The Billionaires and The Book Nerd: A MFM Billionaire Menage Romance

by Harper West

  I blinked at my surroundings. “Wow, it's so quiet in here.”

  “We made sure to install the latest technology in blocking noise,” Cooper explained.

  “It helps us concentrate when we need to meet our deadlines,” Jack added.

  “I can imagine that comes in handy for many things.”

  Cooper raised an eyebrow in my direction. “It sure does.”

  “Do you need anything to drink? Tea? Coffee? We have whiskey as well,” Jack offered.

  I laughed. “Whiskey this early in the morning?”

  “Why not? A little hair of the dog never bit anyone,” he joked.

  “Coffee would be lovely. Thank you.”

  I took a seat in one of the plush chairs in front of the grand desk. It was incredible, their office, and I wasn't sure if they shared it or if they were just saying it was jointly theirs. I noticed the plants in the corner near the window, the bathroom to the far right, and the closet that likely housed spare suits or an assortment of other items. My eyes fell then on the portrait sitting behind me. It was a painting, actually, a wonderful rendition of expressionism with a familiar face.

  But it wasn't either of their faces—yet it was so similar.

  I pointed to the painting. “Who's that?”

  “My father,” Cooper replied proudly. “He taught us most of what we know.”

  “Was he a forward-thinking man like you?”

  He arched his right brow and rubbed his chin as he walked around the desk. When he sat in the chair, it hissed underneath him as if he rarely ever sat in it. “He was something.”

  “That didn't answer my question.”

  “He taught me what I need to know about life and business.”

  I hummed. “And what would that be?”

  “Take everything one step at a time.”

  “That's an excellent lesson to apply to life.”

  The smell of coffee permeated the air. It made me sit up in my chair and hum contentedly as I watched Jack bringing me a fresh mug. I eyed him carefully.

  “I hope I got your preference right,” Jack said.

  “Were you paying attention?”

  He grinned mischievously. “Oh, always.”

  He leaned against the desk as I sipped my coffee. Surprise coated my facial features and I laughed. “Wow, that's exactly how I like my coffee! You're a quick learner.”

  “We have to be fast learners in such a fast-paced environment,” Cooper commented. “Otherwise, we wouldn't keep up.”

  I nodded in agreement. He was right about that—this sort of business changed all the time. I knew because I read just about every magazine that came across my desk at the library.

  But I would never admit that to him.

  “So,” I whispered while cupping my coffee mug between my hands. “Aren't you supposed to be checking on something?”

  I glanced casually down at the outfit I had chosen for the day. It was a simple dark violet blouse with ruffles on the front that stopped about mid-waist where my pencil skirt started. I even decided to wear my black-framed glasses instead of my contacts. And my hair? That was down over my shoulders instead of up in a tight bun. I wore my usual black heels and even hiked my skirt up slightly when I had sat down to reveal part of my thigh.

  Though they weren't obviously looking, I knew they were stealing glances. It was working—I was starting to really reel them in. My last trip here was reminiscent of a spy film. I had hidden a little camera in one of the plants in the corner. It would catch them acting inappropriately with me and then I could walk away with money in my pocket and a little dignity to boot.

  “Well, Jack is going to check on the printers. We had to halt next month's issue because we want to add your interview as a centerpiece,” Cooper explained.

  “A centerpiece?” I repeated. “You mean like a featured article?”

  “We thought it would be more appropriate to give you proper credit and light,” Jack remarked as he walked past me. “Only the best for the best.”

  Silence enveloped the office as Cooper, and I stared at each other. He was looking more handsome than usual. It must have been the stubble decorating his chin and the way the sunlight was spilling over his profile. I couldn't help admiring him. He really was attractive—it was a shame he was a jerk who needed to be exposed as the womanizer he was.

  “You know, I've been meaning to tell you something, princess,” he said in a low voice. It was almost like he didn't want anyone hearing it.

  I leaned forward with my cup perched on my knee. “What's that, dear Cooper?”

  “You're... You're looking quite lovely today.”

  “Is that what you wanted to say?”

  He chuckled nervously. “No, that's not it, but I did want to make you aware.”

  “Oh, I'm aware.”

  “I admire your candor. You've worked hard for the things you have in life. You have an incredible position where people respect you and never challenge your word. That's a valuable position to have in such a world.” He gazed toward the window, the sun catching his eyes, casting a honey glow over his irises. “It's a shame that we met when we did.”

  “I don't understand.”

  "What I'm trying to say is... What I mean is..." He licked his lips and turned his eyes back to me. Once they were out of the light, they looked like dark stones again. "I'm terribly sorry for the way Jack and I treated you when we were younger. We were fools then, and we're fools even now."

  I furrowed my brows together. “I still don't understand.”

  “I'm apologizing for the nickname we gave you and for the way we disrespected you.”

  I blinked.

  Was this really happening?

  If it was, it was totally ruining my plans. I was having trouble containing the emotions rising in my belly—a mixture of anticipation, relief, and even desire. I was sure to feel lust with them, especially with the way we played our games, but the rest was unplanned.

  I wasn't used to unplanned.

  I blinked again, trying to retain a professional appearance. “Well, that's in the past.”

  “The past has a way of rearing its ugly head in the future.”

  “Thankfully, it's only the present right now.”

  He laughed. “You have such a fascinating view of the world. You're different from anyone I've ever met—than anyone we've ever met.”

  Jack returned and took a seat in the chair next to me. He was holding his own mug of coffee. He slurped it idly as Cooper continued: “Which is to say that this has been a rare and special encounter.”

  “I thought you were just in it for the interview.”

  “And we thought so as well.”

  “So, what are you two trying to say?”

  I looked between them. I'd never seen them look so frozen in place. They were always on guard, ready to deliver the perfect performance. Or, at least, that's always how it seemed to me.

  “Cooper thought it would be best to apologize to you first,” Jack replied. “And I'm sorry as well. I know we've touched on this, but it's so important to right past wrongs.”

  “This seems silly. It was just college.”

  “But was it just college?” Jack posed thoughtfully. “I mean, those experiences shaped the adults that we are today. It's more than just college.”

  “I can see your point.” I grinned a warm and genuine grin. “I appreciate you two making it a point to say this to me.”

  Even though it's completely ruining my plans.

  “We think it's important to cover these things,” Cooper stated.

  “After all, we're the most influential magazine in the state—maybe the country.”

  I giggled. “Fair.”

  “So, did you tell the editors about our changes?” Cooper asked Jack.

  "I did, brother. We're all set, and the new date has been chosen."

  “And that is?”

  “A couple of weeks after the first.”

  Cooper nodded. “Excellent. W
e can drop by Miss Brooklyn's job now.”

  “And after that?” I inquired. “What in the world would you want to do with me today?”

  Cooper and Jack exchanged a glance. It seemed like they were quietly communicating like he was reading Jack's mind. I found myself mesmerized by the whole process. It only took a few minutes, but then he turned to me and smiled. "What would you like to do?"

  “Oh, I don't have the faintest idea.”

  “Would you give us a tour of your library?” he inquired.

  “I'd love to do that. I didn't think you'd be interested.”

  He shrugged. “I think it would be best to have some photographs for the article of you around the library. We could take other pictures as well.”

  “That sounds fair.”

  “Then it's settled—and after that, we can take you to lunch.”

  I smiled. “Perfect.”

  Chapter 14

  Cooper

  Our office would have been the perfect place to take her all over again, but there was something appealing about returning to our roots. I recall fondly that conversation with Jack that day. We had both mused about whether screwing a librarian would be as satisfying as it appeared in fantasy.

  And now that we had the perfect cover, I was more than happy to find out.

  The Central Phoenix Library was familiar to us both since we had studied nearby at the college. Though we hadn't often stepped inside, we knew what it was like. But many changes had been made since our studying days. I marveled at the size of it and how its grand space held so many shelves and books and carts.

  I wasn't typically impressed by books. I mean, reading wasn't exactly my thing—that was Jack's thing—but it was still incredible. I felt a sense of serenity wash over me after walking through the double doors. The central air was cool when it met my face, calming me instantly. I could smell the books everywhere and could hear the small whispers of conversation.

  “It's a wonder you love being here,” I whispered to Brooklyn. “It's so peaceful.”

  She nodded politely and led us across the great room. We soon arrived at a private office in a back hallway with her name in bold black letters on the cloudy window of her office door. I ran my fingers over it as I walked inside.

  My mouth dropped open.

  There were all sorts of framed vintage movie posters on the walls. In between the posters were massive shelves with books gathering dust, some of the dust disturbed from books having been removed and replaced. The titles ranged from reference material to classic literature, feminist theory, and even philosophy.

  “You're more well-read than I thought,” I whispered.

  “You don't have to whisper back here,” she replied. “And thanks, I think.”

  “I really mean it as a compliment.”

  Jack was drawn to one of the shelves. There were a pile of mysteries stacked in order chronologically that he fingered reverently.

  “You like... Misty J. Warren?” he asked breathlessly. “I've been reading her books since I was a teenager.”

  Brooklyn had been handling some papers, but she froze in place. She looked with a mixture of confusion and admiration at Jack. “You like reading mysteries?”

  “Oh, I adore them.”

  “I thought maybe that book you gave me was a ruse.”

  He chuckled. “Maybe in another life.”

  “I mean, I know you proved that you read it, but anyone could look that stuff up on the internet, you know?”

  “I imagine you haven't met too many good men, princess.”

  A knock came from behind me. I stepped aside and turned to see the same man standing there who had been all over Brooklyn the night of the ball.

  “Hello, Brett,” she greeted professionally. “I didn't expect to see you here.”

  Brett eyed us both while he stepped into the office, adjusting his tie. “I wanted to come see if you would join me for lunch. I have a professor who is interested in your book.”

  She glared at him. “What book? I have no idea what you're talking about.”

  “Oh, well... I mean, the book you wanted to write. He's interested in seeing what ideas you might have.”

  “I still haven't the faintest clue what you're talking about.”

  Brett looked like a deer in headlights. I was rather enjoying the show and even took a seat while crossing my arms. Clearly, Brooklyn didn't like the little man coming into her office with some strange request. I didn't like it either.

  But I was thoroughly enjoying the show of her rejecting him.

  “Well,” he huffed. “My lunch offer stands.”

  “I'm busy today, Brett. But I appreciate it.”

  “Need any scholarly help?”

  She smiled politely. “Oh, I've got all the help I could possibly need.”

  Brett glanced at me and then at Jack before taking his leave. He was muttering something under his breath, something I didn't care to catch. Once the little man was gone, Jack broke out into a fit of huffed chuckles.

  “Wow,” I whispered. “Who in the world was that?”

  “My previous boss—he doesn't seem to understand that because I left that job doesn't make me available to him.”

  “He's been hitting on you?”

  “And blowing up my phone. And sending me letters. And giving me gifts.” She lifted a charm bracelet sitting on her desk that she ended up tossing aside. “I don't get it.”

  “Maybe he should read our article about rejection,” Jack suggested. “It outlines when a woman says and means no.”

  She blinked at Jack. “I would have never expected you two to write an article about that.”

  “Don't you know who we are by now, princess?” I asked as I stood from my chair. I nonchalantly shut the door and glanced at Jack as I closed the space between her and I. “It's important to respect the wishes and desires of those around us.”

  “We take pride in that,” Jack explained. “In being gentlemen.”

  “I just assumed that...” She faded as she bit her lower lip, dropping her gaze. There was a look there—a familiar one that caught me off-guard. Was she having regrets?

  I furrowed my brows. “What is it?”

  She was quiet for a moment. Usually, I would steal this moment, steal her lips, take her throat—but the way she looked was hesitant and pensive. I couldn't make a move without her giving me that special look of desire.

  When she raised her gaze, that strange guilt seemed to have faded and she was herself again. “You were right about appearances.”

  “I'm usually right about most things,” I teased.

  Her eyes lit up and then dropped to my lips, trailing back up slowly as she blinked. “That was a pretty cocky thing to say.”

  I reached tentatively for her chin, dragging my thumb lightly over her lower lip. She shuddered and closed her eyes as she relinquished control instantly. I reveled the feeling of her handing her power right over to us.

  “Do you want to play a game?” I whispered to her cheek. “Do you want to see who can break the silence?”

  “This... This is a dangerous place for that...”

  I chuckled lightly and went for her ear. “Doesn't that make it all the more fun?”

  She hissed when I nipped her earlobe. I could feel her trembling, her shaking hands reaching out for me to tug closer. Everything about her movements said yes and I was elated to have her permission. Yes, I wanted to take from her, but I wanted it to be willingly.

  She was so sexy under my care. Even Jack looked utterly enamored by the way she exposed her neck to us. It was like taking a sacrifice—and it was all the more delicious because it was her. Not just anyone could do this. Not just any woman would do.

  It had to be Brooklyn.

  I sank hungrily into her neck. She hummed while I decorated the skin beneath her jawline down to her shoulder with lustful kisses. I shoved aside her blouse, exposing part of her breast. They looked so voluptuous pushed up by her bra that I immediately dove in
to them, decorating every inch of her with my lips. She hissed again and moaned, but I heard the way her hand clamped over her mouth.

  “No rules,” she whispered through her fingers. “We haven't set any rules.”

  “There are no rules,” I growled.

  I wrapped my fingers lightly around her throat. She leaned into me, begging me to apply pressure. I rose from her breasts and nodded for Jack to take my place, to nestle into her breasts as I had just done. I guided her by her neck to the wall. I flattened her against it, listening to the quick exhalation of air from her quivering lips. I reached beneath her pencil skirt, hiking it up viciously.

  “Did you wear a skirt on purpose?”

  She hesitated. I pressed my thumb into her throat and she whimpered.

  “Did you?” I repeated. “Tell me now.”

  “I did,” she hissed. “Was that naughty?”

  “Very,” I growled. “And you're going to pay for it.”

  “Oh no—whatever will I do…?”

  I ran my thumb from her throat to her chin, tracing the edge of her jaw up to her ear and releasing her throat. She nuzzled into my hand. Her eyelids fluttered as Jack sank between her breasts, repeating the same motions I had just done. Her hair fell over her face as I dragged my thumb to her mouth. I pried her lips open and watched her tongue dance behind her teeth as my free hand hiked her skirt even higher.

  I pressed my fingers to her panties.

  She was soaked.

  “Is that for us?” I inquired breathlessly. “Do we make you wet?”

  She hummed an agreement as I stroked her clit. Her eyes rolled back and I smiled as I slipped my fingers beneath her panties, delighting in the way she gushed into my hand. A few quick strokes had her panting against the wall.

  As Jack procured her breasts from her blouse, her chest heaved and she sighed with longing. I considered giving her a choice between getting eaten or fucked, but I knew her secret. I knew she was hiding the fact that she hadn't ever gone all the way. I could tell by the way she acted even if she did act like she was a sexy vixen who got this all the time.

  She hid behind that facade easily, and any lesser man would have been fooled. But not me. I knew her inside and out. I could tell by how she reacted to me slipping a finger inside that she wasn't used to penetration, not anything more than fingers. She was tight, but her pussy allowed me entry as if we had done this a million times.