My Shifter Showmance (Shifting Reality 1)

She stepped back, feeling as though he’d physically hit her. “You think I slept with you to keep my job?” She whirled toward the bookshelf, determined to kick him out of her room, pack and leave before he could see how much he’d hurt her.

He grabbed her and threw her onto the bed. “Oh no, you don’t. You’re not going anywhere, kitten. I’m not convinced yet. You haven’t given me everything I want.”

Chapter Seven

“Fuck you, Lyons. And don’t call me kitten, you jackass.” She rolled off her back, scrambling to get off the bed.

“Where do you think you’re going, kitten? Don’t you want me to sign the contract? I bet there’s a promotion in it for you.” He grabbed the skirt of her dress, holding her fast.

The fight suddenly sapped out of

her, and she sat on the bed, tears streaming down her cheeks. Thomas was there in an instant, pulling her into his arms. “Baby, Margo please. Please don’t cry.”

“I would never—”

“I know. I know you wouldn’t. I’m an ass. I’m sorry, baby.”

She pulled back, wiping her cheeks. “No you don’t. I would never use sex to try and advance my career. It’s the reason I stopped singing in the first place.”

She’d been so sure of herself, so certain she could conquer the world with her voice and her guitar…drunk on her first taste of freedom in the city where stars were born. She’d played anywhere, for anyone who would listen. She’d been good too. And then she’d met him. He managed bands that got top billings. He had an eye for talent. And he wanted to make her a star.

Only it was all a lie. He’d romanced her, taking her to the best places to meet the best people. And he’d told her he loved her. She’d made one mistake. She’d trusted him. He’d taken that trust, and her innocence, when he’d secretly taped them having sex. And then passed the tape around to his friends in the business. She’d been devastated. He’d even made her sing for him wearing nothing but her guitar before he’d taken her. It was the first and only time she’d sung on camera.

She pulled herself together as she finished sharing her story with Thomas. “I thought I could overcome it. But I couldn’t take the chance that it would come out. My father had always dreamed I’d be a star. He’d wanted me to follow my dreams, said it was what he worked so hard to give me. When I quit I don’t think he ever forgave me for not telling him why. I didn’t even sing at his funeral. I couldn’t.”

Thomas held her tighter, rocking her as she finished speaking. He kissed her forehead, her eyes, her damp cheeks. “Is he alive? The man who did this?”

“I-I don’t know where Jimmy is. And I don’t care.”

“I do.”

She sent him a watery smile. “He doesn’t matter. I just wanted you to know.”

“Margo Sheffield, you’re an amazing human. I don’t think I’ve known anyone braver. You came here, on camera, despite your past. You trusted me with your body, though you didn’t believe I was what I said I was.”

“That’s not brave. That’s masochistic and crazy.” Her chuckle was watery. “I couldn’t help myself. It must be your pheromones.”

Thomas smiled a strange half smile and shook his head. “I haven’t even used them on you. Yet.”

He pulled her close once more and continued to hold her, just hold her, until her sniffles stopped and her tears dried. Until her skin began to warm beneath his hands, and she felt his breathing change.

She wanted him. Just one last time she wanted to feel what he made her feel. Wash away her ugly past with a beautiful memory. She kissed his neck, and he stilled beside her. Her teeth closed over the taut tendon of his neck, and he shivered.

“Don’t tease, Margo.”

She lifted herself up and straddled his lap. “Who’s teasing?” She bit at his upper lip. “I need you, Thomas.”

He closed his eyes on a moan, dragging her body against his and tilting his head for a deep, soulful kiss. Yes. This was what she needed. He was what she needed. His taste. His smell. Everything.

His mind was in turmoil. Thomas was walking a ragged edge. In less than an hour he’d gone from betrayal, to remorse, to homicidal rage. And now? Desire, so strong he wanted to shout with it.

His rage was for Jimmy the band manager, a man he silently vowed he would find and pay back for every tear his woman had shed over the bastard. The rest was for her. Margo. How had one human woman wound so tightly around his heart in so short a time?

He had no doubt she was his mate. His only worry was that he might not be hers. It was a worry that kept him up nights. Tormented him every minute he wasn’t with her, touching her, making her cry out with pleasure.

She was kissing him now and he could scent her need. His mind knew she was vulnerable, that he should just hold her until she slept, keep her safe. But his instincts were demanding he claim her. It was the only way the beast inside knew to protect her.

Mate.