Free McKenzie, Cooper - Daria's Heroes [Men Out of Uniform 1] (Siren Publishing Ménage Amour) by Cooper McKenzie

themselves in the library to make calls regarding the house and Mrs. Stone’s death. As they took care of business, Daria stayed in the kitchen washing dishes, dealing with food that kept arriving, and consoling those who were hurting.
    She kept her own sorrow buried deep and helped the others deal with theirs. She did notice that Gage seemed to be avoiding both her and Roman while Roman seemed to be touching her or checking on her every few minutes.
    After everyone left, she warmed two casseroles and set them out for dinner. When Gage came in from the garage, he did not speak or look at either of them. She frowned and began to worry something was bothering the big man.
    They sat and ate without a word. She glanced several times at Gage, who did not look up from his plate. When she looked to Roman, he was studying Gage intently. Shrugging that maybe it was just the stress of the day darkening his mood, Daria focused on her own dinner.
    Only when they had finished eating did Roman break the tense silence. “Pet, you’d better tell me what’s wrong, or I’m going to take you upstairs and beat it out of you.”
    Daria gasped at the visual image his words provoked, but bit her lip to keep from saying anything. Though her pussy clenched and her jeans immediately grew damp, this was a moment to watch and learn.
    Gage shrugged as he stood and cleared his dishes from the table. “I’m fine.”
    “No, you are not. You have been snippy and sullen all day. I want to know why. Now spill it.” Roman stood and grabbed the big man when he tried to walk out of the room.
    When Gage turned, Daria’s heart clenched at the tears that spilled from his eyes. “I’m a prick, okay? I’m scared you’re going to kick me to the street. I’m jealous that Daria was able to snuggle up to you today in front of everyone and I couldn’t. And I’m feeling guilty because I shouldn’t be jealous, but I can’t seem to stop myself!”
    With that, he broke down and began to sob.
    “Oh, baby.” Roman pulled Gage’s head down to rest on his shoulder and wrapped his arms around his lover. “You are the other half of me. How could you think I’d ever get rid of you?”
    “But this morning…you and Daria and…and then I…I came downstairs and saw—” Gage blubbered, not able to finish his sentences.
    Daria wanted to leave and give them some privacy, but was afraid to move.
    “Slave, there are times when I will want to be alone with Daria, just like there will be times you will want her all to yourself. This morning was one of those times, but I never meant to hurt you. I knew people would be arriving and you had things to do. But didn’t you and Daria…?”
    “Yes, Master, we had a great time in the shower.” Gage sniffed as he tried to get himself back under control. “But when I came downstairs you two were hugging on the porch, and I got worried because she’d gone to you as soon as she’d left me. Then I wished I could do that with you. It seemed like every time I saw you today you two were together. The more I thought about it, the more I felt like I was on the outside looking in, and I resented it. I’m sorry, Master. I’m so sorry.” Gage pulled from Roman’s arms and knelt on the floor before him. “Please, Master. Please punish me. I deserve it for being a worthless, jealous prick.”
    Daria sat silent and still, afraid to cause any more trouble. She realized this was exactly what she did not want to happen. She refused to cause a breech between these two men who loved each other so very much. Maybe it would be best if she stayed with Kelso and Maddie or one of the others until she could figure out what she was doing.
    Roman looked at the man kneeling before him then to her. He met her gaze and shook his head.
    “Don’t you even think about it,” he said in his low, dark, power-filled voice as he stared deep into her eyes. “No one is going anywhere until we talk this out. Now I want you two to clean up the