For This (Their Sub Series Book 3) Page 7

  “Oho, it sounds like we might be in trouble,” Diana chuckled.

  “Where the fuck are you guys?”

  “Well, based on that, I’d say we’re in deep shit,” Shona giggled and then shouted, “We’re out here on the patio, Chloe!”

  “He can’t do anything on a small scale. Oh no. Everything has to be huge—no, fucking humongous. Mountain lodge, my ass. This place is bloody palatial,” Chloe mumbled as she walked onto the patio, still glancing at the ground level interiors of the lodge.

  The two women gaped as Chloe stumbled to the chaise lounge next to theirs; sweaty and disheveled. Her scowl could’ve curdled milk.

  “Do not say one word.”

  “But—”

  “You deserted me! You threw me to the fucking wolves!”

  “But—”

  “And the cherry on the cake . . . no, the fucking cherry tree on the cake is that there are three of them! Three! How could you do this to me?”

  “But—”

  “Wi-n-n-ne! I need wine. Now.”

  “Chloe, it’s not even ten in the morning,” Diana tried to soothe her ruffled feathers. She had a pretty good idea why she was so upset. Rex, by himself, was a formidable man, add Wade and Mark to the mix, and you have a whole other animal.

  “I don’t give a shit. I need alcohol and lots of it. Somewhere, and I don’t care if it’s ten thousand miles from here, a plane has crossed overhead already. So, bring me wine!”

  Shona scurried to the outdoor bar on one side of the patio and returned with a bottle of Chardonnay and three glasses.

  “And where are all your hot husbands?” Chloe asked and gulped down the wine as soon as Shona handed it to her. “Fill up, girlfriend.”

  Shona glanced at Diana and widened her eyes. They guessed that Chloe had just been through an emotional wringer.

  “Oh, they went fishing early this morning. So, where are Rex and the guys?” Diana asked, looking around.

  Chloe waved her hand in the air. “Who cares. Somewhere, between here and the camping site, probably.”

  “What? Chloe, don’t tell me you hiked alone?” Shona exclaimed. “There are wild animals in these mountains.

  “No fucking animal would’ve tried to cross my path this morning. I came storming.”

  “Hm, that means you’re angry. What did they do, Chloe? Did they hurt you?” Diana was getting concerned as she watched Chloe hold out the glass for another refill. “Have you had breakfast yet?”

  “What did they do? You, of all people, are asking me that? You fucking know what they did! With all that . . . that . . . controlling, demanding . . . ugh! Voices! I hate their deep voices and . . . and . . . their perfect bodies. Agggh! And him . . . lemme tell you, he, is a goddamned demon!” Chloe raged and took another gulp of wine. It went down her throat smoothly, calming her. “And no, I’ve not had breakfast,” she added without remorse.

  “Come, let’s get you something to eat,” Diana cajoled. They stood around waiting when Chloe didn’t move. “Come, we’ll discuss this in the kitchen while we prepare some eggs and bacon.”

  “Naw, you go. I’ll just relax right here,” Chloe said with a wave of her hand.

  “Bollocks, my friend. Leave you alone with a fully stocked bar? In your state of mind? No way. Come, up you get,” Shona tried to pull her out of the chair.

  “Chloe, come on! You have to get something in your stomach.” Diana grabbed her other arm and together they managed to drag a whining, wine-guzzling Chloe to the kitchen with them.

  Chloe looked around and snorted. She settled on one end of a massive dining table.

  “Lodge? Gmphf. This kitchen is bigger and better equipped than Gordon Ramsey’s Hell’s Kitchen.” She finished the third glass of wine and tapped the edge. “I’m empty, girlie.”

  “And so is the bottle,” Shona said drily. “I think it’s time for some coffee. No, don’t give me that look. You’re already tipsy. Do you really want to be roaring drunk by the time Rex and the guys arrive?”

  “Passed out would be better,” she grunted and flopped on her back on the table with her legs kicking over the side. She sniffed her underarms. “Gaawd, I stink. Do you know what he made me do? Do you?” She demanded as she pulled up on her elbows on the table to glare at them.

  “I can’t say that we do, no,” Diana replied dryly with a wink at Shona. The heated pan sizzled when she dropped the bacon and then added two halved tomatoes.

  “He made me climb halfway up this mountain in my brand new Versace dress! And, that’s not all. Do you know what else he did?”

  “Ehm, he forgot the toilet paper?” Shona guessed, trying her best to contain her laughter. She cracked two eggs and seasoned them, while Diana prepared two slices of toast.

  “Oh, don’t get me started on that. No, that dratted man tore my panties off on the plane and . . . stop laughing you idiots. It’s not funny!”

  “Come on, Chloe! You have to admit, it’s hilarious. Hiking up a mountain in a three-thousand-dollar dress, bare-assed naked? Do tell! Did they at least take advantage of your—”

  “Shut up, Shona! I hate you. I hate both of you.” She sat up on the table and crossed her legs. Her sulky pout elicited more laughter. “Where’s that coffee you want me to drown in?”

  Shona chuckled and handed her a steaming mug. “We missed you, Chloe.” She hugged her and kissed her on the cheek. “Yuk . . . you’re right. You do stink. Better eat up quickly and go take a shower. It’ll make you feel better.”

  “So, where are the three cherubs?” Chloe asked around a mouthful of egg and bacon. She was still sitting on top of the table.

  “Kade and John’s parents are at the ranch, babysitting them. The babies are spoiled rotten and they’re not even three months old yet.” Diana had a fond look in her eyes. It was obvious that she was already missing them. It was the first time since their birth that she was away from them.

  “So, is that what this weekend in the mountain is about? Working on the next lot of brood?” Chloe bit into a thick, buttered piece of toast.

  “Oh, hell no! I am done. I’m not taking a chance at having another set of triplets. Brad can forget about that little girl he’s dreaming about. No. One of you will have to produce the girls to balance it out.” Diana sipped on her coffee and looked at Chloe over the rim of the cup. “You’re not going to make us forget about it, Chloe. Come on. Give us the juicy stuff.”

  “Pfft, juicy stuff, my ass. You don’t need me to tell you anything. You know very well what happened. You planned it. Yes, don’t give me that ‘butter won’t melt in your mouth’ looks!” Chloe scoffed, but her anger was dissipating. Of course, the wine helped.

  “Don’t be prissy. We shared everything. Come on, out with it. Did they rock your world? Did you have a foursome?”

  Diana and Shona’s eyes widened at the bright red blush that bloomed over her cheeks. Chloe never blushed!

  “No, a threesome with Rex and Wade, but Mark and I . . . in the shower earlier, and Rex on the plane and then on the way when Wade realized I wasn’t wearing panties he . . . well . . . you know,” she stuffed her blabbering mouth with the last pieces of bacon and egg.

  “And you could walk this morning? After all that?” Shona asked. Their gleeful faces gave away their plot.

  “Shuffled would be a more accurate description.”

  “And that’s why you decided to run; to exorcise those memories from your mind and body?” Diana asked tongue-in-cheek.

  “Well, no. I heard something in the trees behind me . . . that’s when I got my second wind.”

  “Dammit, Chloe! You could’ve been hurt.” Shona chastised her.

  “Hardly. The path to the lodge is clearly marked and well maintained.”

  “Yeah, and of course, you politely told mister lion to fuck off.”

  “No, Diana, I just shouted that I was gonna shove his tail up his ass and tie his legs with his cock if he didn’t hit the road. Must’ve done the trick.”

&nbs
p; The two women doubled over with laughter, slumping over the table.

  She got up and stretched her aching muscles. The wine had mellowed her down to such an extent that their gaiety didn’t bother her.

  “Where is this shower you’re boasting about, Shona?”

  “Upstairs . . . ha-ha . . . last room on the left. Tail up his . . . ha-ha,” Shona and Diana couldn’t get the visual out of their minds.

  “Yeah, laugh all you want. It wasn’t funny at the time,” she snorted but a small smile curved her lips. “Do you have some clean clothes for me? I left my backpack at the camp.”

  “I’ll leave some on the bed. Go, you really stink.”

  “Thanks,” she said as she climbed the stairs.

  “It seems Brad’s cousin made quite an impression on our friend, Diana,” Shona said pensively as Chloe disappeared up the stairs.

  “I suspected he would. But come on, Shona! Rex is a dish and so are Mark and Wade. She doesn’t stand a chance. You know, now that I’m thinking about it, Rex did have a lot of questions about Chloe when he looked at the wedding pictures. And, he took one of her pictures when he left. He has set his sights on her long ago. I won’t be surprised if their meeting was planned.”

  “Hm, you’re probably right, that explains why Chloe is spooked. They’ve rattled her, otherwise, tightly reined emotions.”

  The two women had no idea just how accurate their assumptions were.

  * * * * * * * *

  “Now this is what I call a shower,” Chloe exclaimed as she walked into the open shower and turned the faucet. It was an overly large, open shower and would accommodate . . . oh shit . . . four people easily. This was Rex’s room, she realized belatedly. The huge canopy bed in the room should’ve been the first clue.

  “What are all these buttons for . . . ooh! Aah, heaven,” she moaned when jet sprays from every angle soothed her tired muscles. “I’ve have to get me one of these.”

  She lathered her body and massaged her sore muscles with even strokes. After washing and rinsing her hair, she leaned against the tiled wall. Closing her eyes, she enjoyed the warm water spray, spiraling down her body.

  Chloe realized she hadn’t fooled her friends. They knew her too well. Her resolution, to keep her emotions locked away and her heart intact, stemmed from losing the love of her life ten years ago in a car accident. It took her years to get over Trent’s death. Who wouldn’t, under those circumstances? It had been their wedding day and he’d been on his way to the church. She’d been left waiting for eternity.

  It was safer not to love. She couldn’t stand going through such a loss ever again, therefore chose never to involve her heart all these years.

  “Yep, keep it simple stupid.”

  Then why did she feel lost and confused, like a ball of tangled yarn? They’d managed to breach the icy wall of her heart and soul. It scared the hell out of her.

  Her sigh echoed her insecurity and fear. Insecurity, because she didn’t know where this path would lead her and fear, for her heart that was already engaged. Rex Anderson.

  She turned off the shower and stepped out, only to come to a standstill at the sight of the angry man, leaning against the door. She blinked to ascertain if she wasn’t dreaming.

  Nope. He’s still here. As big as a boar. As confident as a lion. Not to mention, as fierce as a tiger. Hehe . . . Soon I’d have compared him to the entire animal kingdom.

  Chloe’s amusement stemmed from wariness. She breathed shallowly. His eyes were flashing like storm clouds, about to crack lightening. He was furious.

  Rex straightened and walked toward her. Chloe wanted to bolt but the only way out was past him and with his eyes pinning her to the floor, she couldn’t get her legs to move.

  His large hands folded around her shoulders and he yanked her up against him.

  “Do you have any idea what you’ve just put us through, Chloe? What you’ve put me through? Jesus, woman! I warned you there are wild animals in this mountain. No one ever hikes alone here. No one.”

  Chloe followed her instincts and pressed her lips against his. The kiss she offered was sweetly apologetic, which turned wanton when he took over. He literally swept her off her feet and slanted his lips over hers. He demanded immediate capitulation and she yielded without thought. His lips owned her. A fire ignited inside as their bodies moved together, soft curves against unyielding steel. Chloe inhaled frantically, but it wasn’t enough, she was becoming heady with lust.

  “I’m sorry,” she whispered against his lips.

  “Oh, believe me, love, you will be.” With those cryptic words, he lowered her feet to the floor and walked out. “Get dressed, Chloe. We’re waiting for you downstairs,” he warned her not to keep them waiting.

  Chloe’s first reaction was to look for an escape route through the windows, but she didn’t want to risk her neck.

  “Well, what’s the worst they can do to me? Rap me over the knuckles?”

  She really should have paid heed to Rex’s tone before she shrugged it off so easily.

  Chapter Ten

  Mark and Wade barely glanced at her when she walked out onto the patio. But the brief glares she did get, spoke volumes. They were as mad as Rex. Chloe thought it was prudent to stay out of their way. She poured a glass of wine and planted herself on the chaise lounge, between her two friends.

  Shona and Diana were amused by her shenanigans, but indulged her nevertheless. They understood her insecurities.

  They had travelled the same road and knew better than anyone the effect three Doms could have on a woman. With such compelling men, she didn’t stand a chance.

  All the men had returned and were barbequing outside, grilling the fish they’d caught, with potatoes and vegetables.

  Chloe relaxed when none of the men paid her further attention.

  “I have to admit; the fresh air up here does one good. It also makes me very thirsty,” Chloe said, hinting for a refill of her wineglass.

  “No. One glass is enough. At least until later,” Rex intoned with a fierce look her way. Chloe realized he’d been keeping an eye on her every move.

  “Look, buster, you’re not the boss of me . . . no! What are you . . . oooww!” she shrieked when he manhandled her on the lounger, and her traitorous friends readily moved aside. His hand cracked down on her bikini-clad buttocks. He had moved and yanked her over his lap so quickly; she had no way of stopping the spanking that followed his abrupt action.

  “I warned you not to call me . . . crack, crack, crack . . . buster again, didn’t . . . crack, crack . . . I?” He asked between swatting her ass.

  “You demented asshole! Lemme . . . oooww!” She screamed at the top of her voice when two more landed on her behind for her continued impertinence.

  “I’m waiting, Chloe. Or shall I continue?”

  “Waiting for—”

  Crack, crack, crack.

  “Apologize, Chloe! Say you’re sorry,” Shona offered some advice, wincing along with Diana, as the spanking continued.

  “Fuck that! I didn’t . . . oouuch! Damn you, stop,” she shrieked when two more slaps, harder than before, landed on her already scorching cheeks.

  “He’s not gonna stop unless you do, girlie,” Diana advised.

  “You two are asking for some swats too, by the look of it,” Mitch warned Shona and Diana. “You should know better than to interfere.”

  “Okay! Rex, please stop! I’m sorry. I’ll never call you buster again,” she pleaded when he lifted his hand again.

  He pulled her upright on his lap and cuddled her against his chest. She did her best to force back the tears. She glanced at him and mumbled in a soft voice, “You spanked me! I can’t believe you just did that.”

  “Let that be your first lesson, Chloe. I love your quirky nature, but blatant insubordination will not be tolerated.”

  “Let’s just get something straight, right off the bat. You don’t own me. We’re nothing to each other, hence, you have no right to tell me what
I can and cannot do.”

  “Oho, she’s picking the wrong time to prod his ire,” Wade remarked to Mark who’d moved closer to watch her punishment.

  Chloe ignored them. Mainly because she was fascinated by the chilled look in Rex’ eyes.

  “We’re not? We must’ve misconstrued your reaction toward us yesterday then. Is that what you want, Chloe? For me to leave you alone?” Rex asked with a voice that had deepened in a warning.

  Chloe was still too upset about the spanking to pay any heed.

  “Yes. That’s what—”

  He pushed her off his lap and got up before she could finish her sentence.

  “Very well.” He squeezed her chin between his fingers, tilting back her head. “But, if you change your mind, it’s going to take a lot more than asking for my attention again, my pet.”

  “Then I don’t have anything to worry about. Because I won’t be asking,” she snapped back.

  An unholy grin lit up his face. “No, my luscious little snip, you won’t and do you know why?”

  “I’m sure you’re about to inform me.”

  “Because you’re gonna be begging for my attention before the sun sets today.”

  Shona slapped her hand over Chloe’s mouth when she opened it again to fling another acerbic retort his way. “No, Chloe, don’t make it worse. Quit while you’re ahead.”

  The looks the men slanted her way made her wonder if indeed she was ahead. Somehow, she didn’t think so. She sat down again and held out her glass.

  Diana shook her head and placed the bottle of Chardonnay out of Chloe’s reach. “Oh no, you don’t. You heard what Rex said and we definitely don’t want get into trouble for aiding you.”

  “Besides, you almost finished a bottle of by yourself.” Shona said when Chloe frowned fiercely.

  “That was more than two hours ago . . . oh, for goodness sake.” She muttered sulkily. It was obvious that they weren’t going to budge.

  “Lunch is ready, ladies,” Wade called them over. His glance seared over Chloe briefly before he returned his attention to the conversation the men were having.