Masterpiece (The Masters of The Order Book 1) (35 page)

“More. I want more. Move!”

Both men responded to the tortured trill of her words and eased back. Jacques plunged forward with a killer strike before withdrawing in a slow, scorching slide. Nicolai responded with a sharp surge forward. Then they reversed. Stroking in and out, taking her with a steady, building rhythm, their bodies moving with perfect syncopation.

Nothing could have prepared her for this total body awakening. They pleasured her with soul-shattering thoroughness, ramping the sensations up and up and
OMFG
up. The cutting ecstasy of it damn near broke her apart. They knew exactly how to take a woman this way, their talent thrilling. And they left no part of her untouched while they did it. Everything moved with a decadent, well-practiced coordination. Two cocks sliding so deep. Two sets of insistent fingers taking, twisting. Two mouths licking, biting, demanding.

Two men.

Two lovers.

Two Masters.

Their hedonism poured all over her.

“
Ne s'arrêtent pas
.
Cher Dieu
, don’t, don’t, don’t stop” she mewled, over and over, lost to the decadence as they filled her, body and soul.

Nicolai’s voice cut through the delirium. “Have mercy, Beauty. Let him come.”

She’d forgotten that she had control.

“
Oui
. Come all over me,” she yelled at Jacques, unable to believe she had permission to top him, but unable to restrain the wanton demand. “I want to feel it on my skin.”

Jacques reacted immediately and tore himself from her body, frantically fisting his erection. He looked savage as he pumped into his hand, his head back, every muscle of his torso drawn tight. And those pants, yeah, those wicked pants, hugged that sexy body and outlined the whole show.

With a monstrous roar, Jacques came. Hot spurts splattered against her chest and belly. The wet sensation combined with the knowledge that she made him come so powerfully thrilled her to the marrow.

Your turn, lover.
“I want more,” she demanded over her shoulder. “Mark me again, Nicolai. Come on me. Scream!”

Nicolai thrust into her one last time and detonated, flooding her with his release before pulling back to splash what remained onto her back. With his obscene cry of pleasure resounding in her ears, she found her own release.

Before the three of them eased back to reality and Nicolai withdrew her permission to control the scene, she issued a final command. “This isn’t over, my lovely boys. You will do that to me again. Right now.”

*****

Jacques was taken aback by how lovely Julianne was.

She closed the door to the bedroom and strolled across the terrace toward him. The tanning oil on her nude skin glistened in the morning sunshine along with the gleam of her confidence. Nicolai's Beauty was more than beautiful.

My cousin is an unbelievably lucky bastard
. “Is Prince Charming still asleep?”

“Yes,” she said with a demure smile.

That was too perfect. Julianne was reticent about Nicolai being worn out even though she was the one responsible for it. A lady by day. A vixen by night. Ideal for his high society cousin. He absolutely loved it.

Instead of returning to her chaise, she stepped next to him and went to her knees, resting her head on his leg. He automatically began stroking his fingers through her hair. He loved it when a woman showed her submission this way.

And then he remembered it was Nicolai’s woman at his feet.

“Why did you do that, Julianne? Nicolai generally doesn’t go for the whole kneeling thing.”

“I know. But you’re my lover too, Jacques. I enjoy pleasing you.”

“Do you like this?”

“Yes.”

“Most would find such a blatant show of submission a humiliation, a punishment even.”

“Then they’re fools. Why should I hide my joy at living my life honestly? I’ve spent years hiding who I am. I will never do that again. I would proudly kneel at Nicolai’s feet in front of the whole world if he asked me to.”

“Does it bother you that he doesn’t?”

“I’m not sure he hasn’t.” She giggled. “Has he told you about his idea for his next exhibit? I think after that, the world will know exactly who we are and how we live.”

“Yeah, ‘Becoming Beauty,’ it sounds pretty hot. You know, Nico can have a pretty twisted imagination, kitten. Becoming the living expression of it through art is going to be quite a challenge. You sure you’re okay expressing limits?”

“I scare myself sometimes, Jacques, with the dark thoughts in my head, but yes. I will tell him if it’s too much. I want to show the world who we are, the life we share. But thank you for caring about me.”

“Care about you? Hell, woman, I love you.” He reached down and turned her head up to his face. “You don’t even know what you’ve done for him, do you?”

“You don’t know what he’s done for me. Words can’t express it.” She turned her cheek back against his leg. “I only hope the art we create together will.”

“Make sure you start at the beginning. Do you know he fell for you the first day you met?”

“You lie.”

“Never, kitten. It’s against my religion,” he said with a chuckle.

“Then why did he wait months to kiss me? Nicolai isn’t exactly lacking confidence when it comes to women,” she said rather smugly.

“You sure about that?”

She didn’t answer.

“Sex and love are not the same thing, Julianne. Has he ever told you about his father? Our lives growing up?”

“No.” She looked at him again.

He leaned back and rested his head against the chaise, his fingers flexing in her hair. “You should ask him about it sometime.”

“You’re not going to tell me anything, are you?”

“No, kitten, I’m not.”

“You’re just going to plant the seed, like you did before.”

He tilted his head to the side and looked down at her with a grin.

“Don’t look at me all wide-eyed and innocent. I figured out that what happened with Darion after the opening wasn’t a coincidence.”

“You reap what you sow,” he said with a shrug, closing his eyes and petting his fingers through her hair.

“So true.” She relaxed against his leg.

The sound of the ocean crashing against the shoreline below filled his ears. The warm sun fell over his face. He wasn’t a religious man, but something about the moment spurred him to silent prayer.

I don’t know if you can hear me, or if you even exist, but thank you for giving her to my cousin. I know I’m not worthy of it, but if for some reason it could be possible, please let me find my woman.

Julianne’s voice startled him. “You’re a good man, Jacques. Maybe if you bring a woman to see the exhibit, you and she will find what Nicolai and I share. You deserve that too. I hope you know that.”

“Maybe I do, kitten. Maybe I do.”

And for the first time in forever, he believed it.

22

Collision Course

The party was in full swing when they arrived.

A doorman greeted them in the entry hall and reached for Julianne’s wrap. It was do or die time. Underneath, she wore the see-through gown. The one that suddenly felt too daring.

Nicolai leaned in to whisper in her ear, “You are a masterpiece. Display yourself proudly.”

Julianne squared her shoulders and squeezed his hand.

“A masterpiece,” he repeated with a proud smile and led her into the ballroom.

The first thing Julianne noticed was the jewelry glinting with little flashes under the soft lighting of Schonbek chandeliers. Every woman sparkled and she was no exception. Nicolai made sure of that. Tiers of Cartier emeralds dangled from her ears and a diamond comb held up her hair. Her man was obsessed with presents. Expensive presents. He even wanted to pay for her dress, but she wouldn’t let him. The dress was her present to him.

She couldn’t believe the tableau of elegance, wealth and sophistication that greeted them. Nicolai said the Grand Ball was over the top, but those words didn’t begin to describe it. The palatial room would have been stunning enough alone. Filled with so many beautiful people, it was like a painting from Gustav Klimt’s golden phase. Music echoed under a domed gilt ceiling accented with stained glass. A full orchestra sat at the far end of a gleaming dance floor. All around, clusters of designer-clad partygoers laughed and greeted one another, the music of their happy voices playing along with the musicians.

Nicolai headed straight toward Darion, who was chatting with a man in formal Highland dress. She gasped when he turned his face to her, but Nicolai had been very clear. The Order was hierarchical, its protocol set. Xavier first, Darion second, Sabin third and then the rest.

She ignored the other man and focused on Darion.

He stepped forward to greet her with a kiss on both cheeks. “My, my, Julianne. You are a true vision, as inspiring as the sea.”

The admiration in those jade eyes complimented even more than his flattering words. So did the lusty scan of her body beneath the dress.

Okay, it's not too boastful to think it. I do look hot. Va-va-va-voom, Darion.

Nicolai eased a possessive arm around her shoulders and turned her to the other man. “I’m sure you remember Gavrael, Julianne,” he purred in his naughtiest voice.

Her wolf simply adored throwing her off guard.
Remember him. For God’s sake
. Nicolai had run her hands over just about every inch of his naked body even if he was only now telling her his name.

Gavrael looked like someone yanked the lord of the castle right out of history and dropped him into the 21st century. He donned a black barathea kilt jacket with a matching waistcoat and a traditional kilt. An elaborate sporran hung at his waist, an ornamental sgian dubh tucked into his kilt hose.

“Guid ev’nin', lass.” He bowed to her, glancing up with those stunning emerald eyes. “Ye’ar even lovelier than I remembered.”

All she could remember was him naked.

“Yes, of course. I mean, thank you.
Bonsoir
,” she stammered with a blush, much to the amusement of the three men.

When Darion moved next to him, Gavrael turned his whole body. The way Gavrael yielded, the proud look in his eye, made her think of her old friend Lucas. Good Lord. Gavrael was a sub. He was Darion’s sub.

Will the surprises never cease?

She smiled with the recognition of a kindred spirit. Gavrael smiled back, his eyes acknowledging their unspoken bond.

“Be careful, Gavrael. She bites.” Darion’s eyes flashed with evil glee and Nicolai cleared his throat to hide his chuckle.

“I cannae believe that of this wee woman.” The mischievous look in Gavrael’s eyes made it clear that he’d heard the whole story.

They're really enjoying this.

Well, if they were going to tease, she wasn’t above a little fun. She sidled up to Gavrael, just close enough that her breasts rubbed against his ribs, and went up on her toes. “I would be happy to make you believe,” she crooned and nipped his earlobe.

Nicolai’s hand stroked her bottom. “I’m going to make you honor that promise, Beauty mine. Later. In Darion’s dungeon.”

The possessive touch. The sexual threat.
Zut, he got me again
. Every time she stepped up her game, her master of seduction stepped up his. Her entire being thrummed with decadent anticipation.

A momentary silence interrupted the din, everyone seeming to pause, and the dynamic in the room changed. She turned, wondering what happened. A man stood at the threshold. As he entered the room, the sea of people parted for him, all eyes subtly focusing on him. She knew without having to ask.

Xavier Talbot had arrived.

Every Master in the Order inspired a certain amount of awe, but Xavier’s presence alone seemed to command it. His movements were smooth, confident and noticeably refined. He seemed perfectly at ease in the invisible spotlight that shone on him. He didn’t look threatening, rather royal actually, but the reaction of the people around him signaled her to be wary. When he stopped right in front of her, Nicolai’s grip on her hand tightened.

“Good evening,
mademoiselle
. Welcome to my home.” Xavier reached for her free hand and lifted it to his lips.

“I am honored to be here,” she answered, more than a little bit shocked that Xavier would bypass everyone else in the room and speak to her first.

Xavier turned to greet the others, Darion first. Or second, given that he’d already spoken to her. Darion seemed nonplussed by the break in protocol. The men exchanged a handshake and Xavier turned to Nicolai.

“Hello, Nicolai. You look well. Particularly with this fine lady gracing your arm.”

Xavier’s eyes never left her as he spoke.

“Thank you, Xavier.”

There was something off in Nicolai’s tone as he greeted Xavier, but that would only be apparent to a person who knew Nicolai well.
What is it about this man that makes him so nervous?

Xavier shook Gavrael’s hand before the quintessential host moved away to greet his other guests, taking a few moments to chat with each one.

She knew Xavier was a powerful man. Everyone used that word to describe him. Repeatedly. But hearing about something and seeing it were two entirely different things. The reaction when he entered the room and the response of each person as he greeted them bore that out more clearly than any description of him ever could.

It wasn’t just about wealth or intelligence or accomplishments. Xavier had power over every person in the room. Tangible power. And they weren’t exactly an average bunch. No one was his equal, not even Darion. But he also seemed humble, grateful to have each and every one of them around him. She wouldn’t say he was friendly, rather gracious and polite. Curiosity burned through her as she watched him, every bit of her wanting to steal him away and hit him with a barrage of questions, but that would be impolite. And impossible given the vice grip Nicolai had on her hand.

Having worked his way through the entire room, Xavier returned to her and extended his hand. “May I have the honor of a dance?”

This time she felt not only Nicolai’s reaction, but Darion’s as well, and she froze. She wasn’t sure what to do. Nicolai ordered her not to leave his side and Darion looked like he wanted to intervene, but this was Xavier Talbot, the top of their hierarchy, and he just asked her for a dance.

She didn’t want to upset Nicolai, or Darion, but she wanted a relationship with this man. Not because he led the Order, but because he was somehow uniquely significant to her life. His greeting earlier seemed to suggest that he felt the same way. The compulsion to know Xavier forced her hand away from Nicolai’s and into his.

As Xavier led her to the center of the dance floor, the orchestra stopped playing. When they were positioned to dance, the music started again and Xavier began to move her across the floor. He was quite a good dancer and not surprisingly, a strong lead. It took a few bars, but she relaxed in his arms and let him guide her around the floor with flourish.

They danced three waltzes and a fox trot before he spoke. She hadn’t dared to speak first. “I’ve waited a very long time to meet you, Julianne, and I must say the pleasure of it exceeds every expectation I had.”

“Thank you, my Lord.”

He laughed a resigned laugh. “Nicolai has taught you well, I see. I will compliment him on your perfect manners. But for this moment and this moment alone, I want you to forget everything everyone has told you about how to act with me and be yourself.”

Another stunning turn of events
. She leaned back, searching his pale eyes, at a loss for words.

“We are connected to each other. I’m sure you know that by now,” he prompted as they spun across the floor.

Yes, we are.
She was pretty good at seeing behind a façade, but she was struggling to get a true picture of Xavier. She clearly saw the leader of the Order, the intelligence, the regal bearing, but there was something more to him, something she couldn’t pinpoint. It was like catching a glimpse of something out of the corner of your eye only to have it disappear when you looked directly at it.

“You’re a thinker, Julianne, quiet, with a gentle spirit, but very passionate. I can feel it in the way you dance.”

Apparently, his ability to see me is perfectly clear.

“You remind me of your mother. I’m sure you wish to know more about her, especially now that you’ve joined the Order.”

Crystal clear.

Xavier's words cut straight to the heart of everything and a lump formed in her throat. All her life, she’d been told how much she was like her mother and the need to understand Lianne had grown exponentially since reading her journal. Xavier was the only person who could gift her with information about the real woman and the nature they shared.

“I read about you in her journal. She loved you very much.”

“And I her.” The pain in Xavier’s voice made clear that he wasn’t speaking in the past tense.

“Did you love my father too?”

At the mention of the Colonel, Xavier’s posture tightened slightly and a hint of doubt entered her mind. Before she could discern his mood, the music changed and he swept her into a dramatic dip.

“At last, a tango. Do you know how? I adore this dance.”

His silver hair swung down. Delight replaced the pain in his eyes and for some compelling reason, she wanted to make this mysterious man happy. Maybe because with the unveiling of his pain came the need to ease it. He loved her mother. That was enough for now.

She threw her arm straight out and flashed a flirty smile at him. “Shall we, Xavier?”

Xavier didn’t allow her to leave the dance floor for over an hour. He instructed the orchestra to play tango after tango. The man must have Argentinean blood. By the time he finished all that spinning and twirling and dipping, she was exhausted.

As the music died away, she met his eyes. He was flushed and smiling.

And holding me a bit too close.

She must have tensed, because he grabbed both her hands and said, “Come. We must talk in private.”

They exited the dance floor on the opposite side from Darion and Nicolai and headed toward the terrace. She didn’t want to leave the room with Xavier. It was bad enough that she ignored Nicolai’s demand not to leave his side. But Xavier moved swiftly, pulling her along with his steady gait.

Once outside, she looked back into the ballroom. Nicolai and Darion were crossing the dance floor and beyond them, she couldn’t miss the eyes of Sabin’s military might fixed squarely on her as Xavier closed and locked the door.

“We should go back inside,” she stammered.

Xavier turned to her with a commanding look in his eye, his words rushed. “Your life is a mystery to you, Julianne. I hold the answers. I am willing to give them to you. For a price.”

He paused, waiting for her to acknowledge his words. She remained silent. She needed his answers, but this felt wrong.

So wrong.

As he continued, a snap of impatience entered his voice. “I’m not blind. I saw the look in Nicolai’s eyes when I touched you. I see those lovely marks on your body. I know precisely what that means. But, if you want to know yourself, you must defy him. You must agree to meet me secretly. Are we in accord?”

She nodded, unsure whether she was actually agreeing with him or simply moving her head so he would unlock the door.

“No, Julianne.” His eyes flashed with ice. “You must give me your word. No one must know about this. Not even Nicolai. Decide right now. I offer you a single chance to say yes.”

When she didn’t answer, both hands grabbed her biceps. He looked furious, like he was fighting the urge to shake her, or hit her, or drag her off into the dark. So much emotion played across his face. She couldn’t decipher it, but she refused to fear him. Her mother loved him. She had nothing to fear.

“Ev’nin’, darlin’.”

She heard a small flick and Sabin’s face appeared in a flash as he lit his cigar. For someone with nothing to fear, she deflated like a balloon at the sight of him sauntering toward her.