Canvas (The Program Book 1)

by N. M. Catalano

  “I don’t sell that.”

  “You’re being impossible.”

  “No, I’m working. Now move,” holding Sasha’s skinny mochaccino, I push past him to take it to her.

  As I approach her table, the whole group is huddled together listening to every animated word their leader is telling them. All of them, every single one, have their eyes wide and their mouths open hanging on to every word she’s saying from the chair next to them.

  “Each one of those men, they knew exactly what they were doing. And they did it perfectly. I can’t wait to do it again,” Sasha is whispering when I approach the table.

  This can’t be real, she had a gang bang and she’s telling everyone! And from the sounds of it, she loved it!

  A tremor rumbles through me.

  “Here you go,” I say as I set her coffee down on the table and quickly turn to leave.

  Apparently not fast enough, because she grabs my wrist.

  “Have you been over to the shop yet, Summer?” Sasha asks. She’s smiling at me. A smile like she just won the lottery. And it looks…nice. Like she doesn’t have a bitch bone in her body. Apparently dick agrees with her.

  The dick lottery. But I hit the Powerball last night.

  My entire sex springs to life.

  “Yeah, Summer.”

  “Have you gone?”

  “Did you go?”

  The whole Wifezilla group starts asking me. As if I were part of their little clique, one of them.

  “No of course not,” I mumble, surprised and pulling my hand back.

  “I’m going.”

  “Me too.”

  “I’m going today.”

  They obviously can’t wait to line up to get serviced by the men of Inked.

  Another ripple goes through me.

  But is it anger?

  Or because I’m jealous?

  Is it because I want it too?

  The thought stops me in my tracks. I glance at Rock. He hasn’t moved from the spot I left him at behind the counter, like he owns the place. Like he owns me. The words he’d said to me echo in my mind, I would scare you…we’d scare you.

  Does it scare me? Rock hasn’t confirmed that all the guys have sex together.

  With the same woman.

  At the same time.

  I look back at Sasha’s satisfied face, (I’ve never seen her looking so content).

  From what I overheard, she confirmed it. And they did it very, very well.

  I look back at Rock. He hasn’t budged. He’s waiting for me.

  Is he a part of it too?

  His expression is hard and unreadable, his body, that body that’s a work of art, is taut and unmoving.

  He didn’t make me feel cheap or used. On the contrary, he made me feel adored. Over and over again.

  A shot of heat flashes through me at the memories.

  Does he want to do that with me? With his friends? Together?

  I haven’t moved from my spot as mine and Rock’s eyes are locked together.

  I imagine Snake, Bull, and Gringo tasting me, touching me, using me. And Rock telling them to. Telling them to put their tongues on my body, telling them to stroke me inside and out, and telling me to open my mouth and suck them.

  Every nerve-ending I have jolts sparks of electricity through me as my core tightens and my breasts ache.

  Do I want that? Do I want all four of them together?

  My loins pulse as I drag my lower lip through my teeth. Rock has me pinned with his glare as a slow grin lifts the corners of his sinful mouth, that mouth that told me so many filthy things last night.

  ...Open your fucking legs…

  My thighs clench.

  …Put that cunt on my face…

  My breath catches.

  …Suck me…

  My lips part on a gasp.

  My heart is pounding and my temperature has skyrocketed underneath his penetrating gaze. I know he can read every single emotion I’m feeling; he knows every thought I’m imagining. He knows because he’s thinking them too.

  I take a steadying breath and swallow.

  It’s just sex, Summer.

  Yeah, right, and Bill Gates is just a computer nerd.

  I muster all the control I can and walk back to the counter, Rock’s eyes following me with every single step I take. I putter around pretending there’re so many things to do, shuffling steamer cups, rearranging spoons, and wiping nozzles. The energy emanating from Rock has me vibrating. He hasn’t left, and I haven’t told him to.

  “You look like you could use an orgasm or ten right now, princess.”

  My nipples scream and everything in my abdomen pulsates.

  Ignoring him, I ask, “What are you still doing back here? Don’t you have something you need to be doing?”

  He smirks. “You.”

  His hand reaches between my legs and cups my heat through my jeans. Although the move shocks me, I instinctively want to rub myself against him. But my body immediately stills and I stiffen.

  “Princess,” his fingernail scrapes over the fabric and my clit.

  “Yes?” I respond breathlessly.

  “I want to make you come right now, right here.” Another slow drag of his nail.

  My legs slide apart a few inches.

  “You can’t.”

  He quirks and eyebrow at me.

  He rubs my clit through my pants, knowing exactly where it is.

  My eyelids dip and I have to stifle a moan.

  “I can’t?”

  “I meant don’t.” I really mean I need you to, but you shouldn’t.

  “Well, now that I have your complete attention,” another slow scrape, “I don’t want to fuck Sasha.” He brings his face a little closer, close enough I’m the only one who can hear him, with enough distance to remain discreet. “This pussy,” the heel of his palm grinds against my mound, He’s torturing me. He’s using my body against me and controlling me. “This pussy is mine. The only one I want, mine to do what I want.”

  Yes.

  Yes.

  YES.

  I’m panting, almost ready to beg him to shove his hand down my pants and get me off. We’re in the middle of a room full of people. In public. When did I turn into such a dirty little kink?

  When he pulled my freak out and took her for the ride of her life.

  But I have to ask, I have to know.

  As his fingers caress me over my jeans, I ask. “Did they?”

  He doesn’t stop, in fact, he grips my sex tightly, possessively, his middle finger pressing into my entrance.

  “I think you know the answer to that, princess.” His voice is calm.

  They did fuck her. There’s my answer.

  His finger makes gentle circles over my hungry little nub. It takes everything for me not to circle my hips on his hand.

  “Does that scare you?” The question is hushed, his voice deep.

  Does it? Does it scare me?

  I turn my gaze to his. I know my face is flushed, I can feel the heat. Rock’s nostrils flare and his jaw tenses, I can hear a low growl in the back of his throat.

  It’s the sexiest sound.

  “Tell me, does it scare you?” his hold becomes firmer.

  I stare into his eyes. The heat from his hand sears into me, straight up my body, and seeps through every part of me.

  “No. No, it doesn’t scare me, Rock.”

  His look burns me, my lips, my cheeks, the flesh of my chest, every inch of bare skin is inflamed by his gaze.

  “Fuck, princess,” he rasps out. “I want to tie you down right now and make you come so many damn times, you’d pass out.”

  I smile at him and swivel my hips just a tiny little bit. “It seems that guy really wants to meet me.”

  My dad would literally have a coronary if he knew what a slut I am, and all the things I want to do. Him and everyone in that club.

  Some would make it happen.

  A grin explodes on his face. “You have no fuc
king idea.”

  I laugh.

  The door chimes.

  “What the fuck is this?”

  Steve, the little peckered twat.

  Shit. Who’s next?

  “Hey there, Steve,” Rock greets him as he removes his hand from between my legs. I almost whimper from the loss of his touch.

  How did he remember his name?

  I turn around to wait on Steve acting like nothing was going on, no sign of Rock’s hand rubbing me in public in broad daylight.

  “Good afternoon, Steve,” I say calmly. “What can I get for you today?”

  His pale face is bright red as his eyes bounce back and forth between Rock and me.

  “I asked you a question, Summer. What the fuck is going on here?” Steve barks at me.

  “Nothing, and frankly it’s none of your business. Rock is a friend of mine.”

  Steve’s eyes bulge and a little vein that feeds up his forehead swells.

  Boy, is he pissed.

  “I’m just gonna grab a coffee, princess,” Rock says casually. Steve clenches his jaw so hard, I’m surprised his teeth don’t break.

  Rock helps himself and grabs a paper cup and slowly pours himself a cup of coffee. He fingers the lids until he finds the size he needs. Steve’s shoved his arms across his chest and scowls furiously at Rock as he takes his sweet time.

  “Tell the girl what you want, Steve my boy,” Rock states amiably.

  I fight a grin. He’s such an arrogant dick.

  “Not until you get the fuck out of there.” Steve shoots his attention to me. “A girl like you is not friends with a guy like that. What the hell is he doing back there anyway?”

  His comment rubs me the wrong way but I can’t stop my grin. I try not to smile as I answer, but it’s impossible not to, “He’s getting some coffee.”

  “I CAN SEE THAT, Summer!”

  Rock reaches for his wallet. I put a hand on his arm to stop him. “No, that’s for last night.”

  “LAST NIGHT? Last night? What happened last night?!” Steve is sputtering.

  I roll my eyes. “For goodness sakes, Steve, what can I get you?”

  He huffs. Literally huffs and shakes his head. “Not until he’s gone.”

  Rock laughs. “I’ve got to get back to the shop anyway, although I’d love to hang around for you, Stevie boy,” he leans in close and brings his mouth to my ear. “We have unfinished business. I’ll see you later. At the shop.” He straightens, then again to Steve, “I’ll see you next time,” and he winks at him.

  “Wha…wha…wha!!” Steve’s really sputtering now.

  When Rock leaves the shop, every single eye is on him.

  “I asked you a question, Summer. I demand an answer.” Steve’s self-righteousness is as stifling as his three-piece suit.

  Everything else I was feeling, desire, excitement, curiosity, all disappear with his ingratiating tone.

  “No, I don’t. And I told you the last time you insulted me and my customers, I would tell you to leave and not come back,” I hiss at him, attempting to remain in control, despite my rising anger.

  “You are not to be fraternizing with the likes of him, Summer. I forbid it.”

  Excuse me?!

  “Number one,” I begin tightly, “you have no right to say anything about what I do and with whom. Number two, this is my place of business, and I will not have anyone speaking about any of my customers that way.” I take a deep breath and count to five to calm myself down. “One more word and I’ll have to ask you to leave.” I stare into his eyes.

  He’s glaring at me, his nose in the air indignantly. It raises my hackles and makes my blood boil, just like my father used to, and my fiancée’s father. It infuriates me.

  He takes a deep breath, straightens, and tugs his suit jacket sleeves down, just like he did the other day.

  “I will overlook this transgression of yours, but this is the last time. If I should have even the slightest inkling of any misconduct between you and,” he lifts his chin indignantly, “him, there will be repercussions,” he says dryly.

  I’m shocked. Exasperated into speechlessness.

  Is he serious?!

  He’s delusional. There’s got to be something wrong with him.

  “Steve,” I begin slowly, “I think I must have given you the wrong impression somewhere along the way,” I take a deep breath as I search for some words even he will listen to. “I am not interested in you. There is nothing you can say or do to change that.” Steve’s eyes lock with mine. “Nothing. At. All.”

  A long moment of silence passes between us. Suddenly, I watch him change right before my eyes. First his jaw clenches and his nostrils flare. Then his eyes harden into cold, dark slits as a sneer lifts the corner of his lips.

  “I see,” he says quietly. “Well, then, this changes things, doesn’t it, Summer?”

  A cold chill slithers through me. I only nod slowly. He’s scaring me, I haven’t felt anything like this in a long time.

  “It didn’t have to be like this, Summer. But you leave me no choice.” He turns on his heel and leaves.

  I watch him walk out and I’m so grateful that everyone’s leaving me alone, even Mrs. Merriweather. It gives me the time I need to collect myself, something I’m also very practiced at doing. I pull on the familiar mask I wore for years at home. The one for the world that says, ‘I’m fine, things are great.’

  But there’s one thing different now. Rock. The thought of him gives me strength, it reminds me I’m not at home, and that life can’t touch me.

  My body still feels his touch. That gives me what I need to push Steve and that awful old familiar feeling aside.

  ROCK

  CHAPTER 15

  “Fucking Sasha was probably one of the stupidest things you guys have done in a long time.”

  After I leave Summer and go back to work, I find Snake sitting on the sofa with his feet up on the glass coffee table, head tilted back, and his eyes closed. Bull and Gringo are at their stations doing whatever the fuck it is they do.

  “Dude, she was like a bitch in heat. Once we let her know it was on, she was all over us,” Snake replies without opening his eyes. “I kind of felt sorry for her, it was like she hadn’t had any dick in a fucking year. She even came back for it this morning.”

  “What? Are we running a charity house now? Servicing all the lonely housewives in town?” I ask.

  “No, but that woman is hot. Spoiled rotten bitch, yes, but once we had her on her knees, which is exactly where she wanted to be, she was purring like a damn kitten.” Bull adds in as he walks up to us at the front of the shop.

  “And we stroked that sweet pussy,” Gringo smirks, “I wouldn’t mind it being a regular thing, what about you, Bull?”

  “Sweet pussy is the best pussy, I always say,” Bull laughs. “I’m in.”

  “No more Sasha, or the rest of her little crew,” I say moving over to the front desk computer and pulling up the day’s appointments.

  “Why not? She wants it, no strings, it’s just a service fuck,” Gringo asks. “It’s perfect. We’re the ones doing her a favor.”

  “You’re right, that is if she wasn’t one of the biggest mouths in town.” I turn my head to look at the boys. Snake looks like she fucked him until he couldn’t stand, the other two appear to be trailing her scent with their damn tongues hanging out of their mouths.

  “And what a mouth it is. Gave head like it was an Olympic event. Damn, she was talented. Even with my massive schlong,” Bull replies.

  Flipping through the screens on the computer, I’m grateful to have something else to talk about other than Summer. I comment, “She could have a pussy lined in gold and a velvet mouth. If it’s attached to a married woman, or a kid, it’s off-limits. Hell, we don’t even know who her husband is. And we need to keep a low profile. We’ve been lucky we haven’t been called for an assignment in years, but that could change at any time.”

  They all grumble as Bull lowers his huge fram
e into the chair next to the sofa and kicks his feet up on the table. “Now hold on, she came to us. She asked us. We were just in here minding our own business…”

  I laugh. “Give me a break. Gringo practically whipped his dick out in front of her at the coffee shop. Snake here almost spelled it out that you’d all fuck her. And gladly.”

  As soon as the words leave my mouth, I cringe. I know it’s coming.

  “You? What’s this ‘you’ shit? You were always right there with your cock in your hand telling these broads to suck it like the sweet little sluts they are. You weren’t thinking about keeping a low profile or the damn call. Don’t make it sound like we’re the bad guys and you never had anything to do with it.” Gringo catches the reference and calls me on it.

  I knew it. It’s my own fault. He’s right.

  “Yeah, Rock. Just because you got Sugar Tits last night doesn’t make you innocent in all of this. Hell, if anything, even if you didn’t fuck Sasha, it’s your name on the lease here and you’d be held the most accountable if anything went down legally. How would the powers that be like that?” Leave it to fucking Bull to kick me in the nuts.

  “Whoa, hold on,” I shake my head. This is all getting way out of control. “I wasn’t even here last night. As far as I’m concerned, I did not know she was here. I didn’t, not until this morning…”

  “Doesn’t matter,” Gringo argues, “your shop, your responsibility.”

  “What are you, fucking ten?” I throw back at him.

  He rolls his shoulders back and cocks his head as he takes a step toward me. “No, I’m not fucking ten. I’m just not going to let you pussy out of this like…”

  “Stop right now,” Snake gets to his feet. “You’re arguing like a bunch of girls.” He steps between me and Gringo. “The only thing we need to focus on is Sasha. That’s the reality. The other stuff is bullshit.”

  “Bullshit that could have legal ramifications and unwanted inquisitions,” Gringo digs.

  “Not my fucking problem,” I throw up my hands.

  “Alright, enough,” Snake barks. “Goddamn, would you two girls just back the fuck up. Now,” he looks at the three of us. “Rock’s right. No more Sasha and that whole little crew.” Gringo and Bull start to argue, moaning their complaints. “Yes, she was a hot ass lay, but she is married. And this is a small town. Nothing stays quiet in a place like this. Once is fine, not a regular thing. We don’t need problems and any unnecessary attention.”