Free Empowered [Sexual Magic 3] (Siren Publishing Ménage Amour) by Jennifer August Page A

The best we can hope now is to alert the Council as well as the management of the Isles. I doubt they’ll turn her away. She’s right about the money. But rest assured, chéri , I will stay well away from her.”
    “Is someone going to fill me in?” Gabriel asked.
    “It’s a long story.”
    His grin, though forced, still made her heart flutter, and Madelyn blinked a few times, startled at the unexpected reaction.
    “Good thing we have nothing but time, isn’t it?” He lifted his chin in Noah’s direction. “And from the look of him, he could use a stiff drink. Or thirty.”
    “This is true,” she replied. “Come along, Noah, and let us sit and drink and talk.”
    Dark shadows still clouded his face and eyes. She hated that haunted, pained look in them because she knew she was the cause of it.
    “Please, mon coeur ,” she pleaded.
    He sighed and raked a hand over his black hair as his eyes snapped shut. “I don’t like this, Maddie. Not one bit. Something’s wrong with her.”
    She urged Gabriel forward. “Yes, there is, but we can’t do anything about it except report her to the Council.”
    She relaxed as she heard Noah fall into step behind them.
    “Gabriel and I will find a quiet table in the bar while you call Clarissa.”
    “I’m not leaving you alone,” Noah snapped.
    “I’ll take care of her,” Gabriel said.
    Madelyn curled her fingers on his arm, grateful for his quiet, solid strength. “I trust him,” she said before Noah could spew off. “I’ll be perfectly fine.”
    They crested the end of the path and moved toward the main building. She was sure Noah would not give in without more of a fuss.
    At the door to the bar, they paused, and she released Gabriel to hug Noah. “Go quickly and return just as fast,” she whispered. “But do not worry over me.”
    He engulfed her in his broad arms. “I always worry about you,” he said hoarsely. He kissed her crown then sighed and let go. “Twenty minutes tops.” His glare pinned Gabriel over her head. “Stay with her the entire time. Don’t leave for any reason.”
    “Aye aye, captain,” Gabriel said dryly.
    Noah’s expression darkened. “When you hear the story, Gabriel, you won’t find it such a light matter.”
    Gabriel edged her out of the way and clasped Noah’s shoulder. “I don’t find it light right now, Noah, I promise. What she did on that beach today was unconscionable. And from your attitude, I’ve a good idea what you’re going to tell me.”
    His hazel eyes swept over her from top to bottom. When his gaze lingered at her breasts, she went tingly all over.
    “You have my word. I’ll protect her.”
    Pleased warmth spread through Madelyn.
    “Damn right you will, or you’ll find yourself under my whip and it won’t be pleasant,” Noah said with a growl. “Twenty minutes, if that.” He spun on his heel and stormed toward the elevator bank.
    Gabriel threaded their fingers and raised their joined hands to his mouth where he kissed her skin softly. He captured her eyes, mesmerizing her with his gaze.
    Another blazing tingle roared to life, this one reaching deeper and lower in her body. Madelyn cleared her throat. “Shall we go inside?”
    He smiled as if he knew how he affected her. “Sure.”
    Gabriel held the door and wrapped his big, warm hand around her upper arm. He guided her to a far corner of the restaurant bar.
    Madelyn scoped out every diner, every table, searching for Krista, relieved when the woman didn’t appear in her vision.
    She liked the way he held out her chair for her. Manners these days seemed to be a relic of the past. Settling into the cushioned faux-leather chair, she scooted up and picked up the menu.
    He slid into the chair next to her. “Are you hungry?”
    “I could eat,” she murmured with a sigh. “I’m a stress eater.”
    “You must lead a very calm life, then.”
    Startled, she looked up from the appetizer list. “Why do you say that?”
    His wink was quick and