Ariel's Song (In Bed with the Enemy)

by Knight, Evie

  She placed her hands in back of her for support, swaying her hips in rhythm with his lunges. Colin claimed her lips in a scorching kiss.

  “God, you look beautiful, gorgeous,” he whispered against her lips. Ariel kissed him back, drawing his tongue inside her mouth, sucking on it.

  Colin groaned, driving faster into her slick channel. “I’ve missed you,” he said with a growl, letting his own release claim him. Ariel secured her legs on his hips and brought her hand to his nape. She tangled her fingers in his hair, pulling him down, deepening their kiss. He sank his fingers in her flesh, adjusting her hips to his faster pace until he was completely spent.

  Still catching his breath, he touched his forehead to hers. “You’re moving into my room today. No more separate rooms,” he said looking into her eyes.

  “No more cold nights.” Ariel smiled, angling her head, she kissed him.

  ****

  Not seeing or talking to Ariel for the past week took its toll on Colin. He’d wanted to give her space. Heck. He’d needed space to clear his head and get his thoughts in order. Too many things happened he hadn’t planned for.

  The party last weekend, all the people he’d talked to, Penelope’s chat with Ariel, and his jealousy of Logan’s relationship with her overwhelmed him. Even after a week, his mind remained as disorganized as ever, except for his feelings toward Ariel.

  He’d already accepted she brought things he’d buried to light. Wasn’t it enough? Why did he have to start feeling too much? Colin needed her. He needed to see her, hold her, kiss her, make love to her, and right things between them. He’d reached his limit and used the legal documents as the bait to get Ariel to come to him. Did that make him an asshole? Perhaps, but he didn’t regret it one bit. He had her back by his side.

  “Gorgeous.” Colin strode in his study. Ariel sat behind his desk. Its enormous size swallowed her small form.

  Ariel dragged her gaze from the scattered papers on the desk to him. “Mozart.” She smiled, standing up. “It’s a good thing you’re here. Marissa asked me to have you review the last details on the contract for the concert coming up—”

  “I’m not here to talk business.” He walked behind her and turned her around to face him, his arms circling her waist. “We are going to have a picnic. I have a basket ready for us.”

  “But—”

  Colin leaned in and covered her mouth with his, swallowing her objection. “No buts. Let’s go,” he said, his nose touching hers.

  “I—”

  He kissed her again, pulling her upper lip into his mouth, nibbling it with his teeth. “Didn’t you hear me? No buts or ifs, gorgeous. I want us to spend some time together. Out of bed.”

  Ariel palmed his chest, breaking the kiss. “Why, of all the things I never expected you’d say that. Are you complaining?” She raised a brow. Her eyes danced in amusement.

  “You’d never hear me complain about that. In fact, I have a better idea. Let’s have our picnic in bed.”

  She laughed and pushed him away. “You’re incorrigible.”

  He grinned. His hands slid down her waist and cupped her ass as he pressed his groin on her belly. “Yes, I am. Come on, let’s go before you change my mind.”

  Ariel slapped his arm. “Before I change your mind? Are you trying to be funny?”

  Colin laced his fingers with hers and led her out of the house to the rear garden, picnic basket in hand. Ariel gave him a side glance, a crease between her brows. “Is everything all right?” he asked, tightening his hold on her hand.

  “I didn’t think when you said picnic it’d be here. I thought we’d go somewhere else.”

  “Nope. I want it to be you and me.” He glanced at her. “We can go elsewhere if you’d like.”

  “No, no. This is perfect.” Ariel smiled at him.

  They walked in companionable silence for a few minutes, as he guided her away from the house and up a hill. When they reached the top, Colin let go of her hand and removed a blanket from the picnic basket. She helped him unfold it and set it on the ground. He stopped for a moment, taking a breath of fresh air as he admired the spectacular view of the beautiful gardens surrounding his state.

  “It’s so astounding,” Ariel said.

  Colin studied her, pleased she liked it. “Yes, it is.”

  They set out the food his housekeeper packed for them. He placed cold sandwiches on one side of the blanket while Ariel set cheese, fruit, and dessert on the other side. Colin served the chilled Riesling and handed Ariel a glass.

  “Why are you here?” His last minute picnic presented him with the opportunity he needed to dig deeper, and find the missing pieces of the puzzle surrounding Ariel.

  She sipped from her wine, in thought. “I came here on vacation. I-I was bored and wanted some me time away from the buzz.”

  He frowned, taking a bite of his roast beef sandwich. “You said you were on vacation, are you no longer on vacation?” Colin hoped she came through and filled in the holes, starting with why she needed Logan’s help. It also intrigued him Ariel hadn’t once mentioned her brother or her uncle. Where the hell were they? Why didn’t she ever talk about them?

  Ariel pursed her lips, her gaze absent. “It’s a long, sad story, Colin.”

  “We got time,” he said, swirling the wine in his glass.

  She looked at the blanket. “I’ve been a rich girl all my life, never known the need to work or do anything else other than party, shop and have fun until now.”

  Colin stopped chewing for a second as he took in the sadness in her voice. He swallowed his food and took a mouthful of his wine. “All right, so you’re broke? Is that it?” He already knew that. Come on, gorgeous. Go on, tell me everything.

  She laughed softly and set her wine glass down on the cloth. She placed her hands behind her and threw her head back, letting the soft warm breeze play with her dark locks.

  “I’m more than broke,” Ariel said, gazing up the blue sky. “I needed the job to keep me afloat while I figured what to do next.”

  All right, we’re making progress. “Figure out what? How to get home, or how to live within your new financial limitations?”

  Ariel bit her lower lip and glanced at him. “If you’re trying to be funny, you’re failing miserably.”

  Colin raised his hand. “Hey, I’m trying to picture what I’d do if I ever ended up in your position. I’d be the first to admit I’d have a hard time adjusting to my limited finances.” He drank from his wine. “Actually, I’d go to my family and ask them for a loan if I had to.”

  “That’s easy for you to say.”

  “No. It’s exactly what I’d do. So, let me ask, why haven’t you? Don’t you have brothers or sisters?” Okay, gorgeous, this is your chance.

  Ariel closed her eyes. “I have one brother. He’s been missing since our accounts were frozen and our properties got impounded.” Her voice broke.

  He placed his glass of wine down. “Is that what Logan’s been helping you with?”

  “Yes.”

  His jaw tightened as a pang of jealousy rose to his throat. “Do you have any leads?”

  “Not many. Every lead I had turned wrong. I’m hoping the investigator finds something new soon, though. I need to talk to Logan.”

  No. You don’t. He’d be the one talking to his friend. As of this moment, Logan was out of the picture. Colin made a mental note to call Logan when they got back to his house. In the meantime, he’d like to hear more of Ariel’s future plans.

  “Have you figured out what you want to do next?” he asked.

  “Yes. No. I don’t know.” She rested her chin on her right shoulder then looked at him. “Your concert is coming up. We’ll be leaving for New York in another three weeks, so you can practice with the entire orchestra for a couple of other weeks before the big performance, right?”

  “Yes.” He nodded, studying her.

  She lied back on the blanket and shut her eyes closed. “I think I’ll be staying in New York.”


  Like hell she was.

  “Since I can’t pawn my very expensive degree, I’ll have to put it to good use and make something out of myself while I find my missing brother.” Ariel sighed. “Life goes on, you know. It’s time I move on, too.”

  What the fuck did she mean by moving on? She’d be coming back with him after his show, he’d be damned if she didn’t. All of a sudden his sweet afternoon picnic turned sour.

  “Have you given any more thought to what you want to do after New York? Please tell me, you’re not serious in letting it be your last performance,” Ariel said.

  He shook his head and put a perfect square of cheese in his mouth. “Yes, it is.” He lied. Colin made his decision a while ago, but he’d started to have second thoughts. The idea of the upcoming concert being his last show didn’t sit well with him anymore. Colin preferred not to spend his energy dealing with it right then.

  She opened and closed her mouth, no words came out. Finally, she said, “What’s the song you’re composing?”

  “Ariel’s Song.” Colin exhaled, releasing the tension in his shoulders.

  “I’m serious. What’s the song’s title?” she asked.

  “Ariel’s Song.” Colin grinned.

  She turned her head and glanced up at him from where she lay. “Are you kidding me?”

  “I kid you not.”

  “It’s lovely.” Her voice broke with sentiment, filling an empty space in his chest he’d been ignoring.

  ****

  Colin paced his music studio, his BlackBerry in hand, pressed to his ear. Answer the fucking phone, Logan.

  “Colin? Is something wrong?” Logan asked.

  “I should fire you.” Colin raked a hand through his hair. “Why the fuck didn’t you tell me Ariel’s brother went missing?”

  “Ah, she told you.” Logan paused. “Her background checked out, I didn’t think you’d want to be bothered with this additional piece.”

  Colin stopped pacing. “Well, you thought wrong. What’s wrong with you, Logan? You better than anyone know to keep me informed of everything that goes on here.”

  “Calm the fuck down, Colin. I knew her brother was missing, but I didn’t know things were complicated,” Logan said.

  Colin frowned. “What do you mean complicated? You’re going through the same P.I. we always use, right?”

  “Yes. I’m working with our usual team of experts.” Logan sighed. “Her brother is wanted for fraud and embezzlement. He fled the country, no one knows where to. Ariel’s uncle is shocked by what his dear nephew did, and has been trying to maintain her dad’s company afloat while this is all sorted. All of Ariel’s and her brother’s accounts are frozen, and neither one has access to their properties.” He paused. “It doesn’t all stop there. Ariel may also be involved in this mess.”

  Colin cursed under his breath. “Did she have something to do with it?”

  “It doesn’t seem like it. The P.I. says something is not adding up. He and his partner have their team looking to confirm Ariel didn’t sign anything that connected her to the fraud,” Logan said. “Even if she didn’t have anything to do with it, this case is calling a lot of attention in the States. Her name will most likely be thrown in the mix sooner than later.”

  “Why the fuck did it take so long to find this out?” Colin sat on the stool next to his music stand.

  “Shit, Colin, give me a break. I don’t own a crystal ball. All’s unfolding as we speak,” Logan said.

  “Is Ariel safe?” Colin asked.

  “Safe as in, are you safe? Or is she safe from harm?”

  “Both,” Colin said.

  “I think you’re okay.”

  Colin breathed in. “When were you planning to tell me all this?”

  “Believe it or not, I’d planned to call you tonight. I just got this last bit of news this morning,” Logan said.

  “What a damn cluster-fuck.” Colin ran a hand over his face.

  “What are you going to do with Ariel?”

  “Nothing. I want a daily report, even if it’s a no new progress report. And don’t tell Ariel anything yet, unless it’s absolutely necessary,” Colin said.

  Chapter Twelve

  Ariel strolled along the tree-lined driveway, basking in the warmth of the sunny afternoon. It’d been a different experience to spend time with Colin outside of his house, eating al fresco, without anyone else. He showed her more of the soft side of him he didn’t let people see often. Or maybe he did at one point before the incident with his fiancée, Ariel didn’t know and it didn’t matter. She’d had a fantastic time.

  Later in the afternoon, when they’d returned from their little outing, she’d gone to her room for a change of clothes, and found her belongings gone and moved into Colin’s. Ariel knew he was serious about them always spending their nights together, she hadn’t imagined he’d meant to change her room.

  His action surprised her and she didn’t want to go back to her old room, though a twinge of sadness shaded her temporary happiness. As much as she wanted to spend all her time with him and stay a little longer, Ariel needed to straighten other things in her life—finding her brother, for starters.

  Before their picnic, she’d weighed the pros and cons of staying or leaving. Unfortunately, the cons weighed heavier than the pros. If she wanted to learn more regarding the cause of Tanner’s disappearance, she’d have a better chance at finding more leads to him in New York. She’d also be closer to learning the details behind the loss of her fortune. Her uncle had yet to answer any of her calls or reply to her messages. They weren’t close, but she’d at least expected he would’ve contacted her by now.

  Her decision to stay in New York had been a hard choice to make, though it made perfect sense to her. The one thing that would keep her from staying in New York would be Colin. If he asked her to come back to England with him, and give a real relationship between them a try, Ariel didn’t think she’d be able to say no. Even though she wasn’t ready for a relationship, she’d be willing to work, assuming he’d ask. She did question how long it’d take before Colin decided to move on

  Stop day dreaming, Ariel.

  The end to her stay in England, with Colin neared. It’d be stupid for her to think otherwise. Why not enjoy it? Why did she torture herself with thoughts of how much she’d miss not being with him? It was stupid and exhausting to put herself through all the heartbreak before she had to. And damn it. He’d titled a song after her. A song! How could she not love him after something like that?

  Ariel stopped in her tracks, bringing her hand to her chest. “Oh, my God.” She touched her temple. “I’m head over heels. I did fall for him.” She swallowed as her heart raced in double time. This wasn’t her fan girl I love his music so I think I love him. The numbness in her chest told her so.

  Shit.

  Ariel stared up the driveway, recalling the other night when he’d said he may be jealous. Did it mean Colin felt the same way? She didn’t want to know the answer. What if he didn’t? He’d said they weren’t fuck buddies. So what were they? Musician and assistant with benefits? Ugh. Why did she insist on torturing herself? Forget it, Ariel. Let it go. Damn it.

  She still questioned what Colin planned to do after she left. Would he give in to Penelope’s charms? Goosebumps spread through her body at the ill thought. Ariel hoped he never did. Ever.

  ****

  “Gorgeous, I’ve been looking for you.” Colin walked up to her as she crossed the threshold of the entrance hall. His arms snaked around her waist, flushing her body against his tall frame.

  Ariel beamed at him and slid her hands up his shoulders to the back of his neck. “Hi there.” She touched her lips to his.

  “There’s someone I want you to meet.” He pulled her, leading her into the drawing room.

  She strode in behind Colin. Julianne sat opposite an older elegant woman whose hair color was the same as Colin’s. Their intent gazes on her made her anxious.

  “Ariel, it’s
so good to see you.” Julianne rose from her chair and greeted her with a hug and a kiss on each cheek as usual.

  The older woman fixed her gaze on Ariel. The smile on her face didn’t waver. “You are the little angel working her magic on my son.” The woman got to her feet.

  “Mom.” A faint blush covered Colin’s cheeks.

  Ariel smiled at the older woman.

  “Where are your manners? Aren’t you going to introduce us?” his mother said.

  He placed his hand on the small of her back. “Mom, this is Ariel, my girlfriend.”

  Ariel blinked, hoping she didn’t have a stupid look on her face. Did she hear him right? She glanced sideways at him, and Colin curled his fingers around her waist. What a way to render her speechless in front of his family. Ariel couldn’t utter a word so she smiled.

  Julianne clapped. “This is the best news I’ve heard in a long time.”

  “I’m Stefanie,” the older woman said, pulling her out of Colin’s grip and embraced her. “I’m glad to finally meet you. You’re doing for my son what no one else can.” Stefanie air kissed Ariel’s cheeks and hugged her once more.

  “I-I’m happy to meet you, too,” Ariel said. Her mind ran wild with the word girlfriend, trying to talk herself into not making more of the situation—title—than it deserved. She bit the inside of her cheek, willing the questions to leave her mind. Was this Colin’s attempt to make people think he’d moved on? A lie?

  Julianne and Stefanie sat in the chairs opposite her and Colin. He sat next to her, his arm sliding around her shoulder, resting on the couch. Ariel turned her head slightly. “Girlfriend?” she whispered, raising a brow.

  Colin beamed, tilting her chin with his fingers. “Yes. Girlfriend.” He looked into her eyes and leaned in, planting a soft kiss on her lips. “We can talk more later. All right?”

  “Ariel, I’m having a birthday party this weekend, and I’d be very happy if you’d join us,” Stefanie said.

  Ariel clasped her hands in her lap in an effort to control her nerves, despite her heart racing. She got it all wrong, did she? Was he serious? His girlfriend? His words knocked the wind out of her. He’d changed their course in a direction Ariel thought she’d never see him take. After all her pep talk this afternoon, it turned out she’d have to reconsider her list of pros and cons and find alternatives.