Tempting the Crown (The Crown 1)

“I don’t get it.” She shook her head.

“We want to give you something. I swear Deac’s a good guy. Gambles too much. Looks for thrills maybe where he shouldn’t, but Abby he would keep you safe and protect you until he died. Just like I would.”

“You’re just saying that.”

Cole shook his head. “No. I’d never lie to you. Not about my best friend.”

“I don’t know what to say. I don’t know what you want.”

He smiled. “Why don’t we take this weekend to figure it out?”

He saw her eyes sparkle.

“I’ll let you get back to work.”

He strolled to the door.

Walking back to the executive offices was one of the hardest things he had done. All he wanted was to take her in his arms and kiss her. Carry her to Deacon where they could love her together. Show her how they could worship her beautiful body. Take her to places in paradise she’d never dreamed of. But the only way to get to Abby, was to let her make the decision for herself.

13

Abby

When she got home from HiTech Global there were two bouquets of flowers on her bed. There was a note tucked inside the first one.

You’re beautiful when you work. Congratulations—knew you could do it.

Xo,

Cole

She folded it and put it back in the envelope. She noticed under the second set of flowers was another card. She picked it up and read it.

Your art is sexier than your body. Congrats, sweetheart.

-D

Holy shit.

They were dropping all barriers. They were letting her know exactly what they felt. She was a free woman. She didn’t have to spend another night under their roof. And they were treating her like a queen.

She sat on the bed with the two bouquets of flowers. One red. One white. She didn’t know which color represented which man. In her two weeks working and living with them, she had noticed they complimented each other. Cole seemed more serious and sensitive, while Deacon was fun-loving and challenging.

Something electric twinged in her core. Dear God, did she have a crush on them? And what was that stunt that Cole pulled today in her office? His hard body had felt warm and protective pressed into hers. She wanted him to stay there a little longer, but it didn’t make any sense. She should hate him.

She looked up when she heard the knock on her door.

“Come in.”

She expected to see Douglas, but it was Deacon.

“Oh.”

“How was the rest of work today, sweetheart?” He laughed.

“It was a pretty amazing day. Thank you for the flowers.” She twisted her lips together. She didn’t know how to respond to the gifts.

“You’re welcome. Cole and I wanted you to know we care. He told me about your conversation today. He told me you’re hesitant about the t