“Sleep now, Eve. You think too much.” He brushed a chaste kiss across her cheek and patted her hip.
Maybe when she woke up she’d find herself at home and realize all of this was a dream.
Wait. She jerked her head up.
“Did you say another ménage relationship?”
Murphy laughed. “A little slow on the uptake. That’s the kind of thing that can happen after an intense scene. Yeah, I said another.”
“When? What? Who?” She couldn’t form a coherent question.
“Sleep first. Then Chase can explain it to you. We need a submissive like you—he just hasn’t accepted it yet.”
Eve frowned. Yeah right. Chase wouldn’t be talking to her anytime soon. And that word again. He’d forced her to accept it, to embrace that she needed to submit to them, and look what good it did her.
Grateful that at least Murphy had not abandoned her, she once again snuggled into him until she found a comfortable position that didn’t stretch any of her already taxed-out muscles. On a sleepy sigh, she inhaled deeply. She wanted to imprint his scent on her memory. She had a feeling she would need it in the future when things got rocky.
Tomorrow she’d face the changes and start working on a new plan. Maybe she’d even find the courage to talk to her stepdad about the building she loved to hate. Either he gave her the control to restore it the way it needed to be, or she’d walk away. A fresh change was definitely in order.
*
Chase sat at Eve’s kitchen table in the dark. He’d waited for Murphy to come and ream him a new one. But the hours passed, and he never heard him stir from her bedroom. Good for him. At least one of them had their priorities straight.
They should have both spent their night cherishing the woman who’d surrendered fully to them for the first time ever. He’d pushed her right along with Murphy, determined to make her understand who she was and that it was okay to embrace.
She’d done it and he’d been damned proud of her. Still was. No woman had ever tempted him like she did. Not even Cynthia. Chase sighed. When was he going to give it up and stop letting another woman’s betrayal fester in his gut? He cared far more for Eve, and he’d rejected her in a heartbeat.
Murphy had gone too far when he’d made her admit they were her masters. He might be a shit right now, but Murphy wasn’t completely blameless. He’d warned him not to try and make this a relationship for the three of them. Playtime was one thing, anything more was out of the question.
So then why did the thought of Murphy in there with her alone burn him from the inside out? He should have left and gone home hours ago. He’d been given an out and he damn sure needed to take it. Yet here he still sat. Waiting for Murphy to call him out.
“I’m keeping her for myself.”
Chase bristled at the words Murphy uttered. “Like hell you are.”
“Do you have any idea what your behavior tonight did to her? It’s going to take a hell of a lot of maneuvering on my part to even convince her to let me stay in her life. You are a fucking prick.”
Chase winced at Murphy’s not incorrect assessment.
“I finally get it, okay? You don’t want to have a relationship that includes both of us with her. Fine. Have it your way. But I’m keeping her, so you’d better get used to it.”
Chase shoved his chair away from the table and stood. Anger fired his blood, and jealousy drove him insane. “No.”
“Fuck you, Chase. You aren’t the boss this time. You relinquished that right about six hours ago in a fucking public park.” Murphy moved forward, fists clenched at his side.
“This isn’t about you.”
“The hell it’s not. It’s about you, it’s about me, and it’s about Eve. The woman we broke tonight deserved so much better than you gave her.”
Red-hot rage burst free in Chase’s head. He swung his fist and connected with Murphy’s jaw. Pain exploded in his hand, and Murphy’s head swung back. Chase welcomed the pain, the torn skin on his fists, and the anger he saw reflected in Murphy’s eyes.
“You son of a bitch.” Murphy charged him, grabbing him at the waist and driving him back into the wall. Dishes rattled and crashed from the counter to the floor, and still Chase saw nothing but the thick haze of jealousy. He couldn’t simply give Eve to Murphy. It would eat him alive to be left out.
“What the hell?” Eve stepped into the room. “Murphy, Chase, what the hell are you doing to my kitchen?”
Murphy froze on top of him, fist poised in midair. Eve ran toward them.
“Stop!” they yelled in unison.
She halted her progress but continued to glare.
“There’s glass, baby. I don’t want you to get hurt.” Murphy’s tone changed instantly with Eve. Protective.
“Me? Are you kidding? You don’t want me hurt, but it’s okay to pummel each other?” She backed out of the room and disappeared around the corner.
Murphy turned back to him, anger and hurt still etched in his features. Before either of them spoke, Eve sauntered back into the kitchen with a pair of slippers on her feet and a broom in her hand.
“Are you two done breaking my things?” Resignation had settled in her voice, and it tore at Chase’s gut. He’d done this to her.
He jumped from the floor and lunged for the broom. “Let me.”
She yanked it out of his grasp. “Haven’t you done enough tonight?” She swept at the glass and porcelain shards scattered across the floor.
“I fucked up.”
Her sweeping halted, but she kept her head down and eyes averted. At least he had her attention.
“I don’t know what I was thinking. I didn’t expect—” Fuck. Who was he kidding? He couldn’t lie to her now.
“Don’t bother, Chase. You told me from the beginning this was a bad idea. It was a job. One I agreed to do and then be done. We both knew it would lead to sex. Just leave it at that.”
Chase grabbed her and hauled her against him. “Sex. You think this was just about getting laid?” He tightened his fingers around her arms like tight bands. The need to hold her still and make her listen was all that mattered. “I knew the minute you walked by me the very first time with your fuck-me shoes and feminine swagger that you’d mean more than someone to fuck. Your scent alone had the power to send me to my office to jack off every damn day.”
She struggled against his hold. He clamped tighter. He wasn’t letting her go. “But, baby, I see the way you look at us both and I’ve been down that road before, and you don’t want to go there. Trust me.”
“Why? Because that’s what happened to you the last time?”
Her words shocked him to his core. Of course, Murphy told her. He’d undermined this relationship from the get-go. “Yes.” He had nothing more to offer on that subject.
“So, you’re scared. Big deal.”
The fire in her eyes singed his pride. “Not scared. Realistic. There’s a difference.”
“Whatever.”
Chase roughly released her, and Eve stumbled back a few steps. “Easy for you to say, I guess. You’re not the one who spent a year wondering what had gone wrong.” Using women the way he’d been used.
“What!” she shrieked. “Easy?” She took two steps and stopped with only a few inches between them. “You think what happened tonight was easy? I gave you and Murphy something I never thought I’d give to anyone. Not after the shit I’ve been through.” She poked him in his chest.
He grabbed her finger and walked her backward until her butt hit the edge of the table he’d spent the night sitting at. “Don’t.”
“Don’t what? Tell you the truth?”
“Don’t push me.” A fierce need already grabbed him by the balls, urging him to take what he wanted and fuck the consequences. He needed her at that moment as much as he needed his next breath.
“Maybe I wasn’t the only one who needed to be pushed.” The warmth of her breath caressed the front of his face. Sweet Lord, this woman would be his undoing.
“Thank you, Sir.”
Her shocking acceptance broke him. Logic be damned.
Chase grabbed her wrists and brought her arms behind her. With both of her hands at the small of her back, he wrapped one of his much larger hands around them both and clasped them together. His dominant need to overpower her made things a little rough, but the hot gleam in her gaze indicated her appreciation. She loved to be restrained.
He pushed his thigh between her legs and pressed against her sex. The flimsy T-shirt she’d worn to sleep in did little to hide the heat building between her legs. Chase leaned over her, pressing her back close to the table.
“Do you want me to fuck you?”
“Oh God, yes. Please.”
The husky whisper fueled his intent. He loved hearing her breathless.
He made quick work of unfastening his pants and shoving them past his hips. He pushed the fabric of her shirt out of his way and reveled in the sight of her swollen and juicy cunt. The proof of how much she wanted him glistened across her silky, bare folds. With a tight fist around the hard length of his cock, he thrust to the hilt, forcing his way inside her tight channel. Nothing soft or easy this time. He had to take. Claim. Conquer.
His savage in-and-out rhythm began before she even had a chance to take a breath. Blind need drove his movements despite the flood of emotions he felt for this woman. He had no intention of hurting her, only giving them both what they truly needed.
“You belong to me too,” he growled.
“Yes. Oh yes, Master,” she moaned. Her cries of pleasure grew louder every time he yanked on her wrists to tighten his hold.
“Take it,” he grated, the civil veneer long gone. “Your cunt is mine.”
“Oohh,” she moaned louder.
His dick swelled. Everything about her was so perfect. The sheen of perspiration glistening on her skin, the lush curves of her body so soft under his hands. He couldn’t lose her.
“Oh God, Chase,” she cried. The vise grip of her channel on his dick told him just how close she was to the edge.
“I will fuck this pussy whenever and wherever I want.”
“Yes. Fuck, yes.” She screamed in surrender as the release hammered through her. She arched under him, her muscles pulling at his dick.
Still, he fucked her harder. “I love you like this, Eve. So wet and needy. Coming all over my dick.” Her eyes grew wide while he watched her tumble into another soul-gripping orgasm that pulled him under as well.
He impaled her one last time in an urgent and powerful thrust, losing himself inside her.
“Jesus Christ,” he gasped, pressing his forehead to the sweet curve of her neck. He lifted her slightly and released her arms. In a slow, languid move she eased her arms to her sides. She’d be sore later, but it’d been worth it. He’d needed to push hard, and she’d not only accepted it, but reveled in it. Now he needed more.
“Eve?” He lifted his head so he could watch her eyes. See her reaction to his words.
“Yes, Chase?” The sweet smile delivered with the question tumbled his stomach. He wanted to wake up to that every morning from here on out.
“Come home with us.”
Chapter Fourteen
‡
Eve checked her appearance in the dressing-room mirror one more time. Today’s shoot had been long and grueling, in more ways than one.
She’d spent the last few days and nights ensconced in Chase and Murphy’s condo, barely able to get out of bed. Their sexual appetites never gave her a moment’s peace, and she’d loved every second of it. The few times they’d had to leave the bedroom long enough to take care of work-related issues, they’d tied or bound her in a manner that left her little to do but wait for them to return. Surprisingly, she’d actually enjoyed the freedom that had given her.
With no responsibilities beyond her training, she’d had plenty of time to contemplate the changes in her life. She’d fallen hard and fast for two men, and despite the emotions and desire involved, she had needed that time to come to terms with not only their expectations but hers as well.
It warmed her through to know that her masters understood this. They’d shared with her their pain from their last shared relationship, and she’d opened up about the fucked-up relationship between her stepdad and her mother that had colored her view of relationships from the get-go.
Today she’d returned to work. As much as she’d enjoyed the modeling, it wasn’t what she wanted to do full-time. They’d agreed that her talents were more useful to them in other ways, plus they’d gotten greedy over whom they allowed to see her pictures. The pictures they’d taken in the park had been unbelievable.
Chase’s talent captured every moment of her breaking down exquisitely, and she’d agreed with them that they were far too personal to share with the world. Save for a few.
One of the shots of Murphy with a knife at her throat had been so good, she’d encouraged Chase to use it in an upcoming show she’d decided to host for them.
When Chase had pointed out how close her building was to the arts district and many of the local art galleries, she’d gotten an immediate idea. Why not renovate the building using her favorite shabby chic style and create a gallery on the first floor, a studio on the second, and a few select and very expensive living apartments on the third?
All of which had led to today’s photo shoot. Chase had suggested the place needed to include pinup artwork, an idea she’d embraced. Until he’d insisted she be the focus. Old insecurities flared their ugly heads, something she’d spent the last eight hours tamping down.
Murphy had hired an assistant for the day to take care of the clothing and makeup, and even brought in Jennifer as a second model. Eve stood transfixed in front of the mirror. Even after seeing herself made-up several times now, she was still amazed by the transformation. She really did look like a ’50s pinup girl.
Her hair had been pinned into a sleek and slightly poofy old-fashioned do, and her makeup applied thick and colorful. Eve rubbed her hands down the fine bones of the striped and fringed corset. She’d fallen in love with it at first sight and already planned to buy one as soon as she got to her computer.
The long pencil skirt seemed demure, but atop black fishnet stockings and patent leather platform heels, it screamed sexy kitten. To top off the look, they’d applied temporary tattoo sleeves to both her arms. She’d always been curious about ink, and she liked the edgy look it added to the ensemble. So much so that she considered asking Chase and Murphy if she could get a real tattoo.
“They’re asking for you, darlin’.” Jennifer walked into the room and collapsed into the makeup chair. “I’m beat.”
Eve didn’t blame her. They’d both been here since early this morning, and Chase and Murphy had used them well. After today she figured they must have gone easy on her before.
“The pictures are going to be awesome, though. I can’t wait to see the new gallery.” Jennifer reached for her stilettos and removed them. Immediately she began massaging her feet.
“It’s still going to be a while. We’ve barely begun the design stage. Next week I have to start interviewing contractors.”
“Ooh, hunky guys in work boots. Can I come watch?”
Eve laughed. “Like you need any more men clamoring after you. You probably have to beat them off.”
A flash of sadness clouded Jennifer’s eyes for a split second before she grinned back. “You’d be surprised. You’d better get out there before they come looking for you. Those two men do not like to be kept waiting.” Jennifer winked.
“Yeah, I’m beginning to learn that. I’ll talk to you later.” Eve left the dressing room with an odd twinge in her stomach. For a second there she could have sworn Jennifer looked…unhappy.
Quietly she opened the door to the studio, tiptoeing on her toes to keep the noise down. If Chase was in the middle of something,
she didn’t want to disturb him with her heels clacking on the wood floor.
Whatever he was doing, it required soft lighting, because all of the lights were turned out except for the soft glow coming from behind the partition. Eve turned the corner and came to a shocked standstill at the scene before her. They’d moved the wrought-iron bed front and center again and lit candles. Dozens and dozens of them. The flickering flames cast various shadows around the room, highlighting the romantic scene her men had set.
“What’s all this?”
Chase and Murphy turned in her direction, hot intent coming from both their gazes.
“Stand right there and don’t move,” Chase commanded.
Eve crinkled her forehead and shifted her stance. “Chase, I don’t think—”
“That’s right. You don’t think.” He approached her like a wild animal hunting prey. Hard lines and muscle moving in her direction.
Need built in her pussy and immediately dampened her folds.
“Yes, Sir,” she uttered, totally fascinated by the onset of their need. She liked when they came at her out of the blue. Sometimes at home, Murphy was known to grab her in the kitchen, bend her over the table, and push his hot cock into her. It always shocked her how much she enjoyed those fast and wild couplings. He’d watched Chase fuck her in her kitchen the night they fought, and admitted watching her be dominated by Chase had been a huge turn-on.
“Good girl.” Murphy approached her slowly with black rope in his hands.
Her insides trembled. Would she always react this way when they restrained her? God, she hoped so.
“Show me your wrists.”
Eve did as he asked, holding them out in front of her. She was too damned turned on to even consider not obeying. The fact she trusted them both implicitly gave her a huge confidence boost.
He wrapped the soft rope around her skin, binding her hands together. She wiggled her fingers, and as usual he’d used the perfect amount of tension to keep her blood flowing while making it impossible for her to get free. Push come to shove, she might be able to use her teeth to loosen the knots, but she doubted it. The man was a master at bondage.
Make Me: Twelve Tales of Dark Desire Page 81
