Pretty Baby

Chapter 12

I stumble through the front door, Xavier leaning heavily on my shoulder. The room spins slightly as I try to focus on not dropping my inebriated agent onto the hardwood floor.

"Easy there, Xav," I mutter, guiding him towards the couch. "Let's get you horizontal before you fall over."

Xavier mumbles something unintelligible as I lower him onto the cushions of the living room couch. He immediately curls up into a fetal position, eyes already closed.

"I'm done, man," he slurs. "Gonna pass out right here. You should hit the sack, too."

I shake my head, feeling a familiar spark of inspiration cutting through the alcohol-induced haze. "Nah, I'm wide awake. Think I'll work on some music for a bit." My drunken second wind kicks in.

Xavier doesn't respond, already snoring softly. I chuckle and drape a throw blanket over him before making my way to my home studio.

The room is bathed in the soft glow of my desk lamp as I settle into my chair, reaching for my acoustic guitar. My fingers find the strings, plucking out a melody that's been haunting me for days. The alcohol has loosened something in my brain, and suddenly the chords are flowing more easily than they have in weeks.

I'm so caught up in the music that at first I don't notice the soft voice coming through the baby monitor. When I do, I freeze, my hand stilling on the guitar strings.

It's Jade, singing softly to Penny. But the words... the words are mine.

Every laugh, every tear,

We'll hold each other near...

Her voice is sweet and clear, giving the simple lyrics a depth of emotion I hadn't imagined when I wrote them. I find myself holding my breath, not wanting to miss a single note.

As Jade continues to sing, I feel a warmth spreading through my chest that has nothing to do with the whiskey I've consumed. There's something magical about hearing my words brought to life by her voice.

I'm so entranced that I don't hear the studio door open. It's not until Jade speaks that I realize she's entered the room.

"Hey, rockstar," she says softly. "Burning the midnight oil?"

I turn to face her, unable to keep the smile from my face. "Just got struck by a bolt of inspiration. Speaking of which..." I hesitate for a moment, suddenly feeling uncharacteristically shy. "I, uh, I heard you singing to Penny."

Jade's eyes widen slightly, a faint blush coloring her cheeks. "Oh, you heard that? It was just a little lullaby..."

"A lullaby with my lyrics," I tease, finding my footing again. "Trying to steal my songs now?"

She laughs, the sound sending a pleasant shiver down my spine. "Maybe I'm improving them," she quips back, moving closer to where I'm sitting.

I set my guitar aside, turning to face her fully. "You know, I think you might be onto something there. How would you feel about singing on the new album?"

Jade raises an eyebrow, a mix of surprise and skepticism on her face. "Me? On your album? Are you sure that's not the whiskey talking?"

I laugh, shaking my head. "The whiskey might have given me the courage to ask, but the idea is all mine. Seriously, Jade. Your voice... it's something special."

She looks down, a small smile playing at the corners of her mouth. "You really think so?"

I reach out, gently tilting her chin up so she's looking at me again. "I know so. You brought those lyrics to life in a way I never could have imagined. It was... beautiful."

Our eyes lock, and for a moment, the air between us feels charged. Jade is the first to break the silence, her voice slightly bashful. "So, what exactly did you have in mind for this collaboration?"

I grin, picking up my guitar again. "Well, I was thinking we could start with that song you were just singing. I've been struggling with the bridge, but hearing you sing it... I think I know what it needs now."

Jade perches on the edge of my desk, her legs swinging slightly. "And what's that?"

"You," I say simply. "Your voice, harmonizing with mine. I think it could be something really special."

She tilts her head, considering. "I don't know, Zac. I'm not a professional singer..."

"Neither am I," I remind her. "I'm just a guy who writes songs and somehow convinced people to listen to them. Come on, Jade. Take a chance with me."

She bites her lip, and I can see the moment she decides to go for it. "Alright," she says, a hint of excitement creeping into her voice. "Let's do it."

I start to play the opening chords. "Okay, we'll start with the first verse. Just follow my lead, and come in when it feels right."

As I begin to sing, I watch Jade close her eyes, swaying slightly to the music. When she joins in on the chorus, her voice blending perfectly with mine, I feel a thrill that has nothing to do with the song and everything to do with the woman in front of me.

We run through the song a few times, tweaking harmonies and experimenting with different vocal arrangements. With each pass, I can see Jade growing more confident, her natural talent shining through.

"That was amazing," I say as we finish another take. "You're a natural, Jade."

She laughs, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear. "I don't know about that, but it was fun. I'd forgotten how much I love singing."

"Well, don't stop on my account," I tease. "I could listen to you all night."

Jade rolls her eyes, but I can see the pleased flush on her cheeks. "Careful, daddy-o. A girl could get used to that kind of flattery."

I set my guitar aside, leaning forward in my chair. "Who says I don't want you to get used to it?"

The air between us crackles with tension. Jade's eyes meet mine, and I can see the same desire I'm feeling reflected there. Jade sits across from me, her emerald eyes sparkling with mischief and something deeper, something that draws me in and makes me forget the chaos of the world outside these walls.

She's a vision, this woman. Her raven hair cascades over her shoulders, catching the light in a way that makes it look like it's alive. Her lips, full and inviting, curve into a smile as she watches me strum a few chords. There's a challenge in her gaze, an unspoken dare to see if I can keep up with her.

And I intend to rise to it.

"Come on, Jade," I tease, "Let's do one more run through."

She nods, a playful glint in her eye.

"Deal."

I start to play. Her voice joins mine, soft at first, then growing stronger, more confident. Our voices blend together perfectly, creating a harmony that feels effortless, natural.

As we sing, I can't help but steal glances at her. The way her lips move, the way her eyes close as she gets lost in the music. It's intoxicating, and I feel myself being pulled deeper into her orbit.

We finish the song, and there's a moment of silence, the last notes hanging in the air like a question. Jade is the last voice on the song, it’s like magic. Jade opens her eyes and looks at me, and there's something there that I can't quite define. Something that makes my heart race; my mouth go dry.

"That was... incredible," she says softly, her voice barely above a whisper.

I nod, not trusting myself to speak. The air between us is electric. I can feel the pull, the inevitable force drawing us together.

Before I can second-guess myself, I lean forward, closing the distance between us. Her eyes widen slightly, but she doesn't pull away. Instead, she tilts her head, meeting me halfway.

Our lips touch, and it's like a spark igniting a wildfire. The kiss is gentle at first, tentative, but it quickly deepens. I slide my hand into her hair, pulling her closer as she wraps her arms around my neck. The guitar slips from my lap, forgotten, as we lose ourselves in each other.

Jade's lips are soft and warm. I can feel her breath quicken, matching mine, as the kiss becomes more urgent, more demanding. She presses against me, her body fitting perfectly against mine.

I guide her onto the couch, our lips never breaking contact. She straddles me, her fingers tangled in my hair as she kisses me with a passion that matches my own. I run my hands down her back, feeling the smooth curve of her spine, the heat of her skin through her thin blouse.

The world outside ceases to exist. There’s only Jade. Only this moment, and the fire that burns between us. I can feel her heart beating against mine, a frantic rhythm that mirrors my own.

Her lips leave mine, trailing a line of fire down my jaw, my neck. I tilt my head back, giving her access as she nips and kisses her way down to the collar of my shirt. Her hands are everywhere, exploring, caressing, driving me wild with need.

"Daddy," she murmurs, her voice hoarse. "God, you're incredible."

I look up at her, her eyes dark with passion. "Shut up, baby girl," I whisper, a playful grin on my lips. "Just fuck me."

She doesn't need to be told twice. I capture her lips again, our tongues dancing, exploring, as we lose ourselves in the heat of the moment. Her hands slide under my shirt, her touch sending shivers down my spine. I can feel her nails digging into my skin, a delicious mix of pleasure and pain that only makes me harder.

I pull her blouse over her head, tossing it aside as I take a moment to drink in the sight of her. She's breathtaking, her dark skin is flawless, her eyes fixated on me. I run my hands over her body, feeling her pierced nipples on my fingertips.

She tugs at my shirt, and I help her pull it off, the shirt landing somewhere on the floor. Our bare skin presses together, and it's like nothing l've ever felt before. The connection between us is electric, a current that flows through us, binding us together.

We kiss again, deeper, hungrier, our bodies moving in perfect sync. I can feel the heat of her, the way she responds to my touch, and it drives me wild. I want to taste every inch of her, to memorize every curve, every freckle, every sigh, every toe.

Jade's hands work their way to the waistband of my jeans, and I can feel her fingers fumbling with the button. She’s nervous, and I like it. I help her unzip my jeans, and soon they're gone. The only thing left is my underwear and her in her sheer thong that blocks what I’ve wanted since the moment I saw her. I move her hand down to her panties, and she takes them off. She instinctively takes my underwear off. We’re skin to skin, the last barriers between us gone.

Her lips find mine again, and the kiss is deep, desperate, filled with a longing that feels like it's been building for a lifetime.

I leave her lips begging for more as I kiss her neck, tasting the slight sweat that started to form. I kiss down between her perky breast and take turns licking the metal that’s pierced through her nipples. With every flick of my tongue, I feel her thrusting her hips up towards me. She’s begging to be fucked without saying a word.

I flip her onto the couch on her back and lick her inner thigh as I watch as her legs tremble. A single moan comes from her as she pushes a pillow over her mouth to muffle her voice. My tongue reaches her pussy, darting out to circle the clit. Jade gasps, her back arching off the couch as a wave of pleasure shoots through her. My hands grip her hips to hold her in place.

"Easy, baby girl," I whisper. "We've got all night."

Jade's response is a low, throaty moan, her fingers tightening in my hair.

I take my time, kissing and teasing her, my tongue flicking out to taste her skin. I can feel the tension building in her body; the way her breath comes in short, sharp gasps.

"Please, daddy," she begged, her voice trembling. "I need you inside me."

I smile against her soft skin, my lips brushing lightly over her fresh shave. "Patience, baby. Good things come to good girls."

Jade lets out a frustrated groan, her hips bucking against my mouth. I hold her down as my body moves on top of hers. I loved the way her body moves beneath mine, the way her body responds to my mounting her.

Finally, after what feels like an eternity, I lift the head of my cock, my eyes meeting hers. She’s panting, her skin flushed, her eyes begging to be fucked.

"You're so beautiful," I whisper into her ear as my cock enters her. My hand grabs her throat.

I lean into her, every thrust pushing her deeper and deeper into the couch. Jade puts her hand around the hand holding her neck, pushing it down tighter.

I can feel the love and passion in her wetness, the way her body melts while I fuck her.

Jade moans and keeps her mouth open. I spit into her mouth. “Thank you, daddy,” is her only response as she swallows.

I groan, my entire body reacting to her response. My desire for her grows stronger with each thrust into her.

I pull back, my breath ragged, my eyes locked on hers. "I need you," I say, my voice rough with emotion, "Right now."

Jade nods. “I'm all yours."

I kiss her again, my hands exploring her body, memorizing every curve and dip. Jade's hands are just as eager. Her touch drives me crazy. I know that I’ll never get tired of this, of being with her, of loving her.

And as we come together, our bodies tense and tremble in unison. After I pull out of Jade, I feel something shift inside me. A realization, a truth that I've been running from for too long. Jade is everything. She's the one who makes me want to be a better man, the one who sees through all my bullshit and loves me anyway.

We collapse together, our bodies spent, our breaths mingling in the quiet of the studio. I hold her close, feeling the steady beat of her heart against my chest, and I know that this is where I belong. Here, with her, in this moment.

She looks up at me, her eyes soft, her lips curving into a tender smile. "That was... incredible," she whispers, echoing the words she spoke earlier.

I nod, unable to find the words to express what I'm feeling. Instead, I kiss her again, slow and gentle, pouring all my emotions into that simple act.

As we lay there, wrapped in each other, I know that this is just the beginning.

There's so much more to discover, so much more to explore. But for now, this is enough. This moment, this connection, is enough.

And as I hold Jade in my arms, I know that I’ve found something real, something worth fighting for. She came into my life unexpectedly, turned my world upside down, and made me a better man. And I intend to spend the rest of my life making sure she knows just how much she means to me.