Radiance (35 page)

Brie reached out to stroke her fingers through his hair.  “Wanting Natalia shocked me at first, too.  Anyone who isn’t attracted to
Elijah
is in denial.” 

It made him laugh and she returned to holding his hand.  “I don’t remember crossing the room to sit on the bed.  He put down the violin and stared at me.  I stretched out beside him and went to sleep.  When I woke up, I was laying like this on his good side.  I thought he was asleep.  I
told
myself he was asleep.”  He murmured, “I wanted to touch him.  I’d wanted to touch him for
so
long.” 

Harper moved their joined hands over Elijah’s chest.  “His heart beat slow and steady.  I held my hand over it for a long time.”  Her own heart started to race as he moved their hands to Elijah’s abdomen.  “I couldn’t believe his fitness.  It was even more obvious touching him.  It made my mouth water.” 

“I feel like that with both of you.” 

“We feel the same about you, Gabriella.”  He moved their hands back and forth across his waist.  “His hair is so
light
, I never realized he had it.  I liked the way it felt under my hand.” 

Her entire body tingled with need.  His eyes held hers.  “He was hard.  I could see him outlined under the cotton sleep pants he wore.  I wanted to know how it felt.” 

“I need to know, too.” 

Their hands moved over the ridge of Elijah’s cock through the sheet that covered him, up and down, and Harper whispered, “I
needed
it, Gabriella.  I’d never felt such need in my life and I didn’t understand it.  No matter how much it confused me, no matter how wrong it was, I
had
to touch him.”  His eyes held hers.  “I
had
to taste him.” 

Moving together, they pushed the sheet away, exposing Elijah to their eyes, hands, and mouths.  Sliding lower on the bed, she watched as Harper licked over the throbbing head, damp with pre-come, and then she did the same. 

With their palms over him, they leaned closer and Brie kissed Harper.  Moaning into his mouth, she said against his lips, “Tell me the rest.  I
love
this story.” 

He rested his forehead against her as they lightly stroked Elijah together.  “I had no idea what I was doing.  I knew I wanted to make him come.  I didn’t ask, I didn’t discuss it, I just took what I wanted.”  One side of his mouth lifted in a smile.  “I’m lucky he didn’t kill me.” 

It made her laugh softly. 

“I sucked the head for a few seconds but I wanted to take more.”  Bending, he wrapped his lips around the crest and sucked it with his eyes closed in pleasure.  Moving away, he waited for her to do the same. 

With her mouth around him, Harper said, “Then I felt his fingers in my hair.”  Brie moaned as Elijah raked through her tresses.  “I thought he was going to pull me away.  I was so afraid of his reaction.”  At her ear, he said, “He
didn’t
pull me away.  He pushed me closer and said…”

“Deeper.” 

Brie was in danger of having an immediate orgasm.  Elijah applied pressure on the back of her head and she took him deeper. 

Harper whispered, “I sucked him and I couldn’t believe how long he could last.  I didn’t have the same control.  I explored him while I moved over him and I was harder than I’d ever been.”  He moved their joined hands lower, cupping Elijah’s balls in their palms.  “Then he held me still and started to thrust between my lips and I almost came.” 

Fingers tightened into a fist at the back of her head and Elijah used his hips to fuck her mouth in shallow strokes. 

“I felt like I was going to pass out from the pleasure and it was surreal because it was quiet and the room was filled with sunshine.  It didn’t seem like I could be sucking the cock of the man I’d been secretly in love with…but I was.”  Brie shook with need.  Harper ground out, “Then he told me…”

“Take every drop and I’ll make you come,” Elijah said.

“He went still and started to spurt in my mouth.  It was unlike anything that had happened to me before and I drank him down greedily.” 

As the first jet of Elijah’s release filled her mouth, Brie whimpered.  He came for a long time and she reveled in it.

“I worried about what would happen next.  He pulled me off his cock and dragged me up his body.”  Seconds later, she found herself staring into Elijah’s green eyes.  Her arm wrapped around Harper’s neck kept him close.  “I loved the look on his face.  He told me…” 

“This changes everything.” 

Brie nodded and he devoured her mouth.  When he broke it, she roughly pulled Harper to her and kissed him for a long time.  Then they traded Elijah’s mouth between them. 

Focusing on silver eyes, she groaned, “Tell me the rest.  Show me what happened next.” 

“Brie.”  She looked at Elijah.  “Scoot over.”  She did and he powered Harper over his body to lie between them on his back. “I wanted to fuck him but I was injured.  I knew I’d have to be careful with him, ease him into who I was.” 

She stretched out beside Harper with her head in her hand.  “He’s so beautiful, it must have been frustrating to not be in peak condition to show him everything.” 

“I can’t explain the frustration.”  Stroking his hands over the front of Harper’s body, he smiled.  “I shoved his clothes away and touched him.  He absorbed it, craved it.”  Glancing up, he met her eyes.  “Much like
you
, Brie.” 

It made her happy.  She reached out to help him stroke over Harper’s skin. 

“I took his cock in my fist.”  He licked the inside of his palm and fisted the throbbing length.  “I didn’t look away from his face because I needed to be sure of his thoughts.  I worked him, palming the head, and watched for signs that he was getting close.  Back then, it didn’t take long when I didn’t command him to hold back.” 

“I’m going to come, Elijah.” 

“I wanted to see it on him.  Splattered over his skin.  I wanted to add mine to it.  Then he was coming and it was the most stunning sight of my life.” 

Pearly white release painted the skin of Harper’s stomach and chest.  Brie leaned over to lick it from his nipple, down his chest.  Raising her face, Elijah claimed her mouth. 

Then she dragged her fingertips through a stream on Harper’s flat stomach, laid on her back, and put them over her clit.  Replaying the experience through her mind drove her to climax quickly and she worked to calm her breathing before she opened her eyes and turned her head.

“You’re the hottest men on the planet.  Holy fuck.” 

Rolling back to her side, she kissed Harper desperately.  “Thank you for including me.”  She smiled gently as she held the side of his neck with her palm.  “I love your love story.” 

Then he was hugging her hard enough to hurt and part of her wondered if…

Maybe, she wouldn’t have to give them up after all. 

Last week of July 2015

Elijah and Harper left for China the same day but Brie was glad for the time she had with them to settle her hurting heart. 

Explaining to Phyllis that she needed to get to the winery, the woman coordinated with her team to get her back and forth, shadow her while there, and basically make it
super
awkward.

Her staff didn’t ask questions but she could certainly see they wanted to.

She spent a solid week going back and forth to the vineyard and processing facility.  It was great to catch up with her staff and she promised to be around more. 

When she realized reviews and raises hadn’t been implemented by her plant manager, she corrected the oversight and approved bonuses across the board. 

Elijah confirmed they’d be gone another week so she contacted Marci about taking a trip down to the Ghonims’ winery.  The following day, she stepped off their plane in a business suit. 

Walking the grounds and engaging the staff in relaxed conversation over several days made it possible to find the waste and where they’d been losing money in overhead. 

She sat in an interim office when Marci poked her head around the door.  “Don’t you look uber professional?” 

“Hey!  Give me ten minutes to finish these numbers or I’ll be lost.”  Rolling her eyes, she murmured, “I don’t adult well.” 

Without glancing up again, she typed rapidly on her laptop.  Marci sat in one of the chairs and checked her messages. 

Done, she saved the initial report and forwarded it to the cousins.  Sitting back with a smile, she said, “They’ll see a substantial bounce if they change the things on my list.  I can’t wait to see it.  This is such a pretty location.” 

“I’m taking you to lunch.”  Marci was more relaxed than she’d ever seen and Brie mentioned it.  Grinning, she explained, “Orgasms and two men who know how to help me simplify.  I’m finally to a point where I can take time off.” 

Lunch with one of the richest people in the world wasn’t what most people would imagine.  Though they were covered by ridiculous amounts of security, they giggled and gossiped like girls in high school. 

The next day, Brie returned to Washington and realized Elijah and Harper were
still
gone.  When she asked Elijah if there were delays, he seemed perplexed. 

“We should have been back by now.  It seems something comes up every time I think we’re on track to return.  Not too much longer, Brie.  I’m sorry.” 

“It’s okay.  I know you’re both really busy.” 

They talked for an hour and she felt a little better when they hung up.  She texted Harper to tell him she missed him and loved him.  He responded with, “Really busy.  Miss you, too.” 

Sighing, she got to work on the paintings for the estate and crushed down her loneliness.

* * *

By the time she’d finished the painting of the main house and set it up to cure, she was ready to crawl out of her own skin. 

Pulling on jeans, a t-shirt, and the cowboy boots she’d grabbed from her old place above her parents’ garage, she decided to go riding. 

Harper possessed a fantastic stable and she’d chatted with the manager several times about their shared love of riding.  They had a pretty mare saddled and waiting when she made the walk across the fields.  Mounting, she nodded at the two men who insisted on riding with her and lit out across the wide fields behind the corrals. 

Prolonged riding made her hip ache and she listened to her body when the pain started.  A mile from the stable yard, she was surprised to see a woman on horseback waiting for her. 

It was Harlow Delkin, Harper’s little sister.  They were similar in age but certainly not in temperament.  They’d never really gotten along. 

Coming alongside, the female version of the man she loved stared at her intently.  “Gabriella.  I haven’t seen you since we were children.” 

“You look lovely as ever.”  The woman wore professional riding gear.  For a moment, Brie felt self-conscious and then decided more people in the world rode in the clothes she was wearing.  “How have you been?” 

“I need to talk to you.” 

“Alright.” 

Silver eyes glanced at the security men who rode alongside.  “You can leave.” 

Jim shook his head.  “I’m sorry, ma’am.  We have our orders.” 

“I’m a fucking
Delkin
as well.” 

“True.  However, you’re not the Delkin I report to nor are you the Delkin who will have my head if Miss Hernandez comes to harm.” 

Rolling her eyes, Harlow nudged her mare in the direction of the stables.  Brie wondered at the other woman’s sudden interest.  She steadied herself for a discussion about how inappropriate she was to be involved in Harper’s life. 

“It’s partially my fault, Gabriella.” 

Frowning, she asked, “What do you mean?” 

“Scott focused on you because of me.  I told him you’d be his type.”  It took a long moment for her to realize she’d called him Scott.  “I didn’t know he was running a con.  H-he told me he wanted to twist Hudson up, play a prank on him.  I…was still angry and hurt.” 

Realization dawned and Brie stopped her horse. 

“We spent a weekend together years ago.  I fell hard, Hudson didn’t.  He was the first man in my life who didn’t and he was the only fucking one I wanted.” 

Inhaling carefully, she said through gritted teeth, “Harlow, you purposely let Scott Truing humiliate me to
get back
at Hudson?” 

“I wasn’t thinking clearly, I…”

“Let me guess…woman scorned?  Poor little hurt feelings?”  Brie shook her head.  “You should have raged at
Hudson
.  You should have thrown a tantrum in
his office
or maybe…fuck,
talked
to him like a
grownup
.  Instead, you wrapped me up in your little revenge scheme that almost got me killed.” 

“I know.  I acted like a child.” 

“Clearly, you’re
still
a child so the behavior fits.  Grown women don’t sabotage other women.  They don’t take petty vengeance when a man doesn’t want them.” 

She leaned closer and Harlow flinched.  “I knew when I
met
Hudson that he wouldn’t be
able
to love me.  He can
only
love Natalia because she’s his fucking
soulmate
, you silly bitch.  I happily took my orgasms and walked away.”

Sitting up straight, she couldn’t believe the rage boiling through her.  “Hudson is the most honorable man I’ve ever known.  You can’t tell me he made promises to you, that he in any way led you on.  You spun that tale in your own mind.  For getting me involved, I’d like to say
thank you
.”  Harlow’s eyes went wide.  “Going to New York, meeting Hudson and all the people in his life, was the best thing that ever happened to me.” 

She turned her horse, lined them up, and looked in the other woman’s face.  “That’s the only reason I’m not kicking your spoiled ass, Harlow.  You
ever
fuck with me
or my best friends
again and I give you my word, my reaction will be quite different.” 

Then she nudged the horse and took off toward the stables, bent over the neck.  Her security detail was two seconds behind.  Dismounting, she nodded to the stable hand and walked toward the main house.  Jim and Davis walked at her sides. 

“Are you alright, Miss Hernandez?” 

“Pissed, Jim.  Really pissed.  I’m going to paint it off.  I promise not to leave the studio so you guys take some time to chill out, eat, watch reality television…you know, whatever badass security guys do when they aren’t doing badassery.” 

He laughed.  “Understood.  We’ll make sure you get food.” 

Glancing at Davis, she grinned.  “You’re younger than I realized and armed to the teeth.” 

“Yes, ma’am.  I’m training with Elijah.  My dad arranged it.” 

“You like this sort of thing then?”  He nodded.  Given his age, Brie asked quietly, “Is your dad nice?” 

“He’s the
best
.  He’s trying to talk me out of the military because my mom will worry and not get to see me when she needs to.  She’s real gentle.  You remind me of her.” 

They entered the house and she paused.  “I imagine it would be hard to let your child go into danger on purpose.  Not sure I’d be strong enough either.”  She sighed.  “You won’t find better training than with Elijah and his men.  He’ll teach you how to stay safe.  That way, even if you go into the military, you can still get back home to your mom.”

The young man was blonde with pretty copper eyes that practically glowed from his face.  “My mom would
love
you.  Enjoy your painting.  I’ll sit outside in the hall in case you need anything.”

“You don’t have to do that.  I’ll be zoned out for hours.” 

“I don’t mind.  Jim is the team lead and does lots of reports and things.  Someone will have to and I’d like to be the one.”   

Smiling at both men, she nodded and took the stairs to her studio. 

At the window, she replayed the conversation with Harlow Delkin in her mind.  She’d never liked the woman but for her to stoop to such a level just to get revenge on Hudson for not falling at her feet…it was utter bullshit. 

In fury, she painted until she was too tired to sleep anywhere but the couch there. 

Looking at it the following day, she determined that the result was one of the best pieces she’d ever done. 

Grinning, she put another canvas in place and let Phyllis know she was going to need more. 

* * *

Mid-August 2015

When Elijah told her Harper’s birthday was a few days away, she planned an extravagant dinner to celebrate. 

She commandeered the estate kitchen and cooked all day. 

Elijah texted her when they landed.  She dashed around so she was ready when they arrived.  She hadn’t seen them in three
weeks
. 

Her body missed them.  Her heart so much more. 

As arranged, Phyllis sent her the signal when they stopped in front of the house.  She greeted them at the door with hugs, kisses, and smiles. 

Elijah returned them warmly.  Harper seemed upset.

“Welcome back.  I made dinner.” 

She led them through the house and encouraged them to sit.  When she found out that amaretto cream cake was Harper’s favorite, she texted Natalia and got a recipe from the woman who did all the baking for
Trois
events. 

It sat in the middle of the massive dining table. 

She poured both of them a glass of wine and raced to the kitchen to plate food.  Harper’s tension lines were in clear evidence and she silently promised to make him feel better after he ate. 

Setting down his plate, she bent to kiss his cheek.  “Happy birthday, Harper.  I hope there are
many
more filled with happiness in your future.”  She took Elijah’s plate from the little cart and walked around the table. 

The darker of her lovers glared at her.  His fists were clenched on the surface.  “You can’t
do
shit like this, Gabriella.” 

Brie saw Elijah stiffen in her peripheral vision and was genuinely confused as she bent to put his plate in front of him.  “Do what?” 

Harper’s expression was cold as he replied, “Play
house
.  That isn’t what this is.” 

Dropping the plate she held the last few inches to the hardwood, she heard it break but didn’t look or care.  Her heart felt like lead. 

She whispered, “Harper…
wow
.”  There was a pause.  “I see.” 

Elijah was silent as he stood.

Walking into the hall, she grabbed her messenger bag from Harper’s office and headed for the front door. 

Harper grabbed her arm and spun her around roughly.  “Where the fuck are you
going
?” 

“Harper!”  Elijah’s voice was low and dangerous.

She stared into a face she knew better than her own and held back the hurt.  Reaching up, she rested her palm on his cheek.  Going up on tiptoe, she kissed his beautiful lips. 

Then she carefully extracted her arm from his hold and backed toward the door. 

“Thank you for clarifying my position.  Consider this my resignation as your whore.”  He took a step in her direction but she held up her hand.  “You said all there is to say in a single sentence.  The paintings of the estate are in the studio.”  She bowed slightly, “Thank you for an experience I’ll never forget and know that I love you anyway.” 

To Elijah, she said softly, “Keep him away from me.  I’ve never been more serious in my life.” 

She watched Harper turn his head at the same the moment his best friend, lover, and employee cold-cocked him.  He caught Harper as he fell.