Fragile Innocence: A Dark Menage Romance

by Dani René

  * * *

  Well, Bennett, I know my stuff, so your friend will get the best service he’s ever had. Without being too confident, I can’t help smiling. This is going to be easier than I thought. I know my shit and I’ll make this the easiest acquisition he’s ever seen. Hitting reply, I type out my response with a grin on my face.

  * * *

  From: Ella Carmel

  To: Bennett Ainsworth

  Subject: RE: Meeting – Midday Friday – Hamilton Enterprises

  * * *

  Dear Bennett,

  * * *

  Thank you. That’s very kind of you. I’ll make sure to have Mr. Hamilton smiling when we take him out to the venue after the meeting. And if he’s not happy with that property, I’ll do my utmost to find something he loves to ensure his satisfaction with our services.

  * * *

  Kind regards

  Ella Carmel

  Real Estate Broker

  Ainsworth International

  * * *

  Sitting back, I open the folder and start my research on my newest client. Hamilton Enterprises is definitely going to bring in the cash from the figures which shows their income and what they’re looking to spend. No wonder Bennett wants me to bend over backward for Carter Hamilton. I thought it may just be because they’re friends, but this contract is worth millions.

  Getting lost in the information, I make notes in the spiral-bound book I found in my drawer. I respond to emails as they come in. Glancing at the time, I notice it’s just hit midday. Without a break, I don’t notice I’m starving when I sit back to read through my documentation.

  It’s only when I finish the last few notes do I notice my stomach is protesting. But I can’t fight the excitement that ripples through me at this opportunity. It’s been a long while since I felt at ease, and being here in these offices gives me that sense of calm.

  I’m not sure if it’s Bennett, or if it’s the fact I’m so far from my past, but I find my mind is clear for the first time in years. Eight long years of nightmares and fear, but I’ve survived.

  I am strong. I am strong. I am strong.

  “You do realize you can take a break, right?” My boss’s deep voice comes from in front of me, startling me, and when I snap my gaze up, I realize I’ve been sitting here reading for almost five hours.

  “I didn’t even notice how much time had passed,” I confess.

  “I’m heading out for a late afternoon meeting. You’re welcome to pack up and head home. No working late in this office. I actually prefer you to get that beauty sleep you don’t need.” His mouth lifts.

  A smirk. Devilish. Sexy.

  “Thank you, Mr. Ains—” Realizing my mistake, I nod. “Bennett.”

  He acknowledges me a moment longer, then disappears toward the elevators, leaving me staring at his retreating broad shoulders. He’s utterly beautiful. Like the man from the airport. Confident and cocky, but alluring and intriguing.

  Sighing, I pack the folder, notebook, and my printouts about Hamilton International into my bag and turn off the computer. I head out with my mind on my meeting tomorrow, happiness bubbling in my stomach. It’s a foreign feeling. But I think I can get used to it.

  Carter

  My phone ringing drags my attention from the document I’m reading for today’s meeting and when I pick it up, I sit back and slide my finger over the screen. “Bennett, are you missing me? Can’t wait till midday to see my handsome face?”

  He chuckles at my greeting. “Fuck off. I was calling to talk to you about my newest member of staff.”

  My interest is piqued at this. My best friend told me he’d call me as soon as he could, but he was kept busy all day in meetings. He did, however, send me a photo of the woman in question and it is indeed my princess. I wanted to get more information from Bennett last night, but he had a loud of shit to deal with. I didn’t ask. “Okay?” My voice is wary when I respond.

  “I’m definitely going to be getting some of that. She’s fucking beautiful.” This has me laughing out loud. I’ve known him my whole life, but I’ve never heard him refer to a woman as beautiful. It’s been hot, sexy, fuckable, but never beautiful.

  “Yeah? And do you think she’s going to allow us in?”

  He huffs at my question but responds with confidence. “She better because I’m hard just from shaking her hand. You were right. She’s exquisite. I thought about her last night, mate. I haven’t been so entranced by a woman in a long while.”

  “Jesus, calm down, I really don’t want to know if your dick is hard right now.” He sighs and that has me more alert than anything. Bennett is your typical manwhore. He fucks them and before they’ve come down from the high he’s out the door.

  “Her eyes are the color of an amethyst, Cart. It’s unique, just like her. I haven’t seen anything like it. She’s got an accent that I’d bet would sound amazing when she comes all over our dicks.”

  I can’t help laughing at my best friend. “Well, I look forward to seeing her up close and as personal as you have. And don’t you go fucking around with her and not telling me. I’ll have your balls, mate.”

  “We’ll be sharing this woman one way or another. I want her. And I know you do too.” His voice drops at the statement and my mind wanders back to the last night we shared someone in the most intense moment we’ve ever had. That was incredible. We’ve done it a few times before and every time it’s been an explosive experience.

  “You’ve made my morning. I’ll see you later?” I listen to him chuckling at that. I thought about her last night, while I stroked my dick, imagining her beautiful lips wrapped around the base as I fed her my hard cock. I can’t remember a time I came so hard.

  His voice drags me from the memory as he once again jokes. “We may want her to take us both, but ultimately it’s her choice. However, I have a feeling if she does choose, it will be me.”

  “Quit dreaming, fucker,” I retort, but he knows I’m not serious. Would this girl be the one who finally brings us both to our knees? He’s right, it is her choice, but we’ll make it so irresistible that she can’t say no.

  As we say our goodbyes, I hang up and find myself smiling. I felt unsettled last night. The idea of a woman who seemed to claim me as much as I want to claim her is new to me. I’ve never come across this feeling, and I’m sure my mother will tell me it’s fate or some shit. Whatever it is, I want more of it.

  * * *

  Walking into Ainsworth International, I glance at Elizabeth. Her unfading smile is something I’ve gotten used to over the years and even now, when she glances up, her face beams with a wide grin.

  “Hello, love. How are you today?” I quip, earning me a blush. Her smooth, pale skin is bright red as she regards me with those big brown eyes.

  “I’m all right. Thank you, Mr. Hamilton.” Her lilt is adorable, and I nod as I pass her desk.

  At the lift, I push the button and wait for the doors to open and accept me into their depths. I’m looking forward to meeting this new real estate broker who’s meant to be an expert at what she does.

  If she can please me, I’ll beat my best friend into her knickers and I bet Bennett would give me shit for it. I chuckle at the thought of my best friend falling for someone. Stepping into the waiting car, I press the red number twenty. My phone beeping alerts me of a text message and when I glance at it, I find a message from my father wishing me luck.

  It must be difficult allowing someone else to take over something you’ve spent your life working on, but I’m his son. He should trust me.

  My parents’ relationship hasn’t been smooth sailing and the fact he’s taken her home to Italy is a good sign. As much as they love us, Kat and me, there’s not so much love between the two of them anymore.

  But they need time off from the business and the distractions, and I need the quiet. I quickly respond and slip my phone back into the pocket of my trousers.

  The doors slide open and I step out, turning right. As my gaze lift
s to the desks outside Bennett’s office, I’m halted in my tracks. As if I’ve slammed into a wall. It is her indeed.

  My world spins on its axis when I’m met with those eyes.

  “Carter.”

  My gaze gets dragged to my friend, but my feet don’t move. I can feel her eyes on me. They’re scorching me. Burning into my skin as she takes me in, from head to toe.

  “Bennett.” Forcing myself forward, I reach out and shake his hand. My eyes haven’t left the woman sitting at the dark cherry wood desk.

  “This is Ella, the newest asset to Ainsworth International, and she’s here to make sure you’re happy with the service. I have given her your account to handle, so anything you need, she’s your girl. Ella, this is Carter Hamilton.”

  She pushes up from the desk and I can now fully take her in.

  My hungry gaze trails from her long mocha waves, to those gemstone eyes—that hold me hostage for a moment too long—down to the sleeveless silk blouse she’s wearing. The buttons just about close over her cleavage and I have to stifle a groan. Her hourglass figure is exceptional and her hips are hugged by a pair of black pants that have my dick throbbing.

  Every inch of her is perfect. From her body to those pretty red heels on her feet, and I know I’m so fucked. So incredibly fucking fucked because this woman is going to be my end.

  “Nice to meet you, Mr. Hamilton.” Her voice is like a smooth whisky and I feel the burn all the way down my throat. I’ll take a shot of her neat any day.

  “The pleasure is all mine, Ella.” I offer her a smile and the blush on her cheeks has me biting my tongue to keep from groaning out loud. If I wasn’t hard earlier, I’m fucking steel right now. Leaning in, I brush my lips over the top of her hand and I don’t miss the sweet tremble that wracks her body. She wants me, and my God, I want her—under me, on top of me, against me. “Bennett, can I talk to you in private before the meeting?” I question but don’t take my eyes off her. “Excuse us for a minute, Ella.” Shoving my best friend into his office, I shut the door.

  “What the fuck was that?” Confusion is spread over his face as he regards me with narrowed eyes.

  Pointing to the door, I hiss my response. “She’s… Fuck, Bennett. I want this.”

  “We’ll ensure she’s ours,” he tells me easily, confidently.

  Inhaling a deep breath, I look at my best friend. His bright green eyes are almost luminous with mischief and I nod.

  “I’ve heard from my contact in New York she’s amazing at what she does. As long as you don’t break her heart, because I’d like to keep this one.” He shrugs nonchalantly and walks over to his desk.

  “Bennett, I want her.”

  He glances up and pins me with a serious glare and I think he’s about to tell me to fuck off when he shocks the shit out of me. “Well, then go get her.”

  Ella

  My body was alight with an ache low in my stomach. Both men commanded my attention. They held the air in the room hostage while they appraised me. My blood heated to the point of pain when I laid eyes on him. I’d found words were lost to me. There wasn’t anything I could say to sound intelligent.

  When I first saw Carter at the airport, I felt it, but with both of them near me, I’m helpless to the pull they have over me. My fear is gone and I feel almost normal.

  So far both men have rendered me speechless. A dumbstruck teenager with a crush on two of the hottest boys in school. Sadly, I never got that far. School was an escape from hell. But each afternoon I returned, it was as if I’d walked into Satan’s home.

  Carter’s hungry gaze roved over me, like most men I’ve come across, but the difference was, I wanted his eyes on me. His stare pinned me in place as if he were about to eat me. My God, I’d love for him to eat me.

  Shaking the dirty thoughts from my head, I glance at Bennett’s office door. They’ve been in there for ten minutes and my curiosity goads me to knock on the door.

  Both men ooze sex like it’s part of their DNA, although they’re both very different, one with sapphire eyes, the color of a gemstone, and the other with eyes the color of leaves in spring.

  Bennett is not as refined as Carter, but they both have women dropping their panties easily and I think they’re used to getting their own way. I haven’t been this attracted to anyone in a long while. Or ever. I’ve always steered clear of anyone who showed sexual interest in me because fear held me back.

  I’m tainted, broken beyond repair, but something about these men seems to drag me from my hidden anguish and sends me spiraling with need. A yearning that’s so foreign to me, yet perfectly acceptable for any other female. The ding of the elevator drags my attention from the thick wooden door and I find Elizabeth walking toward the meeting room pushing a trolley of coffee and snacks.

  “Did you meet him then?” she questions in her thick brogue.

  “Yes, he’s…” I can’t find the word to describe Carter. Handsome? Sexy? Drop dead gorgeous?

  “He’s got your eye then, lassie?” She giggles and continues into the room, which is furnished with an enormous oak table and twelve chairs. I rush in behind her and shut the door.

  “Do you know much about him?” My voice drops to a whisper and I can’t help smiling like a teenager.

  Is this what it’s like to have a crush?

  To want a man rather than fear him?

  “He’s one of the richest men in London. He’s thirty-five and still single. Hasn’t been in a relationship for about ten years now at least. That’s the story going around. Not sure what happened when he was younger, but I’ve heard gossip from the girls who’ve worked with him before.” She watches me, gauging my reaction. Before I can respond the door opens with a soft whoosh and I’m assaulted by two different scents of cologne that cloak me in their masculinity.

  They’re both tall, with broad shoulders, and they seem to loom over my five-foot-six frame.

  “You two enjoying your banter?” Bennett’s gaze settles on me then on Elizabeth and he offers her a small smile. The blush that pinks her cheeks doesn’t go unnoticed and I wonder if there’s something between them.

  “I was helping set up. Are we ready?” I question. My gaze flits between them and they nod while strolling into the room and suddenly the large area feels stifling.

  Once the door closes and it’s only the three of us, I slip into a chair at the head of the table and wait for them to get seated. Carter settles in beside me and my skin prickles at his nearness. The heat emanating from him warms me and the panic that normally sets in doesn’t threaten to choke me as it always does.

  “Ella, as you would have seen in the file I gave you, Carter is taking over from his father and will be working with you on all acquisitions. He’s the go-to for anything related to new properties and I have a list of areas he’d like to invest in. Also, I’d like you to do some research on the different countries where we can expand. Since you know the US quite well, I’d like a report first thing in the morning for New York. I was telling Mr. Hamilton that you’re an expert.”

  Turning to the blue-eyed man beside me, I meet his gaze as it settles on mine and his mouth quirks into a sinful grin. There’s an elicit promise in his eyes and it has me wondering what it could be. If he’d show me when we’re alone.

  “I guess you could say I’m an expert. I know New York like the back of my hand. Having lived there for four years, I studied the areas and I can find the hidden spots that most tourists prefer because it’s not as busy as Manhattan itself. I can certainly say I can give you exactly what you need.” As soon as the words tumble from my mouth, I stop, realizing how that sounded. Deep blue flecks shimmer with amusement, like a darkening ocean in the dim light of an evening sky.

  “I have no doubt you can, Ms. Carmel. I certainly would love to see how you perform under pressure, because let me assure you, I’m not an easy man to please.” There’s so much more hidden in those few words and I can’t stop a smile from creeping onto my lips.

  Flirting.
It’s so new, so foreign, but with him it comes easy.

  My nipples harden under the intensity of his stare and I squeeze my thighs together. The ache that flared to life at the airport when I first laid my eyes on him is back and it’s burning me like a live flame. Hot and torturous, and I want him to extinguish it.

  “Great, now that we got that out of the way, let’s move on to the venue.” Bennett’s voice cuts through the desire swirling in the air between us, but nothing can diminish the yearning that has my heart racing for the man on my left.

  He shifts to grab the cup of coffee on the table and the material of his suit brushes lightly against my skin, sending a spark—elicit and wicked—through me.

  Lifting the coffee to his mouth, I cut a quick glance as he sips the creamy liquid. The foam that tops his coffee sticks to his lip and when his tongue darts out to lick it off I find myself chewing on my lower lip, trying to keep the moan from falling from my lips.

  The response of my body to him must be obvious and my cheeks heat in embarrassment.

  You’re a tainted, broken girl.

  His voice screams at me through all the need and desire. And once again I’m brought back to the truth of what I am. The monster from my nightmares ensures I never forget who I am. What I am.

  “Ella?” Bennett’s voice drags my attention back to him where he’s seated on my right. Shit. There’s amusement dancing across his handsome features and I realize he must have caught me watching his friend.

  “Yes, sorry. I think jet lag is catching up to me,” I offer with a nervous grin.

  “That’s okay, I understand. I was telling Carter you’d accompany him to the hotel. Since you’re familiar with architecture, I want you both to work closely on this deal. The owner is ready to sign; he just wants the original façade kept as is.”