Chapter 21

Chapter Twenty-One

Adam

Listen to Till Forever Falls Apart

by Ash and FINNEAS

T he day started out perfect. Too bad it all went to shit.

I woke up with Landon’s naked body plastered to me, and a stiff morning erection. Last night, I’d shared another intimate story I’d never told anyone. Somehow, it seemed right that she knew about Melba. I wanted Landon to know everything about me, especially the bad and the broken parts. When she said she loved me, my heart said the words back. It was just my head and my voice that rebelled against that final surrender. Seeing her patience reflected back in her beautiful blue eyes soothed the fear. Landon wasn’t going anywhere. I couldn’t spook her by not responding back and it was another part I loved about her so much—her refusal to question her worth and value just because I couldn’t utter three words. So, I gave it to her in actions all night long. And with my story.

She gave a cute little snore and I eased myself between her legs, slowly pushing her thighs apart. My gaze roved over her with familiar hunger. Her skin was flushed pink, and her nipples were hard, begging for my touch. I pulled the sheet all the way down, exposing her in full, and feasted on her warm, open nudity. Her sweet pussy was already wet, as if she was dreaming about me and sensed I’d soon pleasure her.

With a grin, I lowered my head and began to lick her sensitive folds. She moaned in her sleep, her body naturally arching and demanding more, so I gave it to her. Increasing the pressure of my tongue flicking her clit, I sucked gently, as my fingers pushed into her tight, wet channel.

Pure fucking heaven.

I heard my name panted from her lips. Staring up at her face, pushing her knees further apart, I saw the moment she blinked awake, eyes foggy, teeth biting into her lower lip as she realized what was happening.

But it was already too late.

She neared the edge of orgasm, and I kept her ruthlessly pinned there, giving her just enough to get her to beg. “Adam! Oh, please, oh God?—”

“Come all over my face, princess. Do it now.”

She did, screaming and crying my name, shuddering as I didn’t let up and forced her into a second orgasm, refusing to obey her frantic tugs on my shoulders as she tried to control her reaction. I didn’t stop until she lay wrecked on the damp sheets, breathing hard. The spicy taste of her was better than any cocktail. I pressed kisses over her body as I climbed up, then took her mouth in a rough possessive kiss.

“Morning.”

Her arms wrapped around me and she smiled sleepily. “Holy hell, it certainly is.”

I chuckled. “Not over yet. Hold on.”

She did. I pushed myself inside her until I was seated fully. Her pussy gripped me like a silken fist and pleasure was an agonizing edge as I fucked her slow and controlled, my gaze pinned to hers the whole time so she couldn’t hide anything. When she tried to look away, I grasped her chin and held tight, watching her fall apart again with me buried deep. Afterward, she cuddled so sweetly against me, I only wanted to stop time and spend the day in bed.

I wish I had.

Instead, we talked about the plan for tonight and how we’d tell the group after Noah’s set. She had a big meeting with the crew for Dumped , and I was seeing JJ and the band since we were leaving soon. I wished Landon would be coming with me. I hated the thought of leaving her behind to face our friends’ wrath but I had no choice. She’d signed the contract and I was stuck. I needed to focus on killing it in LA, making enough contacts to get my songs out there, and returning to Landon so we could focus on our relationship.

If I kept those goals in mind, I’d make it. We both would.

Together.

“Adam?”

She said my name like a question, hesitation on her swollen lips. Sitting up on the bed, Landon stared back at me with an odd combination of doubt and challenge. “Yeah?”

“Max mentioned you were acting like a whore. Fucking women in your dressing room, one after another. He said LA was going to be like an all-night buffet of ass for you.”

I studied her face and slammed down on my temper. Of course, Max would say shit like that. I wondered if he sensed Landon and I were together. It was odd that he’d want to sabotage me, but then again, I’d fed Max and the guys a bunch of bullshit mostly about me getting laid regularly when I was really writing songs. Maybe it was a stupid guy thing, or pride, or simply that even though they were my best friends, I kept a part of myself separate. It had always been that way. I think Max hated that—he was able to worm his way into everyone’s confidence easily, except me. I’d never give him all of my secrets, and he seemed almost desperate to know them.

So he could use them against me like that videotape was used against him. Max never liked being out of control.

Luckily, I knew Landon believed in me enough to ignore Max, but any woman would have some worry after that statement. Especially since she’d seen a woman plastered all over me.

I needed her to know my soul and that another woman wasn’t even a possibility.

I reached out and cupped her face. My gaze pinned hers and I opened it all up, so she could see all of the stuff inside I kept hidden. So she could see I loved her with my heart and fucking soul.

“I am not interested in anyone but you. There will never be another woman who’s not you, Landon. Max is making shit up. Not sure why. I know that’s hard for you to trust, especially when he cheated and lied about it. I’m asking you to trust me anyway. I want to play my music and get home to you.”

Slowly, she relaxed in my embrace. Her blue eyes cleared and I knew it was good.

“Okay.”

She slid off the bed and headed to the shower. I slumped back in the sheets, relieved this woman was brave enough to take the leap with me.

I was never letting Landon go.

After she’d left, I headed across town to meet with the guys about finalized itinerary details. JJ had blasted out our album promo everywhere, and the buzz was beginning to build, especially after our live performances the past few weeks. I was surprised when he informed us we were delaying the LA tour by a few days.

JJ threw up his hands when we all got pissed off. All of us were pumping with adrenalin to start the tour, and being in limbo for a few more days was torture. “Guys—the club had a fire in the kitchen and we can’t perform there. It was too late to get us scheduled, so we’re gonna tack on an additional venue toward the end.” He detailed the change of plans, and I figured it wasn’t the worst thing because it meant a few more days with Landon. Now that we’d be apart, I intended to try and spend as much time as possible with her. Preferably in bed.

We finished up, and I stayed for a while, shooting the shit with the band. JJ bumped me from behind and waved me over to a private corner. “What’s up?” I asked.

His gaze held a flare of shrewd calculation. “I’m interested in Elle.”

I laughed and shook my head. “Dude, she’s in tight with another guy. Coop will kick your ass.”

JJ grinned. “Not like that. You know that song your friend Noah and her were working on? It’s killer.”

I lifted a brow. “You know I partnered with him to write the lyrics?”

“Of course. This is my whole point. Noah has some serious talent with music and you’ve been more interested in the writing side. Now, don’t get me wrong—your best shot is with Unison. I’m gonna make you famous. I feel it in my damn bones.”

“Promises, promises.”

“No, I will. It’s all there. Ready to pop. I hope you’re ready.”

As he stared at me, dead serious, a shiver raced down my spine. I was surprised it held fear. Fear of getting what I wanted, but in a way I never planned on. Getting famous with my face out front and nowhere to hide. It wasn’t my fantasy. But having my songs played over and over by fans? Yeah. That was worth it. “What does Elle have to do with any of this?”

“I’ve made some calls. Elle has all the elements I can work with. She’s sexy, with a good sound. And the way Noah cut the tracks was fresh—it’s not the same old tired shit I’m always hearing from young performers. Olivia Rodrigo made angry women music famous, and I love it, but we’re all ready for something else. I think Elle has it. I may offer her a contract.”

My jaw almost unhinged. “Holy shit, that’s awesome. As a solo performer?”

JJ nodded. “Yeah. I might bring in Noah if he’s interested, and you can be a co-writer. Kick off your writing credits. It’s a double whammy, Adam. This could be big if it works out.”

My heart sped up. This was a lot to take in. I wondered if Elle was ready to take the leap or if she still wanted to act now that the strike was ending. “You talk to her yet?”

“No. Wanted to get your take on how I should approach first. I’d need her fully in. I don’t have the energy if she doesn’t—it’s too fucking hard. But if she wants it, and the three of you work together, things could go big.”

“I’m gonna see her tonight. Why don’t I ask her? Feel things out and let you know?”

“Sounds good, man. Thanks.”

JJ took off and headed back to my place. I wondered what it would be like working with Noah and Elle after they found out about me and Landon. Could we all put the conflict aside for the opportunity? And how would I handle more writing and Unison?

This is what you always wanted , the inner voice whispered. Everything your old man said about your music will be proven bullshit. It’s your time now, motherfucker.

I was buzzing hard until Landon texted her news. We only had the weekend together before she needed to take off. Frustration coursed through me but there was nothing I could do. Now, I’d be alone those extra days, dealing with the fallout. Sucked, but the main thing was making sure Landon got out of town away from Max.

I made arrangements to meet her early at the club to eat and get some time. I texted Noah to get an ETA, and Landon said both Elle and Max and Gabby were working late. Coop had some type of photo shoot so he wouldn’t be there till after ten either. Landon and I were good until then.

I changed into dark wash jeans and a Unison t-shirt, pulled my hair back in a tie, and skipped shaving. I saw the way Landon looked at me when I left some scruff –it turned her on. When I met her outside, I lost my breath.

She was fucking gorgeous. And all mine.

I walked over real slow as my gaze devoured her whole. Not giving a crap about her makeup, I kissed her hard and deep, reminding Landon I owned her. Eyes dazed, she blinked up at me when I finally pulled away. “You look edible,” I said.

The cheeky spark I loved lit up her face. “I hope you’ll eat me later.”

My dick practically burst out of my pants, and I gave a choked laugh. “I’m going to make you pay for teasing me like that.”

“Can’t wait.”

I grabbed her hand and told her Noah should be here till ten.

“The others don’t get off at Red till eleven so we have plenty of time,” she said.

“Good. I want you to myself, even if I’d rather have you naked in bed.”

I approved when she slid her beloved phone into her purse and snapped it shut. “I’m all yours for the next few days, Adam. I’m done with Red, and I got ahead on my packing.”

I squeezed her hand and led her to the back of the club where it was more private. I told her about Elle and Noah while we ate a bunch of tapas. “I think she’ll go for it,” Landon said. “She’s ready for something different and working with Noah will give her some familiarity. I wish I’d be around to help her out.”

“Cutting music will take a while. You’ll be back. Just be careful with Max.”

“Yes, Sir.”

Raw hunger cut through me. “Say it again. Later. Naked.”

She grinned and blew me a kiss. I laughed at her sass.

For the next hour, nothing mattered except me and Landon. Time stopped around us, and I fell into her as if she was the missing half of myself. I kissed her and held her hand. I stroked her back and feasted on the length of her bare legs. The waitress smiled at us after bringing another round of drinks and said we made a cute couple. I was embarrassed at how I loved hearing such a lame line. It wasn’t like me.

I was already changing and there was nothing I could do about it.

Finally, we paid the bill and began to move toward the club side. She’d grab a table, and I’d go outside to meet Noah and help set up. We’d come back around when everyone was there later on and tell them the news.

It was a good plan.

Until it wasn’t.

My arm was wrapped around Landon’s waist and as we moved, she tilted her head up, smiling at me like she was staring at the sun.

But it was just me. Just me she loved.

I murmured her name and kissed her. She parted her lips and clung to me. It literally hurt to break contact with her sweet body. I eased away and smiled back. For those few precious seconds, everything was perfect.

Until it wasn’t.

I heard a loud noise, like a scream of shock, but my brain didn’t process anything until I turned.

I blinked and stared ahead of me. Landon and I both froze.

Coop, Elle, Noah, and Daisy stood in front of us. Jaws dropped. Shocked faces stared back, glancing to me and Landon as if they’d walked into a sci-fi movie and was trying hard to focus on their new fucked up world. And then I saw Max.

He stood slightly behind, gaping at us from behind Coop. Ice washed over me as his furious gaze swiveled from Landon to me.

And then the shit hit the fan.