by Wild, Nikki
“Oh, okay,” she nodded. Silence fell over us, the bus swaying from side to side as it traveled down the highway, the wheels humming a familiar song, while her hand laying on top of mine completely unfamiliar.
It felt good.
It felt peaceful.
My cock twitched in my pants, ever present and undeniable. I turned my hand around and laced her fingers in mine, squeezing lightly. She squeezed back, and we sat there next to each other, staring out the window and watching the rest of the world fly by.
Chapter 15
CATHERINE
Ian and Liam headed over to the hospital as soon as they got off the bus. I stood in front of the bus, watching them walk away, strolling side by side quietly, as if the fighting earlier hadn’t happened at all. The rest of us disappeared into the hotel to check in. I dropped my bags in my room, changed clothes and took a stroll to stretch my legs.
We’d been on the bus for hours, just stopping briefly a few times along the way. Liam and I had spent the better part of it together talking quietly, and I’d stepped off the bus with a completely different view of him.
After all he’d told me, he now seemed even more human than ever.
I’d reached out and touched his hand when he told me about Ally, my heart breaking for him. Somehow, he’d managed to keep this story out of the countless articles about him. I’d done extensive research, and I hadn’t read one word about Ally. The pain that flashed in his eyes when he recounted the story was hard to look at. When he interlaced his fingers with mine, I let him. I had a feeling he didn’t exactly reach out to many people like that.
The sun was shining brightly and I inhaled deeply as I strolled along the gardens of the hotel, thinking about everything he’d told me.
I’d pondered how to approach this story. How to best portray the human side of someone who most people only knew as a one-dimensional figure. There was obviously a lot more to Liam than met the eye.
The bright Philadelphia sun burned my skin as I walked around the hotel and onto a trail that led to a large park. The skirt of the airy yellow sundress I’d changed into back in my room fluttered around my legs. The edge of the park lined one side of the hospital and I took in my surroundings as I approached. It was filled with kids from the hospital. Some being pushed in wheelchairs by parents or nurses, some wearing hats over their obviously bare heads, some being helped along as they walked slowly down the paved paths that wound around the park and around a large pond.
I strolled around the pond slowly, Liam’s words echoing in my head. I wanted to show everyone how human he was, but I wasn’t sure how to do that without revealing some of the personal things he’d shared. Surely he knew I’d want to use that information. But somehow, it felt like a betrayal.
I rounded a corner and stopped in my tracks. A few yards ahead, Liam was sitting on a bench, a book in his lap and a very young boy sitting next to him, hanging on his every word. Liam read aloud, his face animated and full of happiness. He looked completely relaxed and at ease. The deep lines that were a usual fixture on his forehead had disappeared, and his eyes shone brightly with joy as he looked down warmly at the boy as he turned a page, the two of them oblivious to anything but each other.
I took out my phone and snapped a quick picture of the two of them. I’d send it to Liam later as a gift. Quickly, I turned around and headed the opposite way down the path. The last thing I wanted to do was break up a moment like that. I slipped my phone back in my purse and turned my face up to the sun. The fresh air filled my lungs, refreshing me. If felt good to feel the heat on my skin, to stretch out and be alone with my thoughts. I continued my stroll back to my room, my steps slowing as images of Liam filled my head.
The more I learned about him, the more I wanted. I felt like I’d only begun to scratch the surface. The question was, how deep was I willing to go?
If I was honest, I’d tell you my boundaries were pretty flexible right now.
If I was honest, I’d tell you that in the last few hours, I’d found it increasingly hard to stay objective and professional. His kiss from last night had stayed with me all day. Talking to him alone, away from the energy of everyone else - Ian, fans, managers, and all the other people in his orbit - had given me a glimpse of the real Liam.
And so far, I liked what I saw.
Chapter 16
LIAM
Callum McGregor and Ian sat across from me in the hospital cafeteria. Being in this hospital was always comforting. Ian and Lennon and I had spent many hours in this cafeteria, and we sat at Lennon’s favorite table by the window that overlooked a pond filled with ducks. The sound of Lennon’s laughter came rushing back to me, and I smiled. I missed that kid fiercely. He was always happy, always curious, always asking questions about everything around him. He’d never once complained about all the painful treatments he had to go through. He’d never even asked why.
I had, though. I’d cursed God and the Queen and everyone else I could think of. Our family was torn apart after Lennon’s death, but during his illness, we’d banded together for him. It wasn’t till after he was gone that everything went to shit.
“How’s the charity going?” Ian asked Callum. Callum was a sad sack of shit, but I loved him. His life was a mess, but so far, he’d done a good job of running the charity. We raised millions of dollars at fundraisers held all over the world and gave a huge portion of our earnings to the charity. Callum was in charge of identifying the leading cancer studies on the most cutting edge treatments that we could help fund and making sure that money got to them. Ian and I had insisted on funding not only the most well-known scientists, but also funding the smaller, more obscure ones that were doing more experimental work. Our goal was to help find a cure for cancer. We didn’t care where that cure came from.
“It’s doing great, Ian,” Callum said. Callum was a skinny, nervous chap, his hands always flying around as he talked, his eyes darting back and forth between the two of us.
“Have you heard any promising news from any of our funding recipients?” I asked.
“They don’t keep me in the loop too much,” he said.
“Keep you in the loop? Just go visit them. We are giving them millions of fuckin’ dollars, for fuck’s sake.”
“Yeah, well, I don’t like to bother them.”
“I hardly think a phone call or a quick visit would be a bother, Callum,” I replied.
“Of course, of course. I do keep in touch with them, don’t get me wrong.”
“Right. Did you get those fiscal reports to the accountant?” Ian asked. “He called me the other day and said he hadn’t received them yet.”
“We were having some computer problems in the office this week. I’ll get them over to him as soon as I can.”
“Okay, great. Well, is there anything you need from us?” I asked. Being in the same room with Callum was never pleasant. He had Ally’s eyes and it was unnerving to look at him. He was a stark reminder of a past that I tried hard to forget.
“No, I don’t think so. The money is flowing smoothly, everything is going great, and maybe someday someone will find a cure.”
“We’re bankin’ on it, mate,” Ian said, patting Callum on the back. “Thanks for keeping the ship afloat, brother.”
“My pleasure,” Callum said. “It’s good to see the two of you.”
“You too, Callum,” I said, standing up to leave, and shaking his hand. “Is that a new watch?”
“Oh,” Callum said, pushing his shirt down over what looked to be a very expensive rolex. “Yeah, a present from my Mom.”
“Oh, and how is your Mom, Callum?”
“She’s doing great, thanks,” he replied.
“Wonderful, give her my love,” I said.
“We’ll see you at the show tonight, right? You get your tickets?” Ian asked.
“Sure did, Matt sent them over.”
“Great, see you there,” I said, as Ian and I turned to walk away.
“Well, at lea
st Matt did something right,” Ian muttered.
“He’s the worst manager ever,” I replied. “Even worse than the last two.”
“Yep,” Ian said, his voice laced with irritation. “We’re digging out of the bottom of the barrel, it seems.”
“Yeah, that’s my fault, right?” I asked. Ian’s disappointment in me was always evident, always right on the surface.
“Pretty much, Liam,” he said. “I guess most people who sign on to be a tour manager don’t fancy getting death threats.”
“Right,” I said, falling silent as we walked back to the hotel. The bright sunshine blinded us as soon as we walked outside. We put our sunglasses on and put our heads down, hoping to avoid being recognized by anyone during the short walk to the hotel. We usually had Big D with us, but Ian and I insisted on visiting the hospital completely alone. Big D was a big, scary guy, and the kids at the hospital had enough fear in their lives.
“How’s everything going with Catherine?” Ian asked.
“I don’t know. I’m sure I’m probably screwing that up, too.”
“Yeah, you probably are.”
I laughed, in spite of myself.
“You’re such a wanker, Ian.”
“Just make sure you keep your pants on, at least. The last thing we need is another article about your sexual prowess.”
“Oh, come on, mate! It’d be a smash hit!”
“Right. Well, if you want to be sure we ever have another smash hit, then you’d better be on your best behavior with her. She could make us or break us.”
“I hardly think one little story could hold such power, Ian.”
“It’s not the story we’re worried about, Liam. It’s your fucking reputation. As a professional. Interest is waning, ticket sales are down, and nobody wants to work with us. Get your shit together, or we’ll be shovelin’ shit instead of swingin’ that ax, mate. If I have to get a real fuckin’ job because of your shenanigans, I’ll shove my boot up your ass!”
“Don’t worry, little brother. Have I ever let you down?” I asked.
“Yes!” he cried, throwing his hands up in the air. “Every bloody day of our lives!”
“Oh, calm down, Ian! You’re so fuckin’ dramatic. I’ve got Catherine right where I want her.”
“Well, as long as that isn’t on the tip of your dick…”
Chapter 17
CATHERINE
The show in Philadelphia was even better than the one before. Liam’s onstage presence was powerful and raw. Sweat poured down his face as he slithered around the stage like a man possessed. Tonight, he’d traded in his usual jeans for a pair of tight-fitting black leather pants that did nothing to hide the huge bulge between his legs. The usual open shirt was gone completely, his guitar strapped over his shoulder the only other thing he was wearing besides the passion that washed over his face as he sang his heart out.
The fans ate it up. Lining the stage, they danced and swayed, staring up at him adoringly. I watched from the side with Rhone again, the two of us just as caught up in the energy as everyone else watching. It was impossible not to - they were electric.
Everything was going smoothly, until Liam was singing an old song from their first album titled “Bad Idea”. He changed the lyrics in the chorus, as I knew as soon as he’d done it. Rhone and I looked at each other and she shook her head.
“Ian’s going to be so pissed. He does that all the time,” she said. Sure enough, I glanced over at Ian and he was fuming, his death glare firmly pointed in Liam’s direction. “God, I hope they don’t have another fight. I’m getting so sick of Ian being pissed off all the time.”
Ian turned away from Liam and the show went on normally, but Ian’s anger was apparent.
When they were finished, Ian stormed off stage, leaving the rest of the band to do the encore without him. Liam was unfazed, singing the songs perfectly, leaving the crowd begging for more when he was finished.
When it was all over, he strode right over to me, and planted a very sweaty kiss firmly on my lips and then walked away, leaving me stunned and frozen as the others streamed past me.
“Watch out, Catherine,” Rhone whispered before walking away, “he’s bad news.”
As if I hadn’t figured that out already.
His kiss stung my lips and I felt dizzy. I touched a finger to my lips, and felt everything inside of me melt.
I was in big trouble, and I wasn’t sure there was a way out of it that didn’t include falling under Liam’s spell.
Chapter 18
LIAM
Management always booked an extra room at every hotel we stayed at on tour. It was intended to be a place for schmoozing and networking but it just ended up being a big party every time. But we were ‘encouraged’ to attend every night, just in case there were some puffed up VIP’s that someone had deemed important that we meet. I hated that part, but I was almost always up for a party, so I played along.
Tonight, I wasn’t really in the mood for all of that. I went anyway, but only because I was hoping to get a little farther with Catherine tonight, and by ‘a little farther’ I meant I was hoping to finally sink my cock into her tight little center. I wasn’t one for taking my time, but I was surprised to find that I was enjoying the chase a little bit.
I was just ready for that to be over.
As soon as I walked in, I was cornered by Callum.
“Great show tonight, Liam,” he said.
“Thanks,” I said, scanning the room over his shoulder for Catherine. I spotted her in the corner talking to Ian and as soon as he saw me, he turned and walked away. So he was still pissed, I thought. Oh, well. No surprise there.
I headed over to Catherine, leaving Callum talking about something behind me. She was wearing a tiny black dress that left her long legs bare, and they seemed to go on forever. My cock twitched in my pants as I thought about how they’d feel wrapped around my hips. She smiled as I approached.
“Hello, luv,” I said, pulling her in for a hug. To my surprise, she hugged me back warmly. “You look fuckin’ fantastic.”
“Thank you,” she replied. She looked away shyly and I saw a slight blush creep up her neck. “How are you? Your show was great.”
“Was it?” I asked. “I thought so, but I don’t think Ian agrees.”
“No, I think he’s quite upset with you…again.”
“I’m sure he is. He’s always pissed at me. Are you seeing that now? There’s a bit of a pattern here,” I winked.
“I see that,” she said. “It must be exhausting.”
“For me or for him?” I asked.
She laughed, and her face lit up with beauty. My cock throbbed between my legs, and just as I was about to ask her if she wanted to leave, Callum walked up.
“Catherine, this is Callum McGregor, he runs our charity. I told you about him the other day.”
“Oh, yes,” she replied, holding out her hand. Callum shook it and nodded.
“Nice to meet you,” he said.
“Catherine is writing a story for Rolling Stone magazine. She’s attempting to restore my reputation, if you can believe that,” I said.
“Well, that’s quite a job!” Callum said jokingly. Catherine joined in the laughter.
“It sounds like you have the important job,” she replied. “I’d love to get together with you, ask you a few questions about the charity - if that’s alright with you, Liam?”
“Sure, whatever, that’s fine,” I replied. I’d have agreed to anything if it meant I would be alone with Catherine sooner.
“I don’t think I could really contribute anything to the story…” Callum replied.
“Oh, it wouldn’t take long at all, actually,” Catherine said. “Just a few minutes of your time? We could even do it by phone.”
“Sure, that’s fine,” Callum said, pulling out his wallet. “Here’s my card, just give me a call tomorrow and we’ll talk.”
“Perfect, thank you. It was nice to meet you,” Catherine said.
>
“Callum, we must be going,” I interrupted. “I’ll see you when we get to Los Angeles.”
“Okay, Liam, see you then,” Callum turned and walked away.
“Is it hard for you to see him?” Catherine asked.
“It’s easier with time,” I replied. “He looks a lot like Ally, so that makes it difficult.”
She nodded, her green eyes peering into mine.
“Do you see him often?”
“No, not really. Usually, when we’re in America, he’ll fly in to go to the hospital with us like he did today. He lives in Los Angeles; that’s where the office for the charity is. I’ll see him again when we get there.”
“I see,” she said.
“Enough about Callum. Let’s talk about you, and this sexy dress you’re wearing. Luv, I think I can see every curve of your body in that thing. Tell me - did you wear this for me?” I asked. My cock was quickly growing in my jeans and I wanted to run my hands over every one of those curves.
“No, I didn’t wear it for you,” she replied, shaking her head.
“No? I’m hurt,” I said, frowning.
“Don’t be.”
“Well maybe you can make it up to me,” I replied.
“Not that I need to, but just for fun, how would I do that?” she asked with a raised eyebrow.
“Let’s refresh our drinks and find a quiet place on the balcony to talk, away from all of these boring people. Please?” I asked.
“Are those manners?” she asked teasingly. “I didn’t know you had them.”
“I’ve got a lot of things you haven’t seen,” I shot back.
“Hardly,” she scoffed. “I think I’ve seen your…biggest…attributes,” she joked, gesturing between my legs.