Mayhem (Captive #3)

1

E rin walked down the hall of the extravagant building. There was a set of beautiful double doors in front of her that she hoped led to a balcony. Upon opening the doors, Erin discovered she was correct. She had been dancing for the last hour and needed some fresh air.

The March wind felt good against her skin as she approached the railing. The balcony overlooked a beautiful garden. The flowers weren’t in full bloom yet, but the sight was still amazing. Leave it to Alijah to get married in such a beautiful place. Erin was sure that, essentially, what they were standing in was a castle.

Looking up at the night sky, she admired the stars. It had been a few months since she could relax without worrying about anything, and she had almost forgotten what that felt like.

The wind picked up, blowing some of her hair into her face. Tucking it behind her ear, she let out a soft sigh. After a few more moments, she began to feel slightly chilly. Erin turned to head back inside, but when she did, she stopped in her tracks.

There, leaning against the door frame, looking like sex on legs in his groomsmen tux, was Cruz. His gray eyes looked her over.

“What are you doing out here?” she questioned after a moment of silence between them.

“They were worried,” he stated, and Erin knew he was talking about Chayse and Alijah.

“So, they sent you to look for me,” she replied.

“I volunteered.”

“Oh, well, I’m fine. I just needed some air. I got hot dancing, but I’m a bit cold now.”

Cruz didn’t say anything to her. He pushed himself off the door frame, and Erin thought he would head back inside. Instead, he took steps towards her, predatory steps at that. They made her take a step back. She opened her mouth to ask him what he was doing, but when her eyes locked with his, she saw they had darkened and were far more intense than usual.

At five foot ten inches, Erin was taller than her friends, but this man still towered over her. He had to be at least six foot six inches.

He crowded her space. She could feel the heat radiating off of his body onto hers. She jumped slightly as she felt his fingers ghost over the skin of her thigh, exposed by her dress.

“I’ll help,” he told her, his voice deep and husky.

A moment later, Erin felt his hand slide under her dress and to the apex of her thighs, where he slid a finger into her panties and brushed it lightly across her clit. Her breath hitched, and her eyes fluttered. A second later, he did it again before moving past her clit and dipping his finger into her.

Erin reached up and gripped both of his biceps, feeling his right one bulge slightly as he fingered her. She couldn’t push him away. It wasn’t as if she hadn’t thought about this a time or two.

She could admit that she was a very sexual person and often found herself wondering what situations would be like with certain people she came in contact with. However, she didn’t usually act on them unless the situation wouldn’t get messy.

Only a moment later, she felt herself begin to move against his finger. Her eyes fluttered closed, and her head fell backward.

Cruz gripped her chin. He brought her face back down to look at him. He didn’t say anything, but the look in his eyes said it all: Keep your eyes open. Watch. She planned on doing just that. She was often confrontational and didn’t take well to commands, but she had no problem with this one.

He slipped another finger into her and began to finger her faster. Erin rotated her hips with his movements. She hadn’t gotten laid in a while and knew it wouldn’t take her long to orgasm.

She was proven right when she felt her orgasm building inside of her. A moment later, it was taking over her body, and all she wanted to do was throw her head back. However, she didn’t. She kept her eyes locked to his, which intensified her release.

“Mmm, Cruz,” she moaned. The blowing wind made it sound like a whisper and carried it away.

His fingers slowed, and Erin released his arm. He pulled them from her, and she thought he would take his hand from under her dress. Instead, his other hand came under her dress, and he ripped her panties off, causing her to gasp.

She watched him put them in his back pocket before turning and walking away. Erin didn’t immediately follow him. She had gotten hot all over again and needed to cool off.

She stood on the balcony, trying to figure out what had just happened. It wasn’t like she had never conversed with Cruz or interacted with him, but the man was quiet most of the time. He opened up at times, and she saw another side of him when they were all hanging out, but she had never been alone with him. So, she hadn’t known that he was possibly attracted to her as she was to him.

She knew she wouldn’t likely turn him down if he made another move on her, but it posed an issue with the other attraction she felt.

Shaking her head, she returned inside, stopping at the bathroom to clean herself up. When she was ready, she returned to the reception. There were still people on the dance floor, and Erin noticed Alijah’s dad sitting in the corner with her mother and the little boy they had adopted, looking salty.

Her friend was far better than she was because there was no way in hell she would have allowed them to stay for the reception after showing up uninvited. Despite the fear Taila had placed in Anya.

Erin returned to the wedding party table and looked over the other guests. She had been shocked that there weren’t more people. She knew that was Alijah’s doing. While there were a couple of business acquaintances, most of the people there they knew and associated with outside of work.

“Erin!” She turned her attention to an excited Chayse and raised a brow. “Guess what.”

“What?”

“Nik asked me to move in with him!”

Erin smiled at her friend. “That’s great, Chayse.”

She watched as she almost bounced off, she assumed in search of Alijah or her mother. Erin shook her head, amused. She would wait to tell them her news. She didn’t want to step on anyone’s excitement.

She again began to look out over the room and found Cruz leaning with his shoulder against the wall as he spoke with one of the other guests. He must have felt someone looking at him because his attention shifted, and his eyes instantly locked with hers.

Erin was no punk. Just because he had caught her staring didn’t mean she would look away.

He raised a brow at her and smirked. When the person he was talking to pulled his attention away, she looked away herself.

Shaking her head, she decided to get up and talk to Lawrence. Her father and grandmother had left a little after the cake-cutting since they had an early flight, so she didn’t have to check on them. Getting up, she went to where Lawrence sat near the dessert table after moving to be closer to it. He was staring at someone, and Erin followed his gaze to see who it was.

When she did, she had to admit that he was stare-worthy. Taking a seat in front of Lawrence, she smirked when he rolled his eyes at her before smiling. She would get him to dish and see if he knew the person or was planning on getting to know them.

P aetyn stood across the room, watching Cruz and Erin stare at one another. He found himself amused when she didn’t look away. Most people couldn’t stand the intensity of the other man’s stare, even at the distance between the two.

Shaking his head, he turned his attention back towards the waitstaff. One of his restaurants had catered the event, and though he wasn’t technically working, he couldn’t stop himself from checking on things. He prided himself on the quality of his restaurants’ work and service.

When he was sure that everything was still going smoothly, he went over to Cruz, who was leaning against the wall. The man he had initially been talking to was walking off. Paetyn took up the man’s spot and leaned his back against the wall.

“I’m going to assume you did something after I told you not to.”

He watched as Cruz pulled some purple fabric from his pocket and handed it to him. Paetyn didn’t even have to open it to know what it was; he gave it back to him.

“I told you to wait.”

Cruz shrugged. “I did. It’s been eight months.”

“And it’s been more than a year on my end. She isn’t ready.”

“Clearly she is,” Cruz told him, patting the pocket that held her panties.

“Individually, yes. Not together. It would help if you were patient. My way always works.”

“Fine.”

Neither man said anything else, and Paetyn thought back to the first time he had realized that Erin could very well be the woman who could handle both of them. It had been when they all went out to celebrate Alijah’s twenty-fifth birthday.

She was outgoing, independent, and strong, but he could see beyond the surface and knew that she needed someone to handle her. To put her in her place at times if necessary and give her a place to feel safe and vulnerable, to be what she wanted, and he knew that neither he nor Cruz would have a problem doing it. Paetyn knew that she was everything that both of them had been looking for just from talking to her and listening to her talk to the others. Reading her body language and her actions.

He would admit that his friend had not seen it that way. While Cruz had admitted Erin was beautiful beyond belief, he didn’t think she would ever submit to them in bed, which they both craved—one more than the other; he also felt she would accuse them of playing some game if they approached her.

Cruz had seen what Paetyn had, just last July when they had played men versus women in basketball, though it took him longer. Either way, Paetyn was happy they were on the same page and could pursue her properly. He was taking the same approach he’d told Nik to use with Chayse.

Paetyn’s attention slid over to Erin as she sat at a table talking to Lawrence, whom Paetyn had met earlier in the evening. She looked gorgeous in her dress.

She must have felt him staring as her eyes rose and locked with his, and she smiled at him. It was innocent enough, but it didn’t matter, considering he found almost everything about her alluring. He returned her smile before breaking eye contact.

Over the past several months, he had made it a point to call and talk to or video call her. To his knowledge, she hadn’t read more into it than what he intended it to be. He was about to work on changing that. He would first need to see if she was attracted to him. Then, once he knew she was, he would make sure she didn’t think he had placed her in the friend zone.

They knew now that she was attracted to Cruz. There was no way she would have let him take her panties if she weren’t. Cruz also wasn’t sporting a black eye. Paetyn had surmised that Erin was the type who would put you directly in your place when you overstepped with her.

Though he would have liked to test the attraction theory simultaneously, he wouldn’t get to do that now. It didn’t make it any harder, but he had always believed in killing two birds with one stone.

He knew he could have tested that out the same night, but he didn’t want her to think he and Cruz were playing some game with her. It wasn’t the case, and he didn’t want her to have even the slightest inkling that it was what they were doing.

Pushing himself off the wall, he decided to mingle with a few of the other guests in attendance. Though he and his restaurants were well known, he never wasted an opportunity to network. As he was doing so, his father stopped him.

“It’s getting late. So, we’re going to head home.”

Paetyn nodded. “Let me call down and have your car brought around.”

“No need. Bronson’s already taken care of it for us.”

“Okay, I’ll let Cruz know the two of you are leaving.”

“Lena’s telling him, and we’ve said our goodbyes to Kieran and Alijah. I like her. She’s good for him,” his father stated. This was the first time he’d met Alijah, but anyone looking at the couple who knew Kieran before her could tell that she was. “I like Chayse too. She handles Niklas well. Now, you boys need to find a woman good for you,” his father concluded with a sly smile.

Paetyn found himself chuckling. “I can assure you, we’re working on it.”

“That’s good because Lena and I aren’t getting any younger, and neither are the two of you.”

“Of course, Papa. Be safe getting home.”

His father nodded, patting him on the back before turning and heading towards the door. Paetyn shook his head, amused. He knew what his father had been saying without him having to utter the actual words. Grandkids.

C ruz watched Erin for a moment as she got up to dance. Her moans were playing on repeat in his mind, and it was causing hell on his body. It had been far too long since he’d sunk his dick into some pussy. The reason was the woman who was currently laughing on the dance floor as she was twirled around.

Admittedly, he could have gone and gotten some. Pussy came a dime a dozen to him. It wasn’t a conceded thought; it was simply a fact. He knew he looked good and didn’t say much to most people. So, he had that mysterious thing going for him. Women tended to love that.

They flocked to him because of it. Even knowing that he was going to do nothing more than fuck them and go on about his business. Not interested in anything long-term when on his own. It never ceased to amaze him.

However, Erin was different. Though he wanted her pussy, a fact that he wasn’t going to deny, he wanted a relationship with her as well. He couldn’t explain it, and if someone threatened to take his company from him unless he did, then he would lose his business.

There was simply something about her that made him want to be with her. It had only happened a few times in his life. The women he shared with Paetyn tended to be those they wanted to build something with. Eventually, the women fizzled out and couldn’t keep up with being with two men.

He honestly didn’t blame them. Being with one man was a lot of work, so being with two had to be like working two twelve-hour shifts simultaneously.

That, however, brought him back to Erin being different. He didn’t know if it was because she was feisty or because she was highly confident that he felt she could handle whatever they dished out to her.

Granted, they had dated confident women before; none had been on a level that Erin was. Yet, it wasn’t a conceded type of confidence. It wasn’t forced or played up. It was just pure.

He brought the glass of champagne he was drinking to his lips when someone approaching him pulled his attention. When he looked, he found that it was his mother.

“Are you going to watch her all night, or are you going to go over and talk to her?” she asked in Polish.

Cruz had done far more than talk to her on the balcony less than an hour ago, but he was sure his mother didn’t want all the sordid details.

“I will, Mama,” he responded in kind.

“And Paetyn?” his mother questioned, switching to English.

“What about him?”

“Has he spoken to her?”

The fact that he and Paetyn often shared women was not a secret to those close to them, including their parents. So, he wasn’t surprised that his mother had voiced the question.

“Not in that way yet, but he will.”

His mother hummed. “I hope this is one you boys can make last.” She then switched back to her native tongue and lowered her voice. “She is beautiful. You could give me some gorgeous little grandchildren.”

Cruz chuckled at his mother. “You’re always talking about grandbabies,” he responded in English.

“If I had one, then I would stop.” With that, his mother patted his shoulder before telling him they were calling it a night and leaving. Cruz told her to be safe, waving at Ancel as he stood at the entrance.

Once they were gone, he went over to where Kieran was standing. “How does it feel to be a married man?”

“Like I can’t figure out why I waited so long,” Kieran responded.

“You waited because you were waiting for her,” Cruz countered, gesturing his head towards Alijah, who was dancing with Erin and Chayse as they all talked and laughed.

Kieran chuckled. “You’re right about that. I suppose the adage everything happens for a reason is proven true in this case.” Cruz hummed his acknowledgment of his friend’s statement. “What about you?”

“What about me?” Cruz questioned.

“Don’t play dumb,” Kieran said, his eyes going to Erin. “I’ve known you for almost twenty years. I can read the signs.” Kieran then took a drink from the glass of champagne he was holding. “Besides, you disappeared for a while right after she did,” he finished with a smirk.

It was Cruz’s turn to chuckle, but he didn’t say anything. He knew he didn’t need to because Kieran had already come up with a scenario in his head of what had taken place, and as logical as the other man was, he knew it was probably spot on.

The two stood silently momentarily, looking out over the reception hall. Cruz was sure they were both more so watching their women dance. Nik and Paetyn came over, standing on either side of them.

“So, Kieran, where exactly are you taking Alijah for your honeymoon?” Nik asked, and Cruz had to admit he was curious as well. Especially since Kieran had informed them he’d be gone for two to three weeks. The longest he’d ever known Kieran to be away from work was two days, three at the most, but even then, it was never for pleasure.

“We went to Paris several months back, and she enjoyed it. I extended the trip for a couple of days so she could sightsee. I’m taking her across Europe, with the primary stops being London, Paris, and Rome.”

“I’m sure she’s excited about it,” Paetyn stated.

“She doesn’t know,” Kieran told them. “I asked her to let me plan the honeymoon. She has no idea where we’re going.”

“Look at you. Doing big boy things on your own,” Nik teased.

“Shut up, or I’m going to ruin your surprise,” Kieran countered, and Cruz laughed along with Paetyn.

“You can’t; I already asked her,” Nik informed them.

“Then I hope she said no.”

“You’re a bad friend. Why would you wish that on me?” Nik questioned Kieran. “Besides, she said yes.”

“Congrats,” Cruz told him, patting him on the back while Kieran snorted and mumbled, “Poor woman” under his breath.

“Thanks,” Nik responded. “Is that building down the street from Alijah’s gallery still for rent?” Nik then asked, aiming it at Kieran.

“It was a few days ago. Why?”

“Good. I plan on making an offer to buy it. I’m going to turn it into a studio for Chayse. I thought about just giving her the office at the condo, but I know her well enough to know she won’t accept it if it means I lose my space. I also thought about having work done to the condo and adding a second bedroom back upstairs and moving my office up to it, but buying her one is less work.”

“I sort of like the second idea because, like I told you before, there is no reason for your bedroom to span the entire width of that condo,” Cruz told him.

“Right. I don’t even know why you had the second bedroom up there joined into one big master,” Paetyn co-signed.

“First, it doesn’t. Some of that is the closet and bathroom. How was I supposed to know I might need it later on? Second, Paetyn, I know you aren’t talking,” Nik responded with a raised brow before they all shared a chuckle.

Cruz knew that Nik had Paetyn there for sure. The man’s bedroom wasn’t the issue; it was the fact that Paetyn had turned the smallest bedroom in their home into a closet. Not that Cruz didn’t use it as well, but it hadn’t been him who proposed the idea.

The song changed, and Cruz heard Kieran groan slightly. Only a few seconds later, Alijah approached them. She took Kieran’s hand and pulled him to the dance floor. She’d had him dancing all night, and it amused Cruz to see it.