Chapter Seventeen, Completely Level
Posted by DiF on Saturday, August 13, 2011
Title: Don’t Look Away: Chapter Seventeen, Completely Level
Rating: NC-17 [language, sex]
Summary: Pete & Cady spend some quality time together. Cady gets to know the band some. And there's a bit of drama. ;)
His mouth froze on her shoulder, his hands barely stopping from reaching around her to cup her breasts. His eyes flicked up to the blank spot on the wall where one of Cady’s paintings once hung. Instantly his heart fell and he pulled away from her. There was no way to make this right. Perhaps if the phone had not torn through the canvas, he could have returned it to the wall and Cady would have been none the wiser. However, the hole had been very apparent and irreparable. He had stashed the torn canvas in the closet, not sure what to do with it. Now it seemed he needed to come clean about it.
Sighing, Pete rolled out of the bed on the opposite side, glancing as Cady tossed her boots away from the bed. He clicked on the bedside lamp before turning to open the closet. She pivoted on the bed to face him. Holding the painting by the wooden frame, Pete slowly faced her, the dim light of the lamp washing over the torn canvas. Gasping, Cady covered her mouth with both hands. Tears glimmered in her eyes as she looked to Pete for an explanation.
“Baby…” he muttered. “I’m so sorry. I… I don’t know what to say.”
“What… what happened?” she asked, getting to her feet and approaching him.
“I… I threw the phone at it – unintentionally,” he admitted.
Her fingers touched the large gash in the painted fabric, “Why would… why would you do such a thing, Pete?”
“I… I had just gotten off the phone with you… at Page’s house,” Pete claimed. “I was so angry that I…”
Her hand instantly left the painting and touched his cheek. She stepped closer and pressed her lips softly to his. Though she was still shocked at the state of the only painting her parents had ever considered ‘almost art,’ the reasoning behind its destruction suddenly made sense. Not only that, but it was her fault. She deserved for it to be ruined.
“Pete,” she breathed, as she ended the kiss, not bothering to wipe or conceal her tears, “forgive me.”
“I… what for?”
Cady slipped the painting out of his hands, tossing it to the floor behind him, “I should not have stayed with James. I did not need to. I was merely lonesome without you. I could not fathom sleeping another night in our bed without you. But accepting James’s offer was wrong – even though nothing happened. I apologize from the bottom of my heart.”
When her eyes met his again, Pete quickly chased away the anger that bubbled up with the thought of her with Jimmy, “Cady, I… I should trust you. I have no reason not to. I know you love me, though I don’t understand that for a moment. You are so amazing, beautiful, and talented. You should be with a man like Page, not me. He could take care of you, treat you the way you should be treated, shower you with gi–”
“I do not need his money or his gifts, Pete. I need you. You’re the one I love. You’re the one I was made for. I love you for the man that you are and will be. I love you,” she stressed. “I do not love James. He will not come between us again.”
Cupping her cheek as she had done his a moment before, Pete brushed his lips across hers, “I am sorry about the painting. I wish I could fix or replace it like the phone.”
“It is merely a painting, Pete. Nothing more,” she spoke softly.
“I don’t believe you. If it were merely a painting, you would not have tears in your eyes since the moment you saw it. It was the only one by your hand on the walls,” he said. “It is not merely a painting.”
Cady shrugged, “It is now. Don’t worry about it.”
He tilted her face back to his, “Cady, tell me about the painting.”
She sighed, “It’s nothing. Really.”
“Bollocks.”
Cady pulled away and sat back on the bed, “It’s the only painting of mine that my parents ever commented about positively. It wasn’t even a favorite one of mine. But I guess it was the only one ever validated.”
“Is that why the rest are under the bed?” he asked, sitting next to her.
She remained silent for a moment, “Yes.”
He leaned over and kissed her temple, “Will you show them to me?”
Her eyes flicked to his, “Someday, but not tonight. Not tonight.”
His arms circled her, “I can’t wait for someday, Cady, but I respect your wish.”
She leaned into his embrace, “We’re going to be okay.”
“Of course we are,” he brushed her hair from her face. “We’re together now. Everything will be better.”
“What… what are we to do now?”
Pete remained quiet for a moment, “Sleep. In a few days, we head to Calgary.”
“And so it begins,” she sighed.
“Say the word and I will leave the band and–”
“You will do nothing of the sort,” Cady replied.
“But I want to be with y–”
“And you will be. I will travel with you. Kit will not hinder me again. Have you a copy of your tour schedule?”
“I… do,” he responded. “In my suitcase.”
She kissed him quickly and stood. Flicking on a nearby scarf-shrouded lamp, she scooped up his shorts and tossed them at him before pulling his shirt over her own nudity. His eyes watched her as she headed over to his suitcase, squatting before it to flip it open. Pulling on his shorts, Pete could not fathom how sexy she was right then. He truly did believe her words earlier when she said Jimmy was nothing to be worried about. She was his. Now that she was here, he was never letting her go.
“What time is it?” Cady asked as she stood back up, tour itinerary in hand.
“Um…” he headed to the kitchen and flicked on the light to see the clock. “Three in the morning.”
“Okay,” she sat on the bed. “In four hours I will call my travel agent and make arrangements to get this schedule to him so he can book all of my travel and accommodations around it. We might not get to sit on the same plane from time to time, but like hell will I ever allow Kit to come between us again.”
He chuckled, “Love, we should rest. We do not need to focus on this now.”
Her eyes went to his, “Oh, Pete, there is no way I can sleep now. There is so much to do so that I’m never apart from you for so long again. My mind is spinning and–”
Pete quickly closed the space between them and kissed her, “Come to bed, baby.”
“But, Pete–”
He kissed her deeply, “Come to bed. There are other things we can do in these hours between that will take advantage of your sudden… surge of energy.”
“I don’t under–”
His mouth went to hers once more, his hand dropping down to press her hips against his. With a giggle, Cady dropped the paper unceremoniously and looped her arms around his neck. Pete quickly lifted her from the floor and carried her back to the bed. Quickly his clothing returned to the floor from whence it came and he crawled over his naked girlfriend.
“I love you, Cady,” he muttered as he dipped down to kiss between her breasts. “More than you could ever realize.”
Slipping out of her travel agent’s office, Cady glanced around before slipping her sunglasses on her nose. With only a moment’s consideration, she turned down the street, intending to head to the studio where Pete and the rest of the band. Passing a small trendy boutique, a flash of bright blue caught her eyes. Taking a step back, her eyes went to the garment in the window. With nary a thought, she ducked into the shop.
Her fingers trailed over the silken fabrics as she wandered about. Once finally approached by a salesgirl, she inquired about the blue satin nightgown in the window. With a smile, the clerk retrieved the gown from the display. After checking the size and finding it too large, Cady wandered about.
Eventually deciding on a few lacy garments instead, Cady left the boutique with a small paper bag of wrapped lingerie. Keeping her stride brisk, she headed down the next few blocks, arriving at the Talentmasters Studio. Checking in with the receptionist, she headed down the hallway to The Who’s booked studio. Glancing through the large glass window, she watched as the band worked on some song. Her eyes darted to the soundboard room, fully expecting to see Kit there. Surprised and yet relieved to not see the manager, she reached up and knocked on the glass.
Keith was the first to notice the young woman. Grinning he tucked his drumsticks into one hand and waved. Noticing Keith’s wave, Pete glanced to the window and smiled. He set aside his guitar and quickly got to his feet. Leaving the studio, he continued to grin at her, quickly approaching her. Ever aware that his band watched, he cupped her chin and softly kissed her.
“You have been shopping,” he noted, glancing at her paper bag.
“I have.”
“For what?”
“You,” she kissed him quickly, “will have to wait and see later. Have you had lunch yet?”
“I have not,” he responded.
Her eyes flicked to the glass window, “Go tell the boys it is time for lunch. I shall treat you all.”
“But is that not… risky?”
She touched his hand softly, “Worry not, Pete. Go get them.”
With the four Englishmen at her side, Cady headed out of the studio. Within a few blocks, they slipped into chairs and beers ordered. Noticing a palpable nervous energy about Pete, she reached under the table and squeezed his thigh. His eyes flicked up to hers and he smiled weakly.
“HEY NOW!” Keith burst out. “If you’re giving out handjobs, I want to–”
“There is nah need ter be vulgar, Keif. She ain’t buckshee for the takin’,” Roger interrupted.
Cady glanced across the table and smiled at the singer, “Thank you.”
Before he could reply something to match the sour look on his face, John spoke up, “So, Cady, Pete tells us you are quite the artist. Have you exhibited anywhere?”
She shook her head, setting down her glass of beer, “No where important at least. A few shows nearby where I live, but that is all.”
“I would like to see some of your paintings, if you will,” John commented.
“Perhaps one day,” she smiled slightly.
As the waitress moved about the table, Keith reached out for her, receiving nothing less than a quick backhand to the back of his head. Shaking her head, Cady smiled down into the menu. Watching each of the men out of the corners of her eyes, she slowly began to peg each of their personalities. The idea of lunch with the entire band was greater than she had thought. She would have to do it more often.
“Tell me, Roger,” she leaned across the table, “however do you get such shiny hair?”
The other three’s eyes whirled to her, surprised she would even ask such a thing. Slowly they turned their attention to the singer. He merely smirked and lifted his beer to his lips. Glancing to Pete for some explanation, Cady was met only with a half shrug. Before she could verbalize her question, their food arrived.
“Oh! We should have ice cream for dessert!” Keith exclaimed.
“Oh no sugar for this one,” John instantly declared. “We’d like him to drum once we get back to the studio, not bounce off the walls.”
Sitting in the lobby of the studio, Cady tapped her foot impatiently. While she knew that artistry could not be rushed and would not wish it in any manner, her stomach gurgled and churned. It was long past time to eat and she was near starved in waiting. He should have completed his work an hour or more before. She could not wait any more.
Cady stood quickly and marched down the hall towards the studio. Not bothering to knock on the window this time, she yanked the door open. Seeing her step through the door, Keith released his drumsticks mid-beat. One flew through the air and crashed into the back of Roger’s head, the other barely missed striking Pete. The singer instantly reached for his micstand, whirling about to smash it into the drummer’s kit. Pete also turned, rage in his eyes. Standing stoically John’s eyes traced Keith’s gaze and realized what had caused the sudden stop.
“Pete!” John lifted his voice above Roger’s shout.
The guitarist looked to his best friend who merely pointed to the pretty girl standing in the doorway. His eyes widened upon seeing her. He dropped his guitar instantly and turned to her.
“Dinner, Pete. We were supposed to go to dinner an hour ago,” she stated. “And the studio was supposed to close an hour ago.”
His eyes flicked to the clock, “Bollocks.”
After cleaning up and locking the studio, the four men headed down the hallway, meeting Cady in the lobby once more. Though invited, Roger and Keith declined dinner, though without any explanation why. With Pete and John, she climbed into a cab, giving restaurant directions while the men slid in. Giggling as she noticed she ended up between the two of them, her fingers folded around Pete’s though her eyes turned to John.
“Thank you.”
His eyebrows rose, “For?”
“Pete told me that you helped him while I was stranded in London,” she explained. “He is lucky to have such a good mate as you.”
“He would have done the same for me,” John responded.
“Even so, thank you,” she smiled.
He inclined his head slightly, a crooked smile curving his lips.
The cab arrived at the restaurant before long. Though it was busy, the trio soon found a table, ordered a round of drinks, and chatted while waiting for their food. Cady instantly felt comfortable around John, understood why he was Pete’s best mate. He was a good, decent man. She could not help but wonder about his new wife.
“Certainly Mrs. Entwistle does not care to be so far from her new husband,” she commented.
John bristled slightly, “It matters little.”
Her brows rose, “You have not been married long…”
“A day is too long,” he muttered.
Though she wished to know why, Cady elected to not ask. She did not know the man well. If he chose to confide in her, it would be on his own terms. She would not push.
“Tomorrow we should finish the track,” Pete spoke up, changing the direction of the conversation.
“Have you something else to work on?” Cady asked.
He shook his head, “Not yet, no.”
“Perhaps you could show us around the city tomorrow afternoon?” John suggested.
“I would be delighted,” she replied, “as long as we keep Keith on a leash.”
The bassist laughed, “You understand him well already. You understand him well.”
Stepping into the elevator behind Pete, Cady spoke, “I enjoyed spending time with your band today, Pete. But I have a few questions.”
“What would that be?” he asked, pulling the grate down.
“Why did everyone look at me when I asked Roger about his hair?”
Laughing, Pete turned to her, tucking her hair behind her ear, “Roger is… sensitive about his appearance, particularly his hair and his height. It is best to avoid bringing up both.”
“I… all right,” she frowned slightly. “Keith seems to notice me first. Why is that?”
“Because,” he glanced at the elevator door as they reached the fourth floor, “you are a beautiful woman. Keith is always on the prowl for a beautiful woman.”
She flushed slightly, stepping out of the elevator once he pulled the gate open, “One last thing: if he does not love her, why did he marry her?”
“Who?” he asked, reaching into his pocket for the apartment keys.
“John, of course.”
Pete shrugged as he inserted the key into the lock, “I don’t know. We’ve never talked about it.”
“I would never marry out of convenience or some other notion,” she stated, stepping into the flat.
“And why would you marry?”
Cady turned around, her eyes meeting his as he closed the door behind himself, “Love, of course. That is the only reason to marry.”
“Hmmm. I would suppose you are right,” Pete replied. “You never told me what you bought today.”
She quickly grinned, “Well then perhaps I should show you.”
“It’s up to you.”
“Sit down, kick off your shoes, and relax. I shall be right back,” she winked and skipped into the bathroom.
Sitting down in the oversized white armchair, Pete kicked off his shoes and peeled off his socks. He shifted slightly in the chair, pulling out a bright pink pillow and tossing it onto the sofa with the others. As he was just about to get up and pour a drink, the bathroom door opened. He began to pivot in the chair to look, but Cady instantly forbade him to before clicking out the overhead light. Left with only the light of the city as illumination, Pete’s fingers reached for the nearby gauze-covered lamp. Cady’s hand covered his, her lips touching his ear softly.
“You do not need that,” she whispered.
“But I can’t see you if–”
“Let your eyes adjust. It will be plenty,” Cady declared, slowly walking behind the chair.
As she slipped into his view a moment later, Pete’s mouth dropped open. She leaned forward, reaching to close his mouth and kiss his nose. His hands instantly reached up to touch her body, completely naked of any covering at all. He could not process how her standing before him naked could have anything to do with what she purchased that day.
“Cady… what did you…?”
She pulled her wrist under his nose, “This.”
He inhaled deeply and smiled, “Beautiful.”
“And these,” she propped a black, high-heeled boot on the armrest of the chair.
His eyes glanced at the boot before going to her easily viewed sex. Unsure what turned him on more, the heady perfume, her boots, or the shimmer of moisture on her labia, Pete’s hand caressed the inside of her thigh, softly tracing up to her sex. He cupped her mound, his middle finger quickly dipping in to feel her warmth. She leaned down and kissed his mouth as he continued to play with her. She wiggled her hips, slowly riding his hand.
“Ohhhh, Cady,” he groaned.
Cady tilted his head back and kissed him deeply. He wiggled his fingers between her folds, forcing her mouth away from his. Moaning loudly, her eyes looked deeply into his. With a smile, she pulled away from him and forced him to his feet. As the heels pressed her up a few more inches, their eyes were completely level. Uncertain how this made him feel, Pete quickly forgot what he was thinking about as she tore his shirt from his body and slid her hand into his trousers. Stroking him with one hand and unfastening his pants with the other, Cady nudged him towards the bed.
Stumbling on his pants as they fell about his ankles, Pete chuckled in embarrassment before stepping free of the garment. He pulled her brusquely into his arms and kissed her passionately. Sucking on his bottom lip for a moment after ending the kiss, Cady nudged him towards the bed. When he did not move, she pulled away and hurried over to the bed. Jumping up onto the bed still in her heeled boots, Cady turned to him, standing with her legs spread wide. With her left hand on her hip, she beckoned Pete to her. Not pausing for even a moment, Pete hurried over to the bed, jumping on it as well.
His arms circled her waist, pulling her off-balance. Her right arm circled his neck, her left leg his waist. Both moaned as they united. Standing on the bed thusly kept their movements slight, but neither needed more. Pete soon tensed, pulling her body as tightly to his as possible. Triggered by his release, Cady’s body clenched tightly about him.
Slipping from her body, Pete kissed down her body. His lips focused on her navel as his fingers once more traced over her sex. Burying his fingers in her once more, Pete slowly guided her to lie upon the bed. His mouth traveled up to her breasts, taking her nipples into his mouth one after another. Within moments, she trembled once more, moaning his name. With her body still pulsing, Pete thrust back into her.
“I… love… you,” he groaned, holding her hips close to him.
The heel of her boot pressed into the back of his leg, “Oh goooooodd, Peeeeeeeeeeete.”
Emptying into her body, triggered by her third orgasm of the night, he showered her with kisses, “Always… love…”
“…you…”
Clicking her suitcase closed, Cady looked up as Pete came in from smoking – though she told him before he could smoke in the apartment. She smiled at him, her eyes flicking to the clock near him. His eyes followed her gaze and he nodded.
“The car should be here shortly,” he stated. “Are you sure about this?”
“Pete, he can’t keep me off the plane. I paid for my ticket fair and square,” she declared.
“I know… but I don’t want to cause any problems with the ba–”
“But it’s alright to have problems between us?”
He paused, “Well no. It’s not alright to have anything between us.”
“Then relax. Kit will not do anything. He just needs to get used to the fact that I am a part of your life too,” she declared.
“I… yes, he does. Shall we head down?”
Grabbing both of their suitcases, Pete headed out into the hallway as Cady once again to checked to make certain everything was off and unplugged. She locked the door and headed to the lift with him. Pulling the elevator grate in place, she quickly kissed Pete’s ear as it lurched into motion. As he would not let her carry her own suitcase, she looped her arm in his once they reached the ground floor, pausing to open the front door for him. He set down their suitcases on the sidewalk, glancing down the street for the car.
“We probably didn’t need to come down so soon,” he commented.
“It’s nice out though,” Cady commented, glancing up at the sky.
“You’re still sure about this?”
Her eyes turned to him, “Pete, stop it. Everything will be – oh shit.”
“What?”
“Baby, baby, baby,” a smooth voice spoke behind Pete before the man stepped into his field of vision, “aren’t you a vision of beauty this morning?”
Cady glared at him, “Rather remarkable that you rose before noon, isn’t it, Jimi?”
“Baby, you know I am always risen in the morning,” he smirked.
She rolled her eyes, “Go away, Jimi.”
His eyes flicked to the building, “Is this where you bring your new fuck buddy so I won’t walk in on you? You know I don’t mind you sharing my bed with any other girl.”
Having remained silent in hopes of Cady’s own defense being enough against Jimi, Pete’s blood pressure rose with Jimi’s last statement. With little thought, he picked up his suitcase and swung it backwards, slapping the other guitarist’s back. Because he had not thought the action out much, the collision forced Jimi into Cady and both crashed down to the hard concrete. Before Pete could pull him off, Jimi’s mouth crashed down onto Cady’s, his hips grinding into hers. Fingers curling around the scarf, Pete pulled him off his girlfriend, shoving him away. His hand reached down to help Cady up, but just as she stood, Pete was pushed away.
Cady’s fingers grasped Jimi’s scarf, holding him back as Pete stayed out of his reach. Taking advantage of her hold, Pete took a quick swing, his fist colliding with Jimi’s cheek. Rather than attempt to retaliate, the American guitarist turned around and quickly pulled Cady into his arms, his mouth crashing into hers once more. He jumped away from both Cady and Pete before either could truly react.
Winking at Cady, he said as he backed down the sidewalk, “Don’t worry, baby. I’ll be ready when you’re ready to come back to me. All will be forgiven, even your fucking this pansy.”
Pete took a step towards him, but Cady’s hand went to his chest, keeping him from pursuing the other man, “Let him go, Pete.”
“But–”
“Let him go,” she repeated.
“But–”
“You got a good punch in, Pete,” Cady pointed out. “In fact, let me see your hand.”
Holding up his hand, he scowled down the street while his girlfriend flexed and unflexed his hand. While he did know that Jimi had a rather hard head, after all that was likely the reason he kept chasing Cady, he did not think his hand was hurt in any way – until she curled it into a fist again and touched his knuckles, causing pain to shoot up his arm.
“Fuck!” his eyes darted to hers.
Cady softly kissed his knuckles, “I would go upstairs for ice, but we don’t have any. When we get to the airport, you are definitely icing it.”
“Cady, I’m so sorry. He–”
“Don’t regret it. I certainly don’t,” she softly brushed her lips across his.
“He deserves so much worse.”
“Agreed,” her eyes darted to the nearing car. “And here is our cab. Put aside all thoughts of that asshole, Pete. We’re going to have to face Kit soon.”
The cab ride to the airport was only silent for only a few blocks, Pete shifting on the seat, sighing. Cady’s hand reached for his, squeezing it gently. He lifted it to his mouth, kissing each finger lightly before intertwining his own.
“I should be capable of keeping him away from you,” he muttered. “I should be strong enough that he would not think of–”
“Pete, you are certainly strong enough. Jimi is merely a fool who cannot see beyond his own fingers. He does as his cock bades – but do remember he would much rather cum in his pants than in a woman. Do not worry of Jimi, love. Please.”
He sighed, “But I should–”
“You did as you should. And you continue to love me as you should. There is no more that you should do, Pete,” Cady stated. “Stop worrying about Jimi.”
“He will not give up.”
“Do not entertain him as such.”
“I do not mean him.”
Her eyes flashed to his, “Who do you mean?”
“Page.”
She sighed, “I choose you, Pete. It matters not if Jimi or James want me. You are my man, my always. They can desire what they will. I am not free for the taking.”
“But–”
“Pete, please. Let it go. I am yours.”
“But–”
Cady quickly kissed him, “I am yours.”
The cab halted at the airport, but Pete lingered in a kiss a few moments after stopping. He slowly pulled away, caressing her cheek, and turned to open the door. Cady quickly dug the fare out of her purse while he retrieved their luggage from the trunk. Thanking the driver, she slid out, smiling at her boyfriend. Pulling her suitcase out of his hand, she slipped hers in its place. He squeezed lightly before leading her up to the large glass doors.
Before Pete could speak a word of warning to Cady, Keith barreled forward. His arms circled the young woman, causing her to drop her suitcase. She squealed as he spun about, twirling her around. However, she did not know Pete’s band mates well, Keith’s reception of her instantly made her feel better about being there. Pete bellowed for the drummer to release her, but he continued to spin about. Another shout by the guitarist and he halted, his arms releasing Cady. She stumbled backwards, colliding with John. His arms circled about her, keeping her steady.
“Careful there, love,” John commented.
She closed her eyes, “I was not expecting that.”
“You will learn to expect the unexpected, Cady,” he smirked, “especially with Keith around.”
“I will try. Thank you for catching me,” she smiled, pulling away from his embrace.
“Of course,” he nodded.
Stepping back to Pete, she kissed his cheek quickly. With the band’s tickets in hand, Kit stepped forward, his eyes falling instantly on Cady. His face showed no reaction at all, but rather he merely instructed Keith, Roger, and John to head to the proper gate. Standing in front of Pete, his eyes darted to Cady before he held out the ticket to Pete.
“Cady, I thought you still marooned in London. I have not procured you–”
“Worry not,” she spoke up. “I care for myself.”
Before Kit could say another word, she parted from Pete and approached the ticket counter. The manager merely looked at the guitarist, waiting for him to take the ticket. With a slight smile, Pete accepted the paper ticket, glancing down at the seating assignment.
“I am grateful that your… girlfriend is most resourceful. Perhaps now you will be able write once more,” Kit spoke.
“I never stopped,” Pete claimed.
“But–”
“Shall we?” Cady approached the two men. “The plane boards shortly.”
“Let us go,” he agreed, turning towards the gate. “Calgary will be lovely this time of year.”
She chuckled, “This is not a holiday, Pete.”
“Every day is a holiday with you,” he muttered before kissing cheek. “Every day.”
Seated far from Pete that she could not speak with him, but close enough to see him, Cady attempted to relax into her seat. Flying worried her little, but seeing Kit seated next to Pete did. She just knew the manager would attempt to convince Pete to send her home. Nevertheless, if that were the game he wished to play, Cady would best him at it, without a doubt.
Once the plane took off, John slipped into the seat next to her, not showing any care that he displaced a little old woman, “What is on your mind, love?”
Her eyes flicked to his, “And how do you know something is on my mind, John?”
He smirked, “You may guard your history and perhaps try to do so of your emotions, Cade, but I am no fool. You look of a woman with many thoughts on your mind.”
She smiled at the simple nickname, “You read my face well. How is that so?”
“It is a pleasure to read such beauty.”
She flushed slightly, her eyes flicking up to Pete who was bent over in conversation with Kit, “What do you make of Kit?”
His eyes followed hers, “It is difficult to say. He has been… integral for much of the band’s progress…”
“But?”
John’s eyes went back to hers, “I am wary of him, Cade. A man who blocks another from the one he loves, no matter his declared reason, is never one to be considered lightly.”
“You believe him to be behind my stay in London?”
“Without a doubt.”
She sighed, “That is what James said as well. Why would he wish to keep me from Pete?”
“You, Cade, are a threat to all Kit has created. And that is a very big reason indeed.”
Rating: NC-17 [language, sex]
Summary: Pete & Cady spend some quality time together. Cady gets to know the band some. And there's a bit of drama. ;)
His mouth froze on her shoulder, his hands barely stopping from reaching around her to cup her breasts. His eyes flicked up to the blank spot on the wall where one of Cady’s paintings once hung. Instantly his heart fell and he pulled away from her. There was no way to make this right. Perhaps if the phone had not torn through the canvas, he could have returned it to the wall and Cady would have been none the wiser. However, the hole had been very apparent and irreparable. He had stashed the torn canvas in the closet, not sure what to do with it. Now it seemed he needed to come clean about it.
Sighing, Pete rolled out of the bed on the opposite side, glancing as Cady tossed her boots away from the bed. He clicked on the bedside lamp before turning to open the closet. She pivoted on the bed to face him. Holding the painting by the wooden frame, Pete slowly faced her, the dim light of the lamp washing over the torn canvas. Gasping, Cady covered her mouth with both hands. Tears glimmered in her eyes as she looked to Pete for an explanation.
“Baby…” he muttered. “I’m so sorry. I… I don’t know what to say.”
“What… what happened?” she asked, getting to her feet and approaching him.
“I… I threw the phone at it – unintentionally,” he admitted.
Her fingers touched the large gash in the painted fabric, “Why would… why would you do such a thing, Pete?”
“I… I had just gotten off the phone with you… at Page’s house,” Pete claimed. “I was so angry that I…”
Her hand instantly left the painting and touched his cheek. She stepped closer and pressed her lips softly to his. Though she was still shocked at the state of the only painting her parents had ever considered ‘almost art,’ the reasoning behind its destruction suddenly made sense. Not only that, but it was her fault. She deserved for it to be ruined.
“Pete,” she breathed, as she ended the kiss, not bothering to wipe or conceal her tears, “forgive me.”
“I… what for?”
Cady slipped the painting out of his hands, tossing it to the floor behind him, “I should not have stayed with James. I did not need to. I was merely lonesome without you. I could not fathom sleeping another night in our bed without you. But accepting James’s offer was wrong – even though nothing happened. I apologize from the bottom of my heart.”
When her eyes met his again, Pete quickly chased away the anger that bubbled up with the thought of her with Jimmy, “Cady, I… I should trust you. I have no reason not to. I know you love me, though I don’t understand that for a moment. You are so amazing, beautiful, and talented. You should be with a man like Page, not me. He could take care of you, treat you the way you should be treated, shower you with gi–”
“I do not need his money or his gifts, Pete. I need you. You’re the one I love. You’re the one I was made for. I love you for the man that you are and will be. I love you,” she stressed. “I do not love James. He will not come between us again.”
Cupping her cheek as she had done his a moment before, Pete brushed his lips across hers, “I am sorry about the painting. I wish I could fix or replace it like the phone.”
“It is merely a painting, Pete. Nothing more,” she spoke softly.
“I don’t believe you. If it were merely a painting, you would not have tears in your eyes since the moment you saw it. It was the only one by your hand on the walls,” he said. “It is not merely a painting.”
Cady shrugged, “It is now. Don’t worry about it.”
He tilted her face back to his, “Cady, tell me about the painting.”
She sighed, “It’s nothing. Really.”
“Bollocks.”
Cady pulled away and sat back on the bed, “It’s the only painting of mine that my parents ever commented about positively. It wasn’t even a favorite one of mine. But I guess it was the only one ever validated.”
“Is that why the rest are under the bed?” he asked, sitting next to her.
She remained silent for a moment, “Yes.”
He leaned over and kissed her temple, “Will you show them to me?”
Her eyes flicked to his, “Someday, but not tonight. Not tonight.”
His arms circled her, “I can’t wait for someday, Cady, but I respect your wish.”
She leaned into his embrace, “We’re going to be okay.”
“Of course we are,” he brushed her hair from her face. “We’re together now. Everything will be better.”
“What… what are we to do now?”
Pete remained quiet for a moment, “Sleep. In a few days, we head to Calgary.”
“And so it begins,” she sighed.
“Say the word and I will leave the band and–”
“You will do nothing of the sort,” Cady replied.
“But I want to be with y–”
“And you will be. I will travel with you. Kit will not hinder me again. Have you a copy of your tour schedule?”
“I… do,” he responded. “In my suitcase.”
She kissed him quickly and stood. Flicking on a nearby scarf-shrouded lamp, she scooped up his shorts and tossed them at him before pulling his shirt over her own nudity. His eyes watched her as she headed over to his suitcase, squatting before it to flip it open. Pulling on his shorts, Pete could not fathom how sexy she was right then. He truly did believe her words earlier when she said Jimmy was nothing to be worried about. She was his. Now that she was here, he was never letting her go.
“What time is it?” Cady asked as she stood back up, tour itinerary in hand.
“Um…” he headed to the kitchen and flicked on the light to see the clock. “Three in the morning.”
“Okay,” she sat on the bed. “In four hours I will call my travel agent and make arrangements to get this schedule to him so he can book all of my travel and accommodations around it. We might not get to sit on the same plane from time to time, but like hell will I ever allow Kit to come between us again.”
He chuckled, “Love, we should rest. We do not need to focus on this now.”
Her eyes went to his, “Oh, Pete, there is no way I can sleep now. There is so much to do so that I’m never apart from you for so long again. My mind is spinning and–”
Pete quickly closed the space between them and kissed her, “Come to bed, baby.”
“But, Pete–”
He kissed her deeply, “Come to bed. There are other things we can do in these hours between that will take advantage of your sudden… surge of energy.”
“I don’t under–”
His mouth went to hers once more, his hand dropping down to press her hips against his. With a giggle, Cady dropped the paper unceremoniously and looped her arms around his neck. Pete quickly lifted her from the floor and carried her back to the bed. Quickly his clothing returned to the floor from whence it came and he crawled over his naked girlfriend.
“I love you, Cady,” he muttered as he dipped down to kiss between her breasts. “More than you could ever realize.”
Slipping out of her travel agent’s office, Cady glanced around before slipping her sunglasses on her nose. With only a moment’s consideration, she turned down the street, intending to head to the studio where Pete and the rest of the band. Passing a small trendy boutique, a flash of bright blue caught her eyes. Taking a step back, her eyes went to the garment in the window. With nary a thought, she ducked into the shop.
Her fingers trailed over the silken fabrics as she wandered about. Once finally approached by a salesgirl, she inquired about the blue satin nightgown in the window. With a smile, the clerk retrieved the gown from the display. After checking the size and finding it too large, Cady wandered about.
Eventually deciding on a few lacy garments instead, Cady left the boutique with a small paper bag of wrapped lingerie. Keeping her stride brisk, she headed down the next few blocks, arriving at the Talentmasters Studio. Checking in with the receptionist, she headed down the hallway to The Who’s booked studio. Glancing through the large glass window, she watched as the band worked on some song. Her eyes darted to the soundboard room, fully expecting to see Kit there. Surprised and yet relieved to not see the manager, she reached up and knocked on the glass.
Keith was the first to notice the young woman. Grinning he tucked his drumsticks into one hand and waved. Noticing Keith’s wave, Pete glanced to the window and smiled. He set aside his guitar and quickly got to his feet. Leaving the studio, he continued to grin at her, quickly approaching her. Ever aware that his band watched, he cupped her chin and softly kissed her.
“You have been shopping,” he noted, glancing at her paper bag.
“I have.”
“For what?”
“You,” she kissed him quickly, “will have to wait and see later. Have you had lunch yet?”
“I have not,” he responded.
Her eyes flicked to the glass window, “Go tell the boys it is time for lunch. I shall treat you all.”
“But is that not… risky?”
She touched his hand softly, “Worry not, Pete. Go get them.”
With the four Englishmen at her side, Cady headed out of the studio. Within a few blocks, they slipped into chairs and beers ordered. Noticing a palpable nervous energy about Pete, she reached under the table and squeezed his thigh. His eyes flicked up to hers and he smiled weakly.
“HEY NOW!” Keith burst out. “If you’re giving out handjobs, I want to–”
“There is nah need ter be vulgar, Keif. She ain’t buckshee for the takin’,” Roger interrupted.
Cady glanced across the table and smiled at the singer, “Thank you.”
Before he could reply something to match the sour look on his face, John spoke up, “So, Cady, Pete tells us you are quite the artist. Have you exhibited anywhere?”
She shook her head, setting down her glass of beer, “No where important at least. A few shows nearby where I live, but that is all.”
“I would like to see some of your paintings, if you will,” John commented.
“Perhaps one day,” she smiled slightly.
As the waitress moved about the table, Keith reached out for her, receiving nothing less than a quick backhand to the back of his head. Shaking her head, Cady smiled down into the menu. Watching each of the men out of the corners of her eyes, she slowly began to peg each of their personalities. The idea of lunch with the entire band was greater than she had thought. She would have to do it more often.
“Tell me, Roger,” she leaned across the table, “however do you get such shiny hair?”
The other three’s eyes whirled to her, surprised she would even ask such a thing. Slowly they turned their attention to the singer. He merely smirked and lifted his beer to his lips. Glancing to Pete for some explanation, Cady was met only with a half shrug. Before she could verbalize her question, their food arrived.
“Oh! We should have ice cream for dessert!” Keith exclaimed.
“Oh no sugar for this one,” John instantly declared. “We’d like him to drum once we get back to the studio, not bounce off the walls.”
Sitting in the lobby of the studio, Cady tapped her foot impatiently. While she knew that artistry could not be rushed and would not wish it in any manner, her stomach gurgled and churned. It was long past time to eat and she was near starved in waiting. He should have completed his work an hour or more before. She could not wait any more.
Cady stood quickly and marched down the hall towards the studio. Not bothering to knock on the window this time, she yanked the door open. Seeing her step through the door, Keith released his drumsticks mid-beat. One flew through the air and crashed into the back of Roger’s head, the other barely missed striking Pete. The singer instantly reached for his micstand, whirling about to smash it into the drummer’s kit. Pete also turned, rage in his eyes. Standing stoically John’s eyes traced Keith’s gaze and realized what had caused the sudden stop.
“Pete!” John lifted his voice above Roger’s shout.
The guitarist looked to his best friend who merely pointed to the pretty girl standing in the doorway. His eyes widened upon seeing her. He dropped his guitar instantly and turned to her.
“Dinner, Pete. We were supposed to go to dinner an hour ago,” she stated. “And the studio was supposed to close an hour ago.”
His eyes flicked to the clock, “Bollocks.”
After cleaning up and locking the studio, the four men headed down the hallway, meeting Cady in the lobby once more. Though invited, Roger and Keith declined dinner, though without any explanation why. With Pete and John, she climbed into a cab, giving restaurant directions while the men slid in. Giggling as she noticed she ended up between the two of them, her fingers folded around Pete’s though her eyes turned to John.
“Thank you.”
His eyebrows rose, “For?”
“Pete told me that you helped him while I was stranded in London,” she explained. “He is lucky to have such a good mate as you.”
“He would have done the same for me,” John responded.
“Even so, thank you,” she smiled.
He inclined his head slightly, a crooked smile curving his lips.
The cab arrived at the restaurant before long. Though it was busy, the trio soon found a table, ordered a round of drinks, and chatted while waiting for their food. Cady instantly felt comfortable around John, understood why he was Pete’s best mate. He was a good, decent man. She could not help but wonder about his new wife.
“Certainly Mrs. Entwistle does not care to be so far from her new husband,” she commented.
John bristled slightly, “It matters little.”
Her brows rose, “You have not been married long…”
“A day is too long,” he muttered.
Though she wished to know why, Cady elected to not ask. She did not know the man well. If he chose to confide in her, it would be on his own terms. She would not push.
“Tomorrow we should finish the track,” Pete spoke up, changing the direction of the conversation.
“Have you something else to work on?” Cady asked.
He shook his head, “Not yet, no.”
“Perhaps you could show us around the city tomorrow afternoon?” John suggested.
“I would be delighted,” she replied, “as long as we keep Keith on a leash.”
The bassist laughed, “You understand him well already. You understand him well.”
Stepping into the elevator behind Pete, Cady spoke, “I enjoyed spending time with your band today, Pete. But I have a few questions.”
“What would that be?” he asked, pulling the grate down.
“Why did everyone look at me when I asked Roger about his hair?”
Laughing, Pete turned to her, tucking her hair behind her ear, “Roger is… sensitive about his appearance, particularly his hair and his height. It is best to avoid bringing up both.”
“I… all right,” she frowned slightly. “Keith seems to notice me first. Why is that?”
“Because,” he glanced at the elevator door as they reached the fourth floor, “you are a beautiful woman. Keith is always on the prowl for a beautiful woman.”
She flushed slightly, stepping out of the elevator once he pulled the gate open, “One last thing: if he does not love her, why did he marry her?”
“Who?” he asked, reaching into his pocket for the apartment keys.
“John, of course.”
Pete shrugged as he inserted the key into the lock, “I don’t know. We’ve never talked about it.”
“I would never marry out of convenience or some other notion,” she stated, stepping into the flat.
“And why would you marry?”
Cady turned around, her eyes meeting his as he closed the door behind himself, “Love, of course. That is the only reason to marry.”
“Hmmm. I would suppose you are right,” Pete replied. “You never told me what you bought today.”
She quickly grinned, “Well then perhaps I should show you.”
“It’s up to you.”
“Sit down, kick off your shoes, and relax. I shall be right back,” she winked and skipped into the bathroom.
Sitting down in the oversized white armchair, Pete kicked off his shoes and peeled off his socks. He shifted slightly in the chair, pulling out a bright pink pillow and tossing it onto the sofa with the others. As he was just about to get up and pour a drink, the bathroom door opened. He began to pivot in the chair to look, but Cady instantly forbade him to before clicking out the overhead light. Left with only the light of the city as illumination, Pete’s fingers reached for the nearby gauze-covered lamp. Cady’s hand covered his, her lips touching his ear softly.
“You do not need that,” she whispered.
“But I can’t see you if–”
“Let your eyes adjust. It will be plenty,” Cady declared, slowly walking behind the chair.
As she slipped into his view a moment later, Pete’s mouth dropped open. She leaned forward, reaching to close his mouth and kiss his nose. His hands instantly reached up to touch her body, completely naked of any covering at all. He could not process how her standing before him naked could have anything to do with what she purchased that day.
“Cady… what did you…?”
She pulled her wrist under his nose, “This.”
He inhaled deeply and smiled, “Beautiful.”
“And these,” she propped a black, high-heeled boot on the armrest of the chair.
His eyes glanced at the boot before going to her easily viewed sex. Unsure what turned him on more, the heady perfume, her boots, or the shimmer of moisture on her labia, Pete’s hand caressed the inside of her thigh, softly tracing up to her sex. He cupped her mound, his middle finger quickly dipping in to feel her warmth. She leaned down and kissed his mouth as he continued to play with her. She wiggled her hips, slowly riding his hand.
“Ohhhh, Cady,” he groaned.
Cady tilted his head back and kissed him deeply. He wiggled his fingers between her folds, forcing her mouth away from his. Moaning loudly, her eyes looked deeply into his. With a smile, she pulled away from him and forced him to his feet. As the heels pressed her up a few more inches, their eyes were completely level. Uncertain how this made him feel, Pete quickly forgot what he was thinking about as she tore his shirt from his body and slid her hand into his trousers. Stroking him with one hand and unfastening his pants with the other, Cady nudged him towards the bed.
Stumbling on his pants as they fell about his ankles, Pete chuckled in embarrassment before stepping free of the garment. He pulled her brusquely into his arms and kissed her passionately. Sucking on his bottom lip for a moment after ending the kiss, Cady nudged him towards the bed. When he did not move, she pulled away and hurried over to the bed. Jumping up onto the bed still in her heeled boots, Cady turned to him, standing with her legs spread wide. With her left hand on her hip, she beckoned Pete to her. Not pausing for even a moment, Pete hurried over to the bed, jumping on it as well.
His arms circled her waist, pulling her off-balance. Her right arm circled his neck, her left leg his waist. Both moaned as they united. Standing on the bed thusly kept their movements slight, but neither needed more. Pete soon tensed, pulling her body as tightly to his as possible. Triggered by his release, Cady’s body clenched tightly about him.
Slipping from her body, Pete kissed down her body. His lips focused on her navel as his fingers once more traced over her sex. Burying his fingers in her once more, Pete slowly guided her to lie upon the bed. His mouth traveled up to her breasts, taking her nipples into his mouth one after another. Within moments, she trembled once more, moaning his name. With her body still pulsing, Pete thrust back into her.
“I… love… you,” he groaned, holding her hips close to him.
The heel of her boot pressed into the back of his leg, “Oh goooooodd, Peeeeeeeeeeete.”
Emptying into her body, triggered by her third orgasm of the night, he showered her with kisses, “Always… love…”
“…you…”
Clicking her suitcase closed, Cady looked up as Pete came in from smoking – though she told him before he could smoke in the apartment. She smiled at him, her eyes flicking to the clock near him. His eyes followed her gaze and he nodded.
“The car should be here shortly,” he stated. “Are you sure about this?”
“Pete, he can’t keep me off the plane. I paid for my ticket fair and square,” she declared.
“I know… but I don’t want to cause any problems with the ba–”
“But it’s alright to have problems between us?”
He paused, “Well no. It’s not alright to have anything between us.”
“Then relax. Kit will not do anything. He just needs to get used to the fact that I am a part of your life too,” she declared.
“I… yes, he does. Shall we head down?”
Grabbing both of their suitcases, Pete headed out into the hallway as Cady once again to checked to make certain everything was off and unplugged. She locked the door and headed to the lift with him. Pulling the elevator grate in place, she quickly kissed Pete’s ear as it lurched into motion. As he would not let her carry her own suitcase, she looped her arm in his once they reached the ground floor, pausing to open the front door for him. He set down their suitcases on the sidewalk, glancing down the street for the car.
“We probably didn’t need to come down so soon,” he commented.
“It’s nice out though,” Cady commented, glancing up at the sky.
“You’re still sure about this?”
Her eyes turned to him, “Pete, stop it. Everything will be – oh shit.”
“What?”
“Baby, baby, baby,” a smooth voice spoke behind Pete before the man stepped into his field of vision, “aren’t you a vision of beauty this morning?”
Cady glared at him, “Rather remarkable that you rose before noon, isn’t it, Jimi?”
“Baby, you know I am always risen in the morning,” he smirked.
She rolled her eyes, “Go away, Jimi.”
His eyes flicked to the building, “Is this where you bring your new fuck buddy so I won’t walk in on you? You know I don’t mind you sharing my bed with any other girl.”
Having remained silent in hopes of Cady’s own defense being enough against Jimi, Pete’s blood pressure rose with Jimi’s last statement. With little thought, he picked up his suitcase and swung it backwards, slapping the other guitarist’s back. Because he had not thought the action out much, the collision forced Jimi into Cady and both crashed down to the hard concrete. Before Pete could pull him off, Jimi’s mouth crashed down onto Cady’s, his hips grinding into hers. Fingers curling around the scarf, Pete pulled him off his girlfriend, shoving him away. His hand reached down to help Cady up, but just as she stood, Pete was pushed away.
Cady’s fingers grasped Jimi’s scarf, holding him back as Pete stayed out of his reach. Taking advantage of her hold, Pete took a quick swing, his fist colliding with Jimi’s cheek. Rather than attempt to retaliate, the American guitarist turned around and quickly pulled Cady into his arms, his mouth crashing into hers once more. He jumped away from both Cady and Pete before either could truly react.
Winking at Cady, he said as he backed down the sidewalk, “Don’t worry, baby. I’ll be ready when you’re ready to come back to me. All will be forgiven, even your fucking this pansy.”
Pete took a step towards him, but Cady’s hand went to his chest, keeping him from pursuing the other man, “Let him go, Pete.”
“But–”
“Let him go,” she repeated.
“But–”
“You got a good punch in, Pete,” Cady pointed out. “In fact, let me see your hand.”
Holding up his hand, he scowled down the street while his girlfriend flexed and unflexed his hand. While he did know that Jimi had a rather hard head, after all that was likely the reason he kept chasing Cady, he did not think his hand was hurt in any way – until she curled it into a fist again and touched his knuckles, causing pain to shoot up his arm.
“Fuck!” his eyes darted to hers.
Cady softly kissed his knuckles, “I would go upstairs for ice, but we don’t have any. When we get to the airport, you are definitely icing it.”
“Cady, I’m so sorry. He–”
“Don’t regret it. I certainly don’t,” she softly brushed her lips across his.
“He deserves so much worse.”
“Agreed,” her eyes darted to the nearing car. “And here is our cab. Put aside all thoughts of that asshole, Pete. We’re going to have to face Kit soon.”
The cab ride to the airport was only silent for only a few blocks, Pete shifting on the seat, sighing. Cady’s hand reached for his, squeezing it gently. He lifted it to his mouth, kissing each finger lightly before intertwining his own.
“I should be capable of keeping him away from you,” he muttered. “I should be strong enough that he would not think of–”
“Pete, you are certainly strong enough. Jimi is merely a fool who cannot see beyond his own fingers. He does as his cock bades – but do remember he would much rather cum in his pants than in a woman. Do not worry of Jimi, love. Please.”
He sighed, “But I should–”
“You did as you should. And you continue to love me as you should. There is no more that you should do, Pete,” Cady stated. “Stop worrying about Jimi.”
“He will not give up.”
“Do not entertain him as such.”
“I do not mean him.”
Her eyes flashed to his, “Who do you mean?”
“Page.”
She sighed, “I choose you, Pete. It matters not if Jimi or James want me. You are my man, my always. They can desire what they will. I am not free for the taking.”
“But–”
“Pete, please. Let it go. I am yours.”
“But–”
Cady quickly kissed him, “I am yours.”
The cab halted at the airport, but Pete lingered in a kiss a few moments after stopping. He slowly pulled away, caressing her cheek, and turned to open the door. Cady quickly dug the fare out of her purse while he retrieved their luggage from the trunk. Thanking the driver, she slid out, smiling at her boyfriend. Pulling her suitcase out of his hand, she slipped hers in its place. He squeezed lightly before leading her up to the large glass doors.
Before Pete could speak a word of warning to Cady, Keith barreled forward. His arms circled the young woman, causing her to drop her suitcase. She squealed as he spun about, twirling her around. However, she did not know Pete’s band mates well, Keith’s reception of her instantly made her feel better about being there. Pete bellowed for the drummer to release her, but he continued to spin about. Another shout by the guitarist and he halted, his arms releasing Cady. She stumbled backwards, colliding with John. His arms circled about her, keeping her steady.
“Careful there, love,” John commented.
She closed her eyes, “I was not expecting that.”
“You will learn to expect the unexpected, Cady,” he smirked, “especially with Keith around.”
“I will try. Thank you for catching me,” she smiled, pulling away from his embrace.
“Of course,” he nodded.
Stepping back to Pete, she kissed his cheek quickly. With the band’s tickets in hand, Kit stepped forward, his eyes falling instantly on Cady. His face showed no reaction at all, but rather he merely instructed Keith, Roger, and John to head to the proper gate. Standing in front of Pete, his eyes darted to Cady before he held out the ticket to Pete.
“Cady, I thought you still marooned in London. I have not procured you–”
“Worry not,” she spoke up. “I care for myself.”
Before Kit could say another word, she parted from Pete and approached the ticket counter. The manager merely looked at the guitarist, waiting for him to take the ticket. With a slight smile, Pete accepted the paper ticket, glancing down at the seating assignment.
“I am grateful that your… girlfriend is most resourceful. Perhaps now you will be able write once more,” Kit spoke.
“I never stopped,” Pete claimed.
“But–”
“Shall we?” Cady approached the two men. “The plane boards shortly.”
“Let us go,” he agreed, turning towards the gate. “Calgary will be lovely this time of year.”
She chuckled, “This is not a holiday, Pete.”
“Every day is a holiday with you,” he muttered before kissing cheek. “Every day.”
Seated far from Pete that she could not speak with him, but close enough to see him, Cady attempted to relax into her seat. Flying worried her little, but seeing Kit seated next to Pete did. She just knew the manager would attempt to convince Pete to send her home. Nevertheless, if that were the game he wished to play, Cady would best him at it, without a doubt.
Once the plane took off, John slipped into the seat next to her, not showing any care that he displaced a little old woman, “What is on your mind, love?”
Her eyes flicked to his, “And how do you know something is on my mind, John?”
He smirked, “You may guard your history and perhaps try to do so of your emotions, Cade, but I am no fool. You look of a woman with many thoughts on your mind.”
She smiled at the simple nickname, “You read my face well. How is that so?”
“It is a pleasure to read such beauty.”
She flushed slightly, her eyes flicking up to Pete who was bent over in conversation with Kit, “What do you make of Kit?”
His eyes followed hers, “It is difficult to say. He has been… integral for much of the band’s progress…”
“But?”
John’s eyes went back to hers, “I am wary of him, Cade. A man who blocks another from the one he loves, no matter his declared reason, is never one to be considered lightly.”
“You believe him to be behind my stay in London?”
“Without a doubt.”
She sighed, “That is what James said as well. Why would he wish to keep me from Pete?”
“You, Cade, are a threat to all Kit has created. And that is a very big reason indeed.”
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