Another Second Chance Read online

  “Fuck me. Baby, you’re playing with fire. Stop wiggling that sweet ass of yours and sleep. I promise we’ll take care of that ache after you’ve gotten some rest.” Liam wasn’t sure whether or not she’d heard him because she didn’t settle. Bode moved closer and began caressing the side of her face while whispering soothing words, and their sweet sub quieted immediately. As her breathing slowed, he felt her body go lax against his own.

  “Damn, I hadn’t realized how tense she was until it drained away.”

  “It was like watching a balloon deflate. Constantly being on your guard would be exhausting. No one should have to live like that.” Bode moved closer, so she’d wake up sheltered between them. Liam appreciated the gesture and hoped, on some level, she knew they were as close as they could be without being inside her. And that’s going to happen sooner rather than later if I don’t get my damned cock to take it down a notch or ten.—

  Closing his eyes, Liam let himself float in the sweet space where everything is fuzzy before sleep pulled him under. If he fell into a deep sleep now, he’d be up all night, and he would likely keep Colbie up as well. He mentally reviewed the plans they’d made for her first trip to the club. Their walk-through had already been carefully mapped out. He and Bode were both looking forward to seeing if any of her hard or soft limits had changed since she’d filled out the club’s paperwork a year ago.

  Kyle had encouraged her to transfer her membership from Castle Masters. When Liam asked if he’d been hoping they’d be able to better monitor her if she was close, the man had nodded. But then his expression had sobered and he’d shaken his head. “I should have known she was too much like Tobi for it to work.”

  Kent had burst out laughing. “I keep telling him that he must have fucked up with a petite blonde in a previous life and this is karma, but he won’t listen to me.”

  Kyle’s response had come so quickly, Liam knew it was a conversation they’d had before. “Fuck you. Having you for twin should have paid every karma debt I had.” Remembering the conversation made Liam smile. He’d never worked with a team whose members were as close as the ones here at Prairie Winds.

  “Don’t be a baby. Suck it up and push the pain back, Colbie.” Colbie’s whimper brought him back from his musings, and he felt her rocking against him. He looked over her shoulder to see Bode frowning.

  “Storeen, if you are in pain, you need to tell us. Pain inhibits healing. I swear, we’re going to have a serious talk about the importance of asking for help.”

  Liam moved just far enough he could ease her onto her back. Looking down into her drawn features, he gave her a look he hoped conveyed his frustration. Without saying a word, he got up and padded naked into the kitchen where he’d left her medications. Returning with an over-the-counter pain reliever and a glass of water, he wasn’t surprised to see her sitting up, waiting. She didn’t argue when he held out two tablets.

  “Thank you. For what it’s worth, I slept better than I have in a long time.”

  “Why haven’t you been sleeping, Colbie?” Liam hadn’t planned to have this discussion until after their meeting with the Wests tomorrow morning, but she’d given him an opening, and he was going to take it. He didn’t like the way her shoulders slumped or how they seemed to fold inward as if she was trying to make herself invisible.

  “Things in my apartment have been moved lately. Not from the team coming in and looking around, they were always careful. This was different.”

  Liam was speechless and from the gobsmacked look on Bode’s face, he was equally surprised. “Wait. You knew we were coming in and looking for bugs?”

  “I didn’t know it was you, specifically,” she shrugged and then winced, “but I knew Kent and Kyle weren’t happy I wasn’t where they could watch me closer. It only made sense they’d snoop.”

  Bode leaned his head back and laughed as Liam shook his head. They should have known she wasn’t naïve enough to believe the Wests had accepted her decision to move over the garage. She looked up, and he was relieved to see some of the pain had started to fade from her eyes.

  “I wasn’t able to prove it until a few months ago. I always aligned things so perfectly, I was sure whoever they sent would leave something slightly askew.” As she took a steadying breath, Liam realized how much they’d underestimated her. “But nothing ever seemed out of place… yet, I could sense someone else had been in the space. Then, I got lucky. The cereal box I kept money in was set back too far on the shelf. All the money was still there, but someone was careless when they replaced it.”

  “God bless it, I warned them.” Bode’s outburst made her grin.

  “I knew it. You were the ones who were so careful, right? And then for some reason someone else was assigned babysitting duty and got sloppy.” Neither of them bothered to respond because there was little doubt she’d slide the next piece of the puzzle into place quickly, and he wasn’t disappointed.

  “Holy shit. You saw the pictures on my refrigerator. That’s why you call me Spitfire.” Liam nodded and he was shocked to see her eyes went glassy with tears. “That’s why you bought it, isn’t it? The car I was working on, you bought it because of the pictures, didn’t you?” He nodded, and she closed her eyes. “That’s the nicest thing anyone has ever done for me.” When he looked at Bode for help, his friend chuckled at his discomfort.

  “That car was a heap when he found it. You wouldn’t believe how much money he’s invested in that little death trap. Hell, his accountant almost had a stroke.”

  “Fuck him. He probably doesn’t even know how to drive.” Softening his voice, he returned his attention to Colbie, giving her a small smile. “It’s a sweet little car, and I hoped it would give me an ‘in’ when we were finally able to meet face to face again.”

  “Why would you spend that much money on a woman you dropped off at your headquarters and walked away from? You ushered me into that room and couldn’t get away from me fast enough. And… and you never looked back.” Her voice broke. Liam felt shame wash over him.

  “Christ, I’m going to wring his fucking neck.” Bode had been pissed at their supervisor’s demand they stand down, and Liam had spent the rest of the night acting as the peacemaker. But now, knowing how hurt she’d been by their actions, he felt two inches tall. “We might have walked out of the room, but we didn’t abandon you. Our supervisor was calling the shots that night, and while I understood what he was trying to do, I also knew it wasn’t going to work. I swear I’d fly to London and put a boot in his ass if I thought it would take away the pain I see in your eyes.”

  “I know it shouldn’t, but that really does make me feel better. I’ll admit, I’ve thought about hurting him myself… maybe detaching an appendage or two. He’s what I like to call a reverse snob. He hated me on sight because of my social position. A social position I didn’t earn or want, by the way. Although amputating a part I doubt he’s been able to use for years would probably have been futile.”

  Liam chuckled and raised a brow, thoroughly surprised at her response. “Master Bode, did you know our sub was a blood-thirsty, little wench?”

  “No, but I like it.” Bode’s eyes blazed with desire, and Liam knew it was time to begin. Using the tip of his finger, Liam circled her areola, watching it pucker. Colbie gasped, her eyes going wide.

  “Did you forget you were naked, Spitfire?”

  “Yes.” He gave her nipple a quick pinch and she quickly corrected her mistake. “Yes, Sir, I had forgotten.” She might not be an experienced submissive, but she had been trained in one of the world’s most respected clubs. It impressed him how quickly she’d amended her response.

  “Good girl.” She flushed at his words, and he shifted closer. Not everyone had been convinced she was submissive, but Liam and Bode had known from the moment they first saw her. She’d become theirs the night they’d met—she just hadn’t known it.

  Chapter Thirteen

  BODE MOVED DOWN the bed and tapped the inside of her thigh with his f
inger. She opened her legs without being told, and he rewarded her with a string of kisses along her smooth skin. The taut muscles twitched beneath his lips in response, and he inhaled the heady smell of her arousal.

  “Is your pussy wet, baby?” Twirling his fingers through the blonde curls covering her mound, Bode could hardly wait for her spa appointment; having her completely bare was going to be a treat for all of them.

  “Yes, Sir.” He was pleased she’d remembered how to address him properly and twirled his tongue lazily through her wet folds as a reward. She tried to arch her back, but Liam had anticipated the move and held her in place with his palm spanning her chest. The contrast of Liam’s tanned skin against Colbie’s ivory perfection was as erotic as anything he’d ever seen. Her rose colored nipples peeking from between Liam’s fingers begged for attention.

  Watching Liam lean down and suck first one, then the other bud tested Bode’s control. One of the perks of ménage was having a front row seat to a woman’s pleasure, it didn’t matter that Liam was the one providing it.

  Bode had always enjoyed watching others, often preferring it to participating. Liam had a similar voyeuristic side, making their partnership even stronger, but in the end, it was all about pushing the boundaries of the woman between them. Their number one priority was her pleasure.

  “Open for me, baby. Let me give you a preview of what’s to come.” Her legs were moving before he’d stopped speaking. He knew her body had responded before her quick mind had a chance to process the words. Perfect. “God, you smell amazing.” Using his fingers to open her fully to his view, he flicked his tongue over her clit, making it come fully out from under its hood. There would be no hiding for that sweet spot. “Let’s see how quickly I can take you over the edge, shall we?”

  Bode didn’t give her an opportunity to answer before sealing his lips over the sensitive bundle of nerves and slipping his middle finger into her tight sheath. Her scream was music to his ears and the pulsing of her vaginal muscles made him long to be buried so deep in her, they both forgot their own names. Her release streamed over his fingers, the sweet taste coating his tongue and feeding his own pleasure. Ordinarily, they’d insist she come at least twice before they fucked her, but they didn’t want to tire her before their walkthrough at the club. And I hope like hell this gives her something to look forward to.

  An hour later, Bode and Liam set the last platter on the table as Colbie walked into the room. She’d washed her hair again, and he was pleased to see almost all traces of the residual pink had disappeared. The light touches of makeup she wore enhanced her porcelain features. Bode wondered what she would say if he told her she reminded him of the dolls lining the shelves of his grandmother’s living room.

  Liam broke the silence when he held out his hand and called her to his side. “Come, Spitfire. Let me look at you.” She turned when he twirled his fingers and a wash of pink colored her cheeks. “You’re beautiful. This dress suits you and the color matches your eyes perfectly.” When she tried to duck her head, Liam shook his head; Bode knew what was coming.

  Bode always considered Liam at a disadvantage because he didn’t grow up with sisters. His friend didn’t always understand the complicated way women’s minds worked. Bode knew some women were embarrassed by compliments. Even the ones who loved the praise would often blush furiously, no matter how subtle the remark. He leaned against the counter and watched the interplay between Liam and Colbie, schooling his amusement—another skill he’d learned early on.

  “Colbie, when we tell you you’re beautiful, we expect you to acknowledge the compliment. It may not be easy at first, but I promise you, it will get easier and eventually you’ll believe us.” She nodded and offered a thank you that was half-assed, at best. When Liam looked up, Bode shook his head. Choose your battles, buddy. We’ll have ample opportunities to push her.

  *

  COLBIE COULD FEEL the energy of the club before the elevator doors had even begun opening. It pulsed up the shaft, seeping into the small space, electrifying her nerve endings. She resisted bouncing on the balls of her feet, but it was a struggle. When the doors slid apart, the music’s thumping bass pounded against her chest and assaulted her ears. She wasn’t accustomed to music this loud because Deacon had always considered it uncivilized.

  Cringing as Bode and Liam led her past a large speaker, she saw Liam cast a disgruntled look at the black box. Yes, siree. Leveling a look at an inanimate object is going to be really effective. She pulled her hand from Bode’s to cover her arm when the vibrations made it feel like someone was thumping their fingers directly over the injury. When his gaze followed her movements, he frowned and quickened his pace until she was practically running to keep up.

  Kent stepped in front of them and frowned. “Where’s the fire?”

  “We walked by the speakers and it’s so fucking loud, the vibrations hurt Colbie’s arm.” Bode’s frustrated tone and Kent’s scrutiny made Colbie want to disappear into the woodwork.

  “Sorry, sweetie.” Kent picked up her hand and pressed a kiss to the back. “I just got here and the early crew likes to get everybody wound up. I’ll take care of it. In the meantime, Kirk and Brian are waiting for you at the first aid station.” She tried to ask him what they wanted, but he was already stomping toward the bar.

  Liam must have sensed her confusion because he leaned close and spoke against the shell of her ear as they walked out of the din of the main room. “They wanted us to bring you into their clinic, but the entire team objected, so they’ve agreed to check you here.” She was instantly pissed. No one had told her the doctors had called nor had they given her the option of making alternate arrangements. Her feet stopped moving, and both men cursed when they literally lifted her off the ground with their forward momentum.

  “What the fuck, Colbie? Damn it, did we hurt you?” Oh yeah, they’d hurt her all right, but not in the way they were thinking.

  “The team decided? Feathers! What made you think it was okay to exclude me from this discussion? What am I, a frick-fracking toddler who can’t make her own decisions? Holy Christmas and Blessed Easter, I’ll have you know I’m perfectly capable of making my own medical decisions… hell, I’m actually considered of sound mind in most circles. Okay, maybe not most, but certainly some circles.” Before she could stop herself, she stomped her foot, a habit she’d had since childhood when she’d been holding on to her temper by a fraying thread.

  Cackling laughter sounded from her left and she swiveled to see who’d been listening to her tirade. The petite blonde standing between two giants had eyes the color of blue crystal, reminding her of the sparkling water of the Caribbean Sea.

  “I like her. And she’s right, you know. Self-determination is a basic human right in almost every country in the world, including this one.”

  The man on her right shook his head and slid his hand under her long curls. Colbie watched her hair tighten as he tilted her face up to his. “Be careful, Pet, Masters Liam and Bode might not appreciate your lesson in diplomatic relations.”

  Colbie remembered hearing that one of the women on the Prairie Winds team had been held at gun point in an American Embassy before being rescued by Navy SEALs. Colbie had never met her, but she’d read several of her articles on how to read body language.

  “But we’re in the reception area, so I’m allowed to speak freely.” She looked down at the threshold Colbie had just crossed and smiled. “Colbie is also in the lobby.” Mischief danced in her eyes as she pointed to the floor. “See? This is why it’s important to teach geography in school. Do you know that very few curriculums include geography anymore?”

  “And this, sweet cheeks, is why no one lets Suzie play with their children. Our sweet daughter is being penalized because her mama is a hot mess.” The man standing on her left grinned, the orneriness absolutely oozed from him.

  “I suppose I should be grateful you still consider me hot.” A flash of pain showed itself in the woman’s eyes, but it was g
one so quickly, Colbie wondered if it had been her imagination. The woman held out her hand, “Hi, I’m Jen McCall. It’s nice to meet you. These two handsome fellas are my husbands, Sam and Sage.” She’d waved her hand right and then left, telling Colbie which one was which. “Sage and I were in the helicopter the day that ass ant shot at you.” Ass ant? What the hell does that mean?

  Liam chuckled from her side, “Jen has a unique way of blending phrases. She’s under the mistaken impression it keeps her Masters from knowing she’s cursing.”

  Colbie shook hands and thanked her for her help, but Jen waved her off. “I’m just sorry we didn’t catch the fuc…jerk.” Jen glanced between the men flanking here and shrugged, obviously trying to apologize for the near slip. “But once the boat went under the tree canopy we were screwed… and not in a good way. Now I see why Kyle is so anal about keeping the bank around the dock clear.”

  “Well, sweetness, the women at Prairie Winds are trouble magnets, and we need every advantage we can get to hold the forces of evil at bay.” Kyle West’s smooth voice came from behind her, and Colbie turned to see genuine affection in his eyes. It was obvious the man who usually seemed so stern, had a soft spot for the pretty blonde. “Good evening, Colbie. I’d like to apologize for the loud music. I’m certain it didn’t occur to the staff it might cause you pain.”

  “It didn’t occur to me either. I’m fine, please don’t be angry with them.” Colbie stilled when she realized it was the first time in almost a year she’d fallen back into her old pattern of apologizing and worrying about someone’s anger. She’d promised herself she would never become the simpering debutante her parents had wanted her to be, but it had been a daily battle. Some days, she’d been more successful than others.

  Her mother had never understood her dislike of all the pomp and circumstance associated with their social position and had done everything in her power to berate her daughter into compliance. In many ways, her new life had been liberating and the thought of becoming anything resembling the Stepford daughter her mother had wanted made her want to jump off a bridge. God damn it, I forgot I was mad.