Tears stung her eyes. “Why is it always about you? Do you even care that someone is after me and trying to hurt me?”
“Enough with the dramatics. We have tried for so long to steer you in the right direction, but all you did was rebel and challenge us at every turn. Your behavior was appalling – parading around with your delinquent boyfriends, the drinking, the drugs…frankly, I’m glad you’re gone. Shame on me, I thought we’d raised you better.”
“Shame on you is right! You’ve treated me like an accessory all my life! I was a prop, not a daughter! Color-coordinated, coiffed, and manicured. Smile when I say. Retreat to your room when we’re done with the photo-ops. Speak only when spoken to. Keep the pole up your ass. It’ll help with your posture.”
“We gave you everything and you pissed it all away. You left because you weren’t strong enough to face the situation you created!”
“That’s not true! You and Dad banished me so it wouldn’t hurt your perfect little bullshit life!” The anger she’d kept bottled up for the past twenty-two years erupted, and the release wasn’t nearly as cathartic as she’d hoped. Because at the end of the day, her worst fears had been confirmed. Beneath all the posturing, her parents really didn’t care at all. She was a component of their plans, a checkmark on the list of requirements for a political candidate. There was no remorse or tearful apology from her mother.
Cold was an understatement for the tone of her mother’s voice. It was more like top-of-Mount-Everest-frigid. “If that’s how you really feel, Sara, then I think we’re done. Your father and I have spent far too long trying to clean up the messes you’ve created.”
“You know what, Mom? Maybe if you’d treated me like a daughter instead of an employee, things between us might be different. I know I’ve made a lot of mistakes, and I have a list of regrets miles long. But isn’t the point of living and learning that you try to make your situation better? To reconcile with the people you’ve wronged?”
The silence was devastating, and so telling at the same time. “I can’t discuss this anymore. Your father needs me.”
Sara’s heart plummeted into her designer boots as the line went dead. Your father needs me. What about your daughter? Doesn’t she rate? Did she ever?
She stared at the phone in her hand, the answer plain as day. With a stifled sob, she sank into one of the chairs. Her life had been a gargantuan snowball of mistakes and regrets, gathering speed, poised to crush her.
“I’m sorry!” Tears came, fast and furious, streaming down her face, washing away all remnants of the person she was covering up. The makeup, the clothes, the shoes…the façade finally crumbled, revealing what had been broken for so long. “God, I’m so sorry!” Would she ever get the chance to be whole again, to prevent the past from consuming every remaining shred of happiness in her life? Or was she destined to suffer alone, punishment for the ills inflicted at her hand? She clenched her fists, expelling a long, steady breath. No, this was a new chapter, written by her. The control she’d always craved, now tightly gripped by her hands, was impossible for anybody to steal. Her story was far from over. It was just beginning.
The door creaked open, and Sean appeared in the doorway, a concerned look on his face. “Sara, what’s wrong? Are you okay?”
“Yeah, Sean, life just sucks sometimes, but I’ll be fine.” Her fate wasn’t carved in stone, and dammit, she’d fight like a hellcat to make those words a reality.
COPS SWARMED THE ACCIDENT SCENE. Teams of engineers and stagehands were still cleaning up the rubble, testing each pulley and cable to figure out how hundreds of pounds of metal fell from the rafters and crushed Gia Lourdes.
Gia’s in bad shape. You need to get over here now.
It was the third text from Finn that Daxton had received in the past hour. Of course, the rest of the guys had texted him about twenty more times with similar messages. And there was still a phone call he needed to make to Tyler, but that one had to wait. Anger bubbled in his veins. All this time had passed, and Tyler never said a goddamned word about any of it. His throat tightened, the urge to pick up a bottle of Jack and hurl it against a wall was so overpowering. A temporary fix. Just like everything else in his life. Except Sara. Her presence alone blunted the pain, made him want to resist the fury before it unleashed.
Daxton bolted toward the pressroom. The door was wide open, but where the hell was Sean? Why wasn’t he guarding the place? His heart hammered harder with each step until Sara’s blonde head appeared. A small smile lifted her quivering lips, her face streaked with tears. She fell into his arms, her shoulders quaking. A strand of hair escaped her messy bun, tickling the stubble on his chin. He smoothed it back, using it as an excuse to trace his fingertips across her soft cheek. “What’s wrong, baby? Why are you so upset?”
Her eyes darkened for a fleeting second. “My mom finally called me back.”
“What did she say?”
Sara took a deep breath. “Exactly what I thought. She pretty much confirmed I’m on my own. But it’s fine. I’m fine.”
“Are you kidding me? She blew it off?”
“I’m accountable for my decisions, Dax, nobody else.”
“So your parents are just going to sit back and watch you be tormented by some psychopath stalker?” What the fuck was wrong with those people? Their daughter’s safety was at risk, and they didn’t give a good goddamn about it? He clenched his fists, trying to fight the urge to punch a hole in something. Christ, what he’d give to be standing in front of Sara’s father right about then.
“Hey. I’m a big girl. I can handle this myself. I made mistakes, and I need to face them, whatever the consequences.” She leaned in, nuzzling his ear. “Now go to the hospital. The sooner you go, the sooner you can take me back to bed.”
“Much as I like the sound of the last part, there’s no way I’m leaving you. You have no idea who you’re dealing with.”
“I’ll be fine. Sean and Kat are here.” She pulled away, a determined look on her face. Fierce. Strong. No longer the naïve, scared girl on the run. “Go. Really. Don’t let any more time pass.”
Another text vibrated his phone. Perfect timing. A quick glance confirmed it was Merrick.
He looked up. “I think you staying here is a really stupid idea.”
“Well, that just shows how little faith you have in me.”
“It’s actually my lack of faith in everyone else.”
Her lips brushed against his, making his cock spring to life in immediate response. He swallowed a groan. “Are you sure I can’t convince you to come?”
“Save it for later.” That wicked gleam in her eye sent blood rushing to his groin.
“You’d better take care of yourself while I’m gone,” he grumbled. “You’ve already teased me too much.”
“Just wait until tonight.”
Sean walked into the pressroom with a phone pressed to his ear. “Sara, Kat wants to review the attendee list with you and we have to confirm their access to the conference. Nobody gets in without a pass, no exceptions, per the home office in Houston.”
“Sure.” She nudged Dax. “Go. You have to be back here for the conference in a couple of hours.”
“Sean, I’m going to the hospital. Don’t leave her side, okay?” His gaze never strayed from Sara’s face. It was almost as if he needed to commit every detail to memory. The strength in her eyes, the resolve in her voice…he’d always sensed there were so many layers to this girl. She wanted her life, her way. Who the hell was he to challenge that?
“You got it, Dax.” Sean nodded toward Sara. “I told Kat we’d meet her back in the security shed.”
With a final wave, Sara disappeared around a corner with Sean.
Dax pulled out his phone and shot off a quick text to Merrick letting him know he was on his way. He jogged toward the exit and jumped into a waiting SUV, blacked out from top to bottom.
The driver slid into the front seat after slamming the back door shut. “We’ll be there in abo
ut twenty minutes, Mr. Cole.”
“Thanks.” He let out a deep breath and skimmed headlines on his phone until they pulled up to the Emergency Room at Banner University Medical Center. All the media outlets were speculating about Gia’s condition - nothing positive. A twinge of guilt pricked him. Their last heated exchange, the final break after months of being on-again, off-again…he hadn’t mentioned it to anyone. Chick was definitely off her nut, but she was still his friend, and he was an asshole for not going to the hospital sooner. A cold feeling snaked through his insides. Add it to his ever-growing list of regrets.
The driver opened the door and Dax slid on his sunglasses, shielding him from the cameras. The sidewalk outside the entrance was flooded with paparazzi in preparation for his long awaited arrival.
“Daxton, any word on Gia?”
“Is Gia going to make it?”
“They’re talking long-term brain damage and paralysis. Can you confirm?”
“Are you two still dating?”
He pushed through the crowd, not uttering a syllable. Fucking vultures. Once inside, Finn grabbed his arm and led him down a hallway.
“She’s finally out of surgery. What the fuck took you so long, man?”
“Is she okay?”
“They were able to repair most of the damage to her spine and stop the bleeding, but she’s still in a coma and her legs have more pins than a bowling alley.”
“Fuck.” Dax rubbed a hand down his face.
“Dax, what the hell is going on with you?”
“It’s Sara.”
Finn furrowed his brow. “What about her?”
“I slept with her.”
“Yeah, and?”
“You knew?”
“Did you think we were all on another planet last night when you brought her back to the bus?” Finn snickered. “Well, okay, some of us were.”
“But not you.”
“Not me. It wasn’t really a shocker. You’ve been cozying up to her since she showed up at that first show in Houston. I figured you’d just bang her and get it over with.”
Dax shook his head. “It’s more than that.”
“What? Are you in love or some shit like that?”
“Some shit like that,” he grunted.
“Damn. Finally got tired of groupies sucking you off?”
“Screw you. She’s different, Finn.”
“Different how? Did she let you fuck her in the ear or something?”
“You’re an asshole. I mean, I feel different when I’m around her. I like her.”
“More than just for sex?”
“Yes.” Dax rolled his eyes. “Is that really all it’s about for you?”
“Affirmative.” Finn grinned. “So, now you’re gonna be pussy-whipped like Liam? What the hell kind of a band is this turning into? Are we going folk?”
“Don’t worry, with your dick on the loose, our reputation will be salvaged.”
“I’m only one man. Does this mean I need to nail three times as many chicks now?”
“Aren’t you doing that already?” Dax pushed back his hair. “Listen, Finn. There’s more to this whole thing. It’s not confirmed yet, but—” His mouth snapped shut as a male voice floated into the corridor. Daxton’s ears perked up. He’d heard that voice before…talking about a girl…someone who was running from something, from her past. But when—? Daxton’s throat constricted when the realization hit. It was fucking Eli, and he’d been talking to Merrick about Sara when Daxton had overheard them in the green room. Eli knew.
“Yeah, I fucked her. She wasn’t all that. Perfect ass, but not much else.” Pause. “I’m out of here in the morning.” Pause. “Whatever. She was scared shitless and went running to that clown, Cole.”
Fury coursed through Daxton’s veins, making his body shake. He stormed over to the door and flung it open.
Eli’s head snapped toward him, eyes wide. “Uh, hey, Dax. What’s—?“
Nothing. He saw Eli’s lips move and heard nothing. Seeing red was a gross understatement. All he saw was himself putting Eli through a wall. Better yet, pummeling him into the core of the earth. He grabbed Eli’s shirt collar and shoved him into the cinder blocks.
“You fucking prick! You’re the one who’s behind all this! You’re the reason Gia’s in a coma!”
Finn pulled him away from Eli. “Dude, what the hell are you talking about? It was an accident.”
Dax yanked out of Finn’s grip, lunging for Eli again. “It wasn’t an accident! This bastard did it!” He swung at Eli, the punch landing square on his jaw. “You’re the one who’s been sending those texts, haven’t you? You tampered with the cables on stage. You almost killed Gia!”
A stream of blood drizzled from the corner of Eli’s mouth. “I don’t know what you’re talking about. I didn’t send any text, and I didn’t do anything to those cables!”
“Liar!” Daxton roared, grabbing the collar of Eli’s jacket. “You did this and you’re the one who’s gonna pay!”
“Dax!” Finn pushed him away from Eli. “Cut it out! You’re acting like a fucking crazy person!”
“Get the hell out of my way, Finn! This asshole is going to fucking jail!” Daxton pushed Finn out of the way and tackled Eli to the floor. A sharp scent of antiseptic assaulted his nostrils. He pulled his arm back and swung again, his fist connecting with Eli’s nose.
“I didn’t do anything, Dax!” Eli tried to roll away, but Daxton caught him by the jacket again. “I don’t know what you’re talking about!”
“I heard you talking to Merrick about Sara! I heard you tell him about what happened in Minnesota. You’re the only one who knew. The only one!”
“Dax! Leave him alone!” Finn dragged him off Eli. “Cut it out before you’re the one who ends up in jail.”
Eli clutched his nose, blood gushing down the front of his shirt. “I only told Merrick because he asked. I didn’t even know anyone was texting her! She never told me, but maybe that was because she was all over your stick.”
Dax took another swing at Eli, but Finn’s grip was too tight. “Why the fuck should I believe that? Sara kicked you to the curb. Laney just fired your ass. You had a motive. You’re the only one who would have pulled this.”
Eli struggled to his feet, holding a hand over his nose. “Yeah, except I didn’t. And it couldn’t have been me fucking around with those cables because I’ve been staying at a hotel since Laney kicked me off the tour. Security took my access badge right after they carried me off the bus. Talk to Sean.” He swayed against the wall, panting. “I’m not a fucking psychopath.”
Daxton sank to his heels, leaning back against the door. If it wasn’t Eli, then who the hell had access to Sara? How the fuck would someone be able to get on board her bus to leave that postcard? The texts were coming from a blocked number; it could have been the same person, but they’d need clearance to move around. The tour venues were on lockdown. Everyone needed a press pass. Even his asshat father, Sam, needed to be escorted by security to get to him. His head throbbed. “I’m sorry, man.”
Eli pushed past Finn. “Fuck you, Cole. You’ll be getting a call from my lawyer.”
“Dude, watch it. You’re bleeding all over the place. Good thing we’re in a hospital.” Finn snorted with laughter. “Dax, what the hell is wrong with you? He’s gonna take you to the cleaners for hauling off on him like that.”
“I don’t care. Let him try.”
“You beat the shit out of him for no reason. What the hell is up with you?”
Ten minutes and an ice pack for his swollen hand later, Daxton had gone through the sordid details, from the threatening texts and postcard to Eli screwing Laney. “How could I have known she’d thrown him off the tour? I’m not his keeper.”
“Still, it doesn’t make him a criminal. Just a douchebag. Did you ask Merrick about the conversation?”
“Not yet. Maybe someone else overheard them? It’s not possible someone from her hometown could have gotten onto her bu
s to leave that postcard. Someone on the tour did it. I just don’t know who. Or why.”
“Are you going to beat the crap out of everyone who you think might have a reason to chase her away? Why don’t you let the cops handle it?”
“I need to protect her.”
Finn clapped a hand on his shoulder. “Listen, if it wasn’t an accident, the cops will find the person who did it. That’s what they’re paid to do.”
Yeah, but what if they didn’t find the person in time? It had to be an inside job, but based on everything he knew, there were no leads. It’s like the person disappeared into thin air without a trace. Impossible to find, until it was time to strike again.
“DAX, MAN. WHAT THE HELL is up with you? You can’t just pound the shit out of people for no reason. Eli is going to sue your ass for that stunt, and the press is going to attack you like a rabid dog.” Merrick handed Daxton a steaming cup of coffee. “Speaking of which, where’s your little shadow? Shouldn’t she be here making sure you’re on your best behavior?”
“Do you have to make a dig every time you mention her name?” He glared at Merrick and poured sugar into the cup.
“You should have started with the sugar and left a little room for the coffee.” Merrick snickered. “Seriously man, I don’t know why you’re so touchy lately. I didn’t mean anything by it. Just wanted to point out that your ass is on probation with the label, and you just pummeled the other band’s manager into the floor tiles.”
“Ex-manager,” Daxton grumbled.
“Whatever the hell you want to call him. He’s still going to hang you out to dry.”
“Let him try.”
“Talk to me, man. Did something happen on the hiatus? You’re so goddamn edgy lately. Nobody knows what to expect from you, and people are getting tired of it.”
Daxton walked over to the cashier and put down the coffee. A box of grape-flavored Bubblicious gum sat on the counter. Jackpot. He looked at the young girl standing in front of the register; the one whose mouth still hadn’t closed since he’d strode into the cafeteria with Merrick. “I’ll take every pack you have.” No response. Hell, she might not have even been breathing. Okay, show some sign you heard me.
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