Surviving

by Ahren Sanders

Gabe clears his throat and glares at her. “Friends, Harper?”

  Her face turns a slight shade of pink and she raises her eyebrows in question.

  “Don’t you think you should introduce me properly?” he questions her.

  “And that would be?”

  He shakes his head and walks to the hostess stand. “Hi, Nadia. I’m Gabe, Harper’s boyfriend.”

  I watch this drama unfold in front of me and thank God I’m beyond this. Nadia shakes his hand and grabs our menus. Gabe has Harper’s hand in his and makes sure to kiss her before she goes back to check on her tables.

  We each get a beer and order before Harper gets back to talk to us. Gabe tells her he got a room for the weekend and she runs off to call Kendall to pack her a bag and bring it here. We haven’t told Kendall yet, but Brian is driving down with Charlie tomorrow to surprise her. I swear when it comes to these women, there are always plans in the works.

  After dinner, we leave Gabe at the bar to wait on Harper, and we go to the hotel. Once we’re unloaded, we meet back up at the hotel bar.

  “Sparkle, I really want a low-key night. Can we go up early?”

  “Yes, I need a little bit of time with Harper when she gets here. I need details.”

  “Raven, please don’t tell me you girls talk about everything. I would like to think that when I lick your pussy you don’t tell them about it.”

  “Declan!!!” She hits me on the arm, and I smile down at her. Her face is red, and her mouth’s parted. Yep! I got to her.

  I don’t get to tease her anymore because I’m pushed away when Harper arrives. They immediately go to the bar stools, and Gabe comes up next to me.

  “Looks like my plans just went out the window.”

  “Tell me about it. Rave has been waiting a week to talk to her. We’re in for a long night.”

  “At least you get your girl to yourself. Kendall was invited to stay in our room on a rollaway. When I tried to protest, Harper shot me a look that could melt ice. So now the three of them are gonna chat all night long.”

  I give him a look that tells him what I’m thinking.

  “Dec man, I may have screwed this up. She’s been watching me for years fuck around with girls. I know she’s not a virgin, but pretty close. I have to prove myself to her.”

  “Listen man, I know you don’t want details, but Raven was worth the wait.”

  “You’re right, I don’t want details. I’ve known her since she was in first grade. Please don’t tarnish my mind.”

  I shake my head, and we go play pool while the girls talk. I know when Kendall arrives because of the shrieks. When the band starts in the small bar, I notice how much it has filled up. The girls are talking to different people seated around them, and the bartender is leaning over whispering to Harper. I motion to Gabe whose face goes red, and he hands his pool stick to Cooper. I must give it to him, when Gabe wraps his arms around her waist and pulls her into a kiss, he’s not mad anymore.

  “Is this what pussy whipped looks like all the time? You guys are pathetic.” Cooper shoots the eight ball in to win.

  “Yep and I wouldn’t have it any other way.”

  I have to carry Raven to our room. She falls asleep before I can kiss her goodnight.

  *****

  The ringing of a phone wakes me. Raven groans against my chest and pulls a pillow over her head. We have at least an hour before we have to get out of bed, so I search for the phone before it wakes her completely.

  I find it in her jeans and see Charlie’s name on the screen.

  “Yeah.”

  “Declan, where’s Raven?”

  “She’s still asleep, the girls tied one on last night.”

  “Shit, can you tell me what room Harper is in so I can send Brian to Kendall? I’m going to see Blake.”

  “Don’t have a clue but it’s under Gabe’s name. Maybe you could text him.”

  “I already did and no luck.”

  “Sorry, but I’m going back to bed.” I hang up hearing her protest then turn the ringer off knowing she will call back until someone answers her.

  I slide into bed and curl around Raven not wanting any space between us. My mind drifts to the show tonight and making sure she is somewhat guarded. I make a mental note to talk to Brian and Gabe. There’s no threat, but I can’t be too careful. We still don’t know who sent that picture from Paris. I also don’t want another scene like last weekend in the bathroom. When I broke through the door and saw Raven holding Sami’s hand in a death grip, I wanted to jump out of my skin. I’m thankful that Ember came and found me.

  Raven switches her position and her ass wiggles against my dick, which instantly goes hard. I run my fingertips down her arm until I reach her hand and link our fingers together. Kissing up and down her exposed neck I start humming.

  “This is nice.” she says sleepily.

  “How do you feel?”

  “Fine actually. I think someone took very good care of me last night.”

  “I’d like to take care of you right now, but we need to start getting ready.”

  “I know, but tell me how you’re feeling about today.”

  “The same as I always do. Excited, nervous, happy...all of it. The nerves aren’t nearly as bad as last year, but it’s always a little intimidating with these large crowds.”

  “Umm hmm.”

  I roll her over and kiss her lightly. “Gross, Dec, I need to brush my teeth. Especially with the taste in my mouth.” She tries to move away, but I won’t let her go.

  She reaches down and rubs the tip of my throbbing cock with her fingernails. I throw my head back and enjoy her touch. I really was going to try and wait until tonight, but she’s making me wild. She looks at me with need and my resolve falters. Rolling over on my back, I lift her hips and push into her slowly. When our bodies connect, the familiar zing of electricity runs through me.

  Her body adjusts to mine quickly and she grinds against me, teasingly. There’s a slight grin on her face testing to see how long I can take it. Two can play at this game. I prop up on my elbows which gives me complete access to her hardened nipples and use my tongue to lick, nip, and suck each one. When I’m satisfied that she’s worked up, I stop and lay back down with my hands behind my head. She gives me a glare then a mischievous look. She starts very slowly rocking back and forth. My eyes almost bug out of my head when she reaches up and starts playing with her own tits. Her fingers tweak at her nipples, which grow tighter and turn pink at her harsh touch.

  She throws her head forward, and her hair covers us, tickling my stomach. I grow thicker inside her from watching. She moves her hips like she is dancing on my dick. She’s toying with me. When she touches her clit, I almost come from the sight itself.

  I’ve watched girls play with themselves plenty of times, but it has never been sexier than in this moment. She starts to pant, and my instincts kick in. I want to be the one that makes her come undone. I jackknife up and move her hand away.

  I prop up on my knees and throw her back to the bed, keeping our connection. I don’t give her a chance to recover before I glide in and out with light force. Her face is flushed and her eyes shiny. She clutches my thighs and locks her ankles around me.

  I’m so close, but I’m not going to come without her. I touch her again, and she jumps under me. Her sensitivity makes me even more determined.

  “Come with me baby, I need to feel you around me.”

  She nods and throws her head back arching her back. Once she lets go, I scream her name falling on top of her and our sweaty bodies embrace.

  “Raven, I’m not sure I like you touching yourself. It’s fucking amazing to watch but even I got jealous of your hands.”

  Our hearts are still racing as I hug her close.

  “Jesus Christ, I hope she’s still alive. I heard that shit from the elevator.” Charlie’s voice breaks through from the other side of the door.

  Raven starts to giggle, and I groan. Charlie is starting to become one of my le
ast favorite people ever.

  Covering her mouth with my own, I carry her to the shower. Hoping our visitor at the door gets a hint and leaves.

  Once we’re dressed and ready, I text the band to meet in the lobby. Blake and Charlie are already there. I have to admit that Charlie is a pretty girl if she would shut her mouth. Blake scores points with me for putting up with her.

  Since Jay couldn’t be here, he arranged for our credentials to be left at the back gates. The six of us ride together to the assigned lot, and the attendant has our stuff as well as tickets to some tent where all the musical acts are invited.

  After shopping for a while, Raven and I sit in the grassy area, to watch the bands.

  A few people stare at us, probably because I’m completely wrapped around her shielding her from the cold. But when several girls stop right next to us, I get uneasy. I pull out my beanie and try to cover my face. Raven stiffens in my arms and when we hear the girl closest to us.

  “I really think it’s him. Look closer.” She says to her friends.

  “There’s a huge resemblance, but why would he be sitting in the crowd wrapped around a woman? I’m pretty sure it’s a coincidence.” Someone adds.

  “No guys, I’m sure that’s him. Look–”

  I slide my eyes over and see them playing on her phone, most likely pulling up our media sites.

  “Okay babe, how do you want to do this? If we get up now, we can get away quick.” I say quietly into Raven’s ear.

  “We got this sweetheart. Let’s see how it plays out.”

  Less than a minute later, one of the girl’s approaches with her cell phone in her hand. “Excuse me.”

  I sigh but look up anyway. “Yes?”

  “I know this may sound crazy, but my friends and I think you have a striking resemblance to the lead singer of a band here tonight.”

  Raven chuckled against my chest. “Which band?”

  “Sayge, they’re from Nashville.” she says excitedly. “You look exactly like Declan Collins.”

  I don’t say anything because Raven takes over. “Ladies you are very observant. It is Declan Collins.”

  Shrieks fill the air and the four of them crowd us. I’m very uncomfortable still sitting, so I rise bringing Raven with me. One of them tries to push her to the side, but I firmly pull her back to me.

  I answer a few questions and sign whatever paper they throw in front of me, I think one was a tampon cover. With all the noise, a crowd starts to form. I thank the girls politely and slide through a hole in the pack tugging Raven along. They follow us, but we get to the side gate quickly and flash our badges. I don’t fully relax until I get to a chair in our roped off section and have Raven back in my arms.

  “That was interesting.”

  “You need to text Charlie to get the passes to Gabe and them. No way is either of us going back out there.”

  She agrees and sends a message to Charlie. I get us a beer, and we go to the tent in the back.

  “Shit!” Raven yells.

  “What?”

  “Those girls already started posting pictures to Facebook and the one they took of me is terrible. I’ve got to hand it to them though, one of them was able to get an angle where it looks like you had your arm around her.”

  “You’re kidding right?” I look over her shoulder at her phone.

  “Are you two looking at porn? If so, I wouldn’t waste your time. I heard the sounds coming through your door this morning.” Blake comes up behind us.

  I punch him in the arm and watch Raven’s face turn red.

  “Here are the passes, douche.” I shove the folder at him.

  “Hey no need to get snippy, at least someone got laid this morning.”

  It’s not funny, but I laugh anyways. He may say the most inappropriate things, but he’s still one of my best friends.

  “To answer your question Blake, we were looking at Facebook. Declan was recognized in the crowd and bombarded. They’ve already tagged pictures online.” Raven tells him.

  They leave to get the rest of our friends, and we find Cooper and Nate waiting in our section with several girls. I’m actually glad when Charlie and the group arrives. I wouldn’t want to leave Raven alone with them.

  We look over our notes one more time and get ready to hit the stage

  I pull Raven into a passionate kiss and don’t let go until someone taps on my arm. I ask Gabe to keep an eye on her and saunter out to the stage where the band is waiting. The crowd is huge, and clearly excited about Sayge. There are more people that I have ever seen crammed into the area roped off for dancing.

  Our sound and energy is amped. Blake’s solo once again draws the largest response. When we’re on out last song, I look over to see Raven dancing on the side stage with her friends and Gabe and Brian watching them protectively.

  We thank the crowd, and I stalk to my girl. I hand my guitar to someone in the group and pick her up, kissing her with all the energy I have. She clutches at my scalp holding me as close as she can. I forget about all that’s going on around us as we get lost in each other. She slows our kiss and pulls back.

  “You need to do autographs then the blogger interview. I already told them you would be there quickly.” She says breathlessly.

  “Not sure I’m ready to put you down.”

  “You have to. I’ll be waiting when you get back here. Don’t forget to mention the release next week and the launch of the video. It will go on the website after the launch party. I think it would be a good idea to invite a few of the bloggers to the party.”

  “Yes ma’am, anything else?” I tease her.

  She shakes her head, and I put her down, ready to get this shit over with.

  It takes almost an hour but we’re finally done with the after show obligations. The band goes back to our area, and Raven is missing. No one knows where she is, but Charlie mentions the bathroom. Shit! Raven and bathrooms don’t go very well together. Looking around the area for the facilities, panic sets in. I know it’s ridiculous, but I can’t stand not knowing where she is.

  “Hey, calm down. I’ll go look for her. You wait here.” Harper says softly and pats my arm.

  Her and Kendall disappear and come back a few minutes later with Raven laughing. Chill Declan, she was in the bathroom, I tell myself over and over.

  We all head into the tent for more food and drinks and stay until the place closes down. Mike calls Raven and she gives him a play by play of the show. He makes plans to meet on Monday. Cooper gives me a look that I understand completely; we are so fucking glad she handles our calendar.

  Our hotel bar is still open when we get back, and we have one more drink before splitting up to our rooms. All I cared about was falling into bed with Raven next to me, naked.

  Chapter 33

  Launch Party

  Raven

  I’m glad I worked so hard the last few weeks in school because, after today, I’m done until January. I secretly think Mike and Declan arranged the launch party for tonight knowing my semester was over.

  MJ Labels rented out the back room of a restaurant for the party tonight. He’s expecting over one hundred people throughout the night. He extended invitations to our friends, families, bloggers, MJ employees, and other local music executives.

  The article in the Tennessean came out on Tuesday, and the response was astounding. Amber, Jay and even Mike were fielding calls like crazy. Amber and I scheduled a meeting tomorrow afternoon to put together a calendar for upcoming interviews and possible radio appearances.

  There’s only an hour for me to get ready, so I run through the house screaming my greeting on my way to the shower. I’m bent over shaving my legs when his hands circle my hips pulling me into him.

  “Sweetheart, we don’t have time. My exam ran late.”

  “Shhh, baby we have all the time we want. They’re not going to do anything without us there. And besides, I knew you’d be late, so we actually have two hours.”

  I give him a dirty
look but then grin. He really does know me. Without saying a thing, he picks me up and lowers me onto him. He makes love to me slowly massaging my ass in rhythm to his strokes. We keep our foreheads pressed together staring into each other’s eyes. When my stomach drops and I feel the familiar release starting, I squeeze him to let him know that, I’m close. He must sense it because he moves faster, and we scream out at the same time.

  Still holding me tight he turns me back to the hot water spray and sets me on my feet. I tremble a little but hold onto him for support.

  “What was that about?”

  “Do I need to have an excuse to make love to my fiancée?”

  “No, but that was unexpected.”

  “Two reasons: one, we always celebrate the end of your semesters. You ran by so fast, you missed the champagne I have chilling; two, tonight is quite possibly going to change our life, and I needed to start it out right.”

  There are no words, so I smile and finish my shower. While I’m drying my hair, Declan comes back into the bathroom with two flutes of champagne. The sight of him makes my heart race and puts butterflies in my stomach. His grey slacks and black button down mold to his body. He’s decided to keep a small amount of scruff on his face most of the time.

  I bought a dress specifically for tonight with a pair of killer heels. The dress is ruby red and gathers on the sides with rhinestones. The shoes are black and red print with a spike heel. I purposely keep them hidden until we’re ready to get in the truck. When Declan turns on the alarm, I slide them on my feet and pull on my coat.

  “Sweet Jesus, where did those come from?” he hisses.

  “They’re new.”

  “I know that but where were they thirty minutes ago?”

  “Come on you horny man, we have a party to get to.”

  “You think you’re sly, but I already have images of later tonight that include you naked, those shoes and a blindfold.”

  He leads me to the truck as I quiver at the thought.

  *****

  The hostess leads us to the back room where a huge crowd has already formed. Declan’s dad and my parents are at a table and Mike, Robbie, and the rest of Sayge at the bar. Someone comes by and takes our coats, and we walk towards our families first.