Raven: Where are you?
Lucky: Refueling the coach in Baton Rouge. Ninety minutes from you. There’s work to be done, but I’ll see you soon. We'll talk.
CODE FOR GET naked and get Lucky.
I hoped.
In the shadow provided by the patio umbrella, my lips framed a secretive smile as I remembered my night in a borrowed bed with the Dragons’ lead singer. A pleasurable shiver rolled through me despite the sultry humidity. It had been no easy task to leave Lucky behind. Only the risk of being caught leaving Ryland's penthouse together had gotten me up and out the door at such an early hour. Even then, I’d barely had enough time to shove all my things into a suitcase and make the prearranged flight from Kansas City to New Orleans.
"So what’s next” Marsha asked from her seat on the other side of the wrought iron bistro table. “Besides you grinning every time your text message dings," she teased.
"Hmm.” My eyes sparkled as I considered her question. My excitement grew with each text from Lucky, knowing he was getting closer and closer. “Not much, I guess. I think we covered most of the high points. I doubt we have time for much else before the concert.” I set my phone down beside my plate and sorted through the remaining seafood on our fried platter. I popped a piece of gator into my mouth and chewed the perfectly battered morsel while enjoying the view. The French Market Restaurant’s second story balcony provided an unparalleled view of the Mississippi River. The sun sparkled on the surface of the water, the Steamboat Natchez paddles churned up foam as it whistled its departure. Reaching for my glass, I leaned back in my chair and brought the straw inside my bloody Mary to my curved lips. I couldn’t remember the last time I had felt so hopeful. Oh yeah, I could. Back in Boston. Those tour miles no longer felt as wearying after waking up in Lucky’s arms.
Everything about the day following my night with Lucky had been fantastic. I had floated through the French Quarter on feet that barely touched the ground. Why had I never visited the city before? A manageable eight hours by car from Dallas, now that I experienced what NOLA had to offer I knew I would be back. The architecture, the history, the music and the mysticism, not to mention the food, all of it had utterly beguiled me, much like a certain lead singer.
"Ignacio wants to redo some shots in Jackson Square while the sun’s going down," Marsha informed me.
"Sure. No problem." I glanced at the table where the crew sat and gave the director a nod. "But after that I’m done. I need a break from the heat." I wanted more than a shower and air conditioning before the charity concert tonight. I wanted a chance to talk to Lucky privately. I needed to run an idea by him, one that I had come up with as I’d looked over the bios on the plane. He wasn’t the only one who could be creative working around the WMO exec’s directive.
"I LIKE THAT post," Marsha commented as she read over my shoulder. "I think it’s cool that you are putting up observations about each guy." She smoothed a lock of my hair before dropping down on the bed beside me. I closed her laptop and set it aside. "The kindness of Rayne. The ‘never leave your bestie behind’ words of caution after JGB. The embrace your future attitude that King inspired.” She tapped her lips as she recalled my previous entries. “But I'm curious about today’s post. That business about the person you choose to be with being more important than anything else. That had nothing to do with Ryland, did it?"
"No." I shook my head. She knew about the switcheroo in the Noir guitarist’s bedroom. As if I could or would want to keep that from her. I had told her everything. "It’s something I truly believe after coming this far."
"I’m worried that some might read that post and wonder if your experimenting days are over." Her brow scrunched. "WMO for instance. It wouldn’t be good if they thought that you are losing interest in RFC or that your commitment to turning the tables on the status quo is waning."
"I don’t know if that was ever a realistic possibility. But I think we’ve definitely raised awareness and maybe laid the groundwork for someone else to pick up the RFC after me." I gave her a long meaningful look. I wanted her to be the star of the next season if WMO renewed the show. But before I could voice that thought my cell rang. "Hello," I answered.
"Angel,” Lucky said, and a thrill shot through me just from hearing his voice. “We need to talk." He sounded out of breath. "I can’t make it to your hotel and get back to sound check in time. The breaks between bands on the schedule are too short."
"Oh." My heart sank. I’d really wanted to see him before the show. To touch him. To talk to him. To reveal to him what I had planned.
"But I'll see you soon." A lift to his voice made his statement sound like a question.
"If you want to." I swallowed. We hadn’t made firm plans. Had I presumed too much? I felt like whatever was going to be between us, it was too irregular of an arrangement to allow for assumptions. Expectations needed to be painted in broad strokes. The finer ones could come later.
"Of course I want to, Raven." No hesitation in his reply. I exhaled my relief.
"Do you know anyone like Ryland in the lineup tonight?" I asked. "Someone willing to pretend like he did?"
"No. I was thinking you could choose me."
That was what I was afraid he might say. "You're not part of this,” I stated firmly. He would never be just a fuck. Never. I placed a premium on that distinction. "But I have an idea."
"One that doesn’t involve another guy fucking you?"
"Of course."
"Then I’m listening."
"It involves Ashland Keys. The drummer for the Dirt Dogs."
"You know him?"
"No, not really. But I discovered an interesting detail in his dossier. He’s a voyeur. He likes to watch.”
"I don’t see how letting him watch some other guy fucking you constitutes a solution." Lucky’s voice was barely above a whisper. I could tell he wasn’t pleased with my plan so far so I rushed to explain.
"Not another guy. A girl."
“Bloody hell,” he exclaimed. “Are you into that?”
"No.” At least I didn’t think I was. I had never tried it. “But I know he is. And I’m for any plan that keeps another guy’s cock out of me," I said bluntly. "For however long you want to be with me. I don’t want to be with anyone else." I swallowed. "Is that what you want?"
"Absolutely. But..."
"Then this is my solution. I don’t have a plan for Atlanta yet, but I’ll come up with one before we get there. This is what I have for now." WMO wanted edgy. I would give it to them.
"I don’t know."
"It’s the best I can do. I want us to have a chance, but I don’t have much wiggle room within my contract especially with a film crew following my every move. You can always say no. You’re free to walk away."
"I’m not going anywhere, Angel, unless I go there with you."
I HAD BEEN jonesing like a concert junkie to see the Dragons perform again. My cheeks had stayed warm the entire time they had occupied the stage, though Lucky hadn’t glanced my way more than once and the air conditioning in the Mercedes-Benz Superdome had been plenty cool. We both felt the pressure of keeping up the pretense, but pretense was hard for me to do considering how everything about him turned me on. His cocky walk. His sexy half smiles. The way he cradled the mic in his ringed fingers. His sublime voice.
By the time the headliners for the AIDS fundraiser emerged, I had mostly shaken myself out of my Lucky daze. The Dirt Dogs opened to thunderous welcoming applause. The SoCal surfers turned rockers had been around for as long as Noir had. Many of the fans around me seemed to be there to see them. Despite their recent retirement, the band had agreed to perform for a cause they all staunchly supported. I had an inkling why after talking with Ash on the phone earlier. Though it wasn’t widely known that he was HIV positive, he had wanted to be sure I was made aware of his diagnosis upfront before he had agreed to my proposal.
Lincoln Savage, the lead singer of the Dirt Dogs, launched his band straight into their high energy set. The blond haired blue eyed former pro surfer was a definite force at center stage. I had read that though he and Ash were actually cousins, they were as close as brothers. More alike than not, the lead singer had a lean athletic frame while the drummer was buff like an NFL linebacker. I noticed that Marsha didn’t seem at all interested in them or Ramon Martinez, the hot Hispanic guitarist. She kept her eyes locked on the handsome half Polynesian bassist Diesel Le.
"WHAT DO YOU mean you're not interested?" I demanded to know after the Dog’s polished performance. I put my hands on my hips. "You eye fucked him the entire time."
"He hates women,” Marsha returned. “I read about it in the bio.” A couple gave us a long look as they passed us and flashed their entry lanyards to the guard on their way into the after-party room. I wasn’t sure if they recognized us or just thought they should have given the fact that I had a stylist working on my hair and makeup out in the hall. “Diesel Le only wants them one way. On their knees. Fuck that." She stepped back making room between us so Carla could finish applying the smoky eyeliner. "But what about you? Are you sure about what you have planned for tonight?"
I bobbed my head. How hard could it be?
"Ok." Marsha came closer and tucked a curled strand of my hair behind my ear, her gaze searching. "I’ll be nearby the entire time. If you wanna call it off, it’s off." She tapped my nose. "Same rules apply. You decide. You're in charge."
"Got it," I agreed with a nod.
"Meet you in there," Carla said, patting my shoulder.
"C'mon." Marsha grinned first at me first then at the security guard. "Let’s go knock this latest group of rockers on their asses."
I followed her into the room. The music for a Dirt Dogs song that spoke of finding love your own way came on drowning out previous conversations. A cursory sweep of the interior revealed the usual accoutrements, tables with ice sculptures and catered food along with groupings of guests some standing, others sitting on folding chairs and many screwing already. I assumed my position, arms crossed in front of my face but stumbled on the first verse when I spotted a familiar pair of glacier blue eyes. I dipped my shoulder and from his position in a shadowed corner his gaze followed my movement, as the white silk men's dress shirt slipped off, giving him, my chosen fuck for the night and everyone else who was watching a tantalizing glimpse of what lay underneath...nothing. Just me. I spun on my bare feet, more graceful than I usually was without heels. Knowing Lucky watched raptly added an element of tension to the seductive routine which was really only another borrowed set of dance moves from high school. Ok, so the lack of clothing would have certainly gotten me expelled. And the kicks that lifted the hem enough to confirm that I was not wearing any panties would probably have gotten me arrested in a different setting.
Before the music faded the drummer approached me.
"Nice...tie." Ash smiled. He grabbed the perfectly knotted accessory and tugged me a step closer. "We'll put this to good use later." He crooked his finger to a platinum blonde. A fishnet and leather girl, she wore her hair close cropped to her head. I held my breath as the androgynous beauty strode directly to me and smashed her lips to mine.
She tasted like bubble gum lip gloss.
Kissing her was a totally different experience than kissing a guy, not unpleasant, but not really a big turn on, either. At least not for me. The blonde glided her mouth back and forth over mine and moaned like she was totally into it. I noticed that the room had fallen completely silent. I think I actually heard someone swallow. So I played along. Fishnet and leather seemed to want to lead so I let her. Her tongue penetrated my parted lips. Her hands wrapped around me and bunched up fistfuls of my shirt at my waist. I felt the cool rush of air on my ass. I heard a low male groan. Several of them actually. Ash was definitely one. Was Lucky another? The thought of the lead singer being turned on by this game of pretend made the moan I let out when the kiss deepened a real one.
"Take off her clothes, Renee," Ash ordered.
Renee nodded to the drummer, and I turned my head to the side catching Lucky watching. His dark eyes smoldered, his lips barely parted. I wanted...I wished...
"Gaze on me," Ash ordered, snapping my attention back to him. "I want to see how she makes you feel." I did as the drummer requested and realized by his lust graveled voice that Lucky wasn’t the only guy enjoying the girl on girl action.
"Slower, baby." Ash circled us while stroking his cock through his expensive looking trousers. "Give me some time to watch…both of you." Renee was already on the third button on my shirt. The red tie fell smoothly into the gaping space between my breasts. It covered my chain and the ring. Another button released, revealing my stomach and then yet another. Only two remained keeping my pussy from view.
"Stop." Ash voice cracked like a whip.
Renee froze with her hands on the next button. Her eyes met mine. They were mossy green, but her pupils were enlarged making them seem mostly black. She glanced down at my lips and leaned in. Her mouth hovered a humid breath away. She licked her tongue into the parted seam between my lips.
"You taste good.” Her voice was as bubble gum as her gloss. “Open your mouth for me." I flicked my eyes from her to Ash. His gaze was hot, but I really wished I had been able to see Lucky instead.
“Do it.” The drummer nodded at me so I complied accepting the kiss. Low appreciative sounds drifted into my mouth from Renee’s throat as our slippery tongues touched. She grabbed the back of my head with one hand to hold me in place and plunged her other inside my shirt. Her delicate fingers squeezed my breast. She wasn’t hesitant. She thrust her tongue deeper into my mouth and squeezed my tit harder. This time her nails scraped my skin.
I gasped.
"Gorgeous." I heard Ash rumble. Renee made a soft pleased sound as she released my lips. I opened my eyes. My gaze found and stuttered on Lucky's. Pure blue had morphed into the black of a starless night. Renee angled her head the opposite direction. I lost sight of Lucky again as she refastened her mouth to mine. Eyes closing, I felt both her hands closing around my breasts, lifting and shaping them. She was gentler this time. I imagined Lucky touching me. I imagined it was the edge of his teeth nipping my lips. Renee scraped her nails across my nipples. Ribbons of sensation shot from my breasts to my cunt as I imagined Lucky doing those things to me instead of the blonde. The shirt stretched tight at my shoulders to accommodate both her hands inside of it, the hem lifting exposing more of me. I heard heavy breathing. A groan. Not Ash. Lucky. I could feel his gaze on me. The insides of my thighs were slick. I was turned on. My breasts felt heavy, the tips drawn to points. I wanted his mouth on them. I wanted to feel the suction of his lush lips. Renee pulled back. She stared into my eyes a long moment. She was all I could see. Yet, Lucky was everything I was feeling.
Renee’s lips curled. "Your nipples are so pretty.” She watched my chest rise and fall with each rapid breath. “But they need to be sucked don’t they?"
I nodded slowly while staring at Lucky.
Ash moved, blocked my view.
“You touch me first.” Renee began to undo the eyelet front of her bustier. “So everyone can see how pretty I am, too. Then I’ll give you what you want."
“Alright.” I positioned myself with my back to the lead singer. I very much enjoyed having Lucky watching me, but I didn’t like the idea of him looking at her. I removed the remaining fastenings undoing them slowly. Ash shifted closer. Heavy, shortened, turned on breaths filled the room. The leather dropped to the floor. I traced my fingers across her full breasts. I plucked at her coral colored nipples mimicking her technique.
“Baby,” I said not having to affect a husky tone as I thought of Lucky. “Your tits are gorgeous.” A quick sweep of the room confirmed that our show had certainly captured the attention of the men and even most of the women. I imagined I could feel the heat of Lucky’s gaze on my back as I returned my attention to Renee, continuing the game. I licked my own lips, tasting her on them as I squeezed her breasts hard like she had done to mine.
“Make me ache.” She moaned. "Yes, just like that. I can feel my clit throbbing. You make me so wet. Did I make you wet, too?"
"Yes," I agreed, and it was the truth, but for a different reason.
“Come here.” She smiled and shifted toward me, removing the shirt from my shoulders, exposing my breasts to the cooler room air. Our change in positions afforded me a perfect view of Lucky. His hot gaze scorched my skin. My nipples drew tighter as Renee twisted them, and I felt it just like she said. My clit throbbed. My pussy was soaked. I ached to be filled by Lucky’s cock. Then she put her mouth on me. Licking. Sucking.
"Enough," Ash barked abruptly and cleared his throat. I opened my eyes as he touched me adjusting my shirt so I was covered again. He grabbed ahold of my tie and tugged it. "You two are hot as fuck.” His darkened gaze encompassed both of us. “But we're going to the room next door. We’ll finish this in private."
Ash threw his arms around both our shoulders. Renee left her bustier behind. She didn’t seem to mind stalking from the room half naked. I heard conversations resume as the door shut behind us. The security guard at the door gave Ash a look of deferential awe as he led his two prizes across the hall and into an adjacent room. Releasing us, Ash flipped on the light. He started to close the door but a body slipped through the gap.
"Lucky,” I said. “What..."
"No way am I leaving you in here alone with these two." The lead singer reached for me and drew me to him. Warmth swept through me as his arm tightened around my shoulder.
"You prefer dick to pussy." Renee gave me a knowing look and Lucky an envious glance.
“Raven is beautiful, responsive and comfortable with her own sexuality.” Ash commented quietly. “A potent mix."
"Yeah, mate. I know all of that. And that’s exactly why I need you to leave." Lucky's voice was unsteady. I flicked my gaze to him. He returned it. His expression gave me an anticipatory quiver.
"No problem." Ash agreed. He crooked his fingers to Renee and opened his arm. The blonde stepped into it. His gaze returned to Lucky. "I could see right away that she only has eyes for you."