Embracing Midnight (11 page)

T
he suite Iollan led her into went beyond opulent. Lush would be a better word. Absolute sumptuousness beckoned, the décor so splendidly arranged that Callie’s heart leapt at the sight of it all. Jaws agape and eyes wide, she stared at the chamber, mesmerized by its beauty.

A large open arrangement ruled under a low ceiling. Several large empire sofas were spread throughout, the burled walnut covered in warm red and green. Scads of fringed pillows were scattered on the floor covered with plush crème-shaded carpeting. Thick fabriclike wallpaper was a rich lustrous shade, deep ruby red. The color of lust—of the forbidden. Side chairs were covered in a muted gold fabric, a welcome break to the eye awash in the sanguine theme. A beautiful set of bay windows stretched across the rear wall, offering a breathtaking view of the city by night.

Hanging lamps with Victorian lace shades provided intimate lighting. An elaborate canopied bed dominated, its heart veiled by a fall of sheer curtains, strangely enthralling in a darkly seductive manner.

Drawn in as though sinking into a pit of warm honey, Callie felt the jolt of pure electric energy around her. Her senses were overwhelmed with the sights, the sounds, and sensations around her, caressing her, closing in with each breath she drew into her lungs. Heart hammering in her chest, she gazed around the rest of the chamber.

A huge Jacuzzi dominated the rear of the room, a buoyant and effulgent cerulean pool beneath the high arched ceiling. Two men were stretched out on towels beside the water, lolling like indolent tigers under the hot African sun. As naked as the day they were born, they left nothing to the imagination. Nothing. The musk of sexual heat mixed with the cloying scent of sandalwood incense, burned in such quantity that the air was hazy with smoke.

Seeing Iollan and Callie, the men waved.

One of them raised a glass. “At last you’ve come,” he greeted warmly. “We’ve been waiting.” His voice, like Iollan’s, was tinged with an Irish lilt.

Iollan waved back. “I had to fetch my lady.” He reached for Callie, sliding his arm around her waist in a reassuring manner. He bent toward her ear, whispering words only she heard. “Do you like it?”

Letting out the breath she’d been holding, Callie nodded. “My God. It’s magnificent.”

His potent gaze caught hers. “I thought you’d be pleased. I want you to feel completely at home here.”

She pressed a hand to her stomach, trying to settle the butterflies. No such luck. She was nervous as hell. “Um, not that I’m a prude or anything…Who are the naked guys?”

Iollan laughed. “They are my brothers.” Seeing her hesitate, he slipped a hand over her shoulder, caressing her nape. “I can ask them to leave if they make you uncomfortable.”

Callie quickly shook her head. She’d come this far. Now she had to see the night through, go wherever the coming events might take her. “No, it’s fine. I’d like to meet them.”

At that moment she knew there would be no turning back. She’d been the first to take her contact with Iollan to a sexual level, well before she’d been given official sanction to proceed in such a manner. Not exactly a stranger to sex with multiple partners, she found the idea of spending the night with three handsome men wasn’t exactly unappealing.

“Excellent.” His hand slipped into hers. An unexpected spark shot between them.

A rush of excitement flooded her veins, assuring her she’d made the right decision. No matter how much she tried, she couldn’t quell her incredible attraction to Iollan Drake. Forbidden fruit was the sweetest, most satisfying. She had to take a bite of the apple, poison or not.

Both men stood as she and Iollan approached, comfortable and unself-conscious in their nudity. She tried not to stare at the muscular, fine-planed lengths of their bodies. Impossible. Neither modesty nor embarrassment moved them to reach for cover.

Twins, they were very fair with long blond hair and full mouths. Both were lithe, tall and lean with narrow waists and strong muscular legs. Both men had the same bright copper eyes as Iollan. But their physical resemblance to Iollan ended there. They looked nothing like brothers.

Without trying to seem obvious, Callie’s gaze strayed lower. As for the rest of them…Both were well hung. Flaccid, their cocks were impressive. Magnificent, even. Her tongue found the inside of her cheek. She could do a lot with those, and she looked forward to trying.

Iollan made the introductions. “Calista,” he said, nodding toward the twin on the left. “This is Toryn.”

Looking at the two men, Callie knew she was in deep. Though the twins shared a resemblance, each man appeared unique. In fact, the twins were stunning. If forced, she’d be pressed to make a choice as to which one she found more attractive.

Intense awareness throbbed through her, keeping perfect rhythm with her hammering heart. All three were yummy enough to eat up with a spoon. Not that she planned to use a spoon if given the chance to get a little taste of the twins.

Toryn’s large hand claimed hers, offering a familiar squeeze. “A pleasure, my lady.”

“And this,” Iollan continued, “is Cadyn.”

Cadyn, too, took her hand. “An honor,” he said, bending and pressing his lips to her palm in a courtly kiss. “Our brother has told us much about his chosen.”

Callie’s brows rose. “Is that so?” She glanced to Iollan. “I had no idea.”

Iollan’s grin was shy. “You must forgive my bragging.”

Toryn clapped his brother on the shoulder. “And brag he has. We’ve heard nothing but praise of your beauty and charm since he laid eyes upon you.”

A bit embarrassed, Callie demurred. Hair in a tangle, cheeks reddened from the night’s wind, and dressed in old jeans and a T-shirt, she didn’t think she looked beautiful or even remotely attractive. “He flatters me in a most unjust manner.”

A glimmer of mischief lit Cadyn’s eyes. “I assure you, my brother offers no praise unless it is due.” He gave a little wink. “Trust me when I say his words are more than true. I admire—and envy—his choice. If you are ever unhappy with his attention, I will be glad to make up for his grievous failings.”

As if she needed reminding of Iollan Drake’s potent lovemaking.

Callie’s pulse unexpectedly shifted into high gear. Need throbbed between her legs. “I’ll keep that in mind.”

Iollan’s hand slipped around her waist, giving a reassuring squeeze. His touch was somehow comforting. Nervousness began to fade. “Don’t listen to him. He’s smug in his arrogance, perhaps the reason no woman will put up with him.”

Cadyn laughed. “Not arrogance. Confidence.”

Iollan held out a hand, shooing his hovering brothers away. “Easy, boys. Don’t scare her on her first night.”

“Of course,” Toryn said agreeably. “What she needs is a drink to calm her nerves, then a good long soak. Sit, and I will do the honors.” He headed to a low table. A crystal carafe and glasses were arranged on a beautiful, gold platter. Two glasses were filled and duly delivered. “The best batch I’ve brewed yet, if I do say so myself.”

Callie sat down on the love seat he indicated, settling back on its cushions. She accepted a glass filled almost to the brim with a dark rich liquid. It didn’t seem like anything she’d ever imbibed before. It looked strangely murky. “Thank you.”

Though the others drank, she hesitated. “What is it?”

“Mead.” Licking his lips after quaffing a healthy mouthful, Cadyn smiled. “Honey wine.”

Callie lifted her glass, sniffing. “I’ve never had mead before.”

Seeing her hesitation, Toryn rolled his eyes. “It’s very popular, actually. Though you can buy it, I prefer to make my own. The ingredients are simple, little more than honey, yeast, and water. Truly the nectar of the gods.”

“You’re in for a treat,” Iollan broke in. “Toryn makes it dark and sweet, with a hint of cinnamon and clove.”

Callie sipped, rolling the rich sweet drink over her tongue before swallowing. It tasted wonderful. She took a larger drink, and then another. The next thing she knew her glass was empty. She didn’t protest when Toryn offered a refill. Somehow time crept by and her glass had emptied again. Odd. She didn’t remember drinking it. Her brain felt mired, as if her senses were suddenly wrapped in a layer of cotton.

Sitting beside her, Iollan laid a hand on her arm. “You’d better take it easy,” he warned, shooting a wry glance at Toryn. “Mead is much stronger than it tastes.”

Darkness bubbled around the edges of her mind, like gray angry storm clouds building on the horizon. She felt a little dizzy. Hitting her empty stomach and then her bloodstream, the mead had triple the effect. Her head started to spin, the room around her whirling deliciously. “I’m beginning to think so.”

Helpful hands settled on her shoulders, strong fingers working the tense areas around her neck. “Perhaps you’d enjoy a little massage and a dip in the water,” Cadyn suggested.

Slipping the glass from her hand, Toryn reached to help her stand. “Come on, girl. We’ll take good care of you.”

For an instant nothing existed except a vast dark void. Callie felt dazed, dizzied, weightless, floating in a pleasant haze. If Toryn let go of her now, she’d fall flat on her ass. “What are you going to do?”

“They’re going to make you ready.” Iollan settled back, obviously comfortable with the idea.

She giggled. “For what?”

He eyed her from head to foot. “For me.”

Addled from the potent drink, Callie smiled agreeably. “Cool. Sounds good to me.”

“I’m glad you agree.” Swooping in from behind, Cadyn swept her up in his arms, depositing her on a nearby stool covered with crushed green velvet. “Steady now,” he breathed in her ear. “We’ll take good care of you.”

Callie gazed up into his mesmerizing eyes. “Promise?”

Smiling, Toryn joined them. “You’ll get only the gentlest of care. All the pleasure you can imagine lies within us. We only want to share that with you.”

His words struck a chord deep in her core, unwittingly augmenting her already insatiable appetite for debauchery. The heavens above had just handed over the chance to fulfill her secret heart’s desire: sex with these three gorgeous men. She had no doubt they were most skillful in intimate play. Her excitement built as she imagined their touch on her skin.

Caught in the snare of her most delicious fantasy, Callie made no protest when two sets of male hands reached for her, tugging at her in a familiar way.

“Take it easy,” Cadyn breathed, moving behind her. His warm fingers worked at her T-shirt, easing the thin material out of her tight jeans. “Can’t get into the water in your clothes.”

Callie relaxed, content to go with the flow. She lifted her arms, allowing him to take her top off. His firm fingers grazed the skin on her back as her tight sports bra followed, leaving her nude from the waist up.

Toryn knelt in front of her. Seeing him so close, she noticed a series of small scars riddled his neck, shoulders, and abdomen. Untying her boot laces, he slid them off and set them aside. He smiled up at Callie. “Your jeans next, please.”

Callie stood. Wobbling, she placed her hand on his shoulder to steady herself.

Toryn undid the top button and slid down the zipper, watching with eager eyes as they peeled away from her hips. He tugged them down, panties and all.

Naked, Callie tried not to tremble. She wasn’t cold or nervous, but untapped desire had given her the shivers. Her breasts stood pert, her nipples pebbled with excitement. Her pubic mound was hairless, shaved as slick as a whistle.

Sandwiched between two men opened up hundreds of possibilities. Toryn took her breasts in his hands and squeezed as if testing their weight and size. “Nice,” he murmured.

Callie blushed to the roots of her hair. “Thanks.”

“May I?”

“Of course.” The words escaped before she’d considered saying them.

“Thank you.” Toryn’s head dipped low, tongue swirling around one pink nipple.

Caught in the moment Callie ran her hands through Toryn’s thick hair, pushing her nipple deeper. A lusty moan broke from her lips. “Don’t stop,” she gasped. “That feels so good.”

“Looks like you’ll have to work to satisfy her,” Iollan chuckled.

Straightening up, Toryn placed a light kiss on her lips. Then, kissing the valley between Callie’s breasts, his mouth moved to the other nipple. He suckled it slowly, exploring the soft ridge with his tongue.

“And we shall try.” Cadyn’s hands came into the action, parting her ass cheeks.

Callie stiffened when his tongue probed deep, making contact with her anus.

He chuckled, giving one round cheek a playful bite. “This ass isn’t virgin.” Diving in, he licked in long slow strokes, tasting and enjoying.

Trying to contain the wild impressions careening through her skull, Callie started to tremble, body shuddering as the twins pleasured her with their mouths. Each slow, wet sweep of two sets of tongues sent her higher into the stratosphere. The scent around them was wild, musky, and hot. Between her thighs, her clit was swollen and pulsing, ready for action.

Just as she was about to peak, she heard Iollan’s amused laugh. “Slow down, brothers. Take it easy and let her get used to the idea there will be three men to serve her pleasure tonight.”