“Tight,” Julian mutters through clenched teeth as he draws and presses deeper into me. He groans and clutches me desperately as he circles his hips and thrusts. “Tight and dripping wet. I’ll come so hard; I’ll fill you up.”
My fingers dig into the skin of his back. My eyes flutter, and my lips parts open to suck air. I wrestle against his embrace, coaxing him harder. I wedge his movement in the corner of my eye.
Julian holds his breath as he follows my gaze, compelled by the sight of him bent over me, watching his cock vanish inside me.
I grab one of his buttocks and follow his movement as he sinks deeper. He feels so firm in my hand, smooth and big. My fine lover is a demigod—no, no, a sex god. I can’t believe he’s completely mine.
His lips curve impishly. “That’s right. Own me as much as I own you.” He sinks deeper into me, lowers his head, and greedily sucks on my nipples.
“I... love watching you this way,” I stutter.
“Yeah, I do,” he says darkly. “I’ll put a mirror in this study next time, just like we did in the summerhouse.”
“Julian!” As the pleasure arcs my spine, I climax, crying out.
He yells and loses control, fucking me hard, heaving deeply, and exploding in me viciously. As he chases his orgasm, he sinks his head into my neck and tenderly suckles me. The force of his ejaculation causes his body to shudder.
I’m at a loss right now. I can’t think or see clearly. My toes are still curling in response to the electricity coursing through my entire body. Julian is still inside me, refusing to let go of our insatiable need for each other.
***
Madison Square Garden is overflowing with Ophelia Grant fans when we arrive. Tickets have been sold out since the first week her concert was announced. I consider myself fortunate to have two front-row seats. Julian also said he’d be there, but I haven’t seen him yet.
A VTR is playing on the huge screen, showing clips from Ophelia’s music videos. Cheers and screams could be heard all over the place. I last went to a concert when Dad took me to see one of his favorite composers.
Guest singers and artists took the stage while the audience waited for the main event. This is the kind of world that awaits us. It’s too much to think about how big this is. Every composer’s dream is to have their songs heard and sung by a singer like Ophelia. We’re going down in history.
“Look how amazing this is... this place, the crowd, Ophelia’s fans. Things are about to change in your life.” Lora grips my hand. “I’m surprised she wants to see you after the concert.”
“I also heard you got an offer.” I squeeze her hand back. Following my best friend’s school performance, she received an email from another record label because Professor Paige pitched her composition. Her song will be used as the soundtrack to a music-themed film.
“I know, right? A new chapter for both of us.”
The bright spotlight and stage effects have finally turned off the audience light. The screams and ovations get even louder when the massive screen splits in two, and fireworks burst on the stage.
Ophelia finally takes the stage. Her performance begins with the song “Descended from the Sky.” I’ve added it to my playlist.
Our idol pop star looks stunning in her shimmering silver gown, revealing her long, slender legs. She appears to be glowing in the spotlight. When the people sing together, her angelic voice fills the square and makes me want to cry.
She speaks into the microphone after one full song. “Good evening, Madison Square!”
The fans respond with ear-crushing screams.
“Ophelia!”
“I love you!”
“Marry me, Ophelia!”
Ophelia laughs soothingly. “I want to thank every one of you for coming here. Are you having a good time tonight?”
A series of high-pitched screams follow.
“Yeaaaahhhh!!!!”
“And because I love you, I’ll be singing this next song for the first time tonight. Are you ready?”
“Whooooooo!!!!” the people shout all at once.
“This is for everyone who has finally found love...”
She sings as an upbeat instrumental begins to play...
I see you, babyA face in the crowdGold covers your skinYou’re walking in my dreamCalling out loudIt’s as if the song is speaking to me, moving me. I raise my arms, as do the others around us.
When I found youI found loveThere’s nothing in the worldThat could tear us apartI fall more in love with Ophelia’s voice. She is brimming with energy! I’m imagining now how she’ll bring my song to perfection. It makes me giddy... in a good way. I must thank Peter Greenwood for the opportunity.
I can’t wait to see my dreams come true. And it all starts tonight...
***
After the concert, I was told to go backstage to Ophelia Grant’s dressing room and show Peter’s business card, and they would let Lora and me in. So I follow my directions, and two security guards recognize us.
Ophelia’s dressing room is still quite frantic. The staff is busy attending to her while retouching her makeup. Some are organizing things, one videographer covers behind-the-scenes footage, and a photographer takes pictures of the singer.
My attention is immediately drawn to Julian and Kristoff conversing in the corner. Before Ophelia’s concert began, Kristoff and his quartet performed a special number.
So this is where they are. However, Peter is the first to notice me. “Ha! You came!”
Only then do the others pay attention.
Julian’s hard features soften as our gazes meet, but I can’t approach him now. But to my surprise, he approaches me. I almost wanted to jump at him and kiss him all over.
“Ms. Scott.” Peter shakes my and Lora’s hands. “I assumed you had changed your mind.”
“There’s no way I’d miss this. I had a great time. It was fantastic... the concert, the songs, everything! “I exclaim enthusiastically.
“Ms. Scott, Ms. McQueen,” Julian greets us with a pleased smile.
“Professor Sebastian,” Lora returns the greeting.
“Professor,” I mumble.
“Hey, you two. You came.” Kristoff walks up to us and kisses both Lora’s and my cheeks.
“Of course we will,” I say.
“Please come, Anya. I’ll introduce you to Ophelia,” Peter invites, then walks me over to her. “Ophelia? “
The singer’s attention shifts to us, and she beams. “Hi!”
“Ophelia, this is Anya. She’s “This is the composer I’m talking about,” Peter says.
“Oh, really? Let me see you guys.” She steps down the barstool chair to greet us properly.
Wow! She’s courteous. She didn’t have to go down. “Hello, Anya. I was told that I would see you tonight. Thank you for coming.”
I blink, unable to speak. She looks like a goddess. I instantly wanted to stroke her hair, snuggle her, take a selfie, or get her autograph on the back of my shirt. I’m star-struck.
“Hello? Anya?”
“Um...” I swallow and clear my throat. “Please, I should be the one to thank you. I love your songs,” I say, glancing at Lora. “My best friend, too.”
She smiles even wider, revealing her gleaming white teeth. “Thank you. So, I heard your song, and I really like it. Peter recommended it to me, and we’d like to make it my single this year. Of course, you will be named composer,” she continues, looking at Julian and Peter. “I heard the professor will help rearrange it to my style.”
“Well, she pretty much already told you the main point.” Peter scratches his chin. “So, Anya, what do you think? Have you decided?”
I cup my cold palm across my cheeks. I am nervous as hell. I’m not sure how this happened because I can’t believe I’m standing here, in front of a star, with big people in the recording industry. I just wish my parents were here to see me right now. When I look at Julian, he sends me a nod of approval.
“Yes, of course. I’d be delighted!” I declare emphatically. “I’m honored.” Many people would die just to be in my shoes. This is everything I’ve ever wanted.
“All right,” Peter says, clasping his hands together. “I will have the papers ready, and let’s close this deal, shall we?” His gaze falls on me. “Anya, could you please come to my office in two weeks? My assistant will call you to inform you of the time and day.”
“Yes, please. Thank you,” I say. I have classes then, but I’ve heard such instances are excused. I suppose I should inform Professor Leighton of this.
“You should be there, too, Jules,” Peter suggests.
“I’m aware,” Julian says simply.
“Well, wow!” Kristoff wraps his arm around Julian’s shoulder. “Julian, are you going to write songs again? And with Anya... I knew you’d like her music. I heard you pitched her song.”
Oh, God. He’s completely oblivious to what’s happening, and I feel a little guilty about it.
Julian’s face stiffens. “Only for now, Kristoff. Yes, I did pitch her song.”
“Don’t tell anyone yet, Kristoff,” Peter cautions. “Not even your parents or your sister.”
“Of course not!” Kristoff grunts. “What do you take me for?”
“Are you all Professor Sebastian’s students?” Ophelia inquires. “If you are, you guys are lucky. I am a fan of his music. It’s my dream to sing his song, too, so this is huge to me.”
Julian nods, crossing his arm over his chest. “I’m glad we all can get along.”
Lora waves a hand at her, giggling at my side. “Hello, Ophelia. I can’t believe I’m in this conversation right now.”
“Well, we’re one big, happy family.” Ophelia gazes back at me. “I suppose I’ll see you Thursday?”
“I’ll be there,” I promise.
“Hey, Julian,” Kristoff interjects. “Isn’t your birthday in two weeks?”