No One to Hold Read online

  I step forward and pull her into my embrace, running my hands up and down her back. While I’m kissing her neck, I walk her backward, stopping when her legs touch the bed. Taking her mouth in an adoring kiss, I guide her down onto the middle of the bed and settle between her thighs. I push the tip of my hard length into her wet pussy, because I need to be surrounded by her, but then immediately pull back. Not yet.

  I roll us so that she’s on top, straddling me. Her luscious, perky boobs stare at me, so I obligingly knead them, causing her back to arch and a moan to escape her lips. It’s her turn to grind against me, which is driving me insane. “Cole,” she pants.

  I quirk my eyebrow up at her and thrust my hips. “I’m right here, sweetheart.”

  “Oh God.” She circles her sex against my throbbing cock, but I don’t enter her. I need more than a physical connection right now.

  Suddenly, I sit up so that we are face-to-face. Wrapping my arms around her back, I bring her flush against me. Her boobs are pressed against my chest, her legs cupping my hips, her fingernails scraping my back. She kisses my jawline.

  “Ro, look at me.”

  She pulls back a fraction and our eyes meet. We silently share our emotions, neither of us ready to put words to them. Bringing my hands to her hips, I position my straining cock at her wet opening and ease my way in, never breaking eye contact. I move my hands to the back of her head and pull her forward the last few inches to seal our joining with a kiss. Our tongues mimic the powerful roll of our hips.

  Our bodies continue to dance as we kiss and caress each other. Our breathing becomes more erratic. We are both covered in sweat. This is not just sex. I trail my lips from her lips to her neck and lave her nipples before pulling back to seek the reassurance of looking into her eyes. Greeted by smoldering blue irises, I’m nearing my breaking point.

  “Ready?”

  “Yes, Cole!”

  Her internal muscles squeeze around my cock as her orgasm overwhelms her, and within seconds, I’m coming deep inside her body. We both hold on to each other as the shudders overtake us.

  “Thank you for teaching me how to make love to you,” I whisper into her ear.

  MONDAY MORNING ARRIVES too soon. Rose is wrapped in my arms, exactly where she belongs. I wish we didn’t have to get up, especially since the first thing on our schedule is a meeting with our new bodyguards. One will go with Ro to work while the other will shadow me. I must ensure hers knows the importance of discretion, as Gruesome can’t be privy to his existence. But the most important consideration is that my Rose has to be safe.

  Sighing, I stare into the clock’s glowing numbers. I can’t delay any longer. I quickly kiss her lips and whisper, “Time to stop dreaming about me.”

  She groans and turns her head. I fucking love that she is not a morning person. Of course, I’m starting to fucking love everything about this woman.

  I pull back the blankets and caress her boobs. “Up, Ro.”

  In response, she arches her back. Another few minutes of this, and I won’t be able to leave the bed. Unfortunately, we don’t have the luxury of time.

  Reluctantly, I remove the blankets from both of our naked bodies and sit up. “Unless we want to give our new bodyguards more than an eyeful, I suggest we both get up now.”

  She struggles to an upright position. Grumbling, she says, “Why did they have to come over so early?”

  I chuckle. “Sweetie, they have to go with us to our offices. You know this.”

  “Yeah, but it sounded like a better idea yesterday afternoon.”

  I ruffle her hair. “I have to know that you’re safe.”

  She sighs and looks up at me with sleepy eyes. “I hate that you’re right.”

  I smile broadly. “You’re adorable in the morning. Let’s go.”

  She sits up and traces my dimple with her tongue.

  Grabbing her hand, I haul her to the bathroom. I never thought that I would be so content to share such mundane tasks as brushing my teeth and flossing with another person. But I am. I check the mirror and see myself grinning like the village idiot.

  “What?”

  “Nothing. I’m just happy.”

  She shakes her head. “You’re crazy.”

  “Maybe. Crazy about you, definitely. Now, do you want to get into the shower first, or shall I? We don’t have a lot of time.”

  She starts the water. “I’ll be quick.”

  Within moments, the scent of her floral-scented shampoo fills the air. Screw it. After she rinses her hair, I join her under the spray of warm water.

  “Here, let me,” I say, taking the washcloth from her hands. Smiling at her stunned expression, I squirt the body wash onto the cloth. I lather up her back, taking care as I skim down her gorgeous ass. “Spread your legs.”

  She does, and I soap each limb, using sensual circular motions, earning a little moan from her.

  “Turn around.” Focusing on my task, I wash her slender neck and boobs and shoulders and arms.

  “What have I missed?” I tease, earning a small moan from Rose. “Oh, I know.” Having Rose in my shower is so much better than I even imagined the first night she stayed here.

  Gently, I push her back against the tiles and drop to my knees, guiding one of her legs over my shoulder. Immediately, I set about cleaning her sweet pussy with my tongue. Her hands travel to my shoulders, flexing as I lick and suck her clit. I slide my index finger into her warmth, quickly joining it with my middle finger. I curl them inward while maintaining my rhythm at her clit. Within seconds, she’s exploding for me.

  I stand and hold her up while she regains her balance.

  “My turn.”

  She picks up the body wash from the shelf. Circling around me, she washes my back and ass, giving me little bites on my butt. I’m entranced by this new assertive, sexy side of Rose. She comes around to my front, washing my upper body, taking special care with my six-pack. Then it’s her turn to drop to her knees. She washes my legs before taking my shaft into her hands.

  “You don’t have to do this.”

  “Quiet down, Cole. Enjoy.”

  Bossy too? “You’re fucking hot.”

  She licks my cock from root to tip, causing me to close my eyes and lean my head back. I groan as she circles the head with her tongue before opening her mouth and sliding it in. Deep. Opening my eyes, I watch her suck me. This has to be one of the most erotic moments of my life.

  “Ro, stop. I’m going to come.”

  She pulls back from my cock long enough to say, “That’s the idea.”

  Right away, she takes me back into her mouth, reaching around to grab my ass and pull me forward. I widen my stance and give her one last warning before erupting deep down her throat. “God,” I manage.

  She giggles and stands up, wrapping her arms around my neck. “I think we’re both clean now.”

  Twenty minutes later, we’re dressed and in the kitchen eating breakfast. The doorbell rings, announcing our bodyguards. “I’ll show them into the living room. Finish your cereal,” I say, grabbing my coffee mug. She nods. After stooping to give her a quick kiss, I walk to the front door.

  “Gentlemen, please follow me.”

  The two hulking men say their hellos and follow me into the living room. Wills, the blond hulk, introduces himself and his partner, Roberto. “Mr. Manchester, our goal is to protect you and Miss Morgan. We don’t want to interfere with your lives any more than necessary. Shawn, who is outside in his car, is going to watch your house and Jake is already at Miss Morgan’s. They will trade off with Miles and Mike in twelve hour shifts.”

  Before Rose gets here, I need to set a few ground rules. “Thank you Wills. I’m sure that Mr. Kates has briefed you about my apparent stalker, and the danger she poses to Miss Morgan.”

  They both nod.

  “On a more personal note, I want to stress that no one is to know that Rose and I are a couple. Wills, are you going to be accompanying Rose to work today?”

  �
��No, Sir. Roberto is assigned to Miss Morgan.”

  I turn my attention to the dark-haired, dark-eyed Latin hulk. “Roberto, keep your distance from Rose while she is at work. We don’t want any questions raised about your presence from either her boss or other colleagues.”

  “Understood.”

  “If Rose needs to leave her office building for any reason, she has agreed to contact you to let you know. You’ll either drive her or follow the car that she’s riding in. Discreetly, of course.”

  “Yes, Sir.”

  All three of us turn as Rose walks into the living room, tightening her ponytail. I scrutinize the hulks’ reactions. Luckily for them, they remain professional. Since Roberto will be taking care of her when I’m not around, it’s paramount that I’m assured he won’t try to take advantage.

  She stops next to me, and I perform the introductions. I actually feel a twinge of jealousy as she extends her hand to each of the hulks. Those hands that were stroking my cock in the shower minutes ago. And those fingers—

  “Right, Cole?”

  Shit. “Sorry, Rose, what were you saying?”

  She gives me a quizzical look. “I said that we’re taking separate cars to work, so Roberto will follow me.”

  “Yes. Okay. Do you have any meetings scheduled outside your office today?”

  “No. I’ve been trying to schedule appointments with potential roommates during lunchtime, but none today.”

  That response makes me frown. I want her to stay here, but I won’t be discussing this in front of Hulk 1 and Hulk 2. “Good.”

  It’s her turn to frown at me. I guess she’s not sure if my “good” was in response to her not leaving her building today, or not meeting with any roommate candidates.

  “Do you have all your things?”

  “I just need to run upstairs to grab my computer and notes. I’ll be right back and then we can go, Roberto.”

  “I’m ready whenever you are, Miss Morgan.”

  “Please call me Rose.” With that, she heads off toward her Command Center.

  “Excuse me, gentlemen. I’ll be right back.”

  As pathetic as it sounds, I can’t stand the thought of being away from her any longer than is needed. I can hear the whip all the way from Dan’s house now.

  “Got everything?” I ask from the doorway.

  “Yes.”

  “Good. Now come here and soothe my ego.”

  Giving me a puzzled look, she stops right in front of me, briefcase slung over her shoulder. “Why does your ego need stroking?”

  “I said soothe, not stroke,” I say with a smirk. “Why are you still looking for a roommate? I want you to be safe. Here. With me.” I had promised myself this would wait until later, but the words just spilled out.

  “I never agreed to move in here permanently.”

  “Just indefinitely.”

  “Your words, not mine. Look, I need to get going. Someone made me take an inordinately long time in the shower this morning.” She grins up at me.

  “We’ll discuss this later. As for the shower, it seems to me that someone needed to go tit for tat.”

  “Or lick for suck,” she giggles.

  I pull her into my arms and give her a heated kiss. Stepping back, I swat her on her ass and say, “Don’t get overly friendly with Roberto. You’re mine.” Wow. Did that just come out of my mouth?

  “I like the sound of that.”

  Hand in hand, we return to the living room. I give Rose one last kiss before she and the Latin Hulk head out the door.

  I turn to Wills. “Ready to hit the gym? I have a ten a.m. appointment with my trainer. You can work out with me if you’d like.”

  He smiles and agrees to work out with me. I look forward to showing him that I’m not some soft rock star just because I have highlights in my hair and the world’s whitest teeth, thanks to Gruesome.

  After a grueling workout, Wills and I hit the sauna to soothe our aching muscles. I swear my personal trainer made today’s workout worse than usual as a sort of rite of passage for the blond hulk.

  “That’s some workout he put you through. How often do you train?”

  “Three times a week.”

  Blond hulk nods his head, and we lapse into a comfortable silence. My mind goes over all the things I need to get done today. I’m going to the studio to continue recording my album. I also want to go over “Taboo” with Russell and Jon.

  In addition to work, I’ll check in with Nolan Kates to see if he’s turned up anything. He’s been on the case for only a few hours, but the sooner it’s solved, the sooner our lives will return to normal. Whatever normal means.

  “I’m going to hit the shower and then go to the studio. I’ll have lunch brought in for us there. Sound good?”

  “Yes, Mr. Manchester.”

  Geez, I guess I didn’t tell him to call me Cole. “This Mr. Manchester business needs to stop, Wills. Call me Cole.”

  Blond hulk gives me a smile. “Sure thing, Boss.”

  I shake my head as we leave the sauna. “No offense, Wills, but I hope not to be needing your services for too long.”

  “I understand. I hope not, too.”

  Under an hour later, we arrive at Platinum Records. Although I invite Wills into the studio, he opts to stay outside in the hall. I seriously doubt anyone is after me. I tend to agree with Kates that my stalker is more likely to harass Rose than to threaten me. I leave him outside the door and get to work.

  A couple of hours later, Wills enters the studio with our lunch order—sandwiches, sodas and chips. “My man!” exclaims Sam, from his sound engineering station. Soon, we’re all devouring food like we’ve never eaten before in our lives. One of the perks of working with all men.

  My cell beeps, and a text from Rose pops up. Missing you. xx

  I reply: Tonight you’re mine.

  Her response is nearly immediate: Again?

  Chuckling, I return: You’ll beg for more.

  Sam notices me texting and says, “Yo, Cole, what you got going on? Who’s the lucky model now?”

  “No one you’d know, asswipe,” I respond with a smile. I catch Wills’s eye and a look of understanding passes between us. My secret is safe with him.

  Sam changes tack and addresses Wills. “Cole’s tighter than a minister’s daughter. Give me some intel, man.”

  “Sorry. No can do. I’m just his hired muscle.”

  “And since when do you have a bodyguard, Cole? What’s up with that?”

  I don’t want news of my stalker to get out. “He makes me look cool.”

  “Whatever, dude.”

  My phone rings. It’s Kates. Answering, I leave the room for a more private setting. After a few niceties, I ask, “Any updates?”

  “Not yet, Cole. We agree with the police and are investigating the break-in and the stalker incidents as crimes committed by separate individuals. I wanted to ask you about the jewelry that was stolen.”

  “Only one piece of value was taken. Rose’s prior diamond engagement ring. All the other pieces were costume. I think Rose gave information and a photo to Detective Mahoney at the LAPD as well as her insurance company. I’ll make sure you get a copy.”

  “That’s perfect. I’ve already put feelers out to pawn shops in the area. If anything new is brought in, I’ll be notified.”

  “Good.”

  “How are Wills and Roberto working out?”

  “I hate that we need them, but they seem fine.”

  “Better to have other sets of eyes looking out for you.”

  I sigh. “Let’s hope you can get to the bottom of all this sooner rather than later. Thanks for the update.” We end our call and I reach out to Rose in her office.

  “Rose Morgan.”

  “So formal.”

  “Hello, Cole, how may I help you?”

  Gruesome must be nearby. “Now that’s a loaded question, sweetheart. You’re going to have to ask me that again when we’re both naked. Which should be in just a co
uple of hours.”

  “That sounds interesting.”

  “I love how you scream my name when you come.”

  “Really?” she squeaks.

  Chuckling, I take pity on her. “Kates needs a copy of the insurance information you prepared.”

  “I understand.” I hear her talking, presumably with Gruesome, although I’m not sure because the sound is muffled. She must have put her hand over the speaker. “Cole, Greta wants me to thank you for your part at The Ice Lounge on Saturday night. You helped Brandan out, and she wants me to let you know that we owe you one. Greta promises to fix you up with any model or starlet of your choosing.”

  “Anyone?” I say, ignoring the two categories she’s provided.

  “Yes. Greta believes you should be seen around town with arm candy to deflect the whole Jessie and Brandan triangle.”

  “Oh does she?”

  “She would like to set something up for this Friday night. Who would you like to be fixed up with?”

  I’m positive Gruesome is hovering over Rose’s desk, eavesdropping. Dropping my voice, I respond, “You.”

  “You don’t have anyone in mind? I can make a few suggestions.”

  This conversation is making me nauseous. And the fact that Rose is the one arranging the whole charade only makes it more surreal. “I’m not sure I can do this.”

  “Greta thinks that the best thing for your image is to be seen in public with someone. As you may know, there’s a Team Brandan and a Team Cole, and we need to manage this situation.”

  I sigh. “Do I really have to do this?”

  “Yes. Why don’t you think about it and send me the names of some ladies of interest? I’ll work on a list from my end also.”

  “Fine. This sucks.”

  “Thanks for calling, Cole.”

  After hanging up, I text Rose: I only want to go out with you.

  She replies: It’ll just be a few hours.

  Shaking my head, I realize that I’m grumbling about being forced to spend time with some gorgeous chick. Rose truly has taken up residence in my heart.