First Taste (The Lust List: Devon Stone #1) (15 page)

“What is it?” She’s looking at me, waiting for my reaction to everything that just happened.

“You shouldn’t have done that.”

“What? She was trying to tear you down. I wasn’t going to stand here and watch it.”

“I have to take care of myself. Instead, everyone’s always saving me…” I scan the room and find Devon. He’s near the stage with his brother, a few others, and Kennedy. Ugh. “What’s so wrong with me that I can’t handle my own life?”

“Nothing’s wrong with you. You just…sometimes need some support. And those of us who care about you will continue to be there—no matter what—until you find your own strength.”

The clinking of crystal interrupts us as the three Stone men take to the stage.

“Good evening, friends.” Calvin has a microphone in one hand and his girlfriend in the other. She looks like she’s barely legal, and I’m pretty sure she’s only with him because he signed her to Stone Records and made her a worldwide hit.

As Calvin speaks, Serena and her plastered smile gaze up at him lovingly. Awkward doesn’t begin to describe it. But this is the Hollywood big leagues. Who am I to judge?

He’s talking about the history of the label and how it’s time to pass down the torch to the next Stone to take the thrown. I notice Devon and his brother standing off to the side. Kaidan is relaxed, his hands folded in front of him. Devon, on the other hand, has put distance between he and his brother and is barely paying attention to what his father says. Instead, he stares into a half empty glass of something, tilting it slowly as though watching the ice move is more interesting to him.

Calvin Stone continues to talk about the “love of his life”, Serena Lynn, and how his retirement means the start of their happily ever after. I couldn’t make this up if I tried. It’s almost gag-worthy, but there’s some real puppy love-like bliss emanating from their little stage.

He keeps talking for some time, but I’m distracted by Devon. He seems nervous, focused on his hands as he fumbles with his drink. Party guests are constantly blocking my view, but each time I catch a glimpse of him, he seems more and more distraught. I haven’t seen this in him before. So far, he’s either been carefree or pissed off, but he’s remained undeniably sure of himself. I want to comfort him. I want to be closer. To know what’s wrong. To help him. But it’s just as well. What would I be able to do? Especially with Kennedy waiting off to the side.

Applause erupts all around as Calvin announces Kaidan Stone as the next President of Stone Records and moves to the side to let his son take the stage. Kaidan is definitely Devon’s brother. They have the same dark hair and mischievous eyes. The same brooding pout. The
favorite
son. He stands tall and proud, the image of a businessman—an incredibly attractive businessman. He takes the microphone from his father and delivers a speech that honors his dad’s legacy and hard work while showing gratitude for being chosen to take his place—as though it were a surprise. Devon had known all along, so I’m sure Kaidan had as well. Nonetheless, he puts on a great face, and everyone is excited that he’s inheriting an empire of which I can hardly imagine.

“So once again, thank you,” he says. “It’s an honor I’ll never take for granted. And now I know my wonderful brother, Devon, who has always had my back—my greatest supporter, would like to say a few words.”

My heart jumps, and my attention is focused on that stage. Devon steps up, and I feel nervous
for
him.

“Yeah. I don’t have much to say,” he says, taking a sip of his drink before he continues. “We all knew it was coming, so I offer my congratulations to my brother. You earned it.” He pats him on the shoulder. “All those years of being a loyal lapdog to our father. They’ve finally paid off in your favor. I admire you for never following your own dreams or having your own opinions—instead doing whatever our old man wanted you to. That’s over two decades of kissing ass, in case anyone was counting. I’m sure having everything handed to you on a platter will be everything you hoped it would be and more. And congratulations to my father and the lovely Serena.” He turns away from his audience and toward his family. “I’m sure I’ll be calling you mom someday.” He turns back to his audience, most people drunk enough they’re laughing, unfazed by the resentment dripping from Devon’s every word. But Serena looks stunned and confused. Calvin is clenching his jaw and glaring at his son. And Kaidan shakes his head and sighs. Devon finishes the last of his drink and places the mic back on its stand. “There you have it. The perfect family right there. Cheers.”

His steps waver as he walks off the stage and through the crowd, toward the bar. Toward me.

He stops in front of me and reaches out, gripping my arm with his hand. I’m not sure if it’s because he’s so drunk he needs support to stay upright or if this is one more plea for me to reciprocate his affection. My skin warms where his fingers touch, and he stares at me like his own survival depends on my eye contact. “Last chance, Olivia.”

He’s right here.
Do something.

Every part of me wants to give in. Let the universe take control. We could be Devon and Olivia. We could top the tabloids. Evade the paparazzi. Make everyday an adventure.

But I lower my gaze. I hesitate. And he lets go.

He rushes off and slams through the kitchen door, most likely escaping out the side of the house. A blur of movement catches my attention as Kennedy goes after him. She looks at me, giving me a sly smile, right before she disappears too.

I swing toward Maddie who shrugs her shoulders. “It’s your move,” she says.

“We couldn’t be more different. It could never work.”

“No. That’s exactly why it
might
work.”

She can’t possibly be right.

As if she has to dumb it down for me, I hear her say, “You want him. Go get him.”

I stop myself from thinking and let my legs do the work instead. I make my way into the kitchen, heading toward the side door. Devon’s out there somewhere. But so’s Kennedy.

“Miss Margot. Are you just now joining us?”

Mr. Keenly.

The rodent of a man walks over to me shaking his head in disapproval. “If I had to guess, I’d say you’ve been useless to Celia all this time as well.”

Not now, you asshole. I look out the windows trying to see anything outside, but it’s too dark.

“Am I keeping you from something more important?” Keenly asks in a condescending tone.

As a matter of fact, yes. You are. I feel trapped. I’m working. But I can’t let Devon go, and I definitely can’t let Kennedy go with him.

Keenly starts lecturing me about the values of hard work. About how important all these people are, and how I should have never been allowed to work among them. But my thoughts are even louder than his condescending voice. I’m in control. I don’t need everyone else to tell me what to do or when to do it. I need to live my life. Be spontaneous. Be impulsive. Don’t let people stomp all over me.

This night has been bullshit. Hell, this entire week.

Devon.

His awful friends.

Kennedy.

The paparazzi.

Those girls at the cafe.

And Greg Keenly—my asshole boss.

Only I can decide how the rest of this night goes.

“You know what? I don’t have to listen to this.”

Keenly’s hand flies to his chest like I’ve shot him. “Excuse me. Is that any way to speak to your superior?”

“You’ll never be my superior.” I move toward the door. I have to get out of here.

“I will not tolerate that sort of insubordination.”

I open the door.

“Miss Margot. You leave this room, and you are fired.”

“Fuck off, Keenly. I quit.”

I rush out of the house, exhilarated and wild. What the hell did I just do? I feel light, like a Keenly-sized weight has been lifted. Now where’s Devon?

He could’ve left already. I wouldn’t blame him. But rounding the corner of the house, walking toward the front, I see him pacing near the fountain.

Kennedy’s halfway to him, sauntering toward him as though she can seduce him with her strut.

I don’t think so, bitch.

“Devon,” I call, quickening my pace, trying to ignore the shooting pain in my feet. Damn these heels. I stop and kick off both shoes, stooping down to scoop them up with one hand.

Devon quits pacing and looks in my direction. Or is he looking at Kennedy? He starts walking, and Kennedy and I both freeze waiting to see what he’s doing—who he chooses.

My heart almost stops as he nears Kennedy. But then he walks past, and I don’t even hide my happiness. I walk the last few steps to meet him and throw my arms around him.

“I was afraid you’d left before I could—”

He kisses me, his mouth crashing into me, cutting off my words. I pull him into me wanting to disappear into his arms forever. When he breaks away, I look behind him and watch as Kennedy stomps back through the front door, slamming it behind her.

“Do you need to go back in and work?”

I shake my head. “I just quit my job.”

Devon smirks. “That’s my girl.”

“Your girl?”

“If I say it enough, will you give in and believe it too? I care too much to just walk away. I know I screwed up plenty of times this week. And I’ll screw up more in the future, I’m sure. I’m arrogant. I push boundaries. I get in trouble.”

“Are you trying to win me over right now?”

“I’m not done.” He runs his hands along my arms, and I swear I could melt right here. “I fight with people. I have an ugly past. I rarely learn from my mistakes the first time around. I don’t realize the things I love most until it’s too late. And I fall for girls I barely know who show up in my driveway nervous about a job interview.”

“Girls?”

“One girl. And I want her to give me a chance.”

I raise my eyebrows.

“
Another
chance. I might need a hundred more, but I think, deep down, this is what you want too—even if you’re afraid to admit it.”

“Now who’s the one making assumptions?”

I see a dark gray Benz come up the driveway and stop near us. Mark’s behind the wheel.

Devon could have left. He could have walked away from me, gone into any club, any bar, anywhere. He could have found any other girl to replace me in a second.

But he waited for me.

How many other times in life does another chance to do things right fall at your feet? I’d taken control inside with Keenly. I could do it again now.

But do I choose my head or my heart? Logic or a chance at love?

Like Maddie said, I want Devon. I should get Devon.

He brings his hand to my face and traces the contour of my jaw. His thumb grazes my lips. I want him. I should get him.

Turning to the car, he opens the door to the backseat. “Come with me.”

“Where?”

“It doesn’t matter. Anywhere you want. I just want to be with you.”

I want you. I should get you.

My things are inside—my purse, my wallet, my phone. My car’s in the driveway. My roommate will be looking for me.

Oh well.

I step past him and climb inside, my heart threatening to beat through my chest. Watching me through the open door, Devon seems almost surprised, as though he’d prepared to be rejected.

I try to keep a straight face, realizing, for the first time with him, I have the upper hand. “Well?” I say. “What are you waiting for?”

I couldn’t be more grateful for those who helped bring
First Taste
to life:

Nova Raines, who boldly agreed to co-create NoMi Press and
The Lust List
universe with me. I appreciate your creativity and talent, your trust in me, and your passion for seeking new challenges.

Nicole Bailey at Proof Before You Publish for polishing my work into a shiny diamond.

My husband, Josh, for putting up with my long hours, knowing there will be many more to come.

And to my family and friends, who’ve always been supportive, insisting I was awesome without ever needing proof.

Mira Bailee, a beer-brewing librarian, has been writing leisurely, scholarly, and professionally for the past twenty years.

While she’s always maintained a high standard of chaos in her daily routine,
The Lust List
allows her to pass on some of her hectic lifestyle to her characters. Her storytelling balances humor and pleasure with sincerity and conflict, providing a wild ride of human emotions.

In the past she studied filmmaking and screenwriting and determines what goes on behind the scenes is just as tantalizing as what’s seen in front of the camera. This revelation is the basis for her inspiration for
The Lust List
.