An Angel Exposed [Safeword LLC 3] (Siren Publishing Sensations) Page 8

  “And now I’m finding that you aren’t either. You’ve made me realize that I’m the flip side of your coin, angel, and I’m not sure exactly how to handle that.”

  Amy tried her best to contain her gasp of surprise, but wasn’t sure she was successful. Had Alec just admitted he had feelings for her or was he just speaking hypothetically because she’d lost her parents like he obviously had? She always felt like she was guessing when it came to him, and she wasn’t referring to their scenes. Her best course of action was to let him continue talking, giving her insight to what he really meant.

  * * * *

  Alec looked in the window to see Amy’s reaction. He knew that by using Chad’s nickname of her, it would grab her attention. For some reason, he needed her to know that he appreciated her honesty earlier today in regards to her wants and needs.

  “I’m not like Chad, Amy. I don’t have a good heart and could care less about what anyone feels, other than Chad and Ruby, that is. But that has taken years and years for me to come to terms with.”

  “A–are you saying that—”

  “No,” Alec answered, cutting off her question before she could get it all out. “I’m not saying that I want to end our contract. I just need you to know that I can never care for you the way a man should.”

  “I’m not following, Alec.”

  He could feel the frustration ball up inside of his chest like it always did when he thought of the past. When he thought of Cara. Damn it!

  “I want to own you, Amy. I need to own you, just like you need to belong to someone. I have this desire to consume you, which is why I think about painting your body almost every waking hour. I can make you into anything I want. Breaking the contract would serve us no purpose. We each benefit, and Chad gets the best of both of us.”

  Alec could hear her shallow breathing, as if she weren’t quite sure what to do with his announcement. He hadn’t meant to blurt it out like that, but really, why wait for the two months to be up? If she couldn’t handle the darkness that devoured him, then maybe he stood a chance of surviving when she left. Everyone always ended up leaving.

  “And what is it that you want to make me?” Amy whispered.

  “Mine. Just…mine.”

  “Why?”

  “So that you never—”

  “Look, Ruby, this must be one of your sons that you were talking about and from his paint-splattered T-shirt, I would say he’s the artist.”

  Alec spun around, realizing how close he’d been to revealing his true fear. Hauling in a ragged breath, he was grateful for being saved from admitting too much. He didn’t look at her, knowing all he’d see was disappointment in her blue eyes. Today had been rough enough without the added feeling that he’d let her down…that he’d revealed his true self and now he’d probably have to suffer the consequences, along with being responsible for Chad’s possible resentment. He ran a hand through his hair, trying to make himself presentable for his foster mom.

  “Yes, that’s my Alec,” Ruby replied, although he could barely hear her. She was lying flat on the gurney, with tubes that seemed to run everywhere. Alec’s gut twisted, not liking her fragile appearance. “He’s my handful.”

  “Ruby, have you been telling tales about me?” Alec asked, trying like hell to inject some lightness into his voice and knowing he probably failed miserably. This woman knew him better than anyone. “How many times do I have to tell you, it was Chad who did all that crazy stuff.”

  Ruby gave a small smile, but closed her eyes as exhaustion took over. This woman was the strongest lady he’d ever had the privilege of knowing. She had the strength, just as Amy had guessed, to break through his walls. She never once gave up on him and always made him expect more of himself than he did. She’d been his saving grace and then lo and behold, Chad had shown up and made it twice as hard for Alec to keep his distance.

  “You know better than that, Ruby,” Chad said, walking into the room behind the nurse. “We’ll step out and let the nurse get you situated. It’s my understanding that you have to remain lying down with limited movement for quite a few hours, so we’ll stay and keep you company.”

  “Oh, Chad, you don’t have to do that,” Ruby said softly. “I know you have something at the gallery this evening.”

  “You let me worry about my work. I know it’s not the ideal time, but there’s someone we’d like you to meet. The nurse wants to get you settled in first. We’ll be back in ten minutes, okay?” Chad walked around the nurse, leaning down and kissing Ruby on the forehead. “We love you.”

  Alec watched the scene unfold before him. No taller than five feet two inches, it still amazed him how Ruby was able to handle two unruly boys. People were drawn to her because of her vibrant nature. While her short, black hair was usually styled to perfection, Ruby had a fashion all her own that usually included reds, oranges, and yellows. Chad used to say Alec could paint her and make a pretty penny. He knew he wouldn’t have been able to paint her now, seeing the white sheet pulled up to her chin with the skin of her face matching in color. It was as if she was lifeless.

  “Alec, are you coming?”

  He was surprised to feel Amy’s touch, but it was what he needed to come out of this despondent mood that had settled over him. Damn, he’d give anything to have a drink right about now. Coffee would have to do, which would give him time away from Amy and Chad, as well as not having to witness Ruby in such a state of helplessness. What he really craved was being in his studio, but that wasn’t going to happen anytime soon.

  “Yeah,” Alec replied, allowing Amy to take his hand and lead him across the room. Leaning down, similar to the way Chad did, he brushed a kiss across Ruby’s cheek. “We’ll be back soon. Be good.”

  Chapter Ten

  “I know this may seem like an odd question at such an inopportune time, but does Ruby know that you, um, share?” Amy asked as the door closed behind them.

  “Yes,” Chad answered, placing his hands in his pocket. “We keep no secrets from Ruby, although we don’t go into too much detail. She knows that we want a ménage and understands the reason why.”

  Amy felt Alec tighten his fingers on hers at Chad’s statement, although he didn’t say anything to follow it up. Did they have a specific reason they shared a woman? A million questions sprang to mind, but Amy knew that they weren’t ready to give the answers and honestly, the hospital was the last place they should be talking about this.

  “I’m getting us coffee,” Alec replied, immediately releasing her hand. “I’ll be back.”

  Amy watched as Alec walked down the hospital corridor, his swagger looking more defeated than she’d ever seen. His shoulders were slumped slightly and his hands were fisted in his front pockets. He’d used the excuse of needing coffee and that he would bring some back for everyone, but Amy knew the real reason was so that he could distance himself.

  “Do you want to tell me what happened?” Chad asked.

  Amy crossed her arms underneath her breasts, feeling the need to ward off this darkness that had descended over them since this morning. But she knew that tone, and knew Chad’s question was really meant as an order. For some reason, knowing that Alec would always hold a part of himself back from her felt as if she’d lost someone.

  “He told me that he’d never be able to care for me the way a man should…the way you could,” Amy whispered, sneaking a sideways glance at him. Chad had leaned up against the wall, his arms and legs crossed as if he had all the time in the world. He stared at her with his dark eyes, waiting and knowing she would eventually tell him the rest. She gave a little huff and then continued to tell him the remainder of their conversation. “He said that all he wants is to own me.”

  Chad surprised her by not saying anything. His dark stare still studied her, as if confirming to himself that she was telling the truth. Even though Amy had been honest, she found she couldn’t maintain his stare. She studied the specks in the floor, waiting for him to say something, anything to make it
better. Because right now, it felt as if Alec was the one lying in that hospital bed.

  “My mother passed away from cancer when I was fourteen. I never knew who my father was, and didn’t have any extended family, but I was loved, angel,” Chad said with a fond smile. “The memories I have of my mother will forever be a part of me and I will cherish them forever. Somehow, someway, I know that she was looking out for me when I was placed with Ruby.”

  Amy stayed where she was, afraid if she moved closer to him he might not continue with his story. How could two boys with the same foster mom be so different? Did something horrible happen to Alec? Images swam through her mind of what could have transpired.

  “Having Alec around, well, he would kill me if he heard me say this, but even though he was older, it was like having an immediate younger brother to look out for. He was on a destructive path, but together, Ruby and I were able to get him through some pretty tough times. I know that you’d like to know what they are, but as I said before, that is Alec’s story to tell.”

  “And what if he doesn’t?”

  “Alec doesn’t give himself enough credit, Amy,” Chad replied, looking down the hallway. “He…he lost his family and still carries the blame. But if you have patience, I know that he’ll share his past with you and finally be free to be the man he wants to be for you.”

  “Do I have a choice?” Amy asked, only half kidding in an attempt to lighten the conversation. Her effort fell flat as Chad kicked himself off of the wall with his heel. With one step, he bridged the gap between them, melding his body with hers and taking her face into his hands.

  “Yes, angel, you do have a choice. Don’t you realize that it’s the submissive that holds the true power?” Chad asked, searching her eyes for something she didn’t know. “We would never make you stay in a contract that you wanted no part of. But once you signed your name, you became ours. And then you proceeded to sign the annex, giving us full rights to your body. Can you break it? Yes, but know that there is no coming back.”

  Amy had started shaking her head, way before he finished the question. “No, Master, I don’t want to break our contract. But knowing that there’s a chance that Alec could never come to l–l–care for me is not how I pictured our relationship being.”

  “Give him time, angel,” Chad said, almost desperately. “Please.”

  “You two can go on in.” Amy jumped, surprised that the nurse had come out of Ruby’s room and they hadn’t even heard the door. “Your mother is resting comfortably and I will be in frequently to monitor her. She’s to lie prone, with limited movement for a while longer. I’ll also be checking the catheter entrance site, ensuring there is no excess bleeding.”

  “Thank you,” Chad said, stepping away from Amy all the while keeping a hand on her. He linked their fingers together. “We’ll be here for a couple of hours yet tonight and then we’ll be back first thing in the morning.”

  Chad led the way into the room. Ruby’s eyes were closed and Amy found herself infatuated with the woman who raised Chad and Alec. This woman took in two boys and gave them food, a place to live, and love. Did she truly realize the impact she’d had on their lives or was she so good-hearted that, to her, it was just how life was supposed to be?

  “Ruby, Ruby, Ruby,” Chad murmured, leaning down and kissing her cheek. “Don’t you know that you can’t go scaring us like this?”

  Chad pulled up a chair, along with the larger one that Amy assumed folded out into a bed. He tilted his head, indicating she should take the more comfortable one that she hadn’t even known was there and they both sat down. He took Ruby’s hand in his, but by now, Ruby’s brown gaze had zeroed in on her.

  “If it took getting to meet a woman who is a part of your lives, then yes.”

  Chad threw his head back and laughed. “We would have brought her to you soon enough. But, since you forced the issue, Ruby—this is Amy Bousch. Amy, please meet the woman who saved our teenage asses more times than I can count.”

  “It’s a pleasure to meet you, Ms. Brewer,” Amy said softly.

  “Aren’t you Josh and Tyler’s sister? Very nice boys. I remember them talking very fondly of you.”

  “You met Josh and Tyler?” Amy asked, surprised. “But how? We live in Indiana.”

  “They were here for one of Alec’s showings, if I’m not mistaken,” Ruby replied, her eyes closing for a moment. Amy felt instantly guilty for asking her questions when it was obvious Ruby should be resting. “We have a lot to talk about, Amy.”

  “Ruby,” Chad said in warning, “don’t. We’re taking this slow.”

  “He’s let what happened with Cara take over his life.” Ruby turned her head slightly, opening her eyes. “If Amy’s here with you, then that means something.”

  The door opened. Conversation stopped. Alec had in his hands one of those coffee disposable trays with three cups situated inside, and although Amy figured he knew they had been talking about him, he didn’t act like it. Amy couldn’t help but wonder who Cara was. Was she someone from his childhood? Or a woman that Alec had a recent relationship with? A stab of jealousy stole through her. Then that would mean Chad shared her as well, considering what Chad had said a little bit ago regarding a specific reason they shared women.

  “And how’s the patient?” Alec asked, handing Amy her coffee, as well as Chad. Once he tossed the tray in the garbage can, he walked around the bed on the other side and looked down at Ruby, waiting for her answer. Would she bring up Cara again?

  “A little thing like a heart attack can’t keep me down for long,” Ruby said, giving a small smile. “Did you see Esther? Is she the one who called you?”

  “We didn’t see her, but yes, she did call,” Chad answered. “I told her to visit you tomorrow. She had to take Mr. Merlet to his physical therapy.”

  “I’m sure the entire group will come trouncing through here tomorrow. Would you please stop by the house? I try not to be too vain, but at my age, I refuse to let them see every wrinkle. Amy, since these boys aren’t going to know what I need in here, would you please go with them? In my bathroom are my toiletries on the counter. Would you please pack them up in a tote and bring them to me tomorrow morning?”

  “Of course,” Amy replied, surprised that Ruby would ask her, yet pleased to be included. “I can also get you an outfit to travel home in, if you’d like.”

  “That would be perfect, dear.”

  Ruby, once again, closed her eyes. Instead of talking, everyone let her rest and sipped their coffee. Alec remained standing and had yet to really look in Amy’s direction. Chad had offered his free hand, laying it palm up on the armrest. Amy slid her hand into his and settled herself back into the padded chair. They would certainly be here a while, she thought, seeing that Chad and Alec couldn’t bring themselves to leave. She didn’t blame them, although it certainly wasn’t how she thought they’d end this evening, considering how they’d started the day signing the annex to their contract. But Amy wasn’t disappointed. She now knew things that she hadn’t before, whether for the good or bad, and was given food for thought. Two major questions remained, and that was what happened to Alec when he was young, and who exactly was Cara.

  Chapter Eleven

  Amy had just come out of the bathroom after having taken a shower when she saw Chad leaning up against the doorframe of her bedroom. They’d gotten home after midnight and much to her surprise, Chad and Alec had sent her to bed, claiming she needed sleep. She would have argued, considering her body had been lit on fire since she’d been here and she was more than ready to consummate their relationship, but she knew they needed sleep as well. Giving in, she spent a restless night in bed and had gotten up at six o’clock, wanting to make sure that Ruby had her toiletries before her women’s group visited later in the day.

  “Take off your towel.”

  The deepness of his voice sent shivers down her spine. Amy didn’t hesitate. She let the towel fall to her feet. What did he think of Alec’s painting? She’
d been worried that when she took a shower this morning, the black corset would wash away, but it remained on her skin. When she’d looked in the mirror, Amy was astonished at how real the corset looked and immediately touched herself, expecting to feel actual material. It was a braless corset, with white lace trim detailed right below her nipples. The ties were intricately painted up her back, while four straps ran down from her pelvic and back area to her legs, where stockings would reach. She’d never felt so sensual and could only imagine what people would think when they saw her at the club.

  “He is so fucking talented,” Chad whispered, his dark eyes practically devouring her. “I’m sorry we missed a fun-filled evening. We’ll make it up to you tonight. In the meantime, Alec’s been dying to taste you. While he gets his fill, I’m going to go over some new ground rules now that the annex has been signed.”

  Moisture leaked out of her pussy at the mere mention that Alec wanted to taste her cream. What would his tongue feel like on her clit? Would he enjoy her flavor? Would they allow her to return the favor? Knowing she wasn’t allowed to speak at the moment, Amy bit her lip and waited for further instruction.

  “Did I hear my name?” Alec asked, stepping out from behind Chad. His hair was damp, indicating he’d just taken a shower and all he wore was a pair of jeans unbuttoned at the top. “Hmmm, I have to say, that might be some of my best work. We’ll have to show it off tonight at The Point.”

  Amy’s breathing became a little shallow, knowing that The Point was a club. They were taking her there tonight. People would see what Alec had created on her, yet also see her naked body. What would they think of her? She was disappointed when Alec walked directly to the bed, lying down in the middle with his hands behind his head. She snuck a glance over at Chad, who was still watching her.

  “Does the thought excite you, us parading you around on a special leash connected to your nipples for everyone to see that you belong to us? You will have to pay close attention to us, or else the nipple clamps will tighten to the point of pain, but that won’t be a problem, will it?”