Ruthless Rockstar Read online

  Just yesterday, in fact, when we’d been at the hospital and a couple of nurses had asked for me to take a selfie with them, I’d caught a sour expression on Liv’s face. I didn’t expect her to love all the attention I got—most of the time it was inconvenient and occasionally downright annoying, but there wasn’t a damn thing I could do about it.

  This was my life.

  People gravitated to celebrities. And yeah, sure, some women flirted with me, but I never flirted back and was always careful not to lead them on. If Liv wanted to be in a relationship with me then she was going to have to trust me. And, by that token, I would have to trust her. If we could both do that, we had a real shot at a future together.

  “Hey beautiful,” I said, as she walked up to my truck. “You look great.”

  “Thank you.”

  Boy did she ever.

  A thrum of excitement rolled through my body as I drank her in. Her long brown hair fell in soft waves down her back. She was in dark blue jeans, brown ankle boots and a cream lace top topped off with a cream tailored jacket. Casual, but elegant. I looked down at my black leather jacket and white t-shirt and felt instantly scruffy. It was only late afternoon which meant people in town wouldn’t be dressed up to go out to restaurants or bars yet so at least I’d fit in. Still.

  “Should I have made more of an effort?” I asked.

  I leaned in to give her a kiss on the cheek then changed my mind at the last moment and planted a big kiss on her lips instead. When she let out a breathy little moan, I wondered if my brother would mind if I ditched on him. The intoxicating scent of her perfume hit me, making me want to lean in even closer to breathe in even more of her beautiful fragrance.

  A teasing laughter lit up her eyes when we separated. “Absolutely. You should always make more of an effort for me.”

  I barked out a laugh then scrubbed a hand over the back of my neck. “Uh, I’ll have to remember that.”

  She shook her head. “No, actually I’m only dressed like this because I just came from a meeting at the gallery with some artists I hope to show there. I literally just got back before you arrived, so I didn’t have the time to change.”

  “Oh, so it won’t be all your own work you show?”

  “It will be at first,” she confirmed. “But my plan is to showcase some local talent as well as have a place to display my own work.”

  I nodded. “It’s a good idea to diversify and I love that you’re providing a platform for up and coming talent.”

  She blushed. “Thank you—that’s what I think.”

  “Are you ready to go and meet my brother?”

  Her eyes widened. “Oh! I thought we were having coffee alone.”

  “No, did I forget to say? Hell, sorry.” I shot her a sheepish look. “You don’t mind, do you?”

  She shook her head. “No, of course not. I’m glad I had that meeting this afternoon now though so that I’m dressed well enough to make a good first impression.”

  I laughed as I opened the door to my truck and helped her get in.

  “Trust me, my brother is the last person to care about what a person is wearing and his girlfriend, Daisy, even less so.”

  “Okay, well then, let’s do this.”

  Fifteen minutes later, when I pushed open the door to the coffee shop then stood aside to let Olivia enter first, I scanned the small space and spotted my brother and Daisy seated at a table near the window. I caught his gaze then nodded to the counter before heading there to get our drinks.

  Liv ordered a latte and I went for a strong black coffee with an extra shot of espresso. After I’d paid, I led the way to my brother’s table. He stood as we approached.

  “Hey guys,” I greeted. “I hope you don’t mind if my date joins us.”

  “Of course not,” Tyler said, reaching out his hand for Liv to shake.

  “Liv, this is my brother, Tyler, and his girlfriend Daisy,” I introduced. “Guys, this is Olivia, Liv for short.”

  Daisy stood up then all three of them shook hands. “Pleased to meet you both,” Liv said.

  “So,” Tyler said, after we’d all taken our seats. “How did you two meet?”

  I recounted the story of Jen being pushed to the ground after the concert the other day and how I gave them a ride home afterward. Tyler winced, but Daisy sucked in sharp breath, her eyes wide with alarm.

  “And this happened right after we left?” Tyler asked.

  I nodded. “Within minutes.”

  “Oh my gosh,” Daisy said, turning to Liv. “Is she okay?”

  Liv nodded. “Perfectly. Actually, she had her baby yesterday. A boy. They’re both doing great.”

  Daisy sighed. “Oh, thank God. That must have been so scary.”

  “Like you wouldn’t believe,” Liv said around a shudder.

  Tyler and Daisy shared a look I couldn’t interpret then Tyler reached out and put his hand over hers as if providing her with support. He gave a small, almost imperceptible nod.

  “What’s wrong?” I asked, glancing back and forth between them.

  “Actually, there’s something we’ve been meaning to talk to you about,” Tyler said. “We wanted to tell you at the parade the other day, but you barely had a moment to yourself so we figured it could wait until today.”

  “Okay.” When I took in Daisy’s nervous expression, my gut clenched. “Jesus, you guys. You’re freaking me out. What’s wrong?”

  “We’re having a baby,” my brother said, his words leaving him in a rush. “Daisy is pregnant.”

  I blinked across at him, trying to take in what he’d just said. It took a moment for the words to register. “A baby?”

  Tyler nodded.

  When I glanced at Daisy, she pulled her bottom lip between her teeth.

  “I’m going to be an uncle?” I asked.

  “In about eight months’ time,” she confirmed.

  “Wow, congratulations!” Liv said. “That’s amazing!”

  A lump rose in the back of my throat. I wasn’t sure why I was so choked up, probably because I knew how much this meant to my brother. He’d always wanted children, but he’d spent so many years alone after his wife died, I never thought it would happen for him.

  “Aww, shit, come here,” I said as I got to my feet. I reached for my brother then pulled him against my chest and hugged him tightly. “Congratulations. I’m happy for you.”

  Tyler leaned back and met my gaze and the joy that shone in his eyes made my heart feel lighter. When I looked down to see Daisy grinning up at us, I let go of my brother.

  “You too,” I said, reaching for her.

  When she got to her feet, I enveloped her in my arms, hugging her tightly.

  “You don’t know how happy you’ve made my brother,” I said against her ear.

  “He’s made me happy too.”

  That I believed, considering the difficult upbringing she’d had at the hands of a very violent father and brother. It seemed as if they’d come along for each other at exactly the right time. I looked across at Liv and grinned, hardly able to contain my excitement and when she smiled back at me, I got a weird pang in my gut.

  After the initial shock of the news had worn off, we made a little small talk. Liv and I told them about her gallery opening that weekend. We all got invites to the night—nothing could have kept me away, and Tyler and Daisy graciously accepted too.

  We told them about our mad dash to the hospital then I mentioned who Jen’s husband was. Tyler shook his head and mumbled something about how small the world was. He told us about a few things he had going on at the ranch. It turned out Tyler knew Olivia’s parents, which wasn’t too surprising considering they were in the same industry and not too distant neighbors.

  We passed a pleasant hour together, and all agreed to catch up again at the gallery opening. When Liv headed for the door, Tyler grabbed my arm then pulled me back. “I like her,” he said. “She’s good for you. I reckon she’d see to it that you stay grounded.”

&nbs
p; I huffed out a laugh. “Are you trying to suggest I’m getting big headed?”

  “Wouldn’t dream of it,” he said with a grin.

  Outside the coffee shop, after I’d waved goodbye to my brother and Daisy, it felt like the most natural thing in the world to reach for Liv’s hand as we crossed the street and headed for my truck.

  “Wow, I can’t believe I’m going to be an uncle,” I said as we walked along the sidewalk at a leisurely pace.

  Liv grinned. “Something tells me that baby is going to be spoilt.”

  I couldn’t suppress my grin. “I wouldn’t dream of such a thing.”

  She snorted. “Yeah, right.”

  The smile stayed on my face for the entire journey back to Liv’s house. I parked out front then cut the engine.

  “Man, I’m buzzed about that news. I feel like celebrating. Can I talk you into coming out for a drink with me?”

  When Liv hesitated, pulling her bottom lip between her teeth, my gut clenched. Was this the moment she was finally going to say no to me?

  “Actually, I’ve got a bottle of champagne in the refrigerator I got given as a gift when I bought the gallery. I’ve been looking for an excuse to open it. Do you want to come in and share it with me?”

  I didn’t let it show on my face, but I breathed a huge sigh of relief. That was most definitely not a no. Far from it, in fact.

  I pulled the keys out of the ignition. “Yeah, I would. That sounds great.”

  Chapter Nine

  Olivia

  Colton followed me into the house, and we paused in the hallway to hang up our jackets before heading into the living room.

  “Take a seat.” I nodded to the couch then went to grab the bottle of champagne and a couple of glasses.

  My hands shook as I walked into the kitchen. I couldn’t believe I’d invited him in. I could have gone out with him for drinks instead, but I enjoyed spending time alone with him, and I figured this would be a better opportunity to get to know each other better.

  Still, I felt weirdly nervous.

  I’d been around Colton enough times to be comfortable with him now, but we hadn’t spent a huge amount of time alone, and though I’d never have admitted it, this was kind of a big deal for me. I hadn’t been ready to meet someone new, but I could no longer deny the connection I felt to Colton—I got honest to goodness butterflies every time he showed up at my door. Perhaps that should have been a warning to run in the opposite direction, but I was tired of fighting the way I felt. At some point during the day, I’d decided to just go for it, consequences be damned. But now that I’d made that decision, the nerves were kicking in big time.

  I retrieved a couple of champagne flutes that hadn’t been used in forever then got to work on opening the bottle. Only I couldn’t pop the cork. I groaned as I poked my head around the wall from the kitchen area.

  “Um, can you help, please? I can’t get it open,” I admitted sheepishly.

  I hated feeling like a helpless woman, but I’d have been there struggling with the darn thing all night if I hadn’t asked him for help. Fortunately, Colton didn’t laugh or make me feel embarrassed for my weakness. He just nodded then got to his feet.

  “Of course.”

  He followed me into the kitchen, walking with a nonchalant grace—a man totally at ease, both in his own skin and in his surroundings. His smile came easily, and as he reached to take the bottle from me, he leaned in and brushed his lips over mine. It was a delicate, barely-there kiss, but it was enough to send my pulse spiking.

  Colton’s rich brown eyes met mine and he raised an eyebrow. His mouth quirked up into a grin, as if he was well aware of the effect he had on me, and liked it. When his grin stretched even wider, I realized I’d been staring at his lips for a moment too long, and tore my gaze away, heat rising in my cheeks.

  I cleared my throat as I turned to the counter top where I’d placed the glasses, taking a moment to calm down.

  “Liv,” he said, his voice a low, seductive purr.

  “Hmm?” I replied, keeping my back to him.

  He chuckled and the sound was far too close for comfort as if he was standing right behind me.

  “Are you gonna look at me?”

  “Um, of course,” I said, but I made no move to turn around.

  When he laughed again, I felt his warm breath against my neck.

  “You’re going to have to turn around to look at me.”

  I nodded but stayed where I was.

  It was only when his arms landed on the counter on either side of me that I realized he’d put the champagne bottle down. The second thing I realized was that he had me caged in against the counter, his body pressed up against my back.

  My breathing sped.

  “Turn around,” he commanded.

  I was powerless to resist.

  I turned in his arms and the second our gazes met, our lips crashed together as if by their own volition. He pulled me up against him and kissed me harder, his lips firm and insistent. His hands moved down to my ass and squeezed, just as his tongue pressed into my mouth. I clawed at him, wanting to be closer, needing more.

  I gasped when he tore his mouth from mine and kissed his way down my throat.

  “Um…”

  “Don’t fight it,” he said against my neck.

  I shook my head. “I’m not. I was going to ask you if you wanted to take this to the bedroom.”

  He stopped what he was doing then lifted his gaze to meet mine. “Damn. I was hoping you’d ask me that.”

  I pushed away from the counter and walked to the door, amazed my legs were steady enough to support my weight. Finding courage from somewhere within, I looked back at him over my shoulder.

  “Bring the champagne,” I said using my sexiest voice.

  His grin came back with a vengeance. “I like the way you think.”

  He followed me into the bedroom then placed the bottle and glasses on the nightstand. When he turned to me, the feral hunger in his eyes as he drank me in was almost my undoing. He reached for me, and I went to him easily, my hands wrapping around his back as our mouths met in a kiss so hot and so fierce, it should have been illegal.

  A rush of desire surged through me and my pussy clenched in anticipation of what was about to happen between us. It occurred to me that I should have been more nervous, but I was perfectly at ease in his arms. Everything about the situation, and Colton himself, felt right.

  Our mouths separated, but only long enough for Colton to pull my lace top out of my jeans and then up and over my head. He tossed it on a nearby chair before putting his hands on my waist. I wanted him to kiss me again, but he held back, drinking me in.

  “You’re so beautiful,” he praised, his voice a low sexy rasp.

  He certainly made me feel that way.

  When he skimmed his hands up my sides, his thumbs grazed over my nipples and I gasped, the sensation sending shockwaves of desire throughout my body. My nipples hardened into stiff little nubs, poking through the satin of my bra. Colton leaned down and put his mouth over the material, teasing the firm bud with his tongue before sucking it into his mouth.

  “Oh!” My head fell back, and my body bucked as if zapped with a charge of electricity that went straight to my core.

  Colton moved the material out of the way then covered my breast with his hot, wet mouth, feasting on me, his tongue flicking and tasting until I thought I’d explode from the pressure building inside me. The feeling of his tongue pressing against my over-sensitive nipple made me practically come apart in his arms.

  I was so lost in the moment, I didn’t realize we were moving backwards until the back of my calves hit the bed. Using his entire body, Colton pressed me back further until my ass landed on the bed then he came down on top of me, grinding his erection against me.

  “Jesus, I want you so bad,” he said against my lips before taking ownership of them once again.

  The feeling was entirely mutual. I would have told him that, but other tha
n the fact that my mouth was currently occupied, I seemed to have lost the ability of speech. It was as if the rational part of my brain had short-circuited, and I couldn’t think straight anymore. All I could do was feel, and want, and ache. And boy did I ache.

  I gripped the comforter on the bed as if it was a lifeline, then wrapped my legs around his hips, and as he pressed against me, harder and harder, my pussy clenched—if Colton were to reach down, I had no doubt he would find me drenched.

  I was ready for him, in more ways than one.

  Somehow between kisses that managed to be sweet yet incredibly hot at the same time, we divested one another of our clothes. When Colton came to lie on top of me then, the heat and weight of his body was exactly what I needed. I sucked in breath, my hips rising and my back arching. The need that thrummed through me grew in intensity until I couldn’t take anymore.

  “Please,” I gasped out, not even a little bit embarrassed to be caught begging.

  Colton’s mouth moved to my jaw and neck, his teeth scraping against the sensitive skin.

  “What do you want?” he asked against my ear as he slid his hand between our bodies right to where I needed it most.

  His fingers found my clit and rubbed against it, slowly at first then harder and more insistent, the relentless movement almost too much to bear. I fisted the hair on the top of his head as he continued to work my clit with an expert touch.

  “You want this?”

  “Yes,” I whispered.

  When his mouth found mine, the rough scratch of his beard, heated my skin.

  “How about this?” he asked just as he slid his middle finger deep inside me.

  “Oh, God!”

  He moved his finger rhythmically in an out then added another and thrust them both inside. He fucked me like that for long moments as my hips bucked and my back arched, and I lifted my body in an effort to take his fingers deeper.

  “Colton, please,” I said again.

  No longer content with letting him set the pace, I reached between us and took hold of his cock. It was thick and long and felt heavy in my hand.