Ariel's Song (In Bed with the Enemy) (15 page)

“Don’t
drop the soap in jail.” Colin walked past the detectives, headed in her direction.

“
Colin.” Ariel flung her arms around his neck.

“Are you okay?”
he asked.

She nodded, burying her face in his chest.

“I’m sorry, gorgeous.” He kissed the top of her head.

“
I miss Tanner. I want to see for myself he’s okay. Is he here yet? ”

He let out a small breath. “
Not yet, but soon. They’re still working through the legalities to make sure he’s not arrested the moment he steps foot in US soil.”

She glanced at him. “Can you take me to him?”

Colin pursed his lips. “Sure. As soon as the P.I.s get a hold of him again.”

Ariel frowned. “What do you mean? I
agreed to meet with my uncle because I thought the investigators had Tanner.”

“
He was with her until last night.”

“
With the P.I.’s partner? The one who flew to Brazil?”

“
Yes. She found him, had him, then he disappeared from under her nose. Your brother is giving her a run for her money,” Colin said.

“Argh… I can’t believe him. Doesn’t he know she’s trying to help him?”

“After this mess and the possibility of him going to jail, it’s obvious he trusts no one.”

Sadness filled her chest and she closed her eyes.

“Hey, gorgeous.” Colin lifted her chin, forcing her to look at him. “You’ll see him again. I promise. Please be patient.” He leaned forward and placed a soft kiss on her lips.

****

Ariel glanced around the table, glad for the time everyone managed to make to have dinner together as the week went by in a flash. She’d been busy working with Marissa, and finalizing the last minute details of the concert tomorrow. She’d spent very little time with Colin. He spent most of his day at rehearsals, making up practice time given they’d arrived a week later than planned. It thrilled her that the day finally arrived.

The Philharmonic was honored to have
him play with them. This summer’s concert promised to be the best one yet. Even better, he’d been invited to play with them in other venues the remainder of the year. Colin also received several other offers for tours in Europe. Depending on what he decided to do, he’d be one busy man. Ariel dreaded thinking how little time—if any—she’d get to spend with him. Colin hadn’t declined any of the offers, but he hadn’t accepted any either, which left much to say and think. She figured he’d tell her when he was ready to share his decision.

And
Tanner, well, Ariel remained uneasy knowing the investigator and her team lost him. She trusted they were one of the best in their field, it still didn’t make her feel any better. She needed to know and have proof her brother lived.
Be patient.

Colin
eased on his chair, snaking his arm around her shoulders, resting it on the back of the chair. “What’s the matter, gorgeous?” he asked in a low voice, looking at her through his lashes.

“I’m happy to see everyone here, sharing this moment with you
.” Ariel touched his thigh.

Colin
made circles with his fingers on her arm. “You mean with us.” He brushed his lips over her temple.

“
You know where I stand.” Gérard’s words halted all conversation at once. Everyone looked in his direction, their full attention on him, as he spoke to Julianne. “The question is where do you, Jules?”

“You know the answer to that
.” Julianne threw her clothe napkin on the table and stood.

Gérard sprang to his feet. “
Then, we have nothing else to discuss.”

“
For the first time, I agree with you,” Julianne said.

Colin
pushed his chair back, bringing Ariel to stand next to him. “Let’s go, gorgeous. We have a busy day tomorrow.” He kissed her.

****

Colin stood backstage, waiting to be introduced. He closed his eyes, taking a deep breath, allowing the noise of the thousands of people in Central Park fill his ears. Anxiety, anticipation, and patience were never a good combination for his state of mind.

Colin
hadn’t seen today coming, until Ariel showed up at his doorstep and literally rocked his world. Not long ago he’d been set in making this his great comeback and last performance. Not anymore. He’d made his decision.

A new chapter of his life started with tonight’s
concert. Music ran in his blood, performing, sharing his songs with others made him feel alive. Ariel brought it all back into his life. He loved her and planned to share his plans with her, but all in good time. He’d waited a while, a few more hours wouldn’t hurt.

The
conductor introduced him and Colin crossed the threshold of the stage. The uproar of the crowd vibrated through his skin, lighting up the spark he knew never died inside him. The applause confirmed his decision further.

Colin
greeted the crowd, turned to the conductor and nodded. He caught a glimpse of Ariel standing backstage, cheering for him. She blew him a kiss. He lifted his hand to catch it, kissed his fingers and sent it back. Everyone close to the stage saw the exchange and shouted.

The
Philharmonic played the beginnings of a song. Colin followed when his turn came. He stood in the middle of the platform and allowed the music to draw him in, playing songs ranging from Beethoven, Mozart, to Michael Jackson, Nirvana, and Guns ‘N’ Roses. Each song opened up every last closed door within him, letting out every piece of him he’d kept shielded during the past couple of years. He’d finally move on, close that phase of his life, and start a new one with Ariel by his side. He’d already started it, though not officially. This concert was a game changer for them both.

After giving his audience an hour and a half of his music,
Colin exchanged words with the conductor, and then faced the crowd once more. “Thank you for spending this wonderful Saturday afternoon with us. It’s been great playing for you all, and I hope you’ve enjoyed it.” The crowd cheered him on and he smiled.

“This last song is very special to me because I
composed it with someone extraordinary in mind. Someone who’s made me not shy away from life and accept my fears.” He motioned for Ariel to come to the stage. She walked toward him, shock on her face. Colin grabbed her hand and raised it to his lips, kissing her knuckles. “She’s a beautiful woman, and I’m the lucky bastard who gets to have her.”

The crowd laughed.

“Thank you for rescuing me from myself.” He looked into her eyes. “This is Ariel’s Song.” Colin let go of her hand, facing the crowd. “Don’t go, stay here,” he said to her. He nodded to the conductor and the musicians stroke the first notes to the song he’d composed for her.

Every note reminded him
of the day he’d played this very song for her in his music studio. She’d sat naked on the bay window and trailed her fingers along her body, stroking herself. Except now, he didn’t play in his music studio. He stood playing in front of thousands of people. This time, he basked in the memories from that day.

With h
is gaze on her, images of Ariel pinching her nipples and rubbing her clit flashed through his mind. His lips twisted into a grin. She smiled, tears in her eyes, and her lips quivered.

The song came to an end and the
audience applauded, some even whistled. Colin closed the distance and grabbed Ariel’s hand in his, drawing her to him. He circled his arms around her and lifted her off her feet until her face was level with his.

“
I can’t promise life with me will be easy but I can promise to make you happy. Always.” Colin searched her face. “You are the song my whole being plays to. I love you, Ariel.” He angled his head, capturing her lips in a kiss.

Ariel e
ntwined her fingers in his hair, kissing him back. The crowd cheered louder. She broke the kiss. “And I love you,” she whispered against his lips.

****

Colin’s family and friends surrounded them, setting them apart between hugs, kisses, and congratulatory endearments. By the time Ariel turned to look for him he was nowhere to be found.

“Miss Parks?” the chauffeur in a dark suit said.

“Yes.”

“Mister Hoskins asked me to take you home.” He handed her a small envelope.

Take her home? What home? The hotel penthouse? Ariel frowned, looking around the still crowded stage. She opened the envelope and removed the note.

Gorgeous,
I’ve composed a new song and found the perfect place to play it at for the first time. Are you willing to pay my price?

Love,

Colin

Ariel smiled and glanced at the
waiting chauffeur. He gestured and she followed.

Chapter
Eighteen

Fifteen minutes later, Ariel found herself on Fifth Avenue in the Upper East Side, standing in front of her old building just around Central Park.

“Miss Parks, welcome back,”
the older doorman greeted her as he opened the door.

W
ords to return his greeting deserted her, so she smiled. Ariel didn’t know what to think or what to make of things. Butterflies danced in her stomach, and a strange wave of emotions invaded her body. She walked past him and headed for the elevator.

What
was Colin up to? There were many things yet to resolve before she claimed everything she owned. Didn’t Tanner have to be back first? She stepped off the elevator and sauntered to her condo. Ariel stood in front of the door, smiling at the small poster sign taped to it.

Welcome home!

She pushed the door open and crossed the threshold of her gallery. Her pulse raced. She wanted to jump and scream. As she walked through the gallery she found small notes taped at intervals to the built in shelves.

Ariel
stopped by the first one.

You make me dream.

She stepped forward to read the next note.

Your smile brings happiness into my life.

Ariel swallowed back the lump forming in her throat and walked to the next note.

You are the music in me.

Her lips quivered and she carried on to the large living room. Colin stood by the fireplace, facing her.

He smiled and closed the distance between them. “E
verything changed in my life the moment you set foot at my place.” Colin grabbed her hands, looking into her eyes. “There’s so much I want to say, Ariel. So much and I can’t seem to find the right words to let it all out.”

“Colin…”

“No. Let me finish. I don’t want to screw it up this time.” He paused. “You brought light back into my life. Before you, I had nothing. With you, I have it all. I can’t explain it, it’s … it’s this fantastic feeling, so much more than I know what to do with.”

“I think you’re exaggerating.”

“Maybe a little,” he said. “No, I’m not. I’m actually serious. I love you.” Colin brought up her left hand and slid a princess cut pink diamond ring on her finger. “Spend the rest of your life with me, won’t you?”

“
I don’t know. It depends.”

Colin blinked and stared at her.

Ariel wrapped her arms around his neck. “Will you write more songs for me?”

Colin brushed his lips over hers.
“Gorgeous, I’ll compose every song you inspire until the day I stop breathing. I love you.”

Epilogue

Seven years later

Ariel knelt. “Are you ready, Nicholas?” Emotion cracked her voice as she looked into deep blue eyes staring at her.

The five-year-old
—an exact replica of his dad—rolled his eyes. “Yes, Mom. I told you to call me Nick, not Nicholas.” He took a step back, looking down at his clothes. He yanked his white shirt out of his jeans and pulled on his tie at the neck, loosening it. The perfect tie from seconds before was now perfectly crooked.

She laughed
. Save for his eyes—the only trait Nick got from her—his hair, his posture, his clothes, his likes and dislikes, and even his unequivocal talent for music he got it all from her husband.

Colin walked toward them.
“Are you ready, buddy?” He offered Ariel his hand and helped her up on her feet.

“Yes.”

The conductor introduced them to the audience. Colin looked at Ariel. “For good luck, gorgeous.” He stole a kiss from her.

She cupped his face and whispered against his lips, “Rock their world, won’t you?”

“Ew. You guys are disgusting,” Nick said.

Colin chuckled. “I composed a new song.”

Her smile grew wider. “Another one, did you?”

“Yes.”

“What’s it called?”

“My Muse.”

She ran her thumb over his lips. “Sounds fabulous. Are you playing it tonight?”

“Yes, but not here.”

“Hmmm. Now you’ve intrigued me. I’d love to listen to it.”

“
Are you willing to pay my price?” Colin raised a brow.

“Always.”
Ariel watched Nick get closer to the stage entrance, out of earshot.

Colin
smiled. “When we get home, go straight to the music studio. Remove all your clothes and sit on the bay window—”

“I’m going to let you look at me
, and then I’ll touch myself as you play until I come,” she said, her gaze lingered on his lips.

“You’re forgetting the best of it. I’m going to kiss you head to toe, suck your nipples and lick your pussy
. Then, I’ll stretch you with my cock and make you come time and again.” Colin brushed his lips over hers and made his way along her jaw until reaching her ear. “I want us to have a little Ariel.”

Warmth
spread through her body and her clit throbbed at his words.

“Dad? They’re waiting.”
Nick stood by the curtain giving way to the stage where the orchestra waited.

Colin kissed her once more and walked toward Nick. “All right, let’s go.” He
took Nick’s hand.

Nick looked back at Ariel. “I love you,
Mom.” He turned to Colin. “Let’s rock ’em, Dad.”

An excited crowd greeted
her two men as they walked on stage, and stopped in the middle where they waved at the multitude of people.

Colin looked down at Nick and nodded. They p
layed Ariel’s Song to kick off the concert. Ariel brought her hands to her mouth. Her heart beat faster than a Nascar car race. Colin was her weakness, Ariel his strength, and Nicholas their gift of love.

****

The next morning, an article in The
New York Times
read:
Renowned genius musician’s son proves he is a prodigy just like his father. At the early age of five, Nicholas Hoskins played a series of songs alongside his famous father, including “We Will Rock You,” an old time favorite.

The End

www.evie-knight.com