Give and Receive: Books 1, 2, 3: An Interracial Menage Rock Star Romantic Series

by Anderson, Alisa

  “You did that on purpose.”

  “I did. That was for talking about my ass. Next time, do better.”

  Oops. Didn’t mean to say that.

  “There’s going to be a next time?”

  “Damn, I’m hungry. Where’s that popcorn?”

  When in doubt, deny it out.

  She stood and stretched. Wandering back to the living room where the bowl of popcorn was. She squealed happily, sitting on the couch. Cramming a handful in her mouth, chewing noisily. She took a swig of water and continued chewing. Ty sat down next to her and stared.

  “Hey.”

  She ignored him and kept eating.

  He cut in. “Hey.”

  She finally paused, eyeing him.

  “You think you could stop shoveling long enough to say yes to an interview tomorrow?”

  “Why exactly would I come out of journalistic retirement for you, of all people?” She laughed. “I’m rich, bitch. I don’t do that shit anymore.”

  She cheerfully resumed eating. Ty frowned.

  “Because it involves the green stuff you love and worship so much?”

  “Apple Jolly Ranchers? You know I already purchased the patent from them. Why would I need more from you?”

  Lena looked genuinely confused. Ty rolled his eyes.

  “You know…never mind. It’s not even worth trying to insult you. I’m talking about money, you potted plant. Green. Dinero. Cash? The publicity and residuals of doing the interview at your club is bound to have excellent returns.”

  “You know the saying. Cash rules everything around me, daddy.” She brightened considerably. “Tell me more about this interview, kid. Where and when?”

  “Tomorrow, first thing in the morning. Part of it has to be filmed at my house, though. It’ll probably be better for you to spend the night.”

  “Spend the night?” Lena chortled. “Yeah. I think not.”

  “Jesus, will you friggin’ relax already? It’s legit, I swear.”

  She grinned. “How do I know you’re not just trying to get in my pants, loser?”

  “Because I’ve been in your pants, idiot. I’ve already tasted the goods.”

  “Not all of the goods, cowboy.” Her hands patted her mound. “At least your penis hasn’t.”

  He swallowed, losing his train of thought. “Um….what?”

  “You were saying, dear?” Lena winked at him.

  Evil, thy name is Lena.

  “I, um…am leaving tomorrow afternoon for New York.” Tyler paused, her thighs falling open a bit. Exposing the creamy wetness still there. He dragged his gaze up to her face.

  She smiled knowingly at him. Clearing her throat.

  Urging him to continue.

  “So…Uh, yeah. Anyway,” He continued. “We can’t do it tonight obviously. You’ve got the thing. At the club. Yeah. The thing at the club.”

  Ty shook his head, clearing out the visual.

  “By the way, Danny asked what you were up to.”

  “Oh.” She sounded indifferent. “Yeah?”

  Ty snorted.

  “Ok, wow….Really? Is it like that? So basically your pussy didn’t just turn into the Wet ‘n Wild Roller Coaster the minute you heard his name.”

  “Oh please. You honestly think you know me, don’t you?”

  “I know I know you. And get your fingers from between your legs, duchess. I can still see you, you know. I haven’t gone anywhere.”

  Lena looked down. Her fingers once again, had a mind of their own.

  “Well. Would you look at that.” She laughed faintly.

  She truly was evil. A succubus needing destroyed. He had to get away from her. He didn’t think she was completely aware of how much power she wielded over him. The small bit of knowledge she had was dangerous enough.

  It was definitely time to exit, stage left.

  “Are you doing the interview or not?”

  Lena decided not to comment on the new bulge in his pants. “Count me in, darlin’.” She stood. Heading for the shower. “I’ll umm…let you finish taking care of business. You know. Getting ready and…such. Use one of the guest bedrooms if you need to.”

  He stood as well.

  This wasn’t awkward at all.

  “Did you want a ride? To the release party, I mean. Or should I go ahead and go without you?”

  “No, don’t go. I mean…a ride would be nice. To release. To the release. The release party, I mean.”

  She laughed a little.

  “Freudian slip, I guess.”

  She tried to move past without touching him. Attempting to spare them both. Failing miserably.

  “Lena.” He tucked a curl behind her ear.

  “Yeah.” She looked up at him. At those full, sensual lips.

  She sighed.

  “Go shower.”

  “Ok, Ty.”

  “I’ll meet you downstairs in an hour.”

  “Right.” She started walking up the stairs.

  “Ty?”

  “Yep.”

  “This didn’t happen.”

  “Yep.”

  “You could observe the speed limit, you know.”

  Lena eyed Tyler.

  She swore he drove like a bat out of hell. She came to the random conclusion he leaked brain fluid every time he spoke.

  She felt it was important to share this epiphany with him now.

  “Will you shut up and enjoy the ride?” Ty glanced over, looking back at the road, swerving. Nearly hitting a light pole.

  Lena sighed. “Why do I even bother?”

  She was late. To her own event. She was fucking late.

  Thanks to Ty. Of course. It did no good to take responsibility for something clearly his fault. Further proof anything she did with him, or to him, for that matter, was forever doomed to fail.

  She was beyond annoyed and told him so. He kissed her on the cheek, yanking her out the door.

  By the time they pulled out of Lena’s house, he made some smart comment about her pants and how much oil she had to use getting in them.

  She laughed without thinking. Almost forgetting why she was angry in the first place.

  Almost. She’d pay him back later.

  She’d put gummy worms in his shoes when he least expected it. He screamed like a girl when he got super scared.

  That made her feel good inside.

  She couldn’t stay mad at him for long anyway.

  It was how it went.

  She’d still do the gummy worm thing, though.

  For fun.

  Tyler’s maniacal driving got them to Sadist in record time. He pulled up to the entrance, getting out. Quickly jogging around to open her door.

  He held out a hand. She clasped it, stepping out onto the pavement in stiletto heels. She threatened to hammer them into his head for being late. As usual, he ignored her audacity.

  And violent threats.

  She stood, noticing he hadn’t yet released her hand.

  “Such a gentleman, Ty.”

  He glanced at her full, high breasts. Straining against the clingy, tight red tank top she wore.

  “I don’t have to be.”

  Lena laughed aloud, discreetly patting his crotch.

  “Down, boy. Save it for when Sara takes your ass back. Again.”

  “If you mention her one more time-” Tyler warned, instantly getting rigid and full under her hands.

  “Fine. I’ll quit. As long as I don’t hear shit about Blake.” Lena glared at him.

  “Agreed.” Tyler reluctantly lifted his gaze from her chest.

  Finally looking at her face.

  “Why are you bitching about him anyway? You know you want him. Why act like you don’t?”

  “Because it’s not necessary for us to rehash it.” She spoke through gritted teeth.

  “Now is there anything else you need to know, Matlock? And by the way, don’t think for a minute I’ve forgotten you never actually explained anything about Danny or his divorce. Just an
fyi.”

  Tyler raised his eyebrow not saying another word. He handed his keys to the valet, guiding Lena to the back entrance.

  Unfortunately, a few fans saw them. And as expected, started screaming. “Tyler, Tyler, Tyler, Tyler,” became their mantra. Chanting, moving closer and closer to where they stood.

  “Why am I friends with you again?”

  Lena sighed in annoyance. Tyler gave her a disgusted look.

  “Maybe if I gave you a reason to shut up, you’ll actually do it.”

  She snorted. “Maybe you could try.”

  He moved. Directly facing her.

  “Maybe I would succeed.”

  She involuntarily took a step back. He filled in the space.

  She suddenly felt incredibly small.

  “Get out of my face, Ty.”

  “Why?”

  “I don’t need a reason why. Just…move.”

  “Am I making you nervous?”

  He looked down at her. Zeroing in on her lower lip caught between her teeth. It was fleshy and pink, with strawberry scented lip gloss. He resisted the urge to take a bite.

  She was driving him nuts.

  He licked his own full lips. Lena watched in fascination.

  Then she reminded herself who she was with. Her brow furrowed in annoyance. He was driving her nuts.

  Ty grinned at her. Damn him.

  “No…but…your breath stinks. Yes. Your breath…has offended me.”

  She took another step back. Using any excuse to move away from the natural heat of his body. Which, she was horrified to discover, was causing her own body to do strange things.

  Cheeks flushed? Check.

  Nipples tightened? Without a doubt.

  Wetness between legs? Absolutely.

  Sheer panic at the revelation of him leaning in? Commenced.

  Every warning bell in her body sounded off.

  Ty was much too close.

  He was actually going to kiss her. In front of all of these people. Which was ironic. Because in the grand scheme of things, the minute Ty moved into her vicinity, everything and everyone around them faded.

  Until all they saw...was each other.

  They stood at the back entrance of the club, unaware of anyone else, when a baritone voice penetrated her senses.

  “Am I interrupting?”

  Slowly, Lena turned around to stare at what were always the strangest, most haunted, silvery grey eyes she had ever seen. Her heart, perfectly balanced and safe within her chest, fell to the pit of her stomach with a resounding thud.

  Of course, he was there.

  That was how it went.

  “Danny.” she sighed. “Fancy meeting you here.”

  Chapter 6

  Three months, nine days, five hours…twenty-two minutes.

  All came rushing back. Like it was yesterday.

  The two of them drank. Consuming each other in.

  Tyler observed them both. Shooting daggers at Danny.

  “Hello to you too. Absolutely fantastic interception, by the way.”

  “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to.” Danny sounded amused.

  Not sorry in the least.

  “Yeah, whatever.” Ty snorted. “So do I need to make introductions, or do you two know each other?”

  He laughed at his joke.

  “I guess embracing your own stupidity makes you at peace with it?” Danny’s slow, sexy, yummy, drawl was toffee rich.

  Stroking her neck and back. Like a warm caress.

  “Oh, don’t worry. I manage to get by.”

  The chemistry between them was palpable.

  Drawn together, as always. Like magnets.

  Danny’s eyes never left hers. “What’s up, L?”

  Lena’s kitty cat almost clawed her way out her pants right then and there. Only Danny ever called her by that nickname. She willed her lower half to stay in her pants, plastering a smile on her face.

  “How are you, Danny?”

  She reached up, even in heels to give him a kiss on the cheek. He bent down, turning at the last minute. She inhaled in surprised shock. Feeling his tongue, his deliciously warm tongue, trace an outline of her lips.

  “I’m doing good,” he whispered softly.

  “I’d be better doing you.” He straightened. Moving back.

  His mouth grinning slightly. Wickedly.

  Lena blinked. Momentarily struck dumb.

  Gone was the bitter, angry, hostile man she saw three months ago. He seemed…different. Lighter. Free.

  Ready to stalk his prey.

  Her pulse beat erratically in her throat.

  “Three months, huh.” She murmured…remembering.

  “Nine days,” Danny supplied. Unable to look away from her. “Five hours…” He sighed. An exhale cloaked in yearning. Re-living that night. The same way he had every night since.

  Tyler rolled his eyes, looking at his watch.

  “Twenty-two minutes. I remember too. But who’s counting, right?” Lena and Danny both turned to look at him.

  The truly staggering asshattery of this man.

  “Yeah. I was there too, bitches. Don’t forget that shit.”

  He ignored both of their hostile stares.

  “And for the love of Jesus, can we please take this inside? We’re creating a scene.”

  Lena gave Tyler an incredulous look at his sheer audaciousness. Not to mention hypocrisy.

  She started to speak. Tyler put his hand over her mouth.

  “Inside. Now.”

  Lena nodded wordlessly. Following him inside.

  Sometimes it wasn’t even worth it.

  Especially when God forbid, Tyler was right.

  When they got in, they were immediately ushered to the after party in the VIP lounge upstairs. Lena saw Reese, already at the bar. Flirting outrageously with Dion.

  They appeared intent in conversation about something. Reese must have sensed Lena’s presence.

  She looked up, smiling at her knowingly. Observing Danny on her right, Tyler on her left. She could tell Reese was smirking. Even from a distance. Lena was immediately suspicious. She didn’t trust that look for one minute.

  She had to investigate further.

  “Excuse me for a minute, gentleman.” She extricated herself.

  “Leaving so soon?” Danny smiled down at her, his hand lightly grazing her shoulder. Brushing the hair from her face. She shivered, losing her train of thought. This was insanity. That idiot Ty was right. She practically assumed the mating position anytime the man spoke.

  She regained her calm and self-assurance. Smiling with a serenity she didn’t completely feel. She absently traced a light pattern at the apex of her thighs. Watching Danny’s gaze travel down. He swallowed hard. Skintight black leather pants didn’t hide much.

  When Lena knew she had his complete attention, she stopped, her voice cascading honey.

  “Don’t worry.” Her voice promised a multitude of sins. “I’ll be right back.”

  Next to him, Tyler’s throat constricted. “I need a drink.”

  “Get your drink, love.” she smiled.

  “Like I said, I’ll be right back. Miss me while I’m gone.”

  Now leave, before you fuck-up a good exit scene. Dumb ass.

  What the hell kind of trouble was she about to get herself into?

  She walked away.

  Both of them watching her loose-limbed swagger.

  Danny ordered a drink from the bar.

  “Hope I didn’t mess up your night.”

  Ty smirked. “Nope. Not in the slightest. It’s cute you were worried, though.”

  Danny grinned right back.

  “Actually, I wasn’t. I was being polite.”

  “I appreciate your honesty.”

  “It’s nice to be appreciated.”

  “Didn’t get that much with your wife, did you?”

  “Ex-wife. Elizabeth and I are divorced now. In case you needed reminding.”

  Ty laughed without humo
r. “Congratulations on that.”

  “Thank you, Tyler. That means so much, coming from you.”

  “Cut the bullshit, D. Why are you here tonight?”

  “What difference does it make to you? Besides…I think you know why.”

  “Just know this. I’m not going to stand by, watching you hurt her again. Are we clear? She’s been through enough.”

  Danny swallowed his drink.

  “Crystal clear. And more than a little laughable. Given your track record.” He signaled for another.

  “Since when are you her bodyguard?”

  Ty snatched the drink the bartender put down for Danny. Downing it in one gulp.

  “Since she can’t see clearly when it comes to you.”

  “Oh, really?”

  “Really.”

  “And what would she think about you making decisions for her, Ty? The Lena we both know and love would kick your ass.” Ty laughed in amusement.

  “She’s more than worth the risk.”

  He leaned in, gesturing for Danny to come closer.

  “Trust me. I know.”

  Danny’s fist clenched. The double meaning hitting home. He resisted the urge to punch him in his smug, cocky little face. “What are you worried about, Ty? Somehow she’ll choose me, over you?”

  “Hell, I’m not worried. You on the other hand, might want to be concerned. See, the difference is, I’m not requiring her to make a choice. I’ll take whatever I’m lucky enough to be blessed with where she’s concerned. Even if that means putting up with you.” He gestured to the bartender for a beer.

  “Can you say the same?”

  “And what do you have over there, dear?” Reese asked when Lena walked over. Eyeing each of the men appreciatively.

  “What I have is a fire about to erupt into a blazing inferno.” Lena kissed Reese on the cheek.

  “I swear, I don’t know what game we’re playing, but somebody forgot to give me half of the rules.”

  “Who the hell needs rules when you got all that?”

  Reese watched Tyler talking to Danny. Lena snapped her out of her lust filled haze.

  “Hello? I was talking about Blake, you horny little mudskipper. I still can’t figure out why he divorced horse teeth so fucking fast.” Reese slowly dragged her eyes away from Ty, eyeing Lena. “You truly don’t know, do you?”