by Eden Summers
“I’m a free agent?” She wanted to be happy. The tingling sensation was already igniting behind her ribs, held captive by the reasons her freedom had been achieved. The cost was too high. They’d gone too far.
“We did good, didn’t we?”
She leaned forward, brushed her lips against his and then pulled back. “It’s another album. Those three songs could’ve gone toward establishing your own label. I would’ve fled the tour earlier if I knew that’s what you were going to do.”
“I know.” He nodded. “That’s why I didn’t tell you.” His smile returned, the glimmer of happiness touching every dark part inside her chest. “We know you’ve given up a lot because of your dedication to the band. You put your social and family life on hold for us. You made Reckless your world, and we love you for that. It’s only fair we return the favor.”
She would’ve forsaken more if there was anything left to give. Existence didn’t seem worthwhile without those five men. One in particular.
“Forgive me?” He leaned his head against hers, his presence everywhere.
“You’re crazy, do you know that?” Insane. Unhinged. Reckless. But she loved him. She loved every single thing about him.
“Yes. But do you forgive me?”
She gave a defeated laugh. “Give me more than five seconds.”
He smirked, the kick of his lips enough to initiate a rapid pulse in her clit. He trailed his forehead along hers, then his beard was scraping her cheek, his mouth finding the heavenly spot below her ear. “What can I do to speed up the process?”
“You got me fired.” She placed her hands on his shoulders, needing to be grounded. “Redemption will take time.”
“I bet I can make you forgive me in less than fifteen minutes.”
She chuckled. “And how do you plan on doing that?”
He gripped the hem of her blouse and tugged. “Take this off and I’ll show you.”
“I’m not getting naked, Ryan.”
“Are you sure?” His fingers moved to the center of her blouse, the deft digits flicking undone one button. Two.
“Forgive me yet?”
She shook her head. “No.” She stared him down, her scrutiny almost a glare as he continued popping buttons until the front of her blouse gaped.
“That’s a shame.” He pushed the material from her shoulders.
Her nipples tightened beneath her bra as his attention lowered to her body. He admired her with fascination. With undiluted desire. Everywhere his gaze led, she could feel it—her cleavage, her shoulders, her throat.
Strong arms wove around her, unhooking her bra. He picked at the thin straps, encouraging them down her arms, to fall to the floor. “How about now?”
“Nope.” She bit her lip over the frantic flutter of her heart.
He narrowed his stare and lowered the zipper to her pants, slow, gentle. Then in a rush, he shocked her by shoving them down her thighs, along with her panties.
“How about now?” he growled.
If she wasn’t becoming mind-numbingly aroused, she would’ve chuckled at his growing intensity. Instead, she raised her brows in a taunt and shook her head. He stepped back, giving her a slow appraisal, the heat in his eyes making her burn. He pulled off his shirt, ruffling his long hair. Then his belt buckle was clanging, his jeans being thrust to the floor, exposing the length of his erection. An always-impressive length.
“I’m still unforgiven?”
She didn’t answer. Didn’t respond. Not apart from the frantic breaths between them.
He lunged for her, thrusting his body against hers, shoving her back against the wall, the result a resounding thud through the room. He grasped her wrists, raised them, holding them on either side of her head.
His hips ground into hers, his cock teasing the piercing in her clit. She whimpered, the sound derived from pure torture. She wanted him. All of him. He continued to lazily thrust, hard cock sliding over wet pussy. Not penetrating, only teasing.
“Forgive me.”
“No.”
He leaned to the side, his palm trailing over her waist, to her ass and lower to her thigh. He encouraged her to lift her leg and she wrapped it around him, her hands still on his shoulders. Fingers tickled her ass and then found her heat. Delicately, he parted her folds, sliding back and forth, each stroke finalized with a tap to the jewelry in her clit.
She closed her eyes, her core jolting, her lungs burning. His breath brushed her cheek, then his beard, the rough scrape a precursor to the gentle brush of his lips over her carotid. She ran a hand between them, reaching for his cock, but he tilted his hips.
“Not until you forgive me.”
His fingers moved faster, the slide, slide, slide, deepening. Penetrating. Finally, she had something to clamp down on and the sensation of fulfillment made her moan.
“Forgive me, Leah,” he whispered, almost making her acquiesce with his sweet tone.
“No.”
His free hand slammed against the wall, hitting hard. She’d thought it was a game. A prelude to make up sex. But he was serious. He didn’t realize he wasn’t to blame.
“Ryan—”
His fingers plunged deep, weakening her knees. She rested into him, needing his strength.
“Want me to continue?” he growled.
She nodded, her head bobbing in time with the clenching of her pussy. “Yes.”
“So you forgive me?”
“God damn you,” she yelled. “Yes.”
He inched back, taking his dreamy cock with him. She mewled. Then he was shoving between her thighs, lifting her knees and driving his cock home, his shaft sliding deep into her core.
She cried out, her fingertips digging into him.
He thrust hard, over and over, his chest lashing her nipples, his mouth finding her own. He held her leg in place, inching it higher, allowing him to sink deeper. He murmured to her as he gyrated, words of love, strength and commitment—I couldn’t bear to lose you. You’re all I have. All I want. I’ll make it up to you. I’ll do whatever I can to make you happy.
She closed her eyes, enjoying how his harsh thrusts turned into languid, torturous strokes. “I’m happy, Ryan.”
Each movement of his hips came with a masculine groan, the strong shove into lust now mixing with hope and optimism. She could finally enjoy him. Without reservation or restriction.
“You’re such a wonderful man,” she whispered. “Some parts more than others.”
She met the next gyration of his hips with one of her own, the pleasure exploding with the slam against her clit.
“I’m glad you think so.” He buried his face in her neck and sucked hard on her flesh. “Because you’ve got me for the rest of your life.”
“I hope so.”
She continued meeting his pace, increasing the friction one thrust at a time. His breathing grew heavier, his throaty growl becoming deeper as her pussy contracted tighter. He lifted her, encouraging both legs around his waist as he pistoned, each undulation hammering her ass against the wall.
“I love you.”
She moaned at his admission and clung to his shoulders. Everything was heightened—her pleasure, her love, her optimism. Her abdomen began to tingle, the peppered sensation turning into a heavy throb of her core.
“Ryan…” She wanted to repeat his sentiment, but she was too late, her words cut short by her unpredictable orgasm. “Fuck.”
He growled, guttural and deep, his climax colliding with hers. His mouth found hers, his lips stealing breath and kisses at the same time. She drowned in the affection, burned from his passion.
Then everything quietened as the pleasure faded and the world slowed.
He leaned her against the wall and stared back at her with soft eyes and luscious lips. “Minx,” he whispered.
“Manipulator,” she countered.
He froze, every defined muscle taut in the passing beats of silence. “Are you really angry at me?”
“No.” She shook her
head and gave a genuine smile. “I couldn’t be more overwhelmed with gratitude, even though it’ll take time for the guilt to wear off.” The price may have been high but her relief was even higher. Finally, she would get to be with him. All day. Every day. No hidden feelings. No sneaking from public view. “I love you for what you did for me.”
His lips tweaked, his grin speaking of pride. He leaned one elbow against the wall and beamed down at her, his chest rising and falling with heavy breaths. “We’re free—”
The door hinges squeaked and she swore as she pulled Ryan closer, hiding her nudity the best she could. Mason’s face came into view through the crack of the opening door, his expression turning horrified before he slammed the door shut.
“Fuck you, assholes,” Mason called down the hall, the echo of laughter coming from the living room. “I fucking told you those weren’t fighting screams… Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’ll be in the bathroom, shoving my fingers down the back of my throat.”
Chapter Twenty-Eight
Three weeks later
Richmond, VA
Ryan tapped his foot to the beat and sucked in the electric atmosphere of the last show of the tour. The hometown fans were hysterical, screaming their lungs out without a care for the music they were drowning out.
Even the thrown underwear was piling up at an unprecedented rate. There were bras and panties flying everywhere. Each time a new item sailed forward, he’d glance side-stage at Leah to see those pretty eyes roll. She pretended to be disgusted, but he knew she loved the attention the band received.
It was all her doing, after all. She’d built them, carving out their careers to make them a worldwide success.
“Thanks for the warm welcome, Richmond.” A large pair of red panties landed at Mason’s feet and he picked them up with the toe of his boot. “Thanks, again,” he drawled, this time with less enthusiasm.
Ryan turned his usual appraisal to Leah and this time found her focused on the cell in her hand, her brow furrowing before she strode from view.
That woman had him so far under the thumb he doubted he’d ever regain his sanity. Every second away from her made him feel lost. She was the perfection who guided him and Felicity through the potential nightmare of Julie’s pregnancy announcement.
Leah had written Flick’s public statement that told the world her fun with Ryan was over and she planned to stick by him with friendship as he struggled to come to terms with his ex-wife’s infidelity. The result was a wave of sympathy from fans. He was no longer the black sheep. His favorable reputation had slid back into place… At least temporarily.
He wasn’t sure what the world would have to say once the news of him and Leah broke. But for now, their relationship remained private. They were happy to enjoy one another in peace while they flew under the paparazzi radar—hiding in the tour bus and sneaking into hotel rooms in the middle of the night.
The quiet wouldn’t last long. They knew that. They also knew they were strong enough to withstand whatever the vultures threw at them once their personal lives were made public.
At the intro to their next song, a large pair of black knickers flew forward, missing the stage. He glanced for Leah again, this time finding her back in her usual spot, her frown still evident as she made a T signal with her hands, calling for a timeout.
He nodded and came to Mason’s side and gave him the message via a jerk of his head in Leah’s direction. The lead singer didn’t skip a beat. He belted out the final verse of the song and then addressed the crowd.
“We’re going to have to take a short intermission. Don’t you fuckers go anywhere. We’ll be back soon.”
The five of them jogged from the stage, handing off their instruments to the approaching technicians.
“What is it?”
She didn’t look at him; instead she focused on Blake. “Gabi’s mom called. You need to get home.”
Blake’s face turned bleak. “What happened?”
“Gabi has gone into labor a little early.” Leah beamed. “You’re about to become a father.”
“She’s having the baby?” Blake stepped forward, grabbing Leah’s waist. “She’s having the baby!” He lifted her off the ground, swinging her around before dumping her back on her feet.
“The jet is already preparing for your arrival, and a car is on its way to the staff entrance of the parking lot.”
“God, you’re brilliant.” Blake kissed her forehead, his eyes wide with shock. “I guess I better get out of here.”
“Yeah.” She chuckled. “You better. I told her I’d get you to the airport straight away.”
“What about my luggage?”
“I’ll handle everything. Just get yourself back home and send our love to Gabi.”
He nodded, accepting fist bumps, arms punches, and other masculine shows of affection from the band and crew. “I’ll see you all back home.”
Ryan pulled her close as Blake ran for the stage exit. “He’s right, you know.”
“Hmm?” She cocked a brow, leaning into his hug.
“You’re brilliant.”
“I’m glad you finally noticed.” Her smile was wide, her glossy red lips hypnotic as they brushed against his, without pause, without reservation. Just the way he liked it.
His cock stirred and he broke their connection to ensure he didn’t have to walk back on stage with a tent in his pants. “How are you feeling?”
“Better.”
“Liar.” She’d stressed herself into an ulcer. Even after Julie had signed the divorce settlement and the media had quit hassling him and Felicity, she still hadn’t relaxed. She wasn’t herself and he couldn’t wait to get them back to New York for some much needed recuperation time. “You need to see a doctor.”
“I’ll do it once we’re home.”
Home. Her apartment. The place they would soon live in together. The concept always added an extra beat in his chest.
Mason came up beside them, a bottle of water in his hand. “When the two of you are finished sucking face, do you mind adding to the conversation about our missing bass guitarist?”
“We could play with a man down.” Mitch wiped the sweat from his face with his shirt. “It’s only for one show.”
Leah nodded. “You could. Or you could give Hannah the opportunity. She knows the set.”
“Since when?” Mason took a gulp of water.
“I had a discussion with her weeks ago about the possibility of this happening. Blake’s replacement was always going to be at least a few hours away, and it wasn’t like the baby had a strict schedule for arrival.”
“Have you called her?” Sean asked.
“I have, but she’s aware you might not approve.”
“I vote for whatever brings us closer to the after party.”
“Me, too.” Ryan squeezed her tighter, demanding her attention. “And the hotel suite after.”
Mason made gagging noises. “How long until she’s ready?”
“Not long. Go and explain what’s happening. Hopefully by then she’ll be here.”
“And what about Sidney? Did her flight arrive on time?”
“Yes. She’s with Melody, organizing the caterers for the after party. Which reminds me—” She placed a kiss on Ryan’s lips and stepped back. “—I have to double check the alcohol order. We can’t be short on booze.”
Reluctantly, he let her go, her warmth slipping from his fingers, her scent slowly leaving his lungs. “Be waiting for me after the show.”
She gave him a wicked grin, one filled with promise even through the tired bags under her eyes. “You’re so demanding.”
“And you love it.”
Her cheeks blushed, giving him all the confirmation he needed. Not that he needed any. He’d learned what she liked and there was very little she didn’t, as long as they were together.
“I’ll try my best.” She gave him a finger wave and retreated with a seductive sway of her gorgeous hips.
“You’re so fucked.�
� Mason placed a condescending clap on his back. “There’s no way you’re ever getting that leash off your balls.”
“Just like you with Sidney?” He met the lead singers gaze with a cocked brow.
“Yeah.” Mason chuckled. “Just like me with Sid.”
Five hours later.
Leah laughed through a yawn. Everyone was drunk—the band, the crew, the security team, and Slicker. All of them mingling in the backyard of Mason’s Richmond property as music poured through innumerable speakers.
Ryan stood behind her, his chest unyielding against her back, his arms wrapped around her waist. “Do you want me to ask Mason if we can crash in one of his rooms?”
“Not yet.” There was no doubt his intent held a dubious amount of slumber, but she didn’t feel like she was officially off duty yet. She wanted to make sure everyone ended the night in one piece. And there was still no word on Blake and Gabi.
She wouldn’t be able to fall into a deep sleep until she knew they were all healthy and safe.
“Here you go.” Mason stopped in front of her, Sidney at his side, and handed over a bottle of champagne. Not a glass. Not a flute. A damn bottle. “You can’t abstain at an after party.”
“Thanks.” She took the offering and cradled it in her hands like a seasoned groupie.
“I hear congratulations are in order.” Sidney spread her arms wide, engulfing Leah and Ryan in a quick hug. “It’s about time the two of you got together.”
“Good things come to those who wait.” Ryan raised his half-filled scotch glass in a toast. “I’m definitely a lucky man.”
Leah remained silent, happy to let him claim this was luck when it wasn’t. Ryan was a deserving man. He was owed happiness. She only hoped she was enough.
“That’s what we all say at the start,” Mason drawled.
Sidney frowned and turned to her fiancé. “And then things change?”
“Obviously.” Mason stared her down without remorse. “I haven’t seen you in two weeks, and yet I’ve been home for hours and still haven’t got you naked.”
“I thought the hundred or so people in your back yard would’ve postponed your surge in libido.”