Emma nodded. “Definitely a leopard trait. Jake would put me in an insulated, bulletproof bubble if he could get away with it.”

Siena found herself laughing. The women understood. She secretly hugged herself because she was certain Elijah was the sweetest out of all three men, although the sound of Jake’s laughter was truly appealing, so maybe he ran a close second.

She felt eyes on her and knew before she turned her head that Elijah was close. He stood just inside the shaded part of the patio. His wild hair was as unruly as ever, curling in a riot of waves and out-of-control swirls, spilling over his forehead and around his ears. His eyes were pure mercury, so liquid and intense her heart beat faster. His white tee stretched tight across his chest, defining his muscles rather than hiding them. As usual when in the house and casual, he was barefoot and wore his old blue jeans that rode low on his hips and shaped his body deliciously.

“You ladies ready for something cold?” he asked, but his gaze moved over Siena as if making certain she was having a good time. He did that a lot, just checking her. She knew with absolute certainty that his question was a ploy to allow him to ensure she was comfortable with the two women.

“Water,” Emma called instantly.

“Same here,” Catarina said.

“Make that three, honey,” she said, pouring affection into her voice. She claimed him in front of the others. She wanted them to know she had his back, that they were together and whatever Elijah was—or wasn’t—was hers and she accepted him.

At the tone of her voice, his eyes went dark. His gaze moved over her again. Hungry this time. The stamp of possession on his face. He didn’t smile, but his look seared her. Branded her. The slow burn began all over again, smoldering deep in her core and between her legs. Her nipples peaked into two hard pebbles. The pads of her fingers itched to feel his skin beneath them.

He nodded to her, indicating he heard her, but he didn’t move, holding her gaze for a long time before turning and walking away. He looked just as good from the back as he did from the front.

Emma and Catarina let out their collective breath. “Holy cow,” Catarina said. “I’m in awe. That man smolders with sex.”

Siena kept her silent agreement to herself because she was afraid if she opened her mouth nothing would actually come out. Maybe a croak.

“He’s sinful,” Emma said. “Totally sinful. And that’s saying something, because I have Jake.”

Siena nodded. Silently. Pressing her lips together, still staring at the spot where Elijah had been.

The flat of Catarina’s hand sent a plume of cold water cascading over her. “Snap out of it,” she ordered. “You’re in a trance.”