by Beck, Paloma
Layla simply nodded, waiting in silence and watching. It was Lucas who broke the quiet. “Papa, I am stepping into my duties as Madden’s Assistant Director with more exuberance now that he has found his mate. I assure you that between us, all is taken care of. You need not leave your retirement and join the forces.” Okay, that left her with a bunch of questions.
“I am protecting my family. Maybe not as you would, Papa, but no harm will come simply because I do not attack,” Madden’s anger could be felt through the clenched jaw he used to speak. Layla was certain he was using all his power to restrain himself, “There are rules in the world in which we live. I will not break them and risk the fallout. I will not risk greater discovery by mortals.”
Madden rose from the table and pulled Layla’s chair out, extending his hand to walk her out.
“Good night. It was good to meet each of you,” Layla extended the courtesy quietly as she followed Madden from the room. Anton was silent behind them as together they walked out the front door and made their way across the courtyard in the direction of their home.
Chapter Five
“Are you all right?” Layla broke the silence.
Without turning his attention from the direction they were headed, Madden kissed her palm before placing it into Anton’s hand. “Anton, help Layla to bed. I need to spend some time in my office.”
“No. We need to talk.” Layla cringed at the demand in her voice. She didn’t mean to be so uptight but everything was moving so fast. Now, Madden, the man she thought to be her rock, was pulling away. Confusion swirled around her. Overwhelmed more than ever, and still not understanding most of what they discussed at dinner, she looked up at Madden and softened her voice. “Please.”
He stopped to face her then, eyes still vacant, but his finger gently swiped at the single tear trailing down her cheek. “Later. We will talk later.” She felt his words more than heard them, nearly an inner dialogue, and was shocked into silent obedience as she watched his stride eat up the distance towards the building across the courtyard.
Not looking away, Layla called to Anton who was just beside her. “Anton?”
“Let me take you up to your room.” Anton’s voice was gentle and soft, soothing the tension from Layla as she struggled to grasp this new reality. She’d not seen Madden angry and it terrified her. His emotions radiated through their bond.
“I don’t understand, Anton.”
“There is so much for which Madden feels responsible. He feels even more responsibility now that he has you in his life. Once he puts all safeguards into place, I am certain he will relax.”
“I hope.” She remained staring at Madden as he stomped toward the building that held his office. She’d not been to the building yet, but Anton had pointed it out earlier in the day. She knew about a dozen others worked there, and they did private security consulting for the government, but this is all Anton had told her. The discussion over dinner began to paint more dangerous tones to Madden’s life, and therefore to her own. She was certain of nothing in this moment.
“You may hope but this I know. Madden needs to protect you,” Anton countered as he led her through their front door. It was still hard for Layla to call this home her own, as different as it was from her own country cottage-style house she had shared with her sisters.
“Let me show you something I took care of this evening before I joined you at dinner,” Anton coaxed her down the hall towards a large doorway she hadn’t noticed on her first tour through this enormous house. “Go ahead, little one. Open the door.”
Layla moved forward and pushed the door gently inward. Her gasp urged a smile onto Anton’s usually stoic face. “So you are pleased?” he asked as he stood back just out of her reach and waited.
Layla was more than pleased. As she circled, she saw every book from her home library, her office, here in this room. Needing touch to make it reality, Layla stroked her hand along several of her favorite books and found her way to the window seat delicately trimmed with a beautiful fabric pillow so similar to her own home. Everything in this room was perfect. This room felt like a piece of her was now home.
“You did this for me?” Layla continued to look around as she spoke to Anton.
“I wanted you to feel settled. Madden mentioned your library was quite dear to you, so with a little help from your sisters, I was able to get it taken care of quickly.”
Layla laughed. “I’m sure they were more than happy to help.” Anton joined in her amusement, his butterscotch eyes flaring to life as he shared the antics he endured while employing her sisters’ help. They sat together in her new library enjoying one another’s company for quite some time. Layla told childhood stories of all the trouble her sisters could conjure.
“Needless to say, your sisters are quite a handful still.”
Turning serious, Layla moved to Anton’s lap, pressing her forehead against his chest and breathing in his light ginger fragrance she was coming to crave. “But you, Anton, are wonderful. To do this for me, to be here for me like this. I don’t think I could do all this without you. I am so lucky.”
Anton looked at Layla with obvious joy. “Sweet, sweet Layla, you have no idea who the lucky one is. I have waited centuries to fulfill my Tre Adoro. When I discovered I didn’t have the same attributes of the average Valendite Breed, my parents wondered if I could be this one spoken of in the old legends about our people. But it wasn’t until I met you that I knew it for certain.”
“Where are your parents now?”
“They passed on a long time ago. The Santuccis took me in as family and I have worked within their compound since Madden was just a young boy.”
“What do you do here?” Layla asked.
“I have served as a personal assistant to the family. I organize schedules, coordinate staff and assure that all personal matters of the compound are taken care of,” Anton explained. Then he kissed the top of her head and continued; “Now I believe I shall also take care of you.”
Anton called upon his powers to embrace her, wrapping her in his assurances for their future like a blanket that cocooned her from all her worries. Though Anton’s powers were only of the mind, he could do this simple thing for her. He could comfort her and allow her to feel safe in his arms.
“Allow me to bathe you, Layla.” It may have been wrong for him to continue using his powers but his intentions were good. He wanted only to soothe her, to prepare her for Madden. He knew his friend well enough to know that he wouldn’t stay away for long.
“Yes,” Layla spoke softly as she wove her fingers through his and ascended the stairs behind him. He was nearly certain she could overcome his powers if she wished. This thought made him feel better about his intentions. If she did not want to follow him, her own powers could’ve overthrown his. But she was willing, and Anton took solace in that knowledge.
The suite was alight with candles when they entered. “I can control the air. Since air breeds fire, I learned early on to control fire as well. I so enjoy the flicker of the flames. There’s an undeniable beauty in its heat,” Layla explained when she saw the curiosity in his eyes.
Anton was struck again as she began removing her clothing. Far from the shy woman he had met this very morning, she worked the buttons on her dress as he watched. The Acclimation process was guiding her along swiftly into this new life. Her eyes connected to his own, she wasn’t fearful of him. Anton wondered if it was his powers causing the connection.
Her dress fell to the floor. He swallowed back his curse. Underneath was only a sheer demi-bra that allowed her rosebud nipples to peak out and the tiniest scrap of material covering her most precious center. The little sign of her soul sin sat against her skin just above her right breast and stood in contrast in the lighting of the candles. There were no words to describe the beauty of her body draped only in a few pieces of lace in the candlelight.
She dipped forward, slinking a finger in each side of her panties to slowly pull the fabric down her lon
g legs and off onto the floor to join her dress. And with a simple click, she freed her breasts from their confines and gave them a gentle massage. His knees grew weak.
“I’ll draw your bath,” Anton’s voice was rough with desire as he forced himself to turn from her beauty and begin preparing for her bath. Settled on the side of the large soaking tub, Anton drew in deep breaths to steady himself. Never before had a woman moved him as much as this little one. The overwhelming feeling set him off-balance and he hoped Madden would join them sooner rather than later. He needed his friend’s guidance in this.
Layla stroked his shoulder when she came to stand behind him, watching bubbles brew in the oversized tub. “Will you join me, Anton?”
“I will bathe you from here, Layla. Without Madden, it is the way it should be.”
“I understand.” Layla used his shoulder for balance as she placed one perfectly sculpted leg into the water, dipping her toe first to test the temperature and following with the gentle placement of her foot. Once she shifted her weight, he offered his hand and guided her in. The water settled around her, bubbles caressing her and Anton watched quietly as Layla laid her body back and closed her eyes.
“It has been a long day, Layla. Rest for a moment and I will return soon to wash you.”
* * * *
Madden was at his desk, staring into his computer screen and waiting for the beep that would announce an incoming message. He’d gotten Caedon’s message toward the end of dinner and knew he could only delay so long. In the silence of his office, the beep was louder than usual. His attention far sharper given the topic he knew they would be discussing.
“Caedon, what do you have for me?”
“I’ve conferenced Lucas in.” Just as Caedon spoke his name, Lucas’s face was displayed alongside Caedon’s on the screen. “I’ve heard from Donovan. They’ve made it through the border and will be on blackout for the next twenty-four hours.”
“Good but this could’ve waited until the morning. So I’m guessing there’s more.” Madden knew his men well enough to know when there was more going on.
“You know it, boss. We got a lead that Nassir’s second commander has entered the US.”
“Our government contact?”
“Not sure. There’s been no movement reported through the above ground links. They’ve cleared us for the op but they agree this seems personal. They’ll do what they can to help us stay invisible.”
“Shit. Lucas.”
“I understand, Madden. I can lead this one.”
“I need to be with Layla. Papa thinks we must continue the strong stance we’ve been taking. I was lectured on standing down.” Madden shared his discontent with his closest advisors, knowing that of all his men, Lucas and Caedon held the most wisdom and he needed their advice more than ever now.
“I can do this. We should at least check the lead out. It shouldn’t take me long to do a little recon. You care for your mate.” Lucas, Madden’s brother and Assistant Director of the TEU, was more than capable. He’d just never been interested in going on a mission. He was usually the base commander.
Madden knew Lucas did this for him. “Lucas, thanks.” The words were heavy in Madden’s throat as he spoke them but they needed to be shared.
“Good. Caedon will keep me apprised of any updates. Be safe, brother.”
“Out,” was all Lucas said before disconnecting the call.
“Caedon, any movement in the compound?” It was the closest Madden would come to asking about Layla’s whereabouts. He knew he had left her upset and was counting on Anton to calm her. Still, he worried.
“They entered your home directly after you left them.”
“Good then. You know how to reach me should you need to. Have Stefan and Tomas stay on duty overnight as a precaution until we have a new security plan for the compound put in place in the morning.”
“Yes, sir. And then I’m signing out until dawn to catch some sleep.”
“Very well. I’m off then.” Madden clicked the key to terminate his chat box. Closing up his computer, he had one more stop to make before he could get back to his mate.
* * * *
Soft pillows surrounded Layla as she sat on the sofa listening to Anton play the piano for her. She had wondered why the grand piano sat in Madden’s home after he confided he wasn’t at all musically inclined. Layla assumed the piano went untouched, positioned for appearances only, but now realized that was another assumption proven wrong. Perhaps she needed to learn more about these two men though she recognized that was easier said than done.
Fully recognizing the mating bond, Layla still couldn’t help the part of her that screamed to fight this sudden push into an unknown relationship with a man—no, make that two men, who were embracing it entirely too easily. What was she not understanding? Why could she not just allow herself to live in this moment as they seemed to do so easily?
All her life, despite what her mother had told her, she dreamed of falling in love. Layla wanted a man to desire her for who she was—wanted the courting and the proposal—not this instant knowing. That was it, at the crux of it all, wasn’t it? She was just too selfish to realize what Madden had been telling her all along. The feelings surrounding her already were feelings of love. Madden had tried to show her, had even tried to tell her, that he accepted their love. She, on the other hand, had shown him nothing but her uncertainty. She’d not even acknowledged the feeling growing inside of her. She needed to change that.
A sound at the door interrupted Layla’s thoughts. When the doors opened Madden stood there taking in the scene. His gaze softened as she felt it look over her and she melted. His eyes were filled with tenderness and the tight features of earlier were gone now. His steps were slow as he moved towards her.
Anton’s music grew louder and Layla’s heart beat along with the rush of emotions that swamped her. She knew this man belonged to her and his intentions were to possess her. Tingles raced their way down her spine and electric sparks centered themselves in her belly, which quivered in anticipation.
Layla sat unmoving as Madden sank to his knees in front of her. He rested his hands on the outsides of her thighs and made circles on her already sensitive skin.
“Madden,” Layla began but he placed one gentle finger over her lips to silence her. His hands moved ever so gently up to her hips, along her waist, adjusting her so she lay back against the pillows and opened her to him.
She felt his powers wrap around her and the tiny wisp of a nightgown she wore was removed. Her heart continued to beat nearly as loud as Anton’s music, the beat matching and the music strengthening her arousal. Madden’s hands found her breasts and worshipped them, his palms holding their weight and slowly massaging along the bottom as his thumbs found her nipples. She lifted her torso towards him but he used his weight to shift her back. He wanted to control this encounter, she understood, but his slow seduction was setting her blood to boiling. Her nipples beaded, the areolas tightening with every brush of his fingers.
“I smell your arousal, Layla love,” Madden whispered into her ear. It was barely audible over the continued sounds of Anton’s music. She could only whimper as Madden’s roughened skin scraped against her throat and he breathed her in. He dropped kisses up and down her throat and her jaw and then nibbled on her ear. Her senses came to full alert.
Madden’s teeth were so gentle but still reminded Layla just how demanding they could be. She caught herself craving his bite, desiring a more firm touch. Then Madden’s mouth met hers and an inferno engulfed her body, the heat radiated outward until her arms were tingling. His lips scorched hers as Madden demanded her submission. The melding of his body against hers, the base of his cock pressed into her core even through his trousers, was perfection. Layla felt at home in his arms. His mouth continued its assault while his hands settled on either side of her head, holding her so she could do nothing more than accept his offering. It was decadent.
She wanted nothing more than to cont
inue his kiss when he pulled back just far enough to speak, his lips still brushing along hers as they moved. “Ti adoro. Ti desidero. Ho bisogno di te.” He kissed her again once before again pulling away and looking into her eyes.
“The language of our ancestors is beautiful. I wish I had learned it but I don’t know the words you speak.”
“I adore you. I want you. I need you,” Madden spoke each word pointedly. After another moment of staring into her eyes, his next words were the ones Layla was coming to believe, “Ti amo. I love you, Layla.” Though she had heard Madden say he loved her once before, the intimacy in this moment overwhelmed her. She could feel the sincerity through their bond and couldn’t deny their truth.
When she began to speak, he hushed her. “I know you still do not believe. It’s all right. For now, I will believe enough for the both of us.”
Madden lifted her from the softness of the sofa, cradling her in his arms as they walked toward Anton. Anton still played, though the music grew softer as he watched the two cross the room. Layla smiled at him from half-lidded eyes. How is it that she could already have such strong feelings for not one but two men?
Madden placed her upon the piano and immediately laid his head on her stomach, tugging her so the junction of her thighs met the edge and she was perfectly arranged for his liking. Layla used her elbows to hold herself up but he gave her no time to protest, no time for questioning. He clearly knew what he wanted and was simply going to take it.
“Keep your eyes on Anton,” Madden’s deep voice did more than command her eyes, it set off those sparks again and her toes curled in desire. Power coursed through his words, his touch, sending flares of desire through her body.
As Layla’s eyes met Anton’s and locked on his light brown, nearly golden gaze, his desire stroked her. She felt Madden’s breath along her thighs, light kisses moving towards her core. But she couldn’t stop thinking of Anton. So palpable was his need, she could feel it surround her. Her eyes closed for just a moment and she felt a sharp pinch on her breast.
