Surviving

by Ahren Sanders

  “You’re kidding me!”

  “No, and the timing couldn’t be better.” Harper adds and puts her arm around my shoulder in support.

  My eyes tear up, and the room gets quiet. “Okay guys, I know you all want an update. After I fill you in, I don’t want to talk about it again tonight. I need to have a girls’ night more than anything. I’m not sure what each of you knows so I’ll tell you everything.

  “To start with, the article was removed by midnight Tuesday. Our lawyers slapped MCE with a suit for Slander and Defamation of Character. They are claiming they have a reliable source and stand by the story. So right now it’s in legal limbo. Dad’s Private Investigator is looking into the sources in the article. We obviously know about Raine Mitchell, but I’m thinking Sami spoke up too. Christie is about to go to jail, so we can’t figure out if anyone actually spoke to her.

  “School has been hell because people point and stare. My dad put a new guy on security duty. He follows me from class to class and hung around yesterday and today as my group studied in the library. I’m sure he is probably sitting across the street right now watching the house. He’s assigned to me indefinitely until we know if I’m going to get lynched by Sayge fans.”

  I pause and take a large gulp of my Cosmo.

  “I’ve been banned from every social media site, including my personal sites, by every male in my life. There are pictures everywhere of me with anyone but Declan. Mike worked with the magazine wanting to do the article and moved it up. We will be meeting with him next week. Since I’m a social pariah now, I’m not sure exactly how we’ll do the interviews, but we still have the photo shoot set up. Declan is playing tomorrow night and wants to set the record straight, but Mike has insisted we let things die down and the article speak for us. In order to do that, we decided to tell them everything. We have some censors about the whole Christie thing, but otherwise, we’re going to tell our side of the story. We’re also going to announce the decision to join the LiveNation Summer Tour.”

  “Let me know what you need Rave, I’ve got some time to get the press release for you.” Amber chimes in. I grin back.

  “The biggest mystery right now is who got access to all my personal information. It could literally be anyone I have come in contact with. Classmates, teachers, reporters, Sayge fans, absolutely anyone. The only good thing we think so far is that our wedding is still private. Those files were secure. Since it’s only our close, core group of people that know I’m confident we can pull it off.”

  “I know I’m a little sheltered, but who would do this? That article was pure hate. It was like a direct hit to you meant to ruin your reputation. What’s wrong with people?” Ember practically hisses.

  “Whoever did this has no idea about my relationships with Declan and Sayge. His protective instincts have kicked into uber mode. But there’s one good thing that came out of all this shit; I’ve got a job after graduation. I’m going to manage Sayge on the summer tour.”

  “Silver lining baby! You’ve always been able to find the silver lining.” Kendall says. “Now if there’s no more, it’s time to celebrate.”

  “Let’s eat later and get this party started!” Harper refills all our glasses, and we go back to the living room. Tracy has set out more displays, and my eyes bulge at the vibrators and other items on the table. I try to hide my embarrassment, but she picks up on it right away.

  “Raven, don’t be shy. Sex is natural and enhancement items can help build a strong sex life.”

  “Oh, I’m pretty sure her sex life doesn’t need enhancing, but this is fun!” Charlie answers her.

  Abbi takes me to the center of the sofa, and everyone else finds a seat. Tracy starts her presentation and by the middle, I have a feeling this was not just for my benefit. Each one of my friends has oohed and awed over almost everything. The only person that looks like she might bolt is Ember.

  Since I’m on my third Cosmo, I get brave. “Ember, I want you to know something. I was a virgin when I met Declan. He’s the only man I’ve ever slept with. Don’t let this stuff intimidate you.”

  Her face relaxes, and she looks at me in wonder, “Really?”

  “Yep, I learned how to give a blowjob from that book right there.” I point to the book on the end of the table and Amber snatches it up.

  “Hold on, hussy! You mean to tell me that Declan is your first and only?” she says smiling.

  “Yep. First, only, and forever. So I think everyone may need to grab that book.”

  Everyone makes notes on their order form, and Ember smiles shyly at me. I wink back. We haven’t had a lot of time to talk privately since Robbie invited her to the wedding.

  I’m pretty sure Tracy was surprised at some of the questions my friends asked. If I wasn’t buzzed, I’d be mortified. When the presentation is finished, we all fill out our forms and Abbi grabs mine.

  “Rave, we all pitched in and we’re buying you some stuff. Go on in the kitchen and eat, so we can shop.”

  I try to protest, but it’s useless. Ember follows me into the kitchen, and we fix a plate. I can tell she’s nervous, so I break the ice.

  “I’m glad you’re coming to Florida next month.”

  “Raven, I’m absolutely terrified. I’ve never been on a trip with a guy before, especially to a family wedding. I’m still confused about the whole thing.”

  “What’s there to be confused about? My brother likes you and wanted you to be his date.”

  “Yeah, but why? It’s obvious he’s out of my league. Look at him.”

  “Ember, you’ve got to be kidding me. You’re beautiful, sweet, kind, and hardworking. If anything, he needs to be the one thinking that.”

  “You don’t understand, I’ve never really dated before. The times Robbie and I have hung out, he’s attracted a lot of attention from girls.”

  “Let me tell you something, I understand you’re shy, but stop being so self-conscious. He’s really into you. But let me give you some advice, these guys can be a little protective and bossy. You need to learn up front to stand your ground. Be yourself and not a pushover.”

  “I kinda got that impression when Robbie commented on my outfit the other night. I thought it was cute, but he kept making comments about needing a jacket and sitting in the corner.”

  “Yep, he’s into you. Don’t overthink this.”

  “Thanks for letting me come to your wedding.”

  “I’m thrilled you’re coming. I’ve got you and Robbie in the condo with us. You can have a choice of the rooms when we get there, but there is a room with twin beds.”

  “I’m not a complete prude. We’ve slept in the same bed before, but he’s being patient with me.”

  She turns red but doesn’t say anything because the other girls start filing in and fixing their plates. Most of our conversation revolves around Kendall and Harper’s move earlier this week.

  I’ve spent a ton of time with Amber working on Sayge business, but we have never really socialized. I notice she isn’t wearing her diamond anymore, and I ask her about it.

  “Amber, I know it’s none of my business, but you were wearing a diamond ring when we first met. Now you’re not.”

  “Yeah, I know. I’m having it resized. It was my mom’s ring, and when she died, I started wearing it. But then I realized people thought I was engaged. So I’m going to wear it on the other hand once it’s ready.”

  “You’re right, I thought you may be engaged the first time we met, but I’ve never heard you mention anyone.”

  “Nope, happily single. And to be honest, my job is very demanding. I’m not sure I have time for any sort of relationship.”

  “You should hang around this group more. In less than a year and a half, all six of us have hooked up, and now it looks like Ember is next.” Kendall tells her.

  Ember blushes and opens her mouth to protest, but then smiles. Mari jumps in and tells us about a guy she has a crush on in one of her classes, but she hasn’t talked to him yet. She prob
ably regrets mentioning it because she has seven buzzed girls telling her what to do to get his attention.

  Tracy joins us and has a small gift bag for me. She had some of the items my friends ordered in her stock. All other items will be shipped. I thank her for everything, and Abbi walks her out. We finish eating and go back to the living room with fresh drinks.

  Someone rearranged the room and put the armchair in the center with the presents surrounding it. I’m directed to sit there.

  “Okay, Rave, we all know about your love of lingerie. We think we have every night of your honeymoon covered, including your wedding night.” Ella tells me when she hands me the first gift.

  It’s a beautiful white lace slip with matching thong. The back has a satin ribbon that crisscrosses. The card says it is from Ember, and when I look at her, she is grinning.

  The rest of the gifts are equally as sexy and in all different styles and colors. I can almost tell who each gift is from based on the style. When I open a box and see crotchless panties and a lace strapless bra, I know it’s from Charlie. She has no shame in telling me she bought herself a pair too.

  When I finish opening all the gifts, Harper brings out two bottles of champagne and serves everyone. At eleven, Declan shows up with Robbie, and we are all trashed dancing around the living room like idiots.

  “How the hell did a lingerie shower turn into this?” he asks.

  “Well, honey, I wanted to go dancing and since I’m on social lock down, we decided to dance here.” I kiss him briefly.

  “I’m thrilled to see you smile. Did you have fun?”

  “I got an outfit for every night of our honeymoon including our wedding night.” I whisper. His eyes fill with lust, and he wraps his arms around my waist.

  “If you let me take you home, I’ll dance with you. We’ll dance in every position possible with my dick inside you.”

  The moisture surges in my panties, and I nod my head against his. He loads the truck with my gifts and I say my goodbyes. When we pull out of the driveway, Declan gives a half wave to the man in the car across the street. Yep, my bodyguard was here all night.

  Chapter 45

  Photo Shoot

  When I get home from school Monday, I go directly to the bathtub. If I can get by without dinner, I may go straight to bed. I haven’t been this tired and sore in my life. Almost every muscle from my neck down got a work out this weekend.

  Friday night, Declan didn’t just want to dance naked, he wanted to possess me. He took his time kissing every part of my body. When he reached my thighs, he pinned me down and teased me with his lips, tongue and teeth until I begged. Using his weight to hold my lower body down, he fucked me with his tongue. Since I couldn’t move my lower body, I squirmed and knifed up, begging for mercy after the second orgasm. Then he made love to me slowly telling me how much he loved me.

  We slept in on Saturday and relaxed until he went to The Steamroom. I’d been so preoccupied, I forgot Sunday was Valentine’s Day. All my friends had plans, so I watched movies and read until I fell asleep. I didn’t wake up when Declan got home.

  Sunday night, I cooked us dinner and dressed in the newest nightie I had. It was another baby doll, flyaway nightie but in hot pink with a matching robe. Needless to say, our dinner was cold by the time he let me eat.

  So now I pour my favorite bath beads in the tub with water as hot as I can stand it. I think about the call today from Amber wanting to talk about the photo shoot this coming weekend. The photographer wants to play around with the cover. Until the article is written, the creative team won’t know exactly what they want for the cover of the magazine. I assumed they wanted a picture of the four guys together, but that’s not necessarily the case. They’ve asked that I take some personal and intimate shots with Declan in a closed set. She also tells me the offices are fielding calls again regarding the trash piece last week.

  I don’t realize how long I’ve been in the tub until Declan knocks on the door. He smiles when he comes in and starts to strip.

  “Whoa! Stop right there. You’re not getting in here with me unless you promise to tame that beast for the whole night.” I point to his hard erection.

  “Beast?” He smirks.

  “Declan, I used muscles this weekend I haven’t used in forever. My abs are sore! How does that happen? I’ll tell you, you held me down until all I could was squirm. I’m taking a night off.”

  He steps in the tub behind me and lowers himself. I have to let some of the water out, so it doesn’t go overspill. His hands massage my shoulders, and I sink back to him.

  “Okay babe, you get a night off. But guess what I found in the back of my truck today? I almost opened every box and bag, but I realized it was your honeymoon wardrobe.”

  Oh shit! I forgot about my presents. “Please tell me you didn’t see anything. They’re supposed to be a surprise.”

  “I was curious but I put them all in the closet.”

  “Thanks, but you do realize I’m bringing something other than lingerie on our honeymoon. As a matter of fact, I need you to give me a clue where we’re going so I can pack.”

  “Warm, tropical, casual. Does that help?”

  “Sort of, bikini tropical or rainforest tropical?” I groan as he works on a knot in my neck.

  “Is there a difference?”

  “Yes! Bikini’s means beaches. Rainforest means adventure.”

  “Babe, I’ve arranged for anything. We don’t have to leave the room if we don’t want.

  “We’ll see.”

  I lean back into him and tell him about my conversation with Amber. He’s a little hesitant but agrees to see what they have in mind. When we get out of the tub, I put on my pajamas and grab my computer. While he makes us dinner, I review the magazine website looking at the pictures for ideas of what to expect on Saturday. It almost feels normal.

  *****

  The photography studio is located in an old warehouse. The photographer’s name is Jewel, and she is a spunky, petite lady full of energy. She has piercings everywhere, and the ends of her pixie cut are dyed electric blue. As soon as she talks, I know I like her. She has two assistants with her today, along with a makeup and hair crew. We walk through the warehouse, which is divided into several rooms. She has each room set up with different backdrops and lighting.

  Jewel takes us to a small sitting area and goes over the plan. Each guy will have separate pictures taken, but the majority will be together. I laugh out loud when she asks how the guys feel about going shirtless.

  “Are you kidding? With this bunch, you could probably get them to go naked. They have no shame.” I answer her.

  Her eyes light up, “In that case, will you all stand up and take off your shirts for me?”

  No hesitation as each guy rips off their t-shirts and stands in front of her. They smirk at us. Jewel walks around each of them and pulls their jeans to hang on their hipbones.

  While the look is sexy, I see an immediate problem. She looks at me, and I nod slightly.

  “Guys, I have an idea that will rock, but it will require a little clean up.” She says matter of factly.

  I chuckle, and Declan looks at me with questioning eyes. “It means she needs to manscape a bit.”

  “What the fuck is manscaping?” Cooper asks.

  “It’s waxing. She needs to wax your lower stomachs, maybe more.”

  “What the fuck?”

  “Nate don’t be a baby. Almost all women do it. We get it below our pelvis. It’s a piece of cake.”

  “Guys listen, let’s start with some group shots. Then we’ll break out for the individuals. While each of you is waiting, Andrea can do a little clean up and then we can get back together for the final shots.” Jewel says. “Then I want Raven and Declan together in the back room.”

  They put their shirts back on, and we follow her to the studio space. Andrea applies a little makeup and the hair stylist does some adjustments. I laugh when she tries to touch Blake’s Mohawk, and he slaps away
her hand. After an hour of group shots fully clothed, Nate and Blake go for their individual shots, and I follow Cooper and Declan to the dressing area.

  Andrea explains what she is going to do and motions for Cooper to lie down on the table set up. She instructs him to pull his pants down to his hip bones and then puts her gloves on. As soon as she puts the dipstick in the wax, Cooper freaks out.

  “What the fuck? Is that hot?”

  “It’s warm enough to grab the hair so I can remove it by the roots. The point is to get it in one try and move to another area. It’s quick, and you’ll only feel a sting.”

  Declan is behind me leaning in the doorway, his body shaking with laughter. “Coop, quit being a pussy. It’ll be over in a second. You’ve had a needle piercing your skin for hours at a time. This should be a piece of cake.”

  “You’re right. And Raven said she gets this done so it can’t be that bad.” He winks at me, and I roll my eyes.

  Andrea applies the wax and then the cloth strips. She rubs the area a few times and then rips the strip. The shrill cry of Cooper fills the whole studio.

  “What the fuck! Do you know what the hell you’re doing?” he yells at Andrea.

  “Yep, do this all the time. We do a lot of model shoots out of here every week. You’d be surprised at what I can do with this wax.”

  “No fucking way. You’re done.”

  He starts to sit up, and she pushes him back and slaps more wax on him. When she puts the strip on, he grips the side of the table and stares at the ceiling. He doesn’t scream when she rips it off this time, but there’s a loud hiss. She rubs a soothing ointment and pats his stomach to let him know he’s done.

  “Can I get some ice or something?”

  “Yeah, give me a sec, I have a feeling your bandmate may need some too.” She points to Declan as he lies down on the table.

  She follows the same steps with him, adjusting his pants and putting on clean gloves.

  “Dec, man you may want to have Raven hold your hand for this. I’m still feeling the sting.”

  “I got my dick pierced, I think I can handle a little warm wax.”