by Dana Delamar
“I was angry. I didn’t mean it.”
He stared at me. “You did mean it. And with good reason. I’ve wondered the same thing about myself.”
My pulse quickened. What was he saying?
“I’ve kept everyone at arm’s length my whole life. I’ve been a bloody coward, Dev. Too afraid to let anyone know me. Too afraid they wouldn’t like what they learn.” He broke our eye contact, and I placed my fingers under his chin and made him look at me again.
“I know you, Rod Taylor. Warts and all. And I’m good with all of it.”
He grinned at me, then glanced to our left at the edge of the cliff inches away, his face going a bit pale. “For the sake of my heart, can we head back to our room before we plunge to our deaths?”
I roared with laughter, then kissed him once more before letting him go. He scrambled away from the edge and eyed it warily. I put a hand on his shoulder. “I’ll always have your back, mate.”
He placed a hand over mine, and I kissed the nape of his neck.
I had no idea how any of this was going to work, but I knew one thing: I wouldn’t be happy without Rod in my life.
I had to figure out some kind of solution.
And I had to hope my family would forgive me.
ROD
I woke up to the most delicious sensation of wet heat engulfing my morning wood. A tight throat squeezed me, then the flat of a rough tongue slid up from root to crown before firm lips closed around the head of my cock. I shivered and thought I might have died and gone to heaven when the tip of said tongue poked into my slit.
“Fuck.”
Awake now, I cracked open an eyelid. A dark head bobbed in my lap. Not such a rare sight honestly. What was rare—as in never before in a million years—was Dev’s gorgeous face looking up at me. His dark eyes twinkling with an endearing mix of hope and humor.
“W-what the hell are you doing?” I stammered.
Dev released my cock with a loud pop. He grinned. It was shaky and a little vulnerable, and I fell a little deeper in love with the man, if such a thing were even possible.
“If you don’t know, I must be doing it wrong.”
His fist remained clasped around my shaft. He moved it up, then back down in a torturous stroke.
I wet my lips. “Just surprised.” He stroked me again, pulling a groan from me. “You’re doing it splendidly.”
Dev grinned and took me into his mouth again, his lips chasing his hand up and down my cock. It was absolute bliss. Still…
I weaved my fingers through Dev’s hair. It was coarser than mine, thicker, and I loved feeling it slip over my skin. I bent my knees so I could touch the sides of his head with my legs, feel all that hair against my thighs. The sensation was intense, and I arched my back. I was so fucking close already.
“Dev. Dev, you don’t have to do this.”
He released me. Smiled. “I know.” And then my dick was back inside all that heat, that wet tightness. Christ. I had to look away from him before I lost my load. I didn’t want this to end yet.
Dev’s fingers closed around my sac. His gorgeous face stared up at me, his soft eyes holding mine, his red lips stretched thin around my straining cock.
It was all too much. I gripped his hair in an attempt to signal what was coming, that I was coming.
But he wasn’t having any of it. He doubled down, sinking farther on my cock, farther than any blow job virgin had a right to be able to handle. He squeezed my sac, fingered my balls, gave a little tug and—
I went off like a fucking firecracker. Forcing myself to hold his gaze, I snapped my hips and fucked his mouth a few times. He gagged but held on, valiant knight that he was, gripping my thigh with his free hand. I shouted and colors exploded in my eyes as my bollocks emptied into Dev’s sinful mouth, in burst after stunning burst.
His throat worked as he swallowed my load. A few drops of the whitish liquid slipped out of the corner of his mouth, trailed into his dark beard. If I hadn’t already orgasmed, that would have done the job. Nevertheless, my cock did pulse again letting out another squirt of cum. “You are so fucking hot.”
How had I survived so long without him?
I stroked Dev’s head and encouraged him to crawl up beside me. I kissed him, deeply. Licked away the traces of my cum in his beard. Tasted myself on him, in his mouth.
Dev chuckled, the sound a touch uncomfortable. “You’re bloody dirty, yeah?”
“Yeah.” I grinned, then playfully slapped the arse that had got me into so much difficulty the previous day.
He laid his head on my shoulder, his lips against my neck, and sighed. “I never thought I’d ever be like this with you.”
I trailed my fingers up and down his muscled arm. “Is it how you hoped it would be?”
“Better.”
We snuggled together and I’d almost fallen asleep, when a movement in the sliding glass door caught my eye. A flash of light golden skin, dark brown curls.
Sky.
She held her hands to the sides of her head and peered through the glass, a smile breaking across her pretty mouth when she spotted us.
I grinned and motioned for her to come in, to join us. A three-way shag would be a perfect start to a brilliant day.
But instead of hurrying inside as I’d expected, she pointed to her watch. What was so important that she couldn’t spend a few minutes with us? A thread of fear trembled in my belly, but I immediately tamped it down. Dev and I had cleared the air. We had a chance, and I wouldn’t be the one to cock it up again. I beckoned to Sky again. She signaled ten minutes, then disappeared.
What the fuck? Why hadn’t she come in? She’d seemed entirely too businesslike for so early in the day, especially when Dev was in my arms. I knew she enjoyed watching us together. Just as I enjoyed watching her with Dev.
I realized then how much I truly wanted her too. As much as I wanted Dev. It was all within reach. I could sense my happiness, our happiness, all three of us, that ephemeral something within inches of my fingertips. I desperately wanted it for myself and for them, but it would take a lot of convincing. Dev still had his family concerns, and Sky, did she still think this was all about the deal with me?
That sodding deal. The guilt of what I’d done lay heavy on my conscience. Did it weigh on hers too? Or was this all truly about her job? About the money? Christ, I hoped not.
I nudged Dev’s shoulder. I decided to be honest with him, and while some truths were more difficult than others to share, this one I wouldn’t be hiding. “Sky was here.”
He raised his head and gave me a lazy look. “When?”
“Just now.”
Dev sat up. His expression was confused. “Where did she go? Didn’t she want to join us?”
I raised my shoulder. “I waved her in. But she just pointed to her watch and signaled ten minutes, then took off.”
“Did she seem upset?”
“Not particularly.” I gave Dev a light kiss. “I’m sure it was nothing. She probably just wanted to give us some time together.”
Dev stood and reached for a pair of clean boxer briefs in his dresser. I snorted. “My, aren’t you eager this morning.”
He stepped into his briefs, then his shorts. His lips curved at the corner. “I wouldn’t want her to get lonely without us.”
“Is that right?”
Damn, this man was perfect. If he’d allow himself to be a part of this, we could have something really beautiful together. I hopped out of bed and began dressing. Dev snorted. “I haven’t seen you move so fast since that fat-arsed footballer chased you across the yard in middle school.”
“Christ.” That was not one of my fonder memories. Although… “I seem to remember you running right alongside me.”
“Bloody right. No one beats on my friends.”
“Except you,” I said with humor. Dev punching me yesterday had been so unexpected.
“Fuck.” Dev rested his hands on his hips and dropped his chin to his chest. He shook h
is head, then looked up at me, his eyes shiny with tears. He took two big strides and stopped right in front of me. His hand went to my jaw and his thumb lightly stroked my still-tender nose. “I’m so bloody sorry for hitting you.” His voice cracked. “That’s not who I am.”
“I know, and I forgive you.”
“It won’t ever happen again.”
“I know.” I pulled him in for a hug. When the feel of his smooth chest against mine started to get a rise out of me, I gave him a final kiss. “We better get going. We have an album to write, haven’t we?”
Dev smiled, at ease for the first time in a long while. This was the Dev I’d first fallen for. I hoped that I could hold onto him. But to do that, I needed Sky. Together, the three of us were a perfect fit. No other combination was viable. I knew that now. I understood it.
Would she?
Or had the sodding deal I’d made with her in a moment of despair fucked things up between us for good?
Her refusal to join us did not bode well.
Not at all.
Chapter 10
SKY
After seeing Rod and Dev in bed together, my heart was a bruised, broken mess. I was thrilled for them though. Fixing their relationship was the whole reason I’d accepted Daniel’s offer in the first place. They deserved each other, deserved to be together, deserved to be happy.
It was what I’d wanted for them since Palm Springs. So why wasn’t I happy about it? Why did I feel so let down, so alone? I should be ecstatic. The guys were together, and King’s Cross was no longer on the verge of breaking up. Sonic High and Reeling would be happy, everyone would keep their jobs, TI would get 500,000 pounds, and I’d get 500,000 pounds in addition to fifteen percent of TI.
I should be floating on air. Jumping for joy. Instead, tears burned the back of my throat.
The band walked into the rehearsal space, a boisterous group, talking and joking, razzing each other. Dev and Rod followed. Rod’s arm was slung around Dev’s shoulders. It looked friendly, but I knew better. They were all smiles, happy and relaxed.
Despite my heavy heart, my insides warmed. It was good to see them like this. The others must’ve agreed, because there was a lightness in the air and an energy that had been missing since we’d first arrived on the island. The band seemed united around its two principal members.
Daniel walked in accompanied by Nigel and Vanessa. Daniel looked at Rod and Dev, and the stiffness left his shoulders. He broke away from the others and came over to me. “Mission accomplished?” he asked in a low, hopeful voice.
“Mission accomplished,” I affirmed. I smiled despite my desire to cry. Now I could tell Rod and Dev about the TI deal. Rod, of course, already knew about the bonus; that was something else we’d have to come clean about to Dev. I’d take all the blame.
Daniel beamed. He patted my shoulder. “Great work. Now to get through the final three days.”
I nodded, my stomach twisting into a knot so tight a scream stung my throat.
As soon as he wandered off to relay the good news to Nigel, Rod and Dev came over to me. Dev’s smile almost knocked me on my ass.
Rod tilted his chin up. “Why didn’t you join us earlier?”
“I didn’t want to interrupt. You looked very cozy.” I shot them a teasing wink I wasn’t feeling. At all. “Guess you worked it out?”
Rod shot a glance at Dev and smirked. “More like fucked it out.”
Dev elbowed Rod in the ribs. His face went red, but he did nothing to hide his soft gaze when he looked at Rod.
“Congratulations,” I said, forcing a jovial tone. “We can all go home now.”
Dev surprised me by taking my hand. “Not so fast.”
“Oh?”
Rod held my stare. “We’ve been talking.”
“You had time for that, did you?” I chuckled. A tiny bit of envy colored the sound. I’d have loved to be in that bed with them this morning, to share in their newly admitted love for each other.
“A minute or two,” Rod said with a wink, and Dev’s blush deepened. The man was so sweet. How could a rock star be so easily embarrassed? Based on the stories I’d heard from the roadies through Vanessa, the two of them hadn’t held anything back when it came to having sex with fans and crewmembers. Yet here Dev was, blushing like a schoolboy at veiled references to his nocturnal activities with Rod.
Dev squeezed my fingers lightly. His serious expression was filled with concern. It made my pulse race. “I think we need to talk, the three of us. Tonight,” he said.
I tamped down my anxiety. I knew what he wanted to discuss. I knew how this would end. But I really wanted to hold onto my dream until the end of this trip.
Three more days. God, please give me these three days.
I cleared my throat, plastered on a smile. “Okay, we’ll talk.” Dev opened his mouth. I arched a brow. “If you win today’s challenge.”
Rod’s brow furrowed so deeply a V appeared on his forehead. “What is it?”
“You’ll find out soon enough,” I said. I motioned for them to follow me over to the others.
When we reached the rest of the band, I stood silently and waited for them to notice me. When the talking died down, I clasped my hands and brought them under my chin. “Today will be a little different than our usual routine. You have one last challenge.”
Amid groaning and whining from the guys, I pressed on. “It’s come to my attention that some of you don’t feel like full-fledged band members. And honestly, from what I’ve observed, I understand that feeling completely.”
Rod rolled his eyes. “What’s this now?”
Dev, on the other hand, looked guilty as hell. He’d spent more time with the band than Rod had, and Damon wasn’t as shy as the others about voicing his opinions.
“So, the challenge, your final challenge, is to write a song as a group.” I emphasized that last part. “Everyone must participate, and everyone will share equally in the songwriting credits.”
When Rod opened his mouth, I held up my hand. “It’s already been cleared with Nigel and the label.”
His jaw shut, although he continued to watch me with narrowed eyes.
“You will have until three this afternoon to complete this task. If you manage to do it, tomorrow will be a free day with a big bonfire party in the evening to celebrate my birthday, and you’re all invited.”
The guys cheered.
Rod and Dev looked surprised. “It’s your birthday?” Dev asked.
I nodded. “If you don’t succeed, Daniel, Vanessa, and I will go to Papeete and party.” I looked at all of them. “And this song you write, along with the others you’ve put together already, will need to be finalized today because…” I paused dramatically. Six sets of eyes tracked me expectantly.
“Because you have a gig in Papeete in three days. We’re going to close out this trip with one hell of a bang!”
“Fucking A!” Damon shouted. He jumped around, hugging and high-fiving the other band members. Only Dev and Rod didn’t seem as elated as the others.
“Something wrong, boys?” I asked.
“Three days to write and fine-tune songs and prepare for a show? I don’t believe that’s possible,” Dev said.
“It’s not possible, Sky.” Rod turned to Nigel. “What the fuck were you thinking, mate? Dev and I are going to have to work like dogs while those tossers are sunning their white arses on the beach.”
“You and Dev?” I asked. Had they not heard a word I’d said?
Rod indicated the other four men. “They don’t have to win a free day. They get one by default.”
I gathered my hair into my hands at the base of my neck and shook it off my damp skin. Someone needed to turn up the air-conditioning in here. It was hot, humid, and I was getting a little upset with Rod and Dev’s attitude. Out of the corner of my eye, I saw Damon coming toward us. His normally bright expression was screwed into a grimace, his eyes throwing darts at Rod and Dev.
“You see,” Damon said
when he reached me. “That’s the sort of shit Jules, and Mick and Tommy have been putting up with for years.” He shook Mick’s hand off his shoulder. “If having a stiff upper lip means shutting your mouth while others walk all over you, then fuck that. I’m American. I’m loud, and I’m fucking proud.”
Jules and Tommy had crossed their arms, the two of them eyeing the floor with sudden interest. Mick scratched his chin and shrugged, his gaze bouncing from Damon, to Rod, to Dev, and then me. I expected him to say something, but he just looked at me, as if taking my measure.
“Damon’s right,” I said. Damon nodded and his stiff shoulders relaxed a bit. I focused my attention on Rod and Dev. “My instructions were clear. King’s Cross will be writing this song, and I hope others, as a group. Not just the two of you.” Rod still looked baffled.
I sighed. “Look, if you truly want King’s Cross to not only survive, but to thrive, you need to work as a team. Each of you”—I looked from one to the other—“has different skills and different talents. Put all your best skills and talents together, pool your assets, so to speak, and you won’t only be a good band, you’ll be a great one.”
“It’s not that simple,” Rod said. He still looked like he wanted to argue.
“You trust me, Rod?”
He hesitated for a moment, a second really, then nodded.
I swallowed. “Good. I’ve been doing this for long enough to have proof positive. You all have different experiences, different influences. Use them to enrich your music, to evolve your sound, and perhaps, reach a broader audience.”
I took his hand. I knew he had the most to lose from this. I hoped he could also see how much he stood to gain. “Give it a try, please?”
He tugged on my arm, pulling me flush against his body. I squeaked in surprise, which made him grin. “For you, I’d do anything.” He gave me a big, sloppy, and very work-inappropriate kiss. Then, he swung me out of his arms with a swat on my ass. “Now, let us get to work. I have a busy evening planned.”
“Okay then.” I wiggled my fingers. “Ta-ta for now.” I left the rehearsal space with more spring in my step than I’d had walking in.