Free Gemini by Rachel Billings Page A

were both cheaters, too. They each kept a mistress in the same condo complex downtown.
    Clay had spent some time thinking about his buddies’ vulnerabilities. Honest to God, he wouldn’t put it past Tomlinson to resort to brute, even lethal force, though it would surely be via a third party. But Tomlinson was one of those twisted fucks, and Clay figured he’d try first to hurt them in more subtle ways.
    He wouldn’t find it easy. The three men weren’t saints, but they lived pretty clean. For sure, none of them had nasty little secrets that could be used against them. Clay was certain he’d know about anything like that.
    But Jace was aiming for partner in his firm, so even hints of something dirty could set him back. The only thing Quinn cared about was the bar, but he’d borrowed heavily for it, and so that made him vulnerable.
    They all had family—parents, some siblings. None were local, though, not since Jace’s granddad had left the cabin he’d kept up in the mountains a bit northwest of town and moved to senior living. So Clay figured it would be a stretch for Tomlinson to go after them. He’d put a word in to his dad and brother, just in case, and had told Quinn and Jace to do the same.
    Clay didn’t worry about himself. He’d talked with his captain when he’d started his inquiries in Sacramento. His unit would have his back if Tomlinson tried anything dirty. And if the asshole was man enough to face him with a gun or a knife in his hands, well, Clay would be more than happy about that.
    He was virtually sure it wasn’t going to happen.
    What he didn’t trust, though, was whether Gem would be able to hold out against whatever Tomlinson brought. He wasn’t worried anymore, like he’d been the night they’d met, that she’d fall for her ex’s crap if he came wooing her. Clay knew her now—she was smart, and strong, and she was finding her backbone.
    But she had feelings for Clay and Jace and Quinn, along with an over-developed sense of responsibility. If Tomlinson convinced her that he could put the hurt on one or all of the guys, she might cave.
    Clay convinced himself it was going to be his job to be sure that didn’t happen.
    And maybe it was self-serving, but he thought he might be most persuasive with his hard dick filling some hot, soft part of her body.
    It was past time for it, anyway. He put out his hand. “Come on, babe,” he said. “You and I are going out.”

Chapter Three
     
    Gemini looked up at Clay. Jace and Quinn both stood as soon as Clay spoke. Their gazes were on him, and not seeming entirely friendly. Uncertain, she slowly put her hand in his.
    Clay nodded as though giving his approval and glanced over to Quinn, giving the impression that he was unmoved by that one’s stare. “What time do you need her behind the bar?”
    It was Saturday, and Gemini knew Mach One would start getting busy by five or six.
    “Seven,” Quinn said, and something passed between the two men that Gemini didn’t get.
    Clay nodded and made a kind of imperious motion with his head.
    “Just the two of us?” Gemini asked, still unsure about what was happening.
    “Yeah,” Clay said. “We’re not done.”
    Quinn seemed to be watching carefully, but he stepped close and took her other hand. “It’s okay, sweetheart.” He touched his lips to her forehead. “I’ll see you at seven.”
    Gemini nodded and turned to Jace. He wasn’t looking at her so much as appearing to square off with Clay. Apparently unconcerned, Clay met him glare for glare. Finally, he lifted a brow and Jace relented. “Yeah,” he said, coming to her. “I’ll see you later, Gem.”
    He gave a little touch of his lips to hers.
    She looked at Clay then and could see his impatience. She drew a breath and took a step forward. He nodded, almost like a pat on the head, she thought resentfully.
    “Where are we going?”
    He took her down the stairs and through the bar. “My place,” he said.
    Outside, he led her to yet