Chapter 16
Chapter Sixteen
Raelyn
The landing strip is quiet and empty.
I smile as I watch everyone load up into the jet.
The inside is spacious with fancy, black seats with tables, a fully stocked bar, and private sleeping room. I feel like pinching myself.
The girls are all excitedly chatting away.
“Thank you for having hot friends,” Kyle says, walking by me as mischief shines in his eyes.
I chuckle. “I knew you would approve.”
I walk over and take a seat by Holt as I watch our company interact. “Our friend groups are similar in a lot of ways, you know. This trip may get interesting.”
“I’m starting to sense that,” he says as he watches them, too.
“Everyone, please find your seat, and prepare for takeoff,” the pilot says over the speaker.
Buckling up, the nerves start to take over. I’ve only flown once before.
Holt gives me an amused look. “Are you nervous?”
I bite the inside of my cheek. “Yes.”
He chuckles. “Just relax, we’ll be in the air before you know it.”
Five minutes later the pilot comes back on. “All right ladies and gentlemen, it’s time to take off.”
I suck in a deep breath as I squeeze the handles of my seat.
“You’re holding your breath,” Holt says, slightly amused. His gaze doesn’t leave mine.
“Nerves,” I say, wringing my hands while releasing a shaky breath.
I feel the vibration of the plane moving down the runway.
“You know, there’s a bedroom on board. What’d you think about joining the mile high club,” he says, with a smirk.
“Holt Hayes, we have friends here. We can’t just disappear to have sex,” I state.
“They can entertain themselves for a while. It’s a long flight,” he replies.
“It would be a cool story, though,” I say.
He nudges me. “Look out the window.”
I turn to the window to see big, beautiful, white clouds all around us. “So that was just a conversation distraction?"
He leans in to kiss me softly. “Oh no, I plan to deliver, my pretty little poison.”
“Holt, do you have a minute?” Kane asks.
“Yeah man, take a seat. Any new leads?”
“I’m afraid not. The person was dressed in black from head to toe with a mask and gloves. Security camera footage was so grainy that we couldn’t see anything. The knife also came back without any prints. We’re still checking for any leads, but this person covered their tracks well.” He frowns.
“So, what’s the next move?” Holt asks.
“The media hasn’t caught wind of the break-in yet. Maybe we can keep it that way. Just enjoy this week, and hopefully a lead will turn up. I’m sorry I don’t have any good news. Just wanted to brief you.”
“That’s okay,” Holt says. “It was probably just a one-time thing. Maybe the intruder’s been scared off since they were almost caught.”
“It’s a possibility, but security will be ready next time,” Kane adds.
“Good,” Holt replies.
“If anything turns up, I’ll let you know.”
I watch Kane walk away and take a seat by a window, alone. It’s hard to know exactly what he’s thinking. He’s quiet and mysterious, but I have a feeling he’s lethal if it comes to that.
“I’m going to go chat with the girls,” I say.
“Okay, I need to make a quick phone call, and then I’ll come join you,” he says.
Holt
I watch Raelyn walk away, then look down at my phone. I dial Mom’s number.
“It’s about time you called to check on your mama,” she says in a playful tone.
I grin into the phone. “Life’s been a little crazy lately, Mom.”
“I can tell. I hear you have a new lady friend,” she says.
My lips curl up. “Keeping tabs on me these days, huh?”
“I keep up with all the social media regarding you. Plus, it was all the talk at our bunco game night. You know all my nosy friends have all the details as well. She’s a pretty little thing, though.”
“She’s that and much more,” I say.
“Tell me about her,” she says.
“I met her the night of my release party. Oddly enough, she didn’t have a clue who I was. She’s genuine and has this fire about her. She also says what’s on her mind, like someone else I know.”
She laughs. “Good, you need a strong-willed woman to keep you in check. Lord knows, I tried.”
“She reminds me of you, Mom.”
“Oh, Holt. I can tell you’re a little smitten with her already. I’ve been praying for this. You need a good woman to keep you grounded in your world of fame. What does she do?”
“She’s a physical therapist in Orange Beach, Alabama.”
“Smart and beautiful. She sounds lovely. Don’t screw it up, I want to meet her soon.” I can sense the humor in her voice.
“I think it’s on the agenda. You’ll love her, Mom. I’m actually taking her on a vacation to the house in Hawaii, now. Just a little get away.”
“Oh, pulling out the big guns, I see. She must be special. Well, y’all have fun, honey. Send me some pictures. I’m looking forward to meeting Raelyn, and next time you go to Hawaii don’t forget your dear ole mom.”
I laugh. “Yes, ma’am. Love you, Mom.”
“Love you, son,” she says. Then she hangs up.
Guilt gnaws at my stomach. I probably should’ve filled Mom in on exactly what’s going on, but I’d rather her not worry. She has her doubts and reservations about my career already. No need to add to that list.
Raelyn’s laughter breaks me from my thoughts. Her laughter and smile are intoxicating. I never want to go without hearing that laugh. She’s a light and all my days and nights shine brighter by just having her in my life. My pretty little poison.
Raelyn
“Don’t look now, but that hunk of a man is heading back your way,” Rylie says.
“I want someone to look at me the way he looks at you,” Maddie says with a sigh.
I glance over my shoulder at Holt approaching. “I am lucky.”
I feel his arms wrap around me. “I was just thinking how lucky I am,” he says, kissing my shoulder.
“Y’all are really freaking cute. You almost make me want a monogamous relationship,” Brynn says.
Holt laughs.
I look up at him. “I told you our friends had similar characteristics.”
“So, he has a slutty guy friend?” Rylie questions.
Laughter fills the cabin.
“You’re only young once, Rylie,” Brynn adds with a wink. “I’ll remind you of this conversation when you’re old and wishing you could turn back time. So, are there any fun bars near where we’re staying?” Brynn asks, looking at Holt.
“Actually, there’s a big bar close by that usually has good entertainment, strong drinks, and delicious food,” Holt says.
“Ahh. Yes, speaking my language,” Brynn says.
“This is going to be the best trip ever, Maddie exclaims.
“Speaking of the reason why we’re on this trip, are there any new leads?” Rylie asks.
I shake my head. “No, Kane just briefed us on everything, and there’s nothing for them to go off of. The knife came back without any prints. Maybe they’ll come across something else, or best case scenario that’ll be the last we hear of that person.”
Loud music blares through the speakers, ending our conversation.
Kyle is holding a bottle of liquor, smiling. “Who needs a shot?” he hollers over the music.
“Kyle, it’s only noon,” Luke says, shaking his head.
“That’s where you’re wrong. It’s vacation time and five o’clock somewhere,” Kyle rebuts. “We’re enroute to Hawaii for the rest of the week. Time to relax, my man.”
Pulling out shot glasses, he pours heavy in each, smiling as he passes them around.
Kyle raises his glass. “I hope they catch that son of a bitch, but until then, here’s to hot babes, strong drinks, possible nude beaches, good friends, and sunshine.”
I laugh and throw my shot back, grimacing from the burn going down my throat.
“Since we’re already pulling out the liquor, and going to be vacationing for the remainder of the week together, I think it’s only fair to get to know one another more. So why not start with some truths. The game is Never Have I Ever ,” Brynn says, with a mischievous grin.
I shake my head, grinning. “I would’ve never guessed. Ice breaker time.”
“I’ll do the honors,” she says, pouring more shots. She looks around with a playful smirk. “Never have I ever used a blow up doll during sexy time.”
Kyle picks up his shot and downs it.
Everyone’s in a fit of laughter.
“Some chick was into it, and I wasn’t about to deny her.” He winks.
Laughter fills the cabin again.
“Okay, my turn,” he says. “Never have I ever puked mid action.”
Brynn shoots a shot.
I look at her shocked. I haven’t heard this story.
“Damn, girl. We need all the dirty details,” Kyle states.
She shrugs. “I had way too much to drink, and he was trying to choke me with his dick. It was his fault. He bought me too many shots.”
My side hurts from the laughter.
“I have to say, you came pretty damn close to it the other night though,” Luke adds, looking at Kyle.
“Yeah, yeah. It was before anything happened, and that chick drugged me. I just know it,” Kyle responds.
“I guess that makes me next,” Luke says. “Never have I ever slept with a chart topping country music artist.”
Grimacing, I turn up the glass. “That was a cheap shot,” I say, feeling the burn of the liquor.
Looking around the table at all our friends laughing, I smile. I’ve grown fond of Holt’s group of guys. All of our favorite people in one place.
Holt leans into my ear. “I think it’s time I introduce you to the mile high club.”
He stands up, pulling me with him. “Count us out of the next few rounds. We won’t be back.”
“Damn chart topping artist,” Kyle says as we walk away.
Laughter follows us as Holt closes the door. “Sorry if I was rude, but I need my girl right now.”
“Not rude at all. I’m feeling pretty needy myself.” I slide my panties off then push him back on the bed. I feel him relax against my touch as I climb on top to straddle him.
His eyes are dark with desire as he grabs a handful of my hair, pulling me down to his mouth.
Excitement runs through me as we kiss. He removes my dress, unclasping my bra as his mouth claims my nipple, sucking it in.
I close my eyes at the pleasure already coursing through my body as my fingers move to undress him.
Breaking our kiss, he pulls off his jeans as I tug open the buttons on his shirt.
His finger slides through my center. “Always so wet and ready,” he says, as I feel one enter me. He pumps it in and out, then adds another while rubbing my clit.
I close my eyes in ecstasy.
I slide my hand up and down his length, as I feel my orgasm building.
“I want you now,” I moan, breathlessly.
He pulls his fingers out, then grabs my waist as the tip of his erection presses against my entrance and then he slams me down on his length, stretching and filling me.
“Raelyn, you feel so good,” he says, as I start to ride him.
“Ahh, I’m already about to come,” I say, rocking against him.
As we find a rhythm, his breathing starts to quicken.
“Come on my dick,” he says, as he lifts me up and slams me back down on him.
I fall over the edge, my body coming apart.
“I’m about to come,” he bites out. After a few more thrusts, he pulls out, coming on my stomach.
I’m still breathing hard as I lay down beside him.
He leans over and kisses my lips. “Let me go get something to clean you up,” he smiles, walking to the bathroom.
He reappears with a clean towel, and I reach out for it.
He nods. “I’ve got this.” Once he finishes cleaning me up, he comes back to lay down, pulling me close.
He laces our fingers together. “My mom wants to meet you.”
I look up at him as my heart tugs. “I’d love to meet your mother.”
“I told her I’ve never had someone fuck my brains out the way you do, and I couldn’t let you get away.” He smirks.
“Holt Hayes, you better not have,” I scold him.
He laughs. “I’ve only told her good things, but everything about you is good. I’ve yet to find a flaw.”
I tilt my head to the side. “Are you trying to score another round, because you’re saying all the right things.”
He laughs again.
“My mom is dying to meet you as well. Maybe we can plan some hometown trips when we return,” I say.
“Whatever you want, babe.”
I sit up. “Now, let’s go see how drunk the rest of our company is."
“I thought I scored another round?” He frowns.
I pull him up. “You will. Later.”
“Fine. My money’s on Kyle for being the most intoxicated,” he says.