by Lily Graison
"From the floor up."
Christian listened to them laugh and bit the inside of his cheek to keep from smiling. He stared straight ahead, watching the scenery pass by the limo windows.
As far as he knew, none of the guys were aware that Jessi had spent the night with him ... but that didn't keep them from the usual barbed jokes.
He knew his silence would tip them off but he couldn't help it. He knew if he opened his mouth, he'd spill more than he wanted to. No one besides Jessi knew his little secret and he wanted to keep it that way. He still couldn't believe he'd told her. He hadn't planned on it but once they were inside the cottage and she questioned him as to why he was so quiet, he knew if he didn't tell her, he'd fuck the whole thing up and make a complete fool out of himself.
She'd made it a lot less painful than he thought it would be. He'd imagined more horrible scenarios than were necessary and had worked himself into a gut wrenching fear by the time he actually had her alone. It had been damned near perfect, though. He knew she was the reason for that. He barely knew her but that didn't keep him from wanting her. And it wasn't just the sex. He'd wanted her before she let him touch her. Before he even knew her name. The minute he saw her at the photo shoot, he'd wanted her and drove himself half mad with longing.
The limo came to a stop and he was the first one to the door. He waited for Curt to exit and looked over at him. “Anything else for today?"
"No. We're all done."
"Good.” He turned toward the hotel, making his way through the courtyard at a quick pace. His intention was to leave the note and wait for her to come to him but as the morning progressed, his desire to see her overrode everything else. He couldn't wait and was almost positive she wasn't waiting in his cottage. His blood sang through his veins with the need to see her. To touch her, just to look at her and see her smile.
He made his way to the concierge desk and asked for her room number.
"I'm sorry, Sir, but we're not allowed to give out that information."
"Can you ring her room for me, then?” he asked.
"One moment, I'll check."
Someone behind him said, “She's in room 812."
Christian turned his head and looked behind him. It was Jessi's friend, Faith. He smiled at her. “Thanks."
"No problem,” she said.
He nodded his head at her and started to walk away when she yelled out to him.
"Hey, wait up a second."
He stopped and turned back to her. “Yeah?"
"How long are you guys staying in Vegas?"
"A few more day,” he said. “Why?"
"No reason,” she smiled. “Just curious."
She walked away and he turned and made his way to the elevator. The wait, and ride up to the eighth floor, was like torture but the moment he stood in front of Jessi's door, a small tingle of fear prickled his spine. What did he say to her? What would she say?
Maybe I should just wait for her to call me, he thought, fear of the unknown making his stomach tighten. What if she doesn't want to see me again? What if she shuts the door in my face? What if you just stop being such a puss and knock on her door.
He shook his head, clearing the negative thoughts trying to worm their way into his mind and took a deep breath before reaching out a hand and knocking on the door. When it open, he forgot to breathe.
"Well, are you coming in or are you just going to stand there gawking at me?"
"Definitely in,” he said, smiling as he walked into the room, pushing the door shut behind him. She'd apparently just come from the shower. Her hair was damp and laying in clumps over her shoulders. A white towel was wrapped around her body and it hid very little of her. “Do you always answer your door dressed like this?"
"Only when there's a gorgeous rock star on the other side."
He felt his face burn hot and knew he'd blushed. The smile on her face confirmed it. He cleared his throat and said, “Get many of those?"
"Not lately."
She ducked her head slightly and looked up at him through her lashes. Neither of them spoke for long moments and the silence was so thick he could have touched it. He wracked his brain trying to think of something to say but seeing her standing there in a very small bath towel left him more speechless than normal.
Luckily she still had all her mental facilities. With a hesitant smile, she walked to him and wrapped her arms loosely around his waist. “I thought I was supposed to come see you?"
He smiled and hugged her to him. “I couldn't wait."
"I'm glad.” She kissed him and it was like coming home. It felt so right; his arms around her, her scent tickling his senses. He wasn't sure how he'd managed day after day without her or how he would once they had to leave. He only had three more days in Vegas before the band was on the road again. Another long line of endless cities. Another string of endless days thinking about her.
He wrapped a hand in her hair, fisting the damp strands between his fingers and angled his head, deepening the kiss. She moaned into his mouth and the sound of it caused his cock to throb and thicken. Deft fingers lifted the edge of his shirt, tickled along the waistband of his jeans before dancing over his erection. He gasped and broke the kiss, looking down at her.
A sly smile played on her lips as he felt the button on his jeans pop loose. The zipper being pulled the only noise in the room other than their harsh breaths. When she sank to her knees in front of him, burying her face in the small space at the opening of his pants, his heart nearly exploded out of his chest.
She pulled down the front of his underwear, exposing the head of his cock and took a slow, long lick. “Jessi..."
His legs were shaking. Jessi could feel the tremors as she held onto his hips. His eyelids looked heavy and drooped over his eyes. He licked his lips as he watched her and she extended her tongue, circling the head of his cock and smiling when he groaned and threw his head back against the door.
She pulled the material of his pants further back, exposing most of him before diving back in. She took him in her mouth, running her tongue over the velvety softness and taking as much of him in as she could.
He gasped and grabbed the top of her head. She glanced up at him, smiling around his cock at the look on his face. His mouth was open, his eyes tiny slits under brows drawn tightly together. He was panting for breath as she sucked him in as far as she could, curling her tongue around him as she pulled back.
Grabbing his jeans, she pulled them down his hips, exposing him completely before reaching around him, grabbing his ass in both hands and holding him to her. His breaths grew harsher, small guttural sounds escaping his lips as he started rocking his hips towards her waiting mouth. She raked her nails down his smooth buttocks, listening to him curse under his breath before his hands were on her shoulders, pulling her away from him and dragging her to her feet.
His mouth descended on hers in a rush. Hungry nips of his lips and teeth grew more demanding as the seconds ticked by. He backed her against the wall, the towel she wore pulled from her body while his hands roamed every inch of skin he could touch.
Jessi wrapped her leg around his hip, urging him on by thrusting her hips forward. He took the hint, angling his body until his cock penetrated her. She gasped at the intrusion, her head falling back against the wall. “Oh god, don't stop."
He took her hard, his fingers digging into her flesh until she knew she'd have bruises the next day. She let him take what he needed, shocked at his intensity and was surprised to feel the tell-tail clenching in her stomach that signaled her approaching release a few minutes later. She moaned, her hands clenching on his shoulders as he drove into her and felt the spark ignite when she felt him grow thicker inside her.
"Christian!” The climax rushed over her like liquid heat, a living thing burning a trail through her limbs and causing her to scream out. He followed her moments later, his body taunt and rigid, the rocking of his hips erratic until the world seemed to vanish and there was nothing left but
the fire racing through her veins.
Christian couldn't breathe and took deep gasps of breath. His legs were trembling and he leaned against her to stay upright. He could still hear her scream, hear her pleading for him not to stop and feel her muscles clench and tighten around his cock. God, how had he ever lived without this? Without her? How would he be able to now that he knew what it was like to have her.
Her leg slowly slid from his hip and he gathered what little energy he had left to lift his head and look at her. Her face was flushed, her eyelids heavy and drowsy looking. He smiled when she looked up at him. “You know, I just came to ask you to lunch."
She laughed and the sound vibrated through his chest until his heart constricted. “After that I need food,” she said. She stared at him, smiling and shook her head. “What happened to that shy virgin I was with last night?"
"Oh. He bedded a beautiful woman and can't get enough of her now."
"So she can look forward to these impromptu trysts in the future then?"
"Only if she's around all the time.” The words were out of his mouth before he could stop them and once they were, he held his breath.
"And what if she can't be around all the time?"
"Then I'll take what I can get."
Jessi stared at him and wondered if he was asking what she thought he was. She didn't want to presume anything. She'd spent all morning thinking about him and was damn near stir crazy waiting for the day to get over so she could see him again. When he showed up at her door, it was like an answer to a prayer. She latched on to it with both hands and didn't let go.
"And if she can?"
He kissed her, soft sliding strokes of his lips and tongue until she was dizzy with need. When he pulled back enough to look at her, she knew she'd run away with him in a heartbeat if he'd ask.
"I can make you happy, Jessi,” he said, his voice a soft whisper. “If you'll let me."
* * * *
Jessi walked into the Villa, thanking the man who opened the door and directed her to the pool. Devin and Holly were there along with Luke and Roxy. Music was blasting from invisible speakers and the four of them looked oblivious to the world around them.
She paused by the pool, looking toward Christian's cottage and debated walking over to it or just waiting for him to come out. He'd told her he would meet her at the hotel bar once her meeting with Joan was over but like he was earlier in the day, she was anxious to see him.
"He's in the cottage. Go on over."
Jessi glanced over to where the other couples sat and smiled. “You don't think he'll mind?"
Roxy snorted a laugh. “He's only in there because we made him go away."
"I don't even know you but to be honest,” Luke said, grinning, “I'm sick of hearing about you. No offense."
She laughed. “None taken."
"Go grab him and come back out. We'll find Mick and make a party of it."
"All right.” She started around the pool, glancing over her shoulder when she heard an unmanly scream and a splash. Devin emerged from the pool, shaking the water from his face before jumping onto the edge as Holly laughed and took off running.
Reaching the cottage door, she debated on knocking but saw that the door wasn't completely shut. She pushed it open and stuck her head inside. “Christian?” There wasn't a sound coming from inside. Opening the door completely, she took a few steps inside the main room.
She could see the bed from the door and smiled at the crumpled bed sheets and the body-sized lump under the blankets. Tip-toeing to the bedroom door, she grinned when he moved. She stopped just inside the doorway and debated on stripping and joining him.
The thought vanished a moment later when the person raised up and pushed her hair out of her face.
"Sorry, sweetheart. You've already had your ride."
Jessi's entire body seized; her stomach clenched, her heart pounded against her ribcage and she heard a ringing sensation in her ears as her blood rushed through her veins. It felt as if someone had sucker punched her in the gut. Her stomach rolled and her pulse began racing out of control as she stared at Delilah. The blonde was smiling and didn't bother covering her nudity. The sheets were lying haphazardly across her legs and it didn't take much to realize the girl was completely naked.
The door to the bathroom opened a few moments later and Jessi turned her head. Christian was standing in the doorway in nothing but a towel slung low across his hips. He looked shocked to see her and she took a stumbling step backwards before glancing back at the bed.
Delilah had risen to her knees, hiding nothing. She had one hand on her left breast and was still smiling. The lunch Jessi had shared with Christian earlier in the day soured in her stomach. She felt it trying to crawl back up and swallowed to squelch the feeling.
"Come back to bed, Christian."
Christian looked to the bed, his eyes widening before his body became taunt. He turned his gaze back to her quickly and took a step. “Jessi..."
She turned and ran. A thousand thoughts tumbled through her head as she raced out the door of the cottage and around the pool, the biggest one: she was a fool. She could hear Christian yelling her name, hear the blood pounding in her ears and tried to keep from throwing up as she saw everyone by the pool stand up and look at her. She ignored them and headed for the main entrance.
Christian jumped one of the deck chairs and yelled her name again. He saw Devin and Luke going toward the main entrance as Jessi ran past them and he cursed when he slipped on a wet corner of the pool deck. He reached for one of the chairs to steady himself and didn't stop when he felt the towel around his waist let go.
By the time he made it to the front door, Jessi was halfway through the courtyard. “Damn it!” He tugged at his hair, watching her run away and it felt like molten lava rushed through his veins. He felt sick to his stomach and knew she'd never forgive him.
He turned and slammed the front door shut before punching it. “Fuck!"
He marched back to the pool and the gathering crowd of people who stared at him with widened eyes. His band mates were all there, Curt and several of the security guards.
A flash of movement at his cottage caught his attention and he nearly bit his tongue off when he saw Delilah standing in the doorway.
He turned a steely gaze on Curt and pointed toward his cottage. “If I ever see that fucking bitch's face again, I'm out of here. Get her off this property. Now."
Everyone turned to his cottage and Delilah had sense enough to take a step back inside. Roxy was the first to speak and Christian wasn't aware the girl knew half the words that came out of her mouth. She was marching toward the cottage before anyone had time to react. Luke caught her as she reached the corner of the pool.
"Let me hit her,” Roxy yelled. “Just one good time."
"Go take care of it,” Curt said, pointing to several of the security guards before taking a look back at Christian. “I don't know how she got in here, Christian."
"Maybe she never left,” he said, his anger boiling hot. “We all know you've been fucking her for weeks now."
Curt started to speak but held his tongue. “I see her again Curt and she won't be the only one in deep shit. You work for us. Not the other way around!” He turned, walking back toward his cottage, stopping long enough to snatch his fallen towel from the ground.
[Back to Table of Contents]
Chapter 6
Jessi knew if she stood up she'd fall flat on her face. She lost count of the drinks she'd had or the men who'd tried to talk to her. One glance up at them and they all turned away without saying a word.
She'd spent the better part of the evening roaming the casinos before finding a darkened corner in one of the hotel bars. Staring into glass after glass of whatever the waitress was bringing her hadn't cleared her thoughts in the least. If nothing else, it only made the sting worse.
How could she have been so stupid? Had Christian played her for a fool the entire time? Was the whole, “I've never
been with anyone” thing just an act? Had he in fact been fucking Delilah on a regular basis?
If it was an act, he needed a fucking Oscar. She'd bought every blushing comment he made, every sweet little lie uttered past his perfect lips.
She laughed abruptly, earning a few looks for the other bar patrons but ignored them. A twenty-four year old virgin rock star. Sure. Why not? She laughed louder. Laughed until tears filled her eyes and her laughter turned to sobs. She'd cried enough already that her throat was raw from the effort, her eyes felt gritty and swollen yet she couldn't seem to stop. Her stomach rolled again, much like it had all day and she gagged moments before she jumped from the bench and ran. She just made it to the bathroom before the alcohol came back up and left her heaving for breath.
"Come on, sweetheart. It can't be that bad."
Jessi looked up through bloodshot eyes at the woman staring down at her. Her uniform told her she worked there.
"Are you staying here at the hotel?"
"Yes."
"What's your room number?” she said, reaching down and grabbing her by the arm.
When she was on her feet, she swayed, telling the woman what floor she was on and hoped like hell no one was waiting there for her.
* * * *
Christian didn't know when Devin, Luke and Mick had left but they had managed to get his hand bandaged and right the bed for him. He'd been sitting on the floor, staring at the wreckage until his body had gone numb. The glass from the mirror had been picked up but he could still see tiny pieces of it glittering against the carpet from the overhead lights. The dining table and chairs were turned over, what he hadn't broken, and anything else that wasn't nailed down was strewn across the room from one end to the other.
After five years, he'd finally lived up to the rock star image. He'd trashed a hotel room, single-handedly, and managed to get a woman he wanted into his bed. And found another waiting naked for him. He laughed and shook his head, staring down at the floor between his bare feet.
He could still see the look on Jessi's face and knew what she thought. How could she not? He would have thought the same thing had the situation been reversed. No matter how hard he tried, he couldn't come up with one thing to say to her that would possibly undo what had been done. Anything he said would sound like an excuse.