2. Katherine
2
KATHERINE
Alex and Kingston stride out of the elevator, and my fingers lose their grip on my dress. Gabe lowers my foot to the floor and sits back on his heels.
“She asked me so nicely.” He shoots a mischievous grin over his shoulder, completely unapologetic.
“No doubt,” King says, holding out a hand to me.
I take it, letting him pull me closer as I try to read his expression. His pretty, cool-green eyes aren’t sparkling like they normally do, but he seems relaxed. That calm, confident boy I’ve known most of my life.
Alex steps around us, giving Gabe a hand up. There’s a small shopping bag in his hand, but before I can ask about it, Gabe slides a hand across the small of my back.
“Thought you were going to show her around,” King prods.
The two men stare each other down.
“Don’t be jealous, K. You’ll get your turn. I didn’t have dessert with my dinner.”
It’s a little barb because they were pulled out of meetings. Not that Gabe had to come with Alex. Heck, Alex didn’t have to come either.
I’m sure Roman had everything under control.
“Aww. If I’d known, I would have brought you some of Momma’s tiramisu,” King says, letting Gabe’s jibe go. “It’s the best. Tell him, Kat.”
“It’s very good.” I squeeze King’s hand and then go into fix-it mode with Gabe. “I’d love to see your apartment.”
They lead me deeper into the luxurious penthouse, King’s fingers laced through mine, Gabe’s hand at my back. I don’t know what exactly I was expecting, but it wasn’t the colorful, cozy space.
Luxurious velvets and polished brass, sleek lines and plenty of curves. Floor-to-ceiling drapes and a breathtaking view of the city.
“Powder room,” Gabe says, pausing outside a small room that’s brimming with color. Were the jewel tones his idea or Alex’s?
Deep teals, vibrant emerald green, brilliant goldenrod, with plenty of soft, pale neutrals. The green dress I wore to the auction would be right at home here.
“The bedrooms are down that way,” he says, waving a hand toward a wide hall that runs the length of the building.
“And this is our entertainment room.”
It’s a large, square space with a massive screen to the right, flanked by sumptuous red curtains. They remind me of old-school Hollywood.
Gabe steps away from me and pushes two massive ottomans together. “I figure we’re not all going to fit in one bed.”
“We could get something custom-made,” King says. As much as he tries to deny who he is and the privilege he was born with, it still shines through from time to time.
“Tonight?” I tease.
Alex circles the back of the sectional and shoves it forward until it meets the ottomans. Meanwhile, my brain races in different directions. I cross the room.
“I love this,” I murmur, petting the insanely soft fabric. It feels like the world’s most luxurious corduroy. The warm gray color gives the space a masculine feel, and it’s easy to imagine Gabe and Alex kicking back after a long week, watching an old favorite.
I bet that doesn’t happen as often as they’d like.
“Hit that button behind you,” Gabe says. “The one on the right.”
I turn and King steps over to a panel next to the door, following Gabe’s instruction. There’s a soft whir behind us, and I glance back as thick drapes move to cover the window.
“Think we’ve already given everyone more than they paid for tonight,” Gabe says as they push the sides of the sectional in, making a single massive bed.
There’s zero censure in his tone, just frustration. Alex grunts in agreement, circling back to me. Those keen brown eyes lock with mine, pulling me to him.
My stomach tightens, and the heat of embarrassment races over my shoulders. I hate that, once again, I’ve drawn unnecessary attention. “I’m sorry we disrupted your evening.”
Alex prowls toward me, dropping the little bag and reaching for me. I face him, a thrill running through me. Being wanted by this man will never get old. I slide my hands up the solid wall of his chest and across the crisp, warm fabric of his shirt.
“Up.” The word is a growl as he cups my ass.
He doesn’t have to tell me twice. I jump, wrapping my legs around his hips.
His hum of pleasure makes me wet again. I pepper kisses across his cheek to his chin and then along his jaw, reveling in the feel of those strong arms holding me aloft.
“I’m sorry about the picture,” I whisper. “I hate to cause you?—”
He silences me with a kiss, his tongue sweeping deep to tangle with mine. Ohmygosh. I love the way he takes control. Just steamrolling past my worries to douse me with desire.
I suck on his tongue, and he does the same to mine. A racy little tit-for-tat. Our moans fill the air, swirling around us like a seductive symphony.
He wraps an arm around my waist, holding me so tight. It’s almost hard to breathe, but who cares. If I pass out, he won’t drop me, I’m sure of that.
I grind my hips against him, wet and needy. And his cock promises I won’t be disappointed.
“Hold on,” he murmurs, then settles onto one of the ottomans.
He brushes the cardigan off my shoulders and tugs down the straps of my dress. My nipples ache for his attention, but he takes his time kissing my neck, exploring my shoulders.
“Arms up.”
I do as he asks, getting exactly what I want. One less layer between us.
He lifts my dress over my head and tosses it away. There’s a throaty groan from somewhere behind me, and I glance over my shoulder. Gabe stands there in the dim lighting, cock in hand, stroking slowly.
“Couldn’t wait any longer, Princess. You’ve got me so worked up.”
I shoot him a smile and then turn my attention back to Alex.
He reaches behind me, deft fingers unhooking my bra. It joins the dress on the floor, and he cups my breasts, his warmth searing me. I will never get enough of this man. The way he studies me and touches me. How protected I feel whenever he’s around.
I rock my hips against the hard length of his cock, whimpering because the friction against my clit feels so damn good.
“You’re all overdressed,” I purr, shooting King a look over my other shoulder.
He strides forward, hand sliding up my back and into my hair. His fist tightens, giving me a little bite of pain. I gasp, and he swoops in, oblivious to Alex’s personal space, turning my head and tipping my chin up.
“Is that what you want, Wildfire? The three of us naked?” He brushes a kiss across my lips. It’s too brief, leaving me bemused. “You don’t need to answer that. It’s written on your face.”
“It is?” I tighten my hold on Alex’s shoulders because dang, if they don’t make me lightheaded and swoony.
“Mmhmm. That’s your ‘I want three hot guys to ravish me’ face.”
Huffing a laugh, I glance back at Alex. The hunger there makes my insides swoop and soar. So steady. Always ready and waiting for me. Gah, I want to make him come so hard his eyes cross.
“Correction,” I say.
“Hmm?”
“Not three guys. I want three very specific, very hot men to ravish me.”
The corner of Alex’s mouth tips up, and I swear, I fall the last little bit for this big, brooding bodyguard turned CEO.