High Tide

by Michelle Mankin

  “Max, I’m so glad you came back. Don’t leave me again. Please. I . . . I need you.” Without him, I would be all alone.

  “I won’t. If you want me to stay knowing all you now know, I’ll stay.”

  “Promise?”

  He pulled back and peered down at me, his expression serious. “I can’t give you a lot, Hollie. But I can give you that. I won’t leave you.”

  “No more.” My entire body vibrating like a tuning fork, I tried to shift away.

  “Be still.” Max stretched up his arm and covered my restless legs. Pressing down hard to hold me in place, he lowered his head again and resumed sucking on my toes.

  Thorough?

  Oh yeah. He had definitely been that.

  He’d nibbled on my ears. Licked my neck. Then he’ ordered me onto my stomach to rain his potent kisses on my shoulders, spine, arms, ass, and then the back of my legs before he flipped me over to work my front again. Watching me intently and seeming to note every nuance of my responses, he’d lapped at my breasts and suckled my nipples.

  I felt like a wanton. I was on fire, every fiber of my body drawn taut and stretched to the limit with need.

  “Please stop,” I begged again as his wet tongue darted between my toes.

  He grunted, licked my smallest toe, and then bit down on it.

  I moaned. My throat was rough from all my whimpering and moaning.

  “You think you’re ready for me?” he asked, lifting his head, his heated gaze revealing how turned on he was from turning me on.

  “Yes.” I tried to shift upward again, but he had my lower half pinned beneath his arm. “Please let me have you.”

  “You have me, shug.” Parting my legs, he moved between them. His glorious body was tensed as tight as mine was. His bicep flexing, he slowly ran his hand up my slick inner thigh. “Good thing I’m ready too.” His cock a divining rod for my wet pussy, he positioned himself and slid inside me inch by magnificent inch.

  “You feel so good.” I shuddered as he slowly withdrew until only the blunt end of him remained inside me. “More. Don’t tease. No more teasing.”

  Lowering himself over me, he pressed his solid chest into my aching breasts, and I arched into him. He captured my hands, threaded our fingers together, and lifted my arms above my head, pinning them to the mattress as he stroked deep inside me once again.

  “Oh, Max.” I breathed out his name as ripples of pleasure spread outward from where we were joined. “What are you doing to me?” Every inch of me tingled—my scalp, my toes, even the ends of my fingers locked in his grip.

  “You’re not in a position to demand anything. Just take what I give you.” He withdrew halfway. His expression as possessive as he was in possessing me, he paused, staring down at me with heavy-lidded darkened eyes. “Take all of me.” Then he surged back inside, stretching me.

  “Yes.” I wanted all of him. He filled me so full, so hot and hard, so very good.

  “Beautiful.”

  As he stroked in and out again, I moved with him. Lifting my hips to deepen the penetration, I clamped my inner walls tightly around his cock as he withdrew.

  “Hollie.” He groaned my name. “Yes, baby. You feel so good around my cock.”

  “I’m going to come,” I warned.

  “Then come, baby. I’m going to come too. So hard.” He plunged deep inside me, stiffened, and threw back his head. Roaring his release, he pierced the tight ball of need inside me and ripped it wide open.

  “Max,” I cried as I unraveled. Bits and pieces of my broken heart rose to the surface. All the wounded parts of me shone bright in my eyes. All of me for him to see.

  “I love you,” he said, lowering his head and dropping appreciative kisses on my face.

  Moving languidly together, we rode out the last tremors of pleasure together. Then he released my hands and collapsed his weight down on me.

  “Max, that was incredible. You’re so good. I don’t deserve you.” I wound my freed arms around him and squeezed him tight. But I didn’t return the words he gave me.

  I wasn’t ready.

  Deep down, I was afraid I might not ever be.

  “Shug. Wake up.”

  “What?” I pushed my hair out of my eyes and bolted up in bed, almost crashing into Max, who was leaning over me.

  “Your sister’s on the phone.” He thrust my cell into my hands.

  My heart hammering in my throat, I wondered why she was calling. Clutching the plastic casing, I put the phone to my ear. “Are you okay?”

  “Yes, I’m fine.” She sounded huffy. “You, on the other hand, are yet to be determined.”

  No crisis. She just wanted to chew me out.

  “Why are you calling?” I turned to look at the clock. “It’s four in the morning, Fanny.”

  “You’re on location. I’m surprised you were sleeping.”

  “I was tired.”

  My eyes met Max’s. When I saw he was watching me closely, I blushed. He was the reason I had no sleep, and after all we’d done, I had no reason to be shy.

  “I bet you were. Lots changed. Your hair color, for one. The trashy way you dressed for the premiere another.”

  “How do you know all that?”

  “Easy to find stuff on the internet. Social media is full of images. Flynn and you yesterday. You and Max today.”

  “Fanny,” I said, trying to cut in.

  “No, Hols. You need to listen.”

  “I’m not a little girl you can manage anymore.”

  “I know. You’re grown. I get that. Not sure I approve of the path you’re on, but I get it. You’re finding your own way. You’ll figure things out. Eventually. Sooner rather than later, I hope.” She sighed. “So, just tell me one thing.”

  “What’s that?

  “Are you okay?”

  “Why do you ask?”

  “Samuel ambushed you at the premiere. I saw the pictures. You looked . . . scared.”

  “I’m not.”

  “Hollie, you are. You should be. You and I both know how he is, and what he’s capable of.”

  “Hart’s handling Samuel. You need to stay out of it. It’s not for you to defend me.”

  “I’m glad you have Maximillian around.” She didn’t hear my rebuff or chose to ignore it. “It’s obvious he cares for you, and he seems like a steady influence.”

  He was, but I didn’t confirm or deny. I wanted to send him out of the room and tell her everything. I was dying to ask her if Ash was the one who said those three words to her first, and if she had any trouble saying them back to him, but I needed to be stoic and keep her at arm’s length to protect her.

  She spoke into the silence my troubled thoughts allowed. “I’m always going to be the older sister. I’m always going to care about you. I’m always going to look after you the best I know how.”

  “Don’t, Fanny.” If she kept pushing, I’d have to push harder to keep her away.

  “Diesel said you apologized to him. Why did you apologize to him but not me? Makes me wonder.”

  Crap.

  “Because I . . .” I froze, unable to think of a legitimate reason.

  “Ash thinks you might be distancing yourself from me on purpose. To keep me off our stepfather’s radar. He says it’s a self-sacrificing stunt like I might pull in your place.”

  Double crap.

  “It won’t work.”

  Triple crap.

  When I said nothing, she continued.

  “If you need some space, fine. I’m going to give you a little. You’re busy with the Valentine film. Sunup to sundown and repeat for the next three or four months. You’re going to be too tired to find trouble. And even if you’re not, Maximillian isn’t going to let anything happen to you.”

  Fanny let out a sigh. “I’m heading out on a short tour with the Dogs to help with Ramon’s solo album. But whether I’m in the penthouse in OB or on a tour bus in Des Moines, I’m always just a phone call away whenever you finally decide to wise up,
change your mind, and talk to me.”

  • • •

  We switched roles. Max made the coffee and I showered first, then we headed to the set together.

  At the studio, I went straight to makeup and wardrobe while Max went to human resources for a security badge. When I exited the costume room and stepped out into the hall, he was waiting for me.

  “Holy shit!” he exclaimed. “You don’t even look like the same person.”

  “Thanks.” My fire-engine-red lips curling, I did a little twirl in my stripper outfit and stilettos. “Crystal Gambino, at your service.”

  “Um, all right.”

  Max moved closer, so we were almost touching. He lifted his hand toward my face but dropped it before making contact, seeming to remember we were in public.

  “I’ll take you any way I can get you, Hollie. But I’m not sure how you want me to act here.” His gaze searched mine. “We didn’t get a chance to discuss it.”

  My brow creased. “A boyfriend wouldn’t be welcome on set.”

  “Then a bodyguard is what I’ll be.”

  “It might get a little uncomfortable.” I gnawed my lip, thinking about how uptight he’d been at the premiere.

  “I can handle uncomfortable. What I can’t handle is leaving you unprotected.” He glanced down the hall as someone entered it.

  Guessing, I said, “You promised Fanny.”

  “I did. But that’s not why.” He glanced back at me, and his fierce gaze pierced my cracked heart. “I love you. I couldn’t live with myself if something bad happened to you that I could’ve prevented.”

  I started to put my hand on his arm, but the wardrobe door behind us popped open, and Zachary Flynn appeared.

  “Hey, stripper.” His gaze slid past Max as he gave me the slow once-over. “You’re looking fine.”

  “Hey, Zachary. I’d like to introduce you to my bodyguard, Maximillian Cash.”

  Zachary lifted his chin to acknowledge Max, then took my arm and pulled me along with him down the hall. “We have a love scene today,” he said to me, dismissing Max.

  Not that a six-foot-six bodyguard was easy to disregard, just that Max didn’t rank as being worthy of notice by the superstar who earned $50 million per film.

  “I remember.” Behind me, I could feel Max’s gaze boring into my back. “Not that being shoved up against a wall in an alleyway constitutes a love scene.”

  “It does for our characters.” Zachary gave me a sideways glance. “Given their origins, it’s practically a Hallmark moment.”

  “You’re right.”

  “I’m always right. That’s why they pay me the big bucks. Plus, I’m insanely good looking.” He threw one of his arms around my shoulders and pressed the steel bar on the door in front of us with his other hand so we could exit the building.

  A muttered curse came from behind us and I glanced back, not sure if the scowl on Max’s face was because of the door closing on him or because Zachary had his arm around me. Likely, it was both. But more the latter.

  “Ride with me in my car.” My costar gestured to the first SUV idling by the curb.

  There were several. Everyone involved in the shoot today would convoy to the location. The driver rounded the hood and opened the rear passenger door for us.

  “I’ll just go in my own.” I glanced at Max. He was wearing his stony expression and polarized shades. I couldn’t read him.

  “Come in mine.” Zachary’s brow creased, and he frowned at Max. “Alone. You don’t need protecting from me. We should go over our lines. Get in character. It’s an intense set of scenes for us today.”

  “All right. Just give me a second.” I turned away from him and moved toward Max. He dipped his shaded gaze to acknowledge me when I stopped in front of him. “I’m going with Flynn.” I hooked a thumb over my shoulder.

  “Yes, Miss Wood.”

  “You can go in the second SUV.”

  “I can’t guard you if I’m inside the other vehicle.” He spoke without inflection, but there was an underlying edge to his tone that made me prickly and defensive.

  “This is my job,” I said in a low voice. “There isn’t anything romantic going on between Zachary and me.”

  “If you say so.” Max nodded once and moved away.

  I watched him go, feeling his disapproval, and it bothered me. I took one step to follow him, but Zachary whistled sharply and called my name.

  Torn for a moment, I glanced back and forth between the two vehicles. The choice of which to ride in seemed significant. But Max kept on the path he was on without looking back, and Zachary called me again.

  “C’mon, Hollie.”

  “Coming,” I said, turning and moving toward him in the opposite direction from Max.

  “I need a drink,” Max said as soon as we entered the condo that evening.

  “I don’t have any alcohol.” I dropped my chin. After a long emotional day on set, I was exhausted.

  “I’ll go to the liquor store around the corner.”

  “Okay, but . . .”

  “But what?” Key to the condo in his hand, he turned to glance back at me. He looked so handsome, like a businessman at the end of a productive office day wearing an expensive charcoal suit with a gray-and-black striped tie loose around his masculine throat.

  But the irritated glint in his eyes gave me pause. It had been difficult to concentrate and do my job knowing Max was irritated with me. It felt like the premiere all over again. Only he wasn’t drawing me close and declaring himself. He was going away from me, maybe punishing me for choosing to get into the car with Zachary instead of him.

  “Max,” I said, trying to find the words to explain. “Everything that happened today was just business. Acting.”

  “I know that. You’ve told me several times.” His eyes flared. “That you keep telling me makes me think maybe I should worry when I’d determined in my mind that I wouldn’t.”

  “Oh.” My mouth rounded.

  “I just saw the woman I love being groped, kissed, fondled, and fucked all freaking day by another guy. She seemed to enjoy it. I know it wasn’t real, but you’re such a good actress, it seemed real. I wanted to rip off Flynn’s head by the time the director finally called it a day. I’m pretty on edge, and I’m not fit to be around you right now.”

  “I’m sorry.” My eyes filled.

  Max dipped his head, turned on his heel, and slammed out the door.

  Maybe I should have said something about the alcohol, offered him an alternative to drinking. But he hadn’t given me a chance, and I wasn’t brave enough to risk a confrontation with him so angry.

  My hands curling into fists, I stared at the door, willing the tears back.

  This is part of being in a relationship. And with my profession, ours was going to be tougher than most.

  I turned away from the door, made myself eat the prepared meal the service had left behind for me, and tried not to worry.

  • • •

  Two hours later as I stepped out of the shower, I heard Max return.

  Belting on a robe, I exited the bathroom as he was entering the bedroom. He no longer wore his jacket, his shirt was untucked, and he was barefoot.

  “You’re so beautiful.” He only slurred his words a little.

  Don’t be scared. He won’t hurt you. Max would never hurt you. He’s not Samuel.

  “Thank you,” I managed to reply, though my voice was tinny with panic. “You’re not so bad yourself.” Nervous, I remained frozen as he moved closer and the alcohol fumes on him washed over me.

  “Speaking of bad.” He stopped and unthreaded his belt.

  My gaze dropped to it and the sliver of toned skin that his motion revealed. Desire stirred in me, despite my fear.

  “You’ve been a naughty girl today, kissing and grinding on another man.” He folded the leather in half and slapped it against his flattened palm.

  My eyes widened as it cracked.

  “Max.” I lifted my gaze and licked my
dry lips. “I know today was rough. I don’t know what you’re doing, but I think maybe we should just go to bed and talk about things in the morning when you’re sober.”

  “You do know. I’ll show you.”

  I wanted to protest, but like with his drinking tonight, I remained silent and followed him to the bed.

  He sat on it and beckoned me. Because his expression wasn’t threatening, I shuffled cautiously forward, but squeaked in surprise when his arm flashed out and he grabbed me. Throwing me facedown over his knees, he flipped my robe up, exposing my bare behind to the cool climate-controlled air.

  “Max, please—”

  “Silence.” He stroked my rounded curves with the unyielding leather.

  A rush of heat rolled through me at the memory of how masterfully he’d pleasured me the night before. My clit swelled, and my nipples pebbled against his hard thighs. I could feel the heat of his skin through the thin silk robe, and wiggled impatiently.

  “Be still.” He clamped his forearm down to hold me. A moment later, his belt whistled through the air and snapped against my skin, burning it like a flame.

  “I don’t like this.” Tears pricked my eyes. I felt humiliated, my trust betrayed. It didn’t seem right.

  “Quiet.”

  I tensed as the belt whistled, then cracked as it connected with my flesh again. The lower halves of both globes of my ass stung with stripes of fire now.

  “Who do you belong to, baby?”

  “You,” I cried out as he stroked his hand softly over the scorched patches of skin. The gentleness after the brutality made the gathered tears roll down my cheeks.

  “Good girl. No more pain tonight, only pleasure.” Max lifted me in his arms and hugged me tight to his chest for a long moment.

  Wanting his comfort, I almost threw my arms around his neck, but before I could act on that desire, he tossed me onto the bed. I bounced on the mattress once.

  When I managed to get my bearings, I came up on my elbows to see his shirt was already off. My mouth going dry, I watched him unbutton his trousers.

  After lowering his zipper, he peeled off his boxers along with the all-season wool pants. Stepping out of the remaining items of clothing, he moved toward me, his cock straight as an arrow.