Dark On Me (Borrowed Faith Book 2)

by Ruby Rowe

  Me: I’ll be back in the Bay area on the 3rd to spend the 4th of July with my family. What about meeting up the night I get back? You could bring someone if that would make you feel safer.

  Olivia: That’s this week!

  Me: And life can be short. Take a chance, Olivia. Meeting me could be the first adventure of your newfound freedom.

  Olivia: You make me feel like anything is possible.

  Me: And you make me feel really damn good.

  Olivia: I’ll think about it.

  Me: OK. Don’t forget to think of names for my lady-bus.

  Olivia: I’m laughing.

  Me: Me, too. Get some sleep, Liv.

  Olivia: You called me Liv.

  Me: Is that not cool?

  Olivia: I like it… Night, Z.

  Me: Night.

  CHAPTER NINE

  Olivia

  “Hi,” Ken says after I stroll into his bedroom. Staring at the full-size mirror I bought for us, he continues putting on his tie. “I’m happy you wanted to talk this morning. It means we can put this behind us before I meet our fathers for a business lunch.”

  As a panic attack threatens the moment, I sit on the side of the bed and press my palm against my chest. The conversation Ken and I are about to have will change my entire future. His, too. I’m here to give up my security blanket.

  Turning around, he examines my outfit.

  “Did you buy that dress, or is it a new design of yours?”

  “I stayed up most of the night sewing it.”

  “Are those butterflies?”

  “Yes. I was surprised the fabric store had it in stock.” I smooth out the flared skirt of my cotton dress that’s white and patterned with small orange butterflies. The winged insects that landed on me twice inspired the creation.

  “It’s nice, but you look immature in it. Maybe you could make one in Lilith’s size for her birthday coming up.”

  “Your niece doesn’t need more dresses. She’s spoiled as it is. Besides, I used all the fabric to make this one for myself, which I like and will continue to wear.”

  “You’re only trying to get back at your mother. I heard you’re going there today.”

  “Yes, so we need to have this talk now. I’ve decided it’s definitely over between us.”

  Gripping his hips, he furrows his brow.

  “That’s absurd. We have too many plans for our future to throw it all away. Our families are practically sewn together like that dress of yours.”

  Walking over to his dresser, he picks up a small, rectangular box and brings it back to me. “I bought you a present, and I’ll continue to pamper you if you give me another chance.”

  I push the box toward him, so he grumbles and opens it. Inside is a diamond bracelet that sparkles above the black fabric protecting it.

  “Extravagant gifts can’t replace love,” I say. “It’s time we move on, so you and I need to come up with a reason for our split that won’t humiliate us or our families. I’m thinking we say that we no longer share romantic feelings but still care deeply for one another and will remain close friends.”

  “That sounds scripted.”

  “It is scripted. You should get how this works since you’re planning to read from a teleprompter one day. In return for your cooperation, I agree to make social appearances with you as your friend while wearing a smile on my face and this adorable butterfly dress.” I tilt my head to the side and grin.

  “I can’t believe you’re making a joke of this.”

  “I have to find the humor in it so I don’t break down like I’ve done every day since I found you in a tender embrace with your lover at our engagement party.”

  “Stop being dramatic.”

  “Your insensitivity is one of the many reasons a fake relationship would never work.”

  Gripping the back of his neck, Ken paces while taking a few deep breaths. What is he thinking? Coming to a stop, he faces me and sighs.

  “I didn’t want it to come to this. I care about you, Olivia. I do, but you’re leaving me no choice here. I’m sorry, but if you end our engagement, I’m leaking that Landon’s gay.”

  I widen my eyes as my mouth falls open.

  “You’re joking, right? I mean, you like men, too.”

  “I’m dead serious. Don’t back me into a corner.”

  “Um, if you out my brother, I sure as hell will out you.”

  “It’s not going to come to that because you’d never risk hurting Landon.”

  “You’re bluffing. Telling he’s gay could damage my father’s career, which in turn could threaten your future as a politician. Besides, you’d never want anyone knowing about your relationship with Aaron.”

  “You have no proof of it, so no one would believe you.” Strolling over to his dresser, he removes an envelope from the top drawer. “I, on the other hand, have proof of Landon’s sexual preferences. I have photographs.

  “Your brother likes to live it up at college. If I were to leak these and then you said you caught me with Aaron, you’d only appear a desperate liar.” He returns and hands me the manila envelope. “Those are your copies. I have more.”

  While my stomach churns, I open the envelope with shaky hands. I slide the top photo out a quarter of the way, but as soon as I see flesh, I shove it back inside. I can’t look at them.

  “How could you betray Landon when you feel the same as him? We’re talking about you going against the very core of who you are as a human being. Why not be an advocate for those beliefs instead? A leader who educates people about homosexuality, gender identity, etc.”

  “And be the grand marshal of Pride parades? Where’s that going to get me?”

  “You’re such a disappointment. And to think, I was going to stay your friend.”

  “Well, now, you’re going to stay my fiancée and become my wife in April. We can share our lives together the hard way or the easy way. It’s your choice, Liv.”

  Walking up to him, I spit in his face and immediately cover my mouth from the shock of it. I can’t believe I spat at someone.

  Ken casts a glacial stare with his striking blue eyes as he wipes off my saliva. His jaw stiffens and nostrils flare, and I believe if it wouldn’t risk his entire future, he’d hit me this second.

  “Act like the fucking lady you were bred to be.”

  “I’ll act like a lady when you stop being a ginormous dick.” I storm from his condo with the photos in hand, furious and confused. What am I going to do now?

  Apple

  Sitting on the couch in the common area of the bus, I stare at Aiden and Emma. They’re playing cards at the table and haven’t looked at me since the day I said Emma shouldn’t be here.

  “I’ve got to go talk to Faith,” I whisper to Tripp before I nod across from us. “They’re still angry with me, and I have to fix it.”

  “Whatever you feel you need to do, baby.” He doesn’t look up from his phone; the one he’s been scrolling on for an hour.

  “You’ve been on your cell a long time. Is something wrong?”

  Pulling it closer to him, he looks up at me.

  “Uh, I’m doing some research on something.”

  That was vague. I frown and walk to the back lounge. Reaching the end of the bunk room, I hear Faith’s unique voice singing a ballad. Zain’s backing her up with an acoustic guitar, which I’ve seldom heard him play.

  His eyes are closed, his concentration giving him all that he needs to match Faith’s strength. He mouths the words that I’m wondering if he’s written since they’re about self-medicating and being alone. Zain’s seldom this focused, so whatever inspired the lyrics means a great deal to him.

  They stop rehearsing in sync and look up at me.

  “Hi,” I say. “I hope it’s OK I was listening. I couldn’t not listen. That song and delivery were amazing.”

  “Thank you,” Faith replies. “Z wrote it.”

  “Zain, it’s incredible.”

  “Thanks. Did you need somet
hing?”

  “Are you still mad at me?”

  “Nope,” he replies.

  “Liar. Faith, I have to apologize to Aiden and Emma. They won’t even look at me, and after what you and I discussed last night, I feel it’s OK for me to welcome her.” I round my eyes, hoping she catches on that I’m talking about her new development with Asher.

  “It’s fine. No sense in you being miserable, too.”

  “I’m sorry.”

  “It is what it is. We should get back to rehearsing.”

  “Is this song going on your next album?”

  “We haven’t talked about it yet. Z just asked me to sing it with him.” She smiles. “I haven’t had the chance to pry.”

  “I’m sure you’re working up to it,” he replies.

  “I’ll leave you two alone.” I stride back to the front of the bus. Where Faith’s concerned, it stinks I have to make Emma feel more comfortable here, but maybe Tripp was right; maybe Emma’s time with Aiden will actually bring him and Faith together.

  I hope for Emma’s sake there’s a reason she’s here other than to have her heart broken. A life lesson or positive experience for her to take from this would be good. I just hope it’s not Aiden she’s taking away.

  Sitting next to Tripp, I look across from us.

  “Emma, I’m sorry about the other night. I was rude not to welcome you on the bus. Faith can be intimidating, and I reacted without thinking. I’m happy Aiden has someone to spend time with.” I smile. “Us girls are outnumbered, so it’s nice to have another female on board. Aiden, I’m sorry.”

  He smiles. “No worries. I knew it wasn’t like you.”

  I exhale a breath of relief. “Thank you for understanding.”

  Emma tucks a strand of her wavy, dark hair behind her ear and beams at Aiden. He meets her gaze, but his smile is faint … possibly forced.

  “Are you from Kentucky?” I ask her.

  “Yes. Aiden and I had been texting each other since the night you went into the hospital, so I was excited when he offered to fly me out. It’s really cool being behind the scenes and spending time with him.”

  Softening up from her kind words, he gives a genuine smile this time and reaches across the table to squeeze her hand. I believe Aiden wishes he could fall for a woman who’d give him love back so easily.

  He wants a clean slate that’s not tarnished with a complicated past, but life has shown me that we have little control over who our hearts choose to love. As long as Aiden and Faith are in the same band, I don’t see how they’ll ever get a clean break from one another.

  Zain

  “We’ve got to put this on our next album,” Faith says as I set my guitar on the couch beside me. “I can already picture the two of us performing it on stage. The audience will be in awe as they hold up their lighters and cell phones, illuminating the dark arena.”

  “You don’t think it’s too soft for us?”

  “It’s real, Z. Pete, the label and even Apple said we need to connect more with our audiences. This is one way to make it happen.”

  “I guess.”

  “Time for me to be nosy. If you didn’t write this for our album, what’s it for?”

  “I wanted to see if we could make it work before I asked a huge favor. Since you said you could already picture us performing it on stage, would you mind singing it with me at an intimate show tomorrow night?”

  “We don’t have any gigs scheduled back home.”

  “I know. I want to spring it on one of the local bars. I won’t advertise it, so only the guests already there will get to see it.”

  “Why do you want to do this show?”

  “Say yes, and I’ll tell you soon,” I reply with an impish smile.

  “All right, I’m down for it. We can even perform more songs if you want. I’m sure we have a few we could change up for just the two of us.”

  “Cool.” My phone buzzes, and I can’t get it out of my pocket fast enough. As soon as I see Olivia’s name, I smile wider and look at Faith. “I need to talk to this person. Can we rehearse more in a little while?”

  She grins. “Sure. I’m thinking that smile is a clue to why we’re doing this gig.”

  “You need a hobby.” Smirking, I wait for her to leave before reading the message.

  Olivia: That sure didn’t go as planned.

  Me: Your talk with the cheating bastard?

  Olivia: Things got ugly.

  Me: Are you OK?

  Olivia: No, but I’ll figure something out.

  Me: I’m calling you.

  Olivia: Don’t. I’m crying.

  Me: All the more reason.

  I hit the button to call her. It rings three times before I hear her sniffling.

  “Hello,” she says.

  “Hi.” Damn, it’s nice to hear her voice. It makes her seem more real, but I hate that she’s sad.

  “You don’t have to talk to me. I’m sure it will be uncomfortable.”

  “Stop. I’ve been around a lot of crying chicks. I can handle it.”

  She coughs to clear her throat. “Are you saying you regularly make girls cry?”

  “Nah, I tend to make them laugh. I cause more happy tears than sad ones.”

  “That I believe.”

  “Tell me what happened.”

  “Ken’s blackmailing me, and I’m still in shock about it.” Sucking in a breath, Olivia does her best not to lose it.

  “I’m flying there to kick this guy’s ass.”

  “Flying?”

  “I mean, I’ll get there as fast as possible in my she-bus.”

  Liv laughs. Damn, I can’t help but smile from the sound of it.

  “I knew you’d cheer me up.”

  “What does the douchebag have on you?”

  “He said he’ll leak something about a close family member of mine. I can’t risk it.”

  “You can’t marry him to protect someone else. That’s noble but insane. You know this, right?”

  “Like I said, I’m still in shock. I’m not sure what to think. To make matters worse, I have to visit my overbearing mother now. My nerves can’t take much more. Lord, you probably think I’m a basket case.”

  “I think you’re human. I understand what it’s like to have a ton of pressure weighing you down.”

  “How is that? You travel around the country doing a job you feel is awesome. I’d still like to know what that job is, by the way.”

  “You’ll find out soon.”

  “I thought about trying to convince the family member Ken has dirt on to reveal the news himself, but he recently told me he doesn’t want anyone to know. It would be wrong to pressure him for my own benefit.”

  “We’re talking about your future here. I don’t think it would be wrong to ask. It couldn’t hurt.”

  “Yes, it could. He can’t find out I’m being blackmailed. He’d go after Ken, and then the secret would be leaked for sure. I won’t do that to him.”

  “I may be able to get you out of this situation. I have a lot of connections, so I’m sure we could think of something.”

  “I’m not looking for a hitman here.”

  “Damn, what kind of monster do you think I am? Wait, you have dirt on your ex. There’s no way he’d want that to come out.”

  “I have no proof. Outwardly, Ken’s handsome, and he charms women easily. He’s a ladies’ man who vocally supports my father’s old-fashioned agenda. In addition to that, Aaron hasn’t come out of the closet. He’s had some girlfriends and plays it straight like Ken. I never even knew he was gay, and he’s been my friend for years.”

  “Your gaydar needs a tune-up.”

  The sweet girl giggles, and I want to see her mouth. I can feel her smile from across the miles.

  “Bottom line … I don’t know if he’s bluffing or not, and that’s a risk I can’t take. I’m screwed,” she replies.

  “Apparently, you haven’t been screwed well enough or you wouldn’t consider staying with this asshat.”


  She laughs again, and I can’t resist telling her what it does to me.

  “I fucking love your laugh. I’m ready to see your face.”

  “What if you think I’m ugly?”

  “I won’t.”

  “How do you know?”

  “I couldn’t find you ugly because I already like you.”

  “Aww, how kind of you. I think you may be a ladies’ man.”

  “I can’t lie; I’m dope with the ladies. They tend to love me.”

  “You said you were anti-love, but I never thought to ask if you were dating someone.”

  “Never.”

  “Wow. You really are free as a bird.”

  “I’m not free. There are serious strings attached to my adventures.”

  “You become more fascinating every day.”

  “You’ll know all about me soon.”

  “I never agreed to meet you in person.”

  “You’re a curious woman, one eager for excitement. You’ll agree.”

  “I’m parked in my mother’s driveway, so I should go before she comes looking for me. I guess I won’t be telling her about my breakup anytime soon.”

  “You’ll get to eventually.”

  “How do you know?”

  “You were already imagining your freedom. That fever has set in, so trust me; you’ll find a way to bust out of those chains.”

  “I wouldn’t know what to do if I did.”

  “Stick with me, and I’ll show you the way.”

  “Maybe. It’ll depend on whether you’re ugly or not.” She laughs, and my stomach tightens from my nerves.

  “That means you’re going to meet me.”

  “OK, you win. Bye, Z.”

  “Bye, Liv.”

  CHAPTER TEN

  Olivia

  With a sharp inhale, I open the front door to my parents’ lavish home in the East Bay area. The way my body reacts every time I enter the house reminds me of a woman about to be butchered in a horror film.

  I’m apprehensive and skittish as the thudding of my heart grows louder with each step. Maybe I am a bit dramatic, but when the hairs stand up on my arms from simply walking through my parents’ home, it should be acknowledged.