Radiance (21 page)

“
Please…
”  She hadn’t meant to say it aloud but they responded instantly. 

Hands firmed on her skin as they increased their attention.  Elijah maintained a firm hold on her breast and moved his other hand down, sliding under the back of her dress and inside her panties.  From behind, he stroked two fingers into her pussy and she jerked in their arms. 

Holding her tightly, Harper claimed her mouth as he made maddening circles over her clit.  Releasing her lips, he stared down into her face.  She watched him, breathing rapidly, as she fell over the edge of an orgasm that stunned her. 

She struggled to get herself under control as they continued to touch her.  When a second climax hit before she recovered from the first, she felt faint. 

Harper never broke eye contact as they tore down everything Brie thought she knew about herself and replaced it with something new and different. 

Where these men were concerned, Brie knew she was in
serious
trouble.  More than sex.  More than love.  With a sense of dread, she realized she
needed
them and that made the stakes so much higher.

“You’re the most naturally sensual woman I’ve ever met,” Elijah told her as she stroked her hand up to hold the back of his head.  “You
bask
in pleasure unlike anything I’ve ever seen.”

The men removed their hands from her clothes and she watched as Elijah sucked his fingers. 

Harper stroked his across her lower lip and watched as her tongue darted out to taste herself.  Pulling him down, she kissed him slow and easy until he moaned into her mouth.  Planting small kisses over his lips, she turned to Elijah. 

Resting her palm on his face, she whispered, “Please kiss me.” 

“Gladly.” 

Their arms surrounded her, crossing at her back and neck.  She liked that they were getting more comfortable touching one another in front of her.

When Elijah lifted his mouth away, she whispered, “I love having you touch me at the same time.  Feeling the three of us so close to each other.  I want so much more.”  She closed her eyes and inhaled carefully.  “A few more weeks before I can experience everything.  I can make it.” 

He murmured, “I wait for you, Brie.”

Meeting his gaze, she saw the intensity there and understood what he meant.  “You’ve always had your relationship and it’s the
perfect
way to seek relief.  It won’t hurt me, Elijah.” 

“As I’ve attempted to explain several times without success.”  Her eyes darted to Harper’s and he shrugged.  “He refuses to break his word.” 

She could see that not having access to Elijah was taking a toll on him.  Smoothing her fingers along his temple, she said softly, “I never want to cause you pain, Harper.  I know a lot about loneliness.” 

“It’s alright.”  She frowned and he added, “Don’t worry, Gabriella.” 

“Your reward for your fight back is going to be incredible, Brie.  I want to share that celebration with you.”  She stroked her fingers through his blonde hair.  “I’m so proud of you.” 

Staring into his green eyes, she considered.  “Thank you.  Your opinion means more to me than you can imagine.”  He smiled.  “You’ve given me hundreds of orgasms in the last months.  I’ve had time with you together and time with you
alone
, Elijah.” 

“Gabriella.”  She met silver eyes.  “The new rules are firmly in place.” 

“I like imagining you together.  Don’t deny yourselves.  I’ve had
explosive
orgasms thinking about it.  Take what you need.  I-I wish I could give you more.” 

Growling, Elijah’s entire body pressed her to the wall and he kissed her until she didn’t know if her legs would keep her standing.  Beside him, silver eyes practically glared at her with sexual need.  The rawness of it made her heart skip. 

The gentle rocking of his hips pushed the hardness of his cock over her clit through her gown and her eyes rolled back in her head. 

“When you’re healed, I plan to fuck you on every available surface until you’re too physically weak to
consider
leaving my bed, Brie.” 

Harper breathed raggedly.  “After the pleasure of your mouth, I ache to know what it feels like to fuck your pussy, your ass.  To take you myself, to take you with Elijah.  I want to see you sexually obliterated.” 

Inhaling sharply, she gripped the base of their necks tightly.  “Then I hope to hell we have someone we can
call for help
because I’ll make it my fucking
mission
to see both of you in the same condition.  There may be two of you but I’m starving for you so
be prepared
.” 

Both men shook with their lust and took turns devouring her mouth.  Touching her through her clothes, they pushed her into another climax and she rode the ecstasy and agony of it with her teeth gritted. 

Her forehead against Elijah’s chest, she mumbled, “I want to know
everything
.  I expect the two of you to take until I have nothing left to give, until I can’t remember my name.” 

Working to slow her breathing, she smoothed her hands over them, her heart tender.

Shakily straightening from the wall, she checked the state of her clothing, smoothed her hair, and checked them over as well.  Adjusting their ties and jackets, raking her fingers through their hair, she stared at them for a long moment. 

“I selfishly took all the pleasure but I think you know I’ll make it up to you at a better time and place.  I hope you think about me when we’re not together but I also hope you love each other, touch each other, when I can’t touch you.  Both of you need that and I’ll imagine you do either way.” 

She smiled but it felt funny on her face.  “I have to get back.  I love you and I miss you already.  T-tell me goodbye before you leave.” 

Then she kissed them with all the pent up passion, love, and uncertainty that was slowly driving her insane.

Returning to the party, she stopped in the downstairs guest bath to freshen up. 

Her emotions were in
chaos
.

* * *

It took a couple of minutes for Elijah and Harper to pull themselves together enough to rejoin the gathering of more than forty people less than twenty feet away. 

Shooting his cuffs, Harper said quietly, “She doesn’t understand the strength of your will yet.  As if you would touch another.”  He shook his head.

“You’ve been strong, honorable, since I asked it of you.  I know it must cost you.” 

“It’s almost funny how little desire I have to find other women.  I consider it sometimes but quickly dismiss the idea.”  Their eyes met.  “I’ll suffer the wait with you.” 

“Her touch lessens the agony of it for me.” 

Nodding, he turned to pour himself a scotch from Winters’ bar.  “Not having you with me around the clock would lessen my own, Elijah.”  He saluted him with the cut crystal glass.  “It’s a form of heaven and hell.  I’ve earned the punishment, I suppose.” 

“It isn’t intended to be punishment.” 

“And
yet…
” 

He shook his head and watched as Gabriella emerged from the downstairs restroom and was immediately pulled into a small group consisting of Chadwick, Scottsdale, their woman, and the redhead.  They were laughing warmly in seconds. 

She was a woman who fascinated him, drew him, even as he resented her existence.  He wondered if he would ever understand how her mind and heart operated.  He wondered if he would ever
want
her love as much as she wanted to give it to him. 

As the days passed, Harper’s fear grew.

June 2015

Bachelor parties with grownups like her best friends were far different than those held by young brides and grooms.  Hudson chartered a yacht and everyone assembled to partake in an entire day of live music, alcohol, five-star food, and laughter. 

Brie did her best to hide her sadness when she learned Harper and Elijah wouldn’t make it before the small ship disembarked.  Her sunglasses helped and the people gathered together eased her melancholy. 

The warm weather and location called for summer clothes and she was happy to find an elegant ivory sundress that draped to the floor and pretty leather sandals. 

She hated exposing the scars on her legs. 

“Darling, your skin is positively glowing.  Excellent choice.”  Natalia kissed her cheek as Brie stepped on deck.  The blonde wore a coral sundress that draped to mid-calf and made her eyes glow brightly from her face.  “Thank you for helping with the planning.” 

“I did very little.  I accept my lack of event ability but chipped in for graphic design and whatnot.  Riya and Lola pulled out
all
the stops.”  She winked.  “They managed to keep Tawny out of the mix.” 

“I don’t know if I’m sad or intensely relieved.” 

Her laughter halted abruptly as Hudson joined them from inside.  “Oh my sweet baby Jesus.  You look wonderful…and
casual
.” 

Dressed in light linen slacks and a shirt in a lighter shade
without a tie
, Hudson’s dark hair and eyes were a striking contrast.  Then she looked down and realized he was wearing ratty sandals on his lovely feet and thought she might faint. 

“I need a picture of this shit.  I want proof.”  He grinned.  “This was an inspired idea.  Once again, you’re the
man
.”  Watching them happily, she nodded. “Always leave them laughing.  I’m going to get my drink on.  Yell if you need anything.” 

Trading kisses, she wandered away to explore. 

They’d been on the open ocean for a couple of hours when she noticed people drifting toward the rear deck.  Curious, she made her way there as well.

A small helicopter landed on the pad there.  She stared in stunned fascination as Elijah and Harper stepped from inside. 

The aircraft lifted into the air and the men smoothed their hair in a hypnotic synchronized movement.  Elijah spotted her first and they made their way to her side as guests stepped aside in awe. 

Practically incoherent from the blood rushing around her body, she murmured, “That was
quite
an entrance.” 

Harper took her hand. “Winters made sure the yacht had the capability.  We didn’t want to miss it.” 

Sliding his palm along her neck, Elijah said nothing as he claimed her mouth.  He took his time, made her ache all over, and when he lifted away, she stared into green eyes that made her melt.  They roamed over her body slowly. 

“Caramel and cream.  You’re delicious, Brie.” 

Glancing back and forth between them, she admitted softly, “I know I’ll think of so
many
clever things to say later.  Right now, I’m speechless.” 

“That’s a first, Gabriella.  I’ll make a note.”  Bending, Harper worked his mouth over hers and she moaned.  “I concur.  Delicious.” 

She hugged them each tightly.  “I missed you bad.  I’m so fucking glad you made it.” 

They hugged her back and held her between them as they ordered drinks. 

The day felt complete with them there.  Watching Elijah and Harper attempt to adjust to her friends and their outgoing personalities amused her.  Having them close enough to touch salved her heart. 

They’d spent
another
nine days apart.  Separation was becoming harder.  She was careful to hide her need to see them and showed her happiness when they were in her orbit. 

It would have to be enough. 

Lola and Leonard approached and Brie held out grabby hands to hug Hudson’s longtime assistant hard.  “Girl, you outdid yourself with all this.” 

She shrugged one shoulder.  “You know the king gets irritable if things aren’t exactly so.” 

“Hmm…and I know what a perfectionist you are.  Nice try.”  Looking at Leonard, she quirked a brow at his khaki slacks and casual linen shirt.  “No suit.  I think I may fall over in shock.” 

The driver and bodyguard laughed.  “Still armed.” 

“Like I didn’t know.”  He hugged her and she raised up to kiss his cheek.  She felt Elijah stiffen at her back and internally rolled her eyes.  “You know Harper Delkin and Elijah Eklund.” 

The siblings grinned and Lola winked.  “Yup.” 

“I worked for Delkin Acquisitions after the military.” 

“Really?  I didn’t know that, Leo.”  She watched Leonard move his gaze from her to Elijah over her shoulder and give him a slow smile.  “So…old friends?” she said as cheerfully as possible. 

“You might say that.  Or you might not.”  Leonard returned his attention to her.  “However, I’ll admit you’re in excellent hands.  If you weren’t, I’d be…angry.” 

Brie blinked and looked at Lola who struggled to hold back her smile.  “Is that a
Hulk
reference?” 

“Yes.”  Leonard said succinctly and bent to kiss her cheek.  “That’s enough flexing and glaring for one day.  I’ll see you later.”  He tapped the tip of her nose with his finger and she snickered as he walked away with a single incline of his head at the men behind her. 

Lola added, “Stop by this week so we can finalize the reception itinerary.” 

“Will do and I’m so glad you’re coordinating.  I have no clue what I’m doing.” 

“Utter bullshit.  You’re brilliant.  See you later, Brie.” 

Turning, she glanced at Harper.  His expression was carefully blank. 

Elijah followed Leonard’s progress across the room. 

Frowning, she asked, “Everything okay?” 

“Yes.”  When she didn’t look away from his face, he lowered his gaze to hers.  “I dislike him around you.” 

“Why?” 

“He’s dangerous.” 

“I’m aware.  So are you.” 

“
Exactly.
” 

Her eyes went wide and she was
floored
at the implication.  “You’d better
explain
that before I throw a stereotypical female hissy fit in the middle of this classy affair, Elijah.” 

He led her outside and guided her away from other guests.  “Men such as us are…territorial, Brie.”  She placed her hand on her hip.  “If you were angry, upset, he’d step in to protect you.” 

“I see and that’s a
bad
thing because…?”

“I don’t want him touching you.” 

Tapping her fingers, she inhaled carefully and looked at Harper.  “Nothing to add?” 

“I’ll let him take this one.” 

“Excellent.  It’s my turn then.  In the past ten months, there have been absences that lasted as much as a month.  I haven’t bitched or whined, I haven’t in any way tried to change you or weighed in on the lives you lead.”  Meeting silver eyes, she added, “Even when you regularly had call girls escorted to your apartment.” 

“
Shit.
  Gabriella…” 

“Not to worry.  It wasn’t
Elijah
who told me the risks you were taking with
my
body.  I
worked
in the building before I
lived
in it.  I know people from the parking garage to the penthouse.  All the workers and many of the residents.  With your
frequency
, it was bound to be noticed.” 

Being honest with herself, Harper looked ashamed about his actions.

She shook her head.  “I kept my mouth shut.  I’ve asked for
nothing
from either of you.  I possess a goddamn vagina but I happen to be picky about who I allow to access it.  Something tells me your total number of sexual partners would terrify me.  You’re ten years older so you probably lost track a couple hundred pussies ago…
both
of you.” 

Elijah’s eyes closed.

Putting her shoulders back, she said through gritted teeth, “As for being
territorial
, I notice it didn’t change
Harper’s
behavior in the goddamn slightest so if you think for one
second
that I’ll censor innocent interactions with
any of my friends
who care about my personal safety and happiness to placate your egos, you can
fuck the hell off
.” 

She walked inside and avoided people who would’ve asked her questions she was in no condition to answer.  Going into the ladies’ room, she worked to calm her temper and settle her hurt feelings.

It took a long time.

* * *

As Brie left the restroom, Elijah pulled her out of the hallway into another room. 

She had a moment to exclaim, “I’m still mad!”

Then they gripped her tightly and took turns annihilating her senses with kisses and touches.  Minutes later, they lifted from her enough to stare into her face. 

“I’m sorry, Brie.  As drawn to you as I am, I know how other men
like me
see you.”  He inhaled carefully and slid his palm along the side of her neck.  “You don’t understand the way dangerous men perceive you.”

“How powerful men in general perceive you,” Harper said as he added his warmth to the other side. 

“I’m nice to
everyone
.  I like people.  To me, it doesn’t matter whether they’re a pretzel vendor or a mercenary or the head of a multi-billion-dollar corporation.”  She scrubbed at her tears.  “I’d never
betray
you, damn it.” 

“I know.  I
know
, Brie.  I’m sorry.” 

“My friends are all I have when you’re gone.  None of them talk about either of you because they know I have no clue where you are, what you’re doing, or when you’ll be back.  They aren’t a
threat
to you.  They help me laugh when I really want to cry.” 

“Forgive me,” Elijah murmured as he pressed his face to hers.  “I was thoughtless.” 

Lifting her hands, she curled her fingers around their wrists.  “No matter how lonely I get I’d never hurt you.  I need you to believe in me, Elijah.”  He pressed closer. 

Harper shook his head.  “It’s because of me, Gabriella.  The way I’ve been hasn’t been easy for him.”  He took a deep breath.  “I’m sorry there was such a thing to hide from you more than your knowledge of it.  Elijah demanded I stop and get full blood work to ensure your safety.  He didn’t want to hurt you whereas I hadn’t even
considered
how you’d feel.” 

“It hurt but you never made promises so I let it go.” 

Harper kissed her temple.  “I’m sorry.  There’s been no one else and there won’t be.” 

“As long as we’re together,” she added.  He looked at her with a frown.  She shrugged sadly.  “Don’t make such an open-ended promise.” 

Elijah claimed her mouth for a long time and when he pulled away, he said against her lips, “Do you forgive me?” 

She nodded and the last of her anger dissipated.  It was impossible to hug them any tighter, to get any closer.  Needing so much more, she wanted to cry in frustration and he picked up on it.

Elijah gripped her hair and tilted her head back.  “You’re almost there.  Another week until your appointment.” 

“I get why you worry.  I can’t hold you hard enough, I can’t
show
you.” 

“Show us what, Brie?” 

“How much I love you.”

Picking her up, he carried her across the room and settled on a couch near the window.  “I
never
doubt how much you love me.  I don’t worry about
you
.  I just…I know the temptation you present to men like me, to men like Harper.”  He kissed the top of her head.  “You’re
lonely
.” 

She nodded and he pulled her closer.  Wrapping her arms around him, she drew her legs in to touch as much of him at one time as possible. 

Her palm spread over his heart and she nuzzled her face at his neck, inhaling the scent of him with a shaky sigh.  He smoothed her hair and ran his palms over her body through the dress. 

“You’re so sensual that I forget sometimes what you really need.” 

Harper sat on the other end of the couch.  “What?”

“Touch.  Connection.”  He kissed her forehead and Brie raked her fingers through his hair.  “She’s affectionate with her friends and it helps but not enough.  It’s why she was hurt by what I said.” 

“I don’t…what do you mean?”  The confusion in Harper’s voice was clear to both of them.

“We show up, push her as far as we can sexually, then we’re gone again.  It’s wearing on her.”  Nudging her face up, he said, “Why didn’t you tell me, Brie?”