Tattoos and Cupcakes [Sunset Point] (Siren Publishing Ménage Amour)

by Hennessee Andrews

  He tossed the soiled towel back into the hamper and pulled his jeans up, buttoning the top while exiting the room. His cock wasn’t ready for the festivities to end and stayed semi-erect. Seeing his best friend hadn’t been like he thought it would be. He actually enjoyed watching Dane fuck Reece. Come to think of it, the event was hotter than he could have imagined.

  While he scrubbed his wild hair and entered the bathroom, he replayed the episode from the moment they burst through his bedroom door. While his mind recreated the scene, Bannock turned on the shower and stepped in. Reece had no idea he’d be in the room and had a look of terror and embarrassment on her face when she notice him sitting there watching. What surprised Bannock the most was how quickly her shock changed and morphed into desire. Reece watched him intently while she sucked Dane’s cock. Her bright green eyes stared at him, black lashes batting innocently yet provocatively. Reece could be one of two different types, Bannock figured. She was either an exhibitionist…or she wanted to please him and invite him at the same time.

  He continued to envision Dane and Reece together. The water rained down over him, relaxing his bunched up muscles. Reece was indeed gorgeous with her long silky-looking legs that made his fingertips tingle with anticipation. She was lean and fit, yet curvy with ample womanly hips. Her breasts were full, a little more than handful size, he guessed, as he recalled Dane holding the globes in his hands. Her nipples were rosy pink, hard and erect, begging for a touch or the lash of a tongue.

  Bannock cursed as his dick swelled again. Why did Reece affect him this way? And why did the idea of sharing her with Dane all of a sudden seem like a good idea? He had never wanted a ménage relationship and had never felt sharing a woman could be so hot. Why the change? And why in the hell did the woman that piqued his interest so much have to be a person he felt he couldn’t trust?

  Too many thoughts bombarded him at once. He began to stroke himself, figuring he’d get that bit of business out of the way since it seemed to cloud his better judgment. A long pull from the base to tip with the erotic images replaying caused his dick to enlarge further. He thought once about going back to the bedroom and sliding between Reece’s legs in order to tame his monster. But he couldn’t. He cursed himself for envisioning Reece, allowing her image to fuel his hand that pumped his thick cock.

  Blood rushed to the crown, his pulse increasing. He released a ragged breath. God, he wanted her. Likely, Dane was working on round two and here he was, masturbating in the shower. He felt so pathetic, yet so much in control.

  The door to the bathroom opened. Through the foggy glass of the shower enclosure, Bannock could see Reece’s naked form slowly enter. Ah, fuck. He let go of his dick and placed his hands on the wall in front of him, hanging his head under the water. What should he do? What could he do? More than likely she noticed him pumping his cock, and although slightly embarrassing, Bannock was more worried about her intentions.

  Reece pulled open the shower door and stepped in. Bannock didn’t bother to look back but felt a cool blast of air. Her soft hands touched his back and slowly inched down to his waist. He quivered in response. He needed to tell her to stop, but didn’t want to. She eased her hands around and grasped his cock.

  “Why do you hate me, Bannock?” Reece eased her soft hand from the base of his cock to the tip.

  “I don’t hate you.” Bannock shuddered. Her hand felt so wonderful. He couldn’t remember the last time a woman touched him so intimately. His encounters had been short and fast with him leaving immediately afterwards. This was different. He could feel Reece’s soft body pressed against his. Her nipples tickled his back while her hands caressed his skin.

  Reece forced him to turn around and pushed him up against the cool tile wall. “You know something about me. Why didn’t you just ask me for the truth?” Her green eyes blazed with intensity. Liz told her. Damn it.

  “I’m sorry. It isn’t my business, but I’m a cop, plain and simple.”

  “Fine, don’t ask. I’ll just tell you.” Her eyes glared at him. “I’m Lane Erikson from LA. My piece of shit boyfriend murdered a woman who worked for him. I walked in moments after he shot her.” Her eyes welled up. “He is part of a worldwide network that traffics women.”

  “Reece, Lane—” Bannock stuttered.

  “I don’t need your sympathy, Bannock.”

  “I, I—” Bannock gave up on trying to speak and kissed her instead, surprising her.

  She moaned lightly and pulled him closer. The hot water cascaded over their naked bodies. Bannock wanted her more now than he had when in the room with her and Dane, but fought the desire. After learning her identity, he felt like such an ass. He couldn’t bring himself that low. Just as Liz had said, she had been through a lot, and he felt he made it worse by blowing her cover.

  Bannock backed away and stared at her for a moment. She looked so angelic looking up at him with her wide eyes and also very vulnerable. “I’m sorry, for everything. But I’m a police officer, Lane, I can protect you.”

  She traced his jaw with a loving expression and smiled. “I know and I should have trusted you. I figured if Luther knew and if anything went wrong, you’d learn sooner or later.”

  He caressed her cheek and sighed. And the dumbass award goes to…

  Chapter 9

  A fire lit in Lane’s gut. She had already decided that the life she previously lived before Sunset Point wasn’t all it was cracked up to be. She also believed she was happy, but deep down, she wasn’t. In fact, Lane had worked and struggled to become successful and outside of landing some lucrative modeling jobs, all she earned was money and some vain friends.

  Money and privilege had been a bonus, but all she really sought was happiness, acceptance, and finding love, true love. The once geeky, freckled faced girl had grown into the swan she always wanted to be, but it came at a cost. With everything her status earned her, it was also her demise. Working at Naughty Sprinkles had taught her a lot. The job allowed her to be creative, have fun, and visit with the most genuine, down-to-earth people on the planet, she thought. She managed to wedge herself into their matrix, a part of it now and she had no plans of leaving, ever.

  With Bannock in on her secret, she felt somehow freed from the prison she felt she was in. All along she thought he hated her, but instead, he was being a good cop, picking up on details she didn’t realize. Note to self: I’m not a good actress.

  The moment in the shower the night before failed to heat up like she had hoped. Bannock had softened. His gaze was deep and longing yet worrisome at the same time. They shared one slow and sensual kiss that made her toes curl. His gentle touch sent quivers racing down her back. She could only think of feeling him inside her, feeling his strong muscles flex under her fingertips while he thrust in deep and filled her completely. But that didn’t happen. Bannock excused himself, leaving her standing in the shower alone.

  Dane took her home after asking her to stay she forgot how many times. The moment had drifted away and the night she hoped for never transpired. Bannock looked torn and being in the house near him would prove to only frustrate her more, so she opted to leave, claiming she wasn’t feeling well. Poor Dane, she thought, she lied to Dane.

  “Um, how much flour do you need?” Sami nodded toward the bowl Lane was still scooping flour in to.

  “Well, crap.” Lane stopped and looked at the huge bowl of flour.

  “You are a walking disaster.” Sami giggled. “Get out of here for a while and come back when your mind is fit to use.”

  “Are you sure? I don’t want to leave you with so much to do, but my heart is pounding and I really want to talk to Bannock.”

  “Honey, I’m the cupcake queen. Now, shoo.”

  Lane didn’t waste any time. She tossed off her apron, not needing to be told twice. “I’ll be back in a little bit,” she called over her shoulder and bounded out the front door. Bannock may have a past that still hurt, but damn it, she did, too. Realistically, Lane felt she shouldn’t be
able to trust men again, but Dane had made her believe in love and the pursuit of love again. If she was putting her heart out there, so could Bannock. Underneath his gruff and uncaring attitude, Lane knew Bannock had feelings for her, too. One stupid woman who couldn’t see what an amazing man he is shouldn’t still have a hold on him, she decided. He is lucky, his ex isn’t trying to kill him or have him killed. Big baby.

  Lane walked to the station with swift steps, power walking, that’s what she was doing. Her gait was purposeful and determined. Bannock and she were going to battle, today. People waved as she passed. She waved back and forced a smile. By the time she got to the station, her heart was pounding as if she had run a marathon. She entered the front door swiftly and scanned the front office for Bannock.

  “Hey, Reece. Top of the morning to ya.” Luther waved with a cup of coffee in his other hand.

  “Where’s Bannock?” Lane skipped the formality.

  Luther pointed over his shoulder with his thumb. “Break room.”

  She made her way around the front desk and down the hall. Upon entering, Bannock glanced up from the far side of the room where he was talking with Jackson. A couple of other officers in the room got up quietly and exited. Lane figured she must have had an expression on her face that screamed “Get the hell out,” because men scattered. Jackson smacked Bannock on the back and smiled.

  As Jackson exited, Bannock stood his ground and crossed his arms. “Good morning, Reece.”

  Lane moved in his direction, fueled by either desire or anger. His eyes lit up with interest, more than likely wondering what in the hell she was up to. He looked so hot in his uniform, all perfectly starched. It molded to his toned body. She knew what he looked like under that uniform and the thought never failed to turn her on. When she got in striking distance, she grabbed his shirt with both hands and jerked him toward her. Her lips pressed against his roughly. He slowly responded, gently kissing her back. She increased the friction, the momentum, and he matched it. Her hands wrapped around his neck and pulled him closer, wanting so badly to feel his arms hold her.

  The kiss heated and his hands were there, palms at the small of her back, holding her tight. His kiss was amazing with his lips molding to hers, so gentle yet stern.

  * * * *

  The Chief interrupted their engaging mouths with a stern clearing of his throat. It was probably a good thing, because Bannock was about to take Lane on the break room table. He wasn’t sure which part of his heart she melted, but it happened and his hands couldn’t get enough of holding her, skimming over the velvet smoothness of her skin. Her kiss was unhinged, wild, and speaking her heart without words. He could feel the passion she channeled. So hot and raw, bringing his defenses down with an artillery shot to the last lock on his main gate. He had worked hard to keep his distance, fear acting like a vise on his heart. He didn’t want to care for her, never wanted to want her so damn bad, but he did. Women had a tendency of leaving, leaving him that is. His fiancée wasn’t the first, but he had promised himself she’d be the last.

  “Give me a minute, Chief.”

  Luther’s expression softened. He nodded and left them alone.

  Bannock turned his attention back to Reece. She gazed up at him with her gorgeous eyes. She looked lost and scared.

  “Let me in, please.” She touched his chest, fingertips dragging over the pockets of his shirt. “I know you have been hurt, but I want you to know that I have, too.” Her eyes welled up as if she were moments away crying.

  “I’m not sure I can.” Bannock paused and looked away.

  Reece’s mouth parted with surprise. “I wouldn’t have thought you’d be scared of anything.” She trailed her finger over his chest. “You can either overcome fear or allow it to rule you. Take your pick, Bannock.”

  A single tear rolled down her cheek. She looked so childlike and innocent. Bannock brushed the tear away and wanted nothing more than to kiss away the pain he could see she harbored. He wanted to hold her in his arms, protect her from harm, and more so, he wanted to love her.

  “I’m not like other men on this island.” Bannock forced her to look at him. “I’ve never been the type of man to share a woman. I’m not sure I could.”

  Lane looked away and swallowed as more tears erupted. She closed her eyes and nodded her head like she knew this would happen. “Well, you can’t blame a girl for trying.” She forced a sweet smile and wiped the excess tears from her face. “I’ll be going now.” She straightened her posture and walked away quietly, not bothering to look back when she pushed through the door.

  I’m such a fucking idiot. Lane with tears in her eyes he created. What was with him? Why couldn’t he get over the hang-up he had? Dane had said she was pure at heart and now Bannock knew exactly what he was talking about. When Lane looked at him, he felt like he was looking deep into her soul. Inside, she was just a beautiful as the outside. And here he stood, alone.

  “Son of a bitch!” He knocked a cup of coffee from the table, sending it flying into the wall across the room. When would the pain end? His mind ordered him to pull Lane into his arms, his heart argued, fear controlling him, just as Lane had said.

  Then he remembered something else she said. “I know you have been hurt, but I want you to know that I have, too.

  The protector in Bannock stepped forward. How dare anyone harm such an innocent and beautiful soul? A fire burned in his stomach, making him sick with the acid that churned. Lane had been hurt by a man, a man she more than likely trusted. That was what she meant in her statement. If she was brave enough to open her heart again, why in the hell wasn’t he?

  Outside of Lane, he had the most loyal best friend looking out for his heart, Dane. Bannock closed his eyes as he sat down. Two people cared for him and beckoned him to join them, but he insisted on being stubborn. Was it too late? And could he once and for all get past his hang ups?

  “Don’t fear the unknown. Sometimes you find yourself happier in the long run.” Bannock’s father’s words rang in his ear. Was it possible?

  “Hey, numb nuts, I don’t pay you to hold down the break room chairs.” Luther entered the room with his usual swagger.

  Bannock peered over at him from the table. “Sorry, Chief. I have a lot on my mind.”

  Luther lumbered over and sat down opposite him. “Woman trouble, eh?” He raised a brow and scrubbed his jaw. “Fascinating creatures, the problem is, they don’t come with an instruction manual.”

  “That would be nice.” Bannock leaned back and rested his hands behind his head as he stared up at the ceiling. “Chief, did you always want a polygamous relationship?”

  Luther gave a sarcastic chuckle in response. “Well hell no.”

  That got Bannock’s attention. “What happened?”

  “Oh, you know. Boy meets girl, falls for girl, she falls for the brother, too, and can’t decide who she wants more.”

  Bannock slid back in his chair to an upright position. “How did that make you feel?”

  “At first, I was angry, but I loved her. I could see that Jed loved her, too. What was fair? Should I walk away and ignore my heart? Hell, we grew up with two fathers just like you.” Luther got quiet for moment. “We both had said once upon a time we wouldn’t be like our parents.” He snorted, amused by his thoughts.

  “But you did anyway?”

  “Yeah, and I wouldn’t trade a minute, or a second of our time together.”

  “None of it?” Bannock couldn’t believe his answer. Even his own parents had a few dozen fights over the years.

  “No, it has made us the people we are today. We love and respect each other. I mean, sometimes I aggravate Jed and claim they’re a pain in my ass.” Luther snickered. “Well, they are a pain in my ass, but I love ‘em”

  “Great pep talk, chief.”

  “Did I mention the sex is hotter than hell?”

  Bannock pushed his chair back, the metal legs screeched over the concrete floor. “Okay, those are images I don’t want to se
e.”

  “I’ll have you know I was quite a catch in my day.” Luther barked back.

  “And I’ll take your word for it.” Bannock stood up. “Seriously, thank you.”

  “She’s a good girl, been through too damn much. She deserves to be loved.”

  Bannock felt his stomach ache. “I’ll be taking the rest of the day off.”

  Luther smiled. “Sure beats having to fire ya, I suppose.”

  Bannock left at a hurried pace. He had to see Lane. He needed to tell her he was wrong and he didn’t mean what he said. Would she believe him? And was it too little, too late?

  As he backed out of his parking spot, he put it in drive and stomped on the gas pedal, leaving black marks and screeches echoing behind him. A dull pain radiated in his stomach. God, he didn’t want to be hurt again but feared he would hurt worse if he let Lane slip away. Dane would make her a great companion and Bannock had no doubt Dane would treat her right and adore her, but Bannock could be her rock, her protector, and the lover that Dane couldn’t be.

  The dynamics of a multiple partnered relationship was beginning to really make sense now. He should have seen it all along. There was nothing wrong with three people loving each other, completing each other. Why had he ever sworn against them? Dane was his best friend, more like a brother, more so than his own. They complemented each other, two halves of a whole. They understood each other, relied on each other and now, god, now Bannock realized what Dane was trying to do all along. Their friendship would be bonded and not separated. Instead of a woman coming between them and creating distance, one would complete them and keep them together.

  He pulled up to the curb in front of Naughty Sprinkles and The Branding Iron, stopping abruptly and cutting the engine. Dane had a customer, but looked up from his work. Bannock made a fist and patted his heart two times. Dane grinned and returned the gesture.

  At the front door of the cupcake shop, Bannock took a deep breath and tried to settle his nerves. He never expected to love again or want to love again, and here he was, words jumbling in his head and wondering what he should say.