It was plain what she was saying to him.
Make a fuss and you’ll reap the whirlwind. Drag one of us off the stage and we all go, including me.
Imagine how that’ll look on the front pages of every paper, every tabloid, every news site.
It was a risk; it was one hell of a risk she was taking.
She’d shown all of her cards and now Jacob had to decide whether to call her bluff or play his own hand.
Jacob turned and looked at Julien.
“Damn you.” The words came out in a low whisper, without any hatred. “She really is her mother’s daughter.”
Jacob made a chopping motion with his hand and David stepped back, the security team easing away into the background. Cole’s staff relaxed, their backs to the platform as they looked out into the cheering crowd.
The senior clapped his hands as he moved alongside the trio, a broad smile covering his apparent displeasure.
He leaned forward to speak into the mike.
“A McMaster always knows what he or she wants and how to get it. She’s my granddaughter, and I’m proud of her and everything she does. And without further ado, I announce the Majestic to be open!” He took the oversized scissors from an assistant and clipped the ribbon halfway before handing them over to Kat.
She smiled and looked at Cole. “I need you.” Her attention went to Julien as Cole placed his hand on the silver-plated metal. “Both of you.”
Julien laughed as he added his grip to the mix, all three of them helping to finish cutting the ribbon.
The crowd went wild.
Cole laughed as he put his arm around Kat; Julien’s hand brushing against him as he held her from the other side. The confetti fell and the balloons bounced as the photographers snapped their images and Jacob McMaster stood to one side, wearing the phoniest smile Cole had ever seen.
Kat saw the anger simmering under her grandfather’s skin and the struggle for him to keep it at bay.
She’d outwitted him. She should feel proud, happy, ecstatic at winning the battle.
But as she raised both men’s hands in the air, signaling their victory, Kat worried she’d lost the war.
The crowd continued to roar, the locals laughing and slapping each other on the backs while the media swarmed around, seeking out the best angle for more photographs. A few brave reporters charged to the front barking questions. David moved in, keeping them away from the McMasters.
Jacob McMaster stopped applauding, the faux smile plastered on his face. He stepped off the stage and turned toward the far elevator with his security team in tow, keeping the reporters at bay as they howled for his attention.
Kat’s heart sank.
There was going to be hell to pay.
But not right now.
“They love you.” Julien kissed her cheek, drawing another round of photographs.
“They love us.” She kept smiling as the crowd began to dissipate, wandering back out to the riverboat and the floating casino. The reporters, thwarted from getting any statement from her grandfather, pressed forward shouting questions.
Kat winced inside, mentally preparing for the media’s inquisition. She’d been preparing for this all night but now it was real, it was out there, and she was going to have to weather the storm.
Julien released her and held up his hands, trying to shush the hungry mob. “One question at a time, please.” He smiled. “But let’s keep it tasteful, hmm?”
Out of the corner of her eye she could see Cole flinching as the first jab flew their way, a question about their religious beliefs.
“That wasn’t so bad.” Julien brushed confetti from his sleeve as they headed for the elevators twenty minutes later.
“That was uncomfortable,” Cole said. He shook his head. “Some of those questions . . .”
“Were none of their business.” Kat tugged on her dress. “I almost slugged the one who smirked when he asked who was on top the most.”
“Especially when we know it’s you.” Julien ducked the playful swat Kat swung his way. “I do my best work from the prone position.”
“I already put the word out that the guy isn’t to be allowed back on the property,” Cole said as he pushed the call button. “Jerk.”
Julien lifted her hand to his mouth and kissed the palm. He frowned, seeing the slight tremble in her fingers. “Are you okay?”
“Yes. No,” she admitted, her stomach twisting and turning. “I need to talk to my grandfather. I sort of sucker punched him with this one.”
He nodded. “I guessed that. He looked shell-shocked.” Julien squeezed her hand. “You need to see this through with him. Settle things once and for all.”
“I know.” Kat looked at David as he approached them. “And I will.”
“He wants to see you.” David shook his head at Cole, intercepting the question. “Alone.”
“Understandable.” Julien kissed her. “We’ll see you back up in our room.” He eyed David. “It is our room, yes?”
The security supervisor smiled. “As far as I’m concerned you’ve gone off to the bar to drink. My priority is Kat McMaster and her grandfather.” He coughed into his hand. “Lucky bastards.”
Cole grinned. “We’ll see you later.” He kissed Kat before stepping into the open elevator. “Any problems, call.”
She waved before following David through the crowd.
The conference room on the first floor was empty, ready for business. Now it held only Jacob McMaster who paced around the large varnished wooden table, unlit pipe in hand.
“I spoke to your cousins last night after dinner. And their parents. Got me an earful.” He stuck his index finger into one ear and wiggled it. “Quite the speech, both pro and con.”
She didn’t bother asking for details. She’d find out soon enough which members of her family supported her relationship and which ones didn’t.
“One overriding factor impressed upon me was your continued happiness.” He studied her, rolling the pipe from one end of his mouth to the other. “On that point we all agree. So, Katherine Mary McMaster, what makes you happy?”
“Cole and Julien. And the Majestic.” Her heart was beating so fast she thought it’d burst out of her chest. “I’ve fallen in love with this hotel, almost as much as with my men.” The words tumbled out of her mouth. “Julien was right; you can feel the history in the walls.”
Jacob nodded. “He was right. The restoration was what this place needed. The riverboat, the hotel.” He looked over at the balcony. “You did a magnificent job here. You and your . . .” He paused and she saw the struggle in his face, lips pressed together. “Forgive me, I’m not sure what to say.”
“My men.” She wasn’t going to make this any more difficult than necessary. “That’s as good as any title you want to give them. Julien is a fantastic property manager, and Cole is an excellent security chief.”
“That’s true,” Jacob said. “I told you you’d be able to take any McMaster property you wanted, including the Belle Dame in Vegas, if you wanted it.”
“Not now.” She shook her head. “I built this property and I want to stay here. I want to make her the best riverboat casino in New Orleans. And she will be, with Cole and Julien by my side.”
“Bargained well and done.” He smiled and she felt some of the tension in the air ease. “You’re so much like your mother. You know what you want and you go for it. I can’t say I totally approve, but in time I hope to understand.”
“Thank you.” She hugged him, burying her face in his shirt.
Jacob’s arms went around her, holding her tight. His free hand stroked her long hair, loose on her shoulders. “Just remember, I love you. I always will,” he whispered.
Cole paced around the living room, swerving only to avoid the coffee table. He hadn’t ever felt this nervous before, itching to do something, anything.
He doubted punching holes in the wall would do much other than give him a sore hand.
“Don’t worry,�
� Julien said from his position in the chair. He sprawled across the padded arms, stretched out like a lazy lion with his loose hair sprawled over his shoulders. “She’s got this.”
“I know.” Cole shook his head. “But I just wish . . .” He put his hands behind his head and sighed. “Hopefully the old man came around. I don’t want her to be estranged from Jacob.”
“He’s wise, not senile.” Julien smiled. “He’s cared for her all of her life. Once he sees this is real, this is what she wants, he’ll accept it . . .” The sentence trailed off as the door opened and Kat walked in.
Cole was the first to get to her, smothering her in a tight embrace. He felt her pulse racing under his lips and couldn’t help cursing.
“I’m fine. We’re fine.” She pushed the words out quickly, sensing his worry. “I’m keeping the Majestic. And the two of you.”
Cole released her as Julien stepped in, hugging her as well. “What?”
Kat nodded, tears of joy streaming down her cheeks. “I told him I wasn’t going anywhere.” She kissed Julien. “I can’t leave the Majestic, not now. We’re going to make her the best possible casino in Louisiana, in America.”
“Bien sur.” Julien grinned. “Today New Orleans, tomorrow the world!”
She stroked his cheek. “And we’re going to help you try to find your grandmother. You’re not alone anymore.”
Julien swallowed loudly. “I can’t . . . “
Cole took hold of the back of his neck. “You damned well better. We’re a team.” He softened his tone. “Let us help you find some closure. Please.” The words scorched his throat. “Let me give you that peace of mind I can’t get for myself. I never got a chance to say good-bye to Steve and May. We’ll find a way to let you say good-bye to your grandmother.”
Julien smiled, his eyes brimming with tears. “Thank you.”
Kat laughed as she spun around, the edges of her dress swirling upward. “I think I’d like to celebrate.” Her lips curled up into a smirk, the familiar playfulness easing the last of Cole’s jangled nerves. “But I don’t know if I can get out of this dress by myself. Can you help me?”
“I think we can manage that.” Cole took hold of her arms, stroking them as Julien moved behind her. He saw the goose bumps rise on her skin as he touched her, and he couldn’t help grinning, wallowing in the love and dedication she offered.
“Such a pretty dress,” Julien said before biting down on the zipper and slowly, carefully tugging it down her spine. His hands gripped her hips as he slid southward, the only sound in the room the metallic hum.
Cole pushed the dress off her shoulders and let it fall, savoring her soft moan of anticipation.
Julien lifted her feet one by one and slipped off the black high-heeled shoes, depositing a light kiss on each ankle before tossing the stilettos to the side. He reached over to drape the dress on the nearby couch before returning his attention to her legs, stroking and caressing her.
Not to be left out, Cole busied himself with undoing her bra, nuzzling between her breasts as he fumbled with the tiny catch. Her breath caught in her throat as he nibbled on the soft white skin, already hopelessly turned on by her mere presence.
“Good grief, paladin,” Julien said as he kissed the base of her spine. “You’re taking too much time.”
Cole dropped another soft kiss above her left breast. “Patience is a virtue. And I’m feeling rather virtuous right now.”
In the last few days she’d been kidnapped and rescued, stood up for herself, and placed her feet on the road to what would be a wild and brilliant future.
With two men who loved and adored her beyond her wildest dreams.
And it was only going to get better.
Kat sighed as Cole pulled the bra free and threw it atop the discarded dress.
Julien stripped her of her panties at the same time, dropping light kisses over her ass and down the back of her leg. He moved to the other leg and came back up with the same devotion, his long, slender fingers moving around to cup her front, keeping her steady. One finger slipped between her folds to caress and tease, the familiar routine already sending her pulse skyward.
His teeth nipped her left buttock, enough to make her jump.
“Hey!”
“Consider that punishment for not letting us in on your plan.” Julien lightly slapped her right buttock before kissing it. He moved upward as Kat leaned forward into Cole’s arms.
“I’ll take my payment in other ways,” Cole murmured, his hand gripping the back of her neck. She went to laugh but was silenced by his demanding, powerful lips landing on hers. His tongue tangled with hers, dominating her inside and out.
Her head spun as Cole plundered her mouth, his strong embrace wiping out the last shreds of worry from the day’s events. She could hear Julien pulling his clothes off behind her, an annoyed grunt escaping. Something hit the wall and she suspected it was an offending shoe.
Cole pulled away, his eyebrows pulling together in a frown.
“Really?” He scowled at Julien. “Housekeeping is going to have a fit scrubbing that mark off.”
“Let them.” Julien’s arms went around Kat’s waist as he ran his lips along the back of her neck, nibbling on the soft skin.
Cole stepped back and grinned. “Well, then. Let’s give them enough work to justify the tip we’re going to have to leave.” He spun around and cleared the coffee table with a sweep of his arms, sending the papers flying.
Kat rolled her head back onto Julien’s shoulder as one of his hands reached up to play with her breast, fingers latching onto her nipple. His other hand went south between her legs, finding her already wet with desire.
Cole quickly pulled his own clothing off, covering the sofa with the discarded shirt and pants.
Julien whispered in Kat’s ear. “Didn’t even fold them. Disgrace to the military.”
“I heard that.” Cole sat down on the edge of the table, facing them with legs spread apart. His prominent erection bobbed in the air, beckoning her onward.
He crooked a finger at Kat. “Come here.”
Julien released her with a kiss and padded toward the bedroom.
She went to him.
Cole kissed her bare torso, swirling his tongue around her belly button. She shivered, remembering what he’d done in the past with his mouth.
Cole looked up and she was taken aback by the tears in his eyes.
“Thank you for choosing me. For choosing us. And this.”
She ran her hands over his head, through the short-cropped hair. “It wasn’t a choice.” Kat looked up and smiled at Julien as he came back. “There was no decision to make. I couldn’t think of a life without both of you.”
Julien chuckled as he passed Cole a condom packet. “Same with me.” He lightly punched Cole in the shoulder. “I’d miss our soldier.”
Kat laughed and snatched the silver wafer from Cole’s fingers. She reached down and stroked his cock, feeling it rise and grow even harder, if that was possible, under her touch.
“And as a good soldier, you know how to take orders.” She raised one eyebrow as she ripped the envelope open with her teeth.
Cole smirked, tossing her a salute. “Yes, ma’am.” His hands stroked her sides as he eyed the condom. “At your command.”
Kat deftly rolled it down over him, relishing the way it twitched and bobbed at her touch.
“And as for you.” She took hold of Julien’s cock, drawing him near as he stood next to the table. “I think we might have to make room in here for a piano. I think I’d like to hear you play more often.”
“At your command,” he echoed, letting out a low whistle as she stroked him from root to tip.
Cole leaned forward and took one of her nipples into his mouth, destroying her train of thought. She gasped and leaned in, unable to resist his skillful tongue.
Her knees met the edge of the table as Cole drew her closer, shifting his attention from one breast to the other. He urged her on, increasing
the pressure on one nipple.
Kat knelt on the table, straddling him. She slowly, slowly lowered herself down on his lap, holding on to Julien with a firm grip even as Cole filled her, completed her. Her legs went around his waist, anchoring her against him.
Kat drew Julien closer with a gentle tug, pulling a sigh from the man as she leaned over and took him into her mouth, the familiar routine suddenly holding so much more meaning for her now. Her left hand cupped his balls and she rolled them gently in her palm as she pulled him as deep down her throat as she could.
He grunted in French, his hips automatically thrusting forward as she continued to lick and suck, knowing exactly what moves would bring him the most pleasure.
One of Julien’s hands landed on her shoulder, caressing her neck and cheek as the other fell onto Cole’s, steadying him.
Kat didn’t let up, drawing Julien closer as Cole pressed his forehead into her neck.
He gripped her waist and rocked back and forth, rolling his hips against hers. They’d done this before, the minimal friction bringing her to a deeper and more satisfying conclusion without as much movement.
She was still achy from the events of the previous day and welcomed his position of choice. Judging from his enthusiastic moans, he didn’t have any problem with it either.
Sweat coated her body as she tried to focus on the multiple sensations spilling through her, feeding off of Julien’s pleasure while the sparks from Cole’s movements ignited her inner core.
“I can’t . . .” Julien said through clenched teeth. His fingers dug into her shoulder as his hips thrust forward, increasing the pace.
She rolled her tongue around his crown and pulled him in again, relishing the control she had over him. At the same time Cole pressed his palm against her torso before sliding down to stroke her wet and tender folds. She whimpered around Julien’s cock as Cole rolled his hips, sending a wave of pleasure up her spine.
It was a three-way race, and she knew there’d be no loser.
Julien gave way first, gasping as he lost control. He grabbed hold of her long hair, twisting his fingers in the soft tresses with a long final grunt as he emptied himself, rocking back and forth on the balls of his feet. He pulled away from them and collapsed on the table next to them, unable to stay standing.
Betting on Both Page 23
