to pay for forcing me to ache for her every goddamn night. For forcing me to finally give up ever finding this magical connection again. Sliding my hand up into her hair, I fisted her silky mane and tugged her head back to plunge deeper still. With a kitten-soft whimper, Mia clutched my shoulders, sinking her nails into my jacket. A snarl of frustration rumbled in the back of my throat for not being able to feel her claws raking my bare flesh.
“Seriously, fucker…enough,” Burk whispered tersely as he prodded me with his elbow.
Grudgingly lifting from Mia’s mouth, I prolonged the reckless splendor a minute longer and sank my teeth into her bottom lip. After tugging the plump flesh, I released her completely.
While the buzz of shock and confusion hummed in my ears, she lifted her chin to peer up at me. Her plum-painted lips all swollen and glistening coupled with her glassy, unfocused stare made memories of all the times she lay naked and fully sated in our bed explode in my head.
My cock jerked, throbbing hot and hard in need.
Unable to stop myself, I dragged my thumb along her bottom lip. Branding the plump texture to memory once more, I nodded at the Grammy tightly gripped in her fist.
“You got an acceptance speech prepared, sweetheart?”
Mia blinked several times, clearing the carnal fog from her brain. A pretty pink blush crawled from her chest to her cheeks as she spun around and took her place at the podium. She pressed her other hand to her heart and drew in a deep breath.
“Goodness. I’m not sure what’s more exciting, winning this”—she lifted the trophy briefly—"or getting kissed like that by Ozzy Page.”
A roar of laughter went up in the audience. I waggled my brows and flashed a cocky grin, masking the fact that I was both cursing and savoring her sweet taste gracing my tongue.
While Mia delivered her speech, Burk, Syd, and Darren each darted subtle curious glances my way. Ross didn’t bother being discreet; he simply shot me a sneer that screamed dumb ass. Clearly, they were each wondering the same thing that was clamoring through my brain. Why the hell did I kissed her?
I didn’t have a clue. Even more terrifying was the fact that Mia’s sinful mouth made me feel something I hadn’t felt in forever…alive.
And wasn’t that a cluster of massive fucks?
“In closing, I’d just like to say if there are songs trapped inside you, set them free. Share your story, your heart, and soul. Rise up from the ashes…like a Phoenix. Thank you.”
The crowd leapt to their feet again, cheering and applauding and drowning out the echo of Mia’s sultry voice that had been floating all around me. Smiling from ear to ear, she clutched her Grammy and gave a little wave.
Burk shot me a look that warned, Kiss her again, and I’ll kick your ass, before we all headed off the stage. I couldn’t peel my eyes off the sensual roll of her hips or her slender legs poised on erotic-as-fuck, black studded stilettos.
When we reached the wings, the stage manager halted us.
“Don’t go anywhere. They’re announcing Best Rock Performance next. I’m grabbing the cameraman now.” The harried woman then rushed away.
“Where are you going to keep that shiny new paperweight?” Syd teased.
Mia chuckled. “I cleaned off a spot on my mantel months ago…just in case.”
“You mean Nigel’s mantel?” Syd pressed.
“No. My mantel. We didn’t… I have my own home.”
“Even while you and Nigel were…cohabitating?”
“Syd,” I growled. “Leave it alone.”
“What?” The bass player feigned innocence. “It’s a legit question.”
“It’s personal. Maybe she doesn’t want you—”
“It’s okay,” Mia interrupted. “Nigel and I never lived together.”
“Why not?” I blurted, completely shocked by her revelation.
“It’s personal,” Syd said with a smart-assed grin.
“Not anymore. Just…complicated,” Mia stated with a plastic smile.
“Sorry, chica. It’s really none of our—”
“Shut up and smile,” I growled at Syd as a cameraman hurried toward us.
“Presenting the award for Best Rock Performance, please welcome Ellie Fusion and Patti Vic,” the announcer’s voice boomed through the PA system.
As we listened to the names of the nominees announced, hope stamped Mia’s face. Somewhere deep inside me, a kernel of compassion sputtered to life. I actually wanted her to win…wanted to see excitement light up her pretty face again.
“And the winner is… Licks of Leather.”
“Yes!” Syd and Burk roared, simultaneously tossing fist pumps in the air.
“Congratulations,” Mia called out over our exuberant cheers.
As we began making our way back out on stage, I briefly paused. “I’m sorry