Chapter 17
17
Elise
“ I can’t wait for Halloween!” Ainsley exclaims. It’s Saturday afternoon and she’s halfway through finger painting a jack-o’-lantern on canvas paper.
“One week left!” Janice says.
We’re in the living room having tea and pumpkin spice cookies while the twins enjoy a little bit of art. Mini easels are set up with canvases while cartoons play on the TV above the fireplace. With the guys out running their errands, it’s just the four of us girls, and I am loving every second of it.
“Your pumpkin looks scary,” Tricia says, looking at her sister’s ongoing creation.
“Yours looks way too pretty for Halloween,” Ainsley retorts with a critical eyebrow. “It’s supposed to be scary.”
I hold back a giggle as I look at both paintings. Tricia’s jack-o’-lantern is more on the friendlier side, with a bright smile and shades of warm orange and deep green, the colors aptly streaked across her sweater and cheeks as well as on the paper. Ainsley went for a dramatic contrast between black and orange, adding yellow eyes and a scary grin. Her face, arms, hands, and shirt are covered in paint.
“Both of you are really talented,” I declare. “Once you’re finished, we’ll hang them up right here in the living room.”
“I’ll help you clean the girls up,” Janice says. “Ainsley got it the worst.”
“Thanks. She loves black, maybe a little too much.”
“And black clearly loves her.”
We share a laugh as the girls get dirtier while they continue finger painting. It’s a messy operation, but I laid out plenty of painter’s plastic on the floor for them to sit and work on. So far, aside from the canvases, the paint has only gotten on their hands, arms, clothes, and freckled cheeks, none on the carpet or furniture, thankfully.
“How’ve you been?” Janice asks as she refills my teacup. “You’ve been staying here now for, what, almost two months?”
“Yes, about that. Time flies when you’re having fun, right?”
“What about your cabin? Any news on how the repairs are coming along?”
I shrug and take a sip of hot, lemony ginger tea, deciding that it needs more honey. “Honestly, I don’t know what to think, Janice. Mr. Ronald keeps saying he’s got a crew working on the place. But I don’t think they’re there as often as they should be. I went by the other day, and the flimsy tarps were still on the windows.”
“It looks like they at least installed a new door,” Janice replies. “I took the twins out for a walk last week and we noticed that much had been done.”
“Yes, they changed out the door. But they’re not even halfway done with what Mr. Ronald promised.” I exhale sharply. “Don’t get me wrong; I enjoy every moment that I spend here with the guys and the twins but—”
“You need your own home. I understand.”
“Can I have some black, please?” Tricia asks Ainsley.
“What for?”
Tricia points at her painting.
“Ainsley, come on, Tricia needs a little bit of black on her painting, too,” I say. “There’s enough in that tub for the both of you.”
“And the living room floor, if we’re not careful,” Janice mumbles, then shifts her focus back on me. “How are you, really? Aside from the practically nonexistent cabin repairs.”
I lean back into the sofa, wrapping myself in one of the fluffy throw blankets. Glancing out the window, I notice the golden sunlight pouring through the trees, casting a breathtaking shimmer upon the orange, yellow, and red foliage. It’s a breathtaking sight, one I may never get tired of.
“I’m okay, Janice. Keeping my head down and working my ass off, much like the rest of us. By the way, I’ve been meaning to ask you…”
Always a good way to change the subject.
“Ask away, hon; I’m an open book,” she replies. I wasn’t sure if it was a dig, but if it was, I chose to ignore it. I know she means well.
“How long have you been on your own?”
“About ten years,” Janice says. “The first year was the hardest. I had to learn to do all the things around the house that Spence used to handle, the upkeep.”
“I thought you had a couple of kids.”
She nods slowly. “Two. But they’re both stationed overseas. Navy commanders.”
“You must be so proud.”
“I am proud. But also lonely,” she confesses. “They come home once a year, and that’s when I feel the burden fall off my shoulders. First thing that Liam and Junior do is get to work. The lawn, the yard, all the shrubs. Anything that needs repairing, they get it fixed. But then their leave expires, and I’m on my own again, simply grateful that I was able to sit down with them for a few dinners.”
“You’re a strong lady, I’ll give you that, Janice. Managing a house like yours up here on Rocky Ridge takes some real guts.”
“More than once, Liam has suggested that I might be better off at a retirement community in Florida. And I tell him every damn time that I’m not old enough for that.” She laughs. “The day I can’t clean up after myself, the day I can’t rake the leaves or prune my trees on my own anymore, that’s when I’ll call my boys and tell them they can ship me off to Florida. Until then—”
“You’re the mistress of your own domain. Yeah, I get it. My dad used to say the same thing.” Bitterness instantly floods the back of my throat. “My adoptive dad.”
“That’s right; you were adopted. You mentioned something about that somewhere along the way. You lost your parents when you were a little girl.”
“Getting older can be troubling at times, I suppose,” I mutter, steering the conversation away from me again.
“Not as troubling as a life spent keeping secrets,” Janice shoots back with a warm smile. “Don’t you ever get tired, Elise?”
I give her a confused look. “What do you mean?”
“Oh, come on. I may not say anything out of respect for your privacy but let’s get something straight here. James, Oliver, Roman, the girls… I love them as though they were my own. And I can tell you’re getting closer to them, which is why I think it’s time you sit down and have a talk with yourself, Elise. Figure out a way to tell the fellas whatever it is you’ve been holding back.”
“Wow, I’m a topic of conversation around these parts, eh?” I mutter.
“Not at all. James has never said a word. Neither has Oliver or Roman. I’m an old fox, you seem to forget that part. I can see things clearly written all over you, Elise. You’re running from something, something you want to stop running from. But you’re never going to be able to do that if you don’t start trusting these men the way they’ve clearly come to trust you.”
“Janice…”
“I’ve known them for a long time. I know what they’re like. It’s obvious that there’s something beautiful brewing between the four of you. The heart wants what it wants, honey. But you can’t have a happy ending nor the peace you so desire if you don’t put a little bit more faith in them. They’re here for you.”
I cross my arms, close to pouting the way Tricia and Ainsley do when James chides them over mischief. “I suddenly feel like my back is against the wall.”
“I mean no harm, I promise. I want to see you happy. I want to see the guys happy. The girls adore you.”
“I can appreciate that,” I tell her.
“Set your fears aside. Whatever’s troubling you, you need to share it with them. You know they’ll move heaven and earth for you.”
“I’m not so sure about that. I mean, we don’t even know what this is yet. I don’t know where I stand, what the future holds, or what place it has for me. The world wouldn’t understand.”
“Who gives a hoot about the rest of the world? Up here in the Rockies, it’s different, Elise. You’ve seen it for yourself. To each their own, but they all come together in kindness, loving their neighbors, looking out for one another. Small town, big hearts. Whatever you want, it can be yours if you open yourself up to it.”
“What can you tell me about Shauna?”
“Oh, Shauna.” Janice rolls her eyes and grabs a cookie from the platter, chewing slowly while she searches for the right words to express what is such a clear disdain for that woman. “Shauna is one hell of a character. Moody and selfish. She’ll do anything to get what she wants. I’m surprised none of her flowers wilt in her presence, she’s such a shrew.”
“To be honest, I harbor similar feelings toward her.”
“What Shauna had with the boys was a lie. They thought it was genuine, but all Shauna really ever wanted was James. She’s still pining for him. Once it was over, she tried to weasel back into their lives. She’s still trying.”
“But they’re not interested.”
Janice shakes her head, giving me a stern look. “You get her out of your mind, honey. She’s a thing of the past. It’s where they left her, no matter what she tells you.”
“Do you think she’d do something to, I don’t know, scare me or try to get me away from them?”
“If she sees you as a threat in her path to get James and the boys back, yes, definitely. I wouldn’t put anything past that bitter bitch.”
I reach for another cookie and take a bite.
“Be cautious around her but don’t worry about any residual feelings between them. There aren’t any.”
“That’s good to know,” I say.
It’s also good to know that Shauna might’ve been the one to send those flowers, if only to mess with me. If Janice says I shouldn’t put anything past her, then I shouldn’t. Nothing else tracks at this point. There’s been no sign of Igor anywhere.
The sudden roar of an engine outside makes me nearly jump out of my skin.
“Whoa, honey,” Janice laughs. “Relax.”
“Sorry,” I mumble, my heart beating a million miles per minute. “That startled me.”
“I can see that. Are you okay?”
Tricia and Ainsley are wiping their hands on a couple of clean rags, feet tapping with excitement.
“Daddy’s here!” Tricia says.
“Go get your Crocs on,” Janice tells them.
Within seconds, the girls are out the door, cheering and jumping all over the porch.
“Daddy!”
My pulse starts coming back down. That was an unnecessary reaction but proof that I am still very much on edge and then some. I give Janice an apologetic smile.
“All good, Jan, I promise.”
“Now, let’s see what all that ruckus is about,” she says as she squeezes my hand.
We join the girls outside just as Roman and Oliver are unloading the back of James’s truck, each carrying two large pumpkins over to the porch, beaming with pride and satisfaction as the ginger-haired twins dance excited circles around them.
“Jack-o’-lanterns!” Ainsley exclaims.
“We’re carving pumpkins!” Tricia chimes in.
“Oh, wow, that’s a lot of pumpkins,” I laugh as I watch James get out of the truck and join his best friends in carrying the load over to the porch. “How many did you buy?”
“They were cheaper by the dozen,” James says as he stops beside me to briefly kiss my cheek. “We’ve got our work cut out for us.”
“I can see that,” I reply.
Janice takes a seat on the porch bench swing, teacup in hand as she smiles, watching the guys bring in the pumpkins. They line them up one next to the other, and ideas of how we’re going to carve them swirl in my head.
“Thankfully, it’s a big porch,” Janice says.
“And you two little devils are in charge of scooping out the guts and helping design the faces,” Roman adds as the girls run around him, jumping with excitement.
Tricia gives him one of her signature pouts. “Daddy says we can’t use knives, Uncle Roman.”
“That’s why you’re going to scoop,” James says.
“I hate scooping,” Ainsley mutters.
“You can draw the pumpkins’ faces right on them,” I offer. “And we’ll carve them as per your instructions. How does that sound?”
Ainsley’s eyes light up with excitement as she turns and heads for the door. “I’ll get the markers.”
“Not yet,” James laughs as he brings a couple more pumpkins over. “We’re not carving them today. Gotta let them rest for a little bit first.”
“It’s been a while since I’ve carved a pumpkin. It’ll take me forever,” I tell Oliver as he sets the last of the dozen giant gourds on the porch.
“That’s fine. There’s plenty of us to chop these bad boys up,” Oliver replies. “Oh, I got you this.”
He gives me a flat box wrapped in dark brown paper and tied with a decorative orange ribbon.
“For me?”
“Of course. Roman suggested it and James picked out the pattern,” he says. “Team effort.”
“Thank you, Oliver, you’re too sweet,” I say and reach up to softly kiss the tip of his nose.
“And you’re going to wear it tonight.”
I stare at him for a moment, melting in the depths of his blue eyes before glancing at the box again.
“Okay.”
“You got a present?” Tricia comes over with an inquisitive eye.
“I did, yes.”
“Where are our presents?” Ainsley asks.
Oliver can’t help but laugh. At the same time, Roman and James return from the truck with one last transport—gift bags for the girls, plus a third smaller box for Janice.
“Don’t worry, we didn’t leave anybody out,” Roman says.
The girls are beyond elated, already rummaging through their gift bags while Janice tears the wrapping paper off her present.
“You shouldn’t have,” she says. “But I am grateful, whatever it is.”
James gives her a warm smile. “It’s just a token of our appreciation for taking care of the twins for us, Janice. You deserve that and so much more.”
“Oh my, it’s beautiful,” she says, her voice quivering with emotion as she reveals a small decorative bowl made of pure white porcelain. It’s covered in elegant strokes of dark green and burnt orange, the overall look giving it a stylish Asian flair. “Thank you, fellas.”
“You’re most welcome,” James replies then looks at me. He walks over and quietly says, “I’ll see how yours looks later tonight.”
Now, I’m really curious what’s in this box.
Close to midnight, the twins are fast asleep.
The house is quiet underneath a cover of darkness, with the exception of a few candles burning here and there. Outside, it’s cold and calm as if the entire forest, the entire mountain, is deeply embedded in a collective dream.
I wear my gift and stand by the window, letting my fingers move up and down as I admire the lacework. It’s a beautiful babydoll with a matching pair of crotchless panties, adorned with tiny satin ribbons and genuine pearls. It makes me feel like a princess.
A knock on the door has my head turning slowly.
“Come in,” I say in a soft voice.
James, Roman, and Oliver step inside, gently closing and locking the door behind them.
“You look incredible,” James says.
I lick my lips and give them a dreamy smile. “And you three look like Christmas came early.” They are dressed in nothing but waffle robes, tied loosely around their waists, their sculpted bare chests exposed.
Oliver smiles and gestures to me. “Come here, babe.”
“I’d rather stay here, for now,” I respond.
I have plans of my own.
Tonight, we forget about everything and everyone. Tonight, I get to play, to feel free and love every goddamn second of what they’re about to give me. But I also demand control tonight, if only for a few minutes.
“Oh, you would, huh?” Oliver asks with a playful grin.
“I’ve never had crotchless panties before,” I admit, turning around as I lift my hands. The left one goes up to cup my breast through the dainty fabric, while the right one moves downward, where I find my clit already slick and swelling. “I’d like to enjoy them before letting you fine gentlemen take over.”
A wicked smirk forms across Roman’s lips. “Go ahead. I’ll watch.”
“It sounds like a good appetizer to me,” James adds as he pulls his robe open and begins stroking himself.
Oliver does the same, his grip tightening as my fingers draw circles around my most sensitive spot, the pressure building up inside of me. With my eyes half-closed, I let the moment carry me off into a mind-bending journey as I watch them, and they watch me.
“Do you like it?” I ask.
“The babydoll? It suits you,” James replies.
“What I’m doing.”
“Don’t you dare stop,” he hisses, muscles flexing across his chiseled chest.
“Would you like me to make myself come?”
Roman steps closer. “Yes.”
“Yes, what?” I offer a devilish grin.
He chuckles. “Yes, ma’am.”
“My, how the tables have turned,” I giggle, then moan softly as I bring myself closer to a most delicious climax. “Oh, yes.”
The air thickens as the candles in my room burn brightly, their amber light flickering and dancing across the walls while I listen to the sound of ragged breaths and hands stroking rock-hard cocks that ache to be inside me.
The thought of that alone is enough to send me spiraling as I lean against the window frame, my knees shaking as I let go, as I shudder and melt in my own ecstasy.
“That’s a good girl,” Roman is the first to reach me. “Now, get on your knees.”
“Excuse me?” I quip, continuing to play my part.
He grabs me by the back of the neck and savagely kisses me. I’ve never been so turned on in my life. Still reeling from my orgasm, still rippling as I feel the liquid heat trickling down the inside of my thighs, I surrender to him. His tongue slides between my lips, and I welcome him as he devours me.
Oliver and James join him, taking turns kissing me. Claiming me. Priming me for what comes next. My breasts are swollen and tender, my nipples instantly perking under their touch. Their hands roam everywhere, but Roman is the one who pulls the fabric down until my breasts are released.
“On your knees, I said,” he growls.
Trembling with desire, I do as I’m told. The tables were swift to turn back, it seems. Not that I mind. It was nice having all that power, but with these three studs dominating me, I enjoy being theirs, through and through.
“Yes, sir,” I reply and get on my knees.
They position themselves in front of me, three massive cocks within inches of my face. I take turns sucking each of them while feverishly stroking the other two.
“That’s a good girl,” James says as he glides down my throat. “That’s a very good girl.”
“Open wide, baby,” Oliver says when it’s his turn.
I have to practically unhinge my jaw to let all of him in. Tears roll down my cheeks as I lose my breath while they deep-throat me. I take my sweet time suckling the tips and tasting the pre-cum before I’m lifted off the ground and carried over to the bed.
“God, you’re fucking perfect,” Roman says as he lays down on his back. “Get on top of me, Elise.”
“Yes, sir,” I manage, still tasting him on the tip of my tongue.
I straddle him eagerly as he takes hold of my breasts, fondling and squeezing, then pinching my nipples until I cry out in bliss as I slide onto his cock, my wet pussy eager to wrap around him.
“Hold still,” James says, climbing behind me.
I don’t move, glancing over my shoulder as I realize what is about to happen. At the same time, Oliver climbs onto the bed, standing right in front of me as he holds on to the upper canopy frame for balance.
“Oh, yes,” I whisper as I feel James joining Roman inside of me.
My pussy is stretched beyond belief as two cocks fill me, while Oliver beckons me to part my lips for him. “Take all of us,” he says.
“Absolutely,” I moan as I wrap my lips around him.
A rhythm builds, slowly at first, to ease me into the madness. Roman holds on to my breasts, while James thrusts himself deeper, causing an avalanche of sensations to burst through my core as Oliver goes down my throat. Back and forth, our bodies move, until the rhythm intensifies.
My screams of raw pleasure are muffled as I’m split in half.
An orgasm brews in the center of my being. My clit, already tender and sensitive, rubs against Roman’s groin, while his cock drills me alongside James’s.
“Come for me,” Roman commands.
James’s hand comes down, slapping my ass hard. The sting coincides with an unraveling of sorts, the pressure too much to bear. I cry out as I come, my men slick from my juices as they continue to pound into me.
“That’s it, baby, that’s it,” James groans, fingers digging into my hips, holding me tight.
He goes harder, faster, deeper still, until I feel him spilling his seed inside of me. Roman comes next, the heat spreading as my folds glisten, as I’m filled and overflowing. I taste Oliver as he shoots down my throat, and I swallow every delicious drop.
He caresses my face, lovingly admiring me as our gazes lock. I suck him hard, reveling in his sweet flavor.
“This is fucking heaven,” I say when he pulls out, James tenderly wrapping his arms around me.
I’m still basking in the maddening haze as drops of sweat trickle down my chest, seeping into the black, pearly lace.
“And you’re our fucking angel,” James whispers in my ear.
One look at Roman and I know we’re only just getting started.
There’s going to be so much more of this. I want it all until I lose my breath, until I forget who I am. Until all I know is that I am theirs and they are mine, our bodies surrendering to exhaustion.