Destined for Two (14 page)

“Yes,” he admitted with a sigh. “I want to see the same light she has in her eyes when she looks at you, directed at me. I want to see her smile at me the way she smiles at you.”

“She considers me her brother, Keenas. Are you sure that’s what you want?”

“Damn it, Armande,” Keenas snarled, making Devlin chuckle.

“What’s it worth to you?” Devlin asked slyly.

“You’re going to charge us for this?” Jorel asked in surprise.

Devlin frowned. “Don’t be ridiculous. I don’t want nor need your money, Jorel.”

“Then what do you want?”

“Your word you won’t keep Rhia away from me.” Keenas opened his mouth to speak, but Devlin held up his hand, stopping him. “I’ve raised her since she was four. She’s all the family I have. I want your word that we can see each other whenever we want, that you won’t try to push us apart.”

“I never intended to keep Rhianna from you, Devlin.” 90

Jorel nodded his agreement. “I even told her on the ship you would always be welcome here.”

“Your word,” Devlin repeated softly.

“You have it,” the twins replied in unison.

Devlin remained silent for a moment, his fingers rubbing at the constant ache between his temples. Why couldn’t he dislodge this person? Who was it? Giving himself a mental shake, he tried to ignore the nagging emotions.

“So…you want me to convince Rhianna to love you?” Devlin asked, slightly confused.

Between his lack of sleep the last couple of days, the constant emotional strain from his ghost since he’d arrived, and the dream he’d just had, he couldn’t seem to think straight.

“Not exactly,” Jorel said.

Raising an eyebrow, Devlin shot Jorel a pointed look, silently telling him to get on with it.

Keenas sat on the side of the bed, next to Devlin. “Here probably isn’t the best place to do this. Now that we’ve proven she’s the princess, we want to take her somewhere more private. No servants, no people or duties to distract her -- just the three of us so she can get to know Jorel and I as husbands, not kings. Where is her favorite place?”

“Why don’t you just ask her?” Devlin asked in amusement.

Jorel shrugged. “We want it to be a surprise.”

Devlin glanced back and forth between the two of them, and then laughed. He couldn’t help it. The whole thing had become so damn ridiculous. Keenas didn’t find it at all amusing and jumped to his feet in anger. Jorel, on the other hand, seemed to share Devlin’s sense of humor.

“You find this funny, Armande?” Keenas growled.

“Oh, hell yeah,” Devlin murmured, still chuckling.

“Fuck you,” Keenas grumbled, then walked to the other side of the room, his stern gaze watching out the darkened window.

A tiny grin tugged at Jorel’s lips. “As I’m sure you can probably tell, this whole situation is gnawing at Keenas. He’s not used to women fighting him.”

“I can imagine,” Devlin said, his chuckling beginning all over again.

Jorel’s smile widened. “I, on the other hand, am having the time of my life.”

“I don’t have time for this…this,” Keenas waved his hand about angrily.

“This what?” Devlin drawled as he moved to lean his back against the carved headboard.

“This courting nonsense.”

“I have a feeling you’ll make time for it if you want Rhia. She’s not going to just fall into your arms for duty. You kidnapped her, took her away from her home…confused her by

91

seducing her before she was ready.” Keenas had the decency to look away from Devlin’s narrowed gaze; Jorel’s eyes widened in shock. “She told me what happened.” Keenas’s shoulders stiffened as though expecting some retaliation from Devlin. “She blames herself more than you, Keenas. You pissed her off. She’s going to make you work for this.”

“She’s already started by banning us from her room,” Jorel said with a sigh.

“Good for her,” Devlin said with a grin. “The more you have to work for something, the more you’ll appreciate it.”

“Any other sparks of wisdom you want to pass our way, Armande?” Keenas growled.

One corner of Devlin’s lips twitched. “Yes…Daego.”

“Daego?” Keenas murmured.

“I’ve heard of it,” Jorel said. “Isn’t it a moon in the Lega sector?”

“Yes. Rhia loves it there. A friend of mine has a lake house you can use. It’s quiet, secluded, and has all the security you would need already in place, so there is no need to take your guards. It’s Sidious Marcone’s home.”

Keenas nodded. “I know Sidious. Isn’t he there?”

“No. He’s on a trip with his wife. Of course, I’ll clear it with him first, but I’m sure there won’t be a problem. Rhia even has her own room there.”

“Her own room?” Jorel asked.

“Yes. We all do. The house is huge and the Marcones use that house whenever they want to have family gatherings. You can take her there for a few days. Enjoy the lake, take her shopping.” He waved his hand with a frown. “Whatever. I’ll stay here and wait for your return. When you get back, if Rhianna wishes to remain, I’ll stand by her at the wedding.”

“We’re already married, Armande,” Keenas said with a sigh.

“Rhia doesn’t remember it, Davole. If she decides to remain, there will be a wedding.” Devlin narrowed his eyes, conveying silently to Keenas there would be no argument on this issue.

“I don’t have a problem with that,” Jorel said. “If that’s what it takes to make Rhianna happy, then so be it.” He spun around to glare at his brother. “Right, Keenas?”

“Of course,” Keenas said softly. “Make no mistake, Devlin. I’ll do whatever I have to do to make Rhianna happy.”

“I would expect no less from you, Keenas. And neither would Rhia.” Devlin’s lips twitched as he fought the grin that threatened to spread into full-blown laughter. “I have a feeling the game is on.”

92

Morganic sat at his table, breakfast spread before him untouched. How would he handle this? He would not sit back and let Rhianna take the throne as queen. That position belonged to his daughter, Liza. He’d spent the last ten years making sure her training was top-notch. She’d been groomed for queen, and he’d be damned if he’d let some woman who’d been raised in a bar take the place that was rightly hers.

“Good morning, Father.”

Morganic looked up to see his daughter hovering in the doorway. He scowled in displeasure, angry that no matter how much training she received, she was still meek, just like her mother had been. “For God’s sake, Liza. Hold your head up as though you’re proud.

Stop sulking.”

“I’m not sulking,” she murmured, then moved to fill her plate and took the seat on his right. “I understand Rhianna has been found.”

“Yes,” he snarled. “But don’t worry, child. If anything were to happen to her, you would take her place.”

Liza glanced up at him with wide eyes. “I don’t want to take her place, Father. I’ve told you this. I don’t want to marry them.”

Morganic snorted in disgust. “You will marry them, Liza, whether you like it or not. So get used to the idea of being fucked by two men. Matter of fact,” he drawled, watching the color drain from his daughter’s face, “maybe we should find someone to get you accustomed to anal sex. Of course you’ll need to remain a virgin, but there’s no reason why we can’t train you in everything else that will be required of you.” She swallowed, her eyes narrowing in the first signs of spunk he’d ever seen from her.

“You can’t be serious.”

93

“I’m dead serious,” he snarled, his anger rising. How dare his daughter question him or his decisions? Reaching out, he gripped her chin forcefully. She jumped, and then gasped through pursed lips as his hold tightened. “Don’t ever think you can go against me, Liza. You will do as you’re told and if I want to train you in sex, then that’s what will happen. It’s important you know how to please your husbands. Unlike your mother who wouldn’t know…” He stopped short, remembering the woman who couldn’t take his unusual sexual appetites and ended up killing herself. He shoved her face away and she gripped the edge of the table to keep from falling out of her chair. “Never mind,” he snarled. “My guest is here anyway.”

Raising his hand, he waved his business partner, who stood just inside the dining room doorway, into the room. His face was blank, but Morganic didn’t miss the quick flash of anger that sparked in his blue gaze before he glanced to the floor. Jerick never showed emotion, so for him to do so now was intriguing. He was young, but hard and devious when it came to business dealings. The man was a shark and he had quickly realized why Jerick’s father had left him his share of their business after his death.

Maybe Jerick would make a good tutor for his daughter. He hadn’t missed the sly glances he’d sent his daughter’s way when he thought no one was looking.

“Liza, take your breakfast to the terrace. Jerick and I have business to discuss.”

“Yes, Father,” she murmured, and rose, leaving her plate on the table.

“Jerick,” Morganic said as his partner took the seat to his left. “Help yourself to breakfast.”

“Thank you, but no. I’ve already eaten,” Jerick drawled as he leaned back in his chair, crossing one ankle over his knee. “What did you want to talk with me about, Morganic?” Morganic’s fork stopped just short of his mouth as he stared at Jerick in surprise. “Is that malice I detect in your voice, Jerick? Do you have a problem with something I’ve done?” Jerick’s eyes narrowed dangerously. “You know damn good and well I don’t like seeing you mistreat your daughter.”

“Ah, but therein lies the truth. She’s my daughter, and as such, I’m allowed to treat her however I like. What you like doesn’t enter into the equation.” He took a sip of tea, and set the cup back on the table. Raising his napkin, he dabbed at his lips. “I have news.”

“I’ve already heard. Rhianna’s been found.”

He glanced at Jerick in surprise. “How?”

Jerick shrugged in disinterest, but something about the tense way he held his shoulders made Morganic frown. “Word like that travels fast, Morganic. Servants talk.”

“Servants,” Morganic growled. “I was hoping to take care of this little problem before word had time to spread.”

“Take care of it?” Jerick choked. “How? By killing her? Surely you wouldn’t be that stupid.”

94

Anger seethed through Morganic as he stared at the young Jerick. He would not allow someone to talk to him like that. Jerick should know better. His finger flexed against the table edge, the urge to hit Jerick strangling him like a vise. “You will watch your tongue around me, Jerick,” Morganic hissed. “Talk like that will get us both arrested for treason. I never said anything about killing her.”

Jerick leaned forward, his eyes narrowing dangerously. “No. You implied it. If you still want your daughter to be queen, fool, I suggest you watch your mouth. Like I said earlier.

Servants talk.”

Morganic studied Jerick thoughtfully. He had courage -- sometimes too much. He needed to keep him busy -- occupied and out of his affairs for a few days. “I have something I want you to take care of for me, Jerick.”

Raising his eyebrow, Jerick sat back and eyed him skeptically. “What?”

“I want you to prepare my daughter.”

Jerick’s eyes widened slightly, then narrowed. “Prepare her for what?”

“For the marriage bed.”

“You want me to take her virginity?” He gaped.

“No,” Morganic said, narrowing his gaze. “She remains a virgin. What I want you to do is teach her about pleasing men and about anal sex. Take her in the ass, get her used to it.”

“You can’t be serious.”

The silent fury in Jerick’s voice took Morganic by surprise. “Surely you don’t suppose me cruel enough to send my daughter into a ménage marriage without some knowledge of how to handle herself and what is expected.”

The muscle in Jerick’s cheek worked furiously as he obviously tried to control his temper.

“I know you want her. I’ve seen you look at her. Now go take her.” Again the muscle in his cheek jerked and Morganic grinned, and then stood to leave. “I have meetings this morning. I expect you to handle the situation, Jerick.”

“I’m your partner, Morganic, not your lackey,” Jerick snarled.

“As long as I have controlling shares in this business we own, you’re whatever I say you are.”

With that, he turned and left the room, no doubt in his mind Jerick would do what he’d been told.

* * * * *

Liza stood at the window, staring at the plains in the distance. Hate simmered in her stomach as she thought about her father. Her mother had died because of him and if she 95

stayed here much longer, she was fairly certain her fate would be the same. She’d take her own life if she had to marry the kings.

It wasn’t that they were bad men. They were well loved by their people. Handsome and patient with their staff, and from everything she’d heard through the grapevine, quite good in bed. But her heart lay elsewhere. She didn’t love them and, truthfully, feared Keenas, even though deep down she knew he wouldn’t hurt her. Not like her father.

A knock sounded at the door, breaking her thoughts, and she braced for another round of abuse from the man who sired her. She turned, straightening her shoulders, and then let them sag in relief when her gaze caught Jerick’s. He stood just inside the door, his blue eyes watching her intently, his gaze studying the growing bruise on the side of her jaw where her father had gripped her chin.

His eyes narrowed in anger and she rushed to assure him. “I’m fine, Jerick. Really,” she whispered and he shut the door with a loud slam, making her jump.

“The hell you are,” he growled.

He stomped toward her, his lithe, firm body graceful like a mountain cat, his dark brown hair curling about his shoulders. She wanted to touch that hair, run her fingers through its softness. She wanted to feel his strong arms around her, supporting her and surrounding her with strength and love, filling her with his heat.

They’d been lovers for over three months now. If her father knew, he’d kill them both, but she didn’t care. She ached for him, had ever since she’d first seen him. His fingers lightly brushed across the bruise, his tender touch making her melt.

“I’m so sorry, baby,” he whispered. “You shouldn’t be here.”

“I can’t leave, Jerick. I can’t leave you. My father would lose his mind looking for me and we both know it. We have to step this up. We have to catch him soon and prove he’s behind the resistance and the attack on Rhianna’s father. I can’t marry the kings.”

“You won’t have to,” he said, his hands cupping her cheeks. “And we will. I promise.

Damn, Liza, your father covers his tracks well. But do you think he’d really do something as drastic as kill Rhianna?”

She nodded, her lips trembling. “Yes,” she whispered.

“We’ll have to watch him. Right now, she’s safe. The kings are taking her on a honeymoon. But once they get back, she’ll have to be watched closely. Both of them.”

“I could try to befriend her.”

“You can’t let anything slip, baby. Nothing.”

“I know,” she whispered and glanced toward the door nervously. They’d been able to keep their relationship a secret so far, but if they weren’t careful, someone would find out.

“Jerick, we have to be careful.”

His lips quirked and she frowned, wondering what he found so amusing. “Believe it or not, I have permission to be here.”

96

“What?”

“Yes.” His face took on a dark, angry look. “Your father,” he spat, “wants me to train you in the art of pleasing men.”

It didn’t surprise her, not really. He’d said as much at breakfast, but she certainly hadn’t expected him to send Jerick. “Well,” she purred, and smoothed her palms up his hard chest. “I suggest you get busy then. You have a lot to teach me.” Jerick chuckled, and wrapped his arms around her waist, holding her against him tightly. “I love you, Liza, and I promise, I’ll get you away from that man.”

“I know you will,” she whispered, then licked his full, enticing lips.

He groaned and crushed her to him. “If your father only knew,” he whispered, and thrust his tongue past her lips, making her shiver in delight.