Twenty-Six

Stone brought wine, just as he'd promisedto do. He also wore his belt, but that wasn't unusual. He always wore his belt, but now that he knew Stevie was so fond of them, he was going to have to remember it had multiple uses.

"Stevie showed me the proposal," Nico said as they sat together on the back porch, sharing dinner and wine while J?ger hopped and sniffed around the yard. "Quite impressive."

That was Texas for you. One minute, it's sleeting, and the roads are closed; the next, it's warm enough to sit outside and share a meal.

"Thanks." Stone was trying to pay attention but was having a hard time because this dinner—what Nico referred to as a classic quick meal—was one of the best things he'd ever tasted.

He pointed his fork toward the meat and potatoes on his plate. "What's in this?"

"Flank steak, potatoes, and carrots," Nico told him. "I add a garlic mustard butter sauce. It's quick and easy. Some people make it in a skillet. I roast the potatoes and carrots on a baking sheet in the oven while I fry the steak in the skillet. The key is to ensure you sear the steak, not steam it, so you've got to make it in batches."

"You need to teach my mother how to make this," he told Nico. "She can make this instead of tuna casserole."

"It's Stevie's favorite."

Stone looked at the woman who'd been quiet since he arrived at the house. He wasn't sure if she was embarrassed about what happened earlier or simply anticipating what was to come. Whatever the reason, she'd kept herself busy entertaining J?ger while Stone had kept Nico company in the kitchen.

He reached for his wine. "Somethin' on your mind?"

Her brown eyes darted to his face. "What?" She was still chewing as her gaze moved to Nico and then back.

In that moment, she looked so much like the young girl he'd first fallen in love with. Sweet, innocent. God, he'd fallen for her so fast. It was strange that a decade and a half stood between then and now, yet Stone felt as though not a minute had passed. He still felt the same ache in his chest when he looked at her. That longing to be with her at all times, to see her smile, to feel her smooth, baby-soft skin.

"You've been quiet. Just wonderin' what you're thinkin' about?"

She shook her head and speared another potato. "Nothin'."

Stone nodded, contemplating his next move as he sipped his wine. He opted for the casual route. "What happened earlier in Nico's office … does that happen all the time?"

Stevie didn't hide her reaction in time because Stone saw the flash of heat that made her eyes glitter. She sat up, wiping her mouth with her napkin before grabbing her wineglass.

"Why? Jealous?"

She was being catty, which meant she was nervous.

"A little bit, yeah," he said honestly.

Her expression fell. "That makes no sense."

"No?" Stone glanced at Nico to see if he was paying attention. He was. "You get jealous when I'm touchin' her?"

Nico's gaze shifted to Stevie, and Stone was positive they had a silent conversation before he said, "Yeah. What man wouldn't?"

"Exactly."

"But y'all know about … each other or whatever."

Stone liked that her feathers were ruffled.

"That doesn't mean we don't get jealous. I had to listen while you sucked his dick."

"You didn't have to," she said, and this time, he noted a hint of trepidation in her tone.

"Baby, trust me. I wasn't hangin' up that phone unless my life depended on it."

"Why?" She tipped her head and stared at him. "Why does it turn you on to … share your … uh…" She fluttered her hand. "Your girlfriends or whatever."

He could tell she was expecting a serious answer, so he gave her one.

"I've only ever shared one girlfriend. You. And that was with"—he looked at Nico—"you." His attention returned to Stevie. "I can't explain why I wanted it in the first place, but I can tell you, seein' you with him… It's arousing to watch his hands and mouth on you. To see him bring you pleasure the way only he can and know I've got the same opportunity. Watchin' the way your body reacts, hearin' those soft, sexy moans… it turns me on like nothin' else."

Stevie's cheeks were rosy, and he doubted it was from the cool breeze since they'd turned on an outdoor heater that was keeping it at bay.

"So it's only me you watch?" she asked. "Not him?"

Stone smiled. "Oh, I watch him, all right. The two of you together are the best aphrodisiac in the world. Trust me; I would've loved to've been in that office today. To see you on your knees, suckin' his cock between those pretty lips."

Her face flushed even more, but this time, she fanned herself.

"You wanna know what the best part is?" he prompted, realizing no one was eating anymore.

"What's that?"

"Both of us touchin' you at the same time. To see you overwhelmed with pleasure is a high no drug can offer."

Stevie looked at Nico, so Stone did, too. "Do you disagree?"

"No. He's right," Nico told Stevie. "Nothin' compares to it."

"Is it just me, or does she look like she doesn't believe us?" Stone asked.

"I think you might be right."

Stevie's eyes widened. "I didn't say that."

"You didn't have to, baby." Stone smirked. "Don't worry. We know just how to make you believe us."

Her eyebrows arched. "How's that?"

Nico was the one who answered. "We'll show you."

"And we won't stop until you're convinced."

Stone loved the way her lips parted on a soft gasp, and he was pretty sure she crossed her legs under the table, attempting to stave off the desire that was pumping through her.

Stone knew the feeling. He was hard as steel and ready for the next course.

***

Stevie probably should've left well enough alone.

That was what a smart woman would do when faced with two alpha males whose eyes sparked with lust. She should've changed the subject, talked about the weather, or the adorable puppy sitting eagerly near their feet, hoping for a yummy morsel to fall so he could snatch it up.

Unfortunately, she didn't do either of those things. Although flustered and slightly embarrassed by her earlier actions, she wanted more of what these two offered. The last thing she wanted was for them to believe otherwise.

"I'll have to take your word for it," she said off-handedly before downing the rest of her wine.

"Is that a dare?" Stone asked. "I think it's a dare."

She gave him her best cocky smile as she pushed her chair back and grabbed her plate. "I'll be in the kitchen washin' dishes."

"I'll help." Stone got to his feet before she could decline the offer.

Stevie grinned, hurrying into the house, careful not to step on J?ger as he bounced along beside her, still hoping for a snack.

She set her plate and empty glass down on the counter, then snuck him a small piece of the plain steak Nico had set aside before he added the sauce. Stevie knew she was being a helicopter mom, but she was looking up every ingredient they came across to see whether dogs could have it. Apparently, garlic was toxic to dogs, so she'd told Nico as much. She was pretty sure one bite of their food wouldn't hurt him, but she wasn't taking any chances.

"That's all you get. Don't tell on me, okay?"

Stone and Nico were right behind her, bringing in the rest of their dishes. Before she knew what was happening, Stone was elbowing her out of the way so he could take over dish duty.

Before she could pelt him with feigned outrage, Nico picked her up and set her on the counter beside the sink.

"What're you—"

She didn't get the sentence out because his mouth fused to hers, his lips warm and soft, his hands gentle as they cupped her face. Her train of thought vanished, her entire existence zeroing in on the feel of his tongue sweeping into her mouth.

Oh, yeah. She could get used to this. A hot, sexy cowboy doing the dishes while another hot, sexy man kissed her. This had to be what heaven was like.

Nico's hands shifted from her face, sliding downward. Slowly, gently. She loved the way he touched her. More so now that they'd come to this understanding. They weren't pretending anymore. They were making their desire for one another public, no longer ignoring the combustible heat that churned between them.

He tugged the hem of her sweatshirt, lifting it, urging her to raise her arms. She did, allowing him to drag it up and over her head, setting it on the counter beside her. His hands returned, curling around her ribs as his thumbs slid underneath her bra to tease her nipples.

Stevie pulled back, giving him more room to maneuver, gasping for air as her body pulsed with arousal. He was hardly teasing her, but combined with the fact Stone was there, it was too much.

"Take it off," Stone commanded from his spot at the sink. He was diligently rinsing the dishes and tucking them into the dishwasher, but he was watching both of them.

Nico flipped the front clasp of her bra, then slowly peeled it off her breasts, his eyes locked on the flesh he revealed. A chill swept over her, but it had nothing to do with the temperature in the room.

Stevie whimpered when Nico cupped both breasts, plumping them as he leaned in and licked her nipple. He teased one, then the other, until they were taut. Only then did he close his lips around one, sucking gently. Too gently.

She stared down at him, watching as his mouth did magical things to her sensitive nipples.

"Harder," she rasped, wanting to feel a bite of pain.

Nico delivered, sucking hard. Her head fell back on her shoulders as she cried out. She grabbed his head, holding him to her so he wouldn't stop.

She was aware of the water turning off, her attention shifting to Stone as he grabbed a towel to dry his hands. He was watching intently, his heated gaze locked on Nico's mouth as it did wondrous things to her.

Clearly aware that Stone was finished with his task, Nico stepped to the side, focusing on her right breast, leaving room for Stone to join in the action. He didn't hesitate, his gaze meeting hers as he stepped forward. But he didn't touch her the way she expected. Instead, he cupped the back of Nico's head, his other arm sliding around behind her, his big palm flattening on her back.

Stevie couldn't resist touching him, so she slipped her fingers into the cool softness of his hair while they watched Nico lick and lave her breast. Her breaths were ragged, sawing in and out of her lungs because it was overwhelming. Both of them here. It was what she'd dreamed about for so long. It felt almost surreal.

"Kiss me, Stevie," Stone growled softly.

She shifted her attention to Stone, although she didn't release Nico's head. She was still holding him to her, her fingers brushing Stone's as he did the same.

She moaned when he nipped her lower lip before kissing her with that alpha aggression she'd craved for so long.

Every cell in her body was sparking, her nerve endings buzzing as the pleasure radiated through her being. Their touch was intoxicating, making it hard to breathe. She was grateful she was sitting down; otherwise, she would've been a puddle on the floor.

"More," she whimpered when Stone released her mouth.

"Baby, we're not gonna stop until you've come a dozen times."

Although she wasn't sure that was even possible, she certainly hoped he would try because right now, she was strung so tight, she thought she might snap in two.

Nico nipped her one last time before he stood tall, turning toward Stone. They came together in front of her, their tongues sliding together in a slow, sexy caress. She moaned. Watching them together was a thrill she still couldn't quite understand. It made no sense that she wanted their full attention on her, yet she could probably get off on watching them like this.

Stone shifted to stand in front of her, his back to her. She trapped him between her knees, taking the opportunity to touch him even as he continued to kiss Nico. She inhaled that rich, musky scent of his skin as she kissed his neck. When he tilted his head, she sucked harder, chills rushing down her spine when he moaned his approval.

With Nico's help, they managed to rid him of his shirt. Her mouth trailed over his broad, muscled shoulders while her hands roamed freely over the hard planes of his chest. He was so big, so powerful, so warm. She could've spent hours learning every inch of him, tasting, touching, inhaling his delectable scent.

A soft huff and a flop drew her attention. Stevie looked over to see J?ger on the floor, eyes closed, clearly tired of waiting for them.

Stone chuckled. "I think maybe we should move this somewhere with a little more room to maneuver."

"Bedroom," Stevie said. "But you two go, I'll put J?ger in his crate."

She could see the surprise on their faces.

"Be naked before you get in there," Stone said, his tone gruff and raspy.

"Yes, sir," she teased, watching them as Stone put his hand on Nico's back and urged him toward the bedroom.

Not wanting to miss a thing, Stevie got to work.

***

Nico led the way to his bedroom, his skin humming from the light touch of Stone's hand on his back. It was a strange feeling, but he liked it just the same. He'd never considered himself submissive in any form of the word, but when it came to Stone, he found he was capable of anything.

"You sounded surprised earlier," Stone said when they walked into the room. "When I was on the phone."

Nico turned when Stone grabbed his arm and halted him from going farther. "When Stevie…?" He smirked. "Yeah. That's not her usual MO."

"No?"

Nico shook his head. "It's you."

Stone frowned. "Is that a bad thing?"

"No." At least Nico didn't think so. "She's still got that wild streak she had when she was younger. She suppresses it most of the time, but it's still there. You bring it out in her." Nico smirked. "It's not a bad thing at all."

In fact, Nico liked that side of Stevie. She was a strong, independent woman who asked for what she wanted. And if that didn't work, she took it. He'd always admired that about her.

"And you enjoyed it."

It wasn't a question, but Nico nodded in response.

Stone tugged him forward until they were chest to chest. Nico fell into him, into another scorching kiss that had his blood pumping hotter, thicker.

Ever the multi-tasker, Stone managed to pull his shirt up to his neck before Nico even realized what he was doing. He pulled back, allowing Stone to take it off him. He started forward again, but Stone stopped him, his gaze raking over Nico's chest, lower.

"I wanna lick every inch of you," Stone rasped, wonder ringing in his voice.

Nico appreciated the approval he heard in his tone.

"But first…" Stone jerked him forward again; this time, his arms banded around him, and he crushed his mouth to Nico's.

No man had ever kissed Nico the way Stone did. With an unbridled passion that nearly swept him off his feet. The few men Nico had indulged over the years had been the submissive sort, seeking a firm hand. Nico had provided because there was nothing else to do. And each time, he knew it wasn't what he was seeking.

Thiswas what he craved. A man who took without asking because he knew that was what Nico needed. A firm, dominant partner who knew just how to touch him to make him burn.

Stone hit the wall with a thud, Nico crashing into him as they devoured one another.

"Take off my belt," Stone commanded, holding Nico to him.

He worked the big buckle free even as Stone's tongue thrashed in his mouth. Nico's lungs were working overtime, his muscles coiling tighter as his body heated more.

Nico tugged the leather belt from the loops, then pressed it into Stone's hand.

Stone released his mouth, smiling as he did. Nico knew something was coming but didn't know what until Stone put a firm hand on his head and urged him down to his knees. He didn't resist, eager to do this man's bidding.

As he kneeled before him, Stone flipped the button on his jeans free with one hand, then lowered the zipper. All the while, Nico felt his eyes on him. Stone didn't ask for assistance as he pushed his jeans down, his thick, heavy cock bobbing proudly when it was freed.

Nico's mouth watered with the need to taste him.

"Show me how she did it," Stone instructed, gripping the base of his cock and angling it toward Nico's face. "Suck me like she sucked you."

Nico leaned forward, licking the broad head, relishing the salty taste of him. He inhaled deeply, drawing Stone into his mouth at the same time he breathed in that musky scent that was uniquely Stone.

He felt an odd sense of déjà vu as his lips dragged over Stone's thick, throbbing shaft. His cock filled his mouth as it tunneled deeper. Nico laved and sucked in tandem, letting his taste overwhelm his senses.

"Oh, fuck yes." Stone grabbed him by the hair, pulling him forward, sending a shard of pleasure/pain coursing down Nico's spine. "I forgot how fuckin' good you are at this."

Nico curled his fingers around the base of Stone's cock, gripping firmly as he sucked him as deep as he could.

He felt something cool slide along the back of his neck. He heard the jangle of metal near his ear. Opening his eyes, he noticed Stone was holding his belt in both hands, the leather curved behind Nico's head. Stone used it to pull him forward, forcing more of his cock down Nico's throat. When Stone loosened the belt, Nico pulled back, dragged air in, and they repeated the action again and again.

Footsteps sounded in the hall, but Stone's belt behind his head made it impossible for him to look over. He knew Stevie was there. He could hear her soft gasp and feel her presence as she entered the room.

"Goddamn, you're beautiful," Stone whispered, his tone rife with wonder and awe. "Come here, baby. Join him."

Stone released the belt, so Nico shifted to the side, making room for Stevie without stopping what he was doing. Stone grabbed him by the hair, not allowing him to stop. His dominance ratcheted up the pleasure swimming in his veins.

Stevie's cool fingers curled around the back of his neck as she knelt beside him, her bare breasts rubbing his arm. She moved in close, her other hand fisting around the base of Stone's cock. She stroked him while Nico bobbed and sucked.

"Fuckin' heaven," Stone crooned. "Both of you … doin' that."

Nico could feel a slight tremble in Stone's legs, knew he was having a difficult time remaining upright. Intense pleasure tended to do that. It weakened the knees.

"Stop," Stone barked.

Nico released him instantly, shifting back.

Stone's expression was hard, but his eyes glittered with promise. "I'm not ready to come yet. Baby, I want you to show me what you did to him earlier."

Nico barely had time to brace himself when Stevie turned to him, urging him back as she pounced. His back met the hardwood at the same time Stevie started yanking on his sweatpants, jerking them down his legs.

"Eager?" he teased, watching her brown eyes gleam in the dimly lit room.

She nodded, leaning forward and taking his cock as deep as she could. Stone remained standing, watching them as he removed the rest of his clothes. When he was naked, he dropped to his knees, his cock in his fist. It hovered over Nico's face, taunting him.

Nico tilted his head back, silently requesting Stone to put it in his mouth, to force him to take it. He needed Stone's dominance. Needed him to take what he wanted.

The man was nothing if not perceptive. He painted Nico's lips with precum, then dipped the swollen head between his lips.

Nico was in heaven. Stone's cock in his mouth, Stevie's mouth on his dick. He wanted to remain just like this for the rest of his life, right here with both of them.

"I think you need some attention," Stone told Stevie. "Sit on his face. Let him eat that sweet pussy while you suck me."

Stone's cock disappeared as he shifted back a few feet, giving Stevie room to move into position. A moment later, with Stevie straddling his head, Nico curled his arms around her thighs, his fingertips spreading her wide so he could feast on her. He would never get enough of this woman. He could spend hours just like this, his tongue on her pussy, her soft mewls echoing in the room.

"Ride his face," Stone urged. "Don't stop until you come."

Stevie's hips pressed down, angling so his mouth was on her clit. Nico focused his attention there, laving with the flat of his tongue before sucking it between his lips and flicking the tiny bundle of nerves.

"Nico!" Stevie sat up, staring down at him as she fucked her pussy on his face. She fisted his hair, holding tight as she trembled and whimpered.

Above him, Stone moved in close, plucking Stevie's nipples while Nico drove her to the breaking point. She rocked her hips, taking what she needed. Nico could tell she was close, but she was holding back for whatever reason. He took the choice away from her when he pushed two fingers into her pussy, curling them at the angle he knew would cause her to detonate.

Stevie screamed, her back arching as she came.

Before she could fall, Stone was lifting her up, carrying her to the bed.

"My turn, baby."

Nico got to his feet, not wanting to miss what happened next.

Earlier, Stone had said that watching her with him was an aphrodisiac. Nico knew that to be true. Trying to unravel why it worked was impossible. It was a mystery. One that Nico no longer cared to figure out. He was content to simply accept that this was where the three of them were meant to be.