Blackest Red

by P. T. Michelle

  “You think someone did that on purpose?” The thought didn’t even occur to me.

  “I’m not discounting the possibility.”

  Silence descends between us, but when I hear Kayla’s voice inside, calling out in a loud-whisper, “Miss Lone? Mr. Black? Are you over here?” I can’t help but smirk a little. “You know, you really should put her out of her misery before the girl gets too wound up over you.”

  He frowns. “Pardon?”

  I wave toward the door. “That no fraternization addendum you signed. Poor Kayla’s going to be devastated she can’t have a piece of Mr. Black.”

  The door makes a clicking sound as if someone’s about to come through it. Sebastian stiffens, then points to a door diagonally across the lobby area, saying in a low tone, “Go in there.”

  “Really?”

  When he scowls, I sigh and quickly walk across the area toward the door. Just as I open it, Sebastian’s right behind me, ushering me inside.

  “Why are we in a supply closet?” I whisper as men’s voices rumble in the hallway discussing the possibility that the ice outside caused the power to fail.

  Sebastian sets his lit up phone on the shelf next to a stack of tablecloths. “Once my guy confirms with the hotel staff that the storm did cause the power outage, we’ll head back to the ballroom. I want you away from people for now. The darkness makes you an easy target otherwise.”

  When I nod my understanding, his tense shoulders relax and he rubs his jaw, giving me a contemplative look. “As for the addendum, it only applies to Natalia. Everyone else is open season.”

  Natalia. Now he’s talking about me in formal third person. Annoyed, I fold my arms and snort. “How convenient for you, but I think it might be a good idea for you to keep Kayla’s wandering hands out of your pants while you’re working this week.”

  An arrogant smile tilts his lips. “I’m an excellent multi-tasker. If you’d like references to put your mind at ease, I’ll be happy to provide them.”

  Is he really suggesting he’ll give me a list of his conquests while on the job? “Well then, have at it,” I snap and brush past him, but just as I reach for the door handle, he clasps my other hand. “Would you like me to break the rules, Little Red?”

  He’s close enough that his appealing smell wraps around me. I’m immobilized by his fingers intimately sliding between mine, lacing our hands together, but when his thumb slowly runs from the heel of my hand to the middle of my palm and then back up again, I close my eyes and swallow as he stokes the flames, building my desire through the sensitive spots along my skin.

  Bending close, his deep voice is a rasp of pure carnal temptation next to my ear. “Do you want me to fraternize you senseless?”

  Yes! No. Argh! Don’t give me a choice, Sebastian. I’m happiest when you take control and you damn well know it. I’m afraid to say the words, terrified to go down that path with him again. My feelings are too deeply rooted in wishes of forever with him. I don’t know if I’ll be able to pick myself up when he decides to move on.

  Stepping fully against me, Sebastian presses his impressive erection along my rear, his voice a husky rasp. “As you can see, my pants are rather full at the moment. Not much room for anyone else.”

  When I exhale a quiet gasp of relief, he releases my hand and grips my waist, his warm breath brushing my neck. “I’ve read Blindside, and the readers’ imaginations can’t possibly fathom the depth of the explosive chemistry between us.” His mouth traces up my neck and along my cheek, his low tone vibrating against my skin in an intimate caress. “You and I both know that real life is far more pleasurably satisfying than fiction will ever be.”

  “Real life moments are fleeting. Fiction lasts forever,” I breathe out, trying to sound unaffected.

  “And yet there were moments between us that felt like time was suspended,” he counters as he slides his hands to my hips, his possessive grip almost bruising. Tilting my pelvis so my back arches slightly, he wedges the length of his erection between my cheeks, his words guttural with want. “You have no idea how many times I’ve thought of your sweet ass turned up just like this.” He presses deeper so I feel his hard thickness from tip to base along my ass. “Your body’s perfectly aligned to mine, fucking made for me. It’s doing my head in just thinking about your sweet pussy dripping down my cock, begging me to take you like this.” He touches his lips to my hair, his voice hoarse with need while his hands glide to my thighs, my skirt hiking in his tense grip. “Tell me you want this as much as I do.”

  My heart thumps and my breasts are so sensitive even my bra is chaffing them. I am a lump of clay, waiting to be molded by his skillful hands. When he touches me, I form to him perfectly. He makes me feel like priceless art: beautiful, coveted, and cherished. Like I’m the only woman for him, even though I know that isn’t true.

  God, what happened to keeping my distance?

  I try to maintain even breathing, but I’ve never throbbed so much in my life. As my chest rises and falls, my body trembles inside with the need for him to claim me all over again. But this time, I need him to want to keep me for good.

  I put my hands over his on my thighs. “Sebastian—”

  He spreads his fingers, locking them around mine, holding me in place, his tone on edge. “Anything other than yes is a lie.”

  Sebastian’s phone starts ringing at the same time the florescent lights bloom to life in the closet.

  “Unfuckingbelievable,” he grates out, dropping his head to my shoulder.

  I let out a half-laugh, relieved by the reprieve. I’m honestly not sure who my biggest weakness is: Sebastian or myself. If he had pushed me, I don’t know if I would’ve been able to resist him. But I need to be strong. I laid it on the line for him earlier and he didn’t step-up beyond suggesting we hook up. Nothing has changed.

  As soon as he picks up his phone, I open the door and slip out of the room to wait for him in the hall where everyone’s attention is focused on the people spilling from the ballroom.

  Thankfully I don’t have to try and salvage the Q&A. Kayla’s already on top of it. Standing at the ballroom door, she’s speaking to all the reporters who’ve filled the hall. “We’re sorry the Q&A session was interrupted by the ice storm. Midtown Central thanks you all for coming, but Miss Lone has a signing to attend shortly, so that’ll be all the questions for today. There will be one more Q&A at the end of the tour. If you’d like to sign up to attend that one for any questions you didn’t get to ask, you can do that at the hotel’s front desk before you leave.”

  I have to admit, the girl can run an event. Jared was right to assign me an assistant. If she’d just stop openly flirting with Sebastian, I could really appreciate her.

  As the older reporter, Jim from Midtown News, passes me in the hall on his way out, he stops and eyes Sebastian, who’s watching me with one eye while he’s talking on the phone. “Is he your bodyguard?”

  “Yes, why?”

  “Keep him close.”

  I furrow my brow, confused by his comment. “Why do you say that? It was just a power outage.”

  He nods toward the ballroom. “Unless you pulled the podium down yourself, how did it end up on its side exactly where you were standing?” When my eyebrows elevate, he pats my shoulder and nods. “Watch your back, Miss Lone. You may have the makings for another novel yet.”

  “Time to go,” Sebastian says, walking into my room at a brisk pace.

  I quickly close the leather room-service menu over the “2 Lias” drawing. I’d taken it out to reminisce for a couple minutes, but apparently Mr. Never-Late decided to leave five minutes early. “Okay, let me use the bathroom first.”

  Once our original plans derail, I quickly follow Sebastian down the subway stairs. “I don’t understand why we didn’t just take that cab.”

  “The one that just happened to drive up just as we discover the car waiting to take us to the signing has a flat?” He cuts me a sideways look. “I don’t believe in conve
nient coincidences.”

  “So now the cab driver’s a stalker?” When he grunts and turns down a tunnel to our left¸ I throw my hands up and follow him. “You’ve been on edge ever since I told you what that reporter said. You heard people bumping into things in the dark. It’s more likely that someone accidently knocked that podium over.”

  He faces me on the subway platform. “After the staff set the podium back up, I lifted it. That thing weighed at least forty pounds. I doubt a person bumping into it would’ve knocked it over.”

  “Okay, so that’s a little concerning, but are you really worried about a seventy-year-old cab driver?”

  The train arrives and we get on with the press of people around us. A huge group of college-age guys rush on at the last second just before the doors close. In the packed car, Sebastian wraps an arm around my waist and pulls me against him, speaking low in my ear. “Hate and vengeance are ageless. I’ve seen a seventy-year-old mow down a group of innocents without batting an eye, while a ten-year-old gleefully loads the next gun for him. Never underestimate motivation.”

  I can tell his hold is more protective than sexual, and my heart twists that this is the first time he’s spoken about his military experiences, so I show my appreciation of his perspective by relaxing against his hard frame. He doesn’t have to know I’m also soaking in his irresistible masculine smell for as long as the ride lasts.

  All too soon the subway cars start slowing. Just as the doors slide open, Sebastian’s fingers flex on my hip, the roughness in his voice sending chill bumps scattering across my skin. “When it comes to you, I always operate in the extreme.”

  Unsure of his meaning, I don’t get a chance to respond as we’re swept up in the mass of people moving into the subway tunnels.

  The last person I expect to see at the Brownstone bookstore is my editor standing with my agent Pauline. William is practically bouncing on his toes when Sebastian and I walk in. “Welcome, Miss Lone.” After Pauline hugs me in a cloud of chic perfume and wispy dark hair, William grins. “Right this way.”

  Pauline always dresses sharp, and today’s eggplant business suit and plum lipstick are no exception. William’s wearing a business suit too, which is a surprising change from his normal everyday attire. They escort me over to the signing table, where stacks of Blindside are piled, and Kayla and a middle-aged woman are waiting with huge smiles.

  “Welcome to the Brownstone, Miss Lone. I’m Eden Shaw, the owner,” the pint-sized lady with soft eyes and a gray pixie haircut says, clasping my hand. “We’re thrilled to host your first signing for the tour.”

  I shake her hand and smile. “Thank you for having me, Ms. Shaw.”

  “Please, call me Eden.”

  While Kayla whispers excitedly, “This is the biggest signing turn out I’ve seen in a while,” as she takes my coat, Eden gestures to the long line of people behind a cordoned off rope.

  “Your fans are ready whenever you are.”

  I take in the crowd snaking through the bookstore and disappearing behind a row of bookshelves. Holding my trilogy books in their hands and wearing expectant expressions on their faces, they chatter amongst themselves. I smile at the few I make eye contact with.

  Sebastian has taken up a position against the wall a few feet behind me. Of course he scrutinizes the people in line before shifting his gaze to the layout of the bookstore, making sure he as a clear view to the main door.

  Glancing Pauline and William’s way, Eden says to my editor, “The readers have been told your book signing rule of one personal book beyond today’s purchase of Blindside, Mr. Mackens.”

  William moves over to my left and claps his hands. “Wonderful!” Addressing the crowd, he says, “Are you ready, everyone?”

  As they all cheer, he grins and rubs his hands together, his light green eyes full of mischief as he holds their rapt attention. “I just have one announcement to make before the signing begins.” Spreading his hands, he raises his voice to make sure it travels throughout the store. “I’m aware how many of you really enjoyed the romance subplot in Miss Lone’s previous trilogy. As you know Blindside is a mystery—” When groans of disappointment interrupt him, he grins. “But today I’ve got a surprise you weren’t expecting. Not only do you get to meet Miss Lone today, but the man who saved her life. In my book, nothing could be more romantic.” Turning to Sebastian, he waves him forward. “Mr. Black, would you please come to the table.”

  Sebastian looks as surprised as Pauline, Eden, Kayla, and me. Once he steps to William’s left, my editor clasps his thick shoulder. “Meet the pilot from Blindside. That’s right, ladies and gents, Aaron White is here in the flesh.”

  When a cheer rises up among the readers and Pauline joins in clapping enthusiastically, I manage to swallow the lump of surprise in my throat and smile at my fans—who seem genuinely thrilled as they stare at Sebastian. There’s no way I’ll look at him right now. Instead, I turn to William and act like he didn’t just drop a bomb in my lap. “Thank you for the introduction, William.” Gesturing to William and then Pauline, I tell my readers, “Meet my editor, William Mackens and my agent Pauline Grayson.”

  William beams as the crowd applauds, then leans to his right and whispers in my ear. “Now that’s how we appease readers about the lack of romance in your book. They’ll spread the word. Have a wonderful signing. I’ll see you tonight at dinner, where I have another special announcement to make.”

  Waving to the crowd, he walks over and hooks his arm with Pauline’s, saying, “We’re leaving things in Eden’s capable hands.” And as soon as he and Pauline walk out the door, the owner quickly takes charge. Unhooking the rope, Eden says to the fans, “If you’d like a picture, you’ll only be allowed one to keep the line moving. All we ask is that you have your phone or camera ready for Miss Lone’s assistant when you come up to the table.”

  While Eden reiterates the “one personal book” rule, the readers are eyeballing Sebastian with fascination. Great. The man’s head will be so swollen, he won’t be able to fit through the doorway. I have a feeling Jared’s going to be royally ticked over his father’s off-the-cuff marketing angle, but I don’t have time to ponder beyond that as the line of readers move to my table.

  The first few readers are shy and quickly get their books signed and move on, but the next group of four women who approach can’t keep their eyes off Sebastian. Once I sign the first lady’s copy of Blindside, she quickly turns to Sebastian and holds her pen out to him. “Will you sign it too, please?”

  While I pretend I’m not annoyed that she’s asking him to sign and move on to her friend’s copy of Blindside, Sebastian sets the lady’s book on the table to my left and signs in a bold flourish.

  When she makes a swooning sound and turns to show it to her friend, I catch a glimpse of his signature. Underneath my T.A. Lone signature, he put an ampersand and Aaron White. Sheesh, all that’s missing is a heart around our names.

  I quickly cut a suspicious gaze his way. He’s looking down signing the second reader’s book, but I don’t miss his slight smirk. If I hadn’t seen the surprised look on his face when William called him over, I would think he engineered this whole scenario.

  Before the next set of readers approach, I realize how subdued Kayla is. She’d been bubbly and excited when we first arrived, but now her smiles seem forced. Maybe seeing the readers romanticize my past with Mr. Black puts a wrench in her “seduce the sexy bodyguard” plans.

  Trying not to grin too widely at that thought, I reach for the whole trilogy set held out by the blond middle-aged man in front of me, and Kayla puts her hand on the stack. “Excuse me, sir, but there is a one book policy.”

  “But I’m a huge fan,” he says as he lifts a new copy of Blindside off the stack and sets it down for me to sign too.

  Kayla purses her lips and pushes the stack back to him. “Choose one, please.”

  When he sighs and hands me the first book, I give an apologetic smile. “Who should I make it out
to?”

  “Kenneth McAdams,” he says, holding my gaze.

  I smile, and when I turn to the front page, he slides the other two books forward once more. “I really am your biggest fan. Would you mind, please?”

  Just as I nod and reach for the two books in front of me, Kayla turns from talking to the reader behind him. “Excuse me, sir. I just told you—”

  “She said it’s fine,” he says in a tense tone as he starts to reach in his jacket’s inside pocket.

  Sebastian’s on him in a flash, clamping a restraining hand on his shoulder. “I think it’s time for you to move on.”

  While the women gasp excitedly, the man pulls out a pen, disappointment spreading across his face. “But I’m here. Why can’t she just—”

  “It’s fine. I’ll sign his books,” I say to Sebastian in a calm tone, holding my hand out for the man’s pen.

  Sebastian grunts, then releases him, moving back in to position beside me.

  Once I’ve signed his books, the man collects the stack and beams. “I’ve always wanted to be a writer, but I just don’t have the patience to stick with it. I read Blindside as soon as the eBook released. I think it’s your best work yet.”

  I grin my appreciation. “Thank you, Kenneth. I’m thrilled you enjoyed it.”

  He starts to say something else, but a short lady in a knit cap and a calf-length down parka clears her throat and says in a raspy voice, “I’m burning up in here. Can you please move along?”

  After he walks over to the register, the parka lady slides her Blindside book forward at the same time she hands her camera to Kayla. “I’d like a picture of Miss Lone with Mr. White, please.”

  Before I can suggest that she stand in the picture with us, Sebastian clasps my free hand and pulls me to my feet, then nods to Kayla. “We’re ready when you are.”

  While Kayla asks the lady about adjusting the zoom, I glance at him and grumble, “You’re enjoying this entirely too much.”