by Joanna Blake
"I'll be back soon. Rest."
Jake stormed out without another word with Jackson close on his heels.
Daniel stopped at the doorway and turned back to me.
"Sorry about this Elle."
I nodded.
"I'm sorry- about your father."
He smiled sadly and left. I was on my feet in an instant. I couldn't stay here. Clearly I'd made a huge mistake. But I'd been so shaken up last night. Everything that happened with Tom after the gig had clearly compromised my judgement.
Oh hell, don't lie to yourself girl.
I sat down abruptly as I finally admitted that I had wanted him from the get go. But that was then. Now I'd had him. He'd been worth the wait and all the bother. But I couldn't stay, no matter how badly I wanted to.
Not after this.
Maybe if they hadn't found out this way- but no. Jake wasn't a one woman man anyway. Was I supposed to stay on as maid and just watch him parade an endless stream of girls through the house? It was inevitable that he would move on, and quickly.
No, thank you.
It was over and that was that.
Just like my friends back home had warned me, Nashville had eaten me up and spit me out. I was just a simple country girl after all. Stupid and naive. I'd proven that by falling into bed with the first rich handsome man I met.
What a stereotype.
It wasn't just that either. I just didn't fit in here. I felt a little hitch in my throat as I started putting my clothes on mechanically.
In a moment of weakness I couldn't resist pulling Jake's shirt on over my skimpy top. It would be something to remember him by. For a moment I had an image of Jake finding his bed empty. Worrying about me. Missing me.
I snorted in disbelief.
Don't fool yourself girl. Any more than you already have.
Jake might be a tad upset in the morning but he'd be fine in two shakes. He was the sort who always landed on his feet. He wasn't going to let a waitress change his bad boy ways.
And even if he was genuinely upset that I'd left without saying goodbye, that wouldn't last long either. He could have any woman he wanted to comfort him. Now that he'd had me I was sure he would have cast me off without a backward glance. That's how men like him operated. Especially the rich ones.
I ignored the little voice that was in my head, telling me I was wrong, that Jake cared. I pushed it down until I couldn't hear it anymore. I was starting over, from scratch.
Or rather, running home with my tail between my legs.
Leaving Nashville for good.
Now that the band was on the outs with Tom... there really wasn't anything left for me here. It felt like it was all my fault somehow. Every last stupid thing that had gone wrong was on me.
I wiped away my tears and snuck down to the front hall to call a cab.
It was time to go home.
Chapter Ten
Jake
I paced back and forth as I raked my brothers over the coals.
"You're sure she didn't say anything else?"
Daniel shook his head sadly.
"No Jake. I swear. She did look mortified though."
"You shouldn't be sleeping with the help anyway."
"She wasn't the Goddamn help Jackson!"
"Jacks- shut up. Can't you see he's in love with her?"
Jackson grunted and ran his hand through his hair.
"I'm sorry."
I didn't want to accept my brother's apology. I didn't even want to think about what Elle must have been thinking when she ran off. But what Daniel had said was true.
I was in love with her.
I was 100% grade A certified in love with one little Irish gal named Eleanor Gavin.
And God only knew where the hell she was after all the excitement of the night before.
She'd run. I couldn't help but be a little pissed off at that. Not that I blamed her.
It had been quite the wakeup call.
Dad had pulled through the night. In fact, his recovery had been nothing short of miraculous. I had a sneaking suspicion it had something to do with my agreement to stay and help my brothers run the estate and horse breeding farm.
That was all because of Elle. She'd changed me in the short time I'd known her. I could see a life for myself here now. A life with her.
First she'd led me on a merry chase. Then she'd challenged me, made me question my motives and desired. And finally she'd let me in.
I snorted.
Hell, she'd demanded I take her to bed.
She'd given me the most incredible night of my life. We'd made love three times in rapid succession. Each time had been more intense than the last. And just like that, poof, she was gone.
Well I wasn't going to stand for it. Not at all.
Especially not after I'd given in to my father after all these years. I'd been beside myself as the old man gasped for breath. I'd begged my father to reconsider the terms of his will.
Leave the place to them! I don't want it. but I don't want to deprive them of it either!
What do you want son?
I want peace. And I want her.
The girl they found you in bed with?
Yes.
If she's the right girl for you, she'd want you to stay put.
I had hung my head, knowing my father was right. Elle was fiery, beautiful, and incredibly talented. She was also practical and loyal to a fault. She'd tell me to stay if I asked her opinion. Besides, if I stayed put I had a better chance of hooking her for good.
Keeping her.
Alright father. You win. I'll stay.
My father had breathed easier after that. I had finally left him to rest and gone back to find an empty bed. Now I was frantic. Elle wasn't answering her phone and didn't seem to be at home.
I sighed. I had no choice now and I knew it. It was time for the last resort. I left my brothers and went to the one place I thought I'd never set foot in again.
The God Damn Country Club.
It wasn't long before I tracked down the waitress that Elle roomed with. The one whose brother was in the band with her. I just hoped that she'd tell me where Elle was without having to beg. But I was mentally preparing to get on my knees, just in case.
"Hey Shirl."
The girl gave me one look and sighed.
"She's gone."
"Where?"
"You aren't going to like it Jake."
"Doesn't matter. I have nothing left to lose."
Elle
I scooted toward the window, trying to get comfortable. The plane was being held and had been for the past two hours. Why, nobody knew. The passengers were starting to get mighty cranky about it too.
The plane from Nashville to New York City was packed and stuffy. And this was just the first leg of my epic journey. Never mind the discomfort and expense. Never mind the shame of running home with my tail tucked neatly between my legs.
All I could think about was the ache in my heart.
I'd run out on Jake. There was no nice way to put it. I'd shafted him. Even if he was the sort to toss women aside after a tumble, I should have given him a chance. He did seem awfully taken with me after all. And I knew now without a doubt that I'd lost my heart to him.
The band would go on without me- maybe even be glad to see me go now that I'd botched things with the biggest club owner in Nashville. Not that I blamed myself for his disgusting behavior. But it didn't matter who was to blame. That chapter was closed. It was too bad, but the heartbreak of it was nothing compared to what I was feeling over Mr. Blue Eyes.
I looked up to see a stewardess standing over my seat.
"Miss Gavin? Your seat has been changed."
"What? Why?"
"Please come with me now."
I stood up, grumbling to myself. I was already starting to doubt my decision to run off. And now this trip was turning into a nightmare and it had barely just begun.
Maybe my credit card had been declined and they were kicking me off the plane. That wouldn't be a shocker after everything else that had happened now would it? But maybe it would be a blessing in disguise. I could go back- try to explain...
The stewardess led me to the front of the plane. They were already preparing to taxi to the runway so they couldn't be kicking me off now could they? The door was sealed. Unless they planned to eject me mid flight.
Now that would be a proper ending to my failed trip to America.
I almost laughed at the thought of skydiving but I was too depressed. I followed the stewardess to a seat in first-class.
What the hell was I doing in first-class?
There was someone in the seat next to mine. A man wearing ripped jeans and a leather jacket. A man who was staring at me with a wry grin.
Jake Bloody Delancey.
"Please take your seat now Miss Gavin."
I stared in shock at the gorgeous man staring back at me.
"Sit down Elle."
I sat.
"Enjoy your flight."
I looked straight ahead. Jake was probably mad at me. I realized I was afraid to look at him.
Coward.
"Put on your seatbelt Elle."
Slowly I reached out and slid the buckle into place.
"How is your father?"
Silence.
I held my breath, feeling like the worst kind of heel for leaving him with a family crisis at hand.
Then Jake shifted in his seat. He was staring at me. I still couldn't bring myself to look at him.
"He's alright actually. He seemed to turn over a new leaf when I promised him I'd stay in Brentwood."
I closed my eyes. I knew what big concession that was to him. He'd never wanted to be a part of the machine that was Delancey Stables.
"Do you know why I promised him that Elle?"
I shook my head. The plane was picking up speed as it taxied down the runway. The tip of the plane began to lift.
"Look at me Elle."
I turned my head sideways and stared into his beautiful blue eyes.
"I did it because of you."
Chapter Eleven
Jake
I leaned over Elle's beautiful, helpless, naked body. She was tied spread eagle to the hotel bed. The very, very large hotel bed.
"So, how are you enjoying New York?"
She moaned as I traced my fingertip down her body.
"Please..."
I smiled at her and continued the teasing strokes. I'd been at this for over an hour. It was probably time to let her climax.
But not quite yet.
I leaned down, my breath fanning her skin with warm air. She was cool to the touch, thanks to the hotel's air conditioning. Slowly I stuck out my tongue, making a point. I dragged it across her skin, skimming her nipple.
"Ohhhh..."
I kept going, sliding down her body, licking and teasing as I went. Then I started at her ankles again and worked my way up. She was shivering by the time I'd kissed my way back up her body to her flushed face.
"Had enough?"
She nodded breathlessly as I started unbuttoning my shirt.
"Hmmm... should I untie you?"
"Whatever you want- just-"
"Just what? Just fuck you?"
She moaned as I rolled her nipple lightly between my thumb and forefinger.
"If I give you what you want, you have to promise me not to run away again."
I stood and took my pants off. Her eyes were glued to my body. She looked hungry. Famished really. I grinned. Jesus, she was gorgeous. And very, very responsive in the sack.
I'd never had more fun in my life.
She whimpered in pleasure as I lowered my naked body on top of hers. I felt my cock jerk, eager to get on with it.
Down boy, not just yet.
"Elle. I need your word."
"Yes. I promise - I -"
I thrust into her, holding perfectly still while we both adjusted to the sudden onslaught of sensations. I grinned down at the dazed looking beauty beneath me. I kissed her lips, pulling her juicy bottom lip into my mouth for a nip.
"That's all I wanted to hear."
I thrust into her slowly, kissing her as she rocked helplessly against me. In minutes she was shaking, quivering all over my shaft as she came. I grinned and reached up to untie her hands.
I didn't stop my slow thrusting as I reached down and untied one foot at a time. The moment she was loose, she tore into me, grabbing and holding and scratching.
Jesus, she was a hellcat.
My hellcat.
After all, she'd put me through hell.
I was going to make her pay for it too. Maybe I'd tie her up again. Get some ice cream ordered up from room service. Eat it off her while she squirmed.
Yes, that sounded like a very good idea. But not now. Now I was busy.
Later.
I rolled onto my back and watched her ride me. She wasn't being gentle as she rocked her hips faster and faster. She seemed determined to make both of us climax. Hard.
I felt my body fill with exquisite pleasure as I started to cum. I grabbed her hips and bucked upwards again and again, thrusting into her sweetness. It wasn't enough though. I wanted more.
I rolled her onto her back and drove into her again and again.
"Fuck!"
She was still writhing beneath me as I slowed down enough to let us both catch our breath. But I didn't withdraw. Her eyes widened when she felt me growing hard again.
I stared down at her and smirked. I grabbed her hands and held them above her head, reaching again for the robe sashes. I pulled them tight, tying her hands to the headboard.
It was going to be a long, long night for one naughty little runaway.
I'd make damn sure she never wanted to run again.
After tonight, she wouldn't dare.
Elle
I rolled over, finding the bed beside me cool and empty.
I looked around, wondering if he was gone. But he had told me he was keeping me. Like a pet poodle or something. I snorted. It was insulting, in a possessive alpha male kind of way. But I hadn't argued at the time.
I'd been too busy climaxing.
There was a shadowy form by the window. Jake was sitting in an easy chair in the dark. Watching me.
Stark relief flowed through my body.
He was still here. I hadn't dreamt what had happened on the plane. Or afterwards, at the hotel.
He'd fought for me after all. Hell, he'd practically kidnapped me. And what he'd done afterwards... I blushed. He'd worked over my body to such a degree... he knew every sensitive spot I had now. I knew he wouldn't be afraid to use them to his advantage.
Next time. And there would be a next time. Now that I'd given in to the inevitable. No more running. Or resisting. Not that I could resist Jake. I'd learned that the hard way, and then some.
Thankfully we had the same goal in mind.
Pleasuring each other until we were weak as kittens. I smiled at him, running my hand through my hair. I knew I probably looked a mess. But I wouldn't mind it if he joined me in bed again.
"Good morning Elle."
Oops. He was still mad. Really, really mad.
"Good morning."
"Come here."
I took a deep breath and stood. I walked across the room toward him on wobbly legs. When I got closer the look in his eyes made me stop in my tracks.
Jake wasn't mad. He was scared. Scared of losing me apparently.
"Sit."
I didn't move fast enough apparently because he pulled me down into his lap. He was fully dressed again. I was... not.
His hands started to slide over my body possessively, making me immediately aroused. But his eyes never left mine.
"I meant what I said Elle. You are coming back with me."
I stared at him. I was going to give this a
try. I'd promised him that.
"I told you I would."
He squeezed me in approval.
"No more running."
"No more running."
"Promise me."
"I promise."
That seemed to appease him because he smiled for the first time. But he wasn't looking at my face now. His fingers were trailing over the hard tips of my breasts. I gasped at the sensation.
"Are you hungry Elle?"
I was ravenous. But I wanted him more. And judging from the torpedo in his lap, he wanted me too.
Maybe for longer than I'd imagined a bad boy like Jake Delancey ever would.
I smiled at him.
"I can wait."
The serious look lifted from his eyes for the first time since I saw him on the plane. The cocksure smile was back.
"Good. I'll try to take less than an hour this time."
He lifted me up and carried me back to bed.
Chapter Twelve
Jake
"Easy boy. That's it."
I eased the bridle off the exhausted horse. I was working with Thunder again this morning, just like I'd been doing every day since I got back from New York. I found that wearing the stallion out was the best way to teach him. When the animal was exhausted and well ridden, his resistance was much lower.
Eventually it would be second nature to the ornery creature.
I was sort of doing the same thing with Elle.
Not sort of.
I was doing exactly the same thing.
Each night I kept her up and busy until she fell into a satisfied slumber. I made sure she was too tired and sated to run. Of course, I ended up pretty satisfied too.
Really satisfied. More so that I'd ever been in my entire life.
Bone satisfied. No pun intended.
I grinned and patted the stallion.
It was a difficult job, but somebody had to do it.
I was brushing Thunder down when one of the workmen I'd hired came to find me.
"Mr. Delancey? It's ready."
"Thanks Steve."
I held out an apple for Thunder. It was gone in the blink of an eye. Then I followed Steve to the former tack shed. From the outside it still looked like a hundred year old building. Well kept and serviceable, but old. But inside, it was something else entirely.