* * * *
Emerson returned with a washcloth to clean her up. They both kissed her skin from calves to breasts to lips. Emerson took position behind her as she lay on her side and stared at Stone. She was tracing one of his tattoos on his chest and shoulder.
“Why such a fierce dragon?” she asked Stone as he caressed her hip and trailed his finger along her curves.
“The dragon is a symbol of a lot of important things I believe in.”
“Like what?” she asked. Emerson kissed her shoulder and she turned to smile up at him. Her long brown hair cascaded along the pillows and he ran his fingers through the chocolate locks as he caressed her. He couldn’t seem to stop touching her.
“It represents courage, strength, raw power, and force. Also, wisdom and reason. Dragons are protectors of sacred items,” Emerson whispered then cupped her breast, leaned down, and licked across the nipple. She closed her eyes, rolled back against Emerson and giggled.
She opened her eyes, and Stone and Emerson both watched her.
Emerson lifted her hand. He clasped his fingers with hers then turned her wrist, leaned forward, and gently kissed the bruises.
Stone held her gaze with a firm expression. He lifted her other hand to his lips and kissed her bruised skin.
“How did you get these?” he asked. She made a lame attempt at pulling away as she released a long sigh.
“Can’t we not discuss this now? I want this moment to remain perfect.”
“It is perfect. The three of us together are perfect,” Stone told her.
“He’s right. We need to be honest. We want to know how you got them.”
She sighed and then she began to tell them how they happened.
Stone sat up and Emerson could tell that this was going to set him off. Stone had no tolerance for violence against women and children. He wanted to know who this asshole was and Antoinette wasn’t fully disclosing the information.
“It doesn’t matter who he is or what his name is. I’m getting an order of protection tomorrow. My cousin is a detective in the South Bronx. I spoke to him earlier today. He’s starting the process.”
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“This guy really scares you, doesn’t he?” Emerson asked, as he caressed her cheek and held her gaze.
She nodded her head. “He’s not taking no for an answer.”
“He’s broken into your apartment how many times?” Stone asked, now sounding angry.
“Three times. But I handled it, Stone.” She pressed her palm against his chest. He looked as upset and angry as Emerson felt. Stone stared at her hand. He was definitely focusing on the redness and bruising on her wrist.
“We know people. Why don’t you let us take care of this guy?” Stone asked.
“No. What people do you know? You’re businessmen. You don’t need to be involved with this. We just met, and our relationship is just getting started,” she rambled on and then Stone cupped her cheek.
“We made love tonight. We want you in our lives. You’re ours to take care of and protect.”
“He’s right. You’re not alone in this anymore. We’ll be here for you. You know that club The Phantom I met you and your friends at?” Emerson asked her.
She nodded her head.
“We have a group of close friends that meet there every week to play poker. Two of them own the place, and they have connections. Our friends have security companies. We can help,” Emerson whispered. But Antoinette shook her head.
“I won’t get you two involved with this. Once I get that order of protection, he’ll take me seriously. He’ll stop breaking in, and quit calling me.”
“Men like this, they don’t understand the word ‘no.’ They do what they want and laws don’t apply to them,” Stone told her.
She sat up and tried to move. Both men stopped her. Emerson sat up. Stone rolled her to her back and pressed his thigh between her thighs as he held her face between his hands.