by Josie Dennis
As she made her way toward the back stairs to return to her attic room, she continued down the hallway through the bachelors’ wing.
“You must be Iris.”
She skidded to a stop to peer up at Lord Burnley. He was dressed casually, in just his trousers and a shirt with the top buttons undone. It was early for the gentleman to be readying for dinner, wasn’t it?
“L-lord Burnley.” She dropped a curtsy. “Forgive me if I disturbed you.”
He leaned against the doorjamb, his head tilted to one side. “It’s not me you’ve been disturbing.”
That enigmatic response made her pulse trip. “Pardon?”
A glance just over one of his broad shoulders showed her Peter stood in his room. He, too, looked less than neatly put together. He’d shed his jacket, and his thick lustrous hair was more than a little disheveled.
“Peter?”
“I believe we should let her in,” Peter said, his eyes holding an expression she couldn’t decipher from this distance.
Lord Burnley threw Peter a lovely smile and faced her again. “What do you say, Iris? Care to join us?”
Her mouth went dry. What, pray, was this? “I don’t understand.”
Peter came forward at last and stood beside Lord Burnley. “Do come in, Iris. Before someone happens across us.”
That prospect urged her to surge forward into the pretty blue guest room. She’d never been in here before, but with the two gentlemen sharing the space with her, she barely took note of its fine furnishings beyond a fleeting impression.
“Peter, what is this?” she asked, whirling to face them both.
Lord Burnley closed the door. “Iris, Peter has fallen for you.”
She gaped at him. “Pardon?” It seemed to be the only word she could utter.
Peter came closer, cupping her face as he’d done yesterday. “I want you, Iris. I’m not quite sure what will happen, but I couldn’t let another day pass without trying to make this work.”
“I admit I urged him to tell you,” Lord Burnley said.
As she watched, he and Peter exchanged a glance of some knowledge that escaped her. “I don’t understand.”
“Caine.” Peter’s eyes widened a fraction, and he cleared his throat. “Lord Burnley and I have been growing closer.”
“Caine?” she wondered aloud.
“We’re friends, Iris,” Lord Burnley said. “And as such, I couldn’t bear to see Peter so unhappy.”
“Unhappy?” She stepped back, her heart racing. “About what, pray?”
“He wants you.”
“And you presume that is enough for me to throw my livelihood to the four winds?” She placed her hands on her hips to keep them from shaking. Whether she was angry or otherwise affected, she wouldn’t consider at present. “I only have this position. You know this, Peter. You know that I have no family outside of Hawksfell staff.”
Peter winced. “I know, sweetheart.”
“Sweetheart?” She could scarcely gather her wits at that utterance. “What is this?”
“I think our friend may have feelings for you beyond the physical,” Lord Burnley said.
“I never said such, Caine,” Peter rushed out.
Lord Burnley chuckled. “You didn’t have to. And seeing you with her now? It’s clear to me.”
Iris held her hands out in front of her. “I must be dreaming.” She turned away from them to focus on the clock set on the fireplace mantle. “That must be it. I’m asleep in my room and dreaming, because none of this can be happening.”
“Iris, please don’t be upset.” Peter wrapped his arms around her, brushing his cheek against hers. “I don’t mean to hurt you, sweetheart. Not in any manner.”
She settled back against his chest, reveling in the comfort of his embrace for a long moment.
“Iris, are you a virgin?” Lord Burnley asked.
Anger simmered, and she pulled out of Peter’s arms to face him. “What, precisely, have you been telling him, Peter?”
“Only that I kissed you.”
“And yet he asks such a question?”
“It merited the asking,” Lord Burnley said. “If only to ease you when the time comes.”
“When what time comes?” she asked him.
“When we love you.”
Her head swam and she sank down in the nearest chair. “This is beyond strange. Peter, you say you want me? And Lord Burnley believes I will be his, as well? To play with and then toss away?”
“Never say you’re disposable, Iris!” Peter took her hands, and until she felt his warm fingers, she hadn’t realized how cold her own had become. “I want you. It’s only natural that Caine would want you, as well, for you are five times prettier than any woman I’ve ever known.”
“I, as well.”
“That isn’t true.” She faced Lord Burnley. “You’re a Hawk, after all.”
He cursed just under his breath. “Peter, she has the right of it.”
There was a look of sensual regard passed between them, and the truth struck her then. It was a very good thing that she was sitting down. Otherwise she surely would have sunk down to the fine carpeting in a swoon.
“You’ve been…” She sucked in a breath to steel herself. “You’ve been together?”
Both gentlemen nodded.
“Do you find that scandalous?” Lord Burnley asked.
Iris thought for a moment, allowing that her body heated and her drawers grew damp from the notion of the two fit and handsome men loving each other. She certainly had no notion of the particulars, but the prospect was indeed intoxicating.
“Not scandalous, exactly,” she said in a small voice.
“There cannot be a scandal if no one finds out,” Peter said.
Iris looked at him, warmth surging through her body. “Peter, I’ve enjoyed our kisses.”
“Why am I not surprised?” Lord Burnley intoned.
“You’ve kissed Peter?” she asked him.
“It’s to be expected.”
“To be expected?” She scoffed. “Forgive me, my lord, but nothing of this is to be expected.”
To her astonishment Lord Burnley dropped to his knees before her. “Iris, I can only make you one promise.”
His eyes were as compelling as the rest of him and drew her deeply. She could smell his spiced scent, the perfect accompaniment to Peter’s woodsy one, and her body shook. “What is that, my lord?”
He smiled—oh, his smile was beautiful—and shook his head. “Call me Caine and I’ll tell you.”
She glanced over at Peter, whose pretty hazel eyes were intent on her. He gave a nod, and she looked at Lord Burnley’s face again. “All right.” She licked her lips and swallowed. “Caine.”
He grabbed her hands and brought them to his lips, placing an open-mouthed kiss on her knuckles. “I make you this promise, then. I will make certain that neither you nor Peter are hurt by this liaison.”
It felt like a proposal of sorts to her, and were she to accept it, she was certain to end her days in spinsterhood. Truth was, a life in service would all but guarantee that state, as well. She did really care for Peter. If she weren’t careful, she could be well on her way to falling in love with him.
As for Lord Burnley? Caine? Hearts didn’t matter in this arrangement. Her body was craving things she could scarcely imagine, yet she knew in her soul that if she turned her back on the two of them she would live to regret it for the rest of her life.
“I would rather have memories for the rest of my days than regrets,” she whispered.
“Iris, does this mean what I think it does?” Peter asked.
She gave a firm nod. “Yes.”
Caine drew her to her feet and kissed her.
Chapter Five
Caine kissed her, and it was as surprising as when he’d kissed Peter the first time. She was timid at first, and then her ardor grew as his caresses grew more bold. As sweet as her scent, her kisses inflamed him. This seemed to go beyond his beast’
s needs. Like Peter before her, she affected him in ways he’d never experienced. He’d always been aware of a partner’s needs, and as a Hawk he’d known that a good portion of it was due to his unconscious compulsion. He’d seen them satisfied, which was only their due. But this driving need to give her an orgasm was foreign but nonetheless intriguing.
He pulled back, taking another taste of her lips before holding her out at arms’ length. He studied this beautiful young woman in his arms, an odd feeling settling in the center of his chest. He could still taste her kisses on his tongue, and he’d never had sweeter. She was trusting him. Him! Caine Hawk, one in a long line of cursed libertines.
“You won’t regret this, sweetheart,” Peter said as he stepped closer to them.
Caine heard the conviction in Peter’s voice and, while his body ached for the delectable woman pressed close to him, he knew he would never be a part of their lives outside of this room. Here in this luxurious chamber, however? Here they could be anything they wished to be to each other.
“Let’s show our girl some passion, Peter,” he said, keeping his tone light.
Peter nodded in agreement. Passion Caine could manage. Any more than that? That was surely resting on Peter’s strong shoulders. He appeared to be ready for the task, judging by the outline on the front of his trousers. He had gotten to know that incredible piece of his anatomy, and Peter was hung like one of his best stallions.
He and Peter had just eased each other before the lovely Iris happened by, taking turns licking and sucking each other to climax. Yet he was as eager to ride Iris as Peter evidently was. Caine yielded to him for the moment, a first in his memory, and watched as Peter petted and caressed Iris out of her staid and sober uniform. Piece by piece, Peter divested her of her clothing. Each bit of her that was revealed made Caine want to howl with need.
When she wore nothing but her stockings, Caine took a long moment to study her. He’d been with countless women and men in the long years since reaching manhood, yet the sight of her curves and silken skin set him on fire. It was like when he’d first seen Peter in his nakedness. Sculpted. Perfect. And his for the taking. Both of theirs, actually. Another first, for he’d never shared with another man before.
His body was painfully hard, his mouth watering for another taste of her, but he restrained himself. As Peter kissed her, his tongue deep in her mouth, Caine could remain passive no longer. Stepping behind her, her round little ass pressed against his groin, he ran his hands over her. She was as smooth and as warm as she looked, and the sounds of delight she made thrilled him.
“You’re a very sensual creature.” He brought his mouth to her ear, tugging on the lobe with his teeth. Goosebumps chased over her flesh and he knew it was from arousal. The room was warm, after all. And a thin sheen of perspiration covered her skin beneath his fingers. “Just feel, Iris.”
She purred as she nodded, arching toward Peter. Peter growled, one of those arousing sounds he made when Caine was loving him, and moved to kiss her breasts. Her pert, rosy nipples pebbled, and Caine couldn’t resist joining in the passionate play.
Cupping plump breasts that filled his hands perfectly, he kneaded and teased as Peter suckled. Iris was weak between them, her supple form pliant and warm. He could smell her, too. Wildflowers and heat.
Slipping a hand over her flat belly to tuck between her shapely thighs, he touched her soft pussy. She was wet to the touch, and her body bowed a bit as he stroked his fingers over her clit.
“Caine!” she cried.
Caine couldn’t hide his smile, not that either Peter or Iris could see it. They both had their eyes closed in obvious pleasure. When Iris mewled a soft protest, Caine looked up to see that Peter had moved behind her. His big hands palmed her breasts, and he roused her further by pinching her nipples. Taking advantage of the opportunity, Caine licked one of her breasts, and then shifted to bury his face in her cunt.
“Oh, my!” Her legs parted further as she gave herself over to them. “Peter.”
Peter continued to kiss and fondle her as Caine licked her. Using the rough side of his tongue, he stroked over her slick flesh again and again until she was trembling. Her juices dripped down his chin as he reached around to hold her ass in both hands. Kneeling before her, his thighs spread in an attempt to ease his burgeoning erection, he feasted as she began to crest.
“That’s it,” Peter said, his voice rough. “Come for us, sweetheart.”
Iris made a sound of agreement, something between a plea and a moan, and bucked as she came against Caine’s tongue. He licked her, moaning himself as he took her completely into himself. He’d never experienced anything like this before, and he had to catch his breath before rising to kiss her mouth.
“You are incredible in your release, Iris.”
She sighed, her eyes fluttering open. Their violet depths were darker still, and sparkling. “Caine, you kissed me.” Her voice was husky from her passionate outcries. “There.”
He cupped her flushed and beautiful face. “I couldn’t resist. Although, Peter did his damnedest to rouse you nearly to climax.”
“I did.” Peter’s voice was strained. “And I have to be inside you.”
Iris stiffened, and Caine shot Peter a look of warning. Peter seemed to grasp his meaning, and he gently took Iris in hand and led her over to the bed.
“I’ll be gentle, sweetheart.” He turned and brought her down on the coverlet. “Do you trust me?”
As Caine watched, Iris nodded. That odd feeling returned to his belly, but it had to be due to the fact that he’d never delayed his gratification. Yet, this evening? He was actually looking forward to seeing Peter take Iris first.
* * * *
Iris was flat on Caine’s bed, Peter stretched out above her. He’d taken off all of his clothing, and as quickly as he’d stripped her. He was as beautiful as she’d imagined, and he was to be hers. For a time, at least.
This was all so strange, but she wanted this. She wanted more. More of Peter and more of the amazing feeling Caine had so easily given her.
“Iris.” Peter’s voice was gentle. Almost reverent.
He kissed her again, touching her breasts and rousing more of the heat she’d felt between the two of them. Her nipples were tight and her body eager for what would come next. It was as if what they’d given her earlier only whet her appetite.
“Take me, Peter.”
He rested his brow against hers, his eyes nearly as dark as Caine’s. “There will be pain, I’m afraid.”
She’d heard of this. The maids talked, after all. It was only her virgin’s pain which, once experienced, would never revisit. She would no longer be pure, but what did that matter?
“In for a penny,” she said.
Peter froze, and then laughed. “Iris, you are amazing.”
She caught Caine’s eye as she laughed, seeing the intensity stamped on his features. Would he want to take her, too? Lord, if he was as large as Peter, she would surely be sore tomorrow.
“Let me in, then,” Peter said, shifting to put his rod at her entrance. “God, you’re so hot.”
“And wet, I wager,” Caine said. His voice was low, and stroked over her almost as surely as Peter’s hands did. “I can still taste her.”
A flush covered her from head to toe at those provocative words. He’d kissed her! Licked her in her most private place, and she’d craved more of his touch.
“Are you ready, Iris?” Peter asked, drawing her scattered attentions.
“Y-yes, Peter.”
She squeezed her eyes shut and braced for his entrance. He pushed forward, and it was strange and hot and she felt a tearing. She cried out as he buried himself inside of her.
“You’re all right, sweetheart.” Peter was panting, apparently from the exertion of keeping himself in check. “God, you’re so tight.”
It burned where he touched her, and she held herself still. Breathing slowly in and out, she waited for the pain to be over. Why didn’t this feel a
s good as Caine’s caresses? And then Peter began to move.
Sparks came to life inside of her as he slowly withdrew only to push forward again. The pain was still there, for he was a very large man, but it was lessening.
“There’s a good girl,” Caine said, stroking her hair. “His cock is large, isn’t it?”
Iris gave a nod, startled as another spike of pleasure went through her. Peter was holding himself above her now, only his…cock touching her. She was slick from her own juices and from Caine’s earlier ministrations, and that seemed to ease Peter’s way.
Again and again he moved inside of her, making her weak with need and so close to release. She now knew precisely what that entailed, and was eager to fly again.
“Oh, Peter!” She grabbed on to his strong arms, arching wildly as her climax began.
She was dimly aware of cries of pleasure that were surely her own, and of Caine’s lips on her throat as Peter neared his own release. Wave after wave of passionate pleasure crashed over her as she sobbed.
“Iris!” Peter held himself still above her for a split second and then withdrew to spill his hot seed on her belly.
He then came down on top of her, kissing her neck as he let out a ragged breath. “Ah, sweetheart.”
Caine murmured something, as well—a sound of frustration, were she to hazard a guess—and she managed to open her eyes at last and turn to him. His gaze was hot on her and Peter. Intense.
“Caine,” she began, coming up on her elbows. “What is wrong?”
“Wrong?” he bit out. “Nothing is wrong. The two of you are perfect.”
Peter roused himself, rolling to his side as he ran a hand over his tousled auburn waves. “That was beyond my imagination.”
Iris flushed, and knew her blush showed all over her body. They hadn’t bothered to cover themselves with any of the fine linens on the bed, but she was just too full of bliss to worry over that situation. Faced with the picture of beautifully sculpted Caine Hawk full aroused? She marveled at the fact that she could even draw breath.
