Stand (Black Addiction Book 3) (27 page)

When I’d moved to
Manhattan it had been for a fresh start, not because my old life had been bad, but because I thought I could make it better. Turns out I’d left out the most important part.

The world could fall apart around me, and as long as I had Max it would all be fine. Not because he was my hero and he would save me, but because he was beside me, holding my hand and making me stronger. And that was
better
than a hero.

“Beth.”

My name had never felt so important as did it when it came from his lips, his hands moving against my skin.

“Max.” My body arched against his, feeling the friction between us, and still not being close enough.

We’d moved from the living room to his bed. The journey took us a little longer than usual as we walked blindly to his room. We couldn’t stop touching each other, and if I wore a bruise or two from a rogue doorjamb then it would have been worth it; my lips constantly on him until my back hit the mattress.

He didn’t need me to tell him what I wanted, his hands got busy stripping each layer of clothing off my body as his mouth kept mine occupied. The pile of clothes on the floor a testimony to his multitasking while I lay naked underneath him.

“God, I love looking at you.” His fingers trailed along my bare skin, the tingle following close behind.

“I want to look at you too.” My eyes dipped down to his still-clothed body, the undressing part having been extremely one sided.

“That I can do.” He pulled off his shirt and tossed it to the floor. His talent for making things disappear again proved to be outstanding, refusing my help as he pulled off each item one by one.

It had been slower than when he’d had his hands on me, each inch of flesh he unwrapped making it harder for me to resist. He wouldn’t let me touch though, moving just beyond my reach as he continued his show.

Finally there was nothing between us; his body hovering over mine as he took his hard cock in his hand and stroked it slowly, my eyes mesmerized as my fingers reached out on their own accord. This time he didn’t fight me, my smaller hand slipping under his, then gliding up and down tighter under my touch.

“That feels good.” He grinned; his hands now free to do other things.

It didn’t take too long for them to find a new purpose, his mouth moving to my breasts as a finger plunged into me.

“Yes.” My hand gripped tighter, needing a minute to stop just to absorb the sensation.

He inserted another finger, moving them deep inside of me before sliding them out and slowly lifting them to his mouth. His lips closed around them as he sucked.

“You taste amazing.” He licked what was left off his fingertips before unpeeling my hand from the death grip I had on his cock. “As much as I enjoy you jerking me off, I want to go down on you more.”

Funnily enough, I agreed with this. His mouth covering my pussy as his tongue plunged into me, my hips bucking against his mouth.

It was maddening; the slow lick against my clit and then a slide inside, the rhythm unpredictable as he constantly changed tempo. My fingers pulled at my nipples, my body feeling like it was going to explode.

“I want to taste you too.” My body shifted on the bed, angling myself so his cock was in reach. His eyes widening as my tongue got close enough to lick the head.

“Fuck, Beth.” He shifted to his side, giving me better access while he could continue to keep his mouth on me. That access wasn’t wasted as I wrapped my lips around his dick and sucked hard.

Max mumbled against my core, the vibrations feeling amazing as he refused to stop. The encouragement reciprocated as I sucked him further into my mouth, my hands joining in.

It was like a switch had been flicked, his body jacking off the mattress, pulling himself from my mouth. My hand struggled to maintain a hold as his powerful body pushed against mine.

He was beautiful, the raw sexuality emanating from every pore as he stalked above me. Each muscle perfectly defined like it had been chiseled from stone.

“I didn’t want to stop,” I protested, my hand reaching for him and hitting the hard cords of his abs, my fingertips trailing along the ridges.

“We aren’t stopping.” His knees split my thighs apart as he settled in between them. The mattress compressed under his weight as his fingers trailed up my skin as he looked at me with hungry eyes. “But I’m going to be inside you first, then if you want me to come in your mouth, I’ll give you that too.”

He didn’t ask, his cock entering me in one swift movement, pushing so deep inside of me I gasped at the invasion.

“I need you, Beth.” He slowly slid out before plunging into me again; my core tightening around him overwhelmed by the sensation.

“God, that’s tight.” His mouth dropped to my neck sucking me. His fists punched into the mattress underneath, his strong arms flexing as they supported his weight. My body caged, completely filled by him as his hips bucked against mine, slow and steady.

“More.” I scrambled to get closer, wanting more of him as I felt my body ignite.

Slow and steady was abandoned as he leaned back onto his knees and grabbed my legs, thrusting hard as he gave me all I could take.

It didn’t take long, my fingers pulling against my nipples as with one last heave I came apart in a rush. My body pulsed against his as I writhed on the mattress, his finish coming soon after as he exploded into me.

Our breaths were out of control as he collapsed beside me, his arms rolling me to my side so we would stay connected. His fingers moved against my clit as another orgasm started to build.

“Max.” My eyes slammed shut as once again I splintered, this time without warning as the wave overtook me. My body completely boneless as it shuddered beside him, his hand refusing to stop.

“God, I love feeling you come.” His mouth moved slowly up the back of my neck, soft kisses in their wake. “Every time is no less fantastic than the last.”

“Well, it’s not like there is a shortage when you’re around.” I laughed, my body still tingling as his hand started to slow. “I thought you said you were going to come in my mouth?”

“Yeah, if that’s what you want, I’ll give you that later.” He pressed his lips against my throat. “There wasn’t a chance I wasn’t coming inside of you first.”

“I like the way you think.” My body shuffled closer against him, not wanting the moment to end. “I wish we could stay like this forever.”

I wasn’t sure if it had just been a thought or I’d said it out loud, knowing eventually we would have to face reality and everything that came with it. It was easy to get lost in the bubble.

“We can be like this forever.” He lifted his head, whispering in my ear. “You are my forever.”

***

It only took me a few days to get my shit together and hand in my notice. It was bittersweet. Even though the school year was almost over, I decided not to go back. I didn’t want to subject the kids to any more upheaval, the substitute teacher agreeing to see them out through the rest of the year. I sent them all a huge card and cookies for them to share, the goodies hopefully softening the blow. It wouldn’t be long before they’d be saying goodbye for summer break and all thoughts of me would fade. I’d never forget them; the time I spent with each little person staying with me long after the years ended.

Jules was sad but she understood, happy that the nightmare was finally over. I even got a written apology from the principal, with them apparently
sad to see me go.
Surely they couldn’t be surprised? Either way, I was done and felt better for it.

So, after applying for a bunch of teaching positions for the coming school year, I had a whole lot of time on my hands. Just days filled with not a lot of anything. But I was okay with it, happy even, because strangely it had worked out for the best. It also meant I got more time with Max.

He was still putting in ridiculous hours in the studio. Gone for hours and hours while they tried to finish the album. But no matter how tired or how long his day had been, he always made time for the two of us when he got back.

And whatever happened in the future, he had to be a part of it.

There was no going back.

It was only a matter of time before I told Jules I was moving out. It made sense; I was hardly ever in my own bed anymore. She’d seen it coming, her lack of surprise evident when I’d come home to pack up my things and she’d overtaken the use of my closet.

“Just so we’re clear, you guys aren’t going to leave the building, right?” She helped seal up one of my boxes. “Because if you decide you want to buy a house or some shit, I’m gonna put a hex on you both. You’re going to give me abandonment issues.”

“I promise you, we’re going to stay right here. Just a few floors up and you can visit anytime you want.” I slung my arm around her.

It was hard to leave our cozy little space. She’d been an amazing friend and one who had accepted me in all my incarnations and never asked for anything other than friendship. We’d always be close.

“Good. I want some weekends too.” She grabbed another empty box and started filling it. “Maybe like every third Friday as well.”

“Jules, you can’t negotiate me like a custody agreement.” I tossed a pillow at her head; her arm deflecting it before it could find its mark. “Anytime you want to see me, just call.”

“Can we talk about how big his dick is?” She speared me with a sideways glance, the topic of Max’s penis size not having been mentioned in a while.

“No, we cannot.” I shot her down with no room for debate.

“I assumed, but I figured I’d try.” She shrugged, my response not a surprise. “By the way, in case I haven’t said it, I really like him. And as much as it sucks for me that I’m losing a roommate, I’m really happy for you.”

“Awww thanks, Jules.” All efforts to pack up my room tossed to the wayside as I wrapped my arms in a hug. “I really like him too.”

“Yeah, I can tell. Don’t get me wrong, you seemed happy before, but since you guys have been together, it’s like . . . I don’t know, something else.”

She didn’t need to say the words; I knew exactly what she meant.

He didn’t make me happy.

I’d been happy before.

He made me whole.

I’d never been comfortable
in a tux.

It felt like a straightjacket, the collar buttoned up too tight. But as I stood in the church, waiting for the ceremony to start, I put all of that shit out of my mind and focused on what was important.

Family.

The music started; heads turned to the back waiting for the bride to make her entrance and my mom had already started crying.

“She’s stunning.” Beth squeezed my hand, Alison doing the slow walk to Rusty who was waiting at the end of that aisle looking like he’d just hit the lottery.

I guess in a lot of ways he had, and lightening had struck more than twice with each of us finding our slice of happiness. And as for me, I was the luckiest bastard of all.

The album had been finished. We’d all agreed it was some of our best work yet and were beyond excited to get it to where it mattered. Our fans. They were the reason we got to live our dreams every day of the week and we wouldn’t dare give them something that wasn’t worthy of their love and support.

And with the free time we all had in front of us, Ali and Rus decided not to bother messing around anymore and make it legal. The two of them preferred a small private service with just a few family and friends. And I had to admit, as the two of them stood up at the altar—no bells and whistles, no bridal party—even I got a little choked up. It was everything a wedding was supposed to be, just about them, and the only way I would have been happier was if it had been Beth and I saying those words.

I hadn’t pushed the issue, knowing she already had enough on her plate with the job search. She’d also recently moved up a few floors as well; her new address matching mine, so there really wasn’t a reason to rush.

But I wanted it.

I wanted to put a ring on her finger more than I cared to admit. The need to make it permanent almost unreasonable. But for her, I’d wait. Wait as long as I needed to, because we’d already proven no amount of distance or time would ever keep us apart.

Ali dabbed at her eyes as she made promises to Rusty in front of all of us, Rus barely getting his words out when it was his turn, and we’d all cheered when he finally was able to kiss her. And there were no fucks given that my folks or his were standing in the front as he claimed her mouth like there was no one else in the room.

“You going to let him manhandle your niece like that?” Joey grinned, his beautiful wife and daughter beside him.

“Yeah, I couldn’t think of anyone better for the job.” I nodded my head watching how deliriously happy she was with one of my best friends.

Ironically, my asshole brother—and her father—was noticeably absent from the celebrations, her mother’s invitation also getting lost in the mail. But my folks had more than made up for those two oxygen thieves’ shortcomings, welcoming Ali in as the family she’d deserved to have.

“Mama, hungry.” Zack, Angie’s kid yanked at his mother’s skirt. The promise of cake too much to take now that the service was over.

“Soon, baby boy.” She patted his head, Baby-daddy Jase scooped his son up onto his shoulders to hopefully keep him entertained.

“Got any cookies?” Dan, head douchebag and sometimes bass player for Power Station, snickered over my shoulder. The big-ass grin he was wearing spelled out exactly where he was going with it. “Maybe we should give the kids a snack.”

I should have known that our little babysitting
incident
had filtered through to the Power Station camp. Apart from Jase being Angie’s other half, they were also the owners of our record label and had become some of our closest friends.

“Yeah, if anyone looks like they are going to puke or take a piss, I’m out.” I discreetly flipped him off.

And that took some talent, because not only were my parents sitting in front of us, but we were surrounded by little people; their eagle eyes sure to pick up Uncle Max being rude.

Man, things had changed.

And we all were a long way from the Bronx.

It would be easy to sit back and reminisce, the people around me giving me a crazy trip down memory lane, but we still had a reception to get to.

“You want me to drive?” Beth leaned casually against my ride, her voice dipping seductively as she held out her hand for the keys.

“Sweetheart, I love you, but I don’t want you killing my ‘Vette. When was the last time you drove a stick?” I pressed up against her, the fancy tuxedo pants not doing shit to hide the hard-on underneath. “But I can give you a lesson later if you like.” And I wasn’t necessarily talking about the car.

“I know how to handle a stick, Max.” She moved her hands up my arms and it looked like we were on the same wavelength.

“I love you,” I whispered against her lips. “And in case I didn’t tell you before, you look beautiful.”

It probably wasn’t cool to say, but as gorgeous as Alison had looked, it was Beth who knocked me on my ass. Flawless, in a simple dress that clung to her body like a sheath, she’d turned more than a few heads when we walked in. And didn’t that make me feel like I was ten feet tall knowing that it was my arm she’d been on.

“Thank you.” Her fingers straightened my tie. “You look pretty good yourself. I like you in a suit.”

“Yeah, well get a good look because it will be awhile before you see me in one again.” I pulled at the collar of my shirt, more interested in getting out of it than getting back into it. “It’s only because I love Rusty and Alison that I’m wearing it.”

“Oh, I think maybe we can find a reason for you to wear one again.”

With all of Black Addiction married, there were only two occasions in the future I could think of where the monkey suit was needed. One would be my funeral, although I was really hoping that when I went for the big dirt nap someone would cut me some slack and bury me in a pair of jeans. The other was marrying Beth. And because I didn’t want there to be any misunderstandings as to which she meant—I really hoped she wasn’t thinking about the first—I wanted her to spell out
exactly
what she meant.

“Oh really?” I brushed the hair off her face, my eyes nailed to hers. “What did you have in mind?”

“May-be.” She hesitated but only for a second. “You and I could do something like this?”

Sounded pretty clear to me and I was fucking thrilled beyond measure at this latest development.

“Beth Hart, are you asking me to marry you?”

It was the first time either of us had said the word, even though I’d been thinking it for a while.

“Yes.”

“Then you would make me the happiest man alive.” I kissed her forehead, my heart feeling like it was about to explode in my chest. “I want you to be my wife, Beth. I need you to be my wife. And if we could convince the preacher to marry us now, I’d do it in a heartbeat.”

For real, I didn’t give a shit if there were a million people around or it was just the two of us.

“I want a wedding, Max.” She smiled, her teeth playing with her bottom lip. “It doesn’t have to be big but I want a day that both of us remember.”

“Anything, it will be whatever you want it to be.”

She wanted a fucking three-ring circus and the biggest reception she’d ever seen, then I’d be calling in the Ringling Brothers. Didn’t matter how much it cost or what I had to do, it would be exactly how she wanted it. And I wasn’t stopped at the wedding either, I was determined to make every single one of her dreams come true.

“What about you? What about what you want?”

That smile of hers slayed me. Every. Fucking. Time.

“I’ve already got what I want.”

And I’d spend the rest of my life making sure I’d never lose it again.

When that once in a lifetime happens, you need to hold on to it. Wrong time, wrong place—it was all bullshit.

The only thing that mattered was the right person, and I’d found that years ago.