“Winter, you have to know—”
“That you purposefully lied to me?” I challenge Luca.
“That we, I, deeply regret lying to you. It’s not exactly an easy starting point in a relationship to say: By the way, if we do this, then you need to get with my brothers too because that’s how we like it.”
Gently, Brecken says, “This doesn’t change anything for us. We still want you to work for us in Aspen. And we still want to explore and grow what’s already established here.”
His words have me confused. He’s been so distanced compared to the others. So in control. I want him on the edge, desperate to trigger that trip-wire behind which he stands, but he has so much willpower I should probably ask him for lessons.
And he’s a hard one to brush off. Despite his imposing height and tattooed body, Brecken has a softer side which is a lovely quality in any man, especially when compared to Reuben’s mercurial tastes, a kind of sexual aggression, and Luca’s assured dominance. And his face is hard to resist, just like his sinful body. And I need to be held and soothed, and while I’d take any of them, Brecken’s the one I crave right now.
But I don’t give in.
“What’s the deal with you and Sienna?” She seemed especially upset that Brecken might’ve slept with me.
Brecken hangs his head before sliding razor-sharp eyes toward me. It reminds me of the first day I met him, when winning his approval seemed so important. “She’s misunderstood. And I’m closer to her than these two. Also, as someone who’s thought about leaving the family firm, I can see her point of view. ”
That makes Brecken her ally. Two against two. No wonder there’s some antagonism between these three, and it’s got to be why Luca and Reuben dislike her so much. She’s a thorn in their side.
“She hates the idea of us,” I point out, slowly understanding.
Brecken swallows, an arm lifting as he rakes a hand through his hair again. “Because if I’m into you, then I’m aligning with them. If I pursue the relationship, Sienna is on her own.”
Didn’t they say it’s rare they all like the same woman? Maybe Sienna was comfortable in her ambitions, knowing Brecken was less interested in this type of romantic situation.
A taut breath loosens. “While I want you guys to get on and be happy and successful, I’m not interested in engineering any particular strategy. But I guess this means our relationship is only viable if Brecken wants this,” I say softly, disguising the distress soaking through me that he might change his mind. I’m desperately worried that Sienna’s interference will ruin what’s begun.
“I do want this though,” Brecken confirms, leveling me with a determined look. “It’s why I’ve needed some time to get used to the idea.”
“I understand,” I offer, feeling hopeful, even though there’s still a lot I don’t understand. Frustratingly, I also feel like I’m being pitted against another woman.
Rising, I pad towards him, settling in his lap. His hands hold me firmly at the waist as mine slide around his back. For a long minute, we just hold each other. “Never doubt how much I want you,” I murmur, before sliding my feet to the floor.
They’re not forgiven for lying, and I still have a decision to make. “I need some time to consider if I’m coming to Aspen.”
“How much time?” Luca.
“A week. Two.”
Silence.
“Do I need to remind you that you signed a contract and that I have a copy? It’s a legally binding document.”
My ire mounting, I pin Luca with blazing hot eyes.He did not go there.Changing tack, I look at my legal counsel, certain Brecken will be accommodating this time. “You wouldn’t force that though, would you?”
“Yes.”
“What the fuck, Brecken! There’s got to be a window in which I can withdraw my agreement.”
“Not one we offer,” he states in his lawyer voice.
“I’ll speak to HR,” I threaten.
“You can leave after six months if you want to,” Roo says wearily “Or,” he adds, atry meexpression on his face,“you can renege on your agreement, and we can let Elias know that you took great pleasure sucking dicks and getting fucked senseless on a daily basis by three VIP guests.”
Everything around me disappears as those words, that threat, registers. I can never let Elias know what happened here. It would destroy every principled thing I’ve been working towards.
Bitter, I shake my head, remembering Elias’s words to me after my resignation. “I think he’s worked that out already, but thanks,Reuben.”