Merlot: Boys of Summer-Hudson Yards, #1

By Caia Daniels

"I can't help but seek Luc & Alec's attention, the way they look at me like I'm the only woman in the world. Because as it turns out, for the two loves of my life, I am." ~Merlot LaRue

Luc and Alec are my best friends, and they're hopelessly in love . . . with each other. But after a drunken threesome made me realize I was in love with them both, I moved out and moved on so Luc and Alec could chase their happily ever after without me in the way.

Now just days after returning to Brooklyn—unemployed and avoiding a stalker ex-fiancé—Luc drops a bombshell: He and Alec aren't just bisexual, they're Poly. They're both in love with me and want to commit to a relationship, the three of us. What the hell do I do now?

The right thing—I turn them down. Again.

But Luc and Alec don't take my rejection well, and they scheme to prove to me that this thing could really work, offering the possibility of accepting Luc and Alec's love in a polyamorous world I never knew existed.

Could I be Poly? Can Luc and Alec share me? Can I really share two men?

After denying my feelings for years, so much is riding on one night to prove to my fragile heart that just maybe, I can accept Luc and Alec's love in a world that may never accept us.
 

CONTENT/TRIGGER Warning:

This series contains hot & dirty sex, occasional BDSM scenes and bad language, but there are also many sensitive themes such as backstories of trauma and abuse that some readers may find uncomfortable or inappropriate.  If darker themes is not your thing, this may not be the series for you. But if you enjoy bittersweet romance with beautifully broken hero/ines who love fiercely, enjoy sex, and are looking for redemption, then maybe it is.

 

XO, Caia & Daniel

• Language: English
• Publisher: Æthereal Studio
• Release date: Mar 11, 2021
• ISBN: 9781393845737

Book preview

CHAPTER 1

Luc

M erlot LaRue.

The sound of her name rolling melodically off my tongue sends heat chasing through my veins. And her voice—a siren song capable of seducing any man—or woman—within earshot? Goosebumps.

A 28-year record held only by her.

Impatient, I wait for my boyfriend to arrive—who happens to be twenty minutes late—while my best friend performs onstage for the wrap-up revue of her traveling Broadway musical.

I haven’t seen Merlot IRL for nearly a year. Not since she left on tour, performing across the country, with an acting troupe.

Sure, we’ve talked. A lot. But I wasn’t lucky enough to see her perform before tonight.

Merlot doesn’t know I’m here. Hell, she never even told me she was back on the East Coast, which annoys me to no end, but I’ll give her a pass because reasons.

Hello love. My boyfriend, Alec West, sits beside me.

You almost missed the entire thing. Folding my arms across my chest, I don’t bother looking at him. Man’s on my shit list. And thanks for not texting. I grumble. Where the hell have you been?

Sorry. A huge group came in at the last minute, and Chef asked me to stay. Oh, and my cell died. He holds up his lifeless cell, wiggling it while trying to seduce me with his beautiful smile.

Bastard.

Alec is a sous chef at an Italian restaurant in Manhattan and has been vying for a promotion, so he often takes late-night assignments, which irritate the hell out of me.

Relax. Alec lays his hand on my shoulder then lightly massages my neck, trying to settle me down. And my attitude. Leaning over, he kisses me and rubs his nose across mine. Sorry. Alec’s apology takes the edge off. A little. She doesn’t even know we’re here, so she won’t mind my tardiness. He smirks as he nudges my shoulder.

I roll my eyes and shove back harder, returning my gaze to my girl on stage.

Any sign of fuck face yet? Alec expertly changes the subject.

It’s an art.

Shhh. Some asshole beside us gives us a shut the fuck up glare of death.

Sorry, I say past Alec, then shove his massive shoulder harder. No, I whisper softer. And if he’s smart, which we already know he’s not, I’m expecting to find him as soon as the lights go on.

Merlot’s mom called me last week, spilling the secret about tonight’s revue, among other things. She’s worried about Merlot after she broke off the engagement with what’s his face. I mean fuck face.

Lydia even alluded to the possibility that some dodgy shit went down between Merlot and that motherfucker. I assume dodgy to be an understatement, which just makes me want to beat the fuck out of him even more.

So of course, I had to be here. To give Merlot a hard time because she didn’t tell me about the performance herself and to protect her from that dirtbag.

Merlot and I grew up together in Chicago. Been best friends ever since.

A couple years after college, Merlot, Alec, and I shared an apartment when a relationship between Merlot and Alec turned into a fortuitous romance between Alec and me.

Quite the love triangle, it ultimately tied our sweet threesome together.

Until Merlot left. Left, then met Fuck head.

So, no sign of him? Alec glances around the dark theater. I don’t want to have to beat his ass, but I will. And I’ll enjoy it immensely.

Merlot had only recently dumped the douche after a too long tumultuous engagement.

Her ex is a bit of a wild card. Definitely has a few too many screws loose. Besides that, Merlot always seems to date beneath her.

The girl’s choice in men has become a running joke between Alec and me, that if we ever had the chance, we’d convince Merlot to give the poly life a go. It’s certainly worked for me and Alec. Although it’s not really a joke. Least of all, to me.

So, V-day. Alec leans over and nudges my shoulder. Got our invite.

Hell yeah. Can’t hide my excitement. It’s my favorite Scandal event of the year. Same as last year?

"Same as every year. Three of Hearts masquerade party."

Hot. I discreetly tiptoe my fingers over Alec’s hand, folding my fingers with his.

Tiny goosebumps move along my arms at the fantasy of my man in a tux and masque, totally sexified. Just the thought wakes my cock that’s been hibernating beneath these too tight jeans that Alec likes me to wear.

Thank Summer for me.

He chuckles, squeezing my hand.

Yes, I’ve forgiven him already. I don’t hold grudges long, at least not with the people I love.

"It’s Madame West when she’s on duty." Alec reminds me and winks.

Oh yeah, my bad.

Scandal is an exclusive club in the Hamptons, open only on weekends from Memorial Day through Labor Day, but they hold holiday events in the off-season, like a New Year’s Eve bachelor auction and a Valentine’s poly ball.

Alec and I worked at Scandal the past two seasons, ever since Merlot moved out. The club serves elite socialites on the East Coast—women only—offering them opportunities to live out their most taboo sexual fantasies.

There’s a highly selective criteria to become both a client and an employee. Despite our careers during the rest of the year, we couldn’t resist working in-season.

Other than Summer’s, I mean Madame West’s harem, we’re a few of Summer’s boys who get rehired every season. The payday is too good to pass up. And the sex? Even better.

Alec and I are both bi—so to speak. Alec, more so than me.

Admittedly, the gig kept things spicy between us since we only worked together offering ladies the ménage experience. So yeah, working at Scandal the last two summers was a great way to get our girl fix.

Though if I have my way, the only girl fix I’ll be getting from here on is Merlot—and I can proudly admit that after all those threesomes, Merlot is still the only woman I fantasize about.

Madame Summerlan West inherited a strip club after her cheating husband was murdered by his lover’s husband. Confusing and scandalous, the situation later inspired the name and theme of the revamped club.

As Summer once said, she went all First Wives Club on their asses, shifting the establishment from making its dime selling sex to Wall Street, to exclusively catering to the dickbags’ wives and mistresses.

Because fuck the patriarchy.

Fantasies play out behind closed doors at Scandal for a highly selective clientele, procuring a most coveted guest list—and keeping it on law enforcement’s most watched list. Although Summer is a beast and makes her establishment legal because most of the money Scandal makes goes to charity for college students struggling to make ends meet.

Summer is beautiful, and a fucking genius. And honestly, very intimidating.

I glance over at my boyfriend and smile. Shit runs in the family, adopted or not.

Alec nudges my shoulder as the lights flicker. Is that him?

Him, who?

Fuck head. Alec points across the room. I haven’t seen him in a while, but that’s him. Right? Guy who looks like⁠—

I glance up and squint, trying to focus from the audience. Bastard.

Yep. Same string bean motherfucker I remember meeting once is creeping in the corner, trying to blend into the crowd.

A growl escapes me as I maneuver myself and make to stand, but Alec grabs my forearm and pulls me back down.

Wait it out, love. See if he tries anything first. Let’s not ruin this for her.

Alec’s right.

Causing a scene would be a dick move, even if it is to protect her from that narcissistic douche.

This whole thing makes me feel like shit anyway.

Merlot and Jaime Stevens were on tour together. She’s the lead in this musical, and he does⁠—

something? Can’t remember. Only he never treated her right, and sure as hell never deserved her. Though few men do, as far as I’m concerned.

And if Lydia’s suspicions are right, and I find out he did actually hurt Merlot?

Shit’s about to get real.

Glaring across the room, my veins boil the longer I stare at his bony ass. All I want is to go over there and pummel him the fuck down, but Alec being the voice of reason, keeps me in my seat.

Well, Alec and the tone of Merlot’s seductive voice echoing from the incredible acoustics in this club. Her raspy song pulls me from my rage, reminding me why I’m here in the first place.

Shit, she looks amazing. Alec is staring at our mahogany beauty singing the finale. I remember it from a show she dragged us to before they left New York.

I know, right? I let out a long, anguished sigh. Another round of chills race over my arms.

Fucking hell. Every time the woman opens her mouth to sing, it incites a virile reaction I just can’t contain.

My goddess. I blurt.

Alec glances to me and winks.

Merlot truly is a work of art. Tall. Slender. Long, silky red hair, the same color as the wine she’s named after. Straight nose, plump lips. Green eyes and tan skin. She couldn’t be more perfect.

My Goddess is right.

Merlot is the only woman I’ll ever love. And that’s a fairly literal interpretation given my preference for the Alec’s of the world.

What is it about her? I say out loud, like I’m asking the universe.

Alec grins. She’s our girl, love. No getting around it.

Our girl. I release yet another lovelorn sigh. If only.

In less than a minute, Merlot bows and exits the stage.

Finally. I’m so ready to see her.

My suspicious glare follows fuckhead as he trails Merlot off the stage.

Her mom was right. Alec tugs on my shoulder. Let’s go.

We stand and move the opposite direction of most of the crowd, moving past people leaving, and head backstage. To surprise Merlot and intervene if necessary. Fortunately, we know one of the bouncers, a buddy of mine I used to train with.

According to Merlot’s mom, Fuck stick has become a stalker. Lydia’s concerned he’d go off the rails, especially since tonight is Merlot’s last performance—the last time she’s contractually required to be in his presence.

We get backstage and find Merlot cowering in a dark corner, chewing on her nails.

Merlot. Alec approaches her first, pushing his way ahead of me to keep me from losing it.

See, I have a bit of a temper when it comes to protecting the people I love.

Oh my god, Alec. Luc. She smiles so wide, her eyes nearly light up. Our girl pushes past the ex and steps up to us, wrapping her arms around my neck.

Unable to contain my joy, I pick her up and hold her tightly.

Feeling her in my arms again is fucking paradise.

What are you doing here? She grins as I set her down.

"What are you doing back in New York? Why didn’t you tell me you were coming home?"

I’m sorry, I’ve only been back two days. This⁠—

Lame excuse, Mer. Alec glares, arching an eyebrow.

Alec. Still smiling, she gives him a hug. When did you get back from Italy?

Alec spent a couple months abroad, meeting family and learning from a chef in Tuscany, but he’s been back for a while now.

Merlot knows that.

You should come by. He gives her a kiss on the cheek and lets her go. I’m working in Little Italy. Come, I’ll cook for you.

That sounds incredible. Oh my gods. I can’t believe you guys are here.

"You want this guy here?" Alec glares as he tilts his head towards the unwanted intruder.

Not even giving a sideways glance, Merlot gently shakes her head.

We need to talk. He crosses his arms over his puny chest, trying to intimidate her. Like that’ll work with us here.

Dick.

Shit pisses me off even more.

The goddess has spoken. Alec steps up to Jaime. She doesn’t want you here.

Dude glares at Alec, who is inches from the fucker’s face.

Though not.

Alec is about seven inches taller and looks like Jon Cena compared to Jaime’s five-foot nine frame. He’d be an idiot to take Alec on, a man whose stature intimidates everyone he meets ...but they don’t know what a total teddy bear he is, which works in Alec’s favor.

It’s part of what draws me to him in the first place.

Asshat glances at Alec, then to me as I stand guard between him and Merlot. My chin tilts up, and I push out my chest. Eyes glaring. Not a blink in sight.

Whatever. He shakes his head then turns and disappears down the hall.

Merlot releases a relieved breath both me and Alec can hear.

You okay, babe? I pull Merlot into my arms.

Nuzzling my nose into her neck, her long locks tickle my cheek. Her body is trembling.

Makes me wanna hunt the guy down, but I don’t.

Instead, I inhale deeply, recognizing she still uses the same shampoo. Or body lotion. Something that smells like college. Like my best friend.

Although I haven’t seen her in months, she looks perfect.

She nods, burying her head into my chest. Thanks.

Of course.

Alec moves beside us and sets his hand on her shoulder. Does he do this a lot? Show up, uninvited?

Merlot glances up to Alec, not moving her head from my chest. "I just can’t get rid of him. It’s gotten worse since I broke it off. He can’t take a hint. You know, the go away, it’s over, and I never want to see your face again hint?"

Alec chuckles.

My sense of humor, however, has taken the midnight train to Jersey.

If we beat his fucking ass, that’ll drive the hint home. I absentmindedly run my fingers through Merlot’s hair. What are you doing now?

Going home. She breathes out loudly. I’ve had enough drama for one night.

Want some company? I’m hopeful she’ll say yes, but I’m not holding my breath after that fucker’s bullshit. Merlot’s more the binge in sweatpants type than let’s party till dawn girl.

We’d both feel better if you at least let us see you home.

She smirks, still holding onto me. Her lips are plump and painted dark red.

Alec crosses his arms over his broad chest, raising an eyebrow and giving her his sexy sideways smile—the one that melts panties and thongs all over the city.

You two aren’t going to take no for an answer anyway. She gives me a weak laugh.

Just let us see you home. I tuck a curl behind her ear. Promise, we’ll leave if we’re not wanted. After your mom told me⁠—

Fuck. I clamp my mouth shut.

Mom? She glares, then scoffs. Goddamn her. Fine.

She’s just worried about you, I say. That’s all.

"That’s not why we came. You have been a naughty girlfriend. Alec teases. I know Luc’s talked to you a lot, but I haven’t. And we both miss you."

Fine, okay. You can take me home, but I’m exhausted. I just want to change into some jammies and binge on vampires till I pass out..

You and your Damon obsession. I shake my head.

Have you seen the man? Alec asks. He’s hands down the hottest vampire on the planet.

Right? Merlot bites her lip, a faraway flirty glint in her eye.

She and Alec have an affinity for two things: Chocolate and a certain TV vampire.

Okay. After we get you there, we’ll leave you to your solitude, Alec says. "But only if you promise to come to dinner soon."

Soon. I add. It’s almost spring training, and I’ll be back at work.

"Deal. And I’ve been dying to taste what you learned in Italy. I’ve missed you both so much."

All right, love. Alec leans in and kisses her forehead. Let’s get you home.

Merlot lets go of me and grabs her things, then we all head out of the club and grab a cab.

The three of us climb into the car. Merlot gives the driver her address, then snuggles up to Alec. Within a couple of minutes, she’s actually fallen asleep in his arms while I hold her hand, drawing invisible hearts on her soft skin.

About twenty minutes later, we arrive at Merlot’s building in Brooklyn.

Wake up, love. Alec runs his fingers over her hair, stirring her from a nap.

Wow. I fell asleep on you. I’m sorry.

No worries, babe. The drool will dry. I nudge her shoulder. You’ve had a lot of excitement for one night.

We climb out of the cab, and Alec asks the driver to wait.

I can make it in myself, she says. You don’t have to wait.

Not a chance. Alec admonishes.

You guys are so good to me. Merlot smiles. Her eyes are dull, and her voice is weak. She’s clearly exhausted, both physically and emotionally.

Come on, let’s get you tucked in. I grab her hand, and we escort her through the glass doors and up three flights of stairs leading to her apartment door.

I’ll call you guys tomorrow. She turns to put the key in the door when something rattles from inside.

Wait. I move Merlot to Alec’s side. Did you hear that?

Inspecting the door, it looks like the lock’s busted in.

Did you leave your place like this? I ask.

Uh, no? Movers were here earlier, though. Maybe they⁠—

I cut her off and glance over to Alec, nodding for him to take Merlot aside.

What the hell’s going on? she whispers. Is there somebody in there? Her voice cracks as the color drains from her freckled cheeks.

Finger over my lip to silence them, I turn to the entrance and notice wood splintering on the doorframe. Clearly, someone broke into her apartment.

Stay here, I’m gonna check it out.

Cautiously, I push open the door and forge ahead, creeping down the dark hallway. Feeling along the wall, I search for a light switch but don’t find any until near the end. Must have missed it.

The darkness is eerily quiet, and my Spidey senses aren’t tingling, so I’m guessing nobody’s here.

Finally, I find a switch and flip it on to Merlot’s front room. Boxes are lined up along the walls like nothing’s been unpacked. Peering into the kitchen, which is attached to the living area, I see more unpacked boxes stacked up on a table and an island counter. She really hasn’t done much in the time she’s been back.

I make a mental note to offer her my help.

Turning back to tour her front room, it seems all the furniture is set up, but her clothes, including a bunch of bras and panties, are strung out all over a couch like someone was looking for something in her underwear drawer.

In the front room.

What the fuck?

Continuing my search through the apartment, I reach another room and flip on the light. It’s her bedroom, and the window is wide open, whipping arctic city winds through the room, making a box lid flap.

That explains the noises coming from in here.

Why is the window open? It’s February, for fuck’s sake.

I walk over to the window and look out, noticing a fire escape out the back.

Did someone come in the window or go out? I say to no one because I’m known to talk to myself now and again. Either way, Merlot can’t stay here. I pull hard to close the window, then turn and glance around the room.

Merlot has jewelry scattered over her dresser. Rings, necklaces—some I recall her having, but mostly new.

There’s a jar filled with pink sand sitting on top, forcing me to grin. Our moms took us to the Bahamas after we graduated high school. Merlot has a sand collection from every beach she’s ever been to, but for some reason, the pink sand is the only jar on display.

One we collected.

Luc? Alec calls from the hallway. All clear?

I pick up the jar and smile at the memory of our trip, then set it down and head out to find Alec and Merlot.

Yeah, sorry. There’s nobody here. But unless you let in the panty raiders, I think somebody was. Check out your front room.

Alec holds Merlot’s hand as he drags her down the hall towards me.

I direct their attention to the couch like a game show host.

Merlot’s jaw drops and her piercing green eyes pop open at the sight of her undergarments flung all over the room. That’s just creepy.

You’re not wrong. I press my lips together. Check out your bedroom. Better look over your jewelry. Seems someone went rummaging through that, too. I lead them into the bedroom and point at