Songbird (Songbird, #1) (40 page)

He shook his head, frowning. “I don’t want your money, Tara. I should be able to support us, not the other way around.”

He shifted in the tub, as if he were getting ready to stand up, so I moved and straddled his lap.

“That’s not playing fair,” he said with a half-smile. But the smile soon faded and the frown came back.

“Money can’t do this,” I told him as I kissed him on the forehead. “Or this.” I kissed his cheek. “Or even this.” I kissed his lips.

He sighed and returned my kiss.

“I don’t care about the money, babe, I never have. I just want to be happy and feel loved, and that’s what you do for me.” I ran my hands around the back of his neck and leaned my forehead to his. “If I cared about money, would I be living in a little apartment with mismatched furniture?”

“Your apartment is a palace compared to where I live,” he said softly. “I don’t have anything to offer you.” He sounded so defeated that it brought tears to my eyes.

I put my hand on his chest, over his heart. “You have this.” I picked up his hand and placed it over my heart. “And in return, I give you this.”

He looked up at me, and I could see tears in his eyes too.

“I love you, Riley, just the way you are. Don’t ever forget that.”

I kissed his lips softly again and he sighed, and then wrapped his arms around me as the kiss deepened and all thoughts of money drifted away.

We left the tub soon after. It was uncomfortable, and every movement splashed water on the floor. We fumbled our way into the bedroom, still kissing and touching as we went.

Riley lay me down on the bed, and proceeded to cover my body with tender kisses. He worked his way from my face, to my neck and throat. He leisurely circled his tongue around first one nipple then the other. My back arched, lifting my sensitive flesh into his mouth and he sucked hard, making me gasp at the feeling. His hard body slid down mine as he kissed more forcefully down my stomach, stopping momentarily to circle his tongue in my belly button.

It was slow and considered, and my body moved involuntarily as the sensation of his touch built and lit my body on fire. He went to settle between my thighs.

Running my hand under his chin, I lifted his head so he was looking up at me. “You first,” I said softly.

He smiled lovingly at me, then kissed his way back up my body, and lay next to me as I followed the path down his amazingly defined chest and abs.

Taking him in my mouth, I started slowly teasing him with my tongue, then lightly ran my teeth up the length of him.

“God, I love it when you do that,” he growled loudly.

I smiled to myself and then repeated the action, and his body shuddered. I looked up from under my lashes; he was watching me, his blue eyes scorching. I teased him, varying the rhythm and intensity, and he was so close so many times, but I always eased off at the last minute, making him moan longingly each time.

I thought I would keep going for him, but he finally lifted my chin. “Not yet,” he panted. “I want to come with you.”

I kissed my way back up his incredible body until I found his mouth again. He crushed his lips down onto mine as he raised himself onto one elbow, and rolled me over to my back. His hunger was overwhelming as he fervently took control of my body, settling between my thighs once again, and bringing me to the edge over and over. He inserted one finger, and then another as he continued skilfully licking me. I cried out, biting my bottom lip and arching my back up off the bed as wave after wave of pleasure overtook me.

I could hardly catch my breath as Riley took up position above me, watching me as the final waves subsided.

“You are so beautiful,” he whispered hoarsely.

Reaching up, I held his face in my hands and kissed him passionately on the mouth before biting his bottom lip. He growled deep in his throat, and then, sliding one arm under me, angled my hips and entered me, filling me completely.

My body shuddered and I moaned loudly, not caring who was in the rooms next door, and if they could hear. Riley moved his kisses to my throat as the rhythm and intensity increased and I lost all control, raking my nails down his back. Riley was right there with me, grunting as his control unravelled before falling breathlessly on top of me.

Running my hands through his damp hair, he lifted his head again, taking his weight onto his forearms.

“Money can’t buy that, no matter how much you pay,” I said with a half-smile.

He kissed me tenderly before rolling over, and pulling me into his arms so my head was resting on his shoulder.

“I’m glad I’m good for something,” he muttered under his breath.

Sighing heavily I rolled over, resting my chin on his chest. “Do I need to list all the things I love about you? I don’t know why it matters. I’m the same person I was before you knew I had money, just as you’re the same person. Why do you suddenly feel like you’re not good enough, just because I have money in the bank?”

He looked away, and I reached up and moved his head back around so he was looking at me again. “I don’t want the money, Riley, that’s why I’ve never touched it. I want to support myself and live my own life, not be dictated to by my parents. You give me so much more than money could ever buy. You love me for me. You’ve encouraged and supported me when I had no confidence in my abilities anymore. You’ve protected me against Stephen, and stood up to Patrick for me—you even defended me in the bar that time when the drunk guy grabbed me. You’ve been there for me from day one, on my side, no questions asked. You have no idea how much that means to me. I’ve never had that from anyone.”

He looked at me, his eyes narrowing. “Okay, but I don’t want anything to do with your money. When we go out I still want to pay, and if it means we can’t go to the best restaurants or away on holidays all the time because I can’t afford it, then that’s how it has to be.” He looked at me, biting his lip nervously.

“I agree,” I said, “with one exception.” He went to argue, but I put my finger on his lips to stop him. “If you ever need money for anything important, like life-threateningly important, I want you to ask me. Deal?”

He nodded, but then added under his breath, “That won’t ever happen.”

I
NEEDED
a cool drink and to stretch my legs so got up, pulled on a robe, and went to the kitchen to get two glasses of water.

I hoped this topic of conversation was over with, at least for the time being. I had only ever dated guys who knew my background, and sometimes it felt like they were only with me because of the money; it was strange to think that Riley was so against it. It felt good to know he was with me for the right reasons, though, and to know that I didn’t need to question his motives.

Flicking on the kitchen light, I found Marcus leaning up against the bench, deep in thought.

“Hey, I hope we didn’t wake you,” I said, a little embarrassed. “I was a bit out of control, sorry.”

He looked up, and I was taken aback by the look in his eyes. “Are you okay? You don’t look well,” I asked concerned, as I approached him. He was pale and drawn, and I put my arms around him.

“You smell like Riley and sex,” he said huskily, and stepped away from me, then looked at me, shaking his head. “I’m fine, really, just …” He paused to consider what to say next, but instead just shook his head again and repeated, “I’m fine.” Then he turned and abruptly went back to his bedroom.

I thought for a split second about following him, but honestly, I was too tired. It would have to wait until tomorrow.

The following morning, Riley and I sheepishly went out to the lounge room to face the music.

Cooper immediately stood and gave us a round of applause before slapping Riley on the back, which made him flinch. The scratches from my nails were obviously still a little tender.

Kelli had her own thoughts on the matter. “Don’t ever complain about my flat having thin walls again. I felt like I was in the same room with you two last night.”

Dropping my face into my hands, I apologised profusely to Kelli and Cooper, then looked around. “At least Jase and Marcus managed to sleep in.”

Kelli laughed, but it was a nervous laugh. “They’ve been up for a while. Marcus went for a walk on the beach, and Jase followed him.” She looked at Cooper, who shook his head at her.

“What’s going on?” I asked, looking from Kelli to Cooper, then back to Kelli.

Kelli just shrugged. “Best you talk to Marcus I think.”

I frowned at her, but left it at that.

I decided to poke my head out the door to see if Marcus and Jason were in sight on the beach. They were sitting on the sand not far from the house, leaning in towards each other with their heads nearly touching, so I went out to see them.

“Hey you two, how are you?” I asked as I got closer. They both jumped, having been deep in conversation, they obviously hadn’t heard me approaching.

Jason jumped up and brushed the sand off his pants. “I’m good, and you?” he asked with a wink. “I’m surprised you’re out of bed already, seeing as you didn’t get much sleep last night.” He chuckled as he said it, but then excused himself and headed back up to the house.

Marcus stayed put on the sand, so I sat down beside him.

“How are you feeling?” I asked while studying his face. He had some colour back at least, but he still looked drawn, as if he hadn’t slept at all.

“I’m fine,” he said with a dimpled smile, and put his arm around my shoulders.

“Do I smell better today?” I asked cheekily.

“Yep, you smell like you again,” he replied, smiling broadly, then pulled me in tight for a hug.

“So, is there anything wrong? Anything I need to know about?” I asked, with one eyebrow cocked.

“No, it’s all good. Jason and I have talked through everything, and I’ve got my head around a few things.” He pulled me in tight again and kissed me on the head, then inhaled deeply. “You always smell awesome when you’ve just washed your hair.”

Leaning into the hug, I kissed him on the cheek. It sounded like Jason and Marcus had had a little tiff of some sort but had worked through it. All was right in the world again.