“There you go, even Buster agrees. We still wouldn’t be paupers. I have no doubt in your ability. If I’m willing to take the chance, why not do it?”
Michael averted his gaze, and I suspected he knew something he wasn’t saying, and a quick glance at Ian revealed he thought the same. I raised my eyebrow, but Ian shook his head, warning me to stay silent. He cleared his throat and said, “Something to think on then. I do believe we still have the cemetery to tour and beignets to devour?”
“Yes,” I replied, sliding from the table, so Ian could clamber out.
“Was it not enough that I ate the po’boy?” Michael protested, pouting but I didn’t miss the gleam in his eyes.
“Nope,” I replied with a grin. “Plus, you haven’t tried a beignet. You thought the po’boy was good. Wait ‘til you try fried dough covered in powdered sugar.”
“Sounds like a surefire way to clogged arteries,” he answered sardonically, walking next to us as we left the restaurant.
Three hours later, we left Café du Monde, and Ian held my hand up as he twirled me under his arm. I laughed as I danced between the two of them, and Michael joined in, spinning me out and back in a smooth motion. We stopped to watch various street performers, and one of the guys always tipped them generously before we moved on. I spotted a caricature artist and, after some persuading, got both them to join me.
I laughed when I saw the finished result. She had managed to capture their personalities perfectly. Michael was straight-laced and proper, but she’d caught the loyalty and brotherly love I admired so much in him. Ian’s showed the devilish glint that was perpetually apparent in his eyes, as well as the deep affection that propelled every decision he made. Buster stood behind us, taller even than Michael, and twice as protective. She’d placed me in the center, each of them standing protectively around me, but it was the utter happiness she’d caught on my face that surprised me. I don’t remember ever looking as happy as I did in the portrait, but she’d captured how I felt perfectly. I hugged the picture to my chest, knowing I’d cherish it forever.
Ian noticed and smiled. “Perhaps we should have it framed, love. It is, after all, our first family portrait.”
His words struck me, but before I could comment, Michael spoke.
“He’s correct. We should.”
If I’d been surprised before, I was in shock now. I glanced back down at the portrait of the four of us. My stomach clenched at how badly I wanted them to be mine. All of them. Buster caught my eye as I looked back up, and for a second, I wondered if he could read my thoughts on my face. He rested his hand on my lower back, propelling me forward as he leaned down.
“You belong with us,” he whispered, his lips barely skimming the top of my ear and causing me to shiver. “To us,” he continued, but his voice was so low I wasn’t sure I’d heard him correctly.
Chapter Fourteen
The next few weeks passed in an easy rhythm as Ian and I explored the city and, when the heat was too unbearable, we watched movies. I was sadly uneducated in movie trivia and Ian was insistent I learn, so I could understand his random movie quotes. I tried to tempt him into reading more, and we found a happy medium when he discovered I loved to listen to him read aloud. Somehow, even the driest text sounded better when read with a British accent.
Buster made it a regular event to teach me different defense techniques and spar with me. Ian refused to spar with me, claiming concern that he may hurt me and would never forgive himself. He oozed such sincerity I couldn’t argue and after catching him threaten Buster’s life if he hurt me, it became even more believable.
When I expressed concern to Buster about Ian’s threat he laughed, saying, “The day that wanker bests me, I’m hanging up my hat, lassie.” I didn’t completely understand their dynamic, so I let it go, happy to try and bring Buster down instead.
We’d been sparring for over an hour when Michael and Ian came into the suite. I ignored them, completely certain I had Buster, when he stopped to greet them. I groaned in frustration, which turned their attention toward me.
“And what’s got your knickers in a twist, love?” Ian inquired politely.
“I almost had him!” I wailed, kicking the edge of the sofa we’d pushed out of the way.
“Did you now?” Michael’s tone indicated disbelief, causing my own eyes to narrow.
“YES!” I replied adamantly, knowing it was true. Buster had a tiny tell; one so microscopic it was almost imperceptible, but it existed, and I was about to use it against him when they’d interrupted.
“This I have to see.” Ian waved at us to carry on, and my nerves almost got the better of me. Buster gave me a wary smile, and I hoped I hadn’t lost my advantage. It would be bad enough if I failed, but ten times worse if it happened in front of Ian and Michael.
We bowed to one another and began circling. A few grapples, and then I saw it. Barely, but I went all in, breaking his hold and slipping behind him. I clearly caught him off guard, or I would never have been able to succeed with my next move. I kicked his knee in and snaked my arm around his neck. Shock held him immobile, but I wasn’t actually trying to hurt him, so I quickly let go. It was enough that I had gotten the better of him. My grin was huge as I danced around elatedly, to their utter surprise.
“What the bloody hell?” Ian muttered, as Michael held out his hand, lips pursed.
“Buster, did a slip of a girl just overcome you?” he asked, fighting a smirk that would have had Buster challenging them.
“Apparently so,” Buster replied, his shocked confusion quickly turning into a pleased pride. “Now, tell me how you did it!”
“Haha. No,” I responded, fist pumping just like the guy in the movie Ian had shown me the day before. I hummed the tune, and Ian started to laugh.
“Our next Rocky Balboa. Nice.” He walked over and bowed in front of me. “Jane, you never cease to impress.”
Buster frowned, and I could almost see him replaying the moves to see where he’d messed up. He eyed me suspiciously and said, “Again.” I was shaking my head when Michael interrupted.
“There’s no time. We will be attending a business dinner tonight, and Jane will need to shower.” He wrinkled his nose at me, and I rolled my eyes. Buster wasn’t happy, but he nodded.
“We will continue this at a later date,” he told me formally, before turning back to Michael. “Do you want me to drive this evening?”
“No, tonight you are with us as a guest. Attire is formal,” he mentioned, glancing at the shorts and tank top Buster wore.
“Understood.”
“Wait,” I said frantically thinking about the clothes I had. “Formal? I don’t have anything to wear.” Ian gave me one of his charming grins and pressed a kiss to my temple. “Taken care of, love. Now go do whatever it is you women do to get ready. The dress will be waiting on the bed.”
Buster headed for his room as I went to the bathroom. He stopped me with a hand on my arm and gave me a proud smile. “You did good,” I beamed at him, my insides wiggling with happiness at my accomplishment. “Next time, don’t hesitate to bring me down, if you can do it again,” he continued, wiping the smile from my face. “You won’t hurt me and I want to see how you do once you’ve brought me down.”
I narrowed my eyes at him.
“Oh, I’ll bring you down again. Think you can handle it?”
He crossed his arms, making his muscles bulge and I swallowed hard, not out of fear, but desire. Buster hadn’t made a single move since the day I’d woken him up and I wasn’t brave enough to attempt a second wake up call. In fact, Buster and Michael had taken a hands off approach when it came to me, making me wonder if I’d imagined both kisses.
“I think the better question is, can you?” My eyes shot up to his when he spoke and a smirk tilted one side of his mouth. “Handle me when you have me at your mercy,” he clarified as I gulped, my mind immediately going to thoughts of what I’d do with him under me and none of them involved self-defense.
Buster stepped forward, crowding me against the bathroom door as his head tilted toward mine. “I’d love to know what unholy thoughts are going through that virginal mind of yours right now,” he murmured against my hair right before his teeth sank into the delicate lobe of my ear. I barely bit back a moan as the door supported my weight. Buster hummed against my ear, the vibration tingling through my body as he pulled back and said, “Enjoy your shower.”
He turned, but not before I saw the bulge in his shorts and a wicked grin of my own spread across my face.
“At least mine won’t be cold,” I called after him, quickly slamming the bathroom door and locking it before he could retaliate. I slumped back against the door, aware of every nerve ending in my body as I tried to control my breathing. My skin felt too tight and I ached, wanting, but not sure what I wanted. Buster and Michael had pulled away, leaving me to spend the majority of my time with Ian, who made me laugh, but never pushed. His flirtations always lighthearted and casual, and even though he touched me frequently they never lingered.
I groaned in frustration, my eyes snapping open as I glanced in the mirror, only to see my cheeks flushed as my eyes glittered, my black hair falling from the ponytail I’d pulled it up in.
Whore.
The word whispered in my ear, sounding distinctly like my mother’s voice as I blew out a breath. The voice wasn’t wrong.
I was a whore.
I desired not one, not two, but three men. Not only was I a whore, but I was greedy, because I wanted them all for myself.
The thought was so opposite of everything I’d been raised with that it was hard to understand where it had come from. All I knew was that living with the three of them felt right. Sparring with Buster, giggling with Ian, and matching wits with Michael made me happy. Their touches made me shiver and I couldn’t deny I wanted more, but I wanted more with all of them and I had no idea how to make it work.
Chapter Fifteen
Ian
“I was surprised to see you weren’t here. I thought you stayed and observed their sparring matches?” Michael didn’t even attempt subtlety, I noted with a smile. He’d loosened his tie in the elevator, adopting a newfound casualness I found refreshing. I thought my brother would live perpetually with a stick up his arse, but it seemed Jane’s presence had wrought changes in him, as well me. It hasn’t altered his damnable curiosity though, I thought.
“I had to run an errand.” I failed to mention it involved uncovering why Audra had shown up here so unexpectedly. There was no doubt in my mind it had something to do with the company Michael was set to acquire. Our parents had obviously hoped to distract us with her presence, and I hated to admit it, but it probably would have worked. My initial reaction to seeing her had proven that. If Jane hadn’t been part of our lives, it was more than probable that I would have gone on a bender to end all benders, forcing Michael to deal with my antics and distracting him from his work.
But why now, I wondered. It was this thought that continued to trouble me. Something about this particular company buyout had our parents on edge. Enough to play a card I hadn’t even known they held, even though it shouldn’t have surprised me. Our parents had proven themselves cunning the first time they’d tried to destroy me.
“An errand,” he responded carefully. “And this errand wouldn’t have had anything to do with a certain business associate, would it?” He caught me by surprise with his observation, a fact that didn’t go unnoticed by him. It shouldn’t have surprised me that Audra would have tattled to my brother about our little meeting. It was, after all, her MO.
However, Michael would normally not give a damn, so what had she implied our meeting was about?
“I was wondering what she was doing here. You seemed disturbed by her presence. I thought I’d find out more information about her objectives,” I responded glibly, unboxing the dress I’d picked up for Jane on the way back. “I still believe we should purchase the company jointly. Step out on our own and build something we can be proud of.”
“You mean I can build,” Michael replied, his tone razor sharp. I studied him more carefully, wondering what lies Audra had fed him. He normally didn’t react so strongly. “You have yet to finish university, so why would I assume you could be a dependable business partner?”
The words hurt; the transparent lack of faith even more so. His words held a hint of truth, one I couldn’t easily deny, but my loyalty didn’t deserve to be questioned, and I told him as much.
“I would never betray you, brother. I may deserve your contempt, but not you questioning my loyalty to you. I will stand with you in any endeavor.”
The strength of my words took him aback, but he firmed his expression as he said, “And Jane? Do your words extend to her as well? That you would never betray her?”
“Of course,” I replied fiercely. “She is our family. I could never allow harm to come to her, from anyone, including myself. She is the single most important person in my life, other than you and Buster.” I’d never admitted the strength of my feelings, but when questioned, they spilled out. I knew I meant every word, and the depth of my feelings must have shined through, because Michael nodded, however, he didn’t relax, which I found curious.
“Forgive me. My accusations were baseless.” He offered me an apologetic smile, and I accepted it with a small nod.
“Where did they come from then?” I asked, already knowing. This had Audra’s signature all over it. He waved his hand, brushing the question aside.
“It appears there is a snake in our midst,” he answered instead, the words enigmatic to anyone else. Our eyes met as he smiled, revealing bared teeth. “You need to give Jane her dress. We wouldn’t want her wandering around in a bathrobe. Don’t forget to wear a tie.” He strolled toward his room, one hand tucked into his pocket, and I knew we’d have to deal with the Audra situation. Part of me debated over telling him the whole truth, a truth I’d tried to avoid for so long. It would give him any ammunition he needed against them, but admitting what happened all those years ago and the downward spiral it had sent me on was abhorrent.
I set Jane’s dress on the bed and stepped over to the closet to get my tuxedo. The sight of our mingled clothing gave me pause as I thought of how effortlessly she’d blended in to our lives. My hand brushed against the simple cotton of her favorite skirt. The bold floral print was deemed garish by Michael, but it suited her admirably. It had been my inspiration when I’d picked out her dress for the evening, which led me to believe she’d love the dress. I gathered my tuxedo from the back of the closet and headed to the other bathroom to shave before dressing. Clean-shaven was Michael’s rule, and tonight I wished to have no arguments as we showed a united front. No one would question my loyalty to those I deemed family.
“You came to scrub my back?” Buster called over the sound of the shower as I stepped in the bathroom.
“Only if you’ll return the favor,” I rejoined, hanging the tuxedo on the door and pulling my shirt over my head. “Still smarting from Jane besting you?”
“Ha, more like impressed, mate,” Buster corrected, his words light as he whistled. “I’m still not sure how she did it, but she can bring me to my knees anytime.”
I grinned, lathering my face as I called back, “I think she’s brought us all to our knees.”
Buster didn’t reply, and after a second I glance toward the glassed in shower to see Buster staring at me.
“I know I’m handsome, but I didn’t think you swung that way,” I told him with a wink.
“You care for her?” Buster asked, entirely too seriously for my liking.
“Of course, don’t you?” I asked, somewhat puzzled by Michael’s earlier comments and now Buster’s.
“Of course, but I meant,” Buster gestured but didn’t finish and I raised my eyebrows.
“You meant?” I shook my head, fairly certain what he meant but wanting him to state it.
He gave an exasperated sigh.
“You
want to give her a poke or you want to put a ring on it?”
“Jesus, Buster, this is Jane we’re talking about,” I said in disgust, turning back to the mirror to continue shaving.
“I know, which is why I don’t like saying it,” Buster roared, his natural brogue growing thicker in his anger. “She’s not some girl you can have and throw away, Ian. She’s important.”
I blinked; staring at my half shaven reflection as it dawned on me, I wasn’t the only one who had developed feelings for Jane.
“She’s not some girl, Buster,” I told him quietly, my mind whirling as I tried to sort out this new information. I’d thought I was the only one who cared for Jane that way, and it occurred to me to wonder how Jane felt about Buster. Did she care for him the same way? I knew she had feelings for me and to some extent Michael, but I thought they were more casual. It was why I’d moved so slowly with her, not wanting to frighten her off since she was living with us.
I waited for my instinctive sense of betrayal to rear it’s ugly head, but it never did. The idea of Jane and Buster didn’t bother me, and it wasn’t because I didn’t care for her. It was more like it was okay because it was Buster.
“She’s a confusing mess who has managed to turn my life, our lives, upside down, but she’s not some girl, Buster, I assure you,” I repeated, quickly finishing shaving as Buster stepped from the shower, a towel wrapped around his waist. Glancing at the mirror as we stood side by side, there was no comparison to size. Buster was huge, massively muscled compared to my leaner more natural runner’s build.
“Aye, you’ve got the right of it,” Buster admitted, his hands going to his jaw to check if he needed to shave. “She’s got knots in us all.” Buster gave me a quick glance and stammered, “I mean she gave me a run for my money today sparring. I’ll have to keep on my toes with her.” I nodded, my thoughts ticking and I finally smiled.
“It’ll take all three of us to keep her satisfied,” I answered, fishing, and was rewarded when Buster’s gaze flashed to mine. “Jane’s happiness is all that matters to us. Isn’t that right?”
Charming Jane_A Reverse Harem Romance Page 16
