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“It’s been a while since I saw it, and yes, I’m staying the night.” Taking her hand, he tugged her toward the hall. “Which room?”
“Second on the right. Slade...”
“We’re going to get undressed and go to sleep, Nicole,” he interrupted, entering her bedroom where he faced her. “That’s all, tonight. We love each other. How that happened, or why, doesn’t seem to matter. Any other issues we’ll deal with later. And I’m beat.”
Nicole relaxed and pulled off her top. Of course he would know what she wanted and needed. That might be one of the issues that would take some getting used to. “Bathroom’s across the hall. Me first.”
She was in bed when he finished and turned off the light. The mattress dipped with his weight, and she rolled against his warm naked strength with a sigh, his rough fingers tracing her scars the last thing that registered before sleep took over.
***
EXCITEMENT HUMMED INSIDENicole as Slade parked at Casey’s. Tonight marked her third visit to the Kincaid’s playroom above the club, and her first play party. She didn’t have a clue what he had planned, which was nothing new. That was one of only a few things that hadn’t changed since the day he’d emerged from the woods separating their places, unfazed by her attitude toward his unexpected, unwelcome visit. She wouldn’t tell him, but since acknowledging her feelings, she’d grown to like the way he would just swoop in and take over when she needed him to. Her recent move into his house, however, proved she wasn’t about to let him coddle her every time she hit a snag. Earlier today, they’d both agreed they would work on remaining patient while adjusting to the changes necessary for any relationship to survive.
That meant compromise, something he was better at than she.
“Nervous?” he asked.
“No, not really. You’ve said I met your friends who will be here.”
“Be sure and let me know if you’re uneasy seeing any of them wielding a flogger or strapped naked on an apparatus. I’ll help you down.”
She waited for him to come around to open the door even though she could easily hop off the high seat. Not since that eye-opening day two months ago had she passed up an opportunity to get close to him. Life was too short to deny even the smallest uplifting gift. Their coats didn’t prevent his warmth from enveloping her as she fell against him, her hands braced on his shoulders, and she hoped that never changed.
Following him up the stairs, Nicole considered all the changes she now counted as blessings. With Michael busy fighting for the best deal possible, which would include significant jail time the DA promised, and his siblings suddenly finding their hands full hanging onto the family business and fortunes, she was free of them. The decision to foster had gone so well, she couldn’t imagine doing anything else from now on. With Paul’s invaluable help and friendship, they’d rehomed three dogs already and were caring for six more, along with two miniature horses she might adopt herself. Could she help it if she was a sucker for those cute, small equines? They’d moved Paul into the house, and now she used the cottage for an office, sometimes taking advantage of the alone time to work on her illustrations without Slade distracting her.
Talk about distractions,she thought, entering the upstairs room and seeing it occupied with others for the first time. Slade brought her back here two days after they’d given their depositions instead of that night and introduced her to bondage on a padded bench. She’d succumbed to his control with the same benefits as when he’d pinned her hands and hips on the sofa now occupied by another couple, her reward the freedom to simply let go without reservation or thought. Regardless of the audience, she ached for that same outcome tonight as they socialized.
“Incoming,” Slade murmured, helping her off with her coat.
Before she could ask what he meant, Allie was there, beaming and twirling, the satin babydoll nightie she wore skimming her upper thighs and clinging to her nipples. “What do you think? Brett surprised me with it.”
“It’s you,” Nicole replied, wishing she owned something sexier than jeans and the fitted knit top she tucked into them. Taking a quick scan of the other women confirmed her overdressed state, and she cringed inside. “It appears I didn’t dress suitably.”
“You’re fine. I just wanted to show it off and tell you how glad I am you’re here. We’ll talk later.” She skipped away with a spin and finger wave, revealing the thong that left her buttocks bare.
“I agree, you look fine,” Slade reassured her, brushing a hand over her backside. “Let me hang these up then we’ll get a drink.”
Despite the provocative scenes taking place, her gaze followed him as he hung their coats and his hat on a wall rack. She’d quit trying to understand how her annoyance had switched to such intense feelings in so short a time, having discovered it was easier and more enjoyable to go with the flow.
“Nicole, come join me.” Lily motioned to the chair beside hers as they neared where she sat close to the burning fireplace. “Do you mind, Slade?”
“Not at all. What do you want from the bar?” he asked Nicole.
“An Amaretto sour,” she replied, her usual light choice when she wanted to keep a clear head.
He nodded and glanced toward Lily. “Lily?”
“I’m good.” She lifted the half-full glass sitting on the corner table beside her.
Reed strolled behind her chair and rested his hands on her shoulders. “More than good. Glad you two could make it.”
Nicole only caught bits and pieces of the brothers’ brief talk, unable to drag her attention off the casual way Reed slid his hands downward, into the low-scooped neckline of Lily’s silk, thin-strapped tee. His fingers toyed with her bare nipples, his gaze remaining steady on her and Slade, Lily’s acceptance of his public fondling and the pleasure etched on her pink face, heightening Nicole’s constant craving for Slade’s touch. There was nothing new with that though. Since that first night in this room, hooking up for sex had been easy, the decision made by her body without consulting her head. She could pay better attention once Slade walked away to get their drinks, and Reed traded places with Lily to settle her on his lap.
As if reading her mind, Reed said, “Don’t dwell on anything except enjoying yourself tonight, Nicole. I’m sure Slade mentioned something of the sort.”
“He did, but it’s difficult not to,” she answered with honesty.
Lily laughed. “Been there, agree with that. My advice, fixate on Slade.”
