Charming Jane_A Reverse Harem Romance

by Kristin Coley

  “What do you do? It seems strange to me that reporters would care either way about your actions. Are you famous?”

  “Not too famous if you don’t recognize us,” Ian remarked with a devilish smile. I felt my own lips curl up in response to it, and the danger he posed to my heart suddenly dawned on me. I’d never met someone who could capture my full attention the way he did, and it thrilled and terrified at the same time.

  “Not really. I don’t watch much television, or surf the internet. My parents believe social media corrupts.”

  “They sound singularly intelligent then,” Michael replied with a smile as he poured the contents of a small bottle into a glass.

  “I used to think so,” I muttered, playing with a thread on the robe. I couldn’t decide if my situation had greatly improved or reduced. I was safe, warm and dry, but my only clothes were filthy and torn, and I was sitting in a hotel with two men I barely knew. I knew what my mother’s opinion of the situation would be, and smiled as I pictured the horrified look she’d have.

  My response garnered a curious glance, but they didn’t comment.

  “To answer your original question, no we’re not famous. Just wealthy.”

  “Which is practically one and the same for Americans,” Ian responded with an airy wave.

  “In all fairness, you’ve made quite a few headlines in Europe as well, brother.”

  “True.” He tipped his head to Michael, and I glimpsed weariness hidden behind the careless gesture. “The family name is a little more well-known there.

  “That sounds … depressing, actually,” I told them, already over the idea of reporters standing around waiting for a glimpse of someone, just because they had some type of wealth or fame. Today proved the point, as they would sooner be vilified for their kindness than applauded for their heroics.

  “It can be, but it’s a necessary evil in our lives.” Michael sipped the drink in his hand, and even though I thought it was a bit early to be drinking, I also hadn’t dealt with the same things he had.

  It hadn’t escaped me that he’d had to promise something to the reporter so the picture of me would be deleted. While I was sure it was to their benefit as well as mine, they’d still taken a chance in helping me, and they’d made sure my face wouldn’t appear in tomorrow’s news.

  “I wanted to thank you both for helping me.” I toyed with the tie on the robe, suddenly shy in their presence. They’d helped me, quite unexpectedly, and sitting there with them was surreal.

  “It is quite the honor to save a damsel in distress,” Ian said gallantly.

  “I second that. It’s not often you see Ian act like a gentleman,” Michael declared, a small smile warming his otherwise serious expression.

  I laughed at their banter. Ian’s sincerity warmed me and Michael’s taunting amused me as they attempted to put me at ease.

  “How did you know to come?”

  “We’d parked on the side street. Michael wanted to smoke before we left.”

  “And Ian won’t allow me to smoke in his car, so we had to stand in the rain.”

  “I thought I heard shouting and then a scream, so we went around the corner to see what was going on.”

  “We saw you trying to fight him and,” Michael hesitated to finish, not seeming to want to mention Ian’s violent reaction.

  “Once we determined you were alright, I couldn’t leave you. There, I mean. It seemed you might be in shock,” Ian finished abruptly, pacing across the room to stare out the window.

  “Well, I’m grateful to both of you for being there. I’m not sure what I would have done if you hadn’t been.”

  “We’re just happy you’re alright.”

  “Is there someone you’d like to call?” Ian gestured, and I followed the movement, seeing my phone resting on the low table along with my purse. The question sent a pang through me as it hit home that there was no one to call, no one who would answer the phone and come running to my rescue.

  A gentle hand wiped a stray tear from my cheek as Ian whispered, “Jane, are you alright?”

  I turned my face into his palm, unwilling to look at him as I admitted there was no one to call. I was utterly helpless at the moment and reliant on their continued good will. The idea that they could throw me out in a second, wearing nothing more than a borrowed bathrobe sent a shudder through me.

  “What do you mean you have no one to call? Your parents?” Michael’s clipped accent was softer than normal as he sat down on the table in front of us, his questions gentle.

  Ian nudged my face so he could peer in my eyes.

  “Are you a runaway?” He asked so seriously I had to choke back a laugh, as I swiped at the tears that continued to fall. He asked a valid question. My current circumstances did seem to imply that I was a runaway, albeit an unwilling one.

  “I’m not a runaway.” I cleared my throat and forced the tears to stop. “I’m quite the opposite, actually. I wish I could be at home right now.”

  “We’re more than willing to take you home. Please don’t think we’d keep you here.” Michael was quick to reassure me of my freedom, and a little of my tension disappeared as I nodded.

  “Unless you wish to stay? You’ve relieved my boredom quite a bit in the short time I’ve been in your presence.”

  Ian leaned back from me, striving for lighthearted humor to break the tension between us. I could still feel the heat from his hand cradling my face, and I tangled my fingers together, so I wouldn’t be tempted to reach for his.

  “Ian is closer to the truth.” They exchanged a glance at my words, and I took a deep breath to explain. “My parents sent me here to spend the summer with old friends of theirs, the Dales,” I answered, letting out a frustrated breath at my parent’s gullibility.

  “I’m not going to like where this tale is going, am I?” I shook my head in response to Ian’s question.

  “I told them it was a terrible idea, but they ignored me. They had an opportunity to do a yearlong missionary trip to Africa. One they jumped at. They rented our house to a family for the year, and decided to send me here. I start college in the fall, and I’ll be living on campus then. It was just the summer that was an issue.” I paused, a stab of bitterness toward my parents surprising me. I’d always felt like they had my best interests at heart, but they had completely ignored my concerns; concerns that had been proven valid very quickly.

  “Please continue. I must know the entire story before I go off half-cocked. Michael insists I learn to curb my impulsive nature.” A reluctant smile formed at Ian’s words, driving back the momentary bitterness.

  “Well, they insisted the best option was for me to stay with their friends, which is how I found myself on a plane to New Orleans, while my parents took a flight to Africa. I hoped they would be okay,” I admitted, shrugging slightly.

  “But?”

  “But they didn’t meet me at the airport and when I went to the address they’d given my dad, I found an old condemned building.” I paused and met their eyes. “My father sent them money for my stay, and I can only think it was a con, some scheme these people have pulled before.”

  “Do you not have any luggage?” Michael inquired curiously and I laughed darkly, unwilling to cry over my circumstances any longer.

  “Apparently, the airport lost my luggage,” I answered with a shake of my head. “I’m not sure how they managed it, but my stuff is on a flight to somewhere, but they couldn’t tell me where, and it’ll be days before I get it back,” I finished quietly.

  “How did you wind up at Avery’s?” Ian voice was silky smooth, but I heard the anger underneath it. I peeked up at him, afraid to mention the men who’d followed me, but he gave me a reassuring smile, as he stroked my cheek with his finger.

  “Two men were hanging around the address I’d been given, but they scared me and I started walking. They followed me and then it started to rain, and Avery’s seemed like a safe place to wait to see if they’d go away,” I told them, my heart poundi
ng in remembered fear.

  Michael handed Ian the glass he’d been drinking from and Ian tossed the remainder of it back.

  “The guy who attacked me was one of them,” I admitted, my hands shaking at how close the man had gotten. “I wasn’t paying attention.” Ian covered my hands with his and stilled the shaking.

  “You did everything right, Jane,” Michael reassured me, his hand hesitating for a second before settling on my shoulder. A tingle shot through me at the warm weight of his hand and I shifted.

  “You’re safe now, Jane. Make no mistake, you won’t be put out on the street, nor do you need to worry about those men again.” Ian gathered the long weight of my hair in one of his hands, twisting it and laying it across my shoulder. “You deserve respect and protection, not the violence and indignity you’ve been exposed to.”

  My eyes met his, gratitude coursing through me at his words. I’d been afraid they would look at me with disgust after I told my tale, but that wasn’t the case at all. Admiration glinted in his eyes along with a glimmer of something else I couldn’t put a name to, but it made warmth curl through me. Michael gazed between us speculatively, and it heightened my curiosity about both of them.

  “I guess the question of the moment is what to do with you.” Michael was relaxed now, the earlier tension gone now that my story had ended.

  “She’ll stay here of course.”

  I opened my mouth to protest, and Ian held a finger up to my face.

  “Don’t even think of arguing, love. There is absolutely no chance of my allowing you to walk out that door without knowing you are safe, protected and cared for. Obviously, your parents have failed spectacularly, and so we will have to intercede.”

  “Ian.” Michael’s voice held a warning. “Her parents aren’t the same as ours. They’ve made a rather large error in judgement, but that doesn’t mean we have the right to slander their character.”

  “Slander? Shall we list the ways they’ve failed Jane?” Ian held up a finger as he marked off each point. “They abandoned her for Africa, took her home from her, sent her to stay with people they haven’t seen in years and didn’t bother to check out. That alone should account for several errors in judgement, as you put it. And lastly, we have no way to communicate with them, to tell them of how horribly they’ve failed Jane.” His voice rose on the last point, his anger palpable, and it was my turn to grab his hand. My fingers curled around his index finger, tugging it down, and he visibly swallowed his anger as he turned to me. “Perhaps I was a little overzealous. I’m sure you have fine parents, but I cannot bear to imagine what would have happened to you if we hadn’t been there. As it was, you were followed and then attacked upon your arrival.”

  “But we were there, and she is safe with us and shall remain safe with us until we can determine another avenue. Is there any way to get in touch with your parents?” Michael’s calm reasoning was in direct contrast to Ian’s passion.

  “Oh yes, let’s do call the parents who aren’t here for her.” Ian stood up and strode to the window, tension visible in his ramrod straight back as he gazed out at the rain lashing against the windows. Something about the way he said it made me think it wasn’t just my parents he was upset with.

  “Our plan was to have a weekly video chat. Every Sunday at five.”

  “Are you kidding me?” Ian spun back around, staring at me in disbelief.

  “That’s it? I mean today is Monday, were you not to speak with them until Sunday?” Michael’s voice also held a note of disbelief, and even though I had questioned it myself, I felt the need to defend my parents.

  “It’s expensive, and the flight is long, and they were going to have to travel to remote areas. They didn’t think they would need to talk to me before then.” My argument sounded weak, even to me; because it was obvious I did need to speak with them. Everything had gone wrong, and I was only safe because of the kindness of these two.

  “Well that does it. She’s ours now.” Ian shrugged as if it was a done deal and walked back toward us. I noticed Michael hid a small smile at Ian’s words, and again my curiosity sparked. Ian’s possessive concern for me seemed to please Michael, but I couldn’t understand why. “Her parent’s blatant disregard for her well-being proves she needs better caretakers, and we shall do quite well.”

  “Perhaps we should ask Jane’s opinion on the matter?” Michael asked delicately, his hand falling from my shoulder as he stepped away. I fought the urge to touch where his hand had been, missing the comfort.

  “You want to stay.” Ian gazed at me dispassionately, not for a second considering I would have a difference of opinion. “We will need to get you some clothes, though. Not that you don’t look fetching in that robe, but eventually it will need to be washed.”

  “Ian!” I interrupted him, my tone exasperated. “You’ve been nothing but kind, but I can’t stay here. It wouldn’t be appropriate. I have no money, and as you just pointed out, no clothes. My parent’s idiocy should not make you responsible for my well-being.” I stood up, my fingers clenching the lapels of the robe together. Ian was a force to be reckoned with, and I felt at a disadvantage sitting. I ignored the little voice that begged me to take him up on his offer, to be under their protection and care. Both of the brothers had proven more attentive to my needs than my parents had managed, and the feeling was intoxicating.

  “At least we agree on your parents, but again, I will not allow you to leave without ensuring your safety.” His voice was low and dangerous, sending a thrill through me. I had not anticipated his determination in caring for me. He was more of a gentleman than I had given him credit for.

  “At ease, Ian.” Michael gestured for us to sit down. “Jane, I’m afraid I’ll have to agree with my brother on this point. We cannot, in good conscience, allow you to leave without knowing you have somewhere to go.”

  “I was going to go to the police.” I interjected, waving my hand. “But then I was attacked by the guy outside the restaurant, and you two showed up. I was in shock. I should have gone to the police then, but I just wanted to escape. But I can still go to them.”

  “And do what? I’m not overly familiar with the local police. That’s more Ian’s forte, but I wouldn’t think they’d provide you with clothing or housing.”

  Michael’s quick assessment shot holes in my reasoning, and left me with little argument. He was right. I could go to the police, and it was possible they could help me, but I would still have no money or luggage, and nowhere to go besides a homeless shelter. I fought back unwelcome tears. It was bad enough I was in this situation. There was no need to drown them in my tears as well.

  Ian scooted closer to me on the couch, wrapping an arm around me and pulling me close. I allowed it, the warm comfort of his shoulder allowing me to hide my tears.

  “It’s settled then. You’ll remain with us.” He attempted to keep the satisfaction out of his voice, but I heard it anyway. I peered up at him, and he smiled at me, his dimple peeking out.

  “I’m not going to have sex with you.” I told him forcefully.

  “Let’s not be hasty, love.” He ran a finger down my cheek, and the heat of it curled through me. I shook my head, knowing he was temptation and my resistance was weak.

  “I mean it.” I sat up, facing him. “I won’t be in a position that I need to trade sexual favors for my room and board.” I didn’t notice the robe had gaped open when I sat up, until Ian reached over and tucked it closed. His face was more serious than I’d seen yet, and he tipped my chin up to look me in the eye.

  “I will never ask that of you, nor expect it. Neither of us would.” Michael nodded in agreement with his brother, and Ian drew my gaze back to him. “Jane, you are safe with us. We want nothing more than to see you taken care of. I was joking a moment ago, and I apologize, since it was in poor taste and timing. There are no expectations if you choose to stay with us.”

  I nodded, but only because I couldn’t see another option, and Ian’s face creased with worr
y.

  “I believe I have a solution.” We both glanced at Michael when he spoke, and he gave us a confident smile. “Jane, you don’t wish to be beholden to us, and that’s quite understandable. We, however, don’t wish to see you leave, not without knowing you are cared for. The way I see it, the situation can be mutually beneficial. You remain with us, and work for me. You’ll receive funds for your work and room and board. We will be assured of your safety.”

  “But what would I be doing?” His solution sounded perfect, because I already didn’t want to leave their presence. Somewhere in the last few hours, they’d come to mean something to me. It might have been the way they swooped in to take care of me, or their willingness to trade favors with reporters, or even just their protective natures, but they had wormed their way in to my heart.

  “Baby-sitting Ian.”

  I blinked at his declaration and noticed Ian shoot an accusing glare at Michael, who returned it with a warning glare of his own. Ian narrowed his eyes at him, but with a tilt of his head settled back and gave me a wink.

  “It’s a full-time job, love. I’ll warn you now.”

  “He’s not joking,” Michael added drily. “Ian is staying with me, because our parents have washed their hands of him. There isn’t a university in Europe that would have him, and I’m afraid I don’t have the time or inclination to keep tabs on him while negotiating business deals. Your presence is really quite fortuitous.”

  My gaze switched between them suspiciously. Ian portrayed the picture of innocence and Michael maintained a look of wearied martyrdom. Ian had given me the impression of a roguish playboy, but this sounded like more than that.

  He’d shown me nothing but kindness. Perhaps a hint of flirtation, but I don’t think he could speak without sounding flirtatious. Michael’s words indicated he was much more than a carefree younger brother though, and was instead a problem child.

  “And you expect me to be able to keep tabs on him?” My question was incredulous. I was the opposite of Ian from Michael’s description, and already knew Ian was better versed in the art of manipulation than I could ever be.