As the driver comes to a stop, I watch as she looks out the same window. Her face drops the second she sees the sign. She narrows her eyes at me and I smile back. She can argue all she likes, we both know she’ll do it. She’ll eventually get up on that stage and sing her heart out, because it’s who she is. She was born to sing.
“Woohoo,” Liv sings as she jumps from the limo, quickly followed by BJ and then the others.
“I thought you’d decided you liked me.” Her pout makes me want to suck her bottom lip into my mouth.
“I do, very much. That’s why we’re doing this.”
“Dec,” she complains as I try to tug her from the seat.
“Let’s at least go in and get a drink. One step at a time.” She must read something in my eyes because after a few seconds, I feel her relax a little before she allows me to help her out.
“It’s a good job I’m kind of drunk right now,” she says, leaning into my ear as we wait to get in. She thinks she’s whispering and looks confused when everyone turns to look at her.
“I can’t wait to hear you sing,” Lilly says excitedly, and I feel Nicole squeeze my hand tightly.
We manage to find ourselves a table relatively close to the stage, where someone is currently belting out a horrendous rendition of Beyonce’s Crazy in Love. Everyone winces as she tries to hit the high notes.
Nicole sits like a statue next to me as the song comes to an end, like I’m about to drag her up there myself.
“Here we go,” Lilly and Lucas announce as they place a tray of drinks down on the table.
I’ve never seen Nicole move so fast. The shot glass is in her hand and up to her lips in a split second. I’m not sure she even has a clue what she’s drinking, although I’m not sure she cares.
“We’ll go and get some more then, shall we?” Lilly asks with a laugh as Nicole puts the second empty glass back on the tray.
She blows out a slow breath before turning to look at me.
“You okay?”
“Yeah. I’m not going up there, though.”
“That’s fine. Whatever you’re comfortable with,” I say, knowing I’m stretching the truth slightly. We’re not leaving this place until she’s been up there and sang for the entire crowd. She needs to get back on the horse, so to speak, and this karaoke bar is the perfect place for that to happen.
The longer we sit chatting, the more I feel Nicole relax, and I know it’s the right time. She’s had another two glasses of prosecco. It’s now or never.
Excusing myself from the table, I head towards the toilets. I make a little detour on the way back when I see she’s engrossed in conversation. I’d already put Nicole’s name down to sing tonight, but I didn’t give a time.
I hear her name announced, but because she’s not expecting it, she’s not listening. The room quietens as everyone waits to see who’s next.
“Nicole? Don’t be shy, you’re up next,” the man with the microphone says.
Her back stiffens the second reality hits, and she turns to me. I get a death stare I’ve never experienced before. I start to think maybe I’ve read this all wrong. Is her fear greater than I thought?
“I dare you,” I mouth, and her eyes narrow to slits.
“I hate you,” she announces, getting the attention of the rest of the group, who’re oblivious to what’s going on.
“She loves me really,” I say with a laugh.
“No. No, I really hate you right now.” If all the words weren’t slurred, I might have believed her, but she’s more up for this than she lets on. She might not be as drunk as she was at my house that night, but she’s so ready to get up on stage.
She gives it a few seconds to compose herself before she stands and smooths down the front of her dress.
“Woohoo, go Nicole,” Lilly sings. She’s almost as drunk, which is unusual for my sister.
I can see the mask Nicole pulls on, but pride swells in my belly as I watch her approach the stage. She chats with the guy for a few seconds, I guess telling him what’s she’s going to sing before she stands at the mic.
I hardly ever get nervous, but as I wait for her to do something, butterflies start up in my belly. My palms start sweating, and I’m on the verge of getting up and going to her when she closes her eyes and nods for the music to start.
My heart soars when I hear the first note of her voice. Everything around me disappears as I watch her, utterly enthralled by how incredible she is. She looks totally at home up there. Her voice is perfect; no one else in this room would have any clue about how nervous she is right now.
The first song she sings completely passes me by—I’m too enthralled watching her to notice. But I do notice when the song changes and Miley Cyrus’ 7 Things starts blasting through the speakers. As I focus on her words, I realise they’re different. Instead of the original lyrics, Nicole is singing something very different, yet something very familiar. She’s singing about us. The second she starts on the chorus, I burst out laughing as she tells me everything she hates about me. Her eyes open for the first time and she focuses only on me. I feel everyone at our table turn to stare at me, and when I glance over at them, they all look bemused. Everyone apart from Lilly, of course—she understands every single one of Nicole’s words almost as much as I do.
The cheer that goes up around the room when the song comes to an end is incredible. I’m not sure if it’s just for Nicole’s impeccable voice or the fact she clearly has a hidden talent, but the noise is deafening.
She stares down at me with excitement in her eyes, and I know for a fact that no one is getting her off that stage tonight. She chats amicably to the guy in charge of the music before another song starts, then another and another. Each and every song has me laughing because they have a theme. I Hate You, I Love You by I’ll Cheat You Nash, I Knew You Were Trouble by Taylor Swift, and of course Hate That I Love You by Rihanna.
Someone else eventually kicks her off the stage. As she bounces back towards us, she’s totally buzzing. The excitement in her eyes is infectious, and everyone starts talking about what they want to sing. That is, everyone apart from me. I may have organised tonight to get Nicole up in front of a crowd, but there’s no fucking way I’m going to be doing the same. I’ve got a reputation around here, and making a fool out of myself singing karaoke is not part of it.
I can’t hide the shock on my face when Nicole gets up again and Lucas follows her. I swear I have to pick my chin up off the floor. He always comes across as a serious businessman; I never in a million years would have thought I’d be sat here watching him perform Tinie Tempah’s Not Letting Go alongside Nicole as Jess Glynne. I’m even more shocked when he’s actually pretty good. Looking over at Lilly, I don’t see the same shock, but she does have a look on her face that hints towards him having a good night. The thought turns my stomach.
Liv has her moment in the spotlight, followed by BJ and Liam, who butcher Tribute by Tenacious D. It’s so bad it’s almost good.
I know exactly what’s coming next from the looks on everyone’s faces. “No fucking way,” I argue.
“Nope, you don’t get to drag me here against my will, make me sing and get away with it yourself. Everyone else has done it. Even Lucas,” Nicole says, clearly as amazed by that performance as me.
“You need a push in the right direction.”
“I don’t need pushing anywhere.”
“You really think you’re getting away with this, don’t you?” Lilly asks, amusement filling her features.
“Yes. I know for a fact I’m not getting up on that stage.”
Chapter Sixteen
Nicole
A smug grin plays on my lips as I watch Dec walk on stage.
“How’d you do that?” Lilly asks as she also watches his progress.
“It was easy, really. How would you get Lucas to do something he doesn’t want to do?”
“Sexual favour,” she says without missing a beat.
“Bingo.”
&n
bsp; “Gross, but genius. I can’t wait for this.” She’s practically bouncing in her seat as we wait to hear what Dec’s going to sing.
I feel a little bad about making him get up there when he really doesn’t want to, but then I think about the boundaries he’s made me push through today and the feeling vanishes instantly.
I recognise the song with the first beat, and I smile because it’s perfect. His eyes don’t leave mine as he belts out There’s Nothing Holding Me Back by Shawn Mendes.
The second he puts the mic down, I’m running towards the stage. Thankfully he sees me coming, because he’s ready for me when I launch myself at him.
“I love you,” I say in a rush before slamming my lips against his. Cheers sound out from behind us.
“You know I’m holding you to that promise, don’t you?” My cheeks heat.
“I wouldn’t expect anything else. Come on, let’s celebrate your first performance.”
“First and final,” he mutters behind me.
“Yeah, whatever you say.”
I steer clear of any more alcohol, and instead order a glass of water. I’ve made Dec a promise, and I don’t want to pass out before I get the chance.
After dropping everyone at their houses, the limo pulls to a stop outside my little cottage.
“We’ll come inside in a bit,” I say to Liv when she looks back after getting out. She smiles at me before nodding at Dec.
Once she’s shut the door, Dec slides over to the divider between the driver and us. “Drive around for a bit, mate,” he demands before putting the privacy screen up.
My stomach flips as nervous energy races through me. That is, until he turns and pins me with a look. A look that tells me I’m about to do whatever he demands without question.
He sits himself back down on the bench before running his eyes down my body. My temperature soars under his scrutiny. “Strip.”
Glancing at the windows around me, I try to tell myself that no one can see in, but it doesn’t stop the butterflies erupting in my stomach as I slide myself to the edge of the seat and reach for the zip of my playsuit. My hands tremble slightly as I lower it, but I’m unsure if it’s nerves or excitement.
Standing the best I can, I allow the fabric to fall from my shoulders and it drops straight to my ankles. Dec’s eyes follow its movement before they slowly make their way back up my body. A trail of tingles follow his gaze, making me wish it was his hands on me instead.
“Come here.”
Putting every bit of sass I have into it, I drop to my hands and knees and crawl over to him. From his dark, hooded eyes and the hungry look on his face, I’d say I nailed it. Coming to a stop between his spread thighs, I can clearly see he’s already hard beneath his trousers. My mouth waters as I reach out and run my fingers up his thighs. He groans at my contact, spurring me on.
Reaching up, I tug at the button on his waistband until it opens. He helps by lifting his hips so I’m able to pull them and his boxers down his muscular thighs. His cock springs free, the tip already glistening with his desperation.
I don’t give him time to get comfortable. Grasping him in my hand, I suck hard on the tip as he moans loudly into the space around us. His back thuds against the leather and he thrusts his hips up, trying to encourage me to take more. He might think he’s the one in control by demanding me on my knees, but he seems to be forgetting this was my idea, and right now I’m the one with all the power.
I continue teasing him, running my tongue over the head and sucking gently, until he starts to growl at me and I take pity on him. In one sudden move, I suck him back as far as he’ll go, and I smile around him when I hear his head slam back against the window.
I fucking love having total control over him like this. He’s a control freak in almost every element of his life, and I feel honoured he allows me this one tiny piece of power.
It’s not too long before I feel him thickening even more against my lips. As I bring my hand up to cup his balls, I feel the first twitch of his orgasm as his moan echoes around the limo.
“Yeah, I’m pretty sure embarrassing myself was worth it,” he admits after a few minutes. “Get dressed.” My eyes widen in shock at his demand. “This was my treat. You’re not getting any.”
“Arsehole,” I mutter as I crawl back over to find my clothes.
When Dec opens the limo door, I’m expecting to see my cottage, not the lavish hotel I spent the day in.
“What are we—”
“Come on,” he says, grabbing my hand and ignoring my question completely.
I smile politely at the young man behind the reception desk and he gives me a knowing wink that makes my cheeks flame.
Dec slams his hand down on the buttons in the lift before he stalks towards me. I back up until I hit the wall. I expect him to continue, to kiss me, but he stops and stares at me. His eyes consume every inch of me and their darkness makes my stomach clench in anticipation.
No words are said between us but a million silent promises are exchanged in those few moments.
By the time the lift comes to a stop, I’m panting. He hasn’t even touched me and I’m aching for him.
He once again reaches for my hand and pulls me down the corridor. It’s the first sign that he’s as impatient for more as I am.
The second the hotel room door is shut, I’m slammed back against it and I get what I’ve been craving, his hands and mouth on me.
His tongue sweeps into my mouth as his hands run up my ribs before squeezing my breasts.
“Oh god,” I moan when he starts sucking on the sensitive skin on my neck. “Dec, please.”
“Do you have any idea what you did to me tonight? Watching you up in that stage. Fuck, Nic.” Spinning me around, he pushes my front against the door as his fingers grasp the little zip at the base of my neck. Painfully slowly, he pulls it down. I feel my pussy throb with every inch it descends. The fabric grazes my sensitive skin as he pulls it down my body until it’s pooled around my ankles.
A shiver runs through me when I feel his lips at the base of my neck before he starts kissing down my spine. He stops when he gets to my bra clasp. He pops it open and it falls to the floor before he continues his journey. He licks a line above the lace of my thong before I feel his fingers hook inside and he drags it down my legs.
“Lean against the door. Stick you arse out.”
I do as he says, my desire pushing any hesitation aside.
“Confidence looks sexy on you.” I hear rustling of clothing behind me, but I don’t look back.
It’s only seconds later that I feel his palms on my arse. He slides them down my thighs and encourages my legs further apart.
“I’m gonna fuck you hard and fast. Right. Now.”
I don’t get to respond with any more than a groan before he thrusts inside me, filling and stretching me to the hilt. He hits me so deep that in seconds I’m biting down on my arm in an attempt to last a little longer.
“Don’t hold back,” he grunts a second before his palm connects with my bare arse and it sends me spiralling head first into my orgasm. A moment later, he finds his own release before he lifts me into his arms and carries me towards the bed.
“Bloody hell,” falls from my lips as I get my first good look at the room.
“Only the best for my girl.”
I swear my heart does a somersault. For years, Dec was the last person I pictured spending my life with, but suddenly a future with him is all I can see.
* * *
I’ve no idea what time we eventually fell asleep last night, but it’s fair to say that we made the most of our lavish surroundings. The four-poster bed was insanely comfortable, and very sturdy.
My stomach rumbles as I roll over to watch Dec walk towards the bathroom, but as hungry as I am for food I have no intention of getting out of this bed or putting any clothes on anytime soon.
Dec must have predicted such a situation, because not a second after there’s a knock at the door does he walk
out of the bathroom with a towel wrapped around his waist.
I hear a few words rumbled before he comes back, pushing a trolley full of food.
“Oh my god.”
“Breakfast in bed?
“Yes!”
I’m gutted when we have to check out. I’m not ready to leave and go back to normal life where I have to make my own food.
“Thank you,” I say to Dec as he joins me in the front of his van to head home.
“For what?”
“Everything. I was happy to just let the day pass me by, but you made sure it was special.”
“By scaring the crap out of you?” he asks with a laugh.
“Yeah, something like that. I’m glad you pushed me. I feel so much better now I’ve been in front of a crowd.”
“So you’ll do a set at the shack?”
“One step at a time. That’s very different from singing karaoke!”
“Nah, you’ll take the roof off the place, I know it.”
I must admit his confidence in me does help push me towards getting up and doing it properly. “I’ll do it before the season is over.”
“Really?” he asks, sounding equally shocked and excited.
“Yes.” I try to sound confident, but on the inside I’m a nervous wreck.
When we get back to my place, we find Liv sprawled out over the sofa, preparing for her interview.
“I’m going to head to the shop. I’ll see you later, yeah?”
“You sure I’m not needed?” I ask for the millionth time. I hate that I get time off whenever I want it just because I’m screwing the boss—well, that’s what I’m sure all the others think.
“Yes. Everything’s covered.”
“Okay, see you later then,” I say with a pout. We’ve had an amazing few hours together, and I was hoping it wouldn’t be over so soon, but seconds later I’m watching his back as he heads towards his van.
“Have a good night?” Liv asks as she clears me some space on the sofa.
Falling For Declan (Falling Book 8) Page 20
