The Irresistible Bundle (128 page)

PUNKED

~ DIEGO ~

"Is it me or does it feel like our moms have us doing bullshit stuff to keep us busy?" Griffin growls in frustration. It's been three freaking hours and we're still not done with their to-do list. I would've said screw it but I don't want to upset them.

"We missed Thanksgiving" I remind him yet again. I feel guilty enough every time I look at my parents and see them carefully watching Carina. Muñeca is tough as nails but she isn't invincible.

Griffin grumbles the entire time making it feel like hours later rather than a mere 15 minutes. We hurry back to his place wanting to meet up with the girls. We only have a few precious days with our families before needing to head back so the girls can perform for the New Year's events happening between
Scandalous
and
Hedonism.
If I don't allow myself to think about what Nicholas has planned for them it makes it easier to pretend they're going to any other regular job.

"Looks like the gang's all here" Griffin pulls into the driveway noting the other cars already parked. He gave Valentino and Marco access to one of the family cars during this visit. The familiar vehicle is parked close to the pool house where they're staying. I think Marco is more nervous about meeting our parents than Carina and Valentino combined. I can't blame the dude though. How many parents can ever say having their little princess bring two men home at the same time?

"I don't like this" Griffin pauses before getting out of the car. I follow his gaze to the enormous living room windows. Carina and Desirae are frantically running around. What the hell were they doing while we were out?

"Let's go find out" I state with a false sense of confidence.

"If you get me pulled into your prank bullshit" he hisses. I smirk; can't help it. If Carina's pulling pranks then I'll take whatever she dishes at me. Her smiles and laughter are rare these days. I treasure every single one of them. Hell, I treasure anything remotely like that from both of them.

"Should we sneak in from the back?" Griffin suggests. He's eyeing the doors and windows looking for booby traps. I roll my eyes at the amateur. Carina wouldn't do something like that especially at his parents' house.

"Nope" I more confidently state. I'm even willing to waltz right in to prove that we're safe, at least for the moment. "They've already seen us. I refuse to back down in any way." Carina is still pissed about the bird-shitting-on-her-picture. Still makes me howl with laughter every time I see the freaking thing. Good thing I never got rid of it.

Desirae flings the door open. I can't help but stare at her radiance. She's wearing short black high-waist shorts with a red sexy strapless top that has some sort of bubbled hem at the bottom. She's barely showing belly but it's enough to tantalize my senses. Her legs are like miles long making me want to take her to my room and wrap them around my waist while I get lost in her.

"Hey handsome" she purrs. Not a good sign. She's in predator mode which has me on high alert. Shit's about to go down. Maybe I should've listened to Griffin. It's been months since I've pulled any shit on them. My internal radar blares loudly but I ignore it. If Carina's in a playful mood I'll tolerate whatever they throw at me.

"What you up to Troublemaker?" The nickname is Marco's doing but it aptly fits my sister and her best friend.

"I can show you what I'd like to do if we go to your room" she croons.

My dick is all for it, pushing against my jeans trying to cause a fucking riot. Nope, not happening; me and Des plus sex ain't happening. It's fucking killing me but I'll die from blue balls first. I want to court her. Yeah, that's right; the old-fashioned kind of courting. We'd been dancing the dance for months, making beautiful progress. Carina's attack blew everything to smithereens including the miniscule chance Des had given me but I'm doing whatever necessary to regain her trust. It isn't going to be easy and it's going to be one hell of an uphill battle but I know she's worth it.

"Hey guys" Carina skips into the foyer making Griffin narrow his eyes at the two beauties. Our internal radars blare loud warning signals, but we need to figure out their game plan before they get us, or at least me. "Diego, some package came for you so we put it in your room."

"Oh" I laugh. "Nice try sis but I ain't falling for that shit."

Carina blinks all wide-eyed and innocent looking. "I promise nothing will attack you Diego." Her syrupy voice doesn't fool me. Something is up.

"Let's make a deal" Griffin crosses his arms over his chest looking between me and the girls. "I'll go get this
package
" he says the word using air quotes "but if something even makes contact with me in any way: sprays, wets, hits..."

"We get your point" Desirae barks but Griffin isn't moved.

"I'll give you a full body massage with whatever oil you choose if something does get you" Carina's low sultry voice has my best friend's eyes glazing over. Fuck. I know he'd never try anything with my sister but the little vixen is still potent. Guys haven't been able to develop immunity to her.

"Deal" Griffin all but squeaks before taking the stairs two at a time.

"Aren't you going to follow him" Desirae challenges. She's just too damn eager to get me to my room. They've had almost four hours to pull off whatever shit they did. I don't know if I want to go up there.

"Oh shit" Griffin yells from the hallway. "Really Carina?"

Desirae bounces in place making her luscious tits almost touch her chin. Is it wrong of me to hope that her top falls off? The girls stare at me expectantly. Damn-it, I won't get past the foyer unless it's going straight to my room. I narrow my eyes one last time at the troublesome duo before marching up the stairs. Possibilities bounce around in my head: my room vandalized with silly string, toilet paper everywhere, my bed smelling like the strongest perfume on the planet. I mean the immature possibilities are endless.

Griffin is still in the hallway bent over gasping for air. "My mom left a note that she wants it to stay this way."

Okay definitely not what I want to hear. This is my unofficial room in the Harris household. What the hell have Carina and Desirae done?

Pink. It's everywhere. I'm not sure what's more hideous: the pink, glittery curtains; rainbow blinds; pink, fuzzy rugs or the cheetah-print-but still-pink bed set. No I take that back, it can get worse. The furniture's bedazzled and the walls are littered with framed photos of Marco, Valentino, and Jaxon in bikinis and clubbing outfits completely violating my eyes.

"They lost a bet" Desirae smirks as I shield my eyesight from more obscene poses. Seeing Jaxon forever frozen in a framed image trying to drop it like he's hot is wrong on so many levels.

"Did you notice Jaxon's nuts escaping from their bikini bottom prison?" Des points right to his junk and you can't help but
not
see it. I jerk my face away regretting stepping into this room.

"Make it stop" Griffin wheezes. This is SO not funny. I have to sleep here and there's no way in hell I want to be looking at those scantily-clad, hairy fuckers. I mean Jaxon and Marco? I expect this kind of shit from... but Valentino... Really?

Carina and Desirae high-five each other like they just accomplished something great. This is nothing. My humiliating picture of Carina garnered way more reactions so I'll let this little vomit-inducing decorum stay; for now. I might just take the guys' pictures though and keep them for future blackmailing purposes. That's some scary shit to look at.

"Let's get ready for dinner" Carina states as she pulls Desirae away. Tonight's the big night. Our parents get to meet Valentino and Marco. I pray everything goes well. Actually I'm praying more that Dad doesn't try to strangle anyone. I actually like the guys and they're great for Carina.

~

"That went remarkably well" Griffin moans as he shifts the ice bag.

"What part" I snicker, "The one where my parents actually accepted Carina's three-way relationship or where Desirae managed to still kick our asses."

"She should be required to have a concealed weapons permit on her at all times" Griffin indignantly scoffs. "How the hell can she turn random shit into weapons?"

I shrug completely impressed with the freckled beauty. I've seen her in the dungeons. She's fucking breathtaking to watch. I honestly don't know what the fuck we were thinking that we could somehow cheat and get away unscathed. Actually I was thinking Griffin would get his ass shredded while I got away scot-free. Um that was a resounding no.

"I think your dad isn't making a big deal because they aren't serious yet" Griffin muses. "The minute they put a ring on her finger or knock her up, Ignacio will be singing a whole different tune."

"Carina and Desirae are hanging out with some of her high school friends tomorrow... Let's plan something with the guys." It's not often we got to hang out with Valentino and Marco without Carina attached to their hip.

"Good idea" Griffin yawns making me realize the late hour. "I'm hitting the sack" he mumbles before sliding off the loveseat limping to his room. I hear Carina and Desirae somewhere in the house but they're spending much needed girl time with our moms. I don't want to bother them. Instead I make the trek to my room trying my damnedest not to limp like Griffin. She didn't break me.

The overwhelming amount of pink threatens to shrink my balls. I throw my clothes on the floor purposely making the room look messy. I'm not a slob but there's no way in hell I'm staying in a room that diminishes my manhood. Slipping into my basketball shorts, I walk into the bathroom with the intention of sleeping in the game room or family room after I brush my teeth. There are plenty of places to sleep in this house. Hopefully they'll feel bad enough and change the room back to its original decorum.

My eyes feel heavy but I refuse to go to sleep with bacteria multiplying like rabbits in my mouth. I grab the toothpaste pausing for a moment. They didn't redecorate the bathroom. Rather than providing me with a sense of relief it puts me on edge. I dab a smidge of toothpaste on my finger tasting it before using it. I make a mental note to exchange the body wash, shampoo, and shaving cream with another bathroom before taking a shower in the morning. Carina and Desirae are amateurs in this game. Adding shit to toiletries is child's play but I won't take anything for granted.

The moment my toothbrush makes contact with the inside of my mouth it lights everything on fire. My inner cheeks and taste buds burn; making my eyes water. What the fuck did they do? A roar escapes reverberating and echoing off the spacious bathroom walls. I frantically spit trying to get rid of whatever they put on my toothbrush. Fuck, I'd smelled it and felt it. It was dry and didn't smell like toilet water or anything. Water, I can't use water... that will make it worse.

Griffin runs in ready to protect me. He pauses watching me in confusion as I scrub my tongue in vain. "Why are you screaming like a bitch?"

"I roared" I correct him although I think my tongue and lips are starting to swell a bit. Maybe water isn't such a bad idea.

The girls tumble in laughing like a pair of fucking hyenas. This time I growl, all manly and shit, getting their attention. Carina's eyes widen while Desirae's wickedly gleam. Oh, she likes torturing me. Two can play this game.

"What the hell did you do to him?" Griffin asks with a hint of awe and admiration in his voice. Is he fucking serious?

"Soaked his toothbrush for a few hours" Desirae shrugs all nonchalant and shit, "Needed to disinfect it."

"With what?" Griffin muses.

"Warheads and Tabasco Sauce" Carina replies.

"Game on you two... Game on" I bulldoze through the trio but not before Carina and Desirae smack my ass and back making me stumble in surprise and pain. I'd bet $20 that Carina landed the viscous slap to my exposed back while Desirae copped a cheap shot to my ass. It's all good.

"Diego don't fuck with me" Desirae warns as if she's got the right to stay out of it.

"You fucked with me the moment I laid eyes on you
Tesoro.
No going back now." I storm out of the room finding the farthest corner to crawl into in hopes of regaining my composure. The fucking toothbrush was a bulls-eye. That shit sucks major ass.

"What does that mean?" Desirae's voice fades as I stomp away. Good she's curious, meaning she's interested. Let's just see how my little treasure reacts when she learns what it means. Because for all the imperfections Des so flagrantly flaunts she's a priceless treasure in my eyes and I have every intention of reclaiming her.

READY

~DESIRAE~

"Carina, Jaxon..." Nicholas calls out, "May I see you in my office?"

We haven't been back from California for more than a few hours and Nicholas is already talking business. Go figure that Carina, Marco, and Valentino's horny asses couldn't make it back to their places. No, they had to come straight to the estate and get their freak on in front of everyone.... Excluding us. Talk about some fucked up shit. I don't ask to join, anymore. All I ever ask is for them to let me watch. There is nothing better than seeing Marco suck Valentino's dick with Carina being the caramel filling to their lusciousness.

I like to think Andrea and Griffin agree with me, for the most part. Griffin might skip out on the V & M show unless Carina's bits are involved but I love watching every second of it. My mouth still waters every time I get a glimpse of V's spectacular dick. I do miss bringing that man to his knees...

Nicholas' request is met with a heavy silence. Everyone knows what he wants. Even though we want the same thing it isn't right to expect Carina to perform for New Year's. I still see her twinge with pain from time to time. Rib injuries are nasty bastards. I should know.

Valentino and Marco abruptly stand. This ain't going to go over well. Marco's like a fucking stick of dynamite. It doesn't take much to light his fuse over Carina. The guys are very protective of her, okay of us really. If someone doesn't step in Marco's liable to start throwing punches to make his point.

"With all due respect boss, can the boys and I have a word with you first?" There are only two men I consider a boss with Nicholas being one of them. Regardless of whatever vested interest I may have with
Hedonism
he will still always be the one I report to.

Marco nods his head in agreement. He doesn't wait for us, just turns away marching out of the room. Valentino whispers something in Carina's ear before kissing her on the cheek. Leave it up to V to be all gentle about shit. Bet he still told her to park her ass in the dining hall with the others.

Nicholas gently places his hand on my back leading me out. I feel their questioning stares but oh fucking well. I took the initiative knowing the guys need a referee. That and Carina really needs someone's unbiased opinion. Nicholas wants to push while V and Marco want to keep her in a protective bubble.

Fuck that shit. We can find middle ground.

"You have no right to ask this of her" Valentino growls. Nicholas hasn't even closed the door before the guys begin their verbal assault. I'm surprised that V isn't even letting Nicholas present what he wants to talk about. I mean we can all assume it's about Carina and Jaxon performing but still... Maybe he wants them to play host and hostess for the night. Who knows?

Regardless, I'm on the fence. I don't think Carina's 100% ready but it would be good for her to get back on stage with Jaxon.

"But we won't know if she's willing to do it if we don't ask" Nicholas rebuts. He begs me with his eyes as if I can change Marco and Valentino's mind on the subject.

"What do you want?" I ask instead. It's easier to broach the subject that way.

"Maybe two group numbers: one opening, one closing. I'd like Carina and Jaxon to do a sensual ballad number... Maybe something they could do a slow number to while singing." Nicholas suggests.

"Why can't Marco dance with Carina?" I thumb over at the Italian Stallion. It doesn't make sense why he can't perform onstage with Carina at
Scandalous
.

"Because Carina and Jaxon already have a number prepared" Nicholas states, clearly exasperated with me. "They would've performed it already if she hadn't been injured."

No one responds. It's been almost two months since the attack but Carina is still recovering mentally and physically from the assault. I still hear her having nightmares but each morning she gets up acting like Pete doesn't fucking haunt her.

"I'll ask her" I offer. Nicholas always pressures Carina to do something for the estate or the nightclub. If Valentino or Marco makes the offer heaven only knows how they'd present it.

The men stare at me with trepidation plastered all over their faces. I shrug it off because really it's the best solution. Carina will be honest with me. I'll immediately be able to tell if she's game or not.

Nicholas sighs in defeat knowing that no matter what he won't be presenting the idea to Carina himself. Valentino and Marco nod but don't look pleased. They're worse than Mother Hen's regarding Carina's safety and comfort. It's amazing the poor girl can wipe her ass on her own.

"I'll let you know what she decides." I don't wait for their consent. There are several performances planned for that night. We need to know what Carina wants to do and what kind of theme we're going to go with.

~

"Nicholas said you and Jaxon already had a number prepared but were never able to perform it" I interject as Sati discusses ideas for the New Year's Eve party at
Scandalous
.

Sati scowls but doesn't reprimand me about the interruption. Her eyes momentarily widen with the statement. Apparently they'd forgotten about that number.

"Actually I have a request" Jaxon raises his hand like he's in fucking grade school. He looks between Carina and Sati before continuing. "There's a number I want to do that doesn't require belleza to sing."

Everyone stares expectantly at Carina. No matter the consensus, ultimately it'll be her decision. Ariel and Beatriz stepped up for the last few performances but the night's never complete without a performance from Carina. Patrons and
Hedonism
members constantly ask about numbers featuring Carina and Jaxon. I don't know how she interacts with him while resisting the temptation to fuck his brains out afterwards. I don't think I have the same sense of willpower.

"Like what" she asks with a spark of interest in her eyes. Jaxon rarely initiates suggestions. He helps refine the numbers or provides the male perspective to performances but that's about it.

Rather than saying it out loud Jaxon whispers it in her ear. Sati pouts while Andrea boos. I take it one step further by throwing the nearest object at him.

"Ow" he howls as the notebook hits him upside the head.

"I think we can do that number without a problem" Carina winks at him. Sati and Jaxon beam with joy. She genuinely appears excited about whatever Jaxon suggested. I just hope it isn't something she'll later regret.

"I have one more request then" Sati's eyes gleam. Her vibrating body means big trouble. She wants to do one of "those" numbers; the kind Nicholas loves. Apparently she doesn't want to be outdone by the sex-god in the room. Sati shoos Jaxon away before discussing her idea for the group number. Hope he likes the mouthful of resentment he tastes since Sati just gave him a dose of his own medicine.

Although the others miss it, I notice Carina's apprehension. She might be ready to perform with Jaxon but she might not be quite ready to lap dance with random strangers.

"How about Carina just sings" I interject. Sati cringes making me want to slap her for her insensitivity. Why does everyone act like a few weeks is enough time to get over something that traumatic and expect them to just move on? Maybe it's because I see the telltale signs. Maybe it's because I look for them. Don't people understand that sometimes you
never
recover from the shit that happens to you?

"No" Carina shakes her head trying to convince us as much as she is herself. "How about we compromise and have a section of handpicked guys specifically for me?"

"Like the guys?" I offer. Carina can easily take up most of the song with just her men, Nicholas, and even Jaxon. If we need to throw in Griffin to make it appear as if she has more men in her section that can easily be accommodated. Hell, we can even throw cupcake into the mix.

"You can dance for the Dean as well" Sati waggles her eyebrows. It's almost guaranteed that Dean Richard will be at the nightclub for the festivities.

"Why would we take that away from you" Carina retorts. It's no secret that the Dean openly eye-fucks Sati whenever she performs.

"We'll work the details out" Sati confirms. Everyone wants the group back onstage and this is a great way to get Carina's feet wet and back into the mix. One performance with Jaxon and one with us should help ease her into it. The night is destined to be a success or failure.