"Show me," I smiled as he playfully bit along my collarbone. Burying his face in the valley between my breasts, he drew one nipple at a time into his mouth. Letting out a ragged breath, I arched up and he wrapped his arm under my waist, pulling me closer to him.
"I’ll fucking show you," he growled. I moaned, grinding against his stomach. “I’d redecorate this whole room if I had to.”
Glancing into his eyes, I realized he was serious. "You would, wouldn’t you?”
“Abso-fucking-lutely.” Nick muttered roughly. A dangerous snarl erupted and with one thrust, he sheathed himself inside me. I dragged my nails down his back to his ass, gripping both cheeks and pushing him into me.
"Yes," I cried out desperately. Each time we made love, the restraint and control he’d tried to hold on to was slowly slipping.
"You’ve started something you can’t stop now," he whispered, reaching down and grabbing one of my legs. "And there’s no one that can save you now…” Nick thrust into me with a soft purring growl.
Wrapping my arms around his neck, I rose up until my mouth touched his cool lips. "Who said I wanted to be saved?"
He ceased to move above me. His dark eyes bore into mine, the tenderness on his face was staggering. And his smile…his brilliantly beautiful smile almost ripped me apart.
He began to move at a slower pace and a swivel of his hips changed his position, causing a panting cry to fall from my lips. His cool tongue licked just below my ear, whispering words of adoration. "You’re everything to me," he breathed, releasing my leg and taking my hands into his. He laced our fingers together and locked them above my head, pressing his forehead to mine. I squeezed his hands tightly, wrapping my legs high on his waist as he continued to thrust into me. My breath caught as his cock slipped deeper until I cried out with every lunge.
"Please, love," he begged, his voice like crushed velvet. "Come with me…" One of his hands slipped between us, circling my clit. Unable to fight it, I fell over the edge and I dragged him along with me as we came together. We were a jumble of arms and legs, gasping and spent.
Nick rolled to his back and dragged me over him, kissing the top of my head. I sighed in contentment at the feel of his satiny skin against my own, rubbing my nose against his neck.
He tangled his fingers into my hair and flipped me to my back, caging me in his arms. His whole body shuddered, a little more tension leaving his frame. "Love, are you ready?"
"For what?" I asked. His eyes narrowed and his smile was sexy and dangerous.
"It's going to be a long night…" He chuckled, burying his face in my neck and picking up where we left off.
Chapter 10
Threats and Promises
The miles between Rome and Florence passed in a blur. Aboard a ridiculously expensive state of the art tour bus, it was much cheaper than chartering a flight to get us to our next tour dates through our brief tour of Europe. It would be our mode of transport as we headed to our stops in Paris and London before heading back to the US.
Nick was stretched across the couch on the bus, one leg dangling over the arm. He had his head in my lap, his eyes closed as my fingers combed idly through his hair. Ian sat in a seat facing the road, flipping slowly through the pages of a book. The rest of the band was asleep in the bunk area of the bus. All I could hear was the quiet purr of the motor, the sound of tires on the road and Nick’s steady breath.
His eyes fluttered open and his fingers stretched up to trace the curve of my jaw. His thumb dragged across my lower lips and his brown eyes darkened. He smiled my smile, the sweet innocent smile that never failed to take my breath away.
"I'm glad you're here…last night…" His hand dropped, and he rubbed it over his handsome face as he stumbled over his words. "I'll just shut up."
My hands moved from his hair to run over the planes of his face, across the sharp lines of his cheekbones, down the stubble of his cheeks to drift over his chiseled jaw line. "Never shut up. It was incredible."
He grinned cockily and nestled his head deeper into my lap. We'd spent the majority of the night destroying the suite. Our bed was a twisted mass of sheets, covers, arms and legs all night long. At one point I had no idea where I ended and Nick began. When we checked out this morning, my face was blazing as Nick calmly went through the list of itemized repairs the hotel would have to make to the room: the replacement of a bent curtain rod, a broken bed frame, a broken chair, and ripped sheets. The worst part was he didn't look the least bit embarrassed when he slapped down his black American Express card on the counter. He was exceptionally proud of our devastation.
When I snapped back to the present, he was still staring up at me with those hypnotic, dark eyes. "Where'd you go, love?"
I giggled softly. "I was just remembering paying the damages at the hotel in Rome. You were shameless. The poor woman at the desk was in shock."
He chuckled, his chest shaking softly as rubbed his chin thoughtfully "No, I wasn’t shameless. I was fucking proud. It was the first time I acted like a rock star, Savannah. Now as far as the others go..." He gestured to the back of the bus. "They like to live it up."
"Pete, Johnny and Randy?” I asked in surprise. I leaned forward and lowered my voice. "No offense, but they don't seem like the types of men groupies would flock to. And they seem pretty quiet."
Nick snorted. "They've been on good behavior since you've been around. They know you have ‘contacts’." He bent his fingers, making invisible quotation marks.
"Siobhan? She could care less about them. They aren't even a blip on her radar." I raised an eyebrow. When he nodded in agreement, my fingers ran up and down the length of his arm, lingering over his tattoo. "You've never told me the story about this."
He reached for my hand, lacing our fingers together. "It was 1880, I think. I was traveling with other British aristocrats and we were visiting the Far East. I met Hori Chiyo and he tattooed the crest you see on my arm. It's the Hartwell crest. The village I'm from bordered Buckinghamshire. The name Hartwell is derived from the Old English words heort and wella which meant 'spring and stream frequented by deer'." Nick took a deep breath and pushed on. "Before I left Japan, I stumbled upon Hori again. He said there was a tattoo I needed to have to remind me of what I was to become."
Pulling the image of the circular snake from my memory, I watched as his eyes drifted off in thought. "The snake?"
His chin gave a sharp jut. "It means eternal life. I often wondered if it was a coincidence that he chose that tattoo. It's possible he meant if I didn't change my ways I would become a snake and there's no more to it than that. But some days…"
Before I could give him an answer, the bus slowed to a halt. Nick's head popped up to look out the window. "We're here."
Following his stare, I took in the beautiful building in front of me. "Shit! The paperwork!" I jumped up from the couch to dig through my messenger bag. After retrieving the necessary papers, I raised my narrowed eyes at Nick. "Let me handle this, Nick. I don't need you to use your Italian again."
"C'mon then. Let's get checked in. I promise to let you be in charge of everything." Nick did his best to look innocent with his boyish smile and dimples.
He failed miserably just as I’d expected.
***
"Love, are you ready? I have a sound check in 30 minutes."
When I glanced up, I almost moaned at the sight of him. Dressed in black jeans that hung low on his hips and wearing a black shirt that he hadn't buttoned yet, the sleeves were rolled up so his muscular forearms were on display. I could see the center of his chest all the way down his abs to the top of his jeans. As he walked into the room, the shirt billowed out behind him, showing off his sculpted upper body. His hair was wet, glistening so black it was almost blue in the light and he smelled divinely of soap and spice. He looked mouthwateringly sinful and seeing him like this made me happy I was sitting down.
"Yep." I stood up and smoothed my hands over my dress. This one was a slinky black number with a
halter neckline and an empire waist. I'd selected the highest heels I could manage to walk in, knowing I'd be spending the majority of the night sitting backstage. I couldn't watch Nick on stage again…it was all I could do to not run out and attack him.
"Fuck me. Again with the dress?" Nick groaned. He ran his fingers through his dark hair. He shook his head and began buttoning his shirt. "I'll have to keep Ian at your side all night."
Before I could stop myself, I groaned in displeasure. "Nick, no. I'll lock the backstage door." I'd rather stay locked in the bus versus have Ian hanging over my shoulder for two hours.
Nick's brow creased and his eyes narrowed to slits. "Has Ian done something wrong?"
Crossing my arms, I shook my head. "No. He makes me uncomfortable. He never talks and it's almost like he can read my mind."
Nick laughed softly. "Ian only talks when he has something important to say. And love, he can."
"He can read my mind?" I screeched. My heels clicked over the wood floor until I stood in front of him. "Weeks go by and now you tell me he can read my mind? Didn't you think I'd want to know this?"
"Julia can as well. Most of the shifters I've met have that ability. I just didn't want to freak you out more…"
I cut him off, my hands waving wildly as I fought the urge to start pacing. "Consider me freaked out!"
Nick's hands rubbed over both of my arms soothingly. "Consider it a helpful ability. You just need to think something to him and he'll be there."
Pursing my lips, I gave him an aggravated glare but I did relax under the caress of his hands. “So says the 154 year old vampire rock star.”
He flashed me his dimpled grin and wrapped me in his arms. I’d obviously entertained him. “So says the 154 year old vampire rock star.”
I tilted my head back to look into his handsome face. “I’m happy I amuse you. Are the surprises ever going to end?”
He tugged me closer. “Maybe, maybe not. C’mon, love. We need to go. There’s a limo waiting for us.”
Grabbing my clutch, I followed behind him. Nick reached for the knob, but the door swung open. Ian stood on the other side of the doorway and at his side was a face I could have lived without seeing.
Isabelle Kelley.
“Nick! I was here visiting a friend and thought I’d check in on my favorite client.” She pushed past Ian and breezed into the room in a cloud of cloying perfume. At one time, she’d been a beautiful woman, but her years of plastic surgery ‘improvements’ did nothing to improve her looks. Instead she looked bitter and harsh, her features almost plastic. Her dark brown hair was pulled back in a chignon and she was dressed in an expensive Prada pantsuit, a large leather bag tossed over her shoulder. She walked from room to room, taking in the suite.
“Not your usual choice, Nick. I suppose it will do.” Her ice blue eyes narrowed as she glanced at me and back at Nick.
“Isabelle, is there something I can do for you?” Nick questioned, watching as she drifted over to perch on the edge of a chair. “I have a sound check I need to make.”
“Of course you do.” She waved him off with a flip of her hand. “I couldn’t pass up the opportunity to see you. I also have something for you.” She rummaged through her bag and retrieved an envelope, extending it to Nick between her outstretched fingers.
Nick made no move to take it from her. He looked between her hand and face. “Send it back.”
She shook her head, her mouth set in a firm line. “I given strict instructions that I had to deliver this to you.”
I glanced up at Nick curiously. His face looked as if it was carved from stone, his black brows two sharp lines furrowed over his dark eyes. I ripped my eyes away from him to stare at the envelope. It was expensive stock, creamy linen in color. It had a familiarity to it…I’d seen one at Nick’s house when I’d sorted through his mail. He’d been quick to snatch it from my fingers that day.
“Who gave you the instructions?” Nick inquired slowly. His voice lacked any inflection and I almost felt sorry for Isabelle. Almost.
She cleared her throat anxiously. “It was sent to my office and I was given instructions to pass this on to you only.”
Nick reluctantly leaned forward and plucked the letter from her fingers. He twirled the envelope between his fingers, flipping it from side to side. Not only did I see the fear flash in his eyes, I could almost feel it radiating from him. His posture completely changed. He stood taller and his shoulders became broader.
“Is that it?” Nick snapped. He tossed the unopened letter on the coffee table and wrapped his arm around my waist. As his hand tightened around me, I could feel it trembling.
“For now. I’ll be at the after party,” she advised cryptically, switching her stare to me. Her eyes were icy cold and filled with hatred. She ran her fingers over the front of her jacket and attempted what I assumed was a smile. With the amount of botox in her face, it appeared to be more of a grimace.
“Then if that’s it we need to go.” Nick pulled me along with him and stopped at the open door to look back at Isabelle sternly. “If you receive another letter like that, return it to the sender or refuse receipt. Understood?”
“But…” she began. Her cheeks reddened at his gruff reprimand.
“But fucking nothing. I sign your paycheck. If you receive anything else like this, I want no part of it. Send. It. Back.” Nick accented each word with a deadly calm tone to his voice. “We’re going to Mandela Forum. And no, you are not invited. Lock the door behind you, Isabelle.”
He didn’t give her the opportunity to reply. He escorted me down the hall towards the elevator. Ian pressed the button on the wall and his head snapped to Nick. Their eyes locked in a stare and Ian nodded sharply and focused back on the elevator door.
The elevator pinged softly and we stepped inside. I waited until they quietly slid closed before I turned to him. “Are you planning on telling me what’s going on?” I questioned tentatively. Whatever he’d seen had scared him. That much was obvious.
“It’s nothing, love. Simply an overzealous fan,” Nick replied with a frivolity that didn’t match his body language.
Ian shifted uncomfortably beside us, drawing my attention away from Nick. If Ian was reacting this way, it was obviously much more than just an overzealous fan.
“Then you need to do something about it, Nick. It could be dangerous…
His arm dropped from my waist and he gripped me by the shoulders, turning me to face him. “Not only am I a vampire, I’m surrounded by shifters that can rip people apart. I don’t need your concern or for you to worry. Drop it.”
His brusque tone and his blatant indifference infuriated me. My heart thumped in my chest, my face and chest flushing. “Don’t you dare fucking tell me to drop it, Nick. I have myself to worry about. If it is an overzealous fan – which I don’t totally believe by the way – I need to worry about how they’re going to look at me. I’m a threat and they’ll focus their obsession on to me. Did you think of that?”
His fingers dug into my shoulders, causing me to wince. He flinched and released me. “Of course I think about it. I think about it every second of the day. I worry that you’ll contract some illness, that a car will hit you...that a fan will fixate on you and try to hurt you. I worry about your fragility, your fickle mortality.” His hands frantically combed through his thick hair, his face contorted in fear.
Backing into the corner of the elevator, I raised an eyebrow at the anger and helplessness in his voice. “My advice is that you need to tell me what’s in that letter, Nick. If you want me to trust you, I have to know.”
His mouth opened and closed with no sound coming out. Shaking my head in disgust, I folded my arms over my chest and stared silently at the elevator door. When it opened, I didn’t wait for Nick or Ian. I marched indignantly through the lobby and out the entrance to the limo idling outside. The driver saw me heading towards him and almost ran around the car to open the door for me.
“Miss,” he bowed slightl
y as he held the door for me. His eyes had drifted from my breasts and they were currently ogling the length of my legs.
I slid across the leather seats until I sat against the opposite door. I stared at the traffic passing by, refusing to look at Nick. I was simply too angry to talk to him and I knew I’d probably say things I’d likely regret later. It wasn’t until I heard his voice that I looked in his direction.
“Keep your eyes to your fucking self. Your job is to drive, not to fucking eyeball her.” Nick had the much smaller man pressed against the door, his face inches from his.
Releasing a heavy sigh, I scooted closer to the door. “Nick, we’re already late. Can you stop with the male posturing long enough to get this concert over tonight?”
He ripped his eyes away from the driver long enough to fix his glare on me. He crouched and slid into the seat beside me, stretching his legs out in front of him and resting his head on the back of the seat. Ian took the passenger seat next to the driver and the car pulled gently away from the curb.
“I don’t want other men looking at you,” he mumbled under his breath. His eyes were closed, his mouth tight and grim. “I don’t like it.”
“Welcome to the club. I don’t like not knowing what’s in that envelope that has you so upset. I could see the fear in your eyes, Nick.” I shot back. I stared out the window, watching the passing traffic.
“I’m not scared,” Nick snapped and breathed out a heavy sigh. “For fuck’s sake, leave this alone.”
Obviously Nick had no idea who he was talking to. I never backed down from anything and I wasn’t about to start now.
“We’ll drop this for now, but unless I have real answers soon…we’re going to have issues,” I replied calmly. “You may think you’re smarter than me. Hell, maybe you think you’re better than me. But you won’t treat me this way. I deserve better than this.”
He was instantly apologetic. He leaned closer and took my hand, stroking the top with his thumb. “Savannah, it’s nothing like that. This is just something you don’t need to worry about.”
Tempted Page 18