"Landon, I didn't know you were working here tonight," she says loudly so he can hear her over the music.
"I needed a change of scenery, so I moved up here." He leans forward and kisses her cheek over the bar. "It's great to see you. How have you been?"
I move closer, my chest heating her back. I'm not sure if these two have ever had a relationship, but I don’t miss the way his eyes rake over her lips and breasts.
She turns to me then back to him. "This is Rider, my boyfriend. Rider, this is Landon. He's worked for us for years. One of the best damn bartenders in the country."
"You know that's not true, but I appreciate the compliment," he says with a wink, then holds out his hand for me. "Nice to meet you."
"Same." I don't waste any time ordering our drinks, effectively dismissing him back to his job and away from my girl.
Alicia spins, her eyes heated and not with lust. "What was that for?"
"What is he to you?" Fuck it. I'm getting right to the point.
"He's a friend and nothing more. I've known him for years." She assesses me for a second. "Wait. Are you jealous?"
I scoff and wrap my arm around her waist. "I have nothing to be jealous of, do I?" My lips brush against hers as she lets out a husky sigh.
She smacks me lightly on the chest. "You know I can't resist you. Stop trying to use your charm against me."
I brush my lips over her ear. "I'm just reminding you who you're with and letting everyone here know you're mine."
She shivers against me, pulling back slightly to look into my eyes. "I kind of like this possessive side of you. But don't overdo it, and please be nice to my friends. I may love you, but I won't take any caveman bullshit."
Someone coughs behind us. We turn and find Landon again, drinks on the bar. His eyes are bouncing back and forth between the two of us. "So this is pretty serious then?" he asks.
"Yes," Alicia replies and snakes her hand under my jacket, around my back.
"I'm happy for you, truly. You deserve someone good." He leans over the bar again, this time toward me. "Make no mistake, if you hurt her, I'll come after you."
I bark out a laugh. "I'm a fucking detective. I'm not scared of you."
"Maybe you should be." He goes back to tending bar, serving the long line of people who are waiting. He's not the only bartender, but he's working the section of the long bar where we're standing.
We grab our drinks, then Alicia leads me through the bar to the VIP section. While the club does cater to celebrities, it's open to everyone. We pass two more bouncers and find a table in the corner. She sets her drink down then turns, her hands on my chest. "Dance with me.”
"Do I get to show the whole club you're mine again? And fend off any asshole who thinks he can put his hands on you?"
"Absolutely," she grins.
I drop my jacket to the back of one of the chairs at the table, not wanting the restriction when dancing with her. I didn't strap any guns to my sides today, but I do have one holstered to my ankle. There may be security here, but that doesn’t mean I fully let my guard down. I knew she'd want to dance tonight, and the last thing I wanted was for everyone in the club to know I was carrying. "Lead the way."
Hand in hand, we walk out of the VIP section and to the dance floor.
ALICIA
There's something about the club that gets my blood pumping.
The way the music starts a sizzling fire through me.
The way the lights never stay on one person for more than a second.
The heat and sensuality of dancing; both erotic and exotic, at once.
I love it all. This time is different, however. This is the first time I've taken Rider to the club with me. We've spent so much time relaxing at my house or his, only running out for quick dinners. Nothing fancy and nowhere the rumor mill will pick up we're together. We stick to little mom-and-pop restaurants, where no one gives a shit who I am or who I'm with. Not because I’m embarrassed to be seen with him, but because I love the serenity of our little bubble.
We wind our way to the center of the floor. The club has filled in more. I spot some friends among the dancers. They smile and wave when they see me, and I do the same. Then I feel Rider's hands on my hips, his chest to my back, as his lips graze my ear. "You're so fucking sexy," he whispers so only I can hear.
I start to sway my hips, giving myself over to the beat and loving the friction between our bodies. Rider doesn't miss a step. He stays in perfect sync with me as we dance through song after song, as if we’ve done this hundreds of times before.
Spinning me and pulling me flush to his body, I feel what I'm doing to him. How turned on he is from dancing with me. With so many people in the club and no one giving a shit what we're doing, I rub against him, driving my desire higher and higher. Fuck, he feels so good. Everything about him calls to me. From the dark stubble across his jaw to the way his button-down dress shirt molds to his chest and arms. His slacks fit him perfectly, showcasing that ass I love, and if we were anywhere else, I'd be ridding him of his clothes. But I'm not, and I can't. What I can do is tease him, though.
My hands find his hips, rocking his body along with mine. Every time his lips touch mine, it only makes me hotter.
He dips his head down. "Keep doing that and I'm going to make a mess of these pants."
"We wouldn't want that, now would we?"
His eyes hold mine, and I can't look away.
They’re glittering with intensity.
So much lust and desire.
But also love. This strong, protective man loves me, and damn, if that doesn't make me want to find a secluded room in here to show just how much I care. Then someone taps me on the shoulder and breaks our trance.
The person is a celebrity I know and someone who frequents our clubs. I give Rider a sad smile and walk with her back to the VIP area. Rider is close; he wouldn't leave me alone for long in here. Not with so many people. Outside of being easily jealous, he's making sure nothing happens to me. There's great comfort in that. Knowing I have someone to look out for me, who only has my best interests at heart and not because someone is paying them.
The three of us sit down at our table and talk for a good hour. Rider casually leans back in his chair with his arm slung around mine. I know he isn't paying attention to the conversation I'm having. Out of the corner of my eye, I notice him watching those around us.
As soon as we’re alone again, someone else stops by. It's like this for the next three hours. My head spins from a little too much alcohol and not enough food. Rider ordered us something, but I've been too busy talking to eat.
Finally, the last person leaves and the club thins out. Holy hell. I want to go to bed and sleep for a solid twelve hours or maybe twenty-four. These soft openings are always difficult. We have to meet with a lot of people. The publicity is great though, and not one person had anything negative to say to me about the club tonight.
Rider ushers me out of the club, holding my waist as I walk on wobbly legs. Fuck, I drank too much. More than I realized. I'm not plastered, but I'm definitely feeling it. Dad is hanging back a while longer, so the limo takes us to the hotel and then returns for him.
The elevator ride to our room has my stomach uneasy. I really should have eaten. I'm regretting not doing so now. Rider is so sweet, though. As soon as the door opens, he sweeps me up into his arms and carries me to our room. Inside, he gently places me on the bed. I'm helpless to do anything but lie there with my eyes closed as the room spins.
Very carefully, he takes my heels, dress, and bra off, leaving me in nothing but a pair of sheer panties. He pulls out the clips in my hair and tucks me into bed, before sliding in beside me, wearing only a pair of boxers.
I immediately seek out his warmth, loving him by my side.
Someone who will take care of me and not take advantage.
Someone who isn't out for their gain but truly loves me and wants nothing more than to see me happy.
I reach down to f
ind him hard and ready for me. The room might be spinning; however, my body recognizes the hot man by my side who takes my breath away every time I see him.
Rider won’t let me play, though. He takes my hand in his and brings it to his lips. "Not tonight. You need sleep. I left a glass of water on the nightstand. You should try and drink it before you fall asleep. Tomorrow, I'll order us a big breakfast. Food will do you good."
I lift my arm and sluggishly reach for the glass, downing it in seconds. I was thirstier than I realized. Then I'm back at his side, drifting off to sleep.
A hand caressing my thigh slowly wakes me. I'm lying on my side with no blankets covering me. Rider is behind me, his hard length grazing my ass. He feathers kisses along the side of my neck, and I moan when his hand comes up to cup my bare breast.
"Good morning, beautiful,” he says in his seductive morning voice. One I’ve gotten very used to hearing and always turns me on. “How are you feeling?”
"I'll be feeling a lot better once you're inside me."
He responds by thrusting against me. His hand traces to my other breast to pinch and tug at my nipple, then lightly grazes my stomach as he trails his hand down to the juncture of my thighs.
Slipping inside my panties, his fingers delve into me, creating white-hot pleasure from that single touch. He rubs me, coating me with my wetness, before tugging my panties down and lifting my leg to rest back on top of his.
With a quick, fluid movement, he lines himself up and drives home. The feel of him inside me causes me to tremble. He fills me up as I've never been before. But then he stills, his body rigid.
"What's the matter?" I ask cautiously.
"I'm sorry,” he rushes out. “I forgot to put on a condom. Fuck, I don't know where my head went. I'll go grab one." He begins to pull out, but I grip his hip, holding him in place.
"I'm on the pill. I haven't been with anyone in a while. I'm clean and was tested not long before we started dating. Don't leave. Make love to me."
He groans and thrusts back inside. "I've never slept with anyone without protection. I’m clean, too. Are you sure?"
"Yes," I moan as he pulls almost all the way out and slowly fills me again.
His hand is back on my breast as his movements pick up. "I love feeling you like this. You're so fucking hot and slick on my dick. Like a fist, holding me tight. Fuck, baby." His words only amp up my desire. Reaching down, I rub my clit as he continues to fuck me. "That's right. Touch yourself. Let me see those fingers move." I pick up the speed, making fast circles. "So perfect," he whispers and nips at my ear. "I want you so fucking bad. I want to fill you up." Then his hand is brushing mine aside to take control. He cups me. "This is mine. Your pleasure is mine. No one can make you feel as good as I do." Holy fuck, when did we move on to dirty talk? I'm seconds from coming apart. Between his words and the sleepy rasp of his voice, it's like a dream come true.
"All yours, Rider. I'm all fucking yours." Then I'm crashing over the edge, my body trembling, crying out his name as wave after glorious wave ripples through me.
As soon as I start to come down, he rolls me to my stomach and lifts my hips, putting a pillow underneath me. His hand skims over my ass as he slams into me from behind. My body begins to tremble again as he hits the perfect spot inside me, and it's almost more than I can bear. I whimper and fist the sheets. His hand moves to my back, gently pushing me down as he comes in me, filling me with his release.
After a few languid thrusts, he trails kisses down my spine then rolls us to our sides, his body molding to mine.
"That was amazing," I tell him.
"It was." He kisses my shoulder. "I love you so much. I didn't think... I couldn't imagine a love like this ever existing. It's powerful and all-consuming. And last night, when you were talking business—fuck—it was so damn sexy. Sexier than you grinding against me on the dance floor. You're the complete package, Alicia. Beauty, brains, caring, and talented."
"You forgot one thing."
"What's that?"
"Yours. I'm yours, Rider." Turning my head, I find his lips with mine. It's a gentle kiss, one of love and devotion.
My stomach growls loudly, effectively killing the mood.
Rider chuckles. "I need to feed you. What are you in the mood for?"
We browse the menu and order breakfast. It arrives soon after, and we sit with the city as our view and eat together in comfortable silence. I could get used to this. Having Rider attend these with me. Being with me all the time. We haven't been dating long, but it feels right. Not that I'm jumping into marrying him or anything, but I'm open to wherever this relationship takes us.
His phone chimes with an incoming text, just as we finish our meal. He laughs and turns the phone for me to see. It's a photograph of us outside the club last night. His hand is on the small of my back, and we're walking toward the door. Damn, he looks good in that tux.
"We knew that would happen. You showed up as my date and were by my side all night."
"Yes, and apparently everyone in the club noticed, or so the article says."
I roll my eyes at that. I doubt many noticed at all. Most of the people there were friends or friends of friends. Not the gossipy types, but the ones who are in the spotlight themselves. However, like anything else, there are also a few at any event who love getting as much dirt as possible and going right to the media with it. It's par for the course.
"You look damn gorgeous next to me. I don't deserve you," Rider states, and I can tell he's serious.
I take the phone from him and place it on the table, then climb onto his lap, straddling his waist. "I'm the one who doesn't deserve you." Leaning down, I press my lips to his and, five minutes later, we're back in bed, making love until it's time to pack and head home.
RIDER
For weeks, the guys at work have been giving me shit about the pictures of me circulating the internet. Seems the world now knows Alicia and I are dating, though I like to think of us as being more serious than dating. Those assholes can say whatever they want because, every night, I get to see her while they go home and fuck their hands.
Alicia and I have been spending most of the time at her house during the week since she's slightly closer to my work. On the weekends, we hole up in my townhouse. She loves the view and loves my couch. Sure, there have been a few reporters popping up here or there, who try and get some information about us, but we're pretty boring. I'm not sure what they think we do. That she has some glamorous life, travels the globe, and parties all the time with celebrities? She might travel, and have celebrities for friends, but she’s an ordinary person. She's just like them. And she loves being home and cuddling at night, watching television while I read. It's what we do. Although, she’s anything but ordinary to me.
We've fallen into a comfortable routine. At times, I worry it's not enough for her. Maybe she wants more. So I planned a trip for us to Alaska. I haven't seen Rowe in a long time. It was his idea. Rowe and Hope want to have us to their home. Things have gotten back to normal between him and me. I'm glad, too. That odd feeling in my chest about him went away completely. Now I'm just looking forward to seeing my friend. In the morning, I'll tell Alicia. She'll only have a few hours to pack, but she's so low maintenance I don't think it will take her long at all.
Somehow, and I'm not sure how, her dad found out I booked us plane tickets. He immediately called me and told me that with the way the media has been following us around, he'd feel more comfortable if we flew privately. He said he already made the arrangements, and his private jet would be waiting for us at the same time we were set to depart commercially. The man's like a detective himself. Makes me wonder what else he knows about me. Not like I'm hiding anything, but I guess when you have enough money, you can find out anything.
He did have a point, though. It makes more sense for us to fly privately. However, I have a hard time ignoring the part of me that hates not being able to provide this stuff for her. I make good money, but not enough to main
tain the lifestyle she's used to. I want to earn more, to be worthy of her. Her dad said he wants to sit down and meet with me when we return. That's making me uneasy. I have no clue what he wants to discuss.
We're sitting inside the plane, and I can’t wrap my head around the fact that this is the way I'm flying. I've flown a lot throughout my life, but never in a small, private jet.
"I still can't believe you arranged all of this," Alicia says beside me.
"Well, I was going to have us fly commercial, but your dad wasn't going for it."
"That doesn't surprise me. He doesn't like me so exposed. If I'm on his plane, then he doesn't have to worry about anything."
From what she's told me, her dad has always been overprotective of her. Not that it's a bad thing, but sometimes I wonder if it's a bit too much. I can understand the plane, but the security on her house is nothing short of insane. You'd think there are national secrets in there the way it's set up. Then again, if it makes her feel comfortable and safe, I'm all for it. She does seem to relax well at my place. I like to think that has something to do with me and her knowing I can protect her.
"I hope they like me," she says softly.
I'm sitting across from her and reach over to bring her eyes to mine. "They are going to love you. You're the most amazing woman I know."
"You're only saying that because you love me."
I shake my head. "I'm saying that because it's true."
I start telling her stories about Rowe and me and some of the fun we had at work. I miss working with him. He and I got along great and could easily work side by side without any conflict. It's not always easy to find that. In my experience, there will always be people I’m going to clash with and others with whom I’ll mesh. But I definitely meshed with Rowe.
Unreserved: The Vault Page 5