Love in the Mix (Love in the Mix #1)

Chapter 28

twenty-eight

LUNA

T he surprise hits me before I can recover.

“Oh.” I feel his chuckles through my entire body as he wraps his arms around me.

“You know, if you read your DMs, or left your number, I could’ve let you know.”

“Well, you see, that was supposed to be more of a ha-ha funny,” I say quickly, letting out a loud sigh before really giving him what he deserves. “I’m sorry. When things go to shit, I run and hide. Confrontation never goes well, and when I realized you both weren’t saying anything, I figured it’d be best to just let it ride out.” I try to pull away further as I speak, but Sebastian’s hold only tightens.

“I’m sorry about what a lot of those articles said. I knew you were the only one paying for it. I was so worried about you. I hated not being able to tell you what was happening. My agent told me to keep my mouth shut. I’m sorry that it hurt you, too.”

“So it’s not a secret because you’re ashamed of me in some way?” The question surprises us both. When intrusive thoughts become external.

“Princess,” he admonishes. “I?—”

“Well, well, well. Isn’t this just so sweet?” As the sickeningly nasal tone of Ruby's voice hits my ears, I feel my heart sink. Ruby steps into my line of sight with Dylan and her own entourage following closely behind.

Panic surges through me as I remember where we are and who she is. I instantly rip myself from Sebastian’s arms as I rush to my laptop, locking it down, putting it away immediately. I can feel Ruby’s eyes tracking my frantic movements, a smirk playing on her lips. My heart is in my throat, worrying she’ll get her hands on more of my work.

I turn to see Ruby, now surrounded by her own little posse, sent from the bowels of hell, here specifically to irritate me. I recognize Tiffany, a tall, willowy blonde socialite DJ known more for her scandals than her music, and Dahlia, the worst kind of cutthroat gossip blogger. Always hunting for the next piece, not caring about the lives she destroys in the process. I hate her .

"Aw, look how jumpy she is," Tiffany coos mockingly. "Like a scared little mouse."

Dahlia pulls out her phone, angling it towards me. "This'll make for some great content. 'Luna Sparks: Paranoid Diva or Jealous Has-Been?'"

"Stop it," I manage, my voice trembling.

Ruby feigns concern. "Oh, Luna, sweetie. We're just having fun. You remember fun, don't you? Or has being a professional victim sucked all the fun right out of you?" A chorus of laughter echoes loudly in my ears.

Tiffany steps forward, her eyes narrowing. "Luna, I know Ruby dumped your ass but you really have to stop being so jealous of her success. Did you really expect to be famous, looking the way that you do? Oh, honey…" Her snicker cuts deep. It’s nothing that I haven’t heard before, but that doesn’t make the words hurt any less.

A small frame emerges from behind the group, I hadn’t not even recognized her small 5’2’ when completely overshadowed by Tiffany and Dahlia. Mavis was once my friend, an up-and-coming producer I once admired. She eyed the group she entered with before turning her gaze back to my own, confusion and discomfort covering her face.

She hovers at the edge of the group. "Can you guys chill?"

"Oh, please," Tiffany snaps. "You've heard the stories, Mave. Luna's impossible to work with. Remember what happened at Phantom Studios?"

Dahlia nods eagerly. "Oh yeah, I got that tea. Apparently, she demanded they redo an entire track because the ‘vibes were off’ or some nonsense."

"You don’t know shit, Dahlia. I’ve never even been to Phantom Studios. You should probably check your sources before you get yourself slapped with another lawsuit," I fire back. Dahlia’s face darkens in embarrassment. Two can play at this game, bitch. Game on.

How can they stand there and lie to my face like this? What must Sebastian think, watching all of this unfold? He'll probably decide I'm the problem. Just my fucking luck, another thing Ruby can have a hand in ruining.

"Luna, you should calm down," Dylan says, voice hesitant. "Maybe there's been a misunderstanding."

"A misunderstanding?" I repeat, my voice breathless. Is he for real?

I want nothing more than to flee this room, but my feet won't move. Just as I'm about to force myself towards the exit, I feel Sebastian's hand in mine. He stands so close I can feel the heat radiating from his body, slowly warming my own.

“What are you doing here, Ruby?” The anger in Sebastian’s tone shocks me back to the present.

“We are playing a show together, silly! Didn’t you know I’m your opener?” She moves in an attempt to get closer to Sebastian but stops when she hears loud footsteps approach outside the room.

"Ah, perfect. You're all together," Mac announces as he walks into the room, clapping his hands together. His imposing presence seems to suck the air out of the room.

I notice Mavis shift uncomfortably, her eyes darting between Ruby and me. She's chewing her bottom lip, a crease forming between her brows.

“I hope you’re all prepared for a banger of a night. The crowd is enormous already and ready to party. Blondie, you’re on first. You only get an hour for your set and you’ve got ten minutes. Luna, darling, you’re on promptly at 11:00 for ninety minutes. Sebastian, you’re closing?—”

“Wait, so you’re telling me I’m opening for her ?” Ruby shrieks, her face the color of her namesake. Her anger helps feed the justification growing in me.

“Considering she had to save the crowd not a week ago from your bollocksed performance, aye.” His no-bullshit tone is back in full force. I can't help the smug smile that spreads across my face as I watch the color drain from Ruby's.

"Hey, man, you don't have to talk to her that way," Dylan pipes up, ever the loyal lapdog.

Mac's gaze swings to him, cold and dismissive. "Who are you? No one? Great, I'm going to continue ignoring you." He turns back to us, completely disregarding Dylan's sputtering protests. “No bullshit tonight. I fucking mean it. None of that shite you pulled the other night. Got it?” His big fingers point to Ruby until she finally breaks.

"I don’t know what you’re talking about," Ruby says, her sickeningly sweet voice back. "I just gave the people what they wanted. They’re just dying to see us all collaborate. I think it's a great opportunity for all involved." She moves towards Sebastian, hand outstretched.

Sebastian steps back, pulling me with him. "I think I'll repeat exactly what Xavier said to you. I'd appreciate you never touching me." His words send a warm feeling through my belly. I grasp his hand tighter, feeling braver with his support.

“Be careful, pretty boy,” I say, putting one hand on his hip and laying my head on his shoulder. “You’ll think it was a collab until one day, poof, it’s a solo.”

The venom in my voice surprises even me, but I don't back down. My eyes narrow as I glare at Ruby. The way her skin turns ghostly pale empowers me further. I catch Mavis's wide-eyed stare. She quickly glances over to Dahlia, whose gaze is gleaming as she takes in our public confrontation.

Sebastian's head turns towards me, his expression a mix of surprise and concern.

“I have no idea what you’re talking about,” Ruby says, slowly backing away.

“I’m sure you fucking don’t,” I bite out harshly.

“Enough.” Mac’s voice whips through the air, sharp and finite. “You’re on, Blondie. Get the hell out of here. Take your friends and go,” Mac says, pointing to the door. “Don’t fuck up this time, yeah?” He looks back at us with a wide smile.

“Well, children, I’ll leave you be. Be nice and have a splendid set. I’ll see ya after.” Both Sebastian and I watch as he saunters out of the room, closing the door behind him.

“Are you going to fill me in on what just happened, but especially why you’re so protective of your laptop all of a sudden?”

“Sebastian, can we not do this now?” I ask, exasperated. “I need to get changed for my set. Please don’t let anyone near my things.” I pick up my clothing and makeup bags and move into the bathroom. I shut and lock the door behind me, just needing five God damn minutes alone. How are all my worlds colliding in one place? Why did I even bring any of that up? I’m so fucking stupid.

I strip, removing the leggings and oversized shirt quickly. Pulling the outfit out of my bag, I realize it’s the same black dress from that night I spent with Xavier and Sebastian. I pull more clothes out of the bag, knowing there’s a backup outfit in there for me. All I pull out is a leather skirt and socks. Where the fuck did the socks come from? Fuck.

Well, if I’m going to do this might as well make the best out of it. I slide the dress down my body, setting it into place, bending over to get my breasts to fill the cups as they are meant to. I stand back up quickly, tossing my hair behind my head. My curls settle nicely on my shoulders, though there’s no way in hell it’ll stay that way. Checking my makeup in the mirror, I make a few minor touch ups before adding a deep red lipstick. Alright, we’re doing this, I think to myself as I rub my lips together. I take the time to stuff all my belongings back into the bag before taking one last look at myself in the mirror. I turn and take my way back into the main room.

Sebastian is right where I left him, leaning against the wall. Just waiting for me to come back. His gaze takes in my entire body, slowly scanning me from top to bottom. I make my way over to my things, placing them down. I catch his eyes in the mirror as he approaches me slowly, eyes never leaving mine. My breathing becomes heavy with every step he takes to me.

“This dress does things to me. You’re so beautiful, princess,” he whispers into my ear while one of his hands leaves my waist to tangle into my hair, slightly pulling my head to the side as he lightly kisses his way down my throat. I watch Sebastian’s hand around my stomach pull me in closer, watching as I can see my body surrendering to his, feeling his hard cock against my ass. Squirming against him the tighter he holds me, but my brain refuses to let go when guilt, anger, and frustration are eating me alive.

“Sebastian, I—” I start, but his hand quickly covers my mouth.

“Princess,” he says as he rubs his cheek against mine, staring at me in the mirror, “you and I are going to have a discussion later—a really long one—and you’re gonna have to trust me. Nod your head if you understand.” My hand is gripping his wrist as I give a jerky nod. “You’re such a good girl,” he whispers, removing his hand just enough to slip two fingers into my mouth. “Right now, I’m going to bend you over this counter and fuck your needy pussy. You’re going to let me take what I want and trust me to give you what you need. Then you’re going to play your entire set with my cum deep inside you.” My eyes close as the moan making its way out is quickly cut off by Sebastian’s hand around my throat. “Nod your head if you want this.”

I open my eyes, catching his bright green eyes filled with desire, looking back at me. He tightens his hand around my throat as I watch a muscle in his jaw twitch. The sight has me clenching my thighs together before giving a small nod, barely finishing the movement before I’m turned around and placed on the counter.

Sebastian grabs my neck as he pulls me in for a scalding kiss. His hands are in my hair directing the kiss, leading me, pushing me, punishing me. He pulls away with my bottom lip trapped between his teeth. The pain causes a light moan to escape. His desire filled gaze burns as he takes in my body. All I can see is my lipstick covering his mouth. My mark is all over him.

“I’ve missed you, princess, but right now I need to taste you.” He drops to the cold ground, both pushing my dress up and pulling my hips down to the edge. I lean back, letting my head fall back as he wastes no time pulling my panties roughly to the side and putting his mouth on me.

“Fuck!” I whisper harshly. My heavy breaths turn to pants as he slides two fingers deep inside me while his tongue is pressed flat against my clit. I try to lift my head in order to look down at him, only to see my own reflection in the mirror in front of me. My face flushed with desire, arousal in my eyes. Scanning downwards, I see Sebastian’s back reflected as he kneels before me, my legs spread with one of them thrown over his shoulder.

Never in my life have I ever felt so fucking hot, so desireable. My hair curls around my face wildly, lipstick smeared across my mouth, and I’m in the most unflattering position. Yet this beautiful, sexy man was on his knees for me. Just me. My hips move against his fingers as he pushes them inside me with a punishing pace. A simple twist of his fingers brings my attention back to him. I look down at him as he looks up at me, coaxing me to orgasm, pushing, pulling—anything he can do to bring me pleasure.

“Come on, princess, give it to me. You’ve been denying me for so long. Please baby, I need it.” I can’t stop the sensations even if I wanted to. Sebastian’s finger pulsing against my G-spot sends me over the edge. My breathing stops as my pussy clenches against his fingers. A gush covers them, and doesn’t stop.

“Fuck, you squirt so pretty for me. So perfect, baby,” he says, leaning his head against my thigh, just watching as I come for him. “That’s the sexiest thing I’ve ever seen.” He places one last kiss on my clit before standing up. “You’re dripping for me, princess.” Sebastian sucks one of the fingers that was inside me into his mouth. “Mmm,” he growls, cupping his other hand behind my neck as he pulls me close. “Open your mouth, baby. Remind me how good you are.”

I open wide, sucking his fingers covered in me. His green eyes flash bright as that sexy smile covers his face. He pulls his finger from my mouth and lays his lips against mine, softly. The complete opposite of everything I’ve felt with him so far. It takes my breath away. His tongue massages mine as his thumb pets my cheek.

“That crowd was a complete shit—” is all I hear before the door to the dressing room flings open, hitting the wall. Sebastian and I pull away from each other just to see Ruby stop short, and then stumble forward as Dylan slams into her from behind.

"Watch where you're going, you idiot!" she snarls, shoving him away so hard he falls to the ground.

Tiffany rushes to Ruby's side. "Don't listen to them, Rubes. That crowd was just not your vibe. They didn't appreciate your artistry and vision."

Dahlia nods vigorously, her phone already in hand. "Totally. I'm already drafting a post about how innovative your set was. Too cutting edge for the peasants."

Ruby's eyes narrow as they land on Sebastian and I. "Well, well. Looks like someone's been busy," she sneers, taking in our disheveled appearance.

I notice Dylan's gaze lingering on me, a mix of sadness and longing in his eyes. Good. If he even feels one percent of the pain they put me through, I’ll fucking take it.

“You couldn’t keep a crowd in control for a mere twenty minutes?” Mac's voice snaps as he barges into the room, stepping over Dylan as he enters.

“We’re a little busy. Do you think you can fuck off?” Sebastian says impatiently, pushing his hips into mine. I force my face to remain neutral, but my eyes flutter close.

Mac's eyebrows shoot up. "Oh, I'm so sorry to interrupt," he says, voice dripping with sarcasm. "But I've got a club to run. Blondie, seriously, fuck off out of here. That's two strikes. Get out of my club, now."

Ruby's face contorts with fury. "You can't talk to me like that! Do you know who I am?"

"A has-been riding on stolen talent?" I mutter, loud enough for everyone to hear.

Gasps echo around the room. Mavis's eyes widen, her gaze directly on my own.

Ruby lunges forward, but Tiffany and Dahlia hold her back. "You bitch!" she growls.

"Luna, darling," Mac cuts in, his face softening as he looks at me. "You've got ten." He glances at Sebastian and me, poorly hiding a smile. "Fifteen, if you need it."

His laughter is short and abrupt as he walks away. Sebastian’s chuckle has me glaring up at him. He grabs my dress and pulls down as he moves away. The thought of him blocking me from everyone makes my heart thud hard in my chest.

I hop down from the counter, quickly grabbing my makeup bag and pulling out a cleansing wipe, turning around to a smug Sebastian.

“This color is a bitch to get off,” I say as he takes it from my hand. “Good luck, pretty boy.” I pat his cheek and turn my attention to everyone else. Ruby's face is a mask of shock and disgust. Dylan looks heartbroken, his eyes never leaving me. Tiffany and Dahlia seem stunned into silence for once, and Mavis’s discomfort is coming off her in waves. I just no longer care.

"Be careful," I say, pointing to the floor with a smirk. "Wet floor."

As I head to the bathroom, locking the door behind me, I hear Ruby's muffled shriek of outrage. For the first time in a long time, I feel like I'm finally taking back control.