by Lynn Stark
His gaze turned to her. She smiled shyly, some of her earlier bravado having worn off. “It’s getting late. I’ll take you home.”
“She should stay here.”
“I can’t. The dogs are in their crates. I have to walk them and they can’t sleep in there. Well, they could, but I’d feel guilty as hell.”
They had gotten the rest of her possessions out of the rental she had only spent a few days in. Everything was now stored in a large, unused room off the kitchen at the Redford mansion. The dogs’ crates had been assembled in the kitchen and that was where the dogs were now waiting for her. They didn’t spend a lot of time in them and she knew they would be anxious to get out.
“Then we’ll go get them. You can spend the night here. We have plenty of room. Roarke can get a room ready for you while we’re gone and make something for a late supper.”
“Okay. I can spend one night.”
She wanted to promise more, but knew they wouldn’t accept it just then. They were determined to give her the time she wasn’t certain she really needed. The longer she knew the two men, the more she realized she was falling in love with them.
Once she was in the loaner SUV with Grayson, she said, “I don’t know if we should have left him alone. He seemed a little shaky.”
“I know. But we won’t be gone long.”
“You were surprised by his announcement.”
“Yes, I am a little. Actually, I’m more than a little surprised. I never knew he had a fetish he wanted to indulge. I wish I had. I don’t like to think he didn’t believe he could tell me.”
Marley could hear the hurt in his voice. She reached out and touched his forearm, her fingers curling over it. The hard muscles flexed beneath them and she took pleasure in the power she felt.
“Don’t we all have things we might not feel comfortable sharing with someone else? It was just something which needed the right moment. Well, I think Roarke found it. Just reassure him. That’s what he needs right now. It’s not easy putting yourself out there.”
“I know. We’ll get back as soon as we can.”
It pleased her to know how much Grayson loved Roarke. They had been together for a long time and she hated the thought of either of them being angry or hurt by Roarke’s revelation.
The ride to the mansion only took a few minutes. Both dogs were extremely happy she was back. Ellen had taken them out twice for exercise and given them each a pumpkin biscuit. They went outside with Grayson as she hurried up to her room to throw a few things in a small bag. She hesitated before she tossed her vibrator in there, as well as the book. Though she didn’t think she would need the book, with her imagination set on high, she knew she would need the toy. How else was she going to get any relief with the two hunks sleeping so close by? Sleeping and probably all kinds of other hot, dirty things as well.
The room Roarke had gotten ready for her while they were gone gave her a clear indication of what her position in their life would be. She would be the center of it, clearly set between them as their love, as their cherished partner.
It was a huge room with the turret alcove in the corner. There was a bed large enough to hold several people centered against the far wall. Four tall posts rose toward the ceiling. Turquoise silk was draped from each, giving it a romantic air. The room had a sense of not being finished, as if it were waiting for personal touches to be added. Was this the room they would share as partners? Was this room intended for her use?
Marley felt something very like love blossom in her heart. It was true, the more time she spent with these men, the more she wanted a future with them. Yes, there were still things she needed to work out in her life, but would binding herself to them make her life any harder?
No, it wouldn’t, she decided. If anything, she would have plenty of support as she dealt with her sister’s passing, settling into a new community, and the future of the gallery.
Turning to the men, she saw their anxious expressions. Her lips twitched as she saw the black eyes Grayson obviously didn’t realize he was sporting. Roarke gave an imperceptible shake to his dark head.
Marley smiled broadly. “This is very nice. Where do you guys sleep?”
“Our room is right across the hall. If you need anything, just yell, or knock. Anything. We’ll come running.”
“Good to know. Well, goodnight. Have a good sleep.”
She knew what would be happening in the room across the hall and it wouldn’t have anything to do with sleep. Her pussy throbbed and gushed just thinking about all the hot, kinky sex that was going to happen. Thank goodness for those fresh batteries.
Roarke and Grayson stepped forward. She met them halfway. “Goodnight, sweetheart,” Grayson said huskily. “Sleep well.”
“I’ll try,” Marley promised, wondering how long it would take to strip, find the vibrator, and hop into bed.
Grayson’s mouth settled on hers, causing her to moan with pleasure. Her breasts were crushed against the hard wall of his muscular torso. His rigid cock branded her stomach. Oh, how she wanted to taste that beautiful, ruby-headed monster again. As his tongue thrust into her mouth she caught it and began sucking on it, which made him moan with pleasure. She rubbed her body against him, her hands clenching on his broad shoulders. The more time she spent in his arms, the hungrier her body was for his. The insides of her thighs were aching, as were her nipples. Her pussy was throbbing, making her weak. It would be so easy to ask them to stay. They would do it.
The man’s taste and scent were like powerful drugs. Marley felt lightheaded by the time Grayson released her. She swayed slightly as she opened her eyes to look up at him. She blinked, trying not to laugh at his poor, bruised face. He had a knot in the middle of his forehead and his eyes were bruising, making him look like a raccoon.
As if he knew what was going through her mind, Roarke grabbed her, wrapped her tight in his arms, and kissed her until her bones melted. His mouth worked over hers, his tongue sliding, until she was moaning and rubbing her pussy over his hard thigh. Damn! Another minute and she would ignite.
Gasping, she fell back on the bed when he released her. “Goodnight, baby,” he told her, winking as he turned, grabbed Grayson, and led him out of the bedroom.
The moment the door closed behind the men, Marley hurried to undress. She tossed her clothes onto an upholstered chair. Martha and Barney, now comfortable on their beds, didn’t even twitch an ear. They were getting use to her erratic ways. Erratic or neurotic. She didn’t know which, or if there was even a difference. Whatever it was, she felt as if she were being taken over by another being.
There was a whole new Marley replacing the old one. The old one had lived for her sister, had done everything she could to make Callie’s life as happy and as complete as she could.
This Marley was more for living for her, wanting to discover new things, experience every incredible sensation offered by and to her body.
She held that thought firmly in her mind when the door opened and she was discovered on the bed, knees up and spread wide, feet planted firmly on the bed, with the vibrator shoved deep in her pussy. Her hand stilled even as the little rabbit tormented her clit and the long, thick shaft vibrated against her pubic bone. The other hand, cupping her breast, remained frozen there, the tight peak of her aching nipple trapped between her fingers.
With the bed directly across from the door he had a damned good view of what was happening on it. Marley could feel her skin flushing with heat. Her pussy clenched down tight around the vibrator and she nearly came then and there. Who knew she had such a naughty side? She hadn’t.
“Oh, fuck, baby,” Roarke whispered, his cock tenting his sleep pants. His gray eyes raked hotly over her, scorching her wherever they touched. “Do it, baby. Fuck yourself.”
Panting, Marley kept her eyes on his face as she began sliding the slick vibrator in and out of her pussy, angling it so it hit her G-spot, rubbing the vibrating rabbit against the rigid flesh of her clit.
Oh
, yeah, this was good. The new and improved, bolder Marley fucked her soaked pussy until she was a moaning, writhing mess on the bed, devoted at that moment to pleasing her dark, fallen angel. Her hips rocked and rolled, lifting, her back arching, her legs straining, as an orgasm began building in her center.
“What are you doing, babe? Oh, fuck,” Grayson said as he came into the room unexpectedly, the last two words no more than an awed whisper.
Marley could barely hear them, her focus moving inward as she concentrated on finding just the right angle. Bracing her feet she thrust one last time. Her ass came up off the mattress as her body arched and twisted. A scream of pure, raw pleasure was ripped from her throat as wave after wave of heat battered her from head to toe.
She gasped, tears streaming from her eyes, as she collapsed in a trembling mass of flesh on the bed. She felt the vibrating shaft slide from her body.
The mattress dipped on both sides as the two men joined her. Strong arms encircled her. Warm lips caressed. Gentle touches and soft words were given to her as she slowly quieted between them.
“You were so beautiful when you came,” Roarke told her thickly. “I could watch you do that over and over again.”
Exhausted, she snuggled against him. “Not tonight.”
Grayson moved to turn off the lights. “No, not tonight,” he agreed with a chuckle as he returned to her side. He slid an arm over her middle. “But there’s always tomorrow.”
“Yes, tomorrow,” she agreed, smiling against a strong chest.
“Hey, Gray, she’s got butterflies on her ass. They’re beautiful.”
“That’s my hip.”
“It’s closer to your ass.”
“Your hand is on my ass and that butterfly isn’t anywhere near it.”
“You’ll have to forgive him,” Grayson told her, kissing her forehead. “It’s been a while since he’s seen a naked woman, let alone touched one. He’s probably confused.”
Marley giggled. She was sated, she was warm, and she was comfortable. And these two men wanted to play and talk. Men. Didn’t they know this was a perfect time to sleep? She yawned against him and closed her eyes.
“Well, I wasn’t mistaken about the one on her pussy. I know I saw that one.”
“That’s a male Blue Morpho Butterfly, found in parts of South America.”
“And what kind is the one on your ass?”
She laughed outright. There was no suppressing Roarke. “The one on my hip is a Green Swallowtail from sub-Saharan Africa. Callie picked out each butterfly to be tattooed.”
Roarke moved, turning on the light on his side of the bed. Okay, so she wasn’t going to get to sleep any time soon. A moment later the tips of his fingers were following the erratic path of butterflies over her skin. A laugh escaped her and her body jerked away as his touch tickled her.
“What’s this one?”
She imagined the bright orange butterfly with wavy brownish copper lines running over its wings, as if they were applied with the most delicate of brushes.
“That’s a small butterfly called the Wavy Maplet. It’s found in the rainforests of Thailand, Borneo, and Malaysia.”
Two fingers walked up her back. Then a fingertip traced the large form. “What about this one?”
Each tattoo was a life-size representation of the insect. That particular one was almost eight inches. “It’s the Tithonus Birdwing from New Guinea.” The colors—black, brilliant green, with touches of yellow—were spectacular. “I had a hard time finding that one.”
The final one was near her shoulder. His lips caressed this one and she moaned. “What’s this lovely one called?”
It was a bright pink butterfly designed by Callie, completely fanciful with wispy streamers from its wingtips and magic dust scattering from the long tails as it flew. “That’s Callie. She said that’s what she would look like if she were a butterfly.” Marley took a deep, shuddering breath as a wave of emotion rolled through her. “I have a life-size painting Callie did, a self-portrait. I’ll be able to show it to you soon, when I begin unpacking her paintings.”
Marley didn’t know when it was that she had felt so good, so cared for. She was cradled against Grayson’s large body, her cheek against his chest, while Roarke was against her back.
“Is anyone thinking about sleeping tonight?” she mumbled, her lids heavy. She yawned and snuggled closer.
“Tired, baby?”
“A little. It’s been a long day.”
“I bet it has.” Grayson stroked her hair. He kissed her forehead again. “Go to sleep, baby. I’ll make sure Roarke doesn’t go butterfly hunting while you’re sleeping.”
“Thank you.” Marley yawned even as the bed moved. Roarke turned out the light. “Night, guys. See you in the morning.”
“You, too. Baby?”
“Mmm?”
“Thank you for not laughing.”
“You’re welcome, sheriff.”
* * * *
Roarke stared at Gray across the kitchen counter where his lover was seated on a barstool, snapping and snarling at the world. The black eyes were ten times worse than they had been the night before. He was trying to convince the man to stay home from work, telling him that no one would take him seriously with two shiners and a goose egg on his forehead. Now, that had reduced in size, but he still couldn’t get his hat to fit.
He was trying not to laugh. It wasn’t really funny. Well, it was, but still, he couldn’t laugh. That just wouldn’t have been nice.
“Stay home for a couple of days, babe,” he told Gray in a soothing voice. There was no telling what would set the man off. He was so irritable this morning. “You’ve got plenty of sick time coming. Tim’s more than capable of taking care of things.”
Before Gray could respond to a suggestion he obviously didn’t care for, they heard a horrible, bloodcurdling howling coming from upstairs. Only one beast they knew of could produce that sound.
“Dammit, Chug!” Both men headed for the stairs as Chug’s howl faded off then began again. “Stop that infernal racket!”
The bulldog was sitting outside the door to Marley’s bedroom, obviously distressed that the object of his devoted puppy love was on the other side and out of his reach.
The door opened just as they reached him. Gray grabbed hold of his thick collar as his fat body began wiggling excitedly. His tongue flopped out and he yapped happily as a scowling Marley looked down at him. Her dark hair was a bushy, tangled cloud around her head and shoulders, long strands curling around her nipples. She was a beautiful mess. Then she pinned them with a gaze that was not exactly filled with sunshine and flowers.
“Did that noise come out of him?”
“Afraid so,” Gray admitted ruefully. “You should have been here when we first got him. Getting him to sleep in a crate was an experience I never want to go through again.”
“Baby, you have nice tits,” Roarke told her, then grunted as Gray elbowed him in the gut. “Well, she does. Women like to hear compliments. Don’t they, Marley?”
“I’m going back to bed, Roarke. I’ll let you know when I wake up. And Grayson, you really should stay home from work today. You look terrible. Your head must still hurt like hell.”
“It does. If you think I should stay home, then I will.”
Roarke looked at him, not knowing whether to be amused or irritated that he had taken her advice but not his. And it had been the very same. He went with amused.
“Good. If you want to get some more rest, you can come back to bed with me. Roarke can babysit dogs.”
She opened the door further and called the two Great Danes. They came trotting out, each poking Chug before heading for the stairs. Roarke knew when he was beat. He laughed, shook his head, and then followed the dogs down the stairs.
So, their woman wasn’t a morning person. Or maybe it was just being woken by a dog sounding as if he was being tortured in a medieval dungeon. That was probably it, he decided as he took all the dogs out and put them
in the large run. As he watched and waited he wasn’t so sure he wanted to do the yard cleanup. Marley’s dogs sure knew how to produce. Even Chug seemed impressed as he stared at one of the mountains left behind. Maybe he could “forget” about it and Gray would take care of it later.
Having a plan he could live with, Roarke called the dogs in when they had finished their business. He fed each of the Great Danes in their raised dishes, and then went to get his laptop from the den. Since he was officially “out” he decided he would do a little online shopping as Gray had suggested. He hadn’t been keeping his secret long. In fact, it had only been a few months. He had been looking at a men’s magazine, admiring gorgeous women, when he had taken note of a particularly sexy pair of legs in white stockings, a garter belt, and shoes with mile-high heels. His cock had gotten as hard as stone, but not for the usual reasons. He had suddenly imagined himself wearing them.
His hidden desire had only gotten stronger after that. A half hour later he had what he wanted in the site’s cart. He put in the appropriate information and clicked submit, feeling as if he had finally gotten over a huge hurdle.
Well, soon he would have to go over another, but Roarke was hopeful Gray would truly accept this part of him. He didn’t know what he would do if his lover laughed or treated him with disdain. Hell, once he tried it, he might decide he didn’t like it. But there was only one way to find out and he was about to.
Closing the gate between the living room and kitchen, he decided to go upstairs. There was a smile on his face as he went. Maybe he’d join Marley and Gray in bed. Another hour of sleep would be nice. His days usually started early, but he had taken two days off in a row this week, leaving his dad to run the store. It wasn’t like the man didn’t have experience. And if the rumor was true, his grandparents were coming for a visit. That meant his father and grandfather would soon be up to their ears in dolls and train tracks as they planned the upcoming shopping season.
