Twisted Wings Read online

  “No.”

  I lift a brow. No, what?

  “If you say stop, we’re done. And you better mean it when you say it, because there’s no going back.”

  Anticipation ignites sparks as I nod, yet not sure what I’m agreeing to.

  “I need to hear you say okay.”

  “Okay.”

  “Don’t fucking say I didn’t warn you.” In an instant, he releases my hands, but pulls up my shirt, knotting it right before it’s pulled off all the way, binding my hands above my head again. He takes a step back and his eyes flicker down to my chest. With one hand still holding the knot in place, his other squeezes one of my breasts. Hard. Pulling my white lace bra down, my full boobs pop out.

  “Your boobs are perfect.” My back arches off the door as he leans down and flicks his tongue over a nipple. While he assaults that one with his mouth, his hand takes the other one. The mixture of heat and pain from his bites and sucking has me pleading. I grind my hips against his hardness, begging for more. His hand slinks around my body, unclasping my bra.

  His laugh catches me off guard. “Fuck, you have me off my game.” He eyes my bra and then my tied hands and I figure out his conundrum. “Don’t move,” he commands, walking to the desk. It’s so dark, I can’t see what he picks up. It’s not until my bra is free that I figure out that he just cut my bra off me. I stare at the destroyed bra on the ground, wide-eyed, while he reaches to put his knife back on the table.

  “You could’ve—”

  His finger on my lips stops me. “Don’t talk. The only thing I want to hear out of your mouth is harder, and my name. Got it?” I pull my lips in and nod, willing to do anything for him right now. “You still want this?” He runs his fingers up my bare thigh, over the fabric of my pajama shorts, straight to my center, pushing his fingers against my swollen clit. I nod again, closing my eyes as heat streaks up my body. “Good.”

  He spins us around and walks me backward until the back of my legs hit the bed. He kneels down and drags down my shorts and panties at the same time. I step out of them and he throws them aside. His breath is hot against my stomach and my body shivers. He hums and runs his tongue over my sensitive clit, making me jerk. “I like this,” he says, kissing my bare pubic area. I glide my tied hands through his thick golden hair and he looks up at me, shaking his head. I put my hands back, afraid I did something wrong. He stands, all six feet of him tower over my five-two body.

  “Turn around,” he orders. “Lay on the bed, ass up in the air and hold on to the headboard.” I do as I’m told. The cool air hits my wet center as I wait. When the bed dips down, I glance back, and he situates his large naked body behind me. He rubs his hand across my ass, his thumb grazing over my entrance.

  SLAP! I yelp from the pain of him slapping my ass. “That’s for making me dunk you in the freezing water.” I open my mouth to argue but snap it shut when he pushes two fingers inside me. The mixture of pain and pleasure has me so confused. While he fingers me, his other hand rubs my ass. He pulls them out and slaps me again on the other cheek. “That’s for making me watch you shiver all fucking night long.” He shoves his fingers in again, bringing me close to the edge, expertly working them in and out. I’m stunned that he’s making me want another slap.

  I stick my ass out farther in the air, pushing against his fingers, craving more. More of everything. What the hell is wrong with me? My body trembles, the heat tickling down my core. I whimper when he removes his fingers. But anticipation for another slap builds. My willing submission surprises the hell out of me. It’s almost a relief when he slaps me again. The sting not as bad as the first time, but still there.

  “That’s for making me want what isn’t mine.”

  This time, he buries his face into my vagina, licking and sucking like a madman. His tongue runs over my ass and down my entire center. My face burns with embarrassment. No guy has ever touched me there, let alone licked me. Thank god he can’t see me. I moan when his mouth attaches to my clit and pulls me over the edge until I’m screaming out the most intense orgasm I’ve ever had.

  “You’re fucking perfect,” he says, wiping his mouth off with the comforter. I see him from the corner of my eye, lean over to the nightstand and grab a condom. He lays his heavy cock against my ass and even though I can’t see it, I feel it. It’s very large.

  “Fuuuck.” A low growl erupts when he slides into me. “Your tight pussy takes all of me.” Yeah, I’m surprised too. Fingers weave through my hair, and he yanks my head up. He drags his lips down my neck with light kisses, the only delicate thing he’s done all night. When he bites my shoulder, I buck back into him, moaning from the pain and the delicious fullness. “The school teacher has a wicked side,” he growls. He thrusts hard again. My whimpers turn into unintelligible sounds as he plunges wildly. Loud sounds. I’m screaming his name, not holding anything back as pleasure explodes through my body once again.

  He roars through his release, collapsing next to me after he pulls out. Our bodies are slick with sweat and I’ve never been so thoroughly screwed. My knees give out and I fall to the cool sheets. He unties my hands, but I can’t muster up the energy to move them at the moment. When he hops out of bed, I roll over so the cool air can cover my front.

  After cleaning up, he falls back on the bed next to me. I turn into his side, laying my head on his chest, still trying to catch my breath. As I lie there, naked, listening to the drumming of his heart, I know I have to leave. Except, I want to stay. But like Max said, this has nothing to do with what I want. He has made no move to show me he wants me to stay. He’s not even touching me right now. If he asks me to leave, I’ll be humiliated. I might not be new to the sex scene, but I’ve never been with a man like Max. This is why I need to go. I roll off him and search the floor for my clothes.

  Ask me to stay, I silently plead.

  The silence stings but confirms my thoughts. I pull up my panties and shorts. I sense his gaze on me and I want to yell at him. For what, I’m not sure. I’m the one who stormed his room. I’m the one who said okay. I inwardly laugh when I attempt to put my bra on. That was my favorite bra, dammit. After I have my shirt on, I dare a peek back at him. Eyes trained on me, hand behind his head in a relaxed position and the sheet just past the well defined V, I swallow back the desire coming full tilt. He’s gorgeous. And dangerous. Our eyes lock for a beat.

  Ask me to stay.

  The request doesn’t come. So, I stand taller, walk over and kiss him until we’re both breathless. It’s the only time he’s given me control. That’s when it’s time to go. I whirl around and walk to the door. “Thanks,” I whisper over my shoulder.

  He chuckles once. “Any time, Tink.”

  Once I’m past the door, my body deflates. I’m thankful he didn’t ask me to stay. I need space to figure out what the hell just happened.

  And why I liked it.

  The sound of a door shutting jolts me back to the present. My breaths are labored, my body overheating. Jesus, my libido hasn’t stirred to life since Damon left me. I tap my head against the door, demanding it stops thinking of Max like this. I remember that the next morning, Max acted like nothing happened, so I followed his lead. I had always hoped he’d call me, but my phone never rang. I wasn’t what he wanted.

  Rolling my head to the side, I listen for anything on the other side of the door. Silence. I pull my emotional wreck of a body off the cold tile floor. I’m tempted to lie on it to cool off.

  I’m met with intense eyes as soon as I walk through the door. Max sits on the couch, leaning forward with his elbows on his knees.

  “I was hoping you had left.”

  “After what you just said?” he asks, standing up. “We need to clear that shit up. Right now. Do you even know what that means?”

  “Yes,” I huff. Well, sort of. “Sorry. I should’ve never said it.”

  “Is that what you think? That I have pets?”

  I nervously wave my hand around. “Look, Max, I’m not judging
your sexual preferences. It is what—”

  His booming laugh interrupts me. “I’m not denying that I like to have full control in the bedroom.” I swallow, the heat that hasn’t had time to completely cool sizzles again. He takes a couple steps toward me and my heart beats quicker. “But I would never expect a woman to hand over control of her life to me. That isn’t my thing.”

  Am I your thing?

  My eyes widen, surprising myself by my thoughts. No. No. No. I’m not his thing. He made that clear. I hurry past him and stuff my makeup into my bag. “I need to get out of here. Thanks Max, for coming to my rescue. Again.” I squeeze my eyes shut for a second. How do we keep getting here? I’m like a damsel in distress for Max to save.

  I rush out of the dressing room, thankful the sound of heavy steps isn’t following me. The only thing I hear him say is, “Anytime, Tink.”

  Chapter Four

  Sydney

  “I need to go home.”

  “Now?” Graham whines, slamming his hands on his desk, standing up. “Sky, you get a break and you want to leave now?” He clears his throat as he reaches his upper register. He’s freaking out.

  “Not forever. Only a week,” I reassure him.

  He plops down into his black leather chair and eyeballs me with defeat. I’m not the only one that got a break. I’m his golden ticket, waving it as I walk out.

  I couldn’t sleep last night. Addison, unaware of my location, has me knotted up with guilt. Here, I was assuming she didn’t have time for me, but the truth was I didn’t make time for her. With too many unresolved emotions, I have to work through them if the music industry wants all of me. The real me.

  “Are you going back to Addison?” he asks quietly. He might not have ever asked questions, but he knows our past and how close we were. Were. Tears gather in the corner of my eyes admitting to myself that we’re not close anymore. For god’s sake, she has a child that I’ve never seen before.

  I glance behind him, at the lush scenery out his window. “I am.” He sighs loudly and I jerk my head his direction. “Graham, I want a singing career. I’m coming back.”

  “Promise?”

  “Yes.” My lips quirk up to a smile.

  “You bringing that brooding sexy beast back with you?” His eyes light up and I laugh out loud.

  “Probably not.” He sticks out his bottom lip, pouting. “You know he doesn’t hit for your team, right?”

  “Oh girl, they all hit for my team, they just don’t know it yet.”

  I smack my head, shaking it. “Max runs a security firm in Connecticut, he’s only here for Addison.”

  “Are you sure about that?”

  A bitter laugh slips out. “Max saves people for a living. He’s doing his job. Nothing more.” If it was anything else, he would’ve been here long ago, since he’s known where I’ve been from the beginning.

  “That’s about as believable as him hitting for my team.”

  My stomach drops as we catapult into the air. The wheels folding up into the plane vibrate at my feet. I don’t mind flying, but I hate taking off and landing.

  “You all right over there?”

  When we level out, I blow out a breath and open my eyes. “I’m good. Just not my favorite part.” Max studies me. I wish he’d stop staring at me, not saying anything. “What, Max?”

  He shrugs. “Nothing.”

  I huff and glare at him. “That’s what a woman says when it’s something.”

  “Well, since I’m sure I’m a man…” He puts up a finger with a sarcastic grin, pulls his shorts out and looks down his pants. He did not just do that. “Yep, I’m a man, so it doesn’t apply to me.”

  The jab I’m surprised you could see it is at the tip of my tongue. But I know better. One, it’s not small. Two, he’ll whip it out and prove it if I say it. He flashes a knowing smile and winks. Heat creeps up my face so I hop out of my seat and head for the bathroom. Narcissistic ass.

  Thankfully he’s on his laptop and working when I return. Digging through my bag, I pull out the most recent LA Now magazine, plop down in my seat and flip through the pages. The magazine comes out weekly with happenings around town. Graham demands I read it to keep up to date with the music industry. I stop flipping when I notice an article about my yoga studio. If you’re looking to be in the spotlight, it’s the place to be. Paparazzi camps outside, waiting for their chance to attack. I’m not famous so they never bother me. I never thought in a million years I’d be doing a downward dog next to Jennifer Garner though. It’s almost impossible to act normal around celebrities. Graham reminds me they eat, sleep, and shit just like I do. I bet their shit is rainbow colored though.

  I glance up and Max is still working. His black T-shirt stretches taut against his chest and arms. He tents his fingers against his lips, deep in thought over whatever is on the screen. Tats spread over his entire right arm down to his wrist. The artwork is beautiful. I wonder about the meaning behind each piece.

  Max clears his throat and my eyes meet his. His eyebrow quirks up. “I was admiring your tats.” He relaxes back against the seat and pops his foot on his knee. “Do they all have meaning?”

  “Most of them.”

  I wait to hear if he’ll share what they mean to him, but typical Max doesn’t share. “I want one.” His mouth twitches into a half smile and he nods. “Not a big one though.” I point to my wrist. “A small one here.”

  “I know a great artist in New York City or I can find one in LA.”

  This is my week. I’m feeding my broken soul, mending it. Everything about it scares me, but I’m ready to confront all those fears. “I want to get it done this week,” I murmur. “Does she hate me for leaving?” The words fall out of my mouth.

  “You already know the answer to that.”

  “I’m scared to face her.”

  He nods. “She is a little scary.” I giggle at his attempt to lighten my mood. “Sydney, you’re going home. There’s a lot you and Addison need to talk about. Don’t be afraid.”

  “Thanks, Max.”

  His eyes soften. “Relax and let it go.” His voice is lighthearted, and he raises his brows. He didn’t ask me a question, so I’m not sure what he’s waiting for. My eyes flutter around the plane for a beat. His head shakes and he exhales sharply. I feel like a kid who just gave her parents a bad report card. I’ve disappointed him. “Tink, your wings are twisted tight,” he mutters.

  I narrow my eyes in confusion. “What?”

  He stands up and walks over to me. “Something you need to figure out,” he says before disappearing behind my seat. I turn my attention to the vast blue sky out the small window.

  “Twisted wings,” I snicker to myself, thinking of the fall I took. The way my life has been this year, clipped wings are more appropriate. Not sure I’ll ever be the person I used to be.

  Folding my shaking hands into my lap, I only transfer the nervousness to my jittery foot. A large warm hand covers both of mine. Max rubs his thumb over them and the quiet gesture calms me. Bright lights and the sound of car horns welcome me home. I’ve missed the bustle of New York City. I lean my head against Max’s muscular arm.

  “Thank you for being my rock.”

  “I didn’t think I was that hard,” he jokes. “But you know I’ll always be here for you.”

  Max is one of the most confusing guys I know. Ever since we slept together, he’s hot and cold, usually on the cold side. But his words are sincere, tender and ones that would come from a supportive lover. He’s been there for me through some tough times. Our one-night stand was nothing but a by-product from an emotionally charged night.

  The end.

  We’re just friends. I won’t embarrass myself, again. I am not his type.

  I pull in a deep breath and exhale when we park in front of Addison’s building. “Is she expecting me?”

  “No.”

  “What?” I jerk up, my eyes widen as I panic. “What if she’s not home?”

  “She is. Aide
n knows, so he made sure Addison would be here. I didn’t want to mention it to her and then you back out.” I nod in agreement. That was a good plan. I’m not up there yet.

  A few minutes thereafter, with a couple nudges along the way, we’re standing in front of the penthouse. My nerves are firing off sparks inside of me, shocking my heart. Max stands silently next to me while I stare at the door.

  “You should knock,” he finally says.

  I should have done a lot of things.

  I squeeze my eyes shut, inhale and knock. We hear noises on the other side. My body’s flight or fight response kicks in and I take a step back. Max’s hand stops me.

  “Uh-uh. Too late.” I glare up at him and he smirks. He’s enjoying this too much.

  The door squeaks open and our eyes meet. Hers widen to the size of saucers and she jumps forward, wrapping her arms around me into a hug. “Sydney!” She pulls back and looks at me again. “Oh, my god! You’re here.” She looks over at Max and mouths, “Thank you.”

  She looks back and I sheepishly say, “Hey.”

  “Come in.” She opens the door wider and Max and I walk past her into the spacious penthouse. The last time I was here, it had boxes piled everywhere. Aiden walks up to me and gives me a warm hug.

  “Good to see you,” he murmurs into my hair.

  Memories of why I left bubble up inside me, bringing me to tears. I should’ve stayed and dealt with everything instead of running away.

  “You look good,” Addie says, her eyes roaming over my entire body. “Different though. I’ve never seen your hair so long.”

  I smile and pull on my hair. “It’s not real. They want me to resemble a Barbie.”

  “They?” she asks.

  “Oh. Sorry…” I hesitate, reminding myself that she has no idea what I’ve been doing the last year. “My manager. When I’m on stage, he thinks I should look like what every girl wants to look like.” I roll my eyes at how absurd that sounds. What happened to being original?