The Seven Devils (YA "New Adult" Romance) (24 page)

He was breathtaking. Seeing him naked and whole excited me more than I could imagine. I reached out and touched him, and he trembled.

“Ellen,” he said, his eyes worried.

“I want this,” I assured him. “I’m ready this time.”

Between the two of us we made quick work of my clothes and I was soon as naked as he was. We rolled around on the bed kissing and touching each other in all new, previously off limits places. It felt so right. I remembered the condoms Josh gave me and Neil immediately leaned across the bed and grabbed them. I watched as he opened a wrapper and rolled the condom onto himself.

Finally he held himself above me. This was it. He brushed my hair away from my face and gazed into my eyes. He spoke softly.

“I don’t want to hurt you.”

I shook my head. “I’m not afraid. You know I’m not afraid.”

Neil nodded and kissed me softly. He held me so close and then began to enter me. Everything was fine for a second but then it felt like he hit a brick wall. He nuzzled the sensitive area behind my ear and then pushed into me.

We gasped at the same time, both feeling my pain. “I’m so sorry,” he whispered, holding himself perfectly still.

“It’s okay,” I said. “It’s not as bad as I was expecting.”

Neil held himself inside me and began kissing me softly. Our kissing became more intense and he began touching my breasts. I moaned as I felt him begin moving himself inside of me, slowly in and out. I couldn’t believe how good it felt, such a simple motion.

We moved together in rhythm, both of us breathing heavily. I felt the pleasure building up inside of me, almost like a balloon getting so big that it’s begging to be popped. I couldn’t help my moaning and Neil’s eyes poured over me with such hunger. He lowered his mouth to one of my breasts at the same time as he increased the speed of his thrusts and my body exploded. I couldn’t help but let out a scream and he groaned as he pushed into me one last time. He held me close as we both fought to get our breathing under control.

“I love you so much,” he said, raising his head so he could look into my eyes.

“I love you too,” I said, running my fingers along his jaw.

“Are you doing okay?”

I smiled. “Better than okay.”

We held each other for some time before we got cleaned up and put on some clothes. Neil reached down by the side of the bed and picked up his gift box. He smiled softly and handed it to me.

I blushed a little, knowing he already knew what was in it.

“This is for you,” I began. “I wanted to get you something real and good. Something that will help you remember at all times how much I love you and that I will always be with you.” I handed it back to him. “I hope you like it.”

He took the top off the box and found the ring inside. I think it was meant to be a wedding band, but I meant it as a promise ring. It was silver in color with a wide band of a darker gunmetal grey color in the center.

“I hope it fits. I had to guess on the size.”

Neil slipped it on his right pinky finger and it was a perfect fit. He looked up into my eyes and I knew he liked it.

He shook his head. “No, I love it. And I love you.” He pulled me into a bear hug.

I nuzzled into him. “I hear my present is wonderful too, though I haven’t seen it myself.”

Neil laughed. “I had no idea Josh was such a romantic. I’ll have to thank him for everything he has done for us.”

I nodded into his chest.

“I had planned on taking you out tonight, but what would you say to just ordering room service again? I don’t feel like sitting way across a table from you.”

I grinned. “Sounds perfect.”

Chapter 25

We spent most of the evening and a majority of the next morning in bed. We mostly cuddled and held each other and talked quietly. I couldn’t remember ever feeling so happy. We made love again that morning and it was so soft and slow and tender. I was so in love with Neil.

In the early afternoon I forced myself out of bed and into the shower to get ready for our big night. The shower was so nice and warm that I lost track of time and didn’t realize how late I was running until Neil popped into the bathroom.

“They’ll be here in a moment,” Neil said, slipping into the shower with me.

“Oh crap.” I gave Neil a quick kiss and slipped out. I threw on a t-shirt and sweats and was trying to towel dry my hair when there was a knock at the door. I ran out of the bedroom and answered the door.

A man and a woman stood outside our door. The woman smiled and they both walked right into our room. They were both absolutely beautiful. She had long wavy blonde hair, fair skin, and bright blue eyes. Though it was winter she was wearing only a light peasant top, short skirt, and thigh-high boots. The man with her had short dark messy hair, a very square jawline, and thick dorky glasses. He was wearing brown pants, a white button-down shirt, and a brown and green argyle sweater on top of it. It should have made him look like a geek, but somehow he seemed very put-together and cool.

“Hello Ellen, my name is Carli and this is Thom. Mr. Aleksandr has sent us to help you and your friend prepare for the evening.”

Neil was pulling on a shirt as he walked out of the bedroom and we all got a shot of his abs. Carli raised her eyebrow at me and gave me a mischievous smile. She reopened the door behind her and then said, “Come along, dear.”

Neil ran a hand down my back and we kissed.

“See you soon,” I said and he nodded, smiling.

In the elevator Carli pulled out a little key and put it into a little hole next to the PH button and then pushed it. The elevator shot up and momentarily opened onto Josh’s room.

“So Josh isn’t here?” I asked.

“No, he is at the hall already for rehearsals. We’ve got the place to ourselves.”

“Where will Neil get ready?”

“Oh Thom is taking him out to find a tuxedo and get a nice hot shave from a professional. You’ll see him at dinner.”

She led me into what must have been Josh’s bedroom. “So how do you know Josh?” I asked.

Carli smiled. “We’ve worked together for a long time. I’m technically his stylist, I help make sure he looks good for his performances and publicity pieces, but really we’re friends. So,” she said stopping in front of a set of closet doors, “Is it true you haven’t seen your dress yet?”

I nodded. “I’m dying to see what they picked out for me.”

“Me too,” Carli said and pulled open the double doors of Josh’s closet. The dress was gorgeous. It was a deep purple with a sweetheart neckline and a tight jeweled band right under the bust. The rest flowed beautifully to the floor.

Carli was nodded approvingly. “With your figure and skin tone this will look beautiful on you. It’s perfect for a young woman; not too revealing yet also not stodgy either. Let’s get your hair and makeup done and then we’ll get you dressed.”

I followed her into the bathroom connected to the bedroom. There were two stools pulled up to the counter in front of a huge mirror. The counter was covered in hair tools and a huge makeup kit, bigger than any I’d ever seen.

I was immediately overwhelmed and glad I had help with this. I was the type who always wore my hair the same way day in and day out unless I got really lazy and just threw it into a pony tail, and I sure didn’t know anything about makeup other than how to cover up a pimple.

Over the next hour Carli performed some sort of miracle. I went from a damp girl with no makeup on to… I don’t even know what. Stunning, I guess would be the right word. I looked stunning. She did my hair in a low chignon with some loose tendrils framing and softening my face. My makeup was amazing. I didn’t feel or look like I was wearing anything, but suddenly my face was brighter and softer looking, my eyes were more defined, and my lips looked oh-so soft and kissable. I couldn’t wait to see Neil.

Carli seemed satisfied with her work and grinned at me. “Let’s put it all together now.”

We walked back into the bedroom and Carli handed me the dress. I had a near panic attack when I saw what size the dress was, a full size smaller than what I usually wore, but it ended up fitting like a glove. All of those workouts with Neil really must have been paying off! After zipping me up, Carli led me back into the bathroom where I could see myself in the mirror.

My jaw dropped. I looked hot. “Oh my God! Thank you so much, Carli,” I cried, pulling her into a hug.

Carli laughed. “I just put the icing on the cake. This is all you. There’s just one more thing to do,” she said, and pulled a small box out from behind her makeup kit. “Josh asked me to give this to you.” She handed it to me and then walked out of the bathroom, giving me some privacy.

I opened the lid and there was a small note card on top.

Ellen –

I’m so happy to count you as a friend. You and Neil help me feel grounded in this crazy world. Thank you for all you do for me.

Merry Christmas,

Josh

Under the card was a beautiful pair of diamond drop earrings. I hesitantly picked them up and put them in my ears, terrified that I’d somehow drop or break such a generous gift. They completed the outfit beautifully. They caught the light and drew attention to my face, something I was glad of considering the sweetheart cut of the dress made my breasts look huge and inviting. The earrings drew your eyes up and seemed to make my face glow.

“You look beautiful,” Carli said from the doorway. “Let’s get going so we don’t keep your prince waiting.”

***

There was a driver with a town car waiting to take Carli and I to the restaurant. My chest was tight with anticipation when we pulled up in front of the building. Carli pulled me into a hug.

“Don’t be nervous. You look absolutely fantastic! Just enjoy this evening.”

“Thank you for everything you’ve done. I could never have pulled this off myself.”

The driver opened my door for me, and with a wave goodbye to Carli, I walked into the restaurant. I saw Neil right away, standing a couple of yards ahead of me. His back was to me, but he immediately knew I had arrived and turned to greet me.

As soon as his eyes hit me I knew I looked good. His eyebrows lifted and I think he even gasped. He looked wonderful himself. He was wearing a simple tuxedo with black tie and it fit him perfectly. You couldn’t help but notice his broad shoulders and narrow waist. He was immediately at my side and pulled me into a hug.

“Oh Ellen,” he breathed into my hair. “I can’t believe you’re mine.”

I couldn’t believe it either. I was so lucky and the night was so perfect. They placed us at a private booth in a dark corner of the restaurant where I felt as comfortable as if we were back at home in my kitchen. And the food! I had no idea what I was eating, but it was fabulous. When it was time for dessert I assured Neil that if I ate even a bite more I’d end up splitting the seam in my dress. He lifted an eyebrow as if that were something he’d like to see.

After dinner we were escorted back out to the town car where the driver drove us the couple of blocks to the Avery Fisher Hall where the Philharmonic performs. The building was all lit up and was just spectacularly beautiful outside. As soon as we pulled up to the curb a man was there to open my door.

“Good evening Neil and Ellen,” he said, helping me out of the car. “Mr. Aleksandr asks you to join him in his dressing room before the show begins.”

Neil nodded, “Of course,” and we followed the man through a side door in the lobby. We passed a number of musicians as we walked, some who looked nervous and others who were joking around in the hall. Finally the man stopped and gave a quick rap on the door in front of us.

When Josh opened the door I couldn’t help but grin. He wore black from head to toe and just exuded calm and confidence. I remembered at my concert he told me that even he still gets nervous before going on stage, but he wasn’t showing it at all. “Ahh, my friends are here,” he said, and ushered us both in. “You both look amazing,” he said, smiling so warmly.

I gave him a hug and held him tight. “Thank you for everything, Josh. The dress, the earrings, the… advice.”

He pulled back a little, his eyebrows raised. “So, everything is… good, then?”

I smiled and Neil moved forward and shook Josh’s hand. They shook way longer than normal and I could tell from their changing expressions that they were talking telepathically.

I rolled my eyes and pushed their grasped hands away from me. “Don’t you guys ever talk like normal human beings?”

Neil grinned and turned to me a half second later. “Sorry, El. I wanted to thank him man-to-man, and I didn’t want to embarrass you.”

I didn’t know what he meant but my face reddened anyways. I was about to insist that they talk out loud when there was a knock at the door. It opened a crack to reveal the man who had led us in.

“Mr. Aleksandr,” he said. “Five minutes.”

Josh nodded. “Sam, would you mind showing them to their seats?”

“Yes, sir,” he replied and opened the door the rest of the way for us to follow him.

“Enjoy the show,” Josh said, placing one hand on my shoulder and the other on Neil’s. “I’ll meet you afterwards.”

We wished him luck and followed Sam to our seats.

***

I was on the edge of my seat throughout the concert. The orchestra’s first chords hit me like a ball to the chest and the music just engulfed me and pulled me in. There was no Neil, there was no Ellen, there were no parents or Austin or Derrick or even the town of Minster; there was just music. And love. I thought nothing could compete with the beautiful sounds I was hearing, but then Josh began to play. He was a master of the stage. None of us could take our eyes off of him. His violin was like a single, beautiful voice calling out to me, just to me, telling me every thing I had ever wanted to hear, spinning beautiful fantasies right before my eyes. It literally took my breath away. I gripped Neil’s hand throughout the hour-long performance, and when the last note faded and the lights came on, I cried.

Neil wrapped his arms around me and held me while the tears fell. When he handed me a real handkerchief I couldn’t help but laugh, wondering where he got it.

“I’m sorry,” I said, dabbing at my eyes, praying I wasn’t ruining my makeup. “I don’t know what came over me.”

Neil shook his head slightly and rubbed my back softly. “Don’t apologize; that was amazing. It’s like I never heard music until I heard it through your ears. I had goosebumps.”

I smiled and we kissed. “We should go out to the lobby,” Neil said. “Josh is looking for us.”

Out in the lobby, Josh was signing a few autographs and talking to some people who stayed after the performance to meet him. Once the last person shook his hand and walked off, Josh walked over to join us.

“Ellen,” he said, clasping both of my hands, “I’m assuming your tears weren’t from disappointment at my performance?”

“Oh God no,” I said, squeezing his hands. “That was the most amazing thing I’ve ever experienced.”

“Hey!” Neil said, putting a hand on my back. “I think you mean second most amazing thing you’ve ever experienced.”

I looked into Neil’s eyes, full of mischief, and then we both died laughing. I hugged him and whispered, “You’re right.”

Josh chuckled. “Come on you two, let’s grab some drinks.”

I squeezed Neil’s hand and tried not to be nervous at the thought of “drinks.” I was with people I could trust.