Between Feather and Fur (Gryphon Melds #1)

by Angela Castle

  “Do you have a job?”

  Her cheeks flushed again. “Sorry, I’ve just moved here, I was hoping to find a job soon.”

  Steve brightened. Fucking perfect! “Hey don’t look so glum, I’ve got a brilliant idea. How about you work for us?”

  “Work for you? Do you need an assistant for your modelling?”

  Ben burst out laughing. “You think we’re models?”

  Her cheeks flushed again and she glanced between them. “You aren’t, you’re very uh, handsome, I just thought...”

  “We’re flattered, sweetheart, really, but no. It makes me wonder what else you’ve assumed—come on, let’s clear the air, we don’t need assumptions floating round.”

  “No, I guess not. Are you gay?”

  Steve almost choked on his coffee. Ben didn’t blink, he simply handed him a tea towel to cover the sputtering coffee drops running down his face.

  “Steve and I are best buddies, not gay and we’re not models. We actually run a successful chain of car tyre and repair businesses. Gryphon car and tyres.”

  Her eyes widened, not many hadn’t heard of their Australian wide business. “You guys are like really rich; why would you want a housemate?” Suspicion clouded her gaze.

  Steve dropped the towel on the counter. “Room to share, little mermaid. We’re not actually looking for a housemate, but someone to share our home with. You look after us and we’ll look after you.”

  She set her fork down. “I know I’m stupid, but I don’t understand, you need a house keeper or something?”

  “You’re not stupid.” He knew his voice darkened at her put down. It’s something he wouldn’t stand for. “Not only a house keeper, but a trusted friend. We’re busy men, and don’t want to always have to worry about who’s going to cook when we get home, if our beds are made, or our laundry is done. I’ve been looking out for an administrative assistant.”

  “We’re best mates, but I don’t always want to watch his blood-lust flicks.” Ben rolled his eyes at Steve. His heart lightened when her lips tipped up in a slight smile.

  “Nor do I want to sit through one of his wildlife and history documentaries, where my brain feels like it’s been bleached from the inside out.”

  “What about women; if you’re straight, don’t you date?”

  Yeah, answer that one, smart arse. Ben smirked at him. “We haven’t dated in a while, but if it comes to that, you’ll have plenty of heads-up notice. To be honest, we’re looking for that one special woman.”

  Her gaze lowered. “Oh, Okay.”

  “So what do you say, Arial? Work for us. Free room and board, a job with a steady income.” Ben was using his best charm smile on her.

  “Is that all you want from me?”

  “There is one other thing.” Steve took a hold of her hand and felt it trembling. It was a battle not to pull her into his arms.

  “What is it?” she meet his gaze, before lowering it. Hell, someone had messed with her self-esteem, he felt his determination rising to undo it all, help her see just how beautiful she is, especially to them.

  “You be honest with us, we’ll be open and honest with you. I know you haven’t known us long, but you can trust us.”

  “With anything,” Ben added.

  “First question. Why did you call yourself Anne?”

  Her gaze lowered, but Steve wouldn’t stand for it, he slipped off his stool and moved in closer. Slipping his hand under her chin he lifted it, forcing her to look at him and found himself staring into the sky blue of her beautiful eyes.

  He felt her body trembling, not just from the wave of lust he felt through her body, but from fear. He caught Ben’s head shake with his peripheral vision along with the ‘no’ warning. He chose to ignore Ben on this one and run on his instincts.

  “Honesty, please Arial, it’s all I ask.”

  She swallowed, but didn’t look away. The pain filling her eyes made him want to tear out his own heart and give it to her. “I...I’ve run away, f...from...”

  “Someone hurt you.”

  Her ‘yes’ was a whisper, but they both heard it loud and clear as a bell. Steve pulled his hand away and stepped back before he did something really stupid. Like pull her against him, and kiss her, he wouldn’t be able to stop with only a kiss.

  “I won’t ask details; you can share what you want when you’re ready, but if nothing else trust me, you’re safe here with us, little mermaid.” He let his warmest smile grace his face, meaning it with his whole life force. He protected what belonged to them.

  “We’d never hurt you, sweetheart. Steve’s right, if it’s safety and security you need, you have it.”

  She licked her lips, leaving a wet, moist trail, and whatever blood remained in Steve’s brain dropped to his lower region. Fuck! She glanced between them, the uncertainty again returning to her gaze, one he hated and wanted to erase.

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

  “Nothing right now. Relax and eat some more before the bottomless pit here consumes it all.” Ben slid the pancake stack closer to her. “I’d hate for you to lose any of those fantastic curves sweetheart.”

  She smiled at Ben taking more pancakes.

  “Bottomless pit?” Steve sat back down, reaching for his now cooled coffee. “Says the man who’s beaten the two point five kilo Burrito record at Taco Bill’s.”

  “You were right there alongside me buddy, he ate three flipping kilos! He’s got a lion’s stomach, it’s a steal trap!”

  “We’ve been officially banned from Taco Bill’s, because the owner fears going broke over the free food we won.” Ben winked playfully.

  Arial giggled as they started ribbing each other about their eating habits. He loved her giggle almost, but not as much as the sound she would soon make while writhing in pleasure between them.

  Ben glanced at him, both on the same page, one step at a time, buddy, one step at a time.

  Chapter Three

  Not gay. Wrapping her brain around the idea of the two most handsome, single, non-gay men she’d ever met—put an irresistible offer on the table. Yes, she could say no and find somewhere else. She feared the too good to be true bubble would burst and leave her even worse off. Depression wrapped around her, dragging her down into deep, murky waters.

  The practical and beaten side of her brain drummed in her head questioning why? What’s the catch? Is there hope of a new life here in Melbourne? God, she wanted it to be true.

  Stuffed full of breakfast, they refused to let her help with the kitchen clean-up, telling her to go explore the apartment, enjoy the views and settle in.

  She was unaccustomed to not cleaning up after a meal. Carl never lifted a finger to help, expecting her to do everything. He would twist words, make her feel guilty and useless if one thing was out of place, or one dish was left forgotten on the sink.

  She swallowed, battling back the tsunami of evil memories.

  A new life, Arial. Was she weak feeling how Ben and Steve’s smiles melted her will power? They also made her body feel things she never expected, warm tingles washed over her, making her head swim with dizzying lust.

  Is this what it feels like to be aroused? Her breast felt heavy with tightening nipples, which pushed against her plain cotton bra. Moisture pooled between her legs, making her squirm and the shudders ran down her spine and curled her toes.

  A mixture of shame and excitement she could actually feel this way towards guys who have been nothing but sweet towards her.

  She slid open the doors of the balcony and stepped out, fresh sea air whipped around her, so refreshing, she inhaled and almost tasted her new freedom; it was so close, a hairs breath away, but...but...

  You really think you deserve this freedom? You’re nothing but a weak and pathetic creature; you’re lucky I put up with you, no one else will. Carl’s voice rang in her mind and she winced, her fingers curled around the railing. Her tears sprung forth falling off the balcony. Tears to Carl were a sign of wea
kness, one he always exploited, to kick her while she was down.

  Ben and Steve don’t really care, they’re just being nice.

  But why haven’t they showed her the door, if that was the case?

  They pity you, and who wants a fat, pathetic woman like you?

  Numbing pain swept through her, she looked down—it was a long way. Only one step up onto the table and one step over. So much pain for so long, she wanted nothing more than for it to all be over and not feel like this anymore. If she took this one step, there would be no more soul stripping pain.

  No, don’t think about it. I’ve better things to reach for now, life is worth living. She closed her eyes trying to breathe through the aching in her chest.

  “Arial?” A large warm hand settled on her shoulder. “Sweetheart” She heard the soft murmur of concern in Ben’s voice.

  This wasn’t the voice and tone of someone who wanted her gone. Doubt swept from her mind that they did. She needed to put her trust in someone; even knowing how easily they could tear her apart.

  Oh, god, why is it so hard to stop listening to the voice of doubt constantly battering away in my mind?

  No not your voice, Carls. She needed to shove it down and bury it deep.

  Ben and Steve took her into to their home and offered her a job. Wasn’t she fat, worthless Arial with long red hair?

  Carl tormented her about keeping it so long, calling her childish and pathetic.

  A sob caught in her throat, realising, even from so far away, the claws of his hold reached out and held her mind captive.

  Ben gently took her hands from the railing and into his warm ones, drawing her away from the edge.

  “What’s wrong, sweetheart?”

  Why did he have to be so kind and sweet? “I can’t keep his voice out. I want it all to end!” she blurted out in shear desperation.

  His strong arms suddenly surrounded her, pulling her against his muscled chest. She broke down in sobs. Suddenly, she found herself lifted, carried into the apartment and settled onto Ben’s lap on their sofa. “Oh, Arial; no, never, you can’t think like that. He’s a stupid fucker, who’s done nothing but play abusive mind games with you. Assholes like that; need to be fed their own damn medicine. You’re the most beautiful woman I’ve ever met.”

  Struggling to believe his words, only made her cry harder, her chest racked with desperate uncontrollable sobs, dampening his shirt as he held her. He didn’t chastise her, call her pathetic, but simply held her tight rubbing her back in soothing circles, murmuring words of comfort.

  Guilt swamped over her as she realised her tears were making his shirt wet. “Y...Your shirt, I’m...I’m sorry, so, sorry.”

  “No, sweetheart, I don’t care about a fucking shirt. Only you matter, cry all you want. We’re here for you.”

  She felt more hands on her back. She turned to glance up through her tear blurred vision, Steve sat with them.

  “I want to kill the fucker.” Steve growled. Ben let Steve lift her as if she weighted hardly anything and settle her onto his lap. “My beautiful mermaid. So soft, with such pretty long hair. Have I told you how much I adore curvy women? You’ve got enough dangerous curves to drive a man insane with desire. When I saw you downstairs last night, I couldn’t believe my luck. We want to keep you, little mermaid and treat you like a princess.”

  Tears flowed even more from all the kindness these two wonderful men bestowed, and from all the pain from every evil word Carl ever told her. It all leeched out through her tears. She cried until her body stilled and her tears ceased to flow. Emotional exhaustion overtook her once again and she fell asleep in their arms, feeling safe in their care.

  * * * *

  “Yes, Arial Anne Alexander.” Steve rattled off the address, from the drivers licence. Ben searched for and found it in her bag once they settled her back into bed. Ben leaned against the door, listening to the one sided conversation with their head of security, Dean. They both agreed her background needed to be looked into, they needed to know everything. They would find out what bastard made her feel so worthless, she thought about taking her own life. Never would they allow it.

  The more they knew the better position they were in to help her. Ben rubbed at his chest, trying to dislodge the helpless feeling residing deep inside, making him hurt for their one.

  Steve glanced up at him. Ben nodded and turned to head back to the back bedroom. Between them, they would watch over and care for her twenty-four seven.

  Ben walked back through their home; he’d left the door to her bedroom open and strode in, stopping while he gazed down on their one. Her hair was still in its plait across the pillow. They’d stripped off her dress, and examined her body in search of evidence of physical abuse.

  Not all abuse came from a fist. No doubt, Arial’s abuse and pain came from verbal beatings. Mental abuse was the hardest of wounds to heal.

  She showed strength by leaving the abusive fucker, and she talked fondly of her mother, but in the past tense. With their security on it, he and Steve would soon know the whole story.

  He sat down on the bed. Tugging off his shoes and pealing his shirt from his torso, he crawled in beside her before gently pulling her into his arms.

  She stirred, but settled with her body tucked into his side, her head on his arm. How right it felt to hold her and listen to her soft breathing. His wilful dick refused to behave; he ignored it the best he could. Nuzzling into her hair, he inhaled her soft, floral and womanly scent and sighed. His inner beast’s presence was alert and chafing at the bit to claim what belonged to them. Wounded animals need time to heal, so did their one. The reasoning behind why they were being made to wait made his beast settle somewhat.

  Soon, buddy, she’ll be ours, our meld will be complete.

  Not until she knows, and accepts us. He sighed; no, it wasn’t going to be easy, nothing in life was, but she was more than worth it. They would never give up on her, never let her down; they would work to always protect her and give her the life she deserves.

  Ben must have dosed off, and he woke to Steve shaking his shoulder. “Hey, man.”

  Ben raised his head glancing down at the woman in his arms. Arial must have turned her head on his chest and snuggled against his body.

  “She knows she’s safe with us.” Steve kept his voice low and soft so as not to wake her, softly stroking her head.

  “Anything yet?”

  Steve shook his head. “Dean’s working on it, should know soon.”

  “You want your turn?” Steve nodded. Gingerly, they swapped around until she was nestled against Steve’s chest.

  “I think her bag holds all she owns.” Ben nodded towards the brown duffle in the corner of the room.

  “We’ll take her shopping when she’s up to it.” Steve kissed the top of her head.

  “I’ll get mum to grab a few things, she’s about her size.”

  “Good idea. And let me know if dean calls.” Ben nodded, his lips turning up in a selfish grin as he headed out of the room, thinking about a few other things he wanted to get their one.

  * * * *

  Steve slept with his arms draped over her middle, as if he feared something would happen to her. It was sweet, making her feel safe and cared for.

  Why would he be here? Neither Ben nor Steve rebuked her for her breakdown.

  She gazed at the tanned skin of his chest, pressing her hand against his warm flesh, feeling the strong steady beat of his heart. Maybe if she touched him for long enough, she could soak in his strength.

  His breathing changed and she knew he was waking up. She froze, glancing up watching his golden brown eyes open. A sleepy, sexy smile turned up the corner of his mouth.

  “My little mermaid.”

  “Why?” she whispered the only word she could think to say.

  “You have no idea how precious you are to us.”

  Us, she’d been hearing that word a lot since she’s been here with them. “What’s the deal with you and Ben,
if you’re not gay?”

  “We are best friends, have been for a very long time, almost closer than brothers; we share everything. For us it’s as natural as breathing to share everything in our lives.”

  She rolled the thought around in her head for a moment. “Everything, even uh, girlfriends?”

  His smile turned positively wicked. “It may not seem socially acceptable, but imagine what it will feel like to have more than two hands to caress your body, more than one pair of lips to kiss you in your pretty pink places and bring you double your pleasure.” His hand stroked down her side on top of the blanket.

  The mental image his words invoked; the thought of Steve and Ben caressing her in a more intimate way making her lower belly heat. She didn’t realise she closed her eyes until Steve’s fingertip traced along the side of her face.

  She opened her eyes and got snared in his gaze.

  “You left him Arial; it shows how strong you really are. I want you to let us help you, and don’t even think to argue. We won’t take no for an answer.”

  “I don’t want to be a burden.”

  “You are not a burden. We want to do this, not only for you, but for us, too.”

  She struggled to comprehend why they would want to, she wasn’t anyone special.

  “Here,” he touched her forehead with his finger. “It’s hard to let someone in, to let them help you, but here...” He pressed his hand over the top of her left breast, where her heart beat erratically at his simple touch. “You know you want and need help.”

  Emotions swirled inside her mind, but never once felt anything negative from Steve. Only the feeling of protective calm wrapped around her, and it was one she didn’t want to lose. Yet, fear was the strongest emotion, still trying to drag her down.

  Be brave, be strong. Confess your feelings, don’t hide them anymore—let them out.

  “I’m frightened.” Her confession soft, but he heard.

  “I can speak for Ben when I swear on both our lives we would never hurt you, physically or emotionally, or let anyone else hurt you. I know these are only words to you right now, but please, baby, give us a chance to prove it.”