Relentless (Nashville Nights)

by Cheryl Douglas

  He had the sneaking suspicion that little Miss Spencer wasn’t as innocent as she would have everyone believe, and that pissed him off. “Are you sleeping with anyone else right now?”

  She frowned, digging her heels into the bed as she slid back on the mattress. “What’s it to you?”

  He had never cared enough to ask that question before, and her evasiveness aggravated him even more. “If you’re sharing my bed, you’re not gonna be sleeping with anyone else.”

  She laughed. “That shouldn’t be a problem, since this is a one-night stand, remember?” She sighed when he didn’t respond. “I can tell you I haven’t slept with anyone else tonight, and if you’re as good as I think you will be, I won’t need to.”

  One-night stand, was he crazy? One night would never be enough to get his fill of her. Yet regular sex had a tendency to blur the line between casual sex and a relationship, and he wasn’t willing to sacrifice his freedom, no matter how hot she was between the sheets.

  He gripped the headboard above her head and propped a knee on the mattress, leaning into her. She smelled musky and sweet, a heady combination. “You’re trying to provoke me, darlin’. That’s a big mistake.”

  She raised a perfectly arched brow, a slight smile tipping her full lips. “I don’t like to play safe. I like my men the same way I like my ride, rough and dangerous.”

  His mind flashed to a magazine image of her on a custom chopper. He assumed it was a prop, but maybe he’d underestimated her penchant for danger. Could it be she was woman enough to take a walk on the wild side with him after all? “You ride motorcycles?”

  “Fast bikes, fast cars, fast men… let’s just say speed is like an aphrodisiac for me.”

  He smirked. “Honey, if you think speed is an asset in the sack, you’ve been with the wrong men.”

  She shook her head, denying his claim. “I’ve had some amazing lovers. Men that turn me inside out.”

  A streak of red-hot jealousy shot through him, rendering him temporarily speechless. “What do they do to turn you on?” he hissed.

  She grinned. “It’s a secret. Let’s just say you’ll know when and if you’ve reached the promised land.”

  He recognized a challenge when he heard one. By the time she left his room, he would have set the new standard by which she judged her future lovers. His gut clenched when he thought about her receiving pleasure at the hands of another man. “Lie down,” he whispered, his voice hoarse.

  “Let’s get this party started.”

  Nikki could tell by the dangerous gleam in his eyes that her prodding had unleashed a beast, and she couldn’t wait to experience his wrath. She gripped the frayed hem of her tank top, pulling it up just enough to reveal a few inches of smooth bronze skin. Looking good and taking care of her body was part of her job, and she took it seriously. Her personal trainer, Jake, was as ferocious in the gym as he was in bed, and it showed in every muscle she’d sweated to earn.

  She slid her shorts down just enough to reveal a colorful floral tattoo with a bird and banner that read “Siren” in fancy script.

  He raised an eyebrow at the sight of the colorful ink. “Nice. Got any others?”

  She grinned. “I’ll show you mine if you show me yours.”

  He chuckled, sliding the robe down to the tie at his waist.

  Her breath caught in her throat at the sight of all that mouth-watering bronze skin. The man was huge… tall, with absurdly broad shoulders and bulging muscles. He wasn’t ripped like Jake, but his sheer size made him more threatening. Given her slight stature, it made her question whether he was too much man for her, not that she wasn’t up for the challenge.

  He turned around to reveal a black and white portrait of a woman on his shoulder.

  “It’s beautiful,” she whispered, reaching up to run her fingertips over the soft image.

  “My mother,” he said quietly.

  “Are you a mama’s boy, cowboy?” It surprised her, given his reputation with women, that he would hold his mother in such high regard.

  He turned to face her, frowning. “Why does it surprise you that I’m close with my mama?”

  “Players don’t usually respect women; that includes their mamas.”

  He eased down on the foot of the bed, his eyes boring into her. “You’ve got it all wrong, baby. I love everything about women. Their sweetness, softness, the way they smell and taste…”

  A shudder moved through her at the picture he painted; the deep timbre of his voice warmed her as he conveyed his message.

  “I won’t make love to a woman unless I like and respect her.”

  She couldn’t tear her eyes away from his as she asked, “You don’t even know me. How do you know I meet your high standards?”

  “I know you’re talented, hard-working, ambitious, all qualities that I admire in a woman.”

  He definitely had her number. She smiled. “Go on.”

  “I know you’ve worked twice as hard as the other artists on your old man’s label.”

  She raised an eyebrow, surprised at his insight. “How would you know that?”

  “My brother talks about you. He likes you a lot, respects you as a musician, and as a friend. That’s good enough for me.”

  She smiled, pleased that Ty thought as highly of her as she did of him. He was one of the good guys: honest, reliable, hardworking, salt of the earth. Something told her that’s where the similarities between the McCall brothers ended. Ty was the easy-going, fun-loving artist the world had fallen in love with, while his brother was clearly the bad boy, intensely focused on his goals. Right now, she seemed to be the target he intended to conquer, and she couldn’t wait to have all of his attention centered on giving her pleasure. “I can’t wait to go out on tour with your brother. It’s gonna be a blast.”

  His dark eyebrows drew together, creasing his forehead. “He’s invited me along, when I’m not competing. Maybe I’ll have to take him up on it.”

  She shifted under his intense scrutiny. “Why would you wanna do that?”

  “To keep an eye on you, sugar.”

  Uneasiness settled over her. She was drawn to J.T. because she believed he wanted to satisfy their mutual lust and get on with their lives. She didn’t need or want a warden to monitor her every move. Her father already had that covered. “I don’t think that would be a good idea.”

  He leaned in, bracing his hands on either side of her thighs. “Why’s that?”

  She swallowed, trying to coat her dry throat. “I like being free to do what I want, with whomever I want. Having you there would be… awkward.”

  His light blue eyes darkened. “What’re you saying? You’d rather screw around with a different guy in every city?”

  She refused to be bullied by a guy who just moments ago had told her their “affair” was to be a one-time deal. He had no right to pass judgement on her when he was engaging in similar behavior. “What I intend to do on the road is none of your business.”

  He leaned in, stunning her with a kiss that stole her breath. It was an erotic mating of the tongues that had them both battling for supremacy. Moaning into his mouth, she tried to pull him down on top of her. She was tired of talking; she was more than ready for a little action.

  He held back, bracing his arm on the mattress to hold her at arm’s length. “You’re pissing me off, girl.”

  Angered by the label she’d fought to rise above, she pushed against the steel wall of his chest. “Yeah, well you’re not the only one who’s getting pissed, cowboy. Get out of my way so I can find a real man. Someone who’ll give me what I need tonight.”

  He grabbed her wrists, bracing her hands above her head. “Not gonna happen, baby.”

  “I’m tired of playing games with you. Look, I’m not gonna deny you’re hotter than hell, but if I go down to that bar right now, there’ll be dozens of guys more than happy to help me take the edge off. Sex with you isn’t worth the hassle.”

  “Are you serious?” he hissed. “You
think I’m gonna let you find someone else right now?”

  “It’s not like you have a choice.”

  Chapter Three

  She was making him crazy. The thought of her leaving his bed to go to someone else’s was driving him to the edge. And he had no doubt this little spitfire would make good on her threat. Her public persona, the sweet innocent girl crooning about heartbreak and loss, was a far cry from the tattooed, motorcycle-riding little hellion who was turning his world upside down. His sister-in-law, Avery, must be the brilliant publicist everyone claimed if she was the mastermind behind this farce.

  “Take your clothes off,” he murmured. “Right now.”

  She grinned. “Finally, we’re getting somewhere.” She leaned forward, dragging the tank top over her head and tossing it on the floor. She made quick work of shedding the cotton shorts, lying before him completely bare and exposed.

  She knew she was gorgeous, that any man would give his right arm to make love to her, and she was using that knowledge to try and gain the upper hand with him. He had never, would never, surrender to a woman. If she thought she was going to break him, it was time to teach her a valuable lesson about playing to win.

  He reached for the necktie he’d discarded earlier.

  Her eyes darted to the scrap of silk. “What’re you gonna do with that?”

  He grinned, watching the rise and fall of her full breasts as she drew shallow breaths. “A naughty girl like you has never experimented with bondage? I find that hard to believe, darlin’.”

  “I like to be in control,” she said quietly. “I’m not sure I’m comfortable with…” Her words ceased when he fastened her wrists together, applying just enough pressure to secure the bond.

  He attached the other end to the bedpost and looked down at her. She was so beautiful it took his breath away. He had been with dozens of attractive women over the years, but there was something elusive about her that stirred his protective instincts.

  “You have to trust me,” he whispered, kissing her lips gently. “I promise I’d never do anything to hurt you.”

  She tugged her bottom lip between her teeth, a nervous gesture that made him smile. She wasn’t as experienced with the opposite sex as she would have him believe. He knew it was naïve to think she’d be pure at twenty-three, but he wanted to be the man to introduce her to experiences beyond her wildest fantasies.

  He straddled her, tracing a fingertip down her cheek. “How many lovers have you had, Nik?”

  She frowned. “Enough.”

  He leaned over, bracing a forearm on either side of her head. “You can tell me,” he said, kissing her lips gently. “I won’t judge you.” He nuzzled her neck, licking the shell of her ear. He smiled with satisfaction when he felt a shudder move through her body. “Tell me, sweetness.”

  “A few,” she whispered.

  “This is the first time you’ve been tied up?”

  She nodded.

  He rolled off her, tucking his body in beside her. “It’s okay, we’re gonna take this nice and slow.” He ran a calloused palm down her taut abdomen, watching her squirm beneath his gentle touch. “There are so many things I want to do with you, show you, but if you’re not comfortable with anything, I don’t want you to be afraid to tell me, okay?”

  She nodded, watching his hand travel lower.

  He bypassed her sex, sliding his hand over her hip and down her outer thigh. “Have you ever been with more than one man at a time?”

  Her eyes widened. “No, is that what you want, a threesome?”

  He shook his head. “No.” He wasn’t a stranger to a ménage, but he didn’t want that with her. He wanted her all to himself.

  She breathed a sigh of relief. “Oh, okay. It’s not that I’ve never thought about it, but…”

  He didn’t want to think about it, not with her. “I want to push you outside of your comfort zone, but I don’t want you to do anything that scares you, okay?”

  She nodded. “Okay,” she whispered.

  “Tell me about your other lovers.” He didn’t want to imagine another man pleasuring her, but he wouldn’t know how far she’d be willing to go until he found out whether she’d crossed over to the darker side of love making.

  “I like a rough touch,” she said quietly, avoiding his gaze.

  He slid his index finger under her chin, tipping her face toward him. “You don’t have to be embarrassed with me, sweetheart. I can give you whatever you need. I can be as rough or gentle as you need me to be.”

  “Why are we having this conversation?” she asked, looking him in the eye. “You said yourself this is a one-time deal. That’s what we both want. Can’t we just have sex and get on with our lives?”

  It would be too easy for her to forget about this night if he were just like her other lovers, worrying only about his needs. He wanted this night to be special for her, memorable. When she thought about the most amazing night of her life, he wanted to be the man she remembered. “I’ve wanted you for a long time,” he said, surprised by his willingness to open up to her. “When I first met you, you were too damn young, but that didn’t stop me from having some wicked fantasies about you.”

  She smiled, looking skeptical. “Really?”

  “Yeah.” He closed his eyes, reliving some of the most erotic fantasies he’d ever had, courtesy of the woman in his arms. “When your music came out and I saw your video for the first time, it was…” His voice trailed off. He didn’t want her to think he was some obsessed fan.

  “I’ve thought about you too,” she said, quietly. “A lot. When I’m making love to Jake, I’ve imagined it’s you.”

  Possessiveness gripped him in a tight fist. “Who the hell is Jake?”

  She smiled, reaching up to kiss his coarse jaw. “My personal trainer. He’s just a friend, with bennies.”

  He was falling for this girl, hard, fast. He wanted to tell her to find a new personal trainer, but he knew he’d be overstepping his bounds if he tried to modify the rules of their agreement now. He would just have to drive all thoughts of any other man out of her head tonight. “You see him a few times a week?”

  “Five days a week.” She winked. “He’s a real slave driver.”

  He clenched his fist at his side. “How often do you have sex with him?”

  A pretty blush moved up her neck, staining her cheeks. “That’s none of your business.”

  He knew she was right, but that wouldn’t stop him from paying Jake a little visit when they got home. “Is there anyone else in your life right now?”

  She shook her head. “No, I’m a workaholic. I eat, sleep, and breathe my music.” She turned her head to face him, resting her cheek on the pillow. “How about you? Do you have a girlfriend?”

  “No.” Though he was thinking of changing his status, to hell with what Luc and Ty thought.

  “That’s good.” She kissed him. “I wouldn’t want to mess with another woman’s man.”

  He didn’t have the same reservations. Even if she did have a boyfriend, he knew he wouldn’t be able to resist the urge to make love to her. That’s not a line he had ever been tempted to cross in the past, but with her, rules didn’t apply. “No worries.” He skimmed his hand over her breast, rolling her pebbled nipple between his thumb and forefinger. Her sharp intake of breath told him she was aroused, ready to take this to the next level. “Are you okay?” he asked, peppering kisses along her jawline. “Your wrists don’t hurt?” He had never thought to ask that question before, but he wanted, needed, to take care of her.

  “I’m good,” she whispered. “Just anxious. I need you, J.T. Please…”

  He had always been able to set the pace with his lovers. He was always in control. With her, he felt like control was just an illusion. His need for her was merciless and demanding. It felt like some outside force had taken over and was intent on rewriting the rules and dictating every step on their path to their mutual satisfaction.

  He lowered his head, marking her neck wit
h deep, moist kisses.

  “Oh God, that feels good,” she whispered, writhing against her restraints. “Hmmm, right there, that spot makes me crazy.”

  He nibbled the tender area, biting and sucking before relieving the bite of pain with his tongue. He had the uncontrollable urge to mark her, brand her as his. He’d never been a jealous, possessive lover, never wanted more than one or two nights before he moved on, but with her, the thought of another lover left him unfulfilled.

  She shook her head when he drew her skin deep into his mouth. “Be careful. I have an interview and photo shoot tomorrow.”

  He didn’t want to be careful; he wanted to be reckless. He wanted to obliterate all thoughts from her head… her demanding career, hectic schedule, other men. “Relax, sweetheart,” he whispered. “I know what I’m doing.”

  She opened her eyes, looking directly at him. “I know what you’re doing too, McCall. I’m telling you now, it’s not gonna work.”

  The statement took him aback, even more so by the depth of understanding behind those eyes, as though she had the power to strip him down and see into his soul. “What’re you talking about?”

  “This is about more than sex. You’re thinking about reneging on our deal. You’d better think again.”

  Frustration claimed his breath, stealing his objection. It wasn’t possible that the first and only woman he had ever wanted a relationship with didn’t want him. “What makes you think that?”

  “I can see it in your eyes, cowboy. I know that look; I’ve seen it before.”

  “What look is that?”

  “Don’t play dumb. You’re going all soft on me.” Her heated gaze travelled the length of his body. “Not literally, of course.” She smiled. “You’re thinking about continuing this when we get home. Sorry, it’s not gonna happen.”

  He ground his teeth. “Why the hell not? You can’t tell me you’re not attracted to me.”

  She chuckled. “I’d have to be blind not to be attracted to you.”

  “Then what’s the problem?”

  “The problem is my career. It’s the only thing that matters to me, the only thing that’s ever mattered. Having a man in my life, demanding his fair share of my time, would only get in the way of that. I can’t afford that kind of distraction right now.” Her eyes rested on his lips. “You said it yourself, I’m too young. Maybe in ten years, when I’ve made a name for myself…”