Insistent

by Kaylee Ryan

  “Pfft,” Cole comments. “Who gives a fuck about time? You do what makes you happy. If I could have, this one”—he puts his arms back around Stacy when she sits back beside him—“would have been married and pregnant in week one.” The group laughs, and I can feel Cass relax even further.

  We talk a little more, and the girls make plans to meet up with Cassidy as soon as we have the keys to see the new place. “You okay with that?” she asks me.

  “Cassidy, it’s your home, too. Decorate it however you want, paint it whatever color you want. I don’t give a fuck as long as when I go to bed at night, you’re lying there beside me.”

  The girls ooh and ahh, while the guys stay silent. I didn’t expect a reply from them. Every one of those fuckers fell just as hard as I did. Some faster. I’ve been wanting her from a distance for longer than I can remember.

  It’s Friday afternoon and all the gang is here, waiting on Shattered Heart to arrive. I arranged for a car to pick them up at the airport and take them to their hotel, then bring them here. Logan is here as well. She left Drew with Lauren and Zach, so she could come in and help me get everything together. I told her I could handle it, but she insisted. I’m grateful she’s here. It’s nice to not be the only woman in the sea of men.

  “Apparently, they have a manager,” I tell the guys and Logan as we sit around the conference table. “They e-mailed me yesterday stating he was coming with them, and they would arrange for him to have a room, that we didn’t need to worry about it. Of course, it worked out. I booked them a suite that has a fold out couch. It was more cost effective than four separate rooms,” I explain.

  “Good call,” Logan says. “I would have done the same thing.”

  Logan and I are a lot alike in that aspect. Just because the guys can afford it doesn’t mean they need to be lavish and waste money. Especially with a band that’s not even signed yet. Who knows how this meeting will go. They were cocky the night of the festival, but it was obvious they’d had a few beers. I know these four will not put up with that. Gavin and I both relayed that information but felt it was worth a face-to-face anyway.

  When the buzzer over the front door alerts us that they’ve arrived, I stand to go greet them. The underground garage is for us only. That way we always know that when we drive in, it’s safe, no matter what time of day or night. It was open to anyone previously, but when the guys bought the label, they changed it. They take the protection of their families very seriously. My heart swells in my chest knowing I’m a part of that now. I hope to be for a very long time.

  I round the corner and see Brian, Alan, Scott, and Eric, the members of Shattered Heart. There is a fifth person in the back, but I figure we can meet once we’re in the room. “Gentlemen, thanks for coming. How was your flight?” I ask politely.

  “Good,” one of them speaks up from behind me.

  “I hope the room works out for all of you,” I say, leading them toward the conference room door. We’re just walking through it when one of them speaks up.

  “You could come by later and check it out yourself.”

  My eyes go wide. I know that voice. Apparently, the guys do, too. They all stand, and Gavin rushes to me, grabbing my hand and pulling me behind him. A quick glance beside me and I see Kacen has done the same with Logan.

  “First of all, you ever fucking look at her or speak to her like that again, I’ll tear your fucking head off.”

  “What the fuck are you doing here? You’re supposed to be in jail,” Cole seethes.

  Looking over, I see Tristan has a hand on Cole’s shoulder, holding him back. Jones, the bastard who pushed himself on Stacy, the previous owner of Stone Records now Soul Records, stands before us wearing a sleazy grin.

  “Cassidy, Logan, you ladies are looking sexy as always,” he says, and I hear all four of the guys growl. “Cole, where’s that lady of yours?”

  Cole lunges for him, but Tristan holds tight.

  “Get the fuck out of here,” Tristan seethes.

  “What in the hell is going on here? What are we missing?” Brian, the lead singer for Shattered Heart, speaks up.

  “What’s going on is this fucked asshole tried to rape my wife, his ass was thrown in jail for that and a whole host of other things,” Cole grits out.

  “You what?” Brian turns to Jones. “You told us you knew them from being in the industry.”

  “It’s not my fault you weren’t smart enough to do your homework.”

  Jones pulls out a gun and points it at Cole, and I bury my face in Gavin’s back. His hand that is still on my hip behind him tightens. Gavin’s phone is sticking out of his back pocket. Luckily his broad shoulders shield me. Logan finds my eyes and nods. She, too, is hidden behind Kacen. Making sure the phone is turned to vibrate, I dial 911 and pray they can catch the conversation and they get here fast.

  “You,” Jones roars, “you and that stupid bitch. I should have just fucked her. I paid for it regardless.”

  Anger pitches his voice high. He sounds unhinged, and knowing he has a gun, he’s completely batshit crazy. I pray the police get here soon.

  “Did you really think I would let you get away with it? Let you get away with ruining my life, buying my label?”

  “Fuck you!” Cole sneers.

  “We bought this place from the bank. It’s not our fault that you’re a slimy bastard and lost it all,” Tristan seethes.

  Gavin and Kacen have been calm, both have a tight grip on each of us. I assume that’s the only reason they’re not firing off as well.

  “You, the four of you and your bitches, you ruined my life.” His angry voice is piercing, dangerous.

  “Hey, man, why don’t you calm down, give me the gun?” This from one of the guys in Shattered Heart.

  “Fuck off, get over there,” he sneers. “All of you get the fuck over there!” he roars. Footsteps sound across the floor and then his manic laugh. “Looks like I got me a little firing squad,” he boasts. “Logan and Cassidy, get your asses out here. Stop hiding,” he rants.

  “Over my dead fucking body,” Gavin says. His voice is deep and menacing.

  “Put the fucking gun down, Jones. Do really want to go back to prison?” Kacen asks him.

  “Why the fuck not?” he asks. “My life is ruined. I can’t get a job. This is all I know, and you all fucked me over.”

  “You tried to rape my wife!” Cole booms, causing me to jump. Looking over at Logan, I see she has a tight hold on Kacen’s shirt. I can imagine the fear in her eyes is the same vision reflected back at her in mine.

  “Put the gun down,” Tristan says, his voice threatening.

  “Fuck you!” Jones screams.

  When a shot rings out, I fall to my knees, bringing Gavin down with me. I’m holding on to him as if he’s a life preserver in the middle of the ocean. Chaos is breaking out with lots of screaming and yelling, another shot rings out, and I cringe, trying to get closer to Gavin. I’m shaking, and tears are running down my face. I don’t know what’s happening because I’m too scared to look. All I know is that Gavin has a tight hold around me and he keeps whispering that everything is going to be okay.

  “Police!” I hear shouted, and then the command for Jones to put his gun down. Another shot rings out, more screaming, more chaos, and all I can do is hold on to Gavin, praying we get out of this alive, that we all do.

  We just agreed to move to the next chapter of our lives and now this. Gavin’s words telling me that life is too short races through my mind on a loop. He’s right, and I send up a silent prayer that if we make it out of this, no more holding back. I want him, I want everything, and I won’t let fear keep me from it.

  Life is too short.

  “Cass, baby, it’s okay. It’s over,” Gavin whispers.

  Over? I try to process what he’s saying, but fear has me frozen in place. I keep my head buried in his chest, and my grip on his shirt is tight as I pull myself closer to him.

  “They have him, Cass. It’s okay, baby.
I’ve got you,” he murmurs. His hands stroke gently over my hair, and he alternates between kissing me on the temple and whispering over and over again that it’s over. “Let me see those eyes, gorgeous.” His voice is low and calm. I listen, and the madness just surrounding us seems to have faded. Slowly, I lift my head and he smiles. “There she is.” He cups my face in his big hands. “You good? Are you hurt?”

  “No. I’m not hurt, are you? The gun shots… is everyone okay?” I look around. There are some cops talking to the others, but I don’t see Jones anywhere.

  “No one got hurt. He was shooting in the air, crazy motherfucker. They got him. He’s in cuffs, and he’ll be going back to jail for a long time.”

  “Everyone’s okay?” I ask again, running my eyes over every inch of him, searching for an injury.

  “We’re all good.” He kisses my lips quickly then stands, pulling me up with him. Over the next couple of hours, we each give our statements to the police, and the entire time, Gavin never lets me out of his sight. He has his hand on the small of my back, his arm thrown over my shoulders, his arms wrapped around my waist from behind. Never once does he break the connection between the two of us.

  Once the officers clear out, we decide that calling it a day is best. The decision is made to meet back here tomorrow morning. The guys from Shattered Heart apologize over and over, and we tell them it’s not their fault. Jones is an evil man. They were played.

  “Ready to go home?” Gavin asks.

  Funny how when he says home, I no longer think of my condo but his. “Yeah.”

  Once we’re in his truck, he looks over at me. “I could have lost you today.” He tucks a curl behind my ear. “I’ve never been that scared, Cass.”

  “I love you.” Three little words that don’t seem like nearly enough, but I hope he understands what I’m trying to convey.

  “Love you, too.” He kisses me quickly and then hits the door sensor to drive out of the underground garage.

  All I want to do is shower, then curl up in bed with him. I need him close. I need to feel his heartbeat under my palm. I just need him.

  I’m driving on autopilot. My grip on Cassidy is firm and unyielding. Today was fucked. Fucking, Jones, I hope they throw the motherfucking book at him. I’ll be calling our attorney. I want to press charges, anything that will stick. I want them to throw it at him. I’m sure the guys will agree.

  When I think about how she was in danger, and Logan too, fuck, I want to rip him limb from limb. My grip on the wheel tightens and apparently, so does my grip on Cass.

  “Hey.” She rubs her hand up my arm. “We’re okay,” she soothes, knowing exactly what’s going through my mind.

  Lifting our joined hands to my lips, I kiss her knuckles. I need to get home and I need her in my arms, sooner rather than later. I press the accelerator a little harder. When we pull up in front of my place, I turn off the engine and look over at her. “Wait for me.” I rush out of the truck and to her door. She has it open and is waiting, legs turned sideways, waiting for me. Gripping her hips, I place her on the ground. Keeping one arm around her, I close her door and lead us into the house.

  As soon as the door is shut and locked, I crush her in my embrace. “I love you, Cass,” I whisper.

  Her hands thread through my hair as she murmurs that she loves me, too.

  “I need to show you, Cass. I need….” My voice trails off when she places her delicate finger over my lips.

  “Yes. To whatever it is you need, my answer is yes.”

  I crush my mouth to hers, my tongue pushing past her lips, swirling and dueling with hers. Tasting her, but it’s not enough. Lifting her in my arms, I head upstairs to our bedroom. It stopped being just mine the first night she stayed here. Forevermore, anything of mine will be hers.

  I bypass the bed and go straight to the shower. I need to wash away the day, wash away the grime of being in the same room with that psycho. I need to try and wash it away from her. I don’t want anything from him to touch her. I can’t imagine what Cole is going through right now. I make a mental note to call him, but if I know Cole, he’s with his wife and son, doing exactly what I’m doing. Proving to himself that they’re fine. Stacy and Riley were not even there, and I know without a doubt that’s exactly what he’s doing.

  Setting Cass on the counter, I pry myself away from her to start the water. When I turn to undress her, she’s way ahead of me. She walks to me and pulls at the hem of my T-shirt. I lift my arms and bend down, allowing her to pull it over my head. Her hands run down my chest lovingly, as if she’s memorizing every inch of my skin. When she reaches the waistband of my jeans, she makes quick work of the button and zipper and tugs to get them over my hips. They drop to the floor, boxer briefs and all. I step out of them, kicking them to the side.

  Without a word, I bend, place my hands on the back of her thighs, and lift. She jumps and wraps her legs around my waist. I step into the shower and let the hot water rain down on us. My face is buried in her neck, and her hands are gripping my hair.

  “I’m right here,” she whispers.

  My grip tightens. Fuck, I can’t lose her, not now that she’s mine. I finally have her, we’re moving forward, and that motherfucker puts her at risk. I kiss her neck, needing to taste her. I need all of my senses wrapped up in nothing but Cassidy.

  “I could have lost you.” Her words echo my thoughts.

  Finally, I lift my head to look at her. “I don’t know what I would have done had something happened to you.”

  “To any of you,” she amends. “Our friends, your family, the other band, he put us all in danger,” she says quietly.

  She’s right, I know she is, but I can’t get past the part where she could have been hurt. I adjust my hold on her as our skin grows slippery from the hot water raining down on us. My cock is nestled in her heat, and with a gentle push, I slide home, filling her. Her hold on my hair tightens, and a soft moan falls from her lips. My grip is strong, so I know I can move, and she’ll be safe, but I just want to remain like this, for just a minute. I just want this feeling to wash over me. She’s my home, my everything, and I want to bask in her heat, and in the knowledge we’re both home where we belong. Safe.

  “Gav?”

  I lift my head to look at her. Her eyebrows are furrowed and her eyes full of concern. She has nothing to be worried about. I have her here safe in my arms, that’s all I’ll ever need. “Marry me?” The words escape my lips before I realize it, but I don’t regret it, and I won’t take the question back. Her mouth is making a cute little O of surprise, but it doesn’t stop me from asking again. “Marry me.” This time it’s less of a question and more of a demand. I need her with me, like this forever.

  She opens her mouth, then shuts it again. She starts shaking her head, and I begin to formulate a plan. I need her to be my wife. “Only you,” she whispers, a smile forming on her lips.

  “I need your words, baby.”

  “Yes.”

  I rock my hips and pull out, then push slowly back inside of her. “Yeah?” I ask, sliding out and easing my way back home.

  She nods, and this time her smile shines through, and it’s blinding. “Yes.”

  I kiss her. My lips devour hers as I slowly make love to her. I stop rocking my hips and focus on her lips. I trace her bottom lip with my tongue, nipping it with my teeth and then soothing it once again with my tongue. “I love you,” I whisper, kissing her slowly as if I have all the time in the world. She lifts herself up, gripping her legs around my waist, and then lowers back down. She repeats this three times before I get the hint. “You need more, baby?”

  “Yes,” she moans, as I meet her downward thrust with one of my own.

  “That’s my new favorite word from you,” I say, rocking into her.

  “I need more,” she says, sapphire eyes blazing.

  Who am I to deny my fiancée anything? Taking a few small steps, I push her against the wall and give my girl what she wants. I thrust hard and f
ast over and over, and in no time, she’s gripping my cock; her walls are going crazy, and I’m chasing her orgasm as much as I’m chasing mine.

  “Yes,” she pants. “Don’t stop. Please, don’t stop.” She clings to my shoulders, digging her nails into my flesh, and I love it.

  “Never,” I assure her. I’ll never stop loving her, or making love to her. Never stop chasing our mutual pleasure. I have the rest of our lives to show her that.

  “Gavin!” she screams, and her pussy grips me like a vise. I try to hold off, but it’s too much. I release inside of her, giving her everything I’ve got.

  Once we’ve caught our breath, I lower her to her feet but keep my arms wrapped around her.

  “My legs feel like Jell-O,” she says with a laugh.

  “That means I did my job.” I kiss her temple. Reaching for the body wash, I wash every inch of her creamy skin, then her hair. She rinses off and steps out of the shower while I finish up. When I turn off the water, she’s standing there, a towel wrapped turban style around her head and one around her body, holding another out for me.

  “Thank you, fiancée.” I grin.

  She just shakes her head and smiles.

  “We’re doing this, Cass. You’re not backing out on me. I got your words, you said yes,” I remind her.

  “Meh, it was the heat of the moment.” She turns and walks out of the bathroom.

  Fuck that. I chase after her, picking her up and tossing her on the bed. “Take it back,” I warn, poised over her, my hands at her sides.

  “And if I don’t?” she taunts. That’s when I know she’s fucking with me.

  “I’ll have no choice but to do this.” I pull on the corner of the towel that’s tucked in next to her plump breasts, holding it closed. It opens easily, and I take action, burying my fingers in her sides and tickling her. She squirms under me, her laughter filling the room.

  “G-G-Gav!” she squeals. “S-stop, please,” she begs.

  I freeze my hands. “Tell me,” I say, my hands poised for another attack.

  Her sapphire eyes smile up at me. “I love you, fiancé.” She smirks.