For Pucking Keeps: A Hockey Romance (The Seattle Vipers Series Book 1)

23. Tor

TWENTY-THREE

Thanks to some very strategic planning by Parker, Jaz and Julia arrive on the red carpet at the same time as I do. I owe him big time for that. My hand finds hers and Jaz is in her element. Cameras flash, there are press waiting but they are from the book world and don’t offer me a second glance. I am officially the sexy arm candy. I like it very much.

The award officials even allow the honoree’s fans to stand on the sidelines to greet them. Women and men wave their favorite books in the air to get their favorite author to sign it for them. I even witness a woman getting her boobs signed. The world of romance authors is a wild and extraordinary place. I had no idea how intense the readers were. Hell, some of them could rival some of the Vipers fans.

I stand back with pride as my girl signs book after book, taking pictures, and offering hugs to her readers. I understand the duality of her personality with more clarity now. Alexis is introverted; my woman is fine with staying home, watching movies, she bakes, writes, and loves a quiet life. But Jaz Starr is Alexis’s confident, outgoing alter ego. Jaz is vivacious, bright, and witty. I get why she feels the need to be Jaz to the world. I want her to eventually realize that she can be both. I know Jaz is her pen name, but I want Alexis to come out to the world as the woman behind the mask. My woman.

It’s oddly refreshing to walk into a room and not have a single person recognizes me enough to pull focus from the woman of the hour. Jaz is the most beautiful woman in the room, and it’s not me being biased because she’s mine. Her red dress is absolutely sinful, and I need to find a dark corner later to slide my hands up that high as fuck split. She is an exquisite present—my present—and I can’t wait to unwrap her. I’m already walking awkwardly in a perpetual state of rock-hard arousal. Thank goodness we’ll be sitting at a table for most of the night or my dick is going to be a conversation starter for the rest of the event.

The opulent hotel foyer is one I recognize from the many charity events I’ve attended over the years. The luxurious decorative standards greet us as we make our way through to the ballroom where the ceremony will be held. Bright white marble floors, oversized vases with white and yellow roses adorn almost every surface. It’s overkill but most high-end hotels follow the industry’s practice of going over the top. It is gaudy, but I am a hockey player, not an interior designer, so what do I know?

Before we reach the arched doors to the gala, Jaz slows her steps and pulls Julia and I to a stop. We haven’t had a chance to be properly introduced with all the red-carpet activities. But I have seen her over Jaz’s shoulders via their many video chats over the past few months. Julia stands about six feet tall, a slender model build in a sparkly green gown, with shrewd dark brown eyes, and a knowing smirk on her face. You can tell this woman is a force to be reckoned with by the lift of her brow, as if she expects a challenge from anyone in the room. She is ready to jump in front of a proverbial bullet for her bestie, that’s for sure. Jaz is surrounded by people who love her and protect her. Julia appears to be good people. I can’t wait to meet her mom and sisters, I’m actually a little terrified.

“Tor, this is my best friend, Julia. She’s also my publisher and owner of Wells Publishing, but you know all that,” she says nervously. I instinctively slide my arm around Jaz’s waist and pull her close.

Julia holds out her hand to me. “Oh, Torrance Bailey, it is a pleasure to meet you. I have heard so much about you. I’m so happy for both of you.” She offers me a genuine smile, her eyes glossy as she looks to Jaz then back to me. “Jaz, she. . .she’s so much better?—”

“Jules, please! Geez, woman,” Jaz says. “Your emotions are showing, you’re at a ten and I need you at a three, please.”

Julia laughs and clears her throat. “You can’t call a girl out for being happy for her best friend. I haven’t seen you in months, but here you are. I mean, look at him. Look how he looks at you.” She sniffs and I have to drop my head to stop myself from grinning. Sitting with the two of them is going to be all kinds of entertaining.

I take this as my cue to hurry this along so I step forward and capture Julia’s hand, shaking it once then stepping back, never letting my arm fall away from Jaz. “Julia, it’s nice to meet you as well. I’ve heard a lot about you too.”

“Okay, introductions are done. Let’s get this over with, shall we,” Jaz says.

I notice most of the people have already moved into the room. Julia turns and leads the way in front of us as we pass through the door into the ballroom.

Maroon and gold gauzy fabric hangs down from the high ceiling, somehow making the room seem smaller and more intimate. A stage is erected in the front of the room with a glass podium standing empty with the Lit! Award logo on the front. Large round tables decorated in the same color scheme of maroon and gold litter the room. Slender blown glass vases filled with black orchids and birds of paradise act as centerpieces on each table, with gold plates and cutlery. In the center of the plate sits a tiny book with the name of each guest in cursive.

“Well damn, this is nice,” Julia whispers, making Jaz chuckle as we weave through the tables.

“Look at the tiny books, so cute,” Jaz says excitedly under her breath as she tries to take in as much as she can while we walk.

I’m happy to follow along, not that I’m not impressed, but I’ve been to my fair share of events like this. I’m more interested in the woman beside me. I’m only here for her. When Julia finds our table, there are already three other people sitting at it. Jaz greets them all introducing them as part of Julia’s editorial team.

“I didn’t get to tell you how beautiful you are tonight, Alexis,” I whisper so only she can hear my compliment. I don’t know if beautiful is the right word to describe my girl tonight. Tapping into my inner nerd I smile to myself as pulchritudinous comes to mind. Yeah, your boy is all about hockey but I do read too. I keep my long ass word to myself, not wanting Jaz to check me for a fever, deciding I am clearly sick.

“I don’t have to tell you, you clean up well, Mr. Bailey. I always get to see you in suits and bow ties, but this tuxedo though.” She gives me a chef kiss. “It’s doing things for me.” She leans in to inhale my cologne. “You smell so good.” She kisses my cheek, letting her tongue dart out quickly. My eyebrows rise in surprise, the subtle lick of my skin sends shivers down my spine. “You taste good too.”

“Fuck, Jaz,” I mumble softly under my breath. She smiles against my cheek, keeping this moment solely between the two of us. To anyone watching, like Julia clearly is, it will appear Jaz is giving me a chaste peck, but this is so much more. My Supernova obviously wants to play and I’m all for this game. Before I lose my shit at this table she pulls away and immediately starts up a conversation with Paula, or was it Pamela? I’m all kinds of distracted as I shift to adjust myself.

The night goes on this way, small touches and teases under the table as the award ceremony begins and dinner is served. I’m barely paying attention to any of it until Jaz’s name is called for the Best Contemporary Why Choose book of the year. The entire table erupts in applause and we all stand to cheer Jaz on. I pull out her chair so she can stand with grace and kiss her cheek.

“I’m proud of you.” My words bring a slight blush to her already rosy cheeks as she smiles and walks away from me. I watch her saunter to the stage, hips swaying to a rhythm only she can hear. I’m completely enraptured. I want to spend the rest of my life celebrating and sharing moments just like this with her. When I skate around the arena, the Stanley Cup raised above my head in triumph, I want to do it with Jaz in the stands. I want to be with her absolutely, if she’ll let me. I’m looking at my forever and my chest aches from the abundance of love I feel at this revelation.

“I want to say thank you to my team for all their hard work. Wells Publishing for believing in my books and me. My work doesn’t shine without the people who make it perfect. Goodness knows I’m a mess most of the time.” The room laughs at Jaz’s joke. “Seriously, writing is a tough business. Every author in this room has had a moment where they’ve wanted to throw in the towel. It’s been a hard year for me, and I’ve had to fight for every word I’ve written. But it seems the universe sought to send me a lifeline, a muse to inspire me, and I am truly grateful. I’m honored to receive this award. Thank you.”

Jaz leaves the stage as we all applaud once more. I watch her eyes shift across the room, then widen in shock. Her steps quicken as she hurries back to our table and places the glass book shaped award in front of her.

Julia leans forward, sensing Jaz’s unease. “What happened?” she asks with concern. I immediately look around the room searching for who or what I’m not sure. I don’t know what her ex looks like, but if I have to guess, it is him that made her uncomfortable.

“Sorry. I saw Mace and froze a bit. I didn’t see Shaun though.” Jaz blows out a breath but doesn’t sit down. “I knew they would be here. I mentally prepared for it, but I’m clearly affected by the sight of him. I’m going to go find a restroom. I’ll be back.” She moves to leave, needing an out. I won’t let her run. They don’t get to see her run. I wrap my hand around her wrist, stopping her from giving them something to talk about. I haven’t even met Shaun, but I have a feeling him being here is purposeful.

“I’m coming with you,” I insist, giving her no room to argue as I take the lead, pulling her behind me.

“Tor, I’m fine. I promise.” I keep my eyes trained on his back as he leads me out of the ballroom. All night I’ve intentionally kept my eyes from roaming around the room for this very reason. Julia told me Shaun and Mace would be as far away from me as possible. Technically they should have been sitting at the table with us considering Shaun is still on the editorial team at Wells Publishing. But Julia, bestie first, publisher second, must have pulled some strings to get him placed in the back along with Mace.

“I’m sorry, Supernova, but I’m not buying it one bit. You are not fine,” he replies as he pushes a side door open and ushers me out of the room. We enter a hallway, turning left toward what I can only assume is the kitchen. Tor walks with purpose as we pass catering staff rushing around with trays of drinks and desserts of chocolate tarts and cheesecake.

“Tor, I think I saw a sign for the restrooms back there.” I look back over my shoulder, noticing the golden signs giving directions. I assume he’s searching for the restrooms, but I just used it as a means of escape. It seems Tor picked up on my anxiety and chose to come with me. This man. He knows what I need, when I need it and I feel so underserving.

“Baby, I know what you need, and it’s not the restroom,” he says, stopping abruptly. I’m so lost in my thoughts I almost run into his back.

“What—” Tor turns swiftly as my momentum carries me forward. Before I can stumble in my heels, his arms wrap around my waist, and I am yanked into a little alcove. My back hits the wall and he immediately crowds my space. Pushing his body into mine he leans in, shielding me from people rushing by. I’m suddenly very aware of how exposed we are as Tor’s nose skims my neck and he takes a deep inhale of my perfume. Holy shit.

“You smell so fucking good, Alexis,” he whispers so only my ears can hear. I shiver, anticipation of what he will do to me sends my heart rate skyrocketing in my chest. It’s beating so hard, I know he can feel it with how close we are. His tongue darts out and he licks a long path up my neck, then hums in pleasure.

“You taste absolutely divine, Supernova.” Then he kisses me. Tor’s kisses are all consuming as he pours his feels and emotions into it. I can’t breathe from the headiness of it. To be loved and cherished, respected and praised in equal measure. The feeling once so foreign feels like it’s mine by right, because this man has deemed it so.

“Tor, I— Oh God.” My attempt at finally saying those three little words are cut off as his hand slides up the slit of my dress and underneath my shapewear. Finding my panties, he yanks, but there’s resistance as he tries to rip them off. Not letting my undergarments get in the way he drops to his knees before me. Tor’s hands slide up my thighs as he pushes the split to the side, reaches up, hooks his finger into my panties and pulls them down. The sight of him on his knees sends a thrill through me as voices can be heard. All it will take is for someone to stop and ask Tor if he needs anything and they will see exactly what we are doing. That thought alone has me gushing, dripping wet, and I know he can feel it.

With my panties removed, I watch as he slips them in his tux pants with one hand while his other dips into my wetness with a groan of his own. “Damn it, Alexis, what am I going to do with you?” He tsks, then stands, leaning back, his eyes widening as my heavy-lidded eyes practically plead for more. “My-my-my, you are loving this, aren’t you?” he asks, and I nod fervently. Hell yes, yes I am, and I want more.

“Yes, please Tor.” I know exactly what I need and want. In my wildest dreams I would never have felt confident enough to ask for this months ago, but when you find the right person. . .nothing else matters.

I moan as his finger slowly circles my clit making me squirm as he holds me to the wall by my pussy. “Tell me what you want from me, Alexis. Tell your man what you need from him.” He pauses, my groan of frustration makes him smile as he pecks my lips softly. I lean into him chasing his lips, but he slides two fingers inside of me and all movement ceases.

“Tell me,” he commands, lifting his brows, making it clear that all this will stop if I don’t open my mouth.

“Fuck me, make me cum, remind me who I belong to.”

Tor hisses a curse under his breath and begins to finger fuck me whilst playing my clit masterfully. He doesn’t go easy on me, pumping his fingers hard, making me keen and mewl, the sound muted as I press my head into his shoulder.

“That’s right, I’m the only one who needs to hear your cries of pleasure,” he says, pressing down on my clit so hard, my eyes roll to the back of my head.

“Oh God, Tor. Oh. . . Oh. . . Fuck!” I try to keep my voice down but my curse echoes around the alcove we’re in.

“Cum for me, Supernova. Give it to me, now.” Tor curves his fingers inside of me hitting my G-spot, and that’s all it takes. I come undone for him. Biting down on his lapel, not caring if I damage the satin, just needing somewhere for my screams to go. I shudder and shake against the wall as he continues to work me over until I finally catch my breath.

“Such a good girl, my little exhibitionist,” Tor taunts as he pulls out of me and brings his fingers to his lips, and fuck me if it doesn’t excite me every time he licks them clean. “Now, I’m going to fuck you, right here against this wall, and you are going to continue to be my good girl and take it. Then we are going to walk back into that gala hand in hand, with my cum dripping from your very used pussy. You’re going to hold your head up high and let that ex of yours see satisfaction on your face. Do you understand?”

Each time I think I’ve grasped the entire spectrum of Torrance Bailey, he blindsides me with so much more. I nod my head as the sound of his belt buckle has my eyes travelling south.

“I need words, baby. You’re so good with words, Alexis, use them.” He snaps my attention back up to him. When his zipper threatens to distract me further, my brain comes back online and my mouth moves automatically.

“Yes. I understand.” Is all I manage to get out as Tor pushes the split out of the way and hikes my leg up, scooping it over his arm and thrusts inside of me so fast I don’t get a chance to react. His mouth is on mine, his body pressed so close I don’t know where I begin and he ends. Tor fucks me hard and fast, pounding into me with punishing strokes. He swallows my cries and moans, licking his way into my mouth and sucking on my tongue. I’m so overwhelmed, tears prick my eyes and I can only imagine what my make up will look like after this. But none of it matters, just this, just him.

We both cum together in minutes, clinging to each other until Tor eventually pulls out of me and helps me clean up with my panties. On the way back to the gala, some of the catering staff shoot us knowing glances. I should feel embarrassed. Tor clearly isn’t, as he confidently walks us back down the hallway like we just went for a midnight stroll. I search for my shyness, for my need to run away from the situation, but the sensation doesn’t come. Progress.

Tor holds my hand in his, stopping at a restroom for me to fix my make up. When I return, he’s there, taking my hand and guiding me through the same side door we exited. I’m not sure how long we’ve been gone but everyone in the room is up and moving around. When I spot Julia talking to an author I know she wants to sign, I steer us towards her. I love talking my girl up to other authors, my bestie is damn good at her job and looks after every author in her care.

We are just within reach when Tor stops short. When I look around him to see why, I freeze. Shaun and Mace block our path between two empty tables. Nothing has changed about either of them. Mace at least has a look of remorse on his handsome baby face. His light brown skin flushes red as he looks away from me to the floor. Shaun holds his hand out to Tor. Tor releases my hand but keeps me behind him as he towers over Shaun and gives him a once-over. He shifts and does the same to Mace, then turns back to Shaun.

“Do I know you?” Tor asks, giving Shaun a firm shake then shoves his hand into the pocket, the one with my discarded underwear in and smirks. This is the Tor the world sees, the no nonsense hockey player, closed off and emotionless. I have a feeling he knows exactly who they are, he just wants them to say it out loud. Shaun looks absolutely delighted, like he’s Tor’s biggest fan. He’s grown a goatee since the last time I saw him, and a little muscle. His tuxedo matches Mace’s, both rocking a red pocket square, their shoes shine in the soft glowing light above us. Why does Shaun suddenly remind me of a black Bond villain? Menacing, eyes gleaming as if he knows a secret as he eyes me over Tor’s shoulder.

“Alexis, oh wait.” He snaps his fingers. “I’m sorry, Jaz. You don’t use your actual name anymore now, do you.”

Tor bristles, clearly annoyed that Shaun tried to ignore his question. “You don’t open your mouth to speak to her until you tell me who the fuck you are.”

Shaun takes a step back, understanding all too quickly who the alpha is in the room. He smiles, but the delight he initially had at the sight of me dims a little. “My apologies, I got so excited to see her, I overstepped. I’m Shaun, Jaz’s ex-fiancé.”

I feel it again. The same pit of dread I felt earlier returns with a vengeance.