* * * *
“I think he found her,” she babbled into his shoulder. “He left after Poker Boy came to tell him something. Ellis has to go save her.”
“Shh,” he said, stroking his hand down her long hair in a soothing gesture. “Amelia is here, and Ellis hid Odette. Wherever Behr went, it wasn’t to them.”
For the first time, she looked around and saw the remnants of the fight between Eli’s men and Behr’s. Then she saw Amelia rushing at her, and she stepped out of Eli’s arms to embrace her sister, taking a step back at Amelia’s impact.
“Come on,” Jason said as he appeared at the bottom of the porch steps. A small trickle of blood came from the corner of his mouth. “Let’s get back to the club. We can figure everything out there. I’ve got the men rounding up Behr’s dogs to take to Scannell.”
With Eli and Jason surrounding Avilon, and Ellis holding on to Amelia, they trudged back to the club. They made an incongruous band as they marched past early morning traffic, hackneys whisking by as people traveled to whatever jobs they held. Women wearing aprons and with scarves around their heads hurried by, and men with shovels and buckets walked up and down the streets, cleaning up the manure. Such mundane pieces in a city that seemed to breathe its own uniqueness.
When they made it back to the club, the cooks gave them all wide-eyed stares. Eli ordered a tray full of food be brought into the dining room.
“Are you sure Behr didn’t go after Odette?” Avilon asked.
“Jin Li has her,” Ellis told her. “And Jin Li knows how to hide. He hid me and himself on a boat here without once being caught getting us food.”
Food was brought in and laid out, and they all helped themselves to the delicious-smelling eggs, ham, bacon, and coffee.
“I think it might be a good idea if you and Odette come to the club,” Eli told Amelia.
Amelia shook her head. “I won’t expose Odette to what I am. Besides, she’s safe with Jin Li until I can figure out how to handle Eugene.”
“You aren’t anything,” Avilon said sharply, “except my sister.”
Ellis took Amelia’s hand. “And my wife. If you’ll have me.”
Amelia turned large, surprised eyes on him. A lump welled up in Avilon’s throat, and she brought her hand up over her mouth to hide her wide, happy smile.
“Ellis…you don’t want me,” Amelia finally whispered, casting her eyes down. “I’m—”
“Beautiful,” he finished. “Brave. Strong. Resilient. There aren’t many people who can travel thousands of miles to protect someone they love. And I do want you. I’ve wanted you since the first moment I laid eyes on you. I love you, Amelia Chambert.”
Jason’s arm draped over Avilon’s shoulders as he pulled her into his side. She peeked up at him, and he sent her a heartwarming smile.
And then Amelia hugged Ellis and murmured her answer, too low to be heard. But it was clear her answer was an affirmation because Ellis picked her up and swung her around.
Eli tapped Jason’s shoulder and gave a jerking movement with his head, indicating they should leave. Jason took Avilon’s hand, and they left Amelia and Ellis to their moment of happiness.
“I don’t know about you two,” Eli said, “but I’ve had about three hours of sleep.”
Avilon blinked. “I haven’t had any.”
“Come on,” Jason said as he led the way from the club back through the connecting hallway and into their town house, all the way upstairs into their bed room.
“And before we succumb to sleep…” Eli murmured as he came to stand in front of Avilon. He cupped her face with his hand, running his thumb over her bottom lip. “Are we a family now?”
She nodded and took hold of his hand and Jason’s hand. “I understand why you didn’t tell me, why you felt like you had to keep your love a secret. Thank you for trusting me.”
“And now you can trust us,” Jason said.
“Yes,” Eli continued. “Because if you ever get to the point of feeling unbearably uncomfortable, then all you have to say is apple.”
“Apple?”
“Only say it if you’re absolutely sure, Avilon,” Eli said. “Do you understand?”
Avilon nodded.
Eli took her hands and pulled her forward a few steps, until her knees hit the bed. He reached out and grabbed her face, leaning down to kiss her. She wound her arms around his neck, trapping his hands to her face. She dimly heard some movement behind her, and then Eli lifted his kiss as Jason brought a scarf around her eyes.
“What are you doing?” she asked.
“It’s okay,” he soothed. “We want you to feel, Avilon. Let us take care of you.”
Jason tied it tight enough to block all sight but kept it loose enough so it wouldn’t hurt. Her heart beat fiercely at the excitement the blindfold created, at the thrill that being so helpless could create. Of course, she knew she was safe in Eli and Jason’s hands, which helped stave off any sense of panic or fear.
No, only desire coursed through her.
Layer by layer her clothes were taken off. Jason deftly unbuttoned the shirt and pushed it off her shoulders while Jason helped her step out of the pants. Soon she stood naked in the warm bedroom. She could feel their gazes upon her body. Modesty flooded her, causing her to raise her hands to try to shield herself.
“Don’t,” Eli ordered. “Keep your hands by your side.”
His tone brooked no argument. Slowly, she let her arms drift back to her sides, though the vulnerability of her state of undress made her shiver.
“We won’t hurt you,” Jason told her. His fingers caressed a path down her back, to the swell of her hip, before cupping her ass.
Eli’s hands gripped her waist, and she felt him sink to his knees in front of her. He kissed her belly button and then made a path of kisses downward. A second later his thumbs eased between her thighs to gently part the lips guarding her slit as his tongue slid inward.
She gasped at the odd sensation and buried her hands into Eli’s hair, holding him close. He found her nub and caressed it before sucking it between his lips. Instantly her body ignited, and she moaned.
Behind her she heard a noise, and a second later, Jason tenderly took her arms, raised them over her head, and another scarf was used to tie them together. The unusual situation pulled her attention from Eli’s talented tongue, and she moved her wrists impatiently.
“Trust us, Avilon,” Jason soothingly said.
She calmed and waited, wondering what they were planning on doing. She felt Eli stand, and then he and Jason helped lay her on the bed. The mattress dipped as they lay on each side of her, their combined body heat adding to her own rising temperature. Sweat beaded on her upper lip. Avilon wished she could see each man, but she could only feel as they bent to take a nipple into their mouths. They lavished attention on the tips, creating a lustful pull directly connected with her pussy. Not being able to see revved up her imagination, and her hips bucked.
Hands replaced mouths as Eli and Jason explored her body. They learned every facet that aroused her, touching her caressingly. Fingers slipped inside her, and though she didn’t know who pumped her aching pussy, they soon had her climaxing. She gave a gasp as ecstasy crashed through her. Her cream ran, and a tongue lapped it up. Stars exploded behind her eyes.
Avilon’s legs were extended straight, and then she was rolled onto her stomach. Still in a dazed euphoria, she remained relaxed as hands ran over her ass to dip inside the crack. A finger dipped further down, grazing her still-quivering pussy to collect some juice, using it to coat her back entrance. The finger easily slipped inside, and she tensed, the post-clitoral golden glow fading a little at the intrusion. She squirmed, trying to evade the burning heat the finger produced.
“Shh,” Eli whispered. “It’s okay, Avilon. Relax your muscle. You have to be loose for me to take you here.”
She did as he instructed, relaxing into the caress. Just like her pussy, the pain eased little by little. He stretched her
with one finger, making her comfortable with the feeling before adding another.
Another set of hands brought her hips up, making her bend her knees until her cheek lay flat against the bed while her ass stuck up in the air. Jason maneuvered his way under her, and his tongue started lapping against her clit. The two new sensations were almost overwhelming, and she lost her senses to the delirium of lust.
Eli mounted her. Avilon felt him line his cock up against her rosette, the slippery tip easing in.
“Does it hurt?” he asked in a guttural voice.
“No. Oh no,” she answered breathlessly. The burn of his possession was offset by the amazing feeling of Jason’s talented mouth feasting upon her pussy.
Gently, Eli pushed in. Deeper and deeper he went, until he was seated all the way in, and then he pulled back slowly. When Jason pulled his mouth away, she moaned in protest.
“I’m going to fuck you, too, Avilon,” Jason murmured.
Eli pulled her up, supporting her since her hands were still tied, allowing Jason to scoot under her. Eli raised her up while staying firmly buried in her ass.
When Jason settled into position under her, Eli lowered her body down, helping bring her pussy in line with Jason’s hard cock. And then Eli pulled out to allow her to sink onto Jason.
Avilon moaned again, this time with pleasure. Eli waited patiently at her back entrance as Jason impaled her before sliding forward. Now both filled her, and it was almost more than she could stand. She was so full, so wonderfully and sensually filled.
They started pumping together, both pulling out before sinking back into her body. Her blood was a fever in her body, burning her up. She gasped and groaned, wanting more. Just as her body wound up tightly, ready to burst, Eli and Jason stopped.
“No,” she murmured. “Please, more!”
They altered their rhythm, this time staggering their thrusts. As one went in, one pulled out, and the tension built again. Sweat ran off their bodies. Hearts thundered so loudly she couldn’t tell one from the other. Tempo built as both cocks moved easily. Avilon could feel her orgasm building.
“I’m going to come!” she cried.
“Come for us, sweetheart,” Eli said between pants.
“Oh, yes, yes! Oh God!”
The wave hit her, and she screamed as she splintered apart. A second later, Eli gave a moan as he followed, spilling himself deep inside her. Jason grabbed on to her shoulders, heaving himself against her just as he erupted, too. She felt warmth splash against her womb as he spilt his load. His body shuddered several times before collapsing, pulling her body onto him. Eli managed to pull out of her ass and fall to his side. He untied the scarf holding her hands together, and then took off her mask. She was asleep almost instantly.
Chapter Twenty-Four
Avilon opened her eyes to see that the sun’s rays were slowly dying. She guessed it had to be close to six and stretched, her arms finding only emptiness on either side of her.
She sat up, dragging the sheet with her, and pushed her hair out of her eyes. She felt rested, though her stomach rumbled with hunger.
She rose and washed quickly and dressed in her heavy brocade skirt. It might not have been fashionable, but it served her well through the cool mornings and even cooler nights.
Avilon headed downstairs and left the town house through the connecting tunnel. The dealers stood at their tables, opening up the stations for a long evening. Sleeves were held down with copper bands, ensuring no cards could be held or pulled from a hidden source. White shirts were neatly pressed and black vests tailored to each man with shoes polished to a high shine. The upstairs girls moved around, all dressed in their Turkish veils and flowing robes. She smiled at everyone as she walked into the auditorium, waving at Homer, who practiced at his piano. He played almost the whole night, even past her performance, entertaining the gentlemen who wished to simply sit and drink port while talking amongst colleagues.
When she entered her dressing room, she lit the lamp and saw a small package on her vanity. Avilon felt a foolish grin light her face as she wondered which man, Eli or Jason, had decided to give her a gift. She sat and unwrapped the paper, pulling out a small box. She lifted the lid, and a gold ring winked at her in the flickering firelight.
“Will you marry us?”
Startled, Avilon gasped and spun halfway in her chair. Eli and Jason stood in the doorway. Jason had a big smile covering most of his face, but Eli stared at her with darkly intense eyes. To most people he would have seemed indifferent, keeping himself stiffly in check, but she saw how he desperately wanted to be a part of the moment. She realized fear kept him immobile, kept him from letting loose and enjoying the intimate setting. In many ways, he was still that little boy waiting for his mother to come to him.
She rose, clutching the ring, and walked over to them. “I don’t think the law will allow me to marry both of you, unfortunately.”
“Marry Jason,” Eli ordered, his voice strangely gruff.
“Pick one of us,” Jason clarified, shooting Eli a frown. “It’s just a legal formality anyway. In our hearts, we’ll know the ceremony is for all three of us.”
“Come in,” she said and waved her hand. The men entered, and she closed the door behind them. “We haven’t known each other all that long.”
“You know us better than anyone,” Jason replied. “You’re the only person who knows of Eli and me.”
“We trust you,” Eli added.
Avilon nodded. “I know. I know that now. And I know you’ll always do your best to protect me, and my sister.” She took a deep breath. “Yes. I’ll marry you, both of you. It will be…an unconventional life.”
Jason chuckled. “But never dull.”
Avilon stared at Eli. “And you, Eli? Is this what you want?”
“I want whatever Jason wants,” Eli answered.
Avilon frowned. “Do you want me?”
“Hell yes.”
“All right. Then I’ll take your name.”
That startled him. His eyes widened, and he shot a quick glance at Jason, clearly trying to see if her decision disturbed him. “Me?”
“Yes, because you still think one of us will desert you,” she said softly. “I’ve figured you out, you see. I know why you took on a mad scheme trying to figure out how to give Jason the family he wanted.”
“I’m just glad you walked through the door that day,” Eli replied. “I had just thought of trying to find a woman to share our life, when I looked up and saw you standing in the doorway. And the abstract thought came sharply into focus.”
Jason laid a hand on Eli’s shoulder. “And you’re never going to lose us now. You’re stuck with us.”
Eli reached up and pulled Jason’s head to his, finding his lips and kissing him with an intensity that stole Avilon’s breath. When they lifted for air, Jason brought her into their arms, and they stood hugging each other tightly.
“Avilon Masters,” Eli said softly.
“Avilon Braddock Masters,” she countered.
“Even better,” Jason said.
* * * *
That evening she put a little swagger into her dance moves, added a little flirtation to her songs. She felt so effervescent she thought she could float away on love alone. Ellis and Amelia had stopped in briefly to announce they were heading to a Buddhist temple right outside the city to make arrangements for their wedding.
After her set, Avilon retreated back to her dressing room to refresh herself before her hour walking around the gaming floor on Jason’s arm. Part of her wondered what would happen when, or if, children ever came into the mix, because she didn’t want any child of hers around Sydney Town.
As she walked around the club, waving and smiling at patrons, she caught glimpses of Eli around the perimeter of the room. When their eyes met, his gaze would fall to her lips, and she knew he was giving her a promise of all they would share that night. He would play her body like a finely tuned instrument, revving up her desire until she s
plintered into a thousand pieces. Her blood quickened, and she felt her juices run just imaging all the lovely positions the three of them would try in just a few hours.
Lost in her own little fantasies, it took her a moment to understand the commotion in the outer foyer of the club. People started turning, looking, and a few of them started toward the entrance.
“Avilon,” Jason said, “go to the town house.”
“What? Why?”
“Just go,” he urged and pushed her slightly toward the connecting hallway.
But at that moment, the whole world erupted as gunfire shattered the stained glass partition. Her hands covered her ears as Jason threw her to the floor, covering her body with his own. For a few seconds, chaos controlled everything. People ran, screaming, the floor vibrating with the pounding of dozens of feet.
“Eli!” Jason was yelling. He turned back to her. “Avilon, stay down.”
“No, Jason, no, stay with me,” she begged, holding his hand.
“Stay right here. I’ll be right back,” he told her.
He pulled away, and a second later, he took off toward the entrance, leaving her alone in the gaming room. Her hands shook as she grasped the side of the card table she crouched beside, using it to help her stand. The vast room was eerie, the chandelier swaying slightly from the gunfire, making the lighting flicker in the crown molding mirrors.
The first thing she saw was that only one side of the stained glass had been shot out, and fire raged out of control, blocking off the front doorway. The second was Eli and Jason fighting several men. Bare knuckles were flying, blood running, and she didn’t know what she could do to help them. They were outnumbered two to one, though each seemed to be holding his own.
Her mind went blank for a moment as she tried to sort out what to do. Her instinct was to help Eli and Jason, but immediately her inner voice warned her this wasn’t the best thing to do. The fire started to spread, catching hold of the carpet and the velvet-covered tables. Paint started to bubble. The room filled quickly with smoke. Common sense suddenly took over, and she realized she had to make sure no one lingered upstairs. She ran to the staircase and climbed them two at a time.
The Song Bird (Siren Publishing Ménage Amour) Page 15
