Crimson Dichotomy (Dichotomy Saga)

by Aubrey Ross

  “And the intermission isn’t over yet. You can continue negotiations as soon as we reach D’arcy Aiden.” Lukas moved in front of her, leaning in close until she was snugly sandwiched between them. “This could be interesting.”

  She stared into Lukas’ eyes and forgot what she was about to say. Heat and anticipation curled around them. Katsu’s hands slid up, teasing the underside of her breasts, accenting their heaviness. Lukas grasped her hips and aligned their lower bodies, the hard length of his cock unmistakable. What would this feel like if they were naked, their hands sliding across her sensitive skin?

  “Would you like to find out?” Lukas whispered against her lips.

  Before she could reply, reality skewed. The room rotated in a blur of color and sound, leaving them suspended in the midst of a vortex. She gasped and wrapped her arms around Lukas. In turn, Lukas grasped Katsu and pulled him firmly against her back.

  The rushing sensation lasted only a moment. They were drawn through the dimensional fabric and deposited beyond the Veil. Reality tilted and Rebecca cried out. Rather than standing, they ended up on their sides in a sun-bathed meadow.

  She pushed against the grassy ground, trying to look around. Lukas had other ideas. He allowed her to glimpse leafy trees and a cloudless sky before he arranged her on her back and moved her arms above her head.

  “The sun is shining.” She felt stupid pointing out the obvious, so she rephrased the observation. “Are the days longer here or is this dimension on a different schedule?”

  “Actually, both.” Lucas licked his lips as his gaze moved over her features. “Even if Taerok figures out where we’ve gone, he can’t follow until after sundown here or he’ll be jarred back into his solar trance. You’re safe. No one will harm you here.”

  “Then why are you holding me down?” Her heart pounded in her chest and her voice sounded shaky and breathless. She looked at Katsu. He sat on her other side, watching Lukas with wary interest. Why was he allowing another man to put his hands on her?

  “Look at me.” Lukas shifted both her wrists into one hand and turned her head back around. “We can analyze your emotions, dissect the reasons for your hesitation, but none of that will change the events in your past. It’s obvious you’re lonely, and you care about Katsu. Wouldn’t you rather confront your fear?”

  “I’m not afraid of Katsu.” She kept her gaze fixed on Lukas, determined not to reveal the vulnerability twisting inside her. He hadn’t been contracted to solve her emotional problems; he was supposed to keep her safe.

  “You’re afraid of your passionate nature. You don’t want to risk rejection again.”

  “You just met her,” Katsu objected. “What makes you think you know so much about her?”

  “He’s empathic,” Rebecca said. “Most of the Sentinels are.”

  “Emotions are one of the things I sense when I scan a person’s mind, but my gift is different from true empathy.”

  “Why did you scan my mind?”

  “I was trying to determine if I needed to interrupt the argument. I never interfere without sufficient cause.”

  “So, why are you holding me down?”

  “Because you want me to.” He paused, allowing the implication to sink in. “Beneath your fear rests a deep well of untapped desire. We’re going to help you access it.”

  “We?” She glanced at Katsu, then back at Lukas, while her pulse thrummed through her veins. “Both of you—together?”

  Lukas brushed her cheek with his knuckles. “It’s time for honesty. We’ll help you combat your fear, but nothing will change unless you stop lying to yourself.”

  “I never lie to myself and I try not to lie to others.”

  “All right. Prove your honesty. What was the first thought that went through your mind when we held you between us?”

  He’d replied to her mental ramble as if she’d spoken her thoughts out loud. Denial served no purpose. “I wondered what it would feel like if we were naked.”

  Katsu moved closer, resentment hardening his expression. “How did you manage to insinuate yourself into this? If she’s ready for a lover, I’m happy to oblige her, but you go stand guard.”

  “No.” Lukas continued to stroke her face while his other hand firmly held her wrists. “She doesn’t need a lover. She needs to be controlled, and you’re no Dom.”

  For a long moment Katsu glared at Lukas. Then his angry gaze turned toward Rebecca and his expression softened. “Is he right? Do you need to be dominated? Is that why I’ve never been able to get through to you?”

  “I don’t know. I—”

  “No more lies, Rebecca.” Lukas moved to the grass above her head. He bent his legs on either side of her shoulders, then pulled her up against his chest. “Search your heart. Katsu has served you faithfully. He deserves the truth.”

  “Served” was such an odd word. People didn’t serve each other in the twenty-first century. Still, it perfectly identified Katsu’s attitude. He was loyal to a fault, always ready to champion her cause or provide for her needs. “Bianca is sexually aggressive. She generally chooses men who are willing to indulge her appetites.”

  “We’re talking about you, not Bianca.”

  She craned her neck, but Lukas was directly behind her. “Every lover I’ve had slept with Bianca first. They’re accustomed to her demands and her volatility. It makes me seem…weak and uninteresting.”

  “Even if that were true with the others, I don’t feel that way,” Katsu objected. “I’m every bit as attracted to you as I am to Bianca.”

  “Words are easy,” Lukas said. “She needs a demonstration of your feelings. Take off your clothes and show her how much you want her.” He guided her hands to his hips. “Hold on to me. You don’t have permission to touch anything else.”

  Permission? She’d never needed permission to touch a lover before—and sex had felt hollow. Was Lukas right? Had he found the elusive ingredient missing from her physical relationships?

  She relaxed against him, amazed at how wonderful it felt to just let go. He brushed her hair back from her face and gathered the thick mass to one side. His fingers drifted from her face to her neck and lower, easing beneath the fabric of her blouse. He might be arrogant and overbearing, but his touch was gentle, slow and teasing.

  “Shouldn’t we get inside before we do this?” Katsu looked around. “Or at least move into the trees.”

  “My father’s people are far less inhibited than humans. If anyone spotted us enjoying carnal pleasure, they’d smile and continue on their way. Children would be instructed to avert their gaze, but the Sidhe don’t consider sex shameful.”

  “Is this what you want, Rebecca? I won’t let him—”

  “It’s not your decision to make.” Lukas’ voice snapped with authority. “Either take off your clothes or be quiet.”

  Katsu pushed to his knees, hands clenched at his sides. “I will not let you bully her into something she’s not ready to experience.”

  “You put too much stock in words. I find actions and responses far more dependable. She didn’t resist when I pulled her arms above her head. She could have jerked her hands out of my grasp, but she didn’t even try. She has followed every directive without pause. This is what she needs. Offering her alternatives only opens the door to her fear.”

  Rebecca hadn’t even realized how easily she’d submitted until she heard Lukas’ list. How could she deny wanting this when her body had already surrendered? His hand slipped inside her bra and lightly cupped her breast. She bit her lower lip, waiting for Katsu to react. His eyes narrowed for a second, then he looked into her eyes. She arched, rubbing herself against Lukas’ hand. Katsu accepted her decision with a stiff nod and yanked his T-shirt off over his head.

  “Watch Katsu,” Lukas instructed. “See how brightly his eyes glow. That’s lust and frustration. He wants you, needs to be inside you so badly it’s painful.”

  Easing her legs apart, Katsu knelt between them. He slid his hands down he
r thighs and rocked forward, placing a kiss on her lips. “I’ve wanted you for months. My dreams are filled with your face and my—”

  “Show her. Take off your pants. Let her see what she does to you.”

  Katsu’s hands moved to his waistband, then he paused. “I’m not into men.”

  Lukas chuckled. “This is about her.”

  With another nod, Katsu lowered his zipper and wiggled out of his clothing. Had his underpants come off with his jeans or hadn’t he been wearing any? The thought flittered off as he settled on his knees between her legs.

  Sunlight played across his smooth skin, revealing his wiry strength in stark relief. Rebecca had spent countless hours admiring his features, while his naked body was new territory. His chest was hairless and shaped by sharply defined muscles that tapered down to rippling abs. He fisted his cock, stroking the shaft from base to tip. Her gaze followed the lazy movement as tension built between her thighs.

  “You must learn to accept pleasure before you’ll be allowed to give it,” Lukas told her. He pulled his hand out from inside her blouse and went to work on the buttons. When the last disk slipped free of its corresponding hole, he parted the material. “Lift your arms free of the sleeves. I want you naked.”

  She didn’t hesitate. Obeying his orders felt wonderfully liberating. She was safe within his embrace, free to explore her needs without worrying about being compared with Bianca.

  Her bra joined the growing pile of discarded clothing. Without having to be told, she returned her hands to his hips, anchoring herself against Lukas’ strong body. He cupped her breasts, offering them to Katsu.

  “Her nipples are hard and deeply flushed. Reward her for responding to the sight of your aroused body.” Katsu bent to her breasts. He sucked one nipple while his fingers gently rolled the other. “Harder. Don’t stop until she moans.”

  Irritation flared in Katsu’s gaze. “I don’t need instructions.”

  “Really? Have you ever been this close to fucking her before?”

  Katsu closed his eyes, clearly battling his pride. “I can be more aggressive if that’s what she needs. I don’t want to share her.”

  “What if she needs to be shared? A Dichotomy’s nature is complicated. What if she can’t be completely satisfied with just one man?” Fiery lust shot straight to her pussy, dragging a moan from the back of her throat. Lukas caught her nipples between his fingers and squeezed. “The thought turns you on. Doesn’t it, sweetheart?” He rolled the tender peaks, carefully pushing the sensation from pressure to pain. She gasped, then shivered. “Tell him. He needs to hear the words. Say you want us both to fuck you. Say it now.” He prompted her reply with the pressure of his fingers.

  “I want you both,” she whispered. “I’ve fantasized about this for years.”

  Katsu unfastened her pants and dragged them down along her hips. His gaze focused on her pussy as he tossed the rest of her garments aside. He caught the back of her thighs and pushed her legs up and back, opening her. Lukas took over, spreading her legs wide for Katsu.

  “Is she wet?”

  Tracing her slit with his fingertips, Katsu’s features tensed, appearing almost pained. “Very.” He sighed and glanced away, his fingers still caressing her heated flesh. “She’s never been this excited before.”

  “It’s not a reflection on your appeal. Don’t make her feel ashamed.”

  Katsu closed his eyes and slid his fingers closer to her core. “You’re so hot. So soft and so fucking wet. I could come just touching you like this.”

  “But you won’t. This is about her pleasure, what she needs. Taste her. Use your tongue on her clit.”

  The sun warmed her skin, creating a surreal haze all around them. Lukas draped her legs over Katsu’s shoulders, freeing his hands to roam. Katsu parted her folds with his thumbs and lowered his mouth to her sex. She whimpered at the first brush of his tongue. God, it felt good. Her clit tingled and her core clenched, ready for penetration.

  “Does that feel good?” Lukas seemed to echo her thoughts.

  She moaned in reply, arching into Katsu’s kiss.

  Lukas stroked her breasts and belly, brushing over her nipples and tickling her ribs. The featherlight caresses made her restless, anxious for something more. She watched his hand slide over her abdomen, then disappear beneath her. He squeezed her ass, his long fingers pressing into the crease between her cheeks.

  Concentrating on the gentle swirl of Katsu’s tongue, she let the sensations build. His eyes were closed, his face half hidden by her pussy. Lukas found her rear opening with his fingertip, and she automatically jerked away from the bold caress.

  “Easy, love. I won’t hurt you.”

  She wanted to believe him, wanted to take the final step and surrender completely. But this was too much too soon. Katsu’s mouth became more demanding. His lips fastened on to her clit as Lukas parted her cheeks, making room for his exploring fingers.

  “I don’t… I can’t…” Her orgasm rushed up through her, fear exploding within the pleasure. She wasn’t ready, couldn’t bear for them to see into her soul.

  Bianca surged protectively, sensing her fear. With a weary sigh, Rebecca accepted her cowardice and surrendered to the change.

  * * *

  Tingling heat assailed Lukas’ chest and thighs like sparks of electric rain. His hands sank into Rebecca’s flesh as she dematerialized. Before his brain could process the phenomenon, the warm weight of her body returned. Katsu rocked back on his heels, allowing her legs to slip off his shoulders. He looked nearly as startled as Lukas felt.

  “That was one hell of a welcome, Katsu.” The voice was obviously female, but it wasn’t Rebecca’s. She tossed her head, sending her long auburn hair cascading across his chest. “And who do we have here?” Disentangling herself from Katsu, she turned and knelt in the grass, facing Lukas. “Well, hello, handsome. Rebecca was too upset to tell me your name.” Utterly unconcerned with her nudity, Bianca waited for his reply.

  “Lukas Mandalay. I’m the Sentinel assigned to protect you.”

  She laughed, blue eyes shining in the sun. “Is this how you protect all of your clients?”

  Despite her nonchalance, her question filled him with self-recrimination. Was he taking advantage of Rebecca? It certainly hadn’t felt wrong, until she panicked. “Is she all right? Why did she transform?”

  “She’s fine, just overwhelmed.” She looked at Katsu’s massive erection and added, “I can’t imagine why.”

  Lukas ran his hand through his hair and dragged his gaze away from her naked body. Max would beat the shit out of him if he found out about this. He’d promised his commander he’d avoid the trap his brother had so recently fallen into. Fucking the assignment was never a good idea.

  “I understand why Katsu had his face buried between Rebecca’s thighs. He’s known her for years and has been on a quest to seduce her. But why was she lying on top of you and why were you about to shove your finger up her ass?”

  “Are you always so blunt?” Lukas felt his face heat and reached for the discarded clothes, hoping to conceal his discomfort.

  “He’s blushing,” Bianca said in a stage whisper. “I didn’t think men did that anymore.”

  He hadn’t realized he was capable of blushing. It hadn’t happened in years. He sorted the garments as he tossed them to Katsu and Bianca, refusing to comment on her observation. “We better get moving. We need to reach the village before nightfall.”

  She pushed to her feet and sauntered toward him. “Why are you so shy all of a sudden? I know Katsu didn’t orchestrate this scenario. It’s not his style at all. Do you only like it with frightened little girls?”

  With her rosy lips and come-hither stare, she was sex personified. “Get dressed or I’ll show you what I like.”

  “Show me now, big boy. I’m not afraid.” She reached for his shirt. He batted her hands aside.

  “Enough. We need to move out.”

  Her gaze narrowed and she pressed he
r lips together. He tried not to notice the way her breasts swayed with each deep breath. “You had enough time to fuck Rebecca. What’s with the sudden change of heart?”

  Katsu came up behind her and wrapped his arm around her waist. “Why are you coming on so strong? This isn’t like you.”

  Turning into Katsu’s embrace, she rested her forehead against his shoulder. “I’m not sure. I usually pass through her emotions when we transform. This time I seem to have absorbed them.”

  “Do you want me to…take the edge off?” Katsu asked.

  She shot Lukas a sidelong glare then shook her head. “I’ll be fine. Let’s get moving.”

  They dressed quickly while Lukas scanned the clearing. It had been unwise to act on his attraction to Rebecca, but he hadn’t been able to stop once she responded to his touch. She was ripe and ready to be awakened. So, why had she run away?

  “Can you sense each other?” Lukas asked as they headed off across the meadow. “Do you know what she’s feeling right now?”

  “You spooked her, silly man. It doesn’t take a psychic to figure that out. Katsu won’t push hard enough and you obviously pushed too hard.”

  “I understand why she transformed. That’s not what I meant. Are you two in continual communication or are you only aware of each other during transformation?”

  She shrugged. “I experience her life much as you experience dreams. The majority of our communication takes place during transformation.”

  “Are you on a twelve-hour cycle like most Dichotomy or do you transform at will?” Bianca smiled and his heart flipped over in his chest. She was even more beautiful than Rebecca, if that was possible.

  “We transform whenever Rebecca can find time in her busy schedule to let me out to play.”

  “Rebecca controls the transition? But you’re the nocturnal twin.”

  “I’m well aware of how it usually works. We’re only half Dichotomy. Some halflings transform whenever they like and some don’t transform at all.”

  He rubbed at the tension in the back of his neck and dragged his gaze away from her swaying hips. It had taken his startled senses a few minutes to register her bountiful charms, but he was fully focused now. His balls ached and his cock refused to relax. “How often does she find time for you?”