Chapter 42: AT THE AWARDS CEREMONY

Katy

The boutique is warm, with soft lights glowing over racks of evening gowns that look like they’ve been plucked straight from a fairytale. Emily is a force of nature, darting between displays with an energy that belies her petite frame.

Emily grins triumphantly and ushers me into the fitting room. The gown hugs my curves perfectly, the deep red fabric shimmering as it catches the light. The neckline is elegant but daring, and the slit up one side reveals just enough leg to feel sophisticated yet sexy.

We spend the rest of the afternoon shopping, Emily coaxing me into trying things I’d never have considered on my own—sleek pencil skirts, fitted blouses, and heels high enough to make me dizzy.

It’s finally the evening of the awards. Rainidy is staying with her grandparents, while Rain and I have a room here in town. As the sleek black car glides to a stop outside the awards venue, my nerves start to bubble to the surface. The flashing lights of the cameras are already visible through the tinted windows, and I can feel the buzz of anticipation in the air.

As we step out of the car and onto the red carpet, the flash of cameras blinds me for a moment. The crowd’s murmurs swell into a roar as we step forward. Clinging to Rain’s arm, I draw confidence from his steady presence. It’s a whirlwind of lights, voices, and chaos, but I keep my head high and my focus firmly on Rain.

Reporters shout questions, their voices blending into a cacophony of curiosity:

“Rain, who’s the gorgeous mystery woman at your side?”

“Is this the new love of your life?”

“Can we expect wedding bells?”

When we finally step into the building, the noise fades, replaced by the low hum of conversation and the clinking of glasses. The venue is breathtaking, with glittering chandeliers hanging from the ceiling and elegant tables draped in white linen.

“You did amazing,” Rain whispers, his hand brushing mine.

I smile up at him, feeling a rush of gratitude for his steady presence. “Thanks, Rain. I couldn’t have done it without you.”

As the ceremony begins, I find myself caught up in the glamour and excitement of it all. The performances are electrifying, the speeches heartfelt, and every now and then, I catch Rain looking at me with a small, private smile that leaves me breathless.

When his category is announced, tension ripples through our table. Rain’s name is called, and the applause is thunderous ashe stands, winning the award for Best Male Artist. He leans down, brushing a kiss against my cheek before heading to the stage.

I watch, pride swelling in my chest as he accepts the award. His speech is humble and gracious. He thanks his bandmates, his parents, and his sister, and then, to everyone’s surprise, he looks directly at me.

“I want to thank my new family,” he says, his voice steady but filled with emotion. “They inspire me and remind me of what truly matters. This award belongs to them as much as it does to me.”

As if thinking her name conjured her up, Pixie Cane materializes before me, a vision in a sleek, barely there, shimmering gown. A flicker of lingering unease twists in my stomach, but I push it aside, taking a steadying breath.

Remembering our truce, I step forward as she approaches.

“Pixie, congratulations on your award,” I say sincerely, meeting her gaze and extending my hand.

“Thank you.” She glances from me to Rain, a mischievous look in her dark eyes, as she casually shakes my hand. “Congratulations to you too, Rain darlin’.”

The weight of the room’s attention bears down on us as dozens of eyes follow our exchange. I feel Rain’s arm tighten around my waist, pulling me closer to his side.

Rain leans in slightly, his voice low and calm. “That’s Pixie. Let’s keep moving,” he murmurs, steering me through the crowd with his hand resting possessively on the small of my back.

As we weave through the sea of people, he bends his head closer to mine, his breath warm against my ear. “You handled that like a pro.”

I let out a soft laugh, leaning into his touch. “I’ve had good coaching,” I reply, my voice light, though my heart still beats a little too fast.

By the time we return to our hotel room, my head is spinning from the whirlwind of the evening. But as Rain pulls me into his arms, all the turmoil fades away.

“You were incredible tonight,” he says, his voice low and filled with admiration.

“So were you,” I reply, resting my head against his chest and feeling his broad hands circle my waist.

“You know what I was thinking about all night?” he asks me, his voice husky.

I silently shake my head.

“I couldn’t stop thinking of what you’d look like when I finally got to undress you.”

The heated look in his eyes makes my breath catch and my panties dampen. I practically sway in his arms.

“Strip for me, Katy,” he commands, leaning casually against the door, his arms crossed, his eyes dark with intent.

Swallowing because my throat is suddenly dry, I slowly turn to face him. At the pleased anticipation gleaming in his eyes, I suddenly feel sexy instead of shy. Giving him a womanly smile, I lift my arms to my hair, draping it over one shoulder. Reaching behind me, I grasp the zipper and lower it. Glancing at Rain, I almost falter as his gaze intensifies. Twisting, I manage to lower the zipper all the way.

Slowly, I ease the red fabric off one shoulder, then the other, letting the gown glide down my body with a soft, silky rustle before pooling at my feet. Now I stand before Rain, clad only in red lace and high heels, his smoldering gaze making my pulse race.

Stepping carefully away from the dress, I lean over, picking it up, giving Rain a tantalizing glimpse of my full breasts, barely encased in red lace. Turning, I carefully place the gown over a chair. I hear Rain’s abrupt intake of breath when he notices I’m wearing a thong.

Glancing coyly over my shoulder, I give a satisfied smile as I see Rain is no longer leaning against the door but standing tall. A flame burns hotly in his eyes as he stares at my nearly nude form.

Clearing his throat, he reaches up and loosens his tie, quickly removing his jacket and throwing it over the closest piece of furniture. His eyes never waver from my body clad in only the red lingerie. His expression hardens, and he approaches like a lion stalking his prey.

Quivering in anticipation as he leans down. He unexpectedly lifts me, and my legs automatically wrap around his waist. He carries me to the table and then sets me down, my long legs hanging over the side. He immediately steps between my thighs, spreading them wide. My eyes fly to his.

He gives me a dark, sexy smile as he lifts my legs, placing them over his shoulders. He leans in, staring deeply into my eyes, and I shiver in anticipation of what will come next.

Bending forward, I feel his hot breath at my most intimate place. Rain leans in and gives me a long, wet lick of his tongue, and my hips come up off the tabletop. He presses down on my hip bone, anchoring me in place for the next swipe of his tongue. My hands make their way down to his dark hair, and I grasp it with my fingers. Hanging on for dear life as he continues his deliberate motions.

He expertly licks and nibbles, working me and occasionally murmuring soft words of praise against my inner thigh. My hands tighten in his hair, tugging him desperately closer as my body starts to writhe against the smooth surface of the table involuntarily. My body clenches, my legs tightening around his shoulders, and I give a shuddering cry as I climax. Hard.

Raising his head, he wears a smug smile. “Enjoyed that. Did you?” he asks softly, a satisfied masculine gleam in his eyes.

Not able to speak yet, I soundlessly nod as he pulls me toward him, standing me on my still wobbly legs. He holds me close against his broad chest as he waits for my weak legs to become stable. When they’re finally able to hold my weight, he steps back with an arrogant smile.

“Next, I want to watch as I fuck you from behind.” My eyes widen at his crude words, but I can’t help but feel turned on.

Glancing around the hotel room, his eyes land on the low armchair. He motions to it with his chin. “The chair, bend over,” he orders softly.

Walking over to the armchair, I go to slip off my heels. “Keep them on,” he demands with a wicked smile.

Obeying, I bend over, supporting my weight on the arm of the chair. Looking over one shoulder, I watch him stride closer. My breath comes quickly as his hands come out and grip my hips, positioning me right where he wants me. He puts pressure on the small of my back, arching my spine and lifting my ass higher in the air.

Expecting him to step closer, he surprises me by stepping back, a smug grin on his face as his eyes rake over me in my prone position. Shifting my weight from one leg to the other just deepens his grin to a knowing smirk.

“Impatient for me, Katy?” he asks huskily. I don’t answer. I can’t. My breath is now coming in soft pants as I wait for him to take me–fill me.

He’s suddenly behind me, and I feel the warmth of his body as he steps close. I hear the sound of his zipper as it lowers. I feel the rough touch of his pant leg as he modifies my stance wider to accommodate him.

I give an involuntary shiver as I feel the brush of his fingers as he touches my thong, moving it out of his way.

“You have no idea how sexy you look bent over for me like this.” I give a helpless whimper as I feel the head of his cock as it glides through my wet folds. So close but not entering me. “I want to watch as I enter you from behind,” his sexy words have me shuddering in wanton anticipation. I give a small gasp as he suddenly thrusts deeply into me. Filling me in one forceful stroke. He pauses, then slowly pulls back.

“You should see what I’m seeing as your body takes me. So eager, so willing for me to fill you.” He surges into me again, this time setting a grueling pace. He’s rough and demanding, and it thrills me as I push back, meeting his strokes. I push back harder, wanting more, wanting him. All of him.

My arms are stiff, supporting me against the arm of the chair as he continues to pound into me forcefully from behind. His grip hard, probably leaving a mark as he anchors me for his powerful thrusts. But I don’t care; I’m consumed by a wild, primal passion that matches his—reveling in his claiming of me.

When I finally cry out his name, he joins me in my orgasm, both of us spent from our exertion. Our breath slowly returns to normal as he stands, pulling me up with him.

“I’m not finished with you yet, Katy,” he whispers with a dark promise. “It’s going to be a long night.”

I finally speak. “I’m up for it,” I say with a sultry smile, answering the challenge in his eyes.