I grip her hips and manage a few more thrusts before I, too, let myself get carried away by pleasure. I come deep inside her as I grunt and every muscle in my body coils. Then I stay still and wait for oxygen to seep back into my lungs.

  Violet lets go of my shoulders. Her arms remain by her sides as she lies still on top of the bed. I pull out of her and lie beside her, taking her into my arms. I plant a kiss on the top of her head.

  “I take it you’re not going to throw this present back at me?” I ask.

  She grins. “No. I think I’ll keep it.”

  She turns her body so she can put her hand on my chest.

  “After all, now that you’re Senior Vice President, I’m sure you’ll be busier. You’ll do a lot more traveling, too.”

  I frown. “Did you really have to bring that up now?”

  She strokes my hair. “Don’t worry. I’ll be here for you every step of the way. I’m going to be your wife, after all.”

  She shows me her hand with the ring. I kiss it.

  “Then that’s all I need to succeed.”

  Violet smiles. Then she slips her fingers between mine.

  “So you don’t want the triple wedding anymore?”

  I shrug. “We can have whatever wedding you want.”

  She meets my gaze. “Then I want one in a chateau in France.”

  “Okay.”

  “With Stella and Ethan and Ryker and Claire.”

  I give her a puzzled look. “But I thought…”

  “I spoke to Stella today and she convinced me to do the triple wedding,” Violet explains.

  I chuckle. I guess Stella can convince anyone to do anything.

  “I, on the other hand, convinced her it should be in France.”

  Of course she did.

  I smile. “So the grand triple wedding is on?”

  Violet nods. “It sure is.”

  Ryker

  Eight months later…

  “Are you ready?” Joel asks as he finds me in a corner of the vast gardens. “I think your brothers are already at the altar.”

  I draw a deep breath and turn around to face him. “How do I look?”

  “Dashing as always.” He walks towards me and places a hand on my shoulder. “What’s wrong? You seem nervous.”

  So he noticed?

  I draw another deep breath. “I guess I just find this all hard to believe. I mean, not so long ago I was at your wedding, and now…”

  “You’re at yours. But hey, you proposed.”

  I nod. “I did. And I want to marry Claire. I’m not saying I don’t. I just… feel a tad overwhelmed right now. Did you feel this way at your wedding?”

  He pats my shoulder. “You bet. Of course you’re overwhelmed. You’re getting married. You’re basically starting a new life. You’re being reborn. It’s scary as… merde.”

  I chuckle. “I see you’ve been making the most of your stay here in France.”

  “Nat insisted on it. Anyway, yes, it’s terrifying, but you’re alone. You’re making this huge step with an amazing woman.”

  “A very amazing woman,” I say.

  Just the thought of her is enough to make me smile.

  “And your two brothers,” Joel adds. “Something I still find hard to believe.”

  I give him a puzzled look. “That they’re getting married?”

  “That Asher is getting married,” he says. “And that all three of you are doing it at the same time.”

  “It was Stella’s idea,” I say.

  “I guess it is brilliant, in a way. You don’t have to spend three times as much. If you’re not a Hawthorne, that is. But this wedding? In a French chateau? I don’t even want to ask how much it costs.”

  “So don’t,” I tell him. “By the way, it was Violet’s idea.”

  “And Claire’s idea?” Joel asks.

  “She picked the menu.”

  “Ah.”

  “Also, she brought in a group of children from refugee camps to sing today.”

  Joel nods. “Impressive.”

  “As always,” I say.

  “So are you going to make me drag you to the altar so you can marry her?”

  I grin. “You don’t have to drag me. I’m coming.”

  “Good.”

  He starts to walk off.

  “Joel,” I call after him.

  He turns. “What?”

  “Thank you for letting me love her.”

  He falls silent for a moment. Then he gives me a playful punch on the shoulder.

  “No one can prevent someone from loving someone else, stupid. You’re smart enough to know that.”

  “Still, thank you. And I guess after this, we’ll be real brothers.”

  He says nothing.

  “I promise I’ll take good care of her,” I tell him.

  “I know you will,” he answers.

  He gives me another pat on the shoulder, then draws a deep breath. “Now, let’s get out of here before you make me cry. I think I need another glass of that glorious champagne.”

  I give him a puzzled look. “You’re drinking already?”

  “Everyone is. Maybe you should drink a glass just to calm your nerves.”

  “I’m okay now. Just get me to the altar.”

  Joel gives me a salute. “Yes, sir.”

  He starts walking. I take one last deep breath before following him.

  I’m ready.

  ~

  I thought I was ready, but now that I’m standing here at the altar and the music has started, I can’t help but fidget with my watch. I glance at Asher and Ethan, both standing perfectly still. How can they be so composed?

  Better yet, how can I not be? I’m not like Joel. I’m used to standing in front of people. I hold meetings with important people. By comparison, this shouldn’t be hard.

  Breathe, Ryker.

  Then I see Erin walking down the aisle in her cute white dress. The crowd erupts into sighs. She trips and the crowd gasps. Ethan almost runs towards her but Asher stops him. Other people try to help her, too, but she stands up all on her own and continues walking like nothing happened. I hear some applause.

  I smile. If a little girl who just started walking a few months ago can get through this wedding, so can I.

  After she leaves the aisle, the music changes. Stella appears first, wearing a white gown that seems to be covered in hundreds of tiny flowers. Real ones peek out from the intricate coils of her hair. She smiles at Asher, then at me when our gazes meet. Then her eyes focus on Ethan and her face lights up. Her eyes soften. She keeps her gaze on him until he takes her hand.

  Violet appears next. Her gown is more daring, the front open almost down to the waist. I almost find it sinful to look at her so I turn my head away. But Asher is staring right at her. And I can see nothing but pride and love in his eyes.

  Thank goodness he was able to get their engagement back on.

  Finally, it’s Claire’s turn. I have no idea what she’s going to wear, so I’m holding my breath. She steals it as soon as she appears.

  Her gown is inspired by a kimono. The top is stiff. It looks like layers of fabric are wrapped around her chest and held in place with ribbons. Her shoulders are bare but her sleeves are long. They drip from her wrists. As for the bottom part, it just flows. As Claire comes closer, I notice that there are cherry blossoms embroidered into the silk.

  I bring my gaze up to her face. Even through her veil, I can see the joy sparkling in her green eyes and it makes my chest swell. Our eyes meet and she smiles. I forget everything else.

  As I bring her to my side, she mouths the words I love you. All my fears melt away.

  This is the woman I love. My best friend’s sister. My best friend. My first love. And my last.

  I can’t wait to start my life with her.

  ~

  “Wait.”

  Claire grips my shoulders and pushes me off her. Then she lifts her head and removes one of her earrings. She struggles with the other one so I help her. She places them on the nightstand and places her hands behind my neck.

  “Now, you can kiss me all you want, Ryker Hawthorne.”

  I grin. “Oh, I intend to, Mrs. Hawthorne.”

  I capture her lips as I let my hand wander over her breasts, her stomach, even her thighs. Then I let her mouth go so I can use mine on all those places. I suck on her breasts and lick her nipples. I kiss her navel. I nibble on her thighs. Finally, I settle between her legs.

  But I get a better idea.

  “Get up,” I say as I pull her into a sitting position.

  “Okay.”

  I lie down and pull Claire on top of me. Not on top of my cock, even though it’s already hard and raring to be inside her. But on top of my face so she can put her hands on the wall above the headboard as I lick her.

  She does that. I stroke her pussy lips and her thighs quiver on either side of me. I push the tip of my tongue inside her and she gasps. I tease her clit and she starts to moan and tremble. I hear her nails on the wall.

  Sexy.

  I’m looking forward to hearing more, but Claire moves away from the wall, sliding down my body until she’s on top of my crotch. She puts one hand on my chest and grips the base of my cock with the other as she lowers her hips. I watch as she takes me inside her inch by inch.

  She does it slowly, with closed eyes and parted lips, pleasure written all over her face. I can’t look away.

  Finally, I’m completely inside her. She throws her head back and lets out a gasp. Then she leans forward and kisses me. I run my fingers through her hair.

  She pulls away and grips my shoulders as she starts to move. I lie back and let her take control, taking sharp breaths each time the friction between our bodies threatens to push me over the edge.

  When it becomes too much, I put my hands on her hips and move my own. She leans back as she lets out a long moan. Her hair cascades past her shoulders. Her breasts jiggle as her body bounces on top of me.

  Beautiful.

  She leans forward again to kiss me and then begins moving her hips against mine. Furiously. Desperately. Suddenly she stops and her nails dig into my shoulders as she rides her orgasm. A soft scream leaves her lips.

  I give her a moment to savor the experience before pushing her off me and pounding into her. Hard. My balls slap against Claire’s skin. The bed creaks. Claire continues to moan and cry out as she clutches the sheets.

  With a groan, I give one final thrust and spill myself inside her. Claire gasps. I feel her tighten around me once more as my cock quivers, milking it of every drop. Then we both go still.

  I take a few moments to catch my breath before I pull out of her, plant a kiss on her forehead, and lie down beside her.

  “So?” I ask.

  Claire gives me a puzzled look. “So what?”

  “Is the sex any different now that we’re married?”

  She chuckles. “No. It’s just as good as it always was.”

  “Good.”

  She turns to me and strokes my hair. “Did you like the wedding?”

  “Yes. Did you?”

  She nods. “Although it all still feels like a dream. I never thought I’d get married in a chateau with two other women.”

  “I never thought I’d marry you.” I reach for her hand, which now has two rings on it, and bring it to my lips. “But I’m glad I did. It’s the best thing that’s ever happened to me.”

  To my surprise, she holds a finger to my lips. “You might want to hold that thought.”

  My eyebrows furrow. “Why?”

  “Because there’s something I have to tell you, something else that’s happened.”

  Her serious expression makes me worry. “What?”

  Claire turns to me and whispers in my ear. “We’re having a baby.”

  My eyes grow wide. “What?”

  She takes my hand and places it over her stomach. I sit up.

  “We’re having a baby?”

  She nods and gives me a smile. “We’re having a baby.”

  For a moment, I just stare at her as I wait for the words to sink in. Then I wrap my arms around her.

  “We’re having a baby,” I whisper, still in shock.

  “That’s what I said.”

  I hold her until the shock subsides. Then the joy takes over and I kiss her. I kiss her lips. I kiss her forehead. I kiss the valley between her breasts. I kiss her stomach. Reverently. Then I stare at it.

  “No matter how much you stare at it, you won’t see the baby inside, you know,” Claire tells me.

  I look at her. “How long have you known?”

  “Just before we left Cambodia last week.”

  “And how far along are you?”

  “Five weeks,” she answers.

  I’m confused. “Wait. I thought you were taking pills.”

  “I was. I forgot one, and apparently that’s all it takes to get pregnant. Sorry.”

  I shake my head and stroke her cheek. “Don’t be. I’m not. I’m thrilled we’re having a baby.”

  Claire places her hand over mine. “You are?”

  I nod and kiss her lips.

  “So am I,” she confesses. “But I’m scared, too.”

  “Of course you are. You’re carrying a new human being inside you. But don’t worry. I promise I’ll take good care of you.”

  “I know you will,” Claire says as she strokes my cheek. “I know you’ll make a great husband and a wonderful father.”

  We kiss again. This time, the kiss breaks because we hear a sound coming from the other side of the wall. A cry. Then we hear a thud from the ceiling.

  Claire’s eyebrows furrow. “Are those…?”

  “My brothers and their wives? I think so.”

  Another sound comes from the next room, this time a pounding.

  I scratch the back of my head. “I think that’s Asher.”

  Maybe I shouldn’t have chosen a room next to his.

  “Do you want to move somewhere else?” I ask Claire. “I’m sure this chateau has plenty of rooms.”

  “I have a better idea.” She climbs back on top of me. “What do you say we make just as much noise? Think you can manage that?”

  I give her a puzzled look. “But you’re pregnant. Are you sure we—?”

  “It’s perfectly fine,” she assures me as she strokes my chest. “And you know what else? I want to have as much sex as I can while I still can. So are you up for it?”

  I don’t answer. She reaches behind her, wraps her fingers around my cock and strokes me until I’m fully hard again. Then she gives me a mischievous grin.

  “Seems like you are.”

  “You sure you want to do this?” I ask her.

  “You sure you want to let your brothers have all the fun?”

  I shake my head. “Hell no.”

  No one is getting any sleep tonight.

  ~

  Ethan yawns as he swirls the scotch in his glass. “Damn, last night was…”

  “Phenomenal?” Asher finishes his sentence before bringing his martini to his lips.

  “Triple the fun?” I suggest after taking a gulp of my gin tonic.

  Ethan chuckles. He sips his drink, then he shakes his head in disbelief.

  “Unbelievable.”

  “Yeah,” Asher agrees. “I can’t believe you fell off the bed.”

  Ethan’s eyebrows furrow. “We did not.”

  It sounded like it, though.

  “That’s fine,” I say. “Asher nearly tore down the wall.”

  “I thought that was Claire,” he says. “I could hear her nails.”

  I don’t answer.

  Ethan lets out a breath. “Anyway, I’m glad we all found amazing wives.”

  I nod. “Stella’s pretty amazing to have thought of this triple wedding. And I never knew Violet was such an amazing dancer until yesterday.”

  “I didn’t know Claire was so amazing in bed until last night,” Asher says.

  I beam with pride. “Yeah, she is. Even more so because she did all that while being five weeks pregnant.”

  Ethan sets his glass down and looks at me with wide eyes. “You and Claire are expecting?”

  “Yes,” I answer. “It seems like we have another Hawthorne on the way.”

  “Congratulations,” Asher tells me. “As for me and Violet, I think we’ll wait a few years. You know… enjoy each other first before we have twins.”

  I look at him with furrowed eyebrows. “Twins?”

  “By then, Stella and I will probably have three kids,” Ethan says.

  I chuckle. “Wow. I didn’t know there was a competition to have the most kids.”

  “There isn’t,” Asher says.

  And yet somehow I don’t believe him… Well, I wouldn’t mind having as many as five kids.

  Ethan raises his glass. “To the future of the Hawthorne family.”

  I raise mine. “To the future.”

  “To the future,” Asher echoes.

  I contemplate it as I gulp down my drink. I don’t know for sure what it holds, but right now, it looks bright. And even if it gets dark, I know I’ll make it through. I know my brothers and I will make it through because we have our amazing wives.

  And each other.

  ~The End~

  Secret Desires Sneak Peek

  Book 1: A Beautiful Mistake

  Prologue

  Dustin

  Six years earlier

  "Another round of Old Fashioned for me and my gang, Rick." I slap another bill on the cold granite.

  The stocky bartender takes the money as the small crowd around me erupts in a thunderous cheer. A few heads in the bar turn, including one with strawberry blonde curls several stools away. I send her a wink. The corners of her crimson lips twitch up into a smile but quickly droop as a man's arm goes around her.

  Too bad. I would have liked to try tugging at those curls. Then again, it's her loss.

  When the drinks arrive, I grab one and turn my attention to the rest of the establishment.

  There's a good-sized crowd for a Wednesday night, mostly college students. UMass. Emerson. Suffolk. Young. Naive. Far from home. Raring to conquer the world. Bad at handling their alcohol. Just the way I like them.

  I lift my glass to my mouth for a sip and keep it there so it's not too obvious I'm surveying the field.

  Now, who among these young women is going to get lucky tonight?