Tempting the Crown

by Violet Paige

  She laughed. “My career or you and Cole?”

  He leaned forward. “Can’t it be both? Can’t you have it all?”

  The flutter soared in her belly. She nodded. She could have it all. She deserved it all.

  “I-I guess I could go.”

  She didn’t have the willpower to tell him no. Not with those eyes and lips. Not with large hands that could hold her close. Her lips practically parted, begging for him to kiss them. She knew she had officially lost her sanity.

  He was pulling her in with that look. She knew it, but there was no lifeline to drag her back to reality.

  “I promise you’ll never forget Vegas, sweetheart.”

  Deacon rose from the couch to escort her to the door. He pressed his hand into the small of her back. It was as if he seared her skin through her blouse.

  “Congratulations,” he leaned to whisper in her ear before opening the door.

  She looked up at him. She didn’t know whether to stay or to run. To say thank you, or screw you. She was filled with hope and regret. Confusion was pouring in from all sides.

  The door closed behind her and Abby was in the foyer to Deacon’s office. She was free.

  12

  Cole

  Abby was hunched over a drawing board in the corner of her office when he walked in the room.

  “Hi.” It looked as if she wanted to smile.

  “Hi,” he answered. “I hear congratulations are in order.”

  “I still can’t believe it.” She looked up from her drawing. “I won.”

  He nodded. “You sure did. And I hear you are going to Vegas with us for the weekend.”

  He saw the blush on her cheeks. He wondered how that conversation transpired between her and Deacon.

  “I am. It seems like the right thing to do to keep the integrity of the project.”

  He grinned. “Of course.”

  She leaned over the desk again.

  He wanted to walk behind her and push the skirt to her hips. He wanted to sink his fingertips into her flesh while he explored every part of her from behind. His mouth went dry. What was this girl doing to him?

  “That’s good to hear. Are you ready for the trip? I wanted to let you know we leave in the morning.”

  He walked beside her, curious to see what she had drawn. She quickly scurried in front of him, bumping against his side. Her ass rubbing into this thigh as she covered her artwork.

  Her heard the gasp from her lips when his hands rested on her waist to steady her. It was a spontaneous reaction, but he didn’t want her to fall. His fingers lingered, pressing gently into her hipbones. Abby leaned into him for a second. Long enough he could feel the heat of her body pressed against his chest before she abruptly wiggled free.

  He grinned, but she was turned away from him. Everything in him told him to pull her back toward him. She would take a little more. Give a little more. But she stepped toward her computer, putting something solid between them.

  “I’ll have Douglas pack your things.”

  “I can pack for myself.” Her green eyes fired.

  “There are several events, including dinners, cocktail receptions, and the official launch presentation. Douglas will pack for you.”

  “I’m free now. You and Deacon don’t have to do things like that anymore.”

  He sighed. “That’s not why we do it. Listen. For the past two weeks you’ve done nothing but work. If you would just take a second to get to know us, I don’t think you’d be in such a hurry to leave.”

  “Maybe you two haven’t taken the time to get to know me. I’m not impressed by the money. I don’t need money to be happy.” He saw the sudden look of vulnerability in her expression.

  “I’m not talking about money.” He walked around to her side of the desk.

  She stiffened when his hand covered hers. He could hear her breath quicken. He leaned against her, pressing her body.

  “I’m talking about everything else in life, Abby. Pleasure. Happiness. Deacon and I know how to give you that.” He moved away, giving her space as the cool air rushed between them.

  “I said no sex,” she whispered.

  “That’s not sex.” He took a step back. “There are levels of intimacy we could show you. I don’t even think sex is how you describe it.” He winked.

  Her cheeks turned a bright crimson red.

  Suddenly, he thought he knew what her weakness was. It wasn’t that she wasn’t attracted to them. It wasn’t that she wasn’t interested. It wasn’t that she was ready to move out.

  She didn’t want to be vulnerable to them. She didn’t want to let down her walls. She was like Deacon that way. She wanted to stand on her own.

  “I’m going to Vegas because it’s the right thing to do for the foundation.”

  “I understand. We couldn’t be happier you’re going.” He inhaled. “You’re a free woman now. Don’t let what happened in the past keeping you from being happy now.”

  “It’s not that simple, Cole.”

  “But it could be. It could be as simple as the three of us sharing something amazing.”

  “I don’t get it.” She shook her head.

  “We want to give you something. I swear Deac’s a good guy. Gambles too much. Looks for thrills maybe where he shouldn’t, but Abby he would keep you safe and protect you until he died. Just like I would.”

  “You’re just saying that.”

  Cole shook his head. “No. I’d never lie to you. Not about my best friend.”

  “I don’t know what to say. I don’t know what you want.”

  He smiled. “Why don’t we take this weekend to figure it out?”

  He saw her eyes sparkle.

  “I’ll let you get back to work.”

  He strolled to the door.

  Walking back to the executive offices was one of the hardest things he had done. All he wanted was to take her in his arms and kiss her. Carry her to Deacon where they could love her together. Show her how they could worship her beautiful body. Take her to places in paradise she’d never dreamed of. But the only way to get to Abby, was to let her make the decision for herself.

  13

  Abby

  When she got home from HiTech Global there were two bouquets of flowers on her bed. There was a note tucked inside the first one.

  You’re beautiful when you work. Congratulations—knew you could do it.

  Xo,

  Cole

  She folded it and put it back in the envelope. She noticed under the second set of flowers was another card. She picked it up and read it.

  Your art is sexier than your body. Congrats, sweetheart.

  -D

  Holy shit.

  They were dropping all barriers. They were letting her know exactly what they felt. She was a free woman. She didn’t have to spend another night under their roof. And they were treating her like a queen.

  She sat on the bed with the two bouquets of flowers. One red. One white. She didn’t know which color represented which man. In her two weeks working and living with them, she had noticed they complimented each other. Cole seemed more serious and sensitive, while Deacon was fun-loving and challenging.

  Something electric twinged in her core. Dear God, did she have a crush on them? And what was that stunt that Cole pulled today in her office? His hard body had felt warm and protective pressed into hers. She wanted him to stay there a little longer, but it didn’t make any sense. She should hate him.

  She looked up when she heard the knock on her door.

  “Come in.”

  She expected to see Douglas, but it was Deacon.

  “Oh.”

  “How was the rest of work today, sweetheart?” He laughed.

  “It was a pretty amazing day. Thank you for the flowers.” She twisted her lips together. She didn’t know how to respond to the gifts.

  “You’re welcome. Cole and I wanted you to know we care. He told me about your conversation today. He told me you’re hesitant about the t
rip. That you’re hesitant about us even after you and I talked.”

  “He did?” She was surprised they had talked about it.

  Deacon nodded. “We share everything, Abby.”

  “Everything?” she questioned.

  He took a step toward her. Her body responded with electricity at his nearness. She reminded herself she was here because she chose it. Deacon couldn’t keep her anymore.

  “Everything.”

  His fingers lingered along her cheek.

  They had referenced it so many times, but she was afraid to ask. Afraid she would sound like an idiot or a sexual novice. Did they share women like this? Was he implying they slept with the same women? She didn’t have the guts to ask him.

  Instead, she held still while his fingertips trailed along her neck to the front of her throat.

  “So damn beautiful,” he murmured before backing away.

  Her eyes lifted to his. The touch had felt sensual. Something so small and innocent had her panties wet. She wanted another touch. Something more this time.

  “Dinner is at six. Did Douglas bring you a gown?” he asked, changing the mood and the topic.

  She nodded. “It’s in my closet.”

  “I’ll see you downstairs soon.” He walked to the door.

  She tried to think of how to stall him, but she knew it was wrong. Every impulse in her body was going against her heart and her mind. She should be throwing Deacon Evans out of her bedroom with everything she had, instead she was concocting ways to keep him here.

  “Deacon?”

  “Yes?” He turned at the door.

  “The flowers really are beautiful. Thank you.”

  “I’m glad you like them. Now go get dressed. We have a lot to celebrate tonight. We have a winning artist to make feel special.” He winked before closing the door behind him.

  Abby fell backward on the bed. What in holy hell just happened?

  14

  Abby

  Dinner tonight was different. The seating arrangement was the same. Deacon was on one side and Cole on the other. The candles were lit. The wine had been poured. The food had been prepared by the chef the way it was every night. But she glanced between the two men and something felt different. The atmosphere was electric. She didn’t know how else to describe it. She saw them through new eyes.

  “I’m being extremely selective who sees your design ahead of the trip tomorrow,” Deacon explained. “But I showed it our vice president of marketing. She was extremely impressed.” He smiled.

  “She was?” Abby still couldn’t believe everything that had happened today.

  Cole’s eyes shone. “It’s incredible what you did, Abby. Nothing compares to it. Deacon chose the perfect design.”

  “It’s our passion project. And now you’re always going to be a part of it,” Deacon added.

  She felt the swirl of giddiness invade her.

  “Can you tell me about Vegas?” she asked. “What are we going to do there?”

  Cole looked surprised. “You don’t know about Vegas?” he teased.

  “I think I should know something about the trip, don’t you?”

  “Of course,” Cole answered more seriously. “We have three days to present our quarterly financials to the shareholders. We like to wine and dine them once a year out of town. And of course there is always a media frenzy when we launch something new. No one knows the something new is the foundation.”

  Deacon butted in, “And the press is going to want to see who we bring.”

  This might be it. This might be her chance to ask. It was a question filled with something so taboo she couldn’t believe she kept going back to it.

  “We?” She tried to look coy as she scooped a bite of roasted potato on her fork.

  Deacon nodded. “Yes, we.”

  Cole lifted the wine bottle from the table. “Would you like a refill? Tonight is a celebration after all.”

  She nodded. “Thank you.” She felt like celebrating. Her art was going global and she had won her freedom on her own.

  “Are you trying to ask us something, Abby?” Cole pressed her.

  She felt the pink spread from her cheeks to her chest. She was embarrassed, but the innuendos were out of control. She had to know what in the hell they meant every time they mentioned sharing and giving together. It couldn’t possibly mean what she thought it did. Could it?

  “I-I…maybe,” she sputtered on the words.

  Deacon chuckled. “Oh come on, say it. Just ask.”

  Cole reached for her hand. He squeezed it reassuringly. “Go ahead, Abby. Ask us.”

  “Fine.” She pulled her shoulders back. “Do you both sleep with the same girl or something? Is that your thing?”

  “Our thing?” Cole’s eyebrows were high.

  “Yes. Do you share notes? Compare it? I don’t know. Take turns? You keep suggesting something. You’ve hinted and hinted. What is it? What am I missing? What is the relationship with women you have? It’s clearly something you do together. I know that much.”

  Deacon’s grin was devilish. He took her other free hand, sliding his fingers between hers. His grip locked tightly.

  “We share everything, Abby.”

  “You have said that already. I want new information.”

  She tried to ignore the small flame that was starting to smolder between them. It was just as strong between her and Deacon as it was between her and Cole. She’d never experienced anything like it. How could she simultaneously be attracted to two men?

  Cole tugged her toward him. “What do you want it to mean, Abby?”

  “Want? I don’t want anything from either of you. I’ve been clear about that for two weeks.” She tried to pull her hands from theirs, but her attempt was weak. Instead she ended up with their free hands on her knees.

  Deacon pressed one knee wide before Cole did the same from his side.

  “I don’t know if that’s true,” Deacon growled. “You want something. Why couldn’t it be this?” His fingers traveled along the inside of her thigh.

  She shook her head, trying to turn off the surge of adrenaline rushing through her. They were both touching her at the same time. It was happening at once. This wasn’t what she thought sharing meant. Suddenly, everything was coming into focus. The fingers felt cool and warm. Wrong and right. Naughty and delicious.

  Cole ran his index finger under her dress. The high slit on the gown gave him easy access. “Yes, we share everything. It could be you. If you wanted it to be.”

  Her eyes closed as their fingers inched higher. Her legs opened wider, inviting their fingers to touch her heat. Her silk panties were wet from only a few strokes along her thigh when Deacon dipped a finger under the lace. He pushed the fabric out of the way and strummed her clit, taking possession of it.

  “Ohh,” she moaned.

  Cole pulled her folds wide, guiding her into Deacon’s strokes. She started rocking her hips while her inner walls squeezed. Deacon’s fingers picked up rhythm. She was afraid if she opened her eyes it would all be over, or it would be a dream. The spell that had fallen over them would break if she looked them in the eyes.

  She gripped their hands while her climax climbed higher.

  “That’s it, sweetheart,” Deacon coaxed. “Fuck my fingers.”

  “She’s so wet,” Cole groaned. “So fucking perfect. Like velvet honey.”

  She let out a sigh when she felt fingers slide inside her. She didn’t know who was who anymore, only that she was open wide for them while they brought fire to her pussy with eager pumps, that gifted her ecstasy one thrust at a time.

  Deacon leaned over the table, dropping her palm. He squeezed her breast in his hand as he crashed his lips to hers. Cole kept one hand between her legs as he moved behind her. He pushed the fabric of her dress aside, exposing her nipple. It perked in the cold. He sucked it between his teeth.

  “Oh God,” she mewed softly.

  Deacon’s kiss deepened. He nipped at her lips before his tong
ue slid along hers, twisting and moving as his fingers toyed with her clit. She’d wanted to know what it would be like to be kissed by him. It was more than she imagined.

  Cole’s mouth was hot and wet as he sucked harder on her nipple. He pushed her leg wider and then she whimpered when his fingers pushed inside her at the same time as Deacon’s. They were thick together. The heat was unbelievable. Cole’s lips on her breast. Deacon’s tongue thrusting in her mouth.

  Their fingers fucking her with fever as she bucked under the dining table. The candlelight flickered in front of her and the wine glasses sloshed wine as the movements became more frantic. As they began to take her body to a beautiful place. Each one in his own way.

  And then it came crashing down around her. The orgasm came out of nowhere, taking her by storm. Slashing through her body. Pouring through her blood like molten rain.

  She came hard on their fingers, while her palms slapped the table with powerful jolts. She didn’t know how to steady herself. How to accept the pleasure. It was overwhelming. The waves spilled through her as the storm reached its peak in her core before the rain turned to a gentle mist and soothed her body.

  She fought for breath as they moved their hands away. Cole covered her breast with the stretched fabric of her dress and took his seat. Deacon poured another glass of wine and sat next to her.

  Abby tried to slow her pulse. She was speechless. The orgasm was still numbing her limbs.

  “Should I check on the flight for tomorrow?” Cole asked.

  “Sounds good. I think the pilot should have everything set, but not a bad idea,” Deacon answered.

  She sat between them, trying to gain her balance. Trying to make sense out of what they had done. How amazing she felt. How the room was still spinning. How they acted as if it didn’t happen.

  Abby placed her palms on the table. She needed space to think.

  “I think I’m going to go upstairs. I’m going to my room and make sure Douglas packed everything,” she announced.

  They looked at her.

  “Everything ok, sweetheart?”