by J. A. Owenby
“I’m actually looking forward to being in the field for a change. It keeps my senses sharp. Most of my time is spent with clients or in meetings these days.” Pierce smoothed his dark hair back and glanced at his military-grade watch.
“For me personally, it would feel too stagnant.” I imagined him with his feet propped up on the desk, barking out orders.
“Are Vaughn and Zayne with you?” Mac asked as everyone settled down.
“Just Vaughn. He’ll be here any minute.”
Mac clapped her hands together and bounced on her tiptoes. “Those eyes. Ugh, I’m such a …” Mac turned toward Cade, and her shoulders slouched. “Ya know, they’re … interesting.” She gave a half shrug and attempted to play it off like she wasn’t about to completely gush about another guy in front of her boyfriend.
Cade chuckled and wrapped his arm around Mac’s waist, pulling her to him. The doorbell rang, then Vaughn and Asa joined the rest of us in the living room.
“Hey,” I said, pushing up on my tiptoes and giving Asa a quick hug. He was the tallest and newest member of the band, and I knew it had to be tough stepping into such a tightly knit group, but he fit in better than we’d anticipated. “Are you excited about today?”
“Yeah. I think I’m ready to tour again, too. I miss seeing you crazy fools all the time.” He ran his hand over his short blonde hair while the other held onto his drumsticks. He never went anywhere without them. “How are you holding up with all the uproar about the pictures?”
“I’m okay. I wish it hadn’t happened, but we’ll get through it. It means a lot to me that you asked.”
“The limo is here. Let’s get everyone loaded,” Franklin said.
My attention landed on Vaughn, one of Pierce’s best friends and employees. Vaughn had short, messy blonde hair, a muscular build, and an angled jawline, but I suspected he got the most attention for his eyes. He was born with Heterochromia Iridum: one brown eye and one blue.
He gave us all a quick hug, his smile lighting up the room. How in the hell I’d gone from a shut-in for years back in Louisiana to being surrounded by the hottest guys I’d ever seen in my entire life was beyond me. Hendrix, Cade, Asa, Pierce, and Vaughn could easily grace the cover of GQ or any other magazine.
We filed out of the house, and I braced myself for the unexpected.
The rain had stopped shortly before we arrived in downtown Seattle, and the sun sparkled through the droplets of water hanging off the naked tree branches. I cleared my throat and squared my shoulders. Even though the temperatures were chilly, I enjoyed performing outside. The fans didn’t seem to mind either, and there was a long line waiting to hear us perform.
We waited backstage to be announced while Mac and Franklin were in the crowd. My nerves always hummed before a performance, and today there was an extra layer of anxiety piled on as we waited for the online fiasco to calm down.
“Gemma, I’ll be next to you and Cade while Vaughn guards Asa and Hendrix. Since Hendrix is trained in self-defense and a boxer, he can handle any assholes that try to hop over the rail as well,” Pierce said.
“Thanks.” I glanced up at him, then took Hendrix’s hand. The plan was for August Clover to start out on stage. We’d perform a few songs, then we’d walk out on a green carpet and greet fans that were held at bay by a flimsy railing and some policeman.
“You’re going to do great.” Hendrix gave me a gentle kiss and squeezed my hand as the band was announced.
“I love you.” I beamed up at him, then we all walked out to a roaring crowd.
Hendrix grabbed the microphone as we all waved to the fans. Asa sat down at the drum set, and Cade strummed his guitar.
“Hello, Seattle!” Hendrix’s voice boomed through the air, causing girls to scream in response.
I couldn’t help but smile because I knew he was mine.
Asa tapped out the beat of the first song on the rim of his snare, then we launched into a three-song set. The energy was amazing, and the more we sang, the more I relaxed and let everything else around us slip away.
Pierce remained on the side of the stage. His sunglasses hid any hint of what he was thinking or the direction he was looking. When the guys were in the company standard black suits and shades, they looked intimidating as hell. Thank goodness.
Half an hour later, we finished the last tune and were escorted down the steps by security. Hendrix wrapped his arm around my waist as we waved at people. He pulled me to him and planted a passionate kiss on my mouth before letting me go. “You and Cade will take that side while Asa and I take this one. We’ll switch on the way back toward the stage. If the photos come up, ignore it and let Pierce do his job.” He tipped my chin up with his finger, making sure I understood.
“That goes for you, too.” I narrowed my eyes at him. “I mean it, we don’t need an assault charge because some guy smarts off to you, and you punch him in the face.”
Hendrix chuckled. “I’ll behave. Asa and Vaughn will make sure of it.”
“Ready?” Cade asked, slinging his arm around my shoulders like a protective big brother.
“Yup.” I smiled up at him. “Let’s do it.”
Pierce stayed on my left side, removing any fans who had grabby hands. Most of them just wanted to touch your hand or shirt, nothing with ill intent, but some people had no boundaries.
Cade and I signed autographs and posed for picture after picture. Never in my lifetime would I have imagined that I’d be here in the middle of hundreds of people that enjoyed our music.
“Loved the online photos, Gemma!” A guy thrust his pelvis forward in a rude gesture, but I managed to ignore him. “Let me see those titties,” a guy yelled next to him.
“Ignore them,” Cade said, signing an autograph for a girl that didn’t look over twelve. Her screams pierced my ears as Cade gave her a hug and took a selfie.
I laughed. That girl would never forget this moment. It was really sweet and a great distraction from the assholes still slinging rude insults my way.
Pierce touched my elbow and guided me farther down the line. “This will be over in no time.”
I knew behind those sunglasses his eyes were constantly scanning the crowd for any threats.
“I’m super happy you’re here.” I stepped forward, taking a quick picture with a few ladies my age.
“We love you!” They all said at the same time.
Cade caught up next to me and the girls went nuts over him. I wondered if it bothered Mac. Most of the time it didn’t because Cade kept her close to him during the after parties when we were on tour, but this was a little different.
Before I knew what was happening, the flimsy railing collapsed, and a guy darted straight for me. “Slut! Your father would be ashamed of you if he knew you took pornographic photos.”
My arms instinctively covered my head as he tossed me on the ground, his body pinning me down on the unforgiving asphalt. The air whooshed from my lungs as this guy attempted to paw at me. Thank God Pierce had taught me how to block most of his advances.
“Wrong move, motherfucker,” Pierce growled and picked him up by the back of his shirt like he was a weightless rag doll.
“Babe.” Hendrix pulled me off the ground and into his arms.
My mouth gaped open in shock. It happened so fast I’d not really processed it yet.
I didn’t miss the pain Pierce had discreetly inflicted on the asshole. The guy howled, but Pierce hauled him toward a couple of policemen who had quickly joined us.
“Do you want to cancel the rest?” Hendrix asked, uncertainty clouding his beautiful eyes.
“No. The fans don’t deserve that.” I brushed off my jeans and August Clover T-shirt and threw my shoulders back. “I don’t think anyone else will mess with us.”
Pierce joined us again. “Are you okay? The police are booking him for assault. I gave them an account of the attack, so that should suffice.”
“Thank you.” I gave Pierce a grateful smile.
“
I’ll stick closer to you if you want to continue. I’m sorry, Gemma. I didn’t see that bastard coming,” Cade said, rubbing his chin.
“Yeah, let’s keep going. I’m fine. I promise. I’m not going to let some ass wipe ruin the day for all the people who showed up to see us and hear our music. Besides, he obviously didn’t know who my father was. Dumbass,” I muttered.
“That’s my girl.” Hendrix kissed my forehead then joined Asa on his side of the carpet.
“I’ll follow up with the police when we’re on the way back home,” Pierce assured me.
“I know you will. Thank you for handling that so quickly.” I gave his arm a squeeze.
Cade stuck to me like glue, only stepping forward for selfies with excited fans. Thank goodness there weren’t any other incidents, but I suspected Pierce’s quick actions deterred any other outbursts. I’d taken harder hits from Pierce than I had with this guy. Hell, I couldn’t even tell you what he looked like, I’d immediately moved into protecting my head and chest with my arms.
A few hours later, we gathered Mac and Franklin from the sidelines, piled back into the limo, and headed toward the Seattle airport. I laid my head on Hendrix’s shoulder and sighed. Exhaustion settled over me.
“You handled everything really well today, Gemma. I’m glad Pierce and Vaughn were with you. It saved me from going to jail for assault.” Franklin rubbed his chin, anger flickering across his features.
“It wasn’t as bad as I thought it was going to be. I don’t know how long it will take to blow over, but hopefully, it will be fast.” I chewed on a hangnail, hoping it would all be over soon.
“While you guys were performing, I made a call to Kami. She’s offered not only a huge apology but a free photo shoot for the band. She assured me that new security precautions are now in place, and she wanted to do her best to make it up to us.” Franklin’s shoulders relaxed, and he leaned back into his seat.
“That’s so sweet,” Mac chimed in. “See, Gemma, I knew she was a good person.”
“I’m glad. I’d be happy to work with her again.” I squeezed Hendrix’s hand, implying more pictures would be coming his way.
Hendrix gently nudged me, then arched an eyebrow. A sexy grin eased across his face.
“When are you two leaving on Friday?” Franklin asked. “I’ll need to have the jet ready.”
“What?” I asked, facing Hendrix. “What’s he talking about?”
“I uh … hadn’t told her yet, Dad.”
“Sorry, son. I didn’t mean to get ahead of you,” Franklin replied, a sheepish apology on his face.
“Well, what’s going on?” I pulled on Hendrix’s arm. I knew what Saturday was. Valentine’s Day.
“We will need to leave around ten Friday morning if that works, Dad. And, thank you for loaning us the plane.”
“I’ll have everything ready, then. Anytime you need it, I’m happy to help.” Franklin and Hendrix exchanged a knowing look.
“A hint?” I asked, batting my eyelashes at my fiancé.
“Not even one.” His lips curved up into a smile that stole my breath.
“Fine.” I gave a small huff.
Mac giggled. “You’re going to love it. I promise.”
“Wait, she knows, too?” My brows arched in surprise.
“I think everyone knows except Vaughn,” Hendrix replied. “It took some connections to pull it off.”
My mouth opened and closed, trying to find words.
Hendrix leaned over, his warm breath tickling my ear. “It will be worth the wait, babe.”
Goosebumps dotted my skin with anticipation. “I’m sure it will be.”
Chapter 8
“After you, Gem.” Hendrix motioned for me to enter the cabin of Franklin’s private jet.
“Will anyone else be with us?” I asked, the wind whipping my black knee-high skirt around my legs as I entered the luxurious plane.
“Nope, just you and me. We can walk around naked if you want.” His eyes danced with a mischievous sparkle.
“I still feel bad about your gift.” My lower lip jutted out in a pout as Hendrix stored our suitcase that he’d packed. I’d not been allowed to touch it. I wondered if he’d packed me any clothes to wear in public or if it was all sexy lingerie that basically amounted to some strings sewn together.
Hendrix settled into one of the plush, cream leather seats and pulled me on top of him. “I remember sitting in this exact spot when you fell into my lap. We were on the way home from Louisiana, and I had no idea …”
I placed my finger against his lips. “Shh. I don’t want to think about that.”
“Gemma.” He gently tucked a strand of hair behind my ear. “I fell in love with you all over again that day.” He tilted his chin up, his soft mouth brushing against mine. “No matter what we go through, my heart will always find you.”
“Are you kids ready to go?” The pilot asked, closing the door.
“Yes sir,” Hendrix said, peering around me.
I buried my face in Hendrix’s neck, embarrassed we’d been caught making out. Hendrix’s chuckle rumbled through his chest as the pilot made his way to the cockpit.
“We could have semi-public sex right here.” He cupped my ass and pushed his hips upward.
“It’s not like the pilot will walk out here while he’s flying the plane.” I stood and straddled him. “We have to take off first anyway.” I ground my hips against him, the idea of fucking him right here growing on me. “That sounds like it might be fun.” I gently tugged on his bottom lip.
“Fasten your seatbelt and prepare for take-off,” the pilot’s soothing voice floated through the speakers.
“Hold that thought.” Hendrix lifted me off his lap and placed me on the vacant chair next to him.
I fastened my seatbelt and grinned as he slid his hand over my knee, pushing my skirt up around my thigh.
The plane’s engines roared to life as Hendrix continued to caress my leg with a soft touch.
“I love the takeoff,” I said, turning to look at him.
“Spread your legs,” he ordered.
Heat swirled low in my belly. I liked it when he took control. I did as he asked, his fingers moving my G-string to the side and easing inside me just as the plane went airborne. My fingers dug into the expensive leather.
“You're so wet already.” He leaned over, unbuttoned my top, and freed my breasts from my bra. “As soon as we’re stabilized, I’m going to bury my head between your legs. When I look up, I want to see pleasure all over your face and those beautiful tits out just like that.”
I squirmed in my seat, welcoming the stroke of his thumb on my sensitive bud.
“You’re free to move around the plane, now,” the pilot said through the intercom.
Hendrix flipped open his seat belt, and before I could say a word, he was on his knees. He pushed my skirt up around my waist and slid my G-string down my legs. Pulling me to the edge of the seat, he ran his tongue up my sensitive folds. My fingers immediately grabbed his hair, pulling slightly.
My back arched as he continued, and I was swept away with his skillful touch. Desire exploded inside me, and I dug my fingers into Hendrix’s shoulders as I released.
“Oh, my God. I don’t think I’ve ever come so fast.” I readjusted my bra and gave him a satisfied smile.
Hendrix smiled as he stood and helped me stand.
“We should probably clean any surfaces we use.” I scrunched up my nose in distaste.
“Then count on cleaning all of them.” Hendrix led me back to the conference room. A flurry of emotions swirled inside me. Although I’d been on the plane, I’d not been in here since …
Hendrix left the door open and pulled me to him. “I remember when you were back here with Franklin, discussing the outcome of my future when I had amnesia.” He tilted my chin up and placed a gentle kiss on my lips. “Let’s make new memories.”
He knew how awful it had been for everyone who loved him. I’d sat with Franklin
right here, wondering if I’d lost Hendrix forever. But no matter what we’d been through, we always found each other again.
Hendrix picked me up and sat me on the edge of the table. “Remember Louisiana?” he asked, unbuttoning the rest of my shirt. He removed my top, his focus never leaving my body. “You knocked on my front door … drunk.” He laughed softly.
“How could I forget?” I bit my lower lip as Hendrix unfastened my bra and eased the straps over my shoulders. He cupped my right breast, and I moaned softly. “We had sex everywhere in your house that night.”
He groaned at the base of his throat before his lips crashed down on mine. Once again, he pushed my skirt up. I spread my legs, allowing him between them.
“I need you.” I flipped open his jeans and wrapped my hand around his hard dick. Stroking him firmly, I tilted my head, giving him access as he trailed kisses down my chin and neck. With one quick movement, he buried himself deep inside me.
My fingers dug into his back as he pumped in and out of me.
“Gem, babe.” He leaned his forehead against mine, our eyes connecting. “I love you so much.” He cupped the back of my neck and picked up his pace.
“I love you, too.” My breathing came in short bursts as we continued to rock against each other.
He leaned me back on the table, never losing his rhythm as his thumb gently stroked my clit. “That’s my girl. Tell me your mine, Gem.”
“I will never love anyone else as much as I love you,” I whispered, making eye contact with him. “You’re my heart. My air. My reason for being.”
“Come with me, babe.”
I leaned back and lost myself in the moment. In him. We were connected. One with each other, and I willingly gave him all of me. My body shuddered with my climax, and with a few more deep thrusts, he stilled, pouring himself into me.