by Sammie J
Noah owns a big town house. It has six bedrooms, two bathrooms, the usual kitchen and lounge but he also has a basement that has a studio and where the artists sometimes come and record. I know he has the space for me but with the way the things are between us, I'm not sure if it's wise we share the same space so I tell myself to phone Monica later and ask to stay with her.
As we pull into the driveway there is a van pulled up right to the door and I can see people taking stuff out of it. When we come to a stop Noah gets out opens the car door for me offers me his hand and I take it. Lara manages to get herself out but not without complaint.
My body immediately reacts, I feel the heat, and Noah stiffens too and I look up at him, “He's here isn't he?”
“Yes, but I will explain that in a bit, let's get you inside and settled. I don't know about you but I could do with a large drink.”
“Noah this isn't a good idea, I should go...”
He takes my face in his hands, “Listen to me, I'm not letting you or my sister out of my sight, I'm not sure if you are in danger. So, until the police say otherwise you are staying with me.” And with that he lays a soft kiss to my lips.
As we walk into the house I say, “Nice black eye. Does it hurt? How did that happen?”
He laughs, “Always full of questions, it's nothing, a misunderstanding. You should see the other guys face.”
We both stop dead in our tracks and look in the same direction and we watch Juan walking towards us. The heat hits me but I don't feel it too much as I’m still numb from the burglary, so I ignore it the best I can. Juan stops in front of us and looks me over, “Are you ok? What’s happened?”
Noah turns to me, “Peppa, can you go and make yourself comfortable in the lounge? Help yourself to the bar. I will explain to Juan what has happened so you don't have to relive it ok?”
“Ok thank you.” I smile up at Juan then walk away.
I enter the lounge with its massive TV, huge open fire and big comfy red sofa's to find Lara already there with a drink in her hand. I plop myself down on the opposite sofa from her and rest my head back against it and close my eyes. She makes a phone call and all I hear is yes I'm fine, and then I hear her walk from the room still on the phone.
The shock of the night finally hits me and I let the tears roll and I wrap my arms around me to try and stop my body from shaking. I feel someone sit down next to me and I know its Juan because as soon as he touches me my body burns for him. And then I feel someone at my feet and I look down to see Noah sitting there looking concerned and he puts his hand on my knee and that’s when my body flames for them both.
“Peppa, it’s ok, I won’t let anyone hurt you and I will help to find out who did this.”
I turn my head to look at Juan, “Whatever this is between us, you don't know me, and you can't fight my battles. Can you both please take your hands off me as I can't handle these feelings right now?”
Noah removes his hand, “I'm sorry Peppa, but I'm with Juan we are both going to protect you.”
Juan lays his hand on my arm and I glare at him and he quickly removes it. “Sorry, I know we don't know each other yet Peppa, but I want to get to know you. Whatever this is has connected the three of us together and I can't help the feelings I have towards you. And if I'm honest I don't want to. I want to be near you and spend time with you. I want you Peppa. Shit, I know this is bad timing but I hate the thought of you hurting and I need you to know I'm here for you.”
I break down in tears and find myself being pulled into a hard chest and being hugged to death. I let Juan hold me and I calm down enough to where little sobs come out now and again. I pull away and notice Noah is still on his knees and has a frown on his face.
“Oh god, Noah I'm sorry, I feel so violated, and angry. Why did this happen to me?”
He leans into me and I put my arms around him and he speaks into my hair, “You can stay here as long as you need, I don't know why this happened but I intend to find out.”
I move out of his arms and smile at him, “Can I have that drink now please? I need something to make me sleep tonight.”
Noah gets up and walks over to the bar. I turn to Juan and find him already looking at me so I smile. “So, how come you're here then?”
He laughs, “Our home was violated too, not in a bad way, well I guess that depends on how you look at it really.”
I frown at him, “What do you mean?”
“Last night when we were dropped off at home there were tents pitched out on the grass where we live. As soon as we were out the car about thirty girls came rushing over. Cruz, of course, loved the attention and made it worse by flirting. It took us a good sixty minutes to get in the house, after we took photos with them and signed their stuff. But it didn't end there, the doorbell went all night and they broke into the house and started touching things and taking photos. Saul woke up to find a woman naked in his bed, I'm glad I remembered to lock my door.”
Noah comes back and hands me my drink. “They have groupies already and it's only going to get worse as more people have turned up today to try and catch a glimpse of Viper. Juan phoned me and told me what was going on and as I had the space and the studio downstairs it seemed easier to tell them to come here and stay till they go on tour.”
I shake my head, “That’s crazy and so wrong, Noah seriously, you don't need me here to get in the way. I can find somewhere else to stay.”
Juan and Noah both say, “No,” at the same time which causes me to look at them both and I feel myself blush. I let out a fake yawn as the intense feelings are starting to surface again, “Is it ok if I go to bed?” I stand and then remember I have no clothes, “Damn, I have nothing to wear.”
Juan stands up and pulls his T-shirt over his head, “Here take this.” He's standing there with outstretched hands offering me his shirt and I'm standing there with a fish mouth opening and closing taking in his muscular chest and looking at his lickable snake tattoo.
Noah nudges me, “Peppa you ok?”
I mentally shake myself and look at Noah, “Yeah, sorry, I'm ready.”
He laughs, “Ok follow me.” So I do.
Juan calls after me, “Peppa, you forgot this.”
I turn and he is standing right in front of me and holds out his T-shirt. I take it, “Thanks for this.”
He leans in and kisses my cheek. “No problem, goodnight, I will see you tomorrow.” And he walks back to the sofa and sits.
I follow Noah up onto the third floor and he stops outside a door, “You can stay in this one it's next to me, so if you need me you know where to find me.” He points to another door, “Juan is staying in that one so we are both close if you need us.”
I look up at him, “Thank you Noah for everything.”
His hand moves up to my face and he runs his thumb along my lips. He leans in and whispers, “I will do anything for you,” and his lips find mine for quick kiss. “Goodnight Peppa.”
“Goodnight.” I open the bedroom door, turned to watch Noah walk away then shut the door and turned the light on.
I take in my surroundings and you can tell no expense has been spared. From the glass fronted wardrobes, to the four poster king sized bed all done out in earthy tones of brown and reds. I notice a door and walk over to find a large bathroom with a shower that can fit four people in it. I decide to use it first to try to wash away the last couple of hours. Once I'm done, I put Juan's T-shirt over my head and a feeling of calm comes over me. I cuddle up in the bed and phone Monica and she is shocked at my news but reliving it all again upsets me. So I say goodnight and close my eyes, I let the tears fall and I cry myself to sleep.
Chapter 10 (NOAH)
Can this day get any worse? Not only does my face hurt like a bitch but Jacob has decided to sit in front of me with a sneer on his face and wants to talk about Viper and the tour we are organizing. I listen to him go on about dates and I finally get a word in.
“I need a Coffee do you want one?” He nods a
yes to me.
I press my buzzer to speak to my PA, “Mrs Teachen? Could you please make Jacob and I a cup of coffee, you know how we both like it. Also, do you happen to have any headache tablets on you?”
“Yes Mr Blaise, coffee coming up and let me see what I can do about the tablets.”
I thank my PA and turn back to Jacob who looks very smug.
“So, how is the black eye this morning?”
I smirk at him, “Jacob until you say sorry, I will only talk business with you. I have nothing to say to you otherwise.”
He smiles and I want to punch it right of his face, “Ok Noah, I'm sorry for punching you. Peppa is a sore subject between us but I would like to put it behind us. I have one more thing to say about Peppa and I will leave it alone, and that’s to let you know, I will get her back.”
I raise an eyebrow and shake my head at him, “Ok Jacob good luck with that.” I know his sorry wasn't heartfelt and because of work I will have to put up with the little shit, so I let it go for now but I will bind my time.
A knock comes at the door and my PA comes in with the coffees and she found me some tablets which I can't thank her enough for. She leaves and I'm left with Jacob once again.
Four hours later, after many phone calls to different Venues up and down the country, sorting out dates and times, and getting papers ready for the lads to sign, Jacob finally leaves. But will be back soon, ready for the meeting with Viper.
I take the time to go over everything again and I jump a little when there's a knock at the door. I stand and walk over to look out my window and shout, “Come in.”
I tell the lads to take a seat and turn to face them, something is said about my black eye but I play it off. I give them the spill about how they have become big overnight and explain about the tour. It all goes smoothly and Cruz is the first one ready to sign. Jacob decides to join us and once again he has that smug look about him. A comment is made about going out to celebrate and the fun to be had with women or men, which then causes a heated glance to pass between Juan and I. Everyone signs and we head out to celebrate.
When I step outside and make my way to the car, I stop suddenly and look at Juan as a wave of intense feelings hit me, and my dick suddenly comes awake. My head quickly looks over to Café Net and I see Peppa locking up for the night. It's not hard to figure out that when the three of us are in the same location the intensity is stronger and heats us all up. Peppa turns and it looks like she stumbles and puts her hand out to steady herself, I want to go to her but I wave at her instead. Jacob makes a comment to Juan which gets my attention.
I take one more look at Peppa and get into the car. Jacob gets in next and says, “What the hell is Juan doing.” Jacob leans over the driver and makes the horn beep. Not long after Juan gets in the car and Jacob directs the driver to the outskirts of town to the strip club we know so well. I look in the wing mirror as we pull away to see Peppa staring after us.
If I thought yesterday was a bad day, nothing feels worse than a black eye that throbs like hell and a hangover from a night out at a strip club. I sip some water and take some tablets and think back to the night before. I found myself sitting with Juan most of the night and both of us had no interest in the women throwing themselves at us. It's funny because this time last week I would have of loved the attention from the women and would have fucked one too, if offered. But there's only one woman I want right now. Cruz and Jacob love the attention and get sucked in, they have women around them all night. Saul disappears for most of the night, I have no idea where he went. It was after 1:00 am when I get home and was in work for 8 am so no wonder I feel rough.
Jacob stays out of my way today and more phone calls come asking about Viper, I set them up with a few interviews at some big radio stations. At 5:00 pm I’m more than ready to hit the road and get ready to leave, I close my office door and my phone rings I answer it.
“Noah, this is Juan, we have a problem.”
“We do? Care to enlighten me Juan.”
“Things have gone a bit crazy here, there are people living outside our house in tents, they mobbed us last night asking for photos and then continued all night to ring the bell and scream we love you. Five girls have broken into the house and took photos and stole items of clothes. Saul has awoken to a naked woman in his bed and we can't leave the house.”
I run my hand down my face, “Shit, let me think.” I'm quite for a while and the only thing that comes to mind is for the band to come and stay at my house, “Ok I have plenty of room you can come and stay with me. I will head home now and wait for you.” And I give him my address.
Juan says, “Sounds good thanks Noah see you soon.” We both hang up.
I head out of my office and make my way home. I pull up at my house and walk inside to make myself a drink and wait for the lads. I'm surprised how quick they are, as fifteen minutes later, they are unloading their stuff into my house.
My phone rings and I answer to my sister crying, “Lara what's wrong?”
“Noah can you come, the place is a mess.” She lets out a sob.
“Lara where are you? Are you at home?”
“Yes please come. I'm scared.”
I check my pockets to see if I have my keys and head for the car. “Lara is Peppa all right? Is she there?” I turn the key and the car starts up and my sister answers me,
“No she isn't here yet, but will be soon. Please hurry Noah.”
I swear under my breath, “I'm on my way Lara. I will be there soon.”
She breaks down crying again. I'm about to end the call when I hear a voice say Lara's name and I know it's Peppa so I put my foot down to get to them as fast as I can.
When I reach their home I park the car, I look around but I don't see a police car. I hope Lara remembered to call them.
As I walk up to their door it's ajar, so I walk in to what I can only describe as what looks like a bomb has gone off. The place is a total wreck. Everything has been smashed or ripped apart. I quickly walk over to Lara and take her in my arms. She is shaking like a leaf.
“Lara, where's Peppa?”
She mutters into my shirt, “In her bedroom checking to see what’s missing.”
I look over to the door that I know Peppa will walk through. It's not long before she does. She looks pale and shocked and my protective instincts kick in and I reach out for her and mouth the words, “Come here.” She does and I overlap her in the warmth of my arms. I look down at her but her face is buried in my chest. I give her a quick kiss on the top of her head to let her know I care. Her body starts to shake with the tears that come and I hold her tighter to me.
It's not long before the police come and they take a look around and get statements from Lara and Peppa. I let the police know that they will be staying with me and leave them my address and phone number.
On the way to my house, Peppa makes a comment about staying with Monica but I make it very clear she is staying with me. If she thinks for one minute I'm letting her out my sight, she doesn't know me very well.
I pull up into my driveway and remember Juan, Cruz and Saul are moving in and I wonder how Peppa is going to react to the three of us being under one roof, as it's not going to be easy for any of us.
Peppa says, “He’s here isn’t he?” I answer her and I know what is going to come next.
She starts to say that this isn't a good idea, but I put my hands on her face and shut her up by kissing her. My dick stirs but I force it back down. She doesn't need that right now, she needs to feel safe and I want to give her that. She makes a comment about my black eye but I make sure to explain to her that it's not a big deal and she doesn't push it.
Juan comes over to us and I know all of us feel the connection, but it's not the right time for that either, so I tell Peppa to go and make herself at home and walk with Juan outside and explain the situation.
“Do you have any idea who could have done this? Do you think it could be someone she knows?”
I
look at Juan when he says this, as the same thought had crossed my mind. The only person I can think of is Jacob because he made it clear he wanted Peppa back, but going to this extreme doesn't make sense.
“I haven't ruled it out, but let's see what the police say. I will have to ask my sister if she can think of anyone who would do this.”
“I can help if you like. I don't want Peppa to get hurt. I will protect her while she is here. I can only do that at night, so you will have to work something out for the daytime.”
I look at him confused, “Hang on, why can't you do daytime? If we work together we can sort something out. I do have my sister to think about too.”
He shrugs, “We keep odd hours, you know, the whole rock and roll thing. We are up all night partying, writing and rehearsing and get up when the sun goes down.”
I'm puzzled by that comment but my thoughts turn back to Peppa when he says, “We should go in and see how Peppa is and your sister of course.”
He's right. So I head back into the house and Juan follows me.
We walk into the lounge and find Peppa sitting on the sofa with her arms around her knees holding herself. I can see she is shaking. Juan goes over and sits by her side and I kneel at her feet, as if to worship her, and if she would let me I would. We both put our hands on her to offer comfort and Juan tells her he will protect her. She asks us to remove our hands from her as it’s all too much. Juan then takes her into his arms and my heart sinks a bit and I let my feelings show on my face, she goes onto explain how she is feeling and I feel stupid, so I lean in and hug her.
She asks for a drink and I go and get her one. Juan is now telling her why he is there and I see a smile on her face. She yawns and asks to go to bed but then announces she doesn't have any clothes. I make a mental note to go and buy her some. Juan takes off his T-shirt and I notice Peppa can't take her eyes of his chest. She’s not the only and I wonder if she is having the same thoughts I'm having about his snake tattoo. Juan kisses her on the cheek and says goodnight, then I lead her to the room she will be staying in. Once I let her know which room is hers, she thanks me and I kiss her. What I really want to do is follow her into the room and get into bed with her. But I say goodnight and walk away.
