Suspended: A Bad Boy Rockstar Romance

by Zoey Oliver

  I grab the covers and throw them off her. She startles at the sudden movement and crosses her arms against her naked body as the covers fall to the floor.

  “It seems like some punishment might be in order,” I say.

  I pull her onto her stomach and run my hands down her torso and across her hips. I squeeze her ass and rub her cheeks firmly, watching with satisfaction as they turn a lovely pink color. She looks over her shoulder, her eyes sparkling. “What kind of punishment, my Lord?”

  “The slow, torturous kind,” I growl. “The kind that makes you beg for mercy and call out my name. Now, no more questions, or I’ll just make it worse.”

  “But what if — Ooooh!” she squeals, jumping as my hand makes contact with her right ass cheek, echoing a loud smack across the room.

  “What did I just say?” I admonish in a deep voice. The rosy hand print forming on her ass makes my cock pulse.

  She buries her face in the pillow. “Yes, my Lord,” she says, her voice muffled.

  I part her legs, gently but firmly, and curve a hand underneath her. She pushes her ass into the air, tilting her pussy toward me. My fingers quickly find their home between her thighs, and my cock stiffens as I massage her clit.

  “I’ve been terrible,” she breathes. “So bad, Your Highness. I deserve all the punishment.”

  Abi grabs at the bed, clutching the fitted sheet in her hands. She closes her eyes and makes little mewling noises, wiggling her ass as I stroke her.

  I love watching the expressions of ecstasy on her face. I lower my lips to the small of her back and kiss her sensually, tracing her spine with my tongue. I brush her hair to the side and gently suck and kiss her shoulder, moving up to her neck, her earlobe. She turns her face up to me, her eyes glazed over with pleasure. I touch my lips to hers, brushing them teasingly, and she tilts her head up more, reaching for me.

  “Henry…” she murmurs lustily. My name has never sounded so good.

  I kiss her sensually, flicking my tongue against hers in time with my fingers on her clit, then I go deep for a long, lingering kiss.

  I’m so hungry for her, my pulse is racing erratically, and my cock is already throbbing. I can’t do what I truly long for, but I’ll never rush her into it, no matter how badly I want to part those soft thighs wider and sink my cock into her hot, tight pussy.

  Instead, I’ll channel all my energy into her pleasure. I’ll make her come again and again, as often as I can, to show her how much I enjoy our time together, how much I need her here with me.

  If she can’t hear what I’m saying with my words, maybe some part of her will feel it in my touch.

  I lift her ass and grab a pillow, using it to keep her hips elevated. I guide her to shift forward until her pretty pink pussy is exposed to me as well and then nudge her legs wide open for a better view. With both hands, I spread her, my thumbs tracing up and down her folds.

  Lowering my chest to the mattress, I bring my lips to her pussy and lick. Abi moans and presses her delicious ass toward me. I lick once then twice, my tongue running up to her clit then down between her folds. I press hard against her and kiss.

  Abi moans out my name. “Henry. Henry, I want to touch you.”

  I run my hands up her smooth hips and flip Abi to her back. Her hair is disheveled, but she’s smiling with red-infused lips. She beckons to me with a single finger. As I rise, Abi reaches down and wraps her fist around my cock, sending pulses of pleasure through me as she strokes.

  Her skin is flushed as I bend down and kiss my way up her stomach and between her breasts. As I near her shoulders and neck, my cock rests over top of her pussy, and Abi rocks her hips. It’s seductive, and it’s irresistible. I work my hard shaft, encased in her palm, and it’s almost as though I’m inside her.

  Abi holds my cock tight, her own knuckles pressing against her as we thrust, her thumb rubbing along her clit. Our hips move as one, and soon, our breathing matches in intensity. I claim her lips, gasping between kisses. “Yes, yes, baby.”

  Words I don’t dare speak are on the edge of my lips as I kiss her deeply. It’s not my right to say them, it wouldn’t be fair to her, but God, it’s all I can do to not utter them right now, with her beautiful body beneath me, her emerald eyes heavy with desire. I’m hungry for more, hungry to savor every moment with her.

  The tension of holding back those three little words drives my hips faster. My climax is coming quickly, it never takes long with her touch, and the way her body twists and flexes beneath mine, I know she is right there with me. The tightening of my balls breaks my rhythm, and I stiffen with a groan.

  Abi cries out, “Ohhhh!” Sweat is beading between her breasts as she tips her head back into the pillows, her face flushed. She clamps tighter on my shaft as her body shakes.

  I shout my orgasm, the two of us coming as one for the first time in all these days. My muscles relax as I watch Abi, gorgeous as her lips transform from an O to a satisfied smile. Does she feel it? Did she hear the words in my heart?

  Chapter 13

  ABIGAIL

  “I’ll have the roasted duck, and Lady Strathmore will have the gorgonzola salad with ahi tuna.”

  The waiter nods and reaches for our menus, but I hold up a finger. “Actually, I’ll have the braised lamb, with the garlic-whipped potatoes. And another martini. Make it a double.”

  Finley gawks at me as the waiter leaves the table. “I wouldn’t have taken you for a meat and potatoes type of woman.”

  “What type of woman do you take me for?” Because so far tonight, you haven’t asked me a single question about myself.

  “Well, you’re very pretty, of course.”

  Gee, that’s insightful. “Thanks.”

  I fiddle with the silverware, adjusting the spoons and forks until they’re lined up perfectly. I didn’t want to come on this date, but sadly, of all the suitors, Finley appears to be the most appropriate match out of the lot, even if he has come across as very full of himself so far this evening.

  “And you have lovely parents.”

  “I do, yes.”

  Finley reaches for the basket of freshly baked herb bread. “Would you care for some?”

  I shake my head. “No, thanks.” I slug down the rest of my first martini and look around for the waiter, hoping to see him en route with a refill. So far, although he’s bored me to tears, I’m grateful that Finley’s not a pompous jerk with outdated views like Horace the Horrible and very thankful he doesn’t have creepy alien-abduction fingers like Mr. Harridan.

  He sets the basket down and looks at me for a long moment. “Perhaps we got off on the wrong foot, at the dance?” he asks, his voice softer, quieter.

  I look up from fiddling with the silverware, surprised by both the change of tone and topic. “Perhaps we did.”

  “I need to apologize for that.”

  I fold my hands together and give him my most attentive gaze. “I’m listening.”

  “You are such a beautiful woman—”

  Oh, come on! You were so close! “Yes, you’ve mentioned that already.”

  “—and well, it’s not easy being in my position.”

  “What position is that?”

  “In competition with all these other men, each of us scrambling to get a moment alone with you. It makes us do stupid things, really — like trying to kiss you during a first dance together. We’re all so desperate to charm you, or at least, I am.”

  “I see.”

  “There I was, holding you in my arms, staring into your lovely eyes, and I just wanted nothing more than to kiss you. It took me forever to work up the courage, and then suddenly the song was ending, and I panicked. I shouldn’t have tried, though, it was too forward of me — I’m sorry about that.”

  “I appreciate your apology. And yes, I was taken aback. It wasn’t what I was expecting from a first dance with a stranger.”

  “I understand, it was very impolite of me.”

  “But then again,” I continue, taking a deep
breath, “your explanation just now wasn’t what I was expecting, either. So, perhaps I’ve judged you too harshly from one encounter. I have to admit, from my initial impression of you, I would not have thought your ego would allow you to confess to having any weaknesses, not even something as simple as being nervous.”

  “Given what happened, I don’t blame you at all for that thinking. But if I may be equally bold and honest in my response — I usually am not the nervous type. You have that effect on me, my Lady. It’s quite unsettling and… well, more than a bit intriguing, too.”

  “Oh.” Now I’m blushing. I’ve never been great at taking a genuine compliment, but especially not from people I least expect one from.

  “Call me a hopeless romantic,” he says, leaning toward me. “The music was lovely, you looked stunning that night, just as you do now, and I got swept away in it all. With you in my arms, I forgot all my manners. Please forgive me.”

  I look at him for a long moment. He’s no Henry. He’s not nearly as charming, or as handsome, or as interesting. But he’s trying, at least. Which is more than I can say for myself. I’ve barely been going through the motions of being courted, much less really giving any of the men a shot at impressing me. I owe it to my family to give my suitors a chance, and Finley seems like he might have some promise yet.

  “You know what we should do?” I say, smoothing out my napkin against my lap, settling in to enjoy our dinner.

  “What’s that?”

  “Let’s start over, shall we?” I suggest with an amicable smile. “Just wipe the slate clean.”

  He beams at me. “That would be wonderful. I’d really like a chance to get to know you, Lady Strathmore.”

  “Please, call me Abi. And I’m happy to tell you anything you’d like to know. All you have to do is ask.” Hint, hint.

  Finley smiles at me and nods. “I do tend to rattle on about myself when I’m nervous, I’m sorry for that.”

  “Apology accepted.”

  “That’s very gracious of you. Now, if you’ll do me the honor, please tell me about yourself. Why did you choose to attend Umberland University?”

  Taking a deep breath, I put a smile on my face. I’d rather be tangled in the sheets with Henry than at this table with Finley, but the night has finally taken a pleasant turn, and I might as well make the most of it.

  I need to stop daydreaming about Henry and focus on the task at hand. He’s been the most amazing distraction from this dreadful situation, but fear I’m sliding too far into fantasy land. Every moment with him is a blissful escape from reality. He’s irresistible — gorgeous and talented in ways that make my knees weak and oh, God, the way he looks at me, it takes my breath away. But none of it is getting me any closer to ensuring my family’s future.

  All too soon, I’ll be making a decision about who I’m going to marry. And unless I want to draw names from a hat, I need to take this seriously, for everyone’s sake. No matter how much I run from my fate, it’s going to catch up with me.

  Chapter 14

  HENRY

  “What the hell, Henry?”

  I’m leaning against the hood of Finley’s car. He’s such an insufferable show off that he drove his fucking custom-made Italian race car to the clubhouse, rather than taking one of the chauffeured estate cars like every other guest would have. I’m sure he thought it would impress Abi and buy him a few minutes alone with her. Fuck him and his obnoxious car. I hope my ass is leaving a big fat dent.

  I let Finley get closer before speaking. When he’s about five feet away and can clearly see my dead-serious expression, I lean forward. “I want you to stay the fuck away from Abigail.”

  He snorts. “Like I give a shit about what you want. Get the fuck off my car.”

  I stay seated and stare at him, my gaze unwavering. “I’m not joking.”

  When Pierre, my security chief, informed me that Finley had made dinner reservations at the clubhouse for himself and Abi, I asked him to keep an eye on things and let me know when their dinner was almost over so I can make sure Finley doesn’t get another second alone with her. It’s hard to tell what sort of unspeakable things he’s planned to do to Abi tonight. Not a goddamn thing is happening though, not as long as I’m breathing.

  The manager of the clubhouse has been instructed to keep Abi occupied inside with idle chatter for a few minutes once she emerges from the ladies’ room. Meanwhile, I’m having a little chat with Finley outside. It can go nicely, or I can smash his face in, whichever he’d prefer — I don’t give a shit at this point.

  “Toss off, Henry. She asked me out.”

  I don’t move an inch. “I don’t know what you did to make that happen, but don’t flatter yourself. It’s certainly not because she likes you.”

  “Whatever you need to tell yourself. I know you’ve got a little thing for her. Everyone knows, it’s written all over your face.”

  I keep staring. “Does that get under your skin?”

  “You think I care about your stupid little crush? It means nothing. It’s pathetic, actually. I’ve got news for you — her parents and advisors? They approved me as her suitor. Not you.”

  “Only because they haven’t figured out yet what a snake in the grass you are. Just give it time.”

  “What are you going to do? Go run and tattle on me?”

  I shrug. “They might be interested to hear what I have to say.”

  “As if anyone will believe what you say, Prince Playboy. Your reputation is in the gutter.”

  “That’s exactly why they’d believe me. Who would know better about the little underworld you live in?”

  Finley clenches his jaw. “You don’t know anything.”

  “The women you’ve paid off to not bring charges? Yeah, I know about them. And your partnership with Johnston in that drug ring you two were running at Cathridge? I know about that, too. Shall I go on?”

  He scoffs, but his eyes widen, and it takes him a moment to speak. “Good luck proving any of that.”

  I stare at him, so tempted to mention the growing pile of evidence accumulating in my office safe and the secret investigative ministry I’ve convened, but I won’t. As much as I want to rub it in his face, I’d be a fool to give him a chance to spin more lies and cover his tracks before the ministry has finished their inquiry into his heinous crimes.

  “I don’t have to prove it,” I say instead. “No one cares about proof, Finley. How do I know? Look at the headlines about me — judge, jury, and executioner, right there in the tabloids.”

  He sneers at me with a satisfied smile. “You’ve gotten what you deserve.”

  I shrug. “Maybe. But I would never stoop to your level, Finley. You’re a whole fucking different breed, aren’t you? I don’t force myself on women, you fucking slime. You’re the real danger around here, yet I’m the one branded the troublemaker. But hey, as the Crown Prince of Scandal, the most notorious royal in all of Ostwyn — that’ll give my words some credence, don’t you think?”

  “You wouldn’t,” he snarls.

  “No? What do I have to lose, exactly? As you said, my reputation’s already fucked. And even if it wasn’t, I’d set myself on fire to keep Abigail out of your reach.”

  “You say one word to Abi or her parents, and I’ll demolish you.”

  Within a split second I’ve leapt off the car, and my right hand is around Finley’s throat, squeezing so hard I’m almost lifting him off the ground. My fingers are digging into his skin, the tendons in his neck straining under my hands.

  “Don’t you ever fucking threaten me, you piece of shit.”

  He makes gagging sounds, and his face turns red, but I hold tight for a few more moments and let him squirm, his hands clawing at my fingers desperately, before I finally let him go. He trips over his own feet and almost falls but finds his balance at the last minute and leans over, gasping for air.

  “You’ll pay for that, Henry,” he rasps.

  “It’s time for you to leave.”

&nbs
p; He straightens up, his face still flushed and deep red marks on his throat. He tugs his suit, smoothing the lapels flat, and glances at the entrance of the clubhouse then back at me. “No, I’m waiting on Abi.”

  I step toward him, and he flinches, stumbling backward a few paces. “She can make her way back to the palace without your help. You think for one Goddamn minute I’m letting her get back in that car with you? Get the fuck out of here Finley, you’re done.”

  He hesitates, his eyes shifting between me and his silver coupe. I shake my head in disgust but turn and walk ten feet out into the parking lot, away from him, away from his car. When I turn back around, he’s still standing on the damn walkway.

  “Oh, for fuck’s sake. I’m all the way over here, asshole. Just get in your car and leave.” I wave a hand at his car and wait expectantly.

  He scampers over to the driver’s side, eyes trained on me the entire time.

  “This isn’t finished,” he yells over the roof of his car. “I know how to make you pay, Henry.” Then he hurriedly climbs in and slams the door shut.

  A second later, he revs the engine to life and peels out. I watch him drive up the hill and turn right onto Estate Drive — heading away from the palace. No doubt going to join his frat buddies at a bar somewhere and spin lies about me.

  Just as his tail lights disappear out of sight, I hear the heavy doors of the clubhouse thud shut and look over to see Abi standing on the walkway, staring at me.

  “Henry?”

  I walk up to meet her. “Wow, you look amazing.”

  She’s wearing a stunning red dress with a flared skirt in a retro style, like one of those flirty swing dresses from the 50s. It highlights all her curves in a way that just makes me want to rip it off her and kiss her from head to toe. My mouth is actually watering as I soak in every little detail of her, as if she’s a piece of cherry candy wrapped in shiny cellophane, and I’m dying for a taste of something sweet.