Beautifully Spun

by Charity Parkerson

  “What was that all about?”

  At Jinx’s question, Spencer avoided his gaze as he crossed the room. “Saying goodbye to a friend.”

  Jinx didn’t let it go. “Uh, no. You practically ran after the guy. I’ve never seen that happen.”

  Spencer glanced at the notebook. Zayn’s number was gone. “I’m a nice guy. What happened to the number on this notebook?”

  “What number?”

  Jinx sounded a little too guilty for Spencer’s liking. “What did you do?”

  Jinx shifted from one foot to the other. His light blue gaze slid past Spencer—like he couldn’t look him in the eye. “I didn’t pay any attention to what was written on it, but I tore a piece of paper out of your notebook to spit out my gum.” He pulled the wadded paper from his pocket and tried prying it open.

  Spencer ran his tongue over his teeth as he watched, fighting back his anger. Jinx had been his sound guy for about five years. He helped Spencer set up for every show. Spencer paid him good money to be there. Lately, he had been acting weird and Spencer didn’t like it.

  “What in the hell is going on with you?” The question burst from Spencer before he could call it back. Even to his ears, he sounded enraged.

  Jinx’s motions turned nervous, making Spencer immediately feel like shit. “I just wasn’t paying attention. I’m sorry. Look, I didn’t ruin the number part.” He tried smoothing the page out on the table while tearing away the gummy mess. “I didn’t mean to fuck up anything.”

  Spencer ran his hand through his hair and took the crinkled paper from Jinx. “It’s fine. I shouldn’t have snapped at you. Let’s just get loaded up for the night.”

  With his head down, Jinx gave him a quick nod and headed for the truck. While Jinx opened the back, Spencer quickly programmed Zayn’s number into his phone before anything else happened to it. With his temper ebbing, the guilt set in. Jinx had a lot going on in his life. He didn’t need Spencer yelling at him. Before Spencer, very few people had given Jinx as many chances as Spencer, since Jinx had to miss a lot of work to take care of his mother. Spencer genuinely liked him. He also hated losing his cool. For a few minutes, Spencer watched Jinx load speakers into the truck. The guy was over twenty years younger than Spencer, and he looked even younger than that. Today, he moved like an old man, as if Spencer’s anger sapped the life from him. That thought made Spencer feel like shit. He moved to help Jinx carry one of the biggest speakers. Jinx was strong for his lanky size, but he was still a tiny guy.

  Spencer grabbed one end and lifted. “Tell me about your day. How’s your mom?”

  Jinx’s shoulders seemed to relax. “She’s okay, all things considered. We went to lunch and then went to visit my grandma. Both of them asked about you.”

  “I’ll have to send them flowers.”

  Jinx didn’t seem charmed by the idea. “Great.” The sarcasm was thick.

  Since Spencer knew when he couldn’t win, he stopped trying. Instead, his thoughts drifted back to Zayn. Something about Jinx showing up had sent Zayn running. He doubted it was jealousy since Jinx was obviously an employee. Maybe he had just seen his chance to escape. After all, he had brought Spencer’s coat back. All ties were cut now. There was no need to see each other again.

  With the speaker loaded, Spencer walked away from the truck and dug out his phone again. He didn’t like the idea of Zayn getting away.

  Spencer: Don’t forget. Hollinger Point.

  The phone immediately shook in his hand before Spencer could put it away again.

  Zayn: I’ll be there.

  A smile tugged at Spencer’s lips. To his mind, sex with Zayn still counted as a one-night stand if it was twice in the same day. He wasn’t finished with Zayn yet. Spencer couldn’t wait to see him again. He refused to look too closely at why. Sometimes he couldn’t control his impulses. Spencer would chalk it up to that. No reason to make this out as more. No reason at all.

  Three

  From experience, Zayn knew not to leave for the rave until well after midnight. Otherwise, he would be waiting all night for the party to end and he would have a much harder time getting close to Spencer. It took Zayn twenty minutes to find a place to park and another ten to walk to where the crowd jumped in unison to the music blaring from the speakers. The only lights were the ones erected on either side of the small stage where Spencer stood, looking like a god. Otherwise, only neon glow sticks, flashing necklaces, and glowing teeth lit up the crowd. The place was surprisingly bright.

  People danced and openly made out. Zayn weaved through the throng, trying his best to get as close to Spencer as possible. A cloud of pot smoke lingered in the air, making Zayn lightheaded. The closer Zayn got to Spencer, the more mesmerized he became. He was shirtless and sweat glistened on his skin. His entire body moved to the music. Muscles flexed, getting a workout, and reminding Zayn exactly what that body could do. He still couldn’t believe he had made love to Spencer. For months, he had been secretly following all the raves online and showing up to watch Spencer just like this—like a stalker. Spencer lifted his chin. His gaze scanned the crowd, landing on Zayn. It didn’t budge. Spencer’s mouth lifted in one corner. His body kept moving to the music. Zayn’s mouth went dry. The way he craved having Spencer moving like that while straddling his hips was almost a sickness. Spencer was exactly like the smoke hanging in the air. The slightest sample had him higher than he had ever been. Unfortunately, Zayn had a bad feeling that Spencer would be every bit as hard to hold on to.

  A motion from the corner of his eye had Zayn looking away. Zayn spotted Jinx waving at him. Jinx leaned over and whispered in the ear of a guy built like a bull. The man’s eyes locked on to Zayn. For a moment, considering the jealousy he had seen in Jinx’s stare earlier, he wondered if Jinx asked the guy to send Zayn on his way. The guy nodded at whatever Jinx said and then dove into the crowd. People cleared a path.

  When he reached Zayn, he leaned in and yelled against Zayn’s ear, “Come on. You can sit with Jinx while Zealous finishes up.”

  Despite his surprise over the offer, Zayn nodded and followed the security guard through the crowd. A set of makeshift steps led into the back of Spencer’s box truck. There were four folding chairs inside. Jinx sat in one. The other was occupied by a face Zayn would recognize anywhere. He imagined everyone knew Hudson Vincent. As the lead singer of a boy band, Hudson had grown up in front of the world. He had gone on to have a successful career in alt rock and was basically the king of grunge music.

  Zayn climbed the steps and into the back of the truck. The sound of the party raging outside muted like magic. “Holy shit. It’s way quieter in here.”

  Jinx tapped the wall beside him. “Betsy has soundproof lining. Plus, the speakers are set up where they won’t blast into the truck. It’s the only way to keep your sanity when this is your life.”

  Zayn imagined that was true. Partying now and then was one thing. This being a job was another. Zayn’s gaze slid Hudson’s way. It was out of his control. His lip and nose were pierced and his eyes were heavily lined. He had his chair leaned back on two legs while he eyed Zayn with open curiosity.

  Zayn held out his hand. “Zayn.”

  Hudson dropped his chair back to all fours and leaned forward to shake Zayn’s hand. “Hudson. Jinx was just telling me about you. So you’re the famous Zayn Tanaka. What’s that like?”

  “Oddly boring,” Zayn said, snagging one of the empty chairs for himself.

  A low chuckle rumbled from Hudson. “I’m sure.”

  Jinx’s gaze locked on to Hudson as if a thought hit him.

  “What’s it like to be famous?”

  Hudson nodded Spencer’s way. “Why not ask your friend, Zealous? I’m sure he can explain it better than I can.”

  Jinx shook his head. “He doesn’t see himself as famous. Zealous only sees himself as blessed. You’re different. There’s nowhere you can go where people don’t know your name.”

  Zayn found himself sucked into the conve
rsation. Jinx’s claim made so much sense. He could see Spencer uncaring of the fame. Zayn was also dying to hear Hudson’s answer. Everyone knew Zayn’s name, but he wasn’t like Hudson. Likely, Hudson couldn’t go anywhere without being mobbed.

  For a moment, Hudson looked thoughtful, as if he didn’t want to answer Jinx, or he took the question to heart. Then Hudson met Jinx’s stare with a seriousness that fascinated Zayn. “Have you ever had a friend who you really liked and would do anything for, but you knew if you ever stopped skating a super thin line around them, then they would turn on you like a pack of rabid dogs in a heartbeat?”

  Jinx’s gaze slid away. Zayn followed his stare. It was locked on Spencer. “Yeah. I know someone like that.”

  Hudson tilted his chair back onto two legs and buried his hands in the pockets of his black hoodie. “Everyone is like that when you’re me.”

  Zayn’s throat swelled as his gaze automatically moved Spencer’s way. He watched Spencer entertain the crowd. Jinx had known Spencer for much longer than Zayn. He would know better than Zayn if Spencer was the type to turn cold in an instant. Zayn didn’t know how to feel. On one hand, he wondered if he should leave now before he got hurt. On the other, Zayn already couldn’t stay away. It was possible he was too late to avoid the pain. He also didn’t want to.

  Music thumped in Spencer’s ears. His head spun from the secondhand smoke floating around him. Even though they were outside, there were so many different drugs being smoked that Spencer didn’t stand a chance. Plus, someone had passed him a pill earlier and Spencer had downed it without a single thought. Sometimes, the nights were long, and he was dumb like that.

  Someone slipped Spencer their number. He barely spared the guy a passing smile before pretending to pocket the card. The moment the guy turned away, he tossed it in the trash. Zayn was nearby. Spencer wouldn’t be going home with anyone else.

  For the millionth time, Spencer’s gaze slid toward the back of the box truck. Security kept the men inside safe. As Spencer looked on, Zayn laughed at something Hudson said. An unexpected wave of irritation washed over Spencer. He chalked it up to impatience. It was nearing three in the morning and Spencer had been at the helm since ten. He slowed things down and switched on the microphone. Things were winding down. Spencer was ready to steal Zayn away before Hudson charmed him too much.

  “Enjoy this last song as you make your way to your tents and cars. It’s been a blast partying with you tonight, but it’s time for me to go. If you had fun, then don’t forget your host. Check out Hudson’s latest album, Social Limit, online or wherever your favorite music is sold.” Spencer turned off his mic. His gaze slid Zayn’s way again. To his surprise, Zayn stood inside the open doorway of the truck, watching Spencer. Hunger sideswiped Spencer from nowhere. Zayn’s muscular arms were crossed, and one sexy shoulder leaned against the wall of the truck. Spencer couldn’t believe this man had been fucking him just over twelve hours earlier. Zayn patiently waited for Spencer, as if he fully intended to have Spencer again. Just the thought of being alone with Zayn had goosebumps rising on Spencer’s skin. He imagined countless men had seen Zayn look at them the way Zayn stared at Spencer now, but Spencer had his attention for the moment. He fully intended to exploit the situation.

  The song ended, and Spencer closed his laptop and unplugged it. Everything else could stay behind for Jinx to haul away, but his laptop always left with him. Spencer tucked it under his arm as he headed Zayn’s way. He stopped at the edge of the steps and looked up. Zayn stared down at Spencer, as if waiting for Spencer to tell him their next move.

  Jinx leapt from the back and started breaking down equipment.

  Spencer glanced Jinx’s way before meeting Zayn’s stare again. “I have to get all this stuff loaded.”

  Zayn straightened away from the truck. “I’ll help.”

  Hudson slapped Zayn’s shoulder and squeezed. “I’ll help Jinx. You two can head out. We got this.”

  Zayn looked between everyone. “Are you sure? That seems like a lot.”

  Spencer stepped in. “They’re good. Jinx is the best at what he does.”

  Even though Zayn still didn’t look comfortable leaving the pair, he jumped down and joined Spencer on the ground. Spencer inhaled Zayn’s cologne. His body stirred as images of Zayn biting his skin invaded his head. A repeat performance was definitely on Spencer’s agenda.

  “I’m parked this way,” Zayn said, motioning to their left. “I brought my Hummer since I didn’t figure bringing the Chiron to the middle of the desert would be a good idea.”

  Spencer nodded as they fell into step beside each other. “True. Half these people are high as fuck too,” Spencer said, eyeing the crowd that still lingered. “You don’t want to risk any of them hitting your car.”

  “I’m guessing you’re probably high as a kite too after inhaling that smoke all night.” Before Spencer had time to respond, Zayn glanced behind him. “Are you sure we should leave Jinx and Hudson with all that work?”

  A bark of laughter burst from Spencer. He linked his arm through Zayn’s and kept the guy moving. “First off, a majority of what you see is set up by a staging company Hudson hired. Only some smaller speakers and equipment are mine. Second, Jinx is young and hot, and Hudson never left his side all night. This was Hudson’s party. He had countless, and I do mean countless willing bodies in that crowd, yet he stayed with Jinx. It’s definitely time for us to move along so Hudson can shoot his shot.”

  He felt Zayn relax. “Oh. I was cock-blocking all night and didn’t even know it.”

  The laughter in Zayn’s voice made Spencer smile. “Yeah, well, you and fifteen hundred other people. While Hudson is known for being pretty wild, he’s not the type to fuck anyone in public while promoting a new album. His reputation is pretty important to him.” Spencer glanced around. Things were thinning out quickly. “They’ll be alone soon enough.”

  “Yo, sick beats tonight.”

  Spencer nodded at the guy who yelled the praise.

  Zayn’s hold tightened on Spencer. “Speaking of being alone with someone sexy, I’m looking pretty forward to that myself,” Zayn said as they reached the passenger side of a black Hummer. The lights flashed and Zayn opened the door for him. Spencer barely spared the vehicle a glance as he climbed inside. He couldn’t make himself stop holding Zayn’s stare. No one had ever looked at him the way Zayn did. There was something in Zayn’s eyes. It was more than desire. Spencer couldn’t put a name to it. All he knew was he needed Zayn to unleash whatever he barely kept restrained when he looked at Spencer. There was a spark. Zayn wanted to burn.

  When Zayn climbed behind the wheel, Spencer lost his grip on his self-control. He grabbed Zayn’s shirt and hauled Zayn his way. Their mouths clashed. The light inside the vehicle dimmed until they were plunged into darkness. There were no streetlights in the desert. Only the moon and stars gave any light at all. They were alone in their cocoon of darkness and heat. Spencer massaged his way down Zayn’s chest until he reached the hard-on straining against Zayn’s jeans. He fought to unbutton Zayn’s pants, but the angle made it impossible.

  Zayn pulled away. “Give me a second.”

  Before Spencer could question Zayn, Zayn jumped from the vehicle and opened the back. Spencer fought to catch his breath while Zayn crawled around inside.

  “Come back here.”

  Spencer glanced over his shoulder and the entire back rows were folded down, creating a comfy-looking bed. He didn’t think twice before dumping his laptop on the floorboard and crawling between the seats. He overcame Zayn the moment Zayn reached for him. Their tongues stroked as Spencer tumbled Zayn onto his back and went to work on his clothes. They were an inferno of passion. Spencer had never felt like this before. He understood lust. This was different. It was explosive. Spencer felt like he would tear off his skin if he didn’t find a way to get closer to Zayn. He barely had Zayn’s erection free before he had it in his mouth. Spencer licked and sucked, reveling in the sounds Zayn ma
de. He had a nice cock. It wasn’t too big or too small. It fit perfectly inside Spencer without hurting him and made for a great meal. There were no practiced skills being used tonight. Spencer was starved, and he went wild. He pried Zayn’s jeans down his hips and then two-handed Zayn’s dick while sucking the tip. Zayn pulled his hair, making his scalp sting. Spencer punished him by swallowing his cock while massaging his balls.

  “Oh my god, Spencer. I’m about to blow.”

  Spencer laughed around Zayn’s shaft. He wanted it. Spencer needed Zayn’s cum. A loud, erratic panting filled the inside of the car. Zayn’s hips lifted, straining against Spencer’s mouth. Spencer pumped and bobbed, trying to suck Zayn dry. A muffled cry reverberated from the walls of the vehicle. Hot cum filled Spencer’s mouth. A moan rose in Spencer’s throat. He swallowed it along with his prize. Spencer kept sucking, trying to get more. In a flash, he found himself dragged from his meal. With a twist and a roll, Zayn’s huge body pinned Spencer. Their tongues brushed, giving Spencer a new prize to suck. Zayn’s hand found its way inside Spencer’s pants. It was his turn to fight for release. It felt like Zayn was everywhere. Their kiss stayed passionate, but Zayn tugged Spencer’s cock, teased his balls, and tickled his asshole. Spencer’s attention was split. He didn’t want to stop kissing, but his body strained. Spencer didn’t know which sensation to focus on. Zayn decided for him by slithering down Spencer’s body and licking Spencer’s dick. Spencer clutched Zayn’s shoulders and held on while Zayn gave a repeat performance of his last show.