Page 159 of Five Summers

I can’t help but laugh, enjoying the jealousy that seems to consume her. Leaning in, I gently place my hand on her neck and plant a soft kiss on her lips. I fight the urge in my body. I'm dying to kiss her and whisper something dirty that'll make her go wild. But if I give in, I won't be able to resist bending her over and fucking her senseless. Not here. Later. There are some things I need to show her first, things that will make her see that it's not just about sex.

“Just so you know, I never fucked any of them, no matter what you’ve read in the papers. It's just a scheme from Reg and the label for publicity.” I reach up and tuck her hair behind her ears, my heart pounding against my chest. “They might want me, but you're the only one who gets me.”

Her gaze transforms into one of fiery desire and lust, causing me to laugh as I feel myself growing aroused. “Soon Princess.I promise. Date first. Talk second and fuck later. God, I never thought I’d ever be saying that.”

“Who the hell are you and what did you do with that smug asshole, Xander?” she smirks.

I can't help but laugh as I take her hand and lead her into the green room where Reg and the band are waiting for me.

“Well, it’s about time,” Reg says, a hint of frustration in his voice. I can’t help but notice his gaze shifting towards our intertwined hands. If he fucking starts anything, there will be hell to play.

“Leave him alone, man,” Nate says. “Just get on with the meet and greet, so we can get the fuck out of here.”

I nod at Nate, acknowledging him. It’s amazing how my brothers always have my back. Well, except for that one major mistake I made two years ago when I got high and passed out at a bar during our tour. You wouldn’t believe the things these groupies do to claim they’ve slept with a celebrity. Thank God Ace showed up just in time. He took her phone and deleted the video she was recording.

After signing dozens of tits, having multiple photos taken with girls and some guys, some who were a bit too hands-on, it’s time to leave. Throughout the night, I keep an eye on Poppy, who stands to one side, observing the interactions between the band and our eager fans, and others who’ve snuck into the room. All night I’m on alert, wondering if Reg is up to his usual tricks,trying to create a scandal that will skyrocket our sales once again.

Theo is his usual flirty self, while Ace stands off to the side, never cracking a smile. He poses for a few photos and signs autographs without uttering a word. He needs to lighten up. Back in school, he was never like this. However, as time has passed, he has become grumpier.

As I’m about to leave, I notice Ace sitting on the couch, engrossed in conversation with Poppy. Meanwhile, Theo is busy charming a curvaceous blonde, who, based on past experiences, will probably be the girl the guys spend the night with.

I grab a bottle of water from the table, quickly gulping it down before I make my way over to Poppy.

A smile lights up my face as I watch Ace burst into laughter in response to something Poppy said. It’s rare to see that asshole smile, but knowing that my princess had a hand in it brings a smile to my face. They both look up at me as I come to a stop in front of them.

"You ready?" I ask, curious if she's as hungry as me.

"Yeah," she says, getting up.

“Don’t fuck all night,” Ace says, getting up from the couch.

"Screw you, bro," I say, taking hold of Poppy's hand. I quickly shoot a glance at Neil, who's at the back of the room, and give him a nod.

He returns the nod, letting me know Kit has already briefed him on tonight’s plans. He makes his way towards the door, opening it for us to leave the green room. I step forward, holding Poppy's hand, fully aware that the few remaining groupies are watching my every move.

Neil takes the lead, scanning the area for any potential threats. Eventually, we reach a narrow corridor, and he opens a side door. Descending a flight of stairs, we find a black SUVparked, its engine already running. The driver kindly opens the door for us, and Poppy hops in, making room for me to join her.

“So, where are you taking me?” Poppy asks.

"We're going to a burger joint that's staying open just for us," I say to her.

She presses the button on her phone and the screen lights up. “It’s past midnight,” she says, a look of shock crossing her face.

“For the right price, people will do anything. Plus, I need to talk about a few things, so we might as well enjoy a burger.”

“What kind of things?” she asks, with a hint of concern in her voice.

As we come to a stop at a traffic light, I take a glance out of the window. There's this young couple totally lost in a passionate kiss against a brick wall.

As the car starts moving again, I look back at Poppy, who's staring at me, waiting for me to answer. “There are a few things I need to tell you,” I say, pulling her closer. “I've got a few questions I should've asked when I first saw you.”

I refrain from adding too much to this conversation because Neil and the driver can hear everything I say. What I want to discuss with her is private, just between the two of us.

She nods, then her gaze shifts to the window. And I know her mind is racing once again. It saddens me to know I’ve caused her this doubt. In my eyes, she is the epitome of strength, yet self-doubt often plagues her.

After another ten minutes, the vehicle slows down and eventually comes to a complete stop.

“Where here, Mr. Williams.” The driver says.

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