Red Phoenix's Passion is for Lovers Collection (Boxed Set) (16 page)

Flowers fell at Tesse’s feet. The audience loved her voice, loved the passion she had shared with them. It was intoxicating. When the curtain finally closed, the actors quickly made their way off the stage. Steve took her hand and led her through the hallways, still glowing from their passionate kiss. Apparently, he didn’t realize the feelings she had expressed were for someone other than him.

Tesse ran into the arms of her mother first. “I can’t believe you came!”

Julie held her tight. “It took a lot of convincing on Luke’s part, but I am so glad I’m here. Your voice is phenomenal, Tesse.” Julie took her face in both hands and said, “Better than I could ever have imagined.”

Tesse fought off the tears, having cried too many already. She turned to Luke. “Thank you. You’ll never know what this means to me.”

His lopsided smile captivated her heart. “I do know. That’s why I did it.” She flew into Luke’s arms, pressing her head against his chest.

Jerrod pushed his way through the crowd, smiling until he saw Tess in Luke’s embrace. The heartbreak on his face crushed her. “Hello,” he said to Luke coolly.

Luke released Tesse and held out his right hand to Jerrod. “It is good to see you again.”

Jerrod shook it half-heartedly. “To be honest, I can’t say the same.”

Julie spoke up, defusing the uncomfortable situation. “You must be Jerrod. I’m Tessa’s mother.”

Jerrod smiled engagingly “Well, now that’s an unexpected surprise.” He took her hand and kissed it. “It is a pleasure to meet you, Ms. Hayes.”

Her mother was taken aback by the gesture. Tesse thought she saw Julie’s cheeks color, which was so unlike her. “A handshake would do, young man,” she murmured.

Jerrod grinned and turned to Tesse. “You were amazing! Baby, you had the whole audience enraptured.” Jerrod guided her into his arms, twirling her around. “Did you get my flowers?”

She gazed up at Jerrod, her feelings for him a mess of conflicting emotions. “Yes. They were beautiful.”

“I’m glad.” Jerrod glanced over at Luke. “It was good of you to bring Tesse’s mother. You are a real class act.”

Julie took Tesse’s hand and pulled her away from Jerrod. “Boys, if you don’t mind, I would like to talk to my daughter alone for a few minutes.”

Both men nodded. Julie led her away from the crowd of well-wishers. People patted her back and praised her performance as Julie led Tesse to a secluded spot. Julie squeezed her hand tightly as she struggled with her words. “Tessa… I never knew how talented you were… I’m so sorry.”

Tesse couldn’t believe it. Her mother, who had been so controlled all of her life, was suddenly vulnerable and soft. “It’s okay, Julie. I’m just glad you came. It means everything to me.”

“You have Luke to thank. It took great tenacity on his part to get me to listen. But he’s right, you do have the voice of an angel. I am so grateful I heard it tonight.” Julie held out her arms to her.

Tesse rushed into them without reservation. “Oh, Mom!” It was the first time she felt comfortable calling her Mom in years.

“My beautiful, beautiful daughter.” Tesse felt like a little kid again, in the safe loving embrace of her mother. “Tess, I know you are in a serious relationship with Jerrod. Luke explained everything and he told me of his plans on leaving here tomorrow.” Tesse stiffened as Julie continued, “He believes that is what’s best for you.”

Tesse felt ill and pulled away from her, certain she knew what her mother was going to say.

“I remember an insolent young girl who once told me she loved a boy so much that she would give up her career for him.” Julie looked deep into Tesse’s eyes and asked kindly, “What happened to that girl?”

Tesse gasped in surprise. “Mom?”

“Everything you told me about Luke is true. He is a fine individual. The tragedy he experienced when he was young honed a man of exceptional wisdom and courage. I’ve listened patiently to all his reasons why he is not the right man for you, but frankly, he’s mistaken. Luke is exactly the type of man I want for my daughter.” Tesse unknowingly held her breath as her mother continued. “In fact, I see no reason why you can’t finish your education in London and strike out on the stage there while he studies for his doctorate.”

When her head started pounding, Tesse finally took a breath. She looked at her mother in disbelief and finally asked, “Who are you?”

Julie frowned, but then answered, “Tessa, I have been alone these last two years. Isolation teaches you many things, but it took Luke shaking me awake to understand what I’ve let slip by.” Her expression changed when she added, “I love you. I always have.”

“I love you, too, Mom.”

Julie lightly played with a lone curl framing her face. “I want only the best for you, Tessa.”

“But what about Jerrod? I’m not sure what to do…” she said sadly.

“Tessa, I saw it on the stage. You told the world how you feel.”

Tesse started to cry, knowing the pain she was about to cause him. “I don’t want to break Jerrod’s heart, Mom.”

“I’ll talk to Jerrod.”

Tesse shook her head. “I can’t let you…”

“You need to spend time with Luke. He plans to fly out in the morning. It’s now or never, Tess. What’s it going to be?”

A life with Luke was all she’d ever wanted. Tesse’s deepest desire was hers for the taking if she was willing to risk giving up what she had now. The answer was easy.

“Thanks, Mom.”

“Anytime, Pumpkin.”

They walked back into the throng of people. Tesse had a hard time making it to Luke because of all the kind-hearted congratulators. She saw her mother put her arm around Jerrod and walk off with him. Tess made her way to Luke who stood alone against the wall looking exceedingly charming in his black tux.

“Thanks again for bringing my mom.”

He gazed down at her with love in his eyes. “I would do anything for you, Tesse.”

She touched the scars on his face with her fingertips. “Anything?”

“Of course.”

“Then we need to talk. Can we go to your hotel?”

“What about the cast party? Everyone is talking about your performance. The star of the show has to be there.”

“This is more important.”

“We don’t have to talk. I understand what needs to happen. I love you, Tesse. I always will.”

Tesse put her finger to his lips. “No, you
don’t
understand. I need to talk to you about our future. I
choose
you, Phantom.”

When the reality of what she said registered, Luke grabbed her in his arms. Without regard to anyone else, he picked her up and carried her out of the theater. Before she knew it, they were walking off the elevator of his hotel.

As soon as he shut the door, Tesse backed him against the wall. She mimicked their first kiss by running her tongue lightly over his lips, grazing the scar at the corner of his mouth. He groaned deeply, making her body quiver with longing.

“Luke, before we talk there is something I need from you.”

“What?” he asked gruffly.

“You.”

His mouth came down on hers. “I’ve been yours ever since the first day in Mr. Steele’s class.” Luke picked her up and carried her to the bed. He lay down beside her, staring at her without moving, his eyes drinking her in like fine champagne.

Tesse lovingly caressed his scarred cheek. “Luke, I love you more than I can say.”

“The feeling is mutual, my love.”

She smiled at being called
my love
. “It’s almost like time stopped for us. Here we are, three years later about to make love for the second time.”

“I’m as inexperienced as I was back then,” he said apologetically.

She grinned. “Me, too.”

“You and Jerrod never…”

“No, I couldn’t.”

Luke gathered her in his arms. “I just assumed. I guess I can stop resenting the guy now.” He kissed the top of her head and murmured, “You are still
my
Tesse.”

She kissed the tip of his nose. “And you’re still
my
Kevin.”

He chuckled. “I can’t tell you how hard it was having you call me by that name, especially when we made love. But I couldn’t chance breaking our cover—for all the good it did.”

Tesse kissed him tenderly. “The past doesn’t matter now.” She whispered in his ear, “Make love to me… Luke.” He groaned and then immediately stood up from the bed and started undoing his tie. “No, let me do it,” she purred.

Luke stood still as Tesse slowly unknotted the tie, letting it slip through his collar. She looked up at him before she stripped him down further. “You do look sexy in a tux, Luke. I almost hate to undress you.”

“You don’t have to,” he offered.

“Nope. The truth is as nice as the suit looks; I like what’s underneath better.” She started at his top button and slowly made her way down. Each undone button exposed more of his chest. The redness of the scars had lightened after three years. She pulled back his shirt and lightly ran her fingers over his manly chest. “I’ve missed this.” She began kissing the unyielding scars first and then moved over to the left side and kissed the outline of the burn.

“You’re far too sexy,” he said, wrapping his arms around her. “I could come just by your kisses alone.”

“And I haven’t even begun yet, my handsome lover.” Tesse unzipped his pants, slowly pulling them down and helping him out of them. She kissed around the line of his socks and started up his legs, switching between them as she kissed her way up. Luke inhaled deeply when she reached his groin.

Tesse looked up at him innocently as she pulled at his briefs. She exposed his hard shaft and kissed just the tip ever so lightly before pulling his underwear all the way off. She took his cock in her hand and kissed it again, using her tongue to stimulate the ridge around his head. Then she began sucking the length of his manhood. His groans made her wet and ravenous for him.

“Oh my God, Tess. I forgot just how good that feels.”

She moved her hand up and down his shaft while continuing to suck him deeply with her mouth. His cock was rock hard and bigger than she remembered. When he placed his hand on her head and guided her movements, it was her turn to moan. Another wave of wetness soaked her panties.

Luke pulled away, shaking his head. “No, more. Not now, at least. What I need is you.” She stood up and he unzipped her dress, kissing her neck gently. He slid the material off one shoulder and kissed her warm skin. “So lovely.” Luke nuzzled her neck again as he pushed the dress off her other shoulder. The bodice fell to her waist. He continued to tease her with his tongue as he unfastened her bra. With tenderness and care, he pulled the straps over her shoulders and the confining bra slipped to the floor.

Luke stared at her breasts in lustful anticipation. “I remember how much they enjoyed being sucked.” He bent down and cupped her breast in his hand while his lips encased her nipple. Tesse let out a satisfied cry as he began sucking on it, teasing her nipple with his tongue. His fingers began playing with the other one, causing her knees to buckle. He held her in place, but stopped what he was doing. “It’s safer if you lie down,” he chuckled as he picked her up and laid her back on the bed. Luke pulled her dress off and tossed it to the side. “Much better.”

He returned his attention to her breasts while one hand made its way down to her wet mound. Tesse whimpered when he snuck his finger under her moist panties and began rubbing her clit. She moaned and pushed against his hand, ravenous for more. Luke’s fingers disappeared inside her, exploring her depths as he continued to suck on her nipples. Tesse’s whole body trembled in need of him. “I want you, Luke.”

He moved down and pulled her panties off, taking a long gaze at her pussy. Instead of feeling embarrassed like she had the first time, Tesse enjoyed his appreciative stare. He loved her—he loved everything about her.

It had been so long and her desire was so great that it was exquisite torture waiting for him to take her. She smiled when he finally moved between her legs. His cock pressed up against her opening as he bent down to kiss her. It was the most intimate experience in the world to be kissed by Luke as his manhood slowly penetrated her warm depths.

This time felt deliciously different. There was no hymen to get in the way and her body knew what it wanted. He pushed further into her, groaning in her ear. “I never thought I would feel you again.”

“You’re finally home,” she whispered, wrapping her legs around his waist.

“Yes, home,” he growled as he began to stroke her with his manly length. His thrusts came faster as he gained confidence. They were more in sync the second time. Their bodies knew each other and melded together.

“You feel so good, Luke. I don’t want you to ever stop.” He suddenly became rigid and pulled away from her. “What’s wrong?” she cried.

“Protection. I don’t have any. I wasn’t prepared for this.”

She giggled. “I’m on the pill. My mom insisted when I left for college. My tuition was dependent on it, actually. I hated her for it, but now?” She beckoned him back to her, saying, “Now, I forgive her completely.”

“I love your mom for it,” Luke mumbled hoarsely, positioning himself back between her legs. This time he slipped into her with a sudden thrust. Tesse cried out in pleasure. His strokes became more demanding and satisfying.

She pressed up against Luke wanting all of him inside her. “I love you…”

He looked down at her while he took her deep and hard. “There is not one man on the planet who loves you more than me. Not one.” He leaned down and kissed her, both of them bouncing in rhythm with his thrusts. Luke’s long strokes started building a fiery tension inside her. It was so pleasurable it almost hurt. Tesse started panting and then moaning loudly. Instead of going faster, Luke slowed down. Tesse popped her eyes open in distress.

“Am I hurting you?” he asked. “You have a painful expression on your face.”

“No, no, what you were doing was good. Please, don’t stop. Whatever you do, don’t stop!”

Luke grinned and braced himself. He was relentless as he gave her heart’s desire. The tension grew to unbearable levels and Tesse started screaming. Luke kept his promise and continued stroking her depths.