It’s been said be careful who you trust because the devil was once an angel. The devil himself stood before Sadie with sunglasses on his face, his light blue tight-fitting shirt straining on his arms. Her mouth salivated with the desire to touch him, but his curtness and rudeness had not been forgotten.
“I was informed that I need to spend time with you so you can pass your judgment if you feel I’m worth getting to know.” He leaned forward and tipped his glasses down. His hazel eyes were judging Sadie and the look on his face didn’t go unnoticed. The frown of disapproval; the sneer of disgust; the serious lack of etiquette.
She frowned and crossed her arms over her chest. “What the fuck is your problem with me?” The words came out before she could stop herself. It was a good thing Charles just released some of her tension or she would have possibly exploded on the vampire.
Sadie had not been in a serious relationship in a long time. Well, come to think of it, ever. Parental and trust issues didn’t make her the best candidate for long term anything.
So, how would this situation pan out long term? She hadn’t given her heart to anyone, and the way Adam was around her, it wasn’t going to happen with him.
Ever.
“My problem here is you. You come in here acting all innocent.” He moved into the kitchen and stood before Sadie, towering over her. His shoulders were broad, thick with muscle. “You come in here expecting everyone here to give you everything and in return, we get you. How is that a deal?” He shook his head. “We can get demon blood from the Covenant. We don’t need you. Consider this your official good-bye talk.”
Her hands shook at her side and she fisted them, digging her nails into her palms. Before she knew what to say, her hands did it for her. She slapped Adam across his face, then pointed a finger close to his nose.
“First of all, you know shit about me. Secondly, how dare you make such presumptuous accusations. Thirdly, get the fuck out of my face with your shit. I didn’t know who I was or where I was from before that freak on the street tried to kill me. I’m thankful William rescued me and brought me into this world. However, I am not thankful for you! So, you can take your pretty boy image, go model for some photog or whatever it is you do, and leave me the fuck alone. If I decide on staying here, it won’t be because of you.”
She pushed past him and her eyes pooled with tears. No one had ever talked to Sadie like this before. She had given the riot act to those who deserved it, but Adam didn’t even know her.
She yelled out when Adam grabbed her arm and yanked her back.
“Oh, we’re not done,” he told her and pressed her back to the wall. He leaned in and his nose almost touched hers.
Her chest rose and fell, and fear titillated in her mind.
How could someone so horrible turn her on?
The man was a fucking beast.
“I’ve never had someone talk to me the way you just did.” He shrugged. “It’s kind of refreshing.”
It was then she picked up on a southern twang in his voice. She furrowed her brows. “I think I’m lost.”
“Most women, well, blood demons, that have come through here, they’re here for one of two reasons. One, our money. We’re fucking loaded. Two, they’re blood whores. Worst case, both the money and the blood. I can admit when I’m wrong, Sadie. I thought you were here for the money when you realized where we lived. Then I thought it was for the blood. Being you were ready to throw it all away? It was the answer I was looking for.”
Her mouth dropped open, then she closed it. She blinked a few times, having no idea what to say. She was thunderstruck by this turn of events.
“Adam Macray, I don’t know whether to laugh, or kick you in the balls.”
He grinned. “I would prefer the former but would understand if you went with the latter. Just give me time to prepare for bruised balls.”
“You have a lot to learn about women. You know that saying, never judge a book by its cover?”
He nodded. “Yeah, I know. William threatened to kick me out of the family if I didn’t give you a shot. I’m not a horrible person; I’ve just experienced horrible things. Call me jaded.”
She felt for the man and rested her hands on his chest. Fuck, he was strong. His pecs were huge, like his arms. She swallowed and pressed against his body. “How about we go for a walk and you tell me about it? You know mosteverything about me, but I know nothing about you.”
“Actually, I don’t really know anything about you other than being an orphan,” he answered.
“What’s to tell?” She ticked off her fingers. “I’m an aspiring author. I have no family. And my only friends in the world are online through social media. I’m a textbook loser.”
He chuckled. “You’re not a loser. So, what do you want to write?”
“Romance, mainly. I’m kind of leaning more paranormal, now.” She winked at him and he smiled.
“Let’s walk outside, the sun will be setting soon.”
“Oh!” She took him by the arm and flinched. His arms were powerful and well defined. She wanted to know what he looked like naked. “Stupid question but I have to ask. Can you walk in the sun?”
“That’s Hollywood. Yes, but it hurts like hell. We usually will wear long sleeves and hats.” He paused for a moment, then frowned. “Why did you flinch when you touched me?”
She sighed and shook her head. “I’m sorry about that. This is so embarrassing.” She hid her face for a moment, then peeked through her fingers. Adam grinned and lifted a brow. He had the sexiest smile and beautiful teeth. “You’re so strong. It caught me off guard.”
He chuckled. “I model occasionally for magazines and photo shoots.”
“Really?” she asked with a smile. “When the time comes and I’m ready to do a cover for my book, maybe we can talk about putting you on it?”
“Oh.” He chuckled and shook his head. “No, I would never live that down with the guys here.”
“Yes, you would if everyone had their own story.”
His brows lifted and he slowly nodded. “I think that might be doable, then.”
She took his arm once more. “Lead the way outside. So, tell me more about this modeling gig and, please, if you would, what happened that caused the hostility?”
“I sometimes do the modeling for the Covenant. If I were to do it publicly, people may get suspiciousas to why I never age, you know?”
She nodded. “So, what do you model for this group of yours?”
“Oh, you know, underwear, socks, shirts.”
“Really?”
He chuckled. “No, nothing like that at all. We have clothes designers that create sun resistant material for us.”
“I thought you didn’t have an issue with sunlight?”
“I believe I did say we can burn, but we don’t catch fire.”
“Ahh, gotcha. So, you model the new clothes for the group? Do they send out marketing flyers and swag?”
He frowned. “Swag? Like send out samples for people to try?”
She shrugged. “Sure. Why not? Authors do it with books. Why not get the brand name out there by sending out swag?”
“Hmm, I’ll tell the marketing group and see what they have to say.”
A moment of silence passed between them as they walked through the house. She wanted to ask about the artwork, how he’d found his way to William and Charles, and what all he’d lived through. When she looked at him, she did a double take. He was watching her, and he chuckled.
“What?” she asked.
“I’m picking up some kind of nervous energy coming from you.”
She shook her head. “I wish you couldn’t read me like that.”
He shrugged. “Can’t help it. Sorry.”
She stopped walking and knew what question she wanted to ask. When he turned to face her, she started. “How does one become a vampire?”
“Well? To start, they must be human. So, we would bite them and drain them of most of their blood. Then, our venom would get into what’s left of their blood and make its way to their heart. They would then die and awaken later as a vampire.”
“Does it hurt?”
They began to walk again, and he didn’t answer, at first. She wondered if she had asked too much when he turned to face her.
“If you’re wanting to become a vampire, it’s not possible.”
“Oh, no, I don’t. I’m happy being a human—err, well, blood demon. I’m only asking for my own personal knowledge. I didn’t know you even existed until that maniac tried to kill me.”
They made their way to the back door of the house and Adam reached for the handle. “It burns as if acid has been shot through your veins. You’ll beg for death and you feel this up until you take your final breath. Then, once you become a vampire, I don’t know, you don’t feel much of anything except a serious thirst for blood.”
This knowledge caused her to pause and stare at him. He was only a human who fell into the wrong hands of another vampire, who fed on him, then left him to die. It was heartless and no one should ever have to face this alone.
“I’m so sorry,” she whispered and tugged on his arm. When he turned to face her, his face was grim, and his shoulders were slumped. “You didn’t deserve that kind of death.”
“Thank you, and you’re right. No one deserves that, but I wouldn’t trade it for anything in the world. I was alive as a human, but it is only now that I’m actually living my life.”
She offered a smile in understanding, then looked to the floor. “If it makes a difference or not while I’m here, I never felt I was alive until I met you three.” She raised her gaze to his once more, then sucked in a breath of air as Adam leaned into her.
His lips pressed against hers in a soft, surprisingly gentle, kiss. “I hope that’s okay,” he asked. “Because I’ve been wanting to do that since I first saw you.”
“Even when you were being a dick to me?”
“Fuck, yes.”
She giggled. “Then, kiss me again.”
He brushed the hair from her face and cupped the side of her face. He tilted his head and slid his lips across hers. His tongue slid across her mouth and she opened for him. Adam moved an arm around her waist and cradled the back of her head.
How could she lust over three men at the same time, in the same house?
How was it possible?
Did they expect her to be with them all at once?
She was vanilla when it came to sex, yet, here were three impossibly breathtaking men who all wanted her.
But did they want her for blood, or want her for her?
It was something she would have to weigh over time and, eventually, put space between them, literally to find out.
He broke the kiss long enough to bring his mouth to her ear and whispered, “Still want to go swimming?”
She smiled and nodded. “Mmhmm, but I don’t have a suit.”
“Who said you needed a suit?”
Her pussy vibrated with need and she needed to have sex, desperately. If she were to return to her room, she would resort to using her fingers to at least take the edge off, but these men, holy fuck, all three of them were book boyfriend, swoon worthy, come fuck me every single way you can, hot!
How was she supposed to handle something like this?
One in each hole, including her mouth. The thought made her grin and Adam’s brow lifted.
“So, what’s on your mind? Because the pheromones around you just erupted. And forgive me for being bold, but I’d love to bend you over and lick you from ass to clit. Then, fuck that sweet pussy of yours until you’re screaming my name.”
“Holy fuck,” she whispered and licked her lips. “I, umm, well?” She couldn’t think of the words to say and felt her skin blush with desire.
“Tell you what,” he whispered and rested his hands on her hips. He pulled her flush to him and she gasped at the size of his cock pushing into her stomach. “Go strip by the pool and we’ll meet you out there in a few minutes. The sun’s almost down. And don’t worry, nothing won’t happen you’re not ready for. That includes feeding, okay?”
She let go a long breath, then nodded. “O—Okay.”
“Consider this a test drive,” he growled in her ear, then nibbled on her neck. “See you soon.” He pulled away from her and stared into her eyes. “You really are beautiful, Sadie.” With that, he pressed his lips to hers once more, then he was gone.
She caught herself against the wall and let a sigh escape.
How the fuck was she supposed to do this?
If she were her character, she would dive in, no holds barred, and do everything with them.
“You only live once, right?” she mumbled. “Why the fuck not? It would be great fodder for my book.”
She grinned and opened the door and closed her eyes as the outdoor air wafted around her. The sun was setting, and it was the perfect time of day. The clouds in the sky were a pinkish orange color and the sun was settling over the horizon.
She stood on the back porch with four lounge chairs and a table. There were two oversized fans that helped the breeze in the shade. Down a few steps were more chairs with thick cushions to her right; to her left, a cabana with a bed and pillows.
Before her was the Olympic sized pool. It had a beach style walk from the shallow to the deep end, a diving board, and five chairs to lay out on. The only thing missing was a grill.
Not that they cooked outdoors or anything.
She removed her clothes and undergarments, then stood with her arms covering her body. She was shy, but no one was out here. She didn’t see cameras, but it didn’t mean they weren’t out here. She kicked off her shoes and with a deep breath, walked to the pool entrance.
The water felt warm and welcoming. She walked in until the water came to her shoulders, then she began to freestyle swim.
Who needed a gym when there was a pool like this?
She went under and swam, coming back up for air when needed. The feeling of the water against her skin, with no suit, was exhilarating. She didn’t know why anyone would ever skinny dip, but now that she did it, she understood.
She wasn’t sure how much time had passed, but when she did another lap in the pool, she looked up to all three men coming out of the house.
William had a towel around his waist. He met her gaze and smiled as he came out onto the porch. She swam toward the shallow end, at least enough to stand on her toes. She wasn’t brave enough to risk her body exposure just yet.
Then behind him came Charles, completely in the buff. She gasped as the Australian surfer approached the water in a light jog, his cock hard and bouncing with each step. Good lord, he was hung.
He dove into the water, then came up just in front of her. He shook off the water and ran his hand over his face, then wiped his hair back. “Ahh, g’day Sadie. You look incredible under the water. Good thing I can hold my breath for a spell. I might have to go under and take another gander.”
Her eyes widened. “Shit, I forgot you can see me under water. I’m naked!”
He chuckled. “I know and it’s marvelous! You’re a hot sweet piece of pie, you are. And I can’t wait to taste you.”
She nibbled on her lip and felt her cheeks warm. She shifted her attention back to William, who removed his towel. Like Charles, he made his way over and surprised Sadie when he ran and jumped, pulling his legs in for a cannon ball.
She laughed and turned away from the splash. As he came to the surface, he grinned and smoothed his hair back.
“Sexy, isn’t she?”
“Fuck, yes,” William growled. “So, tell me, how’d she taste earlier?”
“Completely divine, I must say and damn if I don’t want to taste her again.”
“Hello, I’m right here,” she said with a smile. Her cheeks burned with embarrassment and she wasn’t sure which way to face. William was behind her and Charles in front of her. The men began to close in, and she nibbled on her lip. “Should we, umm, wait for Adam?”
“He’ll catch up,” William answered, and his hands gripped her hips.
“Ace,” Charles whispered and reached for her hands. He pulled himself closer to her, then moved his palms to her breasts.
“If at any time, this gets to be too much for you, Sadie, please tell us,” William said as he pulled her wet hair to the side. He feathered kisses up her shoulder to her neck, then nibbled on her ear. “We all want you, no, we need you to be ours.”
She gasped and closed her eyes to the sensation of one man kissing her ear and neck, while the other pinched her nipples and cupped her breasts. She wanted to move her legs around someone’s waist, but who?
Did she enclose around Charles because he was in front of her?
Or should she turn and face William?
Then she heard a voice clear and when she looked up, Adam stood at the edge of the shallow end, two drinks in each hand…and he was naked. Like the other two, Adam was hard, and his cock stood out at attention. His chest was bare, and a soft trail of dark brown hair led to his manhood.
Three of the four glasses had the red substance she now knew was blood, and the fourth was a light-yellow color, maybe white wine.
She met his gaze and her mouth opened with a gasp as William reached around her and slid a finger over her clit.
“Give the woman some breathing room,” Adam said and made his way to where the trio stood.
Charles glanced back with a frown. “Now, why would we do that?”
Adam grinned. “So she knows what’s coming for her,” he winked.
She giggled and pulled herself free from the ministrations of her two men. She was turned on and ready to fuck, and if she hadn’t moved, she was about to give herself to one of them.
She reached for the glass in Adam’s hand and lifted her brow as he held them above his head.
“Out of the water. Let’s see you.”
She sighed and shook her head. “Call me shy, but no.”
“Stand up, Sadie,” he said and leaned down to her. “Don’t ever forget you’re stunning. Please, stand up for me, for us. Show us your beauty.” He stood once more and smiled, then waggled his brows.
She shook her head. “You’re incredible, you know that?”
“Why, yes, so I’ve been told.”
She laughed, then took in a deep breath, closed her eyes, and stood.
It was quiet for a moment, too quiet.
Were the men staring and judging her?
Were they repulsed?
She peeked out of one eye and found Adam's gaze roaming the length of her body with a Cheshire grin on his lips. He tilted his head as he stared at her core, then licked his lips.
“I want to be right there,” he whispered, then met her gaze.
Her body ignited in a heat she was unaware she could ever conjure. Her chest rose and fell with bated breaths. She needed him, no, all three of them, to touch her, feel her, fuck her.
Adam took her cue and set the glasses down, then made his way toward her. He slipped his hands down the length of her arms, then thrust her against his body.
She gasped and her pussy quivered with need. He slanted his lips over hers, then moved his hands from her arms. One fisted into her hair and yanked her head to the side while the other gently squeezed her neck.
“Sadie,” he growled. “My sweet demon. I long to taste your blood.”
She groaned and closed her eyes as Adam manhandled her. She had never been held this way by anyone, and she wanted more, needed more.
Another set of hands came up behind her and cupped her generous breasts, fingers and thumbs squeezing her nipples. She gasped and laid her head back. She looked to her man and found it was William. His cock pressed against the slit of her ass while Adam’s pushed across her stomach.
Then a hand, soft, caressing, and gentle, slipped under her head and tilted her to the side. Charles pressed his lips to hers and slipped his tongue across her lips. “You are a beauty, Sadie,” he whispered.
She wanted sex, but she needed air more. She took a deep breath and whispered, “Stop.”
At once, all three men stopped their kissing, sucking, and touching, then released her with a step back. She looked at Adam, Charles, then to William. No one appeared mad or hurt, and she was grateful.
“Listen,” she started, and put space between her and her vampires. “I seriously need to think on this. All three of you are just...you’re so...wow. I can’t even explain it. But I need a minute to wrap my head around this. I understand what my role is here, but I also need to know you want me for me, and not my blood.”
“Sadie, we—” William started.
“No, let me finish, please.”
He bowed his head for her to continue.
“I need to understand this new life, what it means for me, my responsibility, and everything that comes along with it. If you each hit me with your sexy as hell bodies and ginormous cocks, a girl can’t think for herself. And trust me, I want you. Oh, do I want you. I just need a minute to breathe and take all of this in.”
When silence filled the awkward moment, William took a step forward. “Okay, I can speak now?”
She grinned and nodded. “Yes.”
“All right. I have someone I’d like for you to speak to before any decisions are made. She’s a friend of ours, and someone you can relate to on many levels. Like you, she’s a blood demon. I think she’ll be able to help you out with what your concerns are.”
“As for us,” Charles added. “We’ll be here waiting for you. No pressure.”
She looked at Adam and he raised his brow with a grin. “I can’t make any promises I’ll wait, but you can’t blame me if I sneak into your room at night.”
“Adam,” she said and splashed water at him.
He chuckled. “It’s fine. We’ll wait for you.”
“Hey,” William started and clapped Adam on his shoulder. “I’m glad to see you put down your bitch shield.”
“Fuck you, I’m not a bitch.”
“Nah, you’re a fucking fairy,” Charles quipped, then quickly darted Adam when he dove toward the man.
Sadie laughed and moved herself from the path of the water fight. When the two stopped splashing one another, she made her way toward the shallow end. “I’m going to go take a shower. You’re all so amazing, so please understand this is not rejection. I just need a minute to think.”
All three men stared at her with grins as wide as their faces could hold. She tilted her head, curious as to why, then it donned on her. She looked down and gasped, then crossed her arms over her body.
“Turn around!”
“No fucking way,” Charles said with a chuckle. “You’re beautiful, woman. Walk naked for us. I want to see that arse!”
“Oh hell,” she whispered through a giggle. “Okay, fine.” She shook her head and took in a deep breath, then walked out of the pool, putting a little sway in her walk.
“Ahh, I’ve died and gone to heaven. That arse, baby!” Charles yelled.
“Damn, woman,” Adam chimed in. “Need help with the towel, or the shower, or washing your back?”
“I’ll be sure to let you know,” she said and grabbed her towel. When she looked back to the water, it was William who had remained silent, but the man simply winked at her. Her smile widened as she made her way back to the house.
How the hell was she supposed to make a decision that involved the lives of three very strong, and very sexy, men?
She sighed and closed the door behind her.
“Very carefully, that’s how,” she groaned.