Tangled by Temptation [Doms of Destiny, Colorado 7] (Siren Publishing Ménage Everlasting)

by Chloe Lang

  Jo stifled a yawn. “I’m going to grab a plate and head back to my hotel room. I’m beat.”

  “Get some rest. I’ll see you tomorrow back at our post.”

  She nodded and walked away.

  Corey glanced around the room, looking for his parents or his sister. They might know where Belle and Shane were, but the rest of his family was missing as well. Made sense. Most had finished their Thanksgiving meal hours ago. Likely, along with the bulk of the crowd, his family and Belle had moved into the other room at the hotel where the dance was being held.

  Doc and Mick were at a table to his right.

  “Have you seen my brother or Belle, fellas?”

  Mick shook his head.

  Doc looked up at him. “I saw them head out a couple of hours ago, Corey.”

  He didn’t like the sound of that.

  Shane had made it clear on more than one occasion that he was ready to get more serious with Belle.

  Way too early for that.

  “There they are.” Mick pointed to the door.

  Corey turned and saw the duo enter the hall. Shane’s face was lit up like a Christmas tree. His brother’s arm was around Belle, who had a completely different look than Shane. She looked somber.

  Where have they been? What did they do? If he only went by what Shane looked like alone then there was no doubt what had happened.

  He’s had sex. But why did Belle look so serious? What was going through her mind?

  I hope Shane didn’t push her into something she wasn’t ready for.

  When her eyes locked on his, she smiled weakly and he felt his gut tighten.

  “Hey, bro.” Shane waved at him, smiling from ear to ear. They walked over to him. “How was your shift?”

  “Uneventful.” Corey grabbed Belle’s hands. “Don’t forget that you promised me and Juan and the other boys to join us tomorrow for Cody’s next dragon hunting ride. That will be eventful for sure.”

  “How can I forget? You and the boys won’t let me.”

  “It’s because we’re all crazy about you. How about a piece of apple pie, darlin’?”

  She nodded. “I hope you like it. No promises.”

  Corey wanted to have a moment alone with Shane to get to the bottom of what had happened between him and Belle. Filling his plate was all the excuse he needed.

  Shane grabbed her hand. “Have you eaten Mom’s stuffing yet? It’s scrumdiddlyumptious.”

  Corey fixed his hot stare on Shane. Was his brother aware of how Belle was feeling? Shane usually could sense so much in anyone. Why is he not seeing how torn up Belle is? “Where have you two been?”

  “Shane took me to your parents’ land.” The light returned to her eyes. “It is so beautiful up there.”

  Corey decided to prod a little. He needed to uncover what was troubling her. “Did you have a good time?”

  She nodded and smiled. “We did.”

  They definitely had sex. She seemed fine with that. So, what else could be troubling her?

  “I’ve only got a half hour before I have to take Black’s place at the clinic.” Shane pulled out a chair for Belle. “Let me get us dessert. I want to have at least one dance with you before I have to leave.”

  She smiled. “I’d like that.”

  “We’ll be back, beautiful.” As they got out of her earshot, Corey turned to his brother. “What the hell is going on?”

  Shane shrugged. “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

  “You’re the mind reader in our family. How can you be so blind? Belle is upset about something. It’s as plain as day.”

  “I really don’t want to go into it now, bro.”

  “Tough. Clearly you do know she’s troubled by something. I know you had sex. What happened to upset her?”

  “The sex was incredible. She and I were like teenagers. We both gave in to our desires and it was wonderful. Nothing like it has ever happened to me before.” Shane turned to him, his face filled with reverence and gravity. “I care about Belle. I think she could be the one for us.”

  Trying to slow Shane down was going to take some effort, but he knew it had to be done. His brother wasn’t ready to jump right into a serious relationship, no matter how wonderful Belle was. “That still doesn’t explain why she is so unsettled.”

  Shane sighed. “I forgot to use protection because I was so lost in the moment. She said it didn’t matter, not to worry. But her mood immediately took a turn from sunny to gloomy.”

  “Damn it, Shane. No wonder she’s upset. What if she’s pregnant? Then what?”

  “I told her that it would make me the happiest man in the world, and I meant every word of it.”

  “You keep trying to push her into something permanent and it is obvious she’s not ready for that.”

  “I’m not so sure, but I hope I haven’t fucked it up.” Shane got two plates and filled them with Belle’s apple pie.

  “I hope you’re right. We just have to take things a lot slower with her.”

  “What about you, Corey? It’s obvious that you are into Belle as much as I am. Why are you holding back?”

  “Because like her, Shane, you are not ready for something serious.” Corey could imagine one day, a few years down the road, planning a future together. Just not now.

  Unless she’s pregnant. That would change everything.

  Though it would be like moving from a standstill into the fast lane, having a child with her would be amazing. Corey would love to be a father. Shane loved children just as much as he did and would be a great parent. What about Belle? Corey smiled. She’d already shown him what kind of mother she was going to be. The loving way she took care of Juan and the other boys at the Stone Ranch told him all he needed to know.

  They walked back to Belle with the dessert.

  He sat on one side of her and Shane sat on the other.

  “Your apple pie looks delicious, sweetheart.” Corey grabbed his fork.

  She shook her head. “Shouldn’t you start with the main meal first before moving on to dessert?”

  “There’s no rule that you can’t have dessert first, at least not in Destiny.” He took a bite of the pie. The crust and filling were perfection. “Oh my God, where did you learn to bake like this?”

  She grinned. “From my mom. You really like it?”

  “Corey never lies, baby.” Shane took a bite of the piece on his plate. “Wow. This is good. Really good.”

  “I hope everyone that tried my pies enjoyed them as much as you two.” The blue mood she’d come in with seemed to be lifting some.

  “I’m sure they did, Belle.” He took another bite. “We got the last three pieces.”

  “No kidding. That’s great. Those girls from the high school worked hard. I’ll have to let them know. I wonder where they are?”

  “At the dance, no doubt.” Shane’s plate was empty. “I’m on a time crunch, sweetheart. I’d like my dance.”

  She laughed. “Corey, has he always been so pushy?”

  “Only since we were kids.” He put his arm around her shoulder. “I still say our parents spoiled him and Phoebe. I’m the sensible one of the three of us.”

  “I can see that.” She sent him a sweet wink and then turned to Shane, offering her hand. “A promise is a promise.”

  They all stood and walked over to the room where the dance was going on. Wolfe Mayhem, Mitchell’s band, ended one song and segued right into another, this one being a fast country song.

  “You know the line dance that goes with this one?” Shane asked her as the crowd of boot scooters were lining up across the floor.

  She nodded. “It’s so much fun. Let’s go.”

  Corey watched them laughing as they kicked and stepped in time with the rest of the dancers. It was good to see them having so much fun. He walked over to the bar and got a beer and a glass of wine for Belle, which he knew she preferred. Shane was going to be on guard duty so he got him a bottled water. He walked back with the drinks jus
t as the band changed to a slow tune.

  Shane held Belle close. The look on both their faces told Corey they were already falling hard for one another. As the song ended, Shane kissed her tenderly, and they walked over to him.

  He handed them their drinks.

  Belle smiled. “Thank you. You remembered I love red wine.”

  “Of course I did, sweetheart.”

  Shane looked at the time on his cell. “I’ve got to go.” He leaned over and kissed Belle again. “I’ll miss you.”

  “I’ll miss you, too, but you’re leaving me in good hands.”

  Corey liked the sound of that, though he could still sense some hesitation in Belle. No wonder, given what he’d learned from Shane. He would make it his job for the rest of the evening to make sure she had a good time.

  “Take good care of our girl, bro.”

  “You know I will.”

  Shane left.

  He put down his beer and grabbed her hand. “I want a dance with the most beautiful woman in Destiny.”

  Belle smiled and glanced around the room. “Where is she?”

  “You know exactly where she is, sweetheart. She’s right in front of me.” He kissed her, relishing the taste of her lips.

  Her face was flushed. “I’m not going to argue with you about the most beautiful, but I do suggest you go see an eye doctor.” She laughed and ran to the middle of the dance floor. “What are you waiting for? I’m ready to dance, Mr. Blue.”

  Stepping up to her, he wrapped his arms around her. “Let’s show them how it’s done.”

  He spun her around the dance floor and loved how good she was on her toes. “You sure know how to move your pretty feet, darlin.’”

  “And so do you, marshal.”

  They stayed out on the dance floor through a ton of songs, back to back. He hadn’t had that much fun…ever. Belle’s smile thrilled him.

  He grabbed her hand. “You’re out of breath. Let’s take a break.”

  She nodded, and he led her to some chairs in a far corner.

  “Would you like another drink, sweetheart?”

  “I’m fine, but I wouldn’t mind taking a drive, Corey. Back up to your parents’ place.”

  “To the lookout? I’d be glad to, but why? Aren’t you having a good time?”

  “I am. I’m having a wonderful time, but I just would like to see it at night. I’ve got a lot on my mind and Shane told me how being there helped him get perspective over his troubles. Problems don’t seem so big when you’re looking at those mountains surrounding Destiny.”

  Problems? Was she still worried about not using protection?

  “Sure. Let’s go.”

  * * * *

  Belle leaned her head against Corey’s shoulder.

  The sun had set and the outside temperature was quite chilly. He’d left his truck running and the heat on, so they were nice and toasty.

  “I love it here. I can’t imagine how wonderful it must’ve been growing up in Destiny.” She gazed down at the town, which looked like little points of light that were also reflected on the lake’s still surface.

  “Shane, Phoebe, and I have wonderful childhood memories. What about you and Amber? You told me and Shane about losing your parents when you were in high school. I can’t even imagine how hard that was. What was your childhood like?”

  She loved how sweet Corey was being. “Our mom and dad were very loving. The best.”

  He kissed her hair. “I’m sure they would be proud of both their girls.”

  “I miss them very much.” She locked her fingers over his hand. “It’s hard for Amber, too. She was only a couple of years younger than me when they passed away. We’ve clung to each other ever since. I try to be there for my sister in every way I can, but it’s not the same as it would’ve been had my parents lived.”

  “Baby, you were so young when you lost them. You can’t beat yourself up. Anyone can see that you’ve been and continue to be a great sister to Amber.”

  “Thank you. You know, Corey, my mom would’ve loved being a grandmother.” She closed her eyes, taking in a deep breath of regret. “I’m going to love being an aunt, that’s for sure.

  Corey touched her cheek. She opened her eyes, looking at the concern on his face.

  “What’s wrong, Belle? This isn’t just about Amber’s baby, is it?”

  He was getting too close to the truth. To my truth. “I don’t want to talk about that right now.”

  “Sure you can. I’m here. I want to help.” His tender words were crushing her heart.

  She needed to have more courage. It was wrong to keep leading him and Shane on when there could never be a future. They deserved to be fathers. No matter how much she wanted to stay, she couldn’t take that away from them. Shane had made it clear to her that he wanted a serious relationship. Corey, of the two, seemed okay with something more casual. God, if only that was still possible. But she’d led with her heart and gotten in way too deep.

  “Corey, this isn’t going to work. You, me, and Shane. It’s just not possible.” The words came out and she instantly wished she could take them back. “I’ve said too much.”

  “No. You haven’t said enough.” His tone deepened.

  She couldn’t tell him. Not now. It wouldn’t be fair to Shane. She needed to tell them both, face to face. “Tomorrow. I promise I’ll tell you and Shane everything.”

  Seeing Corey’s face darken surprised her. “We can talk tomorrow, Belle. But no matter what you have to say, trust me, what we have—you, me, and Shane—it’s not over. Not even close. Not now. Not ever.”

  Taken aback by how forceful he was being, she blinked several times. “I thought you wanted something fun but casual. I must’ve misread your intentions.”

  “I was willing to keep it casual until right now. Let me show you my new intentions, baby.” He crashed his mouth to hers, devouring her lips. He pulled her in close against his muscled body, and she melted into him, unable to resist.

  I shouldn’t do this.

  “Does that tell you exactly what my intentions are, sweetheart?” He didn’t wait for an answer, but kissed her again with such urgency it took her breath away.

  She’d never seen him like this before, so dominant, so intense. Had her confession that she was ready to end it ignited something possessive inside him, something that wasn’t willing to let her go? She knew it had.

  He stripped her of her clothes so fast it made her head spin and her body burn.

  It might be selfish of her, but she had to be with him—at least once.

  She could feel his hunger on his every breath.

  He ripped off his shirt, sending a few buttons to the floor of the truck. In a flash, he was out of his Levi’s. His ten-inch cock was thick and firm.

  “I have protection. Don’t worry.”

  Her heart seized in her chest. “No.”

  A storm erupted on his face. “You don’t want me?”

  “Yes.”

  “Yes? No?” He cupped her chin. “Which is it?”

  “I’m not making any sense, am I?”

  “That’s putting it mildly. Nod your head if you want to me to make love to you.”

  She nodded with all her might.

  “That’s all I need to know.” He grinned, but it didn’t soften the manly force he was exuding from every pore in his muscled body. “Let me get a condom out of my pocket.”

  He reached for his jeans and she grabbed his wrist. “No.”

  “Belle, you have to stop teasing me. Now.”

  “I’m not teasing you. I want you. I really do, but we don’t need protection.”

  “I don’t understand. Why?”

  “Just make love to me now.”

  “Are you on the pill?”

  “I am.” The little white lie wouldn’t hurt him. She wanted him so badly and couldn’t bear even a condom coming between them. “Corey. I need you so much.”

  He kissed her, making her toes curl. “And I need you, too, B
elle. Your body is so beautiful.” His hands cupped her breasts, and her skin began to warm. He grabbed her and sat her on his lap, facing him.

  She could feel the head of his cock pressing against her wet pussy. Her need amplified to a dizzying pressure. She felt his hands on her back, pulling her into him. As his dick thrust into her channel, she gasped as he filled her insides to the max.

  “You like having my cock in your pussy, baby?”

  “Very much,” she confessed breathlessly. “Yes. So good.” She rode his dick like a crazy woman, enjoying the spots it was scraping inside her body.

  She leaned back and he grabbed her breasts, massaging her nipples with his thumb and forefinger until they were throbbing. Her pussy ached and the burn in her body sizzled higher and higher.

  He reached down and pressed on her clit, delivering just the perfect amount of pressure.

  “Yes. God. Yes.” She moved up and down his cock, getting closer and closer to the climax she had to have.

  Keeping his thumb on her clit, he reached around her and fingered her anus, sending her over the top and into sweet, mind-blowing release. Her body erupted with overwhelming sensations, vast and satisfying, hot and wet, intense and complete.

  Corey’s facial muscles tightened, but his eyes never left hers.

  “Fuuuck.” He thrust up into her, and she could feel him unload his seed into her body.

  “That was amazing.” She kissed his chest as her shivers began to settle down a little.

  His breathing was heavy. A smile spread across his handsome face. “More to come, baby. Now that I’ve had you, I want more. And. I. Will. Have. More.”

  How did he know that I needed him to be strong and somewhat forceful? I really believe he needed that, too.

  Chapter Eight

  Compared to most of the assignments Shane had been given, guarding Cindy Trollinger was one of the easiest—so far. Aside from her smoke breaks and her insistence that her car be started every day to save the battery, there was little to do.

  Jason, his shift partner, looked at his ROC. “I’ll be glad when we can use these again. I wonder when the tech trio will have the new security up and running.”