Page 50 of Chase

“You don’t know yet,” he says. “All you’ve both experienced is lust and infatuation, and it takes a lot more than that to create a meaningful relationship. I can only hope the candle burns out and you can both move past it. But if you don’t, I know I gave myself every chance to be with the girl I should be.”

“Same,” I agree, releasing Samantha’s wrist and extending my hand in the direction of my brother. He takes it and we shake firmly. “May love succeed, and we both find exactly what is meant for us.”

“I know what’s meant for me,” he replies. “There is no doubt in my mind that Samantha Coleman is for me. You have to accept that too.”

“And what about me?” Samantha snaps.

“You,” Connor says, his voice barely audible, “need to understand that no matter who you end up with, you will always be looked after by one of us. The life you used to have is gone, and now you are firmly part of the Chase family.”

“This is ridiculous,” she mutters. “If any more testosterone starts flying around this room, I’ll turn into a fucking man myself. There is no guarantee I’ll end up with either of you.” Connor and I laugh, and her face skews in annoyance.

“Do you believe that, Trouble?” I ask between the sniggers. “Everyone in this room knows you’re here to stay; it’s with whom that is the question. That body of yours calls to me like a siren. I can feel your need from here. And I’ve seen how you react to my brother when he fucks you.” Connor stiffens, his manner—which had relaxed a fraction—hardening once more.

“Don’t be a smart ass,” she grumbles but doesn’t try to debate my statement. She knows she can’t.

“And don’t you swear,” I tease. “It doesn’t suit those pretty lips.” She steps forward , placing a hand on our chests once more. The tension in the room increases yet again as we all stand within inches of each other.

“This is insane. You two may think you call the shots.” Her body expands and contracts as she breathes, her breasts rising and falling tantalizingly. Four eyes drop to her chest, watching intently before returning to her face. “But one thing hasn’t changed, and it never will—no man tells me what to do. If you both want to be with me, you better learn that now, or you’ll be looking for another woman to warm your beds.”

“Noted,” Connor mutters, nodding in acceptance.

“And you?” she prompts in my direction.

“Understood, ma’am. Let the games begin.”

Chapter twenty

Russell’s Penthouse, The Level

Samantha

The tense atmosphere dissipates slightly, and I drop my hands from both brother’s chests. How two men can be so alike but dissimilar takes my breath away. They offer comparable but completely different things. Connor is strong and stable; he treats me with kindness and respect while ravishing my body in the bedroom. Russell has an intense persona that makes my hair stand on end within a few feet of him. He’s so in control but unhinged; life with him would never be boring. Both men leave me with no doubt of being wanted, but they show it in very different ways.

“Shall we discuss the situation at the hospital?” Connor suggests in his usual calm manner. Russell nods, then starts to limp toward the sofas. We watch as he cautiously lowers himself down and discards his crutches on the floor. I walk over and pull the small footrest to where he sits, then carefully lift his injured leg so it’s resting elevated.

“Thanks, Trouble,” he says, and I feel the excitement those words create bubble in my chest. “I’m fucking lucky to have a professional nurse at my disposal.”

“My rates will need to be agreed upon,” I tease, and he flashes me a cheeky smile. When either of these men focus on me, my awareness of anyone else in the room disappears. I find myself acting naturally as if it was only the man I’m looking at and myself.

“Do you want to be paid in cash or pleasure?”

Connor, clearing his throat, breaks the moment. He joins us at the sofas, taking my hand and guiding me to the one opposite his brother. We sit together, and he wraps an arm around my shoulders.

“Russell and I have discussed the situation at the hospital,” Connor begins, and I stiffen slightly. The idea of them discussing me and my work is an uncomfortable one. “We think you should quit.”

“No,” I snap, instantly annoyed by his meddling.

“Sam, it’s dangerous. I won’t have you put yourself in harm's way.” His grip tightens, and he pulls me hard against his body. “I can’t lose you. If the last week hasn’t proven that, I don’t know what will.”

“I’m already involved,” I tell him. “Me being on the inside legitimately could be a benefit. Don’t disregard the possibility out of fear.” Russell doesn’t contribute; he sits quietly, listening to our opinions. I focus on him, and he stares back impassively. “Is this your honest opinion? Or are you agreeing to keep the peace?” I ask him.

“When have I ever done anything to keep the peace?” he answers with a shrug.

“So you think I should leave the job and training you paid for?”

“I can afford to lose the money, Trouble. There’s plenty more to fund a placement elsewhere if required.” His lips quirk into a small smile. My heart strains a little; the knowledge he funded this opportunity still astounds me. “Though I’d much prefer if you specialized in nursing me privately.”

“Not going to happen,” I mutter, pissed at them for ganging up on me but grateful that they’re both here with me.

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