stupid Alaina.
I grab my empty bowl and take it to the kitchen, leaving him to finish his call. I’m running a soapy sponge over the glass surface when strong arms surround me from behind. My eyes fall closed when his lips meet the crook of my neck.
“I have to go,” he says against my skin.
“Yeah,” I breathe.
“Will you be around later?”
I blink open my eyes and stare out the window above the sink. Do I want to be around later? Nova shouts yes, but the rational part of my head says it’s not a good idea. I fight with myself because I want to give in. I want to more than I’ve wanted anything in a long time. But is it smart? Should I go against my instinct and give in to him? Do I want to take the chance of it ending badly, like all of my other recent relationships? I have no doubt Enzo and I could have a lot of pleasurable fun together, but will it be worth it? The better question is, do I really want to give up the chance to have something with Enzo that might lead to something good? Besides his past, one based primarily on tabloids, the news media, and James’ own musings before Enzo joined Phenix, he’s given me no reason to not trust that he won’t do me wrong.
Dropping the bowl and sponge, I rinse my hands then turn and face him. I tip my head back, look into his eyes, and say softly, “Yeah, I’ll be here.”
His smile is easy, and he dips his head for a kiss. Rolling to my toes, I meet him halfway.
“You suck, by the way,” I tell him after we break apart.
“Yeah?” His brows dance playfully. “I actually do suck.” He drops his gaze to my still stiff nipples.
I laugh and hit his stomach with the back of my hand. “I’m serious. I decide to give in, and now you have to go.” I drop my chin and look at him through my lashes. “I might just have to take care of things myself. Since, you know, you’re leaving me all hot and bothered.”
With narrowed eyes, he lifts me up on the counter and wedges himself between my legs. I’m forcefully pulled to the edge until his hardness is pressing against my core.
“You do that without me, and I’ll make sure to punish you later,” he growls, the rough edge of his voice sending shivers down my spine.
I give him my best sexy smile. “But how will you know if I did or not?”
“Oh, I have my ways. I want you just as hot as you are now, if not more. If I have to suffer, then so do you.”
I pout. “That’s mean.”
He chuckles. “I’ll make it up to you.”
“You promise?” I play with the hair at the back of his neck.
He nips my lips before diving in for a kiss. “I promise. It’ll be worth the wait.”
All too soon, he takes a step back then another and another. I stay on the counter as he slowly retreats. His eyes bore into me, like he’s trying to memorize exactly the way I look right now. I lean back and jut out my chest, just to give him something else to remember.
He licks his lips and points his finger at me. “Be good. I’ll be back after my meeting.”
Giving him a half smile, I say, “I’ll think about it.” Then blow him a kiss and offer a finger wave.
With a chuckle and head shake, he turns and saunters out of the kitchen. The front door closes a moment later.
And I’m left feeling giddy and excited, but also a tiny bit nervous.
Chapter Eight
ENZO
I push through the doors of my lawyer’s office and suck in a deep, satisfying breath of fresh air. Thank fuck that’s over with. I am officially no longer the lead guitarist for Phenix. The feeling is bittersweet. It’s been a big part of my life for so long that it feels weird not having that responsibility anymore. A part of me had been worried I’d regret it the moment I signed the papers, but now, I feel… free.
Although I won’t be part of the instrumental aspect, I decided I didn’t want to completely cut ties with the band. I just moved roles. Now I’ll only be helping with writing the songs and deciding what music to put with them.
Pulling my phone from my back pocket when it begins vibrating, I mutter a curse