Gabe turned to Liana and mock punched her shoulder, "Why the hell didn't you tell us about this?"
Mary looked a little mortified at her best friend. Liana smiled cheekily at Mary and turned toward her brother. "She's a super fan, but she didn't want me to tell you."
"Oh great," Mary groaned next to me. I used this opportunity to put my arm around the back of her in the booth.
"So," I grinned wide. "You really like us, huh?"
She slumped down a little further toward the floor and just nodded.
Everyone in the restaurant jumped when all four of us raised our arms in the air, pumping our fist and yelled, "YES!"
Oh god, not only was she hot, she love our music.
I was going to come in my jeans.
Chapter 2
Mary
Humiliation was not fun, not at all. I was going to kill Liana in her sleep tonight. Strangle her with her own bed sheets. When the police asked, I'd just say, "I don't know officer, somehow she just wrapped her neck up in the sheets and fell off the bed."
I know my cheeks were flaming red and Ash was eating this up like a cat eats cream. Ugh!
Once I slid myself back up into a proper angle, Ash leaned into my ear and whispered, "I appreciate your dedication. Maybe I can get you something later for your faithfulness."
Did he really have to purr when he spoke? Because that little move just made my panties go instantly wet. My womb clinched and I fisted my hands underneath the white table cloth hoping he didn't notice.
"Thank you," I choked out. "Do I get a free shirt?" In this situation there was nothing more to do than joke. It made him smile and damn it sure was hot.
"If that's all you want," he teased.
"You better give her the grand tour," Liana said as she tossed her napkin at his head. He reached up and caught it and tossed it back at her.
"What are your plans for the night, little one?" He looked at Liana the same way Gabe looked at her, with nothing but brotherly love.
Liana had said they were all like a bunch of overbearing, Neanderthal brothers who watched her like a hawk. But I knew she secretly lusted over Reed, the dark haired giant. He was gentle with her and I noticed how he hovered slightly. I don't know if she knew that Gabe noticed, but he did. Every time they got close Gabe would give Reed a look and then Reed would back off, but only slightly. It was adorable.
Ash was another story. I noticed his possessive stare in my direction and the way he eye fucked me was a little unnerving. Here is the man of my dreams and I was trying my hardest not to jump in his lap and ride my way to what I know would be my doom.
Ash, with his full sleeve of tattoos, a flaming guitar, old school microphone, drum set and bass entwined with the name of the band. It was smoking hot. He currently had a few days growth on his face that covered up his chiseled jaw. I'm sure he's been with millions of girls, none of which were like me. I've had a whopping total of three lovers and my experiences weren't anything to write home about. I'm sure Ash could rock my world and I'd be ruined.
All of these guys were a woman's dream come true. I could see why they were number one on top of the rock charts. Every one of them was unique in their own way.
Kane Maddox, the drummer, was tatted from his waist to his neck. I knew this because he usually performed in nothing but leather pants, no shirt. An intricate ancient scroll wrapped around his neck and it was rather attractive on him. He was blonde like me, but he kept his so short it spiked on its own. His eyes were a beautiful hazel that seemed to shut everyone out.
Reed Sullivan was so freaking tall. He had to be at least six and a half feet. His long black hair reached down a few inches past his shoulders and he left it loose, the way I knew Liana liked it. His emerald green eyes were soft just like I assumed his heart to be. My best friend said he was the soft one of the bunch and was the one who made the guys see reason and kept them grounded when she wasn't around.
"I was thinking of heading up to the suite," I announced. The last thing I wanted to do was bail, but damn my day started early. "I've had a long day."
"I'd be glad to walk with you," Ash announced. "I'll have David take us up." David was one of the bodyguards and that man was a mountain by himself. Geez he was huge and could probably take out a crowd if need be. He honestly scared me a little.
It seemed like he appeared out of nowhere and stood next to the booth with his hands crossed in front of him. His standard black suit with white collared shirt didn't make him blend in but announced to everyone that he would kick ass first and take names later, all without breaking a sweat.
Ash took my hand and pulled me out of the booth. Liana smiled and gave me a slight wink. I cringed wondering what was going thru her mind. I'm sure she had our future all planned out already. Kids named and everything.
"Where to Ash," David asked, all the while scanning the area for threats.
"We're heading back to Mary's room," he said. David allowed us to go first, hovering close all the way back through the casino.
A few people stopped us and asked for Ash's autograph. And a whole lot of pictures. Some people brave enough to approach were rewarded with a pose with their favorite singer. I was asked several times to do the honors and I giggled to myself thinking that was my job anyway. One time Ash raised a curious brow at me and I just shook my head. He let the unasked question fall and had David stop any more attention.
We reached the elevators and I leaned against the back wall and took a deep breath. "I don't know how you do it. That was tiring and it was only twenty minutes of it!"
"You get used to it," he shrugged, and mimicked my pose against the back wall of the cart. David stood with a protective stance in front of us.
"Thank you for walking me back to the room, but you didn't have to," I said. "I could've done by it myself."
He looked angry for a second but smiled tightly, "I don't think that would be a very good idea, Mary. Now that you've been seen with us, you may be approached by the paparazzi."
"But I didn't see any of them in the casino," I questioned.
He frowned again but only a little and then said softly, "I forget you're not accustomed to this. They have eyes in the casino, even though management doesn't allow the cameras inside. The eyes and ears report back to the ones with cameras and let them know when we leave or where we're going. Most of the time security is pretty good at finding those eyes and escorting them out, but they always seem to get in."
That was a little unnerving. "Do you think they will bother us in our room?" I didn't want to be woken up all night with people knocking on the door. I was one of those people who needed a good eight plus hours of sleep or I just didn't function.
"No," he sighed. "David here will be posted outside your door tonight." With that David turned and nodded his agreement.
"Oh," I squeaked. "Thanks, but I wouldn't want you to put him out." Ash reached for my hand and held it in both of his, looking me deep in the eyes. I almost fainted. His hands were so warm.
"It would kill me if anything were to happen to you or Liana. David will be there." He dropped my hands and I felt a little sad at the loss of his touch. But he did lean his shoulder against mine and I could smell him better now, all male and sweet musk. I barley contained a sigh.
The elevator doors opened and we stepped out. Our room was directly in front of the elevator and I assumed this was for easy transport from the room in case of rabid fan attention or something.
I pulled my key card out of my back pocket and opened the door. "Would you like to come in?" I asked, stifling a yawn. As much as I want to sleep, I couldn't let go of him right now. My brain was yelling a bunch of Are you crazy? at me cause only an idiot would turn Ash Martin away just to climb in that big comfy bed.
"Sure," he frowned. "You look tired, are you sure?" I nodded and we walked inside, leaving David at the door.
We sat down on the couch after I'd offered him some water. It was weird sitting here talking to him, but he seeme
d just like everyone else.
Normal.
I could get used to normal.
"Liana tells me that you are a photographer," he stated.
"Yes, freelance," I admitted.
Ash stiffened, "Not paparazzi, I hope." When I looked shocked he visibly relaxed. His pushed his brown hair off his face and I wondered if it was as soft as it looked.
"Hell, no," I exclaimed. "Those fucking vultures disgust me. I only do things I am invited to. I do a lot for the local paper in Phoenix. The basketball team hires me for player official photos and media events. I'm trying to get on with the Diamondbacks for this upcoming season. I've done some celebrity weddings and major calendars."
"Oh, good," he sighed. "I was about to freak a little." He reached up and tucked a stray hair behind my ear, I blushed scarlet. I wish I could touch him as freely as he touches me.
"I did bring my camera, but only for shots around town. I'd love to walk the strip at night and get some shots in. It's always good to have a variety in my portfolio when I try to land a contract." I yawned and apologized.
"If you do take to the strip, please take David with you. He is your eyes and security." He ran his hand down my arm, leaving goose bumps in its wake. Ash held my hand as we faced each other on the couch, the only other thing touching were our knees.
I nodded and he reached for my cheek, caressing my jaw. I felt it to my toes. This beautiful man was touching me and I was melting into a puddle. I'm sure most women would've already dropped to their knees to worship him.
"You are so beautiful," he whispered just before his lips fell upon mine. The tips of Ash's fingers were calloused due to how long he'd played a guitar. His lips, warm and velvet, ate at mine with a slight urgency I found encouraging. I lightly traced his lower lip with my tongue and he opened for me. Before I could take control his hands slid to the back of my neck and pulled me forward. Soft groans escaped his lips and I could feel the vibration all throughout my core.
After a moment or hours I'm not certain, he released me. "You're too good for me," he whispered and placed his forehead against mine. "I'm demanding, Mary. In everything I do. I need control."
I was dumbstruck. What did he mean by control? Did he get rough in bed? Instead of a little scared that question did funny things to my sex. I slid closer without realizing what I was doing.
"Control is fine," I whispered. I was in control over everything and the thought of letting go made that little box I stored all my hurt and anger in rattled, wanting to be set free. Could I possibly give up my control to this beautiful man?
Immediately, Ash stood up and paced the floor. Dragging a hand through his hair then he turned a hard stare on me, "You don't want what I can offer."
"What does that mean?" I was seeing a side to him that the public didn't know about and I felt honored and a tad bit scared.
"I like things my way. If you're with me, you are with me, no other. Everything I do with you, to you, for you is under my word only. Do you understand?"
He returned to the couch sitting down facing me his brows still raised in question. "Yes, I understand." I nodded as I answered, hoping he knew I was serious.
He was dominate.
We sat quietly for a few more minutes. I've never been in that type of relationship, but I wasn't an idiot. I knew what it entailed. The thought of him being brutal doesn't fly with me. How can I tell him about my past and expect him to understand?
I won't be hit.
Ever.
"Don't you think you're moving a little fast?" I asked, because I just don't think I can do this. Hell, but I want to do this. Being pulled emotionally in two different directions rattled that box some more.
He chuckled slightly, "Mary Montclair, when I see what I want, I go after it. And I want you." He brushed his lips to mine quickly before he sat back on the couch
Oh....swoon.
"Ash," I whispered, unable to look in his eyes.
"Yes, angel," he replied, placing one finger under my chin to raise my eyes to his. It was still a shock to my system to feel his touch.
"I...I can't let you...," I paused, unsure of how to say it.
"Can't let me what," he demanded.
"Please...please don't hit me," I begged. Tears pricked my eyes and I had to look away. Even when Ash gasped I couldn't look back. "If that's the type of kink you're into then I...I can't...won't allow it. It hits too close to home." I rubbed at my chest.
"Oh, angel," he breathed next to my cheek, I didn't even feel him approach. Goose bumps rose on my flesh and I shivered at his closeness. "I know that I would never strike you unwanted, ever. Do you hear me?"
"Ok," I agreed, leaning my head on the back of the couch. It was getting harder and harder to stay awake. My eyes opened slightly and I watched a relaxed smile tug at his lips, he looked like a small boy.
My last thought before I fell asleep was, how was I ever going to make it thru the weekend with my heart intact?
Ash
Like a contented kitten, Mary drifted off to sleep right in front of my eyes. She was beautiful, humble and everything a man could ask for. It felt wrong to sit there and watch her sleep on the couch and it sure as hell looked uncomfortable.
I got up quietly and looked for which bed she'd chosen for her own. It wasn't hard to figure out. Liana's room was already a mess with all of her shit strewn everywhere. I found an expensive looking camera bag in the other room and knew this would be Mary's. I pulled back the covers before returning to the living room.
Carefully, I picked her up and took her into the bedroom. On the way, she snuggled deep into my chest and I was struck numb by how good it felt. It felt right. Suddenly I wanted nothing more than to take care of this woman in my arms. It took every ounce of willpower I had to lay her gently onto the mattress and not run away with her, hide her from the world.
I quickly removed her shoes and decided against removing any clothing. That would freak her out. Her feet were dainty and her toes were polished in red. If I had a toe fetish these would be the alter I worshiped upon.
Mary whimpered slightly when I released her, but snuggled down into the plush mattress. She looked like an angel perched on her own cloud. I carefully leaned over and brushed my lips across her forehead, "Good night, angel mine."
I closed the door to her room and made my way back out of the apartment. David was waiting at the door. "Everything okay," he asked.
"Yeah, she'd dead tired," I groaned, wishing I had more time with her. "I'm telling you man, she needs looking after. If you have any problems, I don't care what time it is, you call me immediately." I punctuated my request with a hard stare. David knew I meant business.
"Yes, sir," he agreed. David wasn't much of a talker, but I could tell just by the short time he'd spent with Mary, he was just as protective of her as I was.
With a nod, I made my way up to the penthouse to find everyone already settled. Liana met me at the door.
"How's Mary," she said with a big stupid smile.
"She's asleep," I stated. Reed tossed me a beer and I nodded my thanks. Liana went to sit with her brother on the couch where they talked animatedly to each other. It was amusing watching them, like a spectator at a tennis match. Back and forth. Back and forth.
I chuckled to myself and went into my room, picking up my old acoustic guitar on the way in. Setting my beer on the end table, I sat cross legged on the bed and started plucking a tune in my head. It was slow, and the chords flowed out from the tips of my fingers. A song was coming to me about an angel and a man that was too demanding to be worth anything to her.
I think I feel another ballad coming on. I grabbed a notepad out of my bag and wrote a little bit of what was bouncing around in my head.
Could you be the rock?
That grounds my soul.
The heart I demand to lock,
Until our days grow ole.
The beauty of an angel.
The taste of sweet red wine.
Will
you let me love you?
My angel mine.
I need control.
I require your all.
Do you want this to roll?
Please make the call.
For I need you now.
Can you tell me yes?
Can you teach me how?
I'll never be less.
The beauty of an angel.
The taste of sweet red wine.
Will you let me love you?
My angel mine.
Chapter 3
Mary
My brain cells started firing and I knew I wasn't home in my bed, because this bed was too soft and warm. I rolled over and the clock said it was a few minutes past nine. For me to sleep this late, I knew I'd been tired last night.
And then I remembered Ash.
I'd fallen asleep in the middle of our conversation. He must have put me to bed. I looked down and realized I was still in my clothes from the previous night. Ash probably thinks there's something wrong with me.
This man wanted to own me, possess me and take care of me. But at what cost? Would he strip me of my dignity? Offer me to others? How deep in this lifestyle was he? Why was I willing to give it all up to him?
Shaking my head, I just wouldn't think about it today. Today was our first full day in Las Vegas and I wanted to play. My excitement for tonight's show was bubbling up in my system so fast that I wanted to run around the room shouting at the top of my lungs.
I was here with Glory Days. And last night I kissed Ash Martin.
My throat was parched and I wanted to get in a little sun. I jumped up and went into the little kitchenette to grab the coffee maker. Thankfully, the thing made coffee quick. I'd just settled down in front of the T. V. when Liana came out yawning; her black hair in a pigs nest around her petite face.
"Morning," she growled. I pointed toward the coffee and laughed. This was the only time of the day Liana wasn't going full throttle and I enjoyed the quietness.
But that wouldn't last long.
Sing To Me: A Glory Days Production Page 2