Hers to Keep (Quintessence #1-5)

by Serena Akeroyd

His voice was always so serious. Like he rarely had time for laughter. But then, they were all like that. Like their work was a weight that shrouded their lives, and didn’t give them much escape.

Of the five, she knew Devon was the smartest. Of course, they didn’t care about rank, but she did. Not because of any kind of ‘status’, but because she’d realized th...

Devon, they usually helped, chided, or chivvied. They moaned over his antics, grimaced at his responses, and tried to save him from himself if he, for example, accidentally set fire to the curtains—a failed attempt at lighting a fire in the hearth, or so he’d told her. More like he’d been in...

Andrei and Sawyer came next, she knew. Sean and Kurt had their own smarts. They were more than just highly intelligent. They too were, without a doubt, geniuses. With reputations to match, and p...

But Sawyer, who could keep up with Devon—just the thought beggared belief—was sensiti...

His quiet nature reminded her of a still lake. The surface didn’t ripple with movement, but underneath, so much was going on, so much that onlookers could only guess at. Behind his shamrock green eyes, she felt certain there was a ...

Decisions, decisions. Correct him on his poor word choice or potentially get an orgasm. No contest.

She wasn’t the skinniest Minnie in the world. Had silvery stretch marks that ran around her belly button and down to her hips, some from being plump as a kid, others from growth spurts, but the desire in his eyes burned away any embarrassment she might have felt about them. He looked at her like she was a Goddess.

Heck, she’d gone two years without sex. It had been that long since she’d split up with her dick of an ex. No sex in all that time save with a BOB, and she’d been fine. Now, she felt more starved than she ever had. He needed to be inside her. Stat.

“You’re a temptress,” he growled out. “Either that or a fucking pricktease.” “Prickteases don’t come through with the good stuff,”

“Stop touching that pussy. It’s mine to touch, not yours.” “It’s between my legs, Mr. Bossy.” “In this room, it’s mine,”

Apparently, to be a part of this household, you needed huge cocks, because she’d seen three so far, felt Sean’s, and they were all a lot bigger than average.

His thrusts, when he moved, were agonizing in their speed. Slow. So fucking slow it almost hurt. Deep, so goddamn deep she wanted to sob. It was intense. More intense than she’d ever thought possible. It was the hottest fucking she’d ever had because it felt more like making love.

Feeling his cum deep inside her should not have been as big a turn on as it was,

“And what you want you always get?” Devon asked, sounding curious. She grinned. “Not usually, but I have a feeling that’s how this is going to work here.” Sawyer chuckled. “Probably. You’ll get spoiled.”

“Spoiled? That’s bad, isn’t it?” Devon asked, rubbing his chin in contemplation. “It can be,” she answered, nestling her forehead into the feathers of the plush cushion Sawyer had stacked there earlier. “I won’t let it go to my head though,” she teased.

“Janna was spoiled,” Devon said, his tone reflective. “Aye, she was. She was also petulant and a pain in the ass who didn’t have a sense of humor. Fine tits on her, mind.” He nipped Sascha’s shoulder. “Not as fine as these beauties though,” he told her, squeezing her...

“You’ll get used to that too, don’t worry. You can’t help it with him around. Also, get used to inappropriate conversations. Like talking about exes in front of the new lady in your life, while...

Devon shrugged. “Better out than in.” “What? His cum or are you talking about the inappropriate conversation?”

Sawyer’s hands came up to cup her shoulders; a move that caught both his and Sean’s attention. Of them all, Sawyer was the least affectionate. Though Janna, their first shared lover, had hurt each of them, she’d hurt Sawyer the worst.

Devon, of course, murmured, “Love in? I think she’s too tired after doing the nasty with Sawyer.” Sascha snickered. “Who said it was nasty?” To Sawyer, sweet as pie, she told him, “I thought it was very nice.”

Kurt watched on in amusement as Sawyer cocked a brow, folded his arms across his bare chest, and leaning against the doorway, murmured, “I wasn’t doing it right if it was nice, lass.” Her snicker turned into a laugh. “Well, you did have certain parameters to work within.”

“He’s very good with direction, isn’t he?” Devon added conversationally. Sawyer’s eyes widened. “Jesus, Devon. Keep your trap shut.” Sean swiveled in his chair to better look at Sawyer, who was blushing in the doorway. Surpri...

“We don’t primp, Sascha. Ten minutes, and we’re usually ready.” She scoffed. “It’s a gala! You have to primp.” “If you’re female or gay,” Devon told her disgustedly. “Less of the attitude, buddy. You can judge when you get your hair cut.” He half turned to glower at her. “What’s wrong with my hair?” “It looks like someone put a pudding bowl on your head and cut around it. You’re lucky you have such a pretty face and that your hair’s so wavy you can’t tell it’s a straight cut,” she retorted.

“What’s wrong with cutting it that way?” he immediately defended, making the other men in the room chuckle. “It’s practical. Takes two minutes.” She gawked at him. “I was joking. Jesus Christ, Devon. You don’t seriously cut your own hair?” He blinked at her. “Why not? When it gets too long, it drives me insane.” “Fuck. I swear, you guys need a goddamn keeper. Not one for the house either,”

“Next time it needs cutting, come to me. I’ll sort it out.” She glared at her cast. “If it wasn’t for this, I’d do it now.” Devon pouted. “I like it.” She gawked at him, then a shifty look etched itself onto her face. “We’ll see.”

Kurt cleared his throat. “He doesn’t work well with threats.” She cocked a brow. “Who said I was threatening him?” Sean laughed. “I think you might have met your match, Devon. And I don’t mean with math either.”

He’d watched his mother being murdered. Aged seven. Seven! Once a person had seen that, could anything else shock them? Goddammit, seven!

Four days ago, she’d almost been killed in an accident. They could have died tonight, but instead, they were both alive. Sascha really hoped this kind of shit didn’t come in threes. Or if they did, then the third time wasn’t the charm.

“Mein Gott. Warum kann ich nicht…” He blinked, jolted from his anger at the knock on the door. “Was?” he snarled, then remembering where he was, England, grunted. “Yeah?”

“You were saying on the steps that I’m intense?” He watched her fingers as she toyed with a breadcrumb. “Sean’s the same. It’s like both of you know exactly what to say to turn me to mush. It freaks me out.”

“So, it’s your reaction to the words that freaks you out, not the words themselves?” “I guess.” “Why?” “Do you know how many men have bullshitted me over the years just to try to sleep with me?”

“I’m scared that this is all just going to turn out to be like that. And I really don’t want it to be. I…” She sucked in a breath. “I like it here. I…” She ducked her head, and he realized that for the first time, he saw her truly vulnerable. “I like you.”

“You’re frightened the floor is going to fall out from ...

“Do you think we want to hurt you?” “No. But it doesn’t mean it might not happen anyway.”

We’re not in the habit of saying shit just to get you to pull your panties down.”

“You like it dirty?” he asked, cocking a brow at her. She grinned, then scowled. “I do usually. I can’t wait for normal service to be resumed. Do you realize how hard it is living with five sex Gods, knowing you can touch them any time you want, and not being able to for fear of giving yourself the migraine from Hell? It makes me so mad.”

“Is that why you’re so pissy at mealtimes?” Her scowl deepened. “I’m not pissy.” “You totally are.” She huffed again. “Well, it’s hard not to be a touch angry when the only dishes you want are the ones you can’t have.” He grinned. “We’re a smorgasbord just waiting to be sampled,”

“Delayed gratification is good for the soul.” “But not for my ...

Her father was the worst drunk ever. He either sobbed out his misery or shouted out his rage. For that reason, she’d always been grateful he preferred maintaining a firm hold on his self-control than to succumbing to the demon’s drink.

“The pussy is willing, as is the mind, but the body sure as shit isn’t. I am so freakin’ horny you wouldn’t believe, but every time I try something, none of you will touch me. Even though it makes me feel better,” she whined. “It’s freakin’ hell.”

“You know that’s not an issue, right? I mean, yeah, there are five of us, but nowhere does it say you have to—” He grimaced. “Service us.” She stared at him a second, then let out a hoot for a laugh. “You did not just say that.” “I did just say that,” he told her, tone serious. “And I mean it.”

“How can you mean that? It makes no sense. Why would you want me to be a part of the household, as your girlfriend and partner more than ...

“I’m saying that there’s no pressure on you to do anything you don’t want to do, or can’t do. Okay? You don’t have to think about the fact we haven’t shagged yet. That’s not an issue. The tally is on you, not us.”

“Don’t you want to fuck me?” He rolled his eyes. “I’ve had a hard on since you sneaked into bed with me, Sascha. What do you think?” “I think you’re nuts.” “Why? For being considerate?” She grimaced. “Maybe.”

“Okay, okay. That’s not fair. I’m just not used to considerate guys, I guess. It’s hard not to feel like there’s ...

“Why are you finding it so hard to finish?” “Because of Gruber,” he admitted. “In real life, he survived and went on to become a politician.” His smile was bitter. “I’m fighting my inclination to do as you say, create justice through my pen.”

“I know a lot of ex-officials for the East German government went on to have other careers, but they were found out and shamed, right?” “Some of them,” he confirmed. “Was he?” Another bitter smile. “No.” She hissed. “I’m so angry.” He grinned. “Well, I’m glad my book inspired something in you.”

I feel all kinds of messed up. Especially because the ending is nowhere near ready. Okay, how about I give you all the blowjobs you need if y...

Kurt rubbed his hands together. “I can’t wait to see you in the dress we picked out.” Her nose crinkled. “I’m relying on men’s taste in clothes. I must be crazy.” “You’re probably certifiable if what you’ve shown me so far is any indication.” “You’re a charmer. Jesus, I’m surrounded by them.”