Between Love & Fire (Backstage #1)

by Dani René

  We made our way outside, and I noticed he had a motorbike. I gasped in shock. It was gorgeous. Black and gleaming with streaks of ice blue and silver. It was a Suzuki GSX-R750. An extraordinary piece of machinery. It’s been years since I was first on one. Never on one with this amount of power. The adrenaline that came with the rumble of horsepower between your legs was exciting.

  “You like her?” His face was pure amusement.

  “Her?” I giggled.

  “Yes, she’s one of the girls in my life.” With a cheeky wink and sexy smirk, he picked up the helmets. Pulling my hair out of the bun, I made a low ponytail. Before I could ask what he meant, he helped me slip on the matt black helmet, shutting the visor. He swung a leg over the seat, then held a hand out. I slipped mine in his and climbed on fluidly. Thank God for yoga. I didn’t want to embarrass myself.

  Suddenly aware of the fact that he was between my thighs. My arms wrapped around his taut torso. His body tensed as my hold tightened. “Hold on tight, Petal.” He turned the key, and the bike roared to life. The vibration of the motorbike and Callum’s body against mine had me squirming. My pussy pulsed and my panties were already wet. When I was with him, I went into sexual overdrive. He sped off, and the power vibrated through me. We hit the motorway and when he opened up the engine, we were flying. The scenery whizzing past us.

  As soon as we got to the first turn I closed my eyes. Holding him close against me as we leaned to the side, my body following his. I noticed his toned abs stiffen under my touch, which was ridiculously sexy. The ocean was a blur, streaking blue and white as the waves crashed onto the shore. I couldn’t help smiling as I considered where I was. This was every girl’s dream, and here I am. My history with men hadn’t been pleasant. I can’t remember when I was just content with someone. Enjoying the moment.

  When Callum veered off the tar road, I glanced around as we slowed. We came to a stop outside an enormous warehouse, the gravel crunched below the tires and he stopped under a tree. He reached back, and held out a hand to help me off the bike. I tugged the helmet off and ran my fingers through my hair. With a quick glance up at the signboard, I beamed. Since I was young I wanted to do this. It was on my bucket list. A hot-air balloon was romantic. He's pulling out all the stops. I stifle a giggle and can't stop my heart racing.

  “We’re doing that?” I pointed. My voice came out louder than I expected. He grinned and nodded.

  “Yes, I figured I would show you how beautiful California is. A view from up in the air.” My body quivered with excitement. Leaning up on my tip toes, I draped my arms around his neck and snuggled into his jacket. He encircled me, in a firm grasp, holding me in such a powerful, but gentle way. When I released him from my hold and stepped back, he smiled with sparkling eyes. His nose crinkled. It was the cutest thing I had ever seen. He was so rugged and handsome. I was the luckiest girl in the world.

  His hair was now a mess after he had taken his helmet off. I craved to run my fingers through it and tug him towards me. He laced his fingers with mine, and we strolled into the large building. Once we found the welcome desk, the older woman looked up. She offered a pleasant smile. “Mr. Hayes, great to see you back. They’re almost ready for you, everything you requested is set up. Enjoy your flight.”

  “Thank you.” He responded, as we passed to the rear of the warehouse. A large yellow, red, and blue hot-air balloon was being fired up.

  “Mr. Hayes. Perfect timing. We’re ready. Please follow me.” The man strode towards the basket and opened the hatch. “Hello little lady.” He grins.

  "Hi." We stepped inside and he bolted it. As he loosened the ropes holding us down my stomach flip-flopped. My grip on the edge tightened as we gradually drifted up. Callum stood behind me, his arms on either side of me, caging me in. For the first time in a long while, I felt safe.

  “Don’t be scared. I got you. I hope you enjoy this, Petal.” His voice was low as he murmured in my ear. The heat of his breath on my neck sent delicious shivers over my body. His solid frame flush against mine. That taut torso against my back. He didn’t shave this morning and the scruff on his face tickled my cheek, which had me imagining how it would feel between my thighs.

  I squirmed at the image in my mind and suppressed a giggle. “I guess you have done it, completely surpassed yourself, rock star.” His chuckle vibrated through his chest. He was so warm, even though we were high in the sky, I wasn't cold at all.

  “Anything for you.” His murmur caused another set of goose bumps to erupt over my sensitive skin. The molten lava that swirled in my stomach had my core pulsing. We looked around, with Callum pointing out the sights. From up here, the city was breathtaking.

  “How many girls have you brought up here?” As soon as the question was out, I regretted it. Did I want to know? No, I couldn't think about Cal with anyone else. That realization shocked me. We've only stolen a kiss here and there, so I didn’t consider us serious. This past week he spent in the music room and work had kept me busy. Learning how to edit videos, setting up the instruments for both Ryan and Liam. Working with Kierra on most of the tour details. I had seen more of her than of Callum.

  “You really want to know?” I nod. I don’t really want to know, but the sadist in me needs the torture. “None. I haven’t dated girls before, Tayla. It’s never been something I wanted, or needed. This right here,” he gestures around us, “it’s new to me too.” I find myself relaxing back into his toned chest. With a small smile, I revel in the honesty he’s just given me.

  We were in the air for two hours. I was in awe of how beautiful it was. Callum held onto me the whole trip. As we descended, a lightheaded feeling came over me. I hadn’t eaten that morning because I was too tense to have anything other than coffee. As we approached the bike, he peered at me with a grin that melted my panties. “How about we grab lunch?”

  “Yes, please. I am starving. Since I was whisked away so early, I didn’t have time to eat.” When I glanced up, his sky-blue eyes twinkled with amusement. “Thank you for today, it was unbelievable.” He leaned in, his soft warm lips brushed against mine lightly. I shivered when his hands gripped my hips pulling my body against his. He licked the seam of my mouth, seeking access and I granted it without hesitation. His tongue dipped into me, slow sensual strokes. Deeper. Tasting. Devouring. Claiming. A small whimper escaped, and he swallowed it. Our tongues danced in tantalizing movements. I tangled my fingers in his hair. Wanting him against me. Needing him closer.

  When he broke the kiss, I felt the loss. “We better go, Petal or I will fuck you on my bike.” His crude, but honest words had my pussy pulsing with an ache that needed to be sated. He readjusted the front of his jeans. The thick hard ridge behind his zipper had me licking my lips. Every time we are together it becomes more difficult to let him go. We slipped on our helmets and took off down the motorway back towards the city.

  Fifteen minutes later we pulled up to the house. I pretty much live here now. Being in his home calmed me. Even with the flutter of staff and the music, it was homely. As if you are always welcome. No matter who you are or what you do.

  The living room is desolate when we step inside. It’s so unlike the normal weekdays. I glance into the studio as we pass, and notice it’s vacant too. Everyone must have gone out. The weather was incredible.

  “I guess there’s still leftovers. Unless you wanted something else? I am not sure what’s in the fridge.” I follow him into the kitchen.

  “It’s fine. I remember there was pasta salad that Ki and I made yesterday.”

  He nodded opening the silver door and peering inside. “Get plates, baby.” Grabbing the two plates, I set them on the counter. The large bowl was almost finished. Liam was at it again.

  “So, Hayes, do you always take your staff out on romantic balloon trips?” I ask, taking glasses from the overhead cabinet.

  “Only the beautiful ones.” A mischievous wink in my direction makes me blush.

  “Callum…”

  “
Look, Petal,” he rounds the counter and saunters up to me. Circling his arms around my hips, he tugs me against his rock hard body. “I like you. You’re gorgeous. You are a cheeky little minx. I love your sassy mouth and I need to be with you.” Without another word, he leans in, his face inches from mine. “I want you. Say yes. You can't tell me you don't feel it. I can see it in your eyes.” His warm breath is sweet and I crave to taste him. I want to respond, but no words come out. “Give us a chance?” The pleading in his eyes tugs at my heart.

  My slow nod confirms my agreement. With that, his mouth crashes on mine. His lips are warm and soft. I whimper with a yearning unknown to me. He could bend me over this table right now and I would comply. My mouth opens to him, giving him access I know he seeks. It’s instinctive. I need this. I need him. Against my better judgment, I let him take me.

  His tongue slides in and out, fucking my mouth. The action causing me to squirm, squeezing my thighs together to dull the ache. The kiss is not hurried, but slow and sensual. Those strong hands wander to my hips, gripping my ass, hoisting me against him. Placing me on the dinner table, he steps between my legs. I tangle my fingers through his hair, tugging him closer.

  A slight moan escapes my lips, and he swallows every whimper. The hard ridge in the front of his pants presses against my pulsing core. A rough growl rumbles in his chest. His hips thrust forward, and his cock rubs against my heated pussy. The aching eases at the contact. I want him inside me. I need him inside me. He steps back and breaks the kiss. “You feel so perfect, Petal. I don’t think I could control myself if that happens again.” His voice is low, raspy and filled with need.

  “I know. I…” Glancing down, heat spreads over my face. Callum’s warm hands cup my face making me to look up at him. The soft pads of his thumbs swipe my cheeks softly.

  “You’re beautiful. We can take it slow. I don’t want to scare you off.”

  “Okay. Slow.” I offer him a smile. A noise from the living room startles us, and Callum jumps backward.

  “Callum! Are you here?” Kierra calls out.

  “In the kitchen.”

  As soon as she walks into the kitchen, her face is one of excitement. A smile curves her lips, and she shakes her head in disbelief. “You two sneaky shits.” She strides to the fridge. Grabbing a bottle of icy water. We both watch her like she’s the entertainment.

  “What do you want Kierra?”

  “I needed to check on you. Find out how the songs are developing. How are you Tay?”

  “Excellent. I uhm… Well, Callum and I were just getting something to eat.”

  “I am sure you were. Just tidy up when you’re done on the table.” She offers us both a smirk and makes her way out of the kitchen.

  “She took it well.” He shrugs and continues to plate our brunch. I can only gape at the handsome rock star standing next to me. I hop off the table, busying myself by grabbing forks. I slip into the chair, speculating what the hell just happened. Callum and I are out. Not in public yet, but Kierra knows. We chatted and ate, it was so easy with him. When we finished our salad, he cleared our plates and set them in the dishwasher. I swigged down my juice and added my glass to the tray.

  “So, is there anything particular you want to do for the day?”

  “You could teach me the guitar?” I peer up at his shocked, but pleased expression.

  “I can do that.” With a small peck on the cheek, his hand slides in mine and her tugs me along with him. We make our way into the studio, it's closed off from the rest of the house. It’s a soundproof room, with an old comfortable sofa. The instruments are all packed away neatly against one wall. The mixing desks are empty of coffee cups and anything else that’s normally strewn across the desks.

  “Sit down, let me play you something first.”

  Crossing my legs under me, I get comfortable on the sofa. He sits on the stool and grabs his guitar. He’s directly opposite me, my special VIP experience. People pay hundreds of dollars to see him like this, and here I am about to have a one on one acoustic performance. He places the guitar on his thighs and I am jealous. It’s ridiculous, I know, but I can’t help it. Then he plays. A few chords. Quick. Soft. I am transfixed by his fingers strumming the strings as he tunes by ear. The sound echoes in the modest space. He cuts a brief glimpse to me. With a wink and smile, he faces down and plays.

  My breathing hitches. I don’t move. My eyes are glued to him. My heart and mind filled with the haunting melody. His voice crashes over me like a wave and I am drowning in the lyrics. My favorite song. Damaged Angel. He’s haunted by the lyrics, just as I am. He’s not damaged. He’s perfect. In every way. When it ends, I am still. Silent. Afraid to break the spell that he's spun. It courses through my veins like the best drug. His glance locks on me. The talent seeps from his pores. I have heard that song hundreds of times, but hearing it played acoustically is an experience I can’t begin to explain.

  “How was that?” Uncertainty flashed in his gaze, which was unwarranted.

  “You reached into my soul. Gripped it, held on and squeezed until it became unbearable, but blissful. Then you released it and satisfaction swept over me.” The description is straight from my heart. From deep within the darkest part of me. There is no other way to express it.

  His expression is melancholy, replacing the guitar on the rack. Rising from the stool he strides to me on the sofa. Flopping down, he reaches for my hand and draws it up to his mouth. With a gentle tender peck on my knuckles, I shiver. Overcome with emotion.

  “Come here, Petal.” He tugs me over to him. Without thinking, I straddle his lap and grasp his shoulders. Those warm hands find their way under my top, stroking my back. At first I stiffen, hopefully he won’t notice how my skin feels under his fingertips. My eyes flutter closed, the sensation of his touch sends heat traveling to my core. My pussy aches and my hips rock against him. “I want to kiss you now.” His hoarse murmur brings a smile to my face.

  I lean in and our lips crash together. Our kiss is sweet, but gradually becomes more urgent. A growl rumbles in his throat and I shamelessly rub myself against him. The ridge of his cock strains the front of this pants. His index finger strokes my spine, from my neck down over the tattoo he hasn’t yet seen. A shiver racks through my body. I am not ready for him to see it or the scars. The thought of him pushing me away, the way the others did, constricts my throat. I can’t show him. He wouldn't want the broken, damaged girl I am.

  His hand drops to the hem of his T-shirt and he slips it over his head. The magnificent toned body I have seen in so many tabloid photos is in front of me. Every ridge and dip of his chiseled torso. His skin is smooth, and so silky. Placing my palms flat on his chest, the heat emanates from him. With slow caresses over his chest, I trace lines to his cut V muscles that peek at me from his hips. He grunts. “I need to be inside you, Petal. I want to fuck you.” The desire dripping from his words pulls at my core. My panties are soaked with arousal for this man.

  “I am not ready. Not right now.”

  His gaze drops to where our bodies are touching. A throb in his jeans makes the ache between my legs unbearable. “I will wait for you, Petal.” I realize what I can do. What I want to do. The decision in my stare must affirm my intentions. He draws away, and I step back off the sofa. My choice is natural, I drop to my knees, I peer up into those stormy blue eyes. They’re dark with hunger. “You don’t have—”

  “Shh…” I make quick work of his belt buckle. Unzipping his pants, I stroke his cock through the thin black cotton briefs. His head falls back as he hisses my name. Again and again.

  “No. Jesus, Tayla. Stop.” His harsh command has me reeling. He sits forward, pulling me up. He pulls his zipper up and tugs me into his arms. “This is not the way I want to do this. I crave you, like nothing I have before, but I need to do it right.” His smile is sweet. He wants a real relationship?

  “But, I thought…”

  “Be with me? Petal, you’re incredible. Amazing. Beautiful. Sexy as
hell. I can see you. I see through you. Into your heart.” His words pierce me deep. “There is nothing more I wish for than to carry you to my bedroom right now. But I will wait till you’re ready.” Stepping back, he gives me a smile.

  “Promise?” I don’t know why I need to hear him say it, but I do. The idea of a relationship scares me, but with him I can try. The public image he portrays isn’t the real Callum Hayes. This, right here, is the man I want to know. The one I crave to give myself to. The question remains, will he be able to ignore my scars of the past and accept me for who I am now?

  “I promise.” I lean in and kiss her again, there’s uncertainty in her eyes and I wonder if it’s something I did. My hands roam her curves, lifting the delicate material of her shirt. She is toned, but soft. Supple. My cock is hard. My mouth is watering for her. Without warning, the door behind us swings open. My glance lifts and my blood boils at someone else looking at her body. “Liam. Jesus, can't you knock!” My voice is loud and booms through the small space.

  “Well, it’s my fucking house too, I can go where I please. What the fuck is going on here?” My brother’s stare bounces between me and Tayla. My hands drop and I tug the hem of her top down, protecting her from his prying eyes.

  “I was teaching Tayla the guitar.” When I twist to face him entirely, I can see his mind racing through the situation he caught me in only two months previously. I had one groupie in here and she was riding my dick on the sofa. That didn’t end well. Mainly because the poor girl jumped off my lap so fast to cover up and then when she realized it was my brother she assumed she struck the jackpot. She wanted a threesome with the Hayes brothers. Unlucky for her. I don’t share. Liam pounced on the idea and hauled the little slut out and I was left wondering what the fuck happened.