The knife twists further in my guts. I have to go, leave her to this rich guy. He’s clearly what she needs, and I’m the dreamer who should care enough to let her go.
I step to the door and watch for a chance to leave. For now, I’m trapped. If I go out, she’ll see me, and she’ll know I heard their conversation. I have to wait and suffer through this.
“Is Gavin making you do it? Because I could speak to him if you’d like.”
“Gavin does make the final decisions, but he’s controlled by the desires of the audience. I think he’d argue it’s part of the act, the artistry.”
“I suppose you’re right. But if you’re uncomfortable in any way—”
“I’ll try to manage.”
“Excellent. Because your body is amazing…”
His sudden change in tone pulls a feral growl from my throat.
“What was that?” The fucker looks over his shoulder, but I don’t move.
He’s a fraud. Lara has to know it. He doesn’t give a shit about her feelings. It’s all an act…
I lean out in time to see him lift her hand to kiss it. Only, I’ve stepped out too far. Lara’s beautiful blue eyes flicker up and collide with mine. Lightning strikes, and her body tenses. Her shoulders rise, and she pulls her hand away.
“I’m sorry?” The man straightens, confused by her sudden withdrawal.
I’m not confused. My eyes hold hers; our connection is undeniable.
“I-I just realized”—her hand flutters to her forehead—“I’m simply exhausted.”
“Of course you are, darling. After your fall and your first night back… I hope you’ll let me visit you again tomorrow?”
“You’ll be back?”
My anger is fading fast. The warmth in her voice is gone. She’s flustered and off her game now that she knows I’m here. Don’t be afraid, beautiful…
“I couldn’t stay away. I could listen to you sing until the end of my days.”
Hopefully they won’t end sooner than he expects.
“Freddie, you’re too kind to me.”
He goes in for another kiss, and she lifts her hand quickly between them. I don’t laugh when I see him pull back.
“Good night, mon amour,” he says, kissing her hand.
My jaw tightens. I don’t like him touching her.
Her smile is tight, and she nods, staying at the doorway as he backs away. I step into the shadows and listen to his crisp steps fading down the passage.
He’s gone. We’re alone, and she knows I’m here.
What will she do?
“Mark?” she calls softly, and I open the door, emerging from the empty room.
Her face brightens, and it’s not an act. It’s real.
“I wasn’t trying to spy,” I say, closing the space between us. “I came to congratulate you.”
Her cheeks flush a pretty shade. “For what?”
“You did it. And you were so brave after what happened.”
Her eyes are on my mouth. “I couldn’t have done it without your help. You kept me from fainting.”
“I only distracted you. You’re the one who got on that bench. I couldn’t have made you do that.”
“I couldn’t have done it if you hadn’t been there.” She reaches out and takes my hand. “You saved me once… I knew you’d do it again.”
I cover her small hand with mine. “I’ll do it every time.” Then I remember the pain, the fear, the blood, and I chuckle. “Or let’s not let it happen again.”
She smiles and steps back, going farther into her room. I glance quickly over my shoulder and follow, closing the door behind me.
Clearing my throat, I can’t help it. My feelings are strong, primal. “Who was that guy?”
Her eyes blink quickly away, fingers twisting together. “Freddie Lovel. He’s a friend of Roland’s… He’s—”
“He’s rich.” I look down at my jeans, my dirty hands, and I hate acknowledging the truth. “He’s rich, and I’m… well, I’m just getting started.”
“Roland thinks I should encourage him.” She turns her back, and my eyes travel the length of her hair, the line of her robe. She’s so beautiful. “I know he’s right, but… I have this problem.”
“What problem?”
She turns and her robe is open. Her body is bare beneath it, and heat rushes to my cock. I swallow the knot in my throat as she steps closer, the sides of the velvet catching on her tight nipples. She takes my hand gently in hers and guides it through the folds to her body. It’s the most erotic thing she’s ever done.
“I only want you.”
My fingers tighten, and both my hands are on her now. I only hesitate a moment when I see the fading mark on her waist. “Does this hurt?”
“Nothing hurts when I’m with you.”
I pull her to me, and she grasps my cheeks, guiding her mouth to mine. Lips collide, tongues slide and curl. She whimpers. I groan. Desire flares hot beneath my skin, and the semi I’ve had for days, every time she’s in my presence, rages to full mast, begging for her wet heat.
“This isn’t how I’d planned it,” I say as the robe slides down her slender arms. “God, you’re so beautiful.”
My mouth is on her shoulder, biting. Her hands thread in my hair.
“You planned this?” she gasps as I move lower, pulling a tight nipple between my teeth, flicking it with my tongue, smoothing it with my lips. “Oh, Mark!”
I circle the tight bud before pulling back, kissing it and making my way to the other side. “No.” I pull that one between my lips, giving it a nibble. “I only dreamed of this.”
“Please, please.” She’s on her toes whimpering, and her eyes follow me. “Stay with me. Show me what you dream of.”
A smile curls my lips, and I cross to the door, pushing the brass lock in place. “With pleasure.”
10
“Collect moments…”
Lara
He stands like a god, like an ancient Greek statue in the closed doorway, and he pulls the shirt over his head, leaving his caramel waves a sexy mess. The light from my yellow lamp deepens the lines in his stomach, and I shudder. His body is perfect, tall and slender but strong.
Fire burns in his blue eyes, but it’s nothing compared to the inferno raging under my skin. My nipples are cool and tight from his kisses, my knees are weak, and the space between my thighs is slick. I’ve never been with a man, but my body knows instinctively what to do. My response to him is primal, undeniable.
I cross the space to him, not waiting for him to come to me. He smiles and pulls me close, and I sigh at the feel of the hair on his chest tickling my sensitive nipples.
“You feel so good,” I whisper.
“Aren’t I supposed to say that?” Large hands move from my waist up the sides of my back, scratching my sensitive skin with his bandages. His lips touch my neck, and the light scruff on his cheek sends thrills radiating to my core.
“I don’t know,” I whisper, every inch of me burning for his touch.
“I’d planned to invite you to my place,” he says against my skin, and I shudder.
“There isn’t time.” I hold his cheeks so I can find his delicious mouth.
Our kisses are hot and wet. I kiss him slowly, tasting his sweetness, fresh water, a hint of mint. He kisses me deeper, holding the back of my neck as he guides us to my small bed.