Stout (Men of Lovibond 2)

“Not to me.” I’m going to change his mind about this.

“I want this one to be special. A birthday you’ll never forget. And I’m going to make sure that happens when we get home.”

“I’ll take that.”

The band is playing their version of “I Don’t Want To Change You” by Damien Rice. One of my favorites. “You told Marlana this was our song. I think it should be.”

“It’s a good one.”

I’m not sure it’s right for a couple to make a song theirs without fitting lyrics. “But it doesn’t describe us. It says the opposite.”

“Why do you say that?”

“Because I’m trying to change you, or change your mind, about giving me the things I want.” I’m not sure that’s fair to Oliver. In fact, I’m pretty sure I’m being selfish.

“I’ve been doing research. We’re gonna find ways to compromise.” He’s interested and open to learning. He wants to bend?

“What kind of research?”

“You’ll see.”

“Tonight?” Please say yes.

“Perhaps.”

“I’m ready for this party to be over so we can go to your house.”

Oliver holds the sides of my face and kisses me, sucking my bottom lip into his mouth. “You like doing that, don’t you?”

“Yeah, but I like sucking your clit more.”

Tingly sensations spread throughout my lower pelvis. “Totally unfair to say that when we have to wait.”

“I want you thinking about it the rest of the night. I need my good girl to be drenching wet for me.” I love when he puts an edge of growl behind his words.

“No worries there. You’ve taken care of that.”

“Good.” There’s that smile. Triumphant. Smug. Sexy as fuck.

I need to get away from Oliver before I consider dragging him into a broom closet. “I should check in with Michelle. Make sure everything is going according to plan. You need to mingle with your guests.”

“I’d rather be with you. But I’ll make the rounds to talk to everyone because you say so.”

“Don’t have too many beers. I don’t want your senses overly dulled later.” I have a surprise in store for him.

“Don’t worry, baby. I have no intentions of missing out on a thing you have planned for me.”

* * *

Oliver’s friends don’t know when to stop partying. He’s a beer brewer so I guess it goes with the territory. But damn. It’s after one in the morning. I’m ready to go so we can get the after-party started.

“I know my brother’s friends well. Do whatever it takes to start moving them out of here or they’ll stay all night.”

I know what I have to do. “It’s a concert venue. I’ll get the band to play “Closing Time.” That’ll get some of their asses moving out the door.”

“Well . . . maybe.” Lawrence doesn’t sound optimistic.

“If that doesn’t work, I’ll have them turn on all the lights.” Drunks hate well-lit places. A flip of the switch and it’s like a stampede of rats running for the sewers.

An hour. A fucking hour to get everyone out of the building. I will need to remember that if I ever plan another party for Oliver’s friends.

“Michelle, I’m going to start taking boxes to the van.”

“I’m putting it in overdrive so we can get out of here before sunup.” I can tell she doesn’t mind being here late. I don’t think she has stopped smiling since I told her to take charge.

“I’m going to pay you overtime.”

“You don’t have to do that. I’m one hundred percent fine with being here.” She stops and does her happy dance. The running man. “I got to take charge.” Her dancing is better than her singing.

“And you did a fabulous job. I’m very proud of you.” She’s young, but I see so much of myself in her. Such a go-getter. I’m happy she hasn’t been put into a position where she must depend on someone like Martin to achieve success. If she stays on the right path, I’m going to help this girl go places.

Michelle comes to me. She wraps her arms around me and squeezes. “Thank you so much, Adelyn, for trusting me enough to pass the baton.”

This won’t be the last time I do it. “I think we should let you take over more often.”

Having a right hand as needed, one I could trust, would be priceless. Oliver and I might actually get some weekends together.

“I’d love that.”

“Why don’t you go and let me take care of this?” That is such a tempting offer. “Kevin can help me carry this stuff to the van. Go on. Get out of here and enjoy the rest of the night with your boyfriend.”

Boyfriend.

I think I will. “Thanks. See you Monday.”

The place has cleared out but I don’t see Oliver anywhere in sight.

I’m leaving. Where are you?

Parking lot. Talking with friends.

Got to put something in the van around back then we’re leaving. Hope you’re ready for the real party.

Fuck yes.

Good. Give me 5.

I’m standing by the van when I’m pushed against its back door with my arms shoved over my head. Hard cock pressing against my ass. Not painful but definitely forceful. Authoritative. Domineering. Powerful.

Oliver is beginning to take this role as a dominant male seriously.

I fucking love it.

I sway my ass from side to side, rubbing it against him. “Couldn’t wait five minutes, huh?”

Oliver binds one hand around both of my wrists to hold me in place. His other hand snakes around my waist beneath my skirt and dives into my panties. Two fingers plunge inside me, thrusting slowly.

“Mmm . . . that feels good.”

Warm breath against my ear sends goosebumps down my body. “You have no idea how much I’ve missed this sweet little cunt, my kitten.”

Fuck. No, no, no.

I look at the strong arm pinning my hands to the van.

No black shirt with the sleeves rolled to the upper forearm.

No tattoo.

No.

In its place, I see a white button-down with a monogrammed cuff link. RDM.

Martin.

Fuck. No.

I buck and struggle to free myself from his hold but he’s pinning me hard with his body. He doesn’t budge. And I panic.

My scream for Oliver is muffled when he rips his hand from my panties and covers my mouth. I bite his hand in desperation, and it leaves my mouth, landing on my neck. Right against my carotid. Martin knows exactly how to squeeze so I pass out in a snap.

So I stop struggling. If I black out, this is over.

“I saw you on that stage tonight, and everything about us came rushing back to me. How much I miss you and how badly I want you back in my life.”

Do not show fear. Do not feel fear. You can control your reactions. Defend yourself. Remember what Willie taught you. You spent months preparing for this moment because you knew this day would eventually happen.

Easier said than done. I’m shaking like a fucking leaf in a storm.

“Come back to me, Adelyn. Marry me.” What the hell? How could he think I’d do that?

Martin would love having me under his thumb as his wife. Legally bound. I’m certain he believes this move would put an end to his blackmail problems.

He’s out of his fucking mind.

He tried to kill me.

Safety is so close. Just around the corner of the building. Oliver is waiting for me. I could call out for him again but I’m terrified of what Martin will do to me. Maybe I just keep him talking. Stalling. Giving Oliver time to come for me.

Please, Oliver. Please, come for me.