Empowered [Sexual Magic 3] (Siren Publishing Ménage Amour) by Jennifer August Page B

just down the beach going on right now.” Kay’s slow drawl worked up his spine and tingled in his ears.
    He brushed away his hesitation. “All right, lead the way.” He stepped aside and allowed her to pass. Her long red hair rippled as she stalked past with purpose, the click of her high heels strong against the natural stone floor.
    “Follow me.”
    The woman sure did like to toss orders around. Gabriel popped his shoulder, thought about new experiences, and fell into step behind her.
    As they approached the glass door leading toward the beach, he reached around her and pushed down the steel handle.
    “Thank you,” she said. She pushed her way through the door and headed for a patch of lush tropical bushes. She turned left and disappeared into the greenery.
    Gabriel was tempted to fall back and forget the whole thing.
    “Don’t run, darling,” her amused voice taunted from the darkened shadows. “I promise you’ll love watching this.”
    He gritted his teeth, cursed his overblown sense of curiosity, and followed her path. She was waiting with a wide smile.
    Looping her arm with his, she urged him onward. “Where are you from?”
    “East coast,” he murmured.
    “Ah, still seeking anonymity.”
    “Just not interested in publicizing, that’s all.”
    She fell silent and he was glad. Though her voice was sensual and inviting, her words and attitude left him cold. His mother raised him to be polite though, and he would feel like a heel for accepting Kay’s invitation then abruptly cutting out on her.
    He decided he’d watch whatever this demonstration was for a few minutes then get back to his room.
    After today’s run-in with Madelyn and Noah, he was on the verge of leaving the island altogether. He was pretty sure he’d incurred some bad karma today with his carelessness. He owed them both an apology.
    Not only had he lashed and hurt Madelyn, but he’d bolted like a damn coward. He wasn’t entirely sure why, but for a few moments when his hand had been on that whip, and Madelyn had arched in pain from his blow, his cock had grown hard and insistent. Power swept through his veins, leaving him excited and feeling ten feet tall.
    But the aftermath left him sick to his stomach and at heart. Madelyn was so small yet so resilient. He wanted to cuddle her and spank her all at the same time.
    Both Noah and Madelyn had him in a tailspin of confusion. Gabriel was known for his ruthlessness in the board room. It was a reputation he cultivated with great care. He’d orchestrated many a downfall and takeover using that image.
    Being a protector was not something he was very familiar with, and yet Madelyn’s mere presence seemed to pull those emotions out from him with ease.
    He looked at Kay then quickly away. She was his female counterpart. She gave off an air of cold determination that he was often accused of imparting.
    But surely I’m not as harsh as she is?
    The tree-lined pathway opened onto a somewhat secluded cove of rocks, sand, and tropical vegetation. A grotto stood across the sand and to the left of the rocks. It boasted the look of man-made symmetry.
    Island music laden with steel drums and poignant guitars drifted on the humid air. There were about fifteen people mingling and dancing on the sand. A few were making out, engaged in acts bordering on public obscenity but heedless of their audience.
    Or perhaps the audience was a part of the allure. His own fascination with watching what amounted to live-and-in-person porn had skyrocketed since his arrival.
    Kay tugged at his arm. “Over here. See him?” She pointed to a tall, burly man wearing only small blue trunks. He was big but fit, no fat anywhere on his clean-shaven body.
    “Yeah.”
    “His name is Oscar, and I’m about to whip him.”
    “For what?”
    Her chuckle sounded more ominous and less exotic. “Because I want to.”
    Gabriel eased a step away and crossed his arms. “But doesn’t that go against all the rules?”
    “I make my