“Jesus, Vanessa,” he huffed and ran his hands through the long strands of this dark hair. “I have to go on in ten minutes.”
I nodded in agreement, unable to speak. I licked my lips. In spite of the heavy, intense kiss, they were suddenly dry and ached to touch his again. I needed to pull myself together. I couldn’t let him do this to me. What right did he have to act like he hated me one moment and then try to seduce me the next? I knew he despised me. I could sense it, even now with the scowl on his beautiful face. He loathed me. But why kiss me? And with such heat? I smoothed my skirt down and straightened my top so that the slit in my top aligned with the center of my chest between my breasts.
“Why the fuck are you back here?” Lane reached into his pants and straightened himself, but the bulge was still there. I swallowed, still lost in the moment of what had just happened. Aching from the absence of his touch that had complete and utter control over my body. He stared at me, frown lines appearing between his eyebrows. “Did you do this? Did you cast some stupid spell on me?”
“What?” The accusation took me by such surprise, for a brief minute, I thought maybe I’d misunderstood his words. But when he just glared at me, I knew he’d said exactly what I’d heard.
“You did this. You and your fucking spells.” The fire in his eyes scared me.
His words sliced through me like a large ninja sword, and I fought to hold back the tears.
“Fuck you, Lane!”
I started for the door, and he grabbed my arm. His rough tug causing my throat to close up from the buildup of a sob that wanted to escape.
“Right. That’s what you almost did to me,” he growled.
“I did not! You kissed me. I don’t need to cast a spell on someone to have sex with them. Especially assholes.” I was livid. “How dare you accuse me of that?” I shoved my way past him, making sure my elbow jabbed him in the lower back as I left the room and slammed the door behind me. I stood in the hallway, unable to breathe. My hands shook, my knees wobbled—partly from anger, but also from arousal and humiliation. Damnit, Lane.
I hurried back to the restroom and slipped inside to fix myself. I stood, looking in the mirror, unable to contain my traitorous tears. I grabbed a tissue from the pack on the counter and blotted my cheeks. I took several deep breaths, smoothed my skirt down, and positioned my breasts back so they wouldn’t slip out. I thought about leaving. Just going home. But then Maggie would know something had happened. I wasn’t ready to tell her about it yet—not sure I ever would be. So, I walked back to the table where Maggie sat waiting for me and pretended everything was normal.
Chapter Five
Lane
I slammed my fist down on the corner of the desk, and a four-inch triangular piece of wood fell to the floor. Goddammit! I’d clearly lost my mind. Why had I kissed that witch? She had to have put a spell on me. I didn’t even think about it before my lips were on hers. Hungry, like a fucking fervent wolf. Then…just like in the alley earlier, the voices had invaded my head. But this time—maybe it was for the best—they stopped me before things went any further.
The woman kept showing up everywhere I turned. Even when she really wasn’t physically present, I saw her face. How the hell was I supposed to keep my hands off her when she tormented me with sexy outfits showing way too much soft skin? Too many curves. So inviting.
My phone vibrated in the front pocket of my pants. These leathers were a bit tight since I still had a hard-on, and I could barely get my fingers inside the small slit to pull out my phone. Cian’s name appeared on the screen, and I slid the answer button over.
“Yeah.” My voice was still a bit husky from the arousal of my brief encounter with Vanessa, and I took a deep breath to steady it.
“Where are you?” he asked.
“In the back hall. I just came in. I’ll be there in a bit.” I hit the end button. I didn’t want to say anything else. I didn’t want him asking me any questions. I was positive they were all still mingling with the fans like always. There was no way I would be doing that tonight. Not with this fucking bulge in my pants. The damn thing wouldn’t go away. Not as long as I continued to think of what had just happened with Vanessa. I could smell her. Everywhere. The berry scent of her hair from when I’d tangled my hands in her blonde and pink curls as I’d kissed her. The sweet tang of her arousal lingered on my fingertips.
I paced around the office, trying to think of something else. I had five minutes to get myself under control, or my brother would be back here in a flash, wanting to know what was wrong. I flipped the switch on the TV for a distraction. The Sharks were in their second round of playoffs and were up three games against Nashville. That was exciting. There was no score in this game yet. I was a hockey fan and figured if I thought about the coldness of the ice and the sweaty guys it might help. Speaking of the guys, I’d thought about letting my beard grow longer just to keep in the spirit of the playoffs, but I liked my neat, short stubble. Nashville scored, and that brought my attention completely away from Vanessa. Damnit. I stood and watched for another couple of minutes, and sure enough, the Sharks retaliated with a goal of their own. I was completely relaxed now, and confident I could keep my cock under control. I left the office. The lights were still out in the hallway, though, and I wondered if maybe the bulb had burned out. I flipped the switch, and sure enough, no light. We needed to get that replaced, or who knew what else might happen back here in the dark tonight.
I grabbed my phone again and called Cian. He answered on the first ring.
“You about finished jerking off?” he chuckled.
“Fuck you. The bulb burned out in the hallway back here. I’m going to replace it before someone collides into something.” Or someone. Like me into the witch. “Just go on without me. I’ll be there when I finish.”
“Want me to send a janitor?”
“Nah, I got it.”
I strolled back to the office and fished around inside a large plastic square container full of light bulbs we had in the closet. That fixture in the hallway housed two bulbs, and since neither of them had lit when I turned the switch, I snatched up a couple. Grabbing the ladder that stood upright along the other wall of the closet, I headed to the fixture and replaced both.
Pleased with my successful janitorial duties, I put the ladder away and headed backstage, also glad I no longer had a hard-on for Vanessa. But then I smacked myself along side the head just for thinking about her as my cock throbbed at the mere thought of her name.
The guys were already into their second song when I walked on stage. As we’d discussed earlier in the week, I would be taking the lead on two songs. We took turns, all four of us. We all had excellent voices and were skilled with all musical instruments. Tonight, I’d be on lead guitar and keyboard a little later.
I was up, and as I stepped to the microphone, I repositioned my guitar in front of me, glancing out into the audience. Everything went to hell the minute I laid eyes on Vanessa. I froze. I felt my blood heat.
Fuck.
What was she doing to me? I was sure she must be using some sort of voodoo shit because my cock was twitching and growing just by looking at her and remembering how soft her lips had been just a few moments ago.
I tore my eyes away from her and glanced over at Cian, who stood frowning at me. Then he realized where I’d been staring and he smiled as he walked over to me.
“You need a minute, brother?” he smirked, whispering close to my ear.
The intoxication I’d experienced during that kiss was still swirling through my body.
I swallowed and shook my head. “No. I’m good. Just follow my lead.”
I strummed the first chords of the song and closed my eyes as the lyrics poured from deep inside of me. Bon Jovi was always a good go-to for me, and this particular gem was one of my favorites, and it seemed very appropriate for the way I was feeling at the moment. Though it hadn’t been one we’d practiced during the week, the rest of the band followed suit fairly
easily. Lusting after a witch had to be the worst thing in the world for me, and would surely leave a bad taste in my mouth and give any thoughts of love a bad name. I sang with conviction, and when I took the mic in my hand and strutted across the stage toward Cian so he could harmonize with me, the crowd went wild, giving me that euphoric high I searched for, the ability to be able to ignore the witch and do my job.
Chapter Six
Vanessa
With my martini glass’s stem held strategically between my forefinger and thumb about an inch away from my lips—ready to take a sip—I sat, watching Lane as he began to sing. However, before even taking a taste, I placed the drink carefully back down on the table for fear I’d spill it all over myself.
“You okay?” Mags asked me, and I briefly glanced at her, realizing my mouth was open in shock. I quickly closed it. I hadn’t said two words since coming back from the bathroom. I couldn’t talk for fear of giving what had happened with Lane away. But the song Lane had decided to sing caught me off guard. He was an asshole all the way. I knew he was singing that song to me because every time he sang the lyrics about giving love a bad name, he stared right at me. As if I were responsible for what’d happened back in the hallway.
I sat back and crossed my arms over my chest. Now I was pissed. How dare he sing that song right after seducing me the way he had. He’d kissed me! He was the one who’d fondled me, and oh my gods, stuck his fingers inside my panties and…and slid them so easily around my folds. And I’d allowed it. I was putty in his hands, and he knew it. I didn’t think I’d ever be able to face him again. Let alone live under the same roof for however long I had to. Maybe I should just go rent another place. But I loved my apartment. It was affordable and in a great location. It was only going to take three months for the renovation, and the owners weren’t collecting rent during that time. But I’d never be able to find a temporary place to live without at least a six-month lease. No way would I be able to afford to pay rent on both places for the second half of the lease, and if I didn’t move back into the one I loved when they were finished, I would lose it for sure.
I watched Lane perform. How could I not? He was magnificent despite his insolent behavior.
I knew he had a huge problem with me being a witch. But, honestly, after putting that one little spell on him when we’d first met, I’d never done it again. And it had been harmless. We’d all been sitting around drinking, and Mags had been bragging about how great I was at casting spells. Lane, being rude and the jerk he was, had said that my witchcraft was second-rate. I couldn’t just sit there and let that go without some retaliation. So, I cast a small spell on him. I made it so he couldn’t swallow. That is a very uncomfortable feeling, and he’d panicked so much I’d only let it go on for a few seconds. Besides, I knew it wouldn’t have killed him. He was a freakin’ vampire. A little thing like not being able to swallow wasn’t going to harm him. He’d gotten so angry, though, and had ordered me to leave the mansion. Mags had vetoed that and told him to grow up, which he didn’t like either. I’d ended up leaving anyway, just because he’d pissed me off so much and I wasn’t going to stay around so he could continue to insult me.
“Vanessa!” Mag’s voice startled me, and I jumped in my seat.
“What?” I gave her an annoyed look, feeling my eyebrows pinch together.
“What’s wrong with you? I’ve been talking to you for the past ten minutes, and you haven’t heard a word I’ve said.”
“Sorry.” I’d been so distracted by how Lane had treated me, I hadn’t heard anything she’d said.
“Did something happen between you and Lane?” I sucked on my bottom lip. He’d been a total jerk, and getting past that proved to be a challenge at the moment. My brain turned into scrambled eggs remembering how yummy Lane had tasted, the way he’d smelled of ginger and leather as he’d held our bodies so close, the spicy scent becoming heavier as his kiss deepened.
“No. Why?” I picked up the martini that I hadn’t even sampled yet and took a big gulp. I coughed as the mouthful of vodka coated my throat, blocking out the taste of Lane on my tongue.
She propped her elbow on the table, placed her cheek on her closed fist and stared at me. Her lips tightened into a straight line. That was her don’t-give-me-that-bull-crap look, and I knew I’d never get out of here tonight unless I gave her something.
Lane finished the song, and the people in the club went bonkers. If they only knew what a jerk he really was. I wondered if they’d still be so enamored with him if they did. Probably. I was. Regardless of what had just happened. I stalled for time in answering Mags and took in the crowd behind us. We always sat facing the stage at one of the front tables and never really got a chance to see all the people who came in to listen to The Lost Boys perform. I knew this place was full of vampires, but I was never afraid.
The smile on my face brightened as I saw Chelle and Josh walk in. Chelle’s dad, Grayson, was right behind them. Chelle was a fairly new vampire, like Maggie. A vampire that Lane had “accidentally” turned one night after he’d taken too much of her blood. But he hadn’t fallen in love with her. She may have fallen for Lane, if I remembered correctly, but once she realized that he wasn’t right for her, she came to her senses. Good thing. She and Josh made a great couple. Josh was human, and it was sort of nice having another mortal around when I hung out with Mags and the band. Grayson, Chelle’s dad, on the other hand, was also a vampire. We’d all recently met him after Chelle remembered her past, another set of circumstances that happened thanks to yours truly. If I hadn’t given Chelle that memory spell, she wouldn’t have recognized Grayson as her father. I was glad they were here. They provided a nice distraction and could take Maggie’s attention away from me.
The band played a few more numbers then took a break. They never came out into the audience during their breaks, and I was thankful for that. The longer I could go without being close to Lane, the better, as far as I was concerned.
The minute Lane strutted his gorgeous body back on stage, I decided I didn’t want to sit there any longer. I could still smell him on me. I closed my eyes, savoring the scent. I quickly opened my lids when I remembered I was upset.
After fifteen minutes of listening to Mags beg me to come to the mansion to hang out, I finally convinced her I was too tired. She didn’t believe me, of course, and I didn't blame her. She knew from the very beginning about the crush I had on Lane, and normally, I’d never pass up the chance to be at the mansion, just to be near him. But after tonight? Well, it looked like I’d finally reached the point where I believed, wholeheartedly, that Lane was a jerk. And I didn't think I wanted to be close to him ever again. I shook off the jitters flowing through my stomach and scooted my chair back. I stood, tugging the hem of my suddenly too short skirt down, trying to cover my bare thighs.
I didn’t look up at the stage as I walked out, but when I got to the door, I couldn’t help myself and turned, just briefly, to glance at the stage. Lane’s eyes caught mine, and I quickly whirled back toward the door and left.
I collapsed on my unmade bed, spreading my arms and legs out, feeling completely drained. The position gave me a sense of freedom. Opened myself up to feeling less vulnerable. Something I’d learned to do a few years ago. Allowing myself to be completely open, exposed, yet knowing I was safe, helped to ease any discomfort current experiences gave me when I confused them with ones from the past. I was sure my past was the reason I didn't want to be tied down. I always acted like I was so strong and free sexually. Always said variety was the spice of life or something to that effect. I did believe that, but that didn’t mean I had sex with every guy I sampled. It took a lot of self-coaxing to allow myself the freedom to let a man touch me. Tanner had been patient, and though we’d slept together, it had taken a full month before we actually had sex. But I must have been too timid for him because he’d eventually given up on me. Just as well, I didn’t think we were meant for each other anyway, and being friends with vampires made it
difficult to explain some things to him. That relationship was about three months ago. I’d never been serious about him. He was simply a guy to pass the time with.
Being with Lane in the dark, his hands roaming all over me, making me so hot I couldn't think. He felt so...right.
I couldn’t believe, after all this time—maybe seven months since I’d been visiting Mags at the mansion—that Lane not only showed interest in me but also tried to seduce me in the hallway of the club, practically making love to me.
It had been an amazing kiss, though. Except Lane was a complete ass for the way he’d acted afterwards.
I was too keyed up to be tired, even though it was one in the morning. I was used to staying up all night on Saturdays because of the band and being at their mansion hanging out after their performances. They were vampires, after all, creatures of the dark. I got off the bed and stepped into the bathroom to shower, only to ram right into Mags.
“Maggie! What the fuck? You scared the bejeezus out of me.”
“Sorry. I just had to come by. I know something is wrong. You’re my best friend, please tell me what’s going on.” She still wore the same pink dress she’d worn earlier, so I knew she hadn’t spent much time at home before invading my privacy.
Rocked by a Vampire: Billionaire, Rock Stars, Vampires (Immortal Hearts of San Francisco Book 3) Page 3
