Total pages in book: 55
Estimated words: 51166 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 256(@200wpm)___ 205(@250wpm)___ 171(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 51166 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 256(@200wpm)___ 205(@250wpm)___ 171(@300wpm)
I’m increasingly frustrated at the thought of having to choose between the two men. It’s starting to feel like making a choice between air and water, even though I know neither of them will be in my life for long. Matteo is a visiting professor on a short-term contract, and Fiero is here for his exhibition. I probably don’t have longer than the end of the semester before both of them go back to Italy.
Snuggled against Fiero, the ride up into the mountains passes quickly, with the men sharing stories of their home in Italy and cultural observations as Europeans coming to the US for the first time. In turn, I tell them about life in the small town where I grew up, and stories about the two summers I spent at our destination, Callahan Crest Resort.
I told Katie Callahan that we were coming for the day, and she’s waiting in the lobby when we arrive. She met Matteo at Thanksgiving and greets him warmly, her brows rising as I introduce Fiero. While the brothers admire the lobby’s vaulted ceiling and majestic view out the two-story windows, she shoots me a look behind their backs that communicates multiple things: Holy hotness!, You’ve been holding out on me, and We are so going to talk about this ASAP.
The look I send her in return is half sheepish, half warning, and all self-conscious. I still can hardly believe that I’m the one dating both these beautiful men. Explaining the whole situation to Katie will take some time, and today I want to enjoy our outing.
Drawing close to her, I mouth the words, Where are your men?
Taking her cue from my secretive act, she answers me in a whisper. “They’re off visiting another property. Sometimes I go with them, but this is just a quick trip; they’ll be back tomorrow.”
I’m torn between relief and regret. Part of me was hoping that Matteo would be reminded of Katie and the Kings’ polyamorous relationship, and Fiero would get to witness it too. It would be a way of broaching the subject with them instead of having to bring it up out of the blue.
Not that I’m eager to pursue that kind of arrangement, at least not as a permanent thing. One man to settle down with still sounds right for me. But since I’m only going to be involved with the Bestia brothers for a few months, why should I have to choose? It would be so much simpler if they could share me in bed as well as out of it.
And my sex-starved body would be a lot happier. I want them both so much, and their old-fashioned courtship, whatever their reasons for it, is fraying my nerves.
On the other hand, I’m not sure the men would respond well to the suggestion that we form a trio, even in the short term. They seem set on the idea that I have to pick one of them over the other, and they might react badly to my reluctance. I could lose both of them before I’ve experienced all the pleasure I know they could bring me.
I’d much rather sleep with each of them individually than not at all.
“You live here all year?” Fiero says to Katie.
“Yes.” She smiles. “I love it here. So much beauty on my mountain.”
“I agree.” He turns again to look out at the tree-lined hills blanketed with snow, a picturesque winter wonderland that draws tourists from all over. “I find it quite inspiring, though it is far from my usual subject matter.”
His gaze shifts to me, and I lose the ability to think or breathe. “But then, I have always appreciated beauty.”
My face heats. His dark eyes tell me far more than his words, and I wish I could ask Katie for a key to any vacant room so I could drag both my men into it.
Matteo clears his throat, breaking the spell. His eyes are darker than normal too, but with more than passion. Yes, he loves his brother, but right now, it’s clear that he also resents the way I respond to Fiero’s attentions.
They’re both so determined to be the only man in my life. Which is exactly what I would want – if there were only one of them. Choosing is impossible.
The Bestia brothers are the walking, talking, hot-as-sin illustration of too much of a good thing.
Forcing my mind onto a different track, I smile cheerfully and say, “Would you like to go for a walk? The path out to the lake is really lovely.”
After a moment, Matteo nods and smiles too, though his smile is less enthusiastic and more polite. “An excellent suggestion.”
“Do you want to come?” I ask Katie. Her presence might help diffuse the tension still in the air.
“Normally I would, but I’ve got to put the finishing touches on the menu for the resort’s Valentine’s Day dinner.”