Surprisingly, time flies rather quickly once I start focussing on my own work and not my interviews. I did get one more in before we reached our destination, but it was far from friendly. As of now, Jesse is the only one refusing to acknowledge my existence. I might have to recruit Steve to help me with that one.

It's dark when we reach the hotel. There are still a couple of days before the next show, so we have the luxury of stopping for the night instead of driving straight through.

I grab my things and rush off the bus. I've had an emotionally trying day. I do my best to separate my own feelings from my professional ones, but sometimes it's exhausting being viewed as the enemy. It takes a toll on me after a while.

I get my key from the front desk and head straight up to my room. I don't wait around to talk to Steve or anyone else. I've successfully avoided Steele for the entire day, and right now I want nothing more than to be alone.

I'm hungry and exhausted. I feel physically and emotionally drained. I open up my bag and take out some cotton sweatpants and a tee shirt. I just want to get comfortable and order some room service.

I get in the shower and let the water wash over me. I'm feeling pretty despondent after the last couple of days. Between seeing Steele again and dealing with a group of people who hate me, I've had to suppress too many of my feelings and emotions. I need to be alone and feel like myself for a bit.

I dry off and call for room service before dressing. I change into the clothes I left out earlier and fall back onto the bed. I'm shot. I'm not tired or sleepy, just drained.

There's a knock on the door a few minutes later. It didn't take long for room service to get here. Reluctantly, I get up off the bed and open the door. I gasp and take a step back, not prepared to see Steele standing on the other side.

"Hey," I say after catching my breath.

"Hey."

We stand on either side of the door and look at one another.

"You okay?" Steele asks, a look of concern on his face.

"Yeah," I lie, "I'm fine."

"Then would you like to invite me in?" he asks, that crooked smile forming on his lips. Unconsciously, I lick my own lips in response.

"Oh, sure."

I step aside to give him room to enter. I look around at the hotel room. I have a tiny desk with a chair, and a bed. I'm suddenly aware of how small the space is and how alone we are.

Steele leans back on the desk. I'm thankful he chose that position instead of the bed, but it leaves me no place else to go. I sit on the corner of the bed, trying to look as casual as possible, but I'm uncomfortable and I'm sure it shows.

I look up at Steele. He hooked his thumbs in his pockets in his signature pose. He's standing before me looking like every girl's rock dream. The thought makes me blush so I try to let it go before he notices, but I think it's too late.

"What's up, Annika? You look pretty stressed out."

"It's just been a rough day. I'm not very well liked around here - as I'm sure you heard." I look down at my lap. That's only partially true. Seeing him standing so close to me looking so delicious is making me much more tense than anything else.

Steele laughs, "fuck them. They'll get over it."

I smile back, "it doesn't matter. It's what I do. I'm used to it."

"Then what else has you looking so troubled?"

"Nothing."

He rolls his eyes and grins. There's a knock at the door. Steele looks at me expectantly.

"That's my dinner."

I get up and answer the door. I exchange a few words with the bellman and sign the tab. Closing the door again, I walk in and set the tray on the desk, just a few inches from where Steele is standing.

"Is that what was stressing you out, you were just hungry?" Steele teases me.

"Yeah. Must be," I laugh nervously.

"Come on, babe."

Steele takes a step closer positioning himself right next to me. I freeze.

"Babe?" I scoff, more out of nerves than anything.

"What? You don't like when I call you that?" he teases me.

I don't respond. I don't want to tell him I like it and anything else would be a lie. He takes my hand in his and twirls my fingers.

Steele edges forward so our bodies are almost touching. He leans his head down and breathes onto my neck as he speaks, "would you like me to leave you alone so you can eat?"

"No," I reply, barely in a whisper. Tilting my head to the side giving him full access to my neck.

"Are you sure? I wouldn't want you to stress any more. I know you're hungry."

"Mmhmm."

"Then what can I do to help you relax?"

I shrug. I know exactly what he can do, but I don't want to say it out loud. I can't.

Steele kisses my neck. His lips are warm and moist against my skin. The stubble on his face is the perfect contrast to his mouth. He reaches his hand up to my face. My body relaxes under his touch.

He looks me in the eyes, his lips curling up into a devilish smile, "do you have any idea how long I've waited to touch you again?"

I do. I've waited just as long. I just never let myself believe it. My cheeks flush.

Steele's lips crash onto mine. He dips his tongue into my mouth. This time, the thought of stopping him doesn't cross my mind. I want him with every part of my being.

We stand there, kissing. His hand on my face like he's holding me there, making sure I don't say no. I won't though - not this time.

I reach my hands up to the back of his head and let my fingers linger in his hair, pulling him closer to me. Our kiss becomes deeper and needier. Steele puts his hands up inside my shirt, sliding them up over my bare skin, causing a chill to work its way over my body.

His hands are strong and warm as he cups them over my breasts. I feel his cock pressing into me through his jeans. It only excites me that much more. I kiss him harder, letting him know how much I like it. Steele lets one hand slide back down over my belly and onto my pants. He runs his fingers back and forth over the thin cotton covering my crease. A soft moan escapes my mouth into his, causing his touch to become more passionate.

In one swift move, Steele reaches down and grabs the back of my thighs, lifting me up. I wrap my legs around him, his lips still pressed against mine. Holding me in his arms, he takes a few steps and gently lays me back on the bed. His body folds over mine.

I wrap my arms around him. We are both fully clothed, but it doesn't matter. We're completely aroused and the anticipation of what's going to happen next only makes it more intense.

Steele leans back and pulls his shirt off exposing a very fit torso. I put my hands on his chest and let them follow the well defined lines down over the bulge pressing against his jeans. I run my hand up and down over his length, making it bigger and harder with each stroke. Driven by the desire to get closer, I open his jeans. The tight white fabric of his boxer briefs does almost nothing to hold back his cock.

Steele stands up and quickly works his jeans off. The sight of him standing before me in nothing but his underwear is incredible. He looks more like a model than a rockstar - and I couldn't want him more than I do right now.

He bends down and holds onto my hips, gently pulling me to the edge of the bed. Steele takes the hem of my shirt and pulls it over my head. Leaning over me, he holds my breasts in his hand. He massages me, stopping only to tweak my nipples between his fingers.

He puts his mouth on me next, sucking gently on my breasts and tonguing my nipples. I grab his back, pulling him closer. His gentle bite makes me jump. He looks up at me with squinted eyes and a devilish smile, then starts to kiss and suck his way down my chest and over my stomach.

Steele slowly slides my pants down over my legs making sure I feel his hands move over every inch of my bare skin. He lets them fall to the floor. I sit up on the edge of the bed in nothing but my panties and look up at him.

He kneels on the floor before me, "you look so fucking beautiful," he says softly.

Steele plants soft kisses my thighs. My legs spread apart in response. He kisses the silky fabric covering my sex. It's the only thing separating his mouth and my core.

He looks up and catches me staring down at him. Steele extends his tongue and spreads it over my slit taking one long exaggerated lick, never taking his eyes off of mine. His tongue isn't touching my bare skin, but it makes no difference. The feel of his warm mouth and the look he's giving me are enough to make me wet.

Steele takes the edges of my panties in his hands and pulls them off. He sits up on his knees and kisses the inside of my thigh again. When he reaches the fold of my skin, he lets his lips graze over my heat and moves to the other leg. I put my hands in his hair and arch my back. He's teasing me, making me want more.

He glides his tongue back up the inside of my leg but this time, he doesn't stop. He presses it inside me, giving me that long slow tongue stroke once again.

The tip of Steele's tongue works in small circles over my inner lips. I tighten the grasp I have on his head. He spreads my lips apart with his tongue and expertly works his way around. The tip of his tongue finds my clit and he teases me, flicking it with the perfect amount of pressure. My legs begin to shudder but he doesn't stop. Taking a cue from my reaction, Steele sucks a little harder.

I pull and grasp at his hair. It's just long enough for me to get a good grip. I hold on, my legs quivering as I reach climax. Steele moves his tongue faster, enjoying every moan and move my body makes. He keeps going until he feels me relax a bit.

Steele stands up, "you taste just as incredible as you look right now," he drawls.

I lean back on my elbows and blush, "thanks," is all I can utter. I'm still reeling from the inside out.

He bends down, removing his boxer briefs and exposing his cock in all its glory. I suck in a breath. It's not like I haven't seen it before - but I do not remember it being that big and thick. I try not to stare and look up at him with wide eyes.

"You didn't think we were finished, did you?" Steele teases. He gives me a look that tells me whatever is coming next is going to be good - really good.

Steele moves forward, positioning himself between my legs. He leans over me, placing his hands on either side of my head.

He looks down into my eyes, "fuck, baby, you don't know how long I've waited to feel you again," he says just above a whisper.

The sound of his voice and the words he utters make me shiver. Steele holds my gaze and plunges his length inside me. I'm already so wet, but he's big enough to fill me completely. He effortlessly slides his cock back and forth in long, slow, strokes taking his time to enjoy my warm, damp flesh.

I hold onto his shoulders. They're tight and muscular. Steele begins to thrust faster. I feel him flex under my grip with each move. He buries his face into my neck. Our bodies are touching, almost every inch of his bare skin is pressing into mine. His cock is stimulating my entire core - his body arousing my whole being.

Each time Steele plunges himself into me, it's deeper and harder, his pace quickening. His body is pressing harder against mine. My fingers dig into his shoulders. I feel him throbbing inside me and I know he's almost ready to explode - as am I.

He leans back up, and stares at me once again. Looking at his face, his eyes on mine, makes every move feel more intimate and intense.

I squeeze my legs tighter around him, my body trembling with pleasure.

"Yes, Steele, yes," I say, Steele's eyes never leaving mine.

"Yeah, baby, that's it," he says as I explode over him.

Steele continues to delve inside of me, savoring my climax and the warmth that's flowing over his throbbing cock until he can't hold back any longer. A throaty groan escapes him as he finally allows himself that sweet release. He watches my face the entire time.

He keeps rocking back and forth, slowing down again. Steele smiles that crooked half smile at me and brushes my hair out of my face. He kisses me softly on my forehead. I nuzzle myself into his neck - partly to be closer to him, partly because I can't stop smiling and I suddenly feel shy.

We lie quietly together for a few minutes. Steele gently rolls onto his side and rests his hand on my belly. He runs his hand smoothly up and down.

"I hope you feel a little less stressed now," he says.

"I do," I smile shyly.

"We might both need some food now."

"Oh, yes, I forgot about that," I laugh.

"How quickly we forget, Miss Annika," Steele replies playfully, implying more than just my dinner.

He leans over and kisses me softly on the forehead again, then gets up. He walks the short distance to the desk where I left the tray of food.

I watch, unable to take my eyes off of him. He is completely naked and the view is - wow. I stare at the tattoos on his back and the way they twist and turn further highlighting his already well defined muscles. I follow the lines down to his ass. The sight of his backside is just as incredible a sight as the front. The way Steele looks and makes me feel are amazing, but sure to bring nothing good. I don't want to think about that now.

He lifts the lid from the plate and looks at what I ordered. Steele picks up a fry and pops it in his mouth. He turns back toward me and gives me a small eye roll. Even though he was just inside me, seeing him standing there in all his glory takes my breath away. He winks at me, my facial expression once again giving away my private thoughts.

"I don't think these cold fries and burger are going to cut it."

He picks up the phone and calls room service. He orders a few random things and hangs up. Without warning, he jumps onto the bed and lands next to me, taking his position next to me again.

"I would have offered to take you out for dinner, but it's late, and quite honestly, I don't want to leave this bed right now."

I giggle, but Steele's face is very serious. He leans over and kisses me. It's soft and sensual. His hand is on my bare stomach and the way his tongue is slowly exploring my mouth is turning me on all over again. I feel his cock thicken and press into my side which can only mean he feels the same.

We don't act on it though, we just kiss, and it's perfect. I feel like a teenager and it's incredible. Considering it's been so many years since we've been together, it feels extremely natural being here with him. Like no time has passed.

There's a knock on the door, bringing our long kiss to an end. We reluctantly pull away from one another and get up. I pick up my clothes and walk into the bathroom to dress. He quickly throws his jeans back on and answers the door.

We meet back in the bed and sit back against the wall, the trays laid out before us.

"I hope you don't mind crumbs in the bed," Steele comments, taking a bite of his burger.

"Doesn't look like I have much of a choice," I laugh.

"You can always come stay with me."

I stop chewing and let that sink in. I can't. I'm here on business. This is so wrong.

"What?" he asks.

"You know I can't do that."

"Do I? You didn't seem too concerned before," Steele grins.

"Yeah. I guess I wan't really thinking about that."