by J. A. Owenby
His eyebrow arched. “Fine, only a little bit, though. I want to make sure you’re not puking on me in a few hours.”
“Ew, no. I don’t want to get drunk, it’s just nice to relax.”
“Not me, I’m happy to get absolutely ripped. It’s one of the rare times I’m quiet,” she laughed.
Hendrix chuckled and nodded in agreement.
We talked about the upcoming performance next weekend. I wasn’t sure whether or not I was happy it was going to be on campus again. At least I was familiar with the area, but the mere idea of singing in front of that large of a crowd scared me.
Mac was drunk within an hour, and I settled into a comfortable lull from the alcohol. Hendrix seemed fine and paced himself. Maybe he figured he might have to drive or didn’t want to let his guard down. I wasn’t sure, but he stayed in control, and then it registered in my fuzzy headed brain. Franklin. From our conversations, I knew Hendrix didn’t want to go down that road. My pulse raced with the overwhelming urge to wrap my arms around him and hold him.
I peered at the kitchen clock and realized it was almost midnight.
“Mac, you okay?” I asked.
“Yup, never felt better,” she said, slurring her words.
“She’ll be fine, probably have a headache in the morning, but she’ll pass out soon,” Hendrix said, winking at me.
Although I didn’t want Mac to pass out, I knew we were ready to have some privacy.
A soft snore interrupted my thoughts, and I glanced at Mac, sound asleep, her head lying on the countertop.
I giggled. “Just like that, huh?”
Hendrix laughed, “Just like that. Let me put her to bed.”
I watched as he walked over to her and gently nudged her awake. Well, if that’s what you could call it. He wrapped his arm around her waist and guided her up the stairs. A few minutes later, he was beside me, spinning the bar stool toward him.
“I wondered if she’d ever pass out,” he said, his lips landing on mine. His fingers smoothed down my cheek, tucking my hair behind my shoulder while he trailed kisses down my neck. I scooted forward in my chair, wrapping my legs around his waist as he pressed his hips into me. I moaned and tilted my head, allowing him access.
I fumbled with the button on his jeans, unzipped them, and slid my hand inside. My fingers wrapped around his erection and gently stroked. I wasn’t sure if I wanted him in my mouth or inside me.
I yelped as he pulled me off the chair, my legs remaining wrapped around him while he carried me upstairs to his bedroom. He shoved the door closed with his hip and turned me so my back was against the wall. His hands cupped my ass as he leaned into me. Pressure built up between my legs, my body tingling with every kiss. He shoved my shirt up with one hand and moved my bra out of the way, his tongue flicking across my nipple.
I whimpered as he gently caressed me, my desire growing with every touch.
“You’ve got to get rid of these clothes, they’re in the way,” I said.
I laughed while he lowered me, and my feet touched the floor.
“Arms up, please,” I said, tugging his shirt over his head. I bit my bottom lip as I took him all in. His thick arms, broad chest, and abs were the most perfect I’d ever seen. I kneeled and tugged on his jeans, removing them along with his boxer briefs. His erection throbbed with need, and I wrapped my lips around the tip.
“Jesus,” he moaned as I glanced up at him, sliding his length into my mouth. His fingers grabbed a handful of my hair while his hips moved gently, my hand and mouth stroking him. The more excited he became, the more my body responded, my panties growing wetter by the minute.
I stood and kissed him. “I need you inside of me,” I whispered.
His hands ran up the sides of my stomach, and in one movement he’d removed my shirt. His finger skillfully flipped open the clasp on my bra, and it fell to the floor. My jeans and thong were next, and I kicked them off, leaning against the wall.
He dropped to his knees and placed my left leg over his shoulder. His hungry mouth latched onto my clit, sucking and teasing me. A finger slid inside me, and I grabbed his head, fisting his hair, as my hips tentatively moved with him. His other hand ran up the back of my thigh, kneading my ass cheek.
My eyes closed, and I allowed myself to sink into my desire, into him. A warm sensation began swirling in my core, building.
“Hendrix, I—I,” I panted. His mouth left me as he stood and wrapped my legs around his waist and kissed me.
“I need a condom,” he said, breathlessly, his tip pushing at my entrance.
“No, you don’t,” I said. “I’m on the pill now.”
With one swift thrust, he was deep inside me, and I released a moan of raw desire as he took control.
“Good God you feel amazing,” he moaned.
I leaned my forehead against his, holding his gaze as he held me against the wall and moved his hips upward.
I nipped at his bottom lip and pulled gently, my hands threading through his hair. My eyes fluttered closed, and I leaned my head against the wall, my moans growing louder while his pace quickened.
“I love you,” I gasped. “Come inside me, Hendrix,” I said softly in his ear.
He growled, his eyes filled with need.
“Nothing is between us, just you and me, baby,” I coaxed.
“Gem,” he grunted and tensed. “Shit, I can’t, ah!” My own desire peaked as I watched the pleasure spread across his face, his body shuddering with his release.
Breathless, he leaned into me, my legs still wrapped around him.
Light kisses feathered across my forehead.
“You’re my garden of Eden,” he whispered. “I can’t imagine my life without you.”
My breath hitched. “If this is Eden, I don’t ever want to leave,” I replied, tears threatening again, but this time from contentment and happiness.
Chapter 29
The next week was consumed with classes and band rehearsals. The performance was at the Spokane Arena, indoors. I’d also decided it was time to tell my parents and Ada Lynn I was performing. Although I caught the hints of sadness in their tone for missing it, they were supportive and overall excited. Dad had continued to make progress and was on the upswing, which made my heart lighter. I’d updated everyone on the new clothes, too. If they’d doubted I’d made the right decision, the changes made it obvious the move had been a positive thing for me. However, I kept mine and Hendrix’s relationship under wraps. I wasn’t ready to share anything yet.
“Are you ready?” Mac asked, excitement bubbling in her voice.
“Yeah, I think so. I don’t think he suspects anything, and the other guys have been really good, but am I making a mistake?” My jitters were turning into full-blown trembles, and I rubbed my clammy hands on my skinny jeans.
“Breathe, and don’t forget, you don’t have to go through with it. The guys understand what to look for. I’ll be right there, too,” she reminded me.
I nodded, realizing once again how hard I’d fallen for Hendrix. I’d never have considered anything like this a year ago, and here I was, about to sing in front of a crowd of people. I’d not even done that in our small community choir, where the concerts might have included thirty-five parents and a few extra kids.
“All right, time to go,” Mac said, grinning.
“What if I pass out or blow chunks or something else to embarrass him?” I asked, fiddling with the hem of my dark green sweater.
“Girl, please, the second you hear his voice you’ll join him, and everything else will slip away.”
I nodded, hoping like hell she was right.
Twenty minutes later, Mac hugged me goodbye, and I walked up on the back of the stage. I peeked around the curtain and waved to Hendrix.
He hurried toward me and picked me up, twirling me around.
“You showed up,” he said, chuckling and setting me back down.
“I promised you I would. I’m not sure how to deal with the nerves, though
.”
“Close your eyes,” he instructed. “Feel my arms around you right now, my breath against your skin, my lips on yours.” He paused and kissed me tenderly. “And my heart, every time it beats, it’s for you,” he said, placing my hand on his chest.
My breath hitched. “How did I get so lucky?” I asked, my heart filling with more love than I had experienced in my entire life.
He smiled and squeezed my hand. “Worst case scenario, the nerves overtake you, and I can sing it on my own. No one will know the difference.”
My gaze fell. “I don’t want to let you down.”
“You could never let me down, Gem,” he said tenderly, tucking my hair behind my ear.
“Hendrix, we’re about to start,” the drummer, John, announced. “Hey, Gemma, good luck tonight.”
“Thanks,” I replied, my hands visibly shaking.
Hendrix kissed me on the forehead. “We’re the second song, so you can pass out right after it’s over,” he said, an ornery grin spreading across his handsome features.
“Not funny,” I hissed and shook my head at him. I stood on my tiptoes and gave him a quick kiss before he left me alone backstage. I hurried to the dressing room and changed out of my jeans and sweater, getting ready for the performance.
A few minutes later, the cymbal rang through the night, and the crowd began to scream.
“Welcome!” Hendrix’s voice broke through the noise. The high pitch of girls screaming rang in my ears. “We’ve got a special show for you tonight,” he continued.
I flinched, realizing it was my cue and if John heard the piano, he knew we were moving forward. My heart pounded against my chest as I sat down, my fingers on the keys. Hendrix had no idea I played. I’d always wanted to surprise him with it. I inhaled deeply while Hendrix continued to work the crowd and then a moment of silence hovered in the air. My eyes slammed shut, my fingers poised, and I cleared my throat quietly. My mind floated to Hendrix, his lips, his arms around me, the strength he’d given me. I could do this. For him, I could do anything. The middle C note sounded through the mic.
“This is for you, babe,” I said softly and began to sing “At My Weakest” by James Arthur.
The curtain slid open, revealing me sitting at the piano playing, facing the audience and singing. John nodded at me as my focus fell on Hendrix, his face full of emotion while he stepped aside, listening. My confidence grew as I continued.
I smiled when I spotted Mac in the front row, bouncing up and down.
The guys in the band sang background, our voices blending effortlessly. I stood when the song neared the end, and I sauntered up to Hendrix. His mouth gaped slightly when he noticed my blue dress and heels from Franklin’s event.
Gasps echoed through the crowd as they began to recognize who I was. Although I’d sported my transformation for several weeks, I’d only been seen around campus and in my classes. My social life consisted of only two people—Hendrix and Mac.
I took his hand as we turned toward each other, and the song ended. He stepped toward me and kissed me passionately. The crowd went wild, and for a moment no one else existed except us.
He stepped back, raised his mic, and grinned.
“My beautiful and amazing girlfriend, Gemma Thompson!”
Catcalls and cheers rang through the stadium. Even though my nerves were on high alert, the love in the crowd was exhilarating.
“Ready?” he asked.
I nodded, the band began, and we sang “Couldn’t Love You More.” The more we sang together, the more the crowd slipped away, the more my heart belonged to him, and I willingly gave it to him.
When our song ended, I gave the crowd a little wave. Hendrix kissed me, and I exited the stage as the clapping and cheering continued. The curtain closed behind me, and I hurried toward the piano, sinking onto the seat, lightheaded. I’d done it. I wasn't not sure how, but I’d sung to Hendrix Harrington.
My chest ached from my heart pounding so fast. I smiled as I realized Ada Lynn and my parents would have been proud of me. Hell, I was proud of myself. I leaned my forehead against the top of the piano and allowed myself to relax. An hour passed as I listened to the band, still resting my head on the piano.
I was humming along to Hendrix’s vocals when suddenly my head was roughly jerked back. The sting of my hair being pulled brought tears to my eyes as a gruff hand slapped over my mouth. Another hand slipped into my dress, grabbing my bare breast.
“I knew you were a sweet piece of ass underneath those ugly clothes,” Brandon hissed in my ear. “If I had time, I’d bend you over this piano and fuck you senseless, but the concert is about to end. I just wanted you to know when the time is right, I will come for you, and I mean it literally.”
My body trembled against him, his fingers pinching my nipple and his teeth biting my earlobe. I screamed against his hand. And as quickly as he appeared, he disappeared.
Tears flowed down my cheeks, and I frantically searched for him, but he was nowhere to be found. He must have known how to get on and off the stage without being detected.
Trembling, my body collapsed, and I slid off the piano stool, hitting the floor on my hands and knees. My stomach heaved, revolted from his touch, as I puked. Sobs wracked my body as arms wrapped around my waist and pulled me up.
A scream left my lips, and I pounded my fists against whoever had me.
“Gem! Gem, it’s me, Hendrix. I’ve got you. It’s okay.”
“Brandon,” I choked out before I collapsed on him.
Chapter 30
It was an odd sensation to wake with multiple faces staring down at me.
“Shit,” I said, swallowing and realizing I was lying flat on the floor.
“Hey, be still for a second,” Hendrix said, his hand squeezing mine.
“Are you all right? You scared the shit out of us,” John said, concern heavy in his expression.
“Can you sit up?” Cade asked. “My sister passed out the day of her wedding, and I remember my mom sat her up slowly. I think she was really dizzy, but she was pregnant, so it was probably why she passed out in the first place.”
Fear shot through me. Is that why I’d passed out? Worry lines creased Hendrix’s forehead. He knew, to me, nothing worse could happen.
“Brandon came back here,” I said.
“What the hell?” Cade said. “I thought we had some security tonight, dude?” he asked Hendrix.
“We did, but they can’t be everywhere at once.” His jaw clenched.
I knew him well enough to understand he was trying not to lose his shit.
“We can talk about this at home.” He draped his coat over me and scooped me into his arms. “No one can touch you now,” he whispered.
I leaned my head against his shoulder while he walked me off the stage and through the back door of the arena. He didn’t set me down until we had arrived at his car, and I settled into the safety it provided.
“Mac,” I said as he got in and started the car.
He nodded, pulled his phone out of his back pocket, and tapped the screen.
“Hey, Gemma is with me. I’m taking her to my place tonight.” He fell silent, and I could hear Mac reply, but not make out what she was saying.
“Yeah, she was amazing tonight. Apparently, Brandon thought so as well.” His jaw clenched, and he gripped the steering wheel, his knuckles turning white. “She’s okay, but I don’t know everything that happened yet. I’m sure she’ll update you when she’s ready. Have Cade and John take you back to the dorm and walk you up to the door. You understand me?” he asked, his tone firm. “Text me when you get there.”
He ended the call and pulled out of the parking lot. I curled up in my seat and stared out of the window while he drove, Brandon’s words ringing in my ears. This had been my biggest fear about shedding the oversized clothes. I seemed to attract unwanted attention.
“Tell me what happened,” he demanded.
“No,” I whispered.
Hendrix didn’t p
ush the issue, but I knew it wasn’t over yet.
He sped through the back roads toward his house as a heavy silence hung in the air. With each passing moment, I could feel myself slipping away. I should have never sang tonight, I’d left myself open and vulnerable to every Brandon in the audience, and as much as I wanted to think he was the only threat to me or any other girl, I’d be lying to myself.
We arrived at his house, and I walked through the front door, dazed. The moment we were locked inside, I stood in his living room, unzipped my dress, and allowed it to drop to the floor. I stepped out of it and my heels. My body tensed, warning him not to touch me. Hendrix remained still, not attempting to move closer.
I held his gaze. “Burn this fucking dress. I don’t ever want to see it again,” I said, my voice laced with venom.
I walked away and proceeded up the stairs, leaving Hendrix standing alone in the living room.
Chapter 31
No longer needing permission, I walked straight into his bathroom and locked the door behind me. I slipped out of my thong, kicking it to the side while I turned the water on. Opening the door, I stepped underneath the hot spray. Unwilling to contain them any longer, sobs shook my body. I slammed the sides of my fists against the shower wall and screamed. My legs rebelled, and I slid down onto the floor, the water flowing over me as I released another gut-wrenching scream.
“Gemma!” Hendrix yelled, pounding against the door.
Blackness swirled across my vision, and every painful memory came flooding back—rough hands tearing at my clothes, his member shoving inside of me, ripping me apart, the morning sickness. And then it flashed to Brandon’s hands on me. His threatening words rang through my mind. Then—nothing.
“Babe, Gem, talk to me.”
My eyes fluttered open to find Hendrix fully clothed, kneeling in the shower next to me. “I think you passed out again. You’re scaring me, Gem, talk to me,” his voice raw with emotion, his expression pleading with me.
No words formed, nothing except blankness. He stood and turned the water off, his attention never leaving me. He bent down and scooped me into his arms, both of us soaking wet. He carried me to his bed and laid me down gently. He disappeared briefly and returned with towels and a blanket. He sat me up and gently dried my hair.
