by Jeny Heckman
“You are perfect, Raven.” He kissed her collarbone. “Your body.” He kissed her neck. “Your face.” He kissed each of her eyelids, then looked down and grinned. “Your breasts.” He kissed between them, then met her gaze. “It’s all pretty incredible.”
Relieved, she sat up, unfastened and removed his jeans. He seemed to rejoice in the release of restraint. Finn moved forward, causing her to lay back and close her eyes. She felt the exquisite pleasure of his mouth, drawing her nipple in, and the sensations of each new touch. He ran a tongue down to her navel and circled it.
Kneeling on the bed, between her legs, he gently moved them apart to fall open. His fingers deftly entered her, slowly moving in and out; her eyes closed and she purred deeply within her throat. When he removed his fingers and replaced them with his mouth, she quivered at the new, glorious sensation. There was a kind of pressure building inside her. Something so deep and immense, she whimpered.
“Finn, I-I need…”
“Shh, it’s okay baby. I know what you need.”
He spread open her folds and probed her with his tongue, concentrating on the tiny nodule center. When he sucked hard, Raven jerked, unaware the amount of sensation was possible as it built on itself like a fever. She screamed out, feeling as if her heart exploded and every cell of her body went rigid.
As the sensitivities peaked and burst within her, Finn opened her legs farther and entered her with one aggressive thrust. Her eyes flew open and a primal noise escaped her. His fullness caused even more friction, immediately creating a need to build within her again. His engorged cock rubbed hard and rough against her clit, and his hips pistoned against hers. Eyes opaque, she watched him, watching her, with dark, stormy eyes. Raven stretched around him, until her body once more built a delirious pressure and seemed to explode a moment before his. She felt him pulsate strong and deep within her, gaze still on hers, bodies tensed in frozen suspension.
Finn tried to keep his weight off her but seemed to lose his ability to support himself. He rolled to the side of her and left a hand on her stomach, groaning.
“Holy fuck,” he said, breathing hard and staring at the ceiling. “Don’t ever let anyone say that you aren’t good at that.”
She was breathing hard too and tried to wrap her brain around the possibility that she may have just experienced her first and second orgasm ever. Finally understanding what she’d been missing all those years with a selfish lover, she laughed.
“I didn’t do anything. You did everything.”
“Just…trust me,” he said, running a hand down his heaving chest.
He closed his eyes, and she watched him, overwhelmed. As, if sensing it he held out an arm to her, “Come here, baby.” She rolled over beside him and rested her head in the right angle of his neck.
Chapter 15
Finn woke the next morning with their limbs intertwined, her hand on his chest, his cheek on top of her head, and his arm numb. He didn’t know what was more shocking—this position, the fact he’d slept over, or his cell phone bleating him awake.
Reaching over with one hand, he tried to silence it before it woke her. Victorious, she merely rolled to her other side, and he removed his arm from under her head, trying to shake the circulation back in. Scrolling down, he saw the message from Nate.
Go to Kukui’ula at ten instead. Gov trolling off lighthouse.
Annoyed, Finn just texted back one word.
Fine.
He rolled over, saw her smooth back, and his irritation vanished. Gathering Raven in by her waist, he spooned around her like a shield. He put his face into her hair, breathing in the faint scent of jasmine, mint, and the sea. Just wanting to touch her, his hand traveled up and down her body, feeling its soft, warm surfaces. It fell across a raised mark of some kind high on her hip. He began to look, but she whimpered and curled into herself, so he moved his hand and gathered her up again.
Raven realized she was in the ocean again, misty sea water with sunbeams piercing through its fluidity. She saw Finn swimming over to a seal, away from her. Behind him, an object formed, an oily black snake-like object ribboning through the serenity. She swam toward Finn, to get a better look at what it was, when an unseen barrier between her and the vision arose. She tried yelling at him to listen to her and return. As the object closed in on him, she stood suddenly outside herself and watched as the darkness consumed first him and then her as well.
She woke, startled and confused at first, then comforted as Finn’s strong arms encircled her, protecting her from the dream. Remembering the night before and the relaxed looseness of her own body, she grinned broadly, proud of herself. It didn’t take long to understand that soon they would have to find their way out of bed, and into the sunlight. An awkward conversation was bound to ensue. Deciding it was best to slip out of bed while he still slept, she moved, and he spoke into her hair.
“Morning.”
“Morning,” she said shyly. “I should, ah, I should get going.” She began to remove the covers when he strengthened his hold around her waist.
“Go where? You live here.”
“Oh.” She laughed, quietly mortified. “Right. Well, I’ll make some coffee then.”
“No, you will not.”
“You don’t drink coffee?”
“Of course I do”—he rolled her over and kissed her—“but I’m not done with you yet.”
“No?” she said, astounded. He was already moving over her, parting her legs with his.
“No.”
Sliding in, he closed his eyes, as she clamped around him. Slowly rotating his pelvis, he moved deep inside her, until they found a rhythm and pace that complemented the moment. She hesitantly kissed the side of his neck, and his eyes opened.
“Jesus, you’re sweet.”
They watched each other climax and continued to stare long after. Finally, Finn rolled off her, laying his head on the soft pillow.
Looking at the time, he noticed it was nine thirty and muttered a curse to his boss. He raised himself up on an elbow and allowed his eyes to run lustfully over her naked body, flush from their lovemaking.
“So, I got a text from Nate, a little while ago.”
“I thought I heard something.”
“Sorry, but he called us in a little early today.”
Not being able to help himself, he took her nipple into his mouth and ran his tongue over it, sighing deeply with regret.
“I’m gonna have to go. Can I grab a quick shower?”
“Sure.” Shirking the covers off and standing, she pulled a short, silk, periwinkle robe off a hook, and wrapped it around her body. “Do you want me to make you some coffee?”
He watched her, looking perplexed. Knowing she was beginning to show her insecurities again, Raven tried to brush them away and smile. Appearing to let it go, he kissed her forehead, before walking toward the bathroom.
“No, thanks. I’m on the bike. I’ll get something there.”
The shower turned on and grinning she ran to the kitchen, started the coffee, and began making a quick breakfast for him. A knock on the door brought her up short. Tightening the belt on her robe, she went to answer it.
When she opened the door, Jason stood on the other side.
“Surprise.” He leaned in to kiss her cheek until he saw what she was wearing and stepped into her personal space.
Raven knew the moment Finn rounded the corner. The movement seemed to draw the attention of her manager, who did a double take on her new lover. Jason’s face dropped in astonishment. Raven turned and saw Finn had showered, slid on his jeans, leaving them unbuttoned, and only grabbed his shirt. She flushed at the sight of him bare-chested, with little droplets of his shower still covering his chest. Pressing her lips together, she wished they could return to the evening before and just start all over again. However, her brows drew together in confusion when she noticed Finn’s jaw set and his muscles tensed. Confused, she looked back to Jason and realized his hand was still low on her back
and standing very close to her. He had eyed her hungrily when she opened the door, seeming to understand she wore nothing under the short robe. Glancing quickly back to Finn, she determined he was rapidly reaching that conclusion too and grew nervous.
“Taylor, wasn’t it?” Jason nodded his head toward Finn, crimson flushing over his neck and face, then shifted his eyes to Raven.
“Jason,” Finn smugly countered. “What brings you here so early?”
“I could ask you the same thing, but I’m afraid I don’t really have a lot of time to hear the answer.”
Jason gave Finn a tight smile, daring him to say more. When it looked like he might, Raven spoke up, walking back to the kitchen.
“You want some coffee, Jason?”
“Sure,” he said, not taking his eyes off Finn. Finn in turn smiled and slowly put on his tee shirt. “Aren’t you going to ask Finn too?”
“Oh, Finn’s leaving,” she said absently, causing her new lover to look over at her, confused. Jason’s grin became broader, as if to say, not that good, eh?
“Unless you want me to put some in a mug for the road after all?” She glanced over in question. The two men, looked as if latched back on springs, so she quickly continued. “Aren’t you meeting Nate?”
He looked relieved and once again smugly condescended to look at Jason as if communicating his superiority.
“Yeah.”
“Okay, I’ll walk you out.” She said, handing some buttered toast to Finn, then some coffee to Jason. “Be right back.”
Finn clenched his jaw again as Jason made a show of admiring her body in the loosely belted robe. He held her hand as they walked out onto the front porch.
“I thought he was in Seattle.”
“He was supposed to be. I had just opened the door when you came out. Maybe his dad’s even better. He must’ve known he was coming when he called last night and kept it a surprise.”
“How nice.”
“Finn, I know you don’t like him, but he is my manager. I work with him.”
He exhaled and looked through the window. She looked too and saw Jason unloading his briefcase.
“So, I’ll see you later?” he asked, returning his eyes back to hers and brushing some hair back from her face.
“Yeah. When?” she asked contentedly.
“I’ll call you after I know a little better.” He leaned in and kissed her lightly on the lips and then her forehead. As he bounded down the steps, he turned and flung a hand out. “Aw shit, I forgot it’s Sunday. Dee and I always have dinner.”
“Oh, okay.” Her face fell.
“You wanna come?”
“Yeah.” She laughed in an exhale. “I’d like that. You sure Dee won’t mind?”
“Mind? She’ll be ecstatic.”
Finn watched her bite her lip and smile, before turning and practically skipping back to the house. Her robe whirled with the motion and parted slightly at her breasts. As she took the couple steps to her door, her ass moved incredibly under the silk. She looked back at him and her hair had the look of a woman well bedded the night before, with the most beautiful sexy, sleepy face he thought he’d ever seen.
“Rave, do me a favor,” he said while walking backward.
“What?” she asked hesitantly.
His eyes traveled up the length of her, creating a mental picture.
“Go get dressed, so I don’t have to think about that asshole lookin’ at you. I swear he makes me want to shoot him in the face with a whaling gun.”
She bit her bottom lip again as if to stop herself from laughing.
“Bye.” She waved and disappeared back into the house.
Chapter 16
“I’ll be right back,” Raven called, as she ran into her room to change.
“Ahhhh.” She exhaled deeply, two minutes later. “So hi, how’s your dad doing? He must be better than you let on last night?”
“Yes, he is. how nice of you to ask. I guess you didn’t receive any more of my calls yesterday.”
Oh shit, Raven thought. She hadn’t even looked after they left for the day. Jason took off his coat and stood at the window, jaw clenched.
“Is he okay, Jason?” she asked and lowered her head, chastened.
“What the hell’s going on here, Raven? Isn’t that the guy you just met? Now you’re fucking him?”
“Shh, lower your voice.” She winced, looking at her open windows.
“Yeah, you should be embarrassed. You should be ashamed of yourself. It’s profoundly reckless. I mean, look at the guy.” He gestured toward the door Finn had exited. “Let me enlighten you. He’s a player. He sees dollar signs.”
“Jason, it’s not like that. He didn’t even know who I was.”
“Oh Christ, don’t be so obtuse.” He spat disgustedly. “Do you honestly believe that Raven? You’re one of the most famous singers in the world. Do you honestly think he didn’t know who you were?”
Well, it’s not about money.”
“Right, and I suppose his research funds itself.”
The tiniest sliver of doubt eked in on a quiet whisper. Finn would do anything for those seals.
“Do you honestly think you’re his type at all, that he’s in it for you?” Jason continued. “Pull your head out of your ass.”
Her eyes filled with tears as he confirmed all the insecurities she’d entertained and lent them credibility. Had it been too soon?
“I thought we had something starting between us.” Jason gestured between them, looking at her pleadingly. She closed her eyes. “I know what you said before, but I also thought it was because everything was so new after Donovan. Do time and loyalty mean nothing to you? Look at me, damn it,” he ordered when she kept her head down.
“Jason…” He held up a hand.
“Forget it,” he all but spat, disgusted. “We have some things to decide, most of which I’ve already taken care of.” He glared at her and noticing her eyes brimming with tears, softened. “Look, I understand you may be feeling unsure about everything that’s happened, with the divorce, being alone for the first time, and getting older. But I’ve got a plan to get you through all of this.” He brushed her hair back. “Nobody understands your circumstances or the solutions to those problems better than I do.” He lifted her chin. “I’m going to take care of all of it, okay?”
“I just want to…”
“But you have got to get rid of this guy,” he stated, effectively ignoring her and still holding her chin. “He’s completely wrong for you. He will hurt you, make no mistake about that. He’s a total player and user. I promise he only got interested in you after I told him you had money.”
Before she could question why Jason had brought up money with Finn in the first place, her cell phone rang. She connected the call as he walked to retrieve some papers.
“Hello?”
“Raven?” Wyatt’s concerned voice sounded tinny on the line, indicating the miles between them. “You doing okay over there?”
Just hearing her brother’s voice made her want to cry harder and tell him everything. However, to speak truly honestly with him while Jason was there was impossible, usurping Wyatt’s ability to help in any discernible way. However, she also knew her brother and had to give him something.
“I’m fine.” Looking over at Jason, who was busy setting out papers, she stepped outside. “It’s just there’s a lot of stuff to figure out, and not much time to get it done. I have no idea what I’m doing anymore Wy.” Christ, she thought, had she ever.
“Remember, that’s why you went there—to figure it all out, right?”
“It’s just it’s been busy. Jason just got back. His dad had a stroke, and he had to go back to Seattle. We’ve gotta figure out the whole Donovan thing. And then there’s this…”
“Wait. Wait.” Wyatt interrupted, “First, is his dad okay?”
“It looks good. He’s out of the woods, so Jason came back.”
“Good,” her brother decided, then his voice became
wary, “Now, what Donovan thing.”
“I’m doing a weekend benefit for him and his mistress.”
“You’re what?”
“I know, I know. It’s kind of a long story, but it’s something I’m going to have to do, or I can see him smearing me in the press. So, I’ll do it, then I can be done with him. Besides,” she added softly, “it’s for the homeless.”
Wyatt sighed deeply. She could tell he had a lot of things he wanted to say but held back.
“You know, you’ve got time Rave, lots of time. You’re not even halfway through. Everything doesn’t need to be done in nanoseconds. Tell Jason to chill. It’s important you do this for you this time, okay?”
“Okay.”
“Really? ’Cause I feel it.”
“Yes.” She smiled at their code speak for, I can tell you’re upset.
“Okay. I love you.”
“I love you too, Wy.”
When he disconnected, she continued to hold the phone to her ear, just wishing to absorb as much of his energy as possible before returning to Jason’s papers.
“Okay,” he called and gestured to a chair. “Sit down, and I’ll see if I can’t try and explain this all to you. First is Donovan’s contract. I looked it over, and I think it will be fine,” he said as if he’d never been against it.
“Were you able to negotiate my songs in?”
“You’ll get three,” he said almost shiftily. Raven looked at him trying to discern what she was reading in his voice. He quickly continued. “So, I need you to sign here and here, then initial here, here, and here.”
“So what does this effectively say?” she asked, signing the papers.
“You’ll do the two shows. You can’t pull out without a penalty unless injured or ill, and even then, you’d need to reschedule.” They spoke about ticket prices, venue costs, backup singers and getting the band members back. “They all know you’re on the ground bleeding, so they want their pound of flesh too,” Jason said. “I think we suck it up and just pay them because they know the sets and your style already.”