Felicity gasped. Love? Did Derek love her? She wasn’t sure.
She assumed it was love that she felt toward Derek, but one never really knew. As she clung to him, she sank into his body, savouring his touch, wanting his lips on hers.
“Ahem.” She abruptly looked up. Joe stood there, amusement clearly showing on his face.
She frowned. then stepped back out of Derek’s embrace. Heat worked its way up her neck, and across her face. She shrank backwards, trying to sneak out of there. But it was too late. Joe knew her too well and laughed.
Not at her, though. He’d never do that. He was making sure she knew how pleased he was that she was finally happy. That she’d found a man who made her happy; someone he was sure wouldn’t disappoint her or let her down.
Derek was her forever man. Yep, that’s what Joe would be thinking for sure.
Suddenly Derek grabbed her by the hand and pulled her toward her dressing room. She looked at him dubiously. Instead of speaking, he put his finger to his lips and continued his journey. Their journey.
Once they’d entered the make-shift dressing room, Derek closed the door behind them. It was the only spot in the whole warehouse that offered any privacy.
“Let’s try again,” he whispered into her ear. “Only this time without the onlookers.” He watched as Felicity took a steadying breath. She breathed in his cologne. He watched as a smile began, and pulled her to him.
“I love a woman who takes control.” Derek felt her jump as he spoke. He’d startled her when he whispered in her ear. His hands were firmly around her waist, and he was breathing in her beautiful scent. Lavender if he wasn’t mistaken. His grandmother used to grow it in her garden and make sachets of it each year for Christmas gifts. As a young boy, it was his job to cut the lavender and bring it inside to dry, ready to be packaged. It was a bitter-sweet memory, as they’d lost her some years ago.
Derek shook the memory from his mind. He didn’t want to remember this now, only wanted to immerse himself in everything that was Felicity.
Every beautiful crevice, every soft curve, and every elegant movement. When she laughed, a little tinkle escaped her lips, lifting him high every time. But when she was sad or scared, it changed everything.
He ran his hands down her back, then in a circular motion. She was tense, very tense, and he was trying to relieve some of her stress. It was no wonder she was stressed.
He’d told her it was business as usual, and not to worry, but he was certain that would be impossible. Knowing someone wanted you dead was not an everyday occurrence, so he totally understood her position.
Derek’s lips found the sensitive spot behind her ear. Felicity leaned backward, almost as though she was trying to get away. “You don’t like it?” he asked quietly.
“Oh yes, yes I do,” she said. “But everyone out there will know what we’re doing.” She sounded like she cared. Derek didn’t.
He let his hands fall to his side and walked to the door. As he opened it he called out. “Anyone object to me kissing Felicity?” He heard her gasp, and chuckled.
“Nope, no one,” Joe called back, amusement in his voice.
Derek closed the door and walked back to Felicity. “I guess that’s settled then.”
Once again his arms went up around her back, and his lips lightly brushed across her lips. She tasted good. Like pink lemonade on a hot day. Refreshing and making his lips tingle. He’d never experienced anything like it before. “Mmmmm, nice,” he said, without even thinking.
He moved closer, and once again her fragrance drifted into his consciousness. He edged closer, leaving little distance between them. His hands moved up to the back of her head and slid through her hair.
“You taste good,” he told her, seconds before claiming her lips again. She moved closer, ever so slightly but enough that his senses heightened. Every time she moved, her curves distracted him. When she pushed into him, her breasts rubbed against his chest. It sorely tested his control.
Her hands slipped beneath his suit jacket until there was only the thin material of his shirt between them. The breath hitched in his throat. “Felicity.” His voice was barely above a whisper. He gazed down at her. The want in her eyes made his heart break. He took a long, steadying breath.
He leaned down and kissed her again. She was his favourite taste, nothing could compete.
Derek knew he had to stop now. With great difficulty, he pushed himself away.
“Later,” he said, straightening his clothes. “I won’t turn this into something sleazy.” And with that he leaned in for a quick kiss and left the dressing-room with Felicity staring after him.
* * *
As she applied her makeup, Felicity could hear the rumblings of early arrivers.
She was always nervous before a performance, and tonight was no different.
Soft music played in the background, songs she would sing throughout the night – all Blues songs.
It helped calm her nerves somewhat.
Tonight was important. It was opening night. The first night in her new persona. It would be a make or break night in many ways.
Derek had contacted the press, and there would be critics in the audience. Their good reviews were imperative to her future career.
But Felicity tried to put that to the back of her mind. She needed to concentrate on delivering the best performance possible.
Joe came up behind her and placed his hands on her shoulders. She jumped visibly. “Nervous, Sweets?”
“Always,” she answered, a smile teetering on her lips.
He tightened his grip. “You’ll do well; we both know you will.”
She stood and faced him, and Joe wiped away a tiny smudge of mascara, then leaned in and placed a light kiss on her forehead. “Break a leg,” he said affectionately. “Now,” he said with more force, “Let’s get you dolled up.” With that he turned toward her waiting wardrobe racks.
Maurice fluttered into the dressing room. It was his job to make sure Felicity was properly attired. “This is your first outfit,” he said, grabbing the salmon chiffon off the rack. He leaned forward and snatched up the pair of stilettos he’d shown her during rehearsals. “Paired with these beauties.”
Felicity sighed. She hated those over-the-top stilettos, but if she must, she must.
“Thanks Maurice,” she said with a smile, but knew he’d see through the façade. He usually did.
“Mwah.” Maurice took pride in his work, and the outfits he chose always enhanced her performances.
The two men helped her dress, and the three began to leave the room. They were met by Derek. His eyes went wide.
“Wow, amazing,” he said, taking both her hands in his. “You look gorgeous. Stunning.” He leaned in for a hug.
“Stop!” Maurice and Joe said in unison.
“You’ll crush her dress,” Joe finished.
Derek stepped back, duly admonished, a big grin on his face regardless.
* * *
The Etta James hit rolled over her lips with ease.
Felicity was at home on the stage. No wonder her parents had pushed her into a life of performing. Even as a four-year-old, future stardom would have beckoned. A shiver engulfed Derek’s body.
He was almost overcome with emotion. Joe tapped him on the shoulder, invading his moment of pride.
“She’s amazing.” Pride and pure joy were written all over Joe’s face. It was clear he’d always known she was destined for greatness.
He watched as Joe swiped at his eyes. “I must have an eyelash in there,” he said, a smug smile on his face.
Staying hidden from the audience by the stage curtains, Derek watched as Felicity glanced around the room, watching her audience watching her, as she finished her first song.
The room exploded with applause and she received a standing ovation.
A star had emerged.
“Bravo! Bravo, my darling.” Joe was the first person to reach her as she left the stage. He handed her a sm
all posy of flowers, as he always did at the end of her first performance of a tour. “You were amazing.”
Felicity took them and hugged him gently. “And you are biased, but thank you,” she whispered into his ear. She laughed as she moved back. “You are always so kind.”
“Fabulous, fantastic,” Derek approached her now. “Amazing.” He handed her a single red rose and moved in for a hug. But this hug was not a friendly one like Joe’s.
This one was more emotional. Personal. And meant a lot more to the both of them.
She studied the rose. A red rose for love, or just because? Either way, coming from Derek it meant a lot to her.
She studied his face. His eyes were bright, and he was smiling broadly. “Well done!”
She stared at his lips, then licked hers. It was too much for them both, and he leaned down and kissed her ever so lightly.
Felicity leaned closer toward him, savouring the feel of him, loving the heat emanating from his body, and just loving being near him. With him. Tasting him, feeling his lips on hers, ever so gently.
“Ooooh, Felicity!” This time it was Maurice. Like the others, he would want to congratulate her. This was the routine after first performance. In fact, everyone rallied around her after every performance.
Her dear friends understood how uncertain she felt about her performances, how much she lacked the confidence she needed to make it big.
It was comforting to know they were all there, surrounding her with their love.
Chapter Seven
Felicity took a deep breath, and let it out slowly then began to sing.
This was one of her most favourite songs, but one of the hardest to sing. She glanced around the room. This place was so much better than the lowlife dive she had sung in previously.
Thank goodness for Derek St James. The man was a godsend – in many ways.
A low murmur moved across the room. Felicity’s eyes scanned the audience as the murmur became a buzz. She tried to ignore it as she continued.
Confusion set in. The audience were looking about, talking to each other, not concentrating on her.
She tried to read their faces but couldn’t tell if it was uncertainty or something else.
One thing was sure, she was worried. What the heck was going on? No one was listening to her. Even the orchestra faltered, which was unheard of.
She looked across to the off-stage area where Derek and Joe were standing, watching. They looked worried too.
People began to stand up, still glancing about. Someone was screaming now, and people began running. She turned toward the backstage area again when she heard someone call her name urgently.
“Get down!” It was Maurice. He was waving his hands about, indicating to her to drop to the floor. What the….?
The wind was knocked out of her as someone slammed into her, knocking her to the ground. A stranger lay atop her, pinning her to the stage. Felicity felt his hot breath as he whispered in her ear. “It’s okay, I’ve got you. Stay down until I give the all-clear.”
The stranger scrutinised the room as Felicity’s confusion deepened. Who was this bear of a man? She struggled beneath him, but to no avail.
As quickly as he pinned her to the floor, he was up and pulling her to her feet. “What…? Who…?” Her words were cut off as she was dragged off stage and into the backstage area.
Derek ran forward, pulling her into his arms. Holding her tightly. Felicity was still confused. What the heck was going on?
Her head was foggy, she couldn’t think. “What just happened?” She was in a daze, trying to think through a fog. “Derek?”
Felicity looked down at her beautiful chiffon dress. It was dirty and ripped. Nothing like the gorgeous gown she had donned before stepping out onto the stage.
Her heart beat rapidly. With her hand on Derek’s chest, she could feel his heartbeat too. It was thumping in time with hers. This… whatever it was…had affected him as much as it had her.
“Dom, thanks. You’re worth your weight in gold.” Derek’s hand was outstretched toward the stranger who had knocked her to the ground.
“Dom?” Who was this man? This not-so-gentle giant? As she scanned him from head to toe, Felicity noticed the gun in his hand. She faltered, and fell backwards, out of Derek’s arms.
Dom grabbed her and pushed her toward the back entrance of the building, his urgency evident. Still holding the gun in his hand, he propelled her toward the locked door.
A new level of fear overcame her. She couldn’t wrench her eyes away from the gun – the silver glistening in the lights, piercing her memory, hurting her brain.
As she stood, trying to take it all in, the fog surrounding her began to clear. There was screaming in the background, the sound of people running, voices trying to reassure.
She stared at Derek. He was dishevelled, his hair all over the place, his suit skewed, and his normally calm expression was gone.
He ran a hand through his hair, a gesture she’d come to know as an indication of nerves or frustration.
She straightened her back and crossed her arms over her chest. Stood firmly in place. “Right. Now tell me what the heck is going on.” No one spoke. The men looked at each other blankly. “Okay, I’m leaving. Alone”
Now they looked shocked. Scared even.
Derek let out a resigned sigh and took her hands. “This is Dom. He’s your bodyguard.” He held his hand out in front to stop her interrupting. “Someone is trying to kill you.” Felicity felt the colour drain from her face. Someone was trying to kill her? Why would they do that? She faltered again. Her knees trembled, and her head spun.
No! She wouldn’t faint. She wasn’t weak. She wasn’t going to let this get the better of her. Felicity shook her head, trying to clear it once more. She clamped her feet to the ground, wriggled her shoulders, and straightened her spine once again.
She released her hands from Derek’s and walked toward the stage entrance, glancing into the stadium without revealing herself.
She could feel their gazes burning into her back. They watched her every move. Dom moved closer, but she waved him away. He stood strong, didn’t waver for even a moment. He was at her side, and it was obvious that nothing would move him. Not now, and not ever.
That was reassuring.
Felicity stared at the chaos. The bedlam that ensued shocked her. Police were everywhere, audience members, now relatively calm, were being led out the emergency exits. She quickly pulled her head back from the danger zone, taking a deep, steadying breath.
Oh. My. Gosh. This was real. It wasn’t a joke, or a dream. It was unnervingly real.
Putting a hand to her chest, she took another gulp of air, trying to still her pounding heart. Felicity felt herself being pulled back into a chair and looked up into Derek’s face.
“Wh… why?” That was all she managed to get out. She was reeling from this revelation. Someone wanted her dead. And what’s more, they were willing to go through with it.
* * *
Felicity winced as she was tucked in underneath Dom’s arm, close to his body.
As he guided her toward the back entrance, beads of sweat moistened her face.
Bedlam was all around her. People shouting, running, police everywhere. Dom told her to keep her head down and not look up. He kept her huddled close to him, with one arm around her, while the other held his gun.
She was close to tears – the stress was unbearable.
Amidst all the madness, she recalled the night Derek waited outside another venue in the back alley for her. The overwhelming darkness amidst unfamiliar noises in the background. Noises that put her on high alert, while, at the same time, feeling she was safe with Derek nearby.
Shadows in the darkness are never a good thing, and now she had to face them again. At least this time she wasn’t alone. It didn’t stop her heart from beating so hard it felt like it would hurtle out of her chest.
“You’re okay, Felicity. Just keep your head down.” It w
as Derek. She felt his hand on her back, trying to reassure her. “We won’t let anything happen to you.”
It was true. There was no way he would let anyone hurt her. She bit back a sob, wondering why anyone would want to do this to her. She’d never done anything to hurt anyone. Always kept to herself, was a pillar of society, and she sure as heck didn’t deserve to be shot at by some deranged stranger.
She jumped as the security door slammed shut behind them. A car waited outside the door, and she was quickly ushered into it. This time she didn’t have to face the darkness alone. This time the back entrance was well lit.
Once inside she sat back, sighing with relief.
“It’s not over yet.” It was Derek again. She’d been placed between Dom and Derek. Obviously for her safety, but it worried her that they’d put their lives on the line for her. She winced at the unfairness of it all.
“Why are they doing this?” Her voice was so quiet, so unnatural she didn’t recognise it. Her whole body quivered, and as she stared down into her lap, she noticed the tremors in her hands. Derek reached out and took her hands in his, rubbing his thumb across her palm, trying to ease her stress.
His eyes pinned hers as he answered. “We have no idea. Do you?” His brown eyes pierced her soul, and as much as she tried, she couldn’t look away.
“N-no.” She was not surprised at the waver of her voice, nor was she surprised at how soft it was. It was not every day someone tried to end your life.
Derek lifted her hand to his lips. “We need to find out why this is happening, so it can be stopped.”
The car began to slow. They must be at their destination. “Where are we?” Felicity gazed around. She didn’t recognise this place at all.
This time Dom spoke. “You’ll be safe here. No one knows about this location.” His voice held no emotion. He’d probably done this so many times before that it would be an everyday occurrence. Felicity stared at the gun sitting across his lap.
“Do you really need that thing?” The last word came out with disdain. She hated guns with a vengeance. And she sure didn’t want it to be anywhere near her.
The Christmas Singer Page 6