Roll Against Trust (3d20, #1) Read online

  Ryan eased off down below as he pressed his forehead to mine. “We need privacy. Your place is closer.”

  I nodded, not sure I could speak.

  “You ready to put on a show?”

  “Oh, fuck yes.” Seth’s whisper echoed in my head, and he tugged me back into his stiff cock one more time before letting me go.

  Chapter Six

  It took the last of my focus to fumble with my keys long enough to let us into my apartment. The moment we were inside, Ryan kicked the door shut and pinned me against it, arms over my head. “Now, I want to hear you scream.”

  I was going to argue the neighbors might not like that, but just then I didn’t care. The entire ride home had been a series of exchanged teasing gropes. Me sliding my hand along Seth’s inner thigh and stroking him through his jeans. Ryan reaching up from the back seat to cup my breasts.

  Now that we were inside, Ryan held me in place, lowered his head to my neck, and sucked the sensitive flesh, biting hard occasionally and making my head swim. His voice was low but commanding when he finally let up. “See, Seth doesn’t tell anyone this, but he’s a voyeur.” He let go of my wrists to yank my shirt over my head. I was certain something tore in the process, and positive I didn’t care.

  Heat and desire flooded me when two pairs of eyes raked over me.

  Ryan continued. “But I don’t think you’re like that. I think you like the idea of being watched.”

  So much more than I’d ever realized before about an hour ago. “Maybe.”

  “Good.” He followed my spine with a series of tantalizing taps until he reached my bra. More fluidly than I think even I was capable of, he twisted the clasps and snapped the lingerie open. He dragged the straps down my arms. I didn’t think it was possible, but under his attention, my nipples got even harder. I heard a zipper drag down, and behind him I saw Seth drop into an easy chair, dick in hand, and slowly start to stroke. He really was well hung. What would it feel like to have that inside me?

  Ryan trailed his lips down my collarbone and flicked a tongue over a hard pink nub. He grabbed my other breast, kneading one while he nibbled the other. The sensation was incredible, but I wanted more. I tugged the bottom of his shirt, and he broke away long enough for me to pull it over his head and toss it aside. He was so slender. I traced my fingers up his sides, marveling at every dip and nuance against my touch. When I dragged across one dark-brown nipple, he inhaled sharply and flicked his tongue fast and furious. I used my thumb to imitate his pace, and he moaned against my skin.

  My other hand dropped to his crotch, and I found his erection again, stiff and eager through denim. I teased the bulge, and he jerked back with a grunt. He grabbed both of my wrists again. The rough gesture sent a spike of need through me.

  Ryan pushed me toward the couch. “I’m so glad I bought condoms this morning.”

  Part of me wanted to read something into his comment, but I was focused on other things. When he spun me away from him, I caught Seth’s gaze. He was still slowly stroking his cock, breathing heavily, and tiny smile played on his lips. Seeing that made me even wetter. I wanted him to get off watching us.

  Ryan’s front pressed into my back, and he made quick work of the button on my jeans. The zipper groaned open on its own when he yanked my bottoms to the ground, cotton and denim drawing friction as they were pushed aside.

  He rested a hand on the middle of my back and pushed me forward. “Lean over the back of the couch.”

  I did as I was told, feeling more exposed than I ever had, and thrilled by every minute of it.

  “I’ve always loved your ass.” He gave it a light slap. “It looks even better bare.”

  The sting of his palm drew a new gasp from me.

  “You like that?” He chuckled. He slapped one cheek again, harder this time. The pain was balanced by the pleasure of my pussy lips sliding together and vibrating around my engorged sex. He spanked me four or five more times.

  As much as I enjoyed the new sensation, I wanted more. I forced the words out, loving the way they tasted rolling over my tongue. “I want you to fuck me.”

  His hand cupped a butt cheek and slid forward, fingers dipping in my wet, anxious opening. “I like the sound of that.”

  Me too. From behind, I heard his buckle clang, a zipper slide down, and the rip of foil. My anticipation spiked. My breath tore out in anxious, jagged pants. His fingers slid along my slit one more time, before the head of his cock nudged me.

  He pushed inside with a single, hard thrust, and I cried out.

  “Jesus.” His words glided on my skin. “I’m not going to last long. You feel so good. So fucking tight.”

  I wanted to reply, but every time I managed to find the words, he slammed into my G-spot, slapping against my still tender behind with every grunt.

  I was so close. I rode the edge of climax, head growing light and every sensation blurring into one another. When he found my clit again, it was like flipping a switch. “Oh, gods, Ryan, yes.” I couldn’t believe what was tearing from my throat, but it felt so intense. The orgasm flooded me, peaking again when his grunts reached my ears.

  “I’m going to come, Tash. You’re so tight. You fit perfectly on my cock.” The words trailed off in a series of groans and frantic pounding. In the background, I was vaguely aware of Seth moaning, too.

  Then everything slowed to as stop, and silence crashed in around us.

  Ryan slipped out of me. He wrapped his hands around my waist and helped me stand. I wasn’t sure my legs would support me, but he held me up. His cheek rested against my back, and his thumbs traced over my ribs. “Fuck, you’re amazing.”

  I wanted to echo the sentiment, but I couldn’t find the breath. I leaned into him, memorizing every lingering touch, and letting it meld with the bits of me that still stung pleasantly. “Ditto.”

  ****

  I woke up the next morning to a warm body pressed against my back, and an arm draping over my stomach. I inhaled deeply, searing the memory of Seth’s aftershave mixed with sex into my mind. Had last night really happened? After we’d all caught our breath, any remaining clothes came off, and I sucked Seth off while Ryan screwed me from behind again. Yeah, that had really happened. Wow.

  Seth’s hand glided up my stomach and brushed the bottom of my breast. “Morning, Tasha.”

  “Mmm...” I arched my back at the teasing contact, and need throbbed between my legs. I wasn’t going to dwell on if this was awkward or not. We’d agreed last night it was just fun and games. A pang echoed inside at the idea this wouldn’t happen again, and I pushed it away. I couldn’t get attached to them, partly because I’d never be able to choose, but mostly because I wasn’t going to scare either guy off by being that girl who didn’t know the difference between sex and love.

  That didn’t mean I was in a rush to extract myself from Seth’s arms. Or that I could ignore the hard length pressed into my back, and how wet I was getting as he drew closer to my nipple, but never quite touched the rigid nub.

  “We have an eight a.m.” Disappointment tempered his tone. “Otherwise, there are so many things I’d like to do to you. Hell, I’m tempted anyway.”

  Damn it. Why did work have to be so...consistent? I wiggled my ass against his erection as one final tease and reminder and then reluctantly rolled away. “I guess you’re right.”

  As I climbed out of bed, he grabbed my wrist and pulled me back to my knees on the mattress. He sat up in front of me, and rested a hand at the back of my neck, light eyes locked on mine. “Even though it was just a game, I had an incredible time last night.”

  Did he sound disappointed the night before hadn’t meant anything? Before I could question the hesitation in his statement, he pressed his lips to mine. The soft kiss seeped into my senses, searing my thoughts. I leaned into him with a groan. Electricity danced along my skin when his tongue dove into my mouth. His dick dug into my bare stomach, tempting me. I trailed my fingers along his chest, seconds away from moving my hands
lower. He held my head captive and deepened the kiss, crushing my lips into my teeth.

  Every inch of me was on fire with need. We could miss our meeting, right? I nipped at his bottom lip, and let my palm slide down.

  He broke away with a gasp, stopping me before I could wrap my fingers around his cock. His hooded gaze swept over me, his voice an octave lower than normal. “So, so tempting.”

  I’d have to settle for that. It was still a fantastic way to end a fantastic fling. I caught my bottom lip between my teeth. “Had to try.”

  Something occurred to me, and I strained my ears for a second, listening for any other sounds in the small apartment. Nope, nothing. “Where’s Ryan?”

  Seth’s shoulders slumped. “Early meeting. He had to jet.”

  “Oh.” I needed to keep the disappointment from my voice. It’s not as if I could expect him to wake me up. Hell, I was lucky Seth had stuck around. I shifted my weight and the slickness between my legs was obvious. I was really lucky Seth had stuck around.

  “Yeah.” He scrambled to his feet.

  With the morning light peeking through the blinds, I got to see what had been shadowed the night before. He really was gorgeous. Just the right amount of muscle tone, handsome face, and—my gaze paused on his crotch—as well hung as his roommate. The thought flushed my skin.

  I really needed to get ready for work, and if I asked him to join me in the shower, I was sure that would cross a line, and make us both late. “Do you need me to drop you off at home?”

  “Sure.” His enthusiasm sounded forced.

  Had I missed something?

  Chapter Seven

  Would things be different with Ryan this morning? Conversation with Seth had felt forced in the car, but he assured me several times we were fine. By the time I dropped him off, he’d relaxed enough I believed him. Would I have to go through the same ritual with Ryan? He wasn’t at his desk when I got in, and a trickle of disappointment joined my paranoia.

  I forced myself to sit and finish prepping for our meeting. It was another client call, this one with the entire team. I’d sent my updated timeline to Mark yesterday afternoon, and even though he hadn’t signed off, he would.

  “Hey, Tash.” Ryan tugged a few loose strands of my hair, and relief rushed a smile onto my face. “Sleep well last night?”

  Pink flooded my cheeks. “Better than in a long time.”

  “Glad to hear it. “ He moved back to his own cube and dropped into his seat.

  That seemed to go okay. Nothing to worry about, we were all still friends. Except I knew my fantasies were going to be vivid and rampant and involving one or the other or both of them for a long time. But that was only barely different from before, right?

  Seth walked in with just minutes to spare before the meeting, and gave us both a weak smile as we all took our seats in the conference room. I was surprised to see Mark already there, his laptop hooked up to the online meeting and projector. Normally that would be my job. Worry leaked into my thoughts.

  No big deal. He was just making sure Zedophap knew we were serious about fixing the situation; that was all. And he had another business analyst in the room because he’d recruited someone else to help us with the work. That had to be it. I repeated the reassurance enough times I almost believed it.

  After brief introductions on both sides—that wouldn’t have been necessary except they had members of their upper management on the phone, never a good sign—we launched into the call. As the formalities and basic repetition dragged on, I remembered just how little sleep I’d gotten the night before.

  When Mark pulled up the adjusted timeline, my gut sank further. It wasn’t the one I’d presented to him. It was far more aggressive, and completely implausible. I literally bit my tongue to keep from calling him on it in front of the client, but I was already composing my response in my head for when I could speak to him off the record.

  “What about the configuration problems? How do we know those won’t happen in the future?” That was one of Zedophap’s VP’s.

  “Our project manager has tracked down the problem. I can assure you Ryan Coleman is being pulled from the project and someone new who’s been brought up to speed on the sensitive nature of this project will be taking his spot for the duration.”

  My head shot up, eyes wide, and my gaze locked on Ryan’s across the room. His jaw clenched and he gave an almost imperceptible shake of his head before he looked away. Bile rose in my throat. Fuck, that wasn’t how this was supposed to go. My right eye twitched, and I rubbed my temples to try and stave off a headache.

  Ryan was the first out the door when the call was over, and I hurried after him. “Ryan, wait, please?”

  He kept walking, brushing past a couple of pockets of our coworkers, and not pausing until we were in the empty break room. He whirled on me, eyes narrowed. His voice was low enough only I would hear it. “What the fuck was that?”

  “I don’t—”

  “No.” He held up his index finger. “You threw me under the bus.”

  “I didn’t.” This wasn’t right. It didn’t mesh with what Mark told me yesterday. None of it clicked. I really had sold him out and I hadn’t even realized it. “I’m sorry. This wasn’t supposed to happen.”

  “You know what? I don’t care.” His angry tone wavered. “Just don’t talk to me right now, okay?”

  He brushed past me without making physical or eye contact. I just needed to let him cool down. This would pass, and then I could apologize. Except no matter how many times I tried to tell myself that, there was a part of me whispering about how devastated I would be if he didn’t forgive me.

  He already had his head down, typing furiously, when I got back to my desk. He didn’t even glance in my direction. I needed to talk to Mark, but his door was closed. And the voicemail light on my phone was blinking. The caller ID said it was my landlord.

  Please let just this one thing go right for me. I dialed up the message.

  “I’m so sorry, hon, but I can’t afford to keep having this happen. I have bills I need to pay, too. Your deposit will cover the rest of the rent for the month, but I need you out after that.”

  I was being evicted? Nausea rolled through me as I hung up the phone. I was going to be ill.

  My messenger chimed, with a note from Seth. You couldn’t have at least given him a heads-up he was about to be crucified?

  Oh gods.

  The email from Mark in my inbox should have made me feel better. I think it was meant to. Sorry I couldn’t warn you, but you did great. We’ve don’t have a choice on the updated timeline, but I know you can make it work.

  But the email from Ryan in my personal inbox was worse. It wasn’t addressed to me; it had gone to our entire AD&D circle. It just said, Can’t make Friday’s game. Maybe not again. Find another venue. I hope this is enough warning.

  I dropped my head in my hands, trying to keep my fractured thoughts from pulling my skull apart and spilling out my forehead. Tears stung my eyes and every inch of me ached with frustration. I couldn’t do this. I didn’t know how I was going to make any of this right, let alone all of it.

  Chapter Eight

  I worked through lunch, telling myself it was because I had so much to do and didn’t want the peanut butter and jelly sandwich I’d brought. Really, I couldn’t have stomached food even if I had time.

  Neither Seth nor Ryan talked to me the rest of the day. I tried to initiate conversations when I passed by, but I never got more than a grunt in response. I wanted to believe they were being babies about this, but given how heavy the threat had been for me to make the project right again, they were probably under similar pressure.

  I spent that night scouring the Internet and want ads for cheap apartments. My current one bedroom had been a fantastic deal, and I’d be lucky to find a cramped studio basement for the same price. Especially since I couldn’t pass a credit check, and I’d be breaking my wallet to afford any deposit at all. There was no way I could man
age something like first and last month’s rent.

  The next day at work was a repeat of the previous, with Ryan even turning and walking out of the break room in the middle of me saying hello.

  I spent half the workday staring at my monitor. I needed to be doing something. Working, figuring out the housing problem, something. But every time I tried to redirect my thoughts, they drifted back to how to get Ryan to forgive me. Or at least, how to set things right for him. Even if I’d screwed things up so bad he never spoke to me again—an idea that gnawed me from the inside out—I’d never forgive myself if I’d done something like destroy his career.

  My cell phone vibrated against my desk, jerking me from my rambling panic. My landlord. At least for the next couple of weeks. Dread made every inch of me feel like I was made of lead as I extracted myself from my chair. I didn’t know if I had the strength for whatever this was about but ignoring it would only make things worse, if only because it would send my stress sensors into overload.

  “Hello,” I was already talking as I locked my computer and strolled to a more private part of the building to take the call.

  We made small talk for a few moments. Her polite attitude and the underlying apology in her voice made some of my tension evaporate. “I’m sorry to bother you at work, hon,” she said. “And I hate to ask this. I haven’t put your place on the market yet, but some friends of the family are looking, and they’re interested in your apartment. Is there any chance I can bring them by in the next couple of days? Feel free to say no, of course. It’s still your place.”

  For now. My shoulders slumped and I rubbed my temples. I needed to start packing anyway. This sounded like an extra dash of motivation. “Sure. Anytime this weekend.” Especially if our AD&D game was off, maybe forever. “Just give me a little warning first.”