The Royal Flush (Knights of the Darkness Chronicles(Book Three)) (6 page)

“Darian, do you have any pictures or portraits of yourself?” Natasha asked genuinely interested.

Darian chuckled. “Yes I do.”

“Would you mind showing them to me when we get home?” Natasha asked

Darian nodded. “Not at all. You do realize that I’m going to want to see photographs of you as well.”

Xavier pouted playfully. “I see you’re not interested in any photos of me,” he said, pretending to be disappointed.

“Oh stop it. You know I want to see your photos. The good thing about you is that you should have baby photos,” Natasha said excitedly.

Xavier chuckled. “Only one and it’s worn, but I will show it to you.”

“Good. I can’t wait.” Natasha grinned in anticipation.

As they rode in the limousine she listened to Darian’s philosophy on human behavior and Xavier’s opinion on mankind, some of which she both agreed and disagreed with.

“So you believe that some philosophers were wrong in thinking that?” she asked Darian.

“I do, from what I can deduce. Some philosophers or so-called experts believe that th
e main reasoning for all things was based on sexual lust. I believe that fear, love or infatuation

however you want to look at it--as well as primal greed and necessity are all contributing factors which bring about both positive and negative reactions and
events in a person’s life which also lays the foundation for their history. Therefore, I do not agree with every human theology. It is true that most human behaviors have been diagnosed correctly by human doctors, but bear with me on this issue,” Darian said as he leaned forward.

Xavier watched him closely, giving him his full attention. Natasha was anxious to hear his point.

“How many times have you listened to the opinion of the so-called qualified and decided that person had not the slightest inkling of what he or she were babbling about?” he asked simply. Both Xavier and Natasha laughed outright.

“It’s true! I have had so many teachers that have their opinions about this or that, and we’ve had so many disagreements,” Natasha stated still chuckling.

“This is because mankind is fallible. Therefore nothing can ever be concrete. Humans hold true to whatever makes the most sense at that time until something more logical comes along and even then, they may violently reject the new knowledge because it forces them to change. To change their way of thinking, of doing things and their beliefs… history has proven this.” Darian chuckled.

“In all honesty, humans are practical creatures and they are always searching for a rational explanation to all things which is why I believe supernaturals have been able to exist and flourish, for the most part, undetected over the centuries,” Darian said as he watched their facial expressions reflect humor.

“Why do I always feel like I’m being schooled when you get into these moods,” Xavier said.

“Because you are,” Darian retorted.

“Ancient, wise Darian, let us not get too philosophical tonight,” Xavier said with a chuckle.

Natasha was slightly disappointed, she had been most intrigued by Darian’s insight and wanted to hear more. But she imagined that Xavier had heard his opinions time and time again. No doubt, he needed a break. Before she forgot, she requested the limousine driver make a stop by her apartment. She wanted to pick up her photo album. She regretted waiting so late to do so, the driver had to detour in order to take her home. Natasha apologized for the inconvenience, but the driver told her there was no need. He drove to her apartment and she collected her photo album so that they could spend the night sharing memories. Darian and Xavier waited patiently in the limo until she returned carrying a large, black, leather-bound photo album with gold lettering. On their way back to the mansion, Darian looked at Natasha then his eyes trailed to the photo album in her hands.

“I can hardly wait. Why don’t you start now,” he suggested anxiously

“Dang, breathe back,” Natasha teased as she clutched the photo album closer to her chest.

“Awe, come on, Tasha, don’t tease a teaser. You won’t like the retribution,” Xavier threatened playfully.

“Is that a threat?” Natasha asked coyly.

“No, just a warning. I can be a very... ,” Xavier moved closer to Natasha, sliding his fingertips up her inner thigh tickling her. “...Big tease,” he whispered seductively into her ear, causing her to gasp slightly.

Darian smiled and inched closer leaning towards her neck, his tongue flicking out to taste her flesh. Her body trembled as he gently nibbled her ear.

“I taught him everything he knows,” he whispered softly.

Natasha could feel the heat rise in her body like a fever. She had to close her legs to keep Xavier’s hand from venturing any further.

“I can tell that you want me to be naughty. I can sense it... smell it.” Xavier’s breathing quickened. “The air is so thick with your desire, I can taste it.”

Natasha whimpered softly. Her heart began to pound within her chest, her breath began to accelerate. She shoved the photo album at Darian and pressed her hands in her lap. She looked downward, trying to regain her composure which was becoming more difficult when she was in their company. The two men in her life seduced her constantly, and, as it was, their seductions were not unwanted or undesired. She loved them and wanted them as much as they wanted her.

“Oh,” Darian began, looking at the photo album now in his possession. “I almost forgot what started all of this.” He chuckled then settled back into the leather cushions of the limousine and opened the photo album.

Xavier’s eyes were focused on Natasha, watching her as she attempted to control her emotions. He loved her dearly like Darian. He had never met a female who was similar to Natasha. She intrigued him, but more than that, she made him happy and being with her rekindled the human part of him that he had forgotten. He respected her courage, her honesty and above all, her genuine loyalty. He was more than delighted that she was his and Darian’s.

Xavier sat back thinking about the beginning of their relationship. Although, Darian was the wisest of them all, he was also the most cynical. When Darian decided to court Natasha along with himself, he immediately started noticing the subtle changes in his lover and Master. He would do things for Natasha simply because he knew she wanted them done, such as drinking
Synblood,
even when Darian had not touched the alternative sustenance outside of Tony’s signature drinks at his club,
Desires Unleashed.
Even those were rare occasions, as he preferred his personal drinks be served with real blood. He didn’t mind that Darian extended himself to please Natasha.

Even though he was loyal to Darian and loved him with all his heart, he had to admit to himself that he liked the
new
Darian even more. He wanted him to open up more to the world, he knew that Darian had seen many things come to pass time and time again, but he believed that eternal life always brought something new. If one chose to ignore it, what could eternity offer? Not that Xavier thought Darian let the little things in life pass him by. Darian was very aware of what was going on in the world, but Xavier did want him to embrace more of what humanity had to offer. He was thrilled that his lover was doing so now and he really had to credit Darian’s new outlook to Natasha.

Natasha watched as Darian look at the pictures in the photo album. His eyes scanned over the photos as if he were memorizing every detail, which he was.

Xavier leaned closer so that he could view the album as well. He chuckled when he saw a picture of Natasha as a baby with a pamper over her head. His hand extended and a long finger and pointed at the photo as he looked at Natasha.

“What was happening here in this photo?” he asked, still chuckling.

“Hold on, let me turn on this light.”

Natasha switched on the light then looked to see which photo he was referring to, she laughed. “Oh! That one.”

Darian watched her closely, smiling.

“My Mom took that picture when I was four months old. She said that she was changing my pamper and she walked away to get the baby power. Seconds later, she heard me screaming. Naturally she came running into the room, only to see that I had pulled the pamper over my head and scared myself,” Natasha said.

She began to laugh harder as she imagined the situation.

“You look positively adorable,” Darian said sweetly.

Natasha blushed.

They continued to flip through the photo album, both men asking questions about the photos in the album that struck their interest. They now knew what Natasha's family members looked like and how close she was with each member photographed. Both men were pleased with the new information. They felt even closer to Natasha now.

Chapter Three

The limousine pulled in front of the mansion
and Natasha, Darian, and Xavier climbed out. Billy opened the door, nodding respectively to Darian as they passed by.

Once they were inside the mansion, Natasha playfully reminded her companions of the deal they made in the car.

“I want to see pictures, portraits and sketches.”

“As you wish,” Darian said with a gentlemanly bow. “Follow me,” he told them, as he turned to lead the way.

They came to a room with double fireproof doors. Using telekinesis, he unlocked the doors and turned on the lights. Xavier, being the last to enter the room, closed the doors behind them.

“How did you
do
that?” Natasha asked, amazed by Darian’s skill.

He turned around to face her.

“Because I am very old and very skilled, there are many things that I am able to do,” he said, not willing to delve into the details of his vast abilities.

Natasha didn’t want to press the matter. She believed he would tell her when he felt the time was right. Darian walked towards the other side of the room where some canvases lay against the wall covered by white sheets. Both Xavier and Natasha walked closer to the canvases as Darian slowly pulled the sheets away. A beautiful painting was revealed of him lying naked on a red, velvet cushioned pillow. His long, wavy, jet black hair fell in luxurious locks on his chest. His remarkable forest-green eyes stared forward as if he could see though the painting. He was breathtaking. His body was
beautiful
and for a man of sixteen hundred-plus years, he was
well
endowed. Natasha didn’t think a man from that time would be that “gifted”, so to speak, in the manhood department. She had only seen Darian fully nude on one other occasion.

Four months ago, she had been so bold as to ask the two men to make love in her presence. At that time she was considering taking Darian as a second lover, and wanted to know what to expect. She had never seen two men together and she wanted to know if it was something she would be able to accept. As it turned out, watching the both of them make love turned Natasha on, more than she would have
ever
expected. The passionate caresses and gentle embraces of the two beautiful men peeked desires within her that she hadn’t known existed. It was then, that she decided to join them and become a threesome.

In the beginning, she felt uncertain about Darian’s true feelings towards her. In her opinion, he was unreadable, unpredictable and often times, unapologetic. His arrogance was a huge part of his personality that she had had to come to terms with. There were times when she found him to be cruel in his opinions and he lacked consideration for her fellow human beings. They had their arguments and she had hoped her morals would reignite that part of him that used to be human. Eventually, she began to see progress and it inspired her to continue their relationship. Presently, she was happy that she had.

“Who painted this?” Natasha asked curiously.

“Would you believe me if I told you it was Angelus-Michelli?” asked Darian softly.

He looked at the painting once more, then his gaze shifted towards Natasha. She stood there, her mouth open in amazement as she peered at the canvas, examining the painting in every detail.

“Wow! It was?!” Natasha exclaimed.

“No.”

“Then why did you say it was?” Natasha slapped Darian playfully across the chest.

“I didn’t. I asked if you would
believe
me if I said it was.” Darian smiled wickedly.

“I should hit you again.” Natasha smirked. “So what’s with the riddles.”

“I wanted to see your reaction, and I’m only joking.” Darian winked. “He did paint this portrait of me. He was a truly gifted man, indeed.”