Mean Machine

by Joanna Blake

  She looked incredible, and much more comfortable in the ensemble.

  He'd thought her cute before. It was a gross understatement. She was fucking gorgeous.

  "Too much?"

  "Uh- no. It's perfect. You look- yeah. Perfect."

  She cocked her head to the side.

  "Thanks. I think."

  He rolled his eyes and stood.

  "Do you want something else? Another outfit for tomorrow? Get whatever you want. Seriously."

  "No, this is kind of a one time deal. Thanks though."

  He frowned, wondering what she meant. He handed the sales woman the card and she swiped it.

  "There's still ten thousand on your balance."

  "Okay. I'm getting you a bag, Jess.”

  She shrugged self consciously.

  "Okay."

  "That one."

  There was a crystal studded evening bag that caught his eye. Then he noticed the jewelry.

  "And…"

  He pointed to a necklace in the case. It was a ruby heart pendant set in platinum. Simple but very dramatic.

  "We'll take that."

  She nodded and pulled it out, swiping the card again.

  He waited until Jessica was done pulling the price tags off her clothes and shoving her things into the tiny purse.

  "What do I do with this stuff?"

  "Can you send her clothes and bag to the suite?"

  “Of course, Mr. Jackson.”

  The sales girl nodded. He held up the necklace.

  "Do you like it?"

  “It’s beautiful but I can’t-”

  “Hush now, I want you to have it.” He grinned. “You are lucky I didn’t try and buy the matching earrings.”

  Jessica stared at him, dumbfounded. He lifted the necklace over her head and fastened it.

  "There. Now you're ready."

  She blinked up at him, clearly not sure what to make of this latest extravagance.

  "Don't say it's too much! We're in Vegas, remember?"

  She bit her lip.

  “What happens in Vegas stays in Vegas?”

  “Exactly.”

  He grinned and grabbed her hand.

  "Come on, let's go."

  Chapter 16

  Jessica

  She felt like Cinderfreakingrella.

  Jessica was still reeling from the experience in the boutique. People were staring at them as they strode out through the lobby into the warm Vegas night.

  Her hand kept snaking up to her throat, touching the pendant there. It was at least a five thousand dollar necklace. Why had he done that?

  It was a heart.

  He'd given her a not-so-small ruby heart.

  She'd known him for less than a day and he'd given her the most extravagant gift that anyone had given her. In fact, she wasn’t sure she’d ever gotten a present from anyone, let alone something that could be considered meaningful.

  Her parents hadn't exactly been big on Christmas. Or birthday parties. Or groceries that weren't beer.

  Stop over thinking it! It’s a pretty necklace! Just have fun!

  God knows, she hadn't had this much fun in a long time. No. Ever.

  She knew better than to read anything into it. It wasn't even really his money after all. But still… he'd bought her a heart.

  Now she had to make extra sure she held onto hers.

  Kendall had her hand firmly clasped in his warm, dry palm. His hand was so much bigger than hers, it practically swallowed it up. She stared at it as they waited for a car to pick them up. The hotel provided complimentary SUV’s, and stretch hummers for celebrities. Her eyes grew wide as the enormous ride pulled up.

  He pulled her into the car and helped her buckle herself in.

  "I can do that myself you know."

  He grinned at her.

  "I know. I like doing it."

  There was something in his face that made her stomach do a little flip flop. He looked so serious and intent on her. He leaned in closer, until his breath was fanning her sensitive ear.

  "I need to feel like a man anyway. After the tracksuit."

  She burst out laughing, covering her mouth with her hand. He was so funny! It was refreshing to know he didn't take himself too seriously.

  Kendall strapped himself in and took her hand again.

  "Where to?"

  "Hey man. The Grind house, please. Backdoor."

  "You got it."

  She sat there trying not to be shocked when Kendall's thigh pressed against hers. He seemed to be touching her a lot. It was not accidental.

  Everything he was doing was definitely deliberate.

  She felt tingles where his leg touched hers. And where his thumb brushed her wrist, stroking her soothingly while their palms pressed together.

  Hell, she felt tingles everywhere.

  "Do you go clubbing a lot?"

  She shook her head, feeling shy suddenly.

  "Never."

  He smiled and put his arm around her, sliding even closer.

  "Me either. I mean I go, but I always end up wondering why."

  "You don't like it?"

  He shrugged.

  "It's kind of stupid. I mean, I like dancing. And the music. But it's such a meat market. Girls can get really aggressive. It's a turn off."

  She peeked at him. He wasn't being funny. He seriously didn't like women throwing themselves at him.

  Um, yeah, Kendall, that sounds really rough.

  "You are probably the only man on earth who would complain about that you know."

  He grinned at her.

  "I know."

  He lifted her hand and pressed a kiss to the back of it.

  “It’s not my fault I hadn’t met you yet.”

  Her eyes grew wide as he kissed her cheek, letting his lips wander over to her ear.

  Oh my GOD.

  Kendall Jackson was trying to drive her out of her mind with lust. The crazy part was, it was working.

  "We're here."

  Chapter 17

  Kendall

  “Thanks, man.”

  Kendall handed the driver a hundred dollar bill and he handed back his card.

  "Call anytime. I’m here all night.”

  "We will. Have a good one.”

  He looked at the tiny girl beside him.

  "Ready?"

  She nodded. She didn't look ready, she looked nervous. But she was game, he'd give her that. Jessica wasn’t a coward, that was for sure.

  "Let's go."

  He helped her out of the SUV. Luckily, they were immediately surrounded by security guards. The crowd at the front of the club had spotted them and were spilling over into the alley way.

  Somebody screamed his name, sounding assballs crazy.

  He didn't stop moving, just pushed Jessica in front of him and guided her into the club.

  They had full body contact for a minute as he stood right behind her. He tried to stifle a groan. Her round little bottom felt incredible against him. He stared down at her, knowing she was facing away and couldn't see the lascivious look he was giving her.

  If they had been alone, he would have had a much harder time controlling himself.

  They hurried through a short utility hallway and then through a heavy fire door. That’s it. They were inside the club.

  It was dim, with lanterns hanging everywhere, and twinkling lights in the floor. It was a good thing too, otherwise people would be tripping over each other. But the effect was relaxing and sexy.

  The hallway opened directly into the VIP area, so it was less crowded there. A hostess guided them to a private table with the rest of In Tempo already seated around it. There were girls too. Not too many though.

  Davie was there and he wasn't a player.

  Well, not anymore.

  Kendall knew the guys were getting paid to party at the club but he didn't care. He hadn't signed anything. If his showing up upped their fee, he was fine with it. It didn't mean he had to stay.

  Not unle
ss Jessica was having fun.

  That all depended on her. She was his prime directive.

  He smiled at his Star Trek reference and guided her to the low banquette. He slid in next to her, nice and close. It was a huge booth but thankfully not so much room that he wouldn’t have an excuse for body contact.

  There were bottles of booze in buckets at the table with juice and other mixers.

  He leaned forward and grabbed two glasses. He had to get close to her to be heard over the throbbing bass. Not that he minded.

  "Same?"

  "Yes, thanks. Maybe with that red stuff- what is it?"

  He splashed some in a glass and sipped.

  "Not sure. Maybe pomegranate."

  She nodded and he mixed them each a drink, squeezing a lime in at the end. They clinked glasses and sipped. Then he leaned back and slid his arm around her.

  Maybe it wasn't a date per se, but it was starting to feel like one. She was with him, that was for sure. He wanted everyone to know it too.

  People were staring at them, taking cell phone pics. He just smiled, realizing that Jessica had no idea what she was getting into. Her face would be all over the internet before dawn. Hell, if they were spotted together again, she might make the gossip rags.

  But that was part of the deal if they were going to be together.

  He didn't particularly care at the moment if she didn't want her privacy invaded. He was becoming more and more determined that she was going to be his, no matter what that entailed.

  And not just for one night either.

  She was staring around, wide eyed. He leaned back, looking at her out of the corner of his eye. It was a really nice view. Her leg started bouncing when a popular song came on.

  "Do you want to dance?"

  She stared at him, startled. She still had no idea what she was in for. He'd decided to turn on the charm and then some. He was one of the most famous dancers in the world.

  The poor girl didn't stand a chance.

  His smile grew when she nodded, and he stood, pulling her to her feet. Then he led her out onto the dance floor.

  People moved aside for them, but barely. In seconds they were swallowed up by the moving, shaking, bouncing crowd. You could almost smell the hormones.

  Security had eyes on them, so he knew Jessica would be safe. And everyone was too into what they were doing to pay them much mind.

  He stared down into her eyes. She looked a little bit fearful. No wonder. She was so tiny that she couldn't see over the swarm of dancers.

  "Don't worry, I've got you."

  She opened her mouth to speak and then just nodded, her eyes wide. Then he pulled her against him and started dancing. He kept his arms around her as he subtly started to mimic what he'd really like to do.

  He started to make love to her.

  His hands skimmed over her back and hips, urging her to rock against him. He circled his hips into her, not overtly, but it was a fucking turn on all the same.

  Jesus, he wished they were alone.

  On a bed. Or a couch. Or the floor.

  Hell, he’d settle for a wall to lean against at this point.

  She was a little stiff at first, but he kept at it. Her eyes were downcast, staring at his chest. Even in the dark he could see that her cheeks were growing red.

  Her breasts bobbed against his chest in time to the music. He was grinning ear to ear when she peeked up at him nervously. He raised an eyebrow, silently daring her.

  That did it. She tossed her head and turned around. Then she brought her body back against him.

  Oh my god.

  The girl had moves. He hadn't been expecting that at all. Her rhythm was impeccable as she ground herself against him. Then she turned again and it was game on.

  They were all over each other, grinding in a way that would have gotten them a lot of attention if people could actually see them. That's if everyone else on the dance floor hadn't been doing something similar.

  Jesus, the girl was full of surprises! So prim and proper and then BAM! She was working him over like a freaking pro! He moaned, realizing that if this kept up he was going to have a serious issue.

  Hell, he already had a serious issue. He was rock hard. He just needed to keep from exploding on the dance floor.

  The song ended and another one started. But neither of them were ready to stop. They stayed out there, dancing for another half an hour. He was fighting for control over his raging hard on the entire time. That didn't mean he wasn't loving every minute of it.

  "Let's get some air."

  She nodded, looking out of breath. He pulled her through the VIP section and up a set of stairs to a private balcony. It's where the celebs and high rollers went to smoke, or cool off, or fool around. It was dark thankfully, so he had time to cool down his body, hopefully without her noticing, though there was no way she hadn’t felt him.

  He glanced around and pulled her to a secluded spot, leaning her against the wall.

  She stared up at him, breathing heavily. He smiled and grabbed a bottle of mineral water from the bar. He held it to her lips, urging her to drink. She took a sip and then he put his lips where hers had been. He finished the bottle in two gulps.

  He wiped his cold thumb over her cheek to her pouty lower lip.

  No more fucking around now. It was time to stake his claim. Time to let her know what was on his mind.

  He kissed her.

  She didn’t move away. He groaned as their lips met. Her lips parted softly under his onslaught. He sensed her hesitation but he didn't stop.

  Fuck, he wasn't sure he could stop.

  Not unless it was just long enough to get them to a bed.

  Hell, he was tempted to make use of the damn wall.

  Easy, Kendall. Play nice if you want to keep your pretty doll.

  He slipped his hand down her side, molding to her curves.

  “Is this okay?”

  “Uh huh.”

  He smiled, his hand wandering to lightly touch the neckline of her dress.

  “Are you sure?”

  “Uh huh.”

  He smiled in the darkness and lowered his head to kiss her again.

  Chapter 18

  Jessica

  Oh my God. Oh my God. OH MY GOD.

  Kendall Jackson could kiss.

  "Do you want to get out of here?"

  Jessica was still reeling from the kiss that Kendall had just laid on her.Two kisses really. She shouldn't be surprised that he kissed her. Or that he was really, really good at it.

  He must have kissed a hundred girls. No- a thousand.

  What surprised her was what she felt behind it. This wasn’t an ordinary kiss. He was kissing her like he cared.

  And she was someone who knew the difference.

  Still, her heart was racing and her body felt strange-like she was floating.

  Floating on what? Get a grip Jessalina!

  And still she cringed. His softly spoken words were like a cold bucket of water though. He wanted to- crap. He was expecting to-

  He wanted to go to bed with her. Worse- he expected to. Of course he did. What woman in her right mind would turn down a night of hot sex with Kendall Jackson? Never mind the fact that he was spoiling her rotten.

  She closed her eyes. She did not want to go back to the hotel and screw him.

  That wasn't exactly true. Part of her wanted to do exactly that. But she was afraid to give in to that.

  It was dangerous. It was impulsive. It was way too fast. He had her tied up in knots as it was.

  If she slept with him, she’d spend the rest of her life waiting for him to call. For him to remember her. For him to love her.

  She knew that love was a rarity, if it even existed. Her drunk mother and her millions of terrible boyfriends had taught her that.

  She opened her eyes.

  Kendall was staring at her mouth again. Maybe she should give in. Maybe if she could just delay a little while, she'd feel more comfortable with the idea. S
he desperately wanted to be the girl that just said 'sure' and slept with the man of her dreams.

  Why the hell not right?

  She wasn't the sort to play hard to get exactly. Not that she’d had sex before, but she’d played around. Then again, she wasn't the sort to go to bed with someone she'd just met either.

  She decided to play it safe and prevaricate. She gave him a clueless look.

  "Where do you want to go?"

  He smiled patiently. As if he were humoring her.

  "Where ever you want."

  She hid her smile. He was being too nice. He was making it wayyyy too easy for her.

  Mistake number one, playah!

  "Maybe we could just walk a little bit?"

  He opened his mouth. She was sure he was going to argue but he just licked his lips and nodded.

  "Okay. Whatever you want to do, Jess.”

  He took her hand again. She let out a sigh of relief. He wasn't going to force the issue.

  They headed back through the club, waving to the guys. On the street it was still hopping but no one seemed to notice them as they snuck out past the crowd. It must be close to 3 AM.

  "So… it's your first time in Vegas. Should we gamble?"

  She shook her head.

  "I don't have any money with me."

  "That's okay, I do."

  "Alright. I can watch if that's what you want to do I guess... Oh look!"

  "What?"

  He turned to look at what she was pointing at. There were rides on top of a really tall building up ahead.

  Rides! Actual rides!

  She’d spent her childhood dreaming of amusement parks. She’d gone exactly once, on a birthday party for a classmate. She’d had to steal a few bucks from her mom’s purse every day for a month to be able to afford the trip.

  She felt slightly guilty, but since she’d also been bringing cans to the grocery store to be able to afford the school lunches, she didn’t feel that bad.

  It was the same thing she started doing when her mother went through one of those ‘not bringing any food home for a whole month’ phases. She hated stealing. And she hated collecting cans. But she hadn’t had a choice, other than this one time it had been for something actually fun.