by MJ Carnal
The room was silent. Lily wiped her eyes but it was no use. She hadn’t known him then but her heart broke for this handsome stranger that had his innocence taken at a time that the only thing he should have been worried about was passing his next science test or asking the right girl to prom. Steve’s body trembled next to her and she reached out and took his hand.
He didn’t glance her way. His eyes remained focused on Damien’s. “Jesus, D. I didn’t know. I hope that mother fucker rots in hell.”
“I’m sorry you had to go through all that. We would have been there for you but I can understand how desperate you must have felt. We were all young and dumb. We were just kids.” Mark stood up and shook his hand. “I hope you’ll stay around for awhile.”
“We’ll be recording the next month or so. I hope to see you around.” Damien gave him a half smile.
“Thanks for telling us. We’ll leave you two to talk some more.” Ryan pointed to the door and Mark and Caleb took the hint.
Steve stood and pulled Damien into a hug. “I would have done anything to help you. You weren’t alone.”
“I had to save my mom. I was scared she would be the next target.” Damien’s voice broke, his shoulders sagged and he sobbed into Steve’s chest. Fourteen years of hiding and being alone came rushing to the surface. Fourteen years of missing the only person he ever thought of as a brother passed between them as they tried to mend the damage that had been done so many years ago.
Lily cried as she watched Steve’s face soften. He was getting a piece of his family back. “I think you need to stay here tonight. Don’t drive like this.”
Damien shook his head. “I can’t expect you to forgive me that easily. I’ll go back to the hotel.”
“No.” Lily wrapped her arms around them both. “You can stay in my room. I’ll crash with Steve.”
Chapter 4
Lily stepped from the shower and wiped the steam from the mirror. She had given them some time alone. She couldn’t imagine a world without her sister, Mia, and knew Steve was thankful to have Damien back. She rubbed her lotion on and brushed her teeth. Stepping into a thong, she brushed her hair and smiled. A night wrapped in Steve’s arms again would do her some good. It had been awhile since she had spent the night with him. Or any man for that matter. Too long.
As she walked down the hall, she could hear the men laughing about the past. It was music to her ears. “I’m going to get in bed. I’ll see you in there. Take your time. Sweet dreams, boys.” She smiled at them both and walked away.
Damien and Steve both watched her go. Her hair hung down her back, brushing the top of her perfect ass. Steve growled low in his throat. “She’s wearing a fucking thong to bed.”
Damien adjusted his pants. “I’d give my left nut to be you tonight. You lucky son of a bitch.”
“We’re just friends. I’ll have blue balls for a week but nothing will happen between us.” Steve stared as his bedroom door.
“Can I ask her out?” Damien laughed at Steve’s expression.
“Your life, dude. See you in the morning.”
Steve took some calming breaths on his way down the hall. They’d slept together a hundred times before. He had survived every single time. But living with her was torture. He wanted her more and more every day. The logical side of him told him she would forever be off limits if they were going to remain friends. It was his mantra, words ringing in his head every time he looked at her.
She was tucked under the covers with the lights off. He stripped down to his boxers, ignoring the raging hard on that would keep him awake all night. As soon as he was under the covers, she sighed and rolled into him. Her body rubbed against his erection and she bit her lip.
“That’s a new addition to our sleeping arrangements.” She giggled as he groaned.
“Not new. Trust me.” His eyes met hers as she leaned up on her elbows. “He’s just not usually quite so aggressive.”
“Why don’t you take care of it?”
“Lil.” Steve blushed. “Not helping.”
“What? I have at least one orgasm a day.” Her eyes burned into him. “I could use one by someone other than Bob though.”
Jealousy reared its ugly head. His heart ached. So did his impossibly hard cock. “Bob who?”
“Battery operated boyfriend. Bob.” She closed her eyes and thought about Steve and Bob at once, grinding, panting, coming hard. A moan escaped her lips. “Fuck. Now I’m horny. I’m going to get him.”
“What?” His voice cracked.
“Don’t be a prude. Masturbation is totally natural. I’ve heard you in here getting off. Those are the nights I spend a little extra time with Bob.” She stopped with her hand on the door. “I can do it in the bathroom if that makes you more comfortable.”
Steve shook his head no and she smiled. Shit. This would change everything. His body ached. He reached into his boxers and stroked. A bead of moisture pooled at the tip and he spread it around the shaft. He pictured Lily on top of him, legs spread wide, head thrown back in ecstasy.
“You started without me.” She laughed when he froze. “I want to see you do it.”
He groaned. “Jesus. Are you sure about this? What if this changes everything?”
Lily climbed on to the bed and pulled her tank top over her head. Her bare breasts were on full display, begging to be touched. Her nipples pebbled at his stare. “We’re adults. We just decide it won’t change anything.” She stood and pulled her thong off, standing completely naked in front of him.
His breathing was shallow. She was gorgeous. Her pale breasts were perky and round with light pink nipples that taunted him. His mouth watered. Her silky hair, the color of sunshine, fell loose over her shoulders. Her tiny frame, her sparkling eyes, her pink lips, all on display without a hint of insecurity. “Fuck. You are so out of my league.”
“I haven’t been this turned on in awhile. Seeing you touch yourself is…” She picked up ‘Bob’ and bit her lip. “Are you sure you’re ok with this?”
“Lily, I have never been more ok with anything in my life.” He pulled his boxers off and ran his hand over his erection.
The toy hummed to life and she ran it over her nipples. Her moan echoed through the room. Letting her knees fall open, she bit her lip. Her eyes locked on his and she whimpered. Holding the vibrator out to Steve, she smiled. “Want to do it?”
“Fuck yes.” Steve knelt between her legs, hands trembling and cock pulsing. She pulled on her nipples and moisture dripped from between her legs. “My god you’re beautiful.”
“Make me come, Steve.” Touching it to her skin, she bucked off the bed. She spread her legs even more. As he inserted it, he revved up the speed. The rabbit ears vibrated against her clit as motorized pearls on the shaft circled her walls. Her toes curled and her legs shook. “Oh fuuucck. More!”
His pulse pounded in his dick. He was going to blow his load like a teenager seeing his first naked woman. His Lily, spread out in front of him like a buffet, begging for release and he held the key to it all. First thing in the morning, he was going to thank whoever it was that invented this little piece of magic that was currently pounding away inside the woman he would give anything to fuck. Until then, he wasn’t going to push the limits of this relationship. He wanted to taste her, lick every last bit of pleasure from her and then do it all over again. He wanted to cover his shaft in her pleasure and pound himself into oblivion. His cock jumped in response.
Her hands untangled from the sheets and she sat up, burying the vibrator deeper. “Need to touch. Oh God. I need to touch you.” Her head fell back, the humming sound picking up speed.
She grabbed his shaft in both hands and pulled. Her expert hands roaming his cock, pulling, gliding, using the right amount of pressure to drive him wild. “Lily. Slow down. It’ll be over in a few seconds if you don’t stop. Jesus you’re good at that.”
She looked at him, memorizing every hard inch. Thick and strong, he was at least seven inches. Heat radiat
ed from his body, igniting a primal need to have him buried inside her. Her body screamed yes, oh God yes, but her head said no. As she felt her second climax building deep in her belly, she lifted her eyes to his. “I wish it was you inside me. Fuck, I’m gonna come.” And with that, she grabbed both her nipples and threw her head back. Her mouth opened into the perfect O and she rode the vibrator as if her life depended on it.
His cock bucked. She reached forward, pulled once more and he exploded, hot jets of semen squirting into her palm. His moan echoed against the bedroom walls and he didn’t care if the neighbors could hear him. He had never come so hard in all his life. He fell forward onto the mattress, his legs giving out from the force of his orgasm.
“That was…” He was out of breath. He rolled onto his back and pulled her into him.
She smiled, dragging her finger across the head of his penis and putting it into her mouth to taste him. She moaned as she sucked her finger clean. “You taste amazing.”
“Christ. You have no inhibitions. It’s such a fucking turn on. Look at me.” He gestured to his crotch. “I’m already hard again.”
She snuggled into his neck. “Amber wasn’t shy, was she?”
“She wasn’t shy but it wasn’t very exciting. Obviously, since she had to find it somewhere else.”
She pushed up on her elbows. “What about Nickie?”
“She was a fill in. The girl is amazing. But we weren’t ever a couple.”
“Oh.” Lily’s heart fluttered. “What about everyone else?”
A slow blush crept up his neck. “There’s never been anyone else. Seven years of Amber.”
“Steve.” Lily was shocked. “You have a lot of time to make up for.”
“That was a hell of a start.” He smiled as she curled back into him and they fell asleep.
Chapter 5
Lily ran down the hall giggling. “Get up!” She yelled as she threw open her bedroom door. “It’s on!”
Damien jumped when the door hit the wall. Seeing Lily, he smiled and rubbed his eyes. “What’s happening?”
She grabbed his hand and pulled him from the bed and down the hall to the kitchen. Pointing at the radio, she laughed. “Listen.”
Damien’s eyes filled with tears as his voice came through the speakers. Without Novocaine was his baby and hearing it on the radio made it real. As a tear ran down his face, he wiped it away and looked at Lily. “There are no words.”
“Dance with me.” Lily pulled him closer.
Damien sighed. She smelled delicious. Her hair was still wet from the shower and she wore yoga pants with a sports bra. Nothing had ever been so sexy. He had seen the looks that Steve had given her last night. Denial or not, there was something between them. That made her off limits. He pulled back slightly, trying to disengage from his fantasy.
It had only been a few months since he had seen her at one of his shows. She had been putty in his hands, wrapping herself around him as they stood at the bar. His lips had burned a trail down her slender neck and she had shivered. His body went on full alert remembering their first meeting.
“Lil Bit.” Kevin cleared his throat and laughed as Lily jumped. “I can come back.”
Lily smiled. “No. I’m ready to kick some zombie ass this morning.”
“Zombie ass?” Damien directed his question at Kevin.
“Dude, not sure who you are but you’re gonna need to throw some pants on if you’re talking to me.” As Lily and Damien both looked at his boxers, Kevin laughed. “Or I can come back.”
“Don’t be stupid.” Lily grabbed Kevin’s hand and pulled him toward them. “This is Kevin, one of Moretti’s minions.”
“Minion? From booty call to minion. I’m wounded.” Kevin extended his hand. “Kevin Merck, Lily’s personal trainer and love slave.”
“Damien Reynolds.” He shook his hand. “And I’m shocked. From the sounds last night, I would have said Steve was the love slave.”
Kevin liked him instantly. He put his fist out for a bump. “Lily, you taking ole Stevo to pound town?”
“Oh, I see. Dicks before chicks and all that.” Lily turned off the radio. “The position of love slave is currently open and I’m taking applications. If either of you see any real men, let me know.”
Kevin smacked her ass. “Get that thing in gear.”
“Damien, why don’t you work out with us? I believe you will be impressed by my excellent ass kicking skills.” Lily raised her fists and growled.
“Yep, I’ll get my pants. This I can’t miss.” As Damien was turning to leave, he noticed Kevin step into Lily’s back and whisper in her ear. He threw Kevin’s words back at him. “Or I can come back.”
“I can be quick.” Kevin laughed as Lily punched him in the arm.
Steve stepped into the living room and groaned. “Oh surprise. You know, we can upgrade to a three bedroom if you’re moving in, Merck.”
“If you’d just admit you’re in love with me, life would be so much easier. I’ll move in but I’m not sleeping with you until you buy me dinner. I’m not easy. It will take some effort.”
Damien chuckled. He had spent two hours with Kevin and he was hilarious. His quick wit had him laughing the entire time. Lil had told him all about the group of friends that he had missed for the last fourteen years. There were new additions and marriages and babies. His mind spun. The minute he heard he had saved Ryan’s life, he had a whole new respect for him. And knowing his relationship with Lily had been more than just friendly made him even more confused.
“You hear the interview? It was crazy at the station. The phone lit up the minute we announced you.” Steve threw Damien a bottle of water. “Guess you’re a hit. The song is really good, man.”
“What song?” Kevin realized he knew nothing about the man that was sitting next to Lily on the floor.
“Damien is the lead singer of the band Liquid Regret. You’ll know who they are soon enough.” She leaned into him and smiled. “They’re really good.”
“Congrats, man.” Kevin stood and shook his hand. “I’ve got to get home to the wife. I’m sure she misses me by now. Doll, I’ll see you on Monday.”
“I have some stuff for Andi. I told her I would send her some stuff from the station for the pediatric floor. I’ll walk you out.” Steve grabbed his keys and followed Kevin out the front door.
When the door shut, Damien turned his attention to Lily. “Seems like a cool guy.”
“He is.” She stretched her arms over her head. “His wife is awesome.”
“And Steve?” Damien questioned.
“He’s a cool guy too.” She smiled. “I’m really lucky to have the two of them. I miss home like crazy but they keep me grounded.”
“You and Steve would make a good couple. You should ask him out.” Damien held his breath waiting for the answer. Lily made him nervous. He couldn’t think straight with her around.
“No. He’s my best friend. I need that more than I need to date someone. It’s hard to find friends like him. I wouldn’t risk it.” Lily smiled down at him.
“Would you be open to dating someone else then?”
“Are you asking me out, Damien?” Lily laughed.
“Depends on what your answer would be.” He reached out and took her hand.
“Why don’t you ask me again tonight when you pick me up for dinner?”
Steve paced the living room. The minute Damien had arrived with flowers in his hand, he knew he was screwed. Lily wasn’t his. He knew that. But his heart was pounding out of his chest waiting for her to get home. It was hard to breathe and his stomach was in knots.
Last night had been a shock. Lily had been so open. He had never been so turned on in his entire life. Being with her had been so different than it had been with Amber. She had no inhibitions at all. She wasn’t nervous or ashamed. She knew her body and what she liked. He had dreamed of being with her but last night had proven that being with her in person was better than he ever imagined. He had wanted to bury
himself deep, to get lost in her body. But it was Lily. She was his best friend. As amazing as it had been, he feared last night was a mistake. They needed to talk.
And now she was out with Damien. He growled. He was burning up the living room carpet with his pacing. This was ridiculous. She was a single woman and Damien was an attractive guy. He was the lead singer in the next big band. Shit. He was screwed.
He heard voices at the front door and froze. Two AM. He crossed his arms over his chest as they came into the living room. They both stopped and looked at him. Damien raised his eyebrows waiting for Steve to say something.
Lily tilted her head to the side taking in the emotion written all over his face. “Steve?”
“I need to talk to you. Alone.” He walked down the hall toward his bedroom.
Lily told Damien to pick out a movie and then she followed him to his room. Steve was sitting on his bed, no expression on his face. “Are you ok?”
“I don’t know.” He blew out a breath. “I think we need to talk about last night.”
Lily sat next to him and put her hand on his knee. “I will talk about whatever you need to. Just please don’t say it was a mistake.”
Steve ran his hands through his hair. He took a deep breath, her scent surrounded him and he smiled. “Not a mistake. Just not sure what it was.”
“Steve.” Lily turned to face him and took his hands. “I think it was just two people giving each other what they needed. It was amazing.”
“I wanted to take it farther. Jesus, Lil. I wanted to do so much more.” He brought his eyes back to hers. “I still do. You’re my best friend and I can’t stop thinking about how good it would be. And that would fuck everything up.”
“I need you in my life. I’ll never do anything to jeopardize our friendship.” Lily giggled. “But I wanted more too.”
Steve’s body instantly responded. He closed his eyes. “You better get back out there to Damien. Before I do something I’ll regret.”
