Lazarus

The feel of Drea’s hips in my hands is almost more than I can bear. The fruity scent of her shampoo mixed with the soft smell of her perfume causes my mouth to water. She smells so sweet, and more than anything, I want a little taste.

She leans back and presses against me as we move in time with the music. It’s not difficult for me to imagine what it would be like if we were alone in my bedroom instead of this dance studio.

I brush her hair aside, and the tips of my fingers trail along the bare skin of her neck. The distinct sound of her sighing in the way of pure pleasure causes my dick to jerk and stand at full attention. Combine that with the fact that she’s rubbing her ass against my crotch, and I’m sure she feels my raging hard-on.

“Drea.” Her name rolls off my tongue.

She slightly turns her head, and I’m tempted to do the one thing I’ve wanted to do since I laid eyes on her—taste her lips. All I have to do is move in a few inches.

I lean in a bit closer and run my nose along the smooth skin of her jaw. I want this. I want her so damn bad, it hurts, but she’s off-limits to me for so many reasons. No matter how much my body craves her, I have to resist.

She stares up at me with her big brown eyes. “Am I … doing it wrong?”

I swallow hard and do my best to regulate my breathing, so she won’t be able to tell how worked up I am. She can’t know how much I want her. If she knew and gave me the green light to act on my desire for her, I’d give in and take her. Fuck the consequences.

But I can’t do that.

Acting on impulse in the past is what got me into so much trouble. Living a life on the edge nearly cost me everything I’d worked for.

I refuse to be some spoiled rich kid who lives off his inheritance. I never wanted to live in the shadow of my father’s success. Making a way for myself in life has always been a top priority for me, and I was making a name for myself in the music business until I screwed it up.

I won’t repeat my past mistakes.

I have to keep my head in the game and my dick in my pants. I can’t fuck this up.

My fingers dig into her hips. “I think that’s enough for today.”

Neither of us moves. It’s like she’s just as reluctant to pull away as I am.

“Laz?” Drea says my name in a strained whisper, and my heart nearly jumps out of my chest.

With the way she’s looking up at me, the desire in her eyes is clear. I was told women in my group were off-limits, but I’ve never been good at following the rules.

I spin her around so she’s facing me, and I wrap my arms around her waist. Her tits press into my chest as I snake my arms up her back.

Our dance turns slow and deliberate. She wants me. I can see it in her eyes, and that’s one hell of a turn-on.

Drea nibbles on her bottom lip as her fingers find their way into the hair on the nape of my neck.

I hold my breath and begin to lean into her a bit more, ready to taste those luscious lips of hers, when the lights in the room flip on, causing me to squint.

“Oh, shit,” Cam says as he stands there, wide-eyed.

Instantly, I release Drea, realizing how close I was to fucking up everything I’d been working for since day one.

I step away from her and lift my chin, doing my best to pretend like Cam just walked into an innocent situation. “What’s up, man?”

“Maybe I should be asking you that question.” His eyes slide between me and Drea before he quirks an eyebrow.

By the expression on his face—the one that says “don’t fuck this up”, I can tell he’s not buying my act.

I roll my eyes. “Cut the shit. What’s up?”

He’s not exactly satisfied with my brush-off, and I’m sure, as soon as we’re alone, he’s going to be all over my ass about Drea. But I know Cam, and he’s not one for scenes, so he’ll let this go … for now.

“There’s an issue in the studio. Mickey needs you in the booth.”

I fold my arms across my chest. “An issue?”

He nods. “The girls have already begun fighting.”

I sigh heavily. “Shit. It’s only day one, and the fucking claws are coming out. What in the hell made me think a girl group was a good idea?”

“Because hot chicks singing sell a shit ton of records,” Cam retorts. “We just have to get in there and put a halt to this shit now before it gets out of control.”

“Who’s fighting?” Drea questions. “Is it Candace?”

He nods. “But, in all fairness, she didn’t exactly start it. She’s more defending herself against another girl who wants to take control and establish herself as the leader of the group.”

Drea’s gaze flicks in my direction. “My sister is used to being in control—not in a bitchy kind of way, though. She’s a perfectionist and prides herself on making sure things go smoothly.”

“That’s a excellent trait to have, but working in a group means compromise, listening to others, and taking their opinions into consideration. One person can’t get their way all the time. They have to learn to look at the big picture and see what’s the best thing for the good of the group.”

“She’s capable of all that. I promise you. Give her a chance. Don’t cut her.”

I stare into her brown eyes and see worry clouding them. The urge to ease her mind surges through me, so I feel like a little honesty will go a long way with her.

“You don’t have to worry about me cutting your sister.”

Relief floods her face. “I don’t?”

I shake my head. “Next to you, Candace is the best singer in the group. We need her … and you. The two of you are the stars of this group when it comes to vocals. Dancing is your downfall, and that’s the only edge your sister has over you. Once you figure that part of it out, you’ll be unstoppable. The entire world will fall in love with you.”

The smooth skin on her cheeks turns pink as a bashful smile fills her face. “Thank you. That means a lot, coming from you.”

I lock eyes with her. “Well, it’s the truth. From the moment I saw you, I knew there was something special about you. It’s what made me notice you. We just need to get you confident in the dancing department.”

“Guys”—Cam’s voice cuts between us—“I’m all for the pep talks, but there’s a war going on in the studio, remember? I need you down there to defuse things.”

I nod. “You’re right. Let’s go.”

As I follow Cam down the hallway, Drea is in front of me. Now that I have a little distance between us, I can see what a mistake kissing Drea would’ve been. I know, once I’ve tasted her lips, a simple kiss won’t be enough. I will want more. I will want all of her. I’m not a man who’s used to denying myself pleasure, so I don’t know how long I’ll be able to keep resisting her.