by K. G. Reuss
I hadn’t seen Ethan all day. When I texted Jamie and asked her, she said he hadn’t gone to calculus. Texting him was out of the question since I didn’t have his new number. Sighing in frustration, I went to rehearsals.
“Hi, I’m Winnie Doyle.” A blonde with a mega-watt smile greeted me as I stepped backstage. She stuck her hand out for me to shake.
“She’s with the paper,” Jamie said as I took the young woman’s hand.
“Oh. Hi.”
“I heard you’re the star of this show. You’re playing Sadie Watts, the take no prisoners heroine,” Winnie continued, pulling out a digital recorder. “It’s Rose Bishop, right?”
“Uh, Rosalie Bishop.”
“Right. I was wondering if we could grab a couple photos of you and your co-star really quick before we snap some of you guys on stage. Of course, we’ll be back the night of the show to take more shots for our readers. Now, where’s that handsome co-star of yours?” She craned her neck past me and gestured to a young guy with a camera. He came over and gave us a nod and a smile as he held out his hand.
“Gabe,” he said. “I’ll be doing some of the photos today.”
“Hi. Rosalie,” I said before nodding to Jamie. “This is Jamie. She’s one of our producers.”
“Nice to meet you.” Gabe shook her hand after releasing mine. “Mind if I get some photos of you two?”
“Sure.” I moved next to Jamie and smiled nervously. My brain swirled with the very real thought I was going to have to go home and break the news to my dad about this entire thing.
Gabe snapped a couple photos before swiveling around to take candid shots of others milling around backstage.
“There he is!” Winnie called out as Fox approached. “We were looking for you.”
“He must have introduced himself already,” I grunted at Jamie who rolled her eyes at Winnie’s excitement.
“Probably.”
“Hey, Winnie,” Fox greeted her. He shook her hand before moving to stand beside me. I stiffened as he rested his hand on my lower back.
Winnie’s gaze flicked between us.
“Are you two a couple?” she asked.
“Yes,” Fox answered the same time I said no.
“We’ve been best friends since we were in diapers. It’s only natural for us to be together,” Fox explained smoothly as he rubbed his thumb in small circles on my back. “She’s my girl.”
“Ugh, spare me,” I snapped him. “I’m sorry, Winnie. Fox cheated on me with the school’s mean queen. We broke up. He said he wanted to get back together yet he doesn’t want to break it off with her. Can you imagine?”
“Oh.” Winnie’s eyes widened. “Uh, I’m sorry to hear that.”
“Rosalie,” Fox warned softly.
“Sorry, babe, just thought Winnie would like to report the truth.”
Winnie cleared her throat as Jamie stepped away and let a giggle slip out.
“Gabe, uh, could you take our stars’ photos?” Winnie called out, finally tearing her gaze away from us.
Gabe came back and snapped a couple pics before I shook Fox off and stomped away.
“Can you believe him?” I snarled to Jamie as we moved to my dressing area. “What a douche.”
“I’m not a douche, Rosalie. But you certainly were back there.”
“Eat shit, Fox,” I snarled at him, surprised he’d actually had the balls to follow me.
“I’m, uh, just going to go. I-I think I hear Mr. Dennison calling.” Jamie scurried off, leaving me with Fox.
I raised a brow at him and folded my arms over my chest. “Don’t do that shit again.”
“The story about the musical is going to run in the paper, Rosie. You might want to tell your dad you’re the star of the show.”
“Thanks for the newsflash.”
“I can be there with you if you need me. I know how much this means to you.” He stared back at me solemnly, his blues eyes taking me in.
“I don’t need you. We’ve been over this.”
He nodded and looked away. “I know. You’re moving on. I get it.”
I sighed.
“Does he fuck you, Rosie? Is he as good as I was?” His voice was so broken.
“Fox, seriously, not here. Not now.”
He closed the distance between us and stared down at me. “Are you in love with him? Will he protect you like I will? When he makes love to you, does he tell you he loves you? What is he willing to do just to make you smile?”
“What are you doing, Fox?” I whispered as I gazed up at him.
“Just trying to figure out what he has to offer that’s better than what I have,” he murmured.
I shook my head. “I’m not doing this with you.” I pushed past him, but he caught my forearm. Our gazes locked.
“I want you to know that we can play dirty too. Just because we don’t appear to be retaliating, doesn’t mean we aren’t.”
“I know. You’ve shown me that in the past.” My voice came out thick and shaky. “And I’m not afraid.”
“Good. That’s my girl. I’ll still be here when this is over.”
“We’ll see.” I pulled my arm away from his and left him standing there, my pulse thundering in my ears.
I knew they had to be up to something. I’d be stupid to think otherwise.
“Rosalie, let’s work on act two, scene two today,” Mr. Dennison called out as he settled into his seat.
I nodded and blew out a breath. Winnie had left but Gabe was still there, clicking away.
This scene didn’t have Fox in it, thankfully. Glancing to the backstage area, I saw him lurking in the background, his arms folded over his leather jacket, his eyes narrowed in my direction.
Licking my lips, I launched into my lines. Jake Winston, one of the actors in the scene, did great. He didn’t need help with his lines and performed nearly perfect with me.
“Nice work, Rosalie,” he called out after we ran through the scene three times.
I smiled. “Thanks. You, too.”
“Take a break. Evans! Let’s get you out here for your solo,” Mr. Dennison shouted out.
Fox grumbled when he passed by me, his fingers running along my hand in a simple gesture to let me know we were still playing.
The intro to his song played, and I couldn’t help but notice how everyone stopped what they were doing to listen to him. His deep voice boomed out in perfect pitch as he sang the song. He didn’t falter once, causing Mr. Dennison to smile, a look of relief sweeping over his face.
“Nicely done, Mr. Evans! Nicely done!” Mr. Dennison nodded, grinning.
Mrs. Adams clapped loudly beside him, smiling widely at Fox who shot her a wink. I rolled my eyes at him. But it was the whooping in the auditorium that had me grinding my teeth.
Juliet.
She sat in the back with Cole and Enzo, clapping loudly. Neither of the guys looked interested in anything as they sat there surveying Fox. I hated that he’d brought her to watch.
“How was I?” Fox asked as he stepped backstage and stood beside me while the stagehands worked on changing props.
“Disgusting,” I grunted. “Was your next move to bring your bitch to our rehearsal?”
Fox frowned, his brows crinkling. “I didn’t invite her.”
“Don’t play stupid, Fox. She’s out there with Enzo and Cole. This is fucked up, even for you. Haven’t you hurt me enough? Is this how you’re really going to play?” I didn’t know why I was so bothered. It wasn’t like I wasn’t doing it back to him with Ian. Maybe Ethan’s absence was getting to me. Maybe the impending blowjob I had to give Ian was weighing me down. Maybe the upcoming conversation with my dad had me on edge. Maybe seeing Juliet in the crowd supporting Fox with my guys beside her was the final straw that just weighed too heavily on my heart.
“You’re literally fucking my enemy, Rosalie. You flaunt that piece of shit wherever you go. I’d say you’re the one who’s fucked up. All you have to do is come back to me and let me expl
ain things. It could end right now.”
I shrugged. “I-I almost did. Remember?” I gazed up at him.
A muscle popped along his jaw. His hands clenched. “That was bad fucking timing, Rosie.”
I snorted. “Right. Because it’s all just a game.”
“The only game we’re playing is the one to get you back. Say yes to me and end it.”
I shook my head. “You’re a liar. I can’t believe anything you tell me. You had me, but she came in, and like always, you stuck your tail between your legs and let me go. And honestly, I don’t know why I can’t just say to hell with all of you and walk away.”
“Because you love me. You love us.”
I shook my head, denying it. “I don’t.”
“You do, Rosie,” Fox’s voice was soft. His warm hand on the small of my back made a shiver rush through me.
“I-I can’t anymore, Fox. You need to pay for what you’ve done. It wasn’t just me. It was others. You need to be taken down.”
“If you only knew how fucking low I already am,” he whispered, his voice shaking. “You’d see what I’ve been willing to do for you. I’m protecting you.”
“You’re protecting yourself and using me as an excuse to do it,” I snapped at him. “I’m so tired of having this conversation with you!”
“Rosalie, are you ready to work on your solo?” Jamie called out, her gaze darting between me and Fox. “Mrs. Adams is ready for you.”
“I’ve gotta go.” I backed away from Fox.
“You don’t have to,” he murmured.
“I do. If I stand here any longer, I might puke from being forced to witness your cheering section.”
He sighed and shook his head at me. “So we’re still playing this game? I thought maybe you’d come to your senses.”
“Yep. Game on.”
His gaze hardened. “Fine. Let’s fucking do it. I wanted to give you a chance. Show me what you’ve got.”
I didn’t bother to answer him, opting to follow Jamie instead. I knew if I said anything, I’d probably cause a scene, and it was the last thing I needed.
Seventeen
After completing my task at Ian’s and earning a nasty slap on my ass, I went home. Not hearing from Ethan bummed me out more than I could put into words. That meant something, and I was well aware of what it was.
I’d fallen for the horsemen easily. Breaking off from them was the hardest thing I’d ever done in my life. They were easy to love, even Cole with his darkness and Fox with his secrets. Even Enzo’s mafia ties didn’t scare me. Ethan though. . . I worried for him most and longed to save him from whatever was going on in his life. For the most part, I assumed it was me, ego aside. If he hurt a fraction of how much I hurt, then I could seriously relate to him. The other three seemed content with their new girl. Ethan though? I hadn’t seen him with her. That gave me hope even though Juliet claimed he’d been with her.
Pulling into the driveway, I sighed. My parents weren’t home. That didn’t surprise me. They’d been going out more often. I figured it was their way to prepare for an empty nest once I left for college. If I got to leave. With Ian with his videos, the future looked bleak.
I got out and went into the house. My stomach gave a grumble, but all I wanted to do was go to my bathroom and brush the taste of Ian from my mouth.
I stepped into my bedroom. Inside, I undressed and took a hot shower. Then I vigorously brushed my teeth. Takeout and a movie in bed seemed like a great way to spend my night.
When I’d pulled in, I’d noticed Fox wasn’t home. No surprise there. He was probably out with Juliet. My guts clenched at the possibility, but I pushed it away. After I wrapped myself in a towel, I went back to my bedroom.
Once in my closet, I dug around for my sleep shorts and tank top. A scream ripped from my lips as I turned. Ethan’s warm hand pressed against my mouth, his eyes bright.
“E-Ethan?” I choked out as he removed his hand from over my mouth. “What are you doing? H-How did you get in here?”
He smiled down at me and rested his hands on my toweled waist.
“I’ve been here since your parents left. They don’t lock the window in your dad’s study. I came in that way and waited for you.”
“You could’ve called me instead of sneaking into my house like a damn criminal.” My pulse slowed.
He cocked his head at me. “I wanted to surprise you.”
“You nearly gave me a heart attack.”
“Sorry,” he murmured, brushing a damp curl away from my face. “I just figured we shouldn’t let anyone know what we’re doing here just yet.”
“And what is that?” I asked as he took a step closer to me, closing the distance between our bodies.
“Isn’t it obvious?” His voice was soft as he rested his forehead against mine.
“Maybe you should remind me.”
He let out a soft chuckle. “I’ve made my decision. It’s you, sweetheart. Whatever you’re planning, I’m in.”
“Yeah?” My heart jolted in my chest, warmth flowing through me. “You’re mine?”
“You know you own me, Rosalie. Nothing in this world or the next will ever change that. It’s the only fucking truth I know. You were made for me. Without you, I’m just Ethan Masters, drug addict and depressed horseman.”
“And with me?”
“I’m yours. It’s the only thing that matters in my world.” His words were simple and to the point. He angled my head up, his eyes searching mine, asking for permission.
“So we’re doing this?” I asked, my voice soft and shaky.
“We’re doing this.” He pressed his lips to mine so gently I all but melted against him.
I didn’t know what to expect with him since the last time we were alone, he’d scared me. He tugged me out of the bathroom, keeping his lips fused with mine. We stumbled to my bed where he laid me down on it and balanced over me. The adoration on his face made my heart clenched. All I knew was I didn’t want to hurt him.
“I’ve missed you,” he murmured against my lips.
“I’ve missed you too.” I ran my fingers through his silky hair, enjoying the way it tickled.
He beamed down at me. “I have so much to tell you, Rosalie.” He kissed me again.
I arched myself against his body. His hand gripped my waist and helped to keep me against him.
“So tell me.” I nipped his bottom lip.
A beautiful grin spilled over his face.
“I’m having a hard time concentrating knowing I could have you naked in one tug.” He worked his hand along my thigh and skimmed the edge of my towel.
“Then why don’t you?” I challenged breathlessly.
His pretty eyes darkened as he peered down at me.
“Don’t tempt me, sweetheart. I’m walking a fine line between being a gentleman and a monster.”
“My world could use a monster like you, Ethan.”
What little control he seemed to have slipped. He let out a growl and pushed his hand beneath my towel and up my thigh.
A gasp left my lips as he ran a warm finger up my slit.
“Fuck, you have no idea how long I’ve wanted to touch you for. Being able to…” He surveyed me in awe as he explored me with his fingers. “You’re so wet, sweetheart.” His thumb pressed gently against the tight bundle of nerves.
I closed my eyes as he circled it slowly.
“I’m sorry about the other night. I was so fucking wasted, Rosalie. Everything is a blur. But your words brought me out. Your kiss. Your touch.” He let out a soft sigh against my lips.
“It’s OK, Ethan. I’m not mad.”
“What you do to me. . . I want to taste you, sweetheart.” He groaned softly as he shifted off me so he could lie beside me, his fingers still working beneath my towel. He kissed along my jaw.
“You can,” I whispered in a choked voice.
His fingers stilled, and he stared at me, his brows crinkled. “Are you sure? I don’t want to push you so soon. I
feel guilty as hell about the other night. I don’t do things like that, Rosalie. Even this is probably too much—”
“You were always so sweet, Ethan.” I kissed him tenderly. “But there are some really ugly memories in my head that I want to disappear. So please, help me. Make them go away.”
“Oh, Rosalie,” he murmured, running his nose along mine. “I’m so sorry. I’ll make it better. I promise.”
My breath hitched in my chest as he moved south, his gaze never breaking from mine. When he reached the bottom of my towel, he pushed it up.
“Damn,” he breathed out, his lips parting. “So beautiful.”
My face heated from his words. But this was Ethan being Ethan.
He leaned in and pressed his warm lips to my damp, aching center. I closed my eyes and swallowed as he ran his tongue up my slit before he pushed forward through my folds.
“Oh god,” I gasped as his warm tongue swirled around my clit in smooth, gentle motions.
He sucked and licked it as I twisted my fingers in his hair, pulling him as close to my center as I could get.
“More,” I pleaded softly, whimpering beneath his hot mouth.
He growled his approval and upped his speed. He pushed a finger into me and hooked it to the spot which made my eyes roll back in my head.
“Ethan. Please,” I groaned as the flurry of hot tingles surfaced, making my breath stutter.
He kept up his quick, steady pace, building my euphoria until it hit the surface, sending me spiraling through the glorious waves, his name on my lips.
When I finally came down, my body shook. Ethan licked up my folds one final time before planting a gentle kiss to my trembling center. He sat up and ran his tongue over his lips, his green eyes shining brightly. He smoothed my towel back into position, not once tugging it apart to look at the rest of my body.
“Was that OK?” he asked as I reached for him. He came to me eagerly and wrapped me in his arms on my bed, his fingers in my hair as he pushed it gently away from my face.
“It was so amazing.” I kissed him, tasting myself on his lips.
“Promise?” he murmured.