Love Slave for Two

Chapter 22

Nevvie strolled into Tyler’s office, waving a card at him. “When, pray tell, sir, were you telling me about this?”

He looked up and a sheepish smile erupted. “Sorry, sweet. I guess it slipped my mind.”

“Mmm hmm.” She sat in his lap. Wearing an oversized T-shirt and nothing else made it easy to feel his bulge grow against her thigh. “Thomas just called and asked me to find out what to wear and remind me to send anything to the cleaners if that was necessary.”

“Oops.” He kissed her. “Forgive me?”

“Tyler, I can’t go.”

“All three of us are going. I’ve already RSVPd.”

The card in question was an invitation to a Christmas party, being thrown in three days by the head of the English department, a professor emeritus, one of the men Tyler used to work with.

“How are we supposed to explain who I am?”

“You’re my wife.”

“And Thomas?”

“He’s my husband. Don’t complicate this, dear.”

“I don’t care about me, but you’ve got a reputation.”

He kissed her, silencing her protests. “Love, it’s my reputation. If my being open about my relationship with Thomas didn’t raise any eyebrows, why should this?”

She glared at him.

“Right. Love, I don’t have a problem with it. Seriously.”

“You don’t have a problem telling your former co-workers about me?”

“No.”

There was more. She recognized the playful gleam in his eye. “Tyler.”

The sheepish look returned, melting her. “You’ll look beautiful in that black gown.”

“Tyyylerrrrr.” Now she knew for sure there was more.

“It’s supposed to be dressy.”

“Tyler!”

“My ex-wife might be there.”

Nevvie absorbed this information and snickered. “Which one?”

“One.”

“And you can’t resist the urge to parade me around in front of her.”

“I can’t get much past you, can I?”

“Not anymore. I’ll make sure my black dress is ready. I’m assuming you want me to buy different shoes?”

His cock throbbed along her thigh. “Can I pick?”

“Sure, but I’ll be glued to your arm all night so I don’t fall and break my neck.”

“All the better.”

He sent her to get dressed and drove them to the mall. It took a few minutes of wobbling and careful steps, but she finally agreed to a pair of stiletto pumps.

“If I break my ankle in these things, you’re waiting on me hand and foot, got it?”

He pressed close into her hip, letting her feel his stiff cock. The shoes brought her almost to eye level with him. “Love, I plan on keeping you on my arm all night long.”

“You’re deliberately baiting these people.”

He kissed her. “If you and Thomas ever team up against me I fear I’m in trouble. You know me too well.”

She sat, removed the shoes, and put her sandals back on. “What’s going on?”

He sat across from her, his elbows on his knees, and dropped his voice. “I left the department on good terms. As with any workplace, there were cliques.” He shrugged. “Because I didn’t write ‘literary’ books I was somewhat of a pariah amongst the tenured profs.”

“But your books make damn good money.”

“Lucky for me.” He took the shoebox from her so he could pay.

“Where in the food chain was your ex?”

He looked away and shrugged. “She moved in with another professor during our divorce. They both still teach there.”

“During?”

He shrugged again. It finally hit her. There was more to the story than he originally told her. “You didn’t tell me everything about how and why she left, did you?”

He eventually met her gaze. “It doesn’t matter this many years later, does it, love?” he softly replied.

Nevvie wanted revenge for the bitch cheating on him. That’s the only thing the old pain in his eyes could mean. “What does she teach?”

“Her specialty was American literature.”

“Literary type.”

He nodded. They stood.

“I can’t dance in those shoes, you know. I can barely walk in them.”

His smile reached his eyes. “We’ll tuck your shorter heels in the car, just in case. Thomas can always fetch them for us.”

“I’ve never been arm candy before.”

He leaned in close, his lips by her ear, his voice barely a whisper. “Believe me, Thomas and I will enjoy snacking on our arm candy after the party.”

She gasped as his eyes twinkled. Damn he knew how to get her wet!

“It doesn’t bother you some of the people there will talk behind your back and think I’m a slut for having two men?”

“No, because all the men will be jealous. I don’t care what the women think.”

“Except One.”

“I don’t care what she thinks either.”

“Liar. You want to rub her nose in it.”

“That, my love, is a bonus.”

If she could survive her first weekend with Thomas’ family, a party with a bunch of strangers she might never see again should be easy.

That was her rationale.

Thomas insisted she ride in the front seat of the Lexus while he took the back. “I’m surprised you didn’t hire a limo,” she snarked as they pulled up to the country club where the party was being held.

Tyler smiled as they waited for the parking valet. “I considered it, but then I figured that would be showing off.”

Both Thomas and Nevvie laughed.

“Is he always like this?” she asked Thomas.

“No, but if the usual snots are here, it’s the first time they’ve seen him in a few years. Believe me, they make shit for pay, a lot less than you’d think. I don’t mind dropping a few jaws.”

“You’re as bad as he is.”

Thomas helped her out while Tyler handed the keys to the valet and walked around the car. “Sugar, it’s a guy thing. I’m sorry, we can’t help it. We have penises, and that means we sometimes get into pissing contests.

She tried to stifle her laughter.

Tyler grinned. “I don’t know I would have phrased it exactly like that, but he’s absolutely correct, sweet. Come along.”

He hooked his arm through hers, slowing his steps for her benefit. She’d spent an hour at home practicing in the stilettos and prayed she wouldn’t have to walk far by herself. If she took her time and didn’t lean, she could manage.

Thomas took her other arm. When they entered the country club she clung to Thomas while Tyler went to check in with the host in the foyer. She poked Tom so he tipped his head close.

“What happened with One?” She’d never outright asked before, knowing Tyler didn’t like to talk about it.

His face clouded. “Skank cheated on Ty. He came home and caught her in bed with the guy.”

“The guy she moved in with?”

Thomas nodded. “Tyler had to work with both of them for a couple of years until he finally quit.”

“Ouch.”

“Do me a favor, baby girl.”

“Anything.”

He leaned in closer and dropped his voice. “Make him look really good for me. Vamp it up, seriously.”

“You really hate her, don’t you?”

“If you get the chance to dance with him, knock ‘em dead.”

It moved her that he wanted vicarious revenge for his lover.

Then again, so did she.

Tyler finished and returned to them, offering Nevvie his arm. “All set, loves. Shall we?”

She smiled and carefully kissed his lips, not wanting to smudge her lipstick. “Let’s knock ‘em dead.”

Thomas knew a few of the people there. The irony that she had more in common with Thomas in this instance than she did with Tyler didn’t escape her. Tyler handled the introductions. The shocked looks were well worth the beating her feet took in the heels.

At one point Tyler was pulled away by an old colleague to meet the man’s wife, leaving Nevvie tottering on Thomas’ arm.

“How am I doing?” she whispered.

“Great.” He leaned in closer. “You realize you’re getting fucked when you get home, right? Dammit, you’re gorgeous.”

“I better get a foot rub before anything happens.”

“You got it, sugar. Uh oh.”

“What?”

“One at twelve o’clock.”

Nevvie watched an anorexic-looking woman and an older man walk toward them. “That’s her?”

“Yeah, and her sugar daddy.” The man looked at least thirty years older than the woman, with a beard and mustache, a few inches taller than Thomas.

“The professor?”

“Yep.” The couple approached, the woman pasting a false smile on her face.

“Well, hello, Thomas. How are you?” Nevvie didn’t miss the quizzical look shot her direction.

He tightened his grip on Nevvie’s arm. “I’m fine, Erin.” His voice sounded tight, strained. “Robert.”

The man forced a tense smile and tipped his head to Thomas.

“Where’s Tyler?” the woman asked.

That’s exactly what Nevvie wondered. This woman was approximately Tyler’s age, but looked at least ten years older.

She felt a gentle touch on her other arm. Tyler carried two glasses, one of punch, another of wine. “Here, loves. Ah, Erin. I wondered if you’d be here.”

Erin eyed Tyler, apparently not quite sure how to respond. Tyler handed Nevvie the glass of punch, Thomas the wine, and kissed them both. “Sweetheart, make sure the punch isn’t spiked, I didn’t sample it. If it is, I’ll get you something else.” He put his arm around Nevvie’s waist. “How is tenure treating you, Robert?”

The man looked even more uncomfortable, if it was possible. She’d left Tyler for this fugly dude?

“Fine. Um, congratulations on your writing career. I hear you’ve done well.”

“Yes, the public’s been rather kind to me. Forgive me, where the hell are my blasted manners? Nevvie, I’m so sorry, sweetheart. Erin, Robert, this is our wife, Nevvie.”

Nevvie smiled, not because she was pleased to meet them, but in response to their shocked expressions. That alone was worth her cramped toes. Nevvie released Thomas’ arm and shook hands. “Pleased to meet you.”

Tyler, knowing Nevvie wasn’t steady on her feet, kept his arm around her waist. She took a sip of punch, making sure the ring on her left hand was clearly visible.

Erin found her voice first. “Wife?”

Nevvie stepped on Tyler’s foot before he could answer. “We decided to make it permanent. The boys finally made an honest woman out of me.” She took another sip of punch to hide her smile.

Erin and Robert were again at a loss for words.

Thomas showed his evil streak. “Excuse me for a minute. I’ll be right back.” He kissed both Nevvie and Tyler on the lips, then headed down a hall toward the bathrooms.

The kisses once again confounded the other two, who exchanged a glance, not sure how to handle the situation.

Nevvie wasn’t letting this go. “What do you do, Erin?”

Erin was apparently still trying to wrap her mind around Nevvie’s “our wife” status. “Uh, I teach AmLit over at USF.”

“That must be very interesting. Oh!” She turned to Tyler. “Remind we when we get home, honey. I got an email this afternoon from your agent. He received a counter-offer on the movie rights to Damning Thoughts, but there’s nothing we can do about it until Monday anyway.”

He picked it up and his eyes bored into hers, crinkling at the corners. “Oh? Excellent. I wondered when we’d hear back from him about that. Thank you, pet.” He kissed her, pulling her tightly against him.

Erin cleared her throat. “Movie?”

“Yes, but you know how that goes,” Nevvie said. “Just because the rights get sold doesn’t guarantee they’ll make the movie. Hey, we still get paid regardless.” She looked at Tyler. “You promised me a trip to Paris once they sold,” she said in her best pouty—but not quite little slave girl—voice.

Tyler’s eyes never left hers and smoldered with amused humor barely held in check. “I thought you wanted a new Mustang. Did you change your mind again? You cheeky little thing. What am I going to do with you?” He playfully swatted her bum, but not hard enough to knock her off-balance.

“Thomas said he’d get me that for Christmas anyway,” she purred.

“Incorrigible.” He looked at Robert. “She has us totally wrapped around her finger.”

Curiosity got the better of Robert. “I…uh…thought you and Thomas were…uh…partners.”

“We are.” He met Nevvie’s eyes again. “This sweet angel fell in love with us poor blokes, and us with her. The more the merrier, right?”

Nevvie winked at Erin. “I’m a lucky girl. But you lived with him, so I don’t have to tell you that, do I?”

“You’re also very naughty, aren’t you, love?” Tyler teased. “Telling all our secrets.” He nuzzled her neck.

Erin had turned a lovely shade of crimson.

Thomas reappeared, his wine refilled and a glass of what Nevvie assumed was iced tea for Tyler. “Still chatting?” He kissed Nevvie. “Are you behaving or causing trouble?”

“What do you think?” she purred.

Erin and Robert looked on, speechless.

Tyler would not be outdone. “Thomas, love, did you promise Nevvie the Mustang for Christmas?”

He sipped his wine and slowly nodded, understanding something was going on and playing along. “Why?”

“Because now we have to take her to Paris, too. It looks like the movie rights will go next week after all. We’ve had a counter-offer.”

Nevvie met Thomas’ eyes and prayed that for once he was in tune with them. Bless his heart, he was.

He sipped his wine, buying himself a few seconds. “You promised her the trip, Ty. I promised her the car. We haven’t been to Paris in a while. Why can’t we do both?” He reached out and stroked Nevvie’s cheek.

Tyler let out an exaggerated sigh. “Well, darling, looks like you get your way…again.”

“Like you mind.”

Thomas leaned around her and kissed Tyler. “Yeah, evil genius, like you mind.”

Tyler turned to Erin and Robert. “I’m overruled.”

Nevvie didn’t know if shock or sick fascination kept Erin and Robert talking with them.

“I hate to break this up,” Thomas said, “but I need to get some food in my stomach or you two’ll be pouring me into bed. Mind if I take our girl, Ty?”

“I could use something to nosh on. Well, Erin, Robert, take care.” The men each took an arm and escorted Nevvie out of the room to the buffet. They found a quiet table in a corner and sat, finally exploding with laughter.

“What’d I miss?” Thomas asked.

Nevvie grinned. “You were perfect. You caught right on.”

Tyler’s beaming face was more than worth the pain in her feet. “Paris, hmm?” He kissed her. “You, my love, are inspired. Absolutely brilliant.” He filled Thomas in. “Well, now we owe our girl a Mustang and a trip to the City of Lights.” Tyler smiled.

“I was happy to play along. Bitch. I loved the look on her face. One of you please get me some food, my feet are killing me.”

Tyler jumped to do it.

Thomas patted her hand and kissed her cheek. “Thank you, sugar.”

“Hey, a chance to put that whore in her place for cheating on our guy? Anytime.”

They took their time eating. Tyler introduced her to several people who stopped by their table seeking him out. She didn’t get tired of the looks.

Then the inevitable. “I’ll be right back boys. I hope.” She carefully stood, wincing as she regained her balance on the heels.

“Need help, darling?” Tyler asked.

“I could use it, but I doubt they’ll let you in the ladies room. Just listen in case I scream.”

She carefully made her way to the bathroom without tripping. Erin entered the bathroom while Nevvie washed her hands, stopping short when she saw Nevvie’s angry glare.

“Hello again,” Nevvie said. She didn’t know if there was anyone else in the bathroom.

She didn’t care.

Erin hesitated. “Listen, I don’t know what Tyler’s said—”

“Tommy’s the one who told me you cheated on him.”

Erin reddened again. “You don’t know anything about me.”

“You’re right, I don’t. Tyler doesn’t talk about you. Apparently you hurt him very deeply.” Nevvie stopped next to her on her way to the door. “And I thank you for that. So does Tommy. If you hadn’t screwed up, we might never have met him and had the chance to love him.”

Nevvie forced her feet out the door, taking faster, stronger strides than she should. Thankfully she spotted Thomas walking down the hallway, looking for her, and he offered his arm. She grabbed him.

“Get me to a chair, quick,” she whispered.

Concerned, he ushered her into the foyer and she winced as she sat.

“You okay, sugar?”

She shook her head and handed him the shoes. “Please?”

He nodded and rushed out the front door. A few minutes later he reappeared with her other shoes and she slipped them on. “No dancing for me tonight, I’m sorry.”

“That’s okay.” He helped her back to the table.

Tyler stood, concerned. “What’s wrong?”

She offered a game smile and related her exchange with Erin. “It was worth the pain of those dang shoes to see the look on her face.”

“I’m sorry, sweet. I never should have asked it of you.”

“Don’t feel guilty.” She laid a hand on his cheek and dropped her voice. “She’s lucky I wasn’t in flats or I would have stood there and given her a huge piece of my mind at the top of my lungs.”

Tyler touched his forehead to hers. “You’re truly amazing, love. We won’t stay much longer, I promise.”

They didn’t. And when they got home, Tyler insisted on carrying her from the car into the house, gently laying her on their bed. The men pampered her for the rest of the night, Thomas and Tyler each rubbing her feet before making slow, tender love to her.

Yes, Nevvie genuinely thanked Erin for cheating on Tyler.