Lucas: A Rockstar Romance (The Sinful Seven Series Book 1)
Page 17
With her face buried in the crook of my neck, my girl comes undone. So fucking hard that she bites my shoulder. I can’t control myself any longer, I come so hard that I see stars when I close my eyes. My legs and arms shake and I worry I’m going to drop her, so I push her up against the wall harder to hold her in place.
We’re both panting when we come down from our explosive orgasms. Even though my muscles are beginning to tremble, I walk her into her bedroom and gently place her on the bed. Her legs and arms still holding me in place, not letting go. So I kiss her parted lips and slip my tongue inside. So warm and wet that I can feel my cock growing inside of her. I swallow down her throaty chuckle as she moves her hips. Such a naughty girl. “Baby, let me grab a new condom. This one’s had its fill.” I wink as she lets me pull away.
“Okay, but hurry back please.” Her hooded eyes tell me everything. She’s sated and I do believe my girl loves me. How, I’ll never know. I’m such a dick, but my heart is full knowing someone in this world loves me with all of my faults.
A quick kiss on her nose and I hurry into the bathroom to dispose of the condom. Imagine my surprise when I step back into the room and Abby all curled up in the center of the bed, sleeping. Well, so much for a night of sex, sex, and more sex. I’m not worried, since we have tomorrow and every day after that.
I pull her back to my front so we can spoon. I love this position since I can bury my face in the crook of her neck. So soft and so Abby. Subtle hints dazzle my senses and I could get lost in them. I’m so glad she didn’t kick me to the curb for putting her through hell. I’ve come to the conclusion that I’ll always be a sex addict, but the only one I want is this girl right here. I’ve sown my oats, and now it’s time to focus on recording the album and spending time with her. Being with her calms me in ways that I never thought possible. So much so, that I fall into a deep slumber and dream of fame and fortune with her by my side.
***
Abby
It’s surreal waking up to have Lucas here. Normally, he would have bolted in the wee hours of the morning. Not anymore, and that makes me the happiest girl in the world. Today, it’s my turn to stare at him. I’m going to soak it all in since it might be the last chance we have to relax. Once he steps foot inside the studio tomorrow, we’ll be straight out until they mix and wrap things up. Could take weeks or months depending on how things go, but since they know the ins and outs, I’d say weeks. I’m excited and scared, but happy for a new beginning. If I can pull this off, it might give me the confidence I’ve always yearned for.
“Is payback a bitch, baby? Since you’re staring at me this morning?” He’s so beautiful, so why wouldn’t I? I swipe some hair out of his eyes before leaning in for a kiss. I’m not afraid of morning breath, and I hope he’s not either. He growls, flips me over until I’m underneath him with my legs spread wide, and nestles between my thighs. Right where I want him to be.
“Sorry I fell asleep last night,” I whisper across his luscious lips. Only for him to grind against my core. He’s so voracious, but so am I. We have that in common. We can’t get enough of each other.
“No apology necessary, we’ll be making up for lost time once the album’s finished. I don’t care if we’re on the road, I’ll spread your legs wide-open and I’ll be in between them. You can bet on it.”
He smiles at me with a mischievous grin. “Since this is going to be our last day of freedom for a long time, why don’t we go do something fun and unexpected? Your choice, baby. The sky’s the limit.”
“Really? What I have in mind isn’t fun at all. Adam’s in town and I should go there so I can officially quit my job. I don’t want to go alone and the girls just have no interest in confrontation.”
“If that’s what you really want, then consider it done. Just give me a few to run home shower and change, and I’ll pick you up in an hour. Don’t miss me too much.” Since this relationship is so new, I don’t tell him I miss him already when he hasn’t even left yet.
Of course I spend this time worrying if I made the right decision to be the band manager. Should I confront him or should I let it go? Decisions never come easy for me since my bullies took my choices away so long ago. If I don’t push through it, I’ll never grow. I can’t let them control my life all these years later. I’m better than that.
Lucas is right on time, and now my nerves are firing off all pistons at once. I’m sure Sal must have told Adam I quit after I stopped by to let them know I wouldn’t be back. But I want to see the look on his face. Call it vain or whatever, I’m hoping he’s guilty as sin.
“You want me to give you some privacy or would you rather I go in with you?” Lucas is here for moral support, but I really shouldn’t get him involved in my personal business. Not fair to him.
“Thanks, but I’ll take it from here. Just knowing you’re here is all I need.” He grabs the back of my neck and pulls me in for a warm kiss. Giving me the courage I need to do this.
I hear a car door slam as I’m walking up the path. Curiosity has me glancing over my shoulder to see Lucas leaning against the car door. He mouths, “You got this,” followed with a sexy wink. Yeah, I think I do.
The door opens before I even knock. Adam stands there with his arms crossed, ready for battle. I can’t believe he’s my brother. The same boy I grew up with. The golden child that my parents are so proud of. I for one think he should be ashamed of himself. “Abby, what brings you here today?”
Is he fucking serious? “Can we talk?”
His head does one of those nod things, at Lucas of course. “Your boy toy doesn’t want to come in. This must be serious.”
“It doesn’t concern him, so I didn’t ask. We can chat out here or you can invite me in, your choice.”
“Come on in, Abby. Mom and Dad would never forgive me if we aired our dirty laundry in front of the neighbors.” Since when is he worried about what people think?
My nerves are all over the place, which means I can’t sit still, so I pace instead. “I stopped by to give you my official resignation. Since you didn’t notify me beforehand about Java Joe’s pending sale, I didn’t think it was necessary to give you my two weeks’ notice. Sal is more than capable to run the shop until you close.” He doesn’t look shocked, so I’m sure he suspected something.
“Have a seat and let’s talk. No need to rush into anything you’ll regret later. My gut instinct tells me it has something to do with the hoodlum holding up the car outside. That could be your biggest mistake to date, Abigail.”
Without a second thought, I rush over to where he’s standing and slap him across his arrogant face. Why did I not realize until now that my brother is the biggest bully of them all? “For so long, I always thought the bullying started in high school. But I realize now that you might have been the beginning. My big brother. My fucking hero! Did you know that all your bros and hoes would snicker behind my back? That they made my life a living hell? Did you?” When he doesn’t deny it, I have my answer. “Well ya know what, go to hell. I quit my job and I quit you. You were the beginning, and now it ends with you! You’re looking at the new business manager for The Sinful Seven. Remember that name, asshole, because it’s going to be on everyone’s lips from here on out.” With that revelation, I feel tons lighter. I walk out the door and slam it behind me.
Lucas is waiting in the car when I slide into my seat. “How’d that feel, baby?”
“So fucking good,” as his hand slips in mine and we pull out of the drive.
28
Lucas
Excitement and nerves are creeping up my spine as we drive from Manhattan to Brooklyn. I kinda wanted to take Abby’s vehicle so we could escape when recording was finished, but she pointed out that it would be good to portray a united front. We all walk in together, and we leave together. That way it doesn't make me look like I’m better than them, and I know for a fact that they are better than me.
Quinn’s the first to greet us at the door. My sixth sense tells me th
at Jet resents her presence. I don’t understand why since she’s been amazing since we met her. I chalk it up to first-day jitters.
“Today’s going to be a learning process since it’s your first time in a recording studio, but you guys are naturals. Don’t be nervous. We’re all here for one purpose, and that’s to make you rich and famous. Once this album releases, you’ll be a household name.” I’d love to relax, but there’s too much at stake and I just want to get this show on the road.
Quinn turns to the team of producers and sound engineers. “Hey guys, I’d like to introduce you to The Sinful Seven. Lucas, Jet, Willow, and Trevor. This is Abby, their business manager. If you guys have any questions or doubts, now’s the perfect time to get it all out in the open.”
“Relax, pull up a seat, and we’ll get to know each other a bit first. Then we can answer any questions if you have any. I’m Bruce, your producer. That guy over there is Chuck, your sound designer,” he points to the man in the far corner, “and Greg is in charge of mixing.”
“Just a heads up,” he continues, “we might have a few people popping in from time to time. Nothing to be nervous about—they just want to listen in on your raw performance so they can compare it to the real deal. If you have any questions, now’s your chance.”
The next ninety minutes are basically a question-and-answer session, and although it’s helpful, I’m impatient to get started. Time’s a ticking and I won’t pretend that I know everything about the process, I don’t, but it’s frustrating to just patiently wait.
“Now would be the perfect time to break for lunch,” Bruce announces. “We’ll get started once you get back.” I want to scream that I’m not hungry, but obviously they need a smoke break or whatever so we head to the nearest bar to grab a bite. The shit hits the fan the second we sit down.
“We came here to make music, not have a bitch session. This isn’t what I signed up for.” Jet sits back with his arms crossed, glaring at Quinn. Okay, I will def need to chat with him to sort this out once the day is over.
“I know all of you are eager to get started, but this session is about getting to know you. Whether you have any doubts about the process or just general questions that you might need answers to. All of you will be working closely with one another in the next few weeks, which is the reason Bruce likes to take it slow the first few days.” I know Quinn’s speaking to all of us, but she’s focused all of her attention on Jet. I decide to call it out.
“Jet, we’re all on edge, but there’s no reason to take it out on Quinn. She’s just doing her job, and it’s not fair to attack her. Knock it off.” Everyone’s eyes open wide since I don’t normally confront him with outsiders around, but it needs to be addressed now.
“No worries, Lucas,” Quinn says. “I don’t take it personally because I know this isn’t personal. All of this is so much to take in, and I get that tempers and nerves are frayed to the max. Once you get into the studio this afternoon and get your bearings, you’ll relax. I get you’ve all waited so long to be here today.”
Stepping inside the studio is surreal. I’ve been in a few of them in my lifetime but not for my own recording. My heart’s thrumming inside of my chest to where I can hear it in my ears.
“I’m sure you’re all familiar with how all of this works. Today, Jet will play a song and then Lucas will be up next. It’s a simple guide track, so Trevor has something to count. Then Willow will be on the keys. Once we’re satisfied with the outcome, we’ll add the vocals in. Remember, this is a sprint, not a marathon. Consider it like baking. We need to slowly add in all of the ingredients before we can bake it, but the end result will be well worth the wait. One we will all be proud of.”
Now that Jet knows he’s going first, he’s all smiles. It’s all good. Apparently they want the bass guitar to go first and I thought they might. We’ve recorded a few demos in the basement, but we’re not good at mastering the final edit. Hence, we only do it for our own reference.
The sound crew places microphones close to the instruments, so they can make changes. An hour later, we have what we need so they send me in. All eyes are on me when I grab my guitar and begin playing. More adjustments, and thirty minutes later we wrap it up for the day. I can’t believe it’s after five already. Time just flew by. Thank god I have Abby to occupy me for the long night ahead.
***
Abby
I thought I was in way over my head by taking this position. But when I was sitting in the sound room and Lucas was playing, I became overwhelmed. These guys are so damn good and I’m thrilled they believed enough in me to take me along for the ride. The fact that I’m getting paid to do it is a win.
After going out for a few celebratory drinks with the guys, we came back to my apartment and consummated the deal. Lucas fell asleep about an hour ago, while I’ve been staring at the ceiling ever since. I’m not sure why I can’t fall asleep since I’m exhausted after our lovemaking. Maybe I have too much running through my mind with all of the changes taking place in such a short time. Not only do I have a new job, I also have the man I’ve been lusting over for so long. Whatever the case may be, I’m happy. And for the first time in a long time, I have someone to share it with.
Tossing and turning isn’t doing me a bit of good, so I slip out of bed, letting him sleep. I’d love to straddle his lap and pick up where we left off, but I know the next few weeks will be grueling. It’s best if I let him get a good night’s sleep. Especially since most nights are spent between the sheets.
Grabbing my phone, I do my best to be quiet as I tiptoe out of the room, undetected. Then I creep into the living room and curl up on the couch, throwing the blanket over me. Scrolling through my phone, I realize how pathetic my life has become since there are only ten numbers in my contacts. Yes, I admit it’s all my fault. I don’t trust easily and because of that I have no friends. Well, with the exception of Cheryl and Beth, of course. But are they really my friends? I’d like to think they are but if I’m being honest, Cheryl is the only one I really trust. My fingers itch to shoot her a text but I hesitate since its one-thirty in the morning. Still.
Me: Are you sleeping?
Cheryl: Girl, are you clubbing and need me to be your DD?
Me: Lol, no I couldn’t sleep. Just wanted to talk to someone.
I’m not surprised when my phone buzzes in my hand. She’s calling me and it’s too late to change my mind now.
“You never text first, and since it’s really late I’d take a guess this has something to do with the man-whore. Still our secret, so no worries there. What’d he do?”
“So much has happened since we last talked and I just wanted to share it with you. Sure this isn’t a bad time?”
“Well, you have my attention now so even if it were, I’m all ears. Spill your guts.”
“Lucas and I are exclusive, and I’m working for him too. Do you think that’s a bad thing?” When she cackles in my ear, I’m not sure if I want to hang up or hear what she has to say.
“Sorry. Sorry. You could have hit me with a hammer and you wouldn’t have surprised me more. First, I’m happy you’re exclusive, if that’s what you want. Second, I’m sorry I laughed but for the life of me I can’t fathom how you could be working for him. Are you making him coffee every day?”
Yep, calling her was a mistake. I should have known she’d put me down. “Abby, that was a joke. Really. Are you his secretary or something? Talk to me.”
“The Sinful Seven just signed a record deal with Morris Music and they begin recording tomorrow. I’m their business manager. I know it’s a stretch but I think I can do it.”
“You’re going to kick ass, Abby. You’ve always had the smarts, you just never believed in yourself. I know this is what you were meant to do. Not the damn coffee shop. You got the man of your dreams and the perfect job, too. You got this.”
“Yeah, maybe I do. I guess I’m just afraid that it could all fall apart tomorrow and then I’d lose the man and my job.” I start
le when a hand touches my cheek. Lucas.
“You’ll never lose me, baby. I can promise you that. Now come back to bed.” My heartbeat speeds up when he reaches out his hand. I lovingly take it.
“Don’t keep the man waiting, Abby Cadabby,” I hear Cheryl laugh. “Just don’t forget your bestie when his concert tickets go on sale, pretty please.” I don’t have a chance to answer before Lucas grabs my phone and puts it to his ear.
“You’ll be the first one to get backstage passes if you say goodnight, so we can go back to bed.”
I chuckle when I hear Cheryl screaming thank you before saying goodnight and hanging up. Lucas doesn’t waste any time as he tosses my phone on the couch and picks me up, throwing me over his shoulder like a caveman. He has no idea how tempted I am to bite his tight ass at this angle. So very tempting.
I’m disappointed when he climbs in bed behind me and pulls my back to his front. I was kinda hoping since he’s awake we could fuck like bunnies again. Not happening. “I’m glad you’re comfortable enough with Cheryl to confide in her,” Lucas says. “But, if you have doubts about us, I’d like you to talk it out with me first. I promise, I’ll never be the reason you lose your job. And I’ll be your man forever and a day.”
29
Three weeks later…
Lucas
That’s a wrap! The album is complete, and our first single was released into the wild this week. Our Distraction tour begins in a few weeks and Quinn’s informed us that our ticket sales are off the charts. We’ve all been pinching ourselves from time to time to make sure this is really happening and not just a dream. I can personally assure you, it’s really happening! Bruce was spot on and we did have a few visitors stop by, and I’m grateful that Arisha and Caleb were amongst them. Tonight we are fortunate enough to be celebrating with the best of the best, and we’re so ready to relax and unwind. It’s been a long and grueling month, but tonight will be a night we’ll never forget. I’m so glad that Abby’s here to celebrate with all of us.