“But as much as we love her, there is someone who claims to love her more.” Shazza pouts and points behind the decks. I turn to see Dominic stood behind the decks and he strides towards me with a smile on his face. I run to him and throw myself into his arms, wrapping my legs around his waist and he spins me on the spot. I squeal in delight as he carries me to the front of the stage and lowers me onto unsteady feet.
I see him take the microphone from Shazza and my eyebrows knit in confusion. What the hell is he doing? I see the camera for the big screen get closer. I see the radio stations, photographers and camera crews all gathered at the front of the stage. I turn back to Dom and see he looks as nervous as hell. Then he drops to one knee!
Holy-fuck-balls!
The crowd go into hysteria and the lights all centre in on the pair of us, now alone on the stage.
“Tara, you have no idea how damn amazing you are. You are talented, intelligent, funny and loyal. You’re everything I try to be but talent like yours isn’t taught or learnt, it is born. You have no idea how proud I am to say you’re mine. I’m one lucky bastard, I’m sure everyone will agree?” The crowd, again, go into hysteria before Dom speaks again.
“Being a part of your world is an honour and a privilege, you complete me and make me the man I am. I love you with every fibre of my being and I need you more than I need my heartbeat. So, DJ DisDiva, Tara Powers.” Dominic pulls a ring box from his pocket and opens it to produce a stunning diamond cut princess ring. “Will you do me the honour of agreeing to be my wife?”
The roar of the crowd is deafening but they fade into the background, I see and hear nothing except for Dominic who is now looking at me with eyes full of love, nerves and a touch of fear. He swallows hard before dropping the mic creating a short blast of microphone feedback. I realise my hands are over my mouth in shock and my eyes have filled with tears.
He has really done it! He has popped the question live on stage in front of the biggest audience I have ever played for, not to mention all of the media too. I try to breathe but my heart has stopped, my lungs not functioning and my brain is abuzz as I try to take this in.
When I don’t reply immediately Dom’s eyes fill with doubt and he gets up from his knee, towering over me at his full height. I look up into his beautiful, sincere face and drop my hands from my mouth. Dominic lowers his mouth to my ear. “I want to spend every day, from now until I die, by your side, looking after you and proving to you that I deserve to be your husband. I will cherish you forever and love for the rest of eternity.”
In my minds eye I see us together forever, having children, retiring to the cottage in Matlock. The first step towards that fantasy is marriage, and I still haven’t answered him.
“I’ll marry you, Dominic Clayton.” I give him a watery smile as a tear rolls down my cheek. Dominic’s face splits with a huge smile and his eyes light up. His hand comes up to cup my face and I press my cheek into his palm, my tear running onto his skin.
“Yes? You’ll be my wife?” He seems astounded and I nod, choking on emotion.
“There’s nothing I would love more. You’ve made this the best day of my life, three times over.”
Dominic engulfs me in a hug before lifting me and spinning me. The crowd going crazy around us as he puts me back on my feet and slides the beautiful ring onto my finger. Tears are now flowing freely and I wrap my arms around his neck, going up on tip toes to devour his mouth as I try to pour my whole heart into one kiss.
“She said yes!!” Shazza bellows over the mic and all around us people go crazy, yelling, blowing whistles and horns blaring. Fireworks start exploding in the sky above us and we break off the kiss to watch as the morning sky is illuminated by sparks, crackles and explosive bursts of bright light.
“Now, who wants an invite to the wedding?” Shazza screams with a filthy laugh, both Dom and I staring at her like she truly has lost her mind.
Epilogue
The church is packed to the rafters with people and everyone who is anyone in the music industry is all stood, hushed in the pews. I’m as nervous as hell and feeling sick to my stomach. I look at Shazza and see her excited grin as she holds her bouquet of flowers and adjusts her floor length deep purple dress. I’ve never suffered with stage fright, not even at the biggest shows and festivals, I’ve always had that hyped up, adrenaline fuelled desire to be centre stage, but this. This is different.
I pick up my bouquet of flowers and suck in a deep breath, feeling my knees trembling beneath me. “Are you okay, Tara, love? You look a little green at the gills.”
I sigh out a huge breath and try to smile at Valerie who looks beautiful, stunning even. Pops is a lucky guy. “I’m okay, Val. How are your nerves coping?”
Val flicks my comment away. “Oh, I’m fine, love. Excited even. Let’s get this show on the road.” She turns to the vicar who proceeds inside and signals for the organ player to start the entry music of Here Comes The Bride.
All eyes turn to the back of the church and I swear I’m on the verge of passing out. There are hundreds of people inside and as we start to walk slowly down the aisle I feel tunnel vision coming on.
Shit! Please, dear God above, please don’t let me pass out!
Shaz must sense I’m not quite right because she takes my hand as we proceed down the aisle behind Valerie. I look up to the front of the church to see Pops stood with Shazza’s Dad, his best man. Right behind them, looking as dashing as a prince himself is Dominic. The sight of him in a suit is breath taking and the warm smile on his face is all I see until we reach the front of the church and the vicar starts the marriage ceremony.
Pops and Valerie face each other and even though I’m listening to the beautiful words of them joining in holy matrimony I can feel Dominic staring at me from the opposite side of the aisle. I flick a glance over at him and the narrowing of his eyes as they devour my body makes me bite on my lips to stop my stupid grin.
“You look amazing.” He mouths and I smile.
“You, too.” I mouth back.
“I love you.” He mouths and I give him a thankful look.
“I love you, too.” I mimic and he grins.
We both smile a knowing smile at each other before turning back to the ceremony in front of us.
This time next year it will be our turn. We have booked our wedding at Saint Giles church, just a little way from Riber Castle and the cottage. Our ceremony is set to be nothing like this one, with only a few intimate friends and family. Not that I blame Pops and Val for having a grand affair and pulling out all the stops, it’s just not for me. Dominic and I agreed that our wedding doesn’t need to be the whole nine yards of hundreds of guests and all the bells and whistles. Small and intimate, the total opposite of my life on stage, is what I crave.
After a beautiful ceremony, with lots of confetti throwing and pictures being taken in abundance, we make our wave to a fancy hotel for a huge meal and Dominic and I sit on the left of Valerie. We are laughing at the best man’s speech as we sit sipping expensive champagne. Dominic takes my hand as Pops makes a beautiful speech, declaring his love for Valerie and I look around me at all the smiling faces.
Shazza is sat beside me, looking up at Pops with love in her eyes. Lucy, Lauren, Dean, Baz and a few people I’m not sure I know are at a table facing the top table. Lauren takes Dean’s hand and they exchange a soppy look.
“Some may say I’ve had everything you could wish for in life; great friends, my own business in an industry that has been more than good to me. Some may even say I have a level of notoriety. I can say I have travelled, partied way beyond most young people can claim to and met amazing people. Yet, there was always that one thing missing.” Pops looks to Valerie with a loving smile. “I never met anyone who made me whole and filled that place in my heart. I knew the person who could would have to be something special. Valerie, you’re not only special to me, you’re unique, my everything and today, pledging the rest of my life to being by your side, has been an
honour. Thank you for taking this tired old man and breathing new life into him.”
Val tears up and takes Pops’ hand, kissing his knuckles. I feel Dominic take my hand and I look to him, seeing he looks choked up. I kiss his cheek, squeezing his hand tightly before looking back to Pops, equally as choked up.
“You’ve opened up my world to a million opportunities. Even at my age, I don’t feel like I’m nearing the end. I feel like my life is only just starting and there is no one else I would rather start my new life with. I love you, Valerie. Thank you for being my wife, I promise to be good.”
The applause is deafening and Pops turns to offer Dominic the mic. “Would you like to say a few words, son?” I choke even further just hearing Pops refer to Dom as his son. Dominic takes the microphone and shakes Pops’ hand. The congregation quietens and Dom stands, clearing his throat.
“Erm, I didn’t actually prepare a speech so I’m just gonna fly by the seat of my boxers.” Dom grins and gets a few chuckles. “I suppose I should echo everything that’s already been said and thank you all for coming today and joining in the celebration of finally getting my Mum married off.” Again, everyone laughs. “Pops, my sympathies but someone had to be suckered in eventually.”
I snort a laugh and look around the room to see everyone laughing, especially Pops and Val who is wiping away tears of mirth and batting Dominic’s comments away. Dominic blows her a kiss before the humour leaves his face.
“Seriously though, I can only speak on how I view this marriage and I have to admit, I’ve never seen my mother happier. I have another year to wait for the privilege of making the love of my life my wife.” He smiles down at me and I feel myself flush as all eyes turn to me. “But if I can make my wife half as happy as Donald makes my Mum then I’ll know I’m doing something right. To be brutally honest, a few years ago I would have said weddings were a mugs game, I mean, who can pledge their whole life to someone else? To take a vow to live and breathe for another person, through all the trials of life, until your dying breathe! Bit much to ask of anyone.” He grins and gets another laugh from the guests. “That was, until I witnessed the devotion and purity of love that my Mum and Donald share.” He winks at his mum then looks down to me. “And before I met the one person who made me want to pledge my devotion and life to her. I want the happiness that I know todays joining of man and wife will bring for Mum and Donald. I’d wish you luck, but I don’t think you need it. You have each other and I know that’s all you both need to live happily, for the rest of your lives.” Dominic raises his glass and we all follow suit. “To Mar and Pops.”
The echo goes around the room and is followed by a round of applause as Dominic takes his seat and a waiter retrieves the microphone. I take his hand and kiss his cheek, so proud of him. “They were beautiful words, thank you.”
“No, thank you, Tara, for agreeing to do all this with me next year. I cannot wait, I’d do it tomorrow if we could plan it in time.” He smiles. “I want our day to be perfect, as perfect as you, so if means waiting then I’m happy to wait.”
The party that night is full of fun, with food and drinks flowing, music and dancing followed by a fireworks display. Everyone is enjoying themselves and everyone who is anyone is in attendance. I take a break from the dance floor to catch my breath and have a drink when Shazza approaches the table with a huge smile. “Hey, bitch. You okay?”
“I’m fine, Shazza, just knackered and needed a time out. Hey, who are the hotties you and Lucy seem to have hooked?” I nod to the pair of good looking lads Lucy is stood with at the bar. The taller, blonde guy has his hand low on Lucy’s back and the yummy with dark hair and sparkling brown eyes is watching Shazza from a distance with a luring look in his eyes. Shaz grins back at him and bites her lip, turning back to me.
“Just some lads from Serious Soundz that we know,” Shaz says flippantly, like she isn’t struggling to keep her eyes from travelling back to Mr-Mocca-Eyes.
“Oh, well, enjoy.” I smile and she throws me a look that confirms she will.
“Goes without saying.” she winks before draining the last of her glass. “Oops, look at that, I’m empty again. Guess I better get back to the bar.” She grins before skipping off to Lucy and their friends. I smile, watching her in amusement. The music slows to a love song and from nowhere Dominic appears by my side, offering me his hand.
“Dance with me, sweetheart?”
I take his hand, being glided onto the dance floor with all the other couples and Dominic pulls me flat to the length of his body, holding me close and I feel my pulse race, whether it’s love or desire that has my heart racing I’m not sure, probably a mixture of both. I lay my head against his chest and close my eyes, letting him sway and guide me in our intimate dance and I sigh, a contented sound.
“Are you happy, Tara?” I look up into his shining emerald eyes and smile.
“Incredibly so. I don’t think I’ve ever been happier. It’s all down to you, you know that? You make me the happiest woman alive.”
“I’m pleased to hear it. I make it my lives work to make you smile a hundred times a day, laugh a lot, lavish you with love and prove to you that giving me a chance was the right choice.”
“I don’t doubt it, Dom. I don’t doubt you. I don’t doubt us. It just feels right.” I admit, placing my cheek on his firm chest, feeling his heart beating against my ear, a heart of pure gold.
“Nothing ever felt more perfect.” He tips my chin before laying his lips against mine, softly and tenderly. “No one else has ever been so perfect, midget.”
The End.
About the author
I’m 31, married with three children. I live in Nottinghamshire, UK and spend my days reading, writing and home educating my children. I started writing the DJ Series in 2014 which started with The Final Note. All books in the DJ Series can be read as a stand alone novel. I am also the author of the Inner Strength Series. The first two books are available for download now. The Learning Curve is the first novel, followed by A Rising Angel. The third novel, A Double Knot, is due to be released in 2015.
When not writing I also enjoy days out with my family, taking short breaks on the east coast of England, drawing and supporting my husband’s music career.
http://www.facebook.com/helenjbarneswriter
http://twitter.com/mrskov
Disrespectful Diva Playlist
Hard Jeli - Slide Away
Rita Ora - R.I.P feat Tinie Tempah
The Script - Superheroes
Ed Sheeran - Thinking Out Loud
Wizard - Inspiration
Cascada - Everytime We Touch
Ian Van Dahl - Castles In The Sky
Years and Years - Desire
The Script - No Good In Goodbye
Peter Andre - Stay With Me
Jason Derulo - In My Head
Ellie Goulding - Love Me Like You Do
Year and Years - King
Roger Sanchez - Another Chance
Kaci - I Will Learn To Love Again
Acknowledgements
I have so many people to thank for supporting me with the creation of Disrespectful Diva.
Massive thanks to Clarise at CT Cover Creations for putting the perfect imagery to Disrespectful Diva. You bring a professional look to my work. It’s a pleasure to work with you and I’m always excited to see what you create to represent my words. This cover is Tara Powers to a T.
Lots of love to my beta readers, Stephanie and Rhiannon. Your feedback means so much and my work reads better for it. Thank you so, so much ladies. You’re both fluffin’ amazing. Mwah! xx
A huge shout out to my street team, my angels, my friends. Your support is invaluable. You ladies are just too amazeballs to put into words. I can’t tell you how much I appreciate everything you do for me. Your work is so appreciated. I could kiss every single one of you. Thank you doesn’t seem to be enough, I love you all. xx
I couldn’t not thank my sister, Wendy, specifically. Your enthusias
m for my work is so motivating. You’re like my Sister, PA, proof reader, babysitter, ideas team and swag designer all rolled into one. You are a machine woman! I love you. xx
There are so many blogs that have been unbelievably supportive of my work and I could roll out a list as long as your arm of bloggers who I want to thank. A few specifically I have to thank for being more than just a supporter and blogger, they are more like friends who I cherish. Kirsty from Sarah and Kirsty’s Book Reviews. Alison at Book Excursion Book Reviews. Ashton at Morphy’s Book Blog. Laura and Dawn at Reading the Sheets. Vdub and Lulu at Romance Between the Sheets. Nina from Nina’s Friendly Erotic Book Club. Jodie at This Girl Loves Books. Becky at Vamp Girl Book Reviews. There are so many more and every single share, review and link you bloggers post is deeply appreciated. Thank you so, so much. I’m forever indebted to you all.
Thank you to Kirsty Turner for all her support and help. Your feedback, contacts and reassurance is greatly appreciated. I owe you heaps of kisses and a hell of a lot of drinks. Mwah! xx
I couldn’t write a book at all without the help of two exceptionally amazing, talented, indie authors who I love so fluffin’ much. Sarah Hardy and Kim Brown (K.B Mallion). The pair of you are the best I could ask for. I have had so many wobbles with this book because Tara and Dominic’s story just rolled out of me and I was written so fast I was scared haha. You both helped eased my nerves, reassure my frazzled mind and gave me the kick up the backside I needed. I only hope I can be there for you both how you are always there for me. Bring on the Second City Signing ladies. I need to lavish you with love and kisses. Thank you both, sincerely, from the bottom of my heart, I value your friendship so damn much. I love you. xx
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