What Remains: Wasteland Read online

  Her frantic breath grazed his jaw, the raspy sound an aphrodisiac all its own. He’d never had a woman respond to him the way Emersyn had, and they’d only kissed. He drank in the sweet aroma of her, knowing the subtle musky scent was her arousal. The simple fact made him want to strip her down and lick every drop of moisture from her body. He loved tasting a woman’s desire, and hers smelled more than tempting.

  He dropped a kiss on the tip of her nose. “Does this mean you’re not going to knock me on my ass again for kissing you?”

  She stared at him, all big eyes and ruby red lips before seemingly coming back to herself and pushing free. He let her go, watching as she darted to the far wall, the loose braid she’d tied slipping free, releasing her hair in a cascade of auburn locks. She paced the length of room a few times before coming to a halt, head raised as she stared at the ceiling. A huff of air whispered across the space between them before she turned, wrapping her arms around her chest as if she were cold.

  Her eyes looked even larger as she surveyed each man, shuffling restlessly from foot to foot. She reminded him of the deer he’d seen dart past her outside, all strength and beauty but skittish as hell. He glanced at Hunter and Rhys, but both men seemed to be waiting for Emersyn to make the next move.

  Kace moved toward her, wondering if he’d just blown his only chance at gaining her trust. “Emersyn…”

  She stopped him with a raise of her hand. He didn’t miss the way it trembled, and he prayed it was arousal making her shake and not fear.

  Em took a visible deep breath, her gaze falling to Hunter. “Okay. Out with it.”

  Kace made eye contact with Hunter, but the man didn’t seem to realize Emersyn had directed the question at him. Kace cleared his throat, but she shook her head, pointing at the other man.

  “You told Rhys, didn’t you?”

  Hunter took a few calculated steps forward. “There wasn’t anything to tell. He already knew.”

  “How I feel about you? Or him?”

  “Does it matter?”

  Emersyn growled. “You know, for guys who apparently know so much, you’re fucking blind. Of course it matters. It wasn’t your place to tell him.”

  “So what was I supposed to do? Wait until you thought you were dying while on a mission with him before it was out in the open? Damn it, Em. You say we’re the ones who can’t share, who’re keeping you from having more than blood on your hands to look forward to. But you’re the one who’s so scared of letting us in you’d rather risk getting killed than admit you care.” He walked across the room, grabbing one of her hands and holding it against his chest. “It took losing Billy for me to realize you mean more to me than just a friend. That somewhere between you saving my ass and chewing it out, I fell in love with you. And I’m not the only one.”

  Rhys took the cue and moved forward, shouldering up beside Hunter. “I lied before. When I told you I made the decision I thought would cause you the least amount of pain, it wasn’t true. In reality, it was the one that eased mine the most. I’d been crazy about you for years, but it was always the four of us, and I didn’t want anything to break that up. Then the rules of engagement changed, and I knew that in order for us to be together, I’d have to share you, and yeah. I didn’t think I could do it. So I figured leaving would solve the problem, except it didn’t. It didn’t stop me from wanting you. From thinking about you every damn day, and wishing I’d had the balls to tell you instead of running off under the guise of honor. When you showed up here…shit. It was like an act of providence.”

  He leaned in, tracing her jaw with his fingertips. “Seeing you again only made me realize how foolish it was to worry about something as inconsequential as sharing you with the only two men worthy of the deed. And no, we’re not just saying that. Turns out, knowing you’re safe…that you’ll always have someone we trust to watch your back means more to all of us than our damn pride.”

  He stepped back, motioning Kace to join them. Kace took a fortifying breath, hoping Emersyn didn’t slap him in the face and demand he leave. Becoming part of their unit had sounded like a viable option until he’d stood there and watched them declare their love, knowing it was too soon to promise her his, not that he wasn’t well on his way.

  Emersyn watched him approach, her gaze locked on his. He searched her face, looking to see even a hint of reservation, only to nearly cream his pants when her eyes softened, desire and maybe the promise of something more smiling back at him. Rhys nudged him, motioning to Emersyn.

  Great. Now he had to figure out how to follow Hunter and Rhys’ speeches. Kace looked away, trying to get the words right in his head when a gentle finger caressed his cheek. He snapped his head around. Em stood in front of him, her hand raised to his face, a sexy smile gracing her lips. She seemed completely at ease despite the slight tremor in her fingers.

  She traced the outline of his lips, much like he’d done after he’d kissed her. “Just answer me one question. I need to know you’re doing this because you want to, not because you feel you have to.”

  The notion made him laugh. “Are you crazy? Have you ever looked in a mirror, let alone had a conversation with yourself?” He lifted her fingers from his face and tucked them between his hands. “For the first time in my life, I don’t feel like I have to hide my intelligence. That you don’t see it as a flaw.” He shook his head. “The question isn’t whether I want to be with you, it’s whether you want me to be a part of this. You have a history with Hunter and Rhys I can’t compete with, and honestly, I’d never try. But I don’t want you to go along with this because it’s the only way to be with them.”

  “It wasn’t them I just kissed.”

  “No. But this goes far beyond a simple kiss.”

  Emersyn smiled again. “Kace. I assure you. That kiss was anything but simple. You damn near set my hair on fire. I don’t know how you dodged my usual defenses, but there’s a chemistry here we’d be crazy to question. So stop worrying if you belong with us and kiss me again.”

  He didn’t need to be asked twice. Emersyn met him halfway, her eyes closing on a sigh as their lips touched, the soft play of skin on skin tensing his muscles until he thought they’d cramp from the raw need rioting his system. He wasn’t sure how the coming event would be orchestrated, but he knew he’d never be the same once he’d touched her.

  Em hummed as the other two men moved into position, Hunter at her back, Rhys at her side. She tensed, and Kace knew more than his hands touched her now. He pulled away, watching her head fall back to rest on Hunter’s shoulder as the man drew her hair to the side, his mouth brushing along the stretch of skin he’d just bared. A sensual moan left her lips as they gently parted, her tongue darting out to dampen the tender flesh.

  Kace held his breath, waiting to see if he’d feel a pang of jealousy as Hunter nipped and licked Em’s neck, one of the man’s hands smoothing up her vest to cup her breast through the stiff fabric. But as her eyelids fluttered open, her gaze meeting his, only desire raged through his veins.

  Hunter mouthed Em’s earlobe, smiling at her husky gasp. “God. Em. Do you know how many times I’ve dreamed of this? How many nights I’ve pictured you pressed against me, your body strung tight, your chest heaving with anticipation. I think I’ve undressed you a thousand times in my mind. Imagined how I’d remove each piece of clothing. Kiss every inch of your skin.” He inhaled. “You smell so damn good. I can’t wait to taste you.”

  Rhys reached up to trace one finger down her neck and across her breast, smiling when her breath caught. “Hunter’s not the only one who had you star in more than a few fantasies. After all this time, I never thought I’d actually get the chance. Now here you are, good and properly trapped between us. I told you someone was going to tame that wild side in you, darling, and I have a feeling, tonight’s the night.”

  Emersyn’s mouth kicked up into a knowing grin. “As I said. You can try. But don’t be surprised when it’s you tied to the bed.”

  Rhys growl
ed, crowding in to snag a fistful of hair. “I’ll get the rope.”

  He leaned down, crushing his mouth to hers. Kace knew the moment Emersyn surrendered control. The tension in her body eased as a muffled groan rumbled between them. She raised her hands, tangling them through Rhys’ hair as she leaned on Hunter for support.

  Kace stepped back, giving Rhys room to move in front. After all the other men had sacrificed to earn this moment with Emersyn, it seemed only fitting he give them this first time to themselves.

  Rhys grabbed his shoulder as he inched away. “Don’t tell me you’re backing out on us?”

  Kace looked from Hunter to Rhys. “Of course not. I just thought the three of you might…”

  Rhys furrowed his brow, obviously waiting for Kace to continue before flicking his hand. “Might…what?”

  Kace waved at Emersyn. “You know…”

  Hunter dropped his hand to Em’s waist, giving her a quizzical raise of his eyebrow before shaking his head. “No. We don’t.”

  Kace huffed, spearing a hand through his hair. “I thought the three of you might want to have this first gathering on your own.”

  Hunter glanced at Rhys, matching the man’s expression. “I realize this situation isn’t something any of us is accustomed to, but…the whole point is being together. As in all four of us.”

  Kace sighed. “I realize that, it’s just…I can’t help but feel like the third guy in this.”

  Hunter chuckled. “You are the third guy. And the second and the first. We all are.” He squeezed Em’s waist. “This isn’t about numbers or who can love Emersyn more. I realize Rhys and I have known her longer, but that doesn’t mean she’s going to want you less. That she’ll love you less.” He held up a hand. “I know. It’s new for the two of you. But hell, this is new territory for all of us. And I bet my ass Em’s been having you star in a few of her fantasies since she met you.”

  Emersyn’s mouth gaped open as she stared at him. “How the hell could you possibly know that?”

  He winked at her. “You talk in your sleep, sweetheart, and I’ve heard Kace’s name more than once.”

  “Isn’t anything sacred with you?”

  “Not if it involves pleasure.” He punched Kace in the arm. “Which we can get to if you’ll just stop overthinking this. It isn’t some complicated theorem. It’s just the four of us making love, however we see fit.” He tugged on her vest. “Now tell me I’m not the only one who thinks our girl has far too many clothes on.”

  Rhys chuckled. “My thoughts exactly. Kace, care to do the honors?”

  Kace grinned. “My pleasure.” He reached for the zipper on her vest, glancing at the array of weapons tucked into the different pockets and holsters. “I’m not going to accidentally shoot someone trying to get you naked, am I?”

  Emersyn smiled in a way that lit up her entire face. “Not with any of my guns.” She lowered one hand and cupped his crotch through his jeans, giving his cock a firm squeeze. “But I can’t make any promises about the pistol you’re packing.”

  He cursed, willing the damn thing to stand down before he unloaded in his pants. He glanced at Hunter and Rhys, giving them a nod. The men grinned, each snagging one of Em’s hands and holding them at her side. She tugged against their hold, feigning annoyance.

  Kace tsked, moving decisively into her personal space. “Really, Emersyn. If you’re going to pretend restraining you isn’t a turn-on, you’ll have to do better than a halfhearted huff of protest, because your body is clearly telling us our actions make you hot as hell.”

  She struggled again, this attempt no more convincing than the last. “I highly doubt that.”

  “Then why has your skin turned a lovely shade of pink and your eyes dilated to the point I care barely see the green? Even with the vest on, I know your nipples are hard. Shall I check?”

  He reached forward, grazing his knuckles along her top. Hard nubs pressed into the back of his hand, and he smiled victoriously. “Just like I thought. And now that I know it’s safe to disarm you…”

  Kace thumbed the zipper, slowly easing the metal piece down her body. The steady hiss of the teeth soothed some of his lingering nerves, grounding him. Hunter was right. Despite the unusual pairing, all that mattered was the passion they shared for Emersyn and how they could bring her the most pleasure.

  He eased the material off her shoulders once the edges fell open, allowing the other men to place it on the table. He shook his head when she went for his tee, snagging the hem of her shirt and lifting it over her head. Creamy skin tinged with pink emerged from beneath the blue cotton, a band of white covering her chest. Kace took a moment to drink in the exquisite beauty of her. How her lean muscles created shadows on her skin, accentuating the taper of her waist and flare of her hips. Something sparkled around her navel, and he leaned forward, circling her belly button with his finger.

  He brushed the gem with his thumb, smiling at how the color matched her eyes. “A piercing. That I wasn’t expecting.”

  Hunter whistled. “You naughty little minx. You never told us you’d gotten one.”

  “Every woman needs to have a certain amount of mystery to her. Especially when she’s hot for the men she works with.” She glanced at him over her shoulder. “And if you like the piercing, you’ll love my tattoo.”

  Rhys slapped her ass, drawing her face to his with his other hand. “Tattoo? What tattoo?”

  “Remember how you guys bragged about getting tattoos after we returned from our second tour?”

  He nodded. “But we never got around to it.”

  She shrugged. “Guess I found the time.”

  Rhys gave her body a long sweep. “Where is it?”

  “You’re a recon specialist. I’m pretty sure you can find it.”

  Hunter moved closer, holding her hair back as his lips caressed her ear. “You better not have gotten naked for some stranger, sweetheart, because I can assure you that’s not going to go over well with any of us.”

  “We weren’t together then.”

  “Doesn’t matter. You’ve always belonged to us. Best you remember that now and avoid any future misunderstandings.”

  Kace could see Emersyn was itching to confront the man, but she remained silent, allowing Kace to systematically remove the rest of her clothing, piling it beside her vest on the table. He felt his lips kick up when he spied the splash of color on her right hip, the bright tones stunning against her natural skin color. He motioned to Rhys as the man bent down, his fingers tracing the outline of a bird.

  Hunter copied Rhys’ actions, covering every inch of it as if drawing the animal himself. “A phoenix?”

  Rhys nodded. “Reborn from the ashes. How ironically fitting.”

  Hunter stared at her. “I think this was more of a message for us. A new start. Am I right?”

  Em snagged her lip, looking irresistibly sexy in a rare moment of uncertainty. “I never thought you boys would ever see it. But I suppose I’d hoped. That one day, this…”

  Hunter grinned. “It’s beautiful, sweetheart. Just answer us this. How bare did you have to get to have this creation inked onto your lower hip?”

  She leaned forward and nipped at Hunter’s lip, smiling at his rasp of surprise. “Not nearly as naked as the guy had hoped. Now are we going to stand here talking, or are you boys going to make some of my fantasies come true?”

  Rhys tsked, spearing his fingers through her hair again and holding it just tight enough Em’s head tilted back slightly, exposing the long, sleek line of her neck. “That’s a lot of sass from a girl who’s outnumbered three to one.”

  Emersyn gave him a lopsided grin. “Is it? I was thinking it was just the right amount.”

  “The right amount to end up over my knee.”

  Emersyn’s pupils dilated further, all but a thin ring of green hidden by the black. Kace noticed the way her breathing sped up as the blush along her chest deepened.

  He tapped Rhys on the shoulder. “I’m thinking that’s
not really a threat, bro. She looks like she might come just from the idea alone.”

  Rhys grinned. “My brother has a point. You look positively desperate.” He brushed his lips over hers. “But we’ll save that for another time, ‘cause right now, all I want to do is watch you come over and over and over again, even if it takes all night.”

  Chapter Eight

  Emersyn held her breath as all three men moved, stepping back and forming a loose triangle around her. It was as if they’d just now realized she’d been standing there, naked, practically climaxing from merely their presence. Though she’d pictured this a thousand times, nothing compared to the realization that her fantasy was about to become very real.

  A shiver trembled through her as the men swept their gazes along her body, lingering long enough she had to tense her muscles in order to stay on her feet. They looked raw, hungry, and the thought she could have that effect on them made arousal cream from her pussy, easing along her slit until she feared it’d coat her inner thighs.

  Hunter moved in behind her, pressing his chest to her back. The feel of warm skin against hers took her by surprise. She hadn’t realized he’d taken his shirt off when he’d slipped behind her. She leaned into him, loving how the broadness in his chest made her feel small. Feminine.

  His hands landed on her ribcage, his fingers splaying out to cover more of her skin. “Damn, sweetheart. It’s not like I haven’t seen you stripped down to just your underwear before but…how the hell didn’t I see how beautiful you are? How soft your skin is or how strong your muscles are?” He smoothed his hands up, cupping her breasts. “So pretty and firm. Just the right size to fit in my palms.” He leaned in, his breath washing over her shoulder. “In your fantasies, did you imagine having both Kace and Rhys suck your nipples? Did you wonder if two mouths would be twice as hot as one?”