Chapter Twenty-Five
Lucy
I think I may have an alcohol problem. Not so much a problem, but I’m definitely drinking a lot more than usual.
I have had a drink every night since I have been here, and the worry is that it isn’t affecting me anymore.
It’s got to the point that even this morning, I have woken up fresh as a daisy.
Sure, that isn’t a bad thing. But for someone who never used to drink, it sure as hell can’t be good.
When my alarm went off earlier this morning, I ran out the door without picking up any of my things. The only things I remembered were my room key and a bottle of water. How I have managed to get here on time, washed and in a leotard, I will never know, after just five hours of sleep, too.
I booked myself onto a ballet intensive at my old dance college.
It’s for people like me who have had a little break from the dance world and need some discipline to get back into it.
After only a few minutes of being here, it’s really hit me how much I have missed it.
I feel an inner peace take over me, as my body flows along to the pianist in the corner.
This is just a conditioning class, but there is some free movement in between exercises.
After all the years of training and work I have done, just a few months out of it haven’t half taken its toll on my body. I already know I am going to be in some pain tomorrow. But it’s the delicious kind, from knowing how hard you have worked yourself.
“Beautiful, Lucy.” My old dance teacher, Mrs Hill, compliments as she comes over. “I have always loved to watch you dance. Not only do you use your arms and feet, but your face also shows so much emotion. Your joy is contagious.” She smiles before moving on to the others.
If it wasn’t for people like her, I wouldn’t be where I am today. I hope that one day, when I’m no longer traipsing across the world, I can inspire future generations of dancers just as she has.
I leave a little later, a skip in my step as I make my way back to the hotel.
As soon as I get in, I’m booking onto more classes.
Hopefully, Tommy was being serious when he said I could stay here for as long as I want.
Because I am in no rush to go back. Well, kind of.
There is one reason, but I’m not sure if he wants me to.
If only he could be here, enjoying this kind of lifestyle with me.
In an ideal world, I would be up on that stage with Sara, doing what we do best, together. But even more than that, it would be to have Max here with me. Working in London, finding a place together, and living happy, normal lives.
Could that ever happen?
When I finally make it to my hotel room/mini mansion, it’s already midafternoon.
The only downside to London is travelling all around the world to get to somewhere that could take twenty minutes in a car.
It’s just so busy that even a car ride here would take over an hour.
I strip off my clothes, piece by piece, and leave them scattered along the floor as I head straight for the shower.
The sweat from all the dancing and the grime from using the underground made me feel gross.
I don’t know if it’s because I’m ovulating or the fact that I’ve been thinking of Max for the majority of the day, but I am so turned on.
The things I would do to that man if he were here.
The thought of those strong hands of his grabbing me the way he does, toying with me, teasing me.
The way his fingers play with my clit so gently, even after he’s wrapped them around my ponytail roughly and fucked me from behind.
He knows all my wants and needs without me having to say a word.
My body is just so in tune with his. Unable to fight off the need welling between my legs, I reach a hand down my stomach and circle over the wet bundle of nerves.
Holy fuck. I spread my legs slightly and lean my back flat against the wall as I work myself up into a frenzy.
It takes mere seconds until I’m a panting mess, worked up so much I could blow any second.
“What a glorious sight this is…” a masculine voice says from the door.
I scream so loud that someone must have heard me. All I can see through the steam-fogged glass shower door is a figure leaning against the door frame. My body is frozen in place to the point I can’t even lean forward to see who the intruder is.
But movement to my right catches my eye, and in the reflection of the mirror, I see Max. Stood there looking hot as hell in his business suit, studying me in the reflection.
“Don’t stop.” He commands. His face was the most serious I have ever seen it.
“Wh-what?” I stammer, my heart still not recovered from the fright.
“I said… Don’t. Stop.” He repeats.
I can’t tell if he’s annoyed or if he’s just as turned on as I am. But when I see his fists clench and how he bites his bottom lip the way I have seen multiple times before, I know it’s the latter.
“Join me,” I say back, but start to play with my clit once again.
“Oh, don’t worry, Sugar. I will.” He replies, his own hand travelling down to squeeze his cock through his trousers. “But first, I wanna know what has you so turned on in the first place.”
I gasp out loud at his deep, husky voice. My eyes rolled back at the intensity of it all. Yet, it’s still not enough.
“Tell me. What do you think about when you get yourself off like this?” He growls.
“You. It has only ever been you, Max.” I pant, circling faster and bringing my other hand up to roll my nipple between my thumb and finger. “Fuck, Max, please. I need you.” I gasp out a moan.
That is all the invitation he needs. His clothes are stripped off, and he is striding towards me in seconds.
“You'd better hold on tight.” He commands, as he grasps the back of my thighs and hoists me up as if I weigh nothing.
My back slams against the shower wall as he buries himself inside of me to the hilt. He is so deep, I shriek at the pleasure.
“So fucking tight, baby,” he moans.
An inaudible response leaves my lips as he begins to move inside of me.
His dick hits that sweet spot, just as his pelvis rubs perfectly against my clit.
My back hits the wall over and over again with each thrust. I scream out my release seconds later, but the orgasm doesn’t let up as he keeps riding me.
Slowly, I glide up and down his shaft, my wetness and the shower make it all the easier to move.
It is the most intense feeling I have ever had.
He pauses deep inside of me, his cock pulsing as he orgasms moments after my own. He doesn’t move to put me down, just stays there, buried deep with his forehead resting against mine. I bring up a hand to stroke the back of his head gently. Loving every second of being wrapped around him.
“I’ve missed you.” He whispers.
“I have missed you, too. It feels like forever since I last saw you.” I say, honestly.
“Too long.” He admits. He lets my legs drop down to the floor and turns us back to the shower, lathering soap between his hands before gliding them over my skin. “Why didn’t you tell me you were leaving?” His gaze burns into mine with such intensity.
Has my leaving bothered him? I hadn’t seen him in so long, I didn’t even think he’d notice.
“It was all last-minute. Tommy basically pushed me out the door after reading my message from Sara asking me to come.”
“But, why didn’t you tell me?” He pleads. I have never seen him look so defeated. “I… struggle… when I don’t know where you are. I thought you might have left me.”
I know Max better than anyone, and how much he hates being alone. Although we have never actually spoken about it, I think the way his dad up and left them without so much as a goodbye has taken its toll more than he lets on.
“Honestly? I didn’t think you would care.” I say truthfully. “I hadn’t seen you in so long, and you had been spending so much time at your new place and work… I just thought you wouldn’t notice.”
His hands freeze on my body, his expression turning pained.
“I am so sorry, Lou.” He says, pulling me into him. Our naked bodies flush against each other. My eyes sting at the intimacy. “I have something I need to ask you, but before I do, I need you to promise you will tell me the truth. No matter how much it hurts.”
Shit, what the hell is he going to ask? That sounds way too ominous for my liking.
“I swear. What is it?”
“Is there someone else? If there is, I need to know. I am hopelessly in love with you, Lucy. I always have been, and the thought of there being someone else in the picture kills me.” His own eyes water as he speaks.
Who the hell does he think I’m seeing? My eyes bounce between his, taking in the raw pain visible on his face. Why would he think I’d do such a thing? He knows he’s the only person I have ever been with. Doesn’t he?
Then it hits me.
Riley.
The pictures he posted of us last night. I can’t help the bubble of laughter that falls past my lips.
“Fucking hell, Lucy. This isn’t funny! I have just laid my heart out to you, and you’re laughing!” He rubs at his face frantically.
“No. I’m laughing at the ridiculousness of this. It’s the pictures of me and Riley, isn’t it?” I ask, raising a brow.
“Yes! I’ve been worrying all morning on my way here, thinking I had lost you to that warrior-like dude!” He complains, which makes me laugh even more.
“Oh my God, Max. Riley is just a really good friend. We did try to date, but I have only ever wanted to be with you! Even Riley could see that.”
“So, there really isn’t anything going on between you two?” he asks, stroking his fingers up the base of my spine.
“I promise.” I smile, taking his face between my palms. “And Max? I love you too.”