“Stretch out on the bed,” she instructed in a no-nonsense voice.
Joe hesitated.
“Bed. Now.”
Amused now, Joe followed her orders. He watched her gaze wander over his face, his chest and finally settle on his erection. Yeah. He was good to go again.
“A pity we don’t have time for me to tie you up.”
“No one ties me up,” Joe said.
“You owe me,” Kiera said, her eyes glittering dangerously.
True, but that didn’t mean he intended to let her control him. He wasn’t wired as a submissive.
“Hold on to the headboard and don’t let go.”
Okay. He could manage that. Joe raised his hands and gripped the wooden headboard.
Kiera waited until he’d settled before straddling his body. She didn’t muck around with teasing but grasped his cock and guided it to her. She sank down, impaling herself, forcing his hard flesh deeper, bathing him in heat.
She set a rapid pace, rising and falling. She cupped her breasts and played with them, tweaking her nipples, tugging them until they turned rosy.
“Take one in your mouth,” Joe said hoarsely. “Suckle on it.”
She grinned as if considering the idea, idly continuing to ride him. “You think?”
“Yeah.” Oh yeah. “You won’t let me touch you. You’ll have to touch yourself.”
Joe sucked in his gut, his fingers gripping the headboard harder because he was determined to accede to her this time.
She lifted her breast and licked around the nipple. Joe caught his breath, mesmerized by the sight. She closed her eyes and wrapped her lips around the taut point.
A sharp breath drew Joe’s attention and he saw Sly at the bedroom door. Sly swiftly retreated but not before Joe noticed his twin’s erection.
Kiera released her nipple and grinned. “That felt naughty and so, so good.”
“Felt good on my end too, babe. You went liquid around my cock.”
Kiera gave him a saucy grin and delved between her legs. She ran her finger over her clit, shivered and lifted the digit to her mouth.
Joe cursed softly.
“You want to taste?”
“Yeah.”
Kiera stroked down her seam again, running her finger across the base of his shaft where they joined. A bolt of lightning struck his balls. His lover bore a distinct naughty streak.
She stroked her clit, moaning then repeating the liquid slide across her swollen nub. Leaning forward, she lifted her finger to him. He rasped his tongue across it, savoring her juices and the hint of him.
“Good?” She shuddered when he ran his tongue the length of her finger.
“Very good.”
She pulled back and started to ride him in earnest. She rose and fell, her breasts bouncing with each move. She ground against him, muttered with frustration and used her finger again.
Joe gritted his teeth, hanging on by a mere thread of willpower.
She stroked her clit and gave a full-body shudder, her pussy flexing around him. Then she cried out and lunged forward. Her teeth sank into his marking site, the white-hot pain jolting him clear to his toes. The thread of willpower snapped under the surge of endorphins. His climax roared through him, white noise in his ears while Kiera’s bite and subsequent licks extended the throb of pleasure.
Joe released his grip on the headboard and wrapped his arms around her, holding Kiera tight.
His mate.
Never had everything seemed so right in his world.
* * * * *
Sly stared at his beer, mind in turmoil. They’d marked each other.
Joe and Kiera.
A mated couple.
While he was pleased for his brother, a part of him felt betrayed and lost. He and Joe were a team. They’d always talked about doing this together.
The shower turned on and faint laughter drifted down the passage. He switched on the gas barbecue, glad of a reason to move, a reason to act when he was falling apart inside. They’d probably end up back in bed and he wouldn’t see them again tonight. He might as well cook a couple of steaks and some sausages for himself.
Once he’d eaten, he’d visit one of his other brothers and give Joe and Kiera privacy. They didn’t need him cluttering the place. If they wanted to fuck somewhere other than the bedroom, they should have the freedom to indulge themselves.
The shower shut off and Sly steeled himself. If Joe or Kiera or both of them appeared out here, he needed to pin on a happy face. Not too much of a stretch because he was pleased for his twin.
Joe deserved happiness with a good woman like Kiera. His initial fears about her taking Joe for a fool had been unfounded. Kiera Pascoe was a keeper.
Joe sauntered onto the verandah where they kept the barbecue. “Sly, you okay?”
“Why shouldn’t I be? Congratulations.”
Joe grinned—a wide, happy smile that looked good on him. “Emily won’t be able to matchmake anymore.”
Sly groaned as Joe intended him to. “She’ll focus on me.”
Some of Joe’s joy faded as if he guessed Sly’s turmoil. “Sorry, I didn’t mean to shove your nose in my happiness. I didn’t plan on marking Kiera tonight. It just sort of happened.”
“Don’t worry about me. I’m happy for you. Kiera is a special woman and you’re lucky to have her.”
“I know.”
“You want something to eat?”
“Of course. Kiera will be out in a few minutes.”
Sly tested the grill and reached for the platter of steaks. He focused fiercely on his task and fought to keep his game face intact. Joe didn’t need to worry about him. He was home. He was safe and, even if he moved out, he’d talk to Joe most days. That’s all he needed to survive.
Footsteps heralded Kiera’s arrival, and Sly added the sausages to the grill before he summoned the courage to glance at her. His breath caught, lodging behind the knot in his throat. Her long, black hair hung loose and her eyes sparkled with blue fire. An attractive flush colored her cheeks and happiness radiated from her. Her plain, cotton tank top clung to her curves as did the denim shorts. He ripped his gaze away while silently cursing his unruly body.
“Can I do anything?” Kiera asked.
“I thought we’d eat out here,” Sly said. “Can you grab the two salads from the fridge?”
“You want another beer?”
“Thanks.” He craved something stronger but beer would have to suffice. Jake and Hari would have whiskey in stock.
Joe bounded after Kiera, and Sly winced when laughter floated from the kitchen. He stuffed down his envy—yeah, an accurate assessment of his mood. Plain ole jealousy. A first for him and his twin.
“Hey,” Sly hollered. “There’s no time to mess around. The steaks are ready.”
They emerged from the kitchen five minutes later, Kiera’s hair ruffled and Joe wearing a satisfied and smug expression. Sly sucked in a breath and served the meat before joining his brother and Kiera at the wooden table. They handed around salad and helped themselves.
“Congratulations, Kiera.” Sly would do pleasant and happy if it killed him. “Welcome to the family.”
“Thanks.” Kiera grinned and sneaked a glance at Joe. His twin was watching her with a dopey expression on his face.
Sly picked up his knife and fork, speared his steak and cut off a chunk. “Have you told your brothers yet?”
Kiera’s smile faltered and Joe glowered at him. Shame struck Sly. There was no need for him to act mean.
“Not yet. I figure I’ll ring them tomorrow.”
“Emily will want to invite them to the celebration party,” Sly said, trying to atone. “Make sure you speak to Emily first.”
“Good idea,” Joe said.
The meal continued with Sly becoming increasingly fidgety. “Can I use the SUV tonight?” he asked finally. “I’m gonna drop in on Jake and Hari. See if they want to go to the pub for a drink. Maybe Jonno too. I’ll stay the night with Saber
and Emily.” He forced a smile and made himself meet Joe’s gaze. “You guys don’t need me around tonight.”
“You don’t have to leave,” Kiera said instantly.
Joe’s gaze bored into him. Sly hoped like hell he was projecting the right thing and not the X-rated actions his mind jumped to whenever he let himself imagine their mating.
“Thanks,” Joe said.
Sly stood. “I’ll be back in the morning after breakfast.”
“Keys are in the fruit bowl,” Joe called after him.
Sly made his escape. Bring on the whiskey.
* * * * *
“You’re jealous,” Jake said, pitching his voice above the chatter in the Middlemarch pub.
“Yep. I admit it.” Sly leaned back on his chair, balancing on two legs. “The more I learn about Kiera, the better I like her. She makes Joe happy.”
Jonno smirked at him. “Last Mitchell standing. The women are gonna love you.”
“Fuck off,” Sly said.
“Don’t knock mating until you try it,” Hari said.
“Pussy-whipped,” Sly taunted.
“Which is why you’re jealous of Joe. You want Kiera too.” Jake didn’t hold back with his version of the truth.
Sly sighed, drank more whiskey and savored the burn while the peaty liquor slid down his throat. “Maybe I do, but it’s not gonna happen.”
“What are you going to do?” Jonno asked.
“Get past my jealousy. Take one day at a time until I can look at them both without flinching. Are you guys trying out for the rugby team this year?” To Sly’s relief, they started talking about the Middlemarch rugby team and their chances for the upcoming season.
A few games of pool, some drinks and a shot of truth from his friends—a good way to spend the evening. If he managed to follow his own advice, his envy and the residual restlessness would pass.
Chapter Eleven
Two weeks later
Sly scowled at the contents of the fridge since it was his turn to cook. He grabbed a beer and shut the fridge. Later. They’d probably have steak for dinner again.
The tab of the beer can opened with a hiss. This one-day-at-a-time crap was doing his brain. If anything, the passing days made things more difficult for him. Seeing Joe with Kiera and hearing them… God, hearing them made him sweat, his dick grow impossibly hard. Cold showers and dips in the water hole didn’t put a dent in his sexual yearning.
He’d tried avoidance.
Yeah, he’d stayed with Saber and Emily for a few nights, but he’d felt like a third wheel there too. If Saber and Emily didn’t get pregnant again soon, it wouldn’t be for lack of trying.
The purr of a vehicle announced an arrival. Tension darted into his shoulders and his hand tightened on the can in reflex. Although the vehicle didn’t sound familiar, it was probably Kiera. Sometimes she brought a customer’s vehicle home when she wanted to take it on a test run. Joe, he could cope with, but Kiera brought torture to a new level, the kicker being she didn’t realize her power over him.
He tugged out a chair and plonked his butt down while attempting to control his panic. So far he’d managed to keep Kiera at arm’s length, meeting her only in Joe’s presence. This would test him.
Footsteps approached the rear door by the kitchen. Heels? He straightened, his gut prickling while he stared at the door with foreboding.
Kiera in heels wasn’t something he wanted to imagine. He’d bet she scrubbed up to spectacular.
A woman entered.
He did a double-take. “What the fuck are you doing here?”
“Sly?” The question mark at the end of his name brought a twist of lips. He didn’t understand how Kiera managed, but she hardly ever confused him and Joe. This woman had known them for several years now and still couldn’t keep them straight.
He arrowed a glare at her, not bothering to hold back his contempt. “What the fuck are you doing here, Maggie? You’re not welcome.” His hands balled to fists. He’d never struck a woman before, but there was always a first time. God, how had he ever wanted her? Why? The idea of touching her now made his skin crawl.
“There’s no need to take that attitude.” Maggie had always treated them like possessions, pulling them out to play with whenever the mood struck her.
Someone should tell her toys didn’t enjoy the on-off treatment.
“I need to talk to you. It’s important.” Maggie advanced and came to an indecisive halt when he didn’t rush to sweep her into his arms.
His expression twisted in irony. “Surely you didn’t expect a welcoming kiss? You screwed me over and left me to rot in jail.”
She paused, peeking at him from beneath her lashes. She’d lost weight and it didn’t suit her. Although still polished and immaculately groomed in a black suit, she appeared hard and brittle. He didn’t intend to get close enough to learn if she’d break.
Sly stood and rounded the kitchen table to put the counter between them. “You setting me up again? Are the cops on their way?”
Fuck! Why had he wanted her as his mate? The woman wore selfish like a second skin. She hadn’t even apologized for the way she’d set him up. It was her fault he’d ended up tossed in jail. Her lies. Hell, he still experienced nightmares about incarceration.
“Of course not. Sit, Sly. There’s no need to prowl around like a confined cat.”
Sly huffed out a dark laugh. If only she knew.
Another vehicle approached the house and fear slithered through him. “What sort of game are you playing this time?” Damn, he wasn’t going back to jail without a fight. He didn’t care what Saber said about revealing their shifter status. The confinement would kill him this time. Send him mad for sure. Sweat broke out across his chest and back, making his shirt stick to his flesh.
The rear door slammed and rapid footsteps approached. To his relief it was Kiera who burst into the kitchen rather than the cops.
“Sly— Oh, you have a visitor. I’m home early because my brothers are on their way.” She grimaced and dumped a box of groceries on the counter. “Can you unpack these while I have a quick shower? They invited themselves to dinner.”
Sly swallowed and glanced from Maggie to Kiera.
“Who are you?” Maggie demanded.
“Kiera.” Kiera’s English accent came to the fore, which told Sly of her irritation at Maggie’s rude manner. “Who are you?”
“Maggie.”
Kiera glanced at him, her face registering disbelief. “The Maggie? The traitorous bitch who lied to save her own skin? The one who landed you in jail?”
He nodded.
“I want to talk to Sly alone.”
“In your dreams.” Kiera shot Maggie a glare of intense dislike and rounded the counter to stand beside him. She leaned against his side and nuzzled his neck, reaching up on tiptoe to slide a quick kiss over his lips.
Sly froze at the physical contact. Her scent filled his startled breath—the faint traces of flowers overlaid with oil and the hand cleanser she used at the garage.
Laughing up at him, she whispered against his ear. “Put your arm around me. I won’t bite. Promise.”
Her touch sizzled through him, a whoosh of electricity through his veins. Every nerve ending fired to life, shoving arousal straight to his groin. All the blood in his body zapped south, making him giddy.
“I might bite,” he said in a strangled voice. His knees trembled, and Kiera slipped her arm around his waist.
“If that erection is for her, I can leave you alone,” she whispered.
Fuck. Her breath on his jaw stirred a raft of goose bumps. They sprang up on his arms and legs.
“No!” he blurted, torn between moving away to preserve his sanity and staying right where he was to send the right message to Maggie. He wasn’t available and would never be free for Maggie’s pleasure. “God, no.” He despised Maggie. She’d used him and tossed him away when he would’ve given her the world. “She disgusts me.”
Nothing less than t
he truth. The betrayal had changed his life. She’d hurt not only him but Joe and the rest of his family, the people he cared about.
Kiera turned to Maggie. Her brows rose. “What do you think you’re doing? Sly and Joe don’t want you. I certainly don’t want you here.” Her voice shimmered with English disdain—a real princess act. It made Sly realize how genuine she was and brought home the fact she’d grown up in a completely different way to him. Joe said she’d lived in a life of privilege. Listening to her now, he believed it.
“This is nothing to do with you. Sly, tell her to leave,” Maggie snapped.
“I’ll ring Laura and get either her or Charlie to come,” Kiera said. “You can’t trust her.”
Sly nodded, seeing the sense in Kiera’s suggestion. He reached for the phone.
“No wait. Please, no one can learn of my presence here. I had to see you.” Maggie clasped her hands together and twisted them in agitation. “I need you, Sly. You don’t realize what my marriage is like.” Tears formed at the corner of her eyes. “It’s hell.”
Kiera let out a derisive sniff. “Please! Why is that our problem? I’m with Joe and Sly now. I’m their lover and I don’t share.” She slipped her hands under the hem of Sly’s T-shirt and ran her hands across his belly.
Sly’s heart jumped, his pulse hammering at Kiera’s touch. Her callused fingers pushed a ripple of sensation across his bare skin. Unable to help himself, he nuzzled her neck and licked. His tongue caught the edge of her mark and they both jumped. Kiera gasped while another jolt of arousal shot to his groin, drawing his balls uncomfortably tight.
“This is none of your business.” Maggie rounded the counter, her eyes narrowed as she stalked close enough for Sly to smell her musky perfume—something oriental and cloying that he instantly loathed.
“Leave. You’re the last person I want here.” Sly’s voice came out in a sensual growl. He wanted to get Kiera alone. His brain skidded to an abrupt halt and he backed up his plans. No, he’d get rid of Maggie and leave himself. Kiera was helping him to persuade Maggie to depart. Kiera belonged to Joe.
A tear trickled down Maggie’s cheek. “Please listen to me. It took a lot of planning to organize a visit while my husband is away. I might not have another chance.”
My Twin Trouble Page 16
