Slay Me (Rock Gods #1)

by Joanna Blake

  He closed his hand around hers and felt that same electric current flash between them.

  They were going to be together a lot. He would wear her down eventually. He would trick her into his bed. He'd make her want him as much as he wanted her.

  Or he'd bloody well die trying.

  He had a feeling he was losing something- whether it was his head or his heart, he wasn't yet sure.

  One thing he was sure of though. Nick Falcon never backed down from a challenge.

  **********

  Sabrina couldn't help it; she gasped audibly when she saw the plane. They'd driven directly out onto the tarmac. She'd thought for some reason that they were flying commercial. First class obviously, but commercial.

  But no. Nick Falcon had his own private jet. It wasn't a small one either. It was huge.

  The colors on the jet were a dark gray and a plum color. She glanced at him. Nick was wearing a plum colored bandana around his neck.

  He seemed to like the color a lot.

  She was noticing all kinds of things about him over the past few weeks. He was arrogant, but he could be kind. He was frequently drunk, but he made sure to be sober when it counted. And he noticed things around him.

  Especially her.

  He always seemed to notice everything about her.

  It was disconcerting to say the least.

  They were escorted out of the limo by a personal TSA agent. He checked their passports and itineraries. She noticed that Marley took care of all of that for Nick. She wondered briefly if the musician knew how to do anything for himself.

  She smirked at the sudden image of Marley tying Nick's shoelaces for him. He did seem sort of adorably helpless at times. But the rest of the times, he was utterly and implacably in charge.

  Powerful.

  It was a compelling combination of personality traits. Part of her wanted to look after him, like Marley did. The other part wanted to put a crack in his ego, get him in line.

  Another part of her wanted to kiss him.

  A big part of her wanted that she suddenly realized. She wanted it badly. Surprisingly so.

  Even more than all of that, she wanted to run away. Run back to the limo as fast as her stilettos could take her. That's what she usually did in situations like this. Not that ever had been any situation remotely like this one.

  But running was not an option. He'd made sure of that.

  As they climbed the stairs to the jet she wondered briefly if he was doing all this to get close to her. Or if it was merely to punish her for daring to gainsay him. Or both.

  Probably it was just a silly game he played to entertain himself. She suspected he liked to play games.

  She however did not.

  **********

  Nick watched as Sabrina stared open mouthed around the plane.

  The Falconmobile, as it had been dubbed.

  He wanted to impress her he realized. Maybe this would do the trick. It certainly couldn't hurt his chances that he had a private jet now could it? She snapped her mouth shut and gave him a sideways glance. There was something mildly disapproving about the look she gave him.

  Oh, well maybe it was the giant initials he'd had painted on as the plane's logo.

  Ten foot high 'N' and an 'F' with a circle around them.

  Maybe it was a bit much…

  "Shall we, my- Sabrina?"

  She raised an eyebrow at him and smiled. She was more impressed that he'd used her proper name than by his bloody jet. But damn if didn't she make him feel like every small victory was winning the Goddamn world cup.

  Marley and the driver loaded their bags onto the plane as the flight crew waited on the steps.

  The very pretty flight crew.

  Damn, he'd forgotten about them. His, uh, mile high club had a few regulars in it. They didn't have to sleep with him to get a job on his jet of course. But they always seemed to want to.

  Who was he to fight them off?

  But if Sabrina caught on she wouldn't approve.

  Worse, she wouldn't like it. Or him.

  The girls smiled widely as they climbed the stairs. He shook his head subtly and they all dimmed their thousand watt smiles imperceptibly. Smooth as silk.

  Thankfully Sabrina was too preoccupied by something to notice any of this. He noticed that her hand was gripping the railing for dear life. She'd stopped at the door to the plane.

  "Sabrina? Is everything alright?"

  He put his hand on her shoulder and she jerked. Christ the woman was wound up tightly! He'd like to be the one to unwind her…

  "Yes! I'm just- I don't like to fly."

  Oh dear. They were embarking on a God Damn world tour and she didn't like to fly? That was going to be problematic.

  Then again, it could work in his favor.

  He gave her a gentle nudge in the lower back and she stepped on board. Once again, her mouth was open. He smiled, knowing this time it was in his favor.

  White leather sofas lined the cabin. There was also a bedroom in the back but he didn't have to show her that.

  Not yet.

  The plane was super deluxe. He'd had a designer redo the whole thing just last year. Now it was minimalist rock. He even had instruments on board. A baby grand piano, guitars. And a bar of course.

  That gave him an idea.

  "Get settled lo- Miss Newton. I just need to have a word with the pilot."

  He pulled Marley into the cabin with him.

  "Marley, make yourself scarce."

  "What does that mean?"

  "It's a big plane! Just don't sit too close to us."

  He turned to the captain.

  "Now, as for you… any way to make the ride a little bumpy- say after about two hours?"

  "I can do that. Any particular reason why?"

  "I've got a nervous flier on board. I just want to make sure she ends up in my lap. Or vice versa."

  Marley rolled his eyes and left as the Captain had a good laugh.

  "You got it Nick."

  **********

  Sabrina stared out the window into the bright blue sky outside the plane, taking a break from relentlessly working her laptop. It was brilliant outside, with hardly a cloud in the sky. She still had some things to line up, and she wanted to keep on top of her other clients, even if she wasn't there to handle them personally.

  She took a deep breath. She'd been dreading this flight but it turned out that she was perfectly fine. Hardly nervous at all anymore.

  The plane hadn't done any of those sickening lurches she despised. No bumps at all actually.

  So why were her hands clenched into fists?

  She took a deep breath and relaxed them. She glanced up and caught Nick staring at her.

  Again.

  He had a thoughtful expression on his face. As if he were contemplating something. Something enjoyable.

  She frowned. She had a sudden feeling that whatever he was thinking about included her as a participant. And very little clothes. No clothes at all in fact. A funny warm feeling pooled in her stomach at the thought.

  She stared at her glass of mineral water on the side table. It was rattling, shaking around on the table. And then it spilled.

  The intercom came on with a soft tone.

  "Please be seated. We've got some turbulence up ahead. Could be severe, so please use your safety harnesses."

  The plane gave a sickening lurch to the right and she stifled a scream. Nick was beside her in an instant, sitting close beside her on the sofa.

  "There there, it's alright. Let me help you."

  She nodded shakily as he slid the harness into place. It wasn't a normal seat belt, because of the unusual seating. It held you entire torso against the couch but you could still move around a bit. Nick's hands were business like as he fitted it over her. Until he accidentally brushed her chest. His hand froze, the back of it against her suddenly hardening nipple.

  Oh god.

  That felt good.

  Their eyes met and sh
e saw his were dark with desire. She swallowed nervously and moved away from his hand slightly. Just then the plane seemed to lift up and slam downward, dropping sharply. She gasped and Nick went flying, right onto her lap.

  His torso was pressed into hers sending waves of electricity through her. His head had somehow landed over her shoulder, his face pressed into her neck. One leg was between hers.

  "Mr. Falcon!"

  "I'm alright. Christ- hold on-"

  His hands were all over her as he tried to right himself. She was locked into place so she couldn't do much about it. But if she was honest with herself, it was taking her mind off the shaking plane.

  Plus it felt good. Really good.

  He grinned at her sheepishly as he settled back into the seat beside her. He slid into his harness and held out his hand. She stared at it for a moment and then grabbed it.

  "That's it. Just lean back and close your eyes. It will be over soon love."

  "Don't call me that."

  He squeezed her hand and laughed.

  "I'm sure it won't be turbulent for the entire ten hours to London."

  "Ten hours?" she squeaked and sat up sharply. Well, as far as the harness would allow her. The plane was rattling side to side, slamming them into each other repeatedly.

  "Well, it could be only eight or nine, depending on tail winds."

  She moaned and leaned back again, closing her eyes.

  "Are you nauseous?"

  "No. I- just don't like being jostled so much-"

  He squeezed her hand again.

  "Or heights."

  He laughed.

  "Or confined spaces."

  He laughed harder.

  "I know just what you need. Hold on."

  She heard him unsnapping his harness and grabbed his hand.

  "Don't leave me!"

  "I'll be right back love. Trust me."

  She lay back and closed her eyes again. She was being ridiculous. Why would just holding his hand make her feel any better?

  The crazy thing was though, it did.

  **********

  Nick winked at the flight attendants who were riding out the turbulence in the bar section. He grabbed a bottle of tequila and two glasses. One of the girls scooped ice and a lime into each.

  "Do me a favor love and tell the captain to take the bumps down a few notches."

  She nodded and walked gracefully toward the cockpit despite the turbulence. He shook his head. They really were remarkable women. They hadn't revealed a thing about the past to Sabrina. He decided to give them all a raise.

  Funny thing that, giving gorgeous women money for not sleeping with him.

  He turned and walked back to the lounge area. Marley must be in the back taking a nap. He didn't mind. He knew he wouldn't be getting Sabrina into bed just yet.

  Soon, though.

  Very soon.

  He smiled at her, even though she couldn't see him with her eyes so tightly closed. Time to start laying the groundwork.

  "Here we are. Liquid courage."

  Her eyes opened a crack. She stared at him sitting beside her then snapped her eyes shut again.

  "I don't drink."

  "There's a first time for everything."

  He poured himself some tequila and sipped it, smacking his lips together.

  "God that's good. I can already feel myself relaxing."

  She opened her eyes again. The poor thing looked terrified. He really was a heel. He squashed down the voice of his conscience and smiled reassuringly.

  "You know love, I'm a bit afraid of flying myself. Not to mention this is a new pilot."

  "It is?"

  "Yeah first time flying with him. I've never experienced this sort of turbulence before. It's a bit frightening. Even poor Marley had to take something and lie down."

  "He did? Oh god. This is not good."

  He smiled grimly and handed her the second glass, splashing a liberal dose of tequila into it. This time she took it, staring at it uncertainly.

  Good girl.

  "There you go. Bottoms up."

  She lifted the glass to her lips and drank. He watched her as her face crinkled.

  "It's strong."

  "It's good medicine love. Here, have another splash."

  He tipped the bottle into her glass, squeezing his lime into it. It cut the taste a bit. She stared at the glass in her hands and then lifted her eyes to his. He inhaled sharply at the trusting look in her eyes. He was going to hell, that much was certain.

  But by God he'd enjoy the ride.

  She sipped her drink until it was gone per his interactions. Then he opened a drawer in a side console and fished around until he found a deck of cards. He brought them back over to her and started shuffling.

  "Poker? Just to take your mind off the fact that we are hurtling over the continent thousands of miles in the air."

  She blanched.

  "Christ love, I'm only joking. Look, the turbulence is much better already, isn't it?"

  She nodded.

  "And you feel more relaxed don't you?"

  "Yes. Thank you."

  He poured her another drink.

  "You should always listen to Dr. Falcon. Now take your medicine like a good girl."

  She giggled and picked up her glass. She was already getting used to the taste he could tell. That boded well for his plans to wine and dine her all over Europe.

  And bed her. Mustn't forget that part.

  She finished her drink and then another after he refilled her glass, pressing her to drink. She leaned back and closed her eyes, the empty drink still in her hand.

  He stared at her, the cards forgotten in his hands.

  She'd bloody well fallen asleep!

  No woman had ever fallen asleep on Nick Falcon. He was a bloody rock star! Women fainted sometimes in his presence, but slept? Never! Only if he'd worn them out by shagging them all night long.

  Nick's sense of outrage was quickly replaced by something else entirely while he watched her sleep. He felt protective of her in a way that was foreign to him. He'd trounce anyone who wanted to do the things that he was contemplating. Or anyone who tried to get her drunk as he just had. She looked so innocent in her sleep. Softer somehow. He knew he would like to wake up and see her laying so sweetly beside him. And he'd do anything to keep her safe.

  Gingerly, he reached to pull her drink from her hand. Then he leaned back and dealt himself a game of solitaire.

  He had a feeling he'd be doing a lot of that in the next few weeks.

  Eight

  Sabrina woke up in the enormous four poster bed. It took her a moment to remember where she was. Oh right, she was in London. With Nick Falcon and Company. They were booked at the Four Seasons for the next few days in London. They'd arrived in the early afternoon and she'd gone immediately to bed. Now it was nearly 8 o'clock in the evening.

  She must have missed Nicks' rehearsal at the arena that afternoon. Great. She was off to a great start. She wondered why they hadn't woken her. Then again, maybe they'd tried.

  With a groan she realized that she might not have woken even if they'd been pounding on the door with a battering ram. She rolled over, grabbing her head. She'd never felt so sick in her life.

  But on the bright side, she didn't remember a thing about the flight.

  She was just stepping out of the shower when her phone buzzed. It was Nick. He wanted her to go up to his room to discuss the schedule. For a moment she wondered if it was just another ploy to get her into bed. There was no point in pretending that's not what he was after. Not that he was being subtle about it.

  She was too hungover to lie to herself at the moment.

  It's too bad she wasn't the sort for casual sex. She had a feeling it would be an unforgettable experience if she was up for it. But she hadn't been with anyone since her boyfriend in Business School. That was over two years ago. She was no match for an experienced playboy like Nick.

  Besides, she couldn't risk messing up her car
eer any more than she already had for a roll in the hay.

  But what she was really worried about what losing her heart. Nick seemed like just the person to steal it away. And then trash it when he got bored. He probably wouldn't even do it deliberately. It was just who he was.

  Reckless.

  Dangerous.

  Irresistable.

  She rubbed her wet hair with a towel and slipped into her jeans and a plain gray t shirt. She combed her hair out and dabbed a spot of soft pink gloss onto her lips.

  She wasn't sure why she bothered. She looked hungover. And she didn't care what he thought of her anyway.

  Yeah, right.

  At the last minute she pulled a sharp black blazer on. She could at least look semi professional, even if she wasn't.

  She took the elevator up to the penthouse and rang the buzzer. Marley answered the door. He glanced behind him and said "I was just leaving. Good night Sabrina. Nick."

  Sabrina couldn't be sure but she had the impression that Marley was displeased with Nick for some reason. She shook it off. What difference did it make?

  Nick appeared in the hallway of the suit, waving her in. He'd just showered too from the look of it. His shirt was open and his hair was damp. She closed her eyes, feeling a little woozy.

  "Come in, come in. Have a seat."

  She sat on the couch, feeling awkward. He had a huge suite with a living room, two baths and a full kitchen. It's not like they were in his bedroom but still, they were alone. If only she didn't feel so off, she'd be able to handle this-

  "How do you feel?"

  He sat down next to her and was leaning over her. He was close. Too close.

  "I've felt better to be honest."

  He brightened. As if he were glad she felt like dog vomit.

  "Hair of the dog? Best thing for it."

  Her stomach twisted in her gut.

  "No, thank you Mr. Falcon."

  "Call me Nick, love."

  "I'd rather not."

  "I thought we had a deal."