Given

by Ashlynn Monroe

  “Oh Christ. Yes!” Brax cried as she increased the length and speed of her gyrations. His hands were wild on her breasts and he squeezed them while tweaking her nipples with his thumbs.

  Growling, Brax moved so suddenly that she only had time to issue a small squeak before he had her pinned to the mattress, fucking her with a raging need that added fuel to the flames inside of her.

  “Fuck yes!” he shouted. “Tell me it won’t be like this with anyone else,” he demanded.

  She didn’t, instead she cried out, clinging to him as her body shuddered with the radiating pleasure of her orgasm. He kissed her mouth hard. His head tilted and he pressed his forehead to hers as he growled with release.

  Brax collapsed next to her on the bed, and then dragged her into his arms. She lay with her head on his chest. The only sound in the room was their ragged breathing. They lay like that for several minutes.

  “Time for a shower,” Brax said, sliding out of bed. He held out his hand and she took it, and then followed him from the soft, warm mattress.

  She shivered with the chill of the morning air as Brax turned on his large, private shower. He grabbed a washrag and kissed her as he walked backward with her into the shower, closing the glass door behind them. The warm spray hit her and she squeezed her eyes tightly as the water beat against them, splashing their faces. The kiss and the spray made it hard to breath, but she was still in a sort of erotic trance, not caring or concerned about anything besides the man making her feel so alive.

  He pulled away and squeezed some liquid body wash into the rag. He began to sensually rub her body with the cloth, and she stood still, unsure as to what to do while he washed her from head to toe. He spent a ridiculous amount of time on her breasts before turning her around and washing her ass cheeks with small circular strokes. Krista moaned, but when he dipped the cloth between those cheeks, she clenched, feeling violated.

  “Relax,” he instructed.

  She did her best, but there was something so much more forbidden in him touching her there, she was having trouble.

  “Some men like to fuck their partner’s ass. Don’t let any of the others have that, Krista. If you ever want to try that, let that be mine. Would you do that for me?”

  She shook her head mutely. It was very unlikely she’d be begging for that anytime soon. If giving him this promise made him happy, she didn’t see the harm. Her asshole was still slick with soap. He moved the rag and gently rubbed against it with the tip of his finger. She shivered. Then he stopped and began rinsing the suds from her skin.

  Strangely, she realized she was disappointed he’d stopped playing with her ass. As wrong as it felt, she’d enjoyed his touch. The idea of something secret and special between them was intriguing. She took a deep breath of the steaming air. Brax was her favorite, she had to admit it to herself even though playing favorites wasn’t a good idea.

  He put some shampoo in his hands and began working it into her hair. The sensation was wonderful. She sighed. He rinsed her hair and then picked up the fallen washrag. She watched as he began to lather himself.

  “Let me,” she whispered, taking the washrag from him. Slowly, she began to wash him as he’d done to her. She noticed his flaccid cock was semi-erect. “Aren’t men supposed to have a recovery time? I remember learning about that.”

  “I’ve been waiting a hell of a long time, my body’s been very deprived.”

  Krista chuckled. Then she rinsed him and tried to wash his hair, but he was too tall. Brax finished the job quickly before pinning her to the wall for another kiss. The heat and steam swirled around them. It seemed like she’d gone to a mythical land of perfect sensation, not just an ordinary shower. When he pulled away, she realized her fingers had wrinkled. It was time to get out of the water.

  Brax turned off the spray, and they stepped out onto the large white mat. The chill made her shiver. He quickly enveloped her in a big, fluffy, white towel, rubbing her briskly. Brax took a new towel and began drying his own skin. They went back into the bedroom and picked up her clothing from the night before. She didn’t want to walk across the house naked.

  “Here, I had this brought down. I like to think ahead.” He opened his dresser drawer and handed her the white nightgown and robe.

  “Thanks,” she said quietly. It wasn’t as if Steve didn’t know she was there for sex, but knowing Brax had asked the housekeeper to bring her intimate clothing to him made her a bit uncomfortable. She was glad not to be putting on yesterday’s clothing, but it was just weird that he’d so precisely planned for her to stay. Shrugging, she put on the nightgown and robe.

  “Lay with me before you go,” Brax requested.

  “Okay.” She crawled into his bed and he wrapped his arms around her. The smell of his shampoo and body wash filled her senses. She felt completely engulfed by him. For a long time, she listened to his heartbeat. They were silent.

  “Are you really jealous of the others? Is it just because you’re territorial?”

  “Territorial?”

  She chuckled. “They put you in your own area. I suspect it’s because they see what I see, a man who likes his space and his things left alone. Am I just one of your things?”

  “You don’t belong to me, Kristannie, but I wish you did. If this was another world I’d...doesn’t matter now.” He reached out and touched her. There was so much tenderness in the caress, she closed her eyes and savored the moment.

  “I guess not. I’ll see you later.” She slipped from his arms, but he grabbed her and pulled her back. He kissed her with a hunger that left her panting. If she had a choice, she would stay with him, and only him. She didn’t have a choice though.

  Krista pulled away, and saw the fleeting look of disappointment in his eyes before she left the room without looking back. She didn’t know whom she belonged with today, but she knew it wasn’t Brax and the thought hurt. She didn’t want to be intimate with the others today, not after spending the morning in Braxton’s bed. She felt a connection to him that she didn’t with any of the other five. Playing favorites would just hurt them all.

  She hurried through the darkness to her own room and shut the door. She wouldn’t be getting any more sleep, so she dressed and sat down on the little couch with the book she was reading. Soon she lost herself in Samuel Johnson’s struggle.

  Chapter 6

  A soft knock on the door startled Krista.

  Jared walked in. “Are you coming down for breakfast? We’re waiting for you.”

  “Oh sorry, I was reading and didn’t look at the clock.”

  “So you like the book? I’m kind of surprised.”

  “Why? It’s the closest thing to my situation I’ve seen. There’s a lot that’s different, but Brax really got the emotion right. I’m already almost done with this one. I can’t wait to see what happens to Samuel when his punishment ends. I just want to cry worrying about him, ridiculous I know. I almost feel like I know him, even if he’s fictional.”

  “The man can write. Are you okay? There are bags under your eyes. Did Brax hurt…never mind.”

  “No, he didn’t hurt me. I’m still just adjusting. Is tonight your night?” She hoped so, she liked Jared and if she couldn’t sleep with Brax, she had a feeling the sweet, young man would be gentle and it would be over quickly.

  “No, Saturday is mine. Last as usual, low man on the totem pole. Do you want me to write the list down so you’ll know? We promised to stick by it unless one of us is gone. Then it’s your choice or you get the night off. Oh Christ, that sounds so wrong. I didn’t mean—you’re not working for us or whatever.”

  Krista bit the inside of her cheek to keep from saying something nasty. His words bothered her; she did feel a little like a prostitute, or worse, a sex slave. Having a patriotic duty to have sex for procreation wasn’t the most wonderful future, but it beat placement with new men. The stress was bad here, but she felt a connection of sorts with these men. It would be worse to have to begin all over again with six ne
w men. The idea of never seeing Brax again really bothered her. She hoped they’d get her pregnant soon and then the pressure would be off her shoulders and theirs.

  Jared grabbed a piece of paper off the small desk. He scribbled down days and then names before handing her the paper.

  “Wow, no wonder you want to be a doctor, your handwriting is awful.”

  He flushed, but grinned. “Thanks?”

  She read the paper. Brax Monday, Damon Tuesday, Mal Wednesday, Max Thursday, DeAnthony Friday, Jared Saturday, Sunday lady’s choice.

  “Thanks for the schedule. I guess I’m Damon’s today. I don’t think your brother likes me very much.”

  “He’s happy, we all are. He’s just not as into the whole relationship thing. I think he’s scared we’ll lose you and he doesn’t want to get hurt. Sharing isn’t easy for any of us.”

  The explanation made some sense, but Krista wasn’t convinced. “Okay, thanks. Let’s go eat, I’m starving.”

  “If you aren’t doing anything this afternoon, would you like to play video games?” Jared asked.

  “Yeah, that’d be fun.” Krista smiled and gave him a quick hug. Being with him almost felt normal—as if they could be friends. She liked the idea of a friend they didn’t have to hire for her. She followed him downstairs.

  Jared pulled out her chair and she sat down. They were all looking at her expectantly. “Good morning,” she said.

  “Morning.” The men spoke in mumbled unison.

  “Have a nice night, beautiful?” DeAnthony asked, making her blush.

  “It was wonderful,” she replied quietly, before glancing at Brax who was grinning from ear to ear.

  So much for not playing favorites. They began eating the mountains of eggs, bacon, and toast. Krista closed her eyes as she took a sip of orange juice. This breakfast must have cost a small fortune. Oranges, even the juice, was precious in the north.

  “This is delicious. Thanks, Steve,” Krista said as the housekeeper passed her with another platter of toast. Steve nodded, scurrying from the room.

  The men ate as if they were starving.

  “We’re calling the companion service today. Do you have a preference?” Jared asked.

  “I’d like to learn how to cook, maybe to paint too, if that’s not a problem with you guys.”

  “I think it’s a foolish waste of money. Let’s just hire a gay housekeeper and we’re fine,” Max grumbled.

  “Steve has worked for us a long time. He’s good, and I don’t want to be the asshole. Would you want to be the one who fires Steve?” Brax said, frowning.

  “Quiet, he’ll hear,” Jared whispered.

  “Fine, call the service, but don’t let them talk you into anything more expensive than the basic services,” Max replied.

  Krista rolled her eyes. She stuck out her tongue at Max and his eyes widened, and then he chuckled.

  “Fine, buy her what she wants. Damn expensive woman,” Max grumbled, but he was grinning.

  “She’s worth every penny,” Jared defended. Heat crept up her cheeks.

  She put her napkin on her plate. Steve’s cooking was wonderful. She’d have to start exercising again or she’d be the size of a house soon.

  “Are you done?” Damon asked.

  She turned to him. “Yes, it was delicious.”

  “Great, let’s go.”

  “Where?” She was surprised he’d made plans with her for the day. He hadn’t seemed that interested in getting to know her before.

  “My room or yours?”

  She looked at the men sitting around the table. Jared and Braxton looked angry. Max glanced back and forth between Krista and his friend as if he was trying to decide how to feel.

  “You don’t plan to keep her chained to your bed all day, do you?” Mal teased, but she could hear the genuine concern in his voice.

  “It’s my day, stay out of it. Let’s go to my room.” He held out his hand.

  She paused, not in the mood to go have sex with him, especially when they’d just finished breakfast. He shook the hand he held out impatiently. She didn’t take it, but she did stand.

  Brax also stood, his chair scraping back loudly. “Do you really think this is the best way?”

  “I’ve waited long enough. I want to have sex. She’s here to get pregnant, not to be my new best friend. You guys are making me a little sick, acting as if you can all play house with her. She’s playing you, don’t forget that, Jared.” He pinned his brother with a dark look, then looked back at Krista. “You don’t love us, Krista, and we don’t love you. Love isn’t something you can win, but these days sex is. Let’s go.”

  She didn’t want to. Her face felt like it was on fire. She was so embarrassed. Steve was standing in the doorway watching too. “I’d like to get to know you. I didn’t sign up for this either. I’m sorry you don’t like me, but could we wait until a little later? Maybe if we could just talk—”

  Damon interrupted her. “No. Let’s go.”

  She looked back at the others, she felt like she might cry. “What if I want to pick someone else today? Jared is stuck with Saturday. I think we should put you on Saturday.” She didn’t look away this time, but instead forced herself to look into the rude man’s eyes.

  “Bullshit! Jared, you fucking know what we agreed to. Did you go whining about being the one to get her at her most used?”

  Krista flinched at the description. She really didn’t like Damon.

  “I didn’t whine. She saw the list. Who’d want to have to wait? I don’t think Saturday makes her used, but I’d take Tuesday.”

  “Okay, Jared is Tuesday and you’re Saturday then,” Brax said.

  “No. I don’t accept that. We made an agreement. Do you think I’ll love you by Saturday, ’cause that’s stupid shit, woman.”

  “Watch your language in front of Krista. She’s our lady, treat her like it.” DeAnthony stood too. His fists clenched.

  The situation was spiraling out of control. Krista hated causing turmoil by rejecting the asshole. She hadn’t really wanted emotional sex, not after Brax, but she didn’t want to be used either. She’d just get him over with and keep on trying to obtain some sort of Zen and harmony. At least she wouldn’t have to deal with being in his bed for another seven days.

  “Fine. Let’s go, I don’t want fighting,” Krista shouted. She looked back sadly at the remaining men. “I’ll get through it.” Then she took a step closer to Damon. “Lead the way,” she said as sassily as she could.

  He didn’t look any happier than she felt. She followed him up the stairs. He closed and locked the door behind them and began taking off his clothes. He paused and looked at her. “What are you waiting for?”

  She’d hoped he’d change his mind. She wouldn’t want to be with an unwilling man. Clearly, her willingness didn’t matter to him. She began taking off her clothes. He was being a jerk, and didn’t seem to care. His cock was erect, but his eyes were hard, cruel. He didn’t look horny, just angry.

  “Get on the bed.”

  She lay down on the bed, still hoping he’d change his mind and let her leave. This was the first time she thought about the panic button. The idea of someone swooping into the house to take her away from him was appealing. She didn’t really want to go through the trauma of being placed with a new six though, so she remained still.

  “Spread your legs.”

  She began to panic, but slowly parted her thighs a little. She lay naked and stiff. “We could talk for a while. I’d like to know you, Damon.”

  “Shut up and relax. You seemed to like it well enough the other night.”

  She watched him get on the bed. Her body wasn’t ready for him and she knew it. He tried to push inside of her, but she was dry and tight. He spit on his hand and rubbed it on the head of his cock. Oh, gross. Then he forced it inside of her. She arched her back, crying out in pain. He thrust inside of her. She thought about Brax’s tender touch earlier. Her mind tried to detach from what Damon was doing. How
can it be so good with one man and so bad with another? When he stiffened and cried out, she felt his limp cock slid out of her body and slap against her thigh. She shuddered and sat up quickly, covering her breasts.

  “Are we done?” Her voice trembled and it made her angry with herself. The realization that she’d have to endure him once a week was almost overwhelming. That had been the worse experience of her life, and so far, life hadn’t been so good.

  “If I want to do it again later, the whole day is mine.”

  “Fuck no, you had your turn. You will get me again next Tuesday. I think I hate you.”

  “You can’t tell me you like any of them better.”

  “I can and I will. You’re the only one who raped me.”

  He flinched as she said the words. “Just get the hell out of my room.”

  She didn’t need to hear it twice. Her room was close enough that she didn’t even bother to put her clothes on, she just streaked down the hall. The moment she was out of his room she let the tears fall. She slammed her door shut and locked it. Krista let her body slide down the door and she sat for a moment crying until she realized his ejaculation was running down her leg.

  Tossing her clothes on the bed, she rushed to her shower and turned on the water as hot as it would go. Once she was under the scalding blast, she cried again. After washing herself between her legs three times, she still felt dirty. She stayed in the shower until the hot water turned cold, then she stumbled out and found a towel.

  Krista cried until she was out of tears, then dressed and sat back down on her little couch with the book. She couldn’t concentrate, but just holding the book made her feel better for some inexplicable reason. Whether it was her connection to the character or the fact that Braxton had written it, she just wanted to stay there alone and having it near her felt comforting.

  She’d thought she was out of tears, but before she knew it, she began crying again. There was a soft knock on the door. She didn’t get up.