breast was completely exposed. She pulled her robe tight to cover her nakedness. Thank goodness the material hadn’t gapped open below her waist. She would have been totally mortified. “That’s okay.” I think. When he smiled, something deep inside of her spun out of control. The swirling sensation seemed to be akin to lust, something she hadn’t experienced in way too many years, if ever. Sure, he had broad shoulders and long, muscular legs. And yes, his hair was spun gold like the sun on a summer day, and he had the greenest eyes she’d seen on a man, but looks could be deceiving. God only knew Phil had fooled her with his appearance, but at this very moment she couldn’t exactly remember why hunky men were bad. She crossed her legs, trying to look as proper as one could, given she was naked underneath the thick terry cloth. “My name’s Larissa.” She held out her hand, pretending she was in a courtroom and was being cordial with the defense attorney. “I’m Chase.” He stepped toward her and shook her hand. His fresh, lemony scent seemed as if he, too, had come from the shower. The back of his hand held a large scar. Because the skin was puckered and discolored, she tried not to flinch when she took hold. “Got a speargun through the hand.” He read minds? “I bet that hurt.” He shrugged and acted as if the injury had been a mere inconvenience instead of one that probably required a lot of rehab to make his hand function again. Despite really wanting to know how that had happened, the fewer questions she asked, the fewer he might

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ask of her. He pulled out a chair and propped up his feet on the desk. Only now did she notice the scuffed cowboy boots and large belt buckle around his slim hips. Had she even had a hint her bodyguard would be so disarmingly delicious, she’d have taken the time to blow-dry her hair and put on makeup. Getting dressed was a given. He fiddled with the half-empty wine bottle on the desk. “I know you just got here, and we don’t know how long you’ll be staying, but the best way to forget your worries is to immerse yourself in the culture here. As it so happens, a competition is going on tonight that I think we can win.” “Competition?” She pictured a three-legged race or some kind of relay race. She wasn’t up for any kind of exertion as exhaustion had claimed her body and her mind. “Once a month, Rod holds a contest, each one different from the previous one. This month it’s a body-painting affair. The guides who plan to enter put in twenty-five dollars, and the winner takes home half the pot.” He grinned, acting as if he had the money already in his pocket. The word body tensed her muscles. “Can you explain a little bit more?” “It’s easy. We pick an object, like an animal, or maybe a scene, and I paint you to look like that thing.” She held up her hands as if to fend him off. “I don’t think so.” No way would she be willing to have him touch every crevice of her body, even if the contact was made with bristles. “Well, darlin’, I’m not really asking. You gotta look like you belong or someone will start asking questions.” He pulled out his phone then quickly tucked it back in his pocket. “The contest begins in four hours. Why don’t you slip into a bathing suit?” He winked. “From the way you’re holding that robe, I don’t think I could convince you to pose naked for me. Or could I?” Her mouth dropped. “Absolutely not. You’re a stranger.” And I

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haven’t had sex in about seven years. She held his gaze for a good fifteen seconds. Clearly, he wasn’t going to budge, and the owner had said if she wanted the protection, she needed to do whatever he asked. “Wearing a suit is just fine.” He grinned, and she refused to address what that did to her traitorous pussy. Getting wet over a hot cowboy, indeed. Where was her head? Okay, he looked a little older than her, but the attraction was plain wrong. It had to be. She knew nothing about him, so there couldn’t be any kind of emotional connection. She pushed her frustration aside because she knew there was nothing she could do about the stupid fantasy cover-up. There was no law saying she had to like having him paint her. She just wasn’t going to react in any way when he stood close and moved the brush intimately across her body. Nope. Wasn’t going to happen. Since he hadn’t leered at her or made any lewd comments, she figured he would behave himself if she insisted. Shayna said the guides were forbidden to have sex, and that worked for her. She stood and moved over to her suitcase. Once she found her suit, she strode into the bathroom and locked the door, giving him no chance to sneak a peek. Good thing she’d grabbed her yellow two-piece at the last minute instead of the red-striped one-piece. She would have looked kind of dumb with a pattern on her skin next to the red design. She sighed. Perhaps she should have chosen to stay in a different hotel each night. That way she wouldn’t be faced with having to pose for this obscenely hunky man. Then again, there’d be no one to protect her if Phil found her. She inhaled, realizing she had to do what Chase said. So as not to keep him waiting, she donned her suit, pulled her toocurly hair up into a ponytail, and stepped back into the room. “Wow. You are hot, darlin’.” Heat flooded her face. Phil never said she looked hot. In fact, he criticized almost everything about her once they tied the knot. After the divorce she spent at least an hour every day at the gym, whenever

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possible, wore baggy clothes, and avoided men. She had to admit, it was nice to hear a compliment that sounded so genuine. She glanced around the room. “So where are the paints?” “I got a room set up for it. I’m thinking the maids wouldn’t like it if we got a bunch of pretty oil colors on the nice furniture.” “True.” “Go throw on your robe and slippers and follow me.” She loved the soft pastels of the room and the huge bed and would have preferred to stay here, but she understood wet paint ruined fabric. She hoped his room wasn’t too small. Even being in her large onebedroom suite with Chase stirred up girlhood dreams of a knight to the rescue. As they walked down the hallway, he kept to her side, his gaze seeming to check out each couple they passed. She couldn’t remember the last time anyone had cared about her well-being other than herself. “Can you describe your ex-husband?” He kept his gaze straight ahead as if he expected Phil to jump out at them. It took a moment for her to understand the reason for his question. “Sure. He’s five ten, maybe one-eighty, dark brown hair, cut short, and looks as if he goes to a spa on a regular basis, which is probably why he’s dogging me for money.” Other than a cocked brow, his face remained unreadable. “What does he do for a living?” “He’s a day trader, which is why there is a problem. When he gets some money, he spends it. If the market tanks, he has no reserve. I can always tell when he’s gotten a margin call. My phone rings.” His lips thinned. “Tell me about his threats. I want to know what we’re up against.” She detailed the history and when the violence began. Chase merely nodded and opened a door at the end of a corridor and flipped on the interior lights. She stopped short. The twelve-by-twelve room was painted all black and had no windows. Besides a massage table

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pressed against the far wall, four standing lamps filled most of the space. In the middle of the tiny room was some kind of squat rack, only without any weights attached. A table in the opposite corner held an assortment of brushes and paints. “Welcome to my studio.” Classical music seemed to be piped in from invisible speakers. “Compact.” Not what she expected, but she could handle this, assuming he didn’t change from the calm, I’m in control man to some wacko. At the moment, being so close to Chase made her logical mind go blank. “It suits my needs.” He lifted the robe off her shoulders without touching her and placed the terry cloth covering on some invisible hook on the wall. For some strange reason, she wished he had dragged his fingers down her back so she could feel his callused palms on her heated skin. It almost seemed that he was going out of his way to keep his distance but that if she gave the slightest hint she wanted him, he’d oblige with full-on passion in a second. A shiver of lust snaked up her legs and nipped her between her thighs. Stop that. She was here to hide. Nothing more. She wasn’t here to have sex with some cover model cowboy. “Take a seat on the stool.” The stool sat under the rack. She wasn’t sure about the setup, but she did as he instructed. He went about moving the lamps like a man very practiced in the art of body painting. Rod had said he was good. Besides painting, she wondered if his other accomplishments included seducing women. Stop it. “I’ve decided to paint the Catalina Mountains on your body.” That seemed innocuous enough. Good thing she had on a bikini top or else he might insist on painting the peaks at nipple level. “Go for it.” Her voice wobbled. Damn. He walked behind her, and with a flick of the wrist, pulled the tie that held her top. Before she could catch the thin material, her breasts

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popped out, fully exposed to his view. Her breath hitched, and her mind flooded with a thousand images of tempting fingers and a wet mouth sucking her tits. Then she realized what had just happened.

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Chapter Two Modesty took over, and Larissa pulled up her top. “What are you doing?” Chase walked in front, leaned over, and smiled. “An artist needs to see the canvas on which he intends to paint.” “My breasts are not part of your canvas.” How dare he take such liberties? It didn’t matter that for a split second she wanted him to. Without using too much pressure, he lowered her hands and cupped her one breast. His thumb dragged across her nipple. Her body seemed to be in total paralysis, unable to stop him. Her pulse shot to over a hundred while her throat turned dry. She willed her hands to move, but her body wouldn’t obey. It was as if the foreign pleasure of his touch interfered with her rational side of her brain. “I see you like that, darlin’. You are incredibly beautiful, so full, so lush, and so soft.” His eyelids drooped a little as if he was having a hard time speaking. His fingers seemed independent of his tongue, for they never stopped massaging her. She wanted to tell him what he was doing wasn’t right, but the electric currents pulsating between her thighs felt too good. If only her pussy would cease pumping out liquid and messing with her, she could get out of the embarrassing position. Finally, her neural pathways connected and her hand stilled his. “I don’t feel comfortable with you touching me.” He smiled again, his cheeks dimpling, and he withdrew his hands. “It’s going to be hard to paint you without making contact.” She blew out a breath. “You know what I mean. Don’t twist my words. The brush can touch. Just not you.”

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His smile implied he was willing to play her game until he chose not to. “We’ll do it your way for a while, but if I’m right, your sweet little snatch is wetter than any of my paints. Am I right?” He stretched his hand as if he planned to find out firsthand. Oh, God, could he see through her yellow suit? Her gaze shot to her crotch. He laughed for a second then sobered. He moved back, pulled up another stool she hadn’t noticed, and sat in front of her. He took her hands in his callused palms. “I can see we need to talk before I begin our little fantasy.” “Why?” Sharing anything about her past wasn’t in her genes. She’d hidden her horrible marriage from all but a few friends and meant to keep it that way. “I heard on the grapevine that you’ve walked a hard road. You want to tell me about it?” His voice came out so soft and appealing, she almost blurted out the truth. “No.” From the pressure with which he held her, he wasn’t going to release her no matter how much she tried. For some insane reason that didn’t bother her, and it should have. “You’re as skittish as a colt in a lightning storm.” She swallowed hard. How could he know? Had her traitorous friend told him? “It’s written on your face, you know.” It couldn’t be. She’d studied the art of nondisclosure. A good trial lawyer had to know how to shutter her expressions. When he held her gaze for what seemed like forever, she figured it wouldn’t be bad to tell him something, if only to get him off her case. “My father died when I was eleven. Apparently, he liked to spend more than he earned.” Like that would satisfy him. “So your mom and you had to take a step down in lifestyle, I take it?” She huffed out a breath. “More like a leap off a cliff. We went from living in a five-bedroom house on four acres in Phoenix to a

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squalid little apartment.” “Did your mom have to get a job?” “Yes, but she never lasted long in any one place. She tried everything from waitressing to being a secretary. Then she met Everett.” She couldn’t help that her eyes rolled. “He seemed like the answer to our prayers. He lived in a fairly nice house in Scottsdale.” Stomach acid burned her insides at the thought of that horrid man. “At first, everything was wonderful. Then I turned fourteen.” Chase’s thumb rubbed the inside of her palm. “Did he do something bad to you?” A tear leaked out, and she felt like she was transported back to the house again. Chase let go of her hands as if he sensed she needed them. She wrapped her arms around her. “He never touched me sexually, but he made veiled threats that he wanted me. I think he only married Mom so he could try to have sex with me. When I turned eighteen, I got out.” Her voice cracked. Chase gathered her to his chest. She had no idea how or why, but the memories came flooding back and the tears flowed. She sobbed into his shirt like a stupid little kid but only for a moment until her spine hardened. She sat back up and swiped a hand across her eyes. “I know I’m a stronger person because of it. I worked during the day to put myself through college then law school. Now, after five years, I’m close to being the first female partner.” “You are one amazing woman, and I have no doubt you will achieve your goal.” He handed her a clean handkerchief. “But I wonder at what cost.” Her heart lurched that he got so close to the ache in her heart. “You sound like my friend.” “Because I’m telling you to enjoy life, too?” He lifted her chin. “Yeah.” With one edge of the hankie, he rubbed her cheek. “If he’s alive, I can kill him for you.” From the seriousness of his words she bet he would, too, and that

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made her heart soar. “Thank you, but about four years ago, my stepfather got drunk and drove right into a tree. Killed him and Mom.” He smoothed back the hairs from her face. “You poor thing. Good thing you were a survivor and got out.” She rolled her eyes. “True, but not at first. The day I turned eighteen, I ran straight into the arms of another controlling SOB. Phil. I thought he’d be my salvation, but I was just a sex object to him. Nothing more. He didn’t abuse my body so much as abused my heart and my self-esteem.” “But it gave you a backbone.” She shrugged. “Did you two ever have children?” She looked up. The topic of children still rubbed her raw. “No. I wanted them, but he insisted I use birth control. No little rug rats for him.” She still couldn’t believe she lasted two years with the bastard. Chase stood and walked toward the door. With his back to her, he made a call. When he turned around, he was smiling. “I want you to forget everything you just told me. We’re going to have a good time. Okay? No more negative thoughts.” She thought she heard a catch in his voice as if he also needed to forget something bad. “You got it.” When she pulled her lips into a smile, her muscles faltered. He walked back to her and dragged a finger down her cheek. As if his words finally got programmed into her mind, all the bad thoughts disappeared. “Good. Now let’s see, where were we?” “You were going to paint me.” This time she succeeded in holding on to her smile. “Oh, yes.” He gathered the paints and began to mix them when a knock sounded on the door. He stepped away, pulled it open, and mumbled something. After he closed the door, he returned with a bucket of ice,

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a bottle of wine, and two glasses. “I think we both could use a little creative juice.” She couldn’t agree more. After she finished off her glass, he undid the strap at the top of her neck. She instantly reached up to stop him. “Uh, uh, uh. Don’t you dare touch those straps.” He moved in front and gently held her hands on her lap. “We need to desensitize you to having my fingers all over your body, especially if I’m going to be dragging my brush up and down every inch of your luscious skin.” Luscious indeed. Phil always told her she was too thin, that her hipbones stuck out too far, and that her pussy was colder than the Arctic. Chase made her stand. “I’ve changed my mind. Let’s start by you lying on the massage table over here. I’ll paint your back first. That way you’ll know what to expect. That okay?” At least her private parts would be covered. “Sure.” The moment she placed her face in the donut hole, her muscles seemed to relax all on their own until Chase undid her bra hook. “I don’t want to get paint on it. I’ll put it back later.” This time she didn’t argue. The next half hour was divine. He dragged a two-inch-wide brush up and down her legs and back, never painting too high on her inner thighs. Clicks sounded under her as if he was unlatching something on the table. “I’m going open up the table so I can get closer.” His voice came out professional, as if he did this all the time. The table split in half, dragging each leg in the opposite direction. Panic ripped through her. She tried to push up, but Chase placed a palm on her butt. “I won’t hurt you. I’m not your stepdad or that bastard of an exhusband. I just want to paint you. Trust me.” Trust. That commodity had left her body years ago and remained

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hidden in some foreign land. She dropped down and took a deep breath. “That’s it, darlin’. Enjoy.” Wheels squeaked behind her as if he’d dragged over a rolling chair. Heat from one of the lamps warmed her upper thighs. A small brush, dipped in a cool liquid, began its mesmerizing trail up her inner thigh. Chase lifted the back of her suit bottom over one cheek. She didn’t protest, figuring he was trying to make sure not to ruin the material. But when his hands spread her legs wider, she could have sworn the suit rode up and exposed part of her pussy. While she shaved rather closely, she didn’t have a bare mound. “Ah, darlin’?” She relished how he said the endearment, so full of care and concern. “Yes?” “You might want to consider having the spa do a little waxing on your sweet snatch so nothing shows out of your skimpy bottom.” She stiffened. How dare he tell her how to groom herself? She’d made certain no errant hairs would escape. “I like the way I am, thank you.” “I’m just saying, until you try it, don’t deny it. If you want to be ever so sensitive down there, you’ll follow my advice. Tomorrow. Please. It’ll make for a much nicer feeling of comfort.” The erotic thought had the desired effect of letting her imagination picture the two of them in bed together with his tongue lashing out at her bare sex, flicking her clit that would be unencumbered by hair. “I’ll consider it.” “Good. Think of these next few weeks as your time to be anyone you want to be, someone without a past, someone who’s free to imagine, to have someone tend to her every intimate need and not have to think about pleasing anyone but herself.” That sounded nice, but Chase was hired to be nice to her. However, if he went above and beyond that of a bodyguard to be extra good, she wouldn’t complain.

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The tender brush strokes continued. When she thought he was done with her back and inner thighs, he started at her ankles again and used a smaller brush, most likely to paint the details of the scene. She couldn’t wait to see what his artistry had created. The tiny strokes ignited every inch of flesh. By the time he told her to stand up, her body was on fire with desire. For him, damn it. “Whoops, I forgot to put your top back on.” Oh, God. She’d forgotten she was half-naked. She spun around to grab the bra part when he stopped her. “I’ve seen all of you already, darlin’. I think it’s only right for me to enjoy the scenery. I think I’d like to paint something special on those gorgeous tits just for you. For the show tonight, you can wear your top. How about that?” Now that the damage was done, she figured it wouldn’t hurt. He did seem to appreciate looking at her breasts. “Okay.” He grinned like he’d won the lottery. He positioned her under the rack and had her grab the crossbars, which put her arms in a T position. “I’ll just tie them with this soft strap so you won’t have to use any energy to hold them there.” After he fixed the velvet strap, he pulled over the stool with wheels. “Sit on the edge with your legs wide. I need full access to you.” His words were like fingers stroking her, and her pussy walls contracted. Could he see how she tried to squeeze her thighs together to stop the pulses? He thumbed both of her nipples again then squeezed them. She jerked, and the pressure lightened. “Relax. All this tension isn’t good for you. I can see I have a lot of work cut for me to get you in the right frame of mind for when you have to confront that no-good ex-husband of yours.” She straightened. “I already stand up to him. I tell him no all the time. I can’t help it if he doesn’t listen.” “But you doubt yourself, thinking maybe you aren’t good enough

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or strong enough to beat him.” He was right. “Whatever.” He bent over and took the tip of her breast in his mouth and sucked hard. The nerve bundles responded with an overwhelming sense of urgency to have more. If her hands hadn’t been tied, she might have run her fingers through his hair just to increase the unfamiliar but enjoyable lust. He nipped at one tip, then another before moving back. “See? That wasn’t so bad now, was it?” It was anything but bad. What she thought had been an iceberg between her legs had thawed way too quickly, and that scared her. Smiling, he grabbed the large brush and painted the top of her legs beige for the background, then did a second layer of different colors to look like random rocks. His strokes were smooth and sure, the realism amazing. “You’re good.” “I have a perfect surface. Your smooth skin is like the finest canvas.” His words caressed her soul. For another hour she watched as he painted the pine trees and gravel paths. In the middle of her chest sat the mountain peak. The scene was beautiful. She was curious when he picked up a small yellow brush and aimed the tip at her nipple. Holding her breast in one hand, he drew delicate flowers, clustered together. The strokes tickled at first. As the strokes grew broader, her desire rose. His intense concentration to make each flower perfect wreaked havoc on her heart. Never had anyone been so devoted to her breasts or to making her look good. When he was done with the right tit, he sat back and grinned. “You are the most beautiful model. It’s such a shame we can’t show you off to the world.” Like that was going to happen. She glanced at the other breast. “No flowers for her?”

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“Hmm.” He tapped the wooden paint handle against his chin. “I think I’ll draw a lake, surrounded by a sandy beach.” She laughed. “I like it.” The attention he gave to each stroke would have made a brain surgeon proud. He blew on his creation, and lust grabbed her so hard she almost couldn’t breathe. For a moment she debated requesting he paint the outer folds of her pussy, but that would be asking for trouble, so she kept her mouth shut. Getting her face painted was like receiving the best massage. He was gentle and wonderful. With each flick of the brush and each color change, her heart began to thaw. Where had this man been her whole life? She couldn’t remember the last time she’d met someone who listened, someone who seemed to care. When he was done, he stood and stepped toward the door. He said nothing, his gaze raking up and down her body. If she hadn’t been painted a color, she bet her cheeks would have shown bright red. “I need to get a camera and take a picture of you. This is by far my best work.” She was glad she pleased him, but she wasn’t sure she wanted her naked tits to be digitized. She’d lose her job if the photos were posted to Facebook. “While you are drying, my love, can I interest you in some food? I’ll have to hand-feed you as your arms aren’t dry yet.” “I could handle that. How about a pizza?” “What kind?” “Vegetarian?” She really didn’t think someone so macho would go for her choice, but she’d been wrong before. “Stay put. I’ll be right back.” He winked and disappeared. The key in the knob to lock her in assured her she’d be safe. Less than fifteen minutes later, Chase returned carrying a tray. “You servant is here, my lady.” She laughed, enjoying his antics. “Do you think I’m dry yet?” Her arms were getting a bit sore and her fingertips were falling asleep.

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He touched her nipple and held up his finger for her inspection. “Nope. Now I have to do some damage control.” She wished he had to do some damage control in some other part of her body, too, but she understood he didn’t want to mess with his masterpiece. After he dabbed on some paint on her hard little nub, his gaze dropped to her bottoms. “I see I forgot to put your bathing suit bottom back in place. Stand, please.” He walked around to her back and moved the stool out of the way. As unobtrusively as possible, she stuck out her hip, hoping his fingers would find a way to touch her needy clit. Two of his fingers slid under the material and pulled it over. Just when she was about to sag from not getting any relief, he ran his fingers around the edge and hit her sweet spot. She nearly lifted off the floor. He put her chair back and returned to the front. “I’ve detected a problem here.” “What?” “I think maybe I got some paint on your sweet little snatch.” She giggled at how funny that sounded. “Now why would you think that?” “Because it’s so damn wet in there. Let me take another look.” Thrills raced down her. Instead of pulling down her bottom, he untied the sides in one tug, and the material floated to the ground, pooling between her feet. She glanced down. Oh my God. She was naked. Wet. And very needy.

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Chapter Three Chase sucked in a breath at the incredible sight before him. He knew he was in for big-time trouble. The rules of the spa were written in steel. No fucking the customer. Rod had told him Larissa was hired to help with some law case while she was here, but he didn’t know if that meant she was off-limits or not. His cock strained against his pants, and if he didn’t get out of there fast, he’d do something he might regret, like touch her with his tongue, with his finger, or with his hard cock. “You know what, darlin’? I need to get something. Hold that thought.” He gave a quick glance to the floor. He rushed out so fast he wasn’t able to understand what she’d shouted after him. His brother, Tom, was supposed to tag team with him. If his older brother were here to supervise, Chase might not cross the line. His brother picked up on the second ring. “Tom. It’s me. I need you, man.” “What’s wrong?” “You know the woman we have to protect?” “Yeah.” “I’m about to do something stupid and I need you to stop me. In my studio. Pronto.” Tom was somewhere on the premises, hopefully not messing with the nail tech he had his eye on. His brother didn’t even answer. Instead he disconnected. Chase paced until Tom arrived slightly out of breath. Larissa would be furious with him for his disappearing act, but he hoped the effect of her anger would cool his jets. He’d never met anyone like her before.

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“You look like shit.” Tom always was the one to get to the point. “I swear she’s more dangerous than any deep-sea fishing expedition I’ve headed. I need you to do something with her.” “Like what?” “I don’t know. I’ve entered the body painting contest, and I’m so hard I’m going to embarrass myself.” Tom smiled. “I think I have just the thing.” **** Two men barged through the door, jerking Larissa’s attention back to reality. Finally. She thought she might be tied to this damn machine forever. Relief nearly weakened her knees until she realized Chase was with another man, and a stranger at that. She wanted to cover herself but couldn’t, not with her hands tied to the crossbars. Even lifting a knee wouldn’t prevent the newcomer from seeing her. “Who are you?” She tried to sound as authoritative as possible. “Chase’s brother, Tom.” He must be the other man on protection detail. While he might have a reason to be in the room, it didn’t mean she had to like it. He was taller than Chase by two inches and had shoulders just as broad, but his hair was shorter and darker. There wasn’t enough light at that end of the room to note the color of his eyes, but she bet they’d be dark green. Tom strode over to her and stood real close, too close. She’d been wrong. His eyes were cobalt blue. While her gaze was studying his handsome face, he slipped two fingers up her pussy and rubbed her needy sex. Her stomach flipped from the currents racing up her body, and her breath halted in her throat for a moment. She pulled her hips as far back as she could. “What are you doing?” She put an edge to her voice that always put a little fear into every defense attorney.

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“What does it feel like, honey? I’m hoping it’s as good for you as it is for me.” “Don’t touch me. You have no right.” She tilted her hips forward again then stood there as if she never wanted him to stop. Tom must have taken her comment seriously, for he held up his hands. Her own arousal filled her nostrils. “Hey, Chase, I think you need to finish painting this hot pussy before she has a fit.” He faced her again. “Unless you’d like me to take over.” Her breath hitched again, but she needed to voice her opinion. It was, after all, her body. “No.” This newcomer was too sure of himself, too overwhelming, and her brain got scrambled by his mere presence. “I’m liking the scenes you did, little brother, on those cute little titties of hers. Are they dry?” Chase laughed. “Go test them out, but only with your finger, not your mouth. Next time I should use edible paint. Then, when I’m done, we can lick the design off her body.” Why did he have to say that? Thinking of both men all over her sent her mind in a wild new direction. She hadn’t realized how boring and safe her life had become. Her heated center gushed. Tom loomed over her. He got this crazy look in his eye as if he were mentally licking her. She wanted to tell him not to touch her, but when his large thumb moved close to the tip of her breast, her tongue stopped working. He rubbed the tip and checked out his thumb. She didn’t see any color had rubbed off. She thought he’d be satisfied with the light touch, but then he overstepped his bounds again by lightly pinching the tip between his thumb and forefinger. My God, the pleasure astounded her. Fluids leaked from her already-wet entrance. What was happening to her? She was standing naked in front of two men and actually enjoyed seeing the look of wonder in their eyes. Chase came over and unhooked her arms. Slight pain ran up her stiff

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limbs, and she shook them to restore circulation. Tom held up a hand and walked around her. “Do you really want everyone to see her white ass? I’m thinking if we put in a butt plug, the judges will understand better why you didn’t finish painting her.” Butt plug? A shiver raced down her body, and it wasn’t the good kind. Chase shook his head, thank goodness. “There’s no need. She wants to wear a bathing suit.” “I bet the rest of the contestants will be naked. This sweet thing could win hands down if you strutted her out like this, but if you let me paint her sweet pussy, we’d have the other contestants voting for her.” They acted like she wasn’t there. “I’ll do no such thing. I’m here to hide from my ex, not strut around for everyone to see.” How dare they? Being naked in front of Chase and Tom was one thing, but to prance in front of others would never happen. Chase whispered in her ear. “Why don’t you get dressed then? It’s showtime.” Thank goodness he understood. Now, she wasn’t even sure she could go in front of other people, but Chase had spent so much time making the design wonderful that she didn’t want to disappoint him. As soon as the feeling returned to her arms, she pulled on her bottoms. Tom dangled her top in front of her. She grabbed it from him, hooked the back of the top in front of her, spun it around, and lifted her arms to tie the top in position. Chase moved behind her and adjusted her bottoms. He walked in front and surveyed his handiwork. “You look sensational. Tom, you coming to watch the show?” “Wouldn’t miss it. I could never get enough of this beautiful woman. I hope the judges appreciate her since she’s so covered up.” He pulled out his phone and snapped a few pictures. “You’ll want to remember this work.” His words made him sound crass, but from the soft way his lids

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drooped, she’d never seen anyone sexier. Were these men really bodyguards, or had Rod just told her that? “Before we go out, can you assure me of your credentials for protecting me?” Tom and Chase exchanged a glance. Chase spoke up first. “I used to run a fleet of fishing vessels. Competition is fierce in the seafood word, believe it or not. I always carried a gun and know how to use it.” “Don’t let Chase fool you. He’s studied street fighting and can take down the best of them. As for myself, I was in the Special Forces for a few years, but an injury made me quit. I then worked on an oil rig. If that doesn’t make you tough, nothing will.” They certainly seemed capable of handling Phil. She cleared her throat and tugged on her suit to make sure nothing was exposed. “I hope they’ll be judging the design and not me.” “Oh, they’ll be judging you, too,” Tom said with a smile. “So stick out those beautiful tits for the judges, and they’ll eat you up.” She couldn’t think of a retort for his comment. Chase stood back, grinning like a fool. Men. While she thought she’d feel self-conscious walking down the hallway all painted up, wearing nothing but a bathing suit, no one seemed to notice. She passed two other women who were also painted. The difference was they were completely nude, as Tom had implied, and they didn’t seem to mind one bit, if the way they strode around was any indication. My God, what had she gotten herself into? Shayna told her this was a resort, not some decadent house of prostitution. At least her bodyguards more or less behaved themselves. She had been helpless most of the time, and yet they hadn’t tried to force themselves on her. The comment from Tom about the butt plug was probably just to scare her into staying close by their sides. As for behaving themselves, they probably were waiting for her permission before they did anything. Technically, she was also an employee, but she wouldn’t cross the line and give them an invitation. Wouldn’t

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they be surprised when they never received one? They entered a small auditorium, decorated with balloons and banners. A band played on a raised wooden stage, and about thirty people sat in the audience. After the song ended, an emcee dressed in a tux stood in front of a podium and asked all of the contestants to come on stage with their artists. She inhaled deeply. Chase grabbed her hand and led her down the aisle. There were ten other painted women. A few appeared hastily done, but others displayed a lot of artistic talent. One woman was outstanding. She was painted to look like a baboon. The subject matter wasn’t to Larissa’s liking, but the design detail was exceptional. The woman had a large red butt and her nipples were also painted red. She’d spiked her hair and glued on long, fake whiskers. Larissa was glad Chase hadn’t gone that far out in his attempt to win. Strong lights shone down on Larissa, and she feared her paint might melt. After long introductions, she was asked to walk the length of the stage. Twice. At least she had on a bathing suit. There was one poor, naked woman who walked with her shoulders hunched over as if she was mortified to be there. Was this really part of her fantasy? Or had they made her do this? She hoped not for the woman’s sake. Finally, after the judges deliberated, Larissa and Chase were awarded first runner-up and the baboon woman was named the winner. For Chase’s sake, she wished they’d won, but Larissa was happy the ordeal was over. The emcee tapped the microphone. “Ladies and gentlemen. Tomorrow’s show will be a couples-only competition. The theme is military. Total nudity required. It’s fifty dollars to enter and the winning couple gets half the pot.” Chase leaned over her shoulder. “We are so going to win.” “Not naked, we aren’t.” She wasn’t sure she was ready to be painted again, nor was she willing to be nude in public. However, the idea of slathering some goo on an unclothed Chase might persuade her to change her mind. It

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would be fun to see him react when she grabbed his cock and ran a paintbrush down the length of him over and over. That fantasy brought a smile. Halfway down the aisle, Tom flanked them. “Tell us what you’re thinking, honey. You look happy.” Tom’s gaze dropped to her chest for a moment before returning to her face. “Just imagining tomorrow’s event.” “Me, too.” He winked then turned to Chase. “I think a nice hot shower is in order for our woman.” Our woman? Talk about being possessive. It didn’t matter they were hired to be her bodyguard for the duration of her stay. She slowed. They better not be thinking of participating in the gettingclean event. Enough was enough. She needed some downtime. When she got to the room, she headed straight for the bathroom as the paint was beginning to crack and itch. She turned on one overhead shower, and while she waited for the water to warm, she brushed her teeth. The mirror steamed. It was time to wash up. After standing under the steady stream for a full minute, she filled her palm with shampoo. Halfway through washing her hair, two hands appeared and rubbed her breasts. She jumped forward and might have run into the wall had the owner of the hands not stopped her. “Darlin’, I just thought you could use a little help, that’s all.” Chase. “I’m good. My ex-husband will never get by you two and harm me in here.” “I wasn’t talking about him. I was thinking only of you.” For the first time in her life, she was a man’s center of attention. While she thought she’d love being someone’s sole focus, she needed to do some things by herself. The door to the bathroom opened then closed. Tom slid open the shower door behind her and stepped in. Even though steam swirled around her, she was sure both of them could see all of her quite

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clearly. Two could play this game, or three as the case may have it. She spun around and her mouth dropped. Side by side the two brothers were shaped alike. Both were buff, ripped, and hard, not to mention very naked with huge erections. She backed up. “Listen, boys, painting my body is one thing, but I’m so not ready to do more than that.” Even though I’d probably enjoy the hell out of it. Tom wrapped an arm around Chase’s shoulder. “I’m just here to help clean up my little brother’s mess, that’s all. I never said anything about fucking you.” His crude words made her hotter than the steam. She held his gaze steady, but she could tell he wouldn’t flinch first. Fine. She’d let them touch her and maybe she’d even touch them if only to see if they didn’t imagine fucking her. “Be my guest.” She raised her hands over her head, exposing all of herself to them. The men grinned, and she immediately questioned the wisdom of her plan, but she wouldn’t back down. No, siree. If the men saw her weaken, that would be the end of her ability to control anything again. Four palms rubbed her body, teasing her as they moved up and down her length. Tom pulled a handheld showerhead from the wall and sprayed her back. She stepped under the overhead shower and rinsed her hair while the men worked on getting the paint off her arms and legs. Once her hair washing was done, she attacked her front before they got the chance. She hated to see the yellow flowers drip down her body. They were so pretty, and the lake had looked so refreshing. Now all was gone. She did a quick assessment and thought every fleck of paint was safely down the drain. “Let’s turn you toward me, darlin’.” Chase’s fingers, dripping with soap, found her moist pussy. He rubbed slowly at first, making sure every inch was soapy before rinsing it off. Tom stepped behind her and slid his big cock between

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her legs. Her muscles tensed. His breath was next to her ear. “I can’t wait until you beg me to take you. And you will beg.” She laughed. “Don’t hold your breath.” There were lines and then there were lines. She would not have sex with them. His response was two thick fingers straight up her moist opening. The intense stimulation overwhelmed her. Chase pinched her clit, and shockwaves went straight up her body. As if her tits had a mind of their own, her back arched and she pressed her bottom toward Tom. This restraint was going to be so much harder than she ever imagined. “Mmm, I have to say, honey, that cute little behind sure looks like it could use some lovin’, too.” She anticipated him dragging a hand down her. Instead, he tried to slip a soapy finger between her cheeks and into her dark hole. She jerked around. “What are you doing?” “Something I know you’d love. Have you ever had anyone make love to your nether hole?” She guessed he was talking about sex from behind. “Of course not.” “Don’t dismiss it before you’ve tried it.” He grinned, acting like she had no idea what she was missing. Chase reached out and gently pinched her tits. “I think she likes this, Tom. Maybe we should do more exploring on her front.” She reached for the lever that turned off the water. “We’re done here, boys.” Tom returned to stand behind her, dragged his palms down her stomach, and thumbed her clit from the front. Did the man know every one of her buttons? “Let’s get this straight. We say when we’re done. I know I could stand here for hours enjoying your slick little body, but Chase and I are in control, not you, honey.” Chase ran a gaze down her body, and his pupils dilated. “God, you are something else.”

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Despite enjoying his cock inches from her pussy, she had to get away from both of them. She reached behind her and took Tom’s thick cock in her hand to see how much was bravado and how much he really meant. He grabbed her wrist. “I’m not so sure that’s a good idea.” “Oh yeah? Am I done then?” “You’re the boss.” “That’s what I thought.” The power made her smile. She held in a laugh and stepped out onto the bath mat. In a flash, Tom and Chase followed her and pulled towels from the rack. They rubbed her down, careful to absorb every drop of water while they stood there dripping. “Now it’s my turn to dry both of you.” Why was she inciting them? Because I like it and I need some control. She gently took the towel from Tom and dried his front, back, arms, and legs. The thick muscles bulged under the soft material. He was amazing to look at. The only thing left to dry was his big cock. She bent over, pretending to inspect the huge job ahead when Chase grabbed her hips and nudged her with his cock. “You need to be careful where you place your delicious body, darlin’. A man like me will get the wrong idea. Please tell me you want me.” She stood. “If you’ll wait your turn, I’ll give you my full attention, Chase.” Where had her ability to flirt come from? This newfound control thrilled her. Knowing they couldn’t follow through on their threat to “fuck” her, she decided to be daring. It was so much fun. Chase grumbled but teased her with his cock nonetheless. With the towel in her hand, she draped it around Tom’s dick. She could have sworn he jumped. Holding tight, she moved the material up and down. She doubted she was doing much to absorb the water, but it was fun to see him try to keep from groaning. Once done with brother number one, she faced Chase, who stood

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there grinning. “Darlin’, when you rub me down, I want you to think what it would be like to have your hands all over my body and not some thick towel that prevents you from enjoying me.” “You are so conceited.” She laughed as she dragged the towel down his chest. “I’m happy having a barrier between us.” As she dried Chase’s back, Tom reached around and tweaked her nipples. She jumped at the unexpected touch. “I didn’t mean to hurt you, honey. Tell me what turns you on.” Before she had a chance to open her mouth, he rubbed her rear, clearly wanting her to say she wanted him to enter that forbidden passageway. He’d have to wait a long time. As for Chase, she wouldn’t tell him how to make love to her or what turned her on. In fact, everything they did affected her. She had to remind herself they were there to protect her from Phil. That’s all. She handed the towel to Chase. “I need to go to bed.” “You go ahead, honey. We’ll be right in to tuck you in.” She bet a month’s salary they’d climb into her bed if it hadn’t been against the rules. Uh-oh. Was sleeping next to her in their directives, too? Pretending as if nothing they did affected her, she sashayed out of the bathroom, pulled on her thin nightgown, and crawled into bed. If she had begged them, she might be in more jeopardy. Not physically, maybe, but certainly mentally. Being at the resort allowed her to let her guard down, but that was no excuse to change her high moral standards. And if she did decide after all these years to open herself up, there was no doubt one of them would trample on her heart. Nope, tomorrow, she’d return to the old Larissa Viamari, a woman who was capable, vigilant, and oh, so alone. ****

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Tom waited for the door to Larissa’s bedroom to close before he could discuss his new idea with his brother. “Beer?” Chase stabbed a hand through his damp hair. “Make it two.” Tom returned a few minutes later with a six-pack. He shoved the four unused brews into the mini fridge and motioned they move outside on the patio to talk. “What’s up?” Tom gulped down the refreshing liquid. “I’ve never met anyone like her. She’s smart and beautiful, but there’s this vulnerability that makes me want to protect her. It’s not just her sexy body, but her heart is so pure.” Chase told him about her rough upbringing. “Jesus Christ. No wonder she’s so reserved. Though she did seem to light up when we played with her cute little snatch.” He prayed the stepfather hadn’t tried to access her sweet bottom, too. “She’s afraid of the only man she’s known intimately.” “You really think she hasn’t had another relationship since Phil?” Chase shrugged. “Not anything long lasting, I’ll bet.” “We gotta help her.” “We are.” Tom waved his beer. “No, I mean really help her. Make her see that not all men are jerks, though I have come on a little strong.” “Ya think? The first thing you did was talk about butt fucking her. Where was your head? Women like Larissa don’t find that appealing.” He didn’t need the guilt. “I know, but I wanted to warm her up to the idea. I think if we go slow, she’ll trust us enough to let us try. We need, or at least I need, to treat her like she deserves to be treated, with respect and not rush her.” His younger brother stared out at the mountains, or rather at the faint light glowing behind them. “What exactly do you want to do? You got a plan? Our goal is to protect her, that’s all.”

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“I say we tuck her in then do what we do best. Make her beg for sex. We didn’t come to the resort because we needed the jobs. We came because we wanted to help women like Larissa. She needs to see that lovemaking is wonderful. I can tell she’s afraid of expressing her feelings. She’s afraid that if she lets down her barriers, she’ll be opening herself up for hurt. I couldn’t handle that, knowing we stood by and didn’t do something.” Chase set his near-empty beer bottle on the table next to him. “You know if you do that, we can never walk away. Are you ready for that?” He sipped on his beer and thought about that for a moment. “I’m thirty-six years old. I’ve traveled all over the world and had my adventures. My God, bro, we’ve done every crazy stunt known to mankind. It’s time to settle down.” He ran a hand over his head. “I think after I saw men die on the oil rig, it made me realize life is short. That’s why I got out, and I know that’s why you left the fishing industry.” Chase rubbed a thumb over his scarred hand. “You’ve known Larissa for one day.” He polished off his beer. “I know it sounds crazy, but I think she’s the one. There’s something about her that draws out every need in my body. I want her.” Chase chuckled. “You know, I’ve been thinking about how to approach you with the same idea.” Tom glanced over at him. “You feel the same way?” “Yeah. But who gets her?” “I have no trouble sharing, little brother, you know that. As long as you promise never to hurt her, I’m game.” Chase leaned his head back. “I’d never hurt her. You know that. If she has one more betrayal, I think she’ll break. Forever.” “Do you think she’d take both of us? She’s a lawyer, and lawyers are kind of straightlaced.” “I think we should try to convince her.” “I say we go for it.”

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Chapter Four With the bedroom door closed, she couldn’t make out what they were saying. The sliding door closed twice. Voices sounded out on the terrace, but she didn’t dare open her door that joined the same patio, as that would be eavesdropping. She’d bet her license they were talking about her. Maybe they were deciding who would stay the night and who would leave. She assumed one of them would sleep on the sofa, which she doubted was comfortable, and the other would stay in his own bed. Tomorrow she’d find out when she got up. She flipped off the lamp, but the light from outside streamed in and shot straight to her eyes. Fortunately, she’d brought her sleep mask. After pulling the material over her eyes, she relaxed back and let her mind wander to the day’s events. The highlight might have been when Chase painted little yellow flowers on her nipples. Or maybe when Tom strode in and touched her pussy with such selfconfidence she almost melted on the spot. No man she’d met since Phil had ever been that forward. She should have been afraid, but the kindness in both of their eyes had washed away any trepidation. The bedroom door opened, and her body shot to full alert. “Who’s there?” She flipped off her mask. “Just us, darlin’. We said we’d tuck you in.” “I’m all settled.” Though getting a good-night kiss might be nice. Assuming they stopped after that. She wasn’t sure she’d be able to tell them no. Hell, she knew she couldn’t tell them no. Footsteps sounded on the carpeted floor. Both men climbed onto the bed and slipped under the covers.

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“What are you doing?” This was no bed tuck like she’d remembered. Chase’s longer hair brushed her cheek as he nuzzled her neck, and Tom’s callused palms rubbed across her achy breasts. The double pressure points made her swoon. Where had her stern lawyer control gone? She’d expected one man, not two. Would she have welcomed one of them? She didn’t have a chance to think as Tom squeezed her tit. Her back arched. “I thought it would be obvious.” She couldn’t decide if she could handle having both of them there. Part of her screamed yes, but the logical side of her brain said she’d regret giving in. “I need my sleep.” Boy, was that lame. Chase leaned into her on the right, and Tom dragged his hand lower on the left. Neither spoke, but their actions said it all. They were here to stay. Chase’s hard cock pressed against her side, and Tom slapped his dick on her thigh. “I’m not really comfortable with two men in my bed.” Especially two naked men that she had no ability to say no to. “Do you think this is a good idea?” Each word came out weaker. Tom pushed up on an elbow and hovered over her. He kissed her hard as he slipped a finger inside her. Her pussy went into a spasm. Need filled her, and a traitorous moan escaped. “That’s it, honey. Let go. We want to make this so good for you you’ll be begging us for more.” Her breaths came out in short spurts. “This is making it more complicated.” “Because you like what I’m doing, right?” “Uh-huh.” Now why had she admitted that? Her ability to lie had evaporated with the first brush of her clit. Tom nibbled her neck as he slipped a second then a third finger inside her. The pulses came in waves. She’d been alone too long. Never had she met two men who seemed to want her to enjoy the experience first and foremost. Sex was always about them.

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Tom leaned back, and Chase took over. He slipped the strap of her gown over her shoulder and lifted out her breast. His warm breath caressed her exposed tip. He sucked on her hardened crest, and every nerve ending exploded. When he pulled away, cool air pebbled the tip again. Tom removed his fingers, ceasing the wonderful tingling below. Devastated at the sudden loss, she cried out, “Why did you stop?” She never should have said that. Chase dragged a hand down her face. “We want you to tell us what to do.” Her? What did she know about sex? “What you were doing. I liked that.” God, she sounded so wanton and so needy. Tom leaned over, only this time lower, and playfully nipped her covered breast through the light material. “We want more, too, honey, if you’re willing to oblige.” Both of them? My God, the only man she agreed to actually sleep with had been Phil, and look where that had gotten her. Tom, she guessed, would want something she couldn’t give. Chase dragged a knuckle down her cheek. “We promise we won’t hurt you. In fact, we’d rather die first than bring you any harm. We want to make this the most memorable experience of your life.” “Won’t you lose your jobs?” That’s what Shayna had told her. “Maybe, but it’ll be worth it just to sample you.” Sample her? He talked like he lived in the 1800s. Tom got off the bed. “I’ve got just the thing to help her make up her mind.” She held her breath as he left the room. He returned so quickly he must have had something in the other room. She couldn’t tell what he had in his hand, but from the small reflection of light off the white object, it looked to be a jar. “What is it?” He lifted up her gown, exposing her. “Do you trust me?” He didn’t answer her question. “I hardly know you.” He placed a

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hand on her stomach and his heat unnerved her. He rubbed her bare thigh in small circles, slowly moving upward. “You know we’d give our life to protect you.” Tom sounded so sincere. She believed him about protecting her, but would they be gentle when he had sex with her? “I haven’t had sex in seven years.” Her throat nearly constricted at the admission. Neither man moved for a minute. Then Chase stretched out next to her. “The men you’ve come in contact with must have been idiots, and it was smart to turn them down. If we promise to go real slow and let you decide how much you can take, will you give it a try?” His voice sounded so kind she nearly gave in. “Tell you what,” Tom said. “Let me put this cream on you and see what you say. Okay?” She wouldn’t mind having some body lotion on her. Her skin had nearly pruned having the paint on her body for hours, followed by the intense scrubbing. “Sure.” Ever so slowly, Tom spread her legs. Panic tripped up her spine. “Tom?” “Honey, we know what we’re doing. Trust us and I promise you’ll like it. We’re going to take it real slow for you. We’ll treat you like a newborn colt.” Having sex with one man was scary enough, but two? On a positive note, if one got too excited, she hoped the other would calm him down. She nodded, though she wasn’t sure they could see her in the dark. A squishy, sucking sound came from next to her. The pressure of three fingers across her wet pussy startled her for a moment. The cream’s coolness almost made her sigh. He rubbed it in, and his light touch made her spread her legs wider, wanting him to dip more intimately into her. “That feels good.” She wiggled her hips to give him more area. “It’ll feel better in a sec, honey.” Tom sat her up and removed her nightgown in one quick move.

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She was tempted to cross her arms, but since it was dark, she saw no need. The cream began to warm. In fact, sparks of heat radiated from her center. She stiffened at the fire brewing. Her heart raced at the unfamiliar sensation. “What is that stuff?” Chase rubbed her breasts with more cream. “You like it, darlin’? Tom mentioned to me outside how much he thought you’d want to have some on your cute little tits.” She wasn’t sure she wanted more heat to pulse through her. Her pussy already ached. A strong need to be touched grabbed her. They must have sensed the change in her since Chase pulled her to him. Her back to Tom, Chase kissed her gently at first, then with a passion she’d never experienced. “Open your mouth for me, darlin’, and let me in.” Phil hated to kiss with an open mouth, but being with Chase, she had an urge to go for it. She timidly stuck her tongue inside his mouth, not sure if she was going to like it. But when his tongue slipped around hers, she lost control. It was if she’d tasted water for the first time in a week in the desert. She couldn’t get enough of him. Her leg seemed to have a will of its own, for she slid her calf over his hip, exposing herself to him. His cock rested against her pussy, and she wanted him to plunge inside her. He pulled away. “You know you’re tempting me something fierce, darlin’?” The power assaulted her. She returned to kissing him, but this time, she purposefully pressed her naked body hard against his cock. Juices flowed, and she wanted to make love to him worse than anything. Tom nudged her from behind. His hand stroked her hair, her shoulders, and her thighs, his touch soft and warm. With Chase’s dick pressed against her opening and Tom’s cock against her backside, she began to float, lost in a sea of divine erotic pleasure. Chase was the first to pull away. “I want you to fuck me.”

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She wasn’t quite sure what he meant. Did he mean she had to be in control? “You want me to straddle you?” “Just like you’re riding a horse, darlin’. You can hold the reins and go fast or slow. Any way you like it. Tom will be right behind you to make sure every part of you is on fire.” Tom dragged his tongue right below her ear, and spikes of desire traced a line down her body. She couldn’t even catalogue the bombardment of feelings. It was if she was in on another planet, and the atmosphere didn’t contain oxygen but rather some aphrodisiac. He squeezed her shoulder. “Don’t analyze. Do what feels right, honey.” She might never get another chance to explore, let go, and enjoy making love without anyone’s feelings getting hurt. She grabbed Chase’s huge cock and opened wider. Going slow, as he suggested, wasn’t going to happen. Her body needed the release. Seven years of pent-up repression had burst her dam. She swung a knee over Chase and hovered her pussy over his throbbing cock. He lifted his dick to position it at her opening. “Do you need Tom to get you ready, darlin’?” She shook her head. “I’ve never been more ready in my life.” Taking his shaft in her hand, she slid down on him, stoking the fire inside her. Tom pressed his cock against her bottom, and he rubbed her nipples hard. She trusted Tom not to try something she wasn’t ready for. The pain of his manipulations immediately turned to pleasure. She opened up wider and enveloped Chase in one long slide downward. “Jesus Christ. You are so wet yet so tight.” He stretched her walls so much, she couldn’t breathe for a moment. It took a bit before her inhalations returned to normal. Tom massaged her breasts and stomach, matching her speed. She lifted up, held for a moment, and slid right back down. Chase clasped her arms and squeezed as if he too needed to hold on tight.

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“I love the feel of your snatch. I don’t know how long I can hold out.” The thought he loved being inside her spurred her on. She pumped harder and faster. Tom’s hands rubbed her everywhere. When his finger slid down her belly to her clit, she tensed. “Easy, honey. Just giving you more stimulation.” More? She didn’t need any more. Blood pounded in her ears as her climax built. Four palms massaged her. Chase grabbed her hips. “I love being inside you. Faster. I’m going to come, darlin’.” He guided her in a sensuous rhythm, the pressure building until she nearly screamed his name. Her walls contracted, and waves of desire took hold. Her climax shot through her. A second later, warm cum filled the back of her womb. Chase lowered her to his chest and rubbed her back. “That was something else. I hope it was half as good for you as it was for me.” She was too breathless to answer until Tom began to make slow circles on her butt, exciting her all over again. How was that possible? “Uh-huh.” Tom lifted her shoulders and helped her off Chase. Without a word, he dragged kisses down her arms. The butterfly touches got her going all over again. He rolled her over and nipped at her tits. The sparks of delight shot through her. Though her tender pussy vibrated, she wanted more. Never had she felt more cherished in her life. She never wanted this time with the men to end. “Honey, I want you get on your hands and knees to experience a real man.” “I’m not ready for that yet.” “Tonight, I want your pussy. I’ll have to stretch your puckered hole before I enter you.” Had she had the strength, she might have laughed, but from the dreamy tone of his voice, she knew he spoke the truth. He lifted her hips so she was on her hands and knees. Just as his cock touched her clit, someone pounded on the door.

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Every muscled stiffened. Both Tom and Chase jettisoned off the bed. “Don’t move.”

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Chapter Five Tom motioned for Chase to stay to the left of the door. The place really needed peepholes to see out. He pulled open the door fast. The beefy-looking man on the other side looked startled as if he was expecting Larissa to open up instead. “What do you want?” Tom tried not to sound hostile, but from the way the guy clenched his fists, he’d failed. “I’m looking for Larissa. I need to talk to her.” “You Phil?” Phil’s eyes widened. “Yeah.” Without waiting for an invitation, Phil tried to step past him. Tom’s gut churned. If this guy even tried to lay a hand on his woman, he’d be sorry. He grabbed Phil’s arm. As if he’d pushed the button on a bomb, Phil’s right hand swung, meeting Tom’s left cheek. The blow knocked him back an inch, but he didn’t let go. Before he got the satisfaction of beating the shit out of him, Chase appeared from behind and put Phil in a strangle hold. Tom relaxed. Phil tried to pry Chase’s fingers from his neck, but Tom knew that would never happen. Chase had arms of steel. He watched the guy flop like a dying fish for a good minute. “Let him go, little brother.” Chase obeyed. Phil staggered, coughed, and backed up. “Who the fuck are you guys?” “We’re Larissa’s bodyguards.” His shoulders sagged, and he planted his hands on his knees. “Thank God you two are here to keep her safe. Someone’s trying to kill her.”

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Not what he expected to hear. “Larissa told us you were trying to kill her. Even took a potshot at her and hit her friend instead.” His inhale wheezed. “Not me. I went to the Tucson police and proved to them I was out of town when that happened. I’d never hurt her.” He coughed. “As for Dana, I’ve checked up on her. She’s a little sore, but otherwise fine.” “You could have hired someone to shoot Larissa.” Phil straightened. “Why would I do that? I love her. I want to get back with her.” Tom’s stomach somersaulted. “You love her?” “Yes. Not that it does any good. She won’t return my calls. Won’t even talk to me.” Larissa cleared her throat. “Because you’re an asshole. You treated me like crap. Now all you want is my money.” Tom stiffened at the harshness of her tone. Relief washed through him that she didn’t love her ex-husband in return. Phil stepped forward, but Tom grabbed his arm again. “That’s not true, baby. I love you.” He jerked his arm out of Tom’s grasp but stayed put. “When I heard someone was out for you, I came to protect you.” “How did you find me?” “Shayna didn’t want to tell, but once the police let me go, she wanted you to be safe, too.” She crossed her arms. Thank God she’d dressed in something sensible, though Tom couldn’t wait to get her naked again. “As you can see, I’m well protected. So leave.” She raised her chin. Phil glanced between the three of them. “Fine, but if you need me, you have my cell.” Larissa didn’t answer. Instead, she shot him a death stare. It took all of Tom’s control not to laugh. Phil turned around and strode out. When he was convinced the bastard wouldn’t be back, he opened his arms to Larissa and moved toward her. To his relief, she stepped

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into his embrace. “Aw, honey, I’m sorry he found you, but at least you don’t have to worry about him anymore. I don’t think he’ll be bothering you.” She sighed into his chest. “Thank you.” She looked up, and her eyes widened. “He hit you?” Tom touched his cheek. “I’m afraid he got the drop on me. I was too slow because my focus was still on you. It doesn’t hurt, so don’t you worry.” “You need ice on that so it doesn’t swell.” She looked over his shoulder. “Chase, can you get us some? “Tom?” “I don’t need any ice, honey. I’m good. Trust me, a lot worse has happened to me.” Her face fell. “I don’t like to hear that. I couldn’t stand knowing someone or something hurt you.” He kissed her forehead. “That’s the nicest thing anyone has said to me.” She smiled, and his insides melted. **** Larissa woke to a hand on her stomach and two mouths on her breasts. She bucked a little then opened her eyes. Both Chase and Tom lifted their heads at the same time. For a split second, they looked alike, all sleepy-eyed, warm, and very lovable. “Good morning, darlin’.” “Did you sleep well, honey?” When they both smiled, warmth spread through her. She stretched her arms over her head. “Good morning to you, too, and yes, but I’ve never been woken up like this before.” That was an understatement. “I hope to rectify that soon.” He tapped her nose. “If I recall, honey, we got interrupted last night.”

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Tom pressed his erection against her thigh, and all kinds of thoughts raced through her. “I remember.” Phil had a knack of ruining a lot of things. Tom nuzzled her neck. “You willing to give me a wake-up ride this morning? I’ve been thinking about you all night long.” Oh my. Phil only liked to have sex at night. “I’ve never done it during the day.” He cupped her sex. “I plan to change that, too.” He looked up and winked. “You have a lot of catching up to do. So much loving and so little time.” Before she had a chance to respond, he slipped between her legs and licked her. The rush spread over her like an avalanche, and she sucked in a breath. When he added a finger and rubbed her walls, she nearly came. “Take it easy. I’m just trying to warm you up, honey, not send you over the cliff.” With each swipe of his tongue, she got hotter. When he added another one of his masterful fingers into the mix, she nearly exploded. “I’m ready.” “Oh, no. You don’t know what ready is. We want you to scream for it.” “That doesn’t seem very ladylike.” No sooner had she made the comment when her eyes rolled upward from both of their touches. She spread her legs wider, needing more of Tom. She couldn’t wait to feel his thick cock inside her, exploring, pumping, and satisfying her. How could she have not wanted sex before? This was amazing. “Now?” She hadn’t wanted to sound so needy, but she needed the release. “Are you begging?” She wasn’t looking at Tom, but if she had, she bet she would have seen his wink. She wasn’t sure she had any control over her body right now. “Yes.”

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“That’s what I’ve been waiting to hear.” He rolled her over and lifted her butt in the air. “Not in there.” She tamped down the quick shot of panic until she accepted the fact neither would do anything to make her uncomfortable. In fact, the opposite was true. “I know, honey.” He traced a finger around her puckered hole but didn’t dip in. She imagined him exploring a different part of her body, and her excitement level elevated. With her butt in the air, she was exposed and vulnerable, but trust filled her. “Say it,” Tom said. She loved his dirty talk. “Fuck me.” Tom moved into position and nudged her pussy open. “Say please.” “Please fuck me. There, happy?” Playfulness had never been a part of foreplay, but she loved it. “You’re the one I’m going to make happy.” He dipped in, moving inside her at glacier speed. He was driving her crazy. “Faster.” “Have patience. You’ll get your reward.” Like a slow swing, he glided in again and pulled out in a lazy rhythm, which drove her crazy with need. With each thrust, her pussy widened, taking in all of him. While he was large and her walls were stretched to the max, she loved every pump, every thrust. From his tempo, it was all about satisfying her. Finally, he sped up, making her soar to new places. Chase rolled on his back, centered himself under her, and took her tit into his mouth. He nipped and sucked until her body nearly exploded. Tom grabbed her hips and picked up the pace, hitting the back of her womb, just as his hard balls slapped her ass. Convulsions swept over her as her climax brought her to the peak of pleasure. “That’s it, honey. Come for me.” Her mouth opened, and she screamed his name. Hot jism pumped

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into her. His cheek landed on her back. As soon as Chase slipped out from under her, Tom rolled her over. There was no doubt she’d never been more thoroughly loved. “I think the lady needs a little cleaning, little brother.” She wasn’t quite sure what that meant, but she bet she’d enjoy it. When Chase returned with a warm washcloth and dragged it across her sore opening, she smiled. “That’s nice.” Tom got off the bed and took her hand. “I have an idea.” He pulled her up. “What?” “How about if we go for a horseback ride and have a picnic. I want to know everything about you. What your favorite food is, which TV shows you like, and what you’re looking for in a man.” He winked. “I know the perfect spot.” Now that was a change of topic, but she wasn’t sure telling them about her would be helpful. Once the madman was brought to justice, she’d be gone. If she learned about them, she’d miss them even more once she left. “I haven’t ridden in a long time. I don’t know if I can even stay on a horse.” But if they got naked at the end, it would be worth every bump. “We’ll get you the most gentle horse the resort had to offer.” So far, these two hadn’t led her astray. “I’m game if you don’t mind going slow.” Chase wrapped an arm around her waist. “Nothing is an inconvenience with you around.” How sweet was that? Tom stroked her cheek. “You know I like it slow.” He got that right. While she got ready, Chase disappeared. Tom promised to have some breakfast delivered while Chase saw to the arranging of the horses. Once Chase returned, Tom left to get dressed. She only had

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jeans, but the men assured her she’d be fine. After a delicious breakfast on the patio, they helped her mount up. The day was in the high seventies and the sun beat warm on her skin. Both Tom and Chase had loaded up their horses with gear. Not only did they have blankets and a killer lunch, they came equipped with rifles. She wasn’t sure she liked the idea of guns, but whoever was after her didn’t have a problem using one. At least being with these men, she’d be safe. Sandwiched between them, Tom took the lead with Chase behind her. From the way Tom sat in the saddle, he’d been riding his whole life. She on the other hand might have had better luck logrolling. Her grip on the saddle was too tight, and she probably was squeezing the horse’s flanks too hard, but if she hadn’t, she’d have fallen off. She tried to concentrate on the scenery, but her saddle made her already-sore pussy even more tender. With every jostle, she got images of either Chase or Tom loving her, coming from behind, and plunging into her from the front. Amazing and wonderful. She wanted to experience them in every way possible before she left the resort. The image of Tom entering her bottom flashed in her mind. What would that feel like? Tight, sexy, or what? Having two men simultaneously trying to make her happy made her change her mind about a lot of things in life, especially about men, and a lot about sex. Each had their own timing, their own rhythm. Tom was a little more aggressive with his touch than Chase, but at the same time, his strokes were perhaps more tender, if that was possible. Chase pulled alongside her. “You want to stop and stretch, darlin’?” “I wouldn’t mind. There’s a tree over there we could stand under.” The sun was getting intense. Tom led them to the shade and helped her down. She tugged on her pants to ease the ache. “Honey, if you want to take them off, I can give you a massage to

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make it feel better.” She laughed and lightly tapped him on the chest. “Knowing you, you wouldn’t stop at a massage.” “You got that right.” He looked around. The sound of hooves rang in the distance. “Stand behind the tree, honey. I want to see who’s coming.” “No one’s going to find me here.” “Your ex did.” “Because Shayna told him. She’s not going to put an ad in the paper announcing where I am.” “Can’t be too cautious.” She did as he asked anyway, thinking all this worry was overkill, but if they wanted to protect her, she’d let them. Both Tom and Chase kept their hands on their seated rifles. As the three riders neared, she relaxed when she noted the person in the middle was a woman. Tom waved. “Hey, Dalton, Sam.” Once they were gone, he pulled her out from behind the tree and threaded his hands through her hair. He leaned in and kissed her. “I don’t ever want to lose you.” Her heart nearly tore. Where had that sentiment come from? Was it just a line they always used when being with a client? In her heart, she believed both men cared, but she couldn’t stay here forever. Her big dilemma was how she could let them go and not break. Chase moved in close and wrapped his arms around her. “I need a little hug from my woman.” He glanced at Tom, who stepped aside. Instead of a kiss on the lips, he slid his mouth down to her breast and nibbled. “Darlin’, I think we need a new rule. No bras allowed.” She opened her mouth to protest until his fingers slipped under the offending piece of material and tweaked her nipple. Then in a flash he unbuttoned her shirt and unclipped her bra. She was naked in a flash. His mouth found her engorged nipples, and he began sucking on

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them as if they were a much-needed meal. She laughed. “Chase, people ride by here. I can’t be naked.” “Complain again, and I’ll have you stripped down to nothing with my big cock inside of you.” “Promises, promises.” “If Tom hadn’t found this fabulous place where we will have privacy, I swear I’d take you right here. I’m so horny I’m not sure I can stay upright on the horse until I’ve had your sweet snatch.” She put on her blouse, without the offending bra, and laughed. “You can’t have sex all day long.” “With you in my sight, I can’t think of anything else.” Where did these men come up with such thoughts? “Help me up on the horse, will ya?” “Oh, yeah.” Chase more than helped. The flat of his palm managed to land on her butt. Just before her rear hit the saddle, he managed to rub her sensitive spot. Maybe he did think about sex twenty-four-seven. They rode for another half hour before Tom pulled to a stop. “See those rocks over there? There’s a real nice spot for a picnic and some delicious dessert afterwards.” His wink sent her stomach into a swirl. She wasn’t sure if she could handle any more sex, but she was going to try. She rounded the corner and pulled on the reins. “There’s a lake!” “I thought you’d like it, honey. Maybe after lunch we can take a swim. Naked.” “I’d like that, but I’m so hot now, I might take a dip beforehand.” Chase smiled. “You go ahead, darlin’. We’ll make sure no one comes and disturbs you. When you get out, we’ll have the picnic ready to go.” She was a little disappointed they didn’t suggest they all go in for a dip, but the swim would refresh her for her meal. She walked to the water and took off her shoes and socks. Not once did they look her way. For the first time since she arrived, their attention wasn’t riveted

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on her. She shouldn’t be upset, but she was. She’d gotten used to their focus being on her. After she peeled off her pants, she unbuttoned her blouse and placed her clothes away from the water’s edge. They still didn’t look her way. What was up with that? She slipped off her panties and waded into the wonderfully cool water. Her feet sunk into the lake’s sandy bottom. Once at waist level, she dunked down and swam a few strokes. Nothing could be more relaxing. She was safe and free for the first time since she was fourteen. She rolled onto her back and glanced up at the sky. When two big splashes sounded, she treaded water. Next thing she knew, four hands pulled her under. She popped back up a second later. “We didn’t want you to have all the fun.” Chase stole a quick kiss. “I was hoping you’d join me.” “How about we get a little closer to shore, honey, where we can stand?” “You aren’t planning on exploring my wet body, are you?” Tom grinned, looking like a twelve-year-old who’d found a hidden treasure. “Only if you want us to.” She charged toward solid ground, and her two men followed. When she got waist deep, she planted her feet firmly on the ground. Tom picked her up by the waist and spun her around. “I’d really like to have you ride me, but I know my little brother has been chomping at the bit since last night.” He set her down. “But don’t worry. I’ll be enjoying myself examining a different part of your body.” Chase turned her toward him and guided her hand to his cock. “You’re hard already?” She thought cold water shriveled a man. “Darlin’, I always have a hard-on when I’m around you.” He squeezed her hand and leaned closer. “Don’t think it’s just because I lust after your body. I want you.” She hoped they could see the heat spreading across her face. Never having heard such endearments, she didn’t know how to

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respond to them. Her thoughts were dragged in a different direction as soon as Chase lifted her up by the waist and seated her over his cock. “Wrap your legs around me.” She did, widening her opening. With ease, she slid down onto him. Maybe it was the buoyancy of the water or the way he kissed her, but she was lighter, happier. Tom slipped his hands around to her breasts and added to her excitement. She dropped her head back, resting on his strong chest. Chase pumped. Tom treated her tits to a delightful array of pleasures, from pinching, to rubbing, to old-fashioned massaging. Chase kissed her neck while she dragged her arms behind her to hold on to Tom. Between the water swirling around her to the pounding inside her, her climax built quickly. As Chase quickened her pace, she leaned forward, pushing up with her legs to capture all of him inside her. “Come for me, darlin’.” He didn’t have to wait long, as her climax reached its peak seconds later. “Oh, God.” Chase held her still as he filled her completely with his hot liquid. He kissed her slow and long. When he leaned back, he was smiling. “I’ve waited a long time for that. I think I could eat a horse. You ready for our picnic?” “I can’t wait.” The picnic was a feast, from fresh fruit, two styles of hummus, champagne to three types of lunchmeat. “This is incredible.” “Not as incredible as you.” Tom leaned back on one elbow. “Now for the other purpose of the picnic. I want you to name the most fun you ever had before you came to the resort.” Fun? She searched her mind but discarded so many topics. “This is kind of lame, so I guess I haven’t had a lot of fun. I’d gone camping between my junior and senior year in high school with my church group. Maybe it was because I was away from her stepfather or the fact I didn’t have to study for four days, but I enjoyed the camaraderie

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and the oxygen-rich scent of the outdoors.” She told them about rock climbing and taking a shower in the cold waterfall. “Chase, you said you got your hand injury from a speargun. Believe it or not, I’ve never been fishing. Tell me about it.” He grinned and spent the next twenty minutes telling her how he started deep-sea fishing with one boat, which led to two, which led to three. “That sounds like such a carefree life.” “Quite the opposite. I quit because of the danger.” After he seemed to shut down, she turned to Tom and asked him to talk about his life as a Special Forces man and what it was like to be on an oil rig. Clearly Tom loved to talk, but it wasn’t just the information, it was how he delivered the material with wit that made her want to listen to his stories forever. She fell a little bit in love with them. Maybe it sounded conceited, but she didn’t think they were the type to share their joys and hurts so easily. She wanted to tell them how much they’d changed her life already, but leaving these two would only be harder if they knew she cared. After they finished eating, Chase checked the time. “We need to get back if we plan on entering the body painting contest. You up for painting me, darlin’?” “I wish we could go as a threesome. Do you think that’s possible?” Chase looked to Tom. “What do you think?” He laughed and the glint in his eye said he’d be a little out of control when he painted her. “I say it’s a go.” Excited for this evening’s event, they worked together to pack up, and then they helped her mount. Tom led once more and went slow, most likely because he understood she needed to. They’d just passed a large set of rocks when a snake slithered in front of Tom’s horse. The quarter horse bucked, and her horse jumped

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to the side. She was so stunned that when a shot rang out, she didn’t realize what happened until she saw the blood on Tom’s body. Hands grabbed her around the waist and dragged her off the horse.

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Chapter Six Larissa’s horse took off, away from the where the shot had come from. Chase pulled her by the hand. She barely was able to get to her feet when another shot sounded. Chase kept her in front of him as they sped toward the rocks. Breathless, she made it to safety. With her back to the stone wall, she waited for Chase to tell her what the hell had happened. Instead, he leveled his rifle and pulled the trigger. “Where’s Tom?” “He’s down.” Another shot. Her mouth turned dry. She failed to register the fact Tom might be hurt. “Down?” “Darlin’, stay here.” He was going to leave her? Horse hooves pummeled the ground, sounding as if the attackers were going away from them. Her legs weakened, and she dropped to the sandy ground. Heart pounding, she waited for the all clear. When none came, she stole a peek around the rock. “Oh, my God.” Chase was leaning over Tom, who was on the ground. She raced out. Chase looked up but didn’t wave her back either. Blood dripped down Tom’s sleeve. She knelt beside him, her heart nearly bursting. “Chase, take off your shirt.” His eyes widened for a second, but he did as she asked. After she folded the material, she placed it over the wound. “Tom, this might hurt, but I want you to press on the injury. It’s the only way to stop the bleeding.”

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Tom obeyed, even though his face had lost some of its color. She could tell he was trying not to wince. “You get hit anywhere else?” “No.” Tom turned to Chase. “You get either one?” “I hit one of them for sure. That’s why they took off.” She sat back on her butt. “Did you recognize them?” “No. From their excessive tattoos, I’d say they aren’t anyone we should be messing with. Is there something you’re hiding, darlin’?” “I really thought Phil was after me, but maybe Shayna was right.” “How’s that?” Tom lifted his hand off the wound but returned it quickly when more blood leaked out. “I put two very bad Tucson gang members in jail about a month ago. I think the men who shot at us might be part of the Southside Posse Bloods gang. They might be out to take revenge on me.” “Holy shit. We’ve got to get you to safety.” “I am safe with you.” “Apparently, not safe enough.” Tom wanted to ride back right away, but she insisted he remain on the ground until she was convinced the bleeding had stopped. “You need to drink more water, too.” He rolled his eyes but did as she asked and downed a goodly amount. He then fussed when she insisted on using her bra as a sling for his arm. “Why do I need this?” “It’s to keep the arm by your side, so you don’t make it bleed more.” “I look stupid.” “I want you to live, so shut up and wear it.” He grumbled some more and then refused help getting up on his horse even though he only had one good arm. At least he had the sense not to rush back to the resort.

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When they arrived, a Sergeant Bill Stanton came to take their statement. “Do you think any of you could identify the men?” Tom shook his head. “My horse reared when the snake crossed its path. Larissa was next to me, but her horse went sideways. I’m thinking they were aiming for her.” That comment required a lot of clarification, but Officer Stanton was patient. Two medics arrived and insisted Tom come with them. “Chase, look after her.” She tried to go after him. “Oh, no. I’m coming with you.” Chase wrapped his arms around her. “Tom will be back in no time. When they release him, we can drive out to Tucson and pick him up. How about that?” He made sense. “I guess so.” She didn’t like hospitals and knew they’d be standing around for hours while they waited for Tom to get treated. The gang members might expect her to ride in the ambulance and wait for her at the hospital entrance, so staying with Chase was best. As Tom climbed into the back of the ambulance, he looked behind him. “Don’t you let her out of the room or I’ll kill you myself.” Chase saluted and squeezed her side tight. She loved how protective Tom was, but at the same time, she didn’t like how he’d wormed his way into her heart. She studied his fierce expression and decided she loved him. It sounded stupid and was probably crazy, but deep in her soul, she knew he was the one for her. The biggest problem she faced was that she felt the same way about Chase. Was it possible to love two men? Was it even right? “Ms. Viamari?” She jerked her attention back to the sergeant. “I’m sorry.” “Did you get a look at either man?” “No. Just like Tom said, his horse bucked and my horse went crazy. As soon as I heard the gunshot, all I saw was Tom’s blood. After that, I remember running for my life.” Or maybe it was the other

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way around. The whole incident was too fuzzy. “We’ll look into it, but if this is gang-related, even if we find these two, there might be more coming after you.” He touched his hat and stood. “Stay safe.” **** Chase watched Larissa pace the small living room of her suite. “Darlin’, please come sit down.” “How can you stay so calm? Your own brother might be bleeding to death and someone wants to kill me.” He went over to the minifridge and pulled out two beers. He twisted off the caps. “I think you need this.” She took it from him, sipped from the bottle, and faced him. “What am I going to do? I can’t stay here the rest of my life. I have to go back to work and hope they forget about me.” She was talking crazy, but he understood. Her life had spun out of control, and she had forgotten all her coping skills. He patted the sofa next to him. This time she nodded and sat next to him. He rubbed her thigh, forcing his mind to stay on task. “I think you need to consider moving.” “Moving where?” He shrugged. “Anywhere but Arizona.” She stared at him as if he had three heads. “You want me to run away and leave my friends and my job?” He was hoping she didn’t want to leave him and Tom, but he’d bring up that topic later. Both he and his brother had enough money to live anywhere, but he didn’t want to scare her just yet by suggesting all three go together. Whether she knew it or not, the three of them were meant to be as one. “It wouldn’t be a bad idea. Even if we’d managed to kill both men today, you heard the officer. More will come.” A tear leaked out her eye. “There were six hundred in that gang.”

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“Jesus. You think you can escape all of them?” He turned her face toward him and swiped the tear from her cheek. “No, but I love my job, and I don’t want to leave.” “What do you think of moving to Texas?” He’d never personally had the chance to visit, but they had Gulf fishing, and Tom could always use his petroleum engineering degree to work on oil rig designs, if he really wanted a job. “How should I know? I’ve always lived in Arizona. My life is with the law firm.” Chase wrapped an arm around her shoulder and drew her close. He kissed the top of her head. “We’ll figure something out.” She twisted in his arms. Her eyes snapped shut for a moment. “The body painting contest. We forgot. I’m so sorry.” She grabbed his thigh, and his mind jumped to a different part of her body. “No biggie. I’m not in the mood anyway. Tom might call.” “You think they’ll release him tonight?” “Whether they do or not, he’ll be fighting to get out. He’s stubborn like that.” “But he got shot.” “Tom has gotten a broken leg, three broken ribs, his head smashed in, and a host of smaller cuts and bruises. A little gunshot wound to his arm won’t stop him.” She leaned her head against his shoulder. “I feel so bad he got hurt because of me.” “Darlin’, better him than you. If his horse hadn’t spooked your horse, that bullet might have hit you. I could never have lived with the knowledge we didn’t protect you.” “That’s twice he’s missed.” “All the more reason for you to get someplace safe.” His cell rang. The screen said TOM. “Hey, man, you ready to split that joint?” “How’d you know?” Chase chuckled. “Any major damage?”

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“The usual. I’m at Tucson Medical, the one on East Grant Road.” “Know it. We can be there in an hour. Hang tight, bro.” He disconnected. “Ready for a ride?” “Tom should be spending the night.” “My brother would never settle for that. Ready?” “I do feel like a caged animal. I wouldn’t mind a little ride to civilization.” “Then let’s go.” Since Larissa’s car was in the front lot and his was way in the back, she suggested they take her car. Worked for him, especially since she handed him the keys, acting as if they’d been together for years. His heart soared at the idea. The sun was setting as they headed west toward Tucson. He took a chance no cops were around and went a little heavy on the accelerator. He rolled down his window, loving the cool breeze on his face. He always enjoyed the view from this drive. Catalina Highway provided stellar scenery. Today he had to concentrate more than usual since Larissa was in the car. He patted his pants. “Damn, I left my phone in the room. Can I borrow yours?” “Sure.” He waited to dial as a large curve was coming up. As he neared the hairpin turn, the sun blinded him and someone smashed into his rear. His foot automatically went to the brake. Larissa whimpered. Anger rushed up from his gut. “Hold tight.” He stuffed the phone in his top pocket and glanced in the rearview mirror. A large semi was on their ass, pushing them toward the railing. “Oh, shit.” “Chase?” Her plea tore at him as he tried to control the car. The side scraped the metal railing, and it took all of his effort to keep hold of the wheel. Praying the tires wouldn’t blow and send him plummeting off the mountain, he changed tactics and pressed hard on the accelerator. The

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relief was instant until they rounded another curve. The large vehicle barreled down on them. “Too fast. Shit.” The car slid to the side on the sandy road and lost purchase. The truck rear-ended them again. This time the car spun sideways, and the truck slammed into the driver side. All Chase saw was the large wall of rock right in front of him. The impact jarred him upward. The last thing he remembered was flying through the air over the railing to the desert below.

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Chapter Seven When Larissa opened her eyes, her whole body ached and throbbed. Head pounding, her skin seemed on fire. She tried to figure out what happened. “Chase?” A warm hand grasped hers. “You’re in the hospital.” The smell of burnt rubber and the crunch of metal flew through her mind. “Where’s Chase?” “First things first. What’s your name?” “My name?” The nurse nodded. “Larissa Viamari.” She tried to sit up, but the intense discomfort forced her back down. The nurse took down her information. “Is Chase your husband or son?” The thought of being married to Chase lessened her pain for a moment. The image of their first meeting flashed before her. He’d brought her into his tiny studio and, without a second thought, took off her top. What she wouldn’t give now to have his hands on her breasts and his mouth on her body. “Neither. He was driving my car when a truck hit us.” The nurse flipped some pages on her clipboard. “I have no one by that name here. Maybe you’d already dropped him off. Do you remember what happened?” “Not really.” They were together. She searched her mind for the last image of him, but the throbbing pain prevented further recollection of their last moments together. “Chase and I were coming to a hospital to pick up his brother, Tom. I remember a large truck behind us.” She’d clamped down on the door handle and was pushing back in the seat as Chase flew down the mountain. “I yelled for him to

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slow down.” A sharp pain stabbed her forehead. “You said you were coming to the hospital for Tom. What’s Tom’s last name?” She froze. She’d made love to two brothers yet had never asked for their last name. “I don’t know.” How horrible was that? What did that make her? The pounding intensified. She needed to concentrate on what was important, which was finding Tom and making sure Chase was safe. Something horrible must have happened to him or he’d be by her side. When she tried to sit up again, her muscles rebelled and vomit rolled into her mouth. “Easy, Ms. Viamari. You have a broken wrist and a concussion. You must lie still.” Easy for her to say. Chase needed her. This was all her fault. “I have to look for him.” She and Chase were together when the crash happened. That much she was sure about. “I’m afraid we can’t let you go anywhere.” “I’m fine.” “We need to watch you for twenty-four hours to make sure there’s no brain swelling. Tomorrow, the doctor will put a cast on that wrist.” She already had a stretchable wrap on it that prevented her from moving it much. Maybe she could contact Shayna and sneak out. The nurse stepped over to the stand holding drip bags. She pressed some numbers on a computer pad. Larissa’s eyelids got really heavy. “What did you do? I’m really sleepy.” “Nightie night.” **** Tom listened to his brother’s phone ring. “Where the fuck are you, bro?” He paced the hospital’s waiting room. He’d checked out over

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ninety minutes ago and needed to get back to the resort. He didn’t like the idea of Larissa being on the road. The last time they’d taken her out, the damn gang members had attacked. Christ. He checked the time again. His last call was over two hours ago. Where the hell were they? Damn it. He should have gotten Larissa’s cell number. She’d know where he was. They were supposed to be together, but maybe Chase had found someone to watch over her. Given those gang members were after her, it would have been smarter to keep her in her room. Out of options and out of patience, he dialed his boss’s number. “Sensual Pleasures Fantasy Resort. Rod speaking.” “Thank God. It’s Tom. Tom Sanford.” “Tom! How are you? I just heard about the shooting. My God, man, what the hell happened? I’m sorry I wasn’t at the resort when the shooting occurred.” He could only imagine what was going through Rod’s head. Guest gets shot at while visiting fantasy resort. What a PR nightmare. “I’m good, but I need to find Chase. He and Larissa left the resort two hours ago to pick me up at Tucson Medical, and they haven’t shown up.” “You want me to help find them?” “Could you? I don’t have Larissa’s cell, but Chase isn’t answering. I’m worried, man.” “I’m on it.” He disconnected. Tom should feel better, but in the pit of his stomach, he knew something bad had gone down. Feeling a little light-headed, he sat. The waiting room suddenly got quiet. A mother and her three rambunctious kids finally got the needed attention. He leaned back in the chair and glanced up at the TV screen. A picture of a mangled red sports car smashed into the side of the mountain on Catalina Drive appeared. His heart nearly stopped. Larissa had mentioned she drove a red sports car. He moved closer to

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the TV to listen to the story. Two fire trucks and a police car surrounded the wreck, but he couldn’t see any bodies inside. “About an hour ago, a car belonging to Larissa Viamari crashed into a stone wall on Catalina Drive. When the police arrived, no one was in the car, but they found a body, burned beyond recognition, part way down the embankment. Ms. Viamari’s cell phone was found near the corpse.” Tom’s legs nearly buckled. His head pounded and his throat turned dry. The nightmare continued. A wrecked car and a burned body? No. It wasn’t true. He had to get out of there. Larissa couldn’t be dead. Air. He needed air. Once outside, he dropped to the steps. His airway swelled. What the hell had happened? Where was Chase? His brother never would have let her drive alone, but the report said the car was empty. Had more gang members come and abducted her? And where was Chase? Whose body was down the embankment? Jesus fucking Christ. He didn’t need this. A migraine threatened. Sirens sounded nearing the hospital. People rushed by, but no one seemed to notice his life hung by a thread. He must have sat there for close to an hour, trying to sort out the mess. Footsteps pounded on the pavement. Rod rushed toward him. Help had arrived at last. “Rod. Thanks for coming.” He tried to stand, but he wasn’t strong enough. His heart had broken. “You okay?” “I think Larissa’s dead.” Rod dropped next to him. “She’s dead? Jesus. I didn’t know. I saw the accident. I thought it might be her car. I tried to stop, but they waved me on. It looked real bad. What about Chase?” He shook his head. “I don’t know.” Tears burned the inside of his lids. “What are we going to do?” “Find your brother.”

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Though his arm hurt like a bitch, he was tormented by knowing that if he hadn’t called Chase or Larissa to pick him up, they’d both be alive. “We need to get back to the scene,” Rod said. “The tow truck was about to leave when I drove by.” The image of the crashed car made a hole in his gut. “What good will that do?” He knew he wasn’t thinking straight from the deepseated pain. “We need to get as near to where the accident occurred to check out the area for clues. A person doesn’t just disappear from a car wreck as bad as that one, unless there’s some outside force.” Like being kidnapped. He nodded and stood. Forty minutes up the winding road, Rod motioned to a small parking area off to the side. “I’ll pull over here, and we can walk back down the road. Maybe something was left behind.” The pain meds they’d given him were wearing off, but he was glad for the physical ache. It helped take his mind off his loss. Close to the site, both stopped at once. Rod got down on his haunches. “Skid marks.” He began pacing off the length. “Christ. How fast was Chase or Larissa driving?” Something wasn’t right. “Looks like two sets of tire marks to me.” “Could be.” When they reached the actual site, pieces of glass still lay on the road. The rock face had streaks of red where the car hit the wall. “I can’t believe this.” Tom walked another ten feet down the road, past where the rocks ended. He looked over the edge, where the cops said they found the burnt body. “I’m going down there.” “You sure? It’s steep.” He didn’t answer. Nothing was going to stop him. He stepped over the railing and slipped. “Be careful.” With his arm in a sling, his mobility was hindered, but he made it down the incline, stopping only when he got to the area of burnt grass.

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His stomach nearly heaved. Rod scrambled down behind him. “The car I saw hadn’t burst into flames, so how did the body get burned beyond recognition?” “Good question.” They separated and searched the area. When the sound of a toe hitting metal reached him, Tom turned around. “You find something?” Using a handkerchief, Rod held up a shiny red gas can. “I’d say whoever got torched didn’t catch on fire as a result of the accident.” “You really think that belonged to an arsonist? The police would have removed it as evidence.” “Maybe they were in a rush and didn’t see it. The can is pretty far from the scene.” “It’s possible. I’m just thankful the authorities located and took the body away.” He refused to consider the body belonged to Larissa or Chase. The horror of it all was too much to stomach. Tom doubled over and threw up. He hated being weak. Rod came closer but remained far enough away to give him some privacy. “You think the same men who shot you also tried to run Larissa off the road?” Then burned her? “That would be my guess.” He swiped the back of his mouth. “Larissa told me there were over six hundred members of the gang. Any one of them could be responsible.” “That makes finding whoever did this a hell of lot more difficult.” That was an understatement. Shielding his forehead with his palm, Tom looked over the vast desert. If Chase had gotten away, or Larissa for that matter, where were they now? Which way would they go? There was a nice breeze up on the highway, but down on the desert floor the sun would be intense, lessening their chances of survival. Assuming both were alive and the burned body belonged to someone else, they wouldn’t last long in this harsh environment. ****

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Shayna clasped Larissa’s hand. The sleep medicine the nurse gave her lasted about three hours. As soon as she woke, she called her friend, and Shayna rushed over. “Shouldn’t you call the authorities and tell them you’re alive?” Ever since she’d seen the replay of the report about her possible death, she hadn’t been able to think clearly. Chase had to be the burned body, but her mind wasn’t ready to accept that fact. “Maybe I want to be dead.” “Oh, girlfriend. Don’t say that. I know you thought you loved Chase, but isn’t Tom still around? He’s at some hospital, right?” “Tom! Oh my God. We were on our way to pick him up. He’s got to be worried, but no, when I said I wanted to be dead, I meant I wanted the world to think I was dead.” “That’s better.” Her lips turned into a smile. “Do you think Tom saw the news story?” Her friend’s brows pinched. She closed her eyes and tried to push away the fog. “I hope not.” “You need to call him. Which hospital was he at?” The names of several places bombarded her. “I can’t remember. Tucson Medical maybe.” Shayna whipped out her phone, did a quick search, and made a call. While she waited, Shayna smiled down at her. Her gaze darted ahead. “Yes, I’m looking for someone by the name of Tom. He was brought in this morning with a gunshot wound to the arm…I don’t know his last name. Can’t you search by wound or something?” That sounded impossible even to her. “Well, thank you.” She placed the phone on her lap. “No luck. The woman needed the full name. So now what?” “They won’t release me for a few days since they want to see if I have any other injuries. Like to the brain. Tomorrow, I get a cast put on my wrist.” She rubbed her forehead with her good hand to help lessen the throbbing pain that kept squeezing her brain. “Too bad they don’t made casts for broken hearts.”

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“I wish there was something I could do for you.” A plan formed. One she didn’t like, but to keep Tom safe, she had to do it. “There is.” “Name it.” “Lend me, or rather give me five thousand dollars.” Shayna blinked a few times. “Why? Just write a check.” “As I said, to stay alive, I need the world to think I’m dead. I need to disappear. I can’t exactly withdraw money from my account if I’m not alive.” “You have to tell Tom the truth.” “No. I’m his biggest liability. He needs to think I’m dead, too. It’s the only way to keep him safe.” She squeezed Shayna’s hand. “Will you help me?” “You know I will.” **** Rod had insisted they call for help to look for Chase. There was too much acreage for the two of them to cover, especially with Tom’s arm in a sling. Without water, his brother wouldn’t last long in the intense heat and the cold nights. His wound had started to bleed again, but he wasn’t going to stop until he found Chase. And Larissa. He had to believe they were both alive. It didn’t matter there had been a charred body with her phone nearby. There could have been a number of explanations. He just couldn’t come up with a logical one yet. Two Tucson deputies and about five volunteers had arrived about a half hour ago to help search. David Frickers, the officer in charge, placed a grid in front of them. “Tom, I want you to be command central.” He faced the group. “If you find anything, bring it to Tom or call him.” He gave out Tom’s cell number to the group. “Now, let’s find Chase.” Sitting wasn’t Tom’s style, but someone had to collect the data.

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He leaned against a large boulder, praying his brother was still alive. After a half hour of searching, one of the volunteers brought Tom a cold drink. “Thanks.” “No luck?” “Not yet.” The young kid loped down the hillside. Just when Tom thought they’d call it quits, the deputy shouted and waved his arms. He was about a thousand feet away kneeling next to an outcropping of stones. Tom dropped the clipboard and scurried down the hill, nearly tripping on the scrub. His heart in his throat, he concentrated on his footing. He finally reached the officer. Chase was on his side, not moving. Tom dropped to his knees. “Chase?” He shook his shoulder. His brother moaned. Elated, Tom poured some cold water over his brother’s forehead. He glanced up at the officer. “Did you call 911?” “Yes. They have my GPS coordinates. It shouldn’t take them too long to get here.” Thank God. In case his brother was bleeding, Tom carefully ran his one good hand down Chase’s body but found no obvious injuries. None of the bones looked angulated, but he had no way of knowing how much internal damage there might be. Tom lifted Chase’s head and placed the water bottle to his brother’s lips. “Drink for me.” Chase’s mouth opened a little, and Tom dripped in some water. When Chase swallowed, Tom’s heart soared. “You’re going to be okay, buddy.” The next twenty minutes until the rescue squad arrived were the longest he’d ever experienced, even compared to when he’d been in enemy territory and three of his Army buddies went down. A paramedic tapped him on the shoulder. “We’ll take it from here.” “He’s my brother. I’m riding in the ambulance with him.” The

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man must have seen the intensity in his eyes, and the paramedic nodded. As they hooked his brother up an IV, a second paramedic asked him, “Do you know what happened?” “I think he was in a car wreck. I’m guessing he crawled out and made it as far as the boulder before passing out.” With care, they backboarded Chase into the ambulance. The drive back to the hospital would be rough going over the desert land, but Tom was determined to be with Chase. He might have already lost one person he loved, but he wasn’t going to lose another.

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Chapter Eight Tom hovered over his brother’s hospital bed. The doctors told him that except for being dehydrated and having a lot of bruising, Chase was a walking miracle. People didn’t run into walls and survive very often. Miracle or not, his brother looked like shit. The fact Chase hadn’t spoken a word since they’d found him worried the hell out of him. Chase’s skin was pale and blotchy, and there were numerous cuts on his face and arms. While he hadn’t inspected Chase’s torso, Tom suspected his body would be covered in bruises, too. The saline solution sent out a steady drip, and the heart monitor emitted an annoying rhythm, but at least his brother was alive. His brother’s eyelids fluttered. “Tom?” Chase’s voice cracked. Finally! “I’m here, bro. How are you feeling?” He was uncertain where to touch for fear of hurting him more. “Like dog shit. How’s Larissa?” He couldn’t tell him. Learning the woman they adored might be dead could slow or prevent any chance of recovery. “I don’t know.” He squinted up at him. “Where…where is she?” “Tell me what happened.” Chase wet his lips. “Got any water?” Though it was awkward with only one hand, Tom brought the cup and straw to his brother’s lips. “Here.” Chase drew in a mouthful. “Thanks.” “Do you remember the accident?” He prayed Chase could provide him with some useful clue to Larissa’s whereabouts. Dead or alive.

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“Most of it.” He told him of the horror of being plowed from behind. “Guy was smart. He hit us as we were going through that hairpin curve where Catalina Highway turns into General Hitchcock Highway.” “I saw the accident site. The TV showed the car. It looked bad.” “I didn’t see it. My seat belt must not have been locked in, so when we hit the wall, I got thrown. I nearly shit in my pants flying through the air. All I saw was the guardrail and that drop off. I must have blacked out before I hit the ground.” He had to have regained consciousness at some point if he crawled partway across the desert. “Then what?” “I came to just as one of the men in the truck hurdled the rail and headed straight toward me. I wanted to jump up and beat the shit out of him, but my body wouldn’t move. I guess he didn’t want any witnesses. Then I saw the gas can and put two and two together.” Christ. How scary was that? “Yeah. Rod found it.” “My only chance of staying alive was to play possum. When he got close, I grabbed his foot and yanked hard. He stumbled back, fell, and hit his head. By the time I had the energy to sit up, he was dead. I didn’t mean to kill him.” “It was self-defense.” The lines around his brother’s mouth softened. “When the authorities said they found a burnt body, I thought it might be Larissa.” “Jesus. No, I’m sorry. I burned the bastard. I thought if I did, someone might think she was dead and stop coming after her.” Tom unclenched his fists. “Then you saw Larissa alive?” “I was about to check on her when the second guy got out of the truck, probably to see what was taking his partner so long to kill me. That’s when I hid. I heard a motorcycle come down the road. The driver who hit us got back in his truck and took off.” “So he couldn’t have taken Larissa?” Chase looked down. “I don’t know. That’s when I blacked out again. When I came to, the car was gone.”

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“How did her phone get near the body?” “I was using it when we got slammed. I put it there as a diversion.” “Why didn’t you stay on the road and thumb a ride?” “I was afraid the driver might come back. I thought it would be safer if I cut across the desert. Guess I didn’t make it.” “For both our sakes, I’m glad you didn’t get far.” “What do you think happened to Larissa?” Chase grabbed his sheets, and the heart monitor went wild. “I’m going to call every goddamn hospital in Tucson. Maybe someone rescued her before the tow trucks arrived.” The hospital signs said not to use a cell phone, but he didn’t care. He started with the first hospital on the list. On the fourth one, he hit pay dirt. “Is she still there?” He gave Chase a thumbs-up. “Thank you.” He disconnected and grinned. “We found her.” The relief took away all his pain, both in his arm and in his heart. He would have asked her condition but knew the nurse who answered wouldn’t have been able to tell him over the phone. Larissa was alive. Their Larissa. A smile filled his face. Chase also smiled, but then sobered. “My lip hurts.” He sat up, stilled for a moment, then pulled out the IVs and heart monitor. Tom tried to gently push him back into the bed. “Where are you going? You need to rest.” “Fuck that. I’ve got to see Larissa.” “You need to heal.” “Fuck healing. I’m fine.” The whole Sanford family had a history of being too stubborn for their own good. “You’ll have to sign a release saying you’re leaving against doctor’s orders.” “Yeah, yeah. You’re the expert on that account. Let’s go.” Chase stood then sat again. “Give me a second.”

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“Take all the time you need.” He understood head rushes. Someone knocked and Rod entered. “Hey. How are you doing?” He came over to the bed. “Like I’ve been run over, but we found Larissa.” Rod’s chest nearly caved. “That’s fabulous.” Tom told him what Chase had pieced together. “Can you drive us to the hospital? I want to see her in person.” “You bet.” **** The nurse seemed happy that Larissa hadn’t vomited since the accident and that her headache hadn’t gotten any worse, but it didn’t make the ache any less. Yes, her wrist hurt and her ribs were sore, but her job had cost her the love of two men. Well, one man now. She leaned back in her bed and closed her eyes, praying for sleep. “Hello?” She looked up, and her heart nearly stopped. Tom walked in, followed by Chase. She blinked to make sure she wasn’t imagining them. “Oh, my God. Oh, my God.” She shot her gaze to Chase. “I thought you were dead!” His shoulders were slumped as if his ribs hurt, he limped, and his skin was cut and scraped, but he never looked more handsome. Her heart bled at his injuries. She wanted to get up and hug both of them until she remembered her plan to leave the state. The less physical contact the better. Still, her mouth tugged upward. Both men pulled up chairs. Tom took her good hand in his. “I thought I’d lost you when I saw the accident on the TV and heard about the burned body.” The desperation in his voice tore at her. His eyes were bloodshot and looked as if he’d been in a living hell and couldn’t claw his way out. She understood. She’d been in the same pit.

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“I know what you mean.” She turned to Chase. “What happened?” He dragged a hand down his chin then winced. “Do you remember how that semi kept banging the back of the car?” “I can’t stop dreaming about it.” She’d replayed the accident over and over. He filled her in how he’d been ejected from the seat and how he’d torched the offender’s body. Her lawyer-self kicked in. “Why did you do that? You obstructed an investigation. That’s illegal.” Secretly, she was a little happy the man who tried to kill them got his just due. The only problem was now they might never know for sure who was after her. “I was worried the driver would come after you. I had to take the chance no one would find out I’d done it. I did kill him in self-defense, but if I’d come to a minute later, I’d be the fried meat on the desert floor.” The gruesome image made her stomach churn, but the fact he’d sacrificed for her made her heart soar. “Thank you.” Lame comment for what he’d had to go through, but if she’d gushed, they’d never believe her when she told them she wanted to leave. Her feelings for them had to stay buried. “I was on my way back to the car to help you, but I passed out again.” “You tried. That’s all that matters.” He dropped his head in his hands, acting as if he’d failed her somehow. His protective instinct nearly made her change her mind about leaving, and his look of despair tore her apart, but she needed to be strong for them. They’d both done all they could to keep her safe. Now only moving out of state would save all of them. Tom rubbed her good arm. Familiar tingles raced up her body, despite the pounding at her temples. Damn him. She didn’t want to feel, and she didn’t need to weaken her resolve. “We want to bring you back to the resort and take care of you.” “I can’t do that.”

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Their mouths dropped. “Why not?” She couldn’t tell them the truth. A few well-placed touches and she’d cave. Stay strong. “Shayna will see to my healing.” “But we need you,” Tom said. “I need you,” Chase chimed in. “What makes you so sure Shayna can protect you?” “Now that I’ve been shot at again and run off the road, I’m sure the Tucson police will provide a detail to keep me safe.” “We can keep you safe, too.” She wanted to say yes more than anything. To have them by her side would help her heal, but if she stayed, she’d be putting them in danger again. “I’m sorry. Look, I’m really tired. Would you mind leaving?” Her lawyer voice came out. Tom crossed his arms. “We’re not giving you the choice.” Her gut reaction had bile ripping up her throat. “You can’t make me come with you. I won’t stand for it. I need to move out of town.” Shit. She hadn’t meant to let that slip. He leaned back and blew out a breath. “So that’s what’s been bothering you? We can help.” “How?” “Until you are fully healed, we’ll protect you, care for you, and make sure you’re totally satisfied.” A small smile lifted his life. “I mean totally safe.” He had the nerve to lightly touch her thigh. Her damn pussy clenched. This wasn’t good. She had to make them see reason. “I’m a danger to you. Because of me, you got shot and Chase almost died in the desert. I won’t let any more harm come to you because of me.” The confession felt good. Lying had never been her style. Chase leaned forward, but she could tell the movement caused him discomfort. “Darlin’, we aren’t about to abandon you. Ever. You belong to me

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and Tom. If those gangbangers want you, they’ll have to go through us.” She shook her head, causing another hammer jolt to pound her head. “That’s crazy. You don’t owe me anything. This isn’t your battle. It’s mine.” Tom took her hand. She was tempted to pull it out, but the comfort she got from his thumb on her palm helped her to relax. “We love you.” Her heart skipped a beat. They did? No. They meant they lusted after her. Phil had once professed the same thing, and he’d only said it to get her in bed. She hated sex with her ex-husband, and while she dreamed about being in bed with Tom and Chase, she wouldn’t relent. “You can’t love me. You don’t know me.” It didn’t matter she believed she loved them. They were easy to understand. Simple. Good-hearted men. “We know you more than you know yourself. You’re afraid, honey. We see it. You don’t want you to get hurt again. When Chase walked in the room, I could see the relief in your eyes. You care about us.” She more than cared, but if she admitted that, they’d never let her go. In the courtroom, she’d learned when it was time to compromise and when it was time to stand pat. “I do care.” That’s as far as she was willing to say. She pushed a strand of her bloodied hair from her face. “Tell you what. I’ll go back to the resort until the doctor says I’m good to go. Then I’m taking off.” Both men smiled. Tom stood. “We’ll take it. Now get some sleep. We’ll be back tomorrow.” They were going to give up so easily? No, they had something planned. Both Chase and Tom were used to getting what they wanted. Tom turned to Chase. “Let’s see about getting her some police protection outside her door. No telling what these bastards will try.” She was about to protest about them being overly cautious but

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figured she would sleep better knowing those damned gang members couldn’t get to her in here. “Thank you.” After the door closed, she leaned back and closed her eyes. With her wrist broken, she couldn’t walk out, even if she wanted to. She didn’t have a car, nor could she drive one, and if she took money out of her bank account, someone might notice. Damn. Staying at the resort until things blew over might be the wisest choice, but she wouldn’t let them talk her into staying indefinitely. She needed a new place to live as well a different job. Being a prosecuting attorney was out of the question. The gang members would be able to track her down. She’d have to get a new identity, which would take planning. She’d disappear far enough away so that not even Tom or Chase could find her. With a plan in place, Larissa slept fitfully all night long, despite taking medication designed to calm the pain from her wrist. It did nothing to help her heart. When the car had hit the wall, the force had pushed her forward, and the seat belt tugged hard against her upper body. Not only was her shoulder incredibly stiff, but her ribs were tender. Damn gang members. What could they gain by her death? Their leaders were still in jail and would stay there whether she lived or not. She drifted in and out of sleep, waking when the sound of the crash woke her. Daylight seemed forever away, but eventually the doctor came by on her early morning rounds. “Good morning, Ms. Viamari. I reviewed your X-rays. I think we can cast your wrist today, but I would like to do one more MRI. If all goes well, we can send you home.” She held up a finger. “But you’ll be restricted in what you do. Your body needs a lot of healing time.” Home. She wasn’t sure if she’d ever spend one night at her house again. “That’s great. I’ll be good, I promise.” Shortly after she got back from getting her wrist casted and the MRI taken, Tom came into her room by himself. Her muscles froze. “Where’s Chase? Is he okay?”

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“He’s feeling a little under the weather. I suggested he stay at the resort. That’s all.” Bullshit. Chase dragged himself to the hospital yesterday when he looked like he’d crawled through a wood chipper. He’d be here unless he wasn’t able to. “What’s wrong with him?” “He’s sore, that’s all, and a little tired.” He wasn’t telling her all the details, but if Chase had a serious relapse, he would be back in the hospital. For all she knew, he was. Guess she’d find out soon enough. Tom pulled up a chair next to the bed. “I spoke with the doctor. If your test results come back okay, she’s going to release you today.” “I know.” “Good. How’s the head this morning?” He reached out and cupped her chin, moving her face right, then left, examining all the cuts and scrapes. “And the wrist? How about your shoulder?” He sounded like her mother used to sound before Dad died. “Better.” “Great.” Tom smiled and slipped a hand under the sheet. He lightly touched her ribs, and his warm fingers sent a shiver straight to the tops of her breasts. Why did she have to react to him so quickly? This wasn’t good. She needed to resist him. When her wrist and bruises healed, she had to find a way to leave them and never look back. His fingers traveled higher. “I can’t wait to get inside you, suck on your tits, and fuck that deliciously tight pussy.” “Tom! Shh.” She loved when he talked dirty to her, but she didn’t need someone in the hallway to overhear him. His hand hadn’t reached her breasts, yet she was getting wet thinking about making love to him. “I don’t think I’ll be ready for that kind of activity for a while.” She didn’t want him to think she was going to be easy like she was before. No matter how much they turned her on, she had to convince them she wanted to leave them. That would be easier said

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than done. Every time Tom or Chase caressed any part of her body, her pulse increased and her breaths came out faster. Stupid, stupid body. “I’m sure I can come up with creative ways to make you beg for my large cock.” Oh, God. She’d never make it through the week.

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Chapter Nine Lit candles rimmed the tub. Steam poured upward above the peach-smelling bubbles. “You stinker.” Larissa stood in the bathroom with her mouth open. Here, she’d worried the whole way back to the resort that Chase had been ill. He grinned. “I thought you’d like it. It took a little doing to get all the candles and find the right bubble bath, but I wanted you to have a good welcome home.” “You’re too sweet.” Leaving just got harder. With her arm in a cast, undressing was going to be difficult. Chase stepped behind her and kissed her neck as he reached around to unbutton her blouse. “I love your body.” She closed her eyes, reveling in his soft, caring touch. Tom moved in front of her and fumbled with the clasp on her shorts. His mouth worked through a few contortions until he finally managed to them off. The panties proved less of a chore. Within seconds she was naked. Her nipples thrummed with anticipation. Tom shook his head. “What?” “Right after your bath, we’re going to have Sanicka come up and take care of that fuzz covering your beautiful pussy.” Some battles she was willing to give in to. “Why is it important?” His brows rose. “Every inch of you will be ultrasensitive. We can suck and tease you all the more.” Which would make her want them further, making her departure more difficult. Oh, what the hell. As a last hurrah, she might as well

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enjoy what they were willing to give her. She was going to be there for a month, and the memories they made together would have to last a lifetime. “Okay.” “Wonderful. You’ll be happy. Trust me.” Chase helped her into the warm tub. The heat immediately soothed her aching muscles. “This is divine.” She held up her wrist, unsure where to place her arm. Tom brought in a pillow. “Here. Rest your wrist on this. We can’t be too careful.” Their considerate action continued to amaze her. She didn’t want to get any more attached, but if they were going to be together for the next few weeks, the bond between them was sure to grow. Chase pulled the handheld showerhead off the wall. “Scoot forward, tilt your head back, and close your eyes.” Those were easy commands. Warm water washed over her head. Her pain seemed to melt away from the luxury of having someone take care of her. She’d basically been alone her whole life and had done everything by herself. To experience help from this unlikely duo softened her, gave her hope that for a little while, at least, she could enjoy a slice of heaven. “Tell me if I get too rough, darlin’. I don’t know what hurts.” Nothing hurt when he touched her. Chase poured shampoo on his palms and rubbed the liquid into her scalp. He barely touched her. How sweet. “I don’t think anything hurts anymore.” With her eyes closed, she let the bubbles relax her and enjoyed Chase washing her hair. Two fingers unexpectedly touched her nipple, and she opened her eyes. Lust sped through her body. Tom’s grinning face was within inches of her. “Easy, honey. While Chase takes care of cleaning you, I’m going to take care of your other needs the best I can.” She swatted his hand away with her good arm. “How can I relax

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with you touching me?” “You better get used to us wanting you all the time. We have a lot more things planned. We want to make you very happy.” “I am happy.” For now. “We haven’t forgotten your decision to leave us. You know we can’t allow that kind of talk. We need you, and we’re going to show you how much you need us. I think it’s a win-win situation if we all stay together.” How could she respond to such sweet-talking? She wasn’t going to win this argument, so she shut up and took advantage of the wonderful bath. With her head on the edge of the tub, she stretched out the best she could and opened her legs. Tom must have noticed her submission, for he slowly ran his thumb down her slit. Once. Instead of delving deeper, he lifted one leg and dragged a bar of soap from her toes to her inner thigh. His tender ministrations held such caring she didn’t want him to stop. Ever. No man had every treated her so well. For them, though, she’d sacrifice her happiness. After Chase rinsed her hair, along with the rest of her body, he pronounced her clean. Both men helped her out of the tub. “Now for the towel drying.” Chase’s smile dimpled his cheeks. They each took a corner and patted her body dry, blowing on her pussy to get rid of the water instead using their towel. God, how she was going to miss these men. A soft rap sounded at the front door. She stiffened, but they grinned. “Must be Sanicka, to make you even more beautiful, darlin’. I can’t wait to eat you when she’s done.” Spikes of excitement pricked her, knowing she would please them. The men disappeared, and voices sounded in the main room. Larissa quickly got dressed. A moment later, two women came in the bedroom. Sanicka brought along a manicurist. There was a God. The hospital had removed Larissa’s polish because of her broken wrist.

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The staff said something about wanting to see the color of her nail beds to make sure she had enough circulation. Whatever. Now, she wouldn’t feel so naked with polish. She so appreciated how the men always thought of her needs before theirs. The hair removal had a few painful moments. Once finished, Sanicka held up a hand mirror. “How do you like it?” Larissa twisted the mirror right and left. “Yikes. I’m naked. I also look like a ten-year-old girl. Maybe that’s why the men wanted me to get rid of the hair.” The technician smiled. “I think they might have also told you that your sensitivity will be increased. The first time I got mine done, I couldn’t believe the difference.” Before Larissa could think about the effect, one of the men knocked on the bedroom door. Both entered, and her body clenched in delight. Chase carried three glasses, and Tom waved the bottle of wine. Sanicka and the nail tech wished her luck, gathered their goods, and slipped out silently. “We’re here to celebrate our survival, darlin’.” She scooted back on the bed. Guilt swamped her. This attempt on her life never should have happened here. “I wished I’d found some place else to hide.” Without warning, her emotions exploded, causing a tear to drip down her cheek. Damn. She didn’t want to look weak in front of them. Both were at her side in a flash. Tom stroked her face, wiping the wetness away. “Hey, don’t even think that way. If you haven’t come here, we never would have found you.” “But you wouldn’t have gotten hurt either.” “That’s crazy talk. We’ll heal.” He ran a hand along her thigh. “The men would have found you no matter where you went. They might have succeeded in killing you if we hadn’t been there.” True, but it didn’t make her feel any better. “Let’s see if this will help calm you, darlin’.”

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Chase poured the wine, and they all toasted. She was only allowed one glass because they said there might be some residual pain meds in her body, which could cause a reaction if she mixed in alcohol. She hadn’t even thought about that fact. Good thing they were looking out for health. Tom set down her empty glass, and Chase pulled out four paintbrushes from his back pocket. The gleam in his eye made her apprehensive. “What are those for?” He didn’t have any paint. Chase grinned then tossed her an exaggerated frown. “I know you were disappointed we never got to enter the big contest, so Tom and I decided since you are still so delicate, we’re only going to touch you with the brushes, without the paint. That way, we won’t mistakenly cause you any pain by pressing down too hard.” She glanced between the brothers, and her love bloomed. No two men could ever care for her more. They so wanted to please her. “I’d like that.” They beamed. “First we’d like you naked. We’ve been dying to explore your hot little pussy.” Her juices flowed thinking about what was to come. Both helped her take off her shirt. She hadn’t yet been able to put on a bra. “I think bras should be banned from now on, honey.” “Given the fact you probably won’t let me out of the room, I might agree.” Next came her shorts. Again, she hadn’t put on any underwear. “Sweet Jesus, darlin’. I’m about to come in my pants right now.” Chase cupped his cock through his pants, which was already straining to get out. Tom licked his lips. “You are beautiful.” She’d never had anyone refer to her lower anatomy as beautiful, but then again, her pussy had never been naked before. Tom pulled her sleep mask from the side drawer. “I found this.

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Will you wear it for us?” “Now?” “We want your imagination to go wild when we touch you with big, soft brushes, and the small, pointed-tipped ones. Not seeing who does what to you might make the experience better. If you’re lucky, you might even get a kiss in between.” “Darlin’, I know I’m dying to kiss that sweet snatch of yours.” God, she’d give anything to be healed. She wanted to fuck them one last time before she left. Thrills of desire swamped her. “I like the kissing part.” The idea of them delicately painting invisible designs on her would bring her to a new height of awareness, so she let Chase help her with the mask. The lack of visual sensation made her more sensitive to the environment around her. The coolness of the air conditioner, the lingering aroma of the cream Sanicka put on her, and the earthy scent of her two men made her more aware of everything. “I’m ready.” Actually more than ready. She was dying here. Hurry. “Darlin’, I’d give anything to stick my aching cock into your sweet pussy, but I’m afraid I’ll hurt you, so please don’t ask me to. Where you’re concerned, I have no willpower.” Chase ran a thumb across her bare mound, and she moaned. “That hurt?” Damn. Couldn’t a girl show a little joy? “No. Please don’t stop.” He then dragged a callused palm across her belly. “I want you so much I can taste it.” She loved when they acted as if she tempted them beyond belief. For the first time in a long time, she felt desirable. She wanted to take off her mask and see the sincerity on their faces, but hearing the anguish in their voices would have to be enough. If only she could blink her eyes or tap her heels together to make the last two days disappear. The shooting, the accident, the fear that Chase was lost forever to her. How she wished she could go back to

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the evening of the body painting contest and the wonderful lovemaking that followed. But life didn’t work that way. The bed sagged on both sides of her. One of the men dragged a large brush over her right breast and moved it back and forth gently, soothingly. She thrilled at how the bristles separated as they cascaded over the tip. Pinpricks of delight radiated in every direction, and moisture gathered between her legs. She wanted to make love to them. In fact, she couldn’t think of anything else but at the same time understood none of them was ready for how it might hurt their bodies. When had she become so focused on sex? “You tell me if anything hurts, honey, okay?” She bit her bottom lip. “Uh-huh.” Chase, or who she believed was Chase, had the smoothest technique, moving the brush around in such a way to build the tension in her body. She slightly arched her back, wanting more contact with the bristles. “I need better access, darlin’. Can you bend your knees for me and place your feet on the mattress?” Dear God, she’d be more exposed. As soon as she did as Chase asked, he dragged a thumb over her moist opening. She prayed he’d drag it lower, over her quivering clit. “You are too beautiful. When I eat you, you’re going to come so fast, your head will spin. But not tonight, darlin’. We have to be careful.” “I’m not injured down there.” He could lick her, suck on her needy little nub. “Don’t tempt me.” Why not? Out came a hard little brush with short, sturdy bristles. Chase circled her stomach, keeping the pressure light. Round and round, he moved the instrument of torture lower and lower. She willed him to touch her between her legs. As he brushed the top of her sex, Tom must have motioned they switch, for the intensity increased on her breasts, and the large, soft brush made its way over her clit.

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Her breaths came out faster. “That’s too much to bear.” “You like it, honey?” They knew she did. “Can’t you touch me? Or lick me?” She didn’t care how she sounded. She needed to feel them. “You don’t like the delicate strokes over your weeping snatch?” The attention to her breasts stopped. Footsteps sounded toward the door. “Where is Tom going?” She took off her mask. “I think he wants to get something to help you with your neediness.” Help her? Hopefully, he meant to help her find release. “I can think of a lot of ways. I could sit on him. Only his arm is hurt, not his cock.” Chase laughed. “Such a mouth on the attorney. What have we turned you into?” “Someone I don’t know.” Never would she have guessed she’d be this desperate after a few well-placed strokes. Tom returned with a package in his hand. He grinned and held it up. “Voilà.” “What is it?” “I want you to put your mask back on and let the joy begin.”

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Chapter Ten Larissa lowered her lids. “I hope you don’t have more cream. You drove me crazy last time with that stuff.” She could still remember the ache, the need. “Not cream.” He nodded. “Go ahead. Put on the mask.” From his excited tone, she knew she’d enjoy whatever he was going to do for her. Chase helped her pull the shade over her eyes. With her head propped on the pillow and her feet on the mattress, she spread her legs wide, hoping whatever he did would release some of her pent-up sexual energy. One of the men rubbed his palm over the tips of her breasts too slowly and with not enough pressure to satisfy. From the angle, she guessed it was Chase. While she liked the brushes, hands were so much more personal. Paper ripped and plastic crinkled. Sounded like some kind of sex toy. She’d never used anything like that before and wasn’t sure if she’d like it. “We’re going to start off slow. Nothing mechanical at first. It’ll be just me, honey. Then you might have to use your imagination, but I’ll be guiding it.” Her tits continued to tingle as her pussy moistened in anticipation. The bed jostled as if Tom were getting into a better position. “I want to try a little Tom magic on you first.” “I’d like that.” Already heat was attacking her as the excitement built. He licked her pussy, and her body rejoiced. She scooted closer. “Faster, harder.”

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“We got all day, honey. I want you nice and ready.” Why did they think she wasn’t ready until she was climbing the walls with need? “I am ready.” That seemed to be her recurring theme. He had the nerve to laugh. Tom flicked his tongue into her wet channel then pulled out again. After a full minute of teasing, he finally sucked on her clit, and she nearly came. “You like that?” “You know I do.” Chase tweaked her nipples before lightly brushing his tongue across the tips. Her back arched, but she quickly dropped down. Her ribs were still sore. “Darlin’, you okay?” “Yes. I just moved the wrong way. Please don’t stop doing what you were doing.” Chase laughed and continued licking her tits, this time lightening the nips. Damn. She liked it hard and rough. Suddenly, something large nudged her rear. She tensed. “Tom?” “Easy, honey. Just my present for you. I’ve lubed it up, so it should go in smoothly. I want you to think it’s me.” Oh, my God. He slipped something that felt like slick glass into her rear then held it still. She waited for him to plunge the object in farther, but he didn’t. She reached up to feel his body but only contacted air. “I’m down here. This isn’t me you’re feeling, but it’s close. Imagine I’m behind you, filling you with my cock, kissing those sweet cheeks. Can you do that for me?” She relaxed back down. ““I think so.” She’d never had pressure in her rear before, filling her up, making her tight. Chase changed speeds and put more pressure on her tits as Tom pressed the glass cock all the way into her rear. It sure did come close to feeling like the real deal. He seemed to read her moods, sometimes going fast and at other times easing in and out. “How does that feel, honey?”

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Better than she ever expected. When he twisted the glass cock, he hit nerves she never knew existed. “I think I like it.” Actually, she more than liked it. “Could you touch my pussy, too, please?” His thumb went straight to her clit. “That feels so good.” Because he only had one good arm, he had to alternate between playing with her clit and manipulating the sex toy, but he managed to bring her to a higher and higher place with each rub and each thrust. His speed increased, and her breaths turned rapid. Chase sucked harder on her tips, and her climax built. She grabbed Chase’s head and squeezed as waves of passion rolled over her. “I’m coming.” Tom pounded the toy inside her as Chase sucked and stroked her breasts with more passion. She let out a yell as the full force of the climax took over. The relief was incredible. Tom lifted her mask. Both men grinned. “I think I enjoyed that almost as much as you did, darlin’.” “Trust me, you didn’t. Is there anything I can do for you two?” Tom withdrew the life-size device and placed it back in the package. “Not until the doctor gives you the okay. I don’t want you leaning over and hurting your ribs.” “Then I need to be checked out soon.” They both laughed, and she knew she’d get a repeat of this afternoon very soon. **** Though the next three weeks were tough holing up in her room, they did allow her to get her nails done, her pussy rewaxed, and her hair highlighted. She also looked forward to the glass cock in her butt. It was the only satisfaction she was getting. But without being allowed in a car, she was getting a little claustrophobic. Chase held out a wrapped present.

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“For me?” They’d been buying her a lot of things lately, probably to keep up her spirits, or else to make sure she didn’t leave as promised. “What is it?” “Open it and see.” “Shouldn’t I wait for Tom to come back?” “He picked it out.” She unwrapped the small box. “Oh, my God. An iPhone 5!” She clasped the precious gift to her chest. This meant everything to her. Her phone, if it still worked, was part of the ongoing investigation after the crash. “Thank you.” Her smile disappeared. “What’s wrong?” “If I’m to disappear, I can’t have anything in my name, or they might find me.” “That’s why I put it in my name, darlin’. You don’t have to worry about a thing. No one will trace you anywhere.” She was a little surprised he didn’t chastise her again about running away, especially since the cops had caught the driver of the truck and charged him with attempted murder. She knew it was only a matter of time before someone else took his place. Tom waltzed in the front door, carrying something. “Picked up something I think you might like. Actually, it’s something we might like as well.” It wasn’t the present that surprised her. “Your arm! Did the doctor give you the return-to-duty okay?” He was using his arm as if it didn’t hurt. “Yes he did. I just came from there. You know what that means, don’t you?” “We can make love?” He advanced toward her, his eyelids half-closed as if he planned to ravish her right in the living room. He cradled her cheek. “I know your cast doesn’t come off for another week or two, but it seems as though the bruising has disappeared. You want to give it a try?”

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She glanced at Chase. “Can I have both of you?” “Darlin’, you couldn’t keep us off you with a can of mace.” Tom moved closer. “But first, open my present.” She tore off the wrapping and pulled the strange object from the box. “What is it?” “In a minute, we’ll show you what it is. We know how you love to have control in the bedroom. From here on out, that stops. We want to do amazing things to you, and this might help.” Shivers traced up her spine, and her pussy gushed. “I can’t wait.” For the last few weeks, they’d insisted she keep buttoned up so they wouldn’t be tempted, but from the look in their eyes, she’d be naked in a minute. Now that Tom had two good hands, he undid her blouse in record time and had it off in a flash while Chase pulled down her shorts. “Larissa, what did we say about wearing underwear?” “I thought that since you wanted me to look like a prude, I’d go all the way.” She stuck out her bottom lip but had to laugh at how ridiculous she must look. “We’ll let you get away with it this one time, but from now on we want you as naked as possible.” Her time with them was so limited. Anything they wanted to do with her was fine. Actually, more than fine. Tom slapped her butt. “Ow.” His smile disappeared. “Did that really hurt?” She laughed. “No.” Her answer surprised her. Spankings were never good, but she bet if Tom ran his palm across her butt, she wouldn’t mind. “Good. You’ve been bad so many times, but because of your injuries, we haven’t punished you, but I think it’s time.” “You wouldn’t.” Tom and Chase both advanced on her. She backed up toward the bedroom. Halfway there, Tom picked her up in his arms as if she weighed nothing.

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“You belong to us. Remember that. What we do is for your own good. Right now, you need a lot of discipline.” She laughed at their chivalry. He placed her gently on the bed. Her body thrummed in anticipation. She prayed she’d finally get to have all of them. Since the accident, their cocks had stayed safely away from her. Now, she’d finally get her fill. A blast of depression swamped her. In two weeks, she’d leave them. No man could ever come close to these two. Good thing she’d experimented with the sex toys. Soon, they’d be her constant companions. “Ah, Larissa?” She looked behind her. “Yes.” “We lost you there for a moment. Can you get on your elbows and knees, honey?” “No problem.” She rolled over and got into position. She wiggled her butt, hoping they’d go straight for the hard-core sex. “We got something new for you, but you’ll need to spread your legs a little wider.” “Another present? I think I missed the Christmas announcement.” She had no idea what was in store, but she’d accommodate them. Tom placed a long bar between her knees while Chase strapped soft velvet straps to her thighs. When she tried to bring her knees together, she couldn’t. “I see you’re figuring out the limitations. This way we have total access to your divine snatch and your adorable ass. You can do nothing about it unless you tell us to stop right now.” ‘No.” Suddenly, she felt more exposed than she ever had. With the lack of control came excitement. “Now, honey, you know you shouldn’t have tried to hide from me when you were in the hospital.” “I had my reasons.” “No arguing, or your punishment will get even worse. And no

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more talk of leaving us. We won’t take no for an answer. Chase, you want to start?” “My pleasure.” The first slap stung, and the pain radiated over her legs, but her pussy gushed. “Oh.” Tom chuckled. “Another thing for our arsenal.” She wasn’t sure whose hand was which, but each slap brought more immediate pain, followed by intense pleasure. Soon, she couldn’t wait for the next slap. Over and over again, they slapped her, sometimes hard, other times soft but sure. Every inch of her became more sensitive to the touch. Her insides couldn’t wait for them to dive into her. “Her ass is such a bright red. For now, honey, we’ll let you rest, but we reserve the right to continue your punishment if you don’t do what we say.” She tried not to giggle. “Oh, I’ll be good.” Or not. Tom knelt at her side, and Chase slid behind her. She closed her eyes, praying for a large cock to impale her. Her walls clenched, thinking about the joy to come. Chase dragged his thumb over her clit. “She needs a lot more work. I want to fuck her so bad, but I’m afraid she’s too dry to take me.” He was teasing, but that meant more wonderful foreplay. Chase slapped her again, only this time his fingertips found her clit. She nearly lifted off the bed, sending her scent into the room. Surely, they could see she had to have them. Tom reached in and tweaked her nipples with one hand as he lifted the hair off her neck with the other. He kissed her shoulder, and the pulses bounced between the thighs and the nerves where his lips left their mark. Her breaths increased and she dipped her head, trying to raise her ass higher in the air. The AC caused an air current to slide across her slit. She shivered. “I need you both. Please. No more torture.”

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The pressure on the end of the bed let up. A zipper sounded, and then shoes thudded on the floor. Next, he slipped the straps from her ankles and removed the restriction. “Darlin’, I’ve waited for this too long. I’m going to apologize right now if I come too fast.” Tom held up a hand. “I think I need to go first.” Her pulse raced. Was he going to enter her from behind? He lifted a tube of lubricant and slid a finger over her puckered hole. “I’m going to lube up my cock to make sure I don’t make you uncomfortable.” “I know it will be wonderful.” She got on her elbows and knees and waited for the real thing. Tom slipped in a finger to stretch out her tight rings. She moaned from the pulses radiating down her body. Another finger joined the first. “Ooh.” “You like that?” “Yes.” The sensations were different from when he dipped into her pussy, but just as wonderful and exciting. A moment later, he nudged his cock into her, past the first ring, and held still. Her breath caught at his size. This was nothing like the glass plug. “Am I hurting you?” “No. You’re so big.” “I’ll take you a little at a time.” True to his word, he slid in a bit more then pulled out. He repeated his sensual journey, each time going in farther. She couldn’t believe he could fit inside her. He rubbed her ass and her muscles relaxed. “I want Chase to have a chance, too, so I’m going to stretch out on the bed and take you with me. Bend your knees as I roll you over.” In one fell swoop, she was flipped over, impaled on his cock, her back facing his head. “Oh.” His cock up her butt must have reached her stomach. Never did she imagine he could take up so much room. Chase stood in front of her. Desire flooded his eyes. “I can’t tell

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you how much I want you.” Facing her, he knelt on the bed, bent his knees, and slipped his cock into her wet pussy. The force of his thrust sent her backwards, seating her completely on Tom’s erect cock, stretching her to the max. With her legs spread wide open, Chase’s cock filled her pussy. Tom reached up with one hand and rubbed his palm over her hard nipples. Sparks of need shot through her. All the while, he pumped into her from below as she knelt. Blood rushed through her veins. Passion filled her. She loved these men like she’d never loved before. When both entered her fully at once, she couldn’t breathe. “There’s no more room.” Both stopped to give her a chance to adjust to their size. “Breathe, darlin’, just breathe.” Every change of angle on either part took her to new places. Sometimes they’d both be in her at the same time, and at other times, they’d alternate. The constant pressure swamped her mind with carnal lust until she was near to bursting. “I can’t last much longer, darlin’.” Chase leaned forward and kissed her hard as he dove in. She returned his kiss, hoping he understood she loved him. Chase closed his eyes and gave one final push. He held on tight. “Darlin’!” He came. She came. “Oh my God.” Tom pumped fast and shot his liquid love into her. Chase collapsed on the bed. She dragged a hand over her forehead. “I just need a minute.” She’d never experienced anything like that before. Her total body had been taken over by her two men. Tom lifted her off him and gently dropped her onto the bed, facing him. Resting on his elbows, he threaded his hands through her hair and devoured her mouth. She opened up and drew him in. He tasted like warm spring. She looped her casted arm over his back and

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grabbed his shoulder with her left hand. Apparently, Chase didn’t want to be left behind, as he massaged her tits between the two of them. A moment later, the kiss ended and all three separated. The moment she dropped onto her back, Chase leaned over, took a nipple in his mouth, and twisted it with his tongue. As impossible as it seemed, lust coursed through her. “I’m hard for you again, but I know I have to let you rest.” As much as she’d love to experience him again, all she could do was nod.

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Chapter Eleven The next two weeks passed quickly. When they weren’t playing board games or talking, the three of them were in bed. Chase and Tom’s creativity astounded her. Each time they made love, they added a new dimension. She never thought she’d love electronic aids, but nipple and clit stimulators added so much to their lovemaking. Her two men had come up with positions she was sure only the most nimble could accomplish. “I bet you’re ready to get that cast off, darlin’, aren’t you?” “You can’t imagine.” She forced a smile. Freedom from the cast meant she’d have to leave the men she truly loved. Once she got a clean bill of health, she’d sneak out. Two days ago, while pretending to take a shower, she’d called Shayna. Her friend had been in the middle of packing up Larissa’s house, getting it ready for sale. Larissa planned to sign the house’s proceeds over to Shayna, who would then send Larissa bits and pieces of the money so as not to give away her location. Her friend told her she’d boxed up some clothes and a few keepsakes for Larissa to start her new life, though she was sure she could never repay Shayna for her wonderful support. Perhaps in a few years, if the gang fell apart, she might be able to come back to her old life, but she wasn’t counting on it. “Come on,” Chase urged. “The doctor can’t do anything unless you hop in the car.” Staring off into space was not good. “Right.” This time the trip into Tucson was uneventful, though she thought having Tom follow them in his truck was a bit on the protective side.

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At least this time, they arrived safely. Once the doctor removed the cast and gave her instructions for rehabbing her wrist, her nervousness built. Her two men were more in tune with her thoughts than the best psychic. She prayed she could keep her escape plan a secret a little longer. “So, darlin’, what do you want to do with your newfound freedom? Go for a swim?” Chase was being too nice. “If I said yes, would you and Tom have to swim next to me in case some crazy with a gun was hidden in the mountains?” “Maybe.” He winked. “You know, I think I’m a little tired. Would you mind if I went back to the resort and rested?” “No problem. After you rest, maybe we can have a little interlude, huh?” Their “interludes” often lasted for hours. “I’d love that.” They pulled up in front of the resort. “You go on in, darlin’. Tom and I need to take care of a few things.” And leave her alone? That was a change, but she wasn’t going to complain. She got out and watched Chase drive around the back. Tom followed. She slipped inside and called her friend. “Hey, you ready for me to pick you up?” “Yes. Tom and Chase are off doing an errand.” “I’m in the car now. I’ll head on over.” She and Shayna discussed a few more of the details. If all went well, she’d be on her way to Texas within the hour. She debated leaving the men a note letting them know she hadn’t been kidnapped or harmed, but if she started a letter, there’d be a need to tell them how much they meant to her. The act of discussing her feelings might make her change her mind. The gang wanted her dead. That much she knew. There was no other way out. She had to leave if she wanted to keep all of them safe. With one ear listening for their return, she packed her suitcase and

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slipped out the side entrance. She’d told Shayna to meet her on the east side of the property, away from where Tom and Chase had parked their car. God, she didn’t want to go. Their love had meant everything to her. She was a new woman with a new lease on life. Leaving them was the hardest thing she’d ever have to do, but it was the right thing. The sun beat down on her head, and the back of her shirt got soaked with sweat under the Arizona heat, but she couldn’t chance anyone seeing her. Finally, Shayna pulled up and waved. As Larissa was placing her suitcase in the backseat, one of the valet attendants marched up to them. Shit. “Hi, ladies. Can I help you with your luggage?” She’d never seen him before. Good. “No thanks. We’re just going for a drive.” Larissa smiled. She prayed he wouldn’t ask why she had suitcases. The kid slapped the hood of the car. “Have a good time.” That was close. Thank goodness he hadn’t recognized her. She rolled up the window. “Let’s get the hell out of here.” While she didn’t think there’d be another attack on her life, she kept her gaze on the rearview window. No one followed them. She expected her phone to ring as soon as Tom and Chase found her gone, but that couldn’t be helped. She’d let their message go to voice mail. The trip across Texas was arduous and the text messages and voice mails endless. She hated she’d made them worry, but she didn’t dare answer for fear they could somehow trace her call or convince her to return. Shayna stopped often as they changed driving duties. Larissa wanted to get to Houston as soon as possible. Shayna claimed she’d found a small two-bedroom apartment in a nice part of town for rent. Weary and exhausted beyond belief, Shayna finally pulled up to the apartment complex. “I don’t know what I’ll do without you.” Larissa gave it one more try. “You could always move here.” “And leave my parents to fend for themselves? Don’t I wish.

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Besides, you know I love my job.” “You could visit.” “I will, but not for a while. Who knows who will be watching me. When I do call, we’ll have to keep our conversations short. Calls can be traced.” Larissa got out of the car, doubt heavy on her shoulders. “Maybe I should take my chances in Tucson.” “Larissa, you know you’ve made the right decision.” “Then why do I feel like shit? I’ve lost the two men I love, I won’t have you in my life, and now I have to start all over again looking for a job.” Shayna hugged her. “Once you move in, you’ll feel better. Houston is a great town.” “I know.” For the next two days, with the help of her friend, she unpacked her things and scavenged garage sales for furniture. Her small apartment was a far cry from what she was used to, but with poverty came a sense of safety. Countless times she debated calling Tom and Chase, but once she heard their voices, they’d plead, and she might give in and tell them where she was. No. The only way to maintain discipline would be to keep her distance. A week later, everything changed when she went into the bathroom and vomited. At first, she thought it was some of the spicy Mexican food she ate, but since Arizona had tons of Mexican restaurants that she often frequented, she decided it might be something else. Something she wasn’t ready to address. Even though she felt better in the afternoon, it became more difficult to spend the day walking around the city looking for jobs. She hadn’t had her period while at the resort, but she’d figured the stress had caused her to stop. When she’d been a gymnast in high school, she was very thin, and because of the grueling workouts, she had no period for over a year.

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But that was years ago. After another week of throwing up each morning, she relented and bought a pregnancy test. She wasn’t sure whether she wanted the little wand to say yes or no. The idea of carrying part of her lovers inside thrilled her to death, but at the same time, she wasn’t able to support herself yet, let alone a baby. If she did get a job at a law firm, she knew the hours would be long. Who would take care of her child then? She should pray for a no. She needed some security before she brought someone into this world. You should have thought of that when you had sex twice a day for six weeks without protection. She stepped into the bathroom and held her breath as she waited for the results. The line indicated she was pregnant. She body numbed and her brain refused to sort through all the issues. Sitting on the closed seat, she dropped her head in her hands and wept. Stupid hormones. It took her a good twenty minutes to come to grips with the reality. Now what? Could she in good conscience have the child without telling the men they were going to be fathers? Should she tell them where she was so they could have visitation rights? Larissa grabbed her belly and rubbed. A tear ran down her cheek. “I promise, no matter what, to love you.” She knew in her heart her child would be a boy and look just like his fathers. Overwhelmed, she had to chance a call to Shayna. Her friend picked up immediately. “Something wrong?” “Yes. No. Maybe. I’m pregnant.” “Oh. My. God. That’s fabulous.” She was surprised at Shayna’s exuberance. “Why would that be fabulous? I don’t have a job.” “You said you’d never date again, that no one could come close to being as wonderful as Tom and Chase. Now you get to keep a part of them forever.”

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“There is that.” “I just wired another two thousand dollars to you.” Shayna had put the house up for sale at a ridiculously low price, and it was scooped up immediately. “I could use it. Listen, I just needed to hear your voice. I don’t want to stay on the line too long. I love you.” “Love you, too, honey.” Her insides ached every time Shayna used that endearment. It remaindered her of Tom. Wonderful Tom. She longed to hear Chase’s “darlin’,” but she knew it could never be. Getting a job would be more difficult now, especially with the morning sickness. Not telling her future employer about being pregnant might be less than welcome once they found out. But like her mother before her, she’d deal. About a week later, after an exhausting search of trying to find a job, she was sitting on her tiny balcony, overlooking another apartment building, drinking a glass of ice water when her doorbell rang. Every muscle froze. A hard knock followed. There was no way any member of the Tucson gang could have found her. None of them would have driven all this way to kill her, or would they? She set her glass on the table and rushed inside for her mace. At least she could be prepared when she answered the door. She checked the peephole, but no one was there. She collapsed back against the door. Paranoia was not a pretty trait. It must have been a bunch of kids ringing doorbells. She was halfway back to the terrace when the bell rang again. Pissed, she strode to the door. “Who is it?” It wasn’t Shayna, and she hadn’t met anyone yet. Maybe it was some dumb salesman. Just what she didn’t need. “It’s me.” She had no idea who “me” was, but apparently she knew this person. With mace in hand, she pulled open the door. Her heart nearly stopped.

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Tom and Chase barged in, the look of fury on their faces. Once her breath returned, she wanted to throw her arms around them, but they looked like they were going to beat her silly if she got within reach. “What are you doing here?” It was a dumb question. She really wanted to know how they’d found her. Both men hovered over her. “Strip her,” Tom commanded. In the past, that command would have thrilled her. To have the hands of two men she loved all over her would have been ecstasy, but not under these circumstances. Chase took the mace from her hand and tossed it on the sofa. She backed up and held her hands in front of her chest. “You can’t do this. I have rights.” “That’s where you’re wrong, darlin’. We’ve been to hell and back with you gone, and you will pay. At the moment we don’t care what you want. You need to be punished.” For a split second, her pussy wept for the times when she loved her spanking. This time, the erotic pain might be torture. While Chase could have ripped off her clothes, he didn’t. In fact, he took his time unbuttoning her blouse. Tom stood next to her, probably ready to hold her down should she protest. His breath on her ear nearly made her knees buckle. As soon as Chase unclasped her front-hooked bra, he scooped her tits in his hands and gently massaged them. “I’ve been dreaming about these.” “Chase.” Tom’s stern comment must have made Chase refocus, for he unbuttoned her pants and slid them off. She didn’t fight them, hoping that when they saw her naked, they’d be so desperate to make love to her that they’d forget their anger. Once naked, they half dragged her into the bedroom. “On your hands and knees.” She loved this part where Tom spanked her then fucked her silly. Her juices flowed. The first slap was much harder than she anticipated.

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The sting raced up her back. “Hey, that hurt.” “It’s supposed to hurt. We loved you, cared for you, and what did we get in return? You walked out on us, without a note, without a phone number. We got nothing, as if we didn’t count for shit.” “That’s not true.” At least not all of it. The second slap was even harder. She could roll over, but she deserved the spanking, deserved whatever they had to dish out to her. Tom continued to spank her. His arm must have gotten tired, because he stepped back and let Chase take a whack at her. Despite the pain, the burn turned exciting. Her clit vibrated with need. She shouldn’t want to make love to them, but she’d become more desperate with each day. Tom rolled her over and pulled her to her feet. He was naked and her gaze could only focus on his huge cock. “The last time we saw you, you said you want to do us. So suck it. Hard.” She was happy to oblige. Taking his cock in her hand, she reached under him and massaged his balls with the other. Tom’s eyes closed and his lips pressed tightly together. “That’s it, honey. Put your tempting mouth on me.” She leaned over and sucked hard on his dick. She milked his balls, willing him to come in her mouth. Her strokes got faster. Tom threaded his hand through her hair and pressed hard on her head. She didn’t mind. Chase slapped her ass, but she refused to whimper. As she tried to swallow all of Tom, Chase plunged two fingers up her pussy. She nearly came right there. She let a moan escape and nearly forgot to breathe. “That’s it honey. Take all of me in your sweet mouth. I want all of you.” As she contracted her butt cheeks, wanting more of Chase’s heavenly fingers, Tom pumped his cock so far into her mouth she nearly choked. He held his dick to the back of her mouth and spurted

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into her. When he pulled out, she drank his salty juices. Nothing ever tasted better. She turned around, needing Chase’s cock in her. “Fuck me.” Chase narrowed his lids and walked her back to the wall. He wrapped his hands around her waist and lifted her onto his cock. Without a word, he kissed her as he found her opening. The exquisite size of his cock took her breath away. His eyes closed. “I need you.” She didn’t say anything. Instead, she wrapped both her legs around his waist and her arms around his neck. She leaned her head forward and kissed him with every ounce of love in her body. She rode him like a wild stallion. He pummeled and pushed until they both reached their climax together. When he appeared sated, he slipped her off. “Now that we’ve taken care of our needs, we have to talk, darlin’. Let’s clean up first though.” Chase stepped into the bathroom, ran some water, and came out with a wet cloth. He seemed to take extra time wiping her down. “Don’t think because we did this that we are any less pissed with you. Your punishment might last months.” She smiled. “Promise?” They didn’t return her joyful sentiment. “Into the living room.” They were allowed to drag on pants while she’d been forbidden to put anything on. She was pleased she hadn’t started to show. The hard part would be telling them of her pregnancy. They motioned she sit. They stood, she supposed, to show they were superior. “Tell us why you left.” She crossed her arms over her bare chest. “I think it should be obvious. I didn’t want to be responsible if anything else happened to you.” “Don’t you think that should be our choice, honey?” At least he’d softened his voice. Maybe having sex had reduced

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his anger a little. “You would have come with me?” “Would that have been so bad?” She shook her head and looked to the ceiling, trying to figure out how to word it without sounding silly. “No, but I had no right to ask you to give up your life and your friends to protect me.” Tom and Chase took up seats on either side of her. “What do you think love is?” From the way he tilted his head, it wasn’t a rhetorical question. “It’s when you’re willing do anything for someone. When they become more important than yourself.” He smiled, and her insides nearly melted. “Exactly. What you did tells us you think you love us. But by walking out the way you did, we know you don’t.” “You couldn’t be more wrong. I do love you.” She took each of their hands in hers, but they didn’t return her squeeze. “Not when you don’t trust us enough for us to make our own decisions.” She hadn’t thought of that. “I’m sorry.” “Honey, we love you so much we’re willing to move the earth to be with you.” She didn’t dare hope they truly wanted to be with her. “What about your jobs?” Tom shook his head and looked at her as if she just didn’t get it. “We have more money than we know what to do with. The job at the resort was great while it lasted, but now that we’ve found you, we can’t work there. We could never be with another woman.” “When I sold my six boats,” Chase explained, “I made enough to live off the profits forever. The job was dangerous, and people died. I didn’t like it. But if we wanted to get jobs, Houston would be the perfect place.” “I can’t believe this. You’d really move here?” “Yes.” She lowered her arms to hug her belly. A flicker of concern must

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have crossed her face, for Tom touched her shoulder. “What’s wrong? You want us here, don’t you?” “Yes. More than anything.” “You don’t sound happy.” “Yesterday, I found out something that might make you change your mind about coming here.” “Darlin’, if there is one thing you should have learned, it’s that we’ll never change our mind when it comes to you.” Here goes. “I’m pregnant.”

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Chapter Twelve She held her breath as Tom and Chase both leaned forward and eyed each other. “How far along are you, darlin’?” “A month, maybe.” Tom took her shoulders and Chase her hips. They dragged her over Tom’s knees. Then they really spanked her. Tears leaked out of her eyes. When she was sure her butt was closer to purple than red, they lifted her up and set her down. “Were you going to tell us?” Shit. The anger she’d diffused had come back. “Maybe.” “When, honey?” Tom’s lips pressed thin. “After the baby was born? After the Southside Posse Bloods had all died of old age and our son had graduated from high school?” Maybe. Probably. “I was thinking about how I could tell you without you storming here.” “How long were planning on thinking?” She swore she saw a twinkle in Tom’s eye. Chase was still flushed. Tough. She firmed her lips together, stood, and faced them. “Enough of grilling me. Tell me how you found me, because if you could find me, what’s to stop those gang members from knocking on my door any minute and putting me and our baby in jeopardy?” Both men leaned back.

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“Our baby, huh? Glad you admit it.” Tom threaded his arms behind his head. “You know that iPhone I gave you?” “Yes.” “Well, if you hadn’t had your nose in a law book for the last seven years, you’d know that smart phones have GPSs in them. I’ve been tracking your every movement since you left.” That left her speechless for a moment. “That’s an invasion of privacy.” “No it’s not. Everyone knows about it when they buy a smartphone. You could have turned off that app.” “What would you have done if I had?” “Well, the tracker on Shayna’s car was our backup.” She planted her hands on her hips. “You bugged my friend’s car? When?” “You remember that young valet who came out to see what you were up to?” She nodded. “When he leaned in to wish you a good day, he placed a tracking device on the roof. Bet you never looked.” “No.” Tom nodded to Chase, who pulled something small out of his pocket. They both slipped down to their knees. “Darlin’. You are our life. We want you, and now the baby, in it.” He flipped open the small velvet case and once again her breath caught. A large sparkling diamond shone brightly. “Honey, will you do us the honor of marrying us?” Everything she’d hoped for was coming true, but didn’t they understand anything? “I can’t.” Their jaws dropped. “Why not? You love us.” “Ah, it’s not legal.” “It is if you legally marry the eldest.” Tom tapped his chest. “That would be me, but Chase will be honor-bound by the bands.” She didn’t know what to say. “You’d both be willing to live here with me in Texas?” “Sure. We already got us a huge condo with four bedrooms and

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three baths that overlooks downtown. It took a while to get it. That’s why we waited so long to come get you.” She didn’t know what to say. “So?” “Yes.” Her dream had come true. Tom grinned. “I know we can’t celebrate with champagne, but I’m thinking a slower roll in the hay would be a nice way to start off this celebration. I can think nothing better than a three-way. What do you say?” “I couldn’t agree more.”

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Epilogue “Push, Larissa.” The pain was intense, but those two beautiful sets of eyes shining down on her eased the birth. The doctor stood between her legs. “I got the head.” A moment later, a baby screamed, and Tom and Chase smiled. “It’s a boy!” the doctor announced. Relieved at last that she’d brought their son into the world, she closed her eyes. “I can’t believe it.” Chase placed a hand on her shoulder. “We’ll let you rest for a few months, but I’m betting he’ll have a little sister in no time.” Good Lord. “I guess I never asked how many you children you want.” She glanced up at them. Chase looked at Tom. “As many as you want to give us.” “Oh, I’m thinking a lot.” Which would mean a lot of sex. Life was good. For the last nine months, none of the gang had troubled her. Apparently, another gang from across town had taken over as leaders, and, if her friends in the police department were to be believed, the newly merged gang seemed to have moved their focus elsewhere. Tom took her hand. “You happy to stay in Houston? Or are you hankering to get back to Tucson?” “I love it here. I never realized how much I’d like green trees and an ocean. It will be a wonderful place for our children to grow up.” “Amen.” They both leaned over and kissed her. Today, the world was a brighter place. With the love of her men, she’d always be happy.

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THE END WWW.MELODYMONROE.COM

ABOUT THE AUTHOR Unlike most other authors, I started writing late in life. Writing stories in high school and college was not for me. Only after I graduated did I fall in love with romance novels. For the next twenty years, I read voraciously. It got to a point where my book-buying habits cost as much as my groceries. At that point, my husband suggested I write a book. Hey, it looked easy, right? All the stories started in the same spot (hero and heroine at odds) and ended the same way (happily ever after). Only it was anything but easy. Eleven years and fifteen completed romantic suspenses later, I finally published. I never would have gotten that far had it not been for two local chapters whose generous members shared their amazing wealth of knowledge.

Also by Melody S. Monroe Siren Classic: Verdict Ménage Everlasting: Fantasy Resort 1: Three Hired Lovers Ménage Everlasting: Fantasy Resort 2: Undercover Fantasy

Available at BOOKSTRAND.COM

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