Page 127 of Lyric & the Heartbeats

Heat blazed from within, her blood rushing as her heart pounded, each drag of his tongue and press of his fingers just another drop of kerosene to the flame. His palm ghosted upwards, sliding over her hip and stomach to push her shirt up. He teased her nipples with his fingers, plumping and tweaking them, only adding to the ever-growing desperation.

With a final press of two fingers inside her, Lyric cried out as the sparks Henry had been teasing into a flurry finally ignited, sending her flying. Light burst behind her eyelids as the shockwaves echoed through her body. Her hips undulated against the table, against his lips and fingers as he carried her through it.

By the time she blinked her eyes open, she was reaching for Henry, pulling him up and over her to taste herself on his mouth. It was a sloppy kiss, but Lyric only knew that she needed some part of him in that moment. Her hands dropped, and she tugged the fly and zipper open on his pants, fighting with the waistband to get it out of the way.

A low, rumbly groan poured out of Henry’s throat as she wrapped her hand around his hot, hard length. The tip was wet with precum, and Lyric spread it down his length, tip to knot, and squeezed once she reached the base. Henry’s hips kicked into her hands, and he choked his moan short before wrapping his lips around Lyric’s nipple.

It sent echoes of pleasure skittering across her senses, and she stroked him harder, shoving his shirt out of the way, trapping it between his chest and her stomach. He arched his back, kicking his hips into her grip, and she felt him swell in her palm.

“Fuck—Lyric,” he gasped against her skin.

His cock kicked in her grip and warmth pelted her thighs and stomach, his groan low and desperate against her skin.

She stroked him until he stopped her, his touch gentle on her wrist. He laid his head on her stomach. Hyperaware of every movement, every touch, she lifted her hand and stroked it through his hair. Her eyes drifted closed as they just breathed, letting the moment sink in.

“Henry?” she asked, a smile in her voice.

“Hmm?” he grunted, eyes still closed.

“You broke your own rule,” she announced, her smile finally slipping free.

“I’ll do it again too,” he muttered, cracking one hazel eye open.

“Anarchy!” Lyric gasped, before sputtering into laugher. “That’s my guy.”

The others returned just as Lyric was leaving the shower. She closed the door silently behind her, and her cheeks heated as her gaze danced over the table.

Freshly sanitized, in case you were wondering.

The mood in the bus was… lighter than she’d ever noticed before.

Lyric glanced between Em, Odd, Nohen, Desi, and finally, Henry, whose dark gaze made her cheeks burn even hotter. It took her a minute to realize why it felt empty. Javier was staying in his truck, and that was where he’d be cooking and sleeping, though Henry had helped arrange a driver for him so he didn’t have to drive and cook. She stalled in the middle of the entranceway, torn between who to give her attention to. She really wanted to curl up in Henry’s lap, but something made her hesitate.

The buzzing from her pocket ultimately made the decision for her, and Lyric glanced at the name on the screen and excused herself.

“Hey, Andi! How are you?” Lyric asked.

She closed the door to the bunking area and then opened her nest, sitting on the bed for privacy but leaving the door open.

“Hey, you,” Andi greeted, and even miles apart from each other, Lyric could tell her best friend was hurting.

“What’s wrong?” she asked, heart already aching.

Andi’s deep sigh said more than words ever could, and Lyric wanted, more than anything, to teleport across state lines and be there for her friend.

“She probably doesn’t have long,” Andi whispered. “Mom gets weaker every day, and there’s nothing I can do about it. I just feel…”

“Helpless?” Lyric supplied softly. Her heart ached. “I’m so sorry, Andi. Is there anything I can do? Do you want me to come home early?”

Andi paused, which told Lyric just how much she was struggling. It made her want to pack her bags right away and go home, tour be damned.

But Andi cleared her throat. “Don’t you dare. There are only about two weeks of the tour left. I’ll be fine.”

Lyric didn’t believe her, but she knew better than to press. Andi would shut down and block her out if she pushed too hard.

“Only if you’re sure. The minute you want me there, I’ll be there. The label will understand.”

Andi chuckled dryly. “I think you overestimate the label’s generosity. They wouldn’t be happy with us if you canceled the last few shows.”