Their Virgin Mistress

  “I can’t take them off. I can’t walk around here without shoes.”

  “Of course you can,” Callum said.

  “Why do you think it’s a problem, Tori?” Oliver asked. “And while I’m asking questions, why does your sister call you Mindy?”

  Why was Oliver acting so calmly? And why had he mentioned the word ménage as if it included him?

  Rory helped her into the grand ballroom where the orchestra was starting up. “My sister calls me Mindy because it’s my first name. I thought Torrance sounded more like a publicist. And I can’t go barefoot because it’s rude.”

  “Who says it’s rude?” Rory steered her to one of the tables that formed an elegant U around the dance floor.

  A waiter with a tray of champagne strolled by. Callum snagged a glass and pressed it in her hand as Rory gently sat her down.

  She took a long sip of the bubbly. Tori suspected she was going to need it. “Everyone knows you don’t go to a formal ball barefoot.”

  Callum sat down opposite her and before she could protest, he pulled her right foot into his lap and eased the shoe off, the warmth of his big hands sliding over her aching foot. She bit back a moan as his thumb slid up the arch of her foot. “Relax, love. The worst is over. Once we prove everything is normal, they’ll stop watching us.”

  “Normal?” She kept her voice low because the ballroom was filling up and sure enough, now that the royal princes were leaving, everyone began looking their way. Rory sat beside her, his hand on her shoulder while Oliver loomed over her like a watchful sentry. “There is nothing normal about this situation. I’m sure they’re already gossiping that you three and I are…” She shook her head. “Let go of my foot.”

  “Only so I can move on to the other one.” Callum exchanged her right foot for her left, giving it the same attention.

  “Do you need another drink?” Oliver asked. “Perhaps some food? When was the last time you ate? You look a bit pale.”

  God, Callum knew how to rub a foot. She tried to focus. “It’s none of your concern.”

  His thumb dug into her arch, nearly relaxing into a catatonic state. “Love, I want you to think about how good this feels. The spanking won’t feel like this. Nor will you like it when I put those sweet little nipples in clamps.”

  “You brought nipple clamps?” Oliver asked, his voice going husky.

  “We brought two kits, and the sheikh has promised that he can provide anything we need,” Rory explained. “I don’t believe Oliver has ever gone to a club, but I’ve been training with Callum for the last six months. I began when I realized what a firm hand you’ll need.”

  Tori’s head was muddled. She still wasn’t sure she wouldn’t wake up any minute and realize all of this was a surreal dream. Part of her prayed she would do just that because she wasn’t sure she could refuse them when they came at her together. “Training?”

  Rory couldn’t be talking about what she thought he was talking about. But a glance at his face said otherwise. Her heart sped up. She didn’t want or need BDSM. Her sister played with her husbands. They hadn’t discussed it much beyond Piper assuring her it was consensual. Tori hadn’t understood the point, so Piper had equipped her with a stack of romantic BDSM novels. These fictional lovers explored and indulged their darkest desires. They played hard and loved well.

  Tori wasn’t certain she could handle that from them.

  “Do you understand where you and Oliver went wrong?” Callum kissed her foot, then set it aside.

  “I opened my bloody mouth,” Oliver said with sigh.

  She nodded. “Yep. He opened his mouth.”

  “Not precisely. Neither one of you said enough. Ollie, you said all the wrong things at the wrong time. Tori, my love, did you bother to mention that little gem you were gifting him with?” Callum asked.

  Her virginity. She didn’t want to talk about it, but somehow she didn’t think Callum would let it go. He seemed so much more serious and confident than usual. Callum was often an adorable goofball. Except when he’d gotten her alone and practically stripped her down and gave her the sort of orgasm she’d dreamed about.

  She should tell him it was none of his business, but for some reason she found herself answering him. “No. I tried, but things moved too fast.”

  “I wasn’t listening and I didn’t ask,” Oliver admitted. “And I was very surprised to learn the truth.” He knelt beside her, taking her hand into his. “Tori, I’m sorry for the way I treated you. I’ve got no excuse except that I was upset. The whole time we were together, I told you it was only one night, but I was already thinking of ways to keep you. I wanted to make you my mistress. When I realized you were a virgin, I suspected you would say no to that.”

  Anger flared again. “Yes. I mean no. I mean yes, I would have said no to that.” She pulled away and started to stand. This chat was over. “I think I’ve made enough of a fool of myself for one evening.”

  “Oliver, step up.” Callum instructed, looking to his brother. “Top her.”

  The eldest brother flushed and she wondered why. After surviving the fallout from Yasmin, he’d always seemed utterly untouchable. “I don’t know if that’s a good idea.”

  “Then this won’t work.” Callum shook his head.

  Why was she sitting here as if waiting for their permission? She could make a clean getaway now before they hurt her again. Tori grabbed her shoes.

  “You have to help her, Ollie. Tori’s pride is telling her to walk away as fast as her sore feet will carry her,” Rory explained. “She’s hesitating because she doesn’t actually want to leave us. If she did, she’d already be halfway out the door. If you top her, you’ll help her past her pride so the two of you can talk.”

  “I do not need anyone to top me. I know what I want,” Tori blurted. Then she paused.

  Perhaps she was being incredibly stubborn. She was thinking with her pride and didn’t know how to get around it without making herself vulnerable. They’d ripped her apart once. She wasn’t sure she could handle being crushed again.

  But maybe if she was careful with her heart, she could have a night with them. Just one, that voice in her head whispered to her, luring her like an addiction. One more night, and she could move on.

  If she listened to that voice in her head, it would lure her to doom. She was saving herself.

  Tori jumped, scanning the room for the nearest exit.

  “Oliver?” Callum prompted, his tone deeper and darker than she’d ever heard.

  Suddenly, Oliver grabbed her hand and led her to the dance floor.

  She struggled against his hold. “Let me go.”

  “Not until we’ve talked,” Oliver insisted. “If you still want to leave here alone, I’ll let you go. I can’t speak for my brothers. I think they’ll hunt you down and persuade you, but if you tell me plainly you don’t want me, then I’ll leave.”

  “I don’t want you.” She didn’t. Not really. How could she want him after the way he’d treated her?

  The orchestra played a slow song, and she found herself in Oliver’s arms, against his body. “I said after you listen to me. This behavior doesn’t suit you, Torrance.”

  “What behavior?” She wouldn’t let him shame her. She hadn’t torn his heart to shreds.

  “You’re acting like a spoiled brat.” His hand tightened on her waist, pressing her against his body. “My brothers are certainly right about that. I’ve come thousands of mile to apologize and make amends. Are you telling me I don’t deserve a few moments of your time? We were friends once.”

  Okay, maybe she was going to let him shame her. She couldn’t forget the way he’d faced down a thug with a knife for her. And yes, they had been friends. “Fine. I’m listening.”

  “Are you?” He kept moving, his long legs graceful as he led her around the dance floor. “I’m starting to think Callum is smarter than I gave him credit for. You and I should have talked, especially before anything happened between us. But neither of us wanted to
do that.”

  “I was caught up in the adrenaline.”

  “Are you telling me it was only adrenaline?” he challenged. “It wasn’t for me. I used that as an excuse, but I wanted you very badly and I jumped at the chance to have you, no matter the cost. I was passionate about you, but passion isn’t the most forgiving mistress. It’s easy to give in to passion. It’s harder to care for someone and take responsibility. I should have taken care of you. And I’m deeply sorry.”

  She softened against him, her body finding the rhythm he set in time with the music. It felt good to be in his arms, even if his logic hurt. He was completely right. “I took the chance. I knew I shouldn’t have waited to tell you about my virginity or tried so halfheartedly, but I didn’t want to stop. I knew if we talked…”

  “If we’d talked, we wouldn’t have done it.” He slowed, his cheek resting against her temple. “And that is how we made a horrible mistake. We should be able to talk, shouldn’t we?”

  “Did you really think I would be your mistress?”

  He chuckled, the sound caressing her skin. “I wanted a way to make you mine without having to love you. So that’s where my thoughts went.” He pulled back slightly, tilting her head up. “It’s not you, Tori. Please believe me. You are the single most lovable woman I’ve ever met, but I’m hollow inside and I don’t think anything can fill me up again.”

  She laid her head against his shoulder with a sigh. He’d told her as much. He’d never said it in so many words, but she knew what his wife had done to him and she’d known he considered himself damaged beyond repair. “I think one day you’ll meet the woman of your dreams and you won’t feel so hollow anymore.”

  She wished it could have been her. It was better this way, she told herself. She couldn’t live in the same world as the Thurston-Hughes brothers. Tonight had proven it. She wanted to be behind the scenes, liked blending in and helping people. Being in front of all those cameras and enduring the constant scrutiny? Not for her. Still, knowing that their separation was for the best didn’t make her heart ache less.

  “You are the woman of my dreams, Tori. I just can’t wake up from my nightmare. God, I wish I’d met you when I was twenty.” His hand smoothed down her hair. “I’m not a good man.”

  “You are. I’ve seen you. You can be kind when you want to be.”

  “I don’t want to be most of the time. I’m also not a strong man. I know it’s best if I step aside, but I don’t want to. I think that makes me selfish.”

  “What are you saying, Oliver?”

  “I’m saying my brothers want you and they’re willing to let me play. I would be faithful. I wouldn’t have any other lovers. I promise I would take care of you this time.”

  She blinked up at him, suddenly stopping in the middle of the dance floor. Of all the reasons they could be here, she hadn’t even considered this one. “Are you saying Rory and Callum want to share me?”

  His lips curled up in the most delicious smile. “You hadn’t figured that out? Yes. They’re serious about it. They’ve spent the last couple of weeks negotiating.”

  “Negotiating?” Her mind was humming. It was a horrible idea. Right? Horrible. She might tear the brothers apart, so the idea was only, like, ten percent interesting. Twenty, tops. The other eighty percent of that idea was pure stupidity.

  Unless… Could they keep it quiet? Could they be secret lovers?

  “I think it’s what Doms do. I’m not sure. I haven’t really been to a club, though my brothers have explained the philosophy. I’m afraid Callum might talk you to death before he drags out all those toys he likes to use. Either way, don’t expect they’ll let you go without a fight. They’re willing to let me in. I’m asking if you’ll let me, Tori. I don’t know what will happen between us precisely. I can promise that I’ll respect you and care for you. I’ll always be your friend. No matter what your answer is. I’m always going to be a man you can count on.”

  For anything but love.

  Then again, she wasn’t looking for love. She couldn’t afford it. By the end of the week, she would be back in Dallas and moving on with her life. No matter how intrigued she was by everything Oliver and his brothers plotted, she knew she couldn’t handle this life.

  “I don’t need a pledge of devotion, Oliver.”

  “But you deserve one.” He frowned, his eyes crinkling as though he was attempting to figure out what to say. “I’m trying, Tori.”

  She’d been so angry with him these past few weeks, but that was a useless emotion. She’d figured out a long time ago that a person had to want to be saved. Her father hadn’t wanted it. He’d given in to the grief of losing their mother. Nothing his daughters had said or done made him want to live again because he’d no longer had the will. Nothing would alter Oliver’s outlook unless he wanted to change.

  Sorrow for what might have been weighed on her. The best she could do was give him some peace.

  “I forgive you,” she murmured. “We’ve both made mistakes. I suspect going to bed with you again would be another.”

  He sighed and leaned forward, kissing her forehead. “I hope you reconsider. I think my time is up. Tori, if I could change anything in my whole life, do you know what it would be?”

  She could imagine. “Your first marriage.”

  He shook his head. “No. I deserved that. I was careless and stupid and I married for all the wrong reasons. I would change what happened between us. I would go back and be gentle with you. I would make it good for you. Whatever happens, know that it’s not supposed to be like that. Your lover should make you feel like the goddess you are. I wish I had shown you that.”

  Tears blurred her vision and she gripped him when he started to move away. “Why do you think you’re a bad man, Oliver? Yasmin did those things to you. They weren’t your fault.”

  A shadow seemed to cross his face. “My father used to say you don’t know what kind of a man you are until you face death. How you face it is the sum of your soul. I don’t have much of a soul, I’m afraid. I don’t have much to give you and I don’t deserve you. I’ll be honest, if it weren’t for my brothers I would never have considered touching you again. Not because I don’t want to. I want you so badly I ache with it, but I care about you. I’m not good for you, but Callum and Rory won’t let me hurt you, so I’m being selfish. If you decide to give them a go, I’d like to be there. I need one good thing and I think bringing you pleasure could be it.”

  “May I cut in?” Rory stepped up.

  Oliver released her, moving her hand into Rory’s. “Of course. Where did Callum go?”

  “He went back to our room to prepare a few things. Tori has made her appearance at this event. I spoke with Talib and he’s still trying to get all the photos from her mishap. He’s already dealt with the local photographers. There won’t be any pictures of her in Bezakistani newspapers,” Rory reassured.

  “It will get out.” She’d been doing her job for too long to be naïve about her chances of the incident going away.

  They would run a blurred photo of her. Now that she thought about it, maybe she’d made a big deal out of nothing. She was the sister of a royal. The press preferred Piper. So she’d had a tiny nip slip. Maybe, given the dim light and the thick crowd, the wardrobe malfunction had barely registered in a photo. The press would blow it out of proportion and put a huge star over her barely-there nipple and the world wouldn’t end.

  Talking to Oliver had put a few things in perspective.

  She had no idea why he thought he’d seen his soul and found it wanting, but she knew a man in pain when she saw one. He’d changed since the night he’d taken her virginity. This was a different Oliver, more contemplative. More thoughtful. More in need than ever.

  “I’ll go help him.” Oliver nodded and walked away.

  She found herself in Rory’s arms. Quiet, polite Rory. She could handle him. Truly, Rory would listen to reason and she could move forward with her plans for a very quiet evening—and a very qu
iet life—alone. “What is Callum preparing?”

  “The bedroom for our play,” he said matter of factly. He could have been talking about the weather. “Do you know how to waltz, love? The next song is a waltz.”

  Her head spun, and she shook her head. “No. I don’t.”

  “Put your feet on top of mine and relax. I paid the orchestra to ensure the next song is a waltz. You see, I’m the only one of the three of us who paid attention in dance class. Oliver was too busy ogling the teacher and Callum, for all his athleticism, has horrible rhythm. Really, this will be our thing. I’ll teach you to waltz first. Eventually, we’ll tango. That’s my favorite.”

  Tori squirmed in his arms. The notion of them sharing a dance thing was sweet but… She would have to let him down gently. “I’m sure you’re very good, but I don’t really want lessons.”

  “That’s why you’re going to stand on my feet and I’m going to do all the work.”

  “I’m too heavy. Rory, if you have something to say, can’t we sit down and talk?”

  Those polite blue eyes hardened, turning to steel. “Darling, I’m through talking. I’ve talked to you for months and all it got