Lily cocks her head to the side, clearly trying to identify the noise. I distract her by sealing my lips to hers once more, craning my neck to reach her from the side. Then I thrust into her with primal urgency, our bodies moving together in perfect rhythm. The bunk fills with the sound of our passion.
Panting, I rest my forehead against the back of her neck, my breath ragged. "Lily," I murmur, my voice raw with emotion. "I don’t just want you like this. I want you to want me. Not just them. Me."
She turns her head slightly, her eyes meeting mine, slightly hazy with passion. "Jax, I wouldn’t be in your bed if I didn’t want you."
With renewed fervor, I begin moving again, gripping her hips as I drive deeper. Each thrust is a desperate plea, a silent promise. Her moans grow louder, and I feel her body tense around me, signaling that she’s close again. Her body shakes with each movement, her muffled cries filling the space. The sensation of her tightening around me drives me closer to the edge, my control slipping as I chase that final high.
"I'm gonna come, Lily," I groan, the words thick with desperation.
"Do it," she whispers, her voice breathless with pleasure. "I want to feel you."
With one last deep thrust, we come together, the intensity overwhelming. I collapse onto the bed, our bodies still entwined as we catch our breath. I hold her tightly against me, not wanting to let go, as the jealousy and uncertainty slowly melt away. For now, at least, she’s mine.
TWENTY-FOUR
HOTEL DAY
Lily
I wake up the next morning, tangled in the sheets with Jax’s arm draped protectively over me. The memories of last night play on repeat in my mind, making my heart race and my cheeks flush. Gently, I slide out of his grasp, careful not to wake him, and quietly dress before heading to the main area of the bus.
The rest of the guys are already up, lounging around and discussing the day’s plans. There’s an excitement in the air that I haven’t seen in a while.
“Good morning,” I murmur, heading straight for the coffeepot.
"Morning, Lily," Dylan greets me with a smile. His short brown hair is tousled, and his green eyes shine with enthusiasm. He doesn’t say anything about Jax or last night, surprising me with something else entirely. “Today’s hotel day."
"Hotel day?" I ask, curious.
"Yeah, it’s a day built into the tour schedule where we get to stay at a hotel and take a break from the bus," Enzo explains, his dark eyes gleaming with excitement. "A little luxury to recharge."
I remember seeing something about hotel days in the schedule, but honestly hadn’t given it much thought. The idea of a hotel room, a soft bed, and some time to myself sounds amazing. "That sounds perfect," I admit.
“Better pack your bag. We’ll be there soon,” Marcus adds.
I nod, gulping down my coffee quickly and placing my mug in the sink. Then I return to the bunks to throw a few things into my duffle. I just finish as I feel the bus rumbling to a slow stop beneath me.
The guys whoop, and their enthusiasm is contagious. I find myself crowding near the small window with them, taking in the luxurious building in front of us. It’s a high rise with at least twenty floors. The outside made entirely of reflective black panels. I haven’t even made it inside and I’m already impressed.
We exit the bus and head straight into the entrance. Security guards stand outside, but thankfully there are no crazed fans or paparazzi nearby, so we make it through the doors without incident. The luxury of the lobby hits me immediately. Hardwood floors, sleek modern lighting, and unique furniture create an atmosphere of class. It’s a far cry from the bus and despite feeling out of place, I’m excited to sleep in a real bed. The band is equally thrilled, though they seem to be more excited about the room service.
We ride up the elevator together to the top floor and walk into a suite made up of several rooms with king-sized beds piled high with fluffy white pillows and a living room with a sofa bed. I can’t wait until later when I get to wrap myself up in the luxurious looking bedding. After exploring the rooms, I find a brochure for the spa on a table in the main sitting area.
"I think I’m going to check out the spa," I say, feeling the need to unwind and clear my head. So much has happened in just over a week. I’m beginning to feel like I am in over myhead, and I need some time away from the guys to organize my thoughts.
"Enjoy yourself, Lily. You deserve it," Marcus states. "We’ll catch up with you later."
“Thanks, don’t get into any trouble,” I say sternly.
Dylan just laughs and winks at me. The rest of the guys don’t bother to respond.
Shaking my head, I wander down to the hotel spa, hoping to find some peace and quiet to think. The spa is an oasis of tranquility, with soft music and the scent of essential oils filling the air. The calming atmosphere puts me at ease immediately. I book a foot soak and sink into one of the plush chairs, letting the warm water and gentle bubbles relax me.
The attendant is attentive without being demanding, offering me a selection of herbal teas. I choose a chamomile blend, hoping it will help settle my restless thoughts. As I sit there, sipping the tea, my mind wanders to the complicated situation I’ve found myself in.
Being semi-involved with four men at the same time is exhilarating, but it’s also overwhelming. I can’t deny the connections I’m forming with each of them, but I know this can’t go on forever. I need to figure out what I want—and if it’s even possible to get what I want. Or if I’m just going to end up being hurt by the situation.
"Mind if I join you, dear?" a soft voice pulls me from my thoughts. I look up to see an elderly woman, emanating grace while dressed in a silk robe, smiling kindly at me.