by K. L. Ramsey
They cocooned her with their bodies and kissed every inch of her while whispering their sweet praises and Airi knew she had never felt so wanted, desired or God help her—loved, in her life.
Justin
The whole trip had gone better than Justin had expected. A part of him was waiting for the other shoe to drop or for Airi or his brother to change their minds but they hadn’t. Watching Jarrod with Airi was like watching all his dreams coming true. He had spent so much time wanting her but not knowing if Jarrod would give into his own feelings was a living agony. Finally being able to touch and kiss her was almost like living in a dream and he didn’t want to wake up. The trip to the cabin took long enough to make Airi theirs—both of theirs and he knew he might never get enough of her. Justin was just hoping she and Jarrod felt the same way.
“I hate to say this, baby but we are almost to the cabin,” Jarrod said. He helped her pull her dress back on and Justin wanted to protest. He wouldn’t want to embarrass Airi by dragging her into the house naked. It would be the first time he and Jarrod brought anyone to the cabin. Out of all the places they owned together, their place in Colorado felt the most like home. Their father bought it when they were just kids and they spent the majority of their childhood at the cabin. It was where they both developed a love for the outdoors and bringing Airi to their place felt like a bold move. He almost didn’t feel prepared for the fact she might not like their cabin and he wasn’t sure why her opinion mattered so much to him.
He was starting to realize so many of his recent decisions were based on whether or not he thought Airi would approve. Justin found himself picking out shirts and ties she mentioned she liked him in, to wear to work, hoping she would notice he was wearing it. Although he’d never admit any of that to her; Airi’s opinion was starting to matter to him and if he had to guess, to his brother.
Airi straightened her clothes and watched out the limo’s back window as they wound down the property’s long driveway. Airi had been to the penthouse apartment they shared when she first started working for them. She had delivered some contracts that needed to be signed but they really hadn’t invited her in and given her the grand tour. They barely knew her then and inviting her into their home didn’t feel right. Now, he was sure he not only wanted to invite her in and show her around but he wanted Airi to stay. They would get to that later though, when he was confident Airi and Jarrod were ready to listen. Right now, everything was still so new; he didn’t want to rush things between the three of them and scare either of them off.
Justin was the risk taker, so unlike his brother. Jarrod was the cautious one and the most like his father. He would always look at the situation from every angle, carefully weighing and measuring the pros and cons before taking the first step. Justin was always the one who jumped from the high dive without checking to see if the pool had water in it. His father used to tell them Justin was wild just like his mother and he knew it scared Jarrod. When they were teenagers, Jarrod admitted he worried Justin would leave just like their mother had. Justin tried to reassure him he wasn’t going anywhere but it never seemed to be enough. Even now, after they had built corporations together and owned houses all over the world, he could tell Jarrod was still waiting for Justin to get tired of it all and bolt. He had no way to prove to his brother he wasn’t going anywhere, other than just sticking around.
“This is us,” Jarrod almost whispered. Justin could tell his brother was just as on edge as he was, hoping Airi would like their place.
“Wow,” she hissed. “This is beautiful,” she gushed.
“Really?” Justin questioned.
“Honestly, it’s fantastic,” she insisted. “And is that a stream?”
“Yes,” Jarrod said. “Our father used to take us fishing in it. Justin and I were thinking about doing a little fishing while we are here.” Justin was happy to hear Jarrod was still willing to spend some quality time together. He felt they still needed to reconnect, especially now that Airi was in the picture. They needed to make sure they were both on the same page so they didn’t fuck this whole thing up with her.
“Maybe while you two are fishing, I can do a little shopping. I’d love to get something small for Ivy for taking care of Milo. Hopefully I can find him something too.” Justin smile and nodded.
“Sure honey, that sounds like a plan. You can even use the car,” Justin offered.
“Let’s get settled and then we need to head into the office. Work first, then more pleasure,” Jarrod said, hauling Airi against his body for another quick kiss. Justin helped her out of the back of the limo and he could tell his brother was nervous about something but he just couldn’t figure out what. They finally had Airi where they both wanted her but Jarrod seemed more nervous than ever.
Jarrod grabbed their bags and led the way into the cabin, “Um, how about we give you a tour and then you can freshen up,” Jarrod offered. He headed down the hallway, to where most of the bedrooms were and Justin didn’t miss the way he hesitated.
“You good, man?” Justin asked. Jarrod shot him a look letting him know he wasn’t.
“I’m not sure what to do here, guys. This is a first for us, Airiana,” Jarrod whispered. Justin knew his brother was worried about overstepping or assuming anything that might scare off Airi.
“I thought you said you shared women before,” she asked. Airi looked between the two of them, almost as if she was accusing them both of being liars.
“We do—we did,” Justin confirmed. “We’ve just never had a woman we shared in our home before. Jarrod and I either played with subs at the club or asked women to meet us at hotels. We’ve never gotten to the next stage with any woman before.”
“Next stage?” Airi questioned.
“Sure, the next step,” Jarrod corrected. “You aren’t just some woman we will use and then throw away, Airiana. Whatever this is happening between the three of us, it’s more than just a quick hook-up at the club or a one night fling,” he admitted. Justin wanted to agree but he was afraid their admission would have Airi running away from them. They had only just made her theirs, talking about it being more permanent or even a “thing” might have her running for the hills.
“I’m not sure I’m following,” Airi admitted. “If you don’t want me staying here with the two of you, I can find a local hotel.” She tried to take her suitcase from Jarrod’s hand and he pulled it away from her.
“I think we’re fucking this all up,” Jarrod growled, shooting Justin an accusatory look.
“Well, don’t blame me, man. You’re the one being nervous and shifty. Just tell her what you want. Tell us both what you want, man.” Justin ran his hands through his unruly hair and let out a frustrated growl. He was sick of trying to figure out what his brother was feeling or what he wanted. It was time for Jarrod to make some sweeping declarations so he knew they were on the same page. Taking Airi was a no brainer but Justin was starting to worry making her theirs for the long run was going to be a challenge.
“I’m sick of trying to guess what you are feeling, Jarrod. Tell her—tell us,” Justin ordered.
“He’s right,” Airi’s soft voice agreed. “I’ve admitted I want you, Jarrod. I want you both. What do you want?” she questioned. “I told you I don’t want to play. If you’ve changed your mind, just say so and I’ll find another place to stay.”
“No,” Jarrod barked. “I haven’t changed my mind. In fact, I’m trying to figure out how to convince you to stay, here—in my room. But that would be selfish of me, because what about Justin?” Jarrod looked between the two of them and Justin almost wanted to laugh at just how pained he seemed.
“Why can’t you just share me, like you did on the plane and in the car?” Airi questioned, smiling up at them. Her question was so earnest Justin couldn’t help his own smile.
“Well, I don’t see why we can’t,” Justin said.
“That means we pick a bedroom and all bunk up together?” Jarrod’s question caused Airi to giggle and Jus
tin had to admit, his brother’s expression cracked him up.
“Yes,” she simply said.
“Yep,” Justin agreed.
“Alright then,” Jarrod turned and led the way to one of the master bedrooms he used whenever they were in town. Justin wasn’t about to argue about which room they were using; he really didn’t give a fuck which bed they slept in as long as Airi was cuddled in between the two of them. Things were progressing so quickly; Justin knew Jarrod was having trouble keeping up with the changes. It was just who his brother was—a worrier, an over thinker. He was also someone who once he knew what he wanted; he went after it. Justin was just happy his brother was finally going after Airi because not wanting her wasn’t an option for him.
Jarrod
After they unpacked and freshened up, the three of them headed to their Colorado headquarters. The office was in a frantic uproar over a merger that wasn’t going according to plan. If the deal fell through, Greyson Industries stood to lose millions. It wouldn’t be the first time a deal went south and costed the company a good deal of money but it had been a damn long time since it happened. He and Justin had taken extra measures to hire a good team of people to help build their company. They also took cautious risks that made them money without causing them too much trouble.
They spent most of the afternoon putting out small fires and working with the Colorado team to make sure things started running more smoothly. Having Airiana there made the unbearable situation more pleasant. The problem was he spent most of the afternoon hard and counting down the minutes until he could strip her bare and sink back into her body. He knew Justin was just as on edge but his brother tried to hide his desire for Airiana. Jarrod knew she would want to keep things professional while at the office, and he had to admit he felt the same way. The last thing any of them wanted or needed were the office gossips spreading the word the three of them had fallen into bed together. And if he knew Justin, he knew his brother wouldn’t want to deal with HR getting involved in their private lives.
Jarrod was hoping after their last meeting, Airiana would let them take her to their favorite steak house for dinner and then back to their house to spend the night between the two of them. While they were sitting in the meeting, Airiana’s phone chimed and she sent them both an apologetic glance. But the way she turned the ghostly shade and quickly stood to exit the meeting; Jarrod was ready to throw his desire for privacy out the window and chase after her. Justin’s subtle shake of his head had him double thinking whether he should follow Airiana out of the conference room but God, he wanted to. The meeting dragged on for fifteen more agonizing minutes until they decided to call it a night and pick up everything in the morning.
“What was that?” Jarrod spat, trying to calmly leave the room when all he wanted to do was run out of there to find Airiana.
“I have no idea but let’s go find our girl and we’ll figure it all out, together,” Justin offered.
They found Airi sitting in the office they both shared when they were on site, sobbing into her hands. Seeing her so upset did crazy things to his heart. Every protective instinct in him screamed at him to go to her and comfort her. God, he would do just about anything to fix whatever was causing her to be so upset. But he wasn’t the one to scoop her up from her chair and cradle her limp body against his own—that was Justin. His brother was the one whispering to Airiana everything was going to be alright while kissing her face. A pang of jealousy ran through Jarrod and he knew he needed to squash it but he wasn’t sure if he’d be able to. He hadn’t felt that way watching his brother take Airiana or make her his own. It turned him on to watch them together but watching his brother take care of Airiana and sooth her, somehow had his green-eyed monster roaring to life.
He needed to shake it off and get his head back in the game. His jealousy wasn’t fair to either Airiana or Justin. “What happened, baby?” Jarrod asked.
“Ivy texted that Cole was trying to see Milo,” she sobbed into Justin’s suit jacket and Jarrod couldn’t take any more. He crossed the room to where his brother held Airiana and pulled her from his brother’s arms into his own.
“Cole, as in Milo’s father, right?” Justin asked as Jarrod took his turn to soothe their girl.
“Yes,” she stuttered. “He’s never really taken an interest in our son.”
“Has he had any visitations with Milo?” he asked.
“No, he’s never met Milo,” she said. “Why would he all the sudden want to see him?” Jarrod wished he had an answer for her but he didn’t.
“How would he know to contact Ivy?” Jarrod questioned.
Airiana sniffled and Justin handed her his hankie. Jarrod sat on the leather sectional in the corner of their office and put Airiana on the sofa between the two of them. He knew Justin would want to touch her and comfort her as much as he did.
“It’s a long story. When Ivy found me, I was still with Cole. Slade had a little heart to heart with my ex and explained to him my baby and I would be better off without him,” she whispered.
“Remind me to take Slade out for a beer when we get back to town,” Justin drawled. Jarrod smiled and nodded. He had to agree with his brother. Knowing Slade stood up for Airiana when no one else was around to made him a good guy in his opinion.
“Ivy and the guys took me in after Cole told me he didn’t want anything to do with me or Milo and that was the last time I had heard from him,” she said. “How would he get Ivy’s information?” she asked.
“I’m not sure, honey but we’ll look into it. I hope you’ll let us help you?” Jarrod watched her, as if worried their wanting to help her and Milo might seem a little over the top. He wouldn’t hide the fact he and Justin would want to take care of her but he knew Airiana was an independent woman who was used to handling being a single mother. He wondered just how much she’d allow them to help her.
“You would want to help us?” she questioned. Justin chuckled and pulled her against his body.
“Of course, honey,” he agreed. “We want to help you in any way we can.”
Jarrod wrapped his arms around her body, gently kissing her lips. “Say you’ll let Justin and I help you, Airiana,” Jarrod asked.
She nodded against him, “Yes,” she conceded. “Thank you,” she whispered.
“You never have to thank us for something like that, honey,” Justin said.
Jarrod had a nagging feeling they were missing something. Why would her ex wait until she was out of town to try to get to Milo? Was he watching her and waiting for the right time to strike? That thought had him so mad he felt about ready to punch someone. Justin seemed to notice his shift in moods and sent him a questioning look. Jarrod shook his head not wanting to get into everything and upset Airiana further.
“Did he show up at Ivy’s house wanting to see Milo?” Jarrod asked. He knew the more information he had to pass onto his head of security, the easier it would be for them to find this Cole Summers and have a chat with him. This time, he and Justin would let Airiana’s ex know if he came around again there would be hell to pay.
“No,” she said. “He dropped by the bar, where my apartment is,” she said.
“You live above a bar?” Jarrod questioned.
“Yes,” she answered sounding somewhat defensive. “Didn’t your little search on me mention that?” Jarrod let Justin handle the search and his twin hadn’t mentioned that Airiana and Milo live above a bar.
Jarrod tossed Justin a sideways glance and his brother had the nerve to shrug. “I didn’t think it was pertinent information,” Justin said. “So, I left off the little bit about the two of them living over Cash’s bar—Manholes.”
“Perfect,” Jarrod groaned. “You and Milo live above a gay bar.” He wasn’t sure if he wanted to laugh or be furious about the whole mess. He knew he was being a possessive asshole and that might just scare away the first woman he wanted a relationship with but he didn’t care.
“Let’s not put the cart before the horse, brother.
Once step at a time,” Justin said, as if able to read Jarrod’s mind. “What happened when he showed up to the bar?” Justin questioned.
“Well, Cash called Slade over from the club and Cole seemed to remember Slade from the first conversation they had. Apparently he made quite the impression,” she giggled. It was good to hear her laugh. Jarrod worried Airiana would be consumed with fear over Cole wanting to get to her son but their girl was so resilient.
“I’m sure he did, baby,” Jarrod smiled. Slade Kelly would protect anyone he thought of as family with his own life. Jarrod had no question Slade would protect Airiana, since she was Ivy’s little sister.
“He told Cole to leave me and Milo alone but Cole didn’t listen to reason this time. He told Slade he’d be back and warned that Slade couldn’t protect me twenty-four hours a day,” she sobbed. Jarrod hated they had circled back to her crying again.
“No, Slade can’t do that, honey. But, we can,” Justin said. “There is no fucking way you are going back to your apartment to wait for Cole to show up again. We all know he will and I won’t put you or Milo in danger.” Jarrod had to admit he was happy to hear his brother say that but he worried it would scare off Airiana.
“I have nowhere else to go,” Airiana said. “Ivy and the guys are going to have a baby and the last thing they need is Milo and I taking over their home. I have a perfectly nice apartment and a good lock on my front door. Cole won’t do anything stupid and if he does, I’ll just call the police.”
