Muse - Fighting Fate #1 (14 page)

“Fuck yeah. You won’t get anywhere near her though. Aiden will beat the shit out
of anyone who just looks at her,” Matt said.

Cain sighed.
“Fuck, I reckon I’d cop a beating just to tap that.”

Yep. That was it. That was about all I could take. I knew it would be hard to sit back and listen to their shit, but fuck me! I wanted to rip all their fucking heads off.

Someone groaned half under their breath and then I heard Lachlan choke out an, “Oh, fuck.”

I looked up to see what they were on about and followed
their line of sight to where Mia and Kaeli were now standing, stripping off their clothes. God damned motherfucking shit!

“Ah Jesus, I think I’m getting a boner,” Corey groan
ed, and I was pretty sure my control just fucking disappeared.

I looked
over at Mia, wondering if I could just grab her and run.

Her light blue bikini fit her perfectly,
and the blue against her skin made her look even more tanned than she was. Her body looked incredible. It was amazing up close, but from a distance, she was staggeringly close to a fucking supermodel.

I shook my head a little. She didn’t
even realize how beautiful she was. She wasn’t looking around to see who was watching her, or trying to cover bits like she was embarrassed. She just didn’t know...

I watched
her gather her loose curls up into a messy bundle on top of her head as she waited for Kaeli to finish stripping off. I gave Kaeli the once over, realizing she had a pretty good body too – not quite as good as Mia, but attractive just the same.

The other guys obviously agree
d with me too, because they soon started dribbling about how fuckable she was too. I was just glad the focus was off Mia, but then the girls started walking down to the water, and they were suddenly on the fucking catwalk – well, that’s what it felt like to me, because it seemed like the whole fucking beach was ogling my fucking girlfriend.

Both of the
m were completely oblivious too, just chatting and giggling as they casually strolled down the sand.

“How’s that ass,” Ryan
said.

“Which one?” Jay asks. “They’re both fuckable.”

“Yeah, but damn. Check out Mia’s legs. What I wouldn’t do to have them wrapped around me.”

My
adrenalin was pumping way too hard. I was very close to snapping. I stood up, ready to fucking go toe to toe with someone, but then the guys started standing too.

“I think it’s swim time
,” Jay said with a grin.

Just fucking great! Now they were going to get
closer to her. Their shirts all started to come off and they started heading towards the water. What the fuck was I going to do?

I met Aiden’s gaze across the beach and I did
the only thing I could. I gave him a hard look, then directed his gaze down to Mia.

Understanding came to his eyes, and I was filled with relief. As we all walked passed him, Aiden calmly stood. “Any of you fucking touch my sister and I’ll rip your fucking arms off.”

I probably would’ve been a little more direct than that, but I think they got the point.

Chapter 23

Mia

If I just focused on Kaeli and didn’t look around at all the other people I was fine. I’d already made the mistake of looking up once, and nearly suffered an immediate death. It wasn’t just the amount of people. The beach was open enough to counteract that. It was the fact that, for some reason, people were looking at me.

As we bobbed up and down the cold water, trying not to freeze our asses off, Kaeli smiled and shook her head. “What?” I asked.

“I can’t believe you’re with Jace.”

I smiled. I’d told her about my surprise visit from Jace the second I’d sat down on the beach. After she’d gotten over her initial shock, she was exceedingly excited for me. “
I
can’t believe I’m with him,” I said.

Loud voices and splashing caught our attention, and we looked up to see a group of guys jumping into the water. Jace was with them and when he caught my gaze, he gave me a pointed look,
discretely motioning for me to move further down the beach.

With one look back at the guys, I knew I didn’t need to be asked twice. Grabbing Kaeli’s hand, I pulled her along. “Come on. Let’s go down here further.”

Girls started streaming down the beach then, the sight of half-naked guys too much for them to stay away from apparently. When I thought we were far enough away, we stopped.

We watched a few of the girls make a bee line for Jace, one of them
Melissa, and Kaeli growled. “I can’t stand that wench. You know she was hinting on Facebook that she was with Jace last night.”

I looked back at Kaeli, stunned. “Really?” I shook my head. “I know she’s lying because he was with me until eleven last night. He did go to the party, but even Aiden was
stirring him this morning about him not doing anything with her.”

Kaeli bit her lip
, looking back at the group as they tossed a ball around. “You know it’s only going to get worse though, right? Especially if they think he’s available. I mean, they’re a little better with Dean because of Lila, but no one knows you’re with Jace.”

She was right. I knew she was, but I still didn’t think I was ready for people to know.
Until then, I just needed to be okay with girls throwing themselves at my boyfriend.

Oh my god
. I had a boyfriend. That was just surreal.

The group in the water had grown
, and they were now throwing a ball back and forth between them. It seemed to be mostly a boy game because every time the ball came down, a few guys would launch themselves into the air to grab it, and the others would all jump on top of whoever managed to catch it and plunge him under the water.

The girls were just there to be noticed.

I watched Jace for a while, and each time he chanced a look over at me a flush went through my body. The ball sailed up into the air and I saw Jace shoot up with a few of the other guys to grab it. They all came down together. I had no idea where the ball was, but Jace went under, and Ryan and Corey piled on top of him.

My heart went a little crazy for a bit while he was under, but when he shot up again I was okay. He knocked
Melissa back as he came up, and I couldn’t help feeling pleased, but as the guys continued to push and shove around her, she went under.

I saw Jace
make a grab for her to stop her from getting squashed, his hands going around her waist to pull her up, and she reached up around his neck to hold on. I knew it was complete chance that they’d ended up that way, but seeing them locked in what looked like a lover’s embrace didn’t bode well for my confidence.

I heard Kaeli inhale sharply, and I knew she was thinking the same thing.

When Melissa looked like she was going in for a kiss, I stopped breathing altogether. Holy shit. Not here, not now. Before she could get to him though, Jace reacted. He instantly released her and pulled back out of her grasp. I saw his mouth move with what looked like the word, ‘Don’t’ before he moved far away from her.

I was still watching him intently when I heard Kaeli squeal a little, and I looked up to see the ball coming straight towards us. Instinctively, I put my hands out and snatched it from the air
.

That’s what happens when you grow up with a twin brother. You’
re coerced into playing things like football and cars and other boyish things every day. I had to learn quick just so I could keep up with him.

I’d hardly even comprehended that I’d caught the ball when I was suddenly being bombarded by a group of competitive guys. Again, I acted on instinct and tucked the ball against my chest and turned to take the hit with my back.

Arms went around me, and I prepared myself to go under, but they surprised me by holding me up instead.

“Do you want me to throw it, or do you want to throw it yourself?”

I looked up to see Corey grinning down at me. Without saying a word, I handed the ball over. He turned and threw it hard, sending it sailing high into the air, but he didn’t move away from me. Instead, he simply turned back so we were standing face to face with only a few inches between us.

Oh boy. Too close.

“That was a great catch by the way,” he said silkily.

“Ah, thanks. Aiden would disown me if I couldn’t catch and throw properly.”

He laughed, inching slightly closer, if that was even possible. I tried to counteract it by moving back a bit.

“Get the fuck away from my sister
, douche bag,” Aiden yelled from a few yards away.

Corey grinned wider and quirked his brow at me. “Is he your personal bodyguard, or can I tell him to go away?”

“Ah…” I looked up and saw Aiden glaring at us, then my gaze went out to find Jace. It wasn’t hard to find him. The livid expression on his face stood out a bit. “Yeah, I guess he is…”

Corey looked a little disappointed, but he seemed to take the hint. He stepped back and put some distance between us. “You should come join the game,” he said before turning and heading back to join the others.

I spun to see where Kaeli was and found her staring after Corey. “Holy shit. What the hell was that?”

I had no idea. Gossip around the school was that he and his girlfriend had broken up after he’d caught her kissing one of the football guys at a party. Last I heard she was desperate to get him back, but he wanted nothing to do with her, which was fair enough. I wouldn’t go back either.

I shook my head, feeling quite disorientated. “I have no idea, but I think I should get out.”

She nodded and we started heading for shore. When we got back to our spot, we spread our towels out and dried off in the sun.
Away from everyone. It was absolutely beautiful.

Kaeli and I chatted while I snuck as many peeks as I could manage at Jace. Not long after the guys had all gotten out of the water, my phone dinged with a text message. When I saw it was from Jace, I smiled.

You have no idea how sexy you look right now. I want you in those bikinis tonight. I’ll be there at 9. Leave your balcony door unlocked.

“Jace?” Kaeli asked.

I nodded, still smiling.

“Don’t tell me. He’s saying you look hot right now, isn’t he?”

I laughed at how right she was. “Maybe.”

She giggled softly. “Are you seeing him tonight?”

“Mmm hmm…”

She kicked sand on my foot with mock anger. “You’re so lucky
.”

Chapter 24

Jace

I silently moved around the back of the house and saw the soft light of Mia’s lamp illuminating her window through the crack in the curtains. Carefully, I slid her patio door open and slipped inside.

I paused when I peered over at the bed. Mia was lying on her stomach with an e-reader resting in her hands, looking up at me. I couldn’t stop the smile from coming as I took in those baby blue bikinis. I wasn’t sure if she’d taken my text seriously or not, but I was fucking happy she did.

I kicked off my shoes and shucked off my shirt as I made my way towards her. She rolled over onto her back, watching me with fire in her eyes. Slowly, I crawled over the bed until I was hovering over the top of her, with her gazing all needy and sexy up at me.

“Hi,” I said softly.

She inhaled deeply. “Hi.” Her voice was only a whisper, and her chest was already starting to rise and fall heavily.

I leant down to kiss her softly, my lips only teasing over hers. Her hands came up, and she buried her fingers in my hair, trying to pull me down to her more, but I resisted. I wanted this to be slow. I wanted to tease her so she was panting and begging me to be inside her.

Gently, I trailed a hand down her throat, over her collarbone, following the soft curve of her breasts, and down to her waist. I kissed her. “You,” I said, and kissed her again. “Are never.” Another kiss. “Going.” A lingering kiss. “To the beach again.”

She moaned against my mouth.

“I really wanted to beat the shit out of Corey today.”

She looked up at me with serious eyes. “I’m sorry.”

I paused, focusing all my attention on her gaze. “It’s not your fault you’re every guy’s fantasy, baby. Corey should’ve kept his slimy hands to himself. Aiden warned him – warned all of us.”

Surprise flashed across her face. “Really?” She frowned in thought, then suddenly giggled.

“Oh, you think it’s funny, do you?” I warned her playfully then pressed my body down on hers. Catching her mouth with a heated kiss, I coaxed her lips apart and slid my tongue inside before pulling away again. “You didn’t have to sit there listening to them telling each other what they’d like to do to your hot little body, knowing you couldn’t say a damned thing to get them to shut the fuck up.”

She looked shocked again, and I had to remind myself that she was completely unaware of her sexuality outside these bedroom walls, but then she narrowed her eyes
and smirked. “No, and you didn’t have to listen to Melissa give the girls a detailed description of the unbelievable sex you gave her last night…”

What the fuck? “She what?!”

Mia smirked again. “It seems you’re so good, you don’t even have to be there anymore.”

My shoulders relaxed a little knowing Mia didn’t believe that shit, but I was still fucking pissed. “What the fuck is wrong with these girls?”

She shrugged, a playful smile catching the corners of her mouth. “It’s okay, although it’ll make it a bit hard for me to know if you really are cheating on me…”

I could see she was trying to make a joke of it, but there was a seriousness in her undertones too. “I
’ve never cheated on anyone, and I don’t plan on starting any time soon.”

She laughed. “Jace, you’ve never dated anyone to have to be faithful.”

“That’s because I hadn’t met anyone who I wanted to date or be faithful to before you.”

“Good, now stop talking and kiss me.”

I grinned and did as I was told.

***

It was just after lunch when I shuffled out to the kitchen the next day. Mom was sitting at the table, playing Play Doh with Ruby.

She
gave me a look that said she wasn’t happy with my sleep in. “Good afternoon.”

I smiled and bent over to give them each a kiss on the top of the head before going to make myself a coffee.

“Can I go watch TV?” Ruby asked, looking up at Mom with her big green eyes.

Mom smiled down at her
little pride and joy. “Sure you can, baby. I’ll pack this up for you.”

“Thanks
, Mom!” she said and ran out the door.

I watched her go with a grin on my face. She was a good kid. Mom had done good when she married Mark. They were perfect for each other
, and they doted on Ruby like she was a fucking princess. I guessed she was.
Their
little princess.

“So what brought you home so late?” Mom asked,
pinning me with her gaze.

I
poured myself a coffee and went to sit across the table from her. I debated whether or not I should tell her about Mia. I knew she’d keep it quiet, so I wasn’t worried about that. Deciding what the hell, I went for it.

“I was with Mia.”

I watched for her reaction, hoping it was going to be a good one. Her expression went a little confused before suddenly clearing. “Do you mean Aiden’s Mia?”

“No, I mean
my
Mia, but yes, Mia is Aiden’s sister.”

Her eyes widened as she took in my meaning. “
Your
Mia? Are you dating her?”

I could tell she was a little excited about this prospect, but she kept her enthusiasm down while she waited for my answer.

“Yes, we’re dating.”

A smile a mile wide spread across her face. “Oh my god, really? I mean, I hardly remember her. She
’s barely around when I see Lillian, and then she’s always so shy and quiet. I do remember her being beautiful though. When are you going to bring her around?”

I watched her with amusement. I didn’t know that me having a girlfriend would be such exciting news. The idea of bringing her around my family
actually gave me a bit of a thrill, but it was too risky – especially with Ruby. She would blab to Aiden the next time she saw him for sure.

I sighed.
“It’s complicated. We haven’t told anyone we’re together yet.”

“Oh.
” She couldn’t hide her surprise. “Why not?”

I sighed. “Mia’s not ready to be in the spotlight just yet, and we’re kind of getting a lot of attention right now.”

She nodded, her gaze thoughtful. “Do you think she’ll ever be ready though? She’s always looked pretty shy. I’m not sure how cut out she is for a rock star life, Jace.”

Looking down at my coffee, I gave a slight nod. I wasn’t sure either. All I knew was that right now I needed her, and I was too selfish to give her away. For now, I was okay with just seeing where things took us. I knew at the first sign of her not coping, I needed to let her go, but I would cross that bridge if and when we came to it.
“I really don’t know, but I’m going to do everything I can to help her get there.”

Mom studied my face for a while. “You really like her, don’t you?”

I didn’t answer her, but I think my smile told her all she needed to know. Looking at the clock, I downed the last of my coffee and stood. “I’ve got to go. I’m meeting Aiden to go over some changes.”

“Okay
, honey. Will you be home for dinner?”

“
Nah, I’ll probably try to catch up with Mia.” I gave her a quick kiss on the cheek and grabbed my phone.

On the drive over to Aiden’s place, my mind wandered to Mia and what she might’ve been doing today. She’d been so cute the night before. After I’d made her come apart in my arms twice, I’d pulled her against me and lulled her to sleep by softly humming her song to her. Of course she’d had no idea it was her song, but seeing her smile with her eyes closed as she listened to it, made me feel
about ten feet tall.

The moment was perfect, and
I hadn’t wanted to leave, so I’d set my alarm and drifted off to sleep with her. It had still been dark when it’d woken me up, and it took a lot of effort to drag myself away from her. I hoped she was home today. Even if I couldn’t touch her, I still wanted to see her.

Knocking on the door, I waited on the porch, listening for footsteps on the other side. When I heard none, I went to knock again, but
as I reached out, the door was flung open.

I blinked at Mia in surprise, but when I took in her yoga gear with bare feet, I understood how she could’ve crept up on me. A blush spread over her cheeks and she bit her lip, trying to repress the smile that came from seeing me.

“Hey,” I said, trying to sound casual when all I wanted to do was pick her up and carry her back to her room.

“Hi. What are you doing here?”

“I’m supposed to be meeting Aiden. Isn’t he home?”

“No
t yet, but he should be home soon. Come in.” She stepped back and made room for me to pass before closing the door behind me. She turned and started walking away. “I was just helping Mom in the kitchen. You can wait with us.”

Lillian was standing at the stove when we walked in. She looked up and smiled
when she saw me. It was just like Mia’s. I’d never noticed that before. “Hi, Jace. How are you?”

“Good thanks
, Mrs. C.”

“Aiden shouldn’t be too far away. Do you want to try Mia’s new creation?” She winked at Mia, and I watched her blush a little.

Looking away so she wouldn’t feel uncomfortable, I nodded. “Sure, what is it?” I eyed the tray of baked goods cooling on the bench top. My stomach growled. They smelt great.

“It’s a kind of pastry – like a danish, I guess,”
Mia said nervously.

I waited while Lillian dished one up on a plate and slid it across the bench to me. “It smells delicious
.” I tried to keep my voice light so Mia would relax a little. Taking a bite, my eyes immediately widened. Holy shit, it tasted incredible. It literally melted on my tongue with bursts of citrus and cocoa. “Mmm…oh my god, this is awesome…”

I saw Mia’s shoulders relax when I took another bite. Oh yeah. My girlfriend could cook. “So, you like to cook?” I asked, mainly to keep the conversation moving, but also because I was damned curious.

She nodded all shy and meek, but the smile she gave me was pure sex. God damned, she was cute.

“Man, if I had’ve known that, I would’ve made Aiden have practice here more often. You’re incredible.”

I made sure to direct my attention to the food before me, knowing my looks would only make her uncomfortable. I could see Lillian giving Mia little glances every now and again, and I wondered if she could sense anything between us.

“So what are you and Aiden up to this afternoon?” she asked.

“Well, if he ever gets back from Carly’s, we might be going over some of the things Rich gave us about the tour.”

Lillian looked confused. “Carly?”

Mia grinned. “Aiden’s latest interest.”

“Oh,” Lillian said. “I wish he would tell me these things. I feel so out of the loop.” She frowned, but then she looked up at me with questioning eyes. “Do you have a girlfriend
, Jace?”

I saw Mia look at her with surprise from the corner of my eye. “Not at the moment.”

The sound of Mia giggling turned both our heads. “Jace has got a little trouble with girls making up stories about him.”

What the hell? Why the fuck was she telling her mom that? The look on my face must have been amusing to her because she was suddenly giggling even more.

“What kind of stories?” Lillian asked, looking between Mia and me.

“Ones that are making my life a little difficult,” I said cryptically.

Mia laughed then, and I could tell Lillian was as bewildered by it as I was. “A few girls have been telling everyone at school that they’ve slept with him when they haven’t.”

Holy shit. I couldn’t believe she just told her mom that. Lillian looked at me with shock. “Is that true?”

I gave Mia a withering look before meeting Lillian’s gaze. “I know – it’s mind boggling.”

Lillian shook her head. “I’m sorry. I know there’s this whole groupie thing where girls think it’s cool to sleep with a rock star, but don’t they know they’re only making themselves look like sluts?”

I choked on the last bite of pastry I’d taken with Lillian’s words. Mia just laughed though. “Apparently not. Having sex with an up and coming rock star trumps looking like a slut according to these girls.”

I pushed myself away from the bench feeling a little out of my depth. “Ah…I might just go wait for Aiden in his room…”

Mia laughed harder and lightly pushed Lillian on the shoulder. “Mom, you embarrassed him.”

Lillian laughed too. “Me? You’re the one who brought it up!”

I stood there watching the way Mia interacted with her mom. It was just beautiful. She was so open and free, just like she was when she was with me, but more playful. I could tell by the little looks Lillian kept giving Mia that she was surprised at how open she was in front of me, and it made me so fucking happy.

Mia wiped a tear from her eye the same time Aiden walked into the kitchen. He stood there frowning, looking between us all like he wasn’t sure if what he was seeing was real.