Trent Evans

by What She's Looking For

  “He wanted to know where you were.” Tara’s voice paused. “He wasn’t taking ‘I don’t know’ for an answer either.”

  Fury surged in Ashley’s blood. “Did he—”

  “No, no. Brian would’ve killed him, big bad cop or not.”

  “Thank God.” Ashley glanced up at the front doors, hoping she wouldn’t see the tall, impeccably dressed Parker behind the glass, his eyes flashing disapproval at her making him wait. There would be penalties for being late, no matter what the excuse.

  “He … it wasn’t good, Ashley. He looked a lot different. I don’t know what he’s into, but I’ve never seen him like that.”

  “I just — I don’t even want to think about him, Tara. Things are good.” She glanced up at the doors once more. “They’re better than good. I think I might stay out here, permanently.”

  Tara sighed. “I thought so. Look, just tell me this. Is he treating you well? I mean, really well? You don’t deserve anything less, Ash. Ever.”

  Her smile felt good, almost as good as the memory of Parker’s hands caressing the soft weight of her breasts that morning as his mouth plundered hers. “He’s great. Really … great.”

  “Well, shit.” Mischievous wariness crept into Tara’s voice. “I’m gonna have to come visit the hinterland one of these days and do some investigating for myself. I suspect you’re … compromised.”

  “Is that what you call it? I call it getting my brains fucked out.”

  Tara’s laugh warmed her heart, and for a moment she was able to let the thought of Terry fade away. She knew though that something had to be done. She knew him … and if things kept going down this road, it wasn’t going to end well. For anyone.

  Ashley glanced at her watch, a fluffy snowflake alighting onto the face. “I better go, Tara. I’ll call you tonight after dinner. I … I don’t wanna be late.”

  “Figures, slut.” Tara’s voice lowered. “There’s something else you need to know though.”

  “Yeah?” Laughter erupted from the deck and Ashley turned away, putting a hand over her off ear.

  “Brian went down to see if he could find Terry, try to catch him at the end of his shift. Just wanted to talk some sense into him, if he could.”

  “Oh great,” Ashley muttered. Even when she was still with Terry the two men had never exactly been tight. More like co-belligerents.

  “Ash, he’s gone.”

  “What? Like gone? How does Brian know that? Terry would disappear for days at a time. Standard, for that asshole.”

  “No, really gone. Desk sergeant told him Terry’d quit. Gun, badge, car. All of it.”

  “What the fuck.” She waved her arm. “That job was … everything to him. Jesus, he’s losing it. Really losing it.”

  “That’s what I thought too.” Tara paused. “Does your man—”

  “Parker.”

  “Okay — Parker. Does he own a gun? Can he handle himself?”

  “Uh, yeah no worries there.” Absurdly, she thought of the antique musket mounted up over his hearth. “He’s ex-military, I do know that.”

  Ashley frowned, knowing it was past time to learn more about this mysterious man. In the bedroom, Parker was regularly beating her, fucking her, and basically treating her — thank God — like a five dollar whore.

  Yet she still didn’t even know what Parker did for a living.

  “Well, ask him anyway. I don’t like this, Ash.”

  “No shit,” Ashley whispered. “You don’t think …?”

  The flatness of Tara’s voice chilled her. “Brian checked Terry’s house. His truck’s gone too, Ashley.”

  ***

  The place was packed, the warmth of the roaring fireplace no doubt drawing everyone in from the increasingly bitter cold evening. Standing inside the entryway of the restaurant, she scanned the boisterous, crowded space, searching for the man she saw in her dreams more than she cared to admit, the savory smells of food making her stomach growl.

  A deep voice rumbled in her ear, startling her, and a steely hand closed over her upper arm. “I’ll take you to him.”

  “Drake?’ She turned her head, peering up into the dark eyes she’d missed since … that white hot encounter in the shower.

  Missed? You barely know him.

  “Drake, where have you … ?”

  “Let’s go,” he said, pulling her behind him as if she were a little girl. Trying to ignore the narrowed eyes and thin lips of the women, and the raised eyebrows and low chuckles of a few of the men, she let Drake guide her through the throng.

  A cheer rang out from the crowd, and she yelled into Drake’s ear. “What’s going on?”

  His thumb cocked to the right. On a huge big screen hung over the bar, a football game was in progress. “Seahawks. Now, come on.”

  They found him all the way at the back — which seemed to be his favorite haunt at a restaurant — watching the crowd, gaze roving over everyone, and not really seeing any of them. It reminded her of the way a male lion might look upon his pride; a supreme confidence, and perhaps even indifference, to what went on around him.

  Then his gaze found them, and locked with hers, his devilish grin making her knees wobbly. Thankful for the modesty afforded her by her charcoal suit jacket, she felt her nipples pebble, rubbing against the smooth silk of her blouse.

  Drake stopped her by the booth where Parker sat, his arms raised upon the top edge of the seat to either side, his shirt pulled tight over a magnificent chest she longed to lick her way across, the tight brown nipples under the fabric calling to her lips.

  She moved to sit, but Parker’s shaking head stopped her. “You’re forgetting something, girl.”

  Drake’s deep chuckle made her blush, as he leaned a hip against the deep brown leather end of one of the booth’s backrests.

  “What — I don’t …?” She looked from Parker to Drake, whose dark eyes gave her nothing … other than the urge to jump him like an oversexed teenager.

  “Take off that jacket, for one thing, Ashley. We’ve been over this before.” Parker’s beckoning hand extended toward her. “Come on. Off.”

  Is he serious about this? Fuck.

  Though there wasn’t an empty seat in the place and the background noise was almost too loud to even hear speech, she felt very, very alone standing there, the men’s eyes perusing her at their leisure. Still, she knew there was nothing for it, and slipped off the modest protection of her jacket.

  “Now, you know what’s next, right?” Parker’s grin faded in an instant. “Don’t play dumb with me. Get on with it.”

  Feeling as if the eyes of the entire planet were locked upon her, she turned slowly in place, fighting the urge to close her eyes, knowing it would look even more strange if she did.

  “Stop there.” Parker’s voice was louder than necessary, and it made her want to hang her head. Despite her embarrassment, she could have etched glass with her nipples — that fact no doubt evident to all against the sheer fabric of her blouse — and her pussy was already swimming.

  “I like that skirt with those tights, don’t you Drake?”

  “Uh huh.” Drake’s deep voice was the kind of sound that drew everyone’s attention. “You could just let her wear pants on days like this though.”

  “Her days of wearing pants are over, my friend. She’ll just have to adapt.”

  Her fists clenched at her side, and she forced herself not to meet any of the several sets of eyes watching with interest, football game or not. A server, a soul patch darkening his smooth chin, brushed by her, a tray of dirty dishes in one hand.

  “Straighten those shoulders, girl,” Parker said. “You’ll stand up there until you do what you’re told, you know.”

  Fuck. Fuck. Fuck.

  The sheer blouse pulled tight over the swells of her breasts, and she really did close her eyes at the smattering of applause she could hear over mumbled voices. She knew her hard nipples practically called to every male eye in the house — and that was how Parker l
iked it.

  If it were possible, she would have gladly sunk into the very Earth.

  “I do like those skirts.” The admiration and naked lust in Drake’s voice both intensified her mortification and made her lonely clit sing. She shouldn’t like being admired like this — in public, no less — but her body’s reaction didn’t lie. And she had to face the fact that, deep down, she did crave the approval of Parker — and Drake.

  Admitting that to herself was both freeing and unsettling.

  “That’s quite an ass isn’t it?” Parker let her stand there for all to see for a moment longer, while murmurs from the crowd continued amid renewed roaring at the game. “Okay, get over here, girl.”

  Drake moved aside, allowing her to scoot along the bench to sit next to Parker. Rather than take the opposite side though, Drake simply sat back down on her other side, trapping her between them. His broad shoulders brushed her, and she pulled closer to Parker, who made no attempt to make more room for her. Soon enough it was clear she’d just have to adapt to eating her meal sandwiched between the two big men.

  Such a hard life you lead, Ashley.

  A hand squeezed her thigh. “Keep them open, just like we’ve talked about.”

  Glancing at Parker, she bit the corner of her lip. “Yes, Sir.”

  “Good girl.” Parker said, leaning over the table so that he could see Drake. In that simple gesture she’d been reduced to scenery. “She knows good and well that if we were at a less crowded place, I’d be making her pull that skirt up and those tights down when she sits at the table.”

  Drake looked down with a smile, shaking his head. “Lot to handle isn’t he?”

  “Yes … Sir.” They really hadn’t talked about how she was to address Drake, or even if it mattered … or really much of anything else. What the hell was going on here?

  The server came to take their orders, Ashley not allowed — as usual — to order for herself. Though she’d normally have ordered a nice salad, Parker got her a huge greasy cheeseburger, and a plate of fries so large she was pretty sure she could lay down on it.

  Her quizzical look prompted a small negative movement of Parker’s head, his suddenly flinty gaze fixed on her once more. “I see another discussion is needed once we get home about questioning. I think you do this on purpose, bad girl.”

  Lowering her gaze, she wrung her hands in her lap. “I’m sorry, Sir. I just … it’s a lot of food.”

  “A little junk food once in a while won’t kill you.I was serious when I said I wanted you filled out for me. For both of us.”

  She looked to Drake, whose dark eyes pinned her in place, their warm depths as welcoming as Parker’s were dangerous.

  “I’m looking forward to seeing the results too, I won’t lie,” Drake said. “You’ve got a beautiful ass — but I want to see it bigger, rounder.”

  Her mouth fell open, and once she’d confirmed words had fully failed her, she snapped it shut.

  “She’s got the body type for it. Just wait and see, Drake.” Parker winked at him, as Ashley flushed scarlet. “Dr. Park is on the case.”

  Drake’s laugh sent butterflies fluttering in her belly, even though she was quite certain she could listen to the smooth timbre of that laugh forever and never tire of it.

  “Are you planning on telling us what the phone call was for, or did you think we didn’t notice you out on the street?”

  No, it’s not time. Not now.

  “Haven’t seen Erik in awhile.” She took a quick gulp of ice water. “Doesn’t he usually come out here for breaks? Holidays are coming up.”

  Parker’s jaw hardened. “I told him to stay away for awhile.”

  “Why?” She’d never admit the kind of impression he’d made on her that night. How easy it was to be with all three of them. Maybe someday she’d know what to do with those thoughts.

  “I don’t want him around you for the time being. He’s never said it in so many words but it’s obvious—” Parker’s glance slid to Drake, the big man responding with a quick nod. “—he … really likes you.”

  “What?” Every time she thought she’d figured out how to navigate this situation, one of these men would drop another bombshell. A young guy like him? She thought of herself as an old lady, the big four –oh not that far away. “Seriously? I mean — I’m … “

  Articulate as always.

  “I talk to him once a week.” Drake shifted in his seat. “He asks about you all the time. He’d probably be pissed I told you that — but I’m bigger than him.”

  Ashley smiled, covering her mouth with her hand. Was this really happening? She’d never given it a serious thought, really. Hell, she was a fucking freshman in high school the year Erik had been born. No, no way was that possible.

  That’s what this life you’ve chosen is all about — making the dreams, reality. You can stop lying to yourself now.

  It was too much to think about right now. Someday there might be time to see where that road might lead.

  “You’re avoiding the question though, Ashley,” Parker said. “Your phone call?

  She darted a glance at Parker, who uncharacteristically, didn’t meet her gaze, staring out into the crowded restaurant. “I … it was nothing.”

  “Don’t do that.” Drake’s deep voice held a tense note she hadn’t heard before. “You looked like you saw a ghost while you were talking.”

  “It was him, right?” Parker’s voice was barely audible above the din. “Terry.”

  Her nod felt more sheepish than she knew it needed to be. It really wasn’t any of their business, but she felt … deceptive keeping it from them.

  When did this become about them, Ash?

  “He’s disappeared. Tara called—” she brushed a hand over her lips “— to tell me. Warn me, maybe.”

  This time Parker did turn to her, and she felt the tension hum off the big body of Drake, the power of the emotion emanating from the two men making her mouth dry and her pussy melt. “You should be staying with me.”

  “With us,” Drake added. “No doubt about it.”

  She crossed her arms under her breasts, not caring for the moment about the way it showcased their generous curves for all to see. “I can take care of myself. I have to learn how to be a big girl again. Without some man to come riding to the rescue.”

  “Is that what you think it would be?” Parker laid his hand on the table, palm up, and Ashley put hers over it, their fingers entwining. “Don’t you think it’s time? You’re at our house half the time anyway.”

  Ashley looked down, then peeked up at Parker. “Yes, in the bedroom. I don’t think I’ve spent longer than five minutes in the living room, though.”

  Drake smiled, scratching his chin. “You ain’t missin’ much.”

  Parker flashed a quelling look at his friend. “I don’t hear you complaining, girl. Not that that’s allowed anyway.”

  Her silent gaze was enough to get him shaking his head, with a rueful quirk of his sensual lips. “Tell me. Speak freely. I’m still your Sir, but I want to hear it. All of it.”

  “No, it’s not that.” She hoped her quick smile didn’t look as forced as it felt. “I love … it’s been really great. Wonderful.”

  Tell them.

  “But I’m not ready for that.” She looked from Parker back to Drake, their gazes locked upon her. “I want to be sure it’s right. The right time, the right reasons.”

  “Why?” Parker squeezed her hand firmly, just past the point of comfort. The strength in those hands might scare a regular girl. For a depraved slut like her, apparently, that dark promise just made her clit throb.

  There’s no fucking hope for you.

  “Don’t you think this has all been, well, a little … sudden?” Ashley reached for her water glass, taking a sip. “I mean, you can’t tell me you haven’t wondered if we’re being a little reckless with all this.”

  “That’s his middle fucking name.” Drake raised a big hand to get the server’s attention.


  “Shut it, Drake.” Parker pulled Ashley closer to him, closing both hands over hers. “We need to keep you safe. We can’t do that if you aren’t kept close. Very close.”

  “Three hundred feet isn’t close enough for you?” She winced as soon as the words left her lips. That was probably going to cost her a sore ass later on.

  Oh, you poor girl.

  “No, it’s not.” Drake crowded closer to her, her body giving way to his immovable, muscular bulk. “In our house. That’s where he wants you.”

  “Just him, Drake?” She was already in deep shit, she might as well complete the job.

  Now it was Drake’s turn to stare off into space. “No, not just him.”

  In a move bolder than she would ever have thought she was capable of, she grasped one of Drake’s huge hands, moving it to the table, and laying her palm over it. “Drake … I need to know. Is this what you want too? Do you … have feelings for me?”

  “Presumptuous, isn’t she?” Drake directed his crooked grin at Parker, as if Ashley wasn’t even there. “You taught her this?”

  “No, she’s … we’ll be having a discussion tonight about this.” Parker squeezed her fingers, and she hissed at the pain. “Take your hand away from his and lay it on your lap. Now.”

  “Parker, wait.” Her heart began the oh-shit-you’re-busted-but-this-is-hot-as-fuck trip hop in her chest. “I don’t … ?”

  “Just do what he tells you, Ashley.” Drake’s voice was so low it was felt more than heard, even over the cacophony of the restaurant, the tone of that voice making her pussy clench. How something as simple as a voice could have that effect simply stunned her. But there was no denying it.

  Her hand, visibly trembling, retreated to her lap, the fingers of her other hand still clamped in Parker’s vise-like grip. What the hell was going on?

  “Ashley, here it is.” Parker turned his head to her, his finger tipping her chin back, forcing her to look up at him. “We want you living under our roof. We want it within the next week. We’ll arrange to have what things we think you’ll need moved to the house, and the rest put into storage.”

  “The things you think I’ll need?”