Her Assassins: A Reverse Harem Fantasy (Kindred Souls Book 1) Read online

  I shivered, but kept playing. I finally knew what Whist's scent was. He smelled of winter nights and herbs, something clear, dark, and fresh.

  "Do you like the idea of the two of them? Aren't they beautiful? Does it turn you on to see them pressed so close? They've been waiting for you for a long time, but they still love each other. Part of them was terrified they'd be ripped apart when they found their kindreds. Do you have any idea how relieved they are they share one? And that you don't seem the type who will be jealous and try to keep them apart. That you believe in having a choice in who you love? They chose each other a long time ago and as much as they crave the kindred connection, they don't want to lose what they have." Whist kept his voice low, his lips brushing my skin.

  I swallowed the lump in my throat, desire and sadness at war within me. Desire to join them, sadness for their fear -- a common story in our world. I'd seen the beauty between kindreds, the completion and peace they could bring each other. But I'd seen the other side too. When their connection warped into obsession. The damage they caused each other.

  As much as I railed against kindreds, I didn't actually wish whatever magic it was didn't exist. I just never thought I'd find my own. I wasn't born to kindreds. I'd never heard of someone like me finding one. Granted, there weren't many people like me. Non-kindreds were careful not to get pregnant, using herbs to prevent any accidents like me.

  We weren't supposed to get our happy endings. Not that I believed in them anyway.

  Saber pressed a soft kiss to Sky's collarbone. I could almost feel the touch of his lips on my skin.

  "You're what we've been searching for, gorgeous. Can't you feel it? The rightness between us? We're fated. Why would you fight it?" Whist didn't touch me, but his close proximity raised the hair along my spine.

  My fingers faltered and I played the wrong note with a discordant twang.

  THIRTEEN

  Saber and Sky broke apart and Whist returned to the shadows.

  "Sorry." My breath came too fast and my face flushed with heat.

  "No problem, love. Your music is gorgeous." Saber fell back onto the sofa, pulling a laughing Sky down beside him.

  "Thanks." I ducked my head, uncomfortable with their praise.

  Sky sat forward a bit. "He's right. It's a shame your talent is only garnering you a few coins and the occasional free meal. You'd be flush if you came to the palace."

  A harsh laugh fell from my lips. "I have absolutely zero interest in playing for royals. Besides, I don't do this for money. And I get by just fine."

  "Too bad, though. I wish we could bring you to our place in the capital instead of sticking you in this hovel." Sky sniffed and cast a glance of distaste around the room.

  "Hovel? What?" This is a castle compared to the places I've lived.

  Whist sat on the edge of my chair. "Ignore him. Sky has a love of all things lavish in life. He's a spoiled brat."

  "So what if I like nice things? I can afford them." Sky sat back and crossed his arms with a fake pout.

  Whist grunted. "Yes, and you fill our home to the brim with things we don't need and we're rarely there to enjoy."

  Sky tossed his hands into the air. "Have you forgotten the elaborate kitchen I had decorated and perfected for you? You weren't so grumpy over your new and shiny cooking toys."

  I grinned as I watched their back and forth, bickering like brothers. It was a shame they had to leave their home and the people they cared about behind.

  Because of me.

  But it was their choice. Even with the connection riding us, it was still possible to say no to the bond. Especially before it was solidified. They chose to protect and remain with me. Even though Saber and Sky apparently already had each other.

  They made a choice. Now, I had to make mine.

  Problem was, I still had no idea which one to make.

  After spending the day with them, getting to know them, I was more intrigued than ever. More tempted. To stay, to see where this led us. If it led to love, to family.

  But there were things I'd have to sacrifice to be with them. And as charming as they were, I didn't know if they were worth it. As near perfect as Whist's earlier words were, I didn't wholly believe them. I didn't dare.

  Saber handed me a glass of brandy with a soft smile, his eyes seeming to reach through me and pluck the thoughts right from my head. I sniffed the amber liquid swirling in the glass and my heart clenched.

  My favorite brand.

  FOURTEEN

  After drinking and chatting long into the night, I finally headed for bed. I didn't talk much, letting them regale me with their adventures as young soldiers. They didn't speak much of their lives as assassins. I was really beginning to believe they hated it. They had no choice in their career and I could understand balking against it. I completely understood straining against the rules, the box you're forced into.

  I grabbed a glass of water to take to bed with me and when I turned around, I was alone except for Sky. He cornered me against the counter, no sign of a smirk of humor. My heart thudded in my chest at the pure want on his face.

  He took the glass from my shaking hands and set it on the counter. "Did you like watching Saber and me together?"

  "I...it...yes." The confession breathed from my lips. I couldn't lie with him staring at me like that.

  He stepped closer, his scent sinking into me. "Would you want to see us go further? Did you imagine it? Us writhing together, naked? Did it make you wet? I know it made your nipples hard. I saw it."

  I stopped breathing, caught in his gaze, lost in his deep voice saying filthy things.

  His blue eyes blazed at me. "I can feel your nipples right now, digging into my chest, begging me to taste them. I bet if I slid my hand down your pants, you'll be soaked for me."

  I bit back a pathetic whimper. I didn't know what to think, what to do with this Sky. He was intense and domineering, the flirtatious, charming side of him nowhere in sight.

  He traced a finger down the side of my face. "Would you want Whist to take you while you watch me take Saber? Or would you rather be in between us as Saber and I take you at the same time while Whist watches. Whist likes to watch, you know. He watches us all the time. It's partly what makes him so good at his job."

  I shuddered and breathed out a shaky sigh.

  I wanted either, both. I wanted it all.

  "Turn around and place your hands on the counter." His tone brooked no argument even if I wanted to, it brimmed with a deep command that expected obedience.

  So, I obeyed.

  Sky's body trapped me from the back, his hands coming down to rest on top of mine, pinning me to the counter. "Do you want this?"

  I gasped as his hips ground into my ass.

  "Answer me." He didn't touch me in any other way, waiting for my response.

  I did. I wanted it more than anything. Getting to know them all day, enjoying their company, coming alive beneath each touch and smile, it all led to this. "Yes."

  His breathing hitched. "Good. I won't stop unless you tell me to. Do you understand?"

  "Y-yes." I arched back against him, giving in to the desire riding me. I didn't know if it was the bond or if it was just the magnetic pull of Sky or if I'd just been alone for way too long and I crave touch, release. But in the moment, I didn't give the slightest fuck.

  He released me and pulled back a little. "Do not move your hands from this spot."

  I nodded, frantic, desperate.

  He cupped my hips, pressing harder into me. He was as hard as a stone and large. My mouth watered. His hands slid up my sides, over my ribs, and past my breasts to my neck, teasing me. I made a small sound of distress, causing him to release a dark chuckle in my ear.

  "Patience, doll."

  One of his legs slipped between mine and he kicked at my feet, widening my stance, opening me up. He played with the hem of my woven shirt, his fingers brushing against the skin of my belly.

  Finally, finally, he plunged his hands
up my shirt, grabbing my breasts, plucking my nipples and rolling them between his fingers. He used his grip on them to clutch me tighter. I gasped and moaned, wordlessly begging for more, more, more.

  He obliged.

  Sky's hand dove beneath the waistband of my trousers, straight to the core of me. "Fuck, I knew you'd be wet. You want us, don't you, doll? You want to be screaming between us as we fuck you until you can't move."

  My knees almost buckled, but his other hand kept me steady against him.

  He flicked my clit, making me buck against his hand. "Remember what I said. Do not move your hands."

  I finally found my voice. "Or what?"

  "Or you'll be punished." His words were a dark promise, sending a shivery thrill through me.

  I wanted to ask how he'd punish me, but his fingers sped up against my clit and then he shoved two deep inside me. I cried out and clenched hard on his fingers.

  "Shit, you're so hot and tight. I bet you taste just like you smell. Like autumn trees and dahlias and forbidden music." He slid his fingers in and out of me while his other hand continued torturing my breast.

  Everything he was doing brought me closer and closer to the edge, but never quite over it and I wanted more, more, more.

  I wanted him to rip the clothes from my body and then his own, and plunge inside me, taking me right there against the counter.

  Instead, he added a third finger inside me, stretching me, and sped up his thrusts until he fucked me hard with his hand. I was a panting and mewling mess, gripping the edge of the counter and leaning against him.

  Something flickered from the corner of my eye and when I turned my head, I saw Whist. He was in the corner, watching. My eyes met his and that's all it took to send me careening over the edge. I cried out and shuddered while Sky rode me through it, not letting up, making my climax linger.

  He finally pulled out of me and spun me around, making sure I was looking at him as he raised his hand to his mouth and sucked on his fingers with closed eyes and a groan. I whimpered at the sight, wet and aching for him all over again.

  My back duh into the counter as I stared at him, still shaky and wobbly kneed, my mind cloudy with confusion.

  Sky stepped back, putting way too much distance between us. "Go to bed, doll. Now. Or I won't be responsible for what I do to you next."

  I listened, fleeing past Whist and his burning eyes and slammed the bedroom door behind me. I leaned against it, breathing hard.

  What the fuck had I just done?

  FIFTEEN

  Nerves kept me staring at the door for far too long the following morning. My sleep had been restless as I tossed about, one minute wishing I wasn't alone, the next wishing I'd told Sky no and gone right to my room.

  Worried about how they were going to act, what they'd say, I almost went back to bed. Instead, I sucked it up and swept through the door with my head held high, refusing to show shame.

  Besides, I could smell bacon.

  When I emerged, the assassins glanced up at me and welcomed me with smiles. Smiles a little too innocent, but I preferred it to winks and nudges and knowing looks. I'd seen men act like that in taverns and it always pissed me right off.

  Nice to know my kindreds were of a better breed.

  I slid into the free seat between Saber and Whist. "Morning."

  A chorus of greetings came from the assassins.

  Whist made me a plate and set it in front of me. "Eat."

  "Thanks. Looks great." I avoided eye contact and fidgeted in my seat.

  Saber's hand brushed down my back. "He's really been upping his game since we brought you here."

  Nervous laughter bubbled up my throat. "Oh yeah? Trying to convince me to stick around?" I wouldn't admit, it was working the slightest bit. Who knew I could be bought with hot baths and hot meals and hot men?

  "Perhaps. Is it working, gorgeous?" Whist sat with his own plate of food.

  I tried to play it off, focusing on my food instead of him. "Maybe a little. You still haven't figured out my favorite though."

  Whist's eyes gleamed with the challenge. "Care to make a wager?"

  My fork paused halfway to my mouth. "What kind of wager?"

  A wicked smile unfurled on his lips. "If I can figure it out and make it as good as you remember, you stay with us for at least three weeks."

  Sky laughed and rubbed his hands together.

  "And if you don't?" There was no way. Everyone who ever knew my favorite was dead and I hadn't eaten it since.

  "What do you want?" Whist tilted his head as he studied me.

  I opened my mouth to tell him to agree to let me go, but something inside me snapped it closed. "I'll let you know once you fail."

  Whist grinned at me. "Deal."

  I narrowed my eyes at him. "I look forward to knocking that cocky smirk off your face."

  "We'll see, gorgeous."

  I smiled and tucked into the food, confident he'd never guess treacle tarts. They were no longer a popular dessert. Hadn't been for years, since I was a child. I was also looking forward to all the yummy treats he'd be making to try and guess.

  Whist was making up for years of borderline starvation.

  Sky pushed his empty plate across the table. "Want another knife lesson after breakfast?"

  Still sore from the day before, I took a moment to consider. I also wasn't sure if I wanted to be in such close proximity to him now that I knew what his hands could do to me. "I might need an hour to digest this, but sure."

  "Is she any good?" Whist asked.

  Sky nodded. "She's still rusty, but she's a quick learner. And she's damn handy with a knife. Worries too much about her hands though."

  I polished the last bit of eggs off my plate. "I'm sitting right here, jackasses. And I'm careful with my hands because I won't be able to play if I damage them."

  Whist frowned in disapproval. "You won't be able to play if someone slits your throat either. Broken hands heal."

  "I promise if someone actually attacks me I won't hold back. But in training, I will not take the chance."

  Whist huffed, but didn't argue farther.

  SIXTEEN

  The bloody assassins had me so completely turned on and trembly by dinnertime, I was barely able to eat. Even then, they wouldn't cut me a break, their legs sliding against mine, their eyes on fire with desire scorched me as they roamed up and down my body. The whispered words passed back and forth between Saber and Sky reminded me of them tangled together in a dance.

  The day was spent much like the one before -- gardening with Whist, training with Sky, a bath prepared for me by Saber and afterward a long conversation about music and art. The man had deep layers I kept peeling away and discovering something new. It was like they were trying to get to know me and for me to know them. And their seemingly innocent touches had me doused in flames.

  "I want to head out tomorrow and see what's going on." Whist's words completely doused the fire.

  Sky and Saber didn't seem the slightest bit surprised.

  My fork clattered against my plate. "What's going on with what?"

  Whist gestured to me with his cup of wine. "With you. With us. I want to know how serious they are about tracking us down, or if they're satisfied as long as you aren't performing and they think we've shut you up."

  "How are you planning to determine that? Capture a guard and interrogate them?"

  Whist shook his head with a snort. "Nothing so sinister. I'm going to go to the nearest town and listen. See what gossip people are spreading and see how big the show of force is. If they're still determined to find us, they'll be in the towns closest to the village we rescued you from."

  I scowled. "You didn't rescue me. I decided to go along with you after I escaped on my own."

  "Whatever you say, gorgeous." A small smile played on his lips.

  "And I'm going with you." I needed to get out of this house and clear my head. Even if I still had to be around one of them. Playing house was muddling my tho
ughts and making it impossible for me to make a rational decision.

  Whist slammed his cup onto the table. "Absolutely not."

  Saber and Sky were quick to add their disagreement.

  I met Whist's angry gaze with a stubborn jaw. "Yes. I am."

  "Why? We can't afford for you to perform right now. It's too risky. For all of us, not just you."

  "It's perfect. I can draw them out." I sipped my brandy calmly, hiding my desperation.

  "I don't need you to draw them out. We don't want to poke the bear. The goal is for them to back off and leave us alone. If you throw yourself in the king's face after stealing away his three best assassins, he'll come after you with everything he has. The king is a bit bored. He's already begun passing stupid laws to try and rustle up some drama. The last thing we want is for you to become his new project." Whist shoved back from the table and ran fingers through his red hair.

  I had to convince him. He said they wouldn't take away my choices or stop me from playing. He had to understand he wasn't my commanding officer. He didn't get to tell me what to do. "What if I only perform popular songs? At least then we'll know if he has the guard pulling in all the traveling bards or they know what I look like. Which would be worrisome, because I change my appearance pretty regularly."

  "That wasn't in your file." Saber sounded almost offended.

  I snorted. "Based on what you seemed to know about me, my file was pretty thin."

  Saber still seemed annoyed. "True."

  Why was he so bothered? It was a good thing the king and the guard and the other assassins knew so little about me.

  Sky tapped his lips with his finger. "It might not be the worst idea. We can protect her and we do need to know as much as possible. We're blind out here."

  Whist shook his head. "It's too dangerous for all of us to go. They're looking for her and three men."

  Sky drained his drink and set it on the table. "Then Saber and I stay here and if you two aren't back by nightfall, we'll set out to your rescue."