Nick put down the knife he’d been chopping vegetables with, walked over and lifted me off my feet into a bear hug. Laughing softly and a little embarrassed over his antics, I held his shoulders for balance. This man had fueled my teenage dreams when the nightmares gave me a break, so it was impossible not to feel something. When he lowered me to my feet, my face was the color of a ripe tomato.
“When’s the last time you saw a woman blush like that, Ian?” He winked at me, dropping a kiss to my forehead before grinning like the happiest man on the planet.
“Can’t say I ever have.” Ian smiled before taking over Nick’s job at the chopping board. “Nice to have you over honey.”
“So the guys tell me you used to bake for them?” Brandt wanted to get in on the teasing, and I decided this was what it would feel like to have brothers. I’m not sure I wanted them anymore, but I grinned while shaking my head.
“I’m not sure if you could call what I did baking. They were nice enough to eat what I brought though.” I’d never wanted to be in the kitchen before meeting Nick, and my aunt had tried her best to help me out. It felt like cheating if I didn’t do it myself so I’d listened haphazardly to her instructions and tried my luck.
“Only because you were adorable.” Ian confessed with a smirk. “I remember biting into a cookie where the sugar had been left out and having to swallow it down. You had the sweetest little expression on your face that neither one of us could disappoint you.” Chuckling at the memory I felt my cheeks burn hotter.
“I can’t believe you guys ate them anyway. My aunt finally taught me before things went, well you know.” I didn’t want to think about that today because crying was the last thing I needed.
“Why don’t I take Erin out to the pool while you guys finish up lunch?” Brandt’s offer was kind, but I really didn’t know him that well and I hadn’t brought a suit.
“That’s a good idea. Hard to think with a beautiful woman distracting us.” Nick winked again, and I didn’t know how to respond to his flirting. Letting Brandt lead me away I didn’t come to my senses until we were standing in front of the huge monstrosity he called a pool that came complete with a man-made waterfall.
“I don’t have my bathing suit.” His eyes looked me over and I was sure my face would burn off at all the compliments I was getting here today, spoken and otherwise. I wasn’t big on reading guys, but the look on his face was something anyone could understand. He liked the view.
“Never skinny-dipped before?” Raising a dark eyebrow, a challenge filled his gaze and I almost rose to the bait. Then I remembered who I was and shook my head.
“Maybe you should?” He pulled off his shorts and dove in and my mouth dropped open. Definitely no respect for boundaries in this house. Sitting down on the cool concrete, I kicked my sandals off and let my legs and feet enjoy the coolness. It was burning my ass but I would not complain.
“Really? You’re going to leave me hanging like that?” Brandt swum up to where I was sitting, moving between my legs and I froze. Not for long though because he reached his hands around my waist, lifted me up and threw me, clothes and all into the deep end.
I came up sputtering not sure whether I should laugh or calling him out for being a jerk. Laughter seemed the better I idea and I gave him a mock glare. “That wasn’t very nice.” Swimming to the shallow end, I splashed him in the face, starting a war I would lose. Giggling like I had no care in the world, he chased me around the pool and I barely escaped before he finally caught me, tossing me away quickly.
A very sexy man walked out and dropped his shorts to join us, and I was sure I’d stepped into some show where there were hidden cameras. He was undeniably gorgeous with long black hair and the greenest eyes I’d ever seen, built with a body that any woman would drool over. Tag teaming with Brandt, they swam after me, and I was sure this fantasy should have been in some romance novel, not in my real life.
The gorgeous hunk pulled me over his shoulder, his hand resting on my ass while having a conversation with Brandt. “So did you bring her home just for me, or do I have to share.”
“This jackass is Colton Price, we call him Colt and you can kick him in the balls if he annoys you.” Brandt was chuckling and I was still trying to not freak out because the guy was gripping my ass. “She’s a friend of Nick’s and Ian’s so you might want to stop manhandling her.”
The tall God dropped me into the water, then reached his arms in and scooped me up, holding me like a child. “Got a name baby? Like to know who I’m gonna die for later.” His expression was so sexy for a moment I couldn’t speak a word, instead I just looked up at him like a fish out of water with my mouth hanging open.
“That’s little Erin. You sure taking on two ex-cops is in your best interest?” If these guys hadn’t been friends with Nick, I would probably freak out a lot more at their hands on play. “Gotta say I’d be willing to take them on if she’d spare me a look.” Grinning at my shocked expression I was more at a loss for words.
These men knew how to flirt and I was sorely out of my depth. “It’s not nice to tease.” Speaking in my most prim voice, I crossed my arms over my chest pretending to be angry. He had to be joking, because a man that looked like him couldn’t be hitting on me.
“Who says I’m joking.” That his beautiful eyes turned serious, made me tense and I struggled in Colton’s arms. I didn’t know how to deal with his revelation and instantly I was nervous.
Colton lowered me to my feet, and put his arm around my shoulder. “Now look what you’ve done. Gone and scared her off before I even got a chance to make my move.” The smile the gorgeous man gave me was playful and took the uncomfortable moment away. Smiling back, I walked toward the stairs, thinking I really sucked at reading people.
“The guys should be finished by now.” I didn’t know how to deal with that much testosterone, serious or not, and I wanted to get back in a place where I felt safe.
Brandt took the ladder in the deep end, and nodded. “Give me a minute and I’ll grab some towels.” I might have felt a little more comfortable if he hadn’t been buck naked, which reminded me to keep my eyes on his face. Turning my back with a face on fire, I felt like a whore thinking he had a nice package. I even wondered what it would look like without the cold water dampening the effect.
I was thankful Colton stayed in the water swimming, as I got the view I shouldn’t have been wishing for when Brandt brought my towel back. Nothing small about the man, that’s for sure. Taking the towel making sure not to look again, definitely too much testosterone in this house.
“Sorry if I embarrassed you earlier. You’re a beautiful woman though, Erin. Any man would want to have you.” I was happy when he wrapped a towel around his waist, and a little disappointed too.
“Um. Thanks?” I did not understand how to answer his compliment, and my teeth instantly worried my lip in nervous habit. Chuckling, he took my hand leading me back in the kitchen.
“I’m guessing skinny dipping didn’t work out well for you?” Ian gave Brandt a look that seemed entirely too smug, and I was confused. Focusing on the delicious smells coming from the stove, I didn’t ponder it long.
“You guys are learning well.” Another handsome man, and I was sure this house should be off limits to any woman wanting to keep her sanity. “I’m Noah, love. The Chef at HUNKS.” His smile was warm and inviting and I took the hand he offered. Obviously the man was very talented judging from the meal I’d eaten.
“It’s a pleasure to meet you, I’m Erin.” Returning his grin, his hand felt warm in mine and almost comforting. “I really enjoyed your menu.” I felt safe around this man, which was a little discomfiting considering we’d never met before.
“I’m glad you enjoyed it. I’ve been teaching the guys to cook, and Ian and Nick are my star pupils.” He turned to them and gave a nod. “How much longer, smells like those lessons are paying off.”
“Five minutes. Someone going to wake sleeping beauty up to eat?” Nick loo
ked my way and instantly I understood they were talking about Dane. I wasn’t sure how to feel about him having lunch with us, but it was his house.
“I’ll get him up.” Ian didn’t look happy about the idea, but gave me a quick smile before walking off.
“Guess we need to put on some clothes since I can’t talk Erin into ditching hers.” Brandt smirked my way and left going back the way of the pool, so I assumed to get Colton.
“Don’t let him bother you. He’s just not used to a woman who won’t fall at his feet.” Nick chuckled then turned back to the stove to lift up one of the lids. I could see why looking the way he did. Something told me none had problems with the ladies. It was like being in a female version of what I imagined the Playboy Mansion was like.
“Would you mind helping me set the table?” Noah including me was a reprieve of sorts. Nick’s eyes were looking at me in a way I’d only dreamed about when I was younger, and I didn’t know how to take it now. Nodding my head, I followed behind him as he got plates, then silverware and motioned me to the cabinet full of glasses. “Seven of us in total love.”
I took four glasses, and came back to get the other three, not wanting to be a walking disaster by breaking dishes. With the table set, Noah and I walked back into the kitchen and he asked me what I liked to drink. Telling him anything was fine with me, he brought out a bottle of red and white wine, and I guessed we were doing spirits. I’d never been a drinker, well before the other night, but would not ask for a soda now.
Seeing Dane walk into the room, my heart fell into my stomach. Something about him automatically sent my libido into overdrive, and I glanced away hoping he didn’t read that desire on my face. “Nice to see you again.” His words were kind, but a little stilted, and I wondered if I’d made a mistake again over accepting Nick’s offer.
chapter nine
Claimed
Dane
Seeing her again, I didn’t expect to feel the rush of protectiveness surge through me, and didn’t understand how to deal with it. I knew why Nick and Ian invited her over here today, and it pissed me off in ways I wasn’t ready to deal with yet. Erin wasn’t mine, but she damn sure wasn’t theirs and I didn’t want her to be. I wanted to act like a caveman and drag her by that beautiful hair up to my bedroom and take her gorgeous body until she’d been claimed! Instead I gave a lame ass line and tried not to be the asshole I was.
The way she lowered her head told me I’d upset her, and I didn’t like it one bit. “How’ve you been?” Could my ass get any lamer? Next I’d be asking her about the weather or some stupid shit like that, but I didn’t want her to think I was ignoring her.
“Good, looking for a job actually. Unfortunately I’m not cut out to be a stripper, and everything I’ve found is minimum wage.” She seemed embarrassed to admit that, and I found it adorable.
“What kind of experience do you have? Maybe I can help you look.” I wanted to show her I could at least give a shit, truth was I wasn’t sure I didn’t like her more than I would admit.
“Honestly none. I didn’t work through high school, then I spent all those years being a caregiver to my aunt.” I’d embarrassed her more and I felt like crap. There had to be a way I could make her smile again.
“Have you looked into any jobs that involve taking care of the elderly? You obviously have skill there.” Smiling warmly, wanting nothing more than to make her feel at ease, I hoped it worked.
“I didn’t even think about that!” Her face lit up in a warm smile and I felt like I’d just hit the jackpot. Grinning back like a dumbass, Nick glared at me over the island bar and I wondered what crawled up his ass and died.
“That leads me into one of the reasons I invited you over today.” Nick’s glare faded when he turned her way and I wondered what the hell he had planned. Whatever it was I’m sure I wouldn’t like it. “Ian and I were talking and we don’t like the idea of you turning to Gabby’s father for help. What about letting us pay off the house and you come work for us?”
I knew what kind of work he had in mind, and I wasn’t sure being Blake’s whore was any worse. About to open my mouth and tell him to go to hell, Erin beat me to it.
“I really appreciate the offer, but it wouldn’t be right taking money from you guys. Gabby told me her daddy was willing to do whatever it takes to help me out, so there’s no need to worry about it.” I could tell she was humiliated by his offer, but she didn’t understand what Blake was capable of.
“None of my business, but I think you should consider anything other than turning to Blake.” Did I want her indebted to my friends? Hell no, but at least they wouldn’t put her to work as some high-priced call girl. I wasn’t sure if being their woman would be much better if she understood the options, though.
“He’s right, sweetheart. I know Gabby’s your friend but I’ve ran several background checks on Blake when I was with the PD and he’s not the kind of man you want to get mixed up with.” Nick reached his hand out and placed it over hers and I wanted to snatch it off her.
Nibbling on her lip, that nervous habit she had, I was torn. “I’d rather give you the money myself rather than see that slime ball get his hooks in you.” I wasn’t sure which one I was referring to in the moment because all three would hurt her if she let them finance the house.
Her baby blues shot to mine, and I could tell I’d shocked the shit out of her. “He can’t be that bad?” An expression in her eyes said she wasn’t sure though, and I knew being nice about it wasn’t the answer.
“The man’s a crime boss, don’t let his fancy titles deceive you, baby. He sells women to the highest bidder for sex, puts criminals back on the street to work for him, and I’m not convinced he isn’t a murderer to boot.” They could pussy foot around with her, but I wasn’t mincing words. She needed to know the danger she might be in.
She looked at and then Nick, and it pissed me off she needed his opinion before accepting what I said as truth. Nick gave a curt nod of his head, and had some sympathetic expression on his face that didn’t roll over me well. He wanted to share her body with Ian, he wasn’t a fucking saint in my book either in that moment.
“Is Gabby safe?” Worrying about her friend, not herself, appeared to be second nature. No denying that she was one of the few good women in this world. Nick must answer that one because I didn’t trust the bitch as far as I could throw her.
“All my research tells me he cares about her, but I can’t say without a doubt she isn’t aware of his actions.” The look in her eyes as he spilled the truth about her friend was something I wanted to protect her from. She looked horrified.
“Gabby would never condone anything illegal. She’s studying to be a lawyer for Christ’s sake!” It was natural to put my arm around her shoulder to comfort, not sure I understood why though.
“If you trust her, I’m sure she doesn’t know.” I wasn’t sure of anything except that I didn’t want to see that stricken look on her face ever again.
“I don’t know what to do. It’s not right to take advantage of your charity, but I don’t know what kind of work I can do for you and Ian that would pay off that debt?” Her innocent eyes filled up with tears, and I knew I would not let him pull her into his fucked up idea.
“I’ll take care of the house note.” I couldn’t allow them to tarnish her, even though it wouldn’t be intentionally. She did not belong in our tainted world, and I’d move heaven and earth to make sure she avoided it.
“We’ve got it covered. Just because you slept with her doesn’t mean this is your problem.” The rage on Nick’s face told me he would go to war over this, but so was I. She didn’t deserve this shit, and maybe their intentions were good but Erin wouldn’t understand that. I felt like I knew her better than they did even if we’d only just met.
“Could I use your restroom?” I knew Nick had embarrassed her by bringing up our one on one time, and I wanted to kick him in the balls.
“Down the hall and to the right.” Keeping my eyes
locked on Nick’s I hoped he calmed his shit down before I took him to the floor. Waiting until she walked off, he gave me the look telling me that shit wasn’t happening.
“You paying a girl for pleasure? That’s a real turn of cards, don’t you think?” Nick spoke through gritted teeth and looked ready to pound me in the head.
“I don’t expect anything from her, unlike you and your demented plans. Sure you could ease her into a relationship with the two of you, but how could she turn it down when you’ve saved her aunt’s house from foreclosure?” He wanted to be an ass, I could give back as good as I got!
“At least we’d cherish her, you’d use Erin like a personal booty call whenever you got the urge, and then dump her until the next time! Which scenario do you think’s best for her.” Shouting now, I was pissed off that maybe the thought had crossed my mind for a brief moment, but I couldn’t hurt her that way so it was just a moment.
Erin’s astonished gasp turned us to face our idiocy and I felt like the lowest sonofabitch on the planet. The pain in those eyes was like a punch in the gut and I wasn’t sure if I hated myself or Nick more in that moment. “You want to pay me for sex?” Her hand flew to her mouth, and she looked like she would get physically sick. We both moved to her side quickly but she ran to the sink so we followed. Holding her hair as she made good on the look. I glared at Nick with fury.
“I know their cooking isn’t that bad.” Noah walked in looking confused, and the other guys stood behind him, ready for lunch.
“We need a few minutes.” I hoped they high tailed their asses out of here, because I needed to hit something and anyone would do right now. Left alone with Erin and Nick, I waited until she composed herself before speaking again. She looked so forlorn I wanted to pull her into my arms and hug her, but I doubted she’d accept that considering what she’d overheard.
Dane Page 7
