The Irresistible Bundle (146 page)

"This is the best birthday ever" I croak.

"We have one more thing" Nicholas pulls me away from the crowded room. I follow although I'm already on emotional overload. I'm not sure if I can take anything more. He leads me into one of the estate's conference rooms. My favorite people in the whole wide world shuffle in behind me. All the important faces of the last seven years stands behind me as Jeremy Wright and Nicholas stand at the head of the conference table. The room sobers as they all take in the men's serious expressions.

"We wanted you to know before it hits the major news stations tomorrow" Jeremy states. He passes out several documents and pictures. The images staring back at me almost cause me to faint. Pictures of Father, Mr. Pearce, Mr. McNamara and a few other familiar ugly mugs pollute the table. I stare the longest at pictures that supposedly are their mug shots but what in the hell would Father get himself into to risk this kind of scandal?

"I was made aware of a major investigation a few years back" Jeremy begins. "Agents had to go undercover for over a decade to gather enough evidence to charge several major players through various criminal organizations. You don't need to know the dirty details. What you need to know is that these men" he points to the three bastards who ruined me but didn't kill me, "Are being charged with major crimes."

"Like racketeering, human trafficking, and tax evasion" Nicholas adds for my benefit. He knows me better. I won't be satisfied unless I know those dirty details.

"They're going away for a long time" Jeremy calmly states. "Everything they own and are connected to, are being seized by the government."

My eyes shoot up. I can't help feeling faint as I think about everything we've done to keep my trust fund away from them. All these fucking years I've worked so hard and it was all for nothing. My stomach twists making me wish I could just vomit these heartbreaking emotions. The beautiful ring on my finger can't sugarcoat the fact that ultimately Father won. It doesn't matter that he'll rot in jail for the rest of eternity because he still managed to fuck me over.

"Desirae" someone shakes me, hard. I don't know how long they've been trying to get my attention. I can't even be bothered by being embarrassed. The bastards always get the final word. I have money. Nicholas and the estate have made me financially solvent but still it's a matter of principle.

"As I said" Jeremy repeats in a firm voice. Apparently I need to pay attention. "It's fortunate I was brought into Desirae's case. I was able to ensure that her trust remained separate from this ordeal." He hands me a folder. My hands shake as I open the precious documents. I openly sob as I read the blurred words. The trust is finally in my name with nothing holding me back anymore.

"Happy birthday Ms. Philippe" Jeremy nods.

"It's gonna be Lobos real soon" Diego loudly proclaims. The room bellows their approval. Everyone gathers around Jeremy thanking him for his involvement. Carina and Diego hold me, eventually passing me off to Valentino and Nicholas so they can personally thank Jeremy as well.

"Real proud of you Firecracker" V whispers against my cheek. I hold him tightly still unsure if all of this is real.

"I'm free" I mutter.

"You're free" Nicholas confirms.

"You're safe" Valentino adds.

"You're loved" Carina and Diego interject in unison.

I'm surrounded by the most important people in my life. I'm engaged to be married. I've finally got my shit together. I'm a fucking warrior bitches.

Song List

Dark Horse
by Katy Perry

Perfume
by Britney Spears

Sexy Back
by Justine Timberlake

Promiscuous
by Nelly Furtado feat Timbaland

Buttons
by The Pussycat Dolls

The Climb
by Miley Cyrus

Best Friend's Boyfriend
by Victoria Justice

The Monster
by Eminem feat Rihanna

Girlfriend
by Avril Lavigne

Dirrty
by Christina Aguilera featuring Redman

Unconditionally
by Katy Perry

Listen to Your Heart
by DHT

Gravity
by Sara Bareilles, cover by Alex and Sierra

Heart Attack
by Demi Lovato

When I Look at You
by Miley Cyrus

All of Me
by John Legend

Warrior
by Demi Lovato

I Won't Give Up
by Jason Mraz

I'll Be
by Edwin McCain

(An
Irresistible
Novella, 3.5)

By: Senayda Pierre

What would I do without you Emma? Thanks so much!

Prologue

"You're overcompensating" Nicholas insists.

"No I'm not" I assert although a niggling voice inside my head sounds eerily similar to Nic's.

"You're trying too damn hard to keep everything balanced" he rebuts. "Do you ever have sex with Marco without Carina involved?"

"We have a three-way relationship; we always have sex together." From the moment Marco came into the picture that was the way things had always gone. I never wanted either one of them to think I loved or favored one over the other. I love both of them equally but in different ways. Hell, I'm still trying to make sense of how I feel.

"Because you three set that as a clear expectation from the onset of the relationship" Nicholas challenges. What the hell is his problem? It isn't like Carina or Marco are voicing their displeasure regarding our relationship.

I purse my lips trying to bite back the sharp retort that wants to escape. Carina's always insisted on having both of us during sex, if it's at the same time or one right after the other. She loves watching me and Marco but I never finish without involving her somehow. I come harder, longer, knowing she's right there in the mix. Otherwise, the guilt of not involving her dilutes my orgasm.

"Tell me this" Nicholas states realizing that I'm not ready to answer him, "Do you ever have sex with Carina without Marco around?"

"Sure" I answer without hesitation. My dick thickens just at the thought. My beautiful Latina is insatiable. It takes two cocks just to keep up with her most nights. Sometimes we can't wait for Marco to finish up doing something or until he gets home. I have to bury myself in her velvet heat knowing I'm home.

"And does Marco ever have sex with her without you around?"

My eyes narrow at Nicholas. I see where he's going with this. "You've been witness to it and I don't have a problem with it." I confirm although the fucker knows the answer to his own question before even asking it. Nicholas and I have been friends for a long time. He was a junior in college when I entered as a freshman but we became fast friends. I was afraid we'd drift apart once he graduated but it never happened. Nic came upon the estate; he made a few friends who owned dwindling businesses and the rest is history.

"But you never have sex with Marco unless Carina's around" Nicholas knows how to beat a dead fucking horse.

"We've had sex before without her" I truthfully admit. The week we went to California to meet her parents for the first time, Marco and I stayed at Griffin's pool house without her. We'd needed that physical release, that intimate reassurance between us; I needed my man to comfort me. We'd both been terrified that things could've gone horrifically wrong. I mean how many fathers would welcome two men into his daughter's heart and bed? Ignacio was a bigger man than most. I wouldn't have let Carina go but I would've done whatever she needed to win her family over. Fortunately, that never came to be.

"But not consistently" Nicholas amends bringing me back to the conversation at hand.

"What's your point Nic" I hotly retort. It's rare for him to be such a pest but he's seriously irritating the shit out of me.

"That you're overcompensating" he throws his arms out wide trying to hone in his point. "Yes V, you're in a three-way relationship. Yes, you're trying to ensure that both your lovers feel like they're on equal ground but in a way you're alienating Marco."

"I sure as fuck am not" I shoot out of my seat. Nicholas glances at my balled fists raising his eyebrows in silent inquiry. He's older than me by two years and he's trained longer in MMA and boxing but it's never stopped me before from trying to knock his teeth out when the situation merits it.

"We gonna throw down over this" he quietly challenges. He's never backed down and our rare physical altercations have never tainted our friendship. If anything, sometimes it's the only way we can communicate. But today isn't one of those days. I have no right to punch him in the jaw for something which I admit I've questioned myself about as it is.

"No" My shoulders slump in defeat. "Has he said something to you?" My eyes shoot up trying to read his expression. Nic's great about masking his true feelings. He's a master at that. If you don't catch the second where the pain, humor, or sadness flashes across his face just before he paints on a mask of indifference; you'll never glimpse it.

"I see it" He admits. "Marco wants and needs more from you. As a Dom I see it so it's incomprehensible how you can't but sometimes I wonder if it's that you don't
want
to see it. I realize this is your first time in this kind of relationship. What are you afraid of Valentino? Carina and Marco love you. They're in this together. I've never been in a triangular relationship like this but I've seen enough couples go in and out of this estate. It's okay to have something unique with each of them that's entwined with your overall relationship. But it's not okay to have something like that with Carina and not Marco. Your overcompensating can actually be counterproductive. You work so hard to involve everyone that sometimes it looks like there's an odd man out."

My head's shaking side to side as his words continue to assault me. If I'm overcompensating how in the hell can Marco feel alienated? "Thank you" I stutter. He means well and I appreciate that he'll always tell me like it is but right now it's too much. "I need to go."

Nicholas curtly nods his head but doesn't say anything else. I stumble away feeling like a giant boulder somehow managed to wedge itself between my ribs. I need to go find Marco. I won't lose him. I can't.

Freshman Year, College

The gym is packed. The Fall Intramural season is in full gear and even though I've only been here a short time I've heard all about the intramural sports and competitive games that go on under this roof. I go stir crazy if I have nothing to do. I know myself too well. There isn't enough going on with my academic load to back off from playing multiple sports, for now. If I'm not in the rec center playing basketball, then I'm on the field playing flag football. I'm still trying to recruit enough guys to play volleyball. Don't know why the douches act like it's only a girls' game. They've never seen a kill until I'm the one unloading on them.

Teams of five players sign up to compete for the fall season. They stride up confidently to the table enrolling their teams of five players while we hang back in the shadows. We had five guys until one asshat baled on us last minute choosing to play baseball instead. So here we stand eyeing the competition trying to see if anyone decent is still looking for a team.

"Yo Marco you in" My roommate calls out. The guy smirks like he's been waiting for us to ask him to join our team. I've seen him before, actually plenty of times. He's the kind of guy that loves being the center of attention without being a cocky bastard about it.

"I'm in" He replies. He runs his hand through his wavy black hair. His dark brown eyes assess me particularly. "I don't play point though" he states to us but never tears his gaze away from me. I swallow hard unsure what his attention to me means. He doesn't look at the other guys the same way but I don't think he means anything by it.

"No worries we got that covered" my roommate slaps him on the back. "Let me introduce you to the team."

I quietly follow blindsided by my mixed reactions. This guy fascinates me while making me feel a bit leery. There's something about him; something more. I look onto the basketball court trying to refocus. We're up next and I need to get my head in the game.

~

"Hey I don't think we've actually met" he offers his hand, "I'm Marco." I meet his firm grasp. He squeezes just enough without trying to dominate the handshake. My hand warms at the contact making my eyes dart down to where we're still touching. He hasn't let go of my hand yet but he's saying something. His warm eyes and friendly smile settles me. It should feel awkward but it doesn't.

"And you are" He smirks like he's asked this more than once. I pull my hand away trying to understand what I'm feeling.

"Valentino" I reply. "Thanks for playing with us. You've got a killer jump shot."

"Thanks" he beams. "You've got some mean elbows."

I throw my head back laughing. That isn't usually the first thing people say to me about my ball-playing skills. Usually they compliment my defense or marvel at how many rebounds I managed to get in a game but Marco goes a totally different route.

"That I do" I chuckle. No one wants to get in the paint with me; if they do they end up with a few bruises by the end of the game.

"I'm making an executive decision" my roommate announces as he throws his arm around Marco's shoulder. "You are officially a member of our squad."

Marco glances toward me as if it matters what I think. I can't help the smile that stretches across my face. The dude has a sick shot; he's a great addition to the team. Too many fucking guys are ball hogs and cry about every little thing. I'll take a strong mediocre player any day over a self-entitled asshole.

"I agree" I state even though it isn't necessary.

"Then I'm in" Marco fist bumps both of us before waving goodbye. "You won't regret it."

I watch him jog away. For some reason my eyes are drawn to him. There's something about him that pulls you in. You want to bask in his warmth and stay there.

I've lost count of how many beers I've had. Exams are over and summer has begun. I've got no major plans except to go home and party. I'll worry about housing in a few weeks right now I just want to bask in hot girls and drown myself in alcohol.

"Nicholas is looking for you" one of the guys yells over the blaring music. I'm not really sure who it is since it's so fucking packed and I'm nearly deaf thanks to the crappy sound system.

"Thanks" I shout in the general direction of where I think the person is. I haven't seen much of Nic these last few weeks but I know it's because he's been crazy busy with school and some business opportunity that he claims he stumbled upon. I miss hanging out with him though. Most of the guys around here are immature jackasses reminding me why I tend to keep to myself.

"I thought I saw him upstairs" Marco leans into me rather than shouting it. His proximity ignites something in me. It has me wanting to go out prowling with him by my side. Together we find pussy a dime a dozen. I don't have any problems finding a woman any night of the week but with him around everything is just... better.

I follow him upstairs laughing as he manages to get guys and girls attention. Marco claims he's an open book but he's somewhat of an enigma to me. When I first met him I never imagined he was into both guys and girls. He didn't carry himself "that way". I'm pretty good at gauging people's sexuality, generally. It wasn't until I saw a guy hit on Marco and watched his reaction; I expected Marco to tell the guy to fuck off but he didn't. On the contrary, he flirted right back with lust in his eyes and an easy smile. It completely threw me off.

"There you are" Nic's booming voice lets me know he's already drunk.

"We're here" Marco states reminding Nic that he also is present.

"Come celebrate with me" Nic throws his arms out reaching for us.

"We celebrating you getting laid" Marco snickers as he eyes a few hotties vying for attention.

"You want one" Nic offers like the girls are his to give away.

"I can get my own" Marco rolls his eyes. Apparently he's the most sober out of all of us while Nic seems pretty damn wasted.

"I got it" He beams like I understand a damn thing he's saying. He's borderline slurring and so fucking giddy it would be hilarious if it wasn't for the fact that if the bastard falls on one of us it's going to hurt like a bitch.

It takes Nicholas a few long minutes to process that we don't know what the fuck he's talking about. "That business venture I was telling you about" He flails his arms all over the place making it hard not to laugh at him. "Signed, sealed, and delivered!"

"What the fuck is he talking about" Marco turns to me hoping that I can make sense of this.

"No fucking clue" I admit. "But let's celebrate anyways. Plenty of pussy to go around"

"Now you're talking" Nic cheers as he grabs the first warm, soft body closest to him.

Marco just stands there as a few girls circle around us. I feel his eyes on me. I never know what to say to him. I want Marco to be himself. If he's feeling like dick for the evening I don't want to cock block but it isn't like I plan to offer mine up for his entertainment.

"I'm Stacy" a voice slurs close to me. She's blonde with a great fucking rack.

"I'm horny" I smirk giving her my best pick up line. These girls don't give a shit what your name is. They just want your dick. We both know the score.

"I can help you with that" She smiles brightly. Her eyes are glassy as fuck. She's probably on something just like the other bright-eyed giggling girls. I've never gotten that shit. Alcohol and pussy are enough to get me flying high. Don't need a chemically induced high to top it off.

I pull Stacy away just as Nic gets some girl to drop to her knees. I love putting on a show while getting a nut but I don't want to get kicked out and blacklisted from this club. I lead her away to a dark corner. I can still see everyone but we're nicely tucked away for the moment. She doesn't need any further coaxing. She rubs her hand up and down my pants moaning with appreciation. I grab two rubbers from my wallet: one flavored, one not. I'm feeling generous. Her eyes widen with excitement at the two foil packets. She desperately tears at my zipper. I pull back not wanting her to injure my overeager dick. Maybe I shouldn't let her suck it. I don't much care for biters.

"Wow" she breathes as my cock springs free. "Um" she blinks hard a few times like her brain is trying to register something. "I don't want my jaw to lock up" she stammers.

A snort around the corner lets me know someone's watching. I want to peek and confirm my suspicions but I'm about to lose Stacy. "No worries doll" I pull her close not letting her get away. "How about I introduce my dick to your pussy?"

She vibrates with excitement. I don't know why that stupid shit works but she's digging it. I tear open the wrapper. She wriggles out of her thong as I roll the condom on. Stacy damn near climbs up on me but I wouldn't have it any other way. If she wasn't as eager I'd slow the hell down or not move forward at all. I like my pussy easy, eager, and wet.

"You're so big" she groans loudly. I press her back against the wall before using my free hand to grasp her jaw. I see movement in my peripheral; the glimpse is enough to know its Marco and isn't that some shit? My dick just got harder.

"Shut up" I growl slamming into her. She mewls but doesn't make any other sounds. She got the message quick. I pound into her never looking in her eyes, never trying to kiss her. I keep her on the edge of insanity so she doesn't seek anything more from me. Her pussy's okay; she isn't clamping down on me like I love. She isn't thrusting her hips in wild abandon but she'll do. If anything the silent voyeur around the corner has my blood pumping, my dick like granite, and my balls aching for release. All it takes is one mental image of Marco beating off while watching me and I'm done. I pump once, twice and it's over.

What the fuck does that mean?

I carefully pull out ensuring the condom is intact. "See you around" I tuck myself in before sauntering away. I want to catch up to Marco but I can't be a total douche. I check to make sure Stacy is dressed and following before I finally turn the corner. Part of me wants to find him and do what? Ask him why he was watching? I would've done the same thing.

It's time to find Nic and find out what we're celebrating.

"What's all this?" I question Nic's sanity. I admit the piece of property is impressive. There are acres of unused land staring back at us. The dilapidated structure before us looks like it once was a plantation home or bed and breakfast. I glimpse smaller structures farther away but I'm not really sure what Nicholas is trying to communicate.

"This is my future" His eyes glow as he looks at the property. "It'll take some work but once things get going there won't be any looking back."

"And what exactly are you envisioning?" I ask since all I can see is lots of money getting poured into this place.

"I'll show you around first and explain as we go" he evasively replies.

"Nic you gotta give me something" I'm beyond exasperated. First we get drunk off our asses last night in celebration of
this;
whatever
this
may be, now he's making no fucking sense.

"Okay you know how I said I'm never going to work for anybody" He grabs my arm like I'm going to take off anywhere before he explains himself, "That as soon as I get out of college I intended to start my own business."

"Yeah" I drawl. He's been saying that since the day we met. He's so graciously offered for me to work for him; apparently he's the only one in the world who doesn't intend to work for someone else.

"My uncle said that if I ever presented him with a solid business plan that he would invest into it." Nic's motioning all around us. I'm still not getting the crazy talk.

"So what's the business plan?"

Nic hops into his beat up jeep waving me in. It's only the two of us; I'm flattered that he's entrusting me with this. It's not like I have the dough to buy this kind of place, at least not yet, but still. Thoughts of my mother's promise smother me as Nic tears away from the front of the dilapidated structure. Unlike Nicholas' uncle, my mother has a goal and contingency plan. When, not if, because that's one of her stipulations, I finish college she intends to fund two business ventures that I present to her. Nothing like what Nic has to go through. I can be a silent partner, a sole owner, or just be looking to purchase or invest in an unknown company with the hopes that it will make it big and I'll bankroll from it. It's taken me a while to realize that she offered two business ventures for a reason; the first one - anticipating that venture will be my learning experience and ultimately not succeed. The second - I'll be wiser and make a better investment. Watching Nic from the onset of this process, to hopefully all the way through will be a Godsend. I can use that knowledge, or even Nic's connections to make that first business venture a profitable one while making the second a more solid, sure investment.

Nic drives around onto a dirt road. He's still within a reasonable distance of the college and heart of downtown while being far enough away to feel secluded. The property has no neighbors from what I can see.

"You're looking at 750 acres" he boasts as he flies past a half-standing stable. "The sellers were marketing the place for hunting, a fishing retreat, and a clearing for a possible golf driving range."

"That holds a lot of potential" I concur thoroughly impressed with his find. The hunting and fishing alone could generate good income while being low maintenance to sustain.