Love Slave for Two: Love Slave for Two, #1

Chapter One

Tom

G et your arse out of bed. She’ll be here soon. Tyler’s clipped British accent spoke volumes. He only sounded that pissed off when he was…

Well, pissed off. Over eleven years together had taught Thomas that much.

Thomas rolled over and looked at Tyler. What time is it? he grumped.

"Seven-thirty, you silly sod. You had to stay up watching that movie." Tyler stormed out of their bedroom. Thomas smelled coffee, the good stuff, the caramel truffle flavor Nevvie loved.

Okay, I’m up. He would be once Nevvie showed, for sure.

He stumbled to the shower and heard the bathroom door open after he stepped under the spray.

Here’s your coffee. Thomas jumped when Tyler goosed his ass.

Watch it, I nearly slipped.

Well, we could have showered together had you gotten up at a decent hour.

Tyler left, closing the door behind him.

Nevaeh Barton. Their once-a-week housekeeper. Six months, and she still had no clue she had them eating out of her hand. Just thinking about her made him hard. He knew Ty would be sporting wood for her, too.

He finished his shower, shaved, and checked his watch—ten til. No problem, she wasn’t there yet. He sipped his coffee and grabbed a pair of loose shorts from the drawer. Underwear? Hell no, commando today. Thursday was Nevvie Day, the center of their universe.

Thomas walked into the kitchen, where Tyler was putting the finishing touches on a plate of fruit. He leaned in and kissed him. Look, I’m up.

No shirt? Tyler always dressed up for Nevvie. Today a light blue chambray shirt, sleeves rolled to his elbows, and tan slacks. Barefoot, his only concession to casual.

I thought maybe she’d like to see me au naturale.

Tyler’s mood lightened. "She leaves here today, I’d damn well better see you au naturale."

See? It’s working already.

They heard her car in the drive and grinned. It’s Nevvie time!

Nevvie

Nevaeh Barton relished Thursdays. Not that she enjoyed cleaning so much as she enjoyed the clients. Tyler Paulson and Thomas Kinsey were cute. Thank God Alex never drove her on Thursdays. He’d force her to drop them.

That’s the last thing she wanted.

They were sweethearts, and so what if they were gay? Scratch cute—make that gorgeous. Tyler’s British accent and incredibly blue eyes always melted her. Thomas’ soft, sensual Georgia drawl and smoldering deep brown bedroom eyes invoked images of iced tea and pecan pie, among other things. She left their home late every Thursday afternoon feeling attractive and alive. It didn’t matter she spent the whole day working. She also spent it laughing. Both men were usually there. Most Thursdays it was the three of them having a ball, her and her two sweet love gods.

Making her wish she didn’t have to go home to Alex’s surly mug. She’d only told him they were two gay guys, one a writer, the other an architect. He never asked anything else once he heard gay.

But she wondered if there was more. At first she thought she imagined the boys watched her while she worked. After her third week she was sure of it. It might creep others out, but it flattered her that they seemed to find her attractive.

Especially since Alex kept harping on her to lose weight. Her boys always piled on the compliments. She wasn’t obese but she wasn’t a waif who’d blow over in a stiff breeze, either. She’d long since come to terms with her voluptuous figure, although she wished more of it had settled on her chest instead of around her hips and thighs. Screw what Alex thought, she was in shape—pear was a shape, right?

Not to mention Alex had no room to talk.

Driving into their development always lifted her spirits even if she was embarrassed to be seen in Alex’s craptacular beater, a Ford Escort she’d put to sleep if it was a dog. Her boys lived in a quiet, upscale community in New Tampa. Only a couple of miles from her apartment, it might as well be another planet. Well-kept houses and lawns and expensive cars formed a stark contrast to the dump she went home to.

She parked behind Thomas’ blue Honda Ridgeline truck and Tyler’s black Lexus LS460L sedan, taking a deep breath to steady her nerves. Her heart raced in anticipation of seeing her boys.

It was only her dynamite fantasies of TnT that had allowed her to make it through sex with Alex the few times she couldn’t bluff her way out of it. Luckily for her she’d managed to get out of it for over two months. Sometimes she had to give him a hand job—a small price to pay, all things considered.

Landing this job was the best thing to happen in years. She never should have left Tampa in the first place. Moving to New Orleans seemed like a good idea at the time.

She met Alex while working at a hotel near the French Quarter. When an uninvited guest by the name of Katrina headed their way, they evacuated east on I-10 to Pensacola. Their small apartment in Chalmette was gone after the waters receded. A call to their landlord left Nevvie in tears that she hadn’t taken things like treasured books and photos, but Alex had to have room in the tiny Escort for his TV and Xbox.

Nothing to return to, they drove to Tampa and crashed with one of Nevvie’s cousins for a couple of weeks until they ended up in the Bellaire Arms Apartments in Suitcase City, minutes from the University of South Florida. Not as nice as the Chalmette apartment, and that had been no swanky pad.

Alex worked when he felt like it. She should leave him, but it wasn’t worth the aggravation of starting over—again. Not when she wanted no contact with most of the people in her family.

At least she had Thursdays.

Tyler

Tyler swooped when Nevvie walked through the front door. There’s the birthday girl!

He enveloped her in a hug and spun her around. He loved putting his arms around her any chance he got. Thomas was his soul mate, but just because he’d decided to settle with a guy didn’t mean he didn’t have a soft spot in his heart for women.

Hell, he had two ex-wives to prove it.

Hi, Tyler. She hugged him back.

He was hesitant to release her. While three inches shorter than his five-seven, Nevvie’s rounded curves and long legs inspired visions of her in tall heels and a short, tight skirt that would hug her thighs, her hips swaying back and forth…

And there was his woody.

He took her hand. Close those beautiful green eyes, love. We’ve got a surprise for you.

Oh, Tyler, you shouldn’t—

We should, and we did.

Her full lips curled in a hesitant twist that melted his heart every time. Nevvie obediently closed her eyes while he led her into the kitchen where Thomas waited and sat her in one of the chairs.

When they were ready, Tyler said, All right, sweetheart, open them.

Nevvie

They’d fixed breakfast. Usually, they made sure she had a muffin or bagel or something to nosh on, but Tyler had prepared a huge meal. A small, brightly wrapped box waited by her plate.

Tears clouded her eyes. Alex hadn’t even wished her a happy birthday. She suspected he’d either forgotten or didn’t care. Yet these two guys, clients—okay, hell, she could call them friends—had made a big deal over her.

Her!

Nevvie choked back a sob.

Thomas was closer and put his arms around her. Happy birthday, sugar.

She nodded, hugged him tightly, then reached for Tyler. Thanks, guys. I appreciate it.

Tyler left his hand on her shoulder. Nothing’s too good for our girl. You don’t turn twenty-six every year.

A warm thrill ran through her at his words. Our girl.

She knew better than to read anything into it, but it still made her feel good.

The men sat on either side and watched while she opened her present. Inside lay a beautiful turquoise pendant on a sterling silver chain. They’d remembered. Turquoise was her favorite, even though ruby was her birthstone. She’d seen something similar to this on a magazine cover months earlier and had mentioned it in passing.

Tears finally won. Both men leaned in, concerned. She kissed Tyler, then Thomas. Thanks, guys. This is beautiful. Thank you so much.

Tyler took the necklace and carefully draped it around her neck while Thomas gently held her auburn ponytail out of the way. See, Thomas? I told you it was the perfect length, Tyler said.

Thomas smiled. All right. One of these days I’ll quit questioning you. He looked at Nevvie. I told him I thought it was too long.

She touched it. It’s perfect, thank you both.

They kissed her cheeks and sat down. Let’s eat, Tyler said. This is your birthday breakfast.

When she tried to do the dishes, the boys shooed her out of the kitchen.

Thomas shook his head. Even I’m not stupid enough to make a girl wash her own birthday dishes, sweetie. Don’t wear yourself out because we’ve got a little something for you later.

A thrill of anticipation ran through her stomach and settled between her legs.

Idiot. They don’t mean anything by that.

Boy, she wished they did.

She started on the living room, which only needed dusting and tidying. She always saved the floors for last, doing all the tile at once. Only the bedrooms were carpeted. Her boys weren’t messy, and more than once she wondered why they even bothered paying her. Not that she’d complain. Hell, she’d clean their house for free just to spend time with them.

She went to the backyard before it got too hot. Somehow, little bits of paper always managed to blow into the fenced yard. Even though it wasn’t part of what they paid her to do she policed the area when she swept the lanai and patio because the scraps of paper bugged her.

Of course—little bits scattered through the back flowerbed. She sighed and grabbed a bucket from the gardening shed and bent over to pick up the first piece.

Tyler

Oh, Jesus! Thomas jammed his knuckle in his mouth and grabbed Tyler’s shoulder. Did I ever tell you you’re a goddamned evil genius? The front of his shorts were once again tented at the sight of Nevvie’s backside facing them. Bent over in the garden with her back to them, picking up the little bits of paper Tyler salted out there the evening before.

Tyler leaned against the cook top island and smiled, crossed his arms, watching her. She’s gorgeous, isn’t she? He held up his hands and traced the contours of her hips and thighs in the air. Perfection, my dear Thomas. Absolute perfection. Rubenesque in the best possible sense of the term.

I’d love to put my hands on that sweet ass and fuck her till she screams my name.

Tyler raised an eyebrow at him. What’s wrong with my arse?

Nothing. Your ass is fine. But it’s not… Thomas turned back to the window. You’re lucky I met you before I met her.

That makes two of us. He stared as Nevvie picked up another piece of paper. What did I ever see in One and Two? Those were the nicest post-divorce pet names he had for his ex-wives. Skinny little toothpicks with nothing to them, including their personalities. Her boyfriend’s an unholy arse, doesn’t know how blessed he is.

She’s not happy with him, is she?

Tyler shook his head. Watch. Around three o’clock she’ll start on a project that will undoubtedly make her late. Or, barring that, right before she’s supposed to leave, she’ll remember some trifle she ‘forgot’ that will make her at least thirty minutes late.

Thomas stared at him, his jaw agape. Shoot! You’re right. Every time. I teased her about it a few weeks ago.

Tyler nodded and turned back to the window. She doesn’t want to leave.

"Hell, I don’t want her to leave." He draped his arm around Tyler’s shoulders as they watched her. She was almost halfway through the flowerbed. Thomas sensed the wheels turning in Tyler’s head and left the silence unbroken until his lover spoke five minutes later.

Maybe she doesn’t have to leave, Tyler said.

What, he snorted, hold her hostage?

Tyler rolled his eyes. No, dumb fuck, of course not. We seduce her into wanting to stay.

Isn’t that what we’ve been doing the past six months?

Not with purpose. Just in fun and wishful thinking.

They loved women, but they loved each other more. Without trying, this woman had worked her way into their hearts. It delighted them to see her take such obvious pleasure in their small acts of kindness. They wanted to make her happy like that all the time and imagined her life outside of Thursdays must be fairly bleak if they were the highlight of her week. Tyler leaned forward and watched her, his arms on the counter. He smiled as Thomas moved behind him, grinding his hips and rock-hard bulge against his backside.

You’ve given me an idea, Thomas.

Chapter Two

Tyler

W hat kind of idea? Thomas asked.

Tyler turned and wrapped his arms around Thomas. His Georgia boy stood over him at six-foot. What if we seduce her into wanting to stay with us?

Our full-time housekeeper? He glanced over Tyler’s shoulder. Nevvie finished with the paper and set to work sweeping. She wouldn’t buy it. We’re not that messy. Plus she’s got a boyfriend.

I was thinking more of grooming her.

Doing her hair?

Disgusted, Tyler released Thomas and turned to the window. No wonder the South lost. My darling, I mean get her to move in with us. Turn her into our own personal love slave.

Thomas’ eyes darkened. I don’t like the sound of that.

I don’t mean abuse her, duh. Study her personality—she’s submissive. She’s been mistreated in her life, that much is obvious. She flinches at loud noises, sudden movements. If we earn her trust and break down her resistance, we could easily win her heart. She already drools over us.

Tom

Thomas puffed up. She does?

"Us, love. Not just you. Tyler watched Nevvie through the window while he idly twisted the band on his left hand, a match to the one Thomas wore. I’ve seen how she looks at you. You’ve seen how she looks at me. I’d be willing to bet if we got a hand down her pants we’d find one deliciously wet, tight pussy waiting for us."

Thomas groaned. "Do you have to do that? I’m fricking hard enough as it is."

Sorry. As I was saying it wouldn’t be a stretch, once we got her to agree to move in, to break down her reserves to let us do whatever we want.

They watched Nevvie sweep the patio. She’s a sweetheart, Thomas said.

Yes, she is.

She’s a cutie.

There’s that, Tyler agreed.

Thomas watched her. She’s got a great sense of humor.

Are you trying to convince me or yourself?

I’m sold. Are you?

Since you and I are apparently on the same wavelength about her bountiful natural assets, I don’t see a problem. We could have the best of both worlds, Thomas. Have our cake and eat her, too.

Geez I hate writers. Remind me why I hooked up with you?

Because I make you see stars when I give you a blow job, and you love the way I fuck you.

Ah. That’s right. Plus you’re such a witty conversationalist, Thomas teased.

In all seriousness, Thomas knew he wasn’t as cultured as Tyler. Thomas was a developer and ran an architectural engineering firm, damned good at what he did. He also enjoyed working on his antique truck.

Tyler was no wuss by any stretch of the imagination, but Tyler was Brain to his Pinky. Tyler quickly grasped the finer subtleties of human nature more so than him. At thirty-nine, Tyler was only four years older than him, and a successful novelist. He made his living due in no small part to that magnificent brain and ability to turn abstracts into words so others could enjoy them.

Thomas draped his arm around Tyler’s shoulders. You really think we’ve got a chance with her?

Of course we do. Tyler slipped his arm around Thomas’ waist. Just don’t let her know we’re bi or we’ll lose her trust. It works to our advantage for her to assume we’re gay.

"When do we break that news to her?"

Tyler grinned. If we’re lucky, the night she finally lets us fuck her.

Nevvie

Nevvie finished the backyard. She’d felt the boys’ eyes on her and every so often glanced at the kitchen window and caught them watching.

She reached up and touched her shirt where the pendant lay cool against her skin. She’d slipped it inside her collar, afraid it would get damaged if she left it out. How would she explain it to Alex? He’d throw a tantrum for damn sure. Then he’d try to con her into hocking it.

She’d kill his lazy ass first. Why was she still with him? Right, because it beat living on the streets.

Didn’t it?

Alex worked under the table two or three days a week for one of his buddies. Most of his money went to beer or anything but bills. Nearly every last cent she earned went to keeping the rent paid and the lights on. He always had money to buy beer or video games, but if she asked for money to buy groceries it was like she’d asked him to donate a kidney.

Tyler had a cold glass of water waiting for her when she returned to the kitchen. She gratefully took it. Thanks, Ty.

You’re welcome, sweetheart.

She glanced around. Where’s Thomas?

He’ll be back momentarily. Tyler wouldn’t admit Thomas, unable to stand having a brick between his legs, had retreated to their bathroom and was stroking his way to a Nevvie-inspired orgasm as they spoke. Listen, I know this is short notice, but are you available this Sunday?

Sunday?

We’re having some friends over for dinner and a poker game Saturday night. Frankly, I’m too lazy to think about cleaning up. Of course, we’d pay you for a full day, and still want you on Thursday as well. He smiled.

Jesus, his smile was so sweet. Why do the nice ones always have to be gay? Maybe it was for the best because Thomas was equally delicious. She’d never be able to choose between them if they were available.

Extra money and an extra day with her boys? She damn sure wouldn’t say no to that. Usually the only thing Alex wanted to do on Sundays was sleep late and whine that she wouldn’t fuck him. Thank God he was too stupid to figure out the calendar. She used her period as an excuse at least twice a month.

When did you want me to come?

Tyler

Tyler fought a losing battle against his smile. Ah, the puns I could make from that innocent statement. She blushed but returned his smile. Ten would be splendid, Nevvie. It’s not an imposition?

I didn’t have any plans. To be honest, I could use the money.

Tyler gently tucked a stray hair behind her ear. Then we’re glad we can help. She didn’t flinch or pull away from his touch. That was a good sign—a really good sign.

Oh, drat. Alex might want the car since he’s not working. I might need a ride home.

Tyler’s smile widened. This was too perfect. No problem, dear. Do you want me to pick you up?

Sure. I’ll give you directions before I leave. It’s not far.

Aces. He watched her hips sway as she walked away, then closed his eyes and imagined her without clothes. Thomas startled Tyler when he tapped him on the shoulder. Jesus, you scared me.

Thomas was all smiles. Sorry. He leaned in and kissed him. Well?

Sunday it is. I’m picking her up and taking her home.

How come you get the honors?

Because it would appear odd if both of us do it. I want a look at the Neanderthal we’re in competition with, size him up.

Ah. Good point. He put his arms around Tyler and hugged him. I saved some energy for you, he whispered.

Tyler swatted him on the ass. I bloody well hope so, my little southern fried stud muffin. I’ve progressed well past blue balls.

Thomas retrieved a can of soda from the fridge and popped the top. Now all we have to do is invite the gang over for a party on Saturday night.

Be a dear and make the calls, please.

Thomas grinned and held up the can in a mock toast. To the evil genius.

Nevvie

Around one o’clock, the men dressed in shorts and T-shirts and called Nevvie into the kitchen. Ready for lunch? Tyler asked.

I sure am.

Excellent, darling. He held out his hand. Come with us. Thomas and I are abducting you. I hope you don’t mind.

She grinned and took his hand. No, I don’t mind at all. Heck no she didn’t mind. If they were her captors she would fight them if they tried to turn her loose. You can kidnap me any time you want. She certainly wouldn’t mind being alone in a car with the men.

Both men grinned, sending her heart racing. They were clueless. They had no idea what they did to her, how it nearly ripped her heart out leaving them every week. She chided herself for her stupidity. If she wasn’t with a jerk…

They piled into Thomas’ restored 1958 Ford truck and drove to Hillsborough River State Park, where the plan became clear. Nevvie daydreamed of a riverside ravishing, but Tyler had prepared a wonderful picnic. They found a great spot in the shade and, checkered blanket and all, spread out for a huge meal.

She lay stretched out on her stomach, propped on her elbows. This was sweet, guys. You don’t know what this means to me. She fingered the pendant, now hanging outside her shirt.

Tyler leaned over and kissed her forehead. Nothing is too good for our girl, Nevvie, he said. We’ve already told you that. I wish you’d believe it.

She blushed, looking away from his blue eyes. She could easily get lost in them.

You look like a girl who needs a back rub, Thomas said.

Are you offering? She met his sweet brown eyes and felt heat race through her.

I surely am, sugar. Are you accepting?

Next to him, Tyler’s eyes twinkled. If she didn’t know any better she’d think he had something up his sleeve.

I’d be an idiot to refuse. She stretched flat on her tummy and tried to quell her anxious stomach. Thomas straddled her and started working on her back.

It felt fantastic! As his strong fingers kneaded her muscles, it wasn’t difficult to imagine lying naked with him in bed instead of on a picnic blanket.

How’s that feel? Thomas asked.

Ohhhh. That’s…wonderful. No one had ever touched her like that, with such heat and yet in such an innocent way.

"Our dear Thomas is very talented, sweetheart."

Uh huh, she mumbled. Both men laughed.

Am I putting you to sleep, sugar? Thomas asked.

Mm hmm. For several long, luscious minutes she indulged a delicious fantasy of the two men taking her right there on the blanket. Then Thomas gently patted her backside.

All done.

Aww.

Tyler laughed. Isn’t he amazing? Plenty of nights he’s put me to sleep like that. She felt the blanket move, his voice closer. She looked to find Tyler’s blue eyes inches away, boring into hers. "I don’t mind sharing him with you, darling, but only with you."

She gulped.

Eventually they packed their picnic supplies and returned to the house. She hated finishing the day and had to pull over on her way home to dry her tears. The necklace was beautiful. And Jesus, that back rub! Not to mention Tyler’s comment, innocent but full of double meaning and so close to the fantasy she’d been working on.

At least she had an extra day with them. Sunday couldn’t come too soon.

Tyler

They watched her leave. Tyler closed the front door and Thomas kissed him, hungry and eager.

My, you certainly are anxious, Tyler gasped.

Thomas grabbed Tyler’s hand and dragged him to their bedroom. "You have no idea, Ty. Jesus, that was agony." He fell to the bed, pulling Tyler with him.

What was agony? He smiled, knowing damn well.

You are a fucking evil genius. He ran his hands under Ty’s shirt and pulled it off him. A back rub? It was all I could do not to grind my cock against that sweet ass of hers. Then— Thomas pulled him down, kissing him again. You said you’d share me with her? Jesus, I nearly came in my pants.

From the look in her eyes, I believe she wouldn’t have been far behind you.

Thomas rolled Tyler onto his back and kissed him again. Why did we take the Ford?

What are the seating configurations in the Ridgeline and the Lexus, Thomas? Tyler worked Tom’s shirt off him.

Thomas closed his eyes and shook his head. Fucking evil genius. Only two can sit up front, and in the Ford all three—

We had a wonderful, sweet Nevvie sandwich. He ran his hands up Thomas’ chest, pulling him down to suck his nipples. Tom’s cock ground against his hips, as hard as he was. Just think, Thomas. One day, hopefully, if the heavens smile upon us, we will have that sweet angel between us, moaning our names.

Thomas moaned and kissed him again. Jesus, I loved having my hands on her.

Tell me how she felt, Tyler whispered in his ear, nibbling his neck.

She felt great, she was wearing a sports bra—

Damn, we could have tried coaxing her out of her shirt had I known that.

Oh, no. I would have come in my pants for sure. He worked his way down Tyler’s chest, kissing and licking him. Then he pulled Tyler’s shorts off and ran his tongue around his cock. Damn, I love you, Tyler, he whispered. He wrapped his mouth around Tyler’s cock and slowly worked his way down his lover’s shaft, exploring every inch of its smooth flesh with his lips and tongue.

Tyler closed his eyes and smiled, tangling his fingers in Tom’s hair, gently thrusting his hips in time with Tom’s mouth and hands. I love you too. You have no idea.

Chapter Three

Tom

Thomas didn’t have any trouble playing the role of a hung-over party host on Sunday morning. He was a hung-over party host. He staggered into the kitchen at eight-thirty and glared at Tyler.

I’m going to kill you. You and your freaking evil plans.

Tyler leaned against the counter, sipping his coffee and reading the paper. He was already showered, shaved, and dressed—slacks, button-up chambray shirt with the sleeves rolled up, and loafers.

Not my fault you decided to play quarters with Eddie and got pissed. You of all people should know better. He drinks like an Irish fish.

Thomas groaned and held his head. How am I going to enjoy Nevvie today, feeling like this?

You should have thought about that earlier. Tyler surveyed the patio and house. Not quite comparable to the bombing of Dresden, but a good start in the right direction. I guess I’ll have her all to myself. He smiled.

Asshole. Thomas rummaged through a cabinet. What do I take for my head and stomach?

Tyler reached around him and grabbed a box. Take that, follow the instructions. Then two pieces of wheat toast, dry—that means no butter, dear—and a large glass of water. To start. Let that settle your stomach and we’ll go from there.

Thomas squinted at the box. Tyler sighed and took it from him. He fixed the remedy, dropping the tablets in a glass of water then handed it to Thomas. Wait until it dissolves, then bottoms up.

I’ll up your bottom when I’m feeling better, Thomas grumped.

Yes, that’s a great comfort, love. You could have upped my bottom last night had you not been drunk as a skunk. He handed Thomas the bread. I assume you can toast it yourself?

Thomas nodded. Tyler rooted through another cabinet, found a box of ginger tea. Make yourself a cup of this. It’ll help settle your tummy. No coffee this morning. He started down the hall. Oh, when you’re done, go take a shower. You stink like a rancid brewery. I’ll have to change the sheets. It smells like someone spilled beer in the bed, you drank so much.

Thomas burped. Oh, sorry. I did spill beer in the bed last night. You’d already gone to sleep.

Tyler shook his head in disgust and set off to change the sheets, muttering under his breath.

Tyler

Thomas felt nearly human by the time Tyler was ready to leave. He’d settled the worst of his upset stomach and made it into the shower.

Tyler stepped into the bathroom. I’m taking the truck.

The Ford?

No, the Ridgeline.

Thomas stuck his head out of the shower. Why? You never drive the Ridgeline.

Tyler dangled the keys. Because there is something psychologically impressive about showing up in a large, brand new vehicle. It speaks money and power. We have no idea what this moron is like, but the difference between that piece of shit he makes our poor Nevvie drive and your truck is the difference between Queen Elizabeth and King Kong. My Lexus, while nice, doesn’t give the same psychological advantage. Neither does the Ford. In other words, dear Thomas, size matters.

Thomas muttered evil genius under his breath and continued his shower.

Tyler had made a few assumptions based on Nevvie and the car. She always dressed tidy, plain and understated, usually wearing men’s golf shirts a size too large. When he went shopping one day at Wal-Mart, they were on sale for only five dollars each, identical to the ones she wore, versus similar women’s shirts costing ten dollars or more. The next week after the sale she wore a new one, obviously recently purchased.

She was broke.

The boyfriend was a pig, the car proof of that from the way he left his things in it. She carried a small, practical purse, functional but not fashionable. Her shoes were also discount-store standard. Some of the shorts he imagined she either got on sale or bought them at thrift stores. Never short-short or incredibly tight—damn—usually mid-thigh or longer. She wore jeans on cooler mornings, but those were few and far between.

She rarely wore make-up. She probably couldn’t afford it, but the truth was she didn’t need any. He found her creamy skin with a hint of freckles across her cheeks absolutely magnificent. The way she blushed when they paid her a compliment took his breath away. She had no idea they found her attractive.

Attractive? Hell, she was his beautiful angel.

Traffic was light—he’d expected as much. He’d driven by the apartment complex on Friday afternoon, horrified that their poor Nevvie lived in such a place. Best to get that shock out of the way so he could keep a straight face when he met the man whose girl they were stealing.

Suitcase City was the common term for the area sandwiched between the University of South Florida and University Square Mall. Run-down, low-rent apartments and high crime. The apartment complex’s better days were at least two decades past, and several junk cars took up parking spots along the cracked and weed-strewn asphalt. More dirt than grass populated the open areas, and paint peeled from the stucco walls in several different colors from the most current—beige—to a plumbago blue and baby poop yellow.

He didn’t tell Thomas. If Thomas knew where she lived he’d insist on talking to her immediately, begging her to leave her boyfriend and live with them. Tyler didn’t know if Nevvie would take that step in such a sudden way.

This called for finesse.

Tyler had planned his arrival for twenty till ten. She might be ready, for all he knew. He expected her to be ready at least fifteen minutes early, eager to leave. Twenty minutes pushed it, but he willingly risked it to possibly speak with Alex for a few minutes, size him up.

Tyler parked in an empty space next to the Escort.

Pitiful.

The Ridgeline was by far the nicest vehicle around.

Nevvie lived in apartment 111. Tyler quickly found it, and Nevvie immediately replied to his knock.

Hold on!

Seconds later she opened the door, fully dressed and ready to go. Her welcoming smile couldn’t be denied a reply. Tyler idly wondered what the unshaven, shirtless, surly-looking man standing in the kitchen would think if he kissed Nevvie right in front of him. He looked at least twenty years older than her but it might have been from hard living. Nevvie kept the sparse apartment tidy and clean.

He expected no less from his angel.

Hi, Tyler.

Hello, dear. I’m sorry I’m early, he lied, but I wanted to make sure I wasn’t running late.

That’s fine. Let me get my purse.

You gonna innerduce me? the Neanderthal grumped.

Nevvie turned bright red. Tyler Paulson, this is Alex LaRougue.

Tyler grabbed the bull by the bollocks. He strode over and stuck out his hand. Nice to finally meet you, sir. We’ve heard a lot about you.

Both lies, of course. It was neither nice to meet him, nor had they heard a lot about him.

Although it was nice to see it wouldn’t be difficult to steal her away from him.

Alex finally shook and Tyler didn’t give an inch when the man tried to turn it into a pissing contest of strength. Tyler would be damned if he’d flinch.

The Neanderthal finally let go. Yeah. Ain’t you a writer?

That would be me.

Have a good day, Nevaeh, Alex muttered. Her name was beautiful, but the way the caveman said it sounded harsh and ugly.

Nevvie hadn’t budged from the front door. Yeah. I’ll be back later. Tyler noted she didn’t say when.

Thank you for sharing her with us today. Tyler winked, hoping it would piss Alex off. We had a bunch of friends over for dinner and a poker game last night. As expected, our home looks like a bomb went off.

Sure. Whatever.

Tyler turned and walked to the door. Shall we?

She smiled and followed him. Three steps outside, Tyler placed his hand on the small of her back, carefully timing his steps to match hers, hoping the jerk watched. They’d rounded the corner to the parking lot when Tyler heard him.

Nevaeh!

She cringed. Tyler wanted to take her into his arms and hold her.

They turned and watched as the Neanderthal practically jogged across the commons, barefoot and still shirtless.

What, Alex? Tyler noticed she didn’t look at her boyfriend. She stared at the ground with her jaw clenched. She didn’t just fear him—she loathed him. She’d made no attempt to kiss him goodbye or pay him any terms of endearment. Her smile had been for Tyler alone.

I need money. You didn’t leave any.

She turned bright red again and dug into her purse, practically flinging a twenty at him. Here, it’s all I’ve got. I gave you the rest yesterday.

Without another word she turned and headed for the Ridgeline. Tyler followed, unlocking the door and holding it for her. With smug satisfaction, he noted the look of enraged impotence on Alex’s face. Tyler grinned and waved as they drove off.

That’s right, arsehole. Watch the rich queer steal your girlfriend.

Nevvie

We need to make a couple of quick stops. Bob down to the bakery for some fresh bagels, and our Thomas is feeling less than stellar.

What’s wrong?

Oh, he imbibed a little too much last night.

Poor guy.

Tyler patted her hand and squeezed it and didn’t let go. Don’t worry, my dear. He’ll survive, but he won’t enjoy it for a day or so.

She squeezed back and hoped he didn’t let go. With Tyler holding her hand she could easily forget how mortified she’d felt when Alex followed them. She’d kept the pendant hidden under her shirt so Alex wouldn’t see it. With her right hand, she quickly teased it out from under her collar.

Tyler left his hand where it was. Every signal she sent screamed, Rescue me! If she’d let him hold her hand, he’d hold it until hell froze and re-thawed. Their first stop was a drugstore to get a few things for Thomas’ comfort. Their second, the Panera bakery on Bruce B. Downs Boulevard, near the mall.

Nevvie thought he’d leave her in the truck and was surprised when he opened her door and offered his hand. He held the bakery door open and let her go first, then led her to the short line in front of the counter.

Are you in the mood for anything special, sweetheart? He leaned in close, near her ear. She gripped his hand a little tighter. Shaking her head, she hoped he couldn’t see how hot her face now was.

Anything special? Yeah, how about you, naked, with a heaping side order of Thomas?

Jesus, this was crazy! How could she feel like this about him? He would never in a million years want her, not with yummalicious Thomas in his bed every night.

And he was gay.

Duh.

She’d glanced at their matching wedding bands many times, wishing she had one from either man.

Hell, she wouldn’t mind both. Her sweet love gods.

Tyler stood behind Nevvie, putting his hand on her waist and standing close. Did you want coffee or anything?

Huh? Wake up, stupid! Sure. Whatever you’re having.

Tyler rested his chin on her shoulder. I could make a few jokes about that, love, he purred.

She looked over her shoulder and studied his playful smile. Sweet Jesus, is he kidding?