by Zoey Marcel
“I wasn’t drunk.”
“Never said you were. Was it a date?”
“Yeah. So what?”
Dominic eyed her sternly. “Do you like him?”
She couldn’t hide the smile in time. “Yeah, I do.”
“The McAlisters know about him?”
“They’re fine with it.”
He tapped the table with his finger. “You plan on marrying him, too?”
She winced. “I don’t know. We’re just dating. What’s wrong with that?”
“He’s a member of the Princes of Hell motorcycle gang. If I ever have to investigate them for suspicious activity, it creates a conflict of interest if Heller is my brother-in-law.”
“Heller’s a nice guy. He might surprise you if you get to know him.” She peeked down at the island she traced in the kitchen. “Besides, it was just one date. It might not even go anywhere.”
“I don’t like the idea of a thug using my little sister for sex either.”
“It’s not like that. He’s interested in my personality, too.”
“So it’s serious?”
Clearly there was no way to win here. “I don’t know.”
“He lives here in McKenna Downs, Danielle. Did you know that?”
“So what?”
“So if you commit to him in any way it could put you under the town curse. Is that what you want?”
She rolled her eyes, looking the other way. “Here we go again. I’m not superstitious.”
“Neither am I, but I’ve heard and seen things.”
“Even if Heller commits to me, legally I’m most likely going to take the McAlisters’ name, so if there was a curse, which there’s not, it wouldn’t even affect me since I’ll be living halfway between McKenna Downs and Stone River with David and Brighton. Stop worrying.”
“Do you really think a man like that is programmed to commit?”
“Programmed? He’s not a cyborg. Ever heard of the term ‘old lady’?”
Dominic gave her a reproving look. “Is that really what you want? You’ve never even ridden a motorcycle. You’re afraid of anything fast. Do you really want to be treated like a second-class citizen, or have him be around those sweet butts he fucked in the past?”
Doubt crept in again. “It was just a date.”
“Really? Well, that’s interesting, because some flowers were delivered for you this morning. They’re out in the living room. Heller sent them.”
Danielle hurried out into the living room, giddy when she saw the bouquet of daisies, black-eyed Susans, and other flowers from the florist.
The attached note read, Thanks for last night, babe. I can’t wait to see you again.
She couldn’t wait to see him again either. The flowers smelled divine, but it made her cringe to think that Dominic had read the note and had to have figured out that she and Heller had slept together last night.
Awkward. No wonder he looks so crabby this morning.
She carried the vase up the stairs to stick it in her room.
“Danielle,” Dominic continued when she paused on the stairs. “Be careful. I don’t want you to get hurt. Don’t take anyone’s name that lives here in town. I mean it. You might regret it one day.”
“I told you I’m taking the McAlister name.”
“Which one?”
“I don’t know. We haven’t talked about it yet.”
He scoffed. “They’d better fucking marry you. I don’t want anyone using you or breaking your heart.”
She came back over to him and kissed him on the head. “You’re a sweetie. They’re serious about me. Weddings just take a while to plan. I want it to be special. They’d probably be fine going to a courthouse or having balloons and paper plates just so that I would be their wife sooner. I want a fancy wedding, though.”
He smiled at her before scowling at the flowers tickling his nose. “Get these fuckers out of my face. I don’t even want to begin to think about what that note meant.”
She climbed the stairs as quickly as she could without acting guilty or suspicious. “Heller enjoyed our date. That’s why he thanked me in the note.”
“Uh-huh. He hurts you, I’m arresting him.”
“You can’t arrest people for breaking your sister’s heart.”
“Watch me. I’ll sick Pepper Donovan on them.”
Danielle pinned her narrowed eyes on him. “Now you’re just being cruel. I met her in the coffeehouse.”
Dominic seemed entertained. “Yeah, she’s not exactly someone you forget. What did you think of her?”
“She was...interesting.”
He snickered, raising the mug of coffee to his lips. “That she is.”
* * * *
Oh yeah, he was tipsy, and what of it?
Brighton McAlister soaked in the bubble bath with a can of beer. His dad always told him bottles were classier, so Brighton had bought cans this time just to spite him. He was singing to himself, probably off-tune, but it didn’t matter because to his own ears he was a rock star.
He stopped singing when he saw the butler walk in. “Hey, ya. What is up?”
“I came to see if you needed anything,” Siegfried said.
“Thoughtful as hell. What do you think of this?” Brighton held up a can before taking a gulp.
“You’re the epitome of class, sir.”
He nearly choked on his brew from giggling. “Damn straight.”
Siegfried smiled. “And what would you know about being straight?”
“Good one.”
“Do you think it’s wise to lie in the tub while drinking? You might drown if you become intoxicated.”
“I already am.”
“You got drunk on beer?” Siegfried smirked at this.
“Well, buzzed. You got a problem with my beer guzzling, buddy?”
“It’s child’s play.”
“All right, you posh bastard. What do you suggest?”
“Something stronger. I know you enjoy wine. Have you ever had brandy?”
“I wish. My dad won’t let me have any. He says it’s too strong for a twig like me.”
“You’re not a boy anymore, Brighton. Anyone can see that. Besides, when have his wishes ever deterred you?”
“Good point.” Brighton held a finger in the air. “But we’re out of luck. He keeps the strong stuff locked up like a killjoy.”
“Well, that is a shame. If only someone knew where the key was kept.” Siegfried gave him a sly smile.
Brighton grinned and lay back. “Yeah, I know that look. You totally know where he keeps it.”
“I do. Your father isn’t here right now.”
“Go, go, go.” He bounced in the sunk-in tub as Siegfried left.
When the butler returned he had a tray with a bottle and two glasses.
“Who said you could drink, you mooch?” Brighton joked.
“I bring you grappa and you don’t offer me any?”
“I’m just giving you crap. You can have some. What the hell is grappa?”
“Pomace brandy from Italy,” Siegfried said with a slow smile. “Very strong. I doubt you can handle it.”
“Oh yeah? Pour me some. I’ll show you.”
He sat on the edge of the tub and poured them each a glass before handing him one. “Here you are.”
“Thanks. Can’t hold my liquor. Pfft. Smells good.”
Brighton tipped the glass to his lips and took a sip. The texture was smooth and crisp, but it was sweeter than expected and Lord, was the alcohol noticeable.
“Oh wow. That is strong.”
“I knew it would be too strong for you. You’re such a tiny thing.” Siegfried took several swallows from his glass.
“Watch me.” Brighton gulped some more before wrinkling his nose. “God, how do you do that? Ugh! It burns.”
“My taste is more refined than yours.”
“That sounds like one of your subtle insults.”
Siegfried seemed amused as he brought the glass t
o his lips. “It was hardly subtle.”
“I’ll fucking show you.”
Brighton chugged some more before he had to stop. Setting the glass down, he waved his hands, willing his taste buds to forget.
“Would Brittany have been a more suitable name for you than Brighton, do you think?” Siegfried teased.
“Damn it, Siegfried! Quit taunting me. You know I love dares.”
“And how is that any fault of mine?”
“I’m gonna finish this glass even if it kills me.”
“I don’t believe you.”
“Hey!” Brighton pointed at him suddenly. “What did I say? I’m more than man enough to finish it. I just can’t because Danielle doesn’t want me to have more than two drinks at one time. She cares about my health.”
“On the surface.” Siegfried set his glass down after taking another sip. “It seems to me she’s taking control, but then maybe you prefer your women to wear the pants.”
“Hey, I’m the one who wears the pants, okay? Except for right now, but in my relationships I totally do.”
He smirked, gaze lowering to the bubbles before their eyes connected again. “But not with Kale, I think.”
Brighton hiccupped, smiling a little. “No. Not with him.”
“They’ve tamed you. I’m sure that is an immense relief to everyone. You were a real terror in your day, causing trouble and playing witty pranks on everyone. No one tells Brighton McAlister what to do. Not back then, anyway.” Siegfried drank more liquor.
Brighton frowned. “I’m still a boatload of trouble.”
“Mmm, hardly.” Siegfried set his glass down and then skimmed his fingers in the bubbles. “They’ve neutered you. I suppose it’s forgivable to let another man dominate you. After all, you are the weakest of the pair, between you and Kale.”
Brighton glowered at him. “Asshole.”
Siegfried grinned and stuck his hand in the water. Brighton wasn’t sure what he was doing until he realized the guy was just playing in the water. He couldn’t blame him. Who didn’t like splashing their fingers in water?
“But letting a woman tell you what to do? Really, Brighton?” Siegfried’s blue eyes mocked him. “How do you expect to be taken seriously?”
“She doesn’t tell me what to do.”
“Then why aren’t you drinking?”
Brighton picked his glass up and polished off the booze.
“That’s it.” The butler’s tone sounded different, almost husky.
The glass that Siegfried set on the ledge fell over into the tub. He rolled up his sleeve. “Forgive me.”
Brighton’s flinching reflexes were slowed by the brandy. He put his glass down, wondering if he imagined that Siegfried groped his thigh while reaching into the water for his glass. It was probably an accident since the bubbles obstructed the sight of everything under the water. The butler pulled the glass out, setting it down.
“Could I get some water to wash away the taste?”
“Of course.” Siegfried dried his hand and arm off and then filled a glass from the counter with water.
Well, he was definitely drunk now. He was going to bed after this and so not staying up to say goodnight to his dad when he got home. There was irking his father with his rebel ways and then there was just being crazy.
“Thanks.” Brighton took the cup of water, guzzling it fast, which helped.
“Are your shoulders sore from yesterday’s workout?” Siegfried asked.
“They are, actually. Could you rub them for me?”
“As you wish.”
Brighton repositioned himself in the bathtub with his back to him as the butler knelt on the floor behind him.
“Feel good?”
“Yeah, it does.” Brighton closed his eyes, absorbing the relaxing ministrations. “Thanks. You always give great massages.”
“I know what you like.”
“Can you believe I’m gonna be married soon?”
“I can’t. You lack the prerequisite maturity for long-term commitment.”
Brighton’s eyes popped open. “Hey.”
Siegfried pressed on his shoulders to coax him back down. “You need to relax. You should be so tranquil over this that nothing I say can faze you.”
“Well, maybe if you didn’t insult me while massaging me—”
“Shall I try complimenting you instead?”
“I don’t even think you can. Hell, half the time I don’t even think you like me.”
“I can assure you, Brighton, I like you very much.”
“Well, you’re not so bad yourself. And what do you mean, I’m too immature for marriage?”
“You’re younger than Danielle and the other men you share her with.”
“So?”
“I’m sure you have plenty of casual shagging left to do, if you’ll pardon my forwardness.”
“Well, normally I would agree with you since I’m still young, but the thing is, I’m in love with Danielle and Kale. I want to spend the rest of my life with them. Does that sound corny?”
“Not at all.” Siegfried sounded like he was smiling. “It should prove amusing when it comes time for you all to decide who she legally marries. You’re so competitive with your brothers. Never mind those bikers you pass her around to.”
“Hey, watch it, chum. We don’t pass Danielle around. We all love her and happen to share her.”
“I meant no disrespect.”
“Ow. Geez.”
“Did that hurt you, sir?”
Did he imagine the sarcasm?
“I’ll live. Don’t get sloppy on me.”
“I wouldn’t dream of it.”
The massage got good again.
“Anyway, it’s gonna be a brawl between the five of them, not me,” Brighton said.
“That’s generous of you.”
“Not really. Legally I’ll be married to Kale.”
The rubbing ceased.
“Why’d you stop?” He turned his head slightly to glimpse behind him.
Siegfried resumed the massage. “Are you sure that’s wise?”
“Why not? We love each other and my dad doesn’t care that I’m bi. Even if he did, I’d still marry Kale.”
“Kale is a member of the Princes of Hell motorcycle club.”
“So?”
“Don’t tell me you haven’t heard the rumors.”
“I know. They’re an outlaw gang, but that doesn’t mean Kale has done anything hideous.”
Siegfried’s pitch dropped and his voice drew closer. “How do you know he hasn’t killed anyone?”
“Kale wouldn’t do that.”
“How do you know?”
“Because it’s Kale. He’s awesome.”
“Have you ever asked him?”
“I don’t have to.”
“You mean you don’t want to because you’re worried the answer might be yes.”
Brighton stilled. “You’re wrong about him.”
“I’m didn’t accuse him of anything. Does your father even know that Kale is the one you’ll be marrying legally?”
“Not yet, but he won’t care.”
“And does he know that Kale and his brother are members of that biker gang?”
“I don’t know.”
“I’ll wager he doesn’t, or he would never permit his baby boy to wed him.”
Brighton frowned. “He can’t keep me from being with him.”
“Your father is a reasonable man and very supportive of you despite the grief all your mischief has caused him.” Siegfried set the small satin pillow on the edge and laid Brighton’s head back on it. “Why not tell him and see what he says?”
“I will...after we’re married.”
The butler snickered at this. “I would expect no less of you. I must admit I’m surprised you can tolerate a Dominant, given how rebellious you’ve always been.”
“I know, right? I don’t know what it is, but something about Kale makes me want to listen to him.”
/> “The threat of pain, no doubt.”
Brighton chuckled. “Partly, but it’s not just that. There’s something commanding and sexy in his nature. I don’t know what it is, but I like it.”
“It’s fitting that you ended up with someone aggressive enough to paddle your pert little ass whenever you cop that infuriating attitude.”
He smiled with his eyes closed. “I knew you didn’t like me. Too bad you have to do what I tell you to.”
Siegfried’s hands slid down his shoulders, groping his chest.
“It’s just my shoulders that are sore.” A thumb brushed back and forth across his nipple, jarring him from his calmness, albeit slowly due to the alcohol. “What’s happening?”
Siegfried hovered over him and then put his lips on Brighton’s. He gasped and felt the butler’s wet tongue brush the tip of his.
Brighton reached up to push his head away. Siegfried pinned his wrist down and pulled back.
“Do you want a happy ending?” Siegfried asked in a suggestive timbre.
That confused him. “I’m gonna have one with Kale and Danielle.”
Siegfried cracked an openmouthed smile at this, eyes hooded. He bent his head near Brighton’s and whispered into his ear. “I meant, did you want me to bring you to orgasm.”
What?
Brighton sat up quickly, relieved that the guy let go of him. “Okay. Yeah, um, I’m having a little what-the-fuck moment here. I thought you could hold your liquor.”
“I thought you were bisexual,” Siegfried countered with a carnal gleam in his eyes.
“So? I’m pretty much engaged.”
“To two people.”
“What’s your point?”
An awkward silence followed.
Brighton rubbed his forehead. “Okay. Let’s chalk it up to us both having too much to drink. We can just put this behind us and pretend it never happened.”
“If you like,” Siegfried said calmly. “Shall I clear this away for you?”
“Yeah, thanks.”
Brighton sank lower in the water, covering himself with more bubbles. He grew warm when he noticed Siegfried smirking at this from his peripheral vision. The butler gathered the glasses and then walked out with the tray.
A few minutes passed and Brighton didn’t hear him, so he got out of the tub and toweled off quickly. He wrapped the towel around his lower half and tied it at the waist. Where the hell were his pajamas and underwear?
