Risk Worth Taking: Music For The Heart - Book Three

by Faith Starr

“Logan! Logan! Come here!”

  He came running in, telling whoever was on the phone he’d call them back.

  “What is it? You scared the life out of me.” He held his chest, panting heavily. “Why is your phone on the floor?”

  “Read the reminder alert on it.”

  He cocked his head to the side. “What?”

  “The message on my phone, dammit, read it!” I hated to yell, but I couldn’t hold back my anger any longer. My emotions were bursting at the seams. I couldn’t breathe.

  “Drew, you need to calm the fuck down. Do you hear me? Now please, I want you to take slow, deep breaths. I’m not going to read the message until you calm down.”

  He was one to talk.

  I rocked back and forth like a psych patient, crying into my shaking hands. He snuggled me in his arms and stroked my arm.

  “Ssh. It’s going to be okay. I won’t let anyone hurt you.”

  “What about you? I don’t want anything to happen to you either. I lost you once. That’s enough for me.”

  He mumbled the word fuck under his breath.

  True to his word, he didn’t look at my phone until my breathing pattern steadied. I rested my head against his strong chest.

  Hey bitch. I bet you’re wondering how I got hold of your phone. You’re in the back now, getting Logi’s food. You were dumb enough to leave it on your desk. As an FYI, I’ll be following you after you leave this shithole. Not sure where you’re going so can’t give you a heads-up as far as what I plan to do to you. Either way, whatever it is, just know this is only the beginning unless you wise up and stay away from Logan Trimble. Oh, I see you sent your peon to come and do your dirty work for you. Pussy. You’ll get this reminder later. Take me seriously. Ta-ta for now.

  “Fuck!”

  Logan tensed under me. He took a picture of the message and called one of the cops who’d just left a short time ago.

  “Officer Fields, this is Logan Trimble. You left my house a little earlier regarding one of my fans damaging Drew Sanders’ car.”

  While Logan spoke with the cop, I continued to focus on my breath.

  “The woman who came into Drew’s workplace just answered the question as to whether she’s the psycho after me. I’m going to forward you a copy of the reminder she set on Drew’s phone where she specifically threatens her. The lunatic helped herself to Drew’s phone when she left it on her desk to get food for the woman’s pet. I’m hopeful it’ll help our case. You have the woman’s contact info on the paper we gave you from Drew’s office.”

  Officer Fields must have been talking because Logan kept saying, “Uh-huh… Uh-huh.”

  He wrapped his arm around me and led me into the living room. He hung up from the officer and made another call.

  “Drew got a reminder message from the person of interest, Tomas. I’m forwarding it to you now.” He removed the phone from his ear so he could send the picture he’d taken of the reminder note. “I need your security guy, pronto.”

  I zoned in and out of his conversation, getting comfortable lying down on the couch with my head resting on Logan’s lap. I closed my eyes. He played gently with my hair.

  The next thing I knew, I awoke to find Logan sprawled out on the couch, passed out, with my head still resting on his lap. I reached for my phone to check the time.

  “Shit.” There were a ton of missed calls and text messages from my parents. They were going to kill me.

  Logan stirred beneath me, stretching his arms up and over his head. “Hey. What time is it?”

  “Nine thirty. My parents are going to murder me. I never went home last night, I never called them, and I should’ve been at work a half hour ago.”

  He lightly knocked on my head. “Hello? Do you not realize the severity of this situation? You can’t go back to the clinic until you have someone there to protect you. We can’t take a chance. I’m sure your parents will understand.”

  “I could say you don’t know my parents very well, but in this case, you do. You also know how hardheaded they are.”

  “Give me the phone.” He put his hand out. “Let me call them.”

  “No. I may as well face the music and get it over with.” I hesitated, then dialed my dad’s cell. Believe it or not, he was the more rational person to deal with in a crisis situation. Besides, my mother was still angry at me, so I didn’t want to speak with her.

  Fortunately, he wasn’t with a patient and answered on the second ring.

  “Thanks for coming home last night, returning our calls, and showing up to work this morning. Your mother and I have been awake all night, worried sick. We have no clue where Logan lives so didn’t know where to find you. He’s unlisted. We want you home, today. You are not to see him again. Do I make myself clear?”

  “Dad, please, this isn’t a joke. The girl who smashed my windows got hold of my phone at the office yesterday. We think the girl responsible for this is the patient who brought that Teacup Yorkie, Logi, into the office. You know, the dog with eating issues? When I went in the back yesterday to get the food you prescribed, she snatched my phone off my desk and sent me a reminder message. She said she was going to follow me after work and threatened to do something to me. The maniac set the message to go off after everything had already transpired. We’ve notified the police about it.”

  “What?” Concern now filled his tone.

  “I logged into the office computer last night so I could give the police her contact information. They’re going to do a background check and see if they find anything. Please don’t let her inside the clinic. I don’t care if you have to lock the door and let patients in one by one. This girl is dangerous, and I don’t want her hurting you or Mom. As of now, I don’t think she knows I’m your daughter. But it’s better to be safe than sorry.”

  “For heaven’s sake, what the hell kind of mess have you gotten yourself into? I can’t hold down the office without you. And what about your classes? Don’t you have one later this afternoon?”

  I nervously picked at my nails again. Logan held my hand to stop me. I flashed him a menacing scowl. The stupid ass grinned at me.

  “Do you think I asked for any of this to happen?”

  “To be honest, I don’t think you’re using your brain at all lately. You took off with Kate on her honeymoon against our wishes. You came home to inform us you’re back together with Logan Trimble, who isn’t the most ethical of men.”

  “Stop it! Stop insulting him. People change. Why can’t you accept that he makes me happy?”

  Logan squeezed my hand and smiled sweetly.

  “I don’t know. You seemed pretty happy prior to taking off with Kate. You do an outstanding job at the clinic, and you get excellent grades at school.”

  “Did you ever think I want more?”

  “More what? What is it you feel you’re lacking?” His sarcasm had my hand balling up into a fist.

  “Forget I said anything.”

  “No, I won’t forget it… Mia just informed me I have a patient waiting, so I have to cut this short. I would appreciate it if you would please answer our calls and texts and let us know when you’ll be coming home. As a favor, your mother called the insurance company. You can get a loaner until your car is repaired. In the interim, either call a service or ask Logan to take you wherever you need to go.”

  He disconnected the call.

  “I can’t stand them! And it’s obvious my father can’t stand the fact he can’t control me like the puppet he thinks I am. I can’t do it anymore.”

  “As I said, you’re more than welcome to stay here whenever and for however long you want.”

  Didn’t he get it? I didn’t want to be in his big house without him. I wanted to be with him. Sadly, that wasn’t an option or a possibility.

  35

  Logan

  We took an uneventful shower, both of us lost in thought, then went downstairs for some necessary caffeine. Tomas sent me a text, informing me that two private security guards woul
d be showing up to my place in about an hour’s time, one for me, one for Drew.

  I called Camilla to give her an update.

  “I’m not happy about this situation.”

  Yeah? Me neither. The last thing I needed was her fucking attitude. I had enough stress to deal with.

  “I hear you. I’m not jumping up and down for joy about it either. We have to catch this woman, Camilla. We can’t be dealing with this insanity when we’re back on tour. Our break is almost over.”

  “Trust me, I know that all too well. By the way, I played Drew’s song for one of the record execs at your label.”

  “And?”

  My heart pounded. Camilla’s reply would carry a shitload of weight.

  “He loved it! So much so, the label wants to buy and record it. They also want to know if she has anything else.”

  “You’re kidding me?”

  Drew’s eyes brightened at my transformation. I had the hugest fucking grin in the universe on my face. She put her hand out in question.

  I held up a finger so she’d give me a minute while Camilla continued to fill me in on the details.

  “I’d like to speak with Drew directly to give her more specifics.”

  “You got it. I’ll have her get in touch with you after we meet with the security team.”

  “You have a good ear, Logan.”

  “No?”

  “Okay, smartass. You did good. I’m excited to see what happens with her song and any others she might have.”

  “So am I. More than you can imagine.”

  I disconnected the call, climbing out of my skin with elation.

  “What is it?” Drew wore a big smile even though she had no clue my conversation with Camilla had anything to do with her. Still, seeing her look anything but sad lit me up inside.

  “Come with me into the living room.”

  “What’s going on?”

  “Come with me.” I took her hand and led her over to the sofa where we both sat. “Remember when I told you Joey and I had dinner and played pool on Sunday night?” She nodded. “Well, I left out the part about us hanging out with our manager, Camilla. I know I went behind your back, but I also knew it was your chance of a lifetime. I didn’t want you to miss out on it.”

  She furrowed her brows. “What’re you talking about? Miss out on what?”

  “I played your song for Camilla.”

  She covered her mouth, staring at me with wide eyes. “You what?”

  “You hadn’t given me an answer, and Camilla has meetings with music execs all week. I didn’t want you to lose out on your song getting into the right hands. I asked her to shop your song around, and guess what? Our band’s label wants to buy the song from you. They’re also interested in hearing what else you’ve got.” She stared at me, frozen. She blinked. “Drew, did you hear me?”

  She snapped out of whatever shock she’d gone into. “Are you kidding me?”

  Those were the exact words I had said to Camilla.

  “No, baby. I would never kid you about something like this, something so possibly life-changing. Camilla wants you to call her, so you can get the ball rolling. Do you realize what this means?” She shook her head, still visibly stunned. “If the label accepted and approved of your first song, it means they’ll probably want others from you as well. Do you know how much money can be made in songwriting?”

  She remained silent.

  “If your song takes off, you won’t have to worry about living under your parents’ roof anymore. Joey and Dani make a fortune writing our songs.”

  “Oh my gosh!” She leaped into my lap and hugged me. So much for her silence. “I don’t know how I’ll ever be able to thank you. I have no clue how any of this works. Oh my God! I’m so excited. This is a dream come true. But what if I have to perform it in front of someone? Shit. I can’t breathe.” She climbed off me, spread her legs wide, and bent forward, resting her head between them, taking slow, deep breaths.

  It felt good to give her good news amidst all this chaos. I hid my smile while she panicked next to me. Had to show concern and all.

  “I don’t think I can speak to Camilla in my current mental state,” she said between hyperventilated breaths. She spoke with her head tilted downward toward the floor, her voice somewhat muffled. “I mean, who will sing my song? You know I can’t sing in front of people. My stage fright will make it suck. You don’t think they’ll make me play for an audience, do you? No. No. No.” She shook her head. “You know how anxious that would make me. I mean, look at me now and we’re only talking about it. Well, I’m only talking about it. But still. You get the idea.”

  She rambled on and on. I couldn’t hide my amusement any longer.

  “You won’t have to audition the song for music execs. They’ve already heard it and accepted it. Let the rest go for now.”

  She glared at me. Then smiled. As did I.

  “I do want you to speak with Joey and Dani, though, before signing a contract to make sure you don’t get screwed. Although Camilla is a tough cookie when it comes to the biz, and we also have an excellent entertainment lawyer who doesn’t take any shit. Between all of them, I’m sure you’ll get what you deserve for the song. If you choose not to sell it, you’ll earn royalties on sales, no matter which artist records it. You’ll have to speak to Camilla about specifics. I’m not exactly sure what they’re offering. She’ll be able to fill you in on all that.”

  “Oh my God! I can’t believe this!” She sat upright with a shit-eating grin. She jumped on my lap again. “You, Logan Trimble, are something.” She kissed me.

  “As are you, babe.” I considered her to be more than something. Try the love of my life. She always had been and always would be.

  I traced her lips with my tongue, eagerly sinking it inside her mouth to be greeted by hers.

  She hauled up my T-shirt. I raised my arms so she could get it over my head. She tossed it on the couch. I did the same with the one she sported, one of mine, since she didn’t have any fresh clothing to wear.

  I flicked my tongue against her hard nipple. She moaned. I cupped her soft flesh, enveloping her areola, sucking on it, delighting in it. She had the primo amount of pink, the perfect sized nipples, and I had seen many in my day.

  She danced against my raging hard-on. The confines of my denims didn’t provide much breathing room for my poor cock. The suckers needed to take a hike. I shifted her off me, into a reclining position on the sofa.

  I unsnapped and unzipped my denims, kicking them off. She did the same with the sweatpants I’d lent her. They were the only thing that fit her small frame, since they had a drawstring.

  Her eyes glistened; lust, possibly love, filling them. I preferred to go with the latter. I, for one, felt that strong feeling toward her.

  I kissed my way up her legs, stopping above the knee. I spread them wider, kissing her inner thighs, the crease on the side of her pussy. I lifted her hood and licked her clit. We didn’t require foreplay, the sucker already erect, the area swollen. I flattened my tongue, bringing it up and down in a variety of patterns, only to finish with her clit, teasing but retreating whenever I sensed her body climbing.

  In and out, my thumb pumped her. She dug her hands into my hair, gripping it, her thighs shaking.

  “Right there… Please… Don’t stop.”

  No worries. I had no intention of stopping. My cock was in some serious need of release as well. I would have to get it involved pretty fucking soon.

  My thumb got replaced with a finger. I circled her clit, allowing my tongue to go to town again.

  She convulsed underneath me. I continued to feast on her, never able to get enough, never feeling sated.

  I kissed her belly button, and moved upward, ending where I started, with her breast, teasing her by tugging her nipple between my teeth.

  She reached down and lugged me on top of her. “Make love to me.”

  “With pleasure.”

  She spread her legs. I probed her
entrance before heading in.

  I rested on my elbows, taking in the beauty of Drew, her eyes heavy, trying to focus on mine without much success. I swiped her damp hair off her face.

  The intensity of our stare became stronger the faster I moved.

  The back of her hand glided over my cheek. She smiled. I brushed my lips against hers. My heart pounded. I perspired like I’d run a marathon. I had so much pent-up energy, both good and bad, over everything that had gone down the last few days. It finally had a chance to release itself. But I allowed it to do so in a gradual manner, not in the mood for a quick fuck. My head and cock were on two different pages reaching for the same finish line. Not only was my cock getting satisfaction but my head and heart were as well. Every part of me happy.

  Drew wrapped her legs around my waist. I kissed her neck, nipped her silky skin, up to her ear. I took her earlobe between my teeth.

  She curled her arm around my neck, snaking her fingers into my hair and fisting it.

  Our bodies became slick with sweat. Her pelvis met mine thrust for thrust, the two of us perfectly synchronized in our movements.

  Things became more forceful, but still, I didn’t consider it fucking. I claimed her mouth, my tongue finding hers, dancing with it to the rhythm our bodies played.

  She reached for my ass. I reached for hers, underneath it. I tilted her pelvis, giving my cock the perfect angle to hit her where it mattered the most.

  “Logan…”

  Pressure rose in my dick, the feel of her skin surrounding mine with no barriers the icing on the cake.

  My mind shut down. No thoughts, only sensations—a sense of sheer love and admiration for the woman beneath me. My body stiffened over hers, going numb for a few seconds, as I released myself into her.

  She dug her fingers into my ass, holding it in place. I buried myself inside her as she too found her sweet release, shattering underneath me, her pussy clamping down on my cock.

  “Logan!”

  My pace slowed. I collapsed on top of her, breathing heavily. Her warm breath blew against my cheek.

  We remained still for quite some time until I raised my head and looked into her eyes. “I love you, Drew.” The words slipped out.