My head fell back, consciousness narrowing to nothing but the overwhelming pleasure consuming me, and Julian groaned again, his fingers digging hard into my ass cheeks.
I took over then, bouncing frantically as I rolled my hips, impaling myself while his hand found my throat. His fingers pressed against my windpipe, restricting my breathing, which only made me move faster, harder.
Sweat slicked our bodies, and when Julian couldn't surrender control for another second, he grabbed my waist, flipped me onto the bed, and took me from behind, my torso pressed flat against the sheets while my hips stayed elevated.
The angle let him penetrate even deeper, pounding into me relentlessly as I slipped my hand between my legs, frantically circling my clit. “God, Julian,” I bit out, my free hand clutching the bedding. “I'm close. So close.”
“Let me feel it, baby,” he rasped, his jaw clenched. “Let me feel you come on my cock.”
I obeyed, muscles clamping down as my climax exploded through me, bright and shattering. My vision whited out as my body convulsed violently, pleasure fragmenting me into a thousand pieces.
As I pulsed around him, I cried out again, loving how his strong grip tightened on my hips. He thrust once more, and that final stroke made him come undone, his release flooding into me as he came with a rumbling groan.
As we both floated back down from our highs, he collapsed beside me on the bed, pulling me into his arms. I curled against him, knee hooking over his hip as I felt his release seeping out of me; evidence of our intimacy that I secretly loved.
My fingertips traced lazily across his chest, and I exhaled slowly, staring at the ceiling. “Wow,” I murmured. “You were right. Thatdidhelp me.”
Julian huffed a quiet laugh at that, and his arm stayed warm and solid around me as my breathing finally evened out. The rage I’d felt earlier had burned itself down to embers, no longer threatening to consume me whole.
It didn’t mean I was done. It didn’t mean I’d forgiven or gotten over anything. It just meant I could think straight again. Tomorrow was still coming, heavy and inevitable, and Cherry would still be waiting on the other side of it. But for the first time all night, I knew I’d be ready for her.
42
Violet
The theater was completely dark.
I stood center stage, the vast emptiness of the auditorium stretching out before me like an abyss. Rows upon rows of seats disappeared into shadow, and somewhere above, the rigging and catwalks creaked softly in the silence.
My heart was hammering so hard I could feel it in my throat.
I'd arrived an hour early and let myself in through the side entrance with the key that Julian had somehow procured for me. He really did have connections everywhere, thanks to his Dionysus Club membership.
Now all I had to do was wait for Cherry’s arrival.
I heard it before I saw it; the distant sound of a door opening, followed by footsteps echoing through the lobby. A moment later, light briefly spilled into the auditorium as another door swung open, and then a thin beam from a phone flashlight swept across the seats.
“Violet?” Cherry's voice called out, hushed but urgent. “Are you in here?”
I didn't answer. Just stood there, waiting for her to find me.
The flashlight beam swept higher, finally landing on me. Cherry made a small sound of relief and hurried down the aisle toward the stage. “Oh my god, there you are! I've been looking everywhere for you! Why are you up there?”
I looked out over the empty theater, at all those seats where audiences would sit and watch performances.
“I've always wanted to know what it felt like,” I said. “To be up on stage, acting my heart out.”
Cherry let out a light laugh as she climbed the steps at the side of the stage. “Well, you picked a hell of a time for your theatrical debut,” she said, crossing toward me. “God, I'm so glad to see you.
She pulled me into a hug, and I forced myself not to stiffen. Forced myself to return it, wrapping my arms around her small frame even though every instinct screamed to push her away.
This was the woman who'd killed my sister. Who'd held me while I cried about her death. Who'd lied to my face for weeks.
“I’ve missed you so much,” I said, because that's what she'd expect to hear.
“I missed you too.” She pulled back, keeping her hands on my shoulders as she studied my face in the dim light. “By the way, how did you get in here?”
“I tried one of the side doors, and it was unlocked. I guess someone forgot to close it properly before they left earlier.”
