Free Radiance by Shayne McClendon

asked the words quietly as he massaged the inside of her thigh.  “I’ll get you safely anywhere but the destination should feature a bed.  We’re going to lay you down and spend hours feasting on every inch.” 
    Jessica added in a whisper, “Where’s the closest place to get you naked?” 
    * * *
    Harper watched a fit young couple crawl over Gabriella and thought his brain would explode. 
    He moved to stand up and Elijah ordered, “Do not draw attention to your presence.  She needs to be touched.” 
    “Then fetch her, Elijah.” 
    “She’s no more a dog than she is a rabbit .  She’s a kind and beautiful woman who deserves better than what you would do to her.  Sit there .  Enjoy the result of your fucking games.” 
    “Your mouth…” 
    “Says far less than it could.  You’re many things.  A hypocrite was never one of them.  Two weeks ago, you flaunted a woman in front of her who is everything she knows she’s not.  Your type , as she so accurately described it.” 
    Shame curled in his belly.  He lashed out, “Your type as well.” 
    “Never.  I could barely tolerate them.  It was made only slightly more bearable if they were gagged.” 
    The shock of the admission rocked him.  “ All of them? ” 
    “Each and every one.”  He broke protocol and met his eyes.  “You rubbed your lack of care in her face.  You hurt her.  I told you you’d lost her.  That night, I told her to seek comfort wherever it could be found.” 
    There was no doubt Elijah wanted her desperately.  “Why didn’t you…” 
    “Shut up .  For once in your fucking life, shut the fuck up and think before you speak to me as if I only met you today.” 
    Crossing his arms at his back, he faced forward and did his best to disconnect from Harper’s presence.  It had been many years since he’d attempted it.
    Harper’s gaze returned to the image of Gabriella in the grip of a focused assault on her sensuality. 
    Where she’d seemed nervous and hesitant initially, she gradually gave in to a nature that craved human contact.  Her hands drifted to the back of one dark head, one light.  He watched her eyes close and her lips part slightly. 
    She was fully involved and it was spectacular. 
    After half an hour of public making out that had him harder than he’d been in a long time, they helped her stand and walked with her to the exit. 
    Harper held his breath as he realized she was truly going to let the couple take her home. 
    His eyes connected with Hudson’s and the man smiled tightly.  There was no doubt in his mind that his somewhat friend and rival had been aware of his presence from the start.
    He wanted Harper to witness the fact that Gabriella was not without options of her own. 
    “I hope they give her everything she deserves,” Elijah said quietly.  “I also hope they don’t steal Brie’s heart.  For that, I might never forgive you.” 
    He meant the words.
    At the apartment, his bodyguard checked the house, pronounced it clear with a nod, walked into his room, and closed the door. 
    In his own bedroom, Harper’s body was in chaos.  He pictured what the couple was doing to Gabriella.  He wondered if they were tasting her at that moment.  Eating her pussy, sucking her nipples, and touching her everywhere. 
    He quickly undressed and stepped in the shower.  Fisting his cock, he let the pleasure build slowly as he considered the image they made.  When he came with a gasp, he remained under the spray for a long time. 
    There was no way he could stay in New York.  He needed to get Elijah out of the city as well. 
    His friend was not the only one who hoped they’d get another chance in the future to touch Gabriella.  The woman spun out his brain, made it hard to think. 
    * * *
    Elijah showered and sat in focused meditation.  One day, he’d have the chance to touch her.  For now, he hoped she took everything she needed and deserved.
    Calming his mind, imagining the