by Hole, Carrie
She spent most of the day hanging on the couch, watching him over her laptop screen. He prowled around, script in hand, tension in every movement, and an impish plan began to form in her mind. He was going to give her what she wanted, what they both needed, or they could fight about it. Either way felt like a win at the moment. If he didn’t want to control her wild spirit then she would just let it be free. She bided her time, watching and waiting for the right moment to strike. Her inner devil was rubbing its hands together with glee, which was never a good thing.
She found her perfect opportunity a while later when she entered the bedroom, he had just showered and pulled on sweats. She approached him before he had a chance to put a shirt on, trailing her hand up his back, across his shoulder, and up his neck.
“I want you,” she said seductively as she stepped in close to him.
When she saw heat light his gaze she scratched her nails down his neck and back across his shoulder, not hard enough to draw blood but not lightly either. His hand came up quickly grabbing her wrist, so she licked and bit her lips with a small smile.
“Reina…” he said in a clear warning tone.
She narrowed her eyes and nodded her head. Pulling her arm out of his hold she started to walk away, the little devil inside pushing her beyond reason.
“Fine. I’m certain I can find someone willing to fulfill my needs,” she said flippantly over her shoulder.
Before she could reach the door he had her spun around, backed against the wall, arms caging her, and eyes wild.
“That’s not funny Reina.”
“Good, because I’m serious,” she replied challengingly, ducking under his arm.
She made it all of three steps before he snatched her around her middle with his arm and tossed her onto the bed.
“Reina, you need to stop,” he threatened, chest heaving and gaze stormy.
It took all of her willpower not to give him an evil giggle.
“Whatever. You fucking stop,” she replied sarcastically as she scrambled off the other side of the bed.
She didn’t get far before he’d stalked her down and snaked his arm back around her, the other hand coming to the back of her neck.
“Stop it Reina,” he said through gritted teeth.
“Or what,” she challenged.
She watched his threads of control unraveling and revelled in it.
He took a few deep breaths then grazed his lips gently across hers, like he was trying to calm a spooked horse, so she bit him. His hand fisted in her hair and pulled her head back.
She smiled, “What? The big bad wolf can’t handle it.”
His hand tightened in her hair, his jaw clenched, and his eyes faded to full blown primal mode. She watched the last string of restraint snap and enjoyed it, her devilish side purring in satisfaction. Determined to push his limit as far as possible she pressed her body into his as much as she could, tugged against his hold on her hair defiantly, and put her mouth close to his without actually touching him.
“Are you only going to huff and puff,” Reina goaded him, flicking her tongue across his lip.
James pulled their bodies tight together as his lips crushed against hers punishingly. He unleashed his pent up aggression, tongue demanding entrance. He took what he wanted ruthlessly; she melted into him like honey as he branded her heart, her body flaming. He nipped her bottom lip as his hand clenched her hair even tighter, almost to the point of pain. His other hand wrapped around her wrist and pulled it behind her back.
“Is this what you want Reina,” he asked in a dangerous tone, almost a hint of forewarning.
“Yes,” she breathed.
She could feel the rise and fall of his breathing as he looked into her eyes, her nipples tightening against his chest, and her breathing becoming shallow.
“Ok,” he finally answered, “We’ll play it your way.”
She barely had time to raise her arms as he released her and ripped her shirt over her head. He yanked her panties over her hips nodding at her.
“Take them off.”
She shimmied them down her legs and stepped out of them.
“I want you on the bed and on your knees,” he commanded.
She did as she was told, silently relishing her victory.
James pulled scarves out of the bedside drawer. He stood there expectantly, not saying a word, so she held out her wrists. He tied a scarf around each with sharp angry movements, causing her heart to race. He watched her, eyes predatory, before stepping around the bed and stopping behind her.
“Put your hands behind your back.”
Reina’s heart started pounding in earnest at his demand, but she had initiated this game and was damn well going to see it through. She folded her arms behind her back; he tied her hands together and stepped away. For a few seconds she felt a flare of panic, but she breathed through it and reined it in. This was James and ultimately she was safe, even at his current level of predator she trusted him. She could sense he was close, desire and anticipation swirling through her.
After what seemed endless moments her body shivered as James grazed his hand across her shoulder. She tried to be still as the word please was already burning through her brain. She felt his weight on the bed and lifted her chin in invitation as his hand came around the front of her throat. His other hand wrapped around and firmly squeezed the uninjured side of her ribs. Reina knew that he was testing her but it didn’t matter her body knew the difference and reacted instinctively. Her head fell back onto his shoulder, eyes closing and a sigh escaping as her body leaned into his touch.
Her response seemed to be his trigger; his teeth scraped her neck and his hand kneaded her breasts. He alternated between pinching and barely there caresses until she was panting and trying not to struggle as a demand for more. By the time his hand descended between her thighs she was wet and moaning, biting her lip not to say please and risk ruining the mood. The hand around her throat came around to her hair and tugged.
“Is this still what you want Reina,” he murmured in her ear.
“Yes,” she replied pleadingly.
James released her hair and placed his hand between her shoulder blades pressing her into the bed. She automatically arched for him as his hand glided down her spine. His body came over hers and he bit her shoulder.
“Last chance…” he whispered.
She pulled against the satin binding her hands.
“If you stop now I’ll never forgive you.”
She cried out as he entered her deep and fast.
“Mine,” he growled in her ear.
“Yes,” she moaned.
He held her arms as he claimed her with hard deliberate strokes, and she was lost. All thoughts cleared, her world narrowed down to James anchoring her and the pleasure coursing through her bloodstream. Nothing else mattered, nothing else existed, it was just the two of them completely immersed in one another. As the speed increased he let go of her arms and pressed a hand into her shoulder, fingers gripping tight. As the tempo became frenzied the pleasure was so intense that shadows danced at the edge of her vision from forgetting to breathe. For a few endless moments the world seemed to spiral completely out of control until James slowed, groaning her name. He braced his hands on either side of her, laying soft kisses on her back.
“Reina…”
She could tell by the sound of his voice what was coming.
“Ask me if I’m Ok and you’ll regret it.”
“Still not tame I see,” he chuckled.
“I’ll never be tame.”
“Really? Huh…,” he replied, clearly amused.
He untied the satin holding her wrists together and gently rubbed the circulation back into her arms.
“Roll over,” he said quietly.
She flipped over and he massaged down each arm again, tender and thoughtful, but she noticed a strange glint in his eye.
“Better,” he asked.
When she nodded he tied her hands above her head and
teased her mercilessly until she was begging, moaning, and whimpering his name.
Chapter 21
(One Month Later)
Everything was set for James and Reina’s stay in Nashville. The furniture was covered, refrigerator mostly empty, and their bags packed. They’d given all the security codes and information to Amy just in case and their temporary apartment was waiting for them.
Amy and Seth came over on their last day before departure. They lounged around the pool, music playing over the house speakers, grill going, and beers in hand. As it faded into evening they hung around the firepit and pulled out the guitars. It was the perfect day of sunshine, laughter, and friendship. They melded together so well as a group that Reina didn’t get much time to talk to Amy on her own, but the few moments they did have Reina asked about Seth. As much as she knew that Amy was perfectly capable on her own, the thought of someone keeping her company made Reina feel better.
“So, what is the status with the two of you?”
“Ummm...it’s a work in progress.”
“Is he officially living with you?”
“Well...not really.”
“But, he’s there every day.”
“Yeah, for now.”
“For now?”
“He’ll probably be going on tour soon,” Amy replied quietly.
“And…,”
“And, I’m not sure.”
“You’re not sure about what exactly?”
“I’m not sure. That’s all.”
Reina knew there was definitely more to the story. Amy wasn’t forthcoming with more information, but she wasn’t flippant about it either. She knew Amy would tell her when she was ready, or when she’d made up her mind about whatever it was, so she let it ride.
As they were getting ready to leave Reina didn’t see James, so she stepped inside to find him. She headed toward the kitchen and overheard him speaking to someone on the phone. She generally wasn’t a person to eavesdrop, normally she would have walked away, but something about his tone stopped her in her tracks.
“No...three months...I have previous work obligations...not before then...I understand perfectly...Yes...I imagine we will.”
He turned toward her as he ended the call and she felt guilty for listening.
“Sorry…”
He had the strangest look in his eyes, sending a tingle of worry down her spine. He crossed to her and wrapped his arms around her wiping the look away, which magnified her sense of foreboding, but she didn’t press it.
“No worries,” he smiled, “Are you ready for Nashville?”
“I’m ready for you,” she replied suggestively. As usual she let him confound her senses and muddle her mind.
Although she’d been to Nashville before, this time it was like stepping into a brand new world. They’d rented an apartment in a prime downtown area, close to the set and filming locations. The apartment came furnished, a beautiful mix of white, tans and light maple. Somehow James always seemed to find places with natural color schemes in shades that reminded Reina of coffee in one way or another. They also always seemed to have a breakfast bar, which made her smile because that had always been her favorite place to sit when she lived with Amy. Other than the bedroom it had a completely open floor plan, balconies and a wall of floor to ceiling windows overlooking the city.
Time became a rare commodity for them, but they did squeeze in visits to a couple of the local attractions. They toured the Parthenon, a full scale replication of the Athenian temple from ancient Greece, a beautiful museum located in Centennial Park. Featuring an amazing sculpture of Athena gilded in gold, and a brilliant collection of art, it was a must see. They also spent a day at the LeQuire Gallery enjoying quiet moments among the paintings and sculptures.
The hardest part for Reina was the constant barrage of people and social interactions. Paparazzi seemed to be everywhere they went. Fans waited outside the filming locations hoping for interactions, or approached them in public for autographs and pictures. James could always sense when she’d reached her limit and shielded her in one way or another. He insisted that Reina have bodyguards; she didn’t protest and ended up with two continuous shadows. This time was a bit different though, after extensive research James hired two specific people, both ex-military.
Mark and Charles became her new “best friends”. Mark was the taller of the two with blue eyes, Charles shorter but a bit more muscular with brown eyes. Beyond that they were extremely similar, clean cut, buzzed hair, and always in suits they reminded her of buff business men, only with guns. Reina let them know that she didn’t need them to carry her bags or open every door for her. Once they’d established some ground rules Reina adapted. She didn’t know much about their personal lives, but they doubled as her drivers as well and after spending time with them they developed a congenial type of relationship. She would probably never admit it but with James working so many hours it was kind of nice to have the company. She texted and called Amy, but it wasn’t the same as having her around. Reina liked her personal space and spending time on her own, but she wasn’t a complete hermit.
Reina spent a lot of time on set. She’d learned her lesson, if he wanted her there she went, which was most of the time. She was introduced to all of the cast and crew. He generally introduced her by her name, a person to be recognized on her own, but occasionally he would add “my partner” to it, almost as a warning. She hadn’t quite figured out what the triggers were but she didn’t mind, partner had a nice ring to it.
She enjoyed watching the production aspect of things. So much time, preparation, and creative collaboration went into everything. It was a talent to be appreciated for certain. Usually she took her laptop, found an uncrowded corner, put on her headphones, and worked on her designs. Business was better than ever and a lot of her clients gave her free range of creative freedom which, she loved. Not only could she use her own forms of expression but they trusted in her work, it both heady and humbling. On days that James would be working into the wee hours she’d leave midday, do her own thing, sometimes nap, and order some take-out. The down time they did have was spent lounging, sleeping, and simply enjoying each other’s company. Luckily she’d always kept odd hours and worked better at night, so their worlds blended together as they should, without sacrifice for either party.
A little over three and a half months later their bags were packed once again. They lazed in bed and as far as Reina knew they’d be leaving for the comfort of home in the morning.
“Let’s go to Key West for a few weeks,” James suggested.
Reina tilted her head, “You know I love Key West.”
He kissed down the side of her neck, like he was trying to convince her.
“We’ll rent the same house...invite Seth and Amy for a week…,” he continued.
“Enjoy the shower…,” Reina joked.
He chuckled at her.
“Wait...you’ve already set this up haven’t you.”
“Yes.”
“Then...No.”
He raised his eyebrows at her.
She shrugged, licking and biting her lip.
Before long she thoroughly enjoyed being convinced to plead for it.
Epilogue
James stood against the window alternating between watching Reina sleep and looking out over the city. Once again he was playing a bit of a dangerous game. His father had anticipated him weeks ago, expecting him to answer for Eric’s death. His father was intelligent and logical, no hint of the madness in Eric’s mind but he was also ruthless, unforgiving and impatient. Dealing with his father was the last thing James wanted to do. He was determined to enjoy time with Reina before the next storm came raging through their lives.
To be continued…
(Please see next page for playlist)
Playlist
A tremendous Thank You to all of the musicians of the world!
You inspire, motivate and console us.
You touch our hearts and speak to our s
oul.
Below is a playlist of songs I listened to while writing, listed alphabetically by song title.
(All copyrights belong to their respective owners. No copyright infringement intended)
#1 Crush - Garbage
Bob Marley (various songs)
Burning Desire - Lana Del Ray
Dirty Mind - Boy Epic
Have A Little Faith - John Hiatt
I Found - Amber Run
Into You - Ariana Grande
Keep Me High - Adaline
Light - Emma Hewitt (acoustic version)
Love Me Like You Do - Ellie Goulding
Never Let Me Go - Florence & The Machine
Plastic Stress - Terranova
Pony - Ginuwine
Silhouette - Aquilo
Still Here - Digital Daggers
Sugar - Wanderhouse
