12
Emily
“What took you so long?” I met her at my bedroom door where I’d been standing on pins and needles for the last five minutes. She’d made me stay here while she answered the door so as not to look too desperate, like I was doing exactly what I have been; standing by the door like I was waiting for my prom date.
“I had to give him the test.” I drew in my breath at her words, not quite sure I liked them. I knew what she meant and hadn’t even given thought to putting him through it. I felt just a hint of jealousy as I awaited her assessment. “And?” My tummy cramped and I almost told her not to tell me. I don’t think I could bear to hear that he’d made a pass at her, or that he’d been receptive to her advances.
“He passed with flying colors; not even a sneak peek and trust me I showed my ass but good; figuratively of course, no need to give me the death glare. Girl he’s good as gone. That fool spent the whole time breaking his neck trying to see upstairs.” We were both hopping up and down by the time she was done.
I don’t know why I’m so happy that she wasn’t able to turn his head. This little game is something we’d done once or twice in the past, with mixed results. It’s juvenile I know, but hey whatever works. I find it weird that she didn’t tell me she was going to try it on him though. Then again she seems to be reading more into this whole situation than I am.
When Simone isn’t buzzing in my ear I see this as nothing more than a financial arrangement. Two minutes in her presence and I’m hearing wedding bells and thinking of happily ever after. “Go before he wears a whole in the marble floor down there. Look at me.” I stopped and faced her. She had her serious face on and I knew whatever she was about to say was coming from a place of friendship. “Relax, have a good time, and just go with your gut. Trust me, no one will think less of you if you take this opportunity and run with it. And if they do, fuck ‘em. They’ll most likely do the same thing if they were in your shoes.”
I closed my eyes on a breath and nodded, though I was still not sure. “I know you, better than those sycophants you surround yourself with. I know you have morals and ideals and shit though you play the bubble headed nitwit well. We have a lot in common, that’s why I’m here. If you have feelings for this guy, take that chance for yourself. Now gimme a hug and get outta here. I’ll stay with your mom until the Xanax kicks in.” She kissed my cheek and pushed me out the door.
I stopped at the top of the stairs to compose myself before making my way down. He must’ve heard me coming because as I reached halfway down he came out of the living room, his eyes trained on the staircase. I faltered on the next step when I got a good look at him. He looked freaking amazing. Coming from a town of major box office stars and moneyed businessmen, I’ve seen my fair share of tuxedo clad males. None had ever filled out one of those things as well as Jason Storm.
His hair had been freshly cut, which made his features seem more pronounced. His dimples flashed when he saw me and moved towards the bottom of the stairs to await my descent. Should I say something about his looks? Or would I come off sounding like a total flake? Though the words burned a hole in my tongue and I had to squelch a little ‘wee’ of pleasure, I kept my posture as I reached his side.
“You look amazing Emily.” He wasn’t just saying that either. Not the way he looked me up and down with obvious interested pleasure before giving me his arm. My knees shook for the first few seconds as he led me out to the waiting car.
Once he seated me without the driver’s assistance I might add, and walked around to the other side, I took the time to regulate my breathing and get myself under control. For the first time in my adult life I felt completely out of my depth with a member of the opposite sex. It was obvious that he wasn’t like the boys I was accustomed to. Those I could easily control. Most were intimidated by me, for one reason or another. Whether it was my looks, or my former wealth. As he took his place beside me in the Rolls Royce, I was very aware that he wasn’t going to fall into that category.
“Nervous?” What do you think? Why wouldn’t I be when he took my hand and brought it to his lips before asking that question? I had to swallow the sudden frog in my throat before I could answer.
“Of course not. I’ve been to one of these things before.” There, that wasn’t so bad. There was only a slight tremble in my voice, but at least I didn’t trip all over my tongue.
He kept my hand beneath his as he placed it on his thigh and I think I forgot to breathe. There as so much heat coming off of him it was a wonder I didn’t singe. I was acutely aware of everything about him. From the way that same thigh touched mine. The way he sat so close I could count the hairs on his nape. I bet if I looked hard enough I would see the pulse beating in his neck. His nearness was doing strange things to my equilibrium and I was in danger of falling under his spell until his voice broke the silence and shook me out of my trance.
“If you become at all uncomfortable tonight you’ll let me know. Don’t stray from my side and you should be fine.” I hadn’t given any thought to running into anyone I knew tonight until he brought it up. I’d all but forgotten that the secret was out and my family’s dirty laundry was blowing in the wind for all and sundry to pick over.
I forced myself not to think about it, not to give in to the rising panic that his words invoked. “I tell you that now so that you will be prepared. I don’t expect anyone there to be so crass as to bring it up to you, but if they do, I’ll handle it.” Maybe he knew something I didn’t. But he was right. I should’ve prepared myself for the inevitable. It was only a matter of time before the questions were asked, and the whispers started.
JASON
Maybe I shouldn’t have brought it up, shouldn’t have reminded her. She’d deflated a little bit at my words. But I didn’t want her to be sideswiped by some careless asshole there tonight. I knew much of the crowd there were not the sort she hung out with, but they were the parents of some of those people, and the place was so clannish and close knit that everyone knew everyone in some way or another.
I didn’t plan on letting her out of my sight anyway, but shit always happens when you least expect it. This way she’d be on her guard. I know I was. I hadn’t given much thought to wagging tongues when I cornered her into accepting my proposal. I didn’t much care what anyone thought about the two of us being seen together. I was pretty sure what conclusions might be drawn, but again, I didn’t give much of a fuck about that. That was all good and well for myself, but she might see things a little different.
There was already a line of cars when we drove up. I waited for the driver to let us out before taking her hand when she reached my side. There were cameras and bystanders as was wont to be at these things. I squeezed her hand when she lowered her head as the first light flashed in our faces while we made our way to the entrance.
“Hold your head up Emily, show them you have nothing to fear.” There were questions thrown at us and I even heard the name of my last bedmate thrown at my back, but kept going. She didn’t say a word and I wondered if she’d even heard the question. It was enough that I had. Disrespectful. I shifted my gaze without turning my head and made note of the asshole who’d asked. By tomorrow he’ll be covering alleys in downtown L.A.
I hadn’t even realized that I was holding her very snuggly around the waist until we were safely inside. The protective move had come naturally I suppose, but I didn’t release her now that she was safely inside. Not even when I snagged us both a glass of champagne. She didn’t fight my hold but in fact felt like she’d drawn herself closer under my arm. I looked down at her as she raised her glass to her lips.
She was nervous but hiding it well. There were people milling about before the show started, some of whom threw a glance our way. I’d chosen tonight as our first outing, not because of the guest list, but because I knew there would be cameras. I wanted the word to go out as soon as possible that she was mine. Tomorrow I’ll make the necessary phone calls to solidify and remind thos
e who needed to know, just what that meant.
They may talk behind her back, there’s no help for that. But anyone careless enough to harm her publicly would feel my wrath. It was poetic justice that I would use her family’s company to launch an attack against anyone who tried. “You don’t seem overly excited to be in the company of such major stars.” I made the comment when the leading man and woman walked into the room and she barely noticed, while half the room was already flocking to their side.
She shrugged her shoulders and took another sip of her champagne before looking up at me. “I grew up here remember? The novelty wore off when I was ten.” She got her share of attention and I was sure not all had to do with the latest topic making the rounds in the rumor mill. I didn’t fault the men who gave her appreciative looks as they passed. She was easily the most beautiful woman here, and that was not just blowing smoke.
She had a youthful vitality to her that added an extra glow to her creamy soft skin and showcased her girl next-door beauty. She had just the right mix of innocence, and sex appeal to give every man in the room ideas. I said hello to a few people who approached us, some wanting to talk shop, others wanting to get a look at her. Those who’d known her old man, which was ninety five percent of those in attendance, skirted the issue of his dealings and death when addressing her.
I did pay close attention to everything with a dick that got within sniffing distance of her. I knew how some of these old reprobates think. Had I not been here she would’ve been easy pickings for more than one ill intentioned asshole with more money than brains. I must admit; some of those looks thrown her way made me just a little bit uncomfortable. Especially when they came from the younger matinee idol types.
I hadn’t yet solidified my hold on her. There was nothing more between us than a working arrangement, nothing that said she was exclusively mine, no matter that I’d already made that decision to myself. I envied every easy smile she gave to someone of the opposite sex and even growled in my throat once or twice when someone got too fucking close. That hand got tighter around her middle and I was glaring by the time the curtains went up.
I held her hand in the darkened theater and pretended interest in the scenes flitting across the screen. Was she as aware of me as I was of her? A better question Storm is when did you become a bitch. When exactly had this girl taken your balls? The question pissed me off, especially since she appeared less affected by me than I her.
She sat poised and attentive as she watched the screen while I watched her. She laughed in what I suppose were the right places, and cringed when appropriate. She was engrossed in the film while I was totally occupied with her. I realized I was jealous of the damn movie and my anger just grew.
That shit was on a slow boil by the time the lights came up and people started getting up to leave. I was tempted to drag her out of there and forego the after party and take her instead, back to my place, my bed. She was a hell of a lot more relaxed as we left and was more open and friendly to those who stopped us on the way out to ask her what she thought of the film.
I all but dragged her to the car and waved the driver away so I could see to her myself. By the time I dropped into my seat beside her I was ready to break her neck and I had no idea why. Hadn’t I wanted people to see us together, to see that she was doing just fine regardless? So why the fuck am I so pissed that she’d held up so beautifully under well hidden scrutiny?
“Having fun?” Well shit. Even I heard the censure and aggression in my voice.
13
Emily
His tone had me looking over at him sharply. All evening I’d sensed the shifting moods in him. It started at around the time the show’s leading man came over to say hello. I didn’t miss the appreciative looks, but since I showed no interest and hadn’t returned the flirtation, I didn’t think Storm had even noticed. He’d been, at the time, preoccupied with one of the starlets, or so it had appeared.
I didn’t answer him since I wasn’t sure of his mood, but looked out my window instead. I could all but feel the heat coming off of him and a quick side eye glance showed his balled fists on his thighs. Suddenly I grew warm, and a flock of geese took flight in my tummy, while that forbidden place between my thighs tingled. Is this what scientist mean by pheromones? I was sure picking up some alpha male vibes right now.
Of course the thought had other scenes playing out in my head. Like Storm taking me down and mounting me, running his rough hands all over my heated body. His mouth…oh dear heaven. I actually squeezed my legs together and my face burned when the barest of sounds escaped my lips. He moved and my eyes shot across to his.
The look on his face now didn’t spell murder; there was another intense emotion roiling in his eyes. Even so, I wasn’t expecting it when he dragged me across the car seat and practically onto his lap. His lips were hard and hot when they came down on my own and I forgot to breathe. I felt the steel of his arms as one came around my back and the other buried itself in my hair.
Pins went flying as his fingers dug in, as the kiss grew harder, hotter. “Open your damn mouth.” I didn’t even realize that I’d been keeping my mouth barely open. At his words my lips fell open like a flower in bloom and I felt his tongue on mine.
His hands eased a little and the fingers in my hair now caressed my scalp, but the one around my back still had a sturdy grip. Both his hands were suddenly buried in my hair as he held my head in place and did the most amazing things to my mouth. I say mouth because he didn’t just go after my lips. His tongue ran over my teeth, stabbed into my mouth the way I imagined his sex going into mine.
My nipples were so hard they ached and that place between my thighs… As soon as I thought of it his hand was there, as if he could read my mind. Or maybe he sensed my sudden need. My legs fell open as if by their own accord and he pressed his palm flat against my heat through my underwear.
I shamelessly rubbed myself against that hand, dying for him to move the scrap of cloth away and put his rough hand on my bare flesh. I wanted to feel his fingers going in and out…. wait, what the hell? I’d never let anyone get this far before, but it seemed like I had no control with him. Far from stopping him and slapping his face I almost wished he’d throw me to my back and take me.
Just when I was coming back to my senses enough to tell him to stop, he pulled away and moved me back to my seat. The look he gave me was almost as hot as the kiss. My chest rose and fell like I’d just finished a five K marathon, and my vision was a little blurry. I still saw the tic in his jaw though, and the distension beneath his zipper was way obvious. My hands itched to touch, so I pushed them beneath my ass and tried to regulate my breathing as I looked back out the window, seeing nothing of the scenery we passed.
I was so tense my body began to ache and the temptation to look at him was almost too much, but I kept my head turned. I was afraid of what he’d see if I looked at him. I was sure that what I was feeling right this minute would be written all over my expressive face. I’ve never been too good at hiding my inner thoughts, not once my senses were so out of control. That was another thing. Usually I am a closed book, with anyone else I would’ve extricated myself from the situation already and his face would be bearing the print of my hand. With him, I wanted to lay back, spread my legs open and let him have at it.
The car pulled to a stop outside the swanky nightclub where the party was to be held. I breathed easy again once I stepped out with the assistance of the driver, but my peace was short lived as I was soon joined by Storm’s towering figure. My mouth almost fell open in surprise when his hand came down on the back of my neck. He didn’t squeeze, and his touch was not hurtful, but there was a certain pressure. Almost like he was making a point of some kind.
I seem to have lost my damn senses because instead of striking fear in me, his possessive hold on my nape instead made me feel… cherished… owned. And since when am I into this shit? Me, who in the past would’ve had anyone else’s balls for the presumption, now felt… so
mething else entirely.
He didn’t release me even after we made it inside, in fact his hand seemed to tighten its hold as he led me across the room to a darkened corner, out of the way of traffic. I kept my eyes straight ahead and didn’t even attempt to say anything to him. I couldn’t even if I wanted to because there was a lump in my throat and I was afraid it was my heart that had made its way up my lungs.
I was extremely aware of him, of his nearness. His body seemed bigger, harder; his scent tickled my nose and went straight to that throbbing place between my legs. What the hell is going on? Why do I find it so sexy, his holding me by the nape like that? It’s almost as if he’s preventing me from getting away, from escaping him. Something that should make me tremendously nervous, but instead makes my panties ultra wet.
One of the producers approached us and I tensed up once again, not quite sure what his reaction would be this time if the man paid the slightest bit of attention to me. I wasn’t too stupid to know what his caveman antics was all about. The producer, someone I had met once or twice before in the past, hardly spared me a glance after saying hello. His complete attention was focused on Storm, who carried on a conversation as if I weren’t there.
I was beginning to bristle at this, when his thumb suddenly started making circles up and down the soft skin of my neck. I gasped at the sensation and covered it behind a cough, which both men ignored. I needed so badly to rub my legs together, to ease the ache that was growing there, but I was afraid that any movement on my part would give me away.
Loving The Enemy Page 7
