Drowning to Breathe by A.L. Jackson (12)

“GO, BEFORE I HAVE to drag your skinny ass on that plane myself.” Tamar held me on the outside of both shoulders, giving me a slight shake, a shot of annoyance and a ton of mischief playing in her blue eyes.

I glanced down at Kallie who just grinned up at me with all her joy as she swayed her stuffed butterfly clutched to her chest.

Nerves rushed me again.

The only nights I’d ever spent without her had been the two Martin had had her in his clutches. Just the thought of leaving my baby girl now terrified me, something innate within me warning Martin was still out there, waiting for the next opportunity to strike.

But even without that threat, I’d still worry.

This was my daughter we were talking about.

April crossed her arms and huffed.

Charlie chuckled.

“She’s going to be fine, Shea Bear,” he encouraged with his hands stuffed in his pockets. He cast a slight grin my daughter’s way. “You really think we’re gonna let a single thing go wrong when we have this little one in our care? Not a chance. Now go. Have fun. Live it up a little. Act your age. Las Vegas is calling your name.”

It wasn’t Las Vegas calling my name.

It was Sebastian Stone.

My eyes drifted to my daughter again. Hesitation pressed at my ribs.

With a wide smile, she flashed me a row of tiny teeth. “Momma…you have to go or my daddy is gonna be way, way, WAY sad if he doesn’t get his burfday surprise and you got to give him his present for me.”

She said it with all her country flourish and little girl slur, the words rushed and jumbled with excitement.

She took a step forward, shoved the lanky stuffed brown monkey my direction.

She’d seen it in the window of a boutique shop near our house and insisted he would love it, declaring monkeys are his favorite as she’d rambled on about the green monkey tattooed on his side. Of course my sweet daughter had no idea the significance of the ink he’d permanently etched across his ribs, a reminder of a life he would never forget, the love of a brother he’d lost too soon.

Accepting it from her, I hugged it to my chest. “He’s going to love it, Butterfly.”

He would. I knew he would. Simply because it was a gesture from her pure, innocent heart.

Her smile grew and she swayed a little wider as a giggle erupted from within her.

“We have her,” April promised as she set a palm on Kallie’s head.

“Yes, we do,” Tamar added as she tossed a sly wink at my daughter. “We have nonstop fun planned for this little one. We’re gettin’ our girl on and are getting manis and pedis and are having us a pajama party, aren’t we, Kallie?”

Kallie jumped around. “Yes! Yes! Yes! I can’t wait. We’re gonna have so, so much fun and I’m gonna stay up all night until the sun comes up and have popcorn and watch all my movies and Auntie April and Auntie Tamar are gonna stay up all night, too.”

I held my laughter. Someone was a little excited.

“Don’t have too much fun without me,” I told her playfully as I brushed the back of my fingers down her soft cheek.

“Oh, I’m sure you’ll be having enough fun for all of us.” This time the wink Tamar tossed was at me, innuendo thick.

My stomach tightened in anticipation. The truth was, I couldn’t wait to get to him. Being without him was getting harder and harder every day.

April burst out laughing. “Oh, there is no question about that.”

Picking up Kallie, I hugged her tight and whispered in her ear. “I’ll see you in two days. Be a good girl while Momma is gone, okay? I’ll be thinking of you every second. I love you so much.”

“I know, Momma. I love you more than the whole wide world.” She squeezed my neck, her stuffed butterfly pressing into my face, my emotions on overload with my own excitement mixed with the flickers of fear from entrusting her to someone else’s care.

I set her down and passed out quick kisses to each member of my unconventional family. Those who again stood at my side, helping me surprise Sebastian on his birthday while the band played a show in Las Vegas. The short four-week tour was more than halfway in, and Sebastian and I had plans for Kallie and I to go to California as soon as they were finished.

But I couldn’t wait that long.

All the guys were in on the surprise.

It was his birthday, after all, and I wanted to be there to celebrate it with him, as hard as it was leaving behind my daughter, even for a short time. But Charlie had convinced me it was okay. That I wasn’t neglecting her or harming her in any way, but instead giving her coping skills, the ability to be separated from me without suffering anxiety.

Funny, I was the one with anxiety.

Of course, it was the ever-present worry about Martin that made it understandably more difficult to leave her. It made it harder to quell the innate need to wrap her up in my protection, to hold her in my arms forever and never let her go.

But this wasn’t me letting her go.

This was me investing in the future we had with Sebastian.

I set one last kiss to my daughter’s forehead and headed toward the security line. I twisted and lifted my hand in a small wave.

My own excitement flared as I boarded the plane and fastened my buckle. I sent Lyrik, Ash, and Zee a group text. “I’m on my way.”

I settled into the seat, lay my head back, and closed my eyes as I breathed in deep.

I’m on my way.

Horns blared within the heavy Friday afternoon traffic. A river of people streamed the sidewalks lining the busy strip. Groups traversed from one extravagant hotel to another, clutching tall colorful frozen drinks, stumbling and joking as they hopped from one indulgent destination to the next. Even within the confines of the town car, I could hear the riot of voices, the excitement that held fast to the air as people flocked to the City of Sin to indulge in exactly that.

You could feel it. A tremor of lust and letting go, all cares stripped away as abandon was cast into the wind.

Reckless and rash and wild.

The car made a quick right and wound into the lavish hotel’s passenger pick-up and drop-off, its towers reaching toward the sky where they peered down over the fountains of The Bellagio and the stunning replication of The Eiffel Tower—a bit of Paris brought to the dry desert of Nevada.

Anticipation clenched my stomach, and I fumbled out of the backseat as a ripple of anxious need tickled through my nerves and quickened the beat of my heart.

My phone chirped. With shaking hands, I clicked into the message where Lyrik sent instructions on where to find them. Lobby, north side.

I left my suitcase with a bellman. Sucking in a breath, I entered into the sensual oasis of glass and lights and nude silhouettes that flashed behind fogged glass, everything about the upscale hotel a sensory overload of suggestion and sex.

My feet moved across the shiny floor in his direction, my pulse increasing with each step. By the time I rounded the corner, every inch of me was shaking with the need to see his face. To feel his skin and soak in his presence.

An eager group of people were congregated around them, video cameras poised as Sunder stood answering questions about the show tonight and the upcoming album.

I’d made it just in time to catch the last of their scheduled press conference. The vibe was casual as the four of them posed for pictures and openly answered questions. Behind the media, a ring of onlookers had gathered, snapping pic after pic with their phones. A few called out to them, vying for a little attention from the group of guys who stood out even in the mess of this erotic wilderness, all of them oozing sex and disorder and a taste of delicious wickedness.

Sebastian was like a beacon among it all. The brightest light that was still the darkest dark.

Both hands were stuffed in his jean pockets and he rocked back on his heels, the way he always did when he didn’t know what to do with himself, his head angled to the side as his pretty, pretty mouth moved with whatever he said.

Tingles flooded me from head to toe.

I remained just in the distance of the crowd so I could take him in, my eyes roaming over him with hunger and need.

The man was the most beautiful thing I’d ever seen, so perfectly imperfect as he flashed his imposing grin for the camera, everything about him intriguing and mysterious and a little bit frightening.

I watched as he interacted with the press and his fans, engaged yet somehow reserved, the man giving them what they expected, the surface and the show.

But I saw everything written beneath.

Mid-sentence, he trailed off and for a moment he froze. Grey eyes lifted.

Seeking.

As if he felt the weight of my gaze upon him—the same way I always felt his.

When they latched onto me, I full out shook. His strange intensity filled the air, powering into me, wave after crashing wave.

We were locked in a stare.

Shock and confusion sifted through his expression.

But I saw it the second it hit him. The realization I was really there. The relief as he forgot everything else happening around him.

All except for me.

Abandoning his circle of admirers, he wove his lithe body through the crowd, shouldering through, ignoring everyone who tried to get his attention.

With every purposeful stride he took in my direction, my heart hammered harder, the quiet gasps slipping in and out of my lungs coming shorter and sharper until they were gone.

Breathless.

And I was in his arms, swept from my feet.

He twirled us once in a staggered spin, before he twisted a single hand up in my hair, the other firm and secure as he held me around my lower back.

I clung to his shoulders as every inch of me glowed.

That mouth was suddenly overtaking mine, all tender lips, eager intentions, and stunning man.

He whispered between kisses, “Shea…baby…Shea. Fuck…I missed you…missed you so fuckin’ bad.”

My hands found his face. “I missed you…more than you could know.”

He let my body slide down the hard length of his, but he didn’t release his hold. If anything, he held me closer as my old red cowgirl boots touched the floor, even though I was still soaring in the clouds.

He dropped his forehead to mine and breathed me in. “Finally get what that old sayin’ ‘sight for sore eyes’ really means.”

A small giggle rippled from between my lips, where his still hovered, the air between us charged. “Happy Birthday.”

He grunted, fingers digging into my sides. “Best. Birthday. Ever.”

“Yeah?”

“Hell yeah. How long will you be here?”

“Until Sunday.”

I pulled back to look up at his gorgeous face, all hard lines and defined jaw and full, full lips.

God. How was this man mine?

I raked my teeth across my bottom lip, going for a tease. “You’re not disappointed I just showed up here unannounced to crash your party? In some circles, that might be considered rude.”

He laughed a disbelieving sound. “Uh…no. Pretty damned sure you just made my entire year. About to lose my damned mind without you.”

He hugged me again as he exhaled in relief, taking me in a gentle sway, a slow dance in the middle of a barrage of camera flashes and subdued whispers and a few catcalls coming from none other than Ash himself.

Sebastian suddenly pulled back, attention jumping all around me. “Where’s Kallie?”

“At home.”

He frowned.

“Charlie promised to man the bar while I was gone and Tamar took the weekend off to help April with her.” I arched a brow. “I didn’t think bringing a four-year-old to Vegas to celebrate a rock star’s birthday would be the best parenting choice I could make.”

He feigned a horrified gasp. “You left my daughter in the care of Tamar? We are talking about the woman who looks like she wants to cut every guy’s balls off simply because he’s a man? I’m not sure how I feel about that.”

My daughter.

It was the first time I’d heard him refer to her that way. The sound of Kallie calling him daddy was already enough to twist me up inside with hope and dreams and love.

But this? This was overwhelming and pure, offered without a second thought. All those places inside me slipped a little further into Sebastian Stone.

His.

There was no question about it.

I gave him a coy smile, letting my hand go running up his strong chest, over the tee stretched across his wide, wide shoulders where my palm caught onto the firm beat of his heart. “Getting protective, are we?”

On a chuckle, he slanted me a smile that lifted on the crooked side. “Just a tad.”

Then that playful smile took on a tone of wistfulness. “Can’t believe how damned bad I miss her.”

“I know.” I dug around in my bag and pulled out the present Kallie had picked for him. Tentatively, I held it out. “She misses you, too.”

Sebastian stilled, hesitating as his attention darted between the stuffed animal and me, both confusion and recognition flaring in his eyes.

“She saw it and insisted you have it. She told me again and again to make sure you know it’s only from her for your birthday.” I lowered my voice to a hopeful whisper, letting my fingertips trail over the spot on his side where the green monkey was hidden below his shirt. “She thinks monkeys are your favorite.”

His hand trembled as he accepted it, and he pressed it to his nose, eyes dropping closed, breathing it in as if it brought him closer to her.

“God, I can almost smell her, Shea. Miss her so damned bad.”

Slowly, he opened to me, voice deep and sincere. “She is the most amazing kid. After all the shit I’ve done, don’t know how I got so lucky. That you came into my life…bringing that little girl with you.”

Yeah. My hard, tainted man was so sweet and soft. I saw it, felt it beneath his scars and turbulence and dark demeanor.

Ash’s laughter rang out from behind us, breaking up the heaviness that had woven into the moment.

“Beautiful Shea! What’s up, darlin’? Lookin’ gorgeous as ever.”

I turned just in time to catch him rushing me, all dimples and thick, tattooed biceps and heartbreaker smile. I gasped when he picked me up off my feet, swinging me around like a rag doll. Laughter erupted from me. I clutched his shoulders, sure this crazy boy was going to drop me in his exuberance.

“Oh my God, Ash, put me down.”

“Not a chance, darlin’. I missed the hell outta ya.”

“Really,” Sebastian said like a warning, earning a smirk from Ash and a chuckle from Lyrik who stepped in to save me. He gave me a quick hug as he muttered quietly at my ear, “It’s good you’re here. He’s been missing you and in a bad way.”

In appreciation, I nodded at him, glanced at Sebastian who watched our exchange with mild curiosity and a whole lot of happiness.

Zee stepped in for a quick hug, too.

It seemed a little nuts how much I’d missed them all, how this group of guys had become such a mainstay in my life.

Eyes twinkling, Sebastian shook his head. “Should have known you assholes were up to something. Been acting all sketchy and skittish all damned morning. You could have saved me a ton of misery if you’d have given me a clue my girl was on her way.”

“What?” Ash chided in amused disbelief, “and ruin all the work Shea put into making this a surprise? Not a chance, my friend. Suck it up and be thankful she’s here.”

Sebastian wound an arm around my waist, pulling me flush, bringing us chest to chest, both our hearts still wound and beating fast. He pushed his nose into my hair.

His whispered reply along the shell of my ear sent a swell of goosebumps along the back of my neck. “Oh, believe me, I’m thankful, all right. Gonna be showing you all weekend just how thankful I am.”

Lust rolled through me, fluttering low, the dull ache I’d been feeling for weeks flaming to life.

A low chuckle rumbled in Sebastian’s chest, the man all too keen and aware, but not ashamed in the least to press a little closer to show me the evidence of just how badly he’d been missing me, too. His mouth was at my ear. “Can’t wait to get you alone.”

Lyrik rubbed a tattooed hand over his chin. “Hate to be the one to break up the happy reunion, but we’re out of here in half an hour. Need to get to the venue by five.”

Sebastian groaned, then lifted his chin in a gesture of understanding to Lyrik, swung his attention right back to me as he wove his fingers through mine. “Where are your things?”

“I left them with the concierge.”

Eyes narrowed, he chewed at his lip, then gave a clipped nod as if he’d come to some kind of resolution.

“Perfect.” He pulled our entwined hands to his mouth, kissed along my knuckles, before he tugged me into motion.

I couldn’t stop the tiny squeal from escaping my throat when a frenzy of butterflies staged an assault to my belly, this moment so carefree, all our worries and troubles and fears cast aside.

Charlie was right.

I needed this.

We needed this.

I held onto his wrist with my free hand, doing my best to keep up with him as he hauled me toward registration and straight into the VIP line.

But he didn’t allow me to remain behind him.

No.

Instead he pulled me forward and spun me around in one fluid move. The cool, smooth marble of the counter pressed into my upper back as he pinned me to it, the man bold, dictating my every move.

He didn’t hesitate to wedge one of his knees between my thighs just as he stretched his arms out on either side of me, holding me captive between him and the registration desk.

Trapped.

And there was no part of me that wanted to be set free.

Those butterflies went wild—a craze of lust and desire that amassed as this insane, stunning love.

I knew the way he made me feel was nothing short of a gift.

Big body towering over mine, he leaned over my shoulder and spoke to the receptionist while I peered out at the mass of people watching us with curious glances and jealous stares.

“I need to upgrade my room,” he said.

The receptionist tapped at her keyboard. “Current room number?”

“1653.”

“Do you know your preference for the new room, sir?”

“Best suite you have for me and my girl,” he replied as he nuzzled into my neck.

“Sebastian,” I hissed, trying to stop him from doing something so over-the-top, because my intention had never been for him to splurge on me.

Any old bed would do.

“Bite your tongue, woman,” he hissed right back, although everything about it was playful. “Know exactly what you’re gettin’ ready to say, and the answer is no. It’s my birthday, and this is what I want. Got it?”

“Are you trying to guilt me into getting what you want?” I shot back with a smile, hiking up onto my toes so I could plant a small kiss on his chin.

He smirked. “Whatever it takes.”

The receptionist worked quickly, and a few seconds later she discretely slid a small envelope with keycards our way. “You’re all set.

“If you could have my luggage transferred from my old room and Ms. Bentley’s delivered to the new,” he added.

“That will be no problem. Enjoy.”

His voice came across like a growl, the severity of it directed only at me. “I definitely plan to.”

Oh God.

I was in the best kind of trouble.

With that, Sebastian whisked me toward the bank of elevators across the lobby. Anxious, he jabbed at the button. With a ding, the door slid open, and he mumbled the room number to the attendant at the same second he pushed me up against the wall in the far back corner.

Pinned again.

Hot hands palmed my neck and he dove in for a kiss.

I gave in, before I giggled and pulled back, considering there were about fifteen other people crammed in the elevator with us.

“Um…do you not see we have an audience?” I murmured toward his face that gleamed with a smirk he couldn’t seem to shake.

“Can only see one thing, baby.”

Was I too old to swoon?

Apparently not, because my knees knocked, my insides quaked, and a rush of lightheadedness swayed through my senses.

Light.

Light.

Light.

He gave it to me when I should be drowning in dark, lost to the fear of my past catching up to me. But no, this miraculous man held me close. Lifting me up before I crashed to the ground.

The elevator stopped at seven different floors before it finally opened to the top floor.

Yes, I counted.

Sebastian tipped his head at the attendant, rushing us out into the foyer and to the double door. With the hand clutching Kallie’s monkey, he fumbled with the key card, refusing to let go of my hand. He managed to swipe the card and buzzed us in. One of the doors swung open, and he swiftly turned, mouth back on mine as he dragged me into the immaculate room.

Even though he was kissing me mad, I couldn’t keep one eye from opening and peeking at the opulence around us. “Oh, wow,” I mumbled as he pulled me deeper into the living area. “I think this place is bigger than my house.”

And my house wasn’t exactly small.

Or modest.

But this suite made it look like a dump.

Sebastian pulled away just enough to survey the space.

The luxurious living area was decorated in whites and blacks. Dashes of royal blue were strewn about, giving it a splash of color. A large U-shaped couch sat in the center of it, surrounded by plush lounging chairs set up in front of a TV that took up most of one wall, while a formal dining room set for eight took up the back side. There was a bar that wasn’t so mini and an office area. A wall of two-story windows looked out over the strip, a breathtaking view of city and sky.

Our attention was drawn to a winding staircase that led upstairs to what I could only assume was the bedroom.

His demeanor turned predatory, a gleam of grey and a twitch of his body. He reached out and touched my face. “Gonna fuck you everywhere in this place. On every surface. In every room.” He edged in, breath whispering across my face. “And then I’m going to do it again.”

He set the monkey aside, tossed the keycards down with it, then lifted me, forcing me to wrap my legs around his waist.

I had on a pair of short cut-offs and my boots.

Yeah.

I’d worn them for him.

I knew he liked the shorts, the boots, loved the way his gaze trailed up and down my legs every time I wore them.

He crossed the room and set me on the edge of the glass table, let his hands go trailing up and down my thighs as he rubbed his heavy cock to my center.

I purred as he cupped my neck in both hands, kissing me slow.

“Been too long, baby. I want to tear into you. Tonight I’m going to devour every inch of this sweet little body.”

“Like you haven’t already?” I nipped at his mouth, my insides turning molten, his fingers like fire.

I’d done things with Sebastian I’d never dreamed of doing with another man. Let him fill me, explore me, and fuck me every way. Let him touch me in ways I’d thought were dark and ugly and depraved.

But, no.

It was pure, unbridled pleasure.

A candid trust.

A beauty found in the rawness, and a bond found in the vulnerability.

“Like I could ever get enough of you,” he murmured back, rough, just as rough as his hands as he tugged me closer.

Knuckles rapped at the door.

Sebastian looked to the high ceiling and let out a strained groan. “Shit.”

Laughing, I pushed him back. “We need to get going anyway. I don’t want to be responsible for making you late.”

He pressed a closed-mouthed kiss to my lips.

“Later,” he promised.

“Yes, please,” I said as I grasped at his tee a little greedily in the same second he was pulling away.

“Woman,” he growled as a warning, diving in for another quick kiss, and I laughed again and hopped onto the floor as he went to answer the door.

A bellman breezed in with our things, propping an acoustic guitar case against the wall and taking the rest of our luggage upstairs to the bedroom, then coming right back down.

Sebastian dug his wallet out of his pocket, producing another large bill like he always did, the man so generous, so contrary to all that brash intimidation.

He locked the door behind him.

“I need to change,” we both said at the same time, with the same reluctance, and we both stilled and stared because we seemed to be playing the same tune. Sebastian released an affectionate laugh.

“Come on, let’s get out of here or we’re never going to make it.” He took my hand in his and we bound upstairs. He shrugged out of his clothes and dug into his suitcase, the same as I did mine.

“Damn it,” I cursed, digging around more and cursing myself again.

“What?”

I glanced up to find him in his underwear, and my eyes stayed there a little longer than necessary.

The gorgeous man was bent over as he pulled the second leg of his jeans off his foot then reached for a fresh pair, and a shiver rolled through me as I was struck with both the best and worst kind of temptation.

Just a glimpse of that body derailed me from the task at hand, and that was the one thing the guys had made clear when we’d set up Sebastian’s birthday surprise.

They had a gig.

And the gig came first.

Under no circumstances was I allowed to make him late.

For a pack of unruly rockers, they sure had tossed out a lot of rules.

Which I totally understood. But there was a needy, desperate part of me that wanted to ignore all obligations, the part that wanted to lock us in this room and let him start the devouring he promised to do.

Catching my libidinous stare, because, God, there was no concealing it, he tossed me a cocky grin, and once again mouthed, “Later.” Then he inclined his head toward the disaster I was making in my suitcase.

“Damn it, what? Looks a little like you’ve let Kallie unpack for you. That child is nothing but a hurricane.”

Soft laughter rolled from me at the sweet, sweet thought, my baby girl in all her vigor and life, then I shook my head at myself again. “I can’t believe it…I forgot my toiletry bag.”

“You don’t need makeup.” A wry smirk ticked up at the corner of that flirty mouth as his voice dropped to a rumble. “Or clothes for that matter.”

The playful roll of my eyes was unstoppable. “Don’t get too excited…I have clothes for days. I just don’t have anything else. Everything was in there…makeup, toothbrush, curling iron, pills.”

Helplessly, I dug around again, searching for what I knew wasn’t there. I suddenly had a clear picture of it packed and sitting on my vanity back at the house.

“Shit…shit…shit,” I muttered.

Sebastian waltzed forward, bare-footed in soft, worn jeans, the sexiest thing I’d ever seen.

He pressed a tender kiss to my temple. “Don’t worry about it. I’ll call down and have them send some stuff up. Sound good?”

I sent him a resigned smile. There was nothing I could do about it now. “Yeah, that would be nice.”

Sebastian finished changing, jogged downstairs, and made the call to get some of my stuff replaced, while I quickly dressed in the outfit Tamar helped me pick out for tonight—another pair of torn-up, cut-off shorts, a flowy cream top with thick, crocheted lace edging, and super high-heeled brown suede booties that made my legs look long, sexy, and sleek.

Country Chic.

“Don’t fix what ain’t broke,” Tamar had said with a flip of her red hair while we’d shopped, telling me I’d already perfected the look so I should just go with it.

I walked into the extravagant bathroom adjoining the bedroom, where the suite’s opulent theme overflowed seamlessly. I grabbed a tissue and allowed myself one more irritated groan for forgetting my stuff, then leaned toward the mirror and dabbed at my eye makeup to smooth out the creases, and wipe some of the sticky airplane residue away.

At least I had my face powder and some clear lip gloss in my purse.

It was going to have to do.

Sebastian appeared in the doorway, tattooed arms stretched across it, the man stealing a little more of my breath. “Just got a text. Boys are downstairs. We need to run.”

“I’m ready.” I followed him into the bedroom and grabbed my small purse from the bed, situated the strap over my head and shoulder. “Is Austin coming?”

“Nah…he always hangs back at the hotel. Shows aren’t the best atmosphere for him,” he said with a tinge of regret. Then he hefted a shoulder. “He seems pretty content though, so I guess it’s good.”

“It is good,” I promised, knowing how much he worried about his little brother, wishing I knew more and there was more I could do.

But I also understood there were things shared only between the two of them.

We rode the elevator down and walked hand-in-hand through the lobby and to the back entrance where the guys waited.

Lyrik’s cocky expression fell when he saw us. “You’ve got to be kiddin’ me.”

Zee broke out in some kind of rebel celebration. “Pay up, bitch.”

Lyrik punched at him and Zee jumped out of his reach, howling with laughter. “What…can’t handle it when someone half your age is again taking some more of your dough? You are losing your touch, old man.”

“Says the punk kid who’s barely old enough to make it into the casino? Don’t make me teach you a lesson, boy,” Lyrik taunted right back.

Sebastian’s eyes narrowed at Lyrik as he opened the back passenger door. “Don’t look so happy to see me, asshole,” he said with one brow lifted.

Lyrik dug a one hundred-dollar bill from his wallet and slapped it into Zee’s waiting, gloating hand. The irritation on his face appeared a whole lot like he’d rather be slapping it across Zee’s face.

With Zee still cracking up, Ash and Zee climbed into the third row of the long, black Escalade, Lyrik hopped into the front passenger, and Sebastian ushered me into the middle row and climbed in behind me.

Lyrik looked over his shoulder. Dark eyes gleamed with amused disbelief. “That’s because seeing your ass come waltzing out of that hotel any less than half an hour late cost me a Benjamin, Baz Boy.”

“Bettin’ against me now, are we?”

Ash leaned forward, arms wrapped around my headrest as he poked his head forward. “Don’t sit over there acting all surprised, man. If I had a girl that looked like Shea…”

A low whistle dropped from him as he let his gaze travel down my legs. “You could bet your last dollar I’d be walking out of there late, too.”

Um. Wow.

I could feel the heat rush up my neck, the smile pulling at my face. Because they were too much, larger than life, every kind of right, Sebastian’s miss-matched family that had somehow become my own.

“Hey now…hey now,” Zee contended. “Don’t go demeaning my faith in my man, here. I knew he wouldn’t let the crew down. Got your back, Baz.”

I squeaked in shock when Sebastian suddenly hauled me from my seat onto his lap, draping me across him. He nuzzled his nose along my neck and palmed my exposed thigh, giving it a squeeze that wasn’t so gentle.

“Or maybe I just plan on taking the time to lay my girl out right. Doesn’t have a thing to do with any of you fuckers.”

Oh God.

That redness climbed all the way to my cheeks. The desire Sebastian had lit back in the room had barely just settled to a simmer, and here he was, stoking it again, the promise in his words enough to send a chill slithering through my body.

“This isn’t an awkward conversation or anything.” I widened my eyes at all of them who had no shame at all, eyes watching Sebastian and me as if we were the best kind of entertainment.

Considering the bets, apparently we were.

Ash cackled and smacked my now vacant seat as the driver pulled out into the heavy traffic congesting the strip.

“Come now, sweet, innocent Shea. You’re part of the band now, baby. There are no secrets between us and there’s not a subject that’s gonna be off limits. Can you handle it?”

It was all tease, but I could feel the caution behind it. The guy was always so cocky and smug, but there was a loyalty about him, too. Just like Sebastian, something good beneath all the brash. I knew he was warning me about what we were about to head into, wondering if I could handle it, the lifestyle they lived, the abounding outside forces Sebastian had wanted to shield and protect me from.

I snuggled further into Sebastian’s hold.

As long as Sebastian loved me the way he should, the way I loved him, there wasn’t anything I couldn’t handle.

Draping his arms over the middle seat, Zee leaned forward and began to tap out a beat on the black leather, quietly humming the tune.

Ash picked right up, singing the words under his breath as he began to bob his head along with Zee’s impromptu song. Maybe I shouldn’t have been surprised, but Lyrik chimed right in, the man who exuded menace and mayhem tapping his fingers on the thighs of his ripped-up skinny jeans as he joined in with Ash and Zee, as if they did this all the time.

Were they serious?

I looked up at Sebastian. He slanted me a rogue grin, dipped that gorgeous face down toward me as those full, full lips began to move.

That beautiful, beautiful voice for a beautiful, beautiful man singing that soothing sound, his mouth hovering an inch from my lips as if he were singing to me.

But those intense eyes glinted and gleamed, swimming with mischief and ease as he played along with the guys, those four big, bad rockers going retro.

They were singing Leaving Las Vegas by Sheryl Crow.

Giggling, I clutched Sebastian’s neck. Something giddy washed over me as the air in the car went light. The effortless bond between the four talented men filled me with joy, because I knew this was such a huge part of Sebastian’s life, being on the road with them, their day-to-day.

For so many years I’d silenced my voice. As if it were a part of my secrets locked tight. As if the words that danced on my tongue had been buried with Delaney Rhoads.

But today…today I couldn’t help myself…because I felt free.

Vindicated.

And I let it go.

Lifted my voice and joined in just as they hit the chorus, belted it out as I sang to Sebastian who sang right back. His hands clutched my sides. The joy in his eyes was something I felt all the way to my soul.

We trailed off and the rest of the cab was conspicuously silent.

As if a strange disturbance had stamped out the easy air.

Embarrassment held my tongue, my teeth gnawing nervously at my bottom lip while I buried my face in Sebastian’s neck, wishing there was a way to disappear.

What was I thinking?

Then Ash hooted. “Holy hell, woman. Did that really just come out of your mouth?”

I buried my frown in Sebastian’s neck, feeling the vibration of his chuckle as he held me a little tighter.

“Told you, man,” Sebastian muttered, scattering a bunch of kisses over the crown of my head.

“Told him what?” I finally got the courage to ask, peeking up at him as he dipped his chin down to meet my eye.

Typically, I wasn’t the shrinking-violet type. But when it came to singing, it brought back my childhood insecurities. The fact I’d been a constant disappointment to my mother. The pressure she’d exerted. The expectations I never met. Her never-satisfied hunger for more.

More fame.

More money.

Without a thought to the dire consequences that would result from her shortsighted intentions.

“That you, sweet girl, make me sound like a hack.”

“Hardly,” I whispered seriously.

He squeezed my thigh again, becoming playful. “Just do me a favor and don’t go singing backstage tonight or anything, okay? Don’t need you going and outshining me, especially on my birthday. Don’t think I can handle that kind of blow to my ego.”

I rose up so I could press a kiss at the center of his strong throat, my words soft and rumbly where I murmured them at his Adam’s apple. “I could never outshine you.”

This dark, mysterious man had become my brightest light.

With a slight grin, I pulled back. “Besides, I’m not sure I could pull off all those growly screams you’re so famous for.”

Deep, seductive laughter rolled from him, and he hugged me closer, wrapping a single hand in my hair and murmuring low. “You scream just fine, baby. Just make sure what you’re screaming is my name.”

A slow ache settled between my thighs.

Later.

The venue was off the strip, and the driver made a couple turns before he pulled into a lot and rounded to the back entrance of the music hall. Everyone was quick to climb out. Sebastian never released my hand as we followed the guys into the dingy, dusky theater, up three concrete steps to a blackened-out door manned by a burly guard.

The second we stepped into the darkness, I could feel the sizzle of energy snap in the dense air. As if that magnetized energy drew strength from the guys who breathed it in, and radiated it back out. It only increased as they lifted their chins and sucked it down, as if they fed into the frenzy. A buzz of hyped eagerness seemed to come naturally, as their minds shifted gears in preparation for the show.

My eyes darted around, capturing everything.

It was strange because I was so accustomed to live music at Charlie’s, the energy that would hold fast to the air, an anticipation unlike anything other as someone took to the stage and brought a song to life.

But this…this seemed entirely different. The way roadies bustled around backstage, carrying gear and setting it in position, the test of the soundboard, the hustle and scramble to get everything set in place, the directions being shouted, an adept chaos I couldn’t imagine transpiring any other way.

Added to the feel was the deafening level of rock music that seemed to dictate every move and beat.

Sebastian squeezed my hand, leaned in close to my ear, and lifted his voice. “You all right?”

There was no missing the concern swirling in the depth of those attentive eyes as they peered at me, the man searching for any discomfort I might feel. For flickers of the regret and betrayal I’d sustained in a world so similar to this.

We’d only touched briefly on the hurt, the dreams I’d had that had never quite been my own, but were still seated so deeply within my spirit. I still ached for it every day.

The truth of how much I loved to play.

What Sebastian didn’t know was none of that could ever be worth the cost I’d been asked to pay.

I’d be lying if I said I hadn’t been nervous when I’d boarded the plane this morning, that I hadn’t wondered what it might feel like to stand backstage again and know none of it would ever belong to me. Just an outsider looking in on something magnificent and inspired.

But, no.

There was no discomfort or ugly memories or pangs of regret.

“Better than all right,” I told him truthfully. “I’m just excited to see you play.”

His expression softened with a tenderness I was sure he only allowed me, and he wound me into the safety of those strong arms. His voice was hoarse. “Can’t tell you how damned happy I am you’re here. Hope you know that, baby. Want you with me. Always.”

My hands clung to his sides. “And I’m here because with you is where I want to be. Always.”

Deep satisfaction flashed across his face. “Come on…I’ve got a bunch of shit I have to take care of before we go on. Opening band’s gonna be hitting the stage soon.”

Sebastian led me down a dim, hazy corridor to a large reception room on the left. The light within was subdued but brighter than out in the hall and the areas backstage.

I peeked inside at the overstuffed, worn couches. Guys who screamed sex, drugs, and rock ‘n’ roll lounged on them, slinging back beers and laughing loud, talking shit like all these guys seemed to love to do.

Really, the atmosphere seemed almost laid-back except for the glimmer of lust that seemed to cling to the air. Thick, dark, and ominous.

Girls who’d barely made the transition into women hung on the sidelines, chatting and clearly waiting to be noticed. Most fit in, as if they’d been drawn into the chaotic vibe, clothes as dark as the makeup painted around their eyes.

But I guess it wouldn’t be a real concert if there weren’t a few who looked as if they’d forgotten groupies went out of style in the eighties. Or maybe they were just giving it a good go to bring it back.

Sebastian introduced me to a couple of people, some of the road crew and his tour manager, and a few friends who followed them show to show.

He took it upon himself to hoist me onto a table where my boots swung a foot from the grimy floor, before he handed me a beer and sealed my mouth with a possessive, perfect kiss, then sent a look around the room at everyone who was watching us.

Off limits.

It was cute and sweet and protective, and I couldn’t help my own buzz of excitement that rippled through me as I sat back and enjoyed my time. Even though I missed Kallie, that beneath everything was the unending fear of the fight I knew was coming, tonight I felt liberated and unrestrained. There was no question my daughter was safe, that she was having a blast, playing butterflies and princesses and living in her fairy tales.

Showered with love and care.

So I let my reservations go. Let my body sway as the opening band took to the stage, and my mind wandered to the fans I could hear screaming through the walls.

I sat by myself for a long time, every so often making idle chat with the few people who approached me, all of them men. The only attention I received from the women were a few sneers and jealous stares.

An hour later, Sebastian appeared in front of me, all smiles and child-like exuberance. “We’re getting ready to go on, baby. You ready?”

“Absolutely.”

He helped me down, and I followed his long strides back down the hall where he led me to the side of the stage.

VIP.

“This is you.”

I grinned up at him, teeth going to my lip as I tried to hide the rush of emotions I felt. I couldn’t believe I was here, experiencing this with him. All the videos I’d watched of him onstage, night after night when I’d been missing him like crazy, wondering how he was and what he was doing while out on the road.

And here I was.

“Sebastian,” Ash called from where he stood with the rest of the guys across the space. “Get your ass over here.”

“Be right back,” Sebastian promised.

I watched as he sauntered away, my stomach twisting in knots at the raw, striking beauty of the man.

I turned and peered out from behind the long curtain where I was hidden in the shadows. Energy vibrated from the crowd and another round of nerves rustled through me. It seemed insane I was here, back in the midst of music from which I’d run so far. I’d almost forgotten what it felt like to stand backstage while that fervor held fast to the air, anticipation building strong as fans waited for their beloved band to take the stage.

But this was different than anything I’d ever experienced in my days as Delaney Rhoads.

There was an underlying charge here, a furor in the crowd that spoke of lawlessness and disorder.

Kerosene just itching for a match.

Bodies were crammed into the cavernous, hollow space, the ceiling high and the slanted floor bare. It was set at an incline, the floor high on the entrance side and tapering down the entire way until it met with the elevated stage. Standing room only, a riot of youth vied for a better position closer to the stage, pushing and shoving to get closer.

Darkness covered the crowd, and the sound of the roadies testing the equipment only made the rowdy atmosphere rise.

I felt a partner to it. Fuel for it. As if I was more desperate to see Sebastian on that stage than every fan combined. Even though I’d binged on posted on-line videos of Sunder, it didn’t come close to comparing to this.

No wonder he needed this.

Thrived on this.

Loved this.

Soon I’d be returning to Savannah, and I wanted to take this experience home with me. To tuck this memory deep with the love I had for Sebastian, so I would have something to sustain me in our separation when he went back on the road.

I wanted to be able to close my eyes while he was away and picture him onstage, knowing first-hand what he would be experiencing night after night.

A roadie beat on a drum.

Adrenaline rushed, and I sucked in a breath as I reveled in it all.

My body trembled in recognition when hot, needy hands gripped my waist from behind, and the breath I’d breathed was suddenly him.

Sebastian buried his nose beneath my hair. He ran it along the nape of my neck and up behind my ear. My flesh prickled in the most delicious way, every nerve alight at his touch.

I shook.

“It’s time,” he whispered against the sensitive shell of my ear.

He planted a lingering kiss to my neck. “Don’t move from this spot,” he warned against the skin, then he wrapped his arms completely around my waist. “Remember every last one of the assholes hanging out back here are exactly that. Assholes. Especially those punks who opened for us. Don’t want to have to come off the stage during the show to kill someone.”

Knowing Sebastian, he was one-hundred percent serious.

I almost laughed. As if I didn’t know how this went down. The predators on the prowl, backstage their den, where they hunted and gorged and devoured.

But that was the thing with Sebastian. He never looked at me as the girl who’d been there or the one who’d seen it all—the one who’d allowed herself to become prey.

To him, I was the innocent country girl from Savannah, the one he did everything in his power to protect.

Was it wrong that fact made me love him just a little more?

“I’ll be right here waiting,” I promised, swaying in his arms.

“Good girl,” he whispered low, breathing me in, nose trailing and hands feeling.

“Mmm…why the fuck do you gotta smell so damned good?” he grumbled through a groan.

Hands went sliding down the front of my thighs, skin to skin. He pressed his face into the hollow where my neck met my shoulder, suckling and kissing and making me weak in the knees. “Feel so good,” he muttered, voice rough. “Driving me right out of my mind.”

In reality, it was him who made me lose mine.

“Wait till I get you back to that room.”

“Maybe I just want to keep you coming back to me,” I taunted a little, letting my weight fall against his pounding chest.

“I will always come back to you.”

The slap Ash landed to the back of Sebastian’s head jarred us from the little cocoon we’d created.

Blue eyes blazed with laughter. “Focus, man. We’re on and you’re over here looking like you’re about to drag your girl into a dark corner. Bros before hos. You know the code. Don’t break my heart by making me kick your ass.”

Sebastian threw an idle punch at him, as idle as the threat. “Whatever, dude. We both know I’d drop you in a second flat.”

Ash bounced around on his toes as if he were going to prove him wrong, fists throwing mock punches in Sebastian’s direction. “In your dreams, Stone. Are you gonna make me have to embarrass you in front of Beautiful Shea, here? You know the only thing that’s gonna do is make this fine woman fall in love with me. No one could blame her. I’m irresistible.”

Sebastian growled through the laughter he was holding back. “About to cross a line, asshole.”

Laughing, I pushed him off, that sweeping, free feeling racing through me again. “Go.”

On a groan, he began to follow Ash, before he seemed to think better of it, and rushed back and pecked my lips in that sweet, sweet way. He pointed at me as he walked backward toward the rest of the guys huddled just out of sight offstage. “Don’t move.”

In amusement, I shook my head, making a silent promise I would always be right here, wherever he was, and mouthed, “Impress me, rocker boy.”

He smiled an earth-shattering smile.

Rocking my world.

My chest squeezed.

The imposing man finally dragged himself away, turning his focus to where it should be and to the band.

Heads leaned in, they formed a circle, unheard words spoken, claps to the back as they hyped themselves up.

Together, the four of them were a force.

Bold and intimidating and beautiful in the most daunting way.

Listening to the chanting roar of the crowd, exhilaration spiraled through my belly. Zee ducked through the curtains and onto the stage. Fisting drumsticks in his hand, he thrust them over his head, looking out over the crowd that screamed like a squall beating at the ocean.

Ash and Lyrik strode out behind him.

That roar turned wild, energy billowing, threatening to spill over.

Sebastian stepped onstage.

Everything erupted.

Screams filled the air as Sebastian slipped the strap of an electric guitar over his head and shouted, “Good evening.”

He edged toward the mic and tapped his foot on a pedal on the floor before he dove right into one of their hard, reckless songs. He strummed a manic beat, skilled fingers sliding in precision up and down the neck of the guitar.

Brilliant and captivating and so talented it shook me to the core.

But it was when his mouth met the mic that his powerful voice tore through me.

Every cell in my body came alive, my heart pressing at my ribs, as I looked at the man I loved more than any other. At the man who was my baby’s father in every way. At the man who’d come with a violent force to upturn my life.

To shake it up with joy and love, with something deep and profound.

The rest of the guys were just as intent on their parts. Lyrik played another electric guitar, all that mess of black on top of his head flying as his body crashed with the beat, Ash’s head lifted toward the sky as he played the bass line, lost to the music, while Zee pounded frantically at the drums on a riser behind them.

On the floor, bodies thrashed.

Untamed.

Slamming and uncontrolled.

Free.

The four looked so much like the first time I’d witnessed them, when I’d locked myself away in the office of Charlie’s, in that moment when I was unsure if I could continue down a path that would lead me right back into the type of life I’d fled.

But I should have known any path I took would lead me straight to Sebastian.

It didn’t matter Sebastian screamed the lyrics, that I felt the words more than I understood them.

His voice still melted over me.

Sinking in and becoming one with my bones.

The words indecipherable yet so clear.

That energy surrounded me, again making me feel as if I were elevated. Riding wave after wave of Sebastian Stone.

From the side, he turned his head with his mouth still pressed to the mic. He was searching. Searching for me.

Those eyes met mine and he swept me away.

The entire show enraptured me.

Lost in his spirit.

Drowning in his presence.

Where he was my air and my hope, the one who’d breathed belief into the hollow loneliness of my heart.

The one who’d filled it.

Tears welled in my eyes as an onslaught of emotion engulfed me, stringing me out, this man devastating in the most stunning way.

When their set came to a close, Sebastian tossed his pick into the crowd, and shouted a last “Goodnight” into the mic. He sauntered offstage as if he were riding that palpitating emotion, too. That intensity went wild, just as wild as those strange grey eyes as they sought me out. A surge of his energy nearly knocked me from my feet the second they landed on me.

There was no hesitation in his step. His stride was long and confident and determined on one singular goal.

Me.

He crashed into me, pushing me up against the nearest solid surface, hands and teeth and tongue.

I grunted when my back hit the huge speaker, and he just kissed me harder, deeper, as if he were trying to climb inside, a dark halo vibrating from his spirit and desperation in his touch. With each needy caress, it was as if he were transferring it to me, lighting me up, inciting and stirring—a provocation that went so much deeper than just the surface.

“Shea,” he moaned in something that sounded like relief. My fingers wove through his hair, bringing him closer, kissing him deeper.

Falling.

As if there was no end. No beginning.

Just us, now, and forever.

“You about done?” Lyrik’s voice broke the connection.

“Not even close,” Sebastian muttered at my mouth, still clutching me tight.

A dark chuckle slid from Lyrik. “Show’s over, man.”

Obviously, he was referring to more than Sunder being on stage.

God, I lost myself with Sebastian, forgot where I was and who would see.

Sebastian just grumbled at him as he continued to kiss me. “Go away.”

“Not a chance, my friend. You need to shower…we have plans. Remember?”

Sebastian glared at him from over his shoulder, still holding onto me as if he were going to dive right back in. “That was before my girl showed up and altered my plans.”

Lyrik looked at me. “Shea’s all part of the plan, aren’t you, Shea?”

I was almost reluctant to nod, because I wanted nothing more than Sebastian to finally get me behind closed doors.

But somehow I forced myself to agree. “Yep…part of the plan.”

A grin pulled at one side of my mouth when he narrowed his eyes in my direction.

“You just showed up to torture me, didn’t you, woman?”

“Don’t be a pussy, man. A little anticipation never hurt anyone,” Lyrik spouted off as he raked a hand through his hair.

“Wouldn’t call four weeks a little anticipation.” He turned back to me with the suggestion of the demand twisting on his lips. “Tell me how you’re gonna make it up to me.”

Hands eager and teasing at the hem of his shirt, I pressed one more kiss to that pretty, pretty mouth. “Any. Way. You. Want.”

“Now you’re just asking for trouble.”

No doubt. But I was willing to take whatever he wanted to bring.

Sebastian ripped himself away and helped me right myself on unsteady feet.

Again, Sebastian left me in the little room, promising to be right back. He was gone for little more than five minutes before he was there. Changed, brown hair damp and darkened, he wore a long-sleeved button-up shirt with the cuffs rolled to just below his elbows, his undeniable strength revealed in the bristling muscle beneath the intricate ink etched on the exposed skin of his forearms.

There was no missing the heads that turned, the desire evident in the blatant stares as eyes were drawn in the direction of this magnificent man. Dripping of sex and darkness. Shrouded in mystery. A riddle only I had the answer to.

A freshly showered Ash waltzed in right behind and clapped his hands once in front of him. “Let’s do this.”

Sebastian gathered my hand back in his while Ash talked to the small group of friends who were meeting us at the club. The five of us headed out the back door and into the night, the November sky cool, the sounds of revelry riding on the air.

The SUV that had dropped us off sat waiting, but it was a black Maserati convertible parked behind it that Sebastian went straight for.

My steps faltered and my mouth dropped open.

I was supposed to be dishing out the surprises this weekend, not the other way around.

At my reaction, Sebastian just gave me an offhanded shrug and tugged at my hand as he walked out ahead of me, turning to face me and taking a few steps back. “Made a call when I ordered your stuff for the room. Figured we might want our own ride for the weekend.”

“I would hardly call that a ride.”

“What? It has wheels.”

And I knew without a doubt this was for me, because Sebastian’s tastes so obviously leaned toward the mean, blacked-out cars with big engines and muscle and guts. This car was sleek, small, and fast, pretentious luxury at its finest.

“You’re insane, Sebastian from California.”

His laughter was free and full, and filled me whole, my lungs pressing firm at my ribs as I relished in the sound.

“Can’t blame a man for taking care of his girl.”

“More like spoiling her.”

He tugged me hard, making me fall into the warmth of his chest. His heart beat steady and strong. Fingertips brushed along my jaw as the words went soft. “Don’t mind doing a little of that, either.”

I relinquished, and Sebastian helped me into the soft leather of the front seat, ambled around the front, hopped into the driver’s seat, and started the car.

We followed the SUV to the club Ash had arranged for Sebastian’s party, back when Sebastian thought it was just going to be him and the guys and a few of their friends out for a night on the town.

A kaleidoscope of lights blazed from the strip. Every casino and hotel was lit up like a torch that promised gratification found in no other place than this city. The top was down and the air was cool, and my heart beat a thunder of contentment in my chest. One of my hands was secured on Sebastian’s thigh, the other weaving through the rushing air where my arm was draped over the windowsill.

Ten minutes later, we pulled up to the valet right behind the Escalade, and Sebastian ran around and helped me out. He kept his hand in mine, his head lifted without the reservation he typically wore around the media, as a volley of camera flashes erupted the second we stepped into view.

A red rope held back a line of partygoers dressed to impress, hopeful to make it inside. A few of them called out for Sunder as the band strode right toward the entrance. Some singled out Sebastian, calling his name to grab his attention, as they lifted their phones and snagged pictures. He smiled in their direction—the man all happiness and excitement—without an ounce of bristling hostility that normally accompanied being in the public eye.

And I realized sometimes love soothes some of that anger away.

I clung to his side. The force of my smile, this joy inside me, was more than I could understand.

“Delaney Rhoads,” someone shouted from the line.

On instinct, my eyes flashed that direction, not sure what to do. Whether I should run or hide or lift my chin in pride the same way Sebastian seemed to do.

Sebastian hugged me a little tighter, quiet support, voice casual when he called out, “Her name’s Shea, man. Don’t forget it.”

Someone laughed and hollered, “Shea,” and I just smiled and offered a timid wave, allowing Sebastian to lead me through the entrance of the overflowing club.

Inside, it was darker than night yet brighter than day, bodies lit up like silhouettes in the strobes of light. Professional dancers were suspended from the high cathedral ceiling in cages as the crowd raved below, coves of booths and tables tucked out of sight around the dance floor.

Led upstairs to a private room, we were seated on plush sofas. A myriad of lights glowed from the mirrored ceilings and glass-paned walls, giving us an unobstructed view of the writhing dance floor below.

Sebastian was quick to pull me down beside him, and I curled into his side as he fastened an arm around my shoulders.

More of Sebastian’s friends piled in, some who I’d met at the show, others completely unfamiliar, arms draped around girls wearing next to nothing as they filtered in to wish Sebastian Happy Birthday.

But none were as eager to get the party started as Ash.

He ordered a round of shots for everyone, and the two cocktail waitresses assigned to our party delivered them a couple minutes later.

Ash stood and lifted his glass. “I do believe it’s time for a toast.”

Sebastian muttered, “Uh, oh.”

A round of hoots went up, and everyone lifted their tiny glasses of tequila rimmed in salt and garnished with wedges of lime.

I followed suit, smiling up at Sebastian.

Playful eyes glinted down at me.

“We all know I’ve been putting up with your sorry ass for a long time now…” Ash began his toast in a tone that sounded regretful, but by the smirk showing up on every line on his face, everyone knew it was anything but. “Years just keep flyin’ by and you keep getting’ older and uglier while I somehow manage to maintain all my boyish good looks. No surprise there, right?” he offered while he raised his arms out to the sides in that cocky way, nodding his head around the room as he tried to get everyone to agree with him.

Laughter rolled.

Sebastian just chuckled quietly and rubbed his palm over his mouth, amusement clear as he let his friend razz him the way he always did.

No harm given.

None taken.

While he continued to gloat, something genuine edged the creases at the corners of Ash’s eyes. “We’ve been through some really horrific times, man…some really fuckin’ good ones, too. And my hope is those good ones just keep coming and coming, because I don’t know of anyone in this world who deserves them more than you. Happy Birthday, Baz.”

They shared a silent moment before Ash raised his glass higher and toward Sebastian.

“To Sebastian.” A racket of voices lifted. “Happy Birthday.”

Shots were downed.

All except for Sebastian’s and mine. Because he turned the intensity of those eyes to my face, passing the moment Ash and he had shared on to me. I felt drawn, and I shifted in the same second Sebastian was turning me, urging me forward.

I straddled his lap.

I didn’t care there were a bunch of people here I didn’t know, who didn’t know me. Didn’t care about the women who were probably thirsting for my man, thinking I was just another passing craze, a fling or a fuck or whatever they wanted to believe me to be.

When the truth was, I was his.

Sebastian glanced his thumb over my bottom lip, eyes trailing the action, before he took a wedge of lime and ran it over the same spot.

I could feel the blood rush to plump my lip.

He then ran it over the top, the sensitive skin tingling with the touch, wet by the trickle of juice.

The scent of citrus filled my nostrils.

I sucked in a shaky breath, and he lifted the shot glass to my mouth, the taste of salt hitting my tongue right before the tequila followed it.

Sebastian leaned forward to gather his own taste. His tongue was soft as it rimmed my lips, before it softly slipped inside.

Savoring.

Tempting.

Teasing.

A promise of what was to come.

I wrapped my arms around his head while he kissed me and I whispered, “Happy Birthday.”

“Best birthday ever,” he whispered back.

The atmosphere was easy, carefree, and Sebastian refused to let me off his lap as he talked with those who’d come to help him celebrate.

The mood became elevated as more drinks were tossed back. Ash and Lyrik let go, the way they so often did at Charlie’s, joking around, living their lives on their terms.

Somehow they’d managed to create their own dance floor upstairs in our private room, people coming and going as more and more unfamiliar, star-struck faces appeared.

I could only assume most of them were willing women they’d raided from downstairs.

“Dance with me.” Sebastian’s smooth words licked through me like flames. Unlike when he’d uttered them to me that night at Charlie’s. The night I’d worried this hope was slipping away. Now, none of the sadness or fear held me.

I should have known better, then.

Should have known this was real.

Unstoppable.

Unbreakable.

Sebastian helped me off his lap, and pushed to his feet. That strange, intense energy brimmed to life as he gazed down at me. He said nothing as he wove his fingers through mine. He took me by all kinds of sweet surprise when he didn’t lead me into the mix of his friends in the private room. Instead, he led me slowly down the stairs to the main floor of the club.

With each step, I could feel the rate of my pulse increase, the boom, boom, boom of my heart escalate as he led me into the manic fray that thrummed with the electric beat.

Sebastian’s movements were slow. Intentional. Sensual and sexual, causing stuttered breaths to gasp from between my lips when he aligned us front to front. His heat, his heart, and his eyes upon me, shutting out the rest of the world, while he wrapped me up and lifted me out of it.

His hands slid down my back, cupping my ass before he ran them down the outside of my thighs, our own thrumming beat swirling around us. Our bodies moved in sync. In the key we always struck. Rough and desperate and needy.

He kissed me and kissed me and kissed me while one song transitioned from one to another and then another.

Until I was breathless, hot and wet, and sure I couldn’t take a second more.

“Let’s get out of here,” he finally murmured at my mouth.

“God, yes.”

A chuckle rolled from his tongue, and he was suddenly striding through the crowd, my hand in his as I struggled to keep up with a man who was most definitely on a mission.

I giggled and clutched him a little tighter, more than ready to go along for the ride.

He gave the valet the slip for the car, and went right back to kissing me while we waited, neither of us concerned about the cameras or gawking eyes.

Because none of that mattered except for this incendiary moment.

When the car came to a stop in front of us, Sebastian handed out another one of his outrageous tips, snatched the keys, and led me to the passenger side. He helped me in, leaning in to grab another kiss.

Lust and love fought for dominance in his expression when he tore himself away, and he slammed my door shut and ran around to his side. I didn’t hesitate to shift in my seat, my hand going to the flat, rigid planes of his abdomen as he shifted hard, tires squealing as he took to the street. I kissed at his neck and teased at his ear, fingers toying with the waistband of his jeans, while he groaned and tried to focus on the road.

“You tryin’ to kill me, Shea?”

I gasped when the car jerked and Sebastian made a sudden, sharp turn, and then another. He screeched to a stop on a deserted side street.

A fog of lust clouded my mind as I was yanked back onto his lap, my knees on either side of his legs, his needy cock grinding at the seam of my cut-off shorts as his mouth overtook mine.

Oh. God.

I moaned, fingers digging into his shoulders.

I arched up and pressed my breasts to his chest. They ached with just a glimmer of the need throbbing between my thighs.

Hot hands gripped the outside of my hips, forcing me back down on his dick that strained from his jeans.

I might have been on top, but he was definitely in control.

“Fuck, baby…what have you done to me…what have you done to me? Dying to be inside you. Have to feel you. Need you so bad.”

“You have me.”

He palmed my ass, hands running up my sides as he lifted me higher, his head rocking back as he moved and grasped the back of my head, forcing it down as he continued that frenzied assault of tongue, teeth, and mouth.

“Need you forever. Need you wearing my name and showing off my ring.” It was all a slur of desperation.

Shock sifted through me, and I froze as what he said penetrated.

I edged back a fraction, still holding onto his shoulders.

It felt as if the world were trembling around me when I took the chance to peer down at him.

He met my gaze.

Raw and severe and honest.

“Marry me.”

Hope flashed like wildfire, image after image of a fantasy life I’d never thought possible.

Simple, simple dreams.

They burned from within.

I swallowed around the emotion lodged in my throat and forced out the words. “Are you serious?”

“With all I got…with all I have to offer. Marry me, Shea Bentley.”

I blinked frantically. “Right now?”

“Right now. When things settle down, we’ll do the big ceremony thing. Have my guys stand up as my best men. Make April and Tamar wear the ugliest dresses you can find.”

One cheek twitched as he said that. Breathing quickly, I tried to catch up to what he was asking me.

The words just got rougher as he continued. “We’ll have our Kallie tossing petals down in front of you because she’ll be the cutest damned flower girl to ever walk an aisle. Have everyone we care about there to witness it. I want all of that, Shea,” he emphasized as he grasped me a little tighter. “I want to give it to you. But now? Celebrating my birthday? Want to make you my wife. Just you and me and a future that’s wide open in front of us.”

Hopeful eyes searched my face. “Tell me you want that, too.”

“Yes.” It rushed out from somewhere deep within.

“Yes?”

“Yes…yes…yes,” I whispered almost frantically. Or maybe it was just my frantic kisses I couldn’t stop. Kisses of joy, something whole and beautiful and absolute.

I could feel him smile beneath my lips.

Find love and bring it here. My grandmother’s voice echoed through my mind.

I found it, Grandma.

I found it.

He pulled back. “I promise you, Shea, I’m gonna love you forever. I’m going to protect it and never let it go. Be the husband you deserve and the father Kallie needs.”

“Sebastian,” I breathed, and he cupped my neck, thumb brushing under my jaw.

“You are the one I’ve been waiting for.”

My thoughts flashed to my Kallie.

Without a shadow of a doubt, the wonderful things Sebastian wanted, the things I wanted, she’d want them, too.

No questions lingered.

This was right.

He kissed me hard, then moved me to my seat, slanting me a lopsided grin as he threw the car back into drive, and made a quick U in the middle of the road. He pressed the voice recognition on the navigation for the Marriage Bureau.

He drove quickly and purposefully while I flew, my spirit far and fast in front of us.

Touching that future wide open ahead.

We found a spot to park, and Sebastian jumped out and ran around to meet me. Again I found myself struggling to keep up with him as we ran into the building, filled out the form, and paid the fee for a marriage license.

All of this seemed so insane, yet so entirely perfect.

I was getting married.

To Sebastian Stone.

We raced back out to the car. Sebastian’s melodic laughter clashed with the night as he threw the convertible back into reverse, and there was nothing I could do. I was back on my knees in my seat, leaning across the console, kissing his face. His neck. Touching him everywhere.

I bounced when he slanted the car into a lot. My smile that seemed unending somehow managed to grow.

We didn’t even get out of the car. Sebastian just maneuvered around to the drive-through lane where we paid another fee and handed over our license. The officiant began to speak. We nodded our understanding as he asked a couple questions to ensure we understood we were entering into a legal marriage.

Yes.

Yes.

And yes.

When he began with the vows, a peal of laughter erupted from me when I was abruptly drawn back onto Sebastian’s lap, straddling him again.

The officiant’s words faded away when Sebastian gripped my face and spoke his own vows to me.

“I’m gonna love you forever. Respect you. Protect you and hold you and always stay true to you.”

My hands trembled where I cupped his jaw.

“I will never give you up or let this love go. My forever is forever. My life yours to keep.”

We were a flurry of “I dos” and kisses and husband and wife.

Just as fast, we were back on the road, pulling into the hotel valet, hearts pounding and spirits dancing as we rushed through the lobby to the bank of elevators.

We stumbled from the elevator. Sebastian’s hands were on my hips as he edged me backward toward the door. His mouth never left mine as he fumbled with the key to our suite.

He swept me off my feet and into the cradle of his arms.

A bride carried over the threshold by the man who promised to hold her.

Protect her.

Love her.

Sebastian slammed the door shut with his foot. His heavy footsteps echoed across the marble tile. He didn’t waver or stop. He just went straight for the staircase, never breaking our connection as he wound us up the steps to the bedroom above.

“This is real…this is real,” he mumbled between his bid to get me closer. His hold tightened as his mouth went roving down the column of my neck. “Baby, tell me this is real.”

“Yes…it’s real. All of it…it’s real.”

We were real.

My heart crashed around in my chest.

Free.

Joy and light and life.

Our touches were frantic as we tore at the other’s clothes, our mouths never far as we kissed across the skin we revealed. Our hands were desperate as we pared each other down until we were nothing but naked, heated flesh.

He tossed me onto the center of the enormous bed. My gorgeous man stood at the side, staring down at me with a smile of utter amazement. The gleam in those steely eyes predatory.

There had never been a time before, or would there be a time in my future, when I would feel quite like this.

Desired.

Absolutely adored.

So deliriously happy I didn’t know inside from out or up from down, because he’d come in and painted a new beginning. Crushed my walls and altered my realities.

Tonight I had become Sebastian Stone’s wife.

“I can’t believe you’re really mine,” he said, like an echo of my own thoughts.

“I’m yours…husband.” I felt the catch at the corner of my lips, a tremble that wavered somewhere between playful and wonder.

The sound he made was something akin to a growl.

“Husband.”

He said it as if he were testing out how it sounded on his tongue, before he suddenly pounced on me. “Come here, wife. I’m about to take what’s mine. You ready for me?”

Laughter tickled from between my lips, and I arched my back as my need swelled, coalescing as a sweet, exquisite ache low in my belly. “Always.”

Sebastian ran a hand down the outside of my thigh. “Do you have any idea the fantasies I’ve been having about being wrapped up in these legs, Shea? All the nights I’ve spent alone, dreaming about them? About how fuckin’ amazing they feel every time I have them wrapped around my waist? Wondering how someone like me got lucky enough to be with someone like you? Now I’m gonna be wrapped up in them for the rest of my life.”

He ran his nose along my jaw, arms wrapped around me tight.

“You’ve made me the happiest man alive.”

Energy zinged like a live wire. A billow of joy and a bolt of desire.

I looked up to meet the promise in his gaze, fingers grazing over his pouty bottom lip. “I never knew there was happiness like this. And then there was you.”

And then there was you.

The smallest smile played at that pretty, pretty mouth. Words I’d whispered months ago that had finally sent us burning down this collision course of passion and need, leading us to this unending devotion neither of us could have imagined we’d ever see.

Then his smile turned sly, eyes glinting in joy and churning with the dirty, delicious deeds he was getting ready to enact on my body.

A ripple of pure desire trembled through me, and he chuckled as I released the well of giggles trickling up my throat, because there was no suppressing my elation.

He pressed his mouth all over my chest and I clung to his shoulders, my head rocking back as he captured one nipple in his hot, hot mouth. He sucked and played and toyed, while his hand wandered down my stomach, a stir of anxious butterflies quivering within.

Anticipation screamed through my veins.

He dragged a knuckle over my clit, and I laughed through a moan when he chuckled, loving the look of infectious delight on his face. His expression danced in the shadows. Greed and pride and lust, awe and devotion and love. It all merged into this euphoric moment created just for us.

He pushed his weight to one hand, and with the other, he drove two fingers inside me.

Sparks flew, little glimmers of pleasure lighting up at the outside of my eyes.

He slid them in and out of my sex, his body a live wire as he shifted over me. “So wet,” he said as he climbed onto his knees. He kept himself low as he crawled forward and nudged my legs up as he went, spreading me wide as his fingers touched me even deeper. “Someone’s anxious, isn’t she? Want me just as bad as I want you, don’t you, Mrs. Stone?”

A rush of blissed-out joy rolled through me when he used that name. His name. The name he’d given to me. I dragged my nails down the defined ridges of his strong back. “You have no idea, Mr. Stone, just how desperately I want you.” I lifted up, brushing my mouth along his ear. “How much I need you.”

Sebastian grabbed his cock and aligned himself, smirking as he raked his teeth over his bottom lip and stared me down.

I groaned when hit with the errant thought. I grinned at my husband, basking in all the light he was shining my way, while I gave a gentle shove to his shoulders and whispered like my life depended on it, “Hurry…find a condom. I forgot my pills, remember?”

Missing them for a couple days probably wasn’t a big deal, but the risk was always there.

Sebastian chuckled a little more, running the thick head of his dick between my folds. “No. And why the hell would I have condoms?”

Oh. Right.

I giggled, still riding that dizzying wave, my head rocking back and forth on the sheets while he drove me mad with temptation. “Sebastian, you’re going to get me pregnant.”

It came out with the raspy rumble of a laugh.

It was swallowed by the sudden intensity that choked all levity from the room.

Thick and silent and heavy.

His severity consuming.

As if the idea of the words from my mouth had knocked him from his foundation.

My heart thudded in my chest, raced and sped as I tried to catch up to the erratic acceleration of his.

Eyes went dark as they locked on me, and he moved to run shaky fingers through the length of my hair, expression going soft, soft, soft as his head tilted to the side.

“Let’s make a baby.”

A silent, shocked gasp parted my lips. Again, I felt as if I were in that tunnel of flashing light, on a speeding train propelling us toward a future coming faster and faster and faster.

“That’s a lot of big decisions for one night,” I finally managed to say.

His hold tightened. “When it comes to you, all my decisions have already been made.”

He gave a slight, unsure shake of his head. “I never thought I’d get this, Shea. Never thought I’d find someone who touches me the way you do. Believes in me the way you do. Thought being alone was going to be the cost of the band making it. But, no. Here you are, filling up all the hollow spaces in my life.”

I blinked back tears as this amazing man mirrored my thoughts from just hours ago.

An old sorrow passed through his eyes. “Time doesn’t sit still and I want to make every second I get to spend with you count. Don’t want to wait for the right time when all of time is right with you.”

Emotion spread through my chest, warmth stretching out to touch every place inside me, and euphoria spilled over, the same as the tears in my eyes. “All of time. Every minute. Every second.”

A gush of air rushed from his lungs and he pushed up on both hands, this stunning man hovering over me. “Do you see me, Shea?”

I took his face in my hands. “I will never look away.”

And neither of us did as Sebastian slowly filled me, the man always so rough and desperate and raw, handling me as if I were glass.

Time given to cherish this moment.

For all of time.

My body took his as he stretched me in the most exquisite way.

Deeply.

Completely.

So full he stole my breath.

Just the same as this man had stolen my heart.

I blinked against the dark, just shimmers of light breaking through the satiny drapes that hung across the glass doors leading to the balcony. Faint sounds of the bustling city echoed from far below.

I awoke to an empty bed. Though I wasn’t alone. I could feel his presence surrounding me. Sitting up, I heard the distant strains of an acoustic guitar rising from downstairs, that beautiful, beautiful voice for a beautiful, beautiful man quieted.

Yet it was the only thing I could hear.

I climbed from the bed and wrapped myself in a sheet, padded quietly out the door. I paused at the top of the stairs.

Sebastian sat on the floor with his back propped against the couch, facing away, shoulders bare, guitar cradled in his lap.

Words floated up. The soft pluck of the strings and a mellow melody stretched out to touch my soul.

Slowly I edged down the winding staircase, one hand on the smooth rail as I clutched the sheet to my chest with the other.

The muscles in his back tensed and bowed when he felt my approach, but there was no hitch in his song. Just the sweet, sweet sound urging me toward him.

Barefoot, I stepped onto the cool marble at the landing, and shuffled deeper into the living space. Inch by inch. I rounded the side of the couch and came to a stop three feet in front of him.

Eyes slowly lifted to mine, this stunning man capturing me in the heavy weight of his stare.

Lights flashed and glowed from the windows overlooking the city. Colors flickered across his face, those bold, beautiful lines striking in the night.

And it was like instinct—like magic—when Sebastian halted the song he was composing, just long enough to lift the guitar from his lap and welcome me onto it.

He’d pulled on a pair of old jeans that had been worn soft, and he parted his legs just enough to make me room. I settled on the floor between his legs with my back to his bare chest, the cool, thin sheet against his warm skin sending goosebumps across my flesh.

He exhaled a harsh breath at the contact, his heartbeat a deep, steady thrum. He situated the guitar on my lap and wrapped me in his hold.

The intricate color engraved over his arms seemed to whirl across his skin. Muscle flexed beneath as if it ached to tell its story.

Or maybe it ached to write a new one.

His breath tickled along my neck, blowing strands of my hair around us as he leaned over my shoulder. His hands caressed the back of mine as he carefully set them on the guitar.

My fingertips pressed the strings down onto the fret as Sebastian lightly covered them with his own. A gentle guidance. A quiet encouragement.

Our spirits one.

As if he understood my own ache. As if he were the only person with the capacity to feel the hole left when I’d given up my dreams because I was never willing to pay the price.

Not when the price was my daughter.

But that didn’t mean the need to create, to compose, and to play didn’t burn from within.

And I knew. And I knew. And I knew.

Sebastian Stone had been created for me.

A thrill rushed through my nerves, because I hadn’t made music in so very long.

Together we strummed.

Sebastian’s voice rasped at the shell of my ear, the lyrics broken and unpolished as he whispered the beginnings of a soul-baring song.

You.

Came like a storm.

In the distance.

Coming closer.

I felt comfort and surety in the choice we’d made.

The jump we’d taken.

And together, we fell. Fell into the song, our fingers finding our own perfect rhythm on the strings. Fell into the words, our spirits and tongues coming together to tell our story.

Fell further into beauty.

Fell into a sea of stars that blinded my eyes. Where we floated in a high place that belonged only to us. A place that didn’t belong to this world.

In a place where Sebastian and Shea Stone would never end.