Tainted Kiss (Tainted Knights 1)

“We’re finishing up taking everything down. Some roadie just said something to Kassa that has Gray on the warpath.” There was a pause, and I actually heard Gray snarling. “Fuck. He’s gonna murder someone. I gotta go, doll. I’ll call you tomorrow. Dream of me.”

I didn’t even have a chance to tell him goodnight before the phone went silent in my ear.

Blowing out a sad breath, I pushed my phone under the pillow then cuddled deeper under the covers.

E

mmie had told the guys to stay off the paps’ radar. If Gray killed one of the roadies, I was pretty sure all those things she’d told them not to let happen would.

***

The next week passed at a snail’s pace.

Kale and I had a sort of schedule that worked for us. He would text me random things in the mornings while I was working. At lunchtime, I would message him back. Then he would call me around midnight or one every night, and we would talk anywhere from a few minutes to a few hours, depending on what he had to do.

Getting to talk to him every night made it a little easier for me. I missed him like crazy, but my heart always felt a little lighter after I heard his voice. I loved that he was the last thing I heard before I drifted off the sleep. And when I woke up every morning, there was usually a text already waiting on me. Even if it was only a heart emoji, it made my day, and I didn’t feel his absence nearly as bad.

Jenna made missing him a little easier, too. She was always around for me to talk to. Angie was normally over a few times throughout the day, and the two of them were great company. I had put the whole thing with Sage behind me … mostly. Having those two to come home to at night was nice. I didn’t feel lonely or unwanted. And I sure as hell didn’t feel like I had to take care of anyone but myself.

Friday night, I went out with them for girls’ night—manicures, a good movie, and a fun art class where Jenna kicked all our asses at creating something so incredibly beautiful even the teacher was left a little breathless. I couldn’t remember the last time I’d had this much fun with a group of girls. It had been a hell of a long time since Sage had even left the apartment with me, let alone have a full girls’ night.

The best part came when I climbed into bed and told Kale all about it. All week he had been telling me about the places the band had stopped at and about how the crowds always seemed to not care if they listened or not until they started playing. Then they would go to their merchandise booths and, before the end of the night, all their CDs, posters, and T-shirts were completely sold out.

That night, he wanted to know about my day. He asked how I liked hanging out with all the girls, how we were getting along, and if Jenna was making me feel welcome.

He listened to me go on and on about the evening, and before I knew it, it was after four in the morning. I tried to hide my yawn, but he still heard me.

“I’m glad you had a great time, doll. I hope you girls do it again sometime. But you must be exhausted. I’ll let you go.”

“I don’t want to, though.” I pouted, fighting back another yawn. “Your voice is my favorite thing to listen to.”

I heard him chuckle. “I’m glad. Because the sound of your voice is what grounds me at the end of the night. But you have to get up in a few hours to drive to Malibu for your shoot, right?”

Warmth filled me that he’d remembered what I had told him about the modeling agency who had requested I do a few sessions with some of their clientele for their portfolios.

“I know, I know. Just one more minute. Please?”

“Only if you tell me what you’re wearing.”

I glanced down at my huge, ugly, pink T-shirt that I had always used as a night gown and my unshaved legs. “Um … I can tell you what I’m not wearing.”

“Fuck.” I heard him exhale roughly. “Tell me, doll.”

I bit my lip then lowered my voice so it came out all husky and hopefully sexy. “I don’t have a bra on.”

“So, those pretty tits are free? I wish I was there to kiss them.”

My nipples began to harden at just the thought of his mouth on them.

“What else? Tell me more.”

I had to swallow a few times before my tongue would work. “My … My panties. I’m not wearing any right now.”

I heard his breath hiss out through his teeth.

“And yes, I am wet right now, Kale … for you.”

“Goddammit, girl. You’re killing me,” he groaned. “I’m on the bus right now and everyone is still awake. Otherwise, I would be begging you to touch yourself and tell me all about it. These jackasses don’t know how to give a guy five seconds of privacy.”