After everyone leaves and it’s just Brett, Quinn, and me in the room, he asks, “Any idea who could have done this?” Seriously? He’s the head of security and he’s asking me?
I’m pissed so I do what I do best. I pace. There’s no way I can sit still with everything that’s running through my mind.
Quinn tries her best to be the middleman. “We suspect his stepfather, but if what you say is true about who has access, then we don’t have a clue.” She turns to me and I shake my head, because I really don’t know who these pictures belong to. I’ve never seen them before.
“All our staff has been vetted, and I interviewed all of them separately. I can assure you that no one else is allowed in here. No one. Not even the lighting, sound, or the staff can come in this room. They have no need to since their jobs are out there, setting everything up. I’ll need to take the envelope and the picture with me so I can do what needs to be done.”
“Do what you need to do, but I want it back once you’ve finished.” My voice sounds raspy and rough from singing for over two hours. I’m also dying of thirst. Water won’t do, so I walk over to the mini bar and pop open a bottle of Jameson. That will do the trick.
“I’ll keep in touch. As soon as I find out anything, I’ll let you know. We’ll find out who’s behind this, it just might take some time.” With that, he walks out of the room and I collapse on the sofa.
Bottle in hand.
“Jet—” I hold up my hand because I really don’t want to talk. There’s nothing to say anyway. My past is colliding with my present and I can’t do a damn thing to stop it. I should have known that just when I had the world by the balls, it would split apart.
Quinn sits down, but not close. She’s giving me space and I’m forever grateful. Ever since my mother died, I’ve learned to live without a comforting touch or unconditional love. I wouldn’t know how to accept it if it was right in front of me.
The last thing I need right now is her pity, but I feel like I do owe her an explanation of sorts.
“I never met my real father. Same old cliché, since he beat feet when she told him she was pregnant. For years, it was just me and Mom living paycheck to paycheck like so many single mothers. But we were happy! Until Joseph P. Lawless came along and swept her off her feet. He filled her head with happily-ever-after’s and false promises. In all actuality he was a devil in sheep’s wool. She never knew this about her husband, and she died completely clueless about his true nature.”
“Brett will let us know once he has some answers,” Quinn breaks in. “Do you want to go to the hotel, or the afterparty?” I hate that she’s nervous and tiptoeing around me, but all I really want is to crawl inside my sleeping bag in the corner of my room and forget. Which is impossible since this is the first damn concert of many. “We could pick up where we left off?”
“I’m afraid I wouldn’t be very good company, baby. I would like to go to the hotel as long as I can take this bottle with me.” Quinn’s smile is reassuring. I know she likes me but for how long? Once my past is out in the open, there’s no way she’ll ever want to be with me again.
“I’d give you the world if it would bring you some peace of mind.” There’s not a chance in hell that she could give me either, but it’s sweet that she’d even try.
Standing up, I reach out for her hand. When she takes it, I can’t help wondering if this will be the last time.
QUINN
We’re quiet on the way back to the hotel. I’m not sure if it’s because our driver forgot to secure the partition or if Jet’s once again lost in his thoughts. I’m glad he opened up a bit more about his past, but it’s vague at best and I’ve never been good at solving puzzles. If only I were, then maybe I could start piecing the clues together to make more sense.
Jet’s been resting his head against the seat on the ride home. One hand clings to mine while the other tips back the bottle, I stupidly agreed he could take it with him. I’m hoping he’ll give it up once we’re inside or he’ll regret it tomorrow.
I’m relieved that the others didn’t insist on coming back with us. I convinced them to go to the afterparty to represent the band. The last thing we want to portray is that something is amiss. If one of the staff members does turn out to be Jet’s stepfather, then we want to carry on as if it’s no big deal. If we show fear, who knows what could happen.
After we pull into the hotel parking lot, the driver parks under the massive awning. We’re flanked by security as one of them speaks into his handheld and then opens our door. No one speaks as Jet and I slide out and walk in. More security is waiting and so is the elevator. The both of us step inside and four security men do the same. I know it’s necessary, but we are bringing attention to ourselves also.
“Wait inside until we secure the floor.” I’m afraid by the time we do, Jet won’t be able to stand up. A few minutes later, we’re escorted to our door. And of course they need to follow us through after Jet swipes the keycard.
“Let us sweep all the rooms first. Once it’s secured, you can go about your business.” So professional, and if this situation wasn’t so dire, it would be laughable. It reminds me of the movie Men in Black. You need to excuse me. I’m tired and edgy.
Another sweep of his hand, an “all clear” in his headset, and we’re finally left alone.
“I’m in desperate need of a shower.” I’m disappointed when he leaves me standing there as he walks into the en suite. Thankfully, he placed his half empty bottle on the table by the door.
I wish with all my heart that I could tell him everything’s going to be fine, but I can’t. If I only knew the demons he was fighting, perhaps I could. Then again, it might be too much for even me to fix. Now I’m kicking myself in the ass for not insisting he hand over that first picture of his mom. As much as I hate it, I need to let security handle this and pray that Jet cooperates with them when they find out.
When I walk into the bedroom, I’m stunned to see Jet standing there. His fists are tightly clenched by his sides and he looks tormented. The room’s thick with condensation and I can hear the shower running, so why is he still in here? “Jet, what’s wrong?”
“That old guitar was the last thing my mom ever gave me. And that piece of shit used it to his advantage because he knew how much I cherished it! I sold my soul to the devil but I’d do it again, Quinn. In a heartbeat.” Oh wow, another piece of the puzzle but it’s not enough. It’s too vague.
I slowly approach him. He’s angry, wild, and perhaps drunk. Hence the reason he’s purging his soul. “Did he threaten you with the guitar, Jet? What happened? Talk to me.” I break the spell when I reach out to touch him.
“Forget it. Not important, but can you make sure I get that picture back when this nightmare is over?” He doesn’t wait for me to answer, he just walks away.
I can’t take my eyes off of him as he undresses, steps inside the shower, and gets lost in the billowing fog of steam. In his own way, he’s giving me little snippets of his life. If I’m going to figure this all out and help him through it, I need to do what I do best. Organize everything.
Grabbing one of my notebooks that I keep for personal notes, I scribble down what I know so far. His mother died of a brain tumor when he was eleven. Single mom. Stepdad is POS. Runaway at the age of thirteen. What kind of hell did you live through in those two years, Jet?
I’m going to do some private detective work on my own. Now that I have his stepdad’s name, I’m going to call in a few favors and see what I can come up with. It’s going to be difficult with the tour just starting again but I’ll do what I can. I’m desperate to help him since I have a very small window of time remaining.
While the shower’s still running, I undress and get ready to throw on a thick fluffy robe when a hand reaches out and pulls me in. Wet, sexy, and now sober, his mouth dives in and devours me. “I need you so fucking much, Quinn.”
“I know, baby. Let me make you feel good.” When I drop to my knees, he doesn’t st
op me this time. He groans when I wrap my hands around his thick cock and shivers when I give him a few good pumps and take him in my mouth.
“Fuck,” leaves his lips when I start teasing and swirling my tongue around his tiny little opening. Lapping up every drop of his arousal.
I take him as deep as I can, and then hollow out my cheeks and suck. His hips begin to move and I know he wants to fuck my mouth, so I gladly let him. With his hands tangled in my hair, he pumps in and out. I know he’s desperate to face fuck me but he’s afraid, so I make it easier for him. “I want you to fuck my mouth hard and come down my throat.”
There’s something so erotic about the water sluicing down my body while he’s fucking my mouth. My body’s so aroused that the rivulets of water running down my nipples and clit are setting me on fire. I want him filling my pussy with his thick shaft, but I believe he needs this more, and I’m more than happy to oblige.
“Oh fuck, baby, I can’t come in your mouth.” Oh, he can and he will.
When he slows his pace, I grab his ass and hum. The vibration has him trembling and he has no place to go but down my throat, and he does. Spurt after spurt and I swallow every last drop. Salty and sweet. My two favorite combinations. When he’s spent he pulls me up, wrapping his arms around me, and we stand like this until the water runs cold.
22
JET
Last night, I got stupid drunk and ran my mouth, but it won’t happen again. Nope. If I don’t learn to check myself, Quinn will figure all of this out and not only will I lose the girl, but everything I worked for over the years. She’s smart, and it won’t take her long to piece everything together. I’m not afraid of her revealing anything, but I don’t trust anyone else in the industry other than the band to keep my secrets. So, no more drinking and more fucking since it will all be over in the blink of an eye. Not something I want to dwell on right now.
I woke up this morning with a headache and an empty bed. Quinn had a meeting and didn’t want to disturb me, so she left me with a thermos of coffee and some pain meds. Coffee’s not my thing but the meds and the caffeine were exactly what I needed. My girl knows what’s best for me, even if I don’t.
Is she my girl? She never said anything of that nature and truthfully neither did I. Perhaps it was just an understanding the first night and it’s continued from there. Yeah, I had my fair share of sex, nothing as drastic as Lucas, but I’d like to think I’m older and wiser. It’s an ache I take part in but not an addiction. Sometimes I think of what will happen after the tour is over and it becomes overwhelming. Quinn thinks I don’t know, but I’ve heard the others talking about her moving on. Not sure if it’s true and I’m too afraid to ask, so for now I’m going to enjoy the time we have together.
Tonight we play the same venue we did last night. It was a two-night stint at Grand Stadium and tomorrow we leave for New Jersey. At least this time around, we have more access to Caleb’s private jet so we won’t need to use the bus again. Which works great for me since trying to sleep with Quinn in the tiny bus bedroom would be impossible. Bunk sex is a no go since I’m too damn tall. The thought does have me chuckling when I think of us in all kinds of crazy positions. Kinda gets my dick hard just thinking about it when I’m busted and Quinn walks through the door.
“What’s so funny?” She’s smiling and for a split second my chest hurts. Damn, she’s so beautiful. I can’t believe she wants to be here with me. Then again, she doesn’t know the truth and that’s like a punch to my gut.
“Just glad we are using Caleb’s jet instead of the bus.” I need say no more when she starts laughing. Striding over she hikes up her skirt, kicks off her heels, and straddles my lap.
“You’re such a perv. You know that?” A little nip on my jaw, and I’m instantly hard.
“Who, me? Nah, you must have me confused with the front man of The Sinful Seven. Now he’s the perv! Me, I’m only like that around you.” Ah crap. I just admitted that she’s got me all tied up in knots. Yep, now she has that starry-eyed gaze.
“That might be the nicest compliment you ever gave me.”
“Nope, not true. Did you forget that I’m always telling you how much I love your sweet ass and your tight pussy wrapped around my dick?” She punches me in the arm and I’m relieved she doesn’t have her gun.
“I haven’t forgotten, but that kind of flattery is frowned upon in a crowded room.” I can’t argue with that.
“So, would you rather grab something to eat, or go for a swim in the pool? Brett said he’d gladly clear it out if you feel like a swim.” Damn, she’s biting that bottom lip again. Not good.
“It’s very tempting, but since you brought up Brett, do you think we should show him the other picture of your mom? It might be a big help in the investigation.”
It crossed my mind more than once as I tossed and turned last night. I just hate the fact that strangers get a glimpse into my life but have no business being there. Sounds stupid, I know, but I like having the picture of my mother. Although she’s gone, it seems like a violation of sorts.
“I’ll make you a deal. If you go skinny dipping with me in the pool, I’ll hand it over to him. Balls in your court, baby.” Or in her mouth and hands, but I don’t go there or she’ll punch me in the other arm.
“That’s not fair! You’re blackmailing me. It does kinda sound nice, but if we go, I’m wearing my bathing suit. No skinny dipping. Got it?” She has no idea that I’m going to pull her skimpy bikini bottoms aside and ram my hard cock into her wet heat.
“Compromise, baby. We can give him the pic when we go downstairs. Could you call him to let him know while I make a call of my own?”
“Absolutely, and for what it’s worth, you’re doing the right thing. Once it’s over, you’ll get them back.” Yeah, and they better be in the same condition or some heads are going to fucking roll.
QUINN
The pool was very interesting to say the least. No skinny dipping involved, but plenty of hot, carnal sex. I should have known that I didn’t need to be naked in order for Jet to play my body like he does so expertly. I should be ashamed of myself, but I enjoyed it way too much to care. There’s something so freeing about being in the water. Maybe it’s because our bodies are weightless and light, much like our inhibitions. Floating and bottomless.
I’m glad Jet talked me into going. Now I’m lighter and not wound so tight. I know I have a tendency to be too professional on occasion, which might come off as being uptight or a prude. In my defense, I represent Morris Music and I wouldn’t want to do anything to jeopardize my position. The pool was on my own time and in no way should reflect on my job. So there’s that.
The band had their sound check after lunch and now we should be leaving for the venue in about thirty minutes. Everyone gathered in our room afterwards and we’ve just been chilling and relaxing ever since. Some bands are so dysfunctional. I’m grateful The Sinful Seven are like brothers and sisters. They’re so in sync that working with them is incredible. I’m going to miss them all so much when it’s over.
Not one of them questioned Jet about what happened last night. They trust him enough to know he handled it the best way he knows how. And, if he wants them to know, he’ll tell them. As far as I’m concerned, that’s friendship at its finest. They give each other space, but if the time ever comes where they need help, they all come running.
Jet and Lucas are in the middle of a heated discussion when there’s a knock on the door, so I get up to answer it. If the look on Brett’s face wasn’t a tell, the envelope in his gloved hands would be. Jet’s by my side before I have a chance to call him.
“From what the front desk clerk told me, this was dropped off a few minutes ago. One of my men are checking the footage as we speak. He’ll call if they find something. I’d appreciate it if you could wear these gloves before opening it this time around.”
Jet’s hands are shaking as he slips on the tight gloves and reaches for the envelope. This is going to continue happenin
g every night if we don’t find the person who’s responsible for this. Two envelopes in two nights and one before he left is not a coincidence.
He swipes his thumb along the seam and it easily rips open. A ragged breath and he hesitantly pulls out a new picture. Two children with identical blue eyes. Twins? “Do you know the children in this picture?” Brett inquires.
“It’s me, but I’m not going to tell you her name.” What? Why? He gently runs his thumb over her innocent face before slipping the picture inside the envelope.
“If you want to find out who is behind this investigation, then you need to cooperate. Otherwise, we can’t help you.” Brett takes the envelope and slips it back inside his jacket while Jet walks off.
“I’m going on stage in a few hours and I just can’t deal with this shit right now. You’re the PI, you figure it out!” Okay, so what’s going on?
“I’m sorry, Brett. I’ll try talking to him.” I walk off in the same direction as Jet, but Lucas stops me.
“Quinn, let it go. If and when he’s ready to talk, he will. Now is not the time. As he said, we need to focus on the tour. All of this is too much for him to process. Give him some time is all I ask.”
“I’d gladly give him some more time if I knew everyone was safe, but I don’t. It’s my responsibility. If Jet doesn’t cooperate in this investigation, then I’m going to be forced to cancel the rest of the tour. It’s in the contract, Lucas. We can’t jeopardize anyone’s safety and if I feel it’s unsafe, I can pull the plug now. It would be a shit show, but I’ll do it.”
“Then let me talk to him. See if I can get through because if I can’t, no one can.” Abby’s eyes meet mine as Lucas knocks on Jet’s door and walks in.
I’m grateful that the walls are well insulated, since they’re arguing back and forth. I can make out a few words here and there, but nothing tangible. Everyone looks distraught so I suggest they all get ready for the concert. Abby lingers, waiting for Lucas. It’s just the two of us waiting for the outcome.
Jet: An Enemies-to-Lovers Rockstar Romance (The Sinful Seven Series Book 2) Page 14