The Backstage Series Box Set

by Dani René

  As soon as I open the bedroom door, those big doe eyes peer up at me. “Hey.” Her voice is wary, but fuck, she’s so beautiful.

  “Hey.” A soft pink dusts her cheeks and her plump rose-colored lips quirk into a smile. “You’re an ass, Liam Hayes.”

  Nodding, I can’t help but smirk. “Yeah, I know, darling. I have been for a long time and I lost it back there. The pressure of not going down a dark road again is a lot to take on for me.”

  “I thought you just wanted to be single so you could fuck anything with two legs.” That smart mouth. I chuckle at her, but the glare she pins me with has the sound hanging in the space between us. Reaching up, I stroke her cheek with the back of my fingers. Her skin is like silk under my touch.

  “Peach, if I just wanted to fuck anything with two legs, I wouldn’t be standing here now, making my choice.”

  She’s perfect and I’ve never felt like a man worthy of much, but as I look at her, and I mean really take her in, I can see the happiness beaming from her.

  “So you’re not going to man-whore yourself anymore?”

  “No, baby. If you want this, then I do too.” I pull her closer. The stress that permeates my thoughts is gone. “I want to take you on a date tomorrow,” I mumble in her hair.

  “I would like that.” She peers up at me smiling.

  I’ve decided to take her to dinner and show her the side of me that women have never seen. As we pull up to the small diner, my fingers find her lower back as I lead her beside me. This is outside of my comfort zone, being on a date.

  Once we’re seated, I ask the waitress for a bottle of sparkling water, and we peruse our menus. Although, there’s something else that has my attention and she’s sitting across from me. “Are you going to stare at me all night, Mr. Hayes?” Emma’s teasing will get her a spanking later, but I can’t stop myself from smiling.

  “I am. There’s a beautiful woman in my company, and I can’t take my eyes off her.” She drops her chin, and I can see the blush on her cheeks. I may not be the romantic type, but with her, I’m willing to try.

  “I like you, Liam. I know this isn’t going to be easy, but I want to be here.” The sincerity in her tone tugs at my heart, and my emotions are all over the place.

  “I like you, baby.” I reach for her hand and she slips hers into mine. When our skin touches, it’s as if there’s a fire scorching me. Electricity flows between us, and as scared as I was, and still am, I know this woman will be there for me through anything.

  With all the shit I’ve been through, I want nothing more than to show her I can be what she needs. In the bedroom and out of it. The waitress comes back with our water, a Coke for myself, and Emma’s fruit juice. Seeing her order something non-alcoholic is evidence enough that this woman cares. That she’ll own my heart. Somewhere deep down, I know she owns it already.

  I can’t believe it’s Friday already. Spending this past week with Emma has given me new confidence to work at a relationship with her. Spending time with her as a couple has been eye-opening. The radio blares as we make our way to Napa. Her parents opted to stay in LA today and head up for the wedding tomorrow morning. Yesterday was probably my favorite day. I made her a special dinner and gave her the honesty I’m slowly learning to come to terms with.

  “When did you become so romantic, drummer boy?” Her naughty gaze is pinned on me, watching my every move. I’ve lit candles all around the living room. The dinner I cooked, from scratch, is plated and waiting for us to devour it. But I take my time, walking her to the table, pulling out the chair, and waiting on her, bringing her a glass of wine. I know she’d rather not drink, but I am strong enough to get through a dinner. I know I can.

  “Since I met this girl, you see, she’s seemingly turned my world upside down,” I say as I slip into the seat opposite her. Picking up my sparkling water, I wait for her to do the same with her wine glass. “You’re an incredible force of nature. Like a tornado crashing into my life, knocking me on my ass, you’ve taught me to feel more in a few days than I have in months, years even. I want us to work, Emma.” When I finish my speech, I see the tears shimmering in her eyes. Without another word, she nods.

  “Me, too.” Those two words are my anchor, holding me steady in the uncertainty that my life has become..

  The drive to Napa was long, but having my girl beside me was perfect. As I pull up to the vineyard, I park the SUV and jump out, rounding the car to help Emma. As I’m pulling the luggage out of the trunk, my brother and Tayla join us. The sisters hug each other, and I can tell they’ve missed one another.

  “Brother, are you two okay?” I glance at Callum and nod with a big smile. He returns it, and the tension in him fades.

  “Liam, you big oaf.” Tayla grabs me in a tight hug, and I lift her, spinning her around. Her squeal is loud and I chuckle. She’s a slight, petite little thing, both sisters are. As we head inside, I turn to my sister-in-law.

  “Your folks will drive up alone. They asked if they could have a day in LA, so they’ll arrive tomorrow.” She nods.

  “Mom called and told me. Thanks for waiting for them.”

  “It’s no problem, let’s get checked in, baby.” I turn to my girl, and everyone stares at me. “What?” Callum chuckles and slaps me on the back.

  “Just never thought I’d see the day, brother.” His words ring true because I never thought I’d see the day, either. It’s been a long time coming, but I know that I need to change. I want to change.

  As soon as Emma and I are checked in, we make our way to the room. It’s spacious and the bed is huge—perfect for long nights of making love. “This is amazing.” She twirls around and the shorts she’s wearing have my eyes glued to her pert little ass, making my mouth water. I think she should tattoo “Peach” on it. I’d bite it every day.

  Emma

  “Kierra, have you and Ryan done the nasty? I mean the way you two look at each other, it’s as if you’re about to rip each other to shreds.” The three of us are sitting at a small, round table in the cellar of the winery, drinking the most incredible Merlot I’ve ever had.

  “No, we have not done anything.” Her tone is incredulous, but I can’t help giggling. “We’re not… I can’t be with him, not yet.” We all nod and gulp down more alcohol, which seems to be warming me up.

  “You two should get it over with, just take the plunge. He wants you and you want him, it’s obvious.” My sister’s voice is soft as I pull my beeping phone from my purse and Liam’s name blinks at me.

  *Get up, walk up the stairs, turn right. *

  Slipping my phone back into my purse, I turn to Tayla. “Watch my purse, I need to find the restroom.” The girls nod as I head toward the staircase.

  I reach the top of the stairs and turn right, as instructed. It’s quiet, and I’m sure we came in through the other hallway. Suddenly, a hand tugs me into a room and I am plunged into darkness. “My sweet, sexy Peach. I need you.” Liam’s deep baritone is hoarse. I recognize the lust in his tone.

  “What are you doing here? Aren’t you boys supposed to be having a bachelor party?” I hiss into the dark. He’s got me pinned between his hard body and the wall. The heat of his breath fans over my cheek, and a whimper slips from my lips when I feel his tongue trace the shell of my ear.

  “This”—his hand drops between my legs—“is what I want to do. This sweet pussy needs attention, and I’m aching to fuck you deep and hard.” Suddenly, he spins me around and pulls me with him. The office we’re in overlooks the restaurant and the tasting room.

  There are people milling around the high tables, and the dining room is packed. “What are you doing?” The window allows us to see them, but can they see us?

  “I told you, I’m going to fuck you. Hands on the window.” I obey his command and bend at the waist. He lifts my short red skirt over my hips. When he takes in the thong I’m wearing, I hear another deep growl.

  “You like?” I wiggle my ass toward him, and a loud slap rains down on
my ass cheek, eliciting a yelp from me.

  “Don’t fucking tease me, baby.” He presses against me, and I feel his thick erection against me. His rough hands grip my ass and he growls. “Mine.”

  I hear shuffling, then without warning I’m filled, stretched, taking him deep inside my body. People shuffle around below us as he fucks me, sending waves of pleasure through my body. My blood heats with desire, and my orgasm tightens low in my stomach. That familiar pleasure, the ache easing with every slow thrust of his thick, hard cock. My toes curl as desire coils like a snake, tightening, tugging, waiting to strike. It’s hot, dirty, and I love being fucked while people unknowingly wander around downstairs.

  “Liam… please?” The words strangle in my throat as his fingers find my clit, rubbing slow circles around it, teasing me. Keeping me on the precipice of oblivion. The ache burns from my core, deep within my very being.

  “You’re so fucking perfect, my gorgeous girl.” His words are strained with his own pleasure, his release not far off. “I want you with me, baby. I want that pretty pussy to squeeze me, to soak me in your sweet fucking cum that I’m going to draw from your very fucking soul.” His words ignite a primal ache in my gut, and I fly over the edge as his fingers pinch my sensitive bud.

  Liam’s body locks, and his ejection thickens inside me, filling me more than I ever thought was possible. His hot seed shooting inside me. Owning me. Making me his.

  We stand silently, catching our breath. He softens inside me, and when he slips out, I can’t help wincing at the emptiness I feel without him.

  “Let me clean you up baby.”

  “That was naughty, Liam.” I giggle, watching him on his knees in front of me, cleaning me with the tissue he pulled from his jeans pocket. I smooth my skirt down and glance at my favorite panties, now a ripped scrap of material on the floor.

  “I’ll take care of this.” He grabs them and shoves them in his jeans.

  “And you expect me to walk around the rest of the night without underwear?” I stare at him in the dimly lit room.

  “Yes, and when you get to the hotel room later, I’m going to make you come again on my tongue, my fingers, and then my cock.” A cheeky wink, and then he laces his fingers through mine.

  “I really need the restroom,” I whisper as we head toward the staircase.

  “Okay, darling. I’ll be at the table.” I nod and plant a soft kiss on his scruffy cheek. His stubble is a day old and feels incredible against my heated skin.

  He heads downstairs and I turn to find the restrooms. They were down here somewhere. I love how Liam takes charge with me, makes me feel cared for, cherished, and wanted. I would almost say loved.

  It’s only been a few days that we’ve been dating. I don’t want to get ahead of myself, but I know I’m falling for him. It’s something I never wanted to do. Fall in love. But with Liam, it comes naturally. That need to be with him all the time. Every second of the day.

  I push open the door of the ladies’ and find it empty. A cold breeze has goosebumps rise on my skin. I’m going to kill him for making me walk around without panties. Heading into one of the stalls, I lock the door. I can hear the soft music and voices from downstairs filter up.

  At the sink, I glance in the mirror and gasp at my messy hair and rake my fingers through it. The warmth of the wine and the buzz of the orgasm still has my body thrumming.

  As I turn to leave, the door clicks and I come face-to-face with familiar eyes. My heart kicks in my chest, and my body is no longer thrumming with pleasure, but shivering with fear. Cold, gray eyes bore into me—an evil glint visible in them—and I step back instinctively. “This is the ladies’ room.”

  “Oh, I know that, love.” A thick English/American accent has recognition hitting me. It’s him. Even in the dim light, I can recognize that it’s the man who stalked me in London.

  “What are you—”

  “I suppose your sister didn’t tell you about me?” His accent flips, and the deep rumble of a West Coast accent is thick with sarcasm.

  “My sister?” I stare at him in confusion with my heart clawing its way up my chest. “What does my sister have to do with this?”

  A dark smirk curls his lips, and the evil glint I saw earlier flashes in a more sinister way. The terror that suddenly grips my throat makes it hard to breathe, hard to swallow. I need to get to Liam, to Tayla. “Your boyfriend can’t save you now, Peach.” He drawls the nickname in a menacing tone, and the awareness that turns my stomach has tears springing to my eyes.

  My eyes dart to the door, wishing for someone to walk in. Or knock, or just...anything. I shouldn’t have walked in here alone. Where is everyone? Why isn’t anyone opening the door?

  As if he’s read my mind, the words fall from his cracked lips. “You’re not going anywhere until I get what I came for. What I promised your sister I would take all those years ago.”

  “What the fuck are you talking about?” Fear paralyzes me. Something must have happened to Tay, but for the life of me, I can’t understand why she didn’t tell me.

  “Oh darling, I want you, and you’re going to obey and come with me. Or your sister will pay for it with her life.” The threat has bile rising in my gut. His chilling words snap me from my fear and send me into a trembling anger. I make for the door, trying to shove past him, but before I have time to react or scream he reaches out, grabbing a fistful of hair and yanking my head back.

  He leans in and a gasp escapes my throat, echoing in the restroom. He presses a cloth to my mouth. My arms flail, but he’s too strong and there’s no way I can unhook myself from him.

  His nose trails lightly up my neck and to my ear.

  “Now I can see why he calls you, Peach. I can’t wait to take a bite.”

  My mind whirls with thoughts of never seeing my family again. As my eyes flutter closed from the intoxicating scent on the cloth, a moment of regret plagues my mind. I regret not having told Liam that I love him while I had the chance.

  Liam

  “Why isn’t she back yet?” I question to no one in particular. It’s been ten minutes since I left her in the hallway. I should have walked with her to the restroom, but I thought she’d be okay.

  “I’ll go and check.” Tayla’s voice is strained. I rise from my chair to accompany her, but she shakes her head. “Ki can come with me.” Callum’s face, etched with worry, puts me on edge.

  “I’m going, I don’t give a shit if it’s the ladies’ room.” I push up and stalk up the stairs with the girls. I’m first to get to the door, shoving it open and stepping inside. It’s chilly, but I make my way into every stall, opening the doors to make sure they’re empty.

  “Maybe she wasn’t feeling well,” Kierra suggests behind me, and I turn to stare at her.

  “She was fine, I swear. There wasn’t a thing wrong with her.” My brows crinkle as I regard her. The lump in my throat is thick with fear and makes it difficult to swallow. We head back down and find Callum and Ryan waiting at the table. “It’s fucking empty. Completely deserted.”

  “It’s going to be okay,” my brother mumbles, but I know it’s a lie. Grabbing my phone, I hit Call on her number, but her purse vibrates on the table.

  Dragging my eyes up, I see Tay and Kierra staring at the black leather bag. Where the fuck is she?

  “One of the staff checked the men’s room, as well, and there’s no sign of her.” Tayla’s words sink in and pain hits my chest.

  It’s been four hours and I’ve been biting my fucking nails trying to figure out what to do. We’ve called the police, but they can’t do much since it’s not been twenty-four hours yet. “This is fucking ridiculous. I can’t sit here and wonder what happened. I’m going to go and drive around the area.” Pushing up from the sofa in our suite, I feel Tayla’s soft hand on mine. Big, brown eyes peer up at me, the same eyes as my beautiful girl. They’re shimmering with unshed tears.

  “Please, find her,” she pleads, and all I can do is nod because any words are lod
ged in my throat, threatening to choke me.

  “I’m going with you, brother.” Callum rises from his seat, pulling Tay into a hug.

  Turning to Ryan, I lean down and whisper, “Stay with the girls.”

  Without another look, I turn to the door, keys in hand with fear twisting my gut, my brother hot on my heels. My restraint—the same restraint that keeps me from drinking, from falling into the dark hole that numbs me—is getting more difficult to hold on to.

  “Liam.” I turn to face the blue eyes of my brother. He knows me better than anyone, and he’s worried. I can see it. Whenever I’m stressed out or in pain, the first thing I do is hit the bottle, the painkillers, anything to take the edge off.

  When I have Emma, she’s my drug. She’s my addiction. It’s one addiction I never want to walk away from. Going cold turkey and losing her will detonate everything I hold close. My heart, my mind, my very fucking soul.

  “Don’t Cal, no lectures needed. Let’s just find her.” Slipping into the driver’s seat, I turn the key and the engine roars to life. “I need to find her.”

  I don’t know if I’m telling him this or if I’m trying to convince myself. But there’s nothing that’s going to stand in my way. I need my fix, and she’s somewhere out there.

  “We will, I promise.” Dragging my glare over to him, I find concern in his eyes. That’s something about my brother—you can always tell how he feels by the look in those baby blues. It’s like looking right into his soul.

  “Don’t make promises you aren’t sure you can keep.”

  “I didn’t mean it like that, Liam. I don’t know what happened, but we’ll find her.” His response is quiet, almost a whisper.