He puts a hand over his mic. “I’m not letting you get away this time. One more song and you’re all mine.” The promise in his eyes makes my mouth water. This is going to be a bad decision, but nothing is going to stop me from making it.

  He picks my hand up and kisses the back of my hand, before walking me over to the side of the stage behind the curtain. Anticipation pulses through my body as I wait for them to be done. Something inside of me knows I’m about to find out what it feels like to fall in love.

  Rylin

  The rest of the show flies by in a blur. Every few seconds I look over to the side of the stage just to make sure Veil stays exactly where I put her. Before the last song, Michael chirps into my in-ear headphone asking me if I want him to secure a separate hotel room for me. If I nod any harder, I’d break my neck. I’m not assuming anything is going to happen, but I know I need to find out as much as I can about her in the short time that we have. I think she has a gig in Houston the day after tomorrow, which means she’s going to have to get back. As always, Michael comes through and before I play the last note on the final song, he’s already got the room number and where I can pick up the key.

  That man needs a fucking raise.

  I know the drill and there’s no way I’m going to be able to wait, so I stand at the very edge of the stage for the audience to call for an encore. I’m walking back out before any of the other guys can get a drink of water. I need this over right the hell now.

  I turn my back to the audience for one quick second, letting all the rest of the guys know to keep the last song short. Basically, the radio edit version. The minute it’s over, we all move forward and take our bows.

  “Boy, you act like you’ve never seen a girl before.” Mart laughs at me as I push by him to get to the side of the stage.

  “Will you be around tomorrow?” Snare asks, his voice loud and questioning. I ignore him, hand Michael my guitar and beeline straight to where Veil is standing.

  “You guys were amazing. That’s some serious rocking out!” She praises all of us.

  “Thanks, give him back in one piece, you hear?” Trim calls out, but I’m already tugging her along before she can answer.

  Under the cover of a curtain, I push her against the wall and kiss her hard. The same explosion of magic and need blossoms inside of me. It wasn’t a fluke. I wasn’t dreaming. Whatever the hell this is, it’s real. After a few seconds, I pull away from her, “I feel like I know everything yet nothing about you at the same time. I’m not trying to be forward, but I want to get you alone. I have a hotel room and I’m not talking about sex or even touch or anything. I just want to talk to you. Is that okay?”

  She nods before the question is fully off my lips. “Yeah, I think that’s best right now.”

  The walk over to the hotel is so long, even though it’s less than two blocks away from the venue. The second we get upstairs, I sit her down and tell her to order anything she wants.

  “You planning on going somewhere?” She raises a perfectly arched eyebrow at me over the rim of her gold frame glasses.

  “I’ve been running around screaming for a few hours. I’m sweaty. I’m just gonna rinse off.” I tell her, but really I’m too excited. Every time I touch her, it only makes me want to touch her more. When she nods I hurry into the bathroom and take a super quick shower. I have to keep the same jeans on since I don’t have any clothes here but I come back out topless. I’ve been seen wearing much less.

  “Hmm, seems like you’re trying to seduce me, Rylin.” Veil squints her eyes at me.

  “No. I’m trying to get to know you. You don’t realize how much you’ve changed my life. I found music in your eyes that I’ve been searching for my whole life.”

  “Wow.” She says, her cheeks turning red. When she looks down I use my finger under her chin to raise her eyes back to mine.

  “Tell me about you, Veil. I want to know it all.”

  The conversation between Veil and I comes just as easy as the music. We’d gone over each other’s backstory. Talked about finishing highschool by mail, our parents, favorite pastimes, tv shows and movies. Of course, we talked all about the musicians that inspired us. I’m surprised to find out that she completed ballroom dancing classes because she feels it helps her sing.

  “I’m serious! You should get your lead to try it. It helped me expect the unexpected and helped with timing, everything.” Veil pushes me softly while continuing to giggle.

  “Yeah, I don’t think Trim is going to go for that. Why don’t you show me something?” I say and wait for her to get up.

  “What? What do you mean? Like you want me to dance for you?”

  “Yeah, what good is ballroom dancing lessons if you never get to use them?” I shrug playfully.

  She stands but puts her hand out for me.

  “Whoa, sorry, that shit’s not happening. I don’t know anything about ballroom dancing. I can barely two step.” I scoff and push her hand down.

  “Oh, don’t be such a baby. There’s no one here to make fun of you, and I can’t ballroom dance by myself.” She puts her hand out again, “Come on, I’ll teach you.”

  I groan and let my head fall back in defeat. I stand up, stomping my feet in a fully exaggerated tantrum. She grabs my hand and goes over the steps of a simple four-step dance.

  It’s a travesty. After only five attempts, I’ve fallen on my ass twice, stomped on her toe and bump heads with her. After the sixth time, I just give up, resigned to the fact that I’m never going to be dancing around like Patrick Swayze in Dirty Dancing, so I fall back on my tried-and-true moves.

  The sprinkler, followed by a healthy dose of running man, ending with a little robot.

  Veil promptly explodes into a fit of hysterical laughter that causes her to fall against me. I wrap my arms around her waist to keep her from falling down but the moment my skin connects with hers all the humor drains from her and lustful desire takes its place. She raises on her tiptoes and kisses me hard.

  No more laughter echoes in the space, only the sound of clothes hitting the floor and heady moans as I trail my mouth over her silky skin. We adore and explore each other's body as much as possible before she is pulling me backwards and we fall down onto the bed. I scramble down for a microsecond to pull the condom out of my wallet before I continue touching her.

  “Rylin... this isn’t... I don’t know why I want you so bad.” She’s confused. I don’t want to admit I am too, but it’s true.

  “Me too, Veil. Me too.” I kiss her once again, inhaling all of her doubts and worries. She hooks her fingers under the last piece of clothing separating her from me, her panties. I groan in appreciation as she slides them as far down as she can with me on top of her. I pull them off the rest of the way.

  I want to touch every inch of her inside and out, but I settle for sliding my fingers down the midline of her abs until they slide through the wet cleft of her pussy. Her back bucks up off the bed and my senses focus on everything that is her. The moans, her gasps, the soft whimpers, even the pace of her breathing. It’s music to my fucking soul and all I want is one more note.

  When it becomes too much for me to bear, I slide the condom on and slowly enter her. I keep waiting for something to be wrong or for her to not be so perfect. It’s not happening.

  We hold each other as we go through the night wringing the pleasure out of each other.

  As pure passion over takes the both of us, I can’t help but feel a sense of doom on the horizon.

  When we’ve exhausted each other, she presses her head to my chest and a deep shuddering sigh sounds in the room. “Rylin, you know this is impossible. Our careers. Our Bands. The music.” Her voice cracks.

  “Shh,” I press a kiss to the top of her head, “We’ll worry about that tomorrow. But right now, let’s have this. It’s more than most will ever experience. No matter what happens, we’ll always have tonight.”

  She looks up at me, her eyes wet with unshed tears. “Yes, we’ll have tonight.”

  The both of us drift off to sleep and I have the best dreams of my life, every one of them scored by the music of my personal muse, Veil.

  About Riley Rae

  Riley Rae is the alter ego of USA Today Bestselling Dark Romance author Rae B. Lake. Riley writes laugh out loud, alpha hole, bossy, grump romance this new year and she thinks you’re just going to love it!

  Make sure you follow her Facebook page for updates!

  https://www.facebook.com/authorrileyrae

  More From Riley Rae

  Mr. Bad News - Bad Billionaire Bachelors

  Paging Dr. Douche - Bad Billionaire Bachelors

  Unsuspected Love

  BY: L.S. PULLEN

  Chapter One

  MAXINE

  Walking to reception, I let out a heavy sigh as I make my way around the counter and switch on my computer. I can't say I'm surprised. Of course Nick would demand we all come in following a nationwide bloody lockdown announcement. Seriously, what is it with him and that stick up his arse? I've known him for almost two years, and I've only ever seen him let loose once in all that time. Not that I mind coming in today. If anything, I'm glad for the human interaction, even if it is only for a few hours.

  I think my colleagues have the perception that because I'm bubbly and outgoing, I have a great social life outside of the office. But that lost its appeal a long time ago. The truth is, I enjoy my own company for the most part, and the few friends I do have bring something different to our friendship. But they've all settled down now, and that can sometimes make me feel like a third wheel.

  No doubt Nick will demand I update our website. The man is predictable and moody. And extremely good looking.

  An origami flower is sitting on top of my keyboard, and I smile. I have no idea who they're from, but I've had one on my desk every day for nearly a year now. At first, I was eager to figure out who they're from, but… I found I love the mystery of not knowing. It makes me feel special, seen.

  I haven't even told my work-bestie, Verity. Is that stupid? Maybe, but it's a fun little secret—just between the mystery person and me.

  Pulling out my mini makeup case from my handbag, I unzip it before carefully placing the origami inside so I can add it with the others at home on my bookshelf.

  "Oh good, you're here."

  His voice startles me. The one and only Nick Montgomery. I swear, he’s always here.

  "Morning to you, too," I reply without looking up as I place my makeup case back into my bag.

  "Morning," he says, gruffly. "I need you to update the main website page with an out-of-office notice."

  Rolling my eyes, I look up and internally sigh.

  Emerald green eyes smoulder back at me—his gaze always so intense. It's one of those rare days where he hasn't shaven. It looks like he's been running his fingers through his hair. Why does he have to be so devastatingly handsome? Annoying as he is, I can't deny my physical attraction to him. My skin prickles with awareness, and I wish it didn't, but it does…ever since that damn work Christmas party. I do not need to allow my mind to wander there, not now.

  "I'm pretty sure no one will expect an accountancy firm to be open during a lockdown."

  He raises an eyebrow. "As much as I appreciate your smart mouth, Maxine, do you think you could take this seriously? Just this once?"

  "Yes, sir."

  His eyes darken, the air grows thick, and I'm drawn to his plump lips, that jawline, and the way his Adam's apple rolls when he swallows. I never thought I'd get a lady boner over an Adam's apple, but here I am.

  "I'll be in my office," he says, and without another word, he turns, showing me those broad shoulders as he saunters off. I can't help but admire his arse, too. No one should have an arse as fine as that.

  I instantly try to shake that thought away; ever since the Christmas party, he's been even more unbearable. Part of me considered bringing it up, but the other part decided that if he wouldn't, neither would I. Mature, I know. It was a stupid drunken mistake—just a kiss.

  It's not like it rocked my world or anything.

  Lies.

  That's the good thing about denial: I can ignore the uncomfortable truth. It was an unforgettable kiss; even in my drunken state, it was everything I never knew I was missing.

  When he walked me to my front door. I thought after the mind blowing kiss, we'd continue inside, but all he did was see me in safely.

  And then he took his fine arse straight back to the cab without so much as a backwards glance.

  I don't know what I expected when we all returned to work, but he said nothing. If anything, he was even more of a sourpuss than before. Part of me even considered if I had conjured the kiss in some kind of drunk-induced dream. But the memory is vivid, and no matter how hard I try to forget it, it's near impossible.

  It even ruined my online dating streak.

  At least up until that point, I had somewhat of a dating life.

  Then my grumpy arse boss had to go and help screw that for me…and didn't even give my evening a happy ending.

  I never told Verity. I mean, how do I even explain it when I'm not even sure myself?

  Gradually more staff begin to pile in. I'm feeling outnumbered by all these bean-counters, and yes, I know Verity’s an accountant too, but she's my work bestie, so I won't hold that against her. She's too good for this place anyway.

  Glancing at my watch, I note she's still got five minutes to get here. I might as well make us both a cup of coffee while I wait.

  Just as I return to reception, Verity enters with a far-away look on her face, her cheeks flushed.

  "Somebody got lucky," I say, interrupting her from her thoughts and holding out the cup of coffee for her.

  "A lady never tells," she says, reaching for the cup. "Thank you."

  It's a good look on her, but I am desperate for the dirt. "Well, how else am I going to live my life vicariously through you if you keep it to yourself?"

  She smiles before sipping her coffee with a contented sigh.

  "Anyway, you'll have to keep me posted via messages now we all have to stay at home."

  It's not a thought I'm looking forward to, being home alone for the foreseeable future. I think a cat might not be such a bad idea after all.

  We make our way to the boardroom. I glance at Verity. "What has you thinking so hard?"

  She worries her bottom lip. "Just that... I won't lie, being with Liam twenty-four-seven fills me with equal parts excitement and apprehension."

  Pulling out a chair each, we sit down. "Man, if I was stuck in lockdown with him, I assure you, I'd be getting zero work done. Zilch. I'd be too busy orgasming."

  The room falls silent, and I just shrug. For some reason, I hope Nick heard what I just said. That'll teach him to leave a woman wanting.

  "Okay, so everyone will be working from home as of today and for the foreseeable future, at least until restrictions are eased."

  I roll my eyes. Could he bore off already?

  "Your time online will be monitored, so if anyone thinks it's a free pass, you're sorely mistaken."

  Out of my peripheral, I notice Verity swooning over her phone, so I lean over to read it.

  Liam: You are strong, and you are beautiful.

  My teeth hurt he's so sickly sweet. "Man, I want him. Can I please?" I whisper, fluttering my eyelashes.

  She shakes her head. "I already licked him, so he's mine."

  I poke out my tongue. "Ever heard of sharing?"

  Chapter Two

  NICK

  When she called me Sir, I had no other option but to walk away before I made a fool of myself. She has no idea what she does to me. I don't need to spend the entire staff meeting with a hard-on, but it's near impossible. Ever since that one time I lost control with her, she's all I can think about.

  She was the life and soul of the Christmas party. Hell, she's the life and soul of the workplace. I don't think she even knows how she makes everything brighter just by being.

  The truth is, I could have wrapped everything up via a Zoom meeting, but if we're going into lockdown for the foreseeable future…

  Yeah, I know I'll see her on Teams and Zoom, but it's not the same as seeing her in person. She's one of the reasons I look forward to working. I'm probably in the minority of people who enjoy and excel in their job. What can I say? Numbers are my thing.

  I watched as Maxine smiled when she found the flower on her keyboard. It gives me a strange sense of satisfaction that I was the reason for making her smile—even if she doesn't know it was from me.

  But, of course, the first words out of my mouth when I approached were gruff and passive-aggressive. In my head, I said, good morning, you look beautiful. But how would that be work appropriate, without fear of reprisals or worse, a complaint to Human Resources?

  Eventually, everyone arrives and spreads out. Thankfully it's a large boardroom. Once everyone is settled, we start the meeting.

  And like always, my eyes are drawn immediately to Maxine.

  She's leaning over, whispering to Verity, a massive smile on her face. I can’t hear what she's saying, but for some reason, my hackles rise, and I can't help myself.

  "Sorry, Maxine, can you pay attention? This is serious."

  The smile there mere seconds ago vanishes as she crosses her arms. "Apologies. Please continue."

  Robert and I cover a few topics before letting everyone go. Just as Maxine is about to follow Verity out of the room, I call her over.

  And wait until we're alone.

  "I need you to check in with me first thing every morning and before you clock off at night. This isn't a vacation. It's business as usual."

  She rolls her eyes. "Don't worry, Nicholas, I'm more than capable of doing my job both on-site and remotely."