Between Love & Fire (Backstage #1) (13 page)

“Aren’t you meant to be working, Liam?” My reply was terse. He smiled slowly, there was something dark in his eyes. He didn’t trust me. Cal told me he had voiced his concern about me selling my story to the press. That’s what Callum’s ex did. She ran straight to the papers when things went south between them. Somehow, I wanted to assure him I wasn’t a fame whore. No way did I need it or want it. I hated people who used others and if it took all my life to prove that to Liam, I would. I was falling for Callum. There was no doubt about that. He accepted me for who I am. My feelings for him were the most real I had ever known. The connection we had was intense. If that turned to love, then I needed to curb my insecurities and make it work.

As we pulled up to the Terrass hotel in black SUV’s with blackened windows, I noticed there weren’t many photographers around, yet. We didn’t have time to update our social media to let everyone know we had arrived. It was easier to travel from the airport to the hotel without being pursued. The reception was quiet, and when we got to the desk, a polished receptionist glanced up with a perfect smile.

“Bonne après-midi, Mr. Hayes. Bienvenue.”
*Good afternoon, Mr. Hayes. Welcome.*

“En anglais s'il vous plaît?”
*Can you speak English, please?*
She nodded.

“My apologies, Monsieur. Let me check you in. I will have the luggage sent up to the individual suites.” Her accent was perfectly French, but her English impeccable. She handed out the keys to the crew, and we said our goodbyes. Agreeing to dinner downstairs at eight that evening.

Callum and I made our way up to our room. He opened the door and allowed me to step inside first. I gasped. This isn't your average room; it was the penthouse suite. Spacious. Luxurious. Exquisite. The contemporary furniture was a contrast to the impressive view of the city from the floor to ceiling patio doors. It had an open plan living room complete with a sofa, coffee table and desk. In the opposite corner was a miniature bar fridge and two wingback chairs. The terrace had a table with two chairs that overlooked the rooftops of Paris below including the Sacre Coeur and the famous Eiffel Tower.

I wandered into the bathroom which had black tiles along the walls and an enormous shower and separate bath. A Jacuzzi overlooking the rooftops and a private sauna called my name. The bedroom, sheer luxury, a king-size bed sat in the center of the room up against one wall with a private outer area. Everything screamed decadence. It wasn't over the top, but understated opulence that was not lost on me.

“Callum, this is crazy. We’re only here for three days.” When I turned to face him, his expression is filled with excitement. He shrugged casually.

“Only the best.” He winks and grabs his laptop. “I need to finish work before dinner.”

“Okay, I will have a shower. I stink.” He chortled. Leaning in, he sniffed me and peered into my eyes.

“You’re right. You smell delicious.” Poking my tongue at him. I tugged off my shoes and padded into the bathroom. Turning on the taps, letting it heat, I shed my clothes. As I step into the warm spray, it massages my aching muscles. I shampoo my hair with the lavender scented bottle they supplied.

Stepping out onto the plush rug, I grasp the fluffy towel and dry myself. The complimentary robes were soft and warm. I pulled one on and made my way to the bedroom. Callum was standing in the doorway of the terrace. Dressed in a pair of sweats, with a bare torso. He was deep in thought and didn’t hear me behind him. I took a moment to watch him. Drinking him in hungrily. Enjoying the view of my man.

“You can stop gawking at me now.” He stated in an amused tone, startling me from my blatant staring. I stepped further into the room. There was music playing on his laptop from the bed. I recognized the song that just started, Monster by Aaron Richards.

“Don't flatter yourself, Hayes. I had an amazing shower.” He twisted and grinned.

“Take off the robe.” The rough, demanding timbre of his voice sent a tingle down my spine. I loosened the sash and slipped the robe over my shoulders. My hair was knotted in a loose bun, the tips were still soaked, dripping onto my back. His hungry gaze roamed from my face to my neck and over my breasts. The trail of his eyes left fire in their wake.

When his gaze reaches my bare pussy, my body trembled in response. “I love looking at you trembling for me.” The deep rasp in his voice was thick with lust. “Come here, Petal.” The three steps it took to position myself in front of him was easy. When I stood flush with him, I raised my eyes to find his in a fierce stare. His left hand came up and lightly trailed fingertips from my exposed neck to my shoulder. Another tremble coursed through me. Goose bumps rose over my skin. A low moan escaped my parted lips. I reached for him, but his expression stopped me. “Did I tell you to touch me?” The naughty smirk that pulled the corner of his mouth caused me to smile. I shook my head.

His hand drifted back up and he clutched my hair in a tight grip. Holding me steady at an angle. His mouth slanted over mine as our lips crashed together. He licked the seam of my mouth and I rewarded him the access he demanded.

The kiss becoming hungry, eager. Deep. Sensual. When he breaks the kiss, my lips feel cold without him. He still has a steady grip on me, and I can't move. His teeth graze over the sensitive spot behind my ear. Earning him a whimper. He action so erotic.

Slow.

Soft.

Agonizing.

Torturous.

My body came alive under his touch and I couldn’t think about anything else. Every nerve sparked when his teeth grazed my hardened nipples. He laved and teased them until they tightened. When he bit on one, he tweaked and tugged the other with this thumb and forefinger. The painful pleasure sent jolts directly to my throbbing clit.

This man knew my body better than I did, he had my senses on high alert. I quivered, my pussy pulsed. I needed him more than my next breath. Everything past and present didn’t matter, but this moment. He licked a warm wet trail from my shoulder to my ear. Then lightly blew on the path left by his tongue. The hair on the back of my neck stood on end. “Callum, please? I can’t take anymore.”

“You are mine. Do you hear me? Do not question me again.” He pauses and stares at me. Making sure I heard each word he said. I nod. My voice evaded me. This wasn’t the time to be talking about that. I ached for him. He pulls me over to the terrace. The Eiffel Tower winks at us in the dusk sky. The lights of the city shone below. “Hold on tight, Petal, because I am painfully hard and you are going to feel me so deep inside you, there won't be any doubt who you belong to. I will claim your mind, body, and soul. And when I am finished, your heart will be mine too.” He kicked my feet apart as I clutched the rail of the balcony in front of me. He had me, every part of me. Only I was too afraid to tell him.

I shivered when his hot breath hit my core. I was dripping with arousal for him. At this point any touch would send me spiraling. His fingers caressed my inner thighs, teasing the delicate skin. My knees wobbled and my grip tightened, turning my knuckles white. His tongue flicked out and lapped at my sopping pussy. Skimming along the slick folds.

“Fuck, you taste perfect, Petal. Like the sweet nectar of the gods. But you’re only wet for this god to enjoy aren’t you, baby?” His voice was so raspy I almost came undone.

“Yesss.” My voice was a low hiss. He rose, and I heard him shuffle out of his sweats. They dropped to the floor and the foil tearing sent a shiver through me. I peered behind me, and watched him grip his thick hard cock, teasing me with the tip. I pushed back against him. Needing him inside me. Now.

“Do you enjoy making me crazy, Tayla?” He asked hoarsely, his voice full of desire. I nodded. He rained a slap on my ass. Hard. “I asked you a question.” My voice evaded me.

“I…” My mumble didn’t suffice, and I felt a second sharp sting. I was aching and dripping wet from the spanking he was giving me. “Yes… Yes, Callum.” I mumbled, my skin tingling, but I had never been so turned on in my whole life.

“Then you need to be punished, Petal.” He growled as he plunged into me. So deep, as he had promised. My body completely filled. I screamed his name as he invaded my heated tunnel.

“Callum!” He started with slow thrusts, allowing me to adjust to him. His hands gripped my hips as he drove into me. I was far beyond thinking clearly, my moans and mewls surrounded us in the darkness. Another loud smack echoed in the night. He tugged and untied my hair. When it fell down my back, he fisted it and tugged. He leaned forward and hissed in my ear.

“Mine. Do you understand?” I tried nodding, but he had me in a vice-like hold. My orgasm building. Tightening in my stomach. My pussy cinching around him. I was teetering on the edge, needy for release. He pulled out abruptly, and I whimpered at the loss. Spinning me to face him, he lifted me, instinctively I wrapped my legs around his waist and held on to his neck. His lust filled eyes met mine.

“Hold onto me, baby.” He growled and plunged into me again. Walking us to the far end of the terrace. The tiles flush against my back. He pinned me between his body and icy wall. Without warning, he repeatedly thrust into my heated pussy, fucking me. It was rough, deep, hard, and I didn’t want it any other way. The fire in my belly licked its way through my veins. My blood heated with passion as it coursed through me. My nails dug into his shoulders and he groaned in response.

He leaned in to my neck. “I crave you so fucking much. This tight pussy is made to take my cock. Only mine. No other man will make you feel like this. Ever.” His words were my undoing. My release splintered through me and I cried out. Screaming his name repeatedly.

A chant.

A chorus.

A prayer.

He repeatedly drove into me. Once, twice, and with the third he stiffened. His cock pulsed inside me with a throaty growl of my name he unraveled. His teeth sunk into my shoulder. The pain sent a jolt to my throbbing clit and another wave of pleasure washed over me.

“Fuck.” Callum’s tone was low as he hissed the word in my ear. Yes. Fuck. He slipped out of me gently. “Guess it’s time for dinner.” Our eyes met, and I snickered as he let me down gradually. A gentle kiss and we padded into the bedroom to get dressed.

“At least Paris knows Callum Hayes is here.”

“You’re fucking loud. Its seductive and sexy, Petal. I love when you scream my name.” He winked at me as he pulled his jeans on. Shaking my head, I found out the dress I planned to wear tonight. This would be an interesting tour.

The venue was filling up with the VIP ticket holders. I looked around for Tayla, but she wasn’t in the crew area. We had the most amazing night, but this morning she seemed distant. Like she was trying to push me away. There was love in her eyes when she looked at me and that’s what scared her. I wanted to talk to her, but we’ve been so busy today. When the time is right she needs to move past the pain. I wished I could take it away. I wanted to fuck it out of her if I could. It would be my pleasure. And hers. Ultimately, it has to be her choice to let me in.

“Bro. Did you finish the set list? I need to run through it in my head.” I face my brother. Liam didn’t trust my relationship with Tay, because of my history with Arina, but he needed to get over it. Tayla wasn’t out to fuck me over. She had her own demons she struggled with.

“Yea, these are the thirteen songs I chose. Those three are acoustic, so you’ll have a break halfway through the set. Give a copy to Ryan.” He nodded and turned to leave. Before he walked away, he cut a glance back to me. “I’m sorry if I have been harsh with her. You’re my baby brother. I don’t want to see you hurt.” Our eyes met, and I acknowledged him with a nod.

He’s only a year older, but he likes to think that there’s more of a gap between us. Emotionally there is. He doesn’t let anyone in. Ever. Whereas I do. Well, I did once, and now with Tayla, she’s woven her way into the depth of my soul.

“Callum!” I peer down at the group of scantily clad women in their early twenties—a guess—that were vying for my attention by waving at me. I gave a smirk and wink. Their squeals rose in decibels. When I whirled around I found Tay glaring at me. I realized she was apprehensive about me being on tour, with fans and groupies, but she didn’t have to worry. She's the only one who can make me rock hard with a smile. Tayla Quinn has been written into my heart, my mind, and into the depth of my soul.

“You're the center of attention as always, Hayes.” Her voice strained with anger. Since we were keeping our relationship private, I can't pull her into my arms. I would love to announce my feelings for her. And I planned to do it. On her birthday. My gift to her.

“Is this what it will be like? I can’t help it, Petal.” My response isn't what she wanted to her, because I stride towards her, and she takes two steps backward. Pain constricts my chest. “Jesus, baby, we chose to keep you off the radar for this tour.” She spins on her heel, and races off, leaving me staring at her departing form.

“She’s a tough cookie, Cal. You need to talk to her. Go. I can deal with the crowd. Just be here for sound check or they will cause a scene.” My best friend—besides Liam—Ryan is like a brother.

“I know, but she preferred no one to find out about us. Now every time a girl glances at me she freaks.” Shaking my head, I place my guitar on the platform.

“Yea, I get that. But you have to understand, it's painful to see the man you’re in love with flirting with other girls.” My eyes snap in his direction.
Love? Did she love me?

“What?”

“She’s in love with you man, anyone can see it. If you can’t then you’re blind.” His words sink deep into the recesses of my mind. My heart knew the moment I looked at her she was the one. Could I give her what she needs? Is there a chance she will accept my very public life? “Go to her.”

Leaving my best friend. I run after the woman I love. As I pass the crew, I ask the other sound engineer where she went. He points to the dressing rooms. I make my way to the catering room where I hear voices coming from. It’s Liam and Tayla. Pushing the door open I find his arms wrapped around her. My fucking girl. “What the fuck is going on?” Rage burns in my veins.

They both jump apart. Her eyes are void of guilt. “I apologized to Tayla, I was being a douche, and I told her to invite her sister to the London show.” Two strides and I am next to her.

“Fine. Leave us, I need to talk to her.” My words hold a threat to him. With a shrug he walks out, when I hear the click, I turn to her and cup her face in my hands. “Why were you in my brother’s arms?”

“He gave me a hug Callum. It was nothing.” She stared at me. A smile on her lips made me calm down. “Are you jealous, Hayes?” Her calling me by my last name was an indication of her wanting to rile me up. This time though, she wouldn’t get it right.

“Come here, baby.” I pull her into an embrace. “So my brother and your sister, huh? Are you trying to match make them?” She nodded with a small giggle. “How do you know he will like her?”

“Because I showed him a photo of her on my phone. That’s when he said that she has to be one of his VIP guests.” I laughed so loud the sound echoed through the empty room. Trust my fucking brother. He can be such a horny fucker. Each of us get five VIP tickets for friends or family. Liam usually invited numerous models as guests, and they never declined.

The whole evening, I had my gaze latched on Tayla. I performed for the crowd, but she was the center of my mind. Standing on the side of stage with Kierra, I snuck glances at her constantly. The fans were incredible as usual. Singing along and jumping around to the more hardcore songs. When I sang Damaged Angel my eyes locked on the girl that stood in the shadows. Nobody knew though. I had set up the guitar and microphone so it looked like I was singing to the camera that recorded the show. But this was for her. Always.

The tour went smoothly. Tay and I had found a rhythm, I wanted to tell her I love her, but I waited. The time wasn't right. Tonight will be the biggest test of all. I am backstage getting ready. The girls were in the Meet & Greet setting up for the fans to have their photos taken with us. I had a bad feeling tonight. No reason. Something didn't sit right in my gut. I knew Arina and a few of her friends from the modeling agency had arrived an hour ago. They had VIP tickets and I should have told Tay, but not wanting to upset her, I kept it quiet. Now, here I am with a pounding heart. I realized she would find out.

I am so fucking terrified of her breaking things off that I just acted like it was any other show. Why? Because I am a dick. When my dressing room door opened, I didn’t turn to see who it was.

I should have.

“Petal, did you come to give me a good luck kiss?” I chuckled, but as I spun around, I am greeted with those emerald eyes that I once loved getting lost in. “What the fuck are you doing here?”

“I came to see the famous Callum Hayes. My first love.” Her voice and accent are ice water rushing through my veins.
How was I ever in love with this woman?
She was taller than Tayla by a few inches. She had short dark brown hair, and her face was all angles and a fake pout that must be the result of too much Botox. Whereas my girl was natural, pristine, and innocent. Beautiful in a way that could make any grown man drop to his knees. Which I always did.

“What do you want? We are not together anymore. I don’t want you here. How many times do I have to reject you?” When she stepped forward, I winced. She noticed my reaction. There is no mistaking that I didn’t feel anything for her. The distaste in my statement, undeniable, but she never did take no for an answer.

She slipped the flimsy straps of her dress over her shoulders. The skinny dark haired girl was now standing in front of me in nothing but a tiny black thong. Her hands grasped my biceps. Holding me like a lifeline. The problem is, I cut that line a long time ago. She leaned up and planted a kiss on my cheek. “I miss you, Callum.” My name on her lips made me sick. I gripped her arms to push her away as her mouth moved to mine. When the door swung open for a second time and I turned my gaze which locked onto brown eyes. Blonde hair. Pain etched on the face of the girl I loved, but was too much of a pussy to tell her those three words.
Fuck!
I shoved Arina off me and bolted after Tayla, who ran like she was being chased by her demons.

“Tayla! Petal!” I called out to her, this time she didn't stop. There was no way to make her listen to me. I am such a fucking idiot. I should have told that bitch to leave me alone when she strolled into my room. “Tay, for god’s sake! Stop!” We reached the end of the hallway and she was trapped, between me and the fire escape. Pulling at the exit, it opened suddenly, and she ran outside.

“Just go Callum, I can’t look at you right now.”

“No, she came into the room. I told her I don’t want her.” I took a tentative step towards her and she stepped back. This was getting me nowhere.

“Fuck you, Hayes! Okay, fuck you, because it sure didn’t look like it. You need to be on stage in ten minutes.” Her eyes were brimming with tears, but being Tayla, she didn’t want me to see her cry. She turned and looked out at the dark parking lot. Pain seared through me. My chest tight with emotion. I hurt her. If I had been honest this wouldn't have happened.

“Fuck the stage! Listen. Hear me. Please?” Her glare held venom that poisoned my veins and I realized that she would not open up to me and let me in. I needed to let her calm down. This isn’t over. “This isn’t over.” I repeated the words, spun on my heel and made my way into the venue.

The show was perfect, except for one thing. Tayla hated me. She didn't even look at me. The crew were in the catering tent. The champagne flowed and everyone seemed relaxed. Tay sat with Ki and Ryan. Those two had grown closer by the day. I am thrilled for him. He deserved to find happiness.

“So Arina screwed up again.” Liam’s voice behind me had me turning to deal with my brother. “Hey man, chill. I was just asking. I told you that little slut was trouble from the first time she walked into our dressing room.”

“Why? Because she wouldn’t fuck you?” It is a low blow, but I was angry. He was right. There were warning signs about her since I laid eyes on her. I was such a self-absorbed dick. Dating a model appealed to me. The fake tits and smile didn’t faze me. It was more than a year ago and I was having fun. At least I thought I was. Now when my gaze settles on the blonde beauty who is shooting daggers at me, I can’t help thinking what a fucking idiot I am.

I have to make this right. Somehow. Walking over to where they sat, I play it cool. “You guys ready for London?” Ryan turns and fist pumps me.

“Man, you do not understand. I need to go to a pub and get myself a decent beer.”

“You mean that warm shit they pass off as beer?” I chortle.

“It’s excellent stuff man. Seriously.” I nod. My gaze wanders over Ki and onto the reason I am standing here rambling about stupid crap.

“Tay, you looking forward to your birthday, darling?” Brown eyes glare at me. Her face is stone. No emotion. Only a vacant stare.

“Well, Ryan. I need another drink.” Kierra ever the subtle one in the group, yanks him to his feet and Tayla and I are left alone.