Talon (Ashes & Embers Book 4)

by Carian Cole

  Evie!

  I vaguely recall Talon mentioning that not only does Evie work directly for his mom, but she also does a lot of the marketing and social media updates for the band. So, if she posted this picture, then she must know who this chick is. Flipping my phone around in my hand, I debate whether I should call her and nonchalantly try to get some info about where the guys are and who that girl is. She did say I could call her anytime, so…

  "Hi, Asia, what's up?" Evie always sounds sweet on the phone and never busy, rushed, or annoyed like some people do.

  "Hi, just called to say hi and see how you're doing."

  "I'm good, missing Storm, of course. But he called me this morning and we talked for about half an hour, so that made me feel better."

  No fair. If Storm was able to call Evie, why couldn't Talon call me?

  "Yeah, I know what you mean. Did you watch the live show online last night? They looked amazing."

  "Oh my God, I did, and the Halloween makeup looked outrageous. Storm said it took a while to put on and to wash off. They're doing it for every show, but he did say they were going to talk to the makeup artist about toning it down a little so it doesn't take so long. You know the guys—they can't sit still very long."

  "That's the truth. So, who's putting all that makeup on them?"

  "There's a makeup artist they hired to go on the tour with them. She's a fan too, so she was happy to go."

  Hm. I didn't know about that. Where the heck is she sleeping?

  "I didn't know that. I can't picture Talon sitting for that long at all," I say. "Hey, do you update their band pages online?"

  "Yeah, usually. Or sometimes Mikah does, but it's usually me. They email me pictures and info from the road, and I upload them."

  "That's really cool. Did you post the photos this morning?" Smooth, I am not.

  "I did—a bunch from the concert last night, and there was a nice one of Talon with the artist."

  "The artist?"

  "Yeah, the makeup artist. I thought she'd like seeing her picture posted with the band."

  With my husband.

  "Oh."

  "Asia, are you okay? You sound weird. Did the picture bother you?"

  "No…" I hesitate, not wanting Evie to think I'm mad at her, because I'm not. "Okay, a little. I just didn't know who she was when I saw it, and I haven't heard from him at all today or yesterday, and now I'm getting really worried. I mean, he's not even answering my texts, and I don't know why because everything was fine. He and Storm had the sleepover and he thought it was really funny, and he's been leaving me these little notes hidden all over the house, and I don't understand why Storm called you but Talon didn't call me." I have to force myself to stop talking because I just verbally barfed way too much of my whining at poor Evie.

  "Asia...take a deep breath."

  I breathe.

  "First, the makeup artist has a girlfriend. A girlfriend. Storm told me she is not in any way flirting with any of the guys. She's a professional makeup artist who also happens to be a fan. She's traveling by herself and meeting them at each venue. She's not staying with them. So please don't worry yourself about her, okay?"

  I feel like an idiot. "I'm sorry, Evie. I'm just not used to this."

  "I'm the same way, trust me. Probably worse than you, if that makes you feel any better."

  "What about the cat girls? Who are they?"

  "They're just stage dancers, and sometimes they sing backup. They've been with the band for a while, and they are both married. So, no worries with them either."

  "Evie, thank you. I don't mean to sound so paranoid and jealous."

  "You don't. You sound like a newly married woman who's been thrust into a lifestyle she wasn't prepared for. I feel the same way. I had no idea who Storm was when we met. It's taking me a while to get used to all of this too."

  "When you talked to Storm, did he say anything about Talon? I'm not sure why I haven't heard from him."

  "He didn't. I could text him and ask him, though. I don't mind."

  "No, don't do that. I don't want him to think I'm checking up on him." Even though I am. "I'm just a little worried."

  "I'm sure everything is fine. He was covered in that makeup, so it probably took him a while after the concert to wash it all off. Then he probably just fell asleep. And from what Storm said, they were traveling all day today and on a pretty tight deadline to get to the next venue in time. Try not to worry."

  I take a deep breath and try to calm myself. "I'm trying."

  "Do you want to come over? I'm just hanging out doing some work. You're welcome to come over anytime."

  "I'd love to, but I have a ton of work to do myself. I really appreciate the offer, though."

  "Okay, but I mean it. You can call me or come over anytime. Even in the middle of the night. If you're feeling worried and need to talk, you can call me."

  "Thank you. You can do the same. I'm always here. It sounds like you and Storm are over this strange jealousy period, though, and you're not having hourly meltdowns like I am."

  "I think we're better now, but we were definitely there not long ago."

  "Hopefully I'll get over this soon. Maybe if you hear from Storm, just make sure everything is okay with Talon and send me a text? Just don't make it obvious that I asked, if you can. I really don't want Talon to think I don't trust him."

  "No problem. I'll text you later to check up on you."

  After talking to Evie I feel a little bit better, at least about the photos of Talon with the girls, but I still don't understand why he hasn't contacted me yet. How hard is it to send a quick text? I was hoping he would be missing me as much as I miss him, but maybe his interest in me really is mostly sexual and I've been reading him wrong the past few weeks. Maybe the #Love didn't mean love as in love.

  Grabbing my journal, I take it out on the front porch with me to write about the ups and downs of the past few days. Writing is therapeutic for me, but knowing someone is going to be reading and analyzing this in a few months gives it more of a clinical feel that I don't exactly enjoy. I try to be as honest as I can with what I write, though, because that was the point of this entire project—at least for Dr. Hollister. For me, it was to find a life partner. I'm still just not sure if that's what I've got.

  * * *

  Just as the sun is setting, my phone beeps with the new Talon-text-tone I added about an hour ago.

  Talon: Hey, baby

  Me: Hi

  Talon: I'm sorry I'm late

  Me: It's all right

  Talon: No, it's not. Last night was crazy after the show. We had a VIP session, so people paid extra to get backstage to meet us n get autographs and shit.

  Me: Oh, that sounds cool.

  Talon: Then it took me like a f'n hour to shower all that makeup off. Did you really like it?

  Me: I loved it. You looked really hot.

  Talon: And what's with the hat? You got a little fetish happening over there? ;-)

  Me: Yes :-)

  Talon: Ok. I’m bringing it home

  Talon: Are you mad?

  Me: Not mad. Just upset that I didn't hear from you. I was worried

  Talon: Sorry, babe. I forgot to charge my phone so it was dead last night n this morning. It’s been a crazy day and then I fell asleep. I was kinda in a shit mood.

  Me: It's ok. I’m sorry. Are you okay?

  Talon: I'm fine. Just tired n sometimes we all argue when we're stuck together. It’s hard for me to get any privacy. That’s why I’m texting.

  Me: I understand. I missed you all day. I found your note in with the soap stuff. Very sweet.

  Talon: I meant every word. I get moody sometimes when I'm on the road. Please don't let it get to you or set us back. I know this is hard for you

  Me: I'm fine as long as I know we're ok.

  Talon: We're more than ok. I'm not gonna leave you, babe. I'm always with you.

  Tears spring to my eyes and roll down my cheeks. Sometimes he knows exactly wha
t I need to hear, and it feels so good to have someone who understands my heart so much.

  Me: You're amazing sometimes, ya know?

  Talon: I know ;)

  Me: I mean it. You're becoming my heart's hero

  Talon: Fuck, baby. I need to hear your voice say that someday

  Me: If you wear the hat, I'll say it ;-)

  Talon: Deal. I miss you.

  Me: I miss you too. So much.

  Talon: You're still sleeping in my shirt, right?

  Me: Every night xo

  Chapter 29

  Asia

  Twenty days. I cross the final day off in my day planner with a big, triumphant smile. We did it. We got through it with no fights, no setbacks, and no additional pictures of women causing me to go into an epic jealous freak-out. I'm proud of us.

  I close my planner and put it off to the side of the kitchen island where it lives and cross the room to pour myself a cup of coffee. When I head for the refrigerator to get my flavored creamer, I shriek and jump, my arms flailing like a ninja.

  He's leaning against the doorway, his muscular arms crossed beneath a tight black Henley, and that old top hat is perched on top of his head. Beneath each of his eyes is a slight smudge of black liner. He looks uniquely bizarre and incredibly sexy.

  "Holy shit!" I run toward him and throw my arms around him. "Why didn't you tell me you'd be here so early?"

  "I wanted to surprise you." He pushes my hair from my face and caresses my cheek. "I just want to look at you for a sec." His dark eyes roam my body and then lock on to mine. "What was it you were supposed to say to me?" he asks, his thumb stroking over my lower lip. God, I love when he does that.

  I'm so mesmerized by the fire in his eyes I can barely remember what my name is, let alone something I agreed to say. My brain spins until it finally comes back to me.

  "You're my heart's hero," I say softly, and his eyes close for a moment before he bends down to kiss me, his lips soft against mine and tasting of bubblegum, his hand going to my waist and pulling my body against his. I sigh against his lips, absorbing his touch, his taste, his smell. My senses all come alive when he's near, and everything feels right.

  "That's definitely the best thing anyone has ever said to me."

  "I'm glad. I missed you so much. That was the hardest twenty days of my life."

  "We need to go upstairs. Now."

  We race each other to the bedroom, where he tackles me onto the bed while we pull each other’s clothes off in a frenzy. His lips devour mine possessively and I can't get enough of touching him, feeling his warm flesh beneath my fingers as they travel over his shoulders and down his back to squeeze his muscular ass. This man should be the squats poster child—his ass is just that perfect.

  His mouth leaves mine and starts a tantalizing path down my neck to my breasts, his teeth grazing lightly over my sensitive nipples. He moves from one to the other, sucking me between his lips while his hand goes between my legs, pushing my thighs apart. A moan escapes my lips as soon as he strokes me and slips a finger into me, zeroing in on the spot he knows drives me wild. Squeezing my thighs together, I trap his hand and grind my sex against his fingers.

  After teasing me with his fingers and tongue, he flips us over so he's lying on his back, pulling me on top of him.

  "Get on my cock, baby. I want to watch you." His voice does things to me that I never thought possible.

  Grasping his thick cock in my hand, I hold him against my lips and slowly descend down onto his throbbing hard-on. He moans and grabs my hips, gently pulling me down farther on him.

  "I really fucking missed you," he groans, sliding his hands up to cup my breasts. "I'm not gonna slam you, babe. I want you to be in control this time."

  What the hell do I know about controlling the cock? Nothing.

  Sensing my hesitation, he moves his hands back to my waist and gently lifts me up and down. "Relax your muscles… Take it as deep as you want and just let yourself go."

  "Close your eyes."

  "Jesus, Aze—"

  "Just do it!" I can't do this with him watching me; I'm way too self-conscious about how awkward I look.

  "Fine. Just fuck me before I lose my mind." He gives in, closing his eyes, and I'm glad he can't see me smiling and giggling at him. He really does try so hard.

  "Stop giggling or we'll try a different hole that requires no eye contact."

  Yikes!

  He grabs my hands in his, still with his eyes shut, and holds them tightly as I ride up and down his length.

  "That's perfect… Don't stop," he groans, his breath quickening as I move faster and take him deeper, causing my insides to ache. It feels so good, though, to have him inside me again, and nothing has changed. The closeness we found before he left is still here.

  His eyes slowly open and he pulls me down on him, our lips meeting for a wet kiss, his hands moving to my ass to guide me back and forth on him, my clit rubbing deliciously against his abs. He fists my hair in his hand and pulls my head back, exposing my neck for him to kiss and lick.

  I whimper and grind harder on him as his lips move to my breasts, sucking me into his mouth. The flicking of his tongue over my nipple sends electric pulses through my body and I lose control, gyrating my hips faster and harder on him, feeling his cock ram up into me, bottoming out.

  Taking my hands in his again, he pushes me upward, forcing me to impale myself on him. His eyes are wild with lust as he lies back and watches me move on top of him, breathing in deep pants.

  When I start to shudder on top of him, he pulls me back down onto his chest, wrapping his arms around me, his lips finding mine in the tangling mess of our hair.

  "Don't make me not look at you, Aze," he says later, when we're snuggled against each other under the covers. "I want to see you. Every part of you."

  "I'm sorry. I just felt…weird. Being so exposed, I guess."

  "That's what I want, though. I love your body; you don't have to worry about that."

  He loves my body.

  Why can he say that, but not say he loves me?

  "I love your body, too.

  "And you know how much I fuckin' love those eyes of yours." He kisses the top of my head and rests his chin against me. "I missed sleeping with you." He sighs deeply. "I missed our bed. And these sheets. I hate that fucking bus."

  And now he loves my eyes.

  Can he not just go one step further and love me?

  "Will you make me cupcakes tomorrow? I love your cupcakes."

  Grinding my teeth in frustration, I nod. "Of course."

  For God's sake, please stop loving everything under the sun and love me back, I beg silently.

  But he doesn't say it. He rubs his foot up against mine and falls asleep, leaving me rewinding back to that hashtag he posted, hoping that was a hint.

  #Love

  Chapter 30

  Talon

  "It's so big," she says, her eyes going wide as she cringes and pulls away.

  "It's not as big as it looks."

  "Yeah, it is! It's huge. And pointy. I don't remember this from the last time I had this done to me."

  "Try to relax." I grab her small hand and squeeze it. "Think about something else, and you won't feel it going in."

  "Are you kidding?" she says incredulously. "That's impossible."

  Lukas trades a teasing glance with me while Asia freaks out in the chair and I lean against his table, shaking my head. I had a feeling she was going to freak out about the needling.

  "Asia, I won't do this if you're scared. That's not how I work. You have to want it," Lukas says gently. "If you're scared, you'll wiggle and you could cause me to screw it up. I need you calm and unwiggly."

  "I do want it. It's just pointy and noisy."

  "Baby, trust me, it's not as bad as it looks. It's only going to sting a little."

  "Rayne!" Lukas yells over the wall of his cubicle. "Bring me the rescue remedy drops!"

  A few minutes go by, and my sister comes to
us with a glass of water and a little amber bottle in her hand.

  "What's that? You're not drugging my wife."

  Rayne rolls her eyes. "It's a natural calming remedy. It works most of the time."

  I narrow my eyes at her. "Is it safe?"

  "Yes, Tal. It's totally safe. We're not idiots."

  "Okay, I'm just checking. I don't want my wife all roofied up."

  "You're such a nut." She puts a few drops of the remedy into the water and hands it to Asia. "Sip this. It should make you less nervous." She looks over at me and then back at Asia. "I hope you don't have him in the delivery room if you ever have kids."

  Asia laughs as she sips her water. "That's definitely something to think about."

  "Hey, if we have kids, I'll be in that room making sure no one does the switcheroo with my baby. That shit happens all the time."

  "Maybe get a puppy first," Rayne advises. "You know, to sorta practice."

  "We have a cat that calls me Daddy. I'm already practicing."

  Lukas leans back in his stool. "So, you have a talking cat? Does it wear a hat?"

  "No, Asia talks for her. And yes, it does wear hats. And dresses."

  My sister cracks up. "I really need to come to your house."

  "Rayne, you're welcome anytime. We have plenty of room; you could stay with us for a few days if you want to," Asia says.

  "I may just take you up on that. I'm living with Gram now, and although I love her to pieces, sometimes I feel like a little break would be nice. She's constantly feeding me. I'll be a whale soon."