Claimed by Three (3 page)

“We also know about that time you left your home in the middle of the night because you got a call from your friend Julie. Someone broke into her store and ransacked it. You stayed with her all night and helped her clean up after the scene was released.” Berenger looked at her, and she could see the admiration in his eyes.

She felt her mouth drop open but quickly closed it. That had happened over a year ago. How long had they considered a potential date? On top of that, she did have to wonder who was giving them information. Her staying with Julie that night wasn’t well-known. She hadn’t told her family, although Cooper had found out.

“That’s the kind of woman we know you are.” Teague’s gaze swept down her body. “Your sweet curves might catch our eyes, but the woman who’s ready to back her friends and family, that’s the part of you that grabbed our attention.”

“We know what we want, Sephanie. The courting is for you to see we’re right together. We will be marrying you.” Berenger scowled at her.

“You say you’d like to marry me. You haven’t even kissed or held me.” She certainly felt attracted to them, but she had to admit a jump from no dates to marriage talk was surprising. “We could be sexually incompatible.”

Kassius, Teague, and Berenger had declared and filed their intention for a group marriage. The men in the Planetary Defense, along with the Planetary Police, usually chose to engage in a ménage relationship with at least one other man as a partner so the woman wouldn’t be alone when he went away for duty or be left alone if he died on duty. Even though the population and technology had advanced from the wild colony days, the threat of a man in the Defense Corps being killed in action was real.

“We haven’t been together before now. Not alone. First we were watching you, and then there was the misunderstanding.” Berenger stepped forward and grazed his fingers across her cheek. “And I know there’s more than enough heat between us to make us combustible.”

“There is?” Sephanie didn’t resist, turning into the touch. She’d made her decision. She was taking the chance at being with them.

“Baby, have your beautiful eyes traveled south when you look at us lately?” Teague raised his eyebrows.

She couldn’t hold back the small laugh. She had not missed the ridges of their cocks pressing against their pants, but physical attraction was only part of the relationship she wanted.

She took a deep breath and decided to take the initiative. They’d told her what they wanted. “I can’t go from no dates to marriage, but if you’d like to take me out, I will go. We can build from there.”

Kassius drew her close, and his arm slipped around her. “We definitely want to take you out.”

He cupped the side of her cheek and tilted his head. After a soft preliminary brush, he pressed his lips to hers. He thrust his tongue against her lips, demanding but not forcing a response. She’d expected a little tentativeness in a first kiss, but he didn’t hesitate at all. She opened her mouth for him and answered that hunger. He threaded his fingers through her hair as he deepened the kiss.

Sephanie relaxed and enjoyed it. A minty flavor hit her tongue. It tasted good on him. The slow stroke jerked her mind away from thoughts of anything except him. She reached for him, letting her hands slide over his shoulders. Her nipples hardened. She wished she could press them against his chest or feel his fingers plucking at the stiff peaks.

The musical chime of the door pulled her attention back to where she was. Oh fuck, she was in her bakery kissing someone while she was supposed to be working. Business hours were almost over, but damn. She was a businesswoman and should be more conscious of the place than this. She pulled out of Kassius’s arms.

He grinned at her but let her go. She made her way back behind the counter. She waited on the two women who had entered. Kassius, Teague, and Berenger stood to the side until the women left.

“Baby, we’ll let you get back to your work. We’ll pick you up tomorrow for our date. We want to make it special for you.” Teague reached across the counter and skimmed his fingers over her cheek. “Don’t back out on us, or I might have to spank your ass.”

“What time, and what should I wear?” She took a deep breath while she tried to collect her thoughts. The last threat didn’t worry her. She heard the laughter in his voice and knew he was teasing.

A sudden, huge case of first-date jitters knotted her stomach. She knew it was silly. Still, the feeling rose in her, sharp and fast. She wondered where they would take her. She shook her head. Damn, she was acting as if the fate of the world rested on this one date. She wanted it to go right so much, maybe too much.

“We’ll pick you up around eight. Wear something pretty and shoes to dance in. I want to hold you out on the dance floor.” Kassius smiled.

“I look forward to it.” She leaned forward on the counter. That had gone so much better than she’d thought it would. No awkward apology, and they were interested. Happiness bubbled through her. She had a date with them.

“We’ll see you tomorrow, Sephanie.” Berenger clasped her hand and squeezed it.

“Tomorrow night.” She watched them leave the bakery.

Chapter Three

Kassius walked up the path to Sephanie’s small house. It had matte-gray siding, reminiscent of the prefabricated buildings brought to the planet by the first colonists. He knew she’d bought it from her uncle when he’d moved.

She lived on the edge of the city. There weren’t many houses here, and the few other residences were spaced out with large yards, trees, and bushes separating them. He’d rather her live in a place with more neighbors, more people to help her if she had a problem.

Hopefully, they could convince her there was a fiery chemistry between them. He didn’t think they’d have too much trouble moving the relationship forward after that. With a little luck, they wouldn’t have to worry for long about the isolation of this place or if someone broke in while she was alone. Once she realized they were right for one another, he intended to move her into their house without delay.

They’d wasted enough time. It seemed as if they’d never have an opportunity to show her they wanted her.

He pushed the button that would announce their arrival. Teague might have made a joke about spanking her ass if she tried to run from the date, but Kassius would warm her butt. She’d agreed, and she’d better be there. He waited.

A thought ran through his mind. Her Duce was sitting on the pad, so she should be here. Was she deliberately late or hesitating to answer? He couldn’t wait to see her.

He looked forward to spending some time with her. Finally build the closeness he craved with her. He wanted to learn the little things about her, hold her, and pamper her after a hard day’s work. After the misunderstanding while watching her, he didn’t want another mistake. She wasn’t a woman they only wanted for a short time.

The video monitor beside the door flared to life. He saw Sephanie’s face. His gaze followed the line of her neck down to where she appeared to be holding something in front of her chest. He lifted his eyebrows, and his thoughts centered on the pale green fabric she clutched to her chest.

“Hi, Kassius and Teague. Berenger’s somewhere behind you, right? I’m running late. Give me a moment, and I’ll be right out.” Sephanie smiled, and the screen once again faded to gray.

Kassius looked back at Teague, who still stared at the screen. Kassius asked, “Was she wearing anything?”

“She was holding something over her breasts. I didn’t see a dress. I don’t think it will take too long. I’m sure she’d invite us in if she was going to take long.” Teague tilted his head.

“Do you think she’ll take us seriously?” Berenger asked from near the walkway.

“Maybe. She wants us, but I think she might be nervous.” Kassius stared at the door.

It took more than what he’d call a moment, but overall, she didn’t take too long. The door slid open. She walked out in a green-and-black dress that swirled around her knees in loose folds. The top accentuated her full breasts he loved so much, without putting them on display for everybody to see.

“Hello. Sorry to keep you waiting. I was a little late getting away from the shop.” She brushed her straight red hair back over her shoulder.

“You didn’t keep us long. You look beautiful. Do you have a bag or something you need to take with you?” Teague asked as his eyes moved over her.

“Oh. Actually, I have to grab a small bag and a wrap, but they’re right inside the entryway.” She smiled again.

She ducked back inside. She came out of the house, putting the black-and-green cloth over her shoulders. A small green bag dangled from her arm. She lifted her hair free of the wrap before brushing a few stray strands back over her shoulder.

“Teague is right. You look gorgeous.” Kassius reached out and took her hand.

“Thank you.” She tightened her fingers around his. “You all look handsome too. Can you tell me where you’re taking me? I had a hard time deciding what to wear because I didn’t know exactly.”

“Ah, now we get to the real reason you weren’t ready,” Berenger said. He waited for them on the walkway. A wicked smile curved his lips as he set to tease her.

She laughed. “No, that’s the reason I was late for work this morning. A late rush of customers and down two workers is what held me up tonight.”

“We’re taking you to Cocin first for a nice meal. After that, we’re taking you dancing.” Teague took her hand and led her to the skimmer.

Her eyebrows went up. He guessed she was surprised at where they were going. Her outfit would fit in at the restaurant. That probably wasn’t what shocked her. Cocin was exclusive and pricey. It was one way of showing her how serious they were about her. He’d love to take her to one of the more private establishments, maybe one with a privacy booth, where they could have the opportunity to touch her.

They’d decided against that type of restaurant. First, Kassius didn’t know if she was ready for that level of intimacy. Pressing too soon could make her think the attraction was only physical. Before they took her to one of those restaurants, he wanted to have more time with her. Second, he intended to touch and kiss her at every opportunity.

They’d take her out and make sure that everyone knew they’d chosen her as their woman. Including her. He didn’t want her to mistake the reason for going to an intimate restaurant. On top of that, he didn’t intend to let her think they were trying to hide her from everyone.

“Sounds good.” She stepped up into the skimmer. “I’ve never been there.”

Berenger climbed in beside her, and Kassius slid into the pilot’s seat. He glanced back to make sure she’d buckled the safety harness. He saw the straps stretching across her shoulders and over her chest, but he also noticed her hand rested easily in Berenger’s large palm.

He smiled, turned back around, and activated the skimmer before taking it up to entry height. Piloting the skimmer occupied his attention until he glided into the landing lot of the restaurant. He guided the vehicle into one of the delineated slots before bringing it to a halt. After he released the hatch, he stepped down and walked around the vehicle. He watched as Teague helped her from the back. After he saw Berenger get out, he closed the hatch, locked the skimmer, and set the alarm.

“I think you’ll enjoy the food here. They have the best fish in the city. I know the owner. He has connections with some of the best fishermen on the coast.” Berenger led the way to the restaurant but looked back at her with a smile.

“It sounds great. I love seafood,” she said, walking beside Teague toward the restaurant.

Their fingers brushed as they approached the restaurant. Following behind them, Kassius saw the moment Teague clasped her hand. She looked over at him and edged closer. Their hips touched with each step to the door. Kassius thought that might have been a good move on Teague’s part. They needed to show her they craved being close to her.

“I know you love seafood. It’s why we chose this restaurant,” Berenger said when the door slid open in front of them. He waited there until Teague and Sephanie went through.

Kassius followed them into the restaurant. He came through the door in time to see her frown at Berenger. He wanted to kiss her lips until she couldn’t think of getting mad at them. That immediately led his mind to thoughts of teasing and tasting until she sighed her contentment. Unfortunately, that would have to wait. This wasn’t the place. He also didn’t think she was ready yet.

“How do you know about my love for seafood?” She still held Teague’s hand as she tossed the question at Berenger.

“We told you we were interested in you. We listened. We watched and talked to everyone we could about you and what you liked.” Teague drew to a stop when they arrived at the hostess station in the restaurant.

“Well, not everyone. You could have come to the source.” She shook her head, but a smile curled her glossy lips.

“At that time, we were keeping our distance to maintain perspective on your safety and make sure no one tried to harm you. We have regretted that.” Teague’s other hand lifted and stroked over her arm.

Kassius personally regretted not pressing their suit before she’d gotten involved with the last men she’d dated. The misunderstanding in the shop would never have happened if they had already been in a relationship.

They had a reservation and didn’t have to wait. The hostess showed them to a round, linen-covered table and left them in the hands of their waiter. Kassius remained standing until Teague seated Sephanie, then took one of the seats near her.

After the waiter brought them some wine, Kassius focused on their woman. He put his hand over hers where it rested on the table, drawing her attention to him. When her beautiful green eyes met his, he smiled. He intended to focus completely on her tonight.

They talked, ate, and drank. She’d relaxed in the relatively short space of the meal and begun opening up to them. The night went fabulously until she asked Berenger about his business.

“It’s been busy, especially over the past week or so. To the extent that I haven’t been able to help out Kassius as I usually do at this time of year.” Berenger smiled at her. “But you have reminded me I haven’t seen your vehicle in a while. Schedule an appointment.”