Leather and Lace

Wicked: Leather and Lace [Wicked Series Book 2] by Lily Graison Alinar Publishing www.alinarpublishing.com Copyright ...

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Wicked: Leather and Lace [Wicked Series Book 2] by Lily Graison

Alinar Publishing www.alinarpublishing.com

Copyright ©2009 by Lily Graison First published in 2009, 2009 NOTICE: This eBook is licensed to the original purchaser only. Duplication or distribution to any person via email, floppy disk, network, print out, or any other means is a violation of International copyright law and subjects the violator to severe fines and/or imprisonment. This notice overrides the Adobe Reader permissions which are erroneous. This eBook cannot be legally lent or given to others. This eBook is displayed using 100% recycled electrons.

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CONTENTS Chapter 1 Chapter 2 Chapter 3 Chapter 4 Chapter 5 Chapter 6 Chapter 7 Epilogue The Wicked Series About the Author ****

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Wicked: Leather and Lace Lily Graison Roxy Carlisle is on a mission. She's been in lust with Luke Harris, lead guitarist for the band Wicked, for two years. When her best friend, Holly, hooks up with the bands lead singer, and asks her to tag along to New York with her to meet the band, Roxy couldn't pack her bags fast enough. The chance to meet Luke in person was a dream come true. Even better if her ultimate fantasy of finding herself in his bed were to happen. One way or another, she was determined to have him. That is, if Holly's hair-brained idea of playing hard to get doesn't backfire in her face. Luke Harris loves women and they love him. All he ever has to do is speak to them and they fall all over themselves to be the lucky lady of the night. That all changes though when a feisty brunette comes barreling into his life and changes all the rules. She's immune to his usual charm, or so it seems, but something in her eyes tells him otherwise. Has Luke finally met a woman he can't seduce? Can Roxy follow her plan and not give in when Luke sets his sights on her? When sex is all you're after, can you walk away when your heart demands more?

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Copyright © 2009 Lily Graison All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form or by any means mechanical, electronic, photocopying, recording or otherwise without the prior written consent of the publisher, nor be otherwise circulated in any form of binding or cover other than that in which it is published and without a similar condition being imposed on the subsequent purchaser. The right of Lily Graison to be identified as the Author of the Work has been asserted by her in accordance with the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988. First printed March 2009 First Edition All characters in this publication are purely fictitious and any resemblance to real persons, living or dead, is purely coincidental. Edited by Meg Richman Cover Art Image by Dan Skinner

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Chapter 1 Sheer panic sucked the air from Roxy Carlisle's lungs and burned a trail throughout her entire body. That she was in this state rocked her more than the feeling itself. Roxy didn't panic. Ever. She stared down hardened criminals for a living and laughed in their faces while they tried to intimidate her. She was the toughest person she knew. Nothing rattled her. Nothing could. Nothing except the six-foot tall luscious man walking straight for her. Luke Harris, lead guitarist for the band Wicked and her ultimate fantasy, was currently sauntering across the crowded hotel bar like a walking sex god. Her mouth watered with every step he took and the sight of him conjured visions that stole her breath. Her every dream come true, he was a sensual piece of eye candy right down to those damn big clunky boots. He wore his trademark black leather pants and jacket but he'd worn a shirt to her disappointment. She wasn't aware the man owned one. Every time she saw him, whether on TV or in magazines, those incredible abs and delicious hipbones were visible. She felt cheated as she watched him now. That is until she looked at his face. His long black hair hung around chiseled features she'd memorized and tumbled over broad shoulders. Those intense, pale gray eyes scanned the crowd and perfectly bowed lips 6


curled into a sarcastic smile. The man knew every woman in the room was watching him and he was right. It took every ounce of willpower she possessed not to turn around and see if someone was behind her. Someone he was looking at instead of her. She'd die if there were. She'd dreamed of meeting this man for two years now, ever since spying him on television when they played their first live show, and nothing would tarnish this particular dream. In her mind, it was her he was stalking. Her, he'd gazed at from across the room before he stood and left a gaggle of ladies standing gaped mouth as they watched him walk away. She sucked in a breath, tossed her hair over one shoulder and turned back to the bar when he neared her. Her heart was beating so fast, she felt dizzy. Blood rushed through her veins, thundered in her ears, and she concentrated on getting one breath in and letting it out slowly. The moment he stopped by her bar stool, her vision clouded. His voice sounded miles away. She closed her eyes, pulling on that reserve of steady nerves she used everyday of her life before opening them, and turning her head toward him. The smug smile on his face was gone. So was that lusty gleam in his eye. Hatred burned in those smoky depths and Roxy was taken aback by the sudden change of attitude. Luckily his anger wasn't directed at her. She turned her head, looking over her left shoulder where he was staring and was surprised to see her best friend, Holly Baker, and the reason she was even in New York, Devin Shaw. They were standing at the bar entrance, arms tightly 7


around each other, kissing like the earth was ending. Her best friend had met the man of her dreams and spent every waking minute in sexual bliss, judging the look on her face. Of course, the man of her own dreams was standing scant inches away. Roxy turned her head, a lingering gaze traveling over the tall hunk of man who'd stopped by her chair. His attention was still on Devin and Holly. His hair fell over his right shoulder, the midnight black tresses lost in the folds of his leather jacket. He smelled of sandalwood and spicy cologne and she inhaled the scent, restraining herself from closing her eyes and savoring him. A rustle of fabric caught her attention and she glanced up. He was staring at her again. The intense look in his eye wasn't as strong as before, but his lips curved into a smile nonetheless. "Can I buy you a drink?" Roxy smiled and tilted her head toward her glass. "I have one." "I see," he said. His tongue darted out, licking his full bottom lip. "Anything else I can get for you?" Lord in heaven, the man was sinful. Heat rushed up her neck and Roxy couldn't breathe. "Plenty," she said. Perfect white teeth gleamed behind a smile that made her panties wet and her imagination run wild. The man was simply too gorgeous for words. Especially when he smiled like that. It promised things too wicked to contemplate and lord help her she wanted to think about them. She'd fuck him right where he stood if he'd let her. Of course, the way he was looking at her, she didn't think he'd have any objections. 8


"What did you have in mind?" he asked. She smiled and tried to catch her breath, letting her gaze wander over the sinful body she knew was hiding behind all that dark material. When she spoke, a husky whisper that surprised even her caused his eyes to flare hotly. "You have no idea what I have in mind." He leaned forward, his mouth scant inches from her own. "Try me." Goose bumps pimpled her flesh, heat traveled every nerve and the dizzy feeling she'd been trying to overcome made her lust addled brain scream to take him right where he stood. His breath was warm and sweet against her face. A small tilt of her head and she would be able to taste those luscious lips. She licked her own at the thought and inhaled deeply, taking in his scent and suppressed a moan of pleasure. "Roxy! I've been looking everywhere for you." I'm going to kill her. Roxy forced a smile in spite of the interruption and tore her gaze from Luke to glance over her shoulder. The look she shot her friend conveyed her intentions apparently. Holly leaned back and her smile faltered for a split second before she glanced at Devin. The band's front man saved her friend from a quick death. "Hey Roxy. I'm Devin," he said, wrapping an arm around her and pulling her in for a quick hug. "Holly has talked about you nonstop." "I'm sure she has," Roxy grinned. "She always talks about me when she's thigh deep in a man." Holly's cheeks reddened and she glanced at her feet. Roxy chuckled at her embarrassment. "Is there something you 9


needed, Holly?" Roxy asked to move the conversation along. She had two hundred pounds of hardened man at her back that needed her attention. "Yes and no," Holly smiled. "Devin was looking for Luke, actually." Devin motioned to a side table with his head and walked away from them, turning once to see if Luke was following him. Roxy watched the lead guitarist, trying to catch the mumbled words he hissed under his breath before he turned and followed. Of course, watching him walk away wasn't all that bad. The man had an ass that would stop traffic. "You're not even going to play hard to get, are you?" Roxy grinned at Holly's question. "What's the point? I could waste days flirting and getting worked up with the same outcome. I'll have that man between my thighs before I go back home." "Is that all you want?" "What do you mean?" Roxy asked. "Well," Holly said. "If all you want is a quick fling, then go ahead and have your way with him. According to Devin, Luke takes advantage of every groupie willing to let him seduce her. But ... if you want something more than a fling..." "You've lost me, Holl. I don't want to marry the man. I just want to fuck him." "God, you're so rude," Holly laughed. Roxy shrugged. "There's no reason to beat around the bush about it. I want him and I plan on having him"

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"Okay. Well, what if he pursues you instead? Wouldn't it make your victory even sweeter if you had the man begging at your feet?" "He doesn't look like the begging kind." "Devin thinks he is." "And how would he know?" "They're friends. They talk." Roxy picked up her drink, drained it, and motioned to the bartender for a refill. She sat in silence while he filled the glass and when he sat a fresh one in front of her, she turned to Holly. "Okay, I'll bite," she said. "What is the purpose of playing hard to get? What will I gain by it?" Holly turned, sneaking a quick glance at the guys before facing Roxy again. She smiled and leaned in close and spoke in hushed whispers. "Devin said Luke thinks all women are ... well, sluts basically. He's never had to do a damn thing to get a woman other than speak to one. He flashes them a smile, a flirty innuendo or two, and they practically fall on his dick. Devin seems to think if one woman turned him down and he had to work for it, then that would probably be the one he fell for." Roxy snorted. "Do I look insane to you? I turn him down and he'll be back over at that table of groupies before I can blink." "Why isn't he there now?" Holly asked. "He was," Roxy said. "He came over here and I intend on keeping him here." Holly leaned back, looking at the table of ladies watching Luke and Devin. She could tell by their smiles and their 11


hushed whispers they were all conspiring. "Luke was with them already?" "Yes." "And he came over here to you?" Roxy lifted one perfectly shaped brow. "Yes. Do you find that hard to believe?" "No," Holly grinned. "It just proved my point!" "How so." Holly sighed. "Roxy, Luke was sitting with..." she leaned back, counting the girls at the far end of the bar before turning back to Roxy. "Eight girls. All of which I'm sure were waiting in line for their turn at him, yet he left them and came to you. Now what does that tell you?" "That I'm the luckiest bitch in the building?" "You're a moron, Roxy. Luke wanted you. He chose you out of every woman in this bar. He said as much when he left them standing. Now, make him work for it." "And when I refuse, what's to keep him from turning tail and heading right back over there?" "You mean, Roxy Carlisle, lawyer extraordinaire, can't persuade a man, Luke Harris to be exact, that she's what he really wants?" Roxy watched Holly grin before looking over her shoulder. She almost sighed at how wonderful Luke looked. God that man did things to her she couldn't even name. Her mouth practically watered just thinking about how he'd taste. If she did as Holly suggested, and didn't jump him the minute he asked, she risked loosing her chance. But what if her plan worked? How sweet would it be to know that Luke 12


Harris, sex god to the stars, chased after her like some lovesick puppy? "Come on, Roxy. I can practically see you working this all out in your head. Just think of how much sweeter his fine ass will be when he's begging for it." Roxy looked back at Holly. She had to admit it would be a sweet victory if Luke pursued her instead of throwing herself at him. Where was the challenge in that anyway? And according to what Holly said, the man never worked for it. Maybe he should. "One day. If he doesn't take the bait and saunters off to one of those harpies, I'll kill you in your sleep." "Deal," Holly laughed. "Trust me. Luke will be falling all over himself if you just play it cool." "He better," Roxy said. "Trust me. It's a done deal." **** "I'm going to kill you so hard, Holly. He's leaving." Holly frowned when Roxy practically growled at her before turning her head to watch Luke walk out of the bar. She glanced at Devin. The small twitching in his jaw let her know he wasn't happy about something. "Don't move. I'll find out what happened." Roxy sighed, shaking her head before gulping down her drink. "Don't throw yourself at him, Roxy," she mumbled. "Let him beg for it. Great advice, Holly. No, really. I couldn't have planned it better myself." 13


Running a hand through her hair, Roxy pushed her empty glass across the bar and motioned for another. "Devin pissed him off." "You think?" Roxy said, taking her drink when the bartender slid the glass to her. "They've been at each others throats for a week now. Curt, their manager, has them all on lock down, sequestered in the hotel so he can keep his eye on them before the tour starts, and Luke has been bitching about it all week since they all live here. Anyway, Devin said they're suppose to do some publicity thing at this club down town tonight so..." "So what?" Holly sighed. "Luke will be there and so will we. You've got all the access to the man you want. This gives you the rest of the day to plan your attack." Roxy smiled at the huge grin covering Holly's face before shaking her head. "Fine, but if this backfires..." "Trust me on this, Roxy," Holly laughed. "Now, do you have anything sexy for tonight's party?" "I have a few things but nothing that'll stop him in his tracks." "Well, this is New York." "That it is," Roxy grinned. "Shopping trip?" "You know it!" [Back to Table of Contents]

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Chapter 2 Roxy glared at the girl who practically pushed her down the steps of the club before turning back to scan the crowd. The crush of bodies inside the building was thick. She'd never seen so many people in such a small space. Not that the club was small. It was larger than any she'd been in at home, but with this many people, moving around was almost impossible. The music was loud, colored lights flashing off the walls, and the smell of sweat and perfume hung heavy in the air. It was exactly the kind of atmosphere she needed to take full advantage of her plan to seduce Luke Harris and leave him begging for more. That is if the groupies didn't beat her to him. Scanning the tables and booths along the back wall, it wasn't hard to spot the guys. The mass number of ladies crowded into the corner told her exactly where the band members from Wicked were. She inhaled deeply, ran a hand down the front of her dress to smooth out the wrinkles and gave her hair a light toss. "Do I have lipstick on my teeth?" Holly smiled at Roxy's enormous grin, while she showed her teeth. "No. Do I?" "No," Roxy said. She straightened her spine, threw her shoulders back and looked at the guys. "Well, let's get this show started. I didn't fork out a thousand dollars for this dress to let the groupies drool all over it." 15


Holly shook her head. "You're an idiot for spending that much money on one dress." "Probably, but as long as Luke finds me irresistible, its money well spent." Maneuvering through the throng of people was easier said than done but Holly caught Devin's attention without so much as raising a finger. The man must have some sort of radar where her friend was concerned. They'd barely started across the floor when the group of people hovering around the band parted like the red sea. Six massive men, bodyguards apparently, cleared an isle from the table to the dance floor where they stood. Roxy locked eyes with the gray-eyed devil she came to tempt and took her time walking toward him. **** When the crowd surrounding the table parted, Luke turned to see who was joining them and froze. The voices around him died to a low rumble. The only thing registering was the goddess walking straight toward him, her gaze locked on him. Long, dark hair spilled across her shoulders in waves of chocolate brown. A light pink dress, overlaid with body clinging white lace, wrapped around her curves like a second skin. A narrow waist, wide hips and long tanned legs barely covered by the short skirt greeted him. He smiled while his gaze feasted on every inch of her he could see. He glanced up at her face and was surprised when he recognized her. Holly's friend. This couldn't be the same girl from the hotel bar but it was. He'd seen her moments after she walked into the room earlier in the day. Dressed in what 16


looked like a business suit, she walked with a self-confidence not many women had, her chin lifted arrogantly as she glanced around the room, and he smiled as he watched her. She'd glanced at him once and his smile was met with one that let him know she wouldn't turn him down. Not that any woman ever had but there was always a first time for everything. As he watched her sit across the room, her back ramrod straight as she nursed a drink, he'd taken it upon himself to loosen her up a bit. Literally. That certainly wasn't the woman he was seeing now, though. This woman, with her large doe eyes and curves that could stop traffic, screamed sex. His smile grew. She reached the table, her gaze lingering on him long moments before she turned when Devin spoke to her. Luke watched her, imagining how she'd feel wrapped around his body before a light touch to his face caught his attention. The blonde, Cathy? Candy? ... sitting next to him smiled, her hand sliding down his chest to rest high on his thigh. She was attractive, her large breast spilling from her low-cut red dress and come fuck me eyes just begging him to take her, but she was one of hundreds just like her. He could find them in every town. In every crowd, and they were all just as easy to find. The fact she was sitting there draped all over him proved it. He gave her a smile before turning back to the girl now sitting across from him. She was looking at him again. He'd seen that look a thousand times. When he'd seen her earlier in the hotel bar, he had no idea how easy she would be to 17


seduce. Now he knew. Holly's friend was as good as laid and by the looks she was giving him, they wouldn't even make it back to the hotel. He leaned back, draping one arm across the back of the bench and tilted his head to watch her as Devin introduced Christian and Mick to her. She looked away from him, leaning forward to speak to them. Her dress had small, thin straps, her shoulders practically bare, and cut low enough in the front to give him a glimpse of soft, warm breast. She was tanned a golden brown and from what he could see, not a tan line anywhere. When Devin introduced him, she turned her head back to him and smiled. "We've met," she said. "Sort of." She glanced to his right, at the blonde who was taking advantage of his outstretched arm and snuggling against his side, before lifting a curious brow. He grinned. "Yes. We were quite rudely interrupted today," he said, darting a quick look to Devin. "I didn't catch your name." "Roxy Carlisle." "Roxy." Her name on his lips caused a shiver to race up Roxy's spine. He was staring at her, one corner of his mouth lifted in a half smile but his eyes were what held her attention. How could one look reduce her to a quivering mess? Her insides felt like someone had shaken her up and sat her down too quickly. Her heart was racing and the man hadn't done 18


anything other than say her name. Lord, he would probably be the death of her. One touch and she'd combust. The crowd around them grew, the noise level along with it, and Roxy had a hard time distinguishing between what one person said and the next. She tried to follow the conversations happening around her and keep one eye on Luke (just so he'd know she was interested) without coming across as some freaky stalker who couldn't stop staring at him ... much like the vibes the blonde hanging on to him was giving off. The girl looked like she was glued to his hip. She alternated between staring up at him and looking around at the others at the table to make sure everyone knew she was snuggled up to the hottest thing there. Roxy wanted to rip her eyes out for that fact alone. That should be her snuggled up to the man, not some blonde bimbo who would probably warm his bed that night. The thought made her queasy. Why had she agreed to Holly's stupid plan? When Luke turned to the blonde and flashed her a pantymelting smile, Roxy barely restrained the urge to gag. That was supposed to be her smile. Her ear he whispered in while she blushed at what he said. Her arms wrapped around him while every other female in the room took turns hating her for it. She bit her lip to keep from screaming and turned to Holly. "I'm going to go grab a drink." "Oh, hang on a second," Devin said when she stood. "I'll have someone get you something. What do you want?" "That's okay. I need to stretch my legs," she lied. 19


Roxy made her way to the bar wanting to kick her own ass every step of the way. Where was her 'go get 'em' attitude when she needed it? That little blonde wasn't anything to get worked up over, yet just sitting there watching her cuddle up with Luke was enough to cause thoughts of violence to override clear judgment. She wanted to hurt her. Bad. But really, who could blame her? She'd do the exact same thing given her position. It was the fact that she wasn't in that position that stung. Sighing heavily, she stopped at the bar, waiting several minutes until the bartender spotted her before ordering. "Tequila. Make it a double." "Make that two." Roxy turned her head at the sound of Luke's voice and barely kept the smile on her face from making her look insane. Had he followed her? She looked back at the table, noticing the blonde still sitting there, her attention now centered on Mick. So, she was one of those, was she? "Is Mick going to give your girlfriend back before the night is over?" she said, motioning to the table with a tilt of her head. Luke glanced back over his shoulder, smiling as he turned and faced Roxy again. "I'm growing rather bored of blondes. I'm in the mood for ... brunettes tonight," he said, lifting a strand of her hair and rubbing it between his fingers. She locked eyes with him, her pulse quickening when he leaned forward and smelled her hair. Roxy smiled, glancing away from him when the bartender placed their drinks in front of them. Luke said something to the man behind the bar and Roxy wasn't at all surprised when 20


a saltshaker and a bowl of limes appeared. So, tequila shots, was it? He turned to her, his gaze sliding across her skin in a slow, lingering caress before saying, "You up for a little adventure, Roxy?" Roxy swallowed to moisten her throat. "What did you have in mind?" He grinned and glanced down at her breasts. Roxy's heart skipped a beat when he did. She knew then what he wanted and lord help her, there was no way she could let this man do body shots off of her and not straddle him right where he stood. But the game worked both ways didn't it? She looked at the white button-up shirt Luke wore underneath his leather jacket. The first several buttons were undone and she could see a hint of skin peeking out from behind the fabric. Would Holly consider this cheating? It was just a quick game of lick and suck, right? As long as she didn't let it go too far, her friend couldn't complain. Holding his gaze, she smiled before reaching out and picking up one of the small lime wedges. "Where do you want it?" she asked. He grinned and took a step closer to her. "Places that aren't legal in public." Roxy glanced around them, noticing more than a few people interested in them. Luke was drawing attention and even though he seemed to have no qualms about what he did in public, she wasn't an exhibitionist. Normally. 21


Taking the lime from her hand, he reached out, wrapping an arm around her waist, and pulling her tight against him. "How about we work our way down?" he said, placing the lime between her lips. She almost gasped when he leaned forward, his lips trailing across her chin to her throat, his tongue slicking a path to the side of her neck and leaving a rush of goose bumps in its wake. She arched her back and closed her eyes when the warm, wet stroke of his tongue slid up her neck a second before the small flakes of salt hit her skin. Locking eyes with him, she grabbed his arm, holding her breath when he slid his shot glass closer. "Ready?" A small nod of her head was all she managed. Her vocal cords were suddenly frozen. He gave her a smile that nearly did her in before he once again leaned in and licked the salt from her skin. The drink was swallowed quickly and the next second, those luscious lips were surrounding hers. Instinct caused her to clamp down on the lime wedge and to her delight, Luke did exactly what she hoped and forced his tongue in her mouth to get it. Dear lord, she didn't know what was better ... being in his arms, tasting his sweet lips, or having his tongue swirl around hers in a ferocious tangle. She inhaled deeply when he drew back, watching him chew the fruit before he reached for another. "Your turn, beautiful." Roxy grinned when he placed the lime wedge between his lips and pulled the material of his shirt wider and bared his neck. She reached up, lacing her fingers through his hair and 22


tilted his head back and leaned toward him. His scent overwhelmed her and she wanted to crawl inside his skin. She took her shot from his throat, sucking the thin skin into her mouth before salting it and grabbing her glass. He gazed down at her, a tiny smile lifting one corner of his mouth before he wrapped his hand in her hair and pulled her closer to his body. The entire act lasted seconds. The taste of him washed away by salt and tequila before that wicked tongue was once again in her mouth. The fruit flavored kiss lasted longer than the first, Luke's hand locking her head in place and she wasn't about to complain. Kissing around a piece of fruit wasn't an easy task but Luke made it seem natural. And god, could this man kiss. His next shot nearly did her in. He nuzzled her breasts, his breath warming the soft flesh peeking above the top of her dress, and she closed her eyes at the sensation. The feel of his lips and tongue caused shivers to run laps up and down her spine and her nipples tingled and hardened in anticipation. The kiss that followed caused her to moan deep in her throat. She sagged against him, holding on to his arms for support when he tilted her head to deepen the kiss. The loud whoops and yells from the crowd finally caught Roxy's attention and she broke the kiss. Their small group of onlookers had grown and heat crawled up her chest to land on her face. She glanced at every one watching them and one face in particular drew her attention. Holly. Her friend was shaking her head and smiling along with everyone else but 23


the look on her face let her know she was about to blow the whole play it hard to get plan. Reluctantly, she pulled away from him, taking a step back. "I think our audience has grown." Luke looked at the gathering crowd and chuckled. "I'm used to a crowd," he said, dipping his head and whispering in her ear, "I'd like to take my next taste a little lower. You want to make this party private and head back to the hotel?" And there it was, Roxy thought. Her invitation to his bed. She knew without a doubt that was exactly where she'd end up if she agreed and damn Holly and her dumb ass plans! This man was doing exactly as she'd hoped and what was she going to do? She looked at Holly, gave her the best pleading look she could, only to have her friend laugh and say no. She sighed and looked back at Luke. "As tempting as that offer is, I'll have to decline ... tonight." Roxy could have laughed at the expression on his face. It looked as if he didn't hear her at first then his smile fell away and he frowned. "Decline?" "Yes. I don't even know you," she said. "Exactly why I offered to take our party elsewhere," he grinned. "I'll assure you, by tomorrow morning, you'll know plenty about me." Smiling to keep from grinding her teeth, Roxy leaned in to him, rubbing herself against him and said, "The nights still young. Besides, I came to dance." 24


She took a step back from him, sliding her hand across his stomach as she moved away from the bar and prayed to every god known to man he'd follow her. She glared at Holly while making her way to the dance floor. Her friend was laughing. Roxy saw her lean over and say something to Devin, who turned his attention to Luke. His answering laugh only made it worse. She shook off her irritation at them and moved to the center of the dance floor. Just as she suspected, it only took her a second to find a willing dance partner. The urge to look over her shoulder to see what Luke was doing almost killed her. Was he headed back to the blonde now? She felt sick even thinking it. She'd kill Holly if he did. She bit back the temptation to look and set her hips into motion, swaying to the beat of the music. Closing her eyes, she let the song move through her, her limbs following the rhythm and losing herself in the heavy beat while her unseen dance partner wrapped his arms around her. A quick look at his face caused her to smile. He was nice looking. Not the drop-dead sexy man she wished to be dancing with, but hardly a burden. If she were in L.A., and looking for someone to fill her bed, he'd definitely do. She could have done worse, she supposed. The song ended and a slower one replaced the fast, thumping beats she'd been dancing to and her partner took advantage of the change in tempo. His arms tightened around her waist and he leaned forward, nuzzling the side of her neck without invitation. She'd barely got her arms up around his 25


shoulders when she felt someone brush against her back. An arm slid around her waist from behind and she was pulled into the warmth of a massive chest. She grinned when she heard Luke tell her dance partner to "get lost." To her surprise, he did. She turned her head, looking over her shoulder. He was grinning at her. "Okay, maybe I didn't make my self clear," he said, cradling her body in his arms. "About what?" He nuzzled the side of her neck and Roxy felt light headed. He ground his hips into her backside and she was pleasantly surprised to find him excited. The obvious bulge pushing into her butt caused her knees to go weak. "About you coming back to the hotel with me," he rasped in her ear. "Oh, I'll definitely go back. I'm staying there too." "In my bed?" Roxy laughed. "Only if you're a good boy." "Oh, I can be very good," Luke promised, leaning down to brush a kiss on the side of her neck. Roxy's eyes closed when he placed a series of warm, wet kisses to her skin and shivered at the feel of his tongue stroking her flesh. "It'll be an experience you'll never forget." "I'm sure it will," she whispered. He kept a firm grip on her waist but lowered one hand, skimming her hip before reaching the edge of her skirt. His fingers danced along her thigh, light, gentle strokes teasing her flesh. They swayed to the music, Luke's breath warm against her skin and Roxy raised her arm, wrapping it around 26


his neck and closing her eyes. She lost herself in the feel of him. The warmth of his body ignited her senses and his free hand roamed her flesh until goose bumps pimpled her skin. She opened her eyes when she felt his fingers brush against the front of her panties and tried to control her breathing. She glanced around at the other dancers, looking to see if anyone was paying any attention to them, but to her amazement, no one was. His probing fingers found the edge of the silk covering her and she gasped when one lone digit crawled under the edge of her panties. "Someone's a naughty girl," he whispered in her ear, rubbing the soft bare skin between her legs. He gave her a brief, wicked smile before he captured her lips, forcing his tongue into her mouth. Her body sagged against him. She drank in his kiss, letting him take what he wanted and she gasped when his curious fingers found her clit, rolling the small bundle of nerves in small circles. He turned her suddenly, and ground his obvious erection into her hip. Reclaiming her lips, he crushed her to him, one large hand tangling into her hair and holding her to his hungry lips while the other did the most delicious things to her clit. It was more intense than any fantasy she'd ever had about him. Luke Harris was definitely everything his image portrayed. He was sex. A walking orgasm just waiting for a place to happen. Seconds turned to minutes and Roxy broke the kiss with a gasp. She stared up into lust filled eyes and drank in 27


the sight of it. His pale gray eyes had turned sparkling silver. Fire burned in his gaze and it was directed at her. He placed a soft kiss on the side of her mouth, his tongue darting out to trace her bottom lip and she felt the small touch to the soles of her feet. "I want you, Roxy. Now." Oh god. Roxy took a shuddering breath and tried to think around her sex-addled brain. Sleep with him now and chances are she'd be yesterday's rubbish. Continue with Holly's plan and ... and what? Prolong her misery? Leave her with another lonely night with nothing but her fantasies to keep her warm? The hand between her legs was still there. His fingers burning a trail over her inner thigh and she could only imagine the heights this man would take her. Three minutes with his fingers buried in her panties and she was undone. What if she had all night? Luke wanted her. He wanted her! How could she refuse? She'd done more stupid things in her life than she could count. This wouldn't be one of them. She smiled up at him and said, "Lead the way." The smile he gave her made things low in her belly tighten with anticipation. "Follow me," he smiled, turning and leading her through the crowd toward the front door. "Luke! Luke, wait." Roxy turned her head when Luke stopped and did the same. A man approached them wearing a suit that looked as expensive as the dress she'd splurged on. His hair was thinning on top and was sprinkled with gray. He looked to be 28


in his late forties. He carried an air of authority around him and she knew whoever he was, he was important. She raised a curious brow at him before looking at Luke. From the look on his face, she could tell he didn't like the man. "The reporter I said was coming finally showed up. The other guys have already talked to him. It's your turn." "Can't this wait?" Luke asked. The man turned his attention to her briefly and Roxy couldn't be sure, but she thought he rolled his eyes. "No, it can't. I promised the interviews and you agreed. Your friend can wait in line with the other groupies." Roxy's mouth fell open. Groupie. Did she look like a groupie? Luke glanced at her before saying, "Give me ten minutes, Curt, and I'll be there with bells on." Ten minutes? Ten minutes! Oh hell no! She was not a notell motel for his cock. He'd give her all night or nothing. She snorted a laugh before shaking her head and pulling her hand away. "Go ahead and do your interview, Luke. I'm sure I can find someone else to waste ten minutes with." She saw his eyes widen before she turned and walked away. She didn't know what she was more pissed at—being interrupted or the thought of a ten-minute bang, in what would probably be the alley out back. The nerve of that man. Who the hell did he think he was? She made it back to the table and Holly raised one eyebrow at her before looking across the club, presumably to Luke. Roxy snatched Holly's rum and coke, gulping it down before inhaling deeply to try and calm her nerves. Ten 29


minutes. She laughed out loud and said, "I need a drink. A strong one." [Back to Table of Contents]

30


Chapter 3 "Good morning, sleeping beauty. How's the head?" Roxy groaned, turning her head to bury it in the pillow as bright light flooded the room. "Go away. I want to die in peace." Holly laughed and jumped on the bed. "Die? You can't be serious. Half of New York is in love with you." Roxy peeked up at her. "Why?" "You don't remember?" "No." Holly snorted and lay down, reaching out and pushing Roxy's hair away from her face. "Does Alabama Slammer or Purple Haze jog your memory?" "No. Should it?" "Liquid Cocaine? Flying Monkey?" Roxy shook her head, sucking in a breath when her head spun. "No? What about, 'Oh god, Holly. If you love me, just kill me now." "That bad, huh?" Roxy said. "Yeah, that bad." Holly grinned. "I told you not to mix all those drinks. Devin had to carry you out of there." "Oh god," Roxy said, burying her face in the pillow again. "That's after you did your Coyote Ugly impersonation and danced on the bar, much to the delight of half the men in there. But look on the bright side. You have fifteen business 31


cards and ten napkins with phone numbers on it. You'll be too busy to worry about Luke What's-his-name." Roxy rolled over, moaning as her body protested and took a deep breath. She stared at the ceiling, bits and pieces of the previous night flashing in her minds eye and she grimaced at most of it. "I'm such an idiot." "No, you're not," Holly said softly, reaching out and smoothing Roxy's hair back. "Luke's the idiot. Devin said so." Roxy turned her head to Holly. "Did I embarrass you?" "No." "Are you lying?" Holly flushed. "Only a little. Your proposition to Devin for a three-way might have embarrassed me." Roxy's eyes widened. "I didn't." "Yeah, you did. Devin knew how drunk you were and didn't think much of it. Lucky thing, too. I would have ripped his balls off if he did." She didn't remember that conversation, thankfully. Roxy could see laughter dancing in Holly's eyes so she didn't have to worry about her friend being mad at her. It still didn't help the fact she couldn't remember most of the night. She remembered Luke, his tantalizing kisses and his wicked fingers playing between her legs. The feel of him warm and hard against her body and his suggestion of a ten-minute quickie. She still felt like slapping him for that. What was she suppose to do now? "So, what do you suggest, oh wise one?" "I thought you'd never ask," Holly grinned. "I'll have room service bring you up some breakfast while you shower." 32


**** Luke hissed a curse when a string broke on his guitar. He jerked the strap over his head and walked across the room to his guitar case, searching its contents for the pack of new strings he thought was there. The other guys were talking, laughing about something he couldn't hear, and he looked up when he thought he heard his name. They weren't looking at him but he had to wonder if their laughter wasn't directed at him. They all knew what had transpired between him and Roxy the night before. The little vixen had told half the women in the club if they had ten minutes to spare, he was their guy. When he finally made it back to the table after his interview, Roxy was already three sheets to the wind and ordering every drink on the menu. She barely even glanced at him but when she did, fire shined in her hazel eyes. Yeah, saying she was pissed would be an understatement. Of course, he couldn't really figure out why she was mad. He told her he wanted her and he did. And it was apparent she wanted him as well. That little feel he got on the dance floor told him as much. A few kisses and the girl was practically dripping. It had to be the ten-minute thing. She was all for it until Curt—the asshole—had interrupted them. He only suggested the quickie because he wanted her and would take what he could get. Apparently Roxy wasn't as easy as he initially thought. He assumed she was like every other girl he'd ever met. They'd take anything he offered and 33


not complain. She complained. A lot. Then got drunk off her ass and practically showed it to everyone in the club. He smiled as he recalled her little dance on the bar. He'd been so hard watching her he could barely sit still. Everything about her screamed unbridled lust. She would be a firecracker in bed. Yeah, ten minutes was an insult. To him. No way would such a small taste of the fiery woman he saw last night do. She needed to be savored. Finding the strings, Luke stood and walked across the room to the sofa and sat down. He barely got the old string out when the door opened and the object of his musings walked in looking like a ray of sunshine. A pale yellow top bared those sun-warmed shoulders and was cut low enough in the front to show a hint of soft breast. Low riding jeans hugged her body and left nothing to the imagination. If the girl had any fat on her, he didn't know where to find it. She laughed at something Devin said, a rosy blush stealing over her cheeks before Mick grabbed her, wrapping his arms around her and squeezing her to him. Luke ground his teeth together at the sight before shaking off his ire. Mick was the last person he'd be worried about taking what he wanted. After a whirlwind romance with a fan landed the drummer in divorce court, and cost him thousands, he'd sworn off women. Not that he blamed him. Mick's ex-wife got exactly what she wanted out of that relationship. His money. Turning his attention to his guitar strings, Luke tried to ignore them, or more specifically, Roxy. He'd spent the previous night alone, the first time in longer than he could remember, and just the sight of her let him know he'd 34


botched his seduction of her. That had never happened. He almost laughed at the thought. Luke Harris, self-proclaimed playboy, was unable to seduce a woman who obviously wanted him. He shook his head, clearing his thoughts, and attached the string, working it through the end and tightening it before tuning the guitar and playing a few chords to see if the sound was right. A few chords turned to several and ended up being a lengthy portion of their newest song, one that showcased his ability. Truth be known, he was showing off. It worked, however. Movement out of the corner of his eye showed the sunlight he'd been trying to impress walking across the room. He looked up, staring at Roxy before smiling and stood up when she stopped in front of him. "Hey." "Hey, yourself," he said, turning to lay his guitar on the sofa. Roxy felt a rush of butterflies dart around her stomach when he stood up straight and faced her. God, he was so beautiful. And you are an idiot, she thought with a sigh. She should have taken his ten-minute offer and ran with it. Especially looking at him now. This was the Luke she wanted to see. Black leather pants, his jacket thrown over bare skin, and his hair falling in silken waves over his shoulders. A tiny smile lifted the corner of his mouth but laughter wasn't what she saw in his eyes. He ran an appreciative glance over her body, one that heated her skin and caused a shiver to race up her spine. The same tingles she'd felt the night before when he'd kissed her ignited every nerve, 35


sending waves shooting to every limb. She swallowed the nerves trying to choke her and smiled. If he didn't stop looking at her like that, she'd never get this right. Straightening her spine, she cleared her throat. "Um, I'm sure I'm the last person you want to see this morning, especially after what Holly told me about last night, but I wanted to come over and apologize to you anyway. I had no right to say those things about you. I don't even know you. It was unfair of me and I truly am sorry." So this is what groveling feels like. She didn't like it. Not one bit. Luke's expression didn't change but something in his eyes did. They looked ... softer somehow. The look he was giving her now did more for her than the lust filled gaze from the night before. She felt uncomfortable all of a sudden and looked away, shifting on her feet as uneasiness washed over her. She needed a rock to crawl under. Last night's humiliation was bad enough. To have the object of her desire look at her like ... well, like he cared, was worse. She couldn't let herself think something as idiotic as that. When he moved, she turned back to face him. That little half smile he was so fond of was still there but it didn't seem to be mocking her. It looked genuine. "Apology accepted, only if you'll extend the same to me." Roxy stared at him, watching him glance at the others before he straightened his shoulders. His cheeks flushed for a brief second and she was taken aback at the thought of him being embarrassed. Why he would be embarrassed was beyond her. 36


She smiled and decided to end their uncomfortable torment. Holly's plan was simple. Apologize and walk away. Leave him alone and see what he did. With the plan clearly in mind, she said, "Done." Watching him for a few seconds, she nodded her head at him. "Well, I'll let you guys get back to practice. Holly and I have plans to max out my credit cards and after last night, I owe her in a way I'll never recover from financially." When he didn't say anything, she gave him a parting smile and turned. She'd only taken three steps when he said her name. "Roxy, what do you say we start over?" She stopped and turned back to face him. "Start over?" "Yeah," he said, taking a step closer to her. She grinned. "Only if it doesn't require body shots. I don't want to see another shot glass for as long as I live." He laughed. "How about dinner instead?" Dinner? That wasn't part of Holly's plan. She glanced at her friend, watching her cuddle against Devin's side before looking back at Luke. Now what? "Just dinner," Luke said. "I won't expect anything else from you ... well, unless you expect it from me first, of course, then all bets are off." There was the Luke Harris she knew and loved. Boyish charm wrapped in a lust filled package. She thought about what Holly had said. Ignore him and he'd fall all over himself to get to her. Was her friend right, after all? "Dinner?" she asked, dumbly. 37


"Yes. Just you and me. Anywhere you'd like." He wanted to take her out? Like ... on a date? Nah. She laughed to herself and gave him a smile. "Dinner then. Although I don't know much about New York, so I'll let you pick the place." "Alright. It's a date, then." Her smile widened as she looked at him. It was a date. At least he said it was. She turned when Holly said her name, nodding to her when her friend said their ride was there before turning back to Luke. "Well, I guess I need to go. Just let me know when." "Tomorrow. Seven o'clock?" Her pulse quickened. "Tomorrow, then." She left on cloud nine, glancing back over her shoulder at Luke when she pulled the door shut. He was watching her with an unreadable expression on his face. Her heart fluttered at the look and she practically bounced to the elevator. Holly's rapid-fire questions were nothing but a jumble of words as her mind still tried to register the fact that she had a date. An actual date with Luke Harris. She laughed as the elevator doors closed. "You are a freaking genius, Holly." [Back to Table of Contents]

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Chapter 4 A night out on the town with Luke Harris was just as Roxy imagined it would be ... sort of. It was definitely a once in a lifetime experience. Not having to wait in any lines was a plus ... the flash of cameras was exciting, and the push and shove of people trying to make their way through a crowd to get to him left her star-struck. Then, there was the horrifying reality that she was just in the way. Being shoved away while the groupies practically attacked her date hadn't been part of her little fantasy. Roxy sighed in frustration; staring at nothing as yet another blonde threw her arms around Luke and snuggled in to his side while a friend snapped a picture of them. It had been that way all night. At dinner, the trendy new age restaurant Luke had taken her to offered a bevy of people crammed into the dining rooms, loud voices and music you had to yell to be heard over, and gave Roxy her first taste of what Luke's life was actually like. The man couldn't go anywhere without someone noticing him. They were interrupted no less than a dozen times by someone wanting an autograph or picture, but Luke took it all in stride. Hell, the man thrived on it, if the look on his face was any indication. Of course, sitting there while his attention was diverted elsewhere hadn't been fun, especially when the bravest of admirers groped him right where he sat and left her feeling like a jealous girlfriend. 39


It was then she realized her dream date with Luke Harris had turned into a nightmare. Glancing over her shoulder, she watched him smile yet again at another girl as he posed for pictures, and she shook her head at the scene. They'd stepped out of the restaurant fifteen minutes ago and she was pushed to the side the moment someone recognized him. She'd watched until his face was covered in a rainbow of colored lipstick before turning away. She was invisible, and had been for hours now. They hadn't said more than twenty words to each other all night. She'd stressed all day in preparations of their date, bought a new dress, and listened to Holly beg her not to sleep with him. Fat chance of that, she thought. He didn't even know she was there. The busy New York streets buzzed with life. The sidewalks full of people going about their business and Roxy watched them for long minutes. The longer she stood there alone, while her date showered his attention on other women, the madder she became. Deciding to end her torment, she walked to the curb and tried to hale a cab. Apparently there was an art to it as every cab she saw zoomed past her like she wasn't even there. "You have to be more aggressive than that." Roxy looked to her left, at the man who in record time had a cab in front of her and the door held open. "Care to share with me?" he asked. He was cute, Roxy noticed. Tall, blond and young. And probably full of come, she thought with a grin. He apparently 40


wasn't blind to her presence. She looked over her shoulder, glancing at Luke before turning back to the man waiting by the cab. It would certainly be a proper revenge. She wasn't going to be ignored, especially by Luke Harris. Smiling, she walked to the open door. "Thanks," she said. "I just need a ride back to my hotel. "Anything you want," he said, winking at her. Roxy stepped off the curb and had just leaned down to get inside the cab when someone grabbed her arm. She turned her head, surprised to see Luke. He didn't look happy. "Can I help you," she said, trying to keep the venom out of her voice. "Where are you going?" he asked. "To the hotel." She glanced back at the restaurant. "You better hurry," she said, nodding her head toward the waiting group of ladies. "Your harem looks like it's getting restless." When he looked back, Roxy rolled her eyes and pulled her arm from his grip. She looked over at the blond. "How far are you going?" "Park Avenue," he said. "How long until we get there?" "About ten minutes," he said. "Ten minutes? Perfect! Are you up for a little adventure?" she said, throwing a hateful glare at Luke before climbing into the cab. "Most definitely," the blond said. Roxy leaned back in the seat, trying to keep the forced smile on her face. She ground her teeth together and stared straight ahead. When she saw someone lean in through the 41


open door, she turned her head and gasped when Luke reached out, grabbed her around the waist, and pulled her non-too gently from the cab. "What the hell are you doing?" she asked when her feet hit the sidewalk. Luke grinned at her. "You're not getting away from me that easily, doll face." "Let go of me," she said, pulling away from him. "I don't think so." His hold on her waist tightened and Roxy could only stumble after him as he pulled her along the crowded sidewalk. She cursed under her breath and tried to get her temper under control. She knew being pissed at him was childish. It wasn't his fault he was gorgeous and every woman who saw him wanted a piece of him. Not to mention, Rock Star! He was a celebrity. Of course people wanted to be near him. Relaxing her posture, she inhaled deeply, trying to let the anger go. She almost managed it. A brunette, who really needed a bigger shirt, appeared in front of them and just like before, Roxy was pushed aside as his adoring fans threw themselves at him. "Oh, that's it! I've had enough of this shit. I'm out of here," she said, turning on her heel and storming off in the other direction. She'd only taken four steps when Luke grabbed her again. She slapped at his reaching arms. When he bent at the knees and hoisted her over his shoulder, she let out a startled squeal. 42


"What the hell are you doing?" she yelled. "Getting out of here," he said. "And you're going with me." "Luke! I'm wearing a dress. You're going to show my ass to half of New York!" His hand landing on her bottom wasn't exactly the remedy she was looking for. Roxy could only squirm as the sidewalk rushed by under her face. Her hair swung down his back and she had half a mind to pinch his ass just so he'd let her go. Getting dropped on her head didn't sound like such a bright idea, though. So, she hung there, listening to his fan club call his name while she did her best impersonation of a potato sack. When he stepped off the curb, her eyes widened when her feet hit the pavement. Straightening, she shoved her skirt down her legs and lifted a hand, pushing her hair away from her face. "I didn't know you were such a caveman, Luke. You cease to amaze me." "I'm used to taking what I want," he grinned. "I've noticed," she said. "So am I and right now, I want to go back to the hotel." "As you wish," he said, smiling down at her. He reached behind her and she turned, noticing the limo. It hadn't been there moments ago. She didn't wait for an invitation to get in. When she was seated, Luke crawled in behind her, shutting the door and blocking out the sights and sounds of the crowd. He slid closer to her, throwing his arm over her shoulder, and Roxy raised a brow at his smiling face before moving to the opposite end of the limo. 43


With the entire length of the limo between them, she inhaled deeply, closing her eyes and letting the entire ordeal wash over her in a rush. When she opened her eyes, Luke was staring at her. The bastard had nerve enough to sit there and smile at her like everything in the world was perfect. Her irritation grew the longer she looked at him. "In case I forget to tell you," she said. "I had a wonderful time tonight." He laughed. "Sarcasm doesn't become you." Roxy rolled her eyes, crossing her legs and tucking her crossed arms under her breast. She stared out the window to avoid his gaze. "Neither does playing second fiddle to the orchestra you've had playing all night." "Are you jealous?" An unladylike snort escaped her before she could stop it. "Not hardly. I could care less," she lied. "I think you are." She ignored him, focusing her attention on the passing scenery outside the window while the jealousy he obviously saw ate away at her. This was her night, damn it! Her once in a lifetime date with Luke Harris, her ultimate fantasy, and it was ruined. Ruined by a throng of women who caused her to become invisible in his eyes. Taking a deep breath, she let it go slowly. She should have just taken her ten-minute quickie in the dirty back alley of that club and been done with it. It was obvious Luke was too popular with the ladies for him to settle on one for an entire evening, regardless of the fact he'd asked her out to begin with. She wanted to laugh at the thought. Some date. 44


When she saw him move out of the corner of her eye, she resisted the urge to turn her head and look at him. He was still staring at her, that much she could tell. His features were hidden behind the inky blackness inside the limo but she could see him well enough to know his gaze was on her. He was still sitting with his arm draped over the back of the seat, his legs outstretched and open. His head was tilted to one side and she had to wonder what he was thinking. Probably that you're a jealous, psycho fangirl, she thought miserably. "I'm sorry." "You should be," she said abruptly, keeping her attention on the window. "Want me to make it up to you?" She laughed. "No thanks. If this is what a date with you entails, I'll pass in the future." He moved then and Roxy turned to look at him. He slid off the seat and she watched in fascination as he crawled the length of the limo toward her. When he stopped in front of her, she locked eyes with him, raising one eyebrow in question. "I really am sorry," he said, reaching out and grabbing her knee, unhooking her crossed legs before spreading them wide and crawling in between them. Roxy let out a small gasp at the action and leaned back, her palms flat on the seat beside her. "What are you doing?" "I'm going to make up for our ruined date," he said, leaning toward her.

45


When his lips captured hers, Roxy felt the tension in her body melt away seconds after his hands ran up the length of her legs and disappear under the edge of her skirt. His kiss was intoxicating and it took every ounce of control she had not to grab him, toss him to the floor, and ride him like the stud he was. Her fingers curled into fists and she dug her knuckles into the leather seat to keep from reaching for him. He broke the kiss with a nibble on her bottom lip, his teeth clamping down on it and tugging slightly. Pain, laced with a sudden rush of heat, swam through her veins before he sucked her lip into his mouth. Roxy didn't know whether to moan or cry. So this is how he liked to play? His curious fingers tickled her legs, burning a trail to her hips. When he grabbed her panties, jerking them down, Roxy gasped in surprise. Luke sat back, pulling the tiny scrap of lace down over her thighs and the look on his face was one she'd never forget. He looked like a kid on Christmas morning. His eyes sparkled and that tiny half smile lifted the corner of his mouth. When her panties slipped to her knees, she remembered her promise to Holly and came to her senses, clamping her legs together. "Luke! We're in the back of a limo." "So," he said, pulling the material forcefully. "No one can see us and Bobby is paid to drive. He'll do so until I tell him otherwise."

46


Before Roxy could protest further, her panties were tossed to the floor, her skirt pushed up over her hips, and Luke had her bottom pulled to the edge of the seat. Her first thought was, what would Holly say? Thoughts of her friend didn't last long, though. Not when Luke suddenly spread her legs wide, bent at the waist, and dropped his head to the heat between her legs. "Oh my god," she hissed as the first flick of his tongue was felt against her flesh. Her eyes rolled back and she couldn't do anything but lie against the seat and try not to babble like an idiot. Luke took his time teasing her with small nips and licks until she was shivering with the need for more. She glanced down at him and caught her breath. The sight of him between her legs, his face buried in her pussy, nearly did her in. How many times had she imagined this? The vision of him nestled between her legs playing in slow motion in her head while she used her own fingers to get herself off. This ... was not a dream. The entire act took less time than she would have liked. The first tingle of waves ran up her spine seconds before he impaled her with two fingers, curling them inside her while the pointed tip of his tongue flicked against her clit. She was undone. She arched her back, his lips clamping down over her, and she screamed while holding his head to her and fucking herself against his hungry mouth and fingers. When the last spasm raced through her body, she fell boneless against the seat, panting for breath. 47


Luke breathed in the scent of her, pulling his fingers from her and sliding them against her swollen flesh. Her skin glistened in the filtered lights coming from the windows and a glance at her face left a satisfied smile on his own. She looked completely sated, drugged from his attentions, and he could have sat there watching her all night. Her chest rose rapidly, harsh breaths panted out between her lips, and her hair was covering half of her face. He leaned forward, running his hands up her thighs and buried his face in the cleavage peeking out of the top of her blouse. The flat of his tongue tasted her sweet flesh before he rained kisses up her throat and over her chin to her lips. "Am I forgiven," he whispered against her mouth. He grinned when she nodded her head. "Good," he said. "Now kiss me." She opened her eyes to look at him, and he grew hard in an instant. He'd never seen such a look of hunger directed at him before and he barely had time to process it before she launched herself at him. He staggered from the impact, wrapping his arms around her waist and caught himself from falling backwards. Roxy straddled his hips, her arms around his neck, and he moaned at her aggressiveness. Her fingers crawled up his scalp, wound into his hair and tugged the strands at the roots. The sting burned clean down to his toes and caused his cock to throb painfully. She forced her tongue into his mouth, holding his head to her, and all he could do was hang on and enjoy the ride. 48


Luke shrugged his shoulders, letting his coat slip down and looked up when Roxy broke the kiss and pulled the leather off of him. The coat was tossed across the floor of the limo, his shirt following moments later. Soft, small fingers burned a trail over his chest and Luke grabbed her around the waist, turning, and sliding into the seat with her straddling him before recapturing her lips. He kneaded her bare bottom in his hands, tilting his head to drink in her kiss. Her fingers were once again in his hair, her teeth nipping at his lips and he couldn't remember the last time he'd wanted to fuck someone so bad. His balls ached, his cock twitching inside the confines of his pants, and he couldn't get close enough. Roxy broke the kiss, trailing her lips over his chin to his neck, sucking and nibbling his flesh. A bite hard enough to rip a hoarse cry from him nearly caused him to loose it and he grabbed her head, pulling her back before he came in his pants like a teenage boy. "Let me see you," he said, tugging at her blouse. Roxy had just sat back and grabbed the bottom of her blouse, pulling it up to reveal a see-through white bra, when a voice broke the silence inside the limo. "Luke. Curt has been trying to call you for the last fifteen minutes. Better answer your phone, man." Turning his head, Luke looked at the glass separating the back of the limo from Bobby. The window was down enough to see the top of the driver's head. A glance up at Roxy and Luke sighed. 49


Whatever lust-induced trance she'd been in was gone. Her eyes were wide and that blouse she was about to take off was firmly back in place. She scrambled off his lap, pulling her skirt down and running her fingers through her hair. His cell phone rang seconds later. He looked around the dark interior of the limo, trying to see where the ringing was coming from and leaned down, grabbing his coat from the floor. A quick search and the phone was in his hand. Three missed calls showed on the display. Connecting the call, he said, "What," letting his irritation come through his voice. "Where the hell are you?" Curt asked. "I've been calling you for the last half hour." "Gee, Dad. I didn't realize you cared." "Cut the crap, Luke. You aren't supposed to be out of the hotel." "And what makes you think I am?" Curt laughed. "Because every paparazzi within a ten block radius has vanished and all the other guys are here." Luke rolled his eyes. "I've instructed Bobby to bring you back to the hotel. You shouldn't be more than a few blocks away now," he said. "Get rid of whatever piece of trash you have with you. Don't you dare bring her back here." Luke ground his teeth at Curt's remark, glancing over at Roxy. He hoped she hadn't heard him. The girl would probably rip the bands manager a new asshole if she had. Of 50


course, she'd have to beat him to it first. Curt needed to remember he worked for them, not the other way around. Disconnecting the call, Luke tossed the phone on the seat beside him, turning his head to look at Roxy. "Looks like play time is over," he said. "At least until we get back to the hotel." Her eyes blazed hotly, a long sweeping glance of her eyes roamed over him before the look was gone. Grinning, he slid across the seat, reaching out and pulling her into his side. Nuzzling the side of her neck, he whispered, "I want to see the rest of you." Roxy didn't have time to respond. The limo came to a stop and Bobby, the driver, tapped on the window. "We're here, Luke." The limo door opened a moment later and Roxy blinked as light flooded the once dark interior. "Fun time's over, Luke. Let's go." It was Curt. Roxy blushed when the band's manager took a long look at both of them. "Curt," Luke said, "You remember, Roxy, don't you? Holly's friend?" "Oh," Curt said, sounding surprised. "I do." Luke grinned. "Um, I'm sorry about what I said then," Curt said. Roxy raised one brow at him. Curt glanced away from her and, she couldn't be sure, but he looked almost embarrassed. "What did he say?" she asked, turning to look at Luke. "Nothing worth repeating," he told her, reaching down and grabbing his coat from the floor. 51


Roxy slid to the edge of the seat, her butt sticking to the leather, and immediately searched for her panties. She saw them lying beside Luke's shirt. Curt was still looking at her and if she grabbed them, he would know exactly what they had been doing. Not that he didn't already. The inside of the limo reeked of sex. Deciding the embarrassment wasn't worth it, she pulled her skirt down, made her way to the open car door, and exited the limo. She didn't wait for Luke. Walking quickly, she rushed into the hotel but stopped short at the sound of angry voices. Glancing over her shoulder, she spotted Curt and Luke on the other side of the thick glass doors. By the look of them, neither man was happy right now. Their faces were red and both of them were yelling. Shaking her head, she avoided the stares of everyone in the lobby and made her way to the elevator, hitting the "up" button and watching the lighted numbers count down as the lift made its way to the bottom floor. "We have a full day tomorrow, Luke. We can't have you looking like a hung over rock star for the photo shoot." Roxy turned at the sound of Curt's raised voice and watched the men enter the building. A glance at the elevator and she knew the lift wouldn't get there before the men reached her. "I'm not twelve, Curt. I don't need to be told when to go to bed," Luke said, loudly. "Hurry up," Roxy whispered, watching the numbers. 52


When the doors finally opened, she hurried inside, hitting the button for her floor. The door was almost closed when someone stuck their hand in, and held it open. "Trying to get away?" Luke asked. When he stepped in the elevator, Roxy was surprised to see him block Curt's entrance. When the doors closed on the band's manager, Luke turned to face her. He'd left his shirt behind, throwing his coat on over bare skin. His hair was mussed where her fingers had rumpled the long strands and his gray eyes glowed with amusement. "Ever had sex in an elevator?" he asked. "No," she said. "Have you?" He raised an eyebrow at her and grinned. "Don't answer that," she said, taking a step back when he moved toward her. He backed her against the wall, lifted his arms and put his palms flat on the wall beside her head. "What if my answer was no?" "I'd think you were lying." He leaned down and kissed her. Roxy sagged against the wall, fighting the urge to touch him. She knew once she did, letting him walk away when those doors opened would be impossible. There wasn't a doubt in her mind that if Curt hadn't interrupted them, she'd be butt naked in the back of that limo having the best sex of her life right now. She didn't know whether to thank the man or beat him senseless for it. She'd promised Holly she'd not sleep with him. Their little tryst in the limo almost made a liar out of her. She'd been fully prepared to have her way with him until Curt's call. 53


If Holly only knew how hard that promise was to keep, she wouldn't have asked it of her. Why it was still so important was beyond her. She'd done as asked ... she'd played hard to get and Luke had asked her out. Wasn't that enough? Surely Holly didn't expect her to be chaste the entire week. She only had a few more days before she had to leave and return to her life in L.A. If she kept acting like a prude, she'd go home with nothing but a few stolen kisses and the memory of him on his knees with his head between her legs. She shivered at the thought and broke the kiss. A cool draft blew across her wet lips and she glanced over Luke's shoulder. The elevator doors were open. "This is my floor," she said. He made a sound deep in his throat acknowledging her, his eyes intent on her face. "Stay with me tonight." He lowered his head again, his lips nipping her chin and crawled across her cheek to her ear. "I want you, Roxy." She groaned inwardly and whispered, "I can't." "Why?" Why? Holly. Roxy was glad her friend wasn't there at the moment. She'd probably beat the girl stupid if she were. Why had she agreed to this harebrained idea? "I just can't." She slipped past him before he could say more and practically ran from the elevator. It was hard to think when he was so close. "Roxy." She stopped walking and stared at her hotel door. If she just kept going and ignored him, she'd be okay. She could go 54


inside, forget seeing the desire in his eyes, and eventually fall to sleep. Maybe. When he said her name a second time, she sighed and turned around. Luke was leaning against the door of the elevator, holding it open with his shoulder. His right foot was crossed over his left ankle and that leather coat gaped in the front and showed her enough skin to make her want to lie to Holly. "Come here," he said. "Why?" He tilted his head, laying it against the elevator door. "Because I want you to." Jesus, how can anyone be so sexy standing still! Roxy walked back to him, keeping her eyes locked with his. When she stopped in front of him, he reached out, pulling her to him. He didn't say anything for long moments, just stood there staring down at her with his arm around her waist. Roxy could barely breathe from the look he was giving her. The desire she'd seen earlier was still there but something else lurked behind it. A subtle tenderness she'd never noticed before. The longer she stared up at him, the more his facial features seemed to change. The harsh lines softened and he looked younger. The cocky, sex starved rock star slid away and someone else stepped in his place. A man who looked vulnerable. A man she wasn't expecting to be there. When he leaned down and kissed her, it was a bare brush of lips. Long, lingering, gentle strokes of his tongue against 55


hers and the intimacy of it was more intense than anything they'd shared in the past hour. It left her breathless. The minute the contact was gone, she stood there, her eyes closed, letting the moment penetrate her memory. She wanted to remember that kiss. One she knew not many women had received from him. When she opened her eyes, she watched as the cocky rock star slowly came back. The sparkle in his eyes returned and the tiny half smile curved the corner of his mouth. "You can't fight me forever," he said. "I know you want me." His arm tightened around her waist. "I've tasted it." Roxy felt a ripple of pleasure race up her spine at the memory of his taste, her vaginal muscles clamping down moments later. "Have you been able to seduce every woman you've wanted?" "Yes," he said. "Until you. Why is that?" "I thought men liked a challenge." "Most do." "Not you?" "I love a challenge," he grinned. "Especially when sex is involved." "And what makes you think you'll win this time?" His gaze swept over her face, his hand sliding down her back and cupping her bottom. "I can see it in your eyes." Roxy grinned. "That isn't my eyes you have your hand on," she said. He chuckled, leaning down to give her a quick kiss. "Are you coming to the photo shoot?" She shrugged her shoulder at him. "I don't know." 56


"Do," he said, letting go of her. Stepping away from him, Roxy smiled before she turned and walked to her room. Unlocking the door, she opened it and turned her head back to the elevator. Luke was still standing there watching her. "Good night." "It won't be," he said. "Why's that?" "I'll be sleeping alone." Roxy laughed and walked into her room, shutting out the temptation of Luke and his unforgettable touch. [Back to Table of Contents]

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Chapter 5 The photo shoot was organized chaos. People were bustling around the large loft setting lights, props, and shouting out demands that sent people scurrying across the room. The guys were grumpily being fussed over, make-up artists and hair stylists working like busy little bees to make sure each of the band members looked as fresh and camera perfect as they could. Roxy emptied a packet of sugar into her coffee cup, stirring it to dissolve the crystals, and picked it up once her hands were steady enough. She'd woken from a sleepless night looking like she'd tied one on. Her eyes were puffy, her mouth dry, and a mood so ill, even she didn't want to be around her. The reason for her sleepless night was currently watching her. "I don't know why you're so mad at me," Holly said, crossing her arms under her breasts. "You agreed to the plan. I didn't twist your arm, you know." "You might as well have," Roxy said. "It's working, isn't it?" "That's beside the point." "No, its not," Holly laughed. "You have Luke chasing after you now. It's working exactly like we wanted." "Why is this so important to you?" Roxy asked, tilting her head to one side. "I mean, really? Whether I sleep with Luke 58


or not doesn't affect your love life in the least. You still go to bed every night with Devin tucked in beside you and wake up with him every morning. Why is my non-existent love life even an issue?" "Because," Holly said, whispering as loud as she dared. "As much as you want Luke, there's no reason for you to let him fuck you silly and walk away thinking you're just another slut he banged." Roxy stared at her friend, watching as a barrage of emotions crossed her face. She loved Holly like a sister. They'd known each other since high school and they'd always been there for each other. Looking at her now, she knew Holly was just doing what they'd always done for each other. They watched each other's backs and made sure they didn't make a mistake that would haunt them forever and she knew, no matter what she wanted from Luke, if he just walked away from her without a backwards glance, she'd feel like a cheap slut. Roxy sighed before smiling. "I love you, Holls." "I know," Holly grinned, closing the distance between them and wrapping her arms around her. "And I promise you, all your torment will be worth it." Holly stepped back and both girls looked to her left when Luke and Devin approached them. "I didn't know you girls swung that way," Luke said running a curious look over both of them. "Mind if I watch?" "I mind," Devin said, reaching out and wrapping his arm around Holly's waist. "You're not seeing my girl naked." 59


"I'm not seeing mine either, apparently." Luke said quietly, his gaze sweeping over Roxy. Roxy hid her smile behind her coffee cup as Luke stared at her. Her restless night had really been his fault, not Holly's. Thoughts of him kept her awake until well into the morning and when she finally dozed off, dreams of him left her grumpy and horny by the time the sun filtered around the edge of the closed curtains. Her grumpiness was starting to ease off though, seeing Luke stand there in his leather. His hair was shining under the bright lights of the photographers studio, those incredible abs were peeking through his open coat, and the look he was giving her made her stomach tighten in the most delicious way. "Let's get moving, people. I have other things to do today!" Roxy turned to the photographer when she yelled, noticing the way people rushed to do exactly as she bid them to. The girl was young, pretty, and the way she walked spoke of her confidence. She directed people, barking out orders, and people followed without batting an eyelash. Everyone but the guys. They were still standing around talking, taking in the action with an uninterested eye, and it wasn't until Curt tried to gather them all together that the photographer turned and smiled. "I appreciate your desire to be the most important people in the room," she said, "but please understand ... you're not. I am. Now, if you four gentlemen would like to move your 60


precious asses to the front of the room, we can get this over with quickly." Roxy grinned, liking her instantly. That is until she spotted Luke out of the corner of her eye. His attention was suddenly on the petite girl in the center of the room. When he walked away without a backwards glance, she watched him while red-hot jealousy burned clean to her toes. So, Holly had been right all along. Luke would have thought she was just another slut he banged. And it looked as if he'd already found his next prey. The asshole. Knowing every emotion she felt was showing on her face, she put her back to the room, busying herself with refreshing her coffee. She listened half-heartedly while little miss sassy pants barked out orders. Getting the guys into position was proving to be more work than the photographer wanted. Good. "Push his hair away from his face and open the coat. I want to see that six-pack he's sporting." Roxy rolled her eyes at the comment and resisted the urge to turn around. She could just imagine the look on Luke's face. That cocky grin was no doubt in place, his head tilted to one side while he gave the girl his best, "I want to fuck you look." "What the hell is that? Make-up!" She did turn then. Everyone's attention was on Luke. And the huge, purple bite mark on his neck. A mark she had put there. Roxy's eyes widened at the sight of it. 61


Like synchronized swimmers, every member of the band, Curt, and Holly turned to look at her. "What?" she said innocently, her gaze darting to each face before landing on Luke's. She was right. The smirk was there, even the head tilt, but he wasn't looking at the photographer. He was looking at her. "My girl likes to play rough," Luke said with shrug of his shoulders. Holly appeared beside her, grabbed her arm, and hissed quietly, "Roxy! You told me you didn't sleep with him." "I didn't!" "Then how did he get that?" Roxy grinned when Luke winked at her and she turned, putting her back to the room. "How the hell do you think he got it?" "What did you do?" "I'm not telling," Roxy said, pulling her arm free. Holly stared at her, her brows knitted in concentration. The corner of her mouth twitched, a smile trying to form, and Roxy laughed. "I swear to you I didn't have sex with him." "That bright red blush covering your face tells me you're lying," Holly grinned. "I'm not," Roxy said. "But things did get a little ... intense." "As in?" "As in none of your business," she said, remembering the previous night in perfect clarity. "I didn't sleep with him, though. Wanted to, but I didn't." Roxy saw Holly turn her head back toward the guys and laugh. 62


"You should see the smug look on Luke's face." "I can imagine," she said. "Those guys probably already know what went down." "Care to elaborate?" Roxy snorted a laugh. "No." The fact Luke seemed to enjoy a little pain and was a naughty boy wasn't anyone's business. "Hey!" Holly said. "Do you realize Luke called you his girl?" Roxy turned to look back at Luke. He was getting fussed over by the make-up artist who was trying to cover the bite mark. He was talking to Mick, and she could tell by the look on his face he was bragging about something. He isn't the type to kiss and tell, is he? "He did, didn't he?" "Twice, actually." A glance back at Holly and she raised one eyebrow. "Does this mean I can finally give it up?" Holly gave her a lopsided grin. "That's all you've thought about since we boarded the plane in L.A. isn't it?" "Of course. Was getting naked with Devin not on your mind?" Holly laughed. "Look at the man," she said, nodding her head in Devin's direction. "Wouldn't you?" Roxy turned, facing the guys. They were all worth getting worked up over. They were as different as night and day, but each one was a scrumptious piece of eye candy, and their personalities made people want to be near them. Devin—the life of every party. He was the guy who drank too much and ended up playing the bongos naked while a crowd of onlookers cheered him on. 63


Luke—the lover. The man oozed sex and every woman he set his sights on found her happy at the end of his cock ... or tongue. Christian—the quiet, sweet, boy next door. He was tall and lean and had the face of an angel but the devil lurked in his eyes. That boy was hiding a bevy of dirty little secrets that just begged to be explored. Mick—the rocker. Multiple tattoos, a host of body piercings, and a harsh attitude. He was the one your mother warned you about. The bad boy everybody wants but is too afraid to go after. Yeah, they were all worth it in their own little way. The band name suited them to a T. They were wicked. Every last inch of them. When the make-up artist finished and stepped away from Luke, the photographer grabbed her camera, snapped a few pictures, and studied the guys. Within minutes, loud music filled the studio and the whole atmosphere in the room changed. The guys looked like pros. They knew how to move, how to reach the camera with a look, and watching them made Roxy realize she was witnessing something hundreds of people would pay to be a part of. To get a glimpse into the lives of their idols. To be a part of something no one ever got to see. "She's great, isn't she?" Roxy turned her head, looking over at the boy who spoke. He was short, waif thin, and was staring at the photographer. He couldn't have been a day over ten. "Uh, she seems very professional," she answered, looking around him for Holly. 64


Her friend had moved closer to the action. She glanced back at the boy and tried to think of something to say. "Has she been doing this long?" He nodded his head. "A few years and she's the best there is. My opinion doesn't count though." "Oh? Why's that?" "She's my sister," he said, smiling. "She says it doesn't matter what we think, only what the customer thinks. I'm John." "It's nice to meet you, John." "You too," he said. "Jessi said these guys were rock stars and probably a pain in the butt. She said she needed me today." Roxy laughed. "They most certainly can be. So, do you work for your sister or just hang out when rock stars are around?" "I hang out when mom lets me or if Jessi needs help. She shoots more than just rock stars, you know. She does a lot of commercial work too." He grinned suddenly, the smile lighting up his eyes. "She has a shoot scheduled right after she's finished here. With Chickens." Roxy raised an eyebrow. "Chickens? Live chickens?" "Yeah. A new ad for some fast food restaurant. There's a whole mess of them in the back. Jessi left me in charge of them while she worked with these guys." John had no sooner gotten the last word out when Roxy heard them. The cluck and squawk of chickens. She turned her head, looking behind her and grinned. "John, one of your friends is out." 65


A chicken in the back of the room ran past the crates lined along the back wall. Its wings were outstretched and it strutted across the room like it owned the place. Before Roxy could comprehend what she was seeing, one chicken turned into two, then three, before the entire back area was covered with the small creatures. She laughed at the scene. How often did you see chickens in a public place? "Oh no!" John said. "I thought I got the cage latched." He ran to the back of the room, his little legs carrying him right into the middle of the small flock. The moment he reached them, the unexpected happened. The startled chickens scattered and raced across the studio. Roxy could only watch with wide eyes as the chickens ran straight for the front of the room. One minute, the guys were posing and looking sexy as hell, the next, they were jumping and laughing as the birds rushed onto the photo shoot set. Every assistant who worked for the photographer ran, scattering in every direction, trying to catch them. It was a scene straight from a movie. Mick and Devin stood still, shooing the birds away when they got too close while Christian tried to help. He grabbed one and dropped it the next second when the bird pecked at his hand. Holly and Curt got into the act while Luke made a beeline for her. "Exactly the distraction I was hoping for," he said when he reached her. He grabbed her hand and dragged her toward the back of the room and into the maze of props and wooden crates. 66


When they reached a darkened corner, Roxy was backed against the wall and barely had time to look up when Luke kissed her. The noise in the room vanished, her earlier thoughts of him looking for someone else gone in a blink of the eye. There was nothing left but the feel of him pressed against her, the taste of his kiss, and the sudden warmth traveling her limbs. He broke the kiss, his breath warm against her lips. "Meet me tonight." It wasn't a question. His persistent lips let her know as much. "If it's going to be a repeat of last night, then I'll pass," she said. "I thought you enjoyed yourself last night." "Some of it I did, but I'm not going to be pushed to the back of the crowd while your fans molest you." "You won't be. I promise," he grinned. "Come on, Roxy. I've waited four days to have you. I'm beginning to think you don't want me." Roxy stared up at him. There was a hint of mischief in his eyes and she smiled when he pulled her closer to him. "It will just be me and you tonight," he promised. Just the two of them? Alone? Visions of them alone danced in her minds eye and a pleasant ripple of anticipation trickled down her spine. She relented without much thought. "And how should I dress?" His eyes sparkled. "In your birthday suit?" She laughed. "I'll think about it." "I hope you do." "Where and when?" 67


His smile widened. "I'll have Bobby pick you up. Curt has us all over town today doing interviews, so I'll meet you there." "Meet you where?" "You'll see when you get there." With a parting kiss that left her weak in the knees, Luke was back into the middle of the chicken chase. Roxy watched him skirt around a few of them and head straight to Curt who was doing his best to look like he was helping. Of all the guys, Christian was the only one actually doing anything to try and catch them. Of course, the glances he kept giving the photographer, Jessi, may have been the reason. The shy bass player was in the middle of the fray, easing his way toward her, his cheeks flushed. Was it from exertion or embarrassment? With Christian, it was hard to tell. Turning to find Luke, Roxy watched him lean back against the wall, one foot raised and propped on the wall behind him. He said he wanted her naked. There was no way in hell she would travel around New York in her birthday suit, but she could make sure what she hid under her clothes would entice him. It looked like she was in need of another shopping trip. [Back to Table of Contents]

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Chapter 6 "Go all the way to the top floor," Bobby said. "I have to pick the guys up in half an hour, and Luke had a stop he wanted to make first, so I'll have him here in a bit." "Thanks, Bobby." Roxy closed her fist around the key he had given her and existed the limo. She stared up at the building as he drove away. It looked like an apartment building but all the glass made it hard to tell. Walking in the door, she stopped when a security guard stood and looked over at her. "Um, I'm supposed to meet Luke Harris." His eyes widened. "You're meeting Luke here?" "Yes," she said, holding up the key. The guard smiled. "Top floor. Elevator is just down the hall." She watched him sit back down before she walked to the elevator and entered, hitting the button to the top floor. Her mind wandered to what sort of place Luke had asked her to meet him at. The elevator doors opened and she stepped out into the hall, glancing both ways. A lone door stood at the end. With key in hand, she made her way to door and stopped, inserting the key into the lock and turned it, listening to the gentle click as the tumblers released. The apartment was large, with a full wall of windows that looked out at the city. Roxy shut the door behind her and stepped further inside. 69


The living room was sunken. Three steps led to the sitting area that boasted a set of black leather sofas and chairs. A large entertainment center with a wide screen TV and a massive stereo system took up one entire wall. There was a fireplace just left of the front door and an open kitchen to the right. The shine of stainless steal from the appliances gleamed under the lights. A winding staircase led to an upper floor and the entire wall behind it held what looked like large framed albums, each with a picture of the guys from Wicked. Another glance around the living room and Roxy knew where she was. This was Luke's apartment. His personal space. Her pulse quickened an instant later before she smiled and took everything in. He'd asked her to his place? "Oh, we're definitely getting laid tonight," she said to no one. Taking the steps down into the living room, she tossed the key on one of the tables by the sofa and laid her bag down. She looked around the room again and glanced up to the upper floor. A huge grin covered her face and she ran for the stairs, hurrying up the steps, and stopping at the top. "Now, which one of you leads to his bedroom?" The door directly in front of the steps was a music room with guitars lining the walls. Amplifiers, a table covered in books and loose pieces of paper, another stereo, and a whole wall of electronics she had no clue what their purpose was. The room to the right of the stairs was next. It was a spare bedroom, from the looks of it. No personal effects were found. Just a bed, a dresser, and an empty closet. 70


Turning, Roxy walked to the other end of the hallway. The last door was open and she grinned when she looked in. This is what she'd been looking for. Luke's room. Walking in, she stopped in the center of the massive space. It was nearly as large as the downstairs living room. The bed was draped in black and burgundy and took up most of the room. It looked big enough to sleep four people comfortably. She frowned while looking at it. How many girls had he screwed silly in that thing? Shaking the thought away, she turned, taking it all in. Her eyes widened when she looked to the corner behind the door. A large platform took up the corner and what could only be called a "stripper pole" stood in the center. Mirrors lined the walls around the platform and Roxy knew without looking there was a lighting system. A glance up at the ceiling and she laughed at the lights pointed to the small "stage." The master bathroom was black and white tile. The tub was huge and the separate shower, like the bed, was roomy enough for several people. Roxy opened several bottles of cologne sitting on the sink and drank in the scent. She could see Luke in her mind's eye at the first whiff and wondered how long he'd be. Putting the bottles back where she'd found them, she walked into the bedroom, staring at the room. A set of doors on the opposite wall caught her attention and she crossed the floor to them and swung them wide. The closet was a thing of beauty. The back wall was mirrored and rows of clothing hung on either side of the doors. Racks of shoes and boots lined the floor and Roxy felt 71


envious of the space. What she wouldn't give to have a closet like this. Walking in, she looked through his clothes, surprised to find denim. She'd only ever seen Luke in leather and planned on getting him into more casual clothes before she had to leave. Hearing a door close somewhere in the apartment, she turned and ran for the stairs. She saw Luke immediately. When he looked up at her, she blushed. "Find anything interesting up there?" She laughed to hide her embarrassment. Being caught snooping wasn't how she wanted to greet him. "I did actually," she said, walking to the steps and starting down. "You have a stripper pole in your bedroom." "Care to give it a try?" he said, shrugging off his coat and tossing it to the sofa. "I'm sure there are others more qualified at dancing around poles than I am." Luke raised one eyebrow at her, that devilish smirk making an appearance. "I'd much rather have you dance around my pole." The look on his face told her he wasn't talking about the stripper pole and she paused halfway down the steps. He crossed the room, taking the stairs one at a time until he reached the step below where she stood. They were eye level and the look in his eyes made her pulse quicken. "You're not naked like I suggested." He was still wearing the leather pants, but a loose fitting, blue button-up shirt covered his chest. His hair was tousled, 72


the strands hanging wildly, and he smelled so good she wanted nothing more than to bury her face against his skin and blissfully stay there. "Neither are you." He grinned and said, "We can fix that problem," before he raised his hand, his fingers brushing her knee and dancing up the length of her leg. His hand stopped moving once he reached the top of her thigh-high hose. "Are these what I think they are?" he asked, tugging at the elastic band. "Depends on what you think they are?" His eyes flashed hotly, his gaze sweeping over her body. "What are you hiding under these clothes?" "If you're a good boy, you'll find out later." She stepped around him, making her way down the stairs to the windows looking out on the city. A glance out of the corner of her eye showed him still on the steps, his head turned to her. "How did you get out of house arrest?" He snorted a laugh. "Bobby can be persuaded, unlike Curt." Leaning back against the windows, she said, "You bribed him?" "Of course." He turned and walked down the steps, crossing the room and stopping in front of her. "And he won't be back for us until Friday." A flutter of butterflies erupted in her stomach and Roxy bit her tongue to keep from smiling. Two whole days alone with him? In his apartment? 73


She couldn't have wished for a better scenario. It was like ... playing house! She did smile then. It was a schoolgirl notion but one that filled her with excitement. Being with Luke at all was a dream come true. Being able to live with him—even if it was only two days—would be the closest to heaven she'd ever get on earth. When the time came to return home, she'd have a memory to last a lifetime. "So, what exactly are we to do here for two days?" Luke reached out, wrapping his arms around her. "Oh, I have tons of activities planned for you." "Like?" "Like getting you naked since you refused to do so yourself." Roxy shook her head. "Is that all you think about?" "When I look at you it is," he said. "And why is that?" Roxy noticed the playful, teasing gleam in his eyes vanish, replaced with some indefinable emotion. "I don't know," he answered. "You're beautiful, for one." Her heart fluttered at his words. "Like you haven't had a host of beautiful women draped all over this apartment." Something flashed across his face so quickly she almost missed it. When he looked away, she knew he wasn't telling her something. He looked different suddenly, like he had the night before in the elevator. The rock star was gone, in his place, a man she didn't even know. She leaned forward, encircling his neck with her arms and felt a warm glow surround her body when he tightened his hold on her. "Are you going to feed me or were you planning on starving me until Bobby shows up?" 74


"The kitchen is stocked." "Can you cook?" she asked. He smiled. "Like a pro." "Oh, prove it." **** Roxy stood in the kitchen, leaning over the island bar, cutting up vegetables for a salad. Music filtered through the apartment and she kept glancing up at Luke while he prepared a cognac sauce on the stove. He'd changed his clothes, surprising her when he walked downstairs in a pair of faded blue jeans and a t-shirt. He was barefoot and looked nothing like the rock star she'd been lusting over. This man, was way hotter. He looked so—unlike himself. His entire demeanor had changed. He was still flirty, and touchy-feely, but she knew she was seeing a man not many others had. It was as if Luke had vanished and a new person had stepped in his place. Not that she was complaining. This new man was interesting. He definitely knew his way around a kitchen, just as he said he did. Her stomach hadn't stopped growling since he'd started cooking. When he turned, saucepan in hand, he winked at her before pouring the sauce over the beef. "Almost finished with those," he asked, nodding his head to the vegetables she was chopping. "Yes, last one." "Good. This is best while hot." 75


With the food preparations finished, they sat down at the table. Roxy couldn't help but notice how domestic this felt. She'd never had this. In all the relationships she'd ever been in, she couldn't remember one time her boyfriends had cooked for her. They'd always taken her out to eat. Never once had a cozy dinner been served at one of their homes. Of course, none of her past relationships had ever amounted to much. A few dates, a couple of rolls across the sheets, and they were both moving on to bigger and better things. Luke poured them wine and when she looked at her plate, her mouth watered. Beef tenderloin with cognac sauce. The dish looked like it came from a five-star restaurant. She grinned and looked up at him. "Okay, do you moonlight as a chef on weekends?" He picked up his wine glass, taking a sip before smiling. "Would you believe me if I told you I was in culinary school when I met Mick?" She raised a curious brow. "Culinary school?" He nodded. "You?" "I can tell by the look on your face you don't believe me." "It's not that I don't believe you," she said, "It's just ... well, it's so unlike you." He laughed. "There are a lot of things you don't know about me." "Like what?" He ignored her question. "Start eating," he said, gesturing to her plate. 76


When she took her first bite, the flavor of the food caused a moan to ease past her lips. "Oh my god. This is so good." "I hope you make the same sound when it's me you're tasting." She looked up. The hormone driven rock star was back and a shiver raced up her spine. "Do you taste this good?" Passion flared in his gray eyes and she drank in the look. "You're more than welcome to find out at your leisure." "I'll definitely keep that in mind for dessert," she said, taking another bite of her food. They talked through their meal. Their conversation drifted from one subject to the next with ease and she found herself enthralled in him as he talked. Luke's flirting didn't stop and she couldn't help teasing him back. By the time they'd cleaned their plates, she was so restless she could have done him right there on the kitchen floor. She leaned back in her seat, sipping her wine while watching him. He was doing the same to her. The hunger in his eyes grew and when he sat his glass down she knew the moment she'd been waiting on since first seeing him perform was close at hand. "So, Ms. Carlisle, tell me. Are you through playing hard to get?" She grinned. "What makes you think I'm playing hard to get?" "Devin told me." Roxy's eyes widened. "And you believe everything Devin tells you?" 77


"I do when he's blackmailed into telling me what I want to know. There's no way he would have lied to me with what I have hanging over his head." "And that would be?" Luke laughed. "I'm not that easy, sweetheart." "Neither am I." "So I've noticed." He stood then, his chair scraping across the tiled floor. "Want to pretend we are?" He extended his hand and Roxy's pulse quickened. She reached out, closing her fingers around his and let him drag her to her feet. "You like games?" "I love games." His voice was deep and held a hint of seduction. Her heart beat faster at the sound of it and when he took a step backwards, pulling her with him out of the kitchen, she felt heat crawling up her spine. "And what game are we going to play tonight?" "I vote for private dancer." "This doesn't have anything to do with that stripper pole in your bedroom, does it?" He grinned and led her into the living room. "I want to see you strip." "I'm not dancing around that pole," she laughed. "Why not." The man actually stopped walking and pouted. At that moment, Roxy would have climbed the damn pole butt-ass naked to keep the look on his face. He was too damn sexy for words. 78


Releasing his hand, she leaned forward and kissed him, pushing on his chest until he started walking backwards again. When he stood before one of the living room chairs, she pushed him down and raised a hand to the top button of her blouse. "I don't need a pole to make you beg." She'd never stripped for anyone while they watched. Sure, there was the mad dash to get naked as her date did the same, but it wasn't anything like this. She felt as if she were on display and the thrill of it left heat pooling between her legs. The music was hypnotic and she moved away from him, her hips swaying to the music as she walked toward the stairs. Luke's gaze drank in her every move, anticipation evident on his face, and knowing he was eager for her left her dizzy with desire. The buttons on her blouse were opened while he sat there staring. The barest hint of skin and he froze, his gaze hungry and leaving goose bumps trickling across her skin. She unbuttoned her shirt, pulling it off her shoulders to reveal a black bra, the cups barely covering her nipples. She dropped the blouse, reaching behind her to the zipper of her skirt. Giving him her back, she looked over one shoulder, smiling at his slackened features. He licked his lips, his eyes darting over her form. Pushing the skirt down, she leaned over, giving him a view of her backside, the g-string bottom of her panties leaving nothing to the imagination. He moaned loudly and hissed her name. 79


When the skirt pooled at her feet, she lifted her leg, stepping out of the garment before kicking it away and turning back to face him. She stood in nothing but her underwear, thigh-high hose, and black heels. With a saucy smile, she raised her arms above her head, letting her body sway to the music. She looked at him, watching him lean back against the chair, his eyes hungry and glossed over. The music infused her limbs, guiding her movements. Her hands ran her shoulders, her fingertips brushing her nipples before skimming her stomach to the edge of her panties. She slowed her movements and locked eyes with him before sliding her fingers into her panties. His nostrils flared at the action and she smiled, dipping one lone finger between her pussy lips and throwing her head back while rubbing her clit. When he growled her name, she looked at him and laughed when he jumped from the chair. She turned and ran, headed for the stairs. He caught her on the fourth step up, his arms encircling her waist from behind before turning her body to face him. His kiss was mind numbing and Roxy moaned at its intensity and reached out to grab the stair railing when her knees buckled before her bottom hit the step above her. Luke leaned over her as his hands scorched a trail over her flesh. He was nestled between her open thighs, his weight bearing her down along the steps. He broke the kiss, his lips trailing over her jaw. Roxy closed her eyes, raising a hand to the back of his head and 80


felt tingles run the length of her spine when he extended his tongue, licking a wet path to the top of her breast. He sucked her nipple into his mouth through the lace of her bra and she arched her back. Roxy reached down, snapping open the front closure on the garment and gasped when the warmth of his mouth touched her flesh. Light, nipping bites tinted her skin pink and she squirmed under him, not able to get close enough. He flicked her nipple with the sharp point of his tongue, swirling it around the puckered nub before sucking it into his mouth. His teeth clamped down gently, the sting sending a current of need straight to her core before he released her and showered her neglected breast with the same attention. Hot, wet kisses covered her body, Luke making his way down her stomach to the heat between her legs and he buried his face in her center, sucking at her swollen flesh through her panties. She squirmed under him, her head thrown back on the step and her hand shot to the back of his head. Pulling her panties to one side, he licked up her center, sucking her clit into his mouth. Her sensitive flesh devoured until she was trembling with the need for release. When she whispered his name, her fingers digging into his scalp, he pulled away. Roxy looked up, watching him pull his shirt over his head before standing. The button on his jeans was popped and the material slid down his legs moments later. When he stood before her, naked and glorious, she bit her lip in anticipation. "Slide off your bra and panties." 81


She did as asked and leaned back, stripped bare, with the edge of the steps biting into her spine. He stared at her while rolling a condom down the length of his shaft and it was only then she realized she was trembling. This was really happening. When he leaned back over her, capturing her lips, she wrapped her arms around him, lifting her hips in invitation. He took it, driving his cock into her to the root and she gasped at the intrusion. Sparks of light flashed behind her closed eyelids and when he found a steady rhythm, pumping his hips into her, she laid her head back and let the feel of him imprint into her mind. He nuzzled her breasts, sucking and licking them while fucking her with deep, long strokes. Her nails scored his back and the harder the pressure, the more intense he became. His thrusts became harder, his lips more persistent and she was thrust into a breath stealing orgasm, his name whispered past her lips. When her body stopped trembling, he leaned back, sliding from her depths before standing. She was pulled to her feet and turned to the stair railing. Luke ran his hands over her back, cupping her bottom in his hands. She glanced over her shoulder at him and gasped when he slipped past her moist folds an instant later. The first slow glide of his cock and she was babbling nonsense as he ground himself into her, conscious thought gone. Her body felt wired, sparks of electricity shooting off nerve endings she wasn't aware she possessed and when she 82


felt a second climax drawing near, she gripped the railing and threw her head back, screaming past the rush. He followed her moments later, his grip on her tightening to the point of pain but it was her name, hissed in her ear, that weakened her knees. His weight behind her and the cold metal of the railing was the only thing keeping her upright. As her breathing returned too normal, she opened her eyes, staring out the windows at the city below. They stood there for long minutes, neither saying a word. When Luke kissed the side of her neck, she turned her head to look at him. The soft spoken stranger she'd had dinner with was back. His eyes full of tenderness and she sighed while leaning back against him. It would be so easy to fall in love with him. She shook the thought away. She couldn't afford to let her heart get in the way. She was leaving in three days. There wasn't time for anything more. **** The moon was full, its light shining through the window and illuminating Roxy's face. She looked different to him. Softer somehow. She shifted in her sleep; the sheet draped over her back slipping down to reveal the curve of her spine and Luke reached out, running his fingers over her exposed skin. His body was spent. He'd had her in half a dozen ways but he still wanted her. Had wanted her since the moment he saw her sitting in the hotel bar. She'd been the only woman there who hadn't thrown herself at him. Hell, she barely even acknowledged him, which is why she'd caught his attention. 83


Women noticed him. They always had, but not her. Not his Roxy. She'd sat there sipping her drink like he didn't even exist and he knew without a doubt, if she had let him have her that first night in the club, they wouldn't be here now. Chasing after her had been new and even if he admitted only to himself, the best time he'd had. Pursuing a woman was much more fun than them throwing themselves at him. Besides, he knew her now. Knew she wasn't like all the rest. Resisting him had been her first step into his world and now he was loathe to let her out of it. "What are you thinking about?" Her soft voice disturbed the stillness in the room and Luke lifted his head to look at her. "You." A sleepy smile greeted him. "All good, I hope." "Always." She slid across the bed to him, wrapping one arm around his waist and burying her face against his neck. "What time is it?" "Almost five." "In the morning?" He chuckled. "Yes." "Why are you awake at five a.m.?" "I'm always up this early." She made a small, hmph, noise, snuggling in closer to him. He pulled her close, burying a hand in her hair. "How many more days are you here?" "My plane leaves Sunday." "So I only have two days left to ruin you for every other man on the planet." 84


A soft, feminine giggle tickled his chest before she lifted her head. "I think you've already done that. I still can't feel my legs." "Well there's no reason for you to hurry home, then." She stilled and glanced away. "I have to go back. I have a job. People who depend on me to see them out of the messes they've made." He knew she couldn't stay and the look on her face told him that trying to convince her to would be a waste of breath. It didn't make it easier to let her go though and he wasn't going to humiliate himself by asking and have her refuse him. The fact he even wanted her to stay confused him. He'd never taken any particular woman to his bed more than once. What was the point? Once you've taken what you needed, what more was there? Most of the women he seduced weren't worth the trouble of keeping around anyway. Once he turned his head, they were searching out the other guys, hoping to add them to their list of sex partners. He couldn't count the number of girls he and the guys had all shared at one point or another. The groupies hung around for one reason and one reason only. To bed a rock star. And most of them did. Roxy's hand slid over his hip, down his leg and back up the front of his thigh. His cock twitched at the first brush of her fingers and he was surprised the abused organ even worked. She pushed him to his back, her lips peppering soft kisses over his chest to his stomach while her hair trailed over his skin. He watched her make her way down his body, her fingers dancing across his skin, before her tongue darted out, licking 85


a path up his shaft. She took him into the warmth of her mouth and he couldn't look away. Wouldn't dare miss a single moment of those lips wrapped around him, that hot tongue circling his cock before she sucked him back in. A low moan crawled up his chest, his balls tightening as the head of his cock hit the back of her throat, and he hissed her name before reaching down, grabbing her shoulders, and pulling her to him. He kissed her, flipped her to her back and covered her body with his own. Unlike the first time, he didn't rush through the act. He loved her with every touch, every soft kiss he placed on her flesh and every sigh he dragged from her body tore into his heart a little bit more. He knew having her here was a mistake. One he'd never recover from. He'd known it the moment he'd sent her spiraling to orgasm on the stairs, when his name was whispered past her lips like a prayer. He'd known in that single moment that Roxy would be someone he wouldn't be able to walk away from. His heart wouldn't let him. He did want her. He wanted her with every breath he took. The question was, how did he convince her to stay. [Back to Table of Contents]

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Chapter 7 "Holly, call the police back. Our missing person just showed up." Roxy grinned when Devin spoke and she closed the door behind her. "Very funny." "Oh, it will be," he said. "Curt is ready to burst a blood vessel. Where the hell have you and Luke been?" "Not telling." She tried not to blush but knew her face was already red. She could feel the heat crawling up her neck. All the guys were there, lounging around the hotel suite, and every eye was on her. "Where's Luke?" Mick asked. "You didn't break him, did you?" "Not entirely," she replied. "He is walking a bit funny though." The laughter caused the heat on her cheeks to burn hotter. She sat on the sofa beside Christian and turned to face him. "Are we in trouble?" she asked him. "You're not. Luke, on the other hand, probably won't survive it." "Curt's pissed then?" He chuckled. "Understatement of the year. He's one step away from total meltdown. Just don't make any sudden moves around him." "I'll try to remember that." Roxy glanced across the room, meeting Holly's gaze. Her friend's eyes blazed with anger. "What?" 87


"What, she says." Holly shook her head. "You know what. Where the hell have you been? We were worried." "No you weren't," she said. "You knew I was with Luke." "Uh yeah, but no one expected you to be gone for two days!" The blush deepened. "Neither did I." "You couldn't call?" "She was probably too busy to call," Mick said. "Knowing Luke, she spent the last two days butt-ass naked." "Stop it," Roxy said. Her head felt ready to explode. She'd never been one to embarrass easily but with everyone staring at her, knowing she'd just spent two days playing sex toy to Luke, she wanted a hole to crawl into. Mick laughed and stood up. "Where is he anyway?" "Talking to Curt. Or, that's where he said he was going." "And you let him go alone?" She shrugged her shoulder. "He's a big boy. He can take care of himself." "And how big of a boy is he?" Holly grinned, winking when Roxy looked over at her. "None of your business," Devin said, grabbing her and pulling her closer to him. "Besides, she probably couldn't tell under the dingy lights of the seedy motel she's been hold up in." "He wouldn't take her to some dive," Holly said, rolling her eyes. "I've already told you, Roxy wasn't that desperate." "Uh, thanks," Roxy said. "I think." "Well, they weren't in any decent hotel," Mick said. "Curt's called every one in the city." He glanced over at her and tilted 88


his head to one side. "Please tell me you haven't been fornicating in the limo. We all have to ride in there, you know?" Shaking her head when they all started laughing, Roxy leaned back into her seat. "If you must know, we were at his place." The laughter died so abruptly you could have heard a pin drop. Every person in the room froze, even Holly. "What?" Christian found his voice first. "Luke took you to his place?" Nodding her head, she turned to look at him. "Yes. Why?" Mick broke the tension with a chuckle. "Oh man. Where the hell is he." He marched to the door, yanking it open and looking out into the hall. Roxy stood, glancing at every one in turn, and felt a shiver of fear ripple down her spine. They were all acting weird all of a sudden. "Okay, what's going on? You guys are starting to freak me out." Mick turned, the grin on his face making the band's drummer seem younger. "I don't know whether to congratulate you or be afraid of you." "Meaning?" she asked. "Meaning, you've just accomplished something no other woman has ever managed to do." They were still looking at her, gobsmacked, and she felt irritated all of a sudden. Turning to Devin, she pointed her finger at him. "Tell me." "Tell you what?" he said. 89


"Don't play with me, Devin. Why is everyone looking at me like ... well, like that," she said, pointing to Mick. Devin grinned. "Well, it's just..." He shook his head and laughed. "Roxy, Luke's never taken a girl home before." "Huh?" she said, raising an eyebrow. He stood and glanced at Mick and Christian before turning back to her. "We've known each other for years," he said. "And in that time, Luke's never once taken a girl to his apartment." Roxy heard the words, gave them time to penetrate her brain, but they didn't make sense. "I don't understand what you mean." "He means," Christian said, "That you're the first girl in history to see inside Luke's private life." She turned to look at him and frowned. Of all the guys in the band, Christian had the most honest face. He wasn't lying, that much she could tell. "He likes you," he said. "Apparently a whole lot more than he's let on." The last two days replayed in her mind's eye on fast forward. Luke's subtle transformation from sex-starved rock star to the quiet, attentive, simple man, the most prominent memory. The strange look he'd given her when she mentioned all the women he'd seduced in his apartment the next. That didn't explain anything though. She glanced at Mick. "He has a stripper pole in his bedroom. You can't tell me a man who doesn't entertain in his apartment would..." "It was there when he bought the place," Mick said. 90


"Oh." Turning to look at Holly, she could see the excitement in her eyes and knew what she was thinking. It had worked. Her friend's crazy, harebrained idea had worked. Luke had pursued her, relentlessly, and had taken it one step further. He let her in on a part of his life no one else had ever seen, but what did it mean? She was too scared to even contemplate it. Scared she'd be right, that he did want her for more than a few tosses in the sheets, and lose herself to him completely. Scared she'd be wrong and have her heart ripped out in the process. Everyone was still looking at her but she ignored them. Sitting back down, she stared at nothing and let her mind wander. What did she do now? She hadn't come for anything complicated. She just wanted a few days with her dream man. A chance to experience him in all his glory and she did. She'd touched heaven, felt it with every soft caress and whispered word against her flesh. He'd given her something no other woman he'd ever been with received. She'd had all of him. **** Roxy latched her suitcase and straightened, pushing her hair away from her face and rubbed a hand over her eyes. Her head was pounding, her vision still blurry, and her legs felt unsteady and weak. The going away party Holly and the guys threw for her was one she'd never forget. The hotel bar had been packed with people, the music so loud you needed to shout to be heard, 91


and she'd spent the night laughing and dancing while the best looking man in the room kept one arm wrapped around her. Luke's attention throughout the night staggered her. She'd been the center of his world. When he wasn't touching her, he was watching her. His hungry gaze left her near breathless most of the night. Once back in her room, he'd spent hours loving her. Her body was still sore in places she never dreamed anyone would go but every memory was etched into her soul. She sighed and sat down on the bed. This was the part of her trip she hadn't been looking forward to. Leaving Holly, her best friend, and Luke, the man who in one week wormed his way into her heart. She'd known it days ago but ignored that part of her brain while it whispered she wouldn't be able to leave him. She had no choice. She had to leave whether she wanted to or not. She had a job, a life to get back to in L.A. She couldn't just leave it all behind. Could she? A better question was, did Luke want her to? A glance around her room and she smiled. The lamp was still in the floor, the curtains on the window dangling where they'd been pulled off the rod. They'd nearly destroyed the room in their sexcapades. There wasn't a hard surface anywhere Luke hadn't taken her in every way imaginable. Hearing a knock on the door, she stood and crossed the room. "You look like shit." "You don't look so hot yourself," she said, grinning while Holly walked in. "You're all packed?" 92


Roxy nodded. Holly was staring at her and a tiny frown on her face nearly broke her heart. "I'm going to miss you." "Me too." Her eyes grew glassy and Roxy felt her own water. "Don't you dare cry." "I can't help it," Holly said. "I don't want you to go." "Believe me, if I had a choice, I wouldn't." "You could quit your job." Roxy laughed. "And do what?" "Become a professional groupie?" "Ah yes, throw my career away to become a band ho." Holly smiled. "You'd just be Luke's. Devin is mine and I don't think Luke would allow you anywhere near the others." "Probably not." They stared at each other for long minutes, neither saying a word. It felt like it was the last time they'd see each other. Holly would be gone for a good part of the year. The band's tour had them all over the country before they crossed the ocean and headed to the other side of the world. The thought of her being that far away was like a knife to the gut. Knowing Luke would be that far away felt like a small death. She turned, busying herself with her luggage. "Are you in love with him?" Roxy snorted a laugh and turned her head, letting her hair cover her face. "Don't be ridiculous, Holly. I barely know him." "You know him better than anyone else ever has." 93


She shrugged her shoulder. "So. That doesn't mean anything." "Yes it does," she said. "And I can tell by the look on your face that you care about him." The lump forming in her throat nearly choked her. "It's okay if you love him, Roxy." "No, its not." "Why?" "Because, he..." A tear slipped down her cheek before she could stop it and she sat down hard on the bed, burying her face in her hands. "I can't love him, Holly. I won't." She cried, leaning into Holly's side when she sat down beside her and held her. She couldn't love Luke. She was leaving, headed thousand of miles away. How could she admit to something that would break her heart when he wasn't there? Leaning back, she wiped her face. "It doesn't matter anyway," she said. "What I feel for him doesn't mean anything." "Why?" "Because he doesn't feel the same." "How do you know?" Because he hasn't asked me to stay. The door opened and she turned her head, wiping her face again when she saw Luke. "Limo is here," he said, stopping when he looked at her. Two lines of worry appeared between his eyes. "What's wrong?" 94


"Nothing," she lied, smiling while she stood. "Just saying goodbye to my best friend." He didn't look as if he believed her. She turned to Holly. "I guess this is it, then." Holly stood, wrapping her arms around her. "I'm going to miss you, Roxy." "I'll miss you more," she whispered, embracing her before letting her go. "Are you sure you don't want to ride with us to the airport?" She shook her head and said, quietly, "No. I'm sure you don't want me around when you have to say goodbye to him." Looking over her shoulder, Roxy knew her friend was right. She couldn't say goodbye to Luke with an audience. It was part of the reason she'd done her farewell with the others the night before. Seeing them today and knowing it would be the last time would be difficult enough without having to face them when her nerves were already on edge. Letting Luke go would be torture. "Okay," she said, reaching down and grabbing one of her bags. "Let's get this over with." **** The minute Bobby pulled the limo away from the curb, Luke grabbed her and hauled her into his lap. His kiss left no doubt in her mind what he wanted and within minutes she was straddling his hips while his hands pushed her skirt up around her waist. Her panties were pulled to one side, his 95


cock probing her slick folds, and she gasped when he impaled her with one quick jerk of his hips. She grabbed onto his shoulders, rocking against him. It was hurried, a frenzied act that left her lips swollen from his kisses, her skin bruised from his grip on her, and when they rushed toward orgasm, she knew Bobby heard her scream. She couldn't find a reason to care. When their breathing returned to normal and the tingles stopped running laps down her spine, she raised her head. "So, was it good for you?" He laughed, grabbing the back of her head and kissing her. "The best," he said, when he broke the kiss. She laid her forehead against his, sighing. There was so much she wanted to say but didn't dare. She'd come to New York with one goal in mind and she'd accomplished it. Losing her heart in the process hadn't been on her agenda and neither was the tug of war her conscious was waging with her. She wanted to stay, but more than anything, she wanted him to want her to stay. Bobby's voice filtered into their little haven and Roxy looked up when he said they were approaching the airport. She reluctantly extracted herself from Luke's arms, trying to tidy her appearance while he did the same. When they were both presentable, she turned to look at him. There wasn't anything to say, really. What could she say? Thanks for a great time? You were better than I imagined? You made me fall in love with you and now I can't have you? As the limo pulled to a stop, she looked out the window, blinking away the tears trying to form. She wouldn't cry. Not 96


in front of him. Her breakdown could come later. Thirty thousand feet in the air. "I guess this is my stop," she said, turning and forcing a smile on her face. He nodded his head and she could tell his own smile was forced. She felt better for seeing it. When the car shifted, her luggage being removed from the back, she turned to the door and grabbed the handle. "Roxy?" "Yeah," she said, turning her head. Luke stared at her, drinking in her image, and burning it into his memory. One week wasn't enough with her but he didn't know how to tell her that without sounding like an idiot. He wanted to beg her to stay. Crawl at her feet and worship every inch of her for one more second of her time. He smiled at her instead and reached out, cupping her face in his palm. "I'll miss you." Her eyes misted with tears before she leaned toward him, giving him the softest, most tender kiss anyone had ever given him. When she pulled away and said, "I'll miss you, too," before darting out of the car, he cursed himself for a fool. The best thing to ever walk into his life was now walking away and he felt powerless to stop her. Would she think him insane if he told her how he felt? Did she feel the same? He watched her walk away, his chest tightening with every step she took until she was lost in a sea of bodies. The light he'd lived in for the past week dimmed, the sweet knowledge that she was there, waiting for him, gone. 97


The woman he loved just walked out of his life and he let her. [Back to Table of Contents]

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Epilogue 2 months later Roxy looked up from her keyboard when she heard the door open. "Special delivery," Linda said. "For me?" "That's what the delivery guy said." Linda held out her hand and Roxy sat back, staring. "A single rose?" It was pale pink in color, the outer edges darker. Reaching out, she took it and inhaled its soft scent. "Who sent it?" Linda shrugged. "No clue. There wasn't a note." Roxy stared at the rose, trying to think of anyone who might have sent it. She couldn't think of anyone. Well, one name came to mind, but she shook off the thought. She hadn't heard from him in three weeks. Looking down at the flower, she let her thoughts wander, and inhaled its scent again. Something on one of the rose petals caught her eye. Raising her hand, she peeled back a few layers and her eyes widened. "Someone wrote on the petals," she said, squinting to see what was written. "Really?" Linda asked, peering over the desk to look. "What does it say?" Roxy's pulse raced at the words. "It says, I miss you." The words made her think of him. "Ooh. Do you have a secret admirer?" 99


A closer look at the rose petals and Roxy could only stare. Every other petal was adorned with a message ... I adore you ... I'm miserable without you ... I want you ... I need you... It was the last message that caught her breath. I love you. Tears clouded her vision and she looked up, smiling at Linda. Movement out of the corner of her eye caught her attention and she turned her head to the door. The tears pooling in her eyes slipped down her cheeks when she saw him. "Seeing those tears makes me real glad I didn't get the whole dozen." "Luke." Roxy jumped from her chair and ran across the room. He caught her in his arms, wrapping them around her waist, and burying his face in her hair. "God, I've missed you, Roxy." She let out a choked laugh. "I've missed you." He looked up and took her lips in a soft, teasing kiss. "What have you done to me?" he whispered, pulling back to look at her. He raised a hand, pushing her hair from her face and his gaze swept over her features. "I can't sleep ... can't eat." He smiled then, staring her in the eyes. "Hell, I can't even look at another woman without wishing it was you." Roxy's heart fluttered at his words. "I'm no expert, but it sounds like you may be in love." "You think so?" "Yes," she grinned. "I seem to be having the same problems." "Is that right?" 100


"Uh huh. I hear there's only one cure for it." "And what's that?" She leaned forward, nibbling his bottom lip into her mouth. "Lots and lots of sex." "Oh, I think I'm going to like this cure of yours." "I don't know," she said. "It takes constant administering for it to work." "Then I guess you have no choice but to come away with me." He stared down at her, his thumb sliding across her bottom lip. "I'm not leaving without you, Roxy." Her pulse quickened when he kissed her again, his tongue slipping into her mouth and setting off a flurry of butterflies in her stomach. He broke the kiss and said, "Besides, I need a lawyer." "What for?" He grinned. "I stole Curt's plane and forced the pilot to fly me across the country." "Oh, you definitely need a lawyer," she said, laughing. "And a priest. Curt is going to kill you." "Yeah, well, I'll survive as long as I have you with me." He glanced over her shoulder suddenly, an amused look on his face. Roxy turned and saw Linda and laughed. She'd forgotten she was there. "Linda, this is Luke." "Oh, I know who he is," Linda interrupted, grinning. "I guess I know why you've been so grumpy the last two months." "I've not been grumpy."

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Linda snorted, unladylike. "Yes, you have. When you aren't biting people's heads off you look like someone killed your puppy." Roxy's secretary walked to the door, skirting around them, and walked into the hall. "Should I cancel all your appointments?" A look at Luke and Roxy smiled. "Yes," she said. "Indefinitely." She laughed when Luke pushed her into the office and slammed the door behind them, turning to lock it. "What are you doing?" He turned back to look at her. "I'm going to test this cure of yours." "Now?" she asked, backing up a step. "Right now." Roxy felt the first prickling of tingles race up her spine at the look on his face. He shrugged his jacket off his shoulders, letting it fall to the floor before pulling his shirt over his head. She drank in the sight of him, licking her lips and closing her teeth over her bottom lip. "Now, Ms. Carlisle," he said, stalking her. "Strip for me." The End [Back to Table of Contents]

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The Wicked Series The four men who make up the rock band, Wicked, the hottest act to hit the scene in years, have earned their wicked status without much help. They're bad, sinfully delicious, and a temptation to every woman they meet. Gearing up for a worldwide tour, the guys are about to come face to face with the only women strong enough to tame them. But it'll take more than a few smooth words to win the hearts of these ladies. When you can have any woman you want, how do you convince the one you can't live without her? Wicked: Tempt Me Not—Book 1 Devin Shaw, front man for the band, Wicked, is forced into seclusion by his manager after his destructive behavior almost destroys the band. Sent to a remote cabin alone isn't Devin's idea of fun, but to save his career, he'll do what it takes. Holly Baker, escaping the hassles of her big city life, arrives in the mountains of Tennessee and awaits the arrival of her friend, Roxy, to start their two-week vacation. Their plans change drastically when Roxy is called away at the last minute, leaving Holly to fend for herself. Devin and Holly's worlds collide when a mix up strands them in the same cabin. Alone with nothing but each other for companionship, how will Holly react when she realizes she's trapped with none other than the hottest lead singer the country has seen in years? Will Devin be able to work with a 103


constant distraction the pretty brunette offers? Or will the two discover that sometimes temptation is a wicked dessert best served hot. Coming in 2009 Wicked: Jade Butterfly [Book 3]—Christian's Story Wicked: Sweet Temptation [Book 4]—Mick's story [Back to Table of Contents]

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About the Author Lily Graison started creating original characters at an early age when her vivid imagination and love for adventure was the strongest. Growing up in a small town in Western North Carolina, she shared her journeys with friends in imaginary play. The love for extraordinary places and people never changed, and as an adult, she began to pen her stories and share them online with friends. First published in 2005, her debut novel, A Touch of Heaven, won a Reviewers Choice Award. She writes mainly in the contemporary romance genre but also dabbles in erotica, fantasy and paranormal. Visit her website: lilygraison.com Or email her at [email protected] An Alinar Publishing Publication: www.alinarpublishing.com

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