Love Under Siege: Brothers in Arms, #2

By Samantha Kane

Brothers in Arms, Book 2

Phillip Neville and Jonathan Overton have been best friends since childhood. When they return from the war they enter the marriage market. It doesn't take long for them both to fall deeply in love with shy, awkward, beautiful Maggie Trueheart. Phillip and Maggie marry, but Phillip and Jonathan do not tell her about the menage a trois marriage the two men hope to have. When Maggie finds out, it takes the persuasive power of both men to convince her that this threesome was meant to be.

In the process of helping Maggie discover the sexually aggressive woman inside herself, Phillip and Jonathan realize their love for one another is more than friendship.

Before the two men can consummate their relationship, however, a brutal attack on Maggie and Jonathan's self-recriminations drive the lovers apart. It will take all the love and determination the three possess to achieve their happily ever after.

*Previously Published
**For mature readers 18+.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Samantha Kane
• Release date: Mar 27, 2006
• ISBN: 9781370396016

Samantha Kane

Reviewers have called Samantha Kane “an absolute marvel to read,” and “one of historical romance’s most erotic and sensuous authors.”  Her books have been called “sinful,” “sensuous,” and “sizzling.” She is published in several romance genres including historical, contemporary, and science fiction.  Her erotic Regency-set historical romances have won awards, including Best Historical from RWA's erotic romance chapter Passionate Ink, and the Historical CAPA (best book) award from The Romance Studio.  She has a master's degree in American History and taught high school social studies for ten years before becoming a full-time writer. Samantha Kane lives in North Carolina with her husband and three children. http://samanthakanebooks.com http://twitter.com/skaneauthor http://www.facebook.com/AuthorSamanthaKane http://www.pinterest.com/kane2993 http://www.goodreads.com/SamanthaKane

Book preview

Chapter 1

I ’ve gone about it all wrong, Phillip Neville said in frustration as he ran his hand roughly through his burnished blond hair. He was standing in his study; a room decorated with dark wood paneling and burgundy accents that highlighted his golden splendor. As he turned to face his best friend, the sunlight pouring through the window added a warm glow to the bronzed skin of his face and hands.

Jonathan Overton was struck again by Phillip’s physical beauty. Tall, just over six feet, Phillip filled out his coat of blue superfine exceptionally well without padding. His long legs were encased in buff pantaloons, ending in Hessians polished to a brilliant shine.

Beauty and the Beast they’d been nicknamed at school, and it was true. Shorter than Phillip by several inches, Jonathan’s height was merely average. His hair was such a dark brown many people thought it was black. His eyes matched the darkness of his hair. His build was stocky though there was not an ounce of fat on him. He was a wall of solid muscle, or so Phillip laughingly told him when they sparred at Gentlemen Jackson’s. His clothes were stylish, but he did not wear them nearly as well as Phillip. On Phillip they were a gift-wrapping. On Jonathan they were merely a covering. He tended to choose somber colors against Phillip’s bright splashes of color.

Though Jonathan couldn’t see it, he’d heard it said that he and Phillip complemented each other handsomely, their differences accentuating the positive in both. Phillip appeared as the golden archangel, Jonathan the dark, sinful devil.

Jonathan’s sigh contained almost as much frustration as Phillip’s. I left you alone for three months to make the marriage work, Phillip. I’m sorry.

Phillip threw himself down on the sofa next to Jonathan, resting his head against the high back.

It’s not your fault, Jonathan, truly. I thought I could do it. I thought I loved Maggie enough to be what she needed—a dull, ordinary husband. But my own frustration is coming between us, and I don’t know what to do. She seems as unhappy as I am and neither one of us can find satisfaction in our bed.

Jonathan leaned forward, resting his elbows on his knees as he clasped his hands together. Maybe Maggie doesn’t need an ordinary, dull husband. He looked straight ahead out the window instead of at Phillip as he spoke. I told you before I left what I thought she needed, wanted. You asked for time to prepare her.

Phillip lifted his head and looked at Jonathan’s profile, so stern, so serious. Phillip thought that perhaps what they had both endured in their lifetimes had affected Jonathan more deeply than he. Under his gruff exterior Jonathan was the more sensitive of the two.

What if it makes her run? he asked his friend quietly. A half-life with Maggie is better than life without her.

Jonathan turned the full heat of his gaze on Phillip. I know, he said simply. But you have to give her the right to choose for herself. You’re denying her pleasures that she deserves.

Phillip sighed and nodded. You’re right, of course. I’ve been three kinds of a fool. But I don’t know how to go back and start over. We’re so enmeshed in the straitlaced trap I’ve created I don’t know how to initiate her into a more risqué physical relationship. Prior to Maggie we always dealt with experienced women.

Jonathan had sworn he’d never ask, believed he didn’t want to know, but now the words came out unbidden. What is it like to fuck Maggie? Even as he asked he closed his eyes in regret, knowing that the knowledge would torment him more than he already was.

Phillip looked at him in sympathy and frustration. The first time, it was glorious just being inside her. I’m not sure I even noticed that she wasn’t enjoying it, I was so intent on the heat and tightness. She’s incredibly tight. Fits me like a glove. That hasn’t changed in three months in spite of having my cock in there on a regular basis.

Jonathan groaned and fell back against the sofa, his eyes closed, imagining the feel of Maggie’s silken heat wrapped around his straining cock.

Phillip smiled ruefully. But like I said, she didn’t enjoy it. And things went from bad to worse. I handled her wrong. I didn’t play with her enough, she was never ready, never wet enough and eventually not wet at all. Lately, we’re strangers who do our marital duty and I have to use salve. On a newlywed, for Christ’s sake! But I’ve always been fearful that the things I want to do to her will horrify her, possibly make her leave me, and my frustration has turned me into a bumbling fool.

Jonathan raised his hands and rubbed his face briskly, trying to dispel the image of his cock buried in Maggie.

I hardly think a little light spanking and a polite request that she suck your cock will cause her to leave you.

Maybe not, but when I fall on her cunny and ravenously devour it and then try to put my cock up her arse, she might protest.

Jonathan groaned at the image and opened one eye to glare at Phillip. I can’t figure out if you’re torturing me on purpose. Are you asking for my advice?

Yes, and the irony isn’t lost on me since the whole point is to prepare her to take both of us into her bed.

Christ! Jonathan exclaimed, and threw himself off the sofa to pace the perimeter of the large room.

Self-controlled Jonathan was a picture of male frustration. Not for the first time Phillip wondered why Jonathan had stepped aside in their pursuit of Maggie.

Are you in love with her? he asked Jonathan conversationally.

Jonathan stopped his pacing to stare at Phillip.

Yes. His reply was as straightforward and blunt as most of his conversation.

Phillip shook his head in bemusement. Then why did you step aside? You could have married her instead. If you had we’d probably both be in her bed by now.

Jonathan leaned back against the bookcase and crossed his ankles in a negligent pose that didn’t fool Phillip in the slightest. He knew him too well.

You were the one who had family to please with a respectable marriage and a legitimate heir, not I. Jonathan’s gaze became direct. And I knew that soon you’d miss me and the bond we share and you’d send for me again.

They shared a wicked smile and then Jonathan straightened, shaking his head like a lion awakening from a deep slumber preparing to hunt. Phillip rose from the sofa to face him.

Well? Phillip inquired, clearly expecting the asked-for advice.

Jonathan surprised Phillip by walking over and giving him a firm hug. Phillip’s arms automatically came up, resting against Jonathan’s muscular back. Jonathan pulled back slightly and spoke, a wicked grin spreading across his face.

Take her to bed, man, often. And don’t hide from your needs or hers. Do what you want to do, be gentle but firm with her, make her come repeatedly and prepare her for me. He let go and walked toward the door. And all the while I will be wooing her, subtly of course, but between the two of us she’ll ride a constant line of sensual awareness. He stopped and turned back to look at Phillip. We will lay siege to the beautiful Maggie. I will prime her, and you will satisfy her, for now. And when the time is right she’ll welcome us both to her bed.

Chapter 2

Just then a knock at the study door caused both Jonathan and Phillip to turn. At Phillip’s summons the door opened to reveal the object of their discussion.

Maggie Neville was beautiful. Not in the blonde china doll way that was all the rage at the moment but in a voluptuous, sinful way. She was tall for a woman, nearly Jonathan’s height. She had thick, wavy hair the color of a sable coat and her hazel eyes were as ever changing as her moods.

Her body was far too curvaceous for fashion, but it made both men’s hands itch to touch, pinch, squeeze, possess. She had large breasts and hips and a slightly rounded stomach that showed through the straight column of her fashionable peach muslin dress. For some reason the sight of that small bulge did Jonathan in every time. Jonathan had told Phillip it was the most alluring part of her. It made a man think of plunging into all that soft flesh over and over, cushioned and sated.

For Phillip it was Maggie’s bottom. Its curves showed through her dresses as well, and for the same reasons that Jonathan was obsessed with her stomach, Phillip was obsessed with his wife’s behind. So soft, he knew the skin was as smooth as silk and the weight of her cheeks filled his large hands. How he wanted to sink his cock into the little rosebud surrounded by that soft flesh. The thought made him sweat.

Phillip, I… she began as she walked in, then she saw Jonathan and her face lit up.

Jonathan! she cried, hurrying the few steps into the room to place her hands on his shoulders and kiss his cheek in genuine affection. Her reaction surprised all of them, and Maggie withdrew slightly in confusion.

I’m sorry to interrupt, I didn’t realize you were back, or here, rather, she sputtered self-consciously, looking back and forth between the two men. Jonathan’s expression was, as always, guarded, but Phillip’s was measuring and disconcerted her.

Maggie had missed Jonathan. During Phillip’s courtship and their engagement he had always been around. It had actually taken Maggie almost three weeks to figure out who was courting her, Phillip or Jonathan. Either one would have amazed her. She had been a quiet, shy, awkward debutante. She debuted late, at nineteen, and was in her third season when Phillip and Jonathan had entered the London marriage mart. They became the latest rage of the ton, Beauty and the Beast, although Maggie had always seen Jonathan as rather handsome in a dangerous way with his bulging muscles and dark, intense gaze. When they turned their attentions to her she wasn’t sure who was more surprised, the ton or her.

Three short months later she found herself engaged to one of the most sought after bachelors in England, and soon thereafter married. Then the fairy tale ended. Jonathan went away, and suddenly nothing was right. Maggie cried herself to sleep at night knowing in her heart that Phillip regretted marrying her. He reluctantly came to her bed and she was just as awkward there as she had been before—no, more. She didn’t know what to do with a naked, straining Phillip, a Phillip who clearly wanted more from her than she knew how to give. It was always as if he was waiting for her to do something, to say something, and when all she felt was relief when it was over his disappointment was a palpable thing between them. But he always treated her with tenderness and consideration, as if it were his fault. If she only knew what she was doing wrong.

She looked up at Jonathan in the study, suddenly aware that the silence had gone on too long. Jonathan walked slowly over to her, and after a brief pause where he forced her gaze to his by sheer willpower, he picked up her hand and brought it to his lips. Instead of a short kiss in the air above her hand, he placed his lips firmly on her flesh, pressing deeply so that when he pulled away she felt the cool air on the wet skin he left behind. Maggie felt that wet spot through her entire body. It went zinging along her nerve endings, causing a flush in her cheeks and a dull throb in her loins that confused her. She found herself breathing lightly through her open mouth as if she’d rushed from one end of the house to the other. Jonathan’s head was quirked to the side as he watched her closely. He still held her hand.

It’s good to be back, Maggie, and it’s good to know I’m wanted, he finally responded, his voice low-pitched and suggestive. However, he dropped her hand and turned to Phillip as if nothing were amiss.

Phillip, as always when I see Maggie I resent what a lucky devil you are. He turned and gave Maggie the wicked smile that had always curled her toes.

He was so different from Phillip she didn’t understand how she could find both men so alluring. But Phillip was her husband, and in spite of her inability to please him in bed, she loved him tremendously. Phillip was kind and never missed an opportunity to do sweet things for her, such as buying her little gifts and always having cook serve her favorite desserts. He was witty and intelligent and actually thought the same of her. He loved her sense of humor and she could count on him to laugh at the cutting remarks she made about some members of the ton. They were a well-matched pair everywhere but in bed.

Maggie had reconciled herself to this until she saw Jonathan. He stirred feelings in her she thought she had forgotten. He made her remember the heady days of Phillip’s pursuit of her—the stolen kisses, the forbidden embraces, even the flirtatious touches Jonathan himself had given her from time to time. He made her remember how she longed to be a woman.

Phillip laughed at Jonathan’s last remark. You’re right, Jonathan, I am, he agreed, then startled Maggie by coming over and embracing her, kissing her on the mouth. When he pulled away Maggie’s cheeks were bright red with embarrassment.

Oh Phillip, she said helplessly, suddenly hopeful. Jonathan was back, and everything would be all right now. You must stay for dinner, she told Jonathan, not willing to let him leave yet.

I would be delighted, Jonathan said with a slight bow and an enigmatic smile.

Oh, didn’t I tell you? Phillip said, turning away so she couldn’t see his face. Jonathan’s townhouse is under repair. He’ll be staying with us indefinitely. He turned back to her with a dazzling smile.

Oh, dear, she said, concerned. I hope it’s nothing serious.

Terribly serious, I’m afraid, Jonathan said cheerfully. I can’t stay under my own roof, and there could be something about a flooded basement and rats. He shuddered with a smile. His evident happiness over his homelessness confused Maggie.

Well, then you must stay with us for as long as you need to, Maggie said, echoing Phillip’s invitation, her heart pounding. Before she gave away how excited she was at having Jonathan with them indefinitely, she rushed off to have rooms prepared for him.

When Maggie entered the drawing room later that evening both men stood gaping openly at her. She had taken special care with her toilette and was wearing a rather risqué, low-cut diaphanous gown the dressmaker had insisted upon but she had been reluctant to wear until tonight. Jonathan’s appearance had given her new life, new hope for her marriage. Phillip looked happier than she had seen him since the wedding and she planned to capitalize on it. Perhaps finally, tonight, she could get him to tell her what she was doing wrong and then she could fix things.

Phillip was the first to speak. Maggie, he said in a rather gravelly voice, you look stunning. Phillip’s words seemed to bring Jonathan to life. Taking her hand, he gave it another kiss like the one that afternoon.

Maggie, Jonathan said in his low baritone, make me the happiest man alive by telling me this is in honor of my arrival.

She laughed nervously, aware that his remark was close to the truth. Why, sir, she said teasingly, of course I’ll tell you that if that is what you want to hear, for is that not the role of a woman?

Phillip and Maggie both laughed at Jonathan’s exaggerated crestfallen look. This was familiar ground to Maggie, this light banter, these flirtatious glances. She felt her burdens falling from her shoulders.

Her gaze was helplessly drawn to Jonathan’s privates, as it always was. The man was semi-hard again. He walked around that way always. He must be huge, she thought, not for the first time. It was mesmerizing, the thought of a man always ready to go, to take her anytime, anyplace. Phillip was quick to arouse but Jonathan’s condition was a permanent state.

---

Maggie blushed and looked down at the floor in confusion to hide the direction of her gaze, but Phillip’s close observation of her paid off.

By God, he thought, she’s looking at Jonathan’s cock and she likes what she sees. He couldn’t stop the grin from spreading across his face. Tonight, yes, tonight, her initiation would begin.

Chapter 3

Maggie stared dreamily into the mirror over her vanity, not really seeing the maid brushing her long, dark hair. She was remembering the evening with a pleasant glow, brought about, no doubt, by the wine and the fervent attentions of two virile males.

Phillip and Jonathan had been assiduous in their attentions to her. It was as though they were wooing her again, she thought with a sigh. The light, flirtatious banter, the ready laughter, the subtle innuendo she now understood—all reminded her of how they had won her the first time.

They, she wondered, shaking her head with a smile. She waved the maid off and stood. Phillip won her, not Jonathan. Jonathan hadn’t even tried. How silly she was being. She must be drunker than she thought.

She dismissed her maid and shrugged off her dressing gown, preparing to blow out the candles and go to bed. The feel of the silk sliding down her arms made her shiver. The memory of Phillip’s hands on her surfaced. Then she thought of the light caresses that Jonathan had bestowed on her this evening, her own hands slowly tracing the tracks his hands had made on her shoulders as he helped her in and out of her chair at dinner and as he brought her wine in the drawing room. Light, almost friendly touches, but they had set her skin to tingling, wanting more.

She sighed, wishing that Phillip would visit her this evening but not expecting it. She was sure he and Jonathan had things to catch up on. So she spun with startled surprise at the sound of her husband’s voice close behind her.

That was a sigh filled with longing, my dear. Dare I hope you long for me? Phillip said quietly as he closed the connecting door between their rooms. He sounded like a predator, and she was his prey.

Phillip! Maggie exclaimed, disconcerted. I…I wasn’t expecting you this evening. Her gaze became wary as she watched Phillip prowl around her. He seemed almost feral this evening, as if he would devour her. It thrilled and frightened her at the same time.

Phillip stopped and looked at Maggie silently. His look contained such heat, Maggie felt herself begin to perspire. Good God, what was wrong with him?

Phillip? she questioned in a quavering voice as he stepped up behind her. When she tried to turn he placed his hands on her upper arms, holding her in place. He leaned close, his body touching hers, and she felt his lips upon her ear. She shivered deliciously at the sensations.

I believe, wife, that I’ve been too lenient with you, Phillip purred in her ear, sending more tremors through her.

She swallowed nervously. This was a Phillip whom she hadn’t seen before, and he frightened her, but he excited her too. She had always suspected there was more to him than he let her see and now she knew he was going to show her. Would this change things between them? She prayed that it would, for she ached for fulfillment, she knew not how.

She took a deep breath for courage and answered him. What do you mean?

---

Phillip smiled into her hair at the courage in her voice. Oh, she was game all right. He could have kicked himself for the wasted months when he could have been disciplining his wife.

He ran his hands lightly up and down her arms and felt the goose bumps rise.