Spotlight, page 13
“No, we really don’t need to,” Melody countered.
“What did you do?” I asked, then added, “Nope, never mind. I don’t need to know.”
Lyric gasped and I turned to see her scrolling through her phone. “Oh my god, woman, you didn’t.”
Melody took a big bite of grits and studied her plate.
“What?” I asked.
“Shall I share, baby sister?” Lyric threatened. “Or would you rather talk privately?”
Melody used her fork to indicate she was busy eating.
“Fine,” Lyric said. “Melody has managed to get caught in another sex tape scandal. This time with Jason Maxx.”
I groaned. “Did Jason know you were filming him?”
“Um, he was filming me,” Melody countered.
“Oh, so a little different than with Bam,” I said with a sneer.
Bam Nelson was the drummer for Roses for Anna, currently one of the biggest bands in the world. He and Melody had dated for a few months before she had fucked it up and released a sex tape, furthering her career, but ruining any chance for a meaningful relationship.
Melody wrinkled her nose. “A lot different.”
“Did you and Jason decide to release this together?” Lyric asked.
“If we did?”
Lyric threw her hands in the air. “Well, then you’re on your own. I’m not cleaning this up.”
“Did I ask you to?”
Lyric closed her eyes and took two deep breaths. “Okay, sissy, I’m taking my manager hat off and putting my sister hat on, because I’d like to spend the next few days with Melody the normal human, not Melody the psycho porn star.”
I bit back a snort as Melody grinned wide. “Movies and ice cream?”
“Yes, dearheart, movies and ice cream,” Lyric confirmed.
Jaxon leaned over and whispered, “I can make myself scarce if you need some sister time.”
I smiled. “This is why I love you best.”
He chuckled and kissed my cheek before focusing back on his food.
With a girls’ night in planned, we finished dinner, and Jaxon headed upstairs to work while I changed into PJs to hang with my sisters. Of course, Jaxon pretty much had to carry me downstairs and settle me on the sofa, but then he made himself scarce.
* * *
Jaxon
I had just hung up with Brock when a knock came at the bedroom door. I pulled it open to find Lyric and I frowned. “Everything okay.”
“Oh, yes. But NiNi’s sacked out on the sofa. She had pretty much an entire bottle of wine. Figured you’d want to know, so you didn’t worry.”
“She shouldn’t be drinking...”
“She said she hasn’t had anything harder than ibuprofen, so I didn’t stop her.”
“Yeah, I guess that’s true.” I smiled. “So she had fun.”
“We all did. It was much needed, so thank you for helping to facilitate that.”
“Don’t know that I can take any credit.”
“You could have whisked her away and showed her a good time, but you didn’t, so...”
I chuckled. “Maybe so.”
“Anyway, I’m going to fall into bed now. I’m too old for junk food and copious amounts of booze.”
“I’ll go check on Harmony. Sleep well.”
“Thanks. You too.”
Lyric headed off to her room and I made my way downstairs to see if I could rouse my woman. She was curled up on the huge sofa, a blanket wrapped around her and her hair covering her face. I reached down and slid her golden locks gently away and stroked her cheek. Jesus, she was beautiful.
I gathered her into my arms and lifted her, and she sighed as she looped her arms around my neck and burrowed against me. “Hi.”
“Hey, baby. I heard you had fun.”
“So much fun,” she breathed out. “I’m a little drunk.”
I smiled. “I heard that, too.”
“I had wine,” she whispered as I carried her upstairs.
“I know.”
She slid her face into my neck and pressed her lips to my pulse. “Wine makes me horny.”
I walked into her room and set her feet on the floor. “You’ve mentioned that before.”
She bit her lip and smiled up at me. She wore pink fluffy pajamas with horses all over them, and I noticed that Lyric had been wearing the same. So fuckin’ cute how they wore matching PJs and had a girls’ night, and now she knelt in front of me and fumbled with the zipper on my jeans.
“Baby—”
“I swear to god, if you try to tell me I’m too drunk to suck you off, I’ll be really pissed.”
“You can’t even get my zipper down,” I pointed out. “And I don’t want you hurting your ankle.”
“Then help me, big man, because I want your dick in my mouth, pronto.”
“I’m not doing this if you’re not going to remember,” I argued.
“Oh, I’m gonna remember,” she rasped, managing to free me from my jeans and dragging them down my legs. I lifted her onto the edge of the mattress so she could take the weight off her leg, then her mouth was wrapped around my dick and I was weaving my fingers into her hair. Fuck, it was perfect.
* * *
Harmony
I took Jaxon deeper, stroking his shaft with one hand while cupping his balls with the other. God, he tasted incredible and I couldn’t get enough.
“Now, baby,” he grunted and I gripped his thighs, as he stiffened and came in my mouth.
I took every ounce, swallowing as he hooked his hands under my arms and pulled me up, kissing me gently. “Your turn.”
I grinned. “I love it when it’s my turn.”
After helping me out of my PJs, he removed the rest of his clothing and pulled the comforter down, guiding me under the covers. Kissing his way down my body, he covered my core with his mouth and I lifted my knees and arched to get closer. I wove my fingers into his hair as he licked and sucked his way around my pussy, grabbing a pillow to scream into as an orgasm washed over me.
He moved back up my body, linking his fingers with mine and sliding slowly into me. I whimpered with need as he buried himself deeper and deeper, then slammed into me over and over again, careful not to jar my leg.
“Jax,” I rasped, biting his shoulder to keep from crying out. “Oh, god, get there, baby.”
I hooked my good leg around his waist in an effort to get closer and he thrust twice, then let out a quiet grunt and I felt his dick pulse inside of me as I came, and came hard.
Keeping our connection, he rolled us onto our sides and I sighed in pleasure. “That was perfection.”
“It always is with you,” he said, stroking my cheek.
I noticed his shoulder and gasped. The bite wound was angry and red and I felt horrible. “Oh, honey, I’m sorry. I think I might have broken your skin.”
He smiled. “Kinda dig it, Rufus.”
“You dig it when your girlfriend wounds you during sex?”
He ran a finger over my collarbone. “It’s sexy how you get all primal.”
I rolled my eyes. “Well, I suppose that’s an accurate description. You kind of drive me wild.”
He kissed me again. “I found you a place to rent if you want it.”
“You did?”
“Yep. Kim’s got a place in the Pearl. She just had a renter vacate and will rent month-to-month.”
“Seriously?”
“Yeah, baby. Seriously.”
I smiled. “Is it nice?”
“Considering the fact she’s loaded and has impeccable taste, yeah, Rufus, it’s nice. It has some pretty kick-ass water views.”
“And I can afford it?”
He chuckled. “You absolutely can afford it.”
I sighed. “That makes things so much easier.”
“Of course, you can still always move in with me.”
“I know.” I ran my thumb across his bottom lip, then kissed it. “I promise it’ll happen eventually.”
“No pressure, Rufus, just want you to know it’s still an option.”
I smiled. “I know. And just because I’m not ready to move in with you right now, doesn’t mean I love you any less.”
“Noted.”
“Plus, you have a piano.”
“Yes, I do. You are correct.”
“If I don’t play on a regular basis, I’ll get rusty.”
“No one wants that.”
“No, we really don’t,” I agreed.
“I could always give you one of my keyboards,” he said.
I smiled. “Explain to me why you have a piano and two keyboards when you don’t play.”
“I told you, instruments just seem to show up. I have the space, and I use all of them when I’m recording.”
“This is true.”
“I still expect a Morgan sisters serenade tomorrow.”
“Okay, baby, I’ll make it happen.”
He kissed me again and then he went to clean up before climbing back into bed with me and holding me until I fell asleep.
Harmony
I stood in the middle of Kim’s giant condo overlooking the Willamette River and directed my moving muscle which consisted of Jaxon, his brothers Aidan and Carter, and Brock and Dallas. I, of course, was not allowed to lift anything, but I refused to sit on the chair Jaxon had brought over, so I was directing using my crutches to point.
I didn’t have much in the way of large items, but I did find a bed on Craigslist, along with a dresser and sofa, so they were getting moved and set up for me while I took time to stare out at the water whenever I could.
“Are you helping or gawking?” Jaxon accused.
“Both?” I grinned. “Sorry. It’s just so pretty.”
He nodded. “Yeah, it really is. I’m gonna order pizza, any requests?”
“Combination, please.”
“Kim and Cassidy are bringing drinks, and they’ll be here in twenty minutes according to Carter.”
“That’s so nice,” I said. “I’ll pay them back.”
“No you won’t,” Carter said, walking into the room. “If you try, Cass’ll freak.”
“I should be covering all the costs. Y’all are helping me move.”
“And my woman looks for an excuse to get us together every second she’s breathing, and since you’ve just facilitated a way for that to happen, you won’t get anywhere trying to pay her back.” He headed to the kitchen and grabbed a couple of bottled waters from the fridge, before heading back into the bedroom.
Jaxon grinned. “The Quinns’ have spoken.”
I rolled my eyes. “I will find a way to pay them back, mark my words.”
Jaxon chuckled, pulling out his phone. “Good luck with that.”
“Are you going to give me an issue paying for the pizza as well?”
He grinned, waving his phone at me. “It’s already done.”
“We’ll see,” I retorted, and Jaxon let out a quiet grunt before kissing me quickly.
I had a feeling he’d make sure money never left my wallet, but I was still going to try.
Unsurprisingly, I failed.
“You want me to stay or go?” Jaxon asked, sitting next to me on the sofa.
“Stay, if that’s okay.”
He frowned. “You in pain?”
“Don’t talk to me like you know me.”
He sighed. “Where’s the stuff?”
“The ibuprofen’s in the cabinet above the microwave.”
“I think you need something stronger, Rufus,” he countered, standing and heading into the kitchen.
“Fine,” I breathed out. “The vicodin’s next to it.”
He brought me back a pill and some water. “Why are you torturing yourself?”
“I’m not. I promise. I just don’t like to take the hard stuff when the other works fine.”
He raised an eyebrow, but didn’t argue. “You want to take a bath?”
“Oh my god, yes. Do I have plastic bags?”
Kim had the coolest clawfoot tub that begged to be bathed in, and I’d mentioned that when she’d walked me through it a few days ago.
Jaxon smiled. “Yeah, baby, you do. I’ll go get it started and then help you.”
He kissed me quickly, then headed into the master bedroom. I followed him, hobbling with my crutches, and sitting on the edge of the bed. After helping me get naked, he wrapped my boot in a large trash bag, tying it closed, then taping it for extra protection.
“Ready?” he asked.
I nodded and he lifted me, setting me gently in the tub and I settled my leg over the side. Jaxon had folded a towel over the rim for comfort and I sighed as the warm water covered me. “This is heaven.”
Jaxon grinned and set my body wash and shampoo on the ledge. “You’re cute as hell with your plastic leg.”
“You think so, huh?” I raised my leg slightly. “It’s lavender scented which is the newest fashion accessory choice. Practical and pleasant smelling.”
He laughed, leaning down to kiss me. “You soak, I’m gonna do a little work. Call me when you’re ready to get out.”
“It will be never,” I warned.
“Okay, Rufus, I’ll drag you out when you start to prune.”
“Wait until I’m fully shriveled, please.”
“We’ll see.”
I flicked water at him and he laughed as he left the room.
* * *
Jaxon
I studied the information Brock had emailed me and sighed. This wasn’t good. I pulled out my phone and called him and he answered on the first ring. “Matt thinks he might have a lead,” Brock said.
“‘Might’ isn’t making me feel better,” I said. “I don’t like that Graham’s gone to ground. Where’s Billy?”
“Still in Savannah.”
“You’re sure he’s clean?”
“Squeaky,” Brock said. “I think he was just as sideswiped by all of this as the Morgan sisters.”
“Yeah, that’s the impression I got as well.”
“Did you see him in Savannah?”
“Hell, no. That man knew he needed to keep a wide berth with me,” I ground out. “I don’t care that he’s one of their best friends. He put that asshole directly in the path of Harmony and I’ll never forgive him for that.”
“Yeah,” Brock said. “But love does weird things to people.”
“Love should never blind you so much you forget who your friends are.”
Brock chuckled. “This is true. You know, there is a possibility Graham’s gone for good.”
“Do you believe that?” I challenged.
“Not in the least.”
I sighed. “Me neither.”
“Kim’s place is wired, and her doormen are vigilant, Jax. We’ve got guys on her when you’re not with her. Harmony’s covered.”
“I wish that made me feel better.”
“I get it, brother.”
“Yeah, I know you do.”
Brock had met his wife Bailey when she was in our protection. He’d fallen for her the second he’d met her, but because she was a ‘job,’ had tried to force down his feelings.
He’d failed.
“I just wish she’d stay with me,” I admitted.
“I hear ya.”
“Jax?” Harmony called.
“I need to go, brother,” I said.
“Okay,” Brock said. “If I hear anything, I’ll let you know, but just try to relax for the moment.”
“Easier said than done.”
“No doubt,” Brock agreed. “I’ll talk to you later.”
I hung up and headed back to the bathroom to help Harmony get out of the tub.
* * *
Harmony
Four weeks later...
“Your ankle looks great,” Doctor Stone said, pulling up the new set of X-rays. “As long as you go slow and don’t run any marathons for a few weeks, you can just wear the brace for another week, then you’re good to go.”
Doctor Stone was the older brother of Dallas Stone, one of Jaxon’s partners in the FBI, and he was gorgeous. I mean, it made sense...Dallas was gorgeous, so of course, Alec would be, plus the doctor factor ratcheted it up a notch.
“So, no more crutches?”
He smiled. “No more crutches.”
I beamed at Jaxon. “We can go shopping now.”
“Yippee,” he deadpanned, and Alec laughed.
I clapped my hands. “Let’s go. Mama needs new plates.”
“Jesus,” Jaxon hissed, and I grinned taking his hand.
“Stop playing coy. I know you’re just as excited as me.”
“Oh, yeah. Hold me back.”
“Well, you two have fun. Call me if you have any questions.”
“Thanks Doc,” Jaxon said.
I shook Alec’s hand. “Yes, thank you.”
Alec left us and Jaxon loaded me in the car and took me to the mall. We shopped for about an hour before Jaxon declared he’d had enough and it was time to eat.
“We could just eat here,” I suggested.
“We’re not eatin’ at Derby’s, Rufus. I’m gonna take you to a real restaurant.”
“Wait, what’s Derby’s? You know, I want to experience all of the famous Portland eateries.”
“Derby’s food isn’t so much famous, as it is infamous.”
“What do you mean by that?”
“Well, let me ask you this... have you recently smoked a copious amount of marijuana?”
I laughed. “The devil’s lettuce, why, no, I have not.”
Jaxon smirked. “Then, if you are not friends with either Cheech or Chong, Derby’s would likely not be your first dining choice. We’re not even sure they sell meat from a cow.”
I grimaced. “Oh, well, what kind of meat is it?”
“I had a friend in high school who worked at a Derby’s that swears they once received a shipment of boxes labeled, ‘Beef.’”
“Why is that weird?”
“Because it wasn’t spelled B-E-E-F.”
“Oh, God, how was it spelled?”
He sighed. “I fear that by saying it out loud, it somehow loses its impact. B-E-E-P-H,” he explained.
I dropped my head back and groaned. “Okay, the Pink Priest it is.”
“I think we’ve had just about enough excitement for one day, don’t you?”
“Maybe so.”
