Foundations: The Power of Three Love Series Read online

  * * *

  I was busy reviewing invoices and looking over new fixtures Elliot wanted to order. It was lavish but better suited for the upscale look we intended when my door slammed open. Popping my head up, I saw the hooded and darting eyes of my lover. Oh, yeah, he was pissed. “What the fuck was that, Arden?”

  Standing, I met the bastard halfway and pulled him into my arms. “Now, now, my cantankerous man.” My words didn’t make him smile as I had hoped.

  He pulled my face to his. “You stubborn little asshole.” His tone was a little less confrontational.

  “Nothing about me is small,” I countered.

  In a second, my erection grew between us. “You’re right, you arrogant bastard. Nothing about you is small.”

  In less than a second, he gave me space, only to lock the door. The heat in his eyes told me he’d be breaking his number one rule. And it would be angry sex. I fucking loved angry sex. Unzipping his pants, he pulled his straining cock from captivity, then he pushed my head down, moving my face to his cock. Without a word on my part, I didn’t challenge him. I opened wide, taking his length, licking the back part of the shaft.

  With his hands dictating the movement of my head, I sucked and licked until he broke the silence. “You better suck my cock like the bad boy you are.” I loved when he talked nasty to me—it was fucking hot.

  I deep throated him, and with a small jerk, he came in my mouth. After I swallowed everything, I popped my head up with a little smile. “What the fuck? I should get you angry more often.” Pulling me up for an embrace, he held me tightly as if he’d just lost me.

  This was a part of him I only saw. But my heart lurched. “Honey, I’m here. I’m never going anywhere. You got me.”

  I pulled him to my couch, bringing him as close to my touch as two bodies would allow. “I like this, you coming undone at work. It shows me something about you, hon.”

  Rotating his face to mine, I waited for the deep chocolates of his eyes to meet mine. “And what’s that, babe?” Daimen asked.

  “It shows me you’re human.” We remained molded to one another for the next hour, my arms never leaving him.

  9

  Elliot

  As stipulated in the contract, we were given beautiful offices. The room was ornamented with a state-of-the-art drafting table, a large mahogany desk, a bookshelf that took up an entire wall, and a magazine full of office décor.

  On the other wall of the office was a French style door that connected with Andrew’s workspace. I didn’t have the money for a secretary. I hired Andrew as both an engineer and an assistant until he had the money to go in as equal partners, which was both our desires. Since all the capital came from me, Andrew was happy to be what I needed until the business took off. We’d already made a name for ourselves. This job was due to span two years, and it would allow Andrew and I to have what we wanted in the future.

  When I heard a knock on my personal door, I replied, “Come in.” I had no idea who it would be.

  A pair of blue beauties met my own eyes when the voice that belonged to them immediately put a smile on my face. “Hey, I wanted to make sure you were settled,” Arden said, flashing his brilliant grin at me. We were on the 29th floor of the building they owned at Alders, Blakely, and Torano, LLC. Our offices were across from the main reception area where Arden and Daimen worked. And we happened to be out of the hustle and bustle of most of the employees. I was impressed that all three men, even the silent partner I’d yet to meet, came from such humble backgrounds.

  Each man had landed on their feet quite well, being the richest men in most of Chicago. They owned residential and commercial real estate buildings throughout the city, five nightclubs, two restaurants, six hotdog luncheonettes, several laundromats, and three hair salons. I’d done my homework on these three before I’d considered taking the job.

  “Hey, you come to mingle with the lonely villagers. So nice of you.” My tone always changed to that of a lovesick teen when I spoke to him. I had no answer as to why I did this. I was a strong woman making a name in a world dominated by men, especially in my field. Well, that was bullshit—I knew the reason I turned to putty with Arden. It stemmed from that one perfect night eight years ago.

  He helped himself into my office as if he owned the place, which, technically, he sort of did. “I wanna take you out for lunch as a welcome to the company. Although I hear you’re not a traditional employee of ours.” His wink told me he got an earful of my meeting with Mr. Grumpy as I was now referring to Daimen Torano.

  “Oh, you heard. Your partner is quite the domineering man,” I said, pulling my hands behind my head, amused he’d gotten Daimen’s side of the story.

  “Believe it or not, he can be a big softie.” He smiled again.

  “Can I be forward with you, Mr. Blakely?” I tilted my face a bit, narrowing my eyes toward him, though an amused smile was plastered on my lips. This man made me lose my flipping mind.

  “As long as you call me Arden.”

  Rubbing my forehead in an attempt to summon common sense into my brain, I continued, “Okay, Arden. If I didn’t know any better, I’d say you weren’t gay.”

  “Ouch,” he started, still that brilliant smile all over his face. “Sure, I’m very playful, but I don’t mean any disrespect. If I offend you, I’ll quit.”

  Part of me wanted to scream at him. I couldn’t lose the attention he paid me. The other part, the sensible part of me, needed to take the reins of this teeter-totter of emotions I’d been dealing with. “Well, as long as I know where you stand.”

  Shaking his head in agreement, he replied, “Okay, Miss Arnold, but for the record, just remember looks can be deceiving.”

  “See, that’s the shit I’m talking about.” My retort was quick and accusatory.

  “The only problem I see in your sexier than fuck package is that you’re so serious. You must hang out with me more, and we’ll knock some of that out of you.”

  How could I be anything but enthralled by this man? My next question was out of my mouth so quick. “Does it work with Mr. Torano?”

  “Well, with Daimen, his business persona is not who he is personally. Could you see me with someone as uptight as he is all the time? He’s the best man I know.” Arden beamed just thinking of his lover.

  “Good to know.” I couldn’t see Mr. Grumpy as anything but irritable and domineering, but I’d take his word for it.

  * * *

  At lunch, the conversation flowed freely until Arden blurted out, “You know what, I have an idea. Scarlet comes over to our house once a week for dinner. She’s like a sister, been with us since we could barely order anything off the dollar menu at McDonald’s. Bring Andrew and the important someone in your life. Daimen’s a totally different man out of the office.”

  I looked down at my arm, rubbing it as I do, when the subject of Keith was brought up or my lack of a significant other. “I don’t have that special someone. Why would you assume that?”

  “Wow, no boyfriend.” He almost beamed at this news. “It’s just, I’ve been with girls before. I know an attractive woman when I see one, and you’re more than that. You’re the dream of most men. I just assumed you were taken.”

  “Now, who’s assuming?” I asked, smiling.

  “Okay, point taken. But, seriously, no guy?”

  I shook my head vehemently, taking a drink of my Diet Coke. “There was one, but he has completely shut me off from relationships for now. All I can handle is building my business.”

  “Stupid man. What is his name?” His tone was low and controlled when he posed that question my way.

  “Keith.”

  “One stupid motherfucker named Keith is walking the streets. I hope he knows he is an imbecile,” Arden thundered, hands fisted on the table.

  “I highly doubt it. Keith is into Keith and no one else—well, except for the many women he slept with while we were together. Thank goodness for condoms.” My emotions were on display, and I never l
et them show through for anyone to see the pain he caused. Arden gave me so many signals of interest, but it was a doubtful idea to long for. If I was honest, Arden would be the type of man I could have profound feelings for.

  “Well, his loss,” Arden retorted emphatically. “Let’s get you fed so you can finish our buildings.” He took a bite of his ham and cheese sandwich. “You’ll see our first building tonight; it’s where we live. The top floor is completely done, and we occupy it all. But I’d love to get your input on any changes you feel would help the space.”

  “Really? I didn’t know any part was complete. You two are okay living through the construction?” I asked, scarfing down my veggie sub.

  “Fire walls are not just for computers. We have it soundproof for that reason.” Again, his jokes were adorable, even if they weren’t incredibly funny.

  “You have a whole floor of the main building? Geez, that is like what, six thousand square feet?”

  “Sixty-five,” he corrected.

  “That’s big for just you two.” I tossed a kettle chip into my mouth and waited for his reply.

  He stopped, and I thought he was about to tell me something. Finally, he continued, “We want a family, plus we have security manned twenty-four hours. When we have children, we want this to be our forever city home.”

  “Wow, children? That’s some seriousness,” I said, as he’d done nothing but flirt with me all day.

  “I never said I wasn’t serious about my man.” His smile caused me to yearn for what he and I could have been, only if I would have insisted on exchanging phone numbers eight years ago.

  My head was exploding from his many mixed signals. Oh, well, he was fun and flirtatious, and I didn’t have to worry about getting hurt. Why not let him make me feel special in a platonic way? I’d attend their dinner party, relax, and understand Daimen better, then I’d let Arden feed that need for devotion I so desperately wanted.

  10

  Arden

  Daimen stood naked, poking his tongue lightly into his cheek and inhaling a long breath. “You what?” he yelled, his volume ascending with each syllable he uttered. I loved the sight of him bare in our closet, but his hands were in fists, and he was staring missiles my way.

  I leaned back on the doorframe of the closet at ease. I wouldn’t allow him to ruin my optimistic mood. “Get to know her better, honey. You were quite the ass to her today, demanding her respect. Come on, you’re so much fun outside the office. Let her see the real you.”

  His eyebrows furrowed, and his accusation was on the tip of his tongue. “You listened in on our conversation, you arrogant SOB?” Why deny it? And I only shrugged. “You’re attracted to her? No reason to lie to me,” he continued.

  Again, I shrugged. I had nothing to lose from lying and everything to gain from telling the truth. “I won’t, honey. You know me too well. But I’d never act on it.” Erasing the space between us, I looped my arm around his sexy waist. “Not without your permission and not without you with us,” I added, wiggling my eyebrows.

  His eyes turned cold. “And for years before we were together, you were never with a man.”

  I wouldn’t let the hurt of his words sting. I knew him too well, and when he was fearful, he lashed out, questioning our commitment. I lovingly replied, “And it took years to win me over; if anyone knows that, it’s you.” He admitted he’d always carried a torch for me. “I’m not going to cheat on you, but you knew I liked girls going into this. You find Andrew attractive, and I’m not all up in arms over it,” I stated.

  “Well, he’s a fine-looking man. But not my type—a bit smaller than I like.”

  “You’re missing the point, you son of a bitch.” I snickered.

  “No, babe, I got the message loud and clear. Elliot Arnold at dinner tonight has nothing to do with our future.” When he kissed my neck, I silently scoffed. Like fuck it didn’t.

  * * *

  Daimen had excused himself to our home office to work on a couple of contracts Spencer was all crazed about. Sneaking into the kitchen while I washed the baby spinach for salad tonight, he wrapped his large arms around my body, leaning around to pepper kisses on my shoulder. “Babe, what time will they be here?” he asked.

  “Seven.” I turned, attacking his lips, and then I pressed a kiss to his forehead. “Let me get some dinner started. I’m making veal parmesan,” I added.

  “Babe, we’re millionaires. Why can’t we hire a cook?” Daimen pleaded. I knew where his head was at this moment. Well, it was where it was all the time. My man loved sex more than earning millions. No, scratch that, but the two were tied. My smile never faltered at this thought, but I only shook my head.

  “You know I like to cook, hon.”

  “But if we had a cook, you could be inside me until right before they came. That way you could come too,” he whispered, rubbing his hands down my groin.

  “Shit, you’re sexy as hell, and as normal, you make a wonderful argument.” I squeezed his ass, attempting to sneak from his embrace. When he caught me, he twisted my body around, back into his arms. “But for now, let me cook, and I’ll make it up to you later.”

  “Okay, I’ll join you because you’re sexy as hell in the kitchen.”

  “I know I am,” I partially teased, spanking Daimen’s ass as he walked over to sit at our tabletop island. “A sexy kitchen for a sexy chef,” I continued. “Yummy, there is nothing better than something so delicious watching me cook,” I teased, winking at Daimen.

  “You keep that up, babe, and I’ll bend you over right now and take you.” His words came with a warning I’d ignore.

  “Yummy,” I continued, licking my lips. Daimen was on me like white on rice, taking my jaw in his hand.

  “You’re playing with fire, little boy,” he countered. He took his hands to my waistband, pulling down my athletic shorts. My cock searched for him. I thought this would be a quick fuck, which I was down for. But with one look into his eyes, I knew the tender Daimen was seeping through, needing affection in a way I’d only ever provide.

  “Honey, what do you need from me?” My hands caressed his jaw as the other found passage to his arm. Bringing his hand up my shirt, he massaged my stomach until his hand found my nipples. Placing one hand on my pec, he squeezed hard, causing a moan to escape. His other hand was now on my cock. “I’m asking again, hon. What is it you need from me?”

  “You, babe, I need you. Bend me over. Take me, make it last—make love to me.” His words surprised me because I seldom met this side of him. He didn’t give in to it often. When he needed me to be that for him, he was dealing with an inner turmoil, and I knew exactly what or who that was. It was in the form of a curvy and feisty blonde who’d be joining us on our turf soon.

  I pushed him over the countertop and pulled down his athletic shorts. He never put on a shirt, so it was one less piece of fabric we had to strip. Being that Daimen and I were very sexual beings, I grabbed the lube we kept in the kitchen and lathered my hands. As I stretched him with two fingers, his words put me on notice. “Do it now. Make love to me. Let me feel you, fucking all of you.” I might not get these words often, but they filled my heart and soul.

  I had more to do—if this was truly the tender moment he needed it to be. With his back to me, my lips trailed kisses from his neck down his back, ending right above his ass. The tips of my fingers around his broad chest pinched his nipples—caressing them in circles in the way only I knew turned him on. From his chest, I tickled his arms as goose bumps formed on his skin. Then when I didn’t think he could take the suspense anymore, my hands reached into his short black hair, tugging his head to my mouth. “Don’t. Ever. Forget. You. Are. Loved.”

  “Please, babe. Arden, I need you.” His plea was accompanied by a whine, and I couldn’t hold back, not for another second.

  “How is that?” I whispered. Pushing hard into him, I pinched his ass.

  “Fuck, baby. Love. You. So. Much.” He started to grunt. “Harder, harder, give it to m
e harder.” Pleading with me to love him and giving up all control at this moment.

  Now, we were lost in each other as I slammed into him several times. He continued to beg for more and more. As I was about to come inside him, Daimen yelled my name so loud, and it was music to my ears.

  My arms wrapped around his massive body. I couldn’t—no, I wouldn’t—let go, not right after what we’d just shared. As our breathing leveled, I took the opportunity to be me when I said, “Damn, honey, we may need bleach before I continue cooking.” We both laughed. But it was the fucking truth.

  11

  Daimen

  A scream sliced through the fog, clouding my mind while I looked out the expansive windows from our penthouse. Our home boasted a contemporary thumbprint with a large living space opening to the most beautiful portrait that could ever be painted—the Chicago skyline at night.

  Arden invited the woman—who could very well be my undoing—to our house. And I couldn’t tell him, though he saw, how she—this dangerous woman—was already embedded deep under my skin. He knew me too well, and it would give him false hope that she was the one. Fuck, she’d kick my ball sack from here to Niagara Falls and back. No one had ever stood up to me in her snarky way. It was a style all her own, a weather pattern with no name, but she would tear my earth apart if I allowed it.

  No, I liked my little earth, my own world I’d created for myself. I had to; nothing was ever given to me in this world, and with my balls as hard as brass, it was up to me to make my own happily ever after—after my parents tore my childhood apart.

  That happily ever after happened to be behind me in the kitchen where he’d tenderly made love to me just an hour before. When we first became a couple and Lana was a part of us, we were complete. We always assumed we’d share her with Spencer and life would go on. She’d always wanted children too, claiming DNA didn’t matter. Only being present for him or her is what’s important, she argued.