Radiance (10 page)

“
Elijah.
” 

“Don’t.”  It was the closest a man like him ever came to begging and both of them knew it.

Her green eyes stared into his for a long moment.  “Okay.  Don’t let him hurt her again.” 

Then she walked away and Elijah took a relieved breath. 

* * *

Three days later, Brie was supposed to fly to Washington to visit her parents but all flights were grounded. 

She didn’t admit her relief to anyone.  She couldn’t confess her fear about returning to a place that held memories of her weaker self. 

Though her parents were sad she wouldn’t make it, they were thrilled with the remote meetings she held with the winery staff and the growth of the entire division. 

That she hadn’t touched the principle of her trust fund stunned them and they openly questioned her about it. 

“I still work.  I earn a salary from the winery and take on projects with clients.  That’s a safety net I’m grateful for but I’d never abuse it.” 

“You and your sister humble us, Gabriella.” 

Her mother and father visited her often and she met Isabella for lunch once a month or so but going back to her home, to the place where she’d always felt
less
was a difficult step.

Instead, she found herself hanging out with Tawny at the club.

“Where’re your men tonight, Red?” 

“Traveling.  They’re closing on that chain Hudson turned them onto out in Utah.  I told Quinn it was better if I stayed behind because I’d offend the locals.” 

“An unfortunate truth.  You really have to keep your number of arrests within reason, Tawny.” 

She released a heavy sigh.  “I know.  The lawyer the guys put on retainer for me is so awesome though.  I think the sweet thing secretly wants to go straight to be with me.” 

“You’re a
mess
.” 

“Yes, yes I am.”

For a couple of hours, they talked randomly and it was always enjoyable to spend time with a woman who seemed to know interesting facts no one else knew. 

Suddenly, Tawny froze and gave a low whistle.  “Look who
just
walked in.” 

Following her line of sight, Brie gasped when she saw Harper and Elijah choose a table diagonal from theirs and order drinks.  The corners of the club were dim and intended for privacy.

The men were more relaxed than she’d ever seen them.  She let her eyes take in their movements as they shrugged suit jackets off their shoulders and hung them on the backs of their chairs.  Elijah’s shoulder holster stood out starkly against his crisp white dress shirt. 

“In all seriousness, they’re fucking hot.” 

Brie was unable to form a rational response but wholeheartedly agreed.  She held herself immobile, knowing too much movement would draw Elijah’s attention.  She wanted the opportunity to observe them without their knowledge. 

As if she read her mind, her normally energetic friend was motionless and quiet as well. 

For a long time, they watched the pair. 

Finally, Tawny said softly, “You should go over there.  They want you more than you realize.  I kid you not.” 

“What do you mean?” she asked, almost breathless. 

“I know people who know them.”  There was a pause.  “They’re committed to you.” 

“Elijah, perhaps.  Harper…is uninterested in my emotions.” 

They settled into silence again and Brie was enthralled.  Gone was Harper’s scowl and she was happy to see a smile on Elijah’s face as they talked with their heads a few inches apart. 

Harper reached out and curled his palm around the back of Elijah’s neck.  The men stared at each other intently and Brie realized she held her breath. 

The move was
sexual
.  Of that, Brie had no doubts. 

Her vague suspicions that the two men shared a far deeper relationship than the world knew were confirmed.  Finally, clarity over a question that hadn’t been fully formed consciously.  She gave a low moan. 

Tawny whispered, “Jesus.  That’s stimulating.” 

“Oh my
god…
” 

“Did you know?” 

“I think…part of me wondered.  I didn’t know for sure.  There was a little thing but…I kept losing it.” 

“You didn’t ask Hudson?  He and Natalia must know.” 

Brie shook her head.  “Whatever Elijah and Harper want with me is between the three of us.  I can’t discuss them with Hudson.  They’ve known one another too long and their relationship is often antagonistic as it is.  I want to be careful.” 

“Excellent approach.”  Tawny was quiet for almost a minute.  “Does it turn you off?” 

“God,
no
.  Not even a little bit.  In fact, I had no clue how much it would turn me
on
.” 

They were silent as the men spoke softly to one another, Harper maintaining his hold on his lifelong friend.  Then he pulled him nearer and whispered at his ear. 

Elijah’s face was nearer the women watching.  His eyes closed as Harper pressed close. 

Every cell in Brie’s body was hot. 

Suddenly, Elijah’s eyes opened and he found hers across the room.  His lips moved and Harper pulled back, both of the men staring at her.  Faces side by side, almost touching, the darker man’s hand tightened on Elijah’s neck. 

Until she rubbed her palm over her lower belly, Brie didn’t know she was telegraphing her reaction.  Releasing her lower lip from between her teeth, she took several careful breaths. 

“They’ve got you in their sights, Brie.  I hope to fuck you’re ready for what happens next.  I think you’ll be just fine.” 

Then her friend got up and walked
away
. 

Her heart was able to beat twice before the men stood and headed in her direction. 

Alone, watching them make their way around the dance floor, Brie tried desperately to contain her response. 

It was futile. 

Heart racing, breathing too fast, and filled with sexual need unlike
anything
she’d ever experienced, she stared at them as they stopped beside her table. 

They were beautiful, partially broken, and she understood so much more about them.  She also wondered why they sought her out as a third to a well-established relationship. 

Harper and Elijah weren’t simply friends.  They were
lovers
and she imagined they had been for a very long time.  They lived a double life, hiding their relationship, and probably eaten alive with stress about their secret being leaked. 

Somehow, she managed to say, “Please sit down.”  They sat but remained silent.  “How have you been?” 

Harper’s eyes stared into hers and she fought down the urge to look away and protect herself. 

“You’re Natalia’s maid of honor.”  She nodded.  “I’m Hudson’s best man.” 

“He told me.  I wasn’t surprised.  You were the best choice.”  Looking at Elijah, she asked, “Have you been practicing?” 

“Yes.”  He leaned forward, crossed his arms on the surface, and looked as if he physically
ached
.  She hated that their relaxation before seeing her was gone.  “I thought you were out of town.” 

“My flight was canceled.  I didn’t mind, to be honest.  I’m still nervous about going home.” 

There was a long silence and Elijah growled, “Fucking
say
something.” 

Matching his position brought their faces close across the small space.  “What do you think I’m
not
saying, Elijah?” 

“Is it negative?” 

“You know
better
than that.  I know you do.”  Reaching out, she took his hand and he gripped hers almost painfully hard.  “I don’t have a single negative thought in my mind.” 

His green eyes held hers.  “You didn’t know?”  She shook her head.  “Did you suspect?” 

“Something…I wasn’t sure.” 

His frown deepened.  “You still…?” 

“It changes nothing, Elijah.” 

He pulled and she leaned closer.  Resting his forehead against hers, he whispered, “Why?” 

“I think about you too much to ignore.”  She sighed.  “You clearly have more than most.”  She swallowed hard, “I don’t…understand the point of
me
at all.” 

“We
need
you, Brie.” 

Moving back, she cupped his cheek in her hand.  “I’m sure there are reasons the secrecy is necessary.  I hate that you’re clearly conflicted and I’m sorry you hurt.” 

“How do you know I hurt?” 

“Your eyes.  I didn’t understand all the reasons why.”  Inhaling carefully, she turned to look at Harper.  “You always allow the gentler man to
handle
me in some way.  Why?” 

He didn’t reply at first but something flickered in his eyes.  He sat forward, rested his elbow on the edge, and seemed to look deep inside her.  “I need to be certain.” 

“Certain of what?” 

“Of
you
, Gabriella.”

Frowning, she tilted her head.  “You’ve had…problems.”  He didn’t answer but continued to stare at her.  She closed her eyes.  “Oh my god.” 

The world of wealth was a fairly small circle in Washington.  Though she hadn’t been close to the Delkins personally, her family’s relationship with them stretched back two decades. 

Two years after graduating college with his master’s in business, Harper officially assumed the reins of his father’s multi-million-dollar company.  Over the course of the following three years, his management resulted in their first billion-dollar fiscal year. 

The year he turned thirty, the Hernandez family received invitations to his wedding.  Brie declined attending, far too embarrassed to shove her chest into formal attire. 

Izzy talked for days afterward about the extravagant affair.  She didn’t hide her instant dislike of the new bride.  Sucking her teeth, her sister summed up her feelings regarding the woman. 

“Flighty, self-absorbed, and has obvious entitlement issues.  I wish the man luck because he’s going to need it with that one.” 

One year later, she overheard her mother whispering to a friend about the tragic circumstances surrounding the death of Harper’s wife. 

The woman took her own life.  Only a few people were aware that she was pregnant at the time. 

Opening her eyes, she stared into those of a man who faced unique challenges most of the world wouldn’t understand.  Unable to stop the tears that slipped over her cheeks, Brie placed her hand over his forearm. 

“I’m sorry.  So very sorry, Harper.”  She gripped the muscle through the fabric of his shirt. 

The enormity of the situation rolled over her in a wave of sadness.  He made his choices based on history and fear of exposure.  No one should live their life in such a way. 

She covered her face with her hands.  She needed a moment to adjust, to find her way back. 

Suddenly, she understood her role and it broke her heart. 

Then they were standing on either side, their arms wrapping around her.  Harper lifted her face.  Elijah held her hand. 

For a moment, she had a glimpse of confusion and something else.  He brushed his fingers over her damp cheek.  “You cry for me, Gabriella?” 

“I’ll do it, Harper.”

“Do what?” 

“No one will ever know.  I swear it.” 

For almost a minute, he stared into her eyes.  “You would give up your
life
to create a
front
for me?”  She returned his gaze without blinking.  “Why?” 

Her tears continued to fall but she ignored them.  “You already possess what I’ll never have.  I won’t allow you to lose it.” 

“
Brie
.”  Elijah’s voice broke as he gathered her in his arms and held her close.  She didn’t break eye contact with Harper. 

His scowl deepened and his hand curled around her neck.  “People like you should
not
exist.”  He leaned down and whispered across her lips, “The world will seek to
crush
you, Gabriella.” 

“I’m still
here
,” she insisted.

“Yes, you are.” 

Then he kissed her and she whimpered.  It was the most aggressive kiss she’d ever received, filled with messages she didn’t know how to decipher. 

It went on and on as Elijah stroked her back with his lips pressed to her hair.  The bodyguard continued to hold her hand.  She didn’t register what he was doing until he placed her palm over his cock and pressed her firmly against him.  Reflexively, she squeezed before registering the implication. 

He was
hard
. 

Breaking the kiss, she stared into bright green eyes filled with lust he’d carefully hidden every time he’d been near her.  Harper placed her other hand over his length and growled when she lightly stroked flesh that was equally hard.