As Evie watched Janelle walk away, she locked eyes with Connor. She didn’t realize he had been there the whole time. She flushed again in embarrassment and bit her lip to stop the tears from falling.
Steven threw his hands up. “I guess that means take five. Not that I have a say in it. After all, I’m only the director of a multimillion dollar Broadway show.” With a shrug of his shoulders, he strode off the opposite side of the stage.
“What a bitch,” Daniel Roberts, one of the guys in the chorus with Evie, said as he put an arm around her. “You’re so much more talented than that skinny ho. After that song, I swear I heard a couple people sniffling in the back. You know they only need her for ticket sales.”
She swallowed the bitterness building inside her and took a deep breath. “You don’t have to say that to make me feel better.”
“It’s true,” Nicole Anderson, the dance captain, said. “She couldn’t even remember the simplest steps. She looks like a fish flopping around on stage. I think the only dance moves she knows are twerking and flipping her hair.”
Evie giggled. “Right. C’mon, let’s sit down and catch our breath.”
Evie and the rest of the cast emptied out into the backstage area where there were snacks and drinks set up for the cast. She grabbed a bottle of water and downed half the thing, but it didn’t make the embarrassment go away. As she reached for a donut, she suddenly withdrew her hand, remembering Janelle’s hurtful words. Clumsy cow. She flinched inwardly, knowing what the pop star really wanted to say.
“Evie, I need to talk to you,” Andrew MacAllister said as he came up to her.
“Yes?”
Andrew’s brows were drawn together, his face a serious mask. “I spoke with Janelle; she’s not happy with what happened today.”
“Well, neither am I.”
“She wants you to apologize to her.”
Evie crushed the water bottle in her hand. “What? She wants me to apologize to her?”
“Yes. Or she wants you gone.”
The wind rushed out of her lungs like someone had punched her in the gut. Well, they might as well have because she suddenly couldn’t find the words.
“Look, Evie,” Andrew began. “It’s just two little words. I’m sorry. Swallow your pride and you can save the show. You know, people in this business have long memories.”
“I …” What could she say? She was a nobody, a newcomer to the business. Two words could save the show and her career. “Fine,” she said. “I’ll do it.” She clenched her fists so hard, her fingernails left crescent-shaped marks in her palms. Still, she wouldn’t let Janelle see look defeated. She was a professional, Goddamnit, and she owed it to the cast, to Annie, to Jane, and to Steven to make sure the show was a success.
By the time Evie reached Janelle’s dressing room door, she was feeling confident. She raised a hand to knock, but a noise inside made her stop. Pressing her ear to the door, she listened.
Chapter Ten
Connor had never wanted to hit a woman before. Indeed, it was one of those rules in his life that no one had needed to instill in him; you just didn’t do that. Still, if anyone was to test his self-control, it’d be Janelle.
When he heard her call Evie a clumsy cow, he nearly lost it. The way Evie’s face fell made something in his middle ache. A scratching feeling in his gut and the tightening in his chest sent fury through his veins, and he thought the feral wolf might come out. He wanted to check if Evie was okay, but he couldn’t do anything more than glance at her as Janelle stormed off. That bitch. How dare she say those words to Evie? Evie was worth a hundred times more than her, and Connor knew she was beautiful inside and out. Janelle was rotten to the core, and he could practically smell the hate festering within the other woman when she looked at Evie.
He followed Janelle back to her dressing room, and each step away from Evie made his feet feel more and more like lead. She stomped into the room like a child and sat down on the chair in front of the dressing table, her face drawn into a scowl. Minutes later, that slimy bastard Andrew MacAllister came in, cowering and bowing down to Janelle like she was the queen of fucking England.
“Connor,” she cooed when Andrew had left.
His jaw ticked. “What?”
“Can you come here, please?” she asked, her voice sickly sweet.
“I’m fine right here,” he said, not moving an inch.
She flipped around, the chair scraping on the wooden floor. “Fine, I’ll come to you, then.” She stood up, moving slowly like a cat as she approached him. “You know, I never thanked you properly for saving my life the other day and for keeping me safe.”
“It’s my job.” He peered down at her. “What are you doing?”
Janelle pushed her suspiciously firm breasts up against his chest. “Oh, you know exactly what I’m doing,” she purred and placed her palms on his pecs. “You must work out a lot. You’re hard. Where else are you hard?”
“Lady, you’re testing my patience,” he said, his jaw clenched. He wrapped his fingers around her wrists and pulled them away from him.
“Oh, Connor … I like it rough, just like that,” she said, her eyes wild.
He let go of her wrists and pushed her way. “Lady, you better watch what you say.”
“Why, Connor? Am I going to get it?” She tried to move closer, but he sidestepped. “Oh, c’mon, do I really have to spell it out? I want you to fuck me, Connor. Do it now.” She began to unbutton her blouse.
“Jesus H. Christ.” Connor ran his hand down his face. “Look, I can’t do this.”
“I know you’re professional and all,” she insisted. “But don’t worry, I won’t tell anyone.”
“Fuck this,” Connor growled. “I can’t deal with your shit anymore.” Ignoring her strangled cry, he turned around and yanked the door open.
The lingering scent of peaches hung in the air which made him think of Evie. But she wasn’t there. He looked around at the empty hallway. He must have imagined it.
***
“Seriously?” Aiden James said when Connor told him what had happened with Janelle in her dressing room.
“You think I’m a liar?” Connor replied.
“No, it’s not that,” Aiden chuckled. “You know, most of my guys would jump at the chance to bang a celebrity.”
“Maybe you’ve been hiring the wrong guys,” he replied.
“What do you want to do? File a sexual harassment suit? Or leave the job? I’m sure I could find—”
“Fuck no,” he interrupted. “I’ll be fine. I think she got the message. I’m just tellin’ you in case there’s any blowback.”
“We take care of our own,” Aiden said in a serious voice. “Don’t worry, I’ll put this in my report and, if she tries anything again, we have your back.”
Despite his disdain for the other man, Connor couldn’t help but respect Aiden. “Good.”
The rest of the day progressed without further incident, though, as Connor watched Evie, he could see her shrink away. Gone was her usual confidence and enthusiasm. Her shoulders were hunched in, and she kept her head down when she thought no one was looking. He couldn’t see her face, though, because she seemed determined not to look at him. A feeling in his gut told him something was very wrong, and he trusted his instinct.
Finally, the day was over. Janelle had been escorted to her waiting limo, and Connor was free. Instead of heading out, however, he went back through the stage door.
There were still some people lingering about, though most of the lights had been turned off. Connor immediately spotted Evie, talking to a few of the other members of the cast. He stepped back into the shadows, waiting as they left and Evie hung behind. She walked back to the dressing rooms, and he followed her, slipping into the room quietly.
Evie was in front of the mirrored vanities, her palms on the table and her head hung low. Her shoulders were shaking.
“Why are you crying?”
Her head whipped around, and she quick
ly wiped her wet cheeks with the back of her hand. “What are you doing here?” Her voice was cold and accusing.
“I wanted to check if you were all right. I can take you home.”
“I’m fine. Now leave me alone,” she said and turned her back to him. She walked to the other dresser and picked up her purse. “I said leave me alone. Just go.”
The tone of her voice made his middle ache. “You’re not all right. Something’s bothering you.”
“Don’t you have somewhere else to be?” she asked. “I’m sure Janelle doesn’t like to be kept waiting.” She pushed past him and walked to the door.
He reached out, grabbed her by the arm, and spun her around. “What are you talking about?”
“Let go of me, Connor,” she said in a voice laced with hate. “Janelle may like it rough, but I don’t.”
“You were eavesdropping outside the dressing room.” Her face confirmed it. Fuck. “What did you hear?”
“Enough,” she said, wrenching away from him.
“Obviously not.” He grabbed her, as gentle as he could this time, and pulled her back. He positioned her against one of the dressers and trapped her with his arms on either side of her. “Because if you did, you’d know I told her to fuck off. I don’t want her.”
She looked up at him, her breathing hard and her chest heaving. “I don’t believe you. Everyone wants her.”
“Well, everyone is stupid because that girl is disgusting.” He leaned forward, backing her up farther, as if he were afraid she’d try to run.
She gasped and turned away. “You don’t have to lie to me. I’m not stupid. She’s gorgeous and thin, and I’m a clumsy fat cow—”
Something in him roared to make her stop talking about herself that way. He had to let her know how beautiful she was. So, he did the only thing he could to stop her mouth. He kissed her. His lips moved over hers in a rough caress, silencing her. Much like the first time he kissed her, in this very same room, she seemed surprised. But, soon, she yielded to him, and her arms wound around his neck to get closer.
His hands cupped her soft ass and lifted her up so she sat on top of the dresser. She angled her head back, opening herself to him and his tongue swept into her mouth. He swore she tasted just as she smelled, and, when the scent of her arousal hit his nose, he felt his cock go instantly hard.
“Connor,” she moaned against his lips. “Please.”
Did she know what she was asking? As she pulled back from him to whip her shirt off, he guessed she did. She reached for the zipper on the front of her bra, but he pushed her hands away. He yanked it down and nearly ripped off the spandex. He hooked his thumbs into the waistband of her yoga pants, pulling them down. She wiggled her hips and lifted her ass so he could slide them down her thighs, along with her panties. Off they went, and she was fully naked in front of him. Fuck, she was gorgeous like this. Nude and showing off her perfect, soft skin, flushed with pink. How the hell could she think she wasn’t beautiful? His eyes greedily devoured the pale skin of her generous breasts, topped with large, light brown nipples. He bent his head and took the right one into his mouth, enjoying the taste and feel of her. Slightly salty and all Evie. His hand cupped her left breast, teasing her nipple into hardness. She whimpered and dug her fingers into his shoulders as his tongue lashed against her.
“No more teasing,” she said, pulling him up. Her hands reached down to the front of his jeans, shaking as she unbuckled his belt. He helped her along, making quick work of the fly.
She gasped when he pulled his jeans and briefs down to his thighs. Small, soft hands wrapped around his shaft, and he groaned when she began to stroke him. He snaked a hand between her thighs and down to her wet folds. His fingers traced the slit and pushed gently into her. One, two fingers slipped inside, and she began to rock her hips forward. She was slick and ready, but, just to be sure, he twisted his hand and brushed a thumb over her clit.
She cried out, her hips moving faster. Her hand slowed down as her body began to shake, and she cried out his name. His fingers were soaked with her wetness. He pulled out, making her whimper as she came down from her orgasm. Evie collapsed against him, her breathing ragged.
Her grip had loosened around him, but her soft palms were still wrapped around his shaft. He placed a hand over hers, urging her to continue.
“No,” she said, shaking her head. “Inside me. Now.”
He felt his hand shake slightly as he spread her legs wide and moved between her thighs. Grasping his cock, he nudged the tip at her entrance. In one stroke, he was fully inside her. She let out a sob, going very still. He froze, wondering if he had hurt her.
“Don’t stop,” she gasped and clenched around him. “I want …”
Connor gritted his teeth and began to move. He pulled her to the edge of the table and hooked her legs around him. He thrust in and out of her; the feel of her tight, clasping body made him move faster. It was like he couldn’t get close enough. He wanted more and more. And she matched him, pushing up at him, meeting his every thrust, her hand moving down to his ass to clutch at him, urging him on.
It was too much, and he gritted his teeth, trying to hold on or else he might embarrass himself. With her willing, delicious body wrapped around him and her scent enveloping his being, he wanted nothing more than to lose control. “Evie,” he gasped as she tightened around him, her body convulsing.
“Oh God, I’m coming,” she cried out against his neck. She wrapped her legs around his waist, her heels digging into his back as she continued to move against him.
He let out a roar after months of frustration. Wanting her, but never being able to get too close. Now, he let go. As he gave one last thrust, his cock pumped into her, his seed releasing deep inside her. The pleasure tore through him, nearly blinding him. He was surprised at the force and strength of his orgasm. Fuck, he couldn’t remember coming so hard in his life.
Connor wasn’t sure how long they remained there, clinging to each other. Her legs unwound from his waist and dropped to the side. He didn’t even realize he had been clutching her so hard, and he let go. Slowly, he eased himself out of her. He heard her suck in her breath.
He looked down at her flushed face. Tendrils of hair stuck to her cheeks and forehead. The expression on her face was inscrutable. She looked around her, at the ceiling and the walls, anywhere except at him.
Finally, she sucked in a long breath. He stepped back to give her some space. She hopped off the dresser and bent down to her discarded panties and yoga pants.
Connor groaned when he saw her naked ass for the first time. He wanted to grab the white globes, push her against the dresser, and take her again. With a frustrated grunt, he tucked his cock into his underwear and jeans.
Her movements were stiff and measured as she put on her bra and her top. He could hear the wheels in her mind turning and the anxiety rolling off her. Her unease was driving him crazy, especially after what had happened between her and Janelle.
“Evie?” he asked. His throat went dry when she finally looked up at him. Her face was that of pure panic.
“This … we shouldn’t have … I can’t,” she cried and turned around.
She was scared. She regretted what they had done. He should let her go because she should be scared of him. But something inside him just couldn’t let go.
“Evie,” he called as she approached the door to the dressing room. She was reaching for the door and had it partially opened, but he slammed a fist to close it. The thud of the door made her jump.
Slowly, she turned to face him. “Connor … I’m sorry. I couldn’t help myself … I shouldn’t have.”
“Sorry?” The wind knocked out of his lungs. “What do you mean?”
She shook her head. “I was so upset. So jealous. I let it get the better of me. I wanted to rip Janelle’s head off when I heard you and her …”
Jealous? Evie had been jealous? “We didn’t do anything,” he explained again. “You know that, right?”
&
nbsp; “I believe you,” she said and looked down at the floor. “But you didn’t have to … do that because you felt sorry for me.”
“What?” he asked in an incredulous voice. “You thought that was a pity fuck or something?”
“Wasn’t it?”
“Hell, no.” He gripped her arms, and, before she could say anything, he swooped down and kissed her again.
“Connor,” she whispered when he pulled away. Soft brown eyes blinked up at him. “I …”
He said the first thing that popped into his head. “You’re beautiful. Don’t let anyone tell you otherwise. And there’s no way I felt sorry for you. I wanted—want—you so bad, too.”
“Y-y-you do?”
“Yes, I have all this time.” A weight lifted off his chest at the admission. It felt good. He wanted her from the first moment he saw her.
“Me, too,” she admitted.
He kissed her again, pulling her close to him. Fuck, he wanted to be inside her again. Maybe he’d taste her first. Bury his face between her thighs and make her scream. He bet she was delicious.
A growled rumbled from his throat. No. Not now. Please. He never asked the feral wolf for anything, but he wanted to be selfish this once. Evie was his, not the wolf’s. But the animal inside him licked its lips and let out a howl. He pulled back.
“Connor?” she asked. “Are you okay?”
“Yes … I’m … it’s getting late.” He stepped back, away from her scent and her luscious body as he regained control of his mind. “You have an early day tomorrow again.”
“Yeah, I suppose. So, do you live near here?”
His jaw hardened at the thought of his “home.” He’d been camped out at the W Hotel on the Upper East Side, in a suite that overlooked Central Park. It was beautiful, but, somehow, the thought of Evie seeing how he lived tore at him. Plus, there was the fact that his control over the feral wolf was slipping. He couldn’t risk her being alone with the animal if it escaped while he was asleep.
All for Connor: The Lone Wolf Defenders Book 3 Page 10
