Black Falcon: Complete Series Collection (42 page)

The muscle in Noel’s jaw clenches. “You stay away from her. Or so help me God, Riff, I will end you.”

It takes everything in me not to laugh in his face. He may be sporting a look of pure malice, but that shit doesn’t intimidate me. He and I both know we’re pretty evenly matched. If he comes at me he better be ready for a fight.

Noel and I continue to stare each other down, neither of us ready to be the first one to back down. Lanie being here ups the stakes between us, and he knows that. He knows I can pull chicks and this girl already hates him, so snagging her away will make a fun game. He just added fuel to our never-ending feuding fire.

Lanie pulls on Noel’s arm and he tilts his head down and gazes at her. “Come on, Noel. I want to show you something.” She grabs his hand when he doesn’t immediately respond. She obviously doesn’t want us to come to blows and she’s doing her best to diffuse the situation.

Noel stares at me, like he’s daring me to let everything out—to tell Lanie his secret and ruin his chance getting her back.

Finally, after he sees I’m not going to say another word, Noel nods and follows Lanie down the hallway, leaving me alone in the front of the bus.

I lean back against the cabinet and sigh. Jesus can my life get anymore fucked up?

My cell buzzes in my pocket and fish it out to read the message.

Riff,

Hot, sweaty and naked? Really? That’s the best line you got? I expected more from one of the world’s biggest players? I guess I can cross ‘has suave game’ off the list of your qualities. I can’t believe women respond to that lameness.

You want to bed me? Impress me.

Aubrey

I laugh and shake my head. Kitten is really headstrong. What I wouldn’t give for her to be here right now so I can show her how well lines like that can work when whispered into a horny woman’s ear. I bet I would even forget my own name when I’m with her. She’s exactly the distraction I need.

I
close myself inside the car and direct the driver to take me to LaGuardia airport. The tiny shoebox apartment I share with Lanie seems so much bigger now that she’s away. Not in the good way either—more like the lonely-you’re-all-by-yourself way. It’s sort of depressing, so I’m glad to be out of it for a few days.

It’s only been a few days since Lanie left to tour with Noel, and sadly the only company I’ve really had was my co-workers and sporadic messages from Riff.

I pull out my phone and reread the last message he sent me.

Kitten,

On the road again. This bus ride would be a lot more fun with you here. Please name the date when we can hook up. I’ll fly you out to wherever I am. Say the word. The wait is driving me crazy.

R

I smile. I like the idea that it’s me that’s driving him crazy and he’s so desperate to have me he’ll come to me wherever I am. It’s odd how connected I feel to him through this little message exchange we’ve been having even though I really don’t know him at all. Even though I know he’s a bad boy heart breaker type, he makes me feel special—wanted. What girl wouldn’t love that?

My fingers itch to tap out my reply and let him know that my best friend has arranged for me to meet up with her and the rest of the band today. It’s only for a long weekend, and once I told Isaac where I was going he practically shoved me out the office door to leave as quickly as possible. Hopefully, Riff would be excited to know our agreed upon one-night-stand was going to take place sooner rather than later.

The flight passes by fairly quickly. I couldn’t sleep. My excitement level won’t let me, but I know I should. Something tells me tonight will be a rather long one with Riff.

I hail a cab and quickly shut myself inside and give him my destination. My pulse races under my skin as we make our way down the freeway. I can’t believe I’ll be meeting up with one of the world’s hottest rock bands soon and possibly sleeping with one of its members.

Crazy.

The parking lot behind American Airlines Center concert hall is filled with a group of crazed fans hoping to catch a glimpse of the men of Black Falcon.

The cabbie stops the car near the gate that's clearly marked 'authorized personnel only' and turns to me. "That'll be forty-seven fifty." I pass my money up through the slot and let the wave of excitement pass through me as I instruct him to keep the change. I can't believe I'm actually here and am about to follow through on a commitment of a one-night stand with Riff. I've never done something as bold as agreeing beforehand to purely have a sexual relationship with a man. This will definitely be something new for me, but I’m sure this won’t be a big deal at all for him.

I guess I’m nervous enough for both of us.

I set my suitcase down and stand at the edge of the crowd waiting for the tour bus to roll in. Several of the women walking about are practically wearing nothing but beach attire and stiletto heels. Like me, they’re basically here to have a romp with a rocker, but at least I have enough decency not to announce it to the rest of the world. I think I still look pretty cute in my low rise cut off shorts and a black tank top. It’s fairly close to what I was wearing the last time I caught Riff’s attention.

The gate opens and the brakes squeak as the bus pulls to a halt alongside the crowd. Cameras instantly flash while the onlookers hold up their ‘we love you’ signs and scream out the names of the guys in the band.

A scantily dressed blonde beside me turns to her friend and says, “I’ll take Riff tonight and you get Noel. I’m ready to sample some of that Mohawk hotness.”

I don’t know why, but her words instantly make my blood boil and the words ‘not if I get to him first’ flash in my brain.

Patience is not my strong point after I don’t see a sign of Lanie coming out to meet me. I pull my cell from my pocket and dial her number.

“I was just getting ready to call you,” she answers.

“Good thing because I’m already here,” I tell her as I strain my eyes to try to catch a glimpse of her through the tinted bus windows. “I think this is the bus you’re on.”

“I see you! I’m coming out,” she practically squeals in my ear.

The bus door flies open and Lanie bounds out of the door. I push past security and grab her up in a tight hug. “I’ve been waiting for freaking ever.” I release her and shove my hair over my shoulder. “It’s good to see you too. I’ve missed you.”

She grabs my hand. “Come on. I want you to meet the guys before they all take off on their two day reprieve.”

A giggle escapes me as I find it impossible to contain my excitement. I grab my luggage and she pulls me up the bus steps. Three of the band members, Trip, Tyke and Riff stare openly at me once we step inside. Curiosity burns in their eyes as they soak every inch of me in. I swallow hard and look away.

Shit. They all know I’m here to sleep with Riff. He must’ve spotted me and told them I was his designated sex for the night. I inhale deeply and allow my gaze to land on Riff. He’s just as unbelievably sexy as I remember. His tall, muscular frame leans casually against the counter beside him while he bites his plump bottom lip. There’s a sparkle of mischief in his green eyes as he grins at me.

My insides jitter as I get the distinct feeling he’s going to cause me to walk funny before the night’s through.

Lanie pulls me beside her. “Guys, this is my closest friend, Aubrey. Aubrey this is Black Falcon. This is Trip”—she points to him—“he’s the drummer. And this is his twin brother, Tyke—also the bass player. And last but not least—”

“Riff.” He steps forward and takes my hand into his like we’ve never met before.

His eyes glue to mine and I grin like an idiot and even let another nervous giggle slip. I need to get my shit together and play it cool. He’s going to think I’m a giggling bimbo if I don’t stop this. Riff’s gaze falls to my lips and heat rushes to my cheeks, surely flushing them red and exposing my embarrassment.

I bite my lip as he continues to shake my hand. I’m sure Lanie and the other guys have noticed our rather lengthy hello. I hope she doesn’t drill me about this later.

Trip slaps Riff on the back. “Later, man.”

Trip and Tyke head off the bus, but Riff doesn’t even flinch or tell them goodbye. It’s like he can’t tear himself away from me.

Lanie clears her throat, and I finally let go of Riff’s hand. “So, um, Aubrey, what do you want to do today?”

Reluctantly I pull my eyes away from Riff and say, “Doesn’t matter.”

“How about we all hang out,” Riff says, not giving Lanie any chance to suggest something for the two of us alone to do.

Heavy boots clomp onto the kitchen floor. Noel’s showered and looking downright sexy in tight jeans and black t-shirt. The material clings to his chest and shows off his body perfectly. Lanie’s the one biting her lip now. I give her a second to ogle him before I grin and elbow her for an introduction.

“What’s going on?” Noel asks as he grabs a bottle of water from the refrigerator.

“Noel this is my friend, Aubrey. The one I was telling you about.”

He gives me a nod and then points his attention to Riff, who hasn’t taken his eyes off me since I set foot on this bus. “You’re going out with these two?”

Riff blinks hard a couple times, like he’s breaking out of trance. “Yeah, I mean, if they’re cool with that.”

Before Lanie can object, I answer, “Absolutely.”

Riff grins at me again and then puts on his sunglasses while he heads for the bus door. “Awesome. Let’s get this show on the road.”

My heart does a double thump as I turn to immediately follow him, only to be halted when Lanie grabs my arm. “What the hell are you doing?”

I shrug and try to play it off like I just met Riff and we don’t already have plans to hump like rabbits. “He’s hot and seems into me. What’s the problem?”

She frowns at me. “Nothing, I guess. Just be cautious. I don’t want to see you get hurt.”

I lean in and kiss her cheek to assure her I’m not going down the same road with Riff as I have in the past. She knows most men have a track record of tearing my heart into pieces. “I’m a big girl, Lanie. I’m just here to have a good time, not get married. I know what I’m doing.”

She throws her arms around my neck and says into my ear, “Of course, have a good time.”

I grin at her—glad she understands and doesn’t judge me before I follow Riff out the door. As soon as he spots me, he pulls away from signing autographs. His Mohawk standing at full attention as a slow smile spreads across his face and he holds out his hand to me.

“Why didn’t you tell me you were coming?” he asks as he pulls me toward a black Escalade.

I shrug. “I wanted it to be a surprise.”

He opens the door for me and then yanks me flush against his chest. “Oh it’s a surprise all right, but it’s nothing compared to the one you’re going to get later.”

His lips hover above mine for a few seconds and all I can think about is the feel of his lips on mine again. As he leans in, I hear a female call his name, totally ruining the almost moment we shared.

I pull away and huff, causing Riff to chuckle at my annoyance of his adoring female fans. He helps me into the middle row of the SUV with a hand on my ass and follows behind me.

Once the door is closed and we’re alone inside, I open my mouth to ask him about the ticket, but I never get the chance. He practically attacks me before I even have a chance to settle into my seat. His lips and hands are everywhere. It’s like he’s a starving man and I’m a juicy steak he can’t wait to tear into. Both of his hands settle on my hips before he turns me to face him. My back rests awkwardly against the door, the armrest digging into my neck as he shoves his body against mine. The weight of him is forceful and I don’t have to guess what’s on his mind.

“I’ve never had to wait this long to have a woman,” he says against my lips. “You’ve already got me so fucking hard.”

I pull away and pant. “Just a little longer. I promise.”

I know letting him basically have his way with me in the backseat of a random car isn’t the best way to stand out amongst the bimbos he’s typically with, but it’s hard to resist him.

He cups my cheeks and stares into my eyes for a split second, like he’s drinking me in, before his lips crash into mine. His tongue enters my mouth and slides effortlessly over mine. Riff presses himself into my thigh, allowing me to feel how much he wants me. To know I have so much power over such a sexy beast of a man sends a thrill though me.

A heavy knock on the window causes us both to jump apart. I sigh heavily as I readjust my tank top to cover my stomach back up.

When the hell did he practically expose me?

Riff smirks at me before he winks. “To be continued.”

I sit up as he slides over next to me on the bench seat after he opens the door for Noel and Lanie to crawl into the back seat. He reaches over and scoops my hand into his, threading his fingers through mine before kissing the back of my hand.

Such a sweet gesture from him shocks me a bit. I guess I didn’t expect him to be sort-of caring. I figured our entire time together would be a lot like what we were doing in the SUV. No talking, just getting down to the hot and sexy nakedness he messaged me about.

I study his features. The smile on his face is one of pure contentment and it draws me into him even more. For a split second I wonder what he’s really like behind his bad boy persona. Is it possible that the entire world, including me have him pegged all wrong?

Just as the last thought floats through my brain he moves my hand to rest over his still erect penis.

I totally take back my last thought. Looks like he’s exactly the person he shows the entire world.

H
er delicate hand fits perfectly in mine. I can’t believe she’s actually here. She’s been the one thing that’s been occupying my mind the last couple weeks, and now the reason we’ve been talking has come to a head. I’ll miss the little friendship we’ve built up over the past few days. She’s been a great distraction and I hate to give her up. Once I give her what she came here for, there will be no reason for her to continue talking to me. She’ll figure out soon enough I’m an unlovable asshole who will only disappoint her and ruin her life somehow. Better to show her that right off the bat.