Bayou Stix Series: Bayou Stix Limited Edition Box Set

by Skye Turner

  I can’t speak, but I lean my face into his hand so he’s cupping it. My eyes are watching him and I can see in his eyes that it’s the truth. My heart gallops in my chest.

  “Blue, I’m a rock star. Women are going to throw themselves at me. It’s part of the lifestyle. But, I promise you that I will never cheat on you.” He leans in and kisses me whisper soft and his breath touches my lips. “Now that I have you, I’m not letting you go. You told me to go all in and I’m ALL IN. You are what I want. You are the woman I’m supposed to be with. You’re the woman in here.” He places my hand over his heart.

  My eyes fill with tears. Is this man laying it on the line with me the same man that I’ve butted heads with for so long? The same man that I’ve loved for as long as I can remember? The answer is no, he’s not the same man. He’s now my man.

  I smile through the tears running down my face. “Jessie, I love you. I’ve loved you since I first saw you. I can’t promise that I won’t lose my shit again, but as long as I’m who you come home to every night and I’m who you love, I will do my best to deal with groupie skanks.” I chuckle. “Though I can’t promise I won’t beat a bitch down if she touches you inappropriately.”

  He leans back and smiles into my face. We stare at each other for an eternity.

  Leaning back, he reaches into his jacket pocket. What’s he doing?

  He hits his knee. My eyes become saucers in my head and my mouth practically drags the ground. “Wh-what are you doing, Jessie?” I whisper in shock. He’s not? Is he?

  Opening and holding out a tiny box, he looks at me. “Blue Delaney, I love you. I am in love with you. There is no other woman on this earth who can drive me as insane as you do. I don’t want any other woman to. I know this is fast, but it doesn’t feel rushed. It feels right. This is not the way I planned it to happen, but no wading. All or nothing… take a chance. With me. Are you all in? Will you marry me?”

  I can’t breathe. I can’t see. I don’t even know what the ring looks like. Jessie Adams… my Jessie Adams, is on his knee in the French Quarter, declaring his love for me, and asking me to marry him.

  Taking a deep breath to stop the trembling, I launch myself at him. “Yes. Yes, I will marry you. You’re all I want. I love you, Jessie. I’ve loved you forever.”

  He whoops and slides the ring onto my finger as I pepper his face with kisses.

  Suddenly, we’re aware of the sniffles and chuckles in the background. Wiping my face, we both turn to the street. Standing there is everyone plus a few strangers. Lexi is crying. Bradi is sniffling, wrapped in Micah’s arms as he smiles at us. Jude, Liam, Dade, Erik, and Alec are grinning. Cruz and Clove are hugging. And everyone else is staring at us with happy expressions and clapping.

  Lexi squeals and runs over to me, grabbing my hand. Bradi and Clove follow. I look down. It’s gorgeous. It’s a princess cut diamond that must be about two carats with tiny black diamonds on the band. It’s huge.

  “Oh my God, that is the most beautiful ring.” Bradi is jumping up and down.

  “Good Lord. Way to go, Jessie. That is gorgeous. I’m so happy for y’all!” Lexi hugs me tightly and looks back at Jessie with a wink.

  Clove grins and wipes her eyes. “Congrats, you two. You really are, like, the best couple. I’m very happy for you.”

  I look over at Jessie and he’s getting back slaps and fist bumps from all the guys. Jude pulls him in for a hug and looks over at me and winks.

  Jessie looks over at me, surrounded by our closest friends, and mouths, “I love you.”

  I mouth back, “I love you, too.”

  Liam chuckles and rolls his eyes. “That’s two down… who the hell is next?”

  Chapter Thirty

  Jessie

  My best friend is getting married today. I’m engaged to the woman of my dreams. A few months ago, I was sleeping with groupies and getting sick of the life. Now, I’ve bought a house with Blue, we’re getting married, and I can’t wait to see what the rest of our life has in store. Wow, things have been good for me recently.

  The past week has been a whirlwind. Wedding preparations for Lexi and Jude have kept everyone busy and Christmas was four days ago. Blue and I received the keys to our house in NOLA on Monday. We’ve been unable to do anything with it though other than getting the keys and christening most of the rooms in the place before we headed back to Baton Rouge; but, we have big plans. After the wedding, we’re heading back down for a week of uninterrupted “us” time. Jude and Lexi are going to be honeymooning and we’re going to be making the house in New Orleans our own and planning our life together. I can’t wait.

  Liam has been ribbing me non-stop, but I can see he’s happy for us. All of the guys are here in the media room at Jude and Lexi’s. We’ve been banished and told we are not allowed upstairs at all today. The house is beautiful and the weather has cooperated, so the wedding is outside in the gazebo. It’s about sixty-six degrees today, so it should be perfect.

  Jude walks over and breaks me out of my daydreaming. “Happiness looks good on you, man.”

  I look at him. The wedding is in about an hour and he’s all done up in his penguin suit. “As it does on you. You ready?”

  He smiles. There is no sense of worry or nervousness coming off of him at all. “Yes indeed! I was ready a month ago. I can’t wait to see Lexi and have her take my name.”

  The other guys walk over. Dade, Micah, and I are in the wedding with Jude. Liam and Cruz are ushers. Erik is actually giving Lexi away and Bradi is the ‘Maid of Honor’. Alec is here too. Dade pours a shot for everyone. We take them and raise our glasses. He toasts, “To Jude and Lexi. May you have all the happiness you can handle and may you grace this house with mini Delecroixs very soon!”

  Jude laughs. “Thank you, man. We’re going to get in loads of practice and work on that!”

  We all take our shots.

  Liam mutters, “I hope nothing is in this tequila. Y’all are dropping like flies.”

  Jude slaps him on the back and I grin. “Just wait. When Cupid strikes, you’ll get it, dude.”

  He pours another shot. “Screw Cupid, I’m good.” He shudders before he slams down his shot.

  Blue

  We’re all waiting to head down for the ceremony. Erik just came up and said the Justice of the Peace had arrived and everyone is ready downstairs.

  Looking at Lexi, I can’t help but get choked up. She’s gorgeous. Her gown fits perfectly and the crystals catch the light every time she moves. The stylist has left her hair down and her red curls are flowing down her back and cascading over the heart-shaped neckline of the strapless dress. Her eyes are smoky and her pupils are sparkling with excitement. Her cheeks have a gorgeous, flushed glow. Bradi and I match in our knee length, strapless gowns and Erik has a tuxedo with a persimmon vest and kerchief. We take one last look in the mirror.

  Erik offers his arm to Lexi, “Ready, love?”

  She links hers with it and smiles. “I’m eight years of ready.” Her face is bursting with love and joy.

  Bradi and I head down behind them and Clove leaves to check on the food one last time.

  We enter the media room while Erik keeps Lexi near the hall. Jude is already at the front of the gazebo and he’s staring at the doors with a look of anticipation on his face.

  Jessie walks over to me and my heart drops to my feet. He’s gorgeous in his tuxedo with his hair pulled off of his face. His eyes meet mine, before they rake my body. It warms. The smile on his face makes me want to jump him. Reaching for my hands, he squeezes while he looks at me, then he pulls me in for a kiss. I kiss him softly. “Don’t mess up my makeup, handsome.”

  “You are breathtaking, Blue. God, you look gorgeous.” His voice is full of awe.

  Soon it’s our turn and we head down the white satin, petal strewn path leading to the gazebo. He’s rubbing my hands with his fingers the entire time. When we reach the front, he leans in to kiss me, before we head our separate ways.

 
Jude chuckles, “I’m the one who’s supposed to be kissing the beautiful woman today, man.”

  Jessie grins up at him, “Yeah well, I can’t help it. My woman’s lips were begging for my kiss.”

  He winks at me as he heads to take his position beside Dade and I head to join Bradi. I blush.

  The music changes and everyone stares as Lexi starts down the aisle. Everyone gasps. Jude can’t take his eyes off of her. It’s so beautiful. Everyone chokes up at the beauty, the perfection, and the obvious love they have for each other.

  The ceremony goes off without a hitch.

  When the Justice of the Peace pronounces Jude and Lexi as man and wife, and as they lean in for their kiss, Jessie catches my eyes and mouths, “We’re next.”

  I mouth back, “I know. I love you.”

  “I love you, too.” He blows me a kiss and flicks his lip ring with his tongue as he winks.

  Who would have thought this crazy rocker would be the man of my dreams and that we’d be so perfect together?!

  Our gazes break and we face the new couple as the Justice of the Peace announces over the cheers and claps, “Ladies and gentlemen, it’s my pleasure to introduce you to Mr. and Mrs. Jude Delecroix.”

  Playlist

  One Night – Matthew Koma

  Whatever It Takes – Lifehouse

  Irresistible – Jessica Simpson

  Promiscuous – Nelly Furtado/Timbaland

  Crash My Party – Luke Bryan

  Over You – Rich Collins

  If I Were Me – Dave Grohl/ Jessy Greene

  Drowning – Sarah Blackwood

  I Believe – Cowboy Mouth

  Gorilla – Bruno Mars

  Drunk On You – Luke Bryan

  Sugar, We’re Going Down – Fall Out Boy

  Radioactive – Imagine Dragons

  Firework – Katy Perry

  Wrecking Ball – Miley Cyrus

  Waiting for Superman – Daughtry

  Still Into You – Paramore

  Pocketful of Sunshine – Natasha Bedingfield

  Roar – Katy Perry

  Night Train – Jason Aldean

  I Touch Myself – The Divinyls

  Witchy Woman – Eagles

  Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This) – Eurythmics

  Dancing Away With My Heart – Lady Antebellum

  Marilyn Monroe – Nicki Minaj

  Marry Me – Joel

  That’s My Kind of Night – Luke Bryan

  Everything Has Changed – Taylor Swift/ Ed Sheeran

  Best I Ever Had – Gavin Degraw

  Let’s Get Married – Jagged Edge

  All I Need – Rich Collins

  Playlist can be found on Spotify by searching for ALLURING SEDUCTION.

  ALLURING TIES

  Book 2.5 Bayou Stix

  A Bayou Stix Novella

  By

  SKYE TURNER

  Acknowledgements

  Thank you to my amazing Beta readers:

  Betsy Whitley, Badass Bitches Book Blog

  Christine LaCombe

  Christye Cagle, Badass Bitches Book Blog

  Joely Bogan, Book Worms

  Lindsey Lawson, Daisy Dog Photography and Design

  MaryAnn Litton, Lost in Romance Books

  Noelle Kinberger

  Pam Mitcham

  Tiffany Tyler, Tiffany Talks Books (and my amazing PA)

  Thomas Noble

  Thank you Kari Ayasha of Cover to Cover Designs for once again blowing me away with the cover!

  Thank you Mandy Hollis for the beautiful cover photography!

  Thank you to my baby brother, Rich Roth, who is also an amazing photographer for my kickass Author Bio photo!

  Special thanks to A.M. Madden for allowing me to incorporate her books and characters into my own!

  Disclaimer from Bradi St. James

  Alluring Ties is NOT a full length novel, but is a companion novella to the Bayou Stix series.

  It is recommended to be read in this order:

  Alluring Turmoil, Book 1 Bayou Stix

  Alluring Seduction, Book 2 Bayou Stix

  Alluring Ties, Book 2.5 Bayou Stix

  There are some situations which are not for everyone included in this novella: cheating, male/male romance and sex, and like all of Skye’s books, explicit language and hot ass sex.

  If you can’t handle it, don’t read it. It’s that simple. But if you want to know more about myself and Erik, then turn the page and get started!

  Chapter One

  Bradi

  7 years ago

  Finally! I’m finally on my own. I’m settling into my dorm, waiting on my roommate to get here. God, don’t let this chick be a Goth or a timid little bird. I need a fun roommate! I’m eighteen years old and enrolled at LSU. Laissez le bon temps rouler. Let the good times roll. Parties, boys, and fun. Of course I’ll get some classes in too, since I’m here on scholarship. That’s important, but I really intend to have some fun.

  I’ve just unpacked my last box and I throw the final lime pillow on my bed. It bounces off of the zebra comforter. I love the mix of the animal print and the hot pink and lime. It’s loud, but fun, like me.

  I hear the knob turn and look up as a beautiful, petite girl with long auburn hair walks in. Her arms are loaded down with a few boxes and then, this gorgeous, muscled, perfect specimen of a man captures my attention. He’s holding a few large boxes and walking in behind her. I’m so busy checking him out—lord, he’s so hot!—I completely forget about her. Until I hear a giggle and she speaks. “Hi, I’m Lexi. Lexi Sloane.”

  “Shit, I’m sorry. Is that your boyfriend?” I’m still checking him out, but I look at her as I say it. “I’m Bradi. Bradi St. James.”

  She snorts and the gorgeous Adonis in my room starts to laugh. “Erik?” She’s doubled over, holding her stomach as she laughs. “No. No, he’s not my boyfriend.”

  My ears perk up and my eyes take him in. I smile the smile that makes men pant. I know it’s wrong, but work what you’ve got, right?! Hell, that’s the only thing the bitch that birthed me ever taught me that was worth a damn. Cocking my hip out and running my tongue over my perfectly straight, white teeth, I wink at him. “Well hello, gorgeous. If you’re not Lexi’s boyfriend, then please tell me you’re her brother. And then, tell me you’re single.”

  His cheeks darken and Lexi laughs even louder. I look at her sharply. Her eyes are downright twinkling.

  What the hell is funny? She just said he wasn’t her boyfriend. So, what the ever living hell is so funny?! Shit, are they fuck buddies?

  Her brow arches and I can see she’s biting the inside of her cheek. Erik uncomfortably shuffles from foot to foot and drops the boxes on the floor. As he straightens, his shirt rises and I catch a glimpse of his rippled abs. Fuck me! That’s at least an eight-pack. My mouth is watering looking at this guy. I must test him out. If they are not together, that is. I don’t do sloppy seconds or infringe on another girl’s territory.

  She looks at him and says, “Are you going to tell her or do you want me to?”

  He shrugs and if it’s possible, he looks even more uncomfortable.

  I’m really pissed now, so I blurt out, “What the fuck?! Tell me what?”

  Lexi jumps at my sharp tone and Erik glares at me. Then crossing his arms over his broad chest and making his sleeves strain over his biceps, he stares me down. He growls at me. “I’m not her boyfriend or her brother. I’m her best friend… and I’m gay.”

  My mouth drops open in shock and I gasp.

  What the hell? I know this guy does not expect me to believe that bullshit. He’s gay?! Yeah, right! And I’m a fucking virgin!

  I can’t control my anger. I feel humiliated. Ok, so he’s not interested, but to say he’s gay?! Hell no! I let out a harsh laugh and he looks from me to my new roommate. Standing tall and glaring at him, though he’s not looking at me, I rage, “You’re gay!? Yeah fucking right. I get it, dude! You’re not interested. That’s fine! Your lo
ss, but don’t insult me by saying you’re gay. Be man enough to fucking say you’re not interested.”

  His head swivels around and he cuts me with his crystal blue eyes. Lexi, my new roommate, mutters, “Oh, no,” and quickly sits on the unmade bed.

  He’s looking at me like he’s daring me to say something else. “I’m not insulting you.” His gaze rakes me from head to toe and he doesn’t even twitch. “I really am gay. I’m not attracted to girls. At all. You are a gorgeous girl, but I’m not into girls, gorgeous or otherwise,” he says in exasperation.

  Looking into his eyes, I see he’s telling the truth. Oh boy! “Well shit.” My back relaxes and I unclench my fists. “That’s a shame. You are gorgeous. Damn! Want to give it a go and see if I can change your mind?” I wink at him.

  He smirks and blushes again. Lexi starts choking and he has to hit her on the back to clear her airway. She looks up at me with tears running down her face and I think she’s about to walk out of the room and go demand a new roommate, until she smiles at me. Then she laughs through the coughing. “Oh, hell yes. I like you. I’m so glad I didn’t get a stick-in-the-mud roommate. The three of us are going to be great friends.”

  Laughing with her, I sit down on my bed and cross my legs. I check them both out from my lower vantage point. The beautiful, petite redhead and the gorgeous, beefy, so perfect it’s not even acceptable that he likes dick, dude. Oh yes, this is going to be fun.

  Chapter Two

  Erik

  7 years ago

  Today is the day. She’s finally here. I can’t believe I talked her into staying in my dorm. I just wish we’d been able to bunk together. But LSU doesn’t allow co-ed roommates in the dorms. Besides, my roommate, Micah, is great. He’s a nice guy and he is even cool with the fact that I’m gay. He just made it very clear he’s not gay and didn’t want to catch me checking out his goods. Once I told him he wasn’t my type and that I preferred blonds, we laughed about it, and have become great friends over the past year.