JAYDEN
I’m giving away more tickets to Ryan’s farewell tour than I’ve sold but needs must. Getting the night manager to give me a key card to Chloe’s room was a definite need.
The chemistry between us is thick enough to warrant a weather warning. I can’t see past it. I have no idea how to navigate my way through it.
I shouldn’t be here. Shouldn’t chase her. But I can’t help myself. Everything about her completely undoes me.
Any time she’s close, every inch of me burns to touch her. Drinking her in through the moonlight, I could watch her all night. I want to know more about her than I have any right to ask.
The Chloe I met at Christmas was so cold, so formal and so goddamned self-righteous. Breaking her walls down and watching her writhe at my touch is addictive. Intoxicating. Getting her off gets me off. She’s so responsive. Three rounds later, we’re both finally satiated, for a while at least. I’ve never known pleasure like it.
I’m no stranger to lust but my hedonistic lifestyle isn’t a choice, it’s a necessity. I fill my life with carefree blondes and fast cars to block out the demons of the past, of which there are plenty.
Flashbacks of the roughest days of my life assault my brain. The dark thoughts are never far away, but in the middle of the night, they’re always that bit closer to the surface.
Sleeping under the starry sky with literally nothing to my name.
Bonding with complete strangers in the same situation.
Sharing what little food we’d acquired that day, praying we’d survive the night in order to see the day.
A shudder rips across my spine. Huge brown eyes haunt my subconscious and plague my dreams.
Ryan and I clawed our way up from the streets of LA to where we are now. Not everyone was as fortunate.
Chloe sighs in her sleep. I curl my body around hers, taking comfort I’m not sure I deserve.
Sunlight streams through the window and I wake more rested than I’ve been since my trip to Dubai. Getting out of LA suits me. Or maybe it’s sleeping with Chloe Sexton. I’m not sure which is more damning, as neither is a permanent option.
Chloe rolls towards the edge of the bed, but I catch her wrist before she can make a run for it. I know she said mornings can be awkward, but I’m going to remind her we’re well beyond that. My fingers roam curiously over the elastic band she never seems to take off. What’s it even for? To tie her hair up?
She pulls away, flashing that rare glimpse of vulnerability again.
‘Where do you think you’re going?’ I purr.
Bright blue eyes look anywhere but at me, but she doesn’t move. ‘To shower. I have so much to do for tonight.’
‘I haven’t finished with you yet.’ I tug her back into bed, pulling her into my arms. Her lithe frame is stiff initially, but when I pull her on top of me, she doesn’t resist.
I guide her head to rest on my chest. A mad urge to kiss her forehead takes over and when I do, instead of bolting for the bathroom, her body slumps further against me, shoulders sinking as the tension she’s holding eases.
Her gaze finally tilts upwards to meet mine. ‘What are we doing, Jayden?’
‘We’re embarking on the most fabulous fling of our lives.’
She drags herself onto her elbows, cupping her chin in her palm. ‘Is that right?’
‘Are you telling me you’ve had better?’ I nudge my hips against her, the blood pumping low again.
‘You are so annoying.’ She closes her eyes for a long beat and exhales heavily.
‘Just admit it, I’m the best you’ve ever had, and that’s why you broke your own rule for me.’ It’s easier to tease her than allow the swelling surge of emotions to reveal themselves.
She sighs and shakes her head. ‘Of all the men in the world, why did I have to giveyouthat satisfaction?’
‘Oh, Princess, please. The satisfaction was mutual, and you know it.’ I nudge her thighs open with my knee. ‘There’s no point stopping now. The damage is done. You know what they say, right? Hung for a sheep as a lamb…’
‘Jayden, I…’ She bites her lip, and it’s obvious she’s torn.
