Free Darkest Desire by Tawny Taylor Page A

friend cozied up on the big, fluffy, built-for-two chaise lounger. They had a pile of blankets on themselves, but she could see enough to know what they were doing. At the moment, they were lying on their sides, facing each other. Jodi’s hand was resting on Malek’s cheek. And he was kissing her. They were both oblivious to the fact that they had an audience.
    Then again, considering Malek’s leanings, he probably didn’t give a damn who was watching. He had no qualms about fucking in public. She’d learned that after attending a private party hosted by a mutual acquaintance a few weeks ago.
    Jodi moaned, and once again, Lei jerked her gaze away.
    She should just leave. Why was she standing there, spying, anyway? It was pretty creepy, when she thought about it.
    She moved on, following the river’s bank as it meandered through the Alexandre brothers’ acreage. Occasionally, a rabbit would scamper out of a hiding spot, or a bird would flap its wings and take flight, the sudden sounds startling her. Otherwise, the natural world around her was quiet. The longer she stayed out here, the safer she felt. Safe and completely at peace.
    If only she could live out here, away from the noise and distraction of the brothers and all their friends. And away from that bastard Holloway and his stupid threats. All she needed was a small space, something cozy and comfortable and private. Nothing like that ridiculous house up on the hill.
    Before long, the blustery wind got the better of her, and her fingers went numb. She shoved her hands in her pockets, shrugged her shoulders against the cold, and turned back. When she rounded the bend that passed by the gazebo, she realized there was only one person sitting on the chaise now.
    Malek waved her over.
    She went.
    He flipped the cover back and patted the seat. “You look cold.”
    â€œIt’s a bit brisk out here.” She reluctantly sat—on the edge of the cushion. She pulled the cover over her shoulders. “Where’s your friend Jodi?”
    â€œShe had to leave.”
    â€œAh, that’s too bad.” She tried to take the sarcastic edge off her voice. She failed.
    He chuckled. “Not a fan of Jodi?”
    She shrugged. “She seems all right.”
    â€œShe’s more Talen’s taste than mine.” He patted the cushion again. “Why don’t you scoot over a bit? You can warm up better over here.”
    She felt her nose crinkling. There was something strange about settling in, right where another woman had been a few minutes ago. Lei had a feeling the seat was still warm from her body heat. Ugh, what is with the jealousy? “I’m good right where I am. Thanks.”
    â€œLei, I promise I won’t try anything. I know how sensitive you are.”
    â€œI’m . . .” She turned and looked at him. He had such a sweet expression on his face, somewhat pleading. She scooted a little closer. No more than an inch or two. “There. That’s as far as I go.”
    Malek flung the cover over her and inched closer still. “At least it’s a little better.”
    Silence.
    Lei stared out at the smooth water and sighed. “I love this spot. It’s so peaceful out here. Quiet. Removed from all the traffic and noise.”
    â€œIt is nice.”
    â€œDid you and your brothers buy the house?” she asked, struggling to find a safe topic, a distraction so she wouldn’t think about Holloway. Or Jodi. Or how close Malek was, how good he smelled. How warm he was. “Or did you have it built?”
    â€œWe built it.”
    â€œWhy didn’t you build back here?”
    â€œI don’t remember. Might’ve had something to do with the water table being too high to lay a solid foundation.”
    â€œI guess that makes sense, sort of.” Lei pointed at the houses dotting the landscape on the opposite side of the river. “Though those people seem to have found a way