Souls ReAligned (9 page)

“Ethan! It’s beautiful!” She holds her hand to her heart and tries to choke back the emotional response that’s threatening to bring tears to her eyes.

Reaching over, he takes it out of the box, and holds it up, offering to help her to put it on. “This is a Celtic love knot”

“I know what it is, and I love it!”

“I want you to wear it, so that every time I see it on you, I’ll know that you’ve given yourself to me. That, you’re mine,
only
mine.”

She lifts the few loose curls off her shoulder. Letting it fall into place around her neck, he fastens the clasp, and then presses his lips against her neck. Inhaling her perfume is making him have wicked, naughty thoughts. He groans, trying to maintain his self-control. “You know, I normally like you’re hair down around your shoulders, but I don’t mind it like this. You look absolutely gorgeous tonight.”

Her enchanting blush sends a signal straight to his cock, telling it to get hard.

“So, you’re not upset about the dress?” she asks, curiously.

“Sweetheart, you are stunning in that dress.”

Letting out a long breath, she indicates her relief.

“But I do understand Carter’s concern.” Running his hand up her thigh to the hem of the dress, he confirms that even the smallest bend or lean, will have her exposing her crotch. Her bare shoulders and the beautiful swell of her breasts are inviting. Not a man in the room will be able to avoid looking at them. Ethan’s cock gets harder. Shaking his head, he puts those untamed thoughts out of his mind. He has other things to focus on tonight, “Let’s just keep you close to me tonight, alright?”

Olivia nods.
A night of sticking close to Ethan O’Connell? Who would complain about that?

A loud crash comes from outside followed by a vulgar barrage of Irish swearing. Just in time. A moment longer and he would have had her out of her panties with her dress hiked up over her hips. Folding her over his desk, he’d have his wicked Irish way with her, fast and hard. Growling, Ethan erases that image out of his mind. “Sounds like my boys are here. I want to introduce you.”

Seeing them, the boys take a break from setting up the equipment. As they approach, Ethan puts his arm around her possessively. It’s the best feeling in the world. Trevor and Brian hop down off the stage and make their way over to them.

“Boys. This is my girl, Olivia James.”

They all nod and grin mischievously. Olivia has the feeling that she’s already been the topic of a few foul-mouthed ‘frat boy’ like conversations.

“Olivia,” he continues, “This is Trevor, Nigel, Brian and James.”

“Oh,” she says sounding somewhat disappointed.

Ethan quirks his eyebrow at her, “Something wrong?”

Embarrassed by her reaction, she tries to explain. “No, not at all. It’s just that, I thought they’d have colorful nicknames.”

They all laugh and individually re-introduce themselves as they shake her hand.

“Mac.”

“Slug.”

“Shooter.”

“Griff.”

“Hardly colorful,” Ethan adds, pulling her closer to him when he notices Griff’s appreciative stare.

“Okay, boys, I’ll leave you to it.” He leads Olivia back to the bar and leaves her with Rachel and Shannon, while he meets with the security team and goes over last minute instructions.

“Oh my God! Your necklace is gorgeous!” Shannon squeals.

Olivia glows and raises her hand to it, picking it up and rubbing her thumb over the design. “Thank you.” Looking across the room, she sees Griff staring at her. She shivers, as his imposing look gives her the chills.

“What’s wrong?” Rachel asks, noticing her reaction.

“Ethan’s friend, Griffin. There’s something about him that just gives me the creeps. Do you know him Shannon?”

Glancing over in his direction, she catches him looking, “No, not really. I know who he is. But there must be something a little
off
with him because John asked me to stay away from him.”

“Hmmm,” Rachel adds. “Odd that Ethan would associate with someone like that. I’m sure he wouldn’t try anything with Ethan around, so just ignore him.”

“I agree,” Shannon says. “It’s going to be stressful enough dealing with Carter tonight.”

Olivia puts her hand to her forehead. “Oh my God! I know, right? What was that?”

“I think we all know what that was,” Shannon says.

“I wish I could have gotten a picture of the look on O’Connell’s face,” Rachel laughs.

“Not funny,” Olivia scolds her. “I need a drink.”

It isn’t long before security is in place, sound checks are done, and guests start to file in. Ethan tries to keep Olivia close to his side, but he’s constantly pulled away. In his absence both John and Carter, keep a watchful eye on her.

Through the crowd, Olivia sees a familiar face and smiles as she makes her way towards her. “Cindy! Hi! How are you? You’re not working tonight?”

Cindy pouts, “No, I took the night off. I’m horrible actually.”

All the girls gather around to find out what’s going on, “Is everything okay with you and Noah?”

“Yes, I really like him. He’s a great guy. We were supposed to meet here and hang out tonight but he just texted me.”

“Oh, no,” Olivia knows how that feels. “Did he blow you off?”

“No, he’s here but Ethan has him on the no entry list. Security won’t let him in. He’s hanging around outside in the parking lot. I’m just going to get my stuff and leave, I guess.”

Olivia looks annoyed, “There must be a mistake. I can’t believe Ethan would do that.”

“Believe it,” Shannon says rolling her eyes. “I saw the no entry list. It’s almost as long as the guest list.”

Olivia narrows her eyes, “Do you think he’s on the no entry list because of me?”

Shannon nods, “Oh yeah, him and every other man that’s looked at you in the past week. I’m surprised he hasn’t thrown Carter out yet.”

“That’s unacceptable,” Olivia says, greatly annoyed. “Who is security at the door right now?” Standing on her tiptoes, she tries to see over the crowd.

“Travis. Why?”

“Perfect!” she says, as she takes Cindy’s arm. “Come with me.”

“What are you going to do?” Cindy asks curiously.

“Ethan had Travis assigned to keep an eye on my house the other day. He and I are good friends now.” She smiles mischievously. “He’d be out of a job if Ethan knew just how friendly he was.”

“Olivia, please don’t do anything that’s going to cause problems between you and Ethan. Noah and I can just find something else to do tonight.”

“Nonsense. I’m not afraid of Ethan.”

Travis looks up and smiles as she approaches the door. He’s built like a linebacker with his broad shoulders and well-honed muscles. His straight black hair hangs just above his shoulders and his goatee is meticulously trimmed.

“Hey!” she says returning his smile.

“Hi! You look awesome.” He quickly looks around for his boss before taking a longer appreciative look.

“Thanks!” she blushes. “Listen, Travis I think there’s been a mistake. One of my friends seems to be on the wrong list, and they won’t let him in.”

“Oh? Who is that?”

“Noah Thompson.”

Cindy fidgets uncomfortably as her eyes scan the room watching for Ethan. Travis runs his finger down the list on the clipboard until he comes across it. “He’s on the no entry list Olivia. Ethan would kill me if I let him in.”

“Travis,” she says smiling. “Noah is a friend of mine. Surely, he’s on the wrong list. You can let him in for me, right?” She walks her fingers up his arm and twists them around the sleeve that partially reveals heavily tattooed, tensed biceps. She uses every feminine trick she has to flirt her way into changing his mind. “I could go and interrupt Ethan, if you want me to, but you know that he’ll just tell you to let my friend in, right? Does it make sense to bother him when he’s so busy?”

“I don’t know, Olivia,” Travis hesitates.

“Don’t you think he’ll be pissed that you even questioned me?” she asks, batting her eyelashes.

Travis looks over at Ethan who is dealing with photographers and band members. He looks into Olivia’s beautiful hazel eyes, and then glances down her body, taking in every curve and dip. Pausing, he tilts his head to the side and purses his lips. Staring at the length of her dress, he curses and shakes his head “I can’t imagine any man being able to deny you a single thing while you’re wearing that dress,” he gives her a wide smile, crosses through Noah’s name on the no entry list, and adds it to the guest list.

“Thank you, Travis,” she says, leaning in and brushing her lips against his cheek. When she turns around, she avoids John’s curious stare as he watches from a short distance away.

“Text Noah, and let him know he’s good to go now,” she says, winking at Cindy.

John stops Olivia, on her way back to her friends, “Is everything okay?”

Olivia hides a smile, “Yes, there was just a misunderstanding, that’s all.”

John looks at her trying to gauge the mischief she’s engaged in. There’s no innocence in that smile, “Ethan has put me in charge of keeping you safe tonight, and I intend to do so. Is there something you need to tell me so that I can do my job effectively? Because if something happens to you, Ethan will have my ass.”

“No, everything is fine, John.” Looking around the room, she avoids eye contact.

“Look at me,” he says in an extremely stern voice. Startled, her eyes snap back at him obediently.
Did that tone just come from John?

“Olivia… Ethan doesn’t have to know everything, but if there is something going on that affects your safety, you need to tell me. Understand?”

“Yes, John. There is one thing. Ethan’s friend, Griffin.”

“What about him?”

“He makes me nervous. Every time I turn around, he’s staring at me. I’m getting a really bad feeling.”

John looks up just in time to catch Griff in the act. Nodding, he acknowledges her concern, “Okay, don’t let him get you alone. You, Shannon, and Rachel stay together. Nobody leaves the building without me or Carter.”

“Okay.”

“Once everyone is in and the first band gets underway, things should settle down a bit, and we can join you. Until then, stay out of trouble.”

Olivia tries hard not to smile, “I’ll try, John.”

John shakes his head in frustration, “Christ, you and O’Connell were made for each other.”

Olivia thinks about that for a moment and a proud grin spreads wide across her lips. “It took me a long time to figure that out, but now I can’t disagree,” she says, with a cheeky tone.

“Best you don’t. It’s an argument you would lose with me. He has definitely met his match in you, Olivia.”

Olivia flutters her eyelashes playfully, “Why John, you say the sweetest things.”

John gives her a hardened stare: indicating that he’s not impressed with her frivolity, “Please take me seriously. You’re safety is non-negotiable.”

“Yes, Dad,” she says mocking him as she starts to walk away.
Boy, is he uptight tonight.
The moment she’s a few steps away, John starts to grin. It’s about time O’Connell found a woman that’s his equal in every way.

An hour later, the club is at capacity and Ethan is extremely busy. Several times, he makes a point to find Olivia and give her a kiss or a possessive hug, but his attention is continually dragged away.

The three girls are having a great time drinking, dancing, and enjoying the music. In between the live bands, one of Toronto’s hottest DJs, DJ Climax, plays. Without question, Ethan and John know how to plan a successful event.

Rachel and Shannon make their way into the bar to get another drink, leaving Olivia standing alone watching the dance floor. Suddenly, she’s trapped against the railing by a hard body, pressing into her from behind. She knows from the height that it’s not Ethan. She tenses, terrified that it’s Sam. Her heart races as her eyes quickly skirt around the room looking for John. For the first time tonight, he isn’t hovering a foot away. Strong hands on her hips hold her captive, as lips press against the top of her head, “Hello, beautiful.”

Letting out a sigh of relief, she tilts her head back, looking up at him and smiling. Noah. It’s difficult to describe their relationship. Together they’ve always had an amazing chemistry, an undeniable attraction, but something always seemed to be
off
. She had often wondered if they were meant to be together but tragically missed their chance at love. Now she knows that’s not the truth. She belongs to Ethan, irrefutably. She was never really available for Noah. Somehow, her heart had known it all along.

“You look beautiful tonight. That dress must have O’Connell going out of his mind,” he says, returning her smile.

“He’s too busy right now to notice,” she says shrugging.

“How did you get him to change his mind about letting me in?”

“I didn’t. I pulled the ‘I’m dating your boss’ card with the security guy at the door.”

Noah laughs, wrapping his hands around her middle and giving her a squeeze, “You’re absolutely evil.”

Olivia leans back against his chest, unaware that both Carter and John are watching, “That’s why you love me, right?”

“Always! You’ll always be my girl,” he says, as he pulls away. “I better go find Cindy. Save me a dance. If O’Connell’s still too busy for you I’m sure that will get his attention.” Noah runs his hands down her sides, to her hips, then across her ass giving it a playful squeeze and a light slap as he walks away.

Olivia feels a draft as someone rushes past her, followed by the sound of a very loud THUD. Turning to see what the commotion is, she sees Noah face down on the ground with John McCabe half sitting on him, using his knee against his back to pin him there. John’s large, strong hand holds Noah’s throat, while he twists his arm behind him.

Startled, Olivia screams, “John! Stop!”

Returning from the bar, Rachel grabs Olivia, holding her back, as she tries to rush toward them. A curious crowd forms around them, watching. Olivia stands by horrified.

“Now, that wasn’t a polite thing to do was it?” McCabe asks Noah. It’s clear from his tone that he’s not messing around.

Noah is at least two inches taller than John and all lean muscle. Olivia can’t believe the ease in which John took him to the floor. Making his way through the crowd Scott gets a look at what’s going on. Getting Ethan’s attention at the bar, he motions for him to join him. Pushing his way through the crowd from the other side of the room, Ethan is curious to see what all the excitement is about. When he reaches the two men on the floor he stops, crosses his arms in front of him and slowly grins from ear to ear, taking a moment to enjoy Noah’s predicament.

Olivia breaks free from Rachel and heads toward Ethan, calling him as she pushes through the crowd. “Ethan! Tell him to let Noah go,” she scolds when he directs his attention to her.

Looking at Noah on the ground, he tugs on his ear, looking conflicted. Olivia begs him, “Ethan! PLEASE!” she gives him a look that cuts straight into his chest.

“Are you kidding me with those eyes?” he growls, rubbing the back of his neck while he considers it. “Fine! McCabe, that’s a friend of Olivia’s. Let him up.”

“I think you’re mistaken, Ethan.”

Noah struggles, causing John to apply more force to hold him down. “If he was a friend of Miss James he would treat her with respect,” his breathing sounds labored from the energy it’s taking to pin Noah there, but he prevails.

Ethan looks down at Olivia, tilting his head slightly to the side, “He was disrespectful to you?”

Panicked, she shakes her head, “NO! It was nothing,” she tries to fluff it off, but the look on Ethan’s face indicates that she’s not convincing at all.

“Let him go,” she says to John, anger in her tone.

“Miss James’ alleged friend thought it would be appropriate to slap her on the ass as he passed by.” John looks up at Ethan for direction.

Glaring at John, she gives him a look, warning him that she’ll get even with him. Ethan looks at Olivia with growing anger evident on his face, “Is that true?”

She shrugs and scrunches up her face, knowing he isn’t going to like the answer, but he’ll know if she lies, “Yes.” She braces herself, expecting him to completely freak out, but Ethan O’Connell is a man full of surprises.
Heads or Tails?
He stares at her, jaws clenched tightly, studying her face with silent reflection before he finally speaks, “John, let Mr. Thompson up, please.” Looking down, he establishes eye contact with John who nods once, acknowledging his request.

John’s knee comes off Noah’s back as he gets to his feet and releases him. Before Noah has time to react, McCabe grips his t-shirt and pulls him to his feet. They stand nose to nose for a moment, both of their bodies stiff with tension.

Ethan takes a gentle hold of Olivia’s arm and pulls her close to his chest so he can whisper in her ear, “Perhaps you can tell me how he got in here?”

“The question is why were you keeping him out in the first place?” Pulling her arm free, she crosses them in front of her. Ethan looks up to see Cindy pushing through the crowd and making her way toward Noah. Wrapping her arms around him, she forces John to step back. Ethan looks down at Olivia for confirmation.

“Yes, he’s here with Cindy,” she says harshly, growing angrier with him.

Ethan grins and shakes his head, “Let that be a warning, gentlemen! There’s a new sheriff in town, so you best be showing the ladies some respect.”

Olivia glances back at her friends. They avoid looking at her, their shoulders jiggling up and down in laughter. She’s thankful for their avoidance, knowing that she’d likely burst into laughter as well. Ethan reaches down, grasps her hand and pulls it to his mouth, kissing her knuckles. She parts her lips to speak, but he sweeps in to claim them gently, coaxing her to surrender to his kiss. She’ll never forgive herself for avoiding his kisses for so long. There is something about this man’s kisses that set her soul on fire. They make her forget the world around her, drawing her into him, as if she needs him to breathe.

Pulling away, he gathers his thoughts as he focuses on her gaze, acknowledging the desire building in her eyes. “Tell your friends to meet us over by the stage in a few minutes. There are some people I’d like to introduce you to,” he hesitates, deciding on a tactic, “I think you need to stick a little closer to me for the rest of the evening.”

Speechless, Olivia nods her head, proof of the power he wields over her. When she joins Shannon and Rachel, they grin at each other, recognizing her telltale glow.

“Holy smokes!” Rachel says with amusement. “I felt that kiss all the way over here!”

“One second more and I might have started undressing him right on the spot,” Olivia fans herself with her hand trying to cool the blush on her cheeks. “Surely, that wouldn’t be acceptable to,” she raises her hands in air quotes, “the sheriff.”

They desperately try not to giggle when Ethan arrives at her side. “Ladies,” looking between them, he wonders what has them so amused. “Are you having a good time?”

“Lovely,” Shannon responds. “We thought we just saw Olly Murs. Is he here?”

Ethan grins, intent on keeping his secrets, “Possibly. I’m stealing Olivia for a moment. You’ll meet us over there shortly, yeah?” He reaches down for her hand, awakening the butterflies in her stomach with his simple possessive gesture. Satisfaction settles within her, knowing that after that kiss, every woman in the building knows without question that Ethan O’Connell belongs to her.

Following him across the room toward the stage, she feels Griff’s eyes burning into her. She acknowledges his stare and then quickly looks away. Finding Carter close by, standing guard, makes her feel at ease. She smiles at him, trying to wash away the awkwardness from his earlier outburst and feeling relief when he returns her smile.

Ethan moves toward the stage where a bunch of men are fussing with speakers and instruments. In amongst them is a tall man, barking out instructions in an attempt to get everyone organized. Seeing them approach, he smiles and starts toward them. His dark hair is shaved very short on the sides. The longer, copper tipped strands at the top are tousled in an unruly way that looks like he’s just been freshly fucked. Ripped jeans barely cling to his hips and his denim shirt is completely undone, revealing a very thin set physique and sinewy muscles. She wonders if he survives on anything besides tobacco and booze. The side of his shirt moves while he walks, allowing her to see his dragon tattoo. The tail, starting at his pectoral muscle, trails completely down the side of his body; the head curling across his hip toward his abs. It’s fierce looking, vibrant with color unlike Ethan’s black tribal tattoo.

“Olivia, this is Nate Ross.” Nate extends his hand to her in greeting, and she takes it firmly. His smile is intoxicating; she follows it from ear to ear, taking note of the multiple hooped piercings. She discovered a long time ago that Ethan’s ears are pierced, but she’s never seen him wear earrings. Looking at Nate and the masculine way he pulls that look off, she’ll have to encourage him to do so. It’s really kind of hot!

“I’m a big fan,” she says grinning.

“Well, it’s good to know who bought the other CD,” he jokes. “I know my mother bought one.” Releasing her hand, he looks over at Ethan with a serious expression. “Christ, O’Connell. You weren’t kidding. She’s gorgeous!”

Olivia feels her face flush as Ethan looks down at her with a look of complete adoration, “She is. And don’t get any idea’s Nate. She’s mine.” Wrapping his arm around her waist, he pulls her closer. Driving home the message to his friend.

“No worries, man. It’s good to see you so happy.”

They stand talking for a short while. It isn’t hard to see why Nate and Ethan are friends. Nate also has that same lethal kind of charm and appeal. She wonders just how many women are drawn into it every time he performs. She imagines he wouldn’t have to spend any night alone, if he didn’t want to. He’s an extremely talented musician. He seems so young for the superstar lifestyle, which consumed his life after his first album went double platinum.

When they’re set up and ready to play, Ethan slaps him on the shoulder and thanks him for being here. Directing Olivia back to his reserved table where all their friends are, they wait for Nate’s performance to begin. “Nate writes all his own songs,” Ethan explains, as the music begins.

Olivia isn’t surprised by that, at all. The music itself is extremely popular, mainstream. It has a sound to it that’s unmistakably Celtic. It had appealed to Olivia long before she had met Ethan. It never occurred to her just how odd that is, especially considering that she read somewhere that Nate was born and raised in Indiana.

After Nate’s set, all the boys disperse from the table, each with duties that need tending to and leaving the girls alone to chat. It doesn’t take long before Olivia misses Ethan. Searching for him around the bar, she finds him talking to a group of people over by the pool tables, laughing at something that was said. He looks hot in that burgundy shirt and jet-black suit. It’s not just the appearance of his pure masculine lines, or the knowledge of the heavily muscled body that’s beneath that sexy suit, that has captured her attention. It’s his incredibly powerful presence that has her body tingling with sensation, always has.

She watches curiously, as he looks across the room toward the front entrance. An expression sweeps across his face that she can’t identify. Walking away from his companions in mid sentence, he leaves them looking at each other awkwardly. Olivia strains her neck to see what’s drawn his attention.

Heading straight for him at a quick pace is a tall brunette.
That’s a switch.
She’s thin, almost fragile looking but stunningly beautiful, making Olivia painfully aware of her own shortcomings.

Meeting in the middle of the room, her arms wrap around his neck as their bodies collide in an embrace. Ethan holds her tightly against his chest, as if he never wants to let her go, his cheek pressed against the top of her head. Olivia knows that expression. A sharp pain in her heart makes her feel sick to her stomach. Whoever this tall brunette is, Ethan has more than platonic feelings for her.

Watching the scene unfold, Rachel looks at Olivia with concern, “I’m sure she’s just a friend.”

Olivia’s not so sure, “Yeah, you’re probably right,” she says as jealousy grips her. Her stomach plummets, as she watches him release her and lead her toward his office.
Please, anywhere but the office.
She knows what things go on in there.