The hard knock brought a smile to my face. I quickly shoved the note into my drawer. “Come in.”

  I knew Jillian was behind the huge bouquet of flowers, but it was difficult to see anything from the number of roses creatively placed in the crystal vase. “More flowers.”

  I couldn’t help but giggle, which didn’t suit my personality at all. However, in the five days since I’d spent a magical night with three of the most gorgeous men in the universe, everything had changed. My attitude. My outlook. Even thoughts on my future, although I’d kept those little pinpricks of information to myself for the time being.

  “They’re incredible. I didn’t know roses existed in bright orange.”

  She sat the vase down close to the other two that had arrived only moments before, shaking her head as she stared at the massive array. “Honey, you can get them in any color of the rainbow, including black. They’re dyed. And if those boys give you black flowers, run far and fast.”

  I rolled my eyes and finished powdering my nose. “Don’t be so melodramatic.”

  “Who’s being melodramatic?” She came up behind me, staring at our combined reflection in the mirror of my dressing table. “It’s just that they are obsessed, and I don’t like that.”

  “Because they give me flowers?”

  “Not just once, but every night you perform. They follow you around or have one or more of their guards trapse behind you like lapdogs. Cain has taken to having every person who comes to your show checked for everything from weapons to God knows what. Now that’s fine and dandy, but it tells me that they know you’re in danger because of who you are.”

  “They’re just a little possessive.”

  “I don’t like it.”

  I swung around on my chair. “Jillian. You’ve alluded to the fact that Cain is a bad guy. Now, you’re telling me all of them are. What exactly aren’t you telling me?”

  The look on her face changed. She twisted her mouth, sucking on her lower lip. “All I know is that your parents won’t be happy that you’re spending time with one of them, let alone three. It’s all a sick game.”

  “That’s it.” I stood, folding my arms. “What in the hell is going on? Did my parents hire you? Did they send you my way to watch out for me?” My voice had risen several decibels, the tone terser than I’d ever used with her. At this point, I was finished with playing anyone’s games, including my parents.

  She backed away, her face turning red. “I…I…”

  “Talk. Now!”

  Several emotions crossed her face, bearing down on her. “I can’t.”

  “You can’t, or you won’t?”

  “You don’t understand. I’ve grown so fond of you. More than I thought.”

  I laughed bitterly. “You’re exactly right. I don’t understand in the least why everyone needs to get in my business. I’m a big girl and can take care of myself. Talk.”

  “They swore me to secrecy.”

  “Who? My parents?”

  All Jillian could do was nod.

  Fuck this. Now, I was angry. I took a deep breath, raking my hand through my hair. “Are they paying you to watch out for me?”

  “Oh, honey. I love being with you.”

  A headache formed behind my eyes. “Get out.”

  “What?”

  “You heard me.”

  “You don’t mean that.”

  No. Yes. Maybe. At this point, I wasn’t certain of anything. “Who else is on my parents’ payroll?”

  “No one else that I know of. They’re protective of you. Nothing more.”

  Protective wasn’t the word.

  “Fine,” I hissed between clenched teeth. “Do you tell them all my dirty little secrets? Do you mention every date I’ve been on or how many times you suspect I’ve had sex?”

  “No! Of course not. I never tell your father anything about your personal life. They just want to make certain you’re safe.”

  Uh-huh. They knew I wouldn’t tolerate a permanent bodyguard. I shook my head. “Very clever. Leave me alone for a few days, Jillian. I need to figure out what I’m going to do.” And what terrible secret lingered in the shadows.

  “I didn’t mean to deceive you, Rose. Please know that I’ve enjoyed these last few years getting to know you. You’re like the daughter I never had.”

  There was nothing left to say at this point, or if I did, the words wouldn’t be considered very nice. “Just go. Now.”

  Jillian had been the rock I’d been able to lean on, hearing me cry over issues, calming me down when I’d wanted to strangle one or all of the other band members. She’d helped me choose outfits and purchase sparkly dresses. She’d remembered my birthday every year.

  An ache had already formed in my heart, and as I watched her walk out the door, I was determined to get to the bottom of the great mystery. Tonight.

  I turned to face the mirror, the lights surrounding the mirror suddenly seeming garish. I leaned in, studying my face. “Who are you?”

  Another knock meant it was just about time for me to get on stage. Tonight, singing felt like a chore, the noose hanging around my neck.

  When the door opened, the person walking inside wasn’t who I’d expected.

  “Hello, beautiful.”

  My Hunter. Mine. I almost laughed at the thought. “Hi ya, hunky man.” I pushed away from the table as he approached. When he wrapped his arms around me, I took a deep inhale of his aftershave. All three men had an entirely different scent. Hunter’s was woodsy with fresh rain in the spring, a testament to his name.

  “How is my beautiful little lamb tonight?”

  Lamb.

  Little lamb. Little lamb.

  I repeated the words several times in my mind, and a strange series of sensations tickled their way through my system. It wasn’t unlike the cute phrases they used for me, but it struck me differently tonight.

  “I’m good.”

  “I can tell something’s wrong. You can’t lie to me,” Hunter said in his low, husky, and very sensual voice. He nuzzled into my neck, his hot breath tingling more than just my skin.

  “I’m fine. I just had a little argument with my assistant. Nothing I can’t handle.”

  “Lying to me isn’t in your best interest.”

  When he swatted my bottom playfully, I issued a slight purr.

  Hunter nipped my earlobe and crawled his hand down my skirt, tugging on the hem until he was able to get his fingers underneath. The moment he slipped several past the elastic and lace of my thong, a moan escaped my lips.

  “Is my baby wet?”

  “You’re so bad,” I whispered and leaned my head against his chest, spreading my legs as wide as the tight confines of the skirt would allow. He flicked his finger back and forth across my clit, and I was certain I’d melt into him. His touch was different, his needs more intense than I’d originally realized. And the man had a kinky streak that shocked me.

  “Tonight, I’ll shackle you to the bed blindfolded. Then you’ll wait until we’re ready to return. You won’t know which one of us is touching you. Tasting you. Or will you?”

  “I’ll know.”

  “Hmmm… We’re going to mark you, spank you, tease you. But you won’t be allowed to come until we give you permission. Do you understand?”

  “Yes, sir.” My knees were ready to buckle, desire swimming through me. He had a way of bringing me close with just the sound of his voice.

  “You have three masters now.”

  “How will that work? A big house together, a huge, king size bed?”

  “Absolutely, but when you’re a bad girl, you’ll sleep in a cage.”

  A thrill jetted through me. Then another flash, another face. Cain’s face.

  “That’s where you’re wrong. You have three masters now. Make no mistake that when we take you, and that will happen, you will learn what pleasures us. When you come the first time, you’ll beg for more, exhausted and overwhelmed with raw ecstasy. And I assure you that it will be the beginning of a beautiful affair. Every hole will be well used, but you’ll crave more, begging the man who owns you to continue making you weak.”

  When had he issued the statement? I knew it had been Cain. I’d recognize his voice anywhere. But when? How had I known them before? There was only one possible way.

  The college they’d attended, but it was far removed from the one I’d gone to. How was it possible that we’d met, and why didn’t they recognize me?

  My mind was fracturing. I was losing control of reality. Fear and uncertainty grabbed at every part of me, enough that I was paralyzed.

  “Are you certain you’re okay?” His tone held concern.

  “I am when you’re here.”

  Then Hunter pulled me even closer, pushing his thick cock into my bottom. “Such a tease my beautiful, little pet.”

  His words were enough to push me to an orgasm, but when he drove all four fingers inside, my core was ready to explode.

  “I can’t wait, baby girl, to fuck you tonight.” He kept one arm wrapped around my waist as he tormented me, swirling his thumb around my swollen nub.

  I clung to his thigh, digging my fingers into his trousers. The man knew how to make me feel euphoric in seconds. “Mmm… May I come?”

  Hunter chuckled, the sound reverberating in my ears. “Yes, you can, little pet.”

  My body had betrayed me over and over again around the three gods of men, and tonight was no different. As an orgasm swept through me, electric vibrations shot through every cell and muscle, leaving me trembling all over. He continued pumping his fingers, flexing them open and curling the tips, already knowing exactly the spot to keep me soaring.

  “You will come for us, little pet, only when we allow you to.”

  I opened my eyes, staring in the mirror. Hunter hadn’t just spoken the words. They were in my mind, but… it was his voice. Just like I’d heard Cain’s before. Panting, as I started to come down from the high, my body stiffened.

  “What’s wrong?”

  As I pulled away from his hold, he slipped his fingers into his mouth. Everything I thought I knew was wrong. I was certain of it. I folded my arms, the icy chill coursing through me burning.

  “Rose. What is it? You’re white as a ghost.”

  I lifted my head, uncertain what to say. “Are you going to be at the show?”

  The concerned look remained on his face. He gripped both of my arms, and I shuddered, certain what I was experiencing was a memory.

  “That’s one reason I stopped by. We have some business to handle, so we won’t be at the show. However, we’ll return by the time your last set is complete.”

  “We, meaning the three of you?” Three different families. Three different businesses. One connection.

  Crandall University.

  “Yes, just something we’re considering doing together. Some business. I’m going to ask you again. Are you certain that you’re okay? Did anything happen?” He continued to brush his fingers up and down my arm.

  “I’m perfectly fine, and why would anything happen?” I pulled away, sensing he was concerned about something himself. What were they hiding from me? I wasn’t fine at all. In fact, I was certain that whatever my parents had hidden from me revolved around a university I’d never been to.

  The pieces of the puzzle were starting to collide.

  “We’ll see you later. Knock ‘em dead, baby.” Hunter returned his fingers to his mouth, licking whatever taste lingered on his heated skin.

  Before he walked out the door, he turned his head, studying me intently.

  There was no doubt I’d met him before, that I’d been with him before.

  And with the others.

  I could also feel their combined touch searing my skin, echoes of their whispers tormenting the fog wrapped around my memory. But it was being peeled away minute by minute that I remained with them. My head was pounding, my blood pressure skyrocketing. I could feel it, as if at any moment my head would explode. I’d never felt such pain before in…

  Pain.

  Yes, I had. Very slowly I lowered my head, glancing at the scar on the inside of my wrist. As I pressed my fingers across the indentation, a ghostly sensation of agony almost made me double over.

  Knife. Blood,

  “Kill the fucker,” Cain roared.

  “I’ll do it,” Cristiano snarled.

  All I could think about was getting away from them. No. No!

  “No, Sage. Come back here. Don’t run,” Hunter pleaded.

  As happened every time, the vision faded before I was provided with answers. But the sensations remained.

  Panic. Terror.

  I couldn’t stop shaking, the vision as if it had just occurred. This time, I was able to capture and store it in the back of my mind, as well as the feelings I’d had. Run. I’d convinced myself to run far away from them. But why? Who had they intended on killing? They were chasing me. A dark forest. Rain. And blood. I clenched my eyes closed, trying to clear my mind and control my breathing. Slowly, another memory slipped into the darkest part of my mind.

  “Where the fuck are they?” the male voice yelled. “She needs help. Now!”

  Sirens. Lots of sirens.

  “They’re coming! I hear them.”

  “Not fast enough. Stay with us, baby. Stay with us.” His voice, pleading.

  Blood. So much blood covering his face. So much…

  “No. No. No!”

  I pushed myself against the wall, dropping my head into my hands. As had happened before, the vision lingered long enough for me to capture three faces. Three faces I knew, their dark clothes covered in blood.

  Cain. Hunter. Cristiano.

  The three men who’d already altered my life, shattering my innocence several years ago. And the ones determined to do it again. Only this time permanently.

  I’d lost control before, but that wasn’t going to happen now. I would learn the truth.

  Yes… I would expose the ugliness behind the secret.

  Then there would be hell to pay.

  CHAPTER 20

  Hunter

  The slight buzz indicated a new text.

  I’d already had my terse phone call for the evening with Bart. He’d undoubtedly waited until after seven in the evening to call, hoping to get my voicemail. He’d gotten a taste of my wrath instead. And it was just the beginning. I was finished playing games with anyone. I’d invested a significant amount of time as well as money in the discovery phase initiating a purchase.

  I refused to lose several hundred thousand dollars because of a twisted fuck trying to orchestrate a failed deal. While Bart Coplan would learn very quickly what happened to assholes who crossed me, William-fucking-Watkins was next on my list.

  As I headed towards the elevators, I yanked out my phone. What I read sent a shot of adrenaline straight to my veins.

  I know what you did.

  Oh, please. If the fucker really thought his threat was going to unnerve me, then the idiot needed to get over himself.

  As I stepped inside the elevator, I allowed my thoughts to return to Rose. She’d acted strangely, as if she’d seen a ghost. She’d mentioned she’d had trouble sleeping but had said little else besides her dreams had been plaguing her. I leaned my head against the wall, thinking about the haunted look in her eyes. We’d spent some of the most enjoyable days I’d had in several years together.

  Hell, I’d spent time online searching for the perfect home for all four of us to share. I’d found several that could work. The requirement for the right selection? A huge bedroom suite and an area that could be turned into a playroom for adults. I was one sick pup, my needs spiraling out of control. Tonight, she’d be introduced to the lifestyle we preferred, one that she hungered for as well.

  If all went well, the three of us had discussed collaring her soon. I laughed, closing my eyes and envisioning her in nothing but heels and a collar. She’d also have a matching leash.

  The ping of the elevator drew me out of my moment of revelry. Before I could bask in the beauty of her naked body, there was business to take care of.

  I stepped out into the corridor, yanking my phone into my fingers. While I figured the asshole who’d sent the text had already tossed the burner phone, my anger was elevated given Bart’s bullshit. Before I walked into Cain’s suite, I texted the son of a bitch back.

  I will hunt you down. Then the fun will really begin.

  Laughing, I shoved the keycard into the lock, opening the door then shoving the phone into my pocket. Both Cristiano and Cain were already inside. In the last few days, we’d established a communication room–or maybe I should have called it a war room—in order to put the pieces of the puzzle together. Tonight, the three of us were headed to deal with Bart. I had a feeling given his earlier call that he’d been either hired to provide a ruse or told in no uncertain terms he wouldn’t sell to me.

  “There he is,” Cristiano said, barely glancing at me.

  “How’s our girl?” Cain piped in.

  I wasn’t entirely certain how to answer the question. “Anxious.”

  Cain lifted his head. “How so?”

  “Has she said anything to you guys about the dreams she’s been having?” It was obvious from the expression on Cain’s face that he had no clue what I was talking about.

  Cristiano sighed. “Reoccurring nightmares from when she was a child. Why?”

  “I don’t know. She stared at me as if she didn’t know me.”

  “She’s not a stupid girl, Hunter. She googled us. You know she did. That’s why she asks so many questions.”

  “The recent Times article is connected to our names.” I made the statement more in passing. “We should talk to her about it.”

  “Agreed,” Cristiano said casually, although I knew he was just as concerned about her as I was. However, I couldn’t read Cain’s expression.

  “Did you get a text?” I asked, immediately nodding to Brock, who knew all about our time spent in purgatory at the university. While Cain might still have fond memories, I loathed having my name and the schools on the same piece of linen paper. Maybe that’s why I’d only framed my master’s degree from Yale.