CHAPTER 28

 

Chapter 28

Michael couldn’t stop pacing. His steps were restless, sharp, the weight of his frustration heavy in every movement as he glanced through the window, watching the low, golden light of the setting sun stretch across the horizon.

“I can’t believe she went behind my back like that!” He snapped, phone pressed to his ear, voice rough from hours of bottled-up frustration.

Janet sighed on the other end.

“You’ve said that three times already.”

“And I’ll say it a hundred more! She had no damn right...”

“Oh, for God’s sake, Michael.” Janet’s voice was exasperated but still somewhat patient, like she had heard this particular brand of outrage from him one too many times. “Would you just listen to yourself for a second?”

Michael stopped mid-step, running a hand through his hair. “I am listening.”

“No, you’re ranting.”

His jaw tensed and he could feel his pulse hammering, a steady, pissed-off drumbeat in his temples.

“She had no business interfering in my mess, Jan. None! I had it handled. And now? Now I look weak, like I needed her to swoop in and save my sorry ass, or something.”

Janet was quiet for a beat, and then, voice flat, unimpressed, she said: “So… Let me get this straight. Lisa risked herself to protect you, and you’re mad because your ego got bruised?”

“What? Are you crazy?! Jesus, this is not about ego!”

“Really? Could’ve fooled me.”

“It’s about respect! I told her about this because I was trying, alright? I was trying to be better at this whole ... this whole thing we have right now. I didn’t wanna keep secrets from her. But I didn’t expect her to go behind my back and pull this shit, that's for fucking sure.”

“Sounds to me like she was just trying to help...”

Michael turned, eyes landing on the dark silhouette of the city skyline, the gleaming glass towers reflecting the last streaks of daylight while his grip on the phone tightened.

“I don’t need anyone to fight my battles, Jan. I’ve been handling my own problems my whole damn life.”

Janet made a thoughtful noise, a soft ‘hmm’ that had always driven him crazy in the past because it meant she was probably about to out-logic him in the next minute or two.

“Interesting. Um, do you remember the story you told me once?”

Michael sighed. “Janet...”

“No, shut up and listen.”

He rolled his eyes but said nothing, biting his lower lip to keep quiet.

“Remember when you were a kid? That thing with the older boys on the street? You told Joseph about it, and what did he say?”

Michael swallowed, the memory creeping up the back of his mind like a ghost he wasn’t ready to face.

“He laughed at me, told me not to be a pussy and to handle it myself.”

“That’s right...” Janet said. “He said he wasn’t gonna fight your battles for you and refused to help you... and then, a couple of days later the boys beat the shit out of you, didn’t they?”

Silence stretched between them and Michael gritted his teeth, hating that she was right and hating even more that the memory still stung.

“Doesn't it feel nice, for a change, to have someone who actually cares?” Janet asked, her voice softer now and Michael let out a slow breath, his gaze dropping to the coffee table in front of him. His steps carried him forward almost unconsciously before his eyes landed on the contract his manager had faxed him about an hour earlier, lying in the center of the table.

“Yeah, well…” He huffed out a short, bitter laugh. “I was five back then, Dunk. Now I’m pushing fifty.” He dragged a hand down his face, suddenly feeling every single year. “God, the sound of it.”

“Yeah…” Janet chuckled. “Well, no man is an island, Michael. So maybe you could at least build a harbor or something. You know, start small…”

His fingers curled into a loose fist, his thumb brushing over the edge of the contract. A part of him still wanted to be mad, to cling to the indignation and the insult of it all but another part - the one he wasn’t ready to acknowledge just yet - felt something else. Something dangerously close to um, relief? Gratitude even?

Michael exhaled slowly as the memories of the day came creeping back in...

 

 

He had been in his suite earlier that day, freshly showered, coffee in hand, still feeling the warmth of breakfast with Lisa and the kids lingering in his mind.

He had excused himself to make a few phone calls, leaving Lisa with the kids and their nannies to play a few rounds of Uno before Lisa would take them shopping.

Michael had just settled at his desk, entrenched in paperwork, when his phone rang.

John.

Fucking John, always ready to ruin his day.

And the moment Michael answered, the storm hit...

“Michael, you motherfucking snake... what the hell do you think you’re doing? You think you can fuck with me and just walk away?” John’s voice was razor-sharp, cutting through any lingering trace of a good mood. The man was livid, venom dripping from every single syllable and Michael frowned, holding the phone slightly away from his ear.

“John, what the hell are you...”

“Don’t play dumb with me, you gutless coward! You sent your girlfriend to do your dirty work,  had her slither into my fucking office and steal the contract?”

For a second, Michael was genuinely confused.

“I have no idea what you’re talking about, John.”

“Oh, really?” John let out a laugh, humorless and sharp. “You don’t know? Well, that’s rich. You thought I wouldn’t find out? You thought I wouldn’t notice some nosy little bitch digging through my paperwork? You have any fucking idea what you just did?”

“What the hell did you just say?”

No way was John going to talk about Lisa like that. But before Michael could lay into him, John just got louder, all fired up…

“You heard me...” He sneered. “Now, listen real close, because I’m only saying this once. You signed that contract. That means you’re mine! You don’t get to fucking weasel your way out just because your woman decided to play detective."

Michael’s pulse kicked up and his free hand ran through his hair as the reality of John’s words settled in. Lisa. No. She couldn’t have...

Could she?

“I didn’t send her to do shit, John. And don’t you ever talk about Lisa like that again, understood?"

The call quickly spiraled from there, voices rising, accusations flying. John threatened lawsuits, financial ruin, dragging Michael through every legal swamp he could find…

“You’re still obligated to fulfill every damn clause in that contract! You’re still gonna perform, you’re still gonna deliver!” John snapped.

“I intend to!” Michael shot back, though the words tasted like dust in his mouth.

“Oh, do you now?” John laughed angrily. “That’s funny, ‘cause I just got off the phone with your lawyer, and he says you’re out. That true, Michael? You backing out like a fucking coward?”

Michael stiffened. He hadn’t hired a lawyer — or at least, he didn’t remember doing so.

John’s voice dipped lower, lethal now. “You’re gonna regret this, Michael. I will sue the fucking life out of you!! I will drag your ass through the mud so bad, no one will touch you with a ten-foot pole. Ever.”

And then, right before Michael could fire back, the line went dead and the silence that followed was deafening.

Michael stood there, phone still pressed to his ear, mind racing, blood pumping hot and fast. What the hell just happened? What in the world did Lisa do?

“Michael?”

He turned sharply. Lisa stood in the doorway, eyes wide, caught mid-step. “Sorry... I didn’t mean to interrupt.” She said softly, almost whispering, gesturing toward the bedroom. “Just grabbing my scarf and my purse. Blanket doesn’t want to play Uno anymore so we're gonna go to the mall, okay?” 

She moved past him, disappearing into the bedroom but Michael barely registered it, too wrapped up in his own head.

However, when she emerged again, her light green silk scarf, the one he had bought her just the day before, draped over her shoulders, something in her expression shifted.

A flicker. Brief, but there. And suddenly, everything clicked.

“Lisa.” He said, his voice low. “We really need to talk before you leave.”

She hesitated, fingers grazing the strap of her purse.

“Yes? Do you need anything?” She asked, feigning innocence, her voice light... too light, making Michael narrow his eyes at her.

“No. I don’t.” His anger surged, boiling over. “But I just got off a ‘lovely’ phone call, and you might need to enlighten me on a thing or two.”

He saw her bit her lip. A nervous tell. She stalled, but then, finally, she let the act drop and sighed, looking down.

“Yes...” She admitted. “I took some steps to get ahold of your contract, Michael. I assume that’s what the phone call was about… Right?”

Michael exhaled sharply, running both his hands through his hair, pacing.

“Jesus fucking Christ, Lisa! What the hell did you think? Do you have any idea how this makes me look? Like some spineless asshole who can’t handle his own shit? That’s not how I do things, Lisa Marie! I don’t fucking backdoor my way out of deals, I don’t play dirty like that! That’s not in my goddamn vocabulary! I was ready to handle it, to see it through, and now... Now, most of all, I look like I need a woman to fight my battles for me!!”

“You think this was about making you look weak?” Lisa stepped forward, her voice cracking slightly, but she held firm. “Michael, I did it because I love you and I care about you! They were killing you! You need to get out from this, away from them…”

“I would...” He snapped. “I was going to … But not like this. Who the hell breaches a contract this way? Only a damn coward, that’s who!”

Lisa’s eyes flashed. “A coward?”

“Yes, a coward! You don’t get it, do you? You’ve made me look like one!”

The fight was quickly reaching its peak, voices rising, the air charged and dangerous and then... the door swung open.

“Lisa? Are you ready to go?”

Paris stood there, bright-eyed and expectant and their fight immediately screeched to a halt. Lisa inhaled deeply, then exhaled, turning to Paris and forcing a smile.

“Yes, sweetie. Just grabbing my things.”

Michael ran a hand over his face, taking a long breath but from the corner of his eye he saw Paris watching him. Watching them. Listening.

He really had to dial it down and fast…

“Michael…” Lisa turned back to him, clearly trying her best to keep her voice down too. “We’ll talk when I get back, okay?”

He nodded, anger still washing over him in waves but Paris lingered, eyes darting between them and Michael very well knew what his little girl wanted ...

Peace…

And a happy family.

The same kid who used to bristle at Lisa’s presence now wanted something else entirely.  Michael sighed and walked over to her, placing a hand on Paris’s head, and pressing a kiss to her forehead.

“Have fun, okay? And please make sure your brothers don’t buy out the whole toy store again.”

Paris giggled, but her eyes stayed on him, still searching and he knew what she wanted him to do…

He slowly turned to Lisa who was now right behind him and without thinking or overanalyzing, he pulled her into his arms and kissed her softly, just a gentle, G-rated kiss.

For a split second, he felt Lisa tense, the soft gasp against his lips betraying her surprise but then, just as quickly, she relaxed a little, her body pressing closer, her lips parting as she kissed him back.

When Michael pulled back, he gave Lisa a small but genuine smile.

“Have fun. Thanks for taking them today. I’ll see you later for dinner, okay?”

He watched as Lisa smiled back at him, though her smile still seemed very unsure and he decided to kiss her again, this time, however, it wasn’t for Paris... it was for him… for them.

 

 

Michael stood motionless, still gripping his phone, staring out the window when Janet’s voice cut through the fog once again.

“Michael? Are you even listening to me?”

He blinked, shaking his head slightly, trying to focus. “Yeah. Sorry. I just...”

“You’re angry because she made you face something you didn’t want to.” Janet continued, her voice steady, patient, but edged with that familiar sharpness. “Look, I’m not saying she went about it the right way, but let’s be real... what she pulled off was some David Copperfield meets Frank Abagnale-level shit. And you have to admit, it’s kinda impressive. She’s not just a pretty face, and she did it because she cares. Now tell me... would you ever let Lisa face something like this on her own, something like what you’re facing now??”

He bit his lip. “That’s different.”

“No, it’s not. It’s the same damn thing.” Her voice softened. “She cares about you and she wants the best for you. Just like you do for her.”

Michael exhaled slowly, running a hand down his face. He wanted to argue, to tell Janet that she didn’t understand, that it wasn’t that simple. But maybe it was. His mind drifted back over the past few days... how fragile their relationship felt and he was sure it would take one wrong step, one wrong word and they would be done for good...

All the circumstances around Lisa and him, the people trying to pull them apart, the distance, the chaos of his life and his career, the threats looming over him like a dark cloud… No, they really didn’t need any more obstacles...

Michael felt his anger slowly drain away as the memories of the last few days flooded in... the stolen moments with Lisa, the nights she curled up in his arms when sleep was hard to come by, the raw honesty they had shared on the rooftop, when for the first time in a long time, he had felt seen and heard  or even how she had made him eat that greasy, messy burger, determined to put some strength back into his exhausted body.

That was Lisa...

His Lisa...

If it hadn’t been for her, he would have straight-up died that night after his concert. Or if not that night, definitely a few days later because all the people around him cared about was getting him to the hospital and just drowning him in painkillers and tranquilizers.

But Lisa hadn’t let them…

She had fought for him when he didn’t have the strength to fight for himself.

“So?” Janet’s voice cut through his thoughts again. “Do you see where I’m coming from?”

Michael let out a sigh and nodded even though he knew she couldn’t see him.

“Yeah…” He admitted quietly. “I do.”

There was a brief silence, then a shift in tone as Janet eased the conversation away from such heavy topics.

They talked a little more about his show, about her upcoming engagements, things that felt strangely grounding after the emotional minefield she had just walked him through and when they ended the call, Michael slumped back against the couch letting out a loud, exasperated groan.

What a goddamn mess...

Suddenly, a voice echoed in his mind, unbidden. John’s words from earlier...

“You’re gonna regret this, Michael. I will sue the fucking life out of you!! I will drag your ass through the mud so bad, no one will touch you with a ten-foot pole. Ever.”

Michael snorted.

No matter how much John wanted to sound threatening, the sheer desperation in his voice had given him away... The bastard was panicking. And that? Well, that was interesting, to say the least…

Michael's phone buzzed again in his hand and he glanced at the screen, expecting some familiar name again, but instead, an unknown number flashed across it. Hesitating for only a moment, he answered.

“Hello?”

“Mr. Jackson. I hope I'm not catching you at a bad time.” The voice on the other end was calm and professional, with the clipped efficiency of someone who dealt with high-stakes conversations for a living. “My name is Paul Curtis. I’m an attorney at Mr. Mesereau’s law firm. Do you have a moment to discuss your contractual situation?”

Michael sat up straighter. “My… contractual situation?”

“Yes.” Paul continued smoothly. “I was recently sent a copy of your agreement with Mr. Evans's company. I’ve reviewed it thoroughly, and I must say, several clauses within it are not only highly questionable but also legally disputable.”

Michael’s pulse picked up. “Go on.”

“To put it plainly, Mr. Jackson, this contract is structured in a way that prioritizes the interests of the other party while placing you in a significantly disadvantaged position. The clauses regarding financial obligations, performance commitments, and exclusivity rights are not only excessive but, in some cases, legally unenforceable. If your intent is to extricate yourself from this agreement, I believe we have a strong case.”

“And Tom told you this is what I want?”

“That was my understanding from my conversation with Mr. Mesereau, yes.” He confirmed. “I have already spoken with Mr. Evans to clarify a few points in the contract and ensure we're aligned on the terms, but of course, the final decision is yours.”

Michael swallowed hard. Did he want out? The money was one thing, he needed it, but at what cost?

John and the others behind this contract didn’t care about him. They didn’t care if he was dancing and singing or bleeding out on the dancefloor, as long as the performance was making them money.

And they also knew he would keep making them money even if he was dead but… but Michael wanted to live...

He took a deep breath, his decision solidifying in his chest.

“Yes...” He said, the word feeling heavier than he expected. “Get me out of it. Please.”

The lawyer didn’t miss a beat. “Understood. I’ll begin the necessary proceedings immediately. I’ll be in touch soon with the next steps.”

“Yeah...” Michael exhaled. “Thank you, Mr. Curtis.”

He ended the call and let the phone slip from his hand onto the couch beside him while his head fell back, his eyes fixed on the ceiling.

Wow...

That escalated quickly.

 

 

Dinner had been set in one of the rooms Michael and the kids had been using as the dining area, a cozy space that now smelled like fried chicken and fresh bread.

The kids were perched on their seats, happily munching on their meals, though Michael couldn’t help but notice how carefully they were navigating around the broccoli and carrots on their plates.

It was almost an art form, the way tiny hands pushed unwanted vegetables to the edges, making sure they didn't come in any contact with the chicken or mashed potatoes at all. Michael smirked, shaking his head.

“So, what did you guys get at the mall?” He asked, resting his forearms on the table, watching as Blanket practically bounced in his chair at the opportunity to share.

“I got a car!”

“Oh yeah? What kind?”

“A Hot Wheels! A really fast one. It's blue, but not like normal blue, like shiny blue, like the sky when it’s dark but not too dark, and it has fire on the sides, but not real fire, you know, the drawing kind, and the wheels go so fast, faster than anything!”

Michael bit back a chuckle at the breathless explanation.

“Whoa, sounds like a serious addition to your collection. You think it’s gonna beat the others?”

“Yeah! It’s the best one yet." Blanket nodded vigorously. “It’s super fast. Like zoooooom!”

Michael grinned and turned his attention to Prince, who was sitting a little straighter, waiting for his turn.

“And you, Prince? What did you get?”

“I got a book.”

“A book?” Michael raised an eyebrow, impressed. “That’s my guy. What’s it about?”

“Dinosaurs.” Prince announced, as if no other subject in the world was worth mentioning.

“No way. Dinosaurs? You don’t say.” Michael feigned surprise but Prince narrowed his eyes, seeing right through Michael's teasing.

“It’s a really cool book, okay? It has all these facts, and pictures, and it says that the T-Rex might not have been as fast as people thought, ‘cause its legs were actually built for walking, not running.”

“Huh." Michael leaned back, nodding. “Well, you just made me about ten percent smarter. Good choice. Books are the best.”

Prince nodded firmly, grabbing another chicken strip from the tray while Michael turned his attention to Paris, who had been quiet, idly pushing a piece of carrot around her plate.

“And what about you? What did you get?”

Paris shrugged, avoiding his gaze. “Nothing much.”

“Nothing much, huh?” He smirked.

She bit her lip, clearly reluctant, then mumbled. “A lip gloss.”

Michael’s head tilted slightly, eyes narrowing. “A what now?”

Paris’s lips pressed together, her fingers fidgeting with the hem of her sleeve. “A lip gloss, Daddy. I needed one.”

“You needed one?” Michael repeated, the suspicion in his voice unmistakable. “For what exactly?”

Paris groaned. “I’m almost eight, and all the girls wear it. It’s normal.”

Michael turned to Lisa, seeking backup, but of course there wasn't any. She just shrugged, completely unfazed.

“It is a truth universally acknowledged that every girl needs a lip gloss, Michael.” She said simply. “And it does look great on her.”

Paris beamed, a little too pleased with Lisa’s support, and Michael sighed, deciding to let it go.

Instead, he reached for his plate, scooping up a big forkful of mashed potatoes. He didn’t even realize how badly he needed this, just to sit down, eat like a normal person, and not be swallowed up by all the stress and chaos he had been drowning in.

The chicken strips were crispy and hot, perfectly seasoned and the veggies, simple as they were, tasted fresh and so good.

He chewed slowly, glancing around the table, smiling. Blanket was diligently pushing his peas into a sort of fortress, brows furrowed in concentration while Prince was chewing on another strip of chicken and Paris was whispering something to Lisa, giggling softly, her eyes lighting up.

And then Michael's gaze shifted fully to Lisa...

She was sitting with her head slightly tilted, listening to whatever Paris was saying, her lips curled into a soft smile. Her hair was in a loose braid, a few strands escaping and framing her face in a way that made her look effortlessly beautiful while the white turtleneck she wore only accentuated the smoothness of her skin. Around her shoulders was the silk scarf he had bought her just the day before, the light green fabric contrasting against her hair and her face, making her deep, hooded eyes stand out even more.

Damn.

She was ... well, just stunning...

Michael was done second-guessing everything and he was done letting the world around them pull them apart. No, he was going to make this work, no matter what. He was not letting this amazing woman go... ever.

As if sensing his thoughts, Lisa looked up, her gaze locking with his.

There was a flicker of hesitation there, like she wasn’t sure where they stood after their argument earlier and if he was still upset with her or not. Her lips pressed into an unsure smile, testing the waters and Michael smiled back at her, his fingers tightening slightly around his fork.

They hadn’t had the chance to talk when she got back from the mall, dinner had been ready, and everything else had been pushed aside but once the kids were asleep, that was changing.

They were going to talk and figure it all out...

“Daddy! Can we watch the Garfield movie tonight?”

Blanket’s excited voice broke the moment, and Michael turned toward him, shaking off his thoughts.

“Sure. If everyone’s on board with that…”

 

 

Michael tugged the blanket around Prince’s sleeping body, smoothing it over his shoulders before pressing a soft kiss to his forehead.

“I love you. Sweet dreams."

Now that all three kids were asleep, he turned with a quiet sigh and made his way back to his suite…

As he stepped inside, the soft clink of ice in a glass greeted him, pulling his attention immediately. Lisa was curled up in the armchair, one leg tucked under her, a magazine in her lap, and a gin and tonic in hand.

When she looked up and met his eyes, there was hesitation in her expression, uncertainty and maybe even apprehension, but she smiled anyway.

He took a step closer.

“Can I join you?" He asked, nodding toward the couch and Lisa closed the magazine and placed it on the side table.

“Of course. I think we need to talk anyway."

“Yeah, we do."

He sat down and for a few moments, neither of them spoke. The air between them felt heavy, not just with the words they hadn't said but with the emotions neither of them had fully unpacked yet.

“I'm so sorry, Michael."

“I'm sorry, Lisa."

They both spoke at the same time, then stopped, blinking at each other before breaking into small, relieved laughter.

“You go first..." He said, gesturing for her to speak but she shook her head.

“No, you."

He sighed and rubbed the back of his neck, leaning forward, elbows on his knees.

“I'm sorry, Lisa. I flew off the handle like a damn nutjob."

"No, no..." She said quickly, shaking her head. “You had every right to... I... I should have told you."

"Well, yeah, you should have..." He admitted, though his tone was much softer now. "But I understand why you did what you did."

Lisa glanced at him, her fingers tightening around the glass in her lap.

“I was trying to help..."

“I know. But... but you gotta understand, it made me feel like I was useless, like I was some loser who couldn't even take care of his own damn problems."

She shifted in her seat, setting her drink aside, her full attention on him now.

“Michael, I’m sorry. I never intended to make you feel like that. You’ve got to know that. I just wanted to help and it’s just... sometimes, it’s nice to have reinforcements, you know? I couldn’t just stand by and watch them destroy you. I refuse to do it. People... people like that killed my dad. I couldn’t bear the idea of watching it happen again, not to the one person I care so much about. I had to do something."

He leaned back, the tension in his shoulders unwinding just a little at her words. She meant them, he could see it in her eyes… she really was just trying to help.

“Thank you. It… it looks like it actually worked out and I think… I think I’ll use this chance to get out of the contract. And then I’ll hire new people, do things my own way. My pace, my ideas. No more vultures calling the shots."

“That sounds perfect." She smiled, her whole face lighting up and Michael took her hand in his before gently tugging her toward him. Lisa let him, standing up and moving to sit beside him on the couch…

As soon as she was close enough, he pulled her into his arms and pressed a lingering kiss to her forehead, then leaned his cheek against it, his gaze drifting out the window to the twinkling city skyline.

"We’ve spent too much time being stubborn, you and I, girl… and… I don’t want to do life without you anymore." He whispered, feeling her snuggle closer before she tilted her head up, searching his face.

"You sure?"

"Surest."

She chuckled softly at the word, the sound warm and oh so familiar, and it made him smile. Without thinking, he reached up and gently lifted her chin, pulling her face toward his and when their lips met, it was slow and soft … like they were both trying to remember something they had almost forgotten.

Lisa’s lips were soft and warm, and for a second, everything else in his head just magically quieted down. Michael could feel the steady rise and fall of her chest, her body pressed against his while her hand slid up from his chest to his neck, her fingertips grazing over his skin softly, making him shiver.

God, she felt so good... He could taste her sweetness and feel the heat of her skin under his hands, and then, like a punch to the gut, it hit him…

This kiss felt… just… right.

Michael had kissed other girls while they had been apart, Amani or that dancer… but none of it compared to this. Not even close. No other woman could make him feel like this. Like everything in the world disappeared the second she touched him. Like nothing else mattered — not the past, not the future, just her.

He was still kissing her, his fingers running through her hair, when Lisa shifted and next thing he knew, she was straddling him, arms around his neck, pulling him in for yet another kiss while his hands moved instinctively to her waist, steadying her and pulling her even closer.  

Michael was completely lost in her. The second her fingers slid up his neck and tangled into his hair, a shiver ran down his spine, heat pooling deep in his gut and his grip on her waist tightened. A moan escaped him and his own hands started roaming, instinct taking over… At first they slid down to her thighs, but then trailed back up, pressing against the curve of her ribcage.

Lisa was melting into him, lips moving against his like she needed this just as bad as he did, and damn if that didn’t drive him insane.

Then, long minutes of kissing her like a maniac later, Michael pulled away, breathless, but Lisa stayed close, her lips hovering near his while his heart hammered so hard he could feel it in his throat.

It wasn’t just passion, it was their insane connection. Real. Raw. Unbreakable. It wasn’t going anywhere. Not now. Not ever.

Instinctively his fingers traced the curve of her back, slipping under her shirt, feeling the heat of her skin against his touch and his hand moved slowly down her spine, scratching lightly before caressing, feeling every inch of her like he couldn’t get enough.

"Hey..." He croaked, his voice rougher than he meant it to be. For a second, he couldn’t find the words, his mind going completely blank and then, the question slipped out, absurd and laughable considering the situation. “Uh… you wanna watch something tonight?”

But Lisa didn’t even crack a smile.

She just held his gaze, her eyes soft and then, she shook her head slowly.

“No…” She said quietly. “I don’t… I don’t want to watch anything right now.”

She pulled him closer and then she kissed him again, her tongue tracing the outline of his lips before slipping inside, making Michael moan and forget all about the world outside the walls of the suite...

 

 

In the silence of the moonlit room, Michael gazed at Lisa, her beautiful, naked silhouette bathed in the ethereal light before he leaned in again, slowly capturing her lips in another deep, languid kiss.

Their tongues danced, rediscovering the familiar taste and the feel of each other as he trailed his fingers down her neck softly all the way to her chest, feeling her heart pounding in sync with his.

"You're so fucking beautiful, Lisa." He murmured against her lips, his voice husky with desire as he felt her fingers tracing gently the lines of his abs, sending shivers down his spine.

Their clothes were long gone, discarded and forgotten somewhere on the floor between the couch in the main room and the bed, and for a minute he watched as her hands gently explored his body, unable to stop the soft smile forming on his lips.

God, she was absolutely breathtaking… Everything about her was just... unreal. Every little thing she did drove him crazy and Michael felt like he could get lost in her forever.

His own hand moved up slowly and Lisa’s breath hitched when he gently teased her nipple with his thumb, her body arching into his touch and he smiled and took it into his mouth, sucking and licking it gently, loving every little moan and sob she let out.

"So fucking beautiful..." He mumbled against her soft skin before he pulled her closer again, their naked bodies pressing against each other. "You're my dream come true, girl."

He looked at her and through the darkness he saw Lisa smirk at him, raising an eyebrow.

"I thought I was more of your nightmare earlier today."

"Well, I guess nightmares are just dreams in disguise." Michael chuckled softly, his hand gently brushing her ribcage leaving goosebumps in its wake. Then he kissed her again and slowly slipped his hand from her chest between her thighs and Lisa moaned in response, her legs spreading and her hips bucking softly against his hand.

When he felt her wetness and warmth, he couldn’t help but let out a low growl and Lisa reached down too, wrapping her hand around his dick, stroking him in time with his movements. The sensation was almost unbearable, a delicious torture he never wanted to end…

Michael gave her one more deep kiss before he withdrew his hand, shifted and knelt between her legs. He watched her beautiful body while he ran his hands up her inner thighs ever so softly, spreading her wider for him and then with a grin, he dipped his head and his tongue darted out to taste her, licking slowly the length of her pussy.

Damn… She tasted good. Just like he remembered…

He heard Lisa gasp, her back immediately arching off the bed and Michael smiled smugly, taking his time, licking and lapping at her pussy gently.

His tongue danced over her clit, teasing and tantalizing her with every stroke while savoring every little moan and whimper that fell from her lips and it didn’t take long before he could feel her body trembling uncontrollably beneath his touch…

Lisa’s breathing grew ragged as his tongue delved deeper, exploring every inch of her pussy and her hands fisted in the sheets as he moved up a little to suck on her clit gently, remembering exactly what she liked and how to drive her crazy.

Michael felt dizzy with lust, intoxicated by her taste and by all the low sexy sounds she was making now.

"Fuck... oh god, don’t stop… please don’t stop." She gasped, her hips bucking up to meet his mouth and he happily obeyed. She really didn’t need to worry, there was no way he would want to stop... now or ever.

Michael could feel her getting closer, her legs shaking as she neared the edge and he slipped a hand between them, rubbing circles on her clit with his thumb as he continued to lick and suck at her pussy.

"Oh fuck, oh fuck, oh fuck!" She chanted, her back arching off the bed as she came hard against his mouth and he felt himself trembling, too, swallowing down her orgasm, his dick throbbing painfully at the sight of her coming undone. He was gripping her thigh, his fingers digging into her skin, possessive, unrelenting, keeping her in place, still sucking on her and Lisa collapsed back onto the bed, her chest heaving as she tried to catch her breath.

Michael gave her one last lick and then crawled up her body, pressing soft kisses to her stomach, her breasts and her collarbone as he went. In the end he captured her mouth in a searing kiss, letting her taste herself on his lips making Lisa moan again, her warm body still shivering helplessly against him…

"Ride me." He whispered against her lips, his voice husky and hardly recognizable - even to him.

“As you wish.”

She pushed him down on the bed and straddled him, slowly sinking down onto his dick, inch by inch and Michael groaned as he filled her, his hands gripping her hips before she started to move. At first, she moved slowly, grinding down on him while she let her head fall back, her hair cascading down her shoulders, and he watched her as she moved against him, admiring the way her beautiful body seemed to melt into every motion, graceful, irresistible and just goddamn perfect.

Michael licked his lips, his right hand reaching up to softly cup her breast and he let his thumb roll itself over her nipple, watching in awe as it reacted, while his left hand stayed on her hip, helping her set the right pace.

She was so fucking beautiful, with her perky tits bouncing gently with each movement and her pussy clenching tightly around his cock. He could feel the wet heat of her, the slickness that coated his length and made every thrust feel like pure ecstasy.

“Look at me, Lisa.” He said in a low voice and she blinked and smiled, her hooded eyes finding his. He could see all the passion and heat in her gaze mixed with love and he could feel all of it in the way she moved against him, too.

His hands found their way back to her waist, his fingers tracing the delicate curves of her body and he could feel the heat radiating from her, the warmth of her skin seeping into his palms. 

Her pussy was so tight, squeezing him like a vice as she rode him and he groaned, the sound low and guttural as it escaped his lips.

Then, his right hand traveled down finding her clit and Michael began to rub it in slow, circular motions, the pad of his thumb applying just the right amount of pressure. Lisa’s eyes flew open, a moan escaping her lips as she felt the new sensation, making Michael grin subtly.

He knew her body so well… just like she knew his.

“Hmmm… Fuck, that feels good.” She let out breathlessly.

“Oh yeah? You like it, Lise?”

She merely nodded and it didn’t really take long before he felt her tightening around him, getting closer to another orgasm, letting out low whimpers and increasing the pace.

"Damn, you feel so good.” He moaned breathlessly, closing his eyes, his hips bucking up to meet hers and Lisa started to move even faster, riding him harder as she chased her release.

"Come for me, baby…" He urged, his thumb rubbing harder on her clit and she threw her head back, raising slightly on her knees and letting him thrust up inside her before her whole body started shuddering and she came again, her pussy clenching around his dick.

“Aaah, fuck!” She cried out loudly and there was no way Michael could hold back any longer, his dick throbbing, her muscles squeezing him half to death. A few seconds later he felt himself explode inside her, the liquid heat of his cum filling her up as she milked every last drop from him.

"Fuck, fuck, fuck…" He swore, his hips still thrusting up into her as he rode out his orgasm and Lisa collapsed onto his chest, her breathing ragged as she tried to catch her breath, her fingers tangling in his hair.

They lay there for a few moments, their bodies slick with sweat as they came down from their high and Michael ran his hands up and down her back, feeling her heartbeat slow down to a normal pace little by little.

"That was...fucking amazing…" She panted and Michael chuckled, his lips curling up in a satisfied smile.

"Yeah, it was… Can we just stay like this forever?”

Lisa hummed, stretching against him like a cat soaking up the sun.

“Mmm… I dunno. Food exists.”

“Ohhh, you little gremlin!” He groaned dramatically, tightening his grip around her and burying his face in her hair. “You would really trade me for food? Are you for real right now?”

“Never.” She grinned, biting her lip… A small pause and then, a dramatic sigh. “Weeeeell… aside from white chocolate raspberry cheesecake.”

“Wow.” He pulled back just enough to give her the most exaggerated look of betrayal he could muster, hand over his heart like she had actually wounded him. “Love is dead. SHOT THROUGH THE HEART!"

Lisa wheezed, laughing so hard she nearly choked, smacking at his chest while he continued, full volume, full theatrics.

“AND YOU’RE TO BLAAAME…”

She burst out laughing, trying, and failing, to push him away. “Oh my God, stop!”

“You give loooove a bad name!” He crooned, voice cracking as he grinned against her skin and then, in one smooth motion, he turned them over, pinning her beneath him and effortlessly sliding between her legs. Her laughter was still ringing in his ears, bright and breathless, when he kissed her, slow and teasing, dragging his mouth over hers like he had all the time in the world.

Lisa was still chuckling, fingers sliding into his hair and Michael deepened the kiss, pressing her into the mattress, and her body shifted beneath his, soft, warm, welcoming, and suddenly there was no space between them at all.

That laughter of hers was gone now, replaced by something softer, breathier and needier and with the way she was looking at him and the way she was pulling him closer, he knew that sleep wasn’t happening anytime soon…