“You were brilliant,” Hone said and, unable to help himself, he hugged her while they were both still holding their guitars. He stepped back with a grin, but kept hold of her free hand. “The crowd loves you.”
“Thanks. I have to admit, I was worried about the new songs.”
Hone led her backstage and tugged her from the path of the musicians loitering behind the scenes, ready to play.
“Katie-Jo!”
The manager guy—Kevin—glared at him. Interesting. Obvious he disliked Hone hanging around Cassie. Too bad. He’d had his chance and mucked it up. Cassie wouldn’t forgive and forget his betrayal. Besides, Hone was certain she liked him a little now. This Kevin joker wouldn’t get his way this time.
Unless Cassie decided to sign another contract with him.
Hone pushed aside the concern and his taniwha’s snarl—luckily hidden amongst the rockin’ beat coming from the headline act who’d taken the stage.
“Kevin, what did you think of the segment?”
“The songs were good. Not your best, but they went down well with the crowd.”
Hone found himself gaping as her manager tried to undermine her confidence. He opened his mouth to slap the man down but Cassie beat him to it.
“Bullshit, Kevin. What are you drinking? The crowd picked a new song for my encore.”
“Because they don’t know you here. They haven’t heard your songs before. This isn’t a good test. You’re better going the pop route. I think—”
“You know what, Kevin? I don’t care about your opinion, and this isn’t the time or place to discuss it. I’ll give you a call and make an appointment to see you when I get back to Los Angeles. You coming, Hone?” She stomped away, and both men stared at her retreat.
“You won’t keep her,” Kevin snarled.
Hone forced himself to meet the other man’s gaze, forced his taniwha to behave, forced calmness to his tense muscles and gestured with a hand shrug. “Hey, I’m just the music man.”
He ambled after Cassie. The last thing he wanted was for the man to hurt Cassie again. After all, he’d discovered jealousy could make a taniwha do stupid things. A human male was probably no different.
His phone buzzed as they exited the performers’ room. Fresh air washed across his face as he answered. “Hey, Jack. Did you guys catch me playing?”
“Is that Jack and Emma?” Cassie asked.
“Yeah.” He raised his hand in a hang-on motion. “Wait. What? Crap. You okay?”
“What is it? What’s wrong?” Cassie demanded.
“Okay, we’ll meet you at the gate. Just a sec.” He lowered the phone. “Do we need to hang around for much longer?”
“I’d like a quick word with Charlie about the show next week. We can leave after that.”
“Yeah, we won’t be much longer.”
“Why don’t we meet them at the pub we passed? The one just down the road. That way we can grab something to eat. I’m starving. A sandwich won’t cut it tonight.”
“Good idea. Jack. There’s a pub called The Thirsty Cricket. You should have seen it on the way to the vineyard. Yeah. We’ll meet you there. Grab menus. We’re both starving.” He hung up. “We have a date. You were great out there. I am in awe of your talent, and the crowd loved your songs. All of them. Don’t let that fool manager of yours pierce your confidence. If you don’t believe me, ask Jack and Emma. They were in the crowd and will have ground-level feedback.”
Cassie beamed and darted close to press a quick kiss to his lips. “I was excellent tonight. Don’t worry about me. I don’t understand the game Kevin is playing, but I won’t fall for it. The man is an ass.”
“That’s my girl.”
“I need a shower. Do I smell?”
She smelled like him, not that he intended to impart that knowledge. “You’re good.” He nuzzled her neck. “You smell like flowers and woman. Perfect. Let’s go and find Charlie then we can have dinner.”
Charlie found them. “Thank you, Katie-Jo. The crowd loved your segment. Several people have told me they enjoyed the unplugged aspect because it helped your voice shine. I have to admit I was hesitant because you were an unknown quantity. I researched you, of course, but…” He gave a shrug. “If it’s all right with you, I’ll give you a longer segment next weekend. Enough for two more songs.”
“I’d love that,” Cassie said.
She beamed and looked so beautiful Hone wanted to drag her back to their room. Eating was overrated.
“Excellent. I’ll see you there. Call me if you have any questions. You have my number.”
“Thanks, I will. See you next weekend.”
Charlie left, and they made their way to the carpark.
The moon hung low on the horizon, a copper red in color. Some would say a portent of bad tidings. Hone suppressed a shiver, even though he knew the red glow was likely due to the bush fire they’d had up here this week.
“Is something wrong with Jack and Emma?”
“You could say that. I’ll let them tell you. Why don’t you text Emma and tell her we’re on our way?”
Hone seemed tense and had done since Jack had rung. Actually, he’d seemed strained since Kevin had approached her after the show. Slimy worm. Her manager, not Hone.
Hone…
Visions and memories of their last bout of sex, slow and gentle then fast and crazy as lust had overtaken them both made her smile.
Best. Weekend. Ever.
She tapped a quick message to Emma before shifting her thoughts back to Kevin. He’d done this before—tried to undermine her confidence. In hindsight it was always when he wanted her to do something. Gah! He’d turned her into a needy mess of a woman who relied on others instead of trusting her instincts. She’d changed. All it had taken was one decision to come home because no matter what her mother said or tried to tell her, New Zealand was home. Once she’d arrived, spending time with Emma had been all she needed to straighten her mind.
Kevin used manipulation to steer her in the direction he wanted.
No more.
“You’ve got your fierce on. What’s the problem?” Hone whipped into a parking spot.
“I was pondering which songs to add for next weekend.” Liar. A quick glance told her he’d bought her line.
“Do you have more new material?”
“A couple, but they’re rough.”
“Work on them. Even if you only add one new one and a cover, the audience would be pleased. You were incredible tonight.”
“Thanks.”
“If you don’t believe me, check with Emma. She won’t lie to you.”
“No, she won’t.”
They walked into the pub hand-in-hand. She hadn’t expected Hone would be a demonstrative lover, but he seemed to savor the contact. He made those weird purring sounds that made her tummy roll in a good way. Unlike Kevin, he didn’t have secrets and agendas.
“They’re over there,” Hone said with a jerk of his head.
“Good timing,” Emma said as they neared. “They said the kitchen was closing, so we decided to order for you.”
“Did you enjoy the show?” Cassie asked, the suspense killing her. She thought the show had been good, had been pleased until Kevin.
“I wish you could have heard the comments from the crowd,” Emma said. “Tell her, Jack.”
“You’ve made new fans. The ones sitting near us intended to download your music online.” He grinned at Hone. “You thinking of changing professions?”
Hone snorted as he slid into the booth beside her, effectively trapping her against the wall. Their thighs brushed and suggestive tingles roared to life in Cassie.
“I was scared shitless. I didn’t think I would be, but I had to force myself to walk on stage. I don’t know how Cassie does it.”
“Both of you were awesome. I enjoyed the show,” Emma said.
“Thank you. That means a lot to me.” Cassie studied her friend, then her attention slid to Jack. “What’s wrong?” Despite Emma’s enthusiasm and Jack’s words of encouragement both of them seemed off.
“Our house burned down.” Emma snuffled, and a tear rolled down her face. “We…we’ve lost everything. The fire brigade couldn’t save it.”
“What happened? How?”
Emma did some silent husband-wife communication with Jack, shrugged. “Maybe an electrical fault.”
“You’re insured?”
“Yeah,” Jack said.
Emma sniffed. “It’s only stuff, but…but…” Her lip wobbled and Jack growled in the same way Hone did when he became emotional.
“Why don’t we visit the ladies’ room before dinner arrives,” Cassie said. “I wouldn’t mind checking my makeup. I didn’t have time before I left the vineyard.”
Emma sent her a grateful glance.
Hone stood and brushed his fingers over her cheek. “Shout if anyone gives you any problems. Jack and I will be there in a flash.”
“We’re just going to the restrooms. We’ll be quick because the smell of that food is divine.”
The minute he and Jack were alone, Hone pressed for details.
“June set your house on fire?”
“She wanted you and Cassie. When we refused to tell her anything, she ceded most of her control to her dragon. God, Hone. Smoke was coming out her nose.”
“Where was Samuel? Manu? They usually rein her in when she loses her temper.”
Jack grimaced. “Not this time. We left before they arrived.”
“She still searching for us?”
“As far as I know. I haven’t contacted Manu in case June learns something she shouldn’t. Hone, I’ve never seen her like this. She is out of control.”
“Manu needs to step up.”
“Yeah,” Jack said grimly. “He has to stop playing inventor-boy and acknowledge he’s next in line to rule.”
“He doesn’t want to lead.”
“Too bad.” Jack scrubbed his hands over his face before he met Hone’s gaze. His expression told of his anguish, his taniwha bleeding through the human half of his psyche. “Fuck, I thought we were going to die. June considered it. I saw it in her body language.”
“Do you have somewhere to stay tonight?”
“Not yet. I decided it was best to get out of Auckland. I rang your father to tell him what happened. He suggested we stay under the radar.” Jack frowned. “George sounded worried. Without saying it, he told me to guard both you and Cassie.”
“Crap.” His father always remained calm under pressure. Always hard to read, he gave away only what he wished to reveal. “Stay with us. There’s a spare room. I’ll square it with the management. Did you save anything?”
“We have our vehicle plus the clothes on our back. Fuck, if she has hurt my cat…”
“Tom will be fine,” Emma said, appearing beside them. “He’s a tough tomcat.” Emma had fixed her makeup although her bloodshot eyes gave away the fact she’d cried. She squeezed Jack’s shoulder before she slid into the booth.
A sliver of fear worked through Hone. If June hurt Cassie, he didn’t know what he’d do. “Where’s Cassie?”
“Two fans stopped her for autographs and pictures.”
“Fuck.” Hone jumped to his feet and was at her side before he’d decided what to say. Photos. Social media. A big, fat hell no. “Hey, C-Katie-Jo. Your dinner has arrived.”
“Just one more photo,” a young woman pleaded. She snapped a selfie with Cassie before Hone could stop her. “Thank you,” she gushed.
“Dinner.” Hone gripped Cassie’s forearm and led her to their booth.
“You didn’t have to be so rude.”
“With all the weird things happening you shouldn’t publicize your whereabouts.”
“But I’m in disguise.”
“Hone is right,” Emma said, cutting through Cassie’s argument. “You can’t be too careful. Our house was set on fire. What if it’s all connected?”
Cassie plonked onto the seat, her cheeks paling. “You think this is linked?”
Hone was certain it wasn’t but if Cassie became warier, all the better.
“We don’t know for sure.” Emma swallowed. “We’ll have to wait for the police reports.”
“I’m sorry. I didn’t think,” Cassie said, sounding miserable.
The waitress rocked up with their meals. Jack and Emma had ordered him a steak while Cassie had fish and chips with salad.
“Where are you guys staying tonight?” Cassie asked.
“They’re staying with us,” Hone said.
“Great,” Cassie said. “Hone said we could go to the Matakana farmers’ market tomorrow and we’re going snorkeling again.”
“No swimsuit,” Emma said.
“Actually,” Jack said with a hint of smugness. “You’re in luck. I put your swimsuit in the vehicle yesterday. We have swimsuits and towels and the clothes on our backs.”
Later that night, Cassie snuggled up to Hone. “I’m too wired to sleep.”
“Excellent,” Hone said. “What should we do?”
“Play tiddlywinks?” A smile tugged at her lips in the darkness.
“I can see those pearly whites, Cassie Miller-Pope.”
Her grin broadened as she sought his lips. She missed, but it didn’t matter. She—plump and with no drive or ambition, according to her mother—was naked and in bed with a total hottie who delighted in her curves and thought her musical talent rocked. He’d told her so. A lot to celebrate.
Her mind drifted to Emma and her jubilation faded. Poor Emma and Jack. Maybe she could offer them her house as long as they wouldn’t mind her living there too. She’d suggest it tomorrow.
“Hey, where have you gone?”
“I’m right here, silly.” She pressed a kiss to his chin because she could. His stubble tickled her lips, and that was enough to bring on the happy again, her body language broadcasting her feel-good mood.
“Your mind is busy. I can hear it ticking over.”
“I was thinking I’d offer Emma and Jack the use of my house as long as they wouldn’t mind me staying in one of the rooms. I won’t be there for long.”
“You leaving?”
His sharp tone made her tummy tingle. Did he not want her to leave? She didn’t want to go, but Hone wasn’t forever material, not with his track record. The best she could hope for was to stay friends.
“Cassie?”
“I’m not sure what to do, to be honest. If I sign with Kevin again—”
“Why do you have to sign with him? Aren’t there other managers who wouldn’t treat you like crap?”
Another manager. Holy crap. “I must be slow because that hadn’t occurred to me. I’ll check it out tomorrow.”
Hone exploded into action, rolling her under him and sealing her shriek of surprise with his lips. “I have the solution to stop that busy mind of yours.”
“You do?”
“Yeah.”
He kissed her, the tempo slow and sexy and toe-curling good. A sigh tickled her throat as she opened to him and accepted the thrust of his tongue, the bite of sharp teeth at her bottom lip. That bite—his bite—shot down her body to land between her legs.
One thing was true. His talented touch turned her into a wanton, and she’d never had as much fun with a man. Oh, she watched the envy on other women’s faces. Easy to see their astonishment. Emma suffered through the same thing, yet Jack didn’t notice anyone except his wife. That gave her hope…
Aw, who the hell was she kidding? Hone was a player who quickly became bored with one woman, and she…she had a music career in another country. New Zealand didn’t rate as the land of musical opportunities, as much as she’d love to stay. Her home here could only ever be a vacation home.
“Cassie, you’re denting my pride,” Hone whispered, a thread of pique winding through his words. “If you’re tired, tell me, and I’ll roll over and go to sleep.”
“Huh! You’re having as much trouble sleeping as I am.”
Hone rocked, his cock rigid against her stomach. “That’s true, but with me it’s sexual frustration.”
“Poor baby.”
“Now you’re mocking me. Do you know what happens to women who misbehave?”
“No. What?”
He moved so quickly she hung over his knee in the time it took to process his action. A second later, he applied his hand to her butt. Smack. Smack. Smack.
“Ow!”
“Jack and Emma will hear.” He punctuated his words with three more smacks at different angles and progressively nearer to her pussy. His big hand cupped the sex and rubbed it. Arousal took her by surprise, rendered her speechless. A finger burrowed between her legs, dipping into her heat.
“Focused. Totally focused.”
His satisfied chuckle tugged at her funny bone. The man was a menace to women. A menace and right now, he was her menace. Something fractured in the region of her heart, a frisson of pain, a smidgeon of lust and a gossamer thread of love blossomed.
Well, hell.
Hone smacked her again, the whoosh of heat no longer taking her by surprise. He smoothed his callused palm over her tender skin and dipped his finger close enough to her clit to make her gasp her delight. Not only was she enjoying the heck out of her time with Hone, she was learning about her sexual self. She didn’t mind a hint of pain with her loving. It ratcheted up the sensations.
“More,” she demanded.
Hone smacked her, striking her where butt and upper thigh met.
“Not there. I feel empty. I need that big cock of yours.”
“Why didn’t you say so?”
He moved again, lifting and rearranging her body with ease. Doggy-style. He seemed to favor this position, and while she’d never enjoyed it before, Hone made the sexual journey fun.
“Condom,” he muttered. “Where did we put them?”
“In the side pocket of my handbag.”
“Don’t move,” he ordered.
He returned in long seconds, the cracking and ripping indicating he was donning the condom. “See what you think of this,” he said, seconds before he applied cool gel to her flesh. It coated her clit, and he stroked it into her channel with his finger, first one and then two.
“Ow! Cold.”
“Stop complaining.” He slapped one buttock.
“You try it.”
“I put lube on my dick.”
“Condom-covered dick,” she pointed out.
He stroked his finger inside her, tickling her nub enough to make her pay attention. The gel heated with her body and continued heating until her flesh burned, her clit burned, the flames of arousal burned.
“Oh.”
“I see I have your attention now.”
His cock nudged her entrance, and he pushed deep with an unhurried stroke. “Damn, that’s good.”
Too good. That burning sensation had every thought, every sensation, every particle of her being focused on the flesh between her legs. A shudder rolled through her as Hone’s cock caressed her clit with each thrust. “Faster. Please, Hone. Faster.”
He laughed and pushed into her again, his strokes coming more often and striking her in exactly the right place. Of course, his talented finger with its precision work on her clit didn’t hurt. She gasped, briefly considered holding back to savor the sensation. Hone didn’t let her. He upped the pace of his strokes, the prick of his fingernails at her hipbones anchoring her in the moment.
Up, up, up she rose until she toppled over and shattered. She gasped hoarsely, the pleasure prolonged and intense. Hone plunged into her now, his strokes fast and choppy, his hands gripping her tight. He cried out, stilling as his cock pulsed deep inside her.
A sharp thump on the wall made her giggle. Hone grunted, the sound coming close to laughter.
Emma would tease her in the morning and Cassie didn’t care. She yawned once he withdrew and dealt with the condom.
“I might sleep now.”
“Me too,” Hone agreed as he wrapped his arms around her.
Cassie yawned again. How much longer would this last? One week? Two? Best she not worry about the future. One day at a time. That was the best way to go.
One day at a time.