“You heard?” Bradley asked, seemingly concerned.
“Trouble is definitely a small town. The rumors around here fly through the mill.” She grinned. “Especially when Markie is around making sure everyone hears about the latest.” She walked over to Derek and touched his swollen cheek. “Thank you.”
“For what?” He grabbed her forearm with one hand while cupping her swollen cheek as well.
“You defended me.” She turned to Allister. “You all did.”
She kissed the center of Derek’s palm and was warmed all the way to her soul when he mouthed, “I love you.”
“I love you, too,” she whispered, noticing how quiet the room had become. She turned to the others, gazing thoughtfully at each one of her handsome lovers. How could she have been so stupid? Why had she chosen Denny when these men had wanted to love and support her? “I love each of you.”
They returned the sentiments as soon as she said the words. No one made light of the exchange or balked at the confession. Not only were they willing to extend their love, but apparently they felt her love as much as she felt theirs. Their damp eyes told the likely tale. Their loving expressions made her a believer.
She was indeed well loved.
After a quiet moment, Bradley said, “Enough seriousness for one night.” He passed around canned beer to the men and offered one to her as well. “We’ve ridded ourselves of a little trouble and now it’s time to toast the woman of the hour.”
“I’ll drink to that,” she said, accepting the alcoholic beverage and smiling at her men.
“To playing by the rules,” Derek said, lifting his can.
Ellie raised hers as well but immediately put it down. “Wait a minute. What rules?”
“Ours.” He winked.
“You can’t be serious.”
“Did he stutter? Did he ask, Ellie?” Allister moistened his lips and dipped his gaze to her breasts as if he were a hungry predator instead of a horny man.
“Don’t give her a reason to bolt. We’re just starting the party,” Bradley reminded them.
“You really expect me to do what I’m told and follow rules just because four men with large egos tell me so?”
“Strip.” Derek never cracked a smile. In fact, he set aside his beer when he said it. “And don’t look at Allister. I didn’t ask him and I didn’t say please.” He wrapped his muscular arms around her middle and pushed up on her breasts, rubbing his forearms against her aroused nipples.
“Hold your arms up,” Bradley said, stepping in front of her and releasing the top buttons on her shirt.
“All things considered, don’t you think we should talk about this?”
“I don’t,” Bradley replied, pecking her lips before he moved aside. “But I’m just one vote.”
“How’s this for an answer?” Derek gave her a twirl and faced her. He stripped her shirt away from her body and released a masculine growl. “Now that’s what I’m talking about.”
She gasped, but she wasn’t surprised. If anything, she was tur
ned on, hot. As soon as his hands had gone to her collar, she’d known her favorite blouse was a thing of the past.
“Do you have something against clothes?” Ryan asked, plucking the shirt from the floor.
“I have something against Ellie wearing them and hiding these.” With a flick from his fingers, he unclasped the front of her bra, catching her breasts in his hands when the support was no longer there.
“Do it,” she whispered, her voice thick with insatiable lust.
Bradley stepped behind her and gripped her left hip, holding her steady while Derek teased her, working his tongue from one nipple to the next.
Bradley drove his arm down her slacks and pushed his hand inside her panties. “So wet and warm.”
Her pussy throbbed and she longed to feel his fingers dipping and dancing, thrusting inside her slick channel with a rhythmic beat.