As she quieted, Ben walked to the sofa and sat down with her. Quinten joined them and drew her little feet into his lap and started rubbing them, gently massaging her delicate arches, caressing and kissing her toes, stroking her insteps until she gradually looked up at both of them.
“I was scared to show you how I feel because I don’t think I can handle…”—her voice caught in her throat and she swallowed before continuing—“being left by anyone else. If I keep everyone at arm’s length, then I’m safe.”
That’s not safe. That’s alone. That simply wasn’t acceptable to him. Never again. His own throat constricted as he tried to form the words he needed to say. He was grateful when Quinten stroked her calf and spoke up first.
“You’re not alone anymore, baby,” Quinten murmured. Ben could see the adoration in his eyes. “I love the fire in your eyes and in your heart, and while you could keep me at arm’s length for a time with your rules, you couldn’t stop me from lovin’ you.”
Ben tucked a lock of hair over her shoulder and looked into her beautiful eyes. His favorite shade of green. “He’s right, sugar. I know you’re probably a little ticked with me right now but…you’re all I can think about these days.” He looked around the living room and nearby kitchen. “I thought about you with each improvement we made to this house, wondering whether or not you’d like it. I know you’re concerned about getting involved with men you work with, but I’ve got a good feeling about us—this.” He gestured between the three of them. “I’m willing to take a chance that this’ll work. I was worried for a while that the fact I loved you was obvious, but I guess I hid it better than I thought. I love you, sugar.”
Camilla seemed to struggle with what she wanted to say for a few moments before she finally took both of their hands as though she needed a lifeline.
“Have either of you ever been involved with someone you worked with?” With a sigh, Ben shook his head negatively and so did Quinten. He wanted once again to kick the ass of every man who had damaged her ability to trust.
“I’m lucky that I didn’t lose my job in that fiasco at the Dollhouse, but Jake was an understanding boss. Everything is different now, and it’s even more important that I have no entanglements that wind up hurting me professionally. I’m going to be looking for financial backing, and any hint at unprofessional conduct could ruin my chances. Please try to understand how torn I am.”
Quinten smiled at her, and Ben let him have the moment as he turned her chin so she gazed directly at him. “All we’re asking for is a chance, baby. We’ve always maintained professionalism in The Pony. That won’t change. We’d never do anything that would harm your chances of achieving your dreams. If we fail—and I don’t think we will—we’ll fail privately.” Ben watched as she stared into Quinten’s eyes and then looked into his.
Please, sugar.
She licked her lips and then whispered, “I love you too. I love you so much it makes my heart ache. I watch you at work and want you so much I can hardly speak or think.”
Relief flooded him and he heaved a sigh and squeezed her. “Damn, it’s good to hear you say that, sugar.” She looked down at her hands and he said, “How come you don’t look as happy about that as I feel?”
“Saying it doesn’t mean I’m no longer scared. It just means now you know what scares me.” She looked at his chest and then curled against him, settling her head in the spot made just for her between his pectoral and his collarbone. “I wish I was less complicated to love.”
“Not complicated for two patient men,” Ben said as he squeezed her gently and kissed the top of her head.
Quinten lifted her hand to his lips and his eyelids slid closed as he pressed a kiss to her knuckles. “I’ve waited two years to hear you say those words, baby.”
Camilla gazed from one to the other of them and then reached out and pinched Quinten’s bicep. Hard, judging by his yelp.
“Ow! Why did you do that?”
“I needed to make sure I’m not dreaming. I would’ve pinched myself, but that would’ve hurt, and”—a mischievous grin curved her lips—“I’m not into pain. So both of you really love me?”
“Not if you keep pinchin’ me!” Quinten pooched out his lip but smiled at her when she rubbed his arm. “It scared the shit out of me when those three guys came into the club the first time.”
“Why? I told you I never—”