Chapter 6

It wasn’t hard for the men to control their libidos, especially with Nevvie’s black eye and wounded stare. She flinched at sudden movements and loud noises. At night she curled up next to one or both of them on the couch while watching TV, her need for tender security washing off her in desperate waves.

They held her when she cried and slept with their door open to listen for her screams as she awoke, terrified and combative, swinging against the memory of Alex’s attack. Valium didn’t even help. She shivered in their arms when yet another night terror shook her awake. After one particularly bad night, Tyler took a book to her bedroom and sat with her, reading until she fell asleep tightly clinging to his side.

Thomas leaned against the doorway, his arms crossed. Tyler motioned him over and whispered in his ear, “Do you want to sit with her? I only had about an hour’s sleep last night.”

Thomas nodded and they carefully swapped places. Tyler reached over and brushed the hair from her face, then leaned in to Thomas. “Do you want me to come back later?”

“I’ll stay with her.”

Tyler kissed him, touching foreheads for a moment before he returned to their bedroom.

Thomas closed his eyes and tried to sleep, but the anger coursing through him threatened to boil over. He knew where the bastard lived. It wouldn’t take much to grab a couple of buddies and beat the living shit out of him again. A new meaning to “gay bashing.”

His hand had nearly healed. He imagined Alex had two great shiners the next day, and he suspected he’d broken the asshole’s nose. He’d never tell Tyler how close he came to strangling the guy. It would have been so easy. Alex was nearly unconscious when he finally stopped pounding him. He kicked him in the balls several times, that much he remembered. And in the ribs, giving him a taste of his own medicine.

Fucker.

He studied Nevvie as she shifted in sleep, her hand resting on his thigh. She was so sweet. How could anyone but a sadistic asshole want to hurt her? An hour later he was nearly asleep when she moaned and jumped. He instantly enveloped her in his arms, holding her tightly before she started swinging.

She stiffened, fighting at first, then relaxing when he murmured in her ear, “It’s okay, Nevvie, I’ve got you, sugar. You’re safe, you’re okay.”

She broke down, sobbing and clinging to him. He rocked her, soothing her. She finally drifted off with his arms around her and slept until morning.

* * *

Nevvie didn’t want to leave the house while she still looked like hell. The first day, Tyler had scrounged some of their clothes, T-shirts and shorts for her to wear around the house. Then he purchased a few basics in her size to tide her over until he could take her shopping.

Nearly two weeks after the attack, Tyler coaxed her out of the house. He loaded her in the Lexus and drove across town to WestShorePlaza. Tyler didn’t want to risk running into Alex or his cronies at University Square Mall so close to home. Tyler wasn’t afraid of Alex for his sake, but without Thomas to help protect Nevvie, he wouldn’t risk her safety.

She hesitated in the parking lot. “Tyler, I can’t afford—”

“Shush.” He held the car door and extended his hand. She finally took it, and he led her inside to Macy’s. She balked at the doorway, but he insisted.

“Come along, love.” He leaned in close, his mouth to her ear. “Please, let us do this. You’re our girl, and we want you to have whatever you need. Trust me, we can well afford it.”

She reluctantly followed him through the store. First stop, lingerie. He found a sales clerk and instructed her to get whatever Nevvie wanted. Of course she gravitated to functional versus fun. Before they finished in that department he looked Nevvie in the eyes.

“Sweetheart, you need to get something else.”

“What?”

He dropped his voice. “Pick some fun things. We want you to feel good about yourself.”

He knew it was a huge risk, but she nodded. The sales clerk helped her pick out a few more bras and panties, these with lace and less material. He flashed Nevvie an okay sign, and she smiled.

She wanted shorts and jeans, and while he agreed he also nudged her to the more feminine dresses, slacks and skirts. Today wasn’t the time to convince her she needed a flirty sundress, but he wanted her to dress like the beautiful woman she was. She needed things for home as well as work clothes for Thomas’ office.

This, Tyler knew, was the first of many shopping trips. The next time he wanted Thomas with them, because Tyler knew with the combined weight of their approval she couldn’t refuse. He’d also send her shopping alone with Thomas so he could pick things for her.

Last stop, shoes. Sneakers, of course. While he tried to nudge her into a stunning pair of stilettos that nearly made him hard just picturing her in them, she preferred a pair of dressy flats. He also talked her into loafers that went well with her slacks and jeans, and a cute pair of sandals she decided to wear out of the store.

That was enough for one day. He didn’t want to overload her. They lunched at Olive Garden, then at home he sat cross-legged on her bed while she modeled her new clothes for him. She looked happy and it warmed his heart to see her smile again.

She insisted on cooking dinner. Tyler was watching TV when Thomas returned home. He glanced at Nevvie in the kitchen before leaning over for a kiss.

“Well?” he whispered.

“It’s a start. She had fun and she’s got the basics. We’ll need to take her out again.”

“We? But you’re so good at that.”

Tyler glared at him. “We meaning you and I, lover. I know you’d rather have a colonoscopy than go clothes shopping, but think about having your own sweet Nevvie to dress.”

He considered, then smiled. “You know me too well, evil genius.”

“How do you think I keep your interest up?”

Thomas goosed him. “Maybe we’ll get a chance to get our interest up tonight if she sleeps well.”

Tyler patted his arm. “Let’s see how she is. I don’t want her alone with her night terrors.”

After dinner all three sat on the couch, Nevvie’s head in Tyler’s lap and getting a foot rub from Thomas. They realized around nine that she was sound asleep.

“Well?” Thomas whispered.

Tyler looked into her peaceful face. “I don’t have the heart to disturb her. You go to bed. I’ll stay with her.”

Thomas carefully moved her feet from his lap. She didn’t awaken, and he leaned over and kissed Tyler good night.

“I love you,” he whispered in his ear. “You did good, Ty. If I hadn’t listened to you about going after her…” He couldn’t finish.

“It’s all right. She’s safe, that’s all that matters.”

Thomas nodded and padded down the hall to bed.

Tyler grabbed a throw pillow, wedging it under his right side, leaning over to doze without waking her.

* * *

Around midnight, Nevvie awoke on the couch and realized she still occupied Tyler’s lap. For the first time since being there she didn’t have the terrifying dream that jolted her out of sleep—that the boys didn’t arrive in time and what Alex would have done, Alex morphing into Steve Moses and her terrified screams as she tried to fight him off.

She closed her eyes and inhaled, her nose pressed against Tyler’s stomach, his scent warming her heart. It felt right being curled up here with him. He felt right.

In sleep, Tyler’s left hand had come to rest comfortably over her mid-drift. Like this she could imagine they were lovers, dream of what she wished she had, platonically absorb it.

She laced her fingers through his and snuggled closer, drifting back to sleep.

Thomas awoke at one and realized Tyler still wasn’t in bed. He found them on the couch and knew Tyler wouldn’t be able to walk the next morning if he slept contorted all night. He gently nudged him, then carefully scooped Nevvie up. In sleep she put her arms around his neck and muttered something.

He carried her to her bedroom and Tyler pulled back the covers. Then Thomas whispered in his ear, “You get some sleep, I’ll stay with her. You’ve got to be in New York in two days, and you won’t sleep tomorrow night with your nerves.”

“You know me too well, love.” He kissed him and returned to their room while Thomas curled next to her and went back to sleep.

* * *

Nevvie awoke and realized she was in her bed with a warm, firm body comfortably snuggled against her.

She felt the arm draped around her waist: Thomas. Already she could tell the two apart just by their scent, not to mention their bodies. His arms were longer and leaner, not overly muscled but firm and well-defined, his fingers thicker, the hair on his arms a different texture. Tyler’s fingers were long and thin, and she imagined they were skilled at the most delicate of…

Mmm. Quit thinking like that, or poor Thomas would get a surprise. She snuggled close and laced her fingers through his, quickly returning to a deep, dreamless sleep.

* * *

The next morning, Nevvie awoke alone to the smell of coffee brewing. She rolled over, wondering if she’d dreamed Thomas slept in her bed. She put her hand on the mattress next to her—still warm. She buried her head in the other pillow and smelled his scent still fresh on the fabric.

She’d slept like a log.

She used the bathroom and walked out to the kitchen. Thomas stood at the counter in his silk sleeping boxers, with his back to the hallway, reading the paper while waiting for the coffee. The muscles in his bare back rippled against his skin. Lean, firm, and tanned, a contrast to Tyler’s softly trim but more compact form.

Nevvie put her arms around his waist, laying her cheek against his warm back. He put his hands over hers and squeezed.

“Good morning. Did you sleep okay?”

“You slept with me last night?”

He finally turned and gave her a proper hug, kissing the top of her head. “I hope you don’t mind. You fell asleep in Ty’s lap and I found you guys around one. He’s still asleep, probably a pretzel this morning.”

She felt guilty. “Oh, poor Ty. I’m sorry.”

“No, sugar.” He hugged her again. “Don’t be sorry, it’s okay. You’ve got a lot to deal with. Believe me, we’re more than happy to do it.”

It felt good resting her head against his chest, feeling his soft curly hair against her cheek. “Thank you,” she whispered. “I appreciate it. I’m sorry I’ve turned your lives upside down.”

“Stop.” She looked up at his firm tone and fell into his deep brown eyes. “Nevvie, we mean it. You’re part of our family. You’re our girl. Let us take care of you.” He kissed her forehead and patted her back. “Coffee’s almost ready. Why don’t you take Tyler’s in to him? I was already in there, he’s decent. Well, he’s got boxers on.” He smiled. “I don’t know how decent he is.”

“It’s the least I can do.” She fixed herself a mug and took a sip, then fixed Tyler’s—black. Their bedroom door wasn’t completely shut and she cautiously stuck her head in. Stretched on his left side, facing the edge of the bed away from her, Tyler had the sheet pulled up to his waist and his arm wrapped around a pillow.

He looked so comfortable. She’d love to slide into bed with him and wrap her arm around his waist.

Or wrap her lips around his…

Yum.

Tyler’s trim backside and sturdy thighs spoke of ready action. She’d seen school pictures of him on the soccer team—football, pardon—and even then his eyes and smile were addictive. Maybe a few extra pounds across his torso now, but still firm and grabbalicious. Mega-scrumptious.

Kissable.

She walked across the bedroom and placed the mug on his bedside table, then sat next to him. His hair fell across his forehead and she couldn’t resist reaching out and tenderly brushing it from his face. He opened his eyes and sleepily smiled.

“Hey. Good morning, love.”

She struggled not to lean over and kiss him. “Thomas told me you stayed on the couch with me last night. Thank you.”

He caught her hand and kissed it. “It’s all right, sweet. I didn’t have the heart to wake you.”

“How’s your back?”

He started to turn over and winced. “Been better, I’m afraid.”

“Roll over.”

She straddled him and worked her hands down his shoulders and back, struggling not to lean forward and kiss him.

He moaned appreciatively. “Oh, sweetheart, that’s fantastic.”

“Where’s it hurt?”

“Down lower.”

She scooted lower, his ass between her legs. He groaned louder as she kneaded the muscles above his hips. “Right there. Jesus that’s fantastic, darling.”

Thomas’ deep laugh startled her. “I wondered what you were doing to him.”

She blushed but didn’t stop. “I figured I owed him.”

Thomas sat on the bed and watched. “He likes his back cracked, too.”

“Huh?”

“Stay there. I’ll show you.” Thomas changed position, kneeling behind her with his arms around her, also straddling Tyler. He showed her how to position the heels of her palms and then leaned forward with a quick motion. She heard and felt a distinctive pop.

“Ah! Oh, baby, do that again,” Tyler groaned against the bed.

Nevvie laughed, but something in his voice and the combined feel of the men’s bodies started a deep throbbing between her legs. To have them, even like this, was a dream come true.

Thomas showed her different ways to use her thumbs, how to shift her weight to her hands, where the muscles and vertebrae were and how to trace them with her fingers. Between the feel of his arms and hands over hers, and her hands on Tyler, she could barely speak.

Tyler didn’t complain, happily groaning and melting into the mattress. He sighed when they climbed off him fifteen minutes later.

“I’m not moving. That was heavenly,” he mumbled into the bed.

Thomas swatted him on the ass. “Get up. You’ve got an early flight tomorrow. Lots to do.”

Tyler groaned. “You can’t make me.”

“You agreed to speak at that conference. I bet you don’t even have your speech notes printed yet.”

She smiled at their repartee, enjoyed seeing them like this.

“Fuck you, Thomas,” he muttered from the bed.

Thomas grinned and swatted his ass again. “Promises, promises.”

Sitting on her knees at the end of the bed, Nevvie laughed out loud.

Thomas looked at her. “Oh, you think that’s funny, do you, sugar?”

She nodded, unable to contain her giggles. Thomas grabbed her around the waist and tickled her, pulling her down to the bed as she screamed with laughter. Tyler looked over, realized he was missing out, and started in on her too. A few minutes later she begged for mercy. The men relented, and she laid there gasping and giggling, looking up at them.

Then, realizing this was her new life, she burst into tears.

The men exchanged a worried look. Thomas reached for her, gathering her into his arms. “I’m sorry, I thought—”

“No, it was fun.” She cried on his shoulder and felt Tyler press against her back, his arms around them. “I’m happy,” she assured them.

“Overwhelmed?” Tyler asked.

“Yeah. In a good way.” She finally relaxed between them. “You guys have no idea how much you mean to me.” She took a deep breath and sat up, wiping her eyes. “Happy tears, I swear.”

Tyler kissed her forehead. “Good. We want to keep you happy. There’s no better sound in the world than your laughter, pet.” He reached for his coffee and took a sip. “I guess you’re right, I need to get moving.” He looked at Nevvie. “I don’t want you left alone while I’m gone, sweetheart. Not this soon.” Left unsaid, the men’s worry that Alex might somehow track her to their house.

“She can go to work with me tomorrow, it’s Friday. You feel up to learning that end of the business?”

She smiled. “That sounds good.”

“Great. I know Tyler likes to hog you.”

“Balderdash!” Tyler winked at Nevvie.

“Well, you do, Ty,” Thomas said with a wicked grin that belied his words.

Nevvie laughed. “You guys are too funny.”

Thomas stood and helped her up. “Ty won’t be back till Monday, you can go in with me then, too.”

“Take her by the insurance agent tomorrow, get her added to our policy, and her health insurance,” Tyler said as he climbed out of bed. “Oh, and a cell phone, definitely handle that. Will you have time to get her a car this weekend?”

“Don’t you want to help?”

Tyler looked disgusted. “Since when am I a help shopping for cars?”

“Good point.”

She laughed again and the boys looked at her. “You want another tickling, young lady?” Thomas warned in a playful voice. She clapped a hand over her mouth and shook her head. His next question was to Tyler. “Which account for the car?”

“Use the money market account, checkbook’s in my desk drawer.” He took his mug and walked to the bathroom, stretching and flexing his back. “Damn, you guys can rub my back like that every morning if you wish. That was simply amazing.” He closed the door behind him.

I’d love to rub his front, Nevvie thought. The fact that they talked about buying a car like it was nothing amazed her.

Stupid. They’ll buy you a cheap used one, of course. Don’t get excited over that.

But she was, because it would still be nicer than anything she’d ever had before. She instinctively knew her boys wouldn’t buy her a piece of junk. They’d buy her something they’d be proud to have her drive.

Thomas kissed her forehead. “Well, sugar, unless you want to help us take a shower…” He winked.

Jesus! The thought weakened her knees. She tried to play it back to him. “Don’t tempt me too much.” She winked back and turned to go when she felt a gentle swat on her bottom.

She jumped. Thomas playfully grinned, his sweet brown eyes holding hers. “How much would it take to tempt you?”

Holy Christ, is he kidding? She swallowed hard as her mouth went dry.

He smiled again. “You’re wonderful, Nevvie. Seriously. The three of us are going to have a blast. I don’t know what we did before you were here.”

She nodded and left, closing their door behind her. Then she went to her bedroom and closed her door, leaning on it for support, breathing hard. She was soaking wet. The fantasy of jumping into the shower between her sweet love gods was unbearably close and tantalizingly real.

It took a few minutes for her shaky legs to regain some strength.

* * *

She spent the day cleaning and helping Tyler pack for the conference. When Thomas returned she cooked dinner and they all curled on the couch in front of the TV. She was reluctant to go to bed until Tyler patted her thigh.

“I won’t sleep well tonight, sweetheart. I never do before a trip like this. If you don’t mind me setting the alarm early, why don’t I bunk with you? At least you’ll get a decent rest.”

Her heart skipped. “Okay.” Sleep all night with one of her sweet love gods? Hot damn!

“I’ll be there in a while, all right?”

She nodded, and somehow made it to her room on shaky legs. A few minutes later she heard their bedroom door close and assumed the boys were having a private goodbye.

* * *

Thomas held Tyler, kissing him, caressing his arms. “I’m going to miss you, Ty. This is the one thing I hate about what you do.”

Tyler’s hand traveled lower, between Thomas’ legs, gripping his shaft. “I’ll be home on Monday. You won’t be alone, you’ll have Nevvie to keep you company.”

Thomas moaned as his lover stroked him. “You’ll call me, right?”

Tyler bent down and licked the silky smooth head, swirling his tongue the way Tom loved, using his lips on him. “Of course, love. No speaker phone for you this time. Not unless you want Nevvie listening in.”

“I have to admit, that would be fun.” Thomas sighed. “Way too soon. I promise I won’t push her while you’re gone.”

Tyler looked up. “I never doubted that. I know you would never rush her.”

Thomas ran his hands through Tyler’s hair, loving the soft, smooth texture. “Lucky bastard, you get to sleep with her tonight.”

Tyler deep throated him for a moment, and Tom’s fingers tightened on the back of his head. When he came up for air, “Ah, yes,” Tyler whispered, his voice husky with passion, “but first I get to make love to you.”

He bent to his task, using his lips and tongue and hands to stroke his lover, gently massaging him, bringing him to the edge several times until Tom’s hands gripped his head and he begged, “Please, Ty, do it. Please.”

“Do what?” he playfully asked, running his tongue from the tip to his balls and back again.

Tom looked down at him, meeting his deep blue eyes. “Make me come. Please, do it.”

Tyler smiled. “Anything to make you happy, sweet.” He worked on Thomas, skillfully stroking and licking his shaft, taking his time, working his lips and tongue along the smooth head and ridge. He swirled his tongue around the head, flicking the tip of his tongue underneath at the especially sensitive spot, then stroking him with his hand to bring him over.

When Thomas landed from his climax, he pulled Tyler up to him and kissed him.

“Jesus, I love you, Ty.”

“I love you too. You are my life.”

Thomas worked his way down his lover’s body, kissing him, massaging him, taking his time and also bringing him close several times without release. “You gonna think about me sucking you when you’re in that hotel room all alone?”

Tyler nodded, closing his eyes and enjoying what Thomas did to him. “Yes.”

“Gonna think about me working my tongue all over your balls?” He proceeded to do just that.

Tyler shivered. “God, yes!”

Tom wrapped his hand around Tyler’s rigid shaft and fisted it, taking the tip into his mouth, breathing in his familiar, musky scent. “I’m going to fuck you so good when you get home, sugar. You keep that in mind every night when you’re talking to me on the phone. I’m going to be so horny and I’m going to take good care of you.”

With that he deep throated him, his other hand gently squeezing his balls and Tyler moaned. Thomas knew how to make him last, alternating gentle, light licks along his shaft and head with firm strokes of his hand.

Tyler jerked his hips as he came, his whole body shuddering from the sensation.

After a few moments Thomas lay next to Tyler, holding him, cradling his lover to him, kissing him. “You stay safe. I worry when you go to New York. Don’t forget to lock the door. You always forget that.”

“I’ll be fine. I doubt I’ll leave the hotel where the conference is. It’s a hectic schedule. You take care of yourself, and our girl.”

Thomas hugged him. “You know I will.” He stared into his eyes. “You’d better get some sleep. When are you waking up?”

“Five. The car will be here at six.”

He hesitated. Tyler knew he wanted to say something. “What is it?”

“I don’t want to fuck up while you’re gone. Say the wrong thing.”

Tyler laid a hand on his cheek. “Thomas,” he whispered, “you love her as much as I do. You won’t fuck anything up. Be your sweet self, that’s all. Take care of her. Let her come to you as she needs you.”

“How much can I spend on the car?”

“There’s over ninety thousand in that account. I seriously doubt you’ll spend that much. You’ll have a fight on your hands to put her into a new car. Do not get her a used one. Don’t let her talk you into something tiny, either. I want her safe. Get her into a four-door.” He sat up and thought about it. “Take her to see Rollo, he’s a persuasive fellow. I’m sure he’ll be happy to have the repeat business. He’ll help you talk her into something appropriate.”

Thomas nodded and kissed him one last time. “Wake me before you leave.”

“I will.” Tyler pulled on his boxers and headed for the door. “Sleep tight, love.”

* * *

Nevvie had left her door open. Tyler set the alarm then carefully slipped into bed. She’d been dozing but immediately snuggled against him. He put his arm around her and fought to keep his cock from coming alive again.

She mumbled, “Good night, Tyler,” and squeezed his hand.

He kissed the nape of her neck. “Good night, sweetheart.”

Tyler laid there, listening to the sound of her breathing, the feel of her heartbeat under his hand, now trapped by her fingers laced through his. She was a perfect fit for his body in the same way he fit Thomas. He would miss her every bit as much as he’d miss his lover.

Thomas told him about the flirting after their impromptu tickle fight. That was a good sign. There’d been a few times Nevvie had engaged in playful banter with him, but he expected as much because they were closer and spent more time together each day. He wanted her to be as close to Thomas as she was to him, otherwise they could never take things further. To have her play favorites would rip all three apart, and that would devastate him.

Before a trip like this Tyler usually didn’t sleep well, but he soon dozed with the warmth of her skin against him and the scent of her hair caressing his thoughts like a dream.

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