Deception (A Stalker Novel Book 2)

by Brittany Crowley

  I nod my head, cocking it to the side as she turns the lock on the door, sealing us in.

  “Thirdly,” she muses, her fingers reaching for the hem of her top and dragging it over her head. “Don’t ever keep secrets from me again. I don’t care if you don’t think I need to know, or if you think it will hurt me. If we’re doing this, I need to know that I can trust you to always have my back, just like I’ll have yours. Ok?”

  My cock throbs painfully as she drops her pants to the floor, swiftly followed by her thong and stands before me.

  “Well?” she questions.

  “Ok,” I whisper, not trusting myself to move right now.

  She nods her head and pulls my shirt over my head before dropping to her knees and undoing my pants. She pushes me back on the bed and wrestles the material down my thighs, leaving us both naked and wanting.

  “I think we need to seal the deal.”

  She crawls onto the bed, a vision of sexy temptress. My cock juts out, straining toward her. She stops by my side, runs her fingertips down my face and I reach for her. She bats my hands away and a growl rumbles through my chest. Lifting one leg, she straddles my chest and gazes down at me, her lip caught between her teeth.

  “Show me how much you want me. Only me.”

  Restraint gone, I drag her forward, not stopping until her pussy is over my lips. I grab her hips and slam her down onto my eagerly waiting mouth. Her taste in my mouth has me groaning in ecstasy, my hands urging her to ride my face as I plunge my tongue into her tight heat.

  She claws at the headboard, shamelessly working her hips as I hold her down with one arm, keeping her right where I want her. My other hand snakes around to her ass, grabbing a handful, squeezing hard then slapping her cheek.

  She gasps and moans, her pussy clenching around my tongue, fueling me on. I dip my fingers into her pussy, soaking them with her arousal as my teeth latch on to her slick clit. She thrashes above me, but it’s not enough. I drag my fingers back to her ass, up to her tiny hole and plump the flesh, sinking into her and loving the way her breath stutters above me.

  “Fuck Cross, yes,” she groans, grinding back on my fingers and forcing the two digits to slip further inside her. “Oh fuck… I can’t… I want you in my mouth!”

  I have her flipped around so fast, she squeals in a most un-Syd like way as she falls forward, coming face to face with my cock. I plunge my fingers back into her ass, hooking them to get a grip and thrust my mouth back against her sweet pussy. I’m close to the edge already but the second her mouth sinks down over my large cock, taking me all the way in until I can feel my head bump the back of her throat, I’m lost.

  I thrust my hips, my cock pummeling in between her soft lips, my tongue spearing into her tight pussy, my fingers massaging and scissoring inside her scorching ass and I’m done. She’s everywhere, all around me, inside my soul, inside my heart and I feel it. The knowing, the belonging. She’s it for me, and I plan to keep her right here for the rest of her life.

  She screams around my cock, her body quaking above me as she comes hard, pouring over my tongue. Her lips tighten around me and I give in to the siren, my release flooding her mouth. She takes it all, licking the length of my shaft as I place soft kisses along her pussy, both of us calming and soothing the other in the most erotic way.

  “You’re mine Blue,” I whisper, nudging my cheek along her thigh.

  I can feel her smile against my cock. “No Sefa… you’re mine!”

  ***

  Walking back off stage tonight is so much better than the last few times. Not only is my shoulder finally getting used to the more vigorous workouts it’s had to endure, Randy placed me back with Ray-Ann much to my relief. I manage to ignore the hateful glances coming from Lucy. I don’t need her bullshit, especially after the stunt she pulled. I still feel sorry for her though. It can’t be easy dealing with the loss of her sister. But no matter how much I sympathize, she crossed a line when she threatened my relationship with Blue.

  I can see Syd just behind one of the curtains and start to walk over to her when Randy snags my arm. “Great set tonight Sefa, glad to see everything back to normal.”

  “Yeah, it’s a relief to have Ray back.”

  He eyes me thoughtfully. “I must admit, I’m surprised you and Ray-Ann are still together, especially after seeing the chemistry between you and Lucy.” He taps his finger against his mouth, contemplating. “Nobody would think bad of you if you ended things. Don’t think you need to stay with her out of pity.”

  I can see Syd edging closer, still in the shadows. “What do you mean?”

  He glances around, checking we’re alone and lowers his voice. “There’s talk in the industry about Ray-Ann, just whispers that she isn’t doing so well. Her sales have dropped, rumors of her record label dropping her… I’m just saying. I would love to see you back on the scene, you know that. After what you went through, you deserve it more than anyone.”

  I run a hand over my stubble. “You think the rumors are true?”

  He sighs, a sad look crossing his face. “I have no idea. It’s been a sad year for country music. I hope to God it’s all bullshit, I would hate to see another young star brought down. God knows Lucy is a mess, I can’t see her making a comeback if I’m honest, even though she desperately wants to. Losing her sister like that, well, it leaves a scar.”

  I place a hand on his shoulder. “For you too I would imagine.”

  He doesn’t say anything, just stares off at the stage for a few moments but I can see the devastation on his face. “Yes, for me too. Enough of this wallowing, I just wanted to make sure you were ok and knew what you’re doing. You’re a grown ass man but I’ll always look out for you Iosefa.”

  He slinks off, barking orders and I watch until he’s out of sight before sliding back into the darkness with Sydney. “Did you get all that?”

  She leans in close. “Yeah. I don’t know if any of that’s true, but we should do a little digging. I don’t think Ray would keep something like that to herself but…”

  I pull her close and kiss her head. “Me either but like you say, we should check it out.”

  We stand in silence for a moment as the next act lines up ready to go on. Once the coast is clear, I go to move but she reaches for my arm.

  “He mentioned Lucy being a mess, and I know you feel sorry for her but I’ve got to say, she seems like the same old bitchy, man stealing whore to me.”

  I smooth a hand over her arm. “She’s probably putting on a front for you girls. You said you never got on right? She’s probably hiding, doing the only thing she knows.”

  “Maybe,” Syd answers, looking anything but convinced.

  I give her a little shake. “Come on Blue, imagine if that had been Ray? Imagine if you had lost her, especially due to some reckless asshole like Caleb Jeffers.”

  She gasps, a hand going to her mouth and I realize she isn’t reacting to the thought of losing her sister. “What is it?”

  “Did you say… Caleb Jeffers?”

  My brow furrows. “Yeah, Annabelle’s loser boyfriend. He was a little older, comes from New York. Had an older brother serving time…”

  She swallows, her eyes wide. “A twenty-five-year sentence?”

  “Yeah… how did you know that?”

  She grips hard onto my arm, her nails digging into my muscle. “Because his brother is Lyle Jeffers. He’s the one that kidnapped me and Ray.”

  Chapter 32

  Sydney

  As I drive down the lonely highway after sneaking away from the venue, my fingers tighten on the steering wheel in anticipation. I knew the only chance I had to escape everyone was when Ray and Cross hit the stage.

  I know I’ll have to answer to everyone when I return, but it’ll be worth it if I can get some answers. I’d bet all the money in my bank account that I won’t be leaving empty handed.

  The building looks the same as the last time I was here. The difference being, that there will be no chi
ckening out this time. I’ve made some friends over the years and a few owe me favors. I cashed one in for this last-minute visit. I took it as a sign that the tour took us to New York right after I got the news of Lyle’s brother dying with Anabelle Taylor.

  “How’s it going Syd? Staying out of trouble?” My old friend Chase asks before leaning in for a hug. I met him several years ago when I was on a case in Wisconsin. I saved his ass when he got knocked over the head with a two by four. That was a doozy of a night.

  “Never.” I laugh then pull away.

  “Don’t get mad, but I did some digging. Any reason why you’ve come to have a little chat with your old captor?”

  “Tons of reasons, none I’m divulging.”

  We walk through the desolate halls of the prison. Finally, we take a right at the end of a particularly long hall that leads to a door where the inmates take their visits.

  “After he comes in, I’ll be right outside the door. He’ll be cuffed to the table…”

  I cut him off. “You act like I can’t take care of myself Chase. I remember saving your ass, not the other way around.” I cross my arms over my chest and give him a knowing glance.

  “Yeah, yeah. I’ll be outside if you need me.” He walks out of the room and I know this is about to happen. There’s no turning back.

  Right after we started up FT Investigations, I flew out here ready to battle my demons. I was sick of the nightmares and wondering why he kidnapped me and Ray that night. I made it as far as just outside the door where the families and lawyers line up before I freaked out and left. I couldn’t do it.

  There’s a big difference between who I am now and who I was back then. I’m not the same scared, jaded girl that left the music industry. I’m stronger, wiser.

  Chain clinking together draws me from my thoughts and when I look towards the door Chase exited, I see Lyle Jeffers walking through with his hands shackled together. He looks around confused as to why he’s getting a visitor and when his eyes meet mine a sinister smile morphs his mouth.

  “I’d like to say I’m surprised to see you Sydney.”

  “But you’re not.” I finish his sentence.

  Chase connects his handcuffs to the table and leaves before warning him to behave. We stare each other down for several moments before I walk and stand in front of him. No way am I sitting and giving him anything to hold over me. Being able to look down on him gives me power.

  “You’re still as beautiful as the last day I saw you. Tell me, how’s Ray doing?”

  “Don’t you fucking say her name.” I clench my teeth.

  “You always did let your emotions run your life. Why else would you leave country music? Too scared to push forward? Too scared of…me?”

  “I heard about your brother.” If he’s going to mention my sibling, then I won’t play fair either.

  His face turns hard as stone and he looks away. Now I know that his brother is a weak point for him and I can use it against him.

  “You heard nothing. Sometimes there has to be sacrifices for the grand scheme of it all.”

  “Are you saying your brother was an innocent bystander? That’s not what I’ve heard around. I’ve heard about what a loser he was and no one can seem to understand why someone like Anabelle Taylor would ever give a low-life like him a second glance, let alone date him.”

  “Shut your mouth whore. You don’t know what you’re talking about. He was too good for her, wouldn’t have been with her if it wasn’t for…” He quickly closes his mouth realizing he’s said too much.

  “If it wasn’t for what Lyle? Was she a job?” He remains silent and I know I’ve hit the nail on the head. “Was he trying to get her money? She certainly had plenty of it.”

  “Money.” He says humorlessly. “Some things are bigger than money, but you wouldn’t understand that with being raised with a silver spoon in your mouth.”

  “That has nothing to do with it and you know it. Is this all a revenge game? You grew up in poverty with a coked-up mom and wanted to make us pay? Why us? Why did you target me and my sister all those years ago?”

  “Nothing’s coincidence sweet Sydney. I love your hair by the way, I can imagine fisting it between my fingers while you…”

  “Enough. Tell me how your brother was involved in all of this.”

  He remains silent further pissing me off. “You weren’t surprised to see me tonight.”

  “Like I said, nothing is coincidence. You recently linked me to my brother correct?” I nod my head. “You find out information when he wants you to know it.”

  “Who’s he?” I question.

  “All should be revealed before you know it. It’s just a shame I have to miss the grand finale.”

  “What the hell are you talking about? Tell me what he has planned!” I slam my hands on the table and he doesn’t so much as flinch.

  “I told you, when he’s ready for you to know, you will. Nothing is by chance. Remember that when you get back to your little boyfriend. Something tells me things are getting a little heated at the show tonight.”

  “Motherfucker.” I jump over the table and grip the collar of his jumpsuit. “Tell me what’s planned!” I scream in his face. He laughs and doesn’t stop until Chase pulls me off of him and he’s hauled off out of the room.

  My mind races as I wait for Chase to get back. I need to get out of here. His words were ominous but there was an underlying theme. Somethings going on tonight and if I don’t hurry someone could get hurt.

  When I’m finally in my car, I try call after call to get ahold of the crew. No one’s picking up and with every mile that my tires eat up dread sits in my belly like a lead weight. I drive entirely too fast and when I hit traffic a few exits before my off ramp, I jump over to the breakdown lane and push my foot to the floor.

  Somethings not right.

  I see several red flashing lights off in the distance as I inch closer towards the building that’s holding tonight’s show. I’m blinded and forced to park on the side of the road a few blocks before the place. As I get out of my car and run towards all the commotion, my eyes focus on the venue. Billowing flames fly from the windows, smoke pours from the doors as fans run screaming, coughing and gasping for breath.

  I approach a police officer and beg for him to tell me what happened.

  “M’am, step back.”

  “No, you don’t understand. My friends…my sister!”

  “Step. Back.” He sternly warns me and I do as I’m asked. Then I run down an alley and try to approach the scene from a different path.

  When I’m almost at the barricade the police placed in the street, I see fiery red hair and breathe a sigh of relief. “Sky!” I scream and she immediately turns around.

  “Oh my god Syd, it all happened so fast.” Tears stream from her eyes and I’m taken aback. Sky has never cried in my presence before.

  “Where is everyone? Are they all ok? Where’s Cross and Ray?” I look around and see a defeated Marcus holding what looks to be a gash on his head and yelling at a police officer off to the side.

  “Ray and Cross are missing. The flames weren’t there one second then they were everywhere. I remember them running from the stage, Cross had Ray’s hand, then they were just gone. I tried to find them but the smoke got so bad I couldn’t breathe and Marcus knocked his head on a fallen beam trying to help someone. We tried to stay but the firefighters pulled us out. God, I’m so sorry Syd.”

  I pull her into me and hold on for dear life. So many emotions are swirling through my body and I think I might be in shock.

  Cross and Ray are missing.

  Lyle was right, he knew this was going to happen.

  I pull back from Sky and stare into her eyes. “Get yourself together. We need to find them.”

  “But what if they’re gone?” She hiccups on a sob.

  “I’d know if she was gone. I can’t explain it, but I would. They’re alive and we need to get Marcus checked out then find them.”

 
Whoever this stalker is, he doesn’t know it yet, but he messed with the wrong fucking girl.

  Chapter 33

  Cross

  Ray belts out the last line of her most popular song, holding the note for an incredible breath and the crowd goes wild. Performing up here with her night after night is a real privilege and although I’ll be glad when this whole nightmare is over, I’ll happily take the memories with me.

  She’s glowing with happiness, her arms out to the side as she finishes, and the roar of the audience is deafening. She gestures to me and with practiced ease, I make my way over, take her hand and make a show of bringing it to my lips. It’s crazy how this small custom has become a focal point for Ray’s fans.

  She smiles up at me, but I can see the exhaustion. Just before we were due to go on, Randy had found us in a panic. Lucy was ill and they needed to fill the slot. Could we pull a double now? It was unorthodox, but that was Randy. Besides, it wasn’t like we didn’t have a second set planned at all times anyway, just in case. So, Ray being Ray agreed and I internally groaned.

  Now, I’m just glad to be done. I need water, the air is thick in here tonight. Heavy almost, and my mood seems to match. I can’t explain it, but I feel like something is about to go down and it has me watching the crowd, the crew, fuck… everything. My eyes are everywhere. It doesn’t help that I haven’t seen Syd since we went into wardrobe. She had been running around, helping some of the other PA’s and left Marcus to watch Ray in the safety of her dressing room.

  Snapping me back to the now, Ray lifts our joined hands into the air and blows kisses out into the crowd. I step my game up and offer a smirk, winking at the ladies in the front row as they practically climb the barricade. One of them, an attractive redhead points to her shirt and a genuine smile breaks through my act. It has a picture of my tribal tattoos with the words ‘he can CROSS me anytime’ emblazoned across the top. The woman notices my interest and beams up at me… before lifting the hem and flashing me a huge set of bare tits.

  Stunned, I let Ray pull me back a few steps, laughing my ass off at the woman’s fiery thumbs up. She laughs herself, goes to lift the hem again when the world tilts on its axis.