Theirs to Protect - Julia Sykes Page 0,39
string quartet floated through the air, and I turned awe-struck eyes on the musicians who’d set up their instruments at the far corner of the terrace. A few couples rose from their tables, where they’d been enjoying pre-dinner cocktails. They stepped onto the dancefloor, swaying to an instrumental rendition of Stay With Me.
Joseph held out his hand in invitation, and I found myself captivated by his multifaceted gemstone eyes. His tanned skin practically glowed like burnished gold beneath the sunset, and his dark hair fell around his defined features in perfect, glossy black curls. My fingers itched to run through the silken strands, to muss the curls while he buried himself inside me. My core fluttered, empty and desperate to join with my men in the most intimate way possible.
I tore my gaze from Joseph’s entrancing eyes and looked at Marco. I didn’t want to leave him alone by the balcony while I danced with Joseph. We were together, all three of us in a loving relationship. Marco didn’t really like to dance—I found his stiff awkwardness on the dancefloor endearing—but I didn’t want to exclude him from our perfect date.
He placed a palm on the small of my back, taking my other hand and placing it in Joseph’s. “Go dance, babygirl. I’ll be right here.” When I hesitated, he addressed Joseph but didn’t take his obsidian eyes off my face, as though he was memorizing every line and curve of my features. “Dance with her.”
Joseph chuckled and tugged me toward the dancefloor. “You heard your Daddy,” he murmured, low enough that we wouldn’t be overheard. “Be a good girl and dance with your Master.”
Heat pooled between my legs, and I wrapped my arms around his neck, suddenly needing support on my weak knees. He laughed again, a rich sound of delight that warmed me down to my toes. As we began to sway, his big, sure hands guiding my movements, his lips descended on mine in a tender kiss.
I tipped my head back, welcoming him. Everyone on the terrace could see the affection I offered him. They’d also been able to see my close, intimate embrace with Marco. He might not be dancing with us, but I wasn’t hiding my love for him. I wasn’t ashamed of our relationship; I was proud to be with these two gorgeous, doting, impossibly wonderful men.
I melted into Joseph’s arms, floating in the perfect moment in this beautiful place with the men I loved.
The suite that Marco had booked for us was just as breathtaking as the hotel terrace at sunset. I’d thoroughly explored the space when we’d arrived in Sorrento late this afternoon and dropped off our bags, but the beauty of the room stunned me all over again. Night had fallen, and only stars were visible from the small private terrace. Even though the surreal, myriad blue hues of the sea and horizon were cloaked in darkness, the warm light cast by the art deco chandelier bathed the bedroom in a wash of gold, making it practically glow. The enormous bed was framed in brass that had been fashioned into gently curving floral vines. Pale parquet floors gleamed, and a huge gilt-framed mirror filled over half the wall space above an intricately carved marble fireplace surround. The overwhelming decadence was crowned by a frescoed ceiling, featuring designs that recalled ancient Roman art in shades of ivory, gold, and pale blue. I felt like I was staying in a palace, and I couldn’t contain a squeal of fresh excitement as I twirled in the center of the room.
“I’m glad you like it, princess.” Marco’s dark eyes danced with pleasure, and his lips curved in a small, contented smile.
“Strawberries and Champagne?” Joseph asked, lifting a silver dome next to a waiting ice bucket that chilled an expensive bottle. “And chocolate sauce,” he noted before shooting a wicked grin at Marco. “Did you order this?”
Marco blinked, then his smile transformed into a wolfish grin. “No, it must’ve been complimentary with the suite. But I can improvise.” He was looking at me like I was the surprise treat that’d been served to him on a silver platter.
My belly quivered, and I took an instinctive step back from the advancing predator.
“Oh no, babygirl,” he admonished, hooking a corded arm around my waist to capture me. “We have plans for you.”
Marco held me while Joseph unzipped my dress. He flicked the delicate straps from my shoulders, and the silky material slid down my body to pool at