Irresistible Passions

Irresistible Passions Diana DeRicci Published by Purple Sword Publications, LLC This is a work of fiction. Names, places, characters, and events are fictitious in every regard. Any similarities to actual events and persons, living or dead, is purely coincidental. Any trademarks, service marks, product names, or named features are assumed to be the property of their respective owners, and are used only for reference. There is no implied endorsement if any of these terms are used. Except for review purposes, the reproduction of this book in whole or part, electronically or mechanically, constitutes a copyright violation. IRRESISTIBLE PASSIONS Copyright © 2011 DIANA DERICCI ISBN 978-1-61292-012-2 Cover Art Designed By Anastasia Rabiyah Edited By Traci Markou

Chapter One The slap of the blue rubber ball reverberating through the enclosed hardwood court was echoed immediately by a deep male grunt as Troy crushed it into the corner for a hard volley return. A hissed “Shit” and a leap were Angel’s, his game partner’s, next reaction as the rubber ball came rocketing toward him. Michelle laughed as the ball careened defensively off Angel’s racket in a wild upward arc. “Point!” Michelle called. Gasping, Angel bent at his waist to hold himself over his knees. “Prick. What was that?” Sweat poured off his face and down his body, drenching his workout tank. Troy slapped his buddy on the back, grinning madly. “Me winning the game.” The ball bounced and rolled toward them from the upper wall seam. Michelle ripped her goggles off. “Good game guys.” Bouncing the ball with the net of her gray steel racket, she worked it off the ground to catch in her palm. With the wristband on her arm, she dabbed at her face and cheeks. Troy grinned huge over Angel’s back, winking at their instructor. Michelle was a riot. Full of energy, not to mention hot as noon in August. Troy knew he was half in love with her. Angel was just as sunk. What wasn’t there to love? She was a knockout on legs, beautiful inside as much as she was outside. She worked at the club giving lessons, but he knew a lot of her time was volunteering with the kid’s sports programs at the community rec center. It was because of her and her efforts that half of Ashmount’s underprivileged kids knew how to play basketball, baseball, and soccer. An elbow in his ribs made him grunt. Glaring, he faced Angel. You’re staring, he mouthed. Troy hadn’t even realized Angel had stood. Holding out a hand, he said, “Good game yourself, Teach.” He did his best to ignore Angel. Her hand clasped his, not at all embarrassed by the sweat. She was feminine but a long cry from being a girly-girl, at least under these circumstances. Thinking back, he’d never seen Michelle in a position to be a coddled woman at all. Was it a crime that he and Angel wanted to be the first? That they both wanted the woman for themselves? She deserved a man who would love her for all the

wonderful things inside of her. Lucky for her, she had two… If they could just find a way to get the ball rolling. “Not bad yourself,” she replied, shaking then letting him go. “See you two next week. Have a great weekend.” With a final goodbye, she crouched and crawled through the racquetball tunnel, vanishing like a puff smoke. Or their hottest fantasy. Squeaks of rubber on coated wood and hard grunts were very audible from the court next to theirs now that they were done. “Great job, asshole,” Angel bitched. He punched Troy in the shoulder. “You were supposed to ask her.” Troy rubbed his shoulder, frowning at his best friend. “And I will. She’s hot and tired. Give her a few to come down from this.” Troy jerked his chin. “Come on. Let’s go clean up. We’ll catch her before she leaves.” Scooting through the same tunnel, they were soon walking down the hall to the men’s locker room. “What do you think happened to her?” Angel asked quietly as he stripped next to Troy. Troy shook his head. “I haven’t a clue, but for her to be so cautious, you know it had to be bad.” She wasn’t ever forward with either man, and she walled herself up better than a mummy in a crypt if either of them made any kind of effort to get to know her more personally, at least during business hours. They both hoped their plan for the evening met with a warmer reception than their attempts so far. Dinner was a leap above and over their game schedule with her, but it was the least threatening thing they’d been able to think of to sway Michelle into spending time with them. Angel agreed silently, wrapping a towel around his waist. “Hey, let’s hit the sauna before we shower.” “Don’t you think we’ll miss her?” Troy copied his friend with the towel. “I doubt it. Didn’t she say she had one more class after our lesson?” Troy went still, remembering to earlier that day, then relaxed feeling secure again. “Yeah, I think she did. We have about forty-five minutes then.” With a nod, they both ambled to the saunas. Peeking through a glass panel on one door, Troy startled. “Whoa.” He gave Angel a fidgety glance. “She’s here and she doesn’t look happy.” Angel gave him a light shove. “Then we need to be the friends she needs. Dude, we have to start somewhere, or she’s never going to believe we give a shit.” Troy hesitated. “True.” Drawing in a deep breath, he opened

the door and sauntered in, followed closely by Angel. **** Michelle sank onto the steam soaked wood, sighing loudly. She was so glad she’d asked Carol to take over today’s spin class. She knew it was going to be hard when she’d agreed to teach Troy and Angel the finer aspects of racquetball, but she’d managed. She just hadn’t expected it to remain that way. As in, every session she was with them. Come on, girl. They’re younger than you. They’re two hot, young men and you have no reason to be thinking one thing about either of them. Or both. She continued to chastise herself, but it really didn’t help. Even a dead person would be attracted to them. They were a package, each too gorgeous for their own skin, but together… Oh, heaven help her. She rocked her head side to side on the tile behind her, silently berating herself. She doubted either of them saw her as more than their instructor. She was at least six years older than either of them, anyway. Not that she’d be able to act on any feelings she carried, but being near the two hotties always sent arousal humming through her blood. Sweeping her hair back, she ignored the caked feeling the sweat from her game had left behind. She’d shower before she left for the day. Carefully moving her towel edges aside, she followed the jagged scar under her arm with her gaze. It ran from the side of her breast to just above where her kidney would be. At least, if she still had a whole one. Shuddering, she just as quickly hid it away again. That was why she knew better than to think she could be with anyone again. She wasn’t insecure, not because she was scarred, or disfigured. That wasn’t even enough to hit her radar. Closing her eyes, the pain of the attack swamped her. She’d celebrated the one year anniversary just the week before and vats of the pain, emotional and otherwise, lingered. Some celebrated anniversaries of weddings, deaths to remember loved ones, or even smaller events, like first dates. Michelle celebrated when her ex-husband had been arrested for attempted murder. The court date was superfluous. The sentencing, just a final exclamation point. No, the one thing that made her feel safe was remembering waking up in the hospital and being told by the detective on duty that Bryan had been arrested for attempted murder. There were other charges involved, but Michelle honestly hadn’t cared then, and

she didn’t care now. Clenching her jaw, she sucked air, pushing the memories away. She’d only returned to lessons part time a few months before. She’d spent a lot of time doing light coaching for the rec center, to be outside, to be with people. She adored the kids. Thankfully, Bryan hadn’t pushed for any. The last thing she wanted would be for a child to have to suffer to his maniacal behavior. Running her fingers under her eyes, she swept away seeping tears. She knew deep down, she wasn’t to blame in the least for his actions. He’d been bi-polar and no one had known it. But regardless, the reality of what happened to her made it hard to let anyone in again, to care enough to let herself love. She’d been wrong in catastrophic proportions with Bryan. No, stop it. The doctor told you it was all him. You couldn’t have known how bad his swings would be. Michelle had never seen him snap like he had that day, either. Not once. One minute they were talking over their day, the next he was straddling her on the floor, accusing her of cheating on him. She’d never seen the butcher knife he’d hidden until it was too late. It had only been her bloodcurdling scream that had saved her. The neighbors in the apartment next to them heard the scream and the ensuing shouts as she’d fought for her life. It was the only reason the knife hadn’t been a through the chest killing shot. She was grateful to this day that the ambulance had been so quick. Or she’d be dead. She heard the latch to the sauna door open and quickly wiped her fingers on her towel, not looking in the newcomer’s direction. She moved over a few inches when they sat immediately on her left. She gasped when another person sat at her feet on her right. Blinking, she focused on two known smiles. And relaxed. “Hi guys. What are you doing here?” She swallowed when her voice sounded husky in her ears. Michelle didn’t bother to point out that they were in the women’s sauna. They would’ve seen the signs outside. It just happened the women’s was across the hall from the men’s. “We could ask you the same question,” Angel said, turning to rest his arm on the shelf above him where she sat. Resting his chin on it, he grinned lightly. “Playing hooky?” She shrugged, wondering what they were doing. “Sort of.” Troy lifted the water scoop and dumped three on the heated lava rocks, filling the room with fresh steam. He groaned as he stretched, flexing his back and sides with long pulls. It was

impossible not to watch him. Slick skin rolled with the muscles beneath, the moisture building into a sheen on his body. Michelle turned away before she could be busted for anything. When he sat straight, he propped his head on his open palms behind him, resting, exposing the length of his summer tanned torso for full viewing. Smooth shoulders eased down into a narrow waist, and she knew what they both looked like in shorts. They had muscular legs, long and lean frames, toned and not desk-jockey pale. She also realized as she took a quick mental snapshot, that he was naked beneath the towel. The towel rested just below his waist, well below where underwear would be visible. She ripped her gaze away, closing her eyes not to be lured again. Temptation, you are a cruel master. “You feeling okay?” Angel asked, stroking her calf lightly with a finger. He removed it as soon as he’d drawn her attention to him. Okay, he wasn’t teasing her. Just to be safe, she tugged the towel a little closer, a little higher on her chest, and prayed they couldn’t see how much her nipples had beaded up with them so close to her. “Yeah,” she answered after a long, drawn breath. “Just not one of my better days.” “You rocked the court though,” Troy said, cracking an eye with an easy smile on his lips. “Or was that you taking it easy on us?” She laughed at his ribbing tone. “No, I was okay out there.” She sank back to the wall also, and closed her eyes. “It’s nothing.” “Do you have plans tonight?” Troy asked. “It’s against policy to intermingle with clients, or students.” It was such an easy block, she almost hated that it fell that quickly from her lips. Even if it was true. “One dinner,” Angel cajoled in an enticing voice. “We want to.” Sweat beaded between her shoulder blades from the damp heat. Only, she wasn’t sure it was all from the steam. “You’ve been awesome with us,” Troy added in a hummed purr. “You’re a wonderful person.” “It’s just…” She twisted her hips. Did they have to talk like that? All low, and sexy? It was bad enough she was attracted to them, but it frightened her too. Not them. After eight weeks of lessons, she knew their humor, their quirks, and their general politeness. They treated every woman they came across respectfully, and she’d never heard them be any other way. But that was only here, at the club.

“Michelle,” Troy murmured, his rich brown gaze pinned on her. He had a head of sandy brown hair, almost a mop really, his eyes only a shade or three darker brown. Angel was obviously of a different background with mink brown, almost black hair, and twinkling eyes that reminded her of her morning coffee. “We know there’s something bothering you. Last week, you were a wreck.” Troy brought a hand forward and held her chin to study her. “Today, you’ve been crying. No one else may’ve noticed. No one else may give a shit, but we do.” Thick lashes lowered for a heartbeat as he thought about his words. When they lifted, there was steel in their brown recesses, an assured stance. But even beyond that, she thought she saw an inkling of affection, of honesty. “Our time as your clients ended half an hour ago. Tonight, we want to be friends. Go to dinner with us.” Pinning the towel under her armpits, she swiped her cheeks with a stiff, rushed palm. “You can tell?” It took her by surprise when he swept an unruly length of hair away from her cheek, pinning it behind her ear. “Yes, Michelle. We can tell.” He dropped his hand, not touching her anymore, not crowding her. Just waiting. It was only dinner. They weren’t asking for much, not really. Her heart fluttered when she accepted that she wanted to. She could do this. “Where?” She held her breath, anxiety sending a tremble down her spine. “You pick. Some place you’re comfortable with. We’ll meet you there.” She studied Troy. “Not worried about what I’ll pick?” He shook his head, and glanced at his partner in crime, who grinned lightly and also shook his head for her. Both patiently waited. Watching them, she realized if she didn’t agree today, they’d simply wait for another chance and try again. What they saw in her, Michelle had no idea. At least she wasn’t sporting any wrinkles yet. “Okay, dinner is fine.” She chose a nice restaurant off the highway, easy for all of them. At the mention of the name, Angel licked his lips. At her quizzical head tilt, he explained, “Hey, I’m half Mexican. Love Mexican food.” Laughter filled his voice. “Dork, if it comes on a plate, you’ll eat it,” Troy said, faking a kick at his friend. Unintentionally, it tugged his towel lower on his body.

Oh God, she whimpered inside. Looking forward, she refused to acknowledge the expanse of smooth skin his action had exposed. They both had flat stomachs, not ripped, but who needs six-packs on every guy? She groaned. Quit! They’re your students! And it’s only dinner. Friends. Just because you can’t stop drooling doesn’t mean anything. “Okay, then,” she said briskly, standing to hop off the wooden slats. She probably had grill marks on the back of her thighs. “Seven good?” That gave her time to get home, shower and dress. And maybe convince the storm of nerves in her stomach that she wasn’t insane in the process of doing all of it. Angel rolled from his hip to his back, bracing his arms on the bench behind him. Another chest and body to admire. Dark amaretto skin. A faint hunger raised its head, wanting to know if he tasted like the liquor. She pressed her lips together. She refused to let any of the effect they had on her to show. “Seven works for me,” he agreed. “Don’t worry, Michelle. We’ll be there.” Troy gave her a warm smile, leaning forward on his knees with his elbows. Firmly making up her mind that it would only be dinner, and then she could go on, she walked out of the sauna. The two men would never have to know how she lusted after them privately. Because she sure wasn’t going to be the one to tell them. She doubted she’d have the courage to do anything about it anyway.

Chapter Two It was two minutes to seven when she pulled in front of Mí Casa. A cursory glance didn’t turn up anyone standing in the parking lot. Maybe they didn’t come. Michelle doubted she could be that lucky, or unlucky, depending on just what it was she was hoping for. Checking her makeup once more in the mirror, she fingered the wide curls sweeping over and down her shoulders. She usually wore it in a ponytail or braided at the club. She’d taken it down when she’d expected to shower after their tutored match. Seemed pointless to shower there and then likely have to do it again at home after agreeing to meet Troy and Angel. “Come on, Michelle. You’re stalling,” she rebuked herself. With a firm hand on her purse, she slid from the car and walked to the front doors. Not seeing them outside, she assumed they were waiting for her inside. As the heavy wood doors opened, two sexy as sin looking men stood from the waitlisted couches. “Right on time,” Troy mused. Grinning, he offered her a hand and drew her up to them. “You look awesome, as usual.” “Soap and water. An amazing invention,” she joked. He smiled broadly. “Uh oh. Look out world. Michelle is letting her smartass out.” Angel chuckled standing at her opposite side. He leaned a fraction closer. “Forgive him. He only learned about soap and water himself last week.” With their bantering and teasing, she relaxed before she knew it. Sitting at the table, they took chairs on either side of her. Adobe spackle on the walls and rich autumn colors gave the restaurant a decidedly south of the border flavor. “Do you have to work tomorrow?” Troy asked. “Nope. I don’t work weekends unless it’s a personal appointment.” “Margarita, then? They have some killer ones here.” Troy handed her menus from the waiter, ordering chips and queso to start. “Sure. I can manage one I think.” Troy finished ordering drinks then put his hands on the table. “We’re both glad you could come,” he told her. “We’ve been wanting to treat you to a night out.” “Why?”

Angel spoke up. “Really, just to get to know you better. You’re a good friend. We like treating our friends, well, like friends,” he explained gamely. Right about then, the waiter returned with a tray laden with drinks and appetizers. With a quick glance at the menu, she gave her order, though neither Troy nor Angel even glanced at theirs. “You’ve both been here, haven’t you?” she asked when the waiter was gone, confident she knew the answer. “Guilty,” Troy replied. “Our apartments are only about a mile and a half from here.” “Roommates?” she asked munching on the corn chips as they waited. Mariachi music played over the sound system, a woeful love ballad from the sounds of it. Listening to its beautiful rhythm made her wish she could understand it. “No, but we’ve talked about it. Cut down our expenses.” Troy took a drink of his beer, then licked his lips. Her heart beat a harder tattoo watching him do it. The way his lips circled the glass, the damp glistening shine the liquid left behind. Michelle wanted to see if the beer could be tasted on his lips, or if his lips would be better than the beer. Blinking broke the spell, and she refocused on the bowl of chips in front of her. It’s best not to think down that road. Michelle knew she’d never get to find out. “What do you two do, then?” Conversation was safe. Keep them talking. Don’t think about how good they look in their pullovers and jeans. “Angel’s the brains behind our own internet coding company. We do web design and site maintenance. We even employ a small group for customer service issues.” “Very small,” Angel snickered in a joking aside. “But they’re excellent at what they do.” “Really?” Michelle followed them both as they explained it all. By the energy in their descriptions, it was obvious they enjoyed it immensely. “From the ground up,” Angel interjected. “We’ve won awards and have been named as the city’s up and coming newest young business, but with computers it’s a race to see who falls first. Technology expires faster than cheese left out.” “How do you do it?” She tried to curl her fingers around the fishbowl they’d brought her margarita in. Reaching the straw was daunting. She decided she’d wait until they were better occupied before attempting it. “We have an inexpensive office space to store the servers and

the call center,” Angel explained. “A lot of it is actually done at home, where we can toss around ideas and paper planes and no one cares.” Michelle grinned when Angel threw an imaginary plane at Troy. “Probably why we haven’t moved in together. We already work together. I think if we spent that much time together, we’d kill each other.” Angel coughed a snicker at Troy’s assumption. “There’s no doubt there.” They told her a little more about what they did, how they got started, and between them, they made enough to survive and then some. They weren’t a couple of kids living off mom and dad’s dime. Michelle was impressed and surprised to hear them as they explained it all. The self-assurance in their work spoke volumes about them. They both put in a lot of hours to keep their company running smoothly. Food arrived and they ate and talked. She even managed to enjoy her margarita though by the time she’d hit half, she was giggling quite a lot. Angel told them stories of his childhood, being one of six kids. Michelle was dumbfounded. She had a brother. The idea of that many in a house… “Your poor parents,” she mused. Angel chuckled, leaning on his elbows after the plates had been taken away. “You’d think so, but apparently not, or they’d have stopped after my oldest sister.” He winked and she almost died at the table of laughter. Michelle slapped a hand over her mouth to stop the burst of giggles. Oh crap. I’m tipsy! How long had it been since she’d last drank alcohol? How much was in that bottomless thing, anyway? She clutched her purse. “I think I’m going to find the ladies room.” She needed a few minutes to try to get a clearer head. “Sure.” Troy twisted and pointed. “They’re in that corner. Don’t worry. We’ll wait for you.” “Thank you.” Standing straight and doing her best not to look drunk, she wound her way through the restaurant. **** “She can’t drive like that,” Angel pointed out. “I didn’t think one would do that,” Troy stated. He eyed the glass surreptitiously. “There’s got to be a gallon of mix in that thing.” Angel tipped his beer to finish it. “I’ll drive her car. Follow us.”

“Sure.” Angel picked at the empty bottle label with his thumb nail. “Do you think she likes us?” He glanced up but quickly let his vision fall again. “I think she does. She’s nervous, and definitely scared of something.” “Us?” Troy leaned in to talk, resting on the tabletop. “No, not us. She keeps looking at us like she wants, but is terrified of letting it show.” Angel looked up from his bottle label distraction, his eyebrows rising slightly. “You caught that too?” Troy nodded, a small frown creating lines over his eyes. “What happened to her? She’s quick to laugh. She’s not a tease.” Except she was so cautious, he craved to protect her. Angel wanted to hold her, make whatever it was haunting her go away. A pensive pause filled the silence, then he said, “Troy, do you think this will work? Between us? We only did it once before and it was more for the sex than anything else. I really care for Michelle.” With both of them attracted to her, and it seemed Michelle equally aware of them, there was too much at stake to fight between them for her. Their friendship. Their business, and if one of them did win Michelle, it would be a volatile situation whenever the three were together as attracted as they were to the woman. No, that just wasn’t an option. It was a no-win situation. “I know, bro, I do too.” Troy hunched a shoulder. “I think it will work. Okay, yeah, Tiffany was an easy summer thing, but Michelle is different.” Finishing his own beer, he said, “Michelle is special and I think if it could work, it would with her. If it didn’t seem like a good idea, it never would have come up between us. You sure weren’t into Rebecca when I dated her.” Angel shook his head firmly. He’d never understood what his best friend had seen in the twitterhead blonde. “I want to at least try with her. Seriously, you’re the only guy on this planet I’d ever want to see like that. Last thing I want is my mom to get the idea that I’m gay.” Angel choked then coughed into his fist to cover it. “You’re not, but yeah, she’d kill you.” But he understood where Troy was coming from. Not only from his family’s point of view, but just how hot Michelle would look between them. They were both Jonesing hard for the brunette. While sharing wasn’t something he’d ever really believed he’d be doing with the woman he loved, he didn’t hate the idea of doing it with Troy.

He wasn’t positive how Troy felt about her, but Angel knew he wanted more than just an attraction, more than just fast and furious burning lust. He was sure sharing her the way they had with Tiffany that summer was a fantasy they’d silently shared more than once now that they’d apparently both accepted it might work enough to be worth a shot, if she was willing. They’d talked about it a few weeks before over beers at Troy’s. Angel hadn’t been convinced he’d meant it with them both half blitzed, both acknowledging they wanted their instructor in their beds, not just on the court, but apparently, Troy hadn’t been kidding. Since then, Troy had been inching them closer to getting to know their racquetball instructor. Angel had to admit, he’d really begun to crave the possibility. Hell, Troy was the only man he trusted enough to try something as out and out crazy as a ménage relationship with. They’d done it once in the past almost by accident. Not long after Troy began dating Tiffany, Angel walked in on them at his place by accident. They had keys to each other’s place because they were still building up their business then. Angel had frozen solid in the doorway, finding Troy half naked on the couch getting a hell of a blowjob. Troy took one look at him, glanced at Tiffany and waved him in with a smile. That had been the beginning. Only with Michelle, it was different. They were both on equal footing with getting to know her, and they both wanted her, badly. Angel hadn’t turned down the chance at Tiffany, and she did give great head, but his heart hadn’t been in it. That was the largest difference with Michelle. He was already too involved. Thinking about her brought her face to mind and the rest all too easily appeared, warming him from the inside out. Imagining her sweet cherry red mouth going down on him while Troy pounded her cunt made his cock swell painfully in his jeans. “Shit,” he muttered, unobtrusively reaching beneath the table to press the ridge down. Troy had the balls to smirk knowingly. “Asshole,” Angel growled under his breath. “Yep.” Angel laughed, losing some of the tension that had been filling his groin and spine. With a sigh of relief, he spotted Michelle returning. Man, she was a knockout. Long brown waves that literally hung to her breasts, to end in a curled flip. She had a movie star face with lips like a certain actress, full but not as wide. A narrow waist, smooth hips and legs to die for, she was simply too good. She was the type of woman a man savored. Angel and Troy were no exception. They didn’t care that she

was older, though by how much, they weren’t sure. There were only a few months between himself and Troy’s birthdays. Friends since high school, they’d both had a love of computers and programming, and it morphed into a thriving company. “I have a problem,” Michelle said sheepishly when she reached the table, leaning on the back of her chair with a tight grip. “What?” Troy asked. Angel heard concern in his tone, but they both knew what she was going to say. “Uh… I can’t drive.” She rushed on. “Well, I mean I shouldn’t. I’m sure I could, but it’s not a good idea.” “Not a problem. Angel is going to drive you home. I’ll follow and pick him up,” Troy said with a shared glance. They wouldn’t have let her drive herself regardless. “You don’t mind? I know you didn’t ask me out to try to get me drunk. Did you?” Both men chuckled. “No, Michelle. We don’t mind, and getting you drunk would be utterly thoughtless for a first dinner together.” Standing, Troy pushed in his chair. “Let’s go.”

Chapter Three car.

Walking on either side of her, they guided her outside to her

With no fuss, she handed over her keys and Angel gallantly helped her into her car. “Nice,” he murmured settling in behind the Avalon’s wheel. “I’ve seen these on the road, but they’re…” He stopped himself before he uttered the next inconsiderate thing on his tongue. Great. Tell her the truth and hurt her feelings. “It’s okay, you can say it. They’re plain. They’re not flashy, they don’t look expensive.” She sighed, getting comfortable. “But it is reliable. And it’s roomy.” He glanced at her before turning out to the highway. Michelle was stretched out, enjoying that room at the moment. “Where am I going?” He swallowed when his voice cracked. She looked so pretty, relaxed. Probably the most relaxed he’d ever seen her. Thick, chocolate brown lashes rested on her cheeks, the same brown as her hair. It made him think of those chocolate commercials he saw on TV, shiny and silky. Gathering his attention to drive, he merged with traffic. Following her directions, he was pulling on her street a lot sooner than he wanted. “Cute houses,” he said. Small yards were closed in with white picket fences. The houses weren’t well spaced, but they looked homey with flowers almost pouring off them in various colors and quantities. All the paint was fresh and they looked well maintained. A few even had flags fluttering lightly in the wind, pinned to walls and pillars with brackets. A cute, tight little slice of Americana. “I’m renting.” Really? He saved that information for later. “It’s a bungalow, actually,” she said. “I didn’t need a lot of space after—” He lifted an eyebrow, waiting, but she didn’t continue. There was a hollowness in her voice, but she silenced herself before she said more. Realizing she wasn’t open to prodding, he didn’t push her. Reaching up, he tapped the garage door remote and spotted one lifting three houses down. “That one it?” he asked, just to be sure. She cracked an eye and nodded. Peeking in the rearview, he spotted Troy’s Impala. Angel pulled into the driveway, easing to a stop in the garage. Troy parked at the curb.

Turning off the car, he got out and hurried to her door, opening it to help her out. Watching her, he’d swear she blushed. He caught out of the corner of his eye Troy getting out of his car. “Come on. Let’s get you inside.” “You don’t have to,” she said, though her eyes looked like they wouldn’t stay open without the strength of steel girders to help. “I want to,” he told her quietly. He hadn’t touched her other than to offer a hand for her to find her feet. Standing so close, he needed to feel her. He was dying to kiss her, so he compromised. Reaching, he brushed the back of his knuckles to her cheek. A rush of heat filled his veins at the simple contact. Damn, she’s sexy. Troy paused behind the car, and Angel shook him off. He’d explain when he came out. Holding her keys firmly, he unlocked her access door and guided her in. She plunked her bag on the neat kitchen table. With a little support, he led her to the living room and helped her lie down on the couch. He hadn’t let her hand go yet. “Michelle? I’m leaving our numbers on your table. Call one of us when you wake up to let us know you’re okay. “Really,” she drawled sleepily. “I’ll be fine.” Relinquishing her touch, he knelt at her feet and slipped off her sandals, running his palm over the top of one foot while he helped her get comfortable. He pulled his attention away. “I know you will be, but humor me, okay? I don’t care what time it is. Otherwise, we’ll worry. We didn’t mean for you to get drunk.” “I’m not drunk,” she murmured. “Just soooo relaxed.” Then she giggled. He chuckled, shaking his head. “Lightweight.” He stood again. Staring at her face, warmth invaded every inch. He’d never been in love, but if they had a chance, then he was going to give it his best shot. Positioning her arms over her waist, he unfolded the pastel blanket off the back of the couch to drape over her. “Sweet dreams, baby.” Then before he did anything he’d regret, he stepped away and returned to Troy, pausing briefly to leave behind their numbers like he’d said. Shutting the door behind him, Troy gave Angel a cross look when he faced him. “What was that about?” “She was half asleep. I didn’t want her to feel caged with two guys sporting boners, okay?” He leaned against the hood of her car, crossing his arms. “She let something slip on the way here.” Troy quit glowering. “What?” “She’s renting this. Something happened where she was before.”

bad.”

“Did she say anything about what?” Angel shook his head. “No, but it was in her voice. It was

Troy put a hand on Angel’s shoulder. “She has us now. We’ll take care of her.” Angel wasn’t so sure it would be that easy, but he hoped they’d have the chance. **** Michelle yawned and stretched. It was dim as she blinked, focusing. She tensed when she realized she wasn’t where she thought she would be. Where was the light? Why hadn’t she left a light on? She rubbed her eyes. Sitting up, the blanket fell to her waist. She was in her living room? She’d fallen asleep on her couch? She shivered, staring into the darkness, reminding herself that she was at her home, that she was safe. It was after midnight according the numbers on her electronics equipment. She wiggled her toes, surprised to see her sandals paired together at the end of the couch. She didn’t remember doing that. Then she did remember. As in the whole night. She flattened her face into her palms. How embarrassing! I fell asleep on them! Swinging her feet off the couch, she stood. She didn’t feel sick or weak, and no throbbing headache. That was a good plus. A very nice one considering how well that one damn drink had put her on her ass. She folded the blanket to return it to its place then meandered to the kitchen for a glass of water before bed. She’d brush her teeth and go right to bed. Michelle was almost to the cabinet when she saw the note. I meant it. I don’t care the time. Please call. Your friends, T/A Then two numbers were scribbled. Filling a glass she wondered if she should call them. It was after midnight. Feeling a bit dry, she sucked one down and filled a second. She vaguely remembered Angel telling her he didn’t care the time and he’d put it again on the note. “Okay, just remember, you asked for this.” She picked up the phone and dialed the first number on the paper. “Hello?” The voice didn’t sound at all like she’d awakened him. “Angel?” “Angel’s house, Troy at your service.”

She laughed at his gallant, proper inflection. “Please tell me you two have not been waiting up for this phone call.” “Okay, I won’t tell you that.” She groaned. “Troy.” She pressed her forehead into her curled palm. “Hold on.” She heard a brief crackle over the phone, then, “Hey there. How’re you feeling?” “Good enough to go right back to bed,” she joked. “Thank you again, both of you, for treating me to dinner, and…” She knew she was blushing. “And for tonight.” “We’re going to take care of you, Michelle,” Angel said warmly. “Go to bed. Do you mind if we save your phone number?” She stilled. She hadn’t even thought of caller ID. Then she remembered who it was asking. A giddy relaxation streamed through her. “Of course I don’t mind.” “We’ll have to do it again,” he offered. Michelle knew it wasn’t a good idea, but tonight, margarita notwithstanding, had been one of the best nights out she’d had in ages. “I think I’d like that.” “Good,” he purred quietly. Then firmer, he continued. “Go to sleep. We’ll give you a call later on, or see you at the club.” “Okay. Goodnight.” “Goodnight” was chorused over the phone in two deep, male voices and she shivered. “Menaces,” she muttered. Male laughter echoed and she hung up before she said anything else incriminating. **** Angel lifted a palm. “High five, bro. She’s warming up to us.” They slapped hands and fell back to the couch to finish the game they’d been playing while they waited for her phone call. Troy focused but with only half his brain on the fighter in front of him. “What if she hadn’t called?” He’d seriously had his doubts. “Would have been a long night of me kicking your ass then,” Angel crowed, clobbering the juice out of Troy’s warrior. “Hey!” Angel snickered. “All’s fair in love and war, man.” “Bitch.” “Bite my ass.” They played in silence a little longer as Troy tried to regain his winning status. “So what do you think we should do?” He

couldn’t seem to stay away from her, couldn’t keep his thoughts from circling her. “The same thing we’ve been doing.” Troy gripped his controller, his insides in a turmoil. He didn’t even care when his guy did a back flip and died. “You make it too easy, Troy.” Angel gloated, dancing on screen. “Man.” He tossed the controller down. Leaping to his feet, he paced. “I need to go home. I can’t think. I keep seeing her. Did you know she has green in her eyes?” Angel stopped messing with his controller, looking up. “It’ll work out. We can’t just pounce on her. We’re not in high school anymore. And yes, I did. Brown and green.” Troy growled. “I know that.” He didn’t want to fight Angel for her, but fuck… He wanted Michelle. He wrangled the hard rod of flesh behind his zipper, wishing it would go away. Ever since she’d walked through the doors he’d been a throbbing, aching wreck. “Shit, dude. Don’t even think it. Ricky is gay, not me.” Troy gurgled. “Not in this lifetime,” he swore adamantly. Falling back to the couch, he sighed, staring at the ceiling. “But that’s just it. I can’t get her out of my head.” Flicking his hand with disgust, he added, “And because of her, I can’t get rid of that either.” With a final groan of defeat, he stood. “I’m outta here. See you tomorrow.” “Sure.” Troy managed to get to his car, his groin so tight he felt like he had a rod shoved up his spine. Or wire wrapped around his sac. He was almost ready to scream with them throbbing so hard. Three minutes later, he was inside his own place. Slapping the door tight, he ripped his shirt off. The button on his jeans was next, but it wasn’t enough. With an impatient growl, he stripped completely, not caring where things landed as he stumbled for his bedroom. His underwear hit the floor and he fell onto his bed. Rolling over, he stared at the white nothing above him. “Just once. It’s not like you haven’t stroked yourself dumb over porn.” But she’s not a no-name slut. She’s Michelle, damn it, the woman you’ve been falling for since you met her. He argued with himself, the whole time his cock ached, swelled, and pulsed. Tension made him widen his legs, determined to relieve some of the pressure. It didn’t work. The open air caressed his nuts and he shivered. Ever since he made the suggestion to Angel, he’d managed to avoid this, a complete overload, instead

working slowly to get to know her, to have her begin to trust them. In truth, the idea of sharing her had been a major turn on. Angel was the best of the best when it came to friends. Tiffany had been impulse. With Michelle… He groaned. He’d had more erotic dreams than he wanted to count, picturing her with Angel and himself, in so many ways. She was amazing. Soft, vanilla scented skin, hair that glided between his fingers. His heart pounded behind his ribs with a bruising strength. He gripped at his blanket, hunger beating at him in a way he’d never known. He needed in a way he’d never tasted. He needed Michelle. His cock thumped at his stomach, waving at him in agreement. “Shut up down there,” he snarled. She’d been beautiful tonight with her hair down, and so damn cute asking for a ride home. He closed his eyes, sucking in deep breaths. The sight of her drinking on the margarita straw rose up, teasing him. The sweet pucker of her lips, then when she’d licked them. He’d been enthralled, picturing his cock where the straw had been, gliding…wet…hot. Troy gasped, clenching his jaw. Glaring at his nemesis, the eye winked at him, daring to produce a pearl of fluid that slowly slipped to his overheated skin. Troy lost the fight. “Fuck!” He nearly shouted it. Then he moaned, his heart pounding when he wrapped his hand around his length. “Oh, God. Michelle.” He sighed, giving in to the fantasy. Envisioning her hands on him was a lot more arousing than knowing he’d finally snapped. He could hate himself after. Pearls of pre-cum seeped from his engorged head and he ran his palm over the skin, using that as lubricant against his sensitive cock. Letting the fantasy run free, he pictured her hands on him, stroking him as her tongue laved up and down his length. Then without effort, Angel appeared at her side. Heat danced in his friend’s dark eyes. Angel dragged his fingers over her breasts where he imagined she knelt on her knees at Troy’s side on the bed. A quick shudder and whimper was her answer just before she swallowed the mushroomed head between her sweet lips. Troy’s cock jumped in his hands, feeling the pressure of her teeth, the suck of her lips as she toyed with him. “Roll over, baby,” Angel murmured. Helping her stretch out, he made sure she was comfortable. Troy’s eyes rolled into his sockets. Her tongue felt so good twirling all over his head, his touch mimicking his imagination until he couldn’t tell the difference. His heart pounded wildly in his chest, his hands stroking over hers, the soft skin of her palms tight as she gripped him. Then her breath

warmed his sac just before she licked at him. “Shit,” he breathed, lost to the sensations. Watching his friend, he imagined him getting comfortable between her legs, separating her pussy lips with the tips of his fingers. “Fuckfuckfuck,” Troy uttered. She’d go crazy with Angel eating her out, flicking her clit with his tongue. “Do it, man. Make her come.” God, please. So close. Then she would suckle on his nuts, humming her pleasure as Angel worked her pussy, made her hot and soaking wet. Troy licked his lips. He bet she tasted divine. A jiggle pounded its way through her body. Angel was fucking her with his fingers, licking at her clit, urging her to come all over him. “God, baby. I bet you’re a wet one too,” he managed, his lips dry as he pumped his cock. “Wet, delicious pussy, hot for my tongue, tight for my cock.” Adrenaline filled his veins and the first thrum of his climax drew his balls up tight to his body. Yesss. A little harder baby. Suck me. He moaned, lost in the fantasy as his cock filled. Troy stiffened, shouting as he spurted onto his chest and over his hand, the rush of his orgasm unstoppable. He stroked his flesh until he was empty, not a single ounce of strength left in him. Gasping, he let the image of her orgasming beneath Angel’s wicked tongue fade away. “Soon, sweetheart. Fuck, it better be soon,” he pleaded to the empty room. Taking a few minutes to catch his breath, he rose shakily to hit the shower and then fall asleep. If he was lucky, he wouldn’t wake up with morning wood.

Chapter Four Michelle stepped out of the club and walked around back to the employee section. Her side was hurting with a slow rolling throb. She’d overdone it with the weights, but she refused to have any weakness because of the damage done to her side. The last thing she’d expected was to find Troy and Angel standing by her car, as though waiting for her. “Hey guys. What are you doing here?” They didn’t have a lesson today, so she hadn’t expected to see them. Do jeans have to look that good, she wondered, eyeing them both as she approached. Troy’s hair hung over his ears like a boy with an unruly head of dark wheat, flipped to the side, leaving a small wedge over an eye. The kind of hair a woman could dig her fingers into and hold onto, while Angel’s hair was cut conservatively in a neat trim. Comparing them, they were about the same height side by side. Where Troy was disarmingly cherubic, the angles of Angel’s face were more pronounced. “We’ve come to sweep you off your feet,” Angel said with a twinkle in his eyes, an alluring smile hovering over sexy lips. Sexy? Damn it, Michelle stop it. She yanked damp hair off her neck. “You two are impossible. I must look like someone’s worst nightmare.” Her clothes were sticky and her hair was in a ponytail. She wasn’t even wearing makeup. What was the point when she was only going to sweat it off within the first thirty minutes of her day? Neither said anything, just staring at her. She pulled her keys from her gym bag. Troy put out a palm. “Please?” He motioned. “Why?” “It’s a surprise.” Troy’s grin joined Angel’s. She minced a step, clutching her keys. “Um, I don’t do surprises very well.” Troy let his hand drift down. “Michelle, we’d never hurt you. Hell, we want to take care of you.” She studied them, waiting for something, anything, then what he said registered. “Wait, both of you? Take care of me? You do realize I’m thirty-four. You’re two babies compared to me.” Troy reared back. “No we’re not,” Angel stated, though he didn’t look any happier about being called a baby. He slouched and dropped his gaze. With a sigh, he rose to meet her stare again, since they were

between her and the car, she had no choice but to listen. Or leave. And that would only cause questions inside. Questions she didn’t want to answer. “We’re twenty-six, so what? And yes. Both of us. We wanted to take time to get to know you, to see if…” He cursed in a muttered breath. “To see if you’d…” He hissed through his teeth. “I’m fucking it up, Troy.” He spun on a heel and stalked a few feet to the other end of the car, his back to them, his shoulders hunched as he battled with himself. “Michelle,” Troy said gently. “We like you. A lot.” She didn’t flinch when he lifted his hand to touch her cheek, and he didn’t try to do more, which she was grateful for. Her heart had begun to race like a wild stampede at the word surprise. Determined to listen, she forced a calmer rate by breathing evenly. “What we’re suggesting may not work. It’s only worked once before, and it’s only because I trust Angel like my own brother. The problem is, we’re both falling for you. But if you aren’t open to…this…” “But I’m eight years older than you. Than the both of you!” This? She couldn’t even wrap her mind around that part of it. “Michelle.” Troy closed the gap of space between them. “If either of us wanted a woman other than the person you are, we wouldn’t bother you in the least. Tonight, we have a surprise for you. It’s not big. You don’t even have to get dressed up for it. We want to get to know you better.” She heard Angel turn and approach them. “Please?” Glancing his way, he looked like a giant dark-eyed puppy and her heart flipped and melted at the same time. She had absolutely no willpower to fight that look. “Just tell me where we’re going.” “Back to Angel’s,” Troy said, a lighter version of his charm returning. “My place was an option, but all our gaming junk is at his.” She chuckled. Games. Then it hit her again. They’re so young! She was ready to take a step away, just get in her car and go home when Troy’s touch skimmed down her arm. “You can get cleaned up and everything. Honest. Come home with us?” She swallowed. It was a hell of a risk, she knew that. Flashes of Bryan’s behavior returned to her. Studying them, her vision flicked between them. “What if— Could you do it at my house?” She felt secure at her home. Somehow it felt less stressful, whatever it was they had planned, if they were on her turf.

The two men glanced at each other, then nodded. “Yeah, we can run home and bring what we have over.” Troy’s gaze regarded her closely. “It will make you feel better, won’t it?” She almost shrugged, then decided there wasn’t a point in it. “Yeah, it will.” Angel tilted his head, his gaze flowing over her, missing nothing in the sweep. “Who hurt you, Michelle?” She startled with a near yelp at the question. “Wha— What do you mean?” Troy slapped him in the stomach. “Ignore him. Go on home. We’ll be there in about forty-five minutes. And thanks for letting us do this.” Both moved out of her way, though she was too jumpy to really think about anything other than making the key fob work and getting behind the wheel. Troy was a gentleman and made sure she was all buckled in before he shut the door. “See you in a bit.” Michelle nodded, shaken, but having already given the okay, couldn’t take it back. She pulled away from the lot, following as the two male forms filled the charcoal gray Impala in her mirror until she was too far away. “Just what have you gotten yourself into, Michelle?” Without an answer, she simply drove, wanting to ensure she was showered and changed before they were even close to knocking on her door. **** Angel winced when Troy snapped at him once they were in the car. “Good job, ex-lax. Where did that come from?” Angel shrugged. “I don’t know. She just went so pale.” He sagged in his seat. “I think she was married, or at least, in a very serious relationship.” “Why do you say that?” “Remember JoLee’s ex? How gun shy she was after their split?” Angel couldn’t help but picture the haunted, wary look that had filled Michelle’s beautiful eyes right after they’d explained where they were going. Just like his sister had when she’d escaped her abusive ex-husband. Troy nodded. “He was a bastard and a half.” The light bulb must have turned on for Troy, because he said, “She’s behaving the same way, isn’t she?” “A lot, yeah.” “Fuckers.” He twisted his hands on the wheel as he drove

them to the apartments. “But treating her with kid gloves, Angel, man, it’s killing me.” “I know. Hopefully tonight’s surprise will help.” “Man I hope so. It’s getting harder not to just say I love her.” Angel nodded, relieved actually that Troy had admitted it. “Dude, I’ve been in love with her. You think it’s any easier for me?” Troy snickered. “We’ll get her.” “Yes, we will.” Silence fell between them. It only took them a few minutes to bag up all the groceries while Troy went over to Angel’s place to grab the game console, and a couple games, something silly and active, something they knew any age person would and were doing. They loved their war and battle games, but knew that wasn’t Michelle. It took them less than fifty minutes total before they were knocking on her door. “Your evening has arrived,” Troy sang when she opened the door for them. She blinked with wide eyes at the sacks of food. “What are you two doing?” Angel shut the door with a heel, a duffel with the gaming equipment hung over a shoulder and another bag in his hands. His gaze swept over her face, finding her much more relaxed, and maybe even anticipating. The gleam in her eyes made his pulse rush. It had happened. He’d really fallen for her. Digging to find his voice, he answered her. “In a single explanation, courting you.” Her mouth popped open, then closed repeatedly. “You two are nuts,” she finally managed to gasp. “Takes one to know one,” Troy teased. “Now then, I’ll get started. Angel, take our lovely friend to the closest TV.” “TV?” she squeaked. “Yes. A night of food and fun.” “You’re kidding?” Michelle seemed half dazed, or completely overwhelmed. “Not in the least.” Handing off his sack of edibles, Angel motioned for her to continue. “Lead on, milady.” Angel followed her as she took him into the living room where he’d actually laid her down to sleep that first night out, grateful she was in front of him, praying she didn’t turn around before he had a chance to wipe his face of his thoughts. She was wearing a light pair of shorts, nothing that was supposed to be sexy, but they were, cupping her ass and shaping to her thighs. The T-shirt was pale gray and showed her breasts in wonderful detail.

His throat felt dry so he swallowed several times. It helped the dry feeling, but it did nothing for the rock in his jeans. “Is this what you need?” she asked, pointing to the flat screen. Angel let out a whistle. “How’d I miss that the other night?” Michelle giggled. “Tell you a secret?” she whispered. Angel almost floated, swept up by the sparkle of her eyes. “I’m all yours.” She blinked, apparently unsure then just as quickly dismissing his remark to continue. “I love baseball.” “Oh yeah. Who’s your team?” “Anyone playing against the Yankees,” she joked, grinning madly. Angel laughed out loud, then she said, “I have a few that I follow, but I don’t have a home team. Players get traded so often, teams don’t stay static enough for me to want to follow the franchise for that team. Trades create gaps and the team doesn’t ever feel right or usually play the same for a while.” “Never would’ve thought that about you.” Angel winked, then knelt to zip open the duffel. He’d watched baseball himself for years, and knew exactly what she was talking about. He just hadn’t expected it coming from her. That’s what he got for thinking, as his mom would’ve warned him. It was also what tonight was about, to get to know each other better. Instead, he opened the bag and held up a couple game cases. “This is what we brought. It won’t take but a few minutes to hook up and it all leaves with us, no harm to the TV. No animals or children will be harmed in the maiming of Troy’s ego.” Laughter was bright in her eyes. “This sounds like fun. Sure. Hook her up. Let’s give it a shot.” Angel almost fell over from the beauty of her smile. “No smack before dinner,” came a shout from the kitchen. When Angel locked with Michelle’s brown eyes, their glimmer deepened and they both laughed long and loud. **** Troy was getting settled into the kitchen when she walked in. “Find what you need?” He seemed to have it all under control. A pot was filled with water working to boil, and he had a plate of crab meat on the counter. “Seafood?” He slowed in his prep, consternation darkening his brow. “Crap. I didn’t think. Are you allergic?”

“No, just, flattered. You two got all of this for tonight, for me?”

“This is just a light dinner. It’s a pasta-crab dish my grandfather showed me how to make. You’ll think you’ve died, believe me.” “That good, huh?” she asked, poking into containers. He swatted at her fingers. “Yes.” “I’m surprised.” “Oh?” He sliced up peppers and slid them to a waiting plate. “About what?” “You’re both so independent.” Troy shrugged. “Mom made me do it.” He pouted with a quiver on his lips that could only be laughter. “Actually, it was the best thing she could’ve done. She swore if I found a woman to take me the last thing that woman would want was a child to have sex with, so she made sure I wasn’t prejudiced against certain things. The only thing I really hate doing is laundry, but it gets done.” “Why?” She studied him, grinning at his confident attention to what he was doing. “I invariably get something mixed and have a pink sock or a bleached pair of something.” She leaned on the counter where he was working, laughing, wiping a hand under her eyes. “Thank you.” He paused, tilting to see her, then resuming. “For?” “I haven’t laughed this much in years.” Troy stopped with the knife and set it on the board he was using. That was when she realized she’d hardly flinched with him using it, hadn’t given it much thought at all to have him using the wicked blade only a foot or two away from where she stood, completely entranced and at ease with him. Absorbing those facts, she followed his movements. Grabbing the towel from the ring on the doors, he wiped his hands. “Michelle.” He grasped her forearms lightly. She stood a few inches beneath him, so she guessed them both to be around six feet tall. “God, you’re beautiful. You should smile all the time. You should laugh. Will you let us do that for you? Will you let us make you happy?” She swallowed. A rush of need flowed from his fingertips up her arms. “Both of you?” she squeaked. Two men? Was that even possible? He really meant it, they wanted to share her? “I…” She couldn’t find the words to finish the thought. “We both care for you, Michelle.” He drifted close, hovering

over her lips, a gentle warmth as his breath flowed over her skin, branding her before he’d even touched her. “I want to kiss you,” he told her, his voice husky and sexy. “Please.” No one had ever asked her, rather, just let it happen. Her heart was pounding, but not out of fear. The one thing she’d dreaded finding out—whether or not she’d be able to be this close to another man. She shifted her weight, following him through her lashes. “Don’t use me to make each other jealous,” she said, the only warning she had the presence of mind to say. “Never.” Broad shoulders eclipsed her senses when he claimed her lips. It wasn’t a hard kiss, more a brush of skin, a lingering learning of each other. It sent a rush of need careening into her blood stream like a rocket had launched. Like she’d been awakened from a very long nap. She whimpered softly when she felt him pull away far sooner than she wanted. “No, sweetheart. Slowly, we promise.” Her eyes snapped open. The fire burning in his brown eyes singed her. He was letting her go with a great deal of restraint and control. It was impossible not to feel something for him herself with them, him, doing so much for her, to prove to her they meant what they said. “Go ahead and cook,” she murmured, sounding far huskier than she’d ever thought possible. “I can’t wait.” He touched her forehead with his lips. “Go relax. If you like wine, we brought some. You can open it and have some before dinner.” It sounded good, but she knew it would be better to wait. Drinking on an empty stomach wasn’t a bright idea. “I’ll save it.” “Okay.” With a gentle spin, he urged her back out of the kitchen. “If I need to find something, I’ll let you know.” She nodded, still floating from that simple, yet so mystifying kiss.

Chapter Five “Ha ha! I win again!” Troy crowed. “Now who has the smackdown goin’ on?” He did a long guitar riff in exclamation, strutting around the living room. “I bow to your music skills,” Michelle said, shaking her head as he finished showing off. She didn’t have a chance, but it was entertaining watching the two of them play their hearts out. She folded herself carefully onto the couch after her last round. The afternoon workout and the three hours of guitar mayhem were making her pay. Her side throbbed in stabbing shocks. “Honey, what’s wrong?” “Huh? Oh, nothing.” She must not have hid the wince, but it wasn’t that big of a deal. Some days she just forgot she had scar tissue where most people didn’t. “We over did it, didn’t we?” Angel asked, slipping the miniature guitar strap over his shoulders to set beside the bookcase next to the TV stand. He grinned guiltily. “Sorry.” She gave them a curt snort. “You didn’t do anything. I’m able to play, just maybe not three hours in a row.” She laughed, reaching for her water, careful not to overextend her arm to stretch her side. “We’ll have to do it again. But I want time to practice.” She took a quick drink, the wine and dinner long gone. “Really?” Angel seemed genuinely thrilled. “Hell yes! That’s fun!” Both men laughed at her enthusiasm. Troy and Angel sat in unison on the couch with her, Troy bringing her lightly into his chest, Angel forming her legs over his lap. “Let’s see what’s on. Watch a movie for a little bit then we’ll head out for the night.” Troy began pushing buttons, disengaging the game. “Sure.” She yawned. “I’m ready to relax.” “Was it a good surprise?” Angel asked, rubbing up and down her calf with light fingers, massaging in spurts. “It was a wonderful surprise.” She cuddled easily into Troy’s frame, his arm draped over her shoulder. Angel seemed content, and honestly she didn’t want to move. Stopping was like hitting a wall. She was ready to unwind. “Glad you enjoyed it.” Troy leaned and pressed a cheek to her hair and her eyes closed. “You know this is utterly insane,” she said without really thinking.

“Which part? The fact that John Wayne is in this movie, or that James Caan is?” “Hey, El Dorado is a classic,” she chastised him, recognizing the music. “Is this El Dorado?” Troy seemed perplexed, maybe. It was definitely a different era movie than what was made today. Then it hit her. They’d never seen it. They probably hadn’t ever watched a John Wayne movie in their whole lives. It surprised her that he’d recognized the actors. Troy left it on, though she wasn’t sure why. She explained the premise to bring them up to where they’d come into the movie, but it punctuated the age gap between them. Yes, what they were wanting was utterly insane. They had so little in common in reality. How could two healthy, gorgeous young men want to be with her, much less share her between them when they could have any hot kitten on the block? She wasn’t old, but she was older than them, by almost a decade. She knew it wasn’t possible. Even if their touches did melt her into putty. The warmth of the bodies next to her felt so good. She began to drift, her mind dancing toward sleep, their firm hands caressing and soothing all along her length. When she twitched half asleep trying to get into a more comfortable position, she clenched, hissing when her side fought back. “Michelle?” Four hands were instantly cradling her, supporting her. She grimaced. Then there was that. Her scar. Just the idea of exposing it made her shudder. Okay, maybe she was more self-conscious of it than she’d originally wanted to believe. Now she had someone, two someones, who might see it, a situation she’d never once imagined. Her mouth turned down at the depressing realization. She’d made great leaps of faith to be alone with not one, but two men, to have stood in the kitchen without flinching while Troy prepped dinner. For the first time really, she was feeling normal. Around these two men, it felt like normal. A tight muscle spasm returned her to the problem at hand. She let out a breath as it passed. “It’s nothing. I worked too hard on the weights today.” She tried to sit and Troy held her steady, close. She couldn’t move, though she knew if she really asked, he’d let her up. “No, that’s the third time you’ve done that.” “Second,” she corrected.

“Good, now you can’t deny it.” She lifted enough to glare at Troy. “You tricked me.” “Where does it hurt?” He didn’t look in the least repentant, watching her like a hawk. They kept her spread on the couch between them, watching her intently. “You’re not moving until we know you’re not seriously hurt. People get injuries all the time playing games they’re not used to.” “But that’s a low impact one. I know it is.” “Besides the point,” Angel added, apparently taking an equally protective stance. She sagged. “I’m fine. Why don’t you guys go home tonight? You can come pick it all up tomorrow.” Michelle was ready for them to go, to try to forget how they made her feel, to forget how good their hands felt on her. Their attention was addictive. She throbbed in places that had ceased to matter. Heat and wanting continuously invaded the more they pampered her. “Michelle,” Troy groaned through her name. “You aren’t getting rid of us like that.” Lifting her chin, he touched her lips with his. “What’s wrong, sweetheart? You can tell us.” She was melting and sparking at an unbelievable pace. Shudders filled her when his lips brushed hers and shivers raced up her body to circle her spine when Angel began massaging her bare legs in earnest. His firm fingers caressed and kneaded her calves, working the skin gently behind her knees to slide back down and mold to her feet, one at a time. Her breasts began to ache with the same rhythm of Angel’s talented fingers. “Mm, strong feet,” he murmured. He raised a leg and dropped slow kisses from her arch to the top of her foot to her ankle. “Sexy feet.” She blinked. “A foot fetish?” Angel shrugged, an evil grin flitting over his devilish mouth. “A small one. Do you mind if I shower your feet with adoration?” Her mouth popped open, then jerked closed on a breathed groan, her eyes fluttering as pleasure zinged into her body. “Oh, not fair,” she managed, her lungs tripping hard, trying to remember how to breathe. Angel swirled his tongue around her big toe at the same time Troy wrapped his arms around her body to cup her breasts. “Where do you hurt, baby?” Troy whispered. Hurt? She couldn’t remember why she’d been in pain, their combined caresses and touches sweeping her brain blank. Her pussy

began to throb in tandem with their exploratory caresses, neither rushing, simply holding, touching, arousing. “Ohh,” she breathed when Troy’s palms rubbed circles over her aching nubs through her bra. “Gorgeous, sweetheart. You’re beautiful.” Troy let her sink to her back until her head rested on his lap, his hands able to reach everywhere. Angel had done the same thing, shifting to let her legs fall on either side of his hips. “Damn,” he groaned. “I never imagined…” She managed to open her eyes and locked on his face. The coffee colored orbs sparked with the heat within, desire and so much more making him utterly masculine, utterly male. She shivered beneath that blistering need. “Boys,” she managed. One futile attempt. “Don’t do that,” Troy bit out on a low growl, leaning over her until he was staring at her upside down. “We’re not boys. Don’t even pretend to put up that as an excuse.” “But…” “Michelle, we want you. Just you.” A flicker of doubt must have shown, because he added, “Yes, we want to share you. It works for us. Angel and I are close, tight as brothers. No one has gotten to us the way you have. Let us make you happy.” She heard the silent pleas, the same way Troy had asked in the kitchen. Swallowing, she sank into the moment. “I can try,” she whispered. “I can’t make you any promises.” In truth, she was terrified of what they were offering, but it was so tempting, too. In a few short weeks, long before their first dinner together, in all honesty, they’d managed to get under her skin, bypassing her fears with their gentle understanding. She’d never met two men so alike, yet so different. And they both wanted her. She had to be losing her mind. Or they were. “Time, baby. We mean that,” Angel said, caressing her calves to her thighs. His thumbs leisurely stroked her inner thighs before sweeping down to her knees, caressing and forming to her frame as easily as a sculptor. When Angel leaned forward and offered a warm kiss to the inside of one trembling thigh, she melted and burst into flame. Licking her lips, she made one last effort. “You’ll stop if it’s too much? If I ask?” Her blood was racing within her veins, pounding a hard tattoo that echoed the crazed rate of her heart watching him.

It only took a second of hesitation and with Troy’s movement beneath her shoulders, she knew they were making the agreement. “We promise.” She quivered, Troy’s promise, his voice, their touch seeping into her heart. With their word given, she sank onto the couch, completely at their mercy. **** Angel knew the second she gave in. Her entire length went soft, pliant between them. He leaned over again and licked at the arch of her knee. Her legs trembled in answer. She was silky and sweet on his tongue. The closer he inched toward her pussy, the hotter she became, the scent of her arousal reaching out to him. Tugging himself closer, he bent her legs around his waist. Then he lowered to the hot junction of her thighs and kissed her. She moaned, a breathy, hungry sound that made him ache. He heard the sound of her fingernails scraping down the couch’s fabric. With a glance, he found Troy squeezing her tits, gently rolling them and her nipples. He groaned. Fuck, he wanted her naked. Her body was made for them. “I’m going to touch you here, Michelle,” he told her, letting her know his intentions. She shuddered like a boat on a high wave but didn’t deny him. Slowly, he undid the button on her shorts and lowered the zipper. The ticking sound dragged like fire down his spine. He gritted his teeth not to rush. If he was right about her history, anything threatening and she’d bolt like a newborn colt. The first peek of lace on her hip drove him insane. Light yellow, sweet but sexy as sin. Troy changed his position enough to be able to fold in half to kiss her. Angel watched for a few seconds, following the way Troy licked and tongued her sweet lips. It was a slow, sensual dance as he slid in and out, her tongue chasing his to be caught between his teeth and suckled. Her lower body clenched, trembling beneath Angel’s caressing hands when Troy traced her lips then dove between them. Angel moaned quietly, craving that mouth. Bringing his focus to his hands, he eased one of her legs up, gliding the shorts off, but leaving the lace tease. They wanted to bring her to them slowly, luring her until she couldn’t live without them. Angel knew he couldn’t live without her. Troy loved her, and he trusted his best friend to the ends of the earth.

Easing from his place to kneel on the floor, he settled one slim foot on his shoulder, delivering a long lick over her ankle. She had the sexiest feet with cute crimson painted toenails. Until her, he’d never really thought much about it, but she’d unlocked something. Angel wanted to devour and lick her until she screamed with pleasure. Swirling over her inner thigh, he continued to bring her need higher. She had a light thatch of curly hair over her pussy. He wondered if she’d let them trim it for her. It was no secret both of them loved to eat pussy. Angel wanted hers desperately, but he refused to rush. Troy slipped his hand beneath her and unhooked her bra, sending a wave of trembles over her as he squeezed her free breasts. She arched, offering herself when he plucked at the tight nipples through the cotton T-shirt. “Michelle.” Troy sounded raw and hoarse. “Beautiful.” Sighing through his own need, Angel looked up and Troy mouthed perfect. Angel couldn’t agree more. Pressing his lips to her hip, he kissed her, suckling and brushing at her fragrant skin with hungry lips and a dancing tongue. She twitched and jerked, her hips rising and pushing into him. She was hot, and so wet. Her panties were damp with her desire. Nearing that treasure, Angel nipped with tender lips to her flushed skin and she jerked, shouting then whimpering. “More?” he asked her, brushing over her with his nose, loving the scent of her. “Yes! Oh, God, yes,” she choked out, gasping. Holding the cotton tight, he swept her entire slit with his tongue. A fresh sheen of dew seeped to the edges of her pussy and Angel groaned, hard. Pinning her hips, he licked at that moisture, suckling at the skin half hidden beneath yellow lace. Flushed with her arousal, her nether lips plumped on either side and he took his time licking them, showering them with attention until she was shaking with her desire. Sliding the panel of cotton out of the way, he dove, fucking her with his tongue and she shouted a hoarse scream. “Shit, Angel. Yes!” Troy growled, encouraging him. She thrashed between them. Gliding up her flushed slit, he watched Troy’s hands on her breasts, teasing and playing with her nipples. Then he slipped a hand under her neck collar and she moaned. “Damn, Angel. She’s soft. Feels so good in my hand.” Michelle was on the verge, ready to explode all over him and

he wanted it, her frame quivering in waves as they both teased her into a hyper state of need. He thrust with his tongue, licking and suckling at pinked flesh, not caring in the least that her juice was dripping down his chin to his shirt. She tasted sweet and tangy, hot and so fucking good. Maneuvering, he touched her clit with a tight finger and she bucked. “That’s it, baby. Come for me. I want to taste you,” he murmured. Circling her clit with his tongue, he switched, impaling her pussy with a finger, then two. She was so hot, so tight, he imagined how good she would feel, stroking his cock in and out of her sweet body, and almost came in his jeans, groaning hard and deep as the want to slam into her rode over him. Her muscles tightened, her body shook and she arched, crying out. Angel replaced his fingers, planting his mouth against her sweet flesh and lapped at the treat she was giving him, sucking and driving for every drop as she orgasmed over the wave. Shudders and gasps met his continued assault until she was barely moving, her breasts shaking as she came back down from the peak of pleasure. “That was fucking amazing.” Troy petted her shoulders, his fingers grazing the sides of her breasts, not demanding, simply enjoying. Angel licked his lips, then wiped his chin with his shirt. Breathing hard himself, he leaned against the side of the couch. “Unbelievable,” he agreed. Troy scooped her hair to the side, playing with the long strands. “You still with us, sweetheart?” She nodded sleepily. He reached for the remote behind him and shut off the TV. “Michelle? Look at me.” Groggily, she opened pleasure drunk eyes. “Hmm?” “We’re asking, so tell us now. Can we stay?” Every step was being left to her. Neither Troy or Angel wanted to screw this up. Silently, Angel prayed she’d say yes. He wasn’t finished, not by a long shot, but jerking off at home after that simply wouldn’t work. He watched her consider it, her gaze roaming to find him, then Troy again. Coming to a decision, she nodded. “Yes. You can stay.” Troy’s chest shuddered. He closed his eyes and let out a slow breath. Lowering, he blessed Michelle with a gentle kiss. “Thank you. You won’t regret this.”

A hand appeared and she pressed a finger to his lips. “Shh. Tonight. We’ll see how it looks in the light of day tomorrow, okay?” Troy’s face fell. Angel didn’t like the sound of that either. He slid along the couch to kneel at her shoulder. “Michelle, this isn’t temporary, no matter how much you may think otherwise. We mean it. We want you to understand that.” If it took forever to convince her, they’d make sure she saw it, and realized this was for real. Shit, his chest ached. He wanted to tell her he loved her so bad, his heart trembled. One thing he knew, something worth having, was worth fighting for. He wasn’t giving up his woman without a fight to the end.

Chapter Six Troy helped her to her feet, steadying her when she wobbled to the left. “Easy there, sweetheart.” Angel grabbed her tossed shorts and turned out the lights. Troy held her close, letting her lead the way to the bedroom. When she opened the door, she stopped him from reaching for the light switch on the wall. “We don’t need it, do we?” “No lights?” He leaned closer because she was talking so quietly. “Please?” She hid her cheek into his chest and he couldn’t tell her no. “It’s okay. No lights.” He wondered if her bedroom was a wreck, but doubted it considering how well the rest of the house was kept. It wasn’t pitch black, but it was really dark with the blinds drawn down. Angel sat on the edge of the bed and held out his arms. “Come here, baby.” She straddled his lap and kissed him, his hands running up and down her arms and shoulders. Looping her arms around his neck, she kissed him back. Troy tugged his shirt out of his jeans, letting it fall where he stood. He’d find it in the morning. The important things were in his front pocket. Stepping out of his jeans, he fished the condoms out and held them in a fist until he was standing in his underwear. Adjusted better to the lack of light, he inched forward and set the handful on the nightstand, then stood behind Michelle. The sway of her hair tickled his abdomen and drifted over his erection, sending shots of need bursting through his body. Bending, he found sweet skin to kiss below her ear. Sweeping her hair to the side, he licked up and down the column of her throat until he hit her pulse, then he suckled on the beating sign of her arousal, getting a heady shiver in return. He murmured his assent, his hands on her hips, loving the heat of her body enveloping his chest. Straightening, he hooked his fingers under the hem of her shirt and slowly unveiled the beauty between them, snatching her bra on the way. She stiffened momentarily, then let both arms rise to let it slide free. He tossed it in the general direction of his clothes. Sitting next to Angel, he leaned close. “Kiss me, Michelle.” She did one better, she slid over and changed laps. Freed, Angel ripped out of his clothes so fast, there was a breeze. Standing from dropping his jeans and underwear, he noticed they were staring at

him, and he chuckled with an embarrassed sound. Michelle and Troy laughed at his expression. “Come on,” Michelle invited, patting the right side of the bed. He didn’t have to be told twice, slipping onto the bed beside Troy still holding Michelle on his lap. “Kiss him,” Angel said, lying on his side, his head resting in a palm. “Sexy.” He dropped a hand and idly palmed the length of his erection. “Angel, I had no idea you were so…” “I’m not kinky,” he retorted flatly. “It’s Michelle. I love watching her.” She faced Troy. “I don’t mind if he watches, or if you do, either,” she said in a quiet voice, apparently surprised by the admission if her tone were to go by. She may have never wanted it, but she was definitely warming up to a shared relationship. “I think I like it.” Troy groaned, his cock tapping against his stomach beneath his briefs. “You are so fucking perfect.” Then he claimed her mouth, a hard, thrusting kiss. He stroked her tongue, demanding she kiss him back, and she did, driving into his mouth in imitation of what he’d done. The hunger storming through him hit a new level. She was sweet to him, her passion and desire making her taste like candy. “Straddle me, beautiful,” he told her, holding her hips to guide her. “I want to feel that hot pussy.” A harsh groan slipped from Angel at his side, and Troy almost grinned. His best friend was thinking about the orgasm he got to enjoy, Troy just knew it. Michelle settled across his lap, her toes barely reaching the floor. The heat of her desire scorched him through his briefs. Why the hell didn’t I take them off too? Because you wanted to take it slow. Too bad he couldn’t wish the damn things off. Threading his fingers into her hair, he brought her tight, pressing her breasts snug into his chest. Then their little hellion began to rock her hips, rubbing the sweet, wet heat of her pussy over the throbbing fullness of his erection. “Ssshit,” he hissed through a tight jaw. Her fingernails clawed into his hair, and he took a mental leap away from the edge, realizing what had begun as a tease had quickly escalated for the woman in his hands. Holding her steady, he encouraged her. “You want to come, don’t you baby?” She whimpered her answer, her whole body shaking as she

ground down on him. Her head lolled back, her lips parted as she sought her pleasure. “Fuck,” Angel choked. “Oh, baby.” “Ride that clit, baby.” Troy raised his hips a fraction, tilting until he felt the damp rub of her slit hitting him just right. “I want to feel you cream all over me. That’s what you want, isn’t it? You want to come all over my cock, soak me.” He gasped, tightening as her body twitched. Don’t lose it! He clenched down hard, fighting the screaming need to blow. Wanting her to explode for him, he cocked his head and sucked a nipple into his mouth, swirling over the extended tip, biting it gently until she howled. Troy grunted as her frame shuddered, shakes rolling down her body as she creamed his groin and briefs. Steamy liquid slipped over his thighs, and Troy shuddered at the feeling. Her face was flushed with her exertions, her lips swollen. God, she was beautiful. She leaned to rest on his shoulder, her arms around his waist with his hands on her hips. “Fuck,” Angel managed a few minutes later. “That was the hottest thing I think I’ve ever seen.” Panting, he brought her down with him, lying on his chest. He pressed little kisses to her damp skin. Michelle was barely moving. “That was incredible.” “Never…done…that,” she managed. “Orgasm? Or make yourself come by pleasuring yourself?” Troy threaded through the loose ends of her hair, letting it spread out around her. “Myself…like that…on… Oh, God.” Another shudder struck and she moaned. Aftershocks. He felt every single one. “Do you need to rest?” Troy asked. Angel hadn’t moved, though he’d stopped stroking his own meat at least. “Minute,” she said, the panted flow of her breath rushing in warm bursts by his ear. He looped his arm over her shoulder. “Anything, sweetheart.” He buried his nose in her neck and knew he was in love. Angel was too. Now if they could just convince Michelle to give them a chance. Rolling, he let her find herself on her back between him and Angel. “Don’t move.” “Can’t,” she muttered, waving a hand. “Noodle.” Both men grinned. “And we’re not even done yet,” Angel promised. Lazily, he swept his fingers between her tempting

mounds, running in circles to caress and learn. “Love your breasts.” Troy saw her smile in the darkness. Standing, he stripped his wet briefs, then moving between her legs, he eased hers off her hips and down her legs. He couldn’t wait to taste her on his tongue, but he was about to snap. He couldn’t take any more without finally having her. He handed a pillow to Angel who eased it under her body and shoulders. “Come here, baby,” he purred. She tipped in his direction and Troy saw her lick her lips. “Taste me like I tasted you.” With a condom in hand, Troy stopped to watch her take Angel’s length. They groaned at the same time, Troy and Angel, or all three, it didn’t matter, but the sound of pleasure being given and received was music. Her lithe body was open for the taking, and Angel was slowly fucking her mouth. Troy ripped open the condom and slid it over his erection. “I’ll go slow, baby.” She grunted in answer, putting her attention into the cock in her mouth. “Beautiful, Michelle. Your mouth was made for sucking.” Angel petted her shoulder, encouraging her. She twisted enough to be able to wrap a hand around his length, riding him with a tight palm, sucking on the head with deep, suctioned pops at the same time. Stabilizing his frame on the edge of the bed with a knee, he propped one of her legs against his chest and eased himself forward. Troy’s world narrowed to the heat of her sheath taking him. Sweat beaded on his shoulders as he filled her. “Tight,” he growled. Then he couldn’t speak at all when she clamped down on him with her muscles. She hooked her free leg behind his ass and Troy took that as a green light. Gripping her hips tightly, he stroked in and out, finding his rhythm, watching her suck hard on Angel. He’d fisted a hand into her hair, guiding her to take as much as she wanted, as much as she could, of his length. Her hot pussy seeped juice for him. Troy withdrew and slammed into her. She cried out, grinding into him for more. Troy clutched her close, pounding her sweet cunt. His balls tightened as he slapped into her ass, her pelvis lifting to grind into his with each thrust. Whimpers and grunts echoed him as she gobbled on Angel’s shaft. “Gonna come,” he warned them, his jaw tight when the pull of the vortex hit him. Angel’s groan was loud and deep. “My balls. Touch them.” He

shouted when she fulfilled his request. “Shit!” Troy closed his eyes and surged into her bucking body, loving every minute of it. The heady pull of her muscles sucking at him, the sound of her mouth on Angel, the heat of her body between them. The rush of his seed filled his veins, thickening his cock until he thought he’d burst with the exquisite, sweet agony. He bowed forward, a hoarse shout escaping as he erupted. Her body undulated, taking all he had to offer, his cock driving deep, needing to be as deep as he could inside his woman. A moment later, Angel’s grunted release echoed his, a feminine hand on his hip, holding him tightly as he climaxed for her. Troy shivered, watching her take all of Angel’s load. She wasn’t shy, she wanted it, pulling and sucking at him until Angel tenderly pulled from her mouth to collapse to his calves. He followed her when she relaxed to her back to give her a kiss. “Perfect.” Easing out of her, Troy let her legs find the bed. Reluctantly, he stepped away, pinching the end of the condom while groping for the bathroom. He found it a moment later, disposed of the condom and dampened a washrag. After wiping himself, he rinsed it and went back to the bed. He grinned. She hadn’t moved. “Come here, sweetheart,” he purred. She shuddered when he tenderly wiped her clean. “Was I too rough?” “No,” she croaked. “Long time.” He nodded. He’d thought as much. Getting rid of the cloth, he tugged her up and rolled her under blankets, Angel on her other side. She squirreled her way to the top of the bed, then with a sigh, she laid down with an arm at her side, and the other over her head. She was breathing deeper before he’d even managed to close his eyes. Angel nuzzled into her, and he did the same. Troy kissed her cheek then laid still. **** Michelle curled into the heat in front of her, embracing the body in her sleep. The sensation of another body folding along her back brought her out of her sleep with a jerk. She blinked. Where was her light? Darkness weighed down her chest as though an elephant stood on her. Why is it dark! Fear shot through her, then she realized she wasn’t alone. Who is in my bed! She screamed, the sharp burst cut short when she leaped over a body, diving for the bathroom to turn on the light. Her lungs

burned as she tried to stem the terror clawing through her. She never forgot to turn on a light to sleep with! In an instant, the light in the bathroom illuminated everything immediately. “Michelle?” She whipped to stare wildly at the two men in the bed. Two faces she knew and trusted. Troy. Angel. Shocks crashed into her. She shivered and collapsed to the floor, sliding down the wall. Tears formed and slipped over her lashes, delayed shakes of her fear chilling her solid. Flashes of the attack shattered her peace until she was trembling, rocking on the floor. She sobbed, each tremor making her sound like a vehicle sputtering. “Michelle?” They shoved their way out of bed, kneeling in front of her in a flash. “What happened baby?” She buried her face in her hands, unable to look at them. She didn’t even know how to begin to explain her fear. “Holy fuck!” Michelle pivoted away from Angel, hunching, making herself smaller. She knew without a doubt what he’d seen. Why she hadn’t wanted the light on last night. “No, don’t. God baby. Who did this to you?” She choked on a sob. Troy gathered her in his arms. “It’s okay, sweetheart. You’re safe. Shh.” He cradled her tight into his chest and rocked her. One of them handed her a cloth, or a towel, she didn’t know and couldn’t care less. She covered her face in it. “I’m so-sorry. I sleep with a light on. I got scared because it was dark.” Tender hands smoothed her hair. “It’s okay, baby.” Then both of them wrapped themselves around her, holding her, protecting her between them. “You’re safe,” Troy murmured. “It’s just us and you.” Hot tears fell from a chilled soul until she could get them to slow, then stop, her breathing staggered and pinched. They petted and stroked her, soothing her with soft words and light touches. “I’m sorry,” she repeated, her voice thick and watery. She shivered within their strong arms. “Don’t, Michelle.” Troy stood, lifting her with him, practically in his arms. Settling her on the bed, he wiped her face dry. Angel walked out of the bathroom with her robe. Between them they wrapped her up, covering her. Shaken, she could barely move. A numbness was beginning to set in. Lifting her one more time, Troy

put her at the top of the bed, then with nothing else at their disposal, they covered themselves with pillows, sitting with her. Angel threaded his fingers through hers, and Troy did the same. She waited for the questions, for the demands, for the disgust, but they did none of that. They simply sat and comforted her. They were leaving it up to her to tell them as much or as little as she wanted. She swallowed around the new lump in her throat. Fresh tears, but for a completely different reason. She loved them. These two video game junkies. Two hard working, entrepreneurial men. Two men who were insane to want her. Somehow, she’d fallen for them. God! I’m eight years older than them! Do you hear yourself? Two men? Her head was a discordant symphony of warnings, and reasons. But the one underlying truth was she honestly had grown to love them. Because of that truth, she knew what she had to do. To do this right, there couldn’t be lies between them, or secrets. Silence permeated the air, the nighttime coolness salving her fears into a manageable lump to lock away one more time. Drawing a deep breath, she ripped herself open and told them everything.

Chapter Seven “Until eleven months ago, I was married. Had been married for almost four years. We met and had a beautiful relationship.” She sniffled, debating what or how much when Troy told her, “It’s okay, sweetheart. We want to know. Whatever you want to tell us.” She nodded. “What I didn’t know was he was manic bi-polar. Until he snapped, no one knew. He tried to kill me the one time he snapped.” They sat in silence, though she felt the tension radiating off them as they heard her story. The soothing stroke of fingers on her where they held her never stopped. “I’d come home from work that day and began to make dinner. I didn’t know anything about it then, about what triggered his anger, or his attack. I still don’t. It didn’t matter in the end.” Feeling numb inside, she reiterated the events of that day the same way she’d had to on the witness stand. Unemotionally. Succinctly. There was nothing left of then to hurt her, except for her own fears. “I’d stepped out of the kitchen to go through the mail he’d brought in. Bryan had gone into the kitchen but I thought it was to get a drink, or nibble at dinner. He loved doing that.” She did have a few fond memories at least. “We were talking like normal people when he went crazy. He asked me where I’d been several times, getting more worked up. Then he punched me.” They flinched at her sides. She squeezed their hands, letting them know it was all right. “I came to with him straddling me, trying to choke me, but somehow, I caught him with a fist in the groin. It wasn’t enough. He’d hidden the butcher knife I’d been using for dinner somewhere. My screams and the fighting had our neighbors calling nine-one-one. Apartments back then,” she clarified. With a nod of understanding from either side, she went on. “It was that racket which saved my life. He would’ve stabbed me through but I managed to twist to avoid the worst. Almost. The last two inches down my side, he went deep and hit my kidney.” Troy formed a fist with his free hand, tapping the pillow on his lap. Anger at being unable to do anything. She released his fingers and curled hers over his fist. “I’m almost done,” she told them, knowing it was killing them to hear what had really happened to her. “Two weeks ago, the reason I was a wreck was because I was celebrating, in a way, the day Bryan

was arrested. It was the day I woke up in the hospital and solidified the charges from murder to attempted murder. He’s in mental lockdown now. He’ll never be released. The divorce was final one month later. I was in the hospital for several weeks, and ever since that first moment of wakefulness, I’ve had to have a light on to sleep.” She lifted a hand of each man and pressed a loving kiss to their palms. “I am sorry for scaring you. I was trying to hide it last night. I know what it looks like.” “Shh,” Troy breathed, running his fingers over the back of her hand. “I’m just grateful you’re here.” He twisted and kissed her lips lightly. “And you?” she asked, facing Angel. “How do you feel?” Dark, cocoa bean eyes held hers. “Honestly, like just throwing his ass in a plush prison isn’t anywhere near punishment, but I know it’s the way things are done, especially if he has mental problems.” He cupped her face with his free hand. “We’ll be here for you. Right here is where we want to be.” She blinked, unprepared for the swell of moisture. Crap! All I’ve done is cry. He brushed a thumb under her eye, catching the falling drops. “It’s okay, baby.” Then he caught them on his lips, sipping them away as they fell. **** Sunlight filtered through the blinds and Michelle yawned and stretched, the morning’s warmth seeping into her pores. She reached out, but found empty air. Opening her eyes she realized Troy wasn’t where he’d fallen asleep. Rolling over in a hurry she found that Angel was gone too. She felt alone suddenly. Empty. Where did they go? Lifting to an elbow, she noted their clothes were gone off the floor. They left? The house was silent. Not a flicker of sound told her they were still there. She was alone in her home once more. And she’d never felt more deserted in her life. But why would they leave? They’d said they wanted to be with her. They’d both said they wanted to try to create something special, something deeper. Then why would they leave? She stuffed her face into the pillow, the one Troy had slept on and found his scent still clinging to it. Clutching the other, she held Angel’s pillow with it, burying her face into them. The scar. She knew it would be too much. She knew her past would ruin things, but she felt stronger around them. They hadn’t laughed or ridiculed her at any time. She’d honestly begun to believe

them. She’d been able to take a chance and let herself care. To believe in the fantasy. She snorted. Yeah, heck of a fantasy. Two men, and you. At least she hadn’t let her feelings slip. That would have been humiliating. Dejected, she worked her way out of bed, cleaning up the room on the way to the bathroom. There wasn’t much, but the signs of last night lingered. The robe, a crumpled washcloth. And several condoms on the nightstand by her bed. Opening the drawer, she dumped those into it, then left for the bathroom to shower. Twenty minutes later she was in the kitchen drinking a glass of juice. Something in the living room caught her eye. Walking forward, confusion filled her. The gaming console was still there, where they’d left it the night before. They didn’t take it with them? Were they in that much of a hurry to leave? Had it all been a lie? How much? Had they meant any of it? She feared now that she’d let herself care, the truth was too obvious. She knew they were younger, impulsive. But she’d wanted to believe. And now she was alone. Pain stabbed her, right below her heart, and she wrapped an arm around her middle to stave off the ache. Whirling, she stormed into to the kitchen to throw the rest of her juice out. Just as she was about to begin ripping cords out of sockets, the doorbell rang. She yanked the door open instead. “What?” Troy blinked, his brown eyes filling with confusion. “Honey, what’s wrong?” She glared at him. “Don’t call me that. Just get your damn game and go.” “Wha-What? Why?” He stumbled, being pushed from behind into the house. “Jerk,” Troy muttered pointedly at Angel, who leaned on the closed door, crossing his arms. “Okay, first, why are you yelling? And why do you want us to leave?” Thunderheads gathered over his gaze as he waited, meeting her glare for glare. “Couldn’t get out of here fast enough, could you? Was any of it real? You got what you wanted, now get your game and get out!” “Get out—” Troy and Angel shared a stupefied look. “Honey, we went home to shower and change clothes.” She felt the blood drain from her face. “You did?” It was horrid that her voice chose that moment to squeak. They both nodded.

“In fact, it was something we wanted to talk to you about, to think about.” She cleared her throat, trying to quickly move past her doubts and faux pas. “What was?” “If you’d be okay if we left clothes here. We know it’s too soon to talk about moving in together, but we’re all in this, and we all get a say.” They both seemed confused, and a little hurt. Damn it! It was all Michelle could do to stare blankly at Troy. “You left…for clothes…to keep here?” Angel straightened off the door. “Michelle, it’s time you accepted something, so listen very carefully.” He kissed her lightly, his palms cupping her cheeks. “We love you. As in, over the moon, head over heels, want to spend the rest of our lives with you, in love. We’re not going anywhere, but this is new. We know that. After last night, we know why you’ve been cautious, and we’re both glad you trusted us enough to tell us the whole story, but it won’t stop how we feel. If anything, it makes us want to do even better than we’d planned to take care of you, to love you.” She minced on her feet, her emotions swirling. “You love me?” Troy stood behind her with his chin on her shoulder, wrapping his arms around her middle. She calmed within his embrace. “Completely.” Drawing a steadier breath, she asked because she had to know, “And the scar? You’re not repulsed by it?” “No,” Angel whispered, lowering to her lips again. She felt Troy shake his head just before he began to nibble on her neck. A hard shiver rocked her body as they sandwiched her between them. She looped a hand behind her to catch Troy, and tossed the other over Angel to hold him close. Impulsively, she tugged when they both relinquished their places. “Better?” Angel asked, sweeping his fingers into her hair to brush behind an ear with so much tenderness, her heart tripped. “We’re not going anywhere. This is a three voice partnership.” She smiled. “You sound like Troy.” He grinned himself, shrugging. “We talked a lot this morning. Troy and I both want to be here, or wherever you are. We know the apartments aren’t large enough unless we move, but if we do that, might as well be where one of us already is. We’ll take our time, but you can expect us here a lot. In fact.” He reached into a pocket, and pulled a ring with two keys on it. “These are yours.” “What are they to?” She eyeballed the keys, unsure.

“Call it our statement of intent. They’re keys to our apartments. We had them made this morning.” She turned out of Troy’s arms to face them both. The keys clinked into her palm. Michelle was stunned. “You mean it?” “Heart and soul,” Troy said. She closed her fingers over the keys, knowing the promise they were making. Swallowing over another damn lump, she tried to find her voice. “I think this will work. I agree we should take some time, but…” She sucked in a solid breath, then tipped to lock on them both. “I love you too. Both of you.” “That sounds so good coming from you,” Troy said. “I’m sorry about the outburst. I don’t have men staying over, and waking alone…” She blushed, but she couldn’t help that it had hurt and confused her. “That’s why we need the time,” Troy informed her. “We’ll see how things look a couple of months down the road and reevaluate. How does that sound?” Lifting her lips, she received kisses from both her men, sighing in pleasure when they granted her need. “I think that sounds wonderful.”

Epilogue Five months later “I love it,” Michelle stated, staring at the house from the sidewalk. She held a hand apiece. Troy’s heart melted every time she did that. “We’ll rent it for now, but the option is to buy.” Troy held the paperwork to the squat one story ranch style home in his other hand, but they’d wanted to make sure it was enough for all of them, that they’d all want what the house offered, and stood for. They’d just finished walking through it, and his heart had been in his throat the whole time, until she’d said those three words. “And it’s still close enough to the call center and the gym,” Angel said. “Only added about eight minutes for any of us.” “Can’t beat that,” Michelle agreed. “I know it’s a big step,” he started to explain, but Michelle cut him off. “It’s okay Troy. I’m ready. I know you two are.” She winked at him, then leaned off balance into Angel, who wrapped his arm around her. Her saucy attitude made him salivate. She was bold in her affections, daring tradition to love them openly. It was one of the things he loved about her. It wasn’t that she was inconsiderate, but no one was going to rule how or who she cared for. Unfortunately, she had caught some heat at the gym for starting a relationship with clients, but neither Angel nor Troy would have let it get out of hand. Both went and spoke with Victor, one of the gym owners, to his face. Troy told them he was thankful for the membership, but if their policies were going to keep him from marrying the best thing in his life, then they could kiss his ass. What shocked Troy was even though she’d broken policy and they knew she had, Victor simply shook their hands and told them to take care of her. The only reason she got into trouble at all was because he wanted to make sure the men she’d chosen were good enough. And Troy and Angel had proven it by fighting for her. She wasn’t wearing the diamond yet on the hand curled through his. He and Angel had picked one out, and were saving it. It was a surprise they hoped she’d love. The agreement was to let things happen between the three of them. Michelle was the one unused to a shared relationship, though she was certainly finding her way very well. The house was the next stage to permanence. It seemed the

smartest move, since they were rarely at their apartments anyway. Angel moaned, and Troy glanced at the two most important people in his life. His air stuck in his throat, watching them. Angel was nipping at her neck, and she’d let his hand go to cup his groin. Angel’s hands spread over her flat stomach, holding her snug. “That is so hot,” Troy murmured. Her lashes lifted slowly, a knowing smile flitting over her lips. “Do we have to wait here for the agent?” she asked, sounding breathless. Troy shook his head, his cock swelling with the want to feel her. “Let’s go home, man,” Angel said, biting hard enough to tug at creamy skin. “I have a hot woman in my hands who’s hungry.” She purred then licked her lips. Troy didn’t have to be told twice. All three dashed for the car, managing to stay dressed long enough to get them in the door of Michelle’s bungalow.

About the Author Diana DeRicci is the sexy, flirty pen name of Diana Castilleja. A romance author at heart, DeRicci’s writing takes you into a saucier spectrum of sensuality and sexual adventure, where a happily-ever-after is still the key to any story. Diana lives in Central Texas with her husband, one son and a feisty little Chihuahua named Rascal. You can catch the latest news on all of Diana DeRicci’s writing and books on her website. Feel free to drop Diana an email. She’d love to hear from you. Find more of her books at www.purplesword.com Visit her on the web at: www.DianaDeRicci.com

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