Foundations: The Power of Three Love Series

by Lennon, Leigh

  Arden kneeled next to me, his ultimate sign of respect to Daimen. I saw out of the corner of my eye, Daimen taking Arden to the punishment table. He strapped him in and pulled me up, placing me in front of him. “I want to watch you ride him, but little girl, your funny man sets the pace. He is in control of you as I’m in control of him.” It was like the first time we were ever together in our playroom, and it brought back so many wonderful memories.

  Daimen sat in his voyeur designated chair made just for this reason. I crawled onto the table and straddled him. Sitting down on his very greedy cock, I started in a slow motion. “Hot stuff, you better speed that shit up. I need to come inside you so I can watch Daimen take your ass.” Arden turned to him with an incredulous smile at his demand. “It’s just an idea, hon, that I could get behind if that’s what you decide,” he teased, still after all these years, keeping our caveman on his toes.

  Daimen stood up behind me, helping with the momentum until Arden and I were lost in our own orgasms. Before I knew it, I was wrapped in the arms of my strong man as he carried me over to our bed we added to our room several years ago. Unlocking the cuffs from Arden, they both surrounded me. “Little girl, that ass is mine tonight, but for right now, we’re going to make love—tender and sweet,” Daimen whispered in my ear.

  Looking into the eyes of my guys, it was hard to believe I almost gave this up. No, fuck that—there was nothing more normal than the men who adored me so much they never gave up on a love as great as ours.

  The End.

  A Note From the Author

  I had an idea years ago that snow balled into the story of Ell, Arden, and Daimen. After releasing Color Blind, I wanted to publish a lighter book. Sure, there were serious issues throughout this story but MMF is one of my favorite tropes to read.

  Why wouldn’t I write one?

  When it came to the decision of growing their family, I did my research and decided to take some creative liberties with this idea. And scientifically, Ell getting pregnant by both men at the same time—was possible, I chose this route because it fit the story the best. I wanted Ell to give both men their own biological baby. Ell and her guys were so much fun to write—creating their personalities and demeanors. I hope you enjoyed them as much as I enjoyed writing them.

  I’ve also included an excerpt of my last book Color Blind! I hope you enjoy it!

  ~Leigh

  What I’ve Learned

  This is a little more abstract than my past What I’ve Learned sections.

  The more I write—the more I realize my desire to showcase love in a very real way.

  See, this is one of the many books I’ve written where love is not easy.

  Loving someone unconditionally isn’t simple.

  It takes a lot of give and take.

  Recently, I’ve worked on books that deal with postpartum depression, love after divorce, unplanned pregnancies, interracial romance, loving someone who shouldn’t be loved and life-threatening illnesses.

  All of those works deal with the good, bad and ugly side of love.

  Now, in this book—I’ve chosen to explore triads.

  I think it’s a beautiful idea and like anything worth having, it takes hard work.

  I truly believe if you are lucky to find love, hold onto it. That is what I continue to try to paint for all my readers in each book I release.

  ~Leigh

  It Takes a Village!

  First and foremost, to the women who take the very rough draft of my words in the most raw form and treat it with the utmost care and respect. I can’t thank my beta readers enough! Nancy George, Megan Damrow, Megan Harris, Annette Brignac, Kymberly Dingman, and Michelle Clay. I could not do this without you!

  Auden, you’re my writing bestie who gives me so much confidence. I’m so happy to navigate this journey with you.

  Erin Toland, because of you—I didn’t use semi-colons as confetti this time! I’ve enjoyed working with you and look forward to more hour long phone calls through the rough draft process.

  Thanks so much, Najla Qamber, you rock! You did it—yet again! My cover is absolutely gorgeous. And my teasers—I don’t have the words.

  Jenny Sims, my editor—I can’t tell you how much your product speaks for itself. I’ve learned so much from you and can’t brag enough about your services.

  I can’t say enough about my proofreader, Julie Deaton. It is always an honor to be able to work with you! You’re brilliant.

  I want to thank Chelly Peeler. I adore working with you—always the last person who gets my book for final formatting and deals with the craziest part of me (if you can imagine). Thanks again!

  Annette—I can’t thank you enough for stepping in and running Leigh’s Lovable Arc Team. Not only have you taken this over, you’ve become my friend and I treasure you—more than I can express.

  Michelle—You continue to give me so much confidence in my writing and I adore you! You’re truly a gem!

  Megan D.— Thanks for coming in and helping in Succulent and Sassy Reads! You’re a true joy for me and all my sassy readers!

  Maria—you are a jack of all trades from my cover whisperer to the ad queen! I’m grateful for the help you are and the friends we’ve become.

  Thanks to my dear friend, Elizabeth, who listens to my stories over and over again as if she’s heard them for the first time, which she hasn’t—I can assure you. And I know she’ll continue to listen to all my future stories over and over again.

  Dawn—Who knew after twenty-five plus years, we’d still be best friends after all this time. I’m so grateful for you! You’re a part of me!

  I can’t say enough to my Facebook group page; Succulent and Sassy Reads! You all are so awesome and I’m humbled you follow me and encourage me to continue writing.

  Thanks so much to my incredible arc team and to everyone who read an advance copy and posted a review! You ladies rock!

  I want to thank my readers because without you, this wouldn’t be possible!

  Of course, none of this would be a possibility without the Hubs and our little ones that call me mom! I love you more than I can express.

  About the Author

  Leigh Lennon is a mother, veteran and wife of a cancer survivor. Originally with a degree in education, she started writing as an outlet that has led to a deep passion. She lugs her computer with her as she crafts her next story. Her imaginary friends become real on her pages as she creates a world for them. She loves pretty nails, spiky hair and large earrings. Leigh can be found drinking coffee or wine, depending on the time of the day.

  Please stalk Leigh Lennon on Social Media

  Join my Facebook group!

  Succulent and Sassy Reads

  www.authorleighlennon.com

  Other Books by Leigh Lennon

  The Spokane Stand Alone Collection

  Unfiltered (Justine and Nick’s Story)

  Unacquainted (Rose and Brody’s Story)

  Unwanted (Emma and Tyler’s Story)

  Unknown—coming soon (Ryan’s story)

  A Jake Davis Novella Series

  The Holiday Package

  The Sweetest Package

  The Breathless Series:

  The Last Breath

  Continue Breathing (coming soon)

  Stand Alone Books:

  Stockholm

  Fans of Football Series:

  Colorblind

  About Color Blind

  Liz

  A bond. A connection. Our difference in color didn’t matter; we were made for each other. A love so strong nothing could come between us—until someone did. Faced with an ultimatum, I made the only decision I could but it was never about skin color for me. Saying goodbye to him left me in pieces, never to be the same without him.

  Now, many years later, I am face-to-face with the man no one could ever compare to. The feelings I’ve pushed aside for him threaten to boil over. I must fight them. I can’t go back. I need to protect my family, myself.

  Isr
ael

  Here I am, face-to-face with the one that got away, the one that abandoned me, the one no other woman could measure up to. I still need to know why she left. Did she leave me for her family money? Was it my skin color? She left by choice, leaving me broken. I’ve never been the same without her.

  But now that she’s in front of me, I can’t let her get away again. My slightest touch leaves her covered in goose bumps. Liz is using everything she has not to give in. I hope she will. I need her to be mine, to once again be my Buttercup.

  Color Blind

  Prologue

  16 Years Ago

  Israel

  If there has ever been a love that’s true and pure, it’s present the second I see her angelic face. In her sparkling violet eyes, the joy in her laugh, and in the way she adores me; I know how to love.

  Regrettably for us, the world judges out loud. Even in the turn of the century, in 2002, it’s amazing the people who twist their necks to watch us, claiming witness to our differences, questioning if we’re real.

  I can break it to them; our love is as real as the stars and the moon and tides of the oceans. She’s taken over my heart and we never saw it as a matter of black and white. Quite opposite, with her I see no color on either one of our skins. We’re equal, the same, because our love makes it possible.

  While studying color blindness in—fucking stab me in the eye with a knife—biology class, I understand something I’d never known. A person who is truly colorblind can’t distinguish between certain colors. Normally, the arrangements are yellows and blues or greens and reds. Those with the latter must find Christmas difficult. The point is, for Liz and me, it’s the exact same thing. Whether it’s fucking yellow and blue or the festive colors of Christmas or even black and white, all I see with Liz is love. Color doesn’t matter. It never has, and I hope to fuck it never will.

  * * *

  16 Years Ago

  Liz

  As I glide my palms across his dark skin, the rough exterior of his unshaven face radiates heat within me. Every part of my skin tingles and every neuron fires when his body rubs alongside mine. He’s it, the one, my forever. Watching him stir as he wets his mouth, biting down on his lip, produces a desire to make love to him again. Reaching under the covers, I realize we’re still naked, never having dressed after the long night we spent together. Him in me, our bodies forged into one, as we tasted every little bit of each other.

  His chiseled jaw, the angular curve of it, enhances the beauty I look upon whenever my gaze locks on him. Scrubbing over the scruff of his chin, he leans into me and presses a kiss on my upturned nose, one of my many flaws, though he claims he loves it. Now, with him nuzzling into my neck, I hear him moan, his needs surfacing first thing this morning, evidenced by the erection growing against my bare stomach.

  “Mornin’, Buttercup.” His eyes are already eating me alive, as if I’m truly the candy bar he’s named me after.

  “Iz, we have class and as much as I could lie here all day long—we can’t.”

  “One class, Buttercup, my over-achiever, it’s all we need. No one will know—just us.”

  Reaching for his erection still boring in on me, he continues, “Well, us and my cock.”

  We both erupt into laughter, but his intentions are made clear. I cave when he wraps himself around me, finding the wetness of my core, and I’m a goner. After all, one skipped class isn’t a big deal.

  My skin next to his is a deep contrast, but it doesn’t matter, for our love is and will forever be colorblind.

  Liz

  16 years later

  Adjusting to the beauty of my new view of the L.A. skyline, and the Griffith Observatory in the distance, I straighten my Tom Ford skirt while looking at my stilettos. Drumming my fingers on the glass, I make a mental note to wipe off the prints from the floor-to-ceiling windows before this meeting. It’s not just a meeting but also the meeting. Inspecting my nails, I’m sure my heart can be heard out in the reception area. I’m surprised Candace can’t hear it.

  It’s my very own office. Not Daddy’s, or my evil step-witch’s or ex-husband’s, but mine. Eliza Parker. With my new name and new life, there’s only one person I’d ever want to start over with.

  In this moment, I look up and see that one person when she waltzes into my office. The corners of my mouth crack into a wide smile at the pride I take every time my gaze falls on her. In front of me is my little sister and she’s rambling on, just as nervous as I am over this life-changing event. When I decided on this move, thus also saving her from the step-witch, we both decided my inheritance would be used to reinvent me. Living by our motto, go big or go home, I used my little nest egg Mama left to take control over my life and live part of my dream. Broadcasting may not be an option for me anymore, but entertainment law, working with athletes to ensure they are awarded the best contract, is the second-best thing.

  “Liz,” my sister begins, refusing to call me by my new name, “Langston Jamison will be here in twenty minutes.” Candace is primping in the mirror of a small wardrobe I had installed in my office. The reason for her preparation is due to the sexy sports agent that’ll be arriving soon with my first client. Or should I say potential client—though he’d said I’d be perfect for this super-secret prospect.

  “Candace, he’s twice your age.” It’s all I say to my little sister but she turns and sticks her tongue out at me. You’d never guess she was twenty-one, but with me, it’s always fun and games. It needs to be after all the damage my stepmother has caused, attempting to demean my sister at every turn. I often refer to her as the step-witch but she’s the woman my daddy married barely three months after we buried our mama. To this day, I still call the man who raised me Daddy, not out of love and devotion but simply because it’s a southern thing.

  When I look at Candace, I swear sometimes I’m looking in the mirror of my yesterdays. Staring at her, her smile is warm and dreamy. I have eyes. I know exactly what she’s thinking when she mulls over the handsome Langston Jamison. I still have to do the obligatory warning as the big sister.

  Her scoff is playful as she replies, “If you can reinvent yourself and declare yourself with a new name, I can, too, Liz.” I’d already resigned myself to the fact she’d always call me Liz. “Anyway, I’ve told you repeatedly, call me Candy.” Now she’s grabbed my expensive mascara; I cringe seeing her using it on her eyelashes. I guess my favorite tube is now hers as she continues to babble on. “And he’s your age so that’s only fifteen years.”

  “That’s still three times the acceptable age difference, Candace, and as I told you, I’ll continue to call you Candace if you insist on calling me Liz.” I wink and she flips me off. Acting wounded, I feign fainting at her immature motion.

  Rolling her eyes at me, she continues, “Anyway, Liz, who’s to say five years is the appropriate max age difference? Neal was your age and you saw how well that turned out.” The second the words depart her mouth, she slaps it, already an apology in her eyes.

  I give my sister a dismissive wave and my skin crawls at the name she has just mentioned. My daddy had already removed many of my choices in life by sending the man I loved away. Then, as a bribe, Daddy chose the devil himself as my husband. “True, we all know how that turned out, fucking sadistic bastard.” In speaking of my ex-husband, I always follow it up with my own little nickname I have just for him.

  “Sorry, Liz.” She’s already in my space, holding me, as though with her embrace it could erase the years of bondage I was encased in with him.

  “You’re the child, I’m the adult,” I say, as I always do with the fifteen-year difference separating us, which she hates. Mama died nineteen years ago when Candace was only two. Now, just twenty-one years old, we continue to work through the mental abuse she’s endured at the hands of my daddy and the step-witch.

  It’s the main reason we left South Carolina, one of the many. After Daddy died, the inheritance that Mama left Candace and myself years ago was released to me
. He’d of course lorded it over me to do his bidding. With half of the money, I was able to break away from Declan and Associates and create my own law firm that catered to the world of sports. Being that sports broadcasting was my first dream and Daddy ripped that from underneath me, finding my Achilles’ heel—he knew I’d do anything for her.

  Taking Mama’s maiden name and changing my name from the cluster of letters of what the step-witch and the sadistic bastard of my ex-husband called me was a needed change. I’d allow Candace and only one other person in this world to call me Liz. No longer was I Elizabeth Declan, now I’m Eliza Parker.

  A dull ache resides in my stomach at the pain funneled in from those who should have loved me. Certainly, Daddy and my husband should have been my number one supporters but no, they weren’t. I often wondered if Daddy’s new wife’s name at one time was Tremaine, the name of the evil woman Cinderella’s father married.

  I was due a new start, in a new place with new people, just my little sister as part of my old life. I wouldn’t give up Candace for anything in this world. Everything I’ve done, from sacrificing the man I loved to marrying a man I hated and everything in between, has been, in essence, for her.

  I was reminded that I forfeited a life with Iz every Sunday from August until February when he played ball. After all these years, the spasms still rack my muscles at what I gave up…yet I would do it again. Looking at my sister still primping for the sexy sports agent, it reaffirms I’d do it a million times over.