Blaze: Underground Encounters 6

by Carlisle, Lisa

  After he was finished, he asked, “You think I’m crazy now, don’t you?”

  I didn’t know what to say. “That’s a crazy story, but I don’t think you’re insane. I think you’re telling me what you think to be the truth.”

  “Meaning what? That I’m hallucinating?”

  “I don’t know what’s going on right now, but I can see you’re pretty freaked out. What are you going to do now?” I asked.

  “My primary concern is making sure you’re safe.”

  Another flutter of delight spread through me. Even in his distress, he thought of me first.

  He slammed his hand over his mouth. “Which is probably the opposite of what I’ve just done.”

  “What do you mean?” I asked.

  “I shouldn’t have told you anything. He said this is a closely guarded secret. What if he comes after us since we know his secrets?”

  I put my hand on his shoulder. “Nobody knows you told me. Nobody knows you’re with me. It’s okay.”

  “It’s not okay. You would not have been at the club tonight, if I hadn’t convinced you to come. It’s my fault what happened to you out there.”

  “No, Mike. Stop blaming yourself. I came here of my own free will. That asshole did what he did out of his. You had nothing to do with it.” I placed my hand on his thigh for emphasis. “Everything is going to be okay.”

  When the tenseness in his muscles eased, I glanced to the road. “Where are we going?”

  “To drop you off at your place.”

  I shook my head. “My roommate is there. I want us to be alone.”

  “You want to come to my place?” His brows furrowed.

  “Yes.”

  Mike glanced at me with a perplexed expression. “I thought you had the one-night rule.”

  “Don’t mention that right now.” I rubbed from his shoulder down his arm. “You took care of me tonight. Now let me take care of you.”

  On the drive back to his house, I kept my hand on his leg in a reassuring way, not a sexual one. He didn’t say much, but stared straight ahead with an expression full of disbelief. Whatever he’d seen had clearly spooked him.

  He pulled into his driveway and turned off the headlights. As we walked up to his house, he draped his arm around my shoulder. After he unlocked the door, he stepped aside to let me walk in.

  “You’re quite chivalrous for a guy in a band,” I remarked.

  “That’s because I’m Marianna Harvey’s son. If she caught me not holding a door for a woman, she’d smack me upside the head.”

  When I entered his living room, it was with familiarity, which was somewhat comforting.

  “Why don’t you relax in the living room and I’ll make us some hot chocolate or something?” I offered.

  “No way.” He spread his hands. “Absolutely not. You’re a guest in my house. You sit down and make yourself comfortable. I’ll make the cocoa.”

  I removed my boots and placed them on the boot tray, smiling when I remembered the saucy way I’d dropped my thong there last time. A blue and brown afghan lay over the back of the couch, so I wrapped it around me as I sat down.

  A stack of magazines lay on an end table and I flipped through them. Guitar World, Wired, computer magazines, comic books, and one surprise, This Old House. His collection reflected his personality. I smirked. Flipping through a This Old House magazine, I paused on a page with gardening tips. One day, I’d like to have a house with a garden rather than sharing an apartment. Maybe one day, I’d be as successful as Mike to pull off buying a small house like this.

  Mike returned with two steaming mugs and a plate of chocolate chip cookies.

  He nodded at the magazine. “Good projects in there, but I haven’t had time to try them.” He put down the plate of cookies. “We had a rough night. We can indulge in some comfort food.”

  “You don’t have to convince me.” I took a sip of the soothing hot beverage, tasting a hint of peppermint schnapps. Following up with a bit of the cookie, the chocolate melted on my tongue and I savored the flavor. “So good.”

  “A bakery down the street. One of my weaknesses. I’m surprised you didn’t scold me. You’re a fitness professional.”

  “I’m not one of those kinds who never eat dessert. I eat what I want, just in moderation.”

  “Whatever you’re doing, keep doing.” He eyed me covered with the afghan. “You’re fuckin’ gorgeous.”

  His voice came out a low, smoky growl that sent vibrations rippling through me.

  Mike walked over to the stereo system. The view of his backside afforded me a chance to study him without him noticing. His hair fell in loose waves past his shoulders in a wild, untamed way I loved, and I longed to run my fingers through them. The loose white button-down shirt was untucked but clung to his shoulders and arms, giving me a glimpse of muscles toned from endless hours of practice. Sexiest of all were the black leather pants, the quintessential article of rock star clothing he pulled off effortlessly, making countless women swoon as he played on stage.

  But, tonight he was mine.

  I’d seen him in work clothes with his hair pulled back and glasses on and I’d seen him in a social setting at the New Year’s Eve party. Although he projected a sexy vibe no matter what he wore, none had hit me more than the way he looked now, comfortable in his habitat. I hadn’t planned on coming here tonight. The circumstances that led us here were beyond anything I could have concocted. Now that I was here again, I would enjoy whatever time I had with him tonight to the fullest.

  Mike played Jimi Hendrix’s Little Wing. I loved the song, but was more fascinated by the man approaching me. He was a conundrum in so many ways. From his day job to his role in the band—from his public persona as the aloof, womanizing rock guitarist to the considerate man who set up my studio to be more efficient than I ever could have imagined. And someone who repeatedly tried to keep me safe from harm.

  He sat next to me on the couch and we leaned back, sipping the cocoa in silence. This was something he clearly loved to do, just sit in his living room and listen to music. While I listened, I grew more aware of how close Mike’s thighs were to my own. The heat from his body was electrifying, lighting all my senses with a smoldering flame.

  Who knew how long we had? I had put up a barrier to keep from getting hurt, but it hadn’t withstood the strength of our attraction. But there was no way anything between us could last for long. Not between our different lifestyles, not to mention how busy we both were. And no matter how much I was drawn to him, I had to learn from my past mistakes or else I was a fool.

  Forcing the inevitable end out of my mind, I focused on the present. We were here now, together, and worrying about the future wouldn’t do any good.

  I leaned over and kissed him on the cheek. “Thank you for watching out for me.” I smiled to show my appreciation. “You might be out of your mind, but I appreciate everything you’ve done for me.”

  He ruffled my hair and kissed the top of my head. “I don’t know how you always seem to find trouble, lady, but I’m glad to be the one to help you out of it.” He opened an arm and motioned to his shoulder, inviting me closer.

  I leaned in, snuggling in the crook of his arm as he enclosed me in a protective embrace. I covered us both with the afghan. Whatever crazy events had led me to this place were worth it. A warm glow lit inside me.

  A greater awareness of him spread through me. The happiness that enveloped me as snug as a cocoon made way for other pleasurable sensations. My nipples tightened, yearning for attention, and heat pooled between my thighs, making me squirm and readjust.

  I reached up to kiss his neck and tasted the salty remnants of sweat from his energetic performance on stage. Breathing him in, I scented that alluring aftershave, so damn delicious.

  “I didn’t bring you here to seduce you. I just wanted to make sure you’re safe.” The way he tilted his neck to grant me more access to his neck betrayed his words.

  “Do you want me to stop?�
� I murmured.

  “God, no,” he rasped.

  “Then let me do what I want to do.”

  Tossing the afghan aside, I straddled on his lap to face him. His eyes darkened with a fiery inner blaze as he scanned my face. All traces of fury and bewilderment from earlier gone, replaced by hunger in his predatory gaze. My self-admonitions not to get too close to him evaporated, as well. I wanted him more now than ever.

  Each time we’d met, I discovered things about him, fueling the desire to learn more. No matter how I lied to myself that it was just to scratch a lustful itch, I knew I was getting in deep. Damn, I was falling for him and it was a dark, dangerous descent. With his track record and my wariness from my past, this could only end in disaster. The sensible course of action was to run, but instead I sank deeper onto his lap, brushing against his growing erection.

  My lips parted instinctively as I ran my fingers through his soft hair. Desire coiled in my core, and I yearned to get closer to him still.

  I leaned forward to touch his lips with my own. He groaned with appreciation and pulled my head closer, capturing my mouth. His tongue found mine, caressing and tasting. We savored each other slowly. He tasted of warm chocolate, utterly delicious, the lingering sweetness of the cocoa and cookies.

  As our kiss deepened, my need turned desperate. I unbuttoned his shirt with haste, running my hands over the hard planes of his chest while he traced his fingers down my back.

  “What is it about you, Allana? I can’t get enough.” He unzipped my dress.

  “I know what you mean. I promised myself I’d stay away, but I can’t.”

  “Then don’t.” He pushed the dress down to my waist and kissed my bare shoulder. “I’m not the bad guy you think I am.” His voice lowered a seductive notch.

  Since we had mutual friends, maybe we could be friends—with fringe benefits, of course.

  His mouth moved to my neck, and I tilted my head back to grant him more access. He fondled my breasts over my bra. My clothes felt too restrictive. I needed to remove them. Had to have him inside me soon.

  “One sec,” I said. I climbed off and stood before him half undressed.

  His eyes bore into mine with pure lust. I had forgotten the music playing, but now I took note.

  “Is this the Stone Temple Pilots?” I asked.

  “Yes. All in the Suit that You Wear.”

  “Dance for me,” he implored in his voice husky.

  “Yes.” Anything to keep him looking at me like that. Never had I felt so desired. I swayed as I moved the dress down my hips. His eyes widened, never blinking as he watched me move. I let the dress drop to the ground.

  He inhaled sharply. “You’re so damn hot.”

  Since he watched me as if entranced, I continued to move with the music. He looked irresistible with his shirt unbuttoned, hair mussed and lips puffy from kissing. “You look pretty damn delicious yourself.”

  “I’d bet every guy in that club tonight wishes they were in my place with you.” He reached a hand to me.

  I took it and he pulled me to him. Somehow, we ended tangled on the couch with him above me. I tugged off his shirt and reached for his pants. Once I unfastened them, he pulled them down, standing to remove his boots and clothes. His cock jutted out proudly and I sat up, reaching for his thighs to pull him closer. I kissed the tip, licking the salty pre-cum that pooled on the head, and a deep groan emanated from his throat. I licked from the tip to his balls and around each one, then let their weight rest in my hand. Taking the head in my mouth, I flicked it with my tongue while I caressed his testicles. Then I took him in deeper, nice and slow, while he moaned in satisfaction.

  He ran his hands through my hair and whispered my name. I took immense satisfaction in having his pleasure under my complete control.

  “Oh God, Allana. I’m going to come if you keep doing that.” He gently pulled my head away. “And I want to taste you and fuck you good and hard before I do that.”

  Mike pulled me to my feet and wrapped his arms around me, kissing me with urgency. After unhooking my bra, he tossed it to our growing pile of clothes on the floor, following it with my black lace panties. He fell on top of me on the couch and our naked limbs entangled.

  One hand cradled my breast as his warm mouth found my other one. His tongue made my nipples tingle and harden, sending ripples of pleasure through me. He alternated from one breast to the other, devoting equal, slow care to each. As I arched my back, a moan escaped me.

  “Your breasts are so perfect I could kiss them all day.” His finger stroked my folds and he murmured, “But there are so many other parts of you I want to explore.”

  I moaned in pleasure. His voice caught in his throat as he added, “You’re so wet.”

  “I want you, Mike.”

  “Soon, babe.”

  His body moved against mine, kissing and licking as he made his way down. God, I ached for him. He exhaled, warming me, and when his tongue finally caressed me where I needed him, I sighed with relief, sinking into the cushions. His tongue was like velvet on my sensitive flesh, knowing just what I wanted next.

  While he drove me delirious with his tongue, he fingered me with the artistry of a man who worked with his hands, honing his skills over many years of practice. No man had ever played me this exquisitely before, sending me spiraling to such peaks. One of my hands ran through his hair while the fingers of the other carved indentations through the suede on the couch.

  He must have sensed I was close, as he latched onto my clit and drove me right over the edge.

  “Oh my God,” I cried. “Oh. My. God.”

  I crashed in waves, over and over, quaking with each spasm. Aftershocks rippled through me, extending the overwhelming sensations. Mike bent to the floor, rifling through his clothes, and I heard the tear of foil. I peered up to see him sheath himself with a condom.

  “Hurry,” I pleaded.

  He eased the head in and I pulled him closer, inviting him deeper.

  “Oh, you feel incredible,” he crooned.

  Although he entered me slowly to let me adjust, his pace soon quickened. He drilled into me, unyielding, and I yelped with each forceful thrust. I wrapped my arms and legs around him, both trying to resist the onslaught and begging for more. His pace slowed and he paused.

  “I need a moment, so I don’t explode. You feel too fuckin’ good.”

  “Let me climb on top,” I said.

  “Hold on to me.”

  When he stood, my limbs clung around him while he held me aloft. I clamped my legs tighter. “I’m afraid I’m going to fall.”

  “Never,” he said, “I’ve got you.”

  I relaxed my arms to lean back and searched his hazel eyes. God, I could lose myself in them. “I trust you.”

  What did that mean? With him holding me? Or more?

  My thoughts were silenced as I eased down on him, impaling myself deeper on his cock. With the gravity and only him as my anchor, I felt heady. I rode him supported only by his sturdy stance. His cock brushed my clit and I spiraled higher.

  “So good,” he murmured.

  My need escalated, and I increased the tempo. I clung to Mike as I climbed higher. My desire escalated more quickly this time, and I shattered into pieces, falling back to earth as light and slow as confetti.

  We ended up on the floor on top of the afghan with me still straddling him. The last traces of my orgasm subsided, but soon a flutter of need rose again. I rode him with a slow pace, building up, and then losing myself to the sensations as I rocketed higher. He hammered into me from below, causing me to cry out his name as I raced to my climax.

  “Oh Allana, yes!” He thrust into me a few more times, digging his fingers into my hips as he found his release.

  I leaned forward, collapsing on his chest and burying my face into his neck, inhaling his masculine aroma. Once I stopped panting so fast, I purred, “That was incredible.”

  He draped his arms over me and his heart pounded against mine. “It
always is with you.”

  My muscles tightened. Always was a dangerous word.

  But, then I relaxed back against him. Why worry about a word when I had something so wonderful—at least for now?

  Chapter 11

  Mike

  We left the living room to go into my room. After I recovered from our living room session, we gave the headboard another durability test. Sex with her was incredible. She gave herself to me without inhibition. The more time I had with Allana, the more I wanted to spend time with her.

  She lay against my chest. We both had a sheen of sweat covering us, but she didn’t seem to mind. The scent of it on her gave her an even sexier appeal. My little fitness queen.

  I put a playlist on shuffle of the Doors’ Perception boxed set. It was one I often fell asleep to and doing so with Allana in my arms felt like it meant something, but I wasn’t sure what. The feeling confused me.

  The Crystal Ship played and I pulled her closer. “I like having you here,” I said. “It feels right.”

  She didn’t speak for several heart-pounding seconds. Did I say the wrong thing?

  “I know,” she said. “But, we shouldn’t say things like that. It’ll only make it harder.”

  “Make what harder?”

  “When I leave.”

  My heart pounded, with panic this time rather than passion. “What?”

  “We both know this can’t go anywhere. Circumstances brought us here tonight, but tomorrow we need to go back to our own lives.”

  I stared at her in disbelief. Tonight, I thought we’d had some sort of breakthrough, letting down our guards and letting each other in. I searched her clear blue eyes for the truth. Did she truly mean this was it for us or was she trying to protect herself by erecting the barrier once more? Although she tried to steel her expression with this resolve, I caught glimpses of vulnerability breaking through that drew me in deeper.