Loyalty: A Salvation Society Novel

by Heather Dahlgren

  Lane’s words find me by surprise. They’ve all been raised to respect women, yet I feel like Kegan missed that lesson. Lane and Everett aren’t as bad as Kegan. I’ve never heard of them fucking in the bathroom at a bar, or fingering a chick under the table or dry humping on the dance floor. Maybe it’s that he has no respect for himself, I really don’t know.

  Remi stands up and runs his hands through his hair. “I don’t know how to do it.”

  “Do what?” Lane asks.

  “Leave her without feeling like a piece of shit.”

  “You be honest,” I chime in. They all turn to me and I smile. “As the only woman here, I can tell you that being honest is all you need to do. If you don’t want to be with her anymore and you’re forcing it, it’s like lying. You are making her believe you are in when you’re really out. You are saying things you don’t mean and doing things you don’t feel. Honesty, Remi. Tell her the truth. She’ll respect you more in the long run.”

  He nods his head and walks toward the bunk room. I hope I helped, because it’s clear he is tortured by this decision.

  “He’ll be good,” Lane says. “Give him time.”

  “So, back to tonight,” Everett says, breaking the tension. He’s definitely the one who needs to keep everyone laughing. “Drinking and sex? Do we need to ask your permission for that or what?”

  “I can’t tell you what to do in private. If you want to drink, go ahead. If you want to bring a chick back to your room, go ahead. Just don’t get trashed and fuck her on the bar,” I say, laughing.

  He stands up and salutes me. “You got it.”

  Kegan moves a little closer, resting his hand on my thigh as he passes me my phone back. I take it, sliding it to my other side so it’s not easily in his reach. He squeezes my thigh and I fight back a sigh.

  “Read your phone, angel,” he whispers, seductively.

  I pick it up and a text message is staring at me. He texted someone from my phone.

  Me: You want to know what I want tonight? I want you in a sexy dress. I want you to drink with me. I want you to come back to my room, let me peel your dress off, and bury my cock deep inside your tight, wet, needy pussy.

  I snap my head to him, and that smirk is in place. “Don’t worry, I texted that to me. What do you say, angel? You able to make that happen for me?”

  I’m so turned on that I can’t even comprehend saying a word. I can feel my face is flushed. My heart is pounding and that needy pussy he talked about is now very wet. I lick my lips and he rubs my thigh.

  “Is that a yes?”

  My phone alerts me to an email and I’ve never been more grateful for the distraction. What the hell is happening? I take a few minutes to focus on the email I just got about a sale at Bath and Body Works, trying to regain my composure.

  What’s he playing at here? Why’s he flirting so hard? It hits me like a ton of bricks. He’s still pissed about last night and he’s trying to fuck with me, figuratively not literally. But damn, why does it have to feel so real.

  I push down all the confusion and turn to him smiling. “I will gladly have some drinks with you tonight, but I will be going back to my room alone after.”

  He grins as he stands up. “We’ll see.”

  What the fuck.

  Chapter Eight

  Lorelei

  “I can’t believe how he’s acting today,” I say, fixing my hair.

  “Honestly, he is probably doing it because he’s attracted to you, but telling himself it’s to piss you off,” Haven replies.

  I laugh as I look at myself in the bathroom mirror. This hotel room is the most amazing place I’ve ever been. It has nothing to do with the big luxurious room, but all about the queen-sized bed I took a four-hour nap in and the shower that I can move without hitting the wall. Not to mention, a vanity so I can actually take my time doing my hair and makeup keeping it all out in my reach.

  “I know you’ve only seen pictures of him, but they don’t do him justice. He’s not interested in me like that. He’s interested in the girls with fake tits, short skirts, and legs that spread when he gives them a wink,” I explain.

  She laughs before she says, “You don’t need fake tits, short skirts, or legs that spread when he winks. You’re fucking gorgeous and real. You’re smart, funny, and caring. You’re more than he’s ever had and don’t you ever come down on yourself like that again. I know you’re more confident than that.”

  She’s right, I normally am, but this is Kegan Donovan. A damn rock star. He may find me attractive, but he doesn’t want me. Which is how it needs to be. I could never sleep with him and keep my job. My grandfather would fire me before I even climbed out of his bed. It’s best he keeps going after the other girls and leave the real ones like me alone.

  “Thanks, Haven, but you know nothing could ever happen anyway. Tonight, I am nothing more than a dressed-up chaperone.”

  “Well, take advantage of that. Drink, dance, and have some damn fun,” she says.

  I laugh as I fix my dress. I didn’t wear this because Kegan said to wear a sexy dress. I wore it because it’s one of the few I brought. It’s a simple black, sleeveless dress. It hugs my body perfectly and I always feel incredibly sexy when I slip it on. I’ve paired it with my nude heels. While talking to Haven, I did my makeup dark, making my blue eyes stand out. My hair I decided to keep straight with just a few beachy curls throughout. Haven is right. I need to have some fun and that’s just what I intend on doing.

  “Thanks for talking. I miss you guys so much,” I say, walking out of the bathroom.

  “We miss you, too. It’s not the same without you.”

  We talk a bit longer about her plans for the night and finally hang up when I notice it’s time for dinner. I grab my purse, shoving my phone in it, and head for the door. When I open it, I step back in shock. Kegan is leaning against the wall opposite my door. His hands are in the pockets of his dark jeans. He has on a blue button-down shirt, but it’s rolled up to his elbows and the top two buttons are undone. His hair is wild as always and that damn smirk is in place.

  I step out and close the door behind me, keeping my back to him, I ask, “What are you doing here?”

  I feel him move closer and I turn around. His dark eyes are trailing up my body, taking a bit too long on my breasts, before locking with my eyes. I know he’s doing all this to punish me for what I said, but damn he’s good at it.

  “I thought we could walk to dinner together,” he says.

  Sure you did. “Where are the others?” I ask, as we begin to walk to the elevator.

  “Waiting for us at our table,” he says.

  We stand outside the elevator waiting for it to open and I feel the need to take a step away from him. His scent is wrapping around me, making me want to get closer. So, I do the opposite.

  He chuckles when the door opens, and we step on. “Was I too close?”

  I look up at him and he has a genuine smile on his face. Maybe I’m overthinking things. Maybe he really is just trying to be nice and get to know me a little better.

  “Not at all,” I say, smiling.

  “You look fucking hot, Lorelei,” he whispers, looking at me in the mirrors of the elevator.

  I feel the damn blush creep up my neck, but I don’t turn away. I keep my eyes locked on his in the mirror. “You do, too, Kegan.”

  Something shifts in that moment. The air gets thick and it’s suddenly unbearably hot. He steps closer, still gauging me in the mirror. I don’t move, I don’t breathe. His fingers trail slowly and softly across my lower back, before he grabs a hold of the bar against the wall. I search his eyes as he does the same.

  The elevator dings and the door opens. I jump, being jolted out of whatever the hell that just was. Kegan grins as I step past him and take a deep breath. My body cooling and my head suddenly clear.

  He walks right behind me, but I don’t bother looking back. When we enter the restaurant of the hotel, the hostess rushes to us.

&nb
sp; “Kegan Donovan, oh my god. The rest of the band is here already.” She does some sort of squeal that pierces my ears. “I’m a huge fan.”

  Kegan laughs and asks her if she’d like a picture. She nearly falls to the ground with excitement, pulling her phone out of her pocket. She takes a selfie with him and squeals again. I’m ready to just go find our table, when she finally says to follow her.

  “That was nice,” I whisper.

  “I’m a nice guy,” he says, giving me a wink.

  I laugh, causing the hostess to look back. I think it’s the first she’s noticed me because she narrows her eyes at me.

  Honey, you have more of a chance with him than I do.

  “Why’s that so funny?” he asks.

  We walk through a small, dark hallway that leads into the private area of the restaurant. She leads us to the room all the way to the left and stops.

  “What are your plans after dinner?” she asks.

  I lift my eyebrows, shocked at her forwardness. For all she knows, I could be his after dinner plans, but she doesn’t care. All she wants is a chance with Kegan Donovan. This must be how it always is. Why he’s always getting himself in the headlines. He doesn’t even need to try, and the women are begging for more.

  “I’ve got plans with my friends,” he says, looking down at me.

  It shouldn’t make my heart jump, but it does. Does he really consider me a friend?

  “Well, if plans change, I’m here until one,” she says, pushing her tits out toward him.

  He doesn’t say anything, just nods as he places his hand on the small of my back, ushering me into the room.

  “Finally, I’m fucking starving,” Everett says.

  “Damn boss lady, you look hot,” Lane says, standing to pull out my chair.

  “What the hell took so long?” Remi asks.

  I look up at Lane as I sit down. “Thank you.”

  Kegan sits across from me, Lane next to me, Everett next to Kegan, and Remi at the head of the table. Weird, I wouldn’t have guessed this seating arrangement. I would have expected Kegan at the head of the table.

  “Kegan was getting hit on, so it took us longer to make our way back,” I say, opening my menu.

  “What else is new?” Everett jokes.

  They begin talking about the hostess and I focus on the menu. I need a drink, like right now. I need something strong.

  “Jealous?” Kegan whispers, as the others continue to talk.

  I peek at him from behind my menu and grin. “Not even a little,” I say, laughing.

  “Boss lady, do we need your permission to have shots?” Lane asks.

  I laugh as I put my menu down. “First of all, I’m not your boss, I’m your publicist. Second, you don’t need my permission to do anything, I’m just trying to make my job easier when I need to keep your private lives out of the headline. Third, if you’re ordering shots, you better order me one, too.”

  They all laugh, and I glance at Kegan. He gives me a wink and I need to look away.

  Stop getting caught up in his player ways. He’s trying to make a point, don’t allow him.

  The waitress comes in and Lane orders a shot of Titos for us all. She also takes our drink and food orders. I decided on cranberry and Titos.

  “I talked to Olivia today,” Remi says. We all stop and look at him. He shrugs and runs his hand through his hair. “I told her we needed to talk, so she’s coming to the next concert.”

  Shit, I’m going to have a lot of work to do with him. Make a spin on everything and be sure that the world knows that if they break up, it was mutual and if they don’t, I’ll say they just needed to see each other that badly.

  “Does your mind ever stop working?” Kegan asks.

  I glance over at him and shrug. “No, I guess it doesn’t. I’m so used to working that it’s hard to stop.”

  “Lorelei, you need to learn how to relax,” Everett says.

  I begin to feel judged, so I get defensive. “I know exactly how to relax. I’m just used to doing it with my best friends, not a group of guys.”

  “That might be part of the problem,” Lane says, laughing.

  They all join in and I shake my head. “Shut the hell up, that’s not what I mean.”

  “Okay, so tell us what would you be doing if you were home?” Kegan asks.

  I clear my throat and adjust the napkin on my lap. I look around at four unbelievably hot men waiting on my answer and I begin to laugh. I mean how the hell is this real life right now?

  “Sorry,” I say, clearing my throat. “If I were home, my besties and I would be out at the club getting drunk and dancing.”

  The shots and drinks are dropped off just then and I’m grateful because I need it. Lane hands me a shot and when I go to take it Kegan grabs my hand.

  “Remi will do a toast,” he whispers, grinning.

  I grin and nod my head. Remi stands up and holding his shot. “To a successful, kickass tour, and our new friend, Lorelei.”

  My heart swells as they all look toward me. I hold my shot up and we all toss them back.

  “Damn, boss lady. I didn’t think you’d really do it,” Lane says, laughing.

  I join in as I adjust my dress. “I can hang, Lane. Don’t worry about that.”

  I take a sip of my cranberry and vodka as they all take a drink of their beer.

  “Alright, so you said you’d be at the club if you were home. What else did you do for fun?” Remi asks.

  “I work,” I say, feeling a bit embarrassed.

  I try to think of what I do for fun, but most of the time I’m working. I’m trying to get ahead, prove my worth. It worked because I’m sitting in a hotel, I’d never be able to afford, having dinner with one of the most famous bands. So, I guess I shouldn’t really be all the embarrassed.

  “So, even when you weren’t at work, you worked?” Lane asks.

  “Yep.”

  “What about dating? Didn’t you go out on dates?” Everett asks.

  I laugh looking around at all their curious faces. They really do want to know the answer. “My dating record isn’t great. I usually ended up with boring guys that only cared about work, too.”

  “So, what you would just sit around with your man and work?” Kegan asks, laughing.

  I groan and cover my face. “Yes.”

  They all laugh, and I end up joining them. It really does sound pathetic.

  “But look where it got me,” I say, sweeping my hand out toward them all.

  “In charge of four assholes,” Everett jokes.

  The night continues and it’s the most fun I’ve had, yet. They all tell me about growing up in New York and what it was like starting the band. Remi tells stories of him and Olivia and I watch as a sadness washes over each time. Everett tells me how he learned to play the drums without any lessons. That he just started listening to the music and playing it. Lane tells me what it was like growing up with Kegan as his older brother. How he would kick Lane out of their bedroom so he could be alone with girls. Kegan, he tells me how he’s living his dream and he thinks it’s cool I’m living mine.

  We’ve moved out to the bar about an hour ago and the fans that keep coming are impressive. Groups of fans, males, and of course the females. They all want autographs or photos or both. There is screaming, giggling, and downright awe when the fans notice the guys. It intrigues me watching how each of them interact with the fans. It’s so easy to see that they love every second of it, as they should.

  Kegan hands me my fourth shot of the night and grins. “Last one,” he says. I take it and he grabs my hand. “Truce?”

  I nod my head, searching his dark heated eyes. “Truce,” I say.

  We both toss back the shot, and he grabs my hand. “Come on, let’s go dance with them.”

  I’m feeling good and I’m excited to get out on the dance floor. Is it professional? Hell no. Do I care in this moment? Not even a little. The label wanted me to be with them and I’m gaining their respect more by h
aving fun with them. I regret nothing.

  The dance floor is crowded, and I have no doubt it’s the four famous, sexy men on it. Women are all over them and for the most part they are good about it. Everett keeps getting a little handsy, but nothing I’ll need to worry about.

  I begin to move to the beat as I watch everyone around me. Lane and Everett have two women each on them. Remi is standing off the side of the dance floor talking to a group of people. Kegan, well he’s behind me. I haven’t turned my head, but I know he is. I can feel his huge presence. I continue to shake my body and moan when a slow song comes on.

  Kegan grabs my hand and tips his beer toward me. “Would you like to dance?”

  I lift an eyebrow and step a little closer to him. “With you?”

  He laughs, wrapping an arm around me. I rest my hands on his shoulders and we move slowly to the beat. “I was trying to run you off with the flirting,” he admits, rubbing small circles on my lower back.

  “I know,” I say.

  “I don’t like to be told what to do,” he says.

  I move my hands down to his chest and back up again. “That was clear from the second I met you. You weren’t welcoming.”

  He nods as he takes a sip of his beer. My body moves against his as he tightens his hold on me. It’s every bit the turn on he wants it to be, but it’s also more. It tells me that we are truly moving in the right direction. That when Remi said I was a friend, they all meant it. All because the big guy finally said it was time.

  “They all idolize you; you realize that right?” I say.

  “They depend on me,” he corrects. I lift an eyebrow and he hands his beer to a waitress walking by. He places his free hand right above my ass and my eyes shoot to his. He pulls me closer to him and my heart beats faster.

  “Lane makes decisions with his heart. Everett makes decisions with his gut. Remi makes decisions by overthinking. I make decisions with my head that are based on facts. They depend on me to do that. You laughed earlier when I said I’m a nice guy and I deserved that. I am an asshole until I know someone can be trusted.”