Claimed by Three (24 page)

Kassius rose slowly and left the bed. Sephanie was so content that she couldn’t force herself to move. She cuddled on Teague’s chest but kept looking at Berenger. The four of them together. More than sex, she liked how much a part of them she felt right now.

She heard footsteps and realized Kassius had returned. The feel of a warm, wet cloth wiping over her ass was the first clue of what he’d done while in the bathroom. She couldn’t summon the energy to object. He finished and left, but was back in moments.

“I’m running you a bath, baby.” Kassius eased her off Teague and lifted her into his arms. “We’ll change the sheets and get the bed ready while you relax. Then we’ll go to bed together.”

“I like the sound of that.” She snuggled against him. Right now, she wasn’t going to think about her worries or reasons for holding back on a commitment.

“What? A bath? I thought you’d like a soak.” Kassius gently set her on her feet.

“No, going to bed together. I can’t think of anything else I’d rather do.” She reached up and ran her hand over his cheek.

Chapter Twenty-Two

Sephanie walked through the colorful displays of clothing toward the counter in Chatham’s Clothing, Julie’s store. She smiled as she saw Julie lounging there with a hip braced against the dark, polished wooden top. Julie looked relaxed and amused.

Sephanie had a good idea what had her friend in such good spirits. Casting a glance over her shoulder, Sephanie spotted Teague looking at some of the women’s lingerie on display in one corner of the shop. She knew this wouldn’t be the most relaxing visit she’d ever made to her friend’s shop, but Teague had offered her time away from the orchard. Maybe even some private time later. She’d snapped up the opportunity even though she knew Teague would be on guard and would most likely interfere while they were at the store.

She strolled behind the counter and grabbed one of the stools that rested there. “Hey, Julie.”

“Hello, Sephanie. When you called and said you were coming by to talk, I thought you’d be alone.” Julie didn’t look at Sephanie.

Sephanie didn’t blame her friend. Big, tough men didn’t come into this shop and begin looking at the clothes every day. Chatham’s Clothing catered to women. Teague held up a deep blue lingerie set and wiggled it.

“Doesn’t look like it’s my size.” She glared at him as she slid onto the seat.

She’d wondered how long it would take him to start stepping out of the “I’m your guard today” mode.

“We have it in her size if you like it.” Julie laughed.

“Don’t encourage him. He’s supposed to be standing quietly in a corner, watching. He said he’d only get involved if someone attacked me or there was another prank.” Sephanie slanted a quelling glance at her friend.

His personality guaranteed the promise wouldn’t last.

“Did you actually believe that?” Julie raised a single brow.

“Not entirely. I thought he’d make it for a while with the unobtrusive stance but knew he’d get involved at some point. He’s protective and too much of a tease.” Sephanie shrugged. It was inevitable.

“I can’t imagine him standing quietly out of the way.” Julie looked over at Teague.

Teague flicked through the clothes on display. He obviously couldn’t do inconspicuous, but if he stayed there, she could talk with Julie quietly without him hearing the details. Not that she thought a too-silent discussion wouldn’t draw his attention at some point.

She turned to face Julie. She maintained a normal tone and hoped that would keep him from rushing over when she spoke more quietly. “How are you today?”

“The day’s going pretty good. A fairly nice number of customers so far. I expect more later tonight.” Julie grabbed another of the stools and pulled it near Sephanie before sitting. “How are things with you and the three big guys?”

Sephanie slid her eyes over to Teague. “They still want a commitment now but are willing to wait for a short time.”

Julie smiled. “And you?”

Sephanie lowered her voice, whispering, “If there wasn’t danger around us, I’d have grabbed it already. Gotten their promises formally.”

A deep, gnawing yearning for that connection burned inside her. It had become stronger over the past few days as she’d seen how good it could be. She wanted that badly.

“If part of you is telling you to wait, then wait. They’re men. They can deal with a delay.” Julie shrugged.

“As to the dealing, I’m not—” Sephanie jumped after a thud on the counter broke her concentration.

“Go try these on.” Teague pushed a pile of clothes across the counter.

She looked down at the array of clothes, from lingerie to dresses, and then back up at him. “You were supposed to be standing out of the way, letting me talk with my friend and enjoy a little normalcy. Not picking out clothing and then expecting me to try them on.”

He smiled, white teeth flashing and his eyes shining with amusement. “You knew I wouldn’t stay in a corner. You were predicting that before we left the house. Aside from that, all you’ve been doing is whispering about how you want a commitment but need the danger out of the way first.”

Sephanie stared at him in amazement. “You couldn’t have heard that all the way over there.”

Teague turned his head and brushed the hair back from his ear, revealing a small bud nestled there. “I never said I wouldn’t listen. I said I’d be here to watch over you and give you some space. I promised Berenger and Kassius I would protect you.”

“Listening in on my private chats with my friend is not part of keeping me safe.” She hopped off the stool, and braced her hands on her hips. Anger and outrage pulsed through her, but his behavior didn’t surprise her. She hadn’t known he’d try something like this, but it did fit with his previous actions.

“But someone might come in and threaten you. I couldn’t hear them if I’m not close to you. This way, I’ll know if there’s danger.” Teague let his hair fall back into place. A wicked grin curved his lips. “Now, go see if these clothes fit.”

“I’m surprised you’re not insisting on going into the fitting room with me.” She rolled her eyes and began looking at the various pieces of clothing.

Some were pretty. She liked the deep blue and green of two of the dresses. The red dress she’d have to try on to see how it looked with her hair and complexion. Some colors tended to make her seem sallow.

“Hey, this isn’t that kind of shop. One person in each changing room unless there’s a problem with fastening the clothing.” Julie shook an admonishing finger at Sephanie.

Teague laughed. “Dressing you is the last thing I’d do if I managed to get you alone somewhere. Take the clothes and come out after you get each outfit on.”

“I am not coming out wearing only this.” Sephanie held up a set of brilliant green, nearly indecent night wear, although it could be more aptly described as a piece of silky temptation. It seemed designed to encourage the roaming of hands and lips.

“All right, if that one fits, you don’t have to model it here. I do expect a proper show when we get back to the house.” Teague waved. “Into the changing room, and stop delaying. Show me how you look in these.”

Sephanie looked at him and then at the clothes. The thought of teasing him with glimpses of the clothes appealed.

Sephanie took the pile of clothes and went to one of the dressing rooms. She had fun modeling them for Teague. When she came out of the dressing room for the fourth time wearing yet another of the outfits, she stopped abruptly.

Annoyance curled through her. Lillie leaned against the counter. Sephanie shook her head. The woman bent over it while she tried to talk with Teague, who sat on one of the stools behind the counter.

“We’re having a party tonight. I want you, Kassius, and Berenger to come.” Lillie reached over the counter and tried to pat his thigh.

Teague moved his leg, keeping it out of her reach. Smart man. Sephanie grimly stalked across the room. If he’d let Lillie touch him, Sephanie might have lost her tenuous grip on her temper. Lillie kept pushing, and from what Sephanie had seen, they hadn’t given her any encouragement.

“We have plans with Sephanie.” Teague shook his head.

“They’re busy tonight.” Sephanie walked around Lillie and slipped behind the counter. Stopping behind Teague, she tried to get control of her temper before she opened her mouth again.

“Are they?” Lillie leaned a hip on the edge of the counter. Her eyes lingered on Teague.

“I’m busy. We wouldn’t go to a party as your guests without Sephanie. She’s the woman we’re with.” Teague turned and smiled at Sephanie. “That looks good on you, baby.”

Sephanie narrowed her gaze on him and the bland look on his face. She didn’t buy it. She also didn’t believe Lillie had developed such an intense interest in them and suddenly started chasing them. Something more lurked behind the fascination.

“Oh, what are you doing, Teague?” Lillie cooed. Long lashes fluttered over her big brown eyes.

“He’ll be with me. Most likely under me, with the mood I’m in right now. If you need more details, I’ll be happy to supply them for you.” Sephanie glared at Lillie.

“I’m sure you won’t keep his attention long. He’ll have plenty of time to come to my party.” Lillie waved her hand.

“No, he won’t, because their problem at the moment is keeping up with me. They’re busy for most of the night.” Sephanie smiled. A bit of a lie, but the woman got on her nerves. Teague, Berenger, and Kassius certainly had the stamina for satisfying her. “Go find someone else to invite to your party. I’m sure you can find someone to suit your daddy’s qualifications.”

“You won’t keep them.” Lillie straightened, and her eyes narrowed.

“Maybe, but I know one thing. They’re not stupid enough to go to you even if they are idiots and walk away from me.” Sephanie wrapped an arm around Teague. She didn’t worry they would go to someone else. Her main concern at the moment was the intensity of her feelings for them.

“They will be mine. I always get what I want.” Lillie smiled confidently. “I’ll enjoy watching you squirm when they’re with me.”

“But they’re not your goal, are they? So what is it you’re after, Lillie? Or should that be, what is your father’s objective?” Sephanie leaned forward as if she expected an answer.

If they started dating that twit at some point in the future, she’d leave the city. If she didn’t, she might end up with an assault charge. She wasn’t sure whom she’d catch the charge for assaulting but knew herself well enough to recognize her reaction would be extreme in that circumstance.

Teague reached back to tangle his fingers with hers and squeezed gently. She looked down and then at him. He shook his head. The motion clearly indicated she should stop asking what Lillie or her father might be after. Or maybe he felt the little twit was innocent. None of the men seemed to believe Lillie’s actions were all that strange.

Lillie smiled and turned away from the counter. “All the insults won’t matter soon. I’ll have them in my bed. Maybe I’ll move them in with me. One thing is certain. They will be mine.”

“Lillie, we’re not going to date you. Ever.” Teague’s thumb stroked across the back of Sephanie’s hand.

Lillie strolled out of the store without a backward glance. She didn’t even acknowledge Teague’s words. Sephanie watched the woman leave. After she was certain Lillie wouldn’t come back for a few more taunts, Sephanie turned her attention to Teague. He sat on the stool and looked at the door.

Sephanie tilted her head to the side. “That woman is fixated.”

“Not because of anything we did.” Teague shot her an annoyed glare.

“I didn’t say you did. I wasn’t thinking it. Her fixation has nothing to do with you three as men. She doesn’t look at you like she wants you. She looks at you as if you’re something she’s going to take possession of.” Sephanie pulled her hand free and sighed. She trusted them and didn’t need that reassurance.

“That only makes what she just did even scarier.” Julie exhaled slowly and stared at the door. “Are you sure the woman is sane?”

“She’s sane. She’s not dangerous, just trying to find a way closer to us so Kassius will consider her father’s offer.” Teague’s fingers tapped on top of the counter. “But yeah, this current stalking behavior does make me look at her differently.”

“It’s more than her current behavior, you freaking blind male. I’ve never heard about behavior like this with a male. She has fixated on women she wants out of her way before. The way she keeps coming after you isn’t normal. I can’t believe you don’t see anything wrong with the way she’s acting.” Sephanie put her hands on her hips and glared down at him.

“She’s persistent. I’ll give you that, but there’s no evidence it’s more than that. We have to wait on the evidence.” Teague shrugged. He didn’t look worried.

“Teague, the way she’s acting isn’t even normal for her.” Sephanie massaged her temples, hoping to alleviate the ache building there. After that scene, she’d thought he would be able to see through the woman.

“Sephanie, she’s harmless. Intense and obviously goal oriented, but I doubt she’d do anything to risk angering her father.” Teague turned around, and his gaze swept down her body hungrily.

She huffed and folded her arms across her chest. He was still fooled by that innocent act.

“Gorgeous, baby. Why don’t you go try on the rest of the clothes?” Teague drew his hand over her hip.

She didn’t move and tapped her fingers against her thigh. “You think that’s the end of this. No, Teague, it’s not. Did Lillie look around the store when she came in?”

“She saw me and came to talk.” Teague raised a brow. “Relax. She’ll get the message eventually.”

“She didn’t even start toward the racks of clothes. On top of that, she’s never been in here before,” Julie said.

Sephanie glanced over at her friend and found her staring at Teague with a surprised look on her face. Sephanie could understand that. Teague seemed oblivious to reality, and it didn’t fit with his training. Maybe the reason behind the blindness was Lillie’s small size or sweet looks. Although Berenger and Kassius weren’t here, she didn’t expect a different reaction from them. They didn’t take Lillie’s actions seriously, even if they did have people looking into Lillie’s father’s actions.