Finding Forever (Found in Oblivion Book 7)

by Cari Quinn

  “You look sulky. Eat more grapes.” Ricki popped one in his mouth and nuzzled his jaw. “Not having second thoughts, are you?”

  “No, I’m having I want to fuck my wife thoughts.” He raised his brows at the semi he’d been sporting since he first saw Ricki in that slinky red dress.

  Having her soft breasts dragging against his chest every time she moved wasn’t causing that fucker to abate either.

  His wife was smokin’ hot.

  “Aww. Just fyi, pretty sure you’re supposed to make love on your wedding night.” She caught the tip of her tongue between her teeth.

  “I’ll make love to you when I’m done fucking you senseless. And you won’t be needing that toy either.”

  “What toy?” she asked innocently, plucking another grape from the bowl. This one, she saved for herself, biting into it slowly enough that he groaned.

  “You know what toy. You’ll be far too filled to need one tonight or anytime soon.”

  “You do realize people can hear you,” Mike said from the recliner. “Since you’re not even attempting to use an indoor voice.”

  “Jealous? You’ve been married a long ass time, bro.”

  Chloe flipped him the bird and cuddled in against Mike’s chest. “I think Mal needs everyone to be impressed with his equipment. Just ignore him.”

  “Don’t any of you want to leave?” Mal asked, toying with Ricki’s hair.

  She’d told him she wanted to dye it red for the tour. He was almost positive this was payback for him making the bridesmaids’ dresses a moot point and denying her bachelorette night strippers.

  “We live here,” Mike reminded him. “Sorry if that interferes with your fuckathon.”

  “We have a hotel room at the Savoy. Thanks for your concern.”

  “Thanks for saving our sheets.”

  Ricki laughed. “Sibling love. So touching.”

  “Hey, babe, I gotta split.” Teagan leaned over the back of the sofa and gave Ricki a sloppy kiss on the cheek.

  If Mal wasn’t mistaken, she’d imbibed more post-wedding to go with whatever she’d had beforehand.

  “You got a ride home?” he asked her.

  Ricki beamed. He was pretty sure that offhand question had earned him one more bonus round in the sex Olympics he had in mind.

  “Yes, actually, um, Noah came back to pick me up.” She flushed, still draped over the back of the sofa.

  “With those missiles half hanging out of your dress, not surprised.” Ricki tugged up Teagan’s bodice. “He wasn’t at the wedding?”

  “No, he wanted to be, but duty called. Did you know he’s a bodyguard? Like a really hot one. His car is all tricked out for sudden spy missions.”

  Mal snorted. “Girl, you’re toasted. Go home. Try not to lose your panties on the trip.”

  “Who says I’m wearing any?” Teagan tossed back. “Oh, and I’ve got some news on another front. Lindsey and James from Brooklyn Dawn asked me to be in their band. Well, sort of. It’s pending an audition of their material and a background screen.” Teagan pressed her hands together as if she was praying. “Can you believe it? If I nail the audition, we’ll be on tour together.”

  Mal tried not to groan. He must not have quite managed it, because Ricki shot him a warning look.

  From winning all the points to losing them in a single conversation. Welcome to his life.

  “Wow, that’s great. We talked a bit about you. They were asking lots of questions.” Ricki shifted and grinned up at her friend. “They seemed super impressed. As well they should be. You were amazing. I can’t believe you didn’t tell me you were playing again.”

  Pink tinged Teagan’s cheek. “I had a lot of free time, you know, after…” She exhaled. “Anyway, it sort of saved me. To think I might be able to make music for a living with such a huge band is crazy. Trying not to get my hopes up, but it’s hard.”

  “From the way you sounded and the way they were talking, go ahead and get them up. Lindsey wants more time up front and less on the piano.” Ricki rubbed Teagan’s arm. “I’d say you’re a shoo-in.”

  “Thanks for the morale support. Love ya, sister friend. I’ll call you tomorrow if you’re not in traction.”

  “You better call me. I want to hear what’s going on with you and Noah.”

  “Nothing…yet. See ya, Snarly. Congrats.”

  Mal grunted.

  Ricki sighed and flashed Teagan a smile. “Thanks, babe. Love you right back.”

  Teagan grinned and wiggled her fingers in a wave before she left.

  “See, that’s how you do it. The whole leaving thing,” Mal said loudly.

  No one appeared to care.

  Ricki pushed her finger into his belly. “You know, we don’t have to stay. I’m good with taking off.”

  “Since when?”

  Ricki slid her hand down and rubbed his belt buckle. His dick took notice and stiffened enough that she let out a little grunt herself. “Since we’re both overdue for our wedding fuck.”

  “And this is why I love you.” He knotted a hand in her hair and yanked her closer to cover her mouth with his own. She murmured in approval and pushed aside the empty grape bowl, neither of them stopping when it fell to the floor.

  “Was waiting for them to just start here,” Mike said dryly.

  “Be glad we aren’t finishing here too.” Mal reluctantly moved back from Ricki and smoothed his thumb over her damp lips before bending to pick up the bowl they’d knocked over.

  “Think it’s time for us to go.” Ricki stood and stretched, letting Mal look his fill at the outline of her breasts straining against her dress.

  Then she turned away with a smirk and he sighed.

  Evil woman.

  “Thank you so much for letting us have this here, Michael and Chloe.”

  Chloe hopped off Michael’s lap and hurried over to give Ricki a big hug. “So happy to have you in the family now.”

  She moved on to hug Mal as well. “I guess we’ll keep you.”

  He had to laugh as he returned her hug while Ricki hugged his brother and they whispered conspiratorially. “Thanks. I appreciate your tolerance.”

  “Nah, you’re not so bad.” She slipped back and grinned. “Besides, I’m virtually certain she’ll keep right on sweetening you up.”

  “I should argue but I’m too fucking happy right now.” Mal grinned and joined his brother and Ricki, then returned Mike’s one-armed hug. “Thanks. This couldn’t have happened without you.”

  “You mean because I made you join Warning Sign all those years ago? Yeah, I’ll take the credit there.” Michael shook his head slowly. “Malachi Shawcross, a married man. Never thought I’d see the day.”

  “None of us did.” Ricki smiled and ducked under Mal’s arm. He hugged her into his side as she tipped her head up to his. “Though I can’t say I cared when I wanted to shank him on a daily basis.”

  “The course of true love doth never run smooth.” Mike grinned when Mal thumped him in the gut.

  “Gotta make the rounds.”

  “Yeah, and get to the hotel.” Mike clapped him on the back one more time. “Congratulations. Seriously. Both of you. I’m sorry Dad was…Dad. And Mom was Mom. Didn’t even show, did she?”

  Mal noticed how Ricki lowered her gaze and tightened his hold on her. “I have everything I need and then some.”

  “Yeah, you do.” Michael glanced at Chloe and squeezed her hand. “We both do.”

  They moved around the room to talk to the rest of their bandmates, finally ending up with Tristan and Jules. Mal would’ve just stepped back when Jules cocked her head in his direction.

  “You texted me tonight.”

  His ears grew hot. He’d kind of hoped she hadn’t noticed. Stupid impulse pre-wedding. “Uh, yeah.”

  Ricki raised a brow. “Isn’t he chatty?”

  Jules crossed her arms and waited.

  He slid a glance at Ricki and focused on Jules again. “I wanted to write a song. For her. I don
’t know, as like a present. And I thought you’d be a good person to ask. I don’t do that shit, and hers are so good I couldn’t do another piece of crap like those vows.”

  Ricki covered her mouth with her hand, then moved forward to press her forehead to his biceps. “Stop it. They were beautiful.”

  “Why me?” Jules asked.

  “Because you’re a talented songwriter and you get percussion. I want it to something that fits our end of the spectrum, not just a million riffs.”

  “Nothing wrong with a million riffs.” But Ricki sniffled just the same.

  “You’re a little late for a wedding present. Seeing as tonight was the wedding. By the way, I did a lot of planning that won’t come to fruition. Luckily, I don’t hold a grudge.” Jules’s lips twitched, but her dark eyes were heavy with things unsaid.

  After a long moment, Ricki flashed a tentative smile. “We’ll still party at Happy Acres this fall.” She reached down to squeeze his hand. “Rocking ass reception and celebration for making it through the first few stops on the tour.”

  “What’s this about a tour?”

  They turned at the sound of Li’s voice. “I thought you’d left.” Ricki hurried over to give her a hug while Jules tugged on Mal’s arm.

  “Nah, we stayed upstairs with them until they slept. Mom and Daddy had to turn in. Too late for them.” Lila smiled and included both Ricki and Mal in her statement. “But they said if they missed you, they’re ready for the fall shindig and congratulations and all that.”

  “I’ll help you. But I’m an exacting bitch, so I won’t back down even if your song.”

  He shrugged. “Fine with me. I want something band-worthy. Maybe. If we could do that.”

  “You kidding me? Of course we could. You’re working with me, pal.” After a second, she leaned in and gave him a quick hug. “Congratulations. I’m glad you have each other. I truly mean that.”

  “Thank you.” He glanced over her head toward Tristan. “I’d say the same about the two of you. Though thank you for not bringing the kid. I’m sure he’s cute and all, but we were full up on screamers tonight.”

  Jules surprised him by laughing. “That’s the sweet Mal we know.”

  “Good luck there. You’re in for some fun.” Tristan smiled and held out his fist. “Congratulations.”

  “Thanks.”

  He turned to Li and Nick, who were deep in conversation with Ricki. They were probably telling her how to deal with a grouchy husband.

  Lila should know.

  Just then, Ryan walked over with Denver. “Speaking of the tour, this is as good a time as any. Why wait for next week’s meeting?” He glanced at the assembled members of Warning Sign. “We want to do it. We’re in for the tour.”

  Lila’s gaze shifted from one to another, scattered as they were around the room. “You’re all in? Significant others and families okay with it as well?”

  “We are,” Ricki said, her gaze connecting with Mal’s.

  Molly brushed a hand over Ethan’s hair before taking Luc’s hand. “We’re all in over here. Ethan’s ready to try bus life on school breaks.”

  “We’re in too,” Michael said, slinging his arm around Chloe’s shoulders. “We have a nanny and we’ll get a tutor for when necessary.”

  “West and Lo?”

  “Aye, aye, captain. Cleared for takeoff.” West grinned.

  Finally, Lila looked at Jules and Tristan. “You as well?”

  Tristan ran a hand down Jules’s hair. “She’s going.”

  “Tris, we haven’t figured out all the logistics yet.”

  “Do you want to go?” he asked softly. “Just answer that.”

  Jules took a deep breath. “Yes, I do. But—”

  “She’s going,” he repeated, shifting his focus to Lila. “Make your plans.”

  Lila raised her brows at Jules. “Since I know what it’s like dealing with bossy men, is that truly what you want to do?”

  Jules’s chin trembled and she nodded. “Yes. I want to be part of the band again. For real. I want that so much.”

  Molly smiled and rose to go over to Jules, giving her a hard hug. “We want you back too. All the way. Though you were never gone.”

  “Damn straight you weren’t,” West said from behind the piano. “You were with us for every step.”

  Mal wrapped his arms around Ricki from behind and braced his chin on her hair. “Yes, we all love each other. Rah-rah sis boom bah. Can I go be alone with my wife now?”

  Everyone laughed.

  Lila shook her head with a smile. “Yes, children. Go have your fun.”

  Mal didn’t have to be told twice. He grabbed Ricki’s hand and dragged her through the house and straight outside to his truck, her laughter floating on the warm, sea-scented breeze like music.

  The best ever.

  The hotel wasn’t far. Thank God, because he was as jittery as a virgin and didn’t have the patience for a long trip. They parked and went in, signing in at the front desk with the maximum speed. The concierge asked the usual polite questions, and he grunted at all of them. Ricki was only too happy to take over, prolonging their check-in process with questions about the fitness facilities and the pool and how extensive the room service menu was.

  All the while, she darted amused glances at him, knowing full well she was making him crazy.

  Oh, he’d exact his revenge.

  And how.

  The instant they made it upstairs with their overnight bags, Mal shut the door behind them with a slam. Ricki took off at a sprint, laughing all the while as he stalked her into the bedroom of the suite. The windows dominated the room, and the coastline and lights of LA glowed beyond the glass.

  And when she turned to beckon to him, pressing her back to the pane behind her, moonlight shone over her golden hair and golden skin. Backlit her bluer than blue eyes.

  “Witch,” he murmured as he approached, gripping her chin to take her mouth. Her tongue slid against his, teasing and retreating, before she rose up on her tiptoes and pressed her breasts to chest.

  “Your witch.” Her hands raced over his shoulders, then freed his arms from the sleeves of his jacket. The buttons of his shirt were next. She gasped between kisses, her fingers a blur as they freed each one and moved to the next. Not fast enough.

  Halfway down, he grabbed her wrists and drew them up over her head. She struggled, her face alive with heat and need. Her teeth sharp against his neck as they dragged down the tensed muscles to where his heart pounded at his collarbone. There, she gentled, sucking softly while her body writhed against his.

  “Let me taste you.” She licked up his throat to his chin, her eyes wild. “Give it to me.”

  Watching her, he undid the last few buttons and reached for his belt, sliding it slowly through its loops with one hand. His cock throbbed as he worked the button and the zipper, yanking it down until the shape of him was stark against his boxers. She wet her abused lips, twisting against his hold, ready to break free as soon as he slackened in the slightest.

  So he wouldn’t. He’d make her earn it, just as she made him earn every damn thing.

  Without warning, he shoved his hand up under her dress and shoved her panties aside. Just a scrap of nothing. He flicked his finger down her seam, pleased that she was already poised on the brink for him. The chase and anticipation was enough. He sank inside with a groan, finding her mouth again so he had an outlet for the rough, raw sounds she pulled from him just by existing. Her clit was so swollen, and ruthlessly, he strummed it, guided by her quick breaths against his lips and the pressure of her inner thighs. She wanted it. Needed it.

  Two fingers shoved inside her, then three. She arched, her breasts surging against the slick material that hid her from him. Her nipples were skewering points, hot and insistent. Never letting him forget for a second that she was every bit as demanding as he was.

  His thumb bore down on her clit and she shuddered, going over that first peak before he’d even finished driving her
up. She panted and squirmed against him, every part of her fighting for her freedom.

  Nope. He was liking keeping her at his mercy far too much.

  “Night was too long. You’re mine. Mine.” He razed his teeth over the plumpness of her lower lip, finally letting it go with a little pop. “You’re going to scream it.”

  “Make me.” Her eyes were fever-bright and challenging even in their madness.

  “Oh, I will, little Ricki. Don’t you worry.” He pulled his fingers from her pussy and she moaned, shutting her eyes. Still using just one hand, he dragged down his pants and boxers, cursing as the fabric bunched. Far enough. He didn’t need much room. Just enough to grab his dick and line it up with the still pulsing heart of her, guarded by the slick panel of her panties.

  Pushing forward, he tested the barrier that held him out, and she rocked her hips, her witchy lips curling at the corners. He grasped the material in his fist.

  “Fuck it.” The panties tore, and he drove inside on a long, deep thrust. He hissed at her tight wetness closing around him, surrounding him from root to tip. Already nearly blind with lust, he fumbled with the top of her dress, needing to touch her. To suck on her nipples while she squeezed him relentlessly, drawing everything out of him he possessed. His heartbeat, his need, his love.

  Too frustrated to bother with the layers of material, he found her nipple through the dress, pulling hard while she bowed up against him, her legs climbing up to notch around his hips.

  “Goddammit, touch me.” He relinquished his hold on her wrists and fastened his mouth to the top of her breast, moving the fabric out of his way. “Fucking touch me.”

  She didn’t disappoint him. Her nails scratched his shoulders through his opened shirt before dragging them across his chest, the pain as centering as a balm. Then she gripped his head and brought his lips back to hers, ravaging them without hesitation.

  Their tongues grappled and fought for control. No winner. No loser. Just the power struggle that made everything so much fucking better.

  “Hold on, Cran—” The realization stopped him dead for a second, and when he spoke again, his voice was husky. Awed. “Hold on, Shawcross.”

  She blinked, but not fast enough for him to miss the glimmer of tears. They disappeared in a flash as she complied. Nails dug into his flesh, pussy wrapped so tight.