Radiance (9 page)

Christmas Eve 2014

Tawny shook Brie awake sometime after three.  “I brought some of those little gourmet brownies Max whipped up like it was fucking
nothing
earlier and I need an accomplice.” 

Grinning, Brie rolled over and retorted, “No tequila this year.” 

“I snagged you that sparkling non-alcoholic shit.”  The redhead made a gagging sound.  “By the way, we need to up the security on your front door.” 

“How long did it take you to get inside?” 

“Girl, four
minutes
.  However, in my defense, I was holding a tray of brownies so I had to improvise.” 

“You didn’t put them down?” 

“On the
floor
?  Not sanitary and these are
Max’s
brownies!  That’s like, sacrilegious and shit.”  Bouncing off the bed, Tawny sang, “Come on!  I picked movies.”

To the room, Brie murmured, “Don’t we have to be at Riya’s in a few hours?” 

Sitting up, she took stock before grabbing her cane and following her friend into the living room. 

Stopping in the doorway, she let her mind absorb the blanket fort that spanned her living room furniture, anchored at the top by the whale sculpture. 

“Tawny…how
long
have you been here?” 

“More than an hour.  You sleep deep.  I could have absconded with your sculpture and painted it like a penis –
because it is
– by the time you rolled out of bed.” 

“Whale.  It’s a whale.”  The woman always made her laugh.  Rubbing her eyes, she added, “I took a pill.  I’ve been having trouble sleeping.” 

Skipping to stand in front of her, Tawny put her hands on her hips.  Her hair was in pigtail braids and she wore footy pajamas covered in
Hello Kitty
.  “How are the Wonder Twins?” 

“Joshua and Jessica are wonderful.  They flew back to Texas yesterday to attend their dad’s wedding.  They’ll be there through the holidays.”  She made her way to the kitchen and started coffee. 

“Still providing crazy monkey sex on the hour?” 

“Um, no.  After two blissful weeks, I needed to get some distance.  They’re young and fun, easy to like, and incredible for my ego.”  She lifted one shoulder.  “Ultimately, they’re like Hudson and Natalia.  They’re open to everyone and everything but they only truly
love
each other.  I took our time together for what it was and enjoyed it very much.” 

“Shit.  Sorry, girl.” 

“Don’t be sorry.  They helped me when I was really down.  I think it’s my new calling in life to be the kick in the ass couples need.”  She winked.  “They flew to Vegas three days ago and got married.” 

“Shut the fuck
up
!”

“I can’t.”  Taking a seat at her bar, she felt the effects of her insane physical therapy session.  “They’re perfect together.  I imagine they’ll have lots of great experiences.  I doubt they’ll ever be truly monogamous but the love…
that
they’ll only ever give to each other.” 

Tawny seemed lost in thought for a long moment.  “You think Hudson and Natalia fuck outside their couple-hood?”

“I have no idea.  I know they’d need to have someone, I don’t know, less emotional than me.  Someone they could be with and walk away from without guilt.  They could never cross that line with me again.” 

“Make you sad?” 

“Hell no.  They’re
holy shit
in bed.”  Brie crossed her eyes and Tawny chuckled.  “I like them better as friends.  No confusion and they’re fucking
happy
.  That makes me happy.” 

By dawn, the brownies were gone, they’d consumed an entire pot of coffee, and screamed themselves hoarse through two action movies.

“Quick nap and then we’ll go harass the cranky threesome.” 

Climbing in her big bed, Brie rolled to her side when Tawny climbed in beside her.  “Where do Zach and Quinn think you are tonight?” 

She shrugged.  “I needed some distance myself.” 

“Why?”

“They asked me to marry them.”  Brie’s eyes went wide.  “They have no clue what fuckery I’d bring into their lives.  Going too public is dangerous…for all of us.”  For almost a minute, the redhead simply looked at her.  “I can’t tell you all of it now.  I need a raincheck.” 

“Done.” 

“You’re the only person in my life who lets me just
be
without a hundred questions, worries, and accusations.  I want you to know I really appreciate that.” 

Reaching out, she took the other woman’s hand.  “Anytime.  Get some sleep and recharge.  You can paste on your
good time Tawny
persona when we head upstairs.”

* * *

Riya’s annual holiday party was packed as usual.  After two hours, Brie found herself laughing almost non-stop. 

She chose a long-sleeve red dress that ended in uneven layers at her ankle.  Underneath, she wore a lingerie set from Natalia in ethereal white lace that made her feel incredibly sexy. 

Despite having to wear
flats
and walk with a
cane
.

Micah took a seat beside her with a grin.  “How are you doing, Miss Hernandez?” 

“Better every day.” 

“That’s the spirit.  I can’t tell you how much I look forward to dragging you out on the dance floor again.  We grumble like small children on a long car ride.”  He winked.  “I saw that in a movie.” 

“You’re
lovely
as usual and gave me a tiny brain scramble with the words you said.” 

“Liar.” 

When she could stop laughing, she told him, “Maybe by this time next year I’ll have a hope of keeping up with you again.”

“I’ll hold you to that.”  He accepted a glass of champagne from a passing server for each of them.  “I know you’re still on lots of medications but I wanted to toast the work you did on my website.”  Clinking their glasses together, he leaned forward and kissed her cheek.  “Outstanding on all fronts.” 

“Thanks.  I’m so glad you liked it.” 

“The developers who implemented your changes said it was the smoothest transition they’d ever seen.” 

She crossed her eyes.  “Thank god.  I hate the backend.” 

For a few minutes, they sat together and people watched, adding commentary that verged on silly.  When he met her eyes, she saw a serious topic change on the horizon.

“Riya mentioned your possible arrangement.”  She didn’t pretend to misunderstand, wondering what was coming.  “In this particular world, the rules are clearly defined, Brie.  Your safety must be paramount.” 

“I’m unsure it will happen but…do you have any advice?” 

“Clear and concise communication at all times.  Leave no doubts about what you seek and refuse to take less than you want.  As with Riya, your heart is your most powerful weapon but it can leave you at a disadvantage with men who don’t understand how it
functions
.” 

“Hudson said the same.” 

“I find he and I are more similar than I’m comfortable with sometimes.”  There was laughter in his honey eyes.  “I know he guards your back and respect him highly for it.  If your past relationship – or his dealings with Delkin – ever make you hesitate to go to him, I’m happy to help.” 

“You’re such a good man, Micah.”  Riya settled herself on her husband’s lap and leaned forward to kiss Brie.  “I worried a little about Hudson having the detachment to advise you.” 

“He’s very protective.  I need to deal with this on my own, no matter which way it goes.” 

“I agree and commend your consideration of everyone involved.”  Riya glanced over her shoulder and her face lit up. 

Two couples walked around into Brie’s line of sight.

“I finally get to introduce you!  This is Victor and his wife Shay.”  With her arm still wrapped around Micah’s shoulder, she accepted kisses on the cheek.  “This is Lucas and his wife Amelia.”  Smiling brightly, she said, “This is my
wonderful
friend, Gabriella Hernandez.” 

“Ma’am.  It’s sure a pleasure.”  She moved to stand, feeling like a little girl with the huge man standing in front of her.  He had to be almost seven feet tall.  “Nah, honey.  We’ll come on down to you.  You’re an itty bitty thing like my sweet girl.” 

He crouched and settled Shay on one knee.  She was pretty and practically glowing with happiness.  “Riya told us so much about you I feel like we’re already friends.” 

Stunned, Brie managed, “Um, I-I feel like I know you, too.”  The couple laughed warmly and she was struck a little stupid.  “I mean…
shit
.” 

Lucas sat on the sofa beside her and brought his wife to sit on his lap.  “You bubble over with goodness.” 

A nervous laugh escaped Brie and she put her hand over her mouth.  “Exactly as described, good
lord
.” 

Amelia grinned.  “He gets that a
lot
.  Kind of panty-meltin’, huh?”  Unsure how to respond, Brie tried to smile.  The tall woman chuckled.  “No need to be embarrassed.  Who doesn’t love Sam Elliot?” 

“I mean…really,” Brie said deadpan. 

“Riya mentioned you’ve been fightin’ your way back from a major car accident.”  Shay reached out and held her hand.  “I’m impressed as all hell.” 

Victor gave her a wink and she was struck by the fact that he had almost the same eyes as Hudson.  “When you’re back on your feet, you need to trip on down to Georgia.  The local boys would follow you like puppies and we’ll stuff you full o’ fried chicken and peach cobbler.” 

“A long way from New York City but a nice little timeout,” Amelia added.  “You’d love our place in Montana, too.  Nothin’ for miles and miles but sky, trees, and mountains.” 

“They sound lovely.”  Brie’s mind suddenly exploded with a hundred questions and she started talking a mile a minute. 

The couples didn’t seem to mind. 

Eventually, Max hauled over a couple of chairs for himself and Victor.  They were some of the most open and honest people she’d ever met. 

It was surreal to meet two more of the men from Riya’s dissertation.  The ones Brie had more than a little crush on while she was reading. 

The reality was even
better
.  She talked to them for hours and she felt as if she’d found kindred spirits.

* * *

Hudson and Natalia appeared after the staff party at
Trois
ended and hugged her between them.  They presented her with another sculpture from Hudson’s collection and the memory of the first made her hug them for a long time. 

At her ear, Natalia whispered, “You have to join us tomorrow.  We’re going to bust open the new dishes.” 

“I’m not intruding on…” 

Placing her finger over Brie’s lips, the blonde arched a brow.  “We’re going to vegetate
all day
and you’re going to hang out with us so trying to resist us is pointless.”  Plumping her lower lip, she winked.  “Still love them.  I can’t help it.” 

The confession made Brie snicker and she puckered comically for a kiss that she received.  Natalia swooned dramatically and Hudson caught her with a grin. 

Clearing her throat, she said, “Um, you should let me cook.” 

Natalia huffed indignantly.  “We
catered
.”  Releasing a sigh of relief made her friend put her hand on her hip.  “I can
cook
.  Some stuff.  Maybe.” 

Rubbing noses, Brie told her, “You’re a fucking
gourmand
with tea and cookies.” 

She was so grateful to friends who went above and beyond to include her in their lives. 

There were times she felt as if she had nothing to offer but they always made her feel welcome, protected, and loved. 

They would always be the ideal Christmas gift to her. 

New Year’s Eve 2015

Brie was determined to feel good.  She
refused
to dwell on her sadness.

She was about to begin a brand new year.  She was nine months past the accident that almost killed her and getting stronger every day physically. 

Riya and Tawny insisted on taking her shopping and for an extended spa day to prepare for the outrageous annual party. 

The outfits they tried to put her in made her giggle maniacally. 

Finally, hand on her hip, Tawny huffed.  “The hunters will be out
en masse
tonight and we’re presenting you accordingly.” 

“First, no.  I’m not interested and I’m not cleared for sex if I was interested…which, I repeat,
I am not
.  Second, there’s no
way
I’m exposing that much skin.  Especially when I can’t wear appropriate shoes.  Three…”  She held up her cane.  “Figure it out, Red.”

Stomping away, she mumbled, “Nobody lets me do
anything
!”

Grinning, Riya asked, “You’re
sure
you’re not interested?  The inquiries at
Trois
are growing.” 

Her eyes widened.  “No.” 

“Oh yeah.  Natalia didn’t tell you?”  She shook her head.  “Probably because most of them are too young.” 

Tawny landed between them.  “Blondie is a firm believer in
seasoning
.  Especially where you’re concerned.  Doesn’t like the twenty-somethings sniffing around her
baby girl
.” 

“Shut up,” Brie said laughing. 

“Fine.  After you try on this jumpsuit.” 

“No.” 

“It lights up!”

“Fuck you, no.” 

“Come on…it’s
festive
!”

In the end, they compromised on a bronze sweater that was softer than a hundred baby kittens, brown leather pants, and matching riding boots. 

Tawny was somewhat appeased, Brie was comfortable, and Riya looked as if she’d spent the day running a daycare.

They did her hair and makeup.  It took both of them trading off to straighten her hair.  She kept shaking her head and saying, “I
warned
you.  Did I not
warn
you?” 

When it was finally done, they stared at her in stunned fascination.  “Brie.  Holy
shit
.  That’s gorgeous.” 

“Thanks.”  The lowest layer brushed the top of her ass.  In its’ naturally curly state, it was around her bra line. 

Tawny wrinkled her nose.  “You’re absolutely
sure
…”

“Positive.  I don’t need any more dicks in my life.” 

“Ha!  I see what you did there.”  Clapping her hands, the redhead announced, “Let’s hustle.  Zach and Quinn promised to play hide-n-seek their penises with me.” 

“Tawny…”

“I know, I know.  It’s not really fair.  I always know their hiding spots.”  She shrugged.  “Somehow, the game never gets old.”

Laughing, they headed downstairs and climbed into the M’s Towncar.  They chatted with Rodney all the way across town. 

None of the men would arrive for a couple of hours so they went early to help Natalia with any last minute details.  She always outdid herself and
Trois
was stunning. 

Lights and fabric descended from the massive chandelier to the four balcony corners.  They watched her order staff like a pretty, very sexily dressed drill sergeant. 

Stunning straps of black leather crisscrossed her narrow body in strategic places and formed what appeared to be a precarious mini dress.  Leather stilettos tied up her ankles. 

Hudson entered and greeted their group but when he caught sight of Natalia, he did a comical double-take that made them all snicker as he kidnapped the blonde to her office. 

Brie called out with a grin, “Anything you need us to do while you’re…busy?” 

“Bowls.”  It was all she was able to manage before they heard a door slam. 

The three of them were
gutted
by laughter.  When her stomach stopped hurting enough to talk, Brie said, “I assume snack bowls with all the chocolates and stuff?” 

Riya carefully blotted her makeup.  “We can do what we want.  She’ll be so fucking mellow when she comes back she won’t notice
shit
.  Oh god.  Did you see the cartoon wolf thing he did?  I fucking died…” 

Then they were off again. 

When the couple emerged an hour later, Tawny pointed two fingers at Natalia and said, “Bitch got
blowjob Botox
.” 

Retaining their composure was impossible, especially after the blonde blew them a kiss.  It was no use. 

Other members started drifting in and the club filled with conversation and celebration. 

When the
third
pair of men approached her
just to chat
around ten o’clock, Brie wondered what the fuck was going on. 

She accidentally said, “You know I’m still out of commission, right?”  She tapped the top of her cane. 

A very big man with dark red hair trimmed high and tight winked a bright blue eye.  “Aye, lass.  I’m Gerard Weatherford.  My friends call me Gear.” 

Blinking at the heavy Irish accent that disconnected her central nervous system for a second, she managed, “I mean…I’m still in physical therapy.” 

His friend was as tall but leaner.  The smile he turned on her was lovely and showed his dimples.  Gentle brown eyes and hair made him seem very friendly. 

Also in a heavy Irish accent, he told her, “Several months more, accordin’ to the grapevine.  Finnan Brodie.” 

Shaking hands, she glanced back and forth between them, waiting for one of them to explain their interest. 

“Pretty girl, we’re not lookin’ to tackle ye to the nearest bed.  Met yer redheaded friend in Amsterdam.  She and her men spoke highly of ye.  Business brought us here and we seized the chance to introduce ourselves.”

“I don’t…are people trying to
set me up
?” 

The auburn haired man laughed loudly.  “Not at all.  There’s idle chatter that Eklund claims ye.”  It made her heart skip and he stepped closer.  “However, should it not work out, know there are other…opportunities.”

Tawny appeared at her side.  “Gear.  Finn.  I see you’ve met Brie.”  She planted a smacking kiss on Brie’s cheek. 

“Red.  No more home cooked meals.” 

She rolled her eyes.  “You love feeding me.  You’ll never cut me off.”  With a smack on her butt, she added, “I’m returning the favor.  My girl will
never
starve.” 

Both men laughed.  They each took her hand and kissed the back.  Finn winked, “No pressure, lass.  It was a true pleasure.”

“Keep us in mind if ye get lonely, pretty girl.  We’ll make ye laugh and treat ye right.” 

She watched them walk away and turned to Tawny with a frown.  “Stop trying to fix me up.” 

“When those assholes who have you dangling on a string get their shit together, I will.  Until then, you need to know there are many men out there who would love to get you in their clutches.  They need to know that shit, too.” 

Sighing, Brie nodded.

Their usual group got a little bigger when Marci showed up after eleven with the Ghonim cousins.  She looked frazzled and was still wearing a business suit with a classy chignon.

Kissing all their cheeks, she explained, “I literally just stepped off the plane an hour ago.  You guys look fantastic.  I look like one of those women in the Excedrin commercials.” 

They caught up with everyone’s latest news and Brie kept her attention firmly fixed on the friends she desperately needed as midnight approached. 

Natalia rang a bell when there was one minute remaining in a year filled with incredible revelations, trauma, and the beginnings of a new life she never thought she’d have. 

At the ten-second mark, an arm wrapped her waist and gently pulled her around.  She stared into green eyes she’d missed even more than she realized until she looked into them. 

“Happy New Year, Brie.” 

Elijah kissed her and didn’t stop until the room erupted in cheers and the sound of party favors. 

Breathing him in, she reconnected to the taste and texture of his mouth as his hands held her close.  She held him hard and took the moment for what it was. 

When he lifted away, she followed him for an instant before she caught herself.  His smile liquefied her brain. 

Harper stood at his side but Elijah didn’t release her. 

They stared at one another for a long moment before she whispered, “Happy New Year.”

“I’m sorry, Gabriella.” 

Inhaling carefully, she asked, “Do you know why you’re apologizing?” 

“Some but…not completely.” 

“It’s a start.” 

Lifting her hand, she held his shoulder and tugged him down for a kiss.  It shook her the hell apart.  He ate at her like a man starving with his hand on her ass until Elijah tugged her away and claimed her mouth again. 

At her ear, Harper murmured, “Your
hair
.  I’ll probably dream about it dragging over my bare skin later.” 

She moaned into Elijah’s mouth. 

For an hour, they kissed her, held her, and gave her the contact she was
desperate
to have.  Every minute she spent in their presence put more of her heart on the line but she couldn’t care about her need to touch them.  She wouldn’t pass up the chance to do so.

Elijah stroked her and she let herself fall down the spiral of love and hope he represented.

Harper was rougher.  There was a desperation, a confusion, that surrounded him and she did her best to offer him solace. 

Brie
forgave
him.  She
gave
to him. 

It was who she was. 

* * *

Elijah initially insisted on going to the club to check on Brie.  He hadn’t planned on taking her focus from her friends. 

Then he’d watched from the second floor as two men he knew well approached her and openly flirted. 

“Fuck.” 

“Is that
Gear
and
Finn
?  What the fuck are they doing in the States?” Harper asked quietly.  Straightening, his fingers clenched on the balcony railing.  “Elijah…” 

“Wait.  She’s constant, true.  Brie won’t entertain the
thought
of others when she’s unsure of us.” 

Brie was polite but clearly not engaged. 

When the two men kissed her hand and walked away, her effervescence winked out. 

Harper straightened his suit jacket.  “We need to go down there.  Now.  There are too many circling her tonight.”

Smiling slowly, Elijah said, “Moths to flame.” 

* * *

After spending a couple of hours reminding Brie how much they wanted her, they prepared to leave the club.  They purposely passed the mercenaries who worked for Delkin Acquisitions regularly. 

Gear and Finn were highly sought after, effective, and much appreciated by the few women in their circles. 

“Eklund.  Delkin.  I assume ye’ve appropriately marked the lovely Miss Hernandez.  A pity.”  Gear met Elijah’s eyes with a smile.  “I was hopin’ ye’d treat her like the others.” 

“No.  She’s
nothing
like the others.” 

The smile faded from the big man’s face.  “Ah, Elijah of the granite heart…ye’ve fallen at last?”  He didn’t respond.  “I bid ye well.  She’s a pretty lass with
many
interestin’ friends.” 

Winking, he turned back to the bar and held up a hundred-dollar bill.  Tawny skipped up to grab it and gave him a smacking kiss on the cheek. 

“Thanks, Gear.  Don’t bet against me.” 

Played so easily by a woman everyone underestimated.

“Dump the coffee tycoons and come away with me, lass.” 

“Nope.  They were gymnasts.” 

She walked sedately to Elijah and Harper.  “I’m curious…how
tempting
do you think Brie would be to our mutual friend?” 

Elijah growled and Harper flinched. 

“He has a soft spot for the ones who
glow
and he’s a veritable smoothie of the two of you.  Fuck with her and I place her squarely in Hollow’s path.”  Drawing herself up to her full height, she added softly, “You know she’d be good for him.” 

There was no doubt in his mind Brie
would
be good for him but Elijah
refused
to give her up. 

“Tawny.”