Love Damaged: Rock-N-Roll Heiress Book 2

by McCracken, Kelli

  He didn’t.

  “If it’s work-related, the answer is yes. If this is about us, the answer is no. I’m working and can’t deal with it right now. I’m sorry.”

  His mouth worked with what I was certain would be an argument in his defense. Instead of saying what was on his mind, he pressed his lips in a thin line, lowered his gaze to the ground, and nodded. Then he walked away.

  It took me a moment to realize he’d listened to me. Since I arrived back at Music Haven, he’d been consistently approaching me, begging me to talk to him, to forgive him, and to give our relationship another try. Despite how many times I refused him, he hadn’t given up.

  Until now.

  He joined Bentley at the bar and took a seat on the stool next to him. His friend was speaking to him, probably asking what I’d said so he’d know if he could approach Andi. She hadn’t talked to him for a couple days now.

  Would either of them give up? I doubted it. The only way that would happen is if they went on tour and met other women, ones that would be willing to do anything they wanted without any strings. There was no short supply of those women.

  As the crowd began cheering below, I noticed Andi walking across the stage. She had her microphone in her hand, pumping up the crowd for the impending performance. She didn’t have to do much. After an hour of waiting, the fans were eager for the show.

  Once she announced Rebel Stone, the lights dimmed. The curtain opened to a dark stage, but I saw D’s silhouette as well as the rest of the guys. Wyatt Davis and Roman Conner were holding their guitars while Boone Rivers had his drumsticks in hand and perched on the snare.

  D’s voice rang across the arena a few seconds before Roman led in with his guitar and Boone set the tempo with each strike of his drums. The song they were playing was one of their most popular ones, as well as my favorite.

  “There you are.”

  I greeted Andi with a smile. It didn’t take her long to leave the stage and find me. She had a couple drinks in her hand too, something I desperately needed.

  She must have noticed me admiring them because she raised one toward me. “I saw Max at the left bar on my way here. He made these for us, but he had to take Shawn some more vodka. I volunteered to deliver yours."

  Accepting the drink into my hand, I brought it toward my lips as I shook my head. “You have no idea how bad I need this right now.”

  Andi’s gaze shifted. She scanned the bar behind us. “Why? Did something happen?”

  “Ayden asked me if we could talk later. I told him if it was about work, yes, if it was about us, no.”

  “Oh boy.”

  As soon as she took a sip of her cocktail, I did the same, taking in several gulps of mine. I savored the citrusy flavor and took long breaths to calm myself.

  When Andi refocused on me, she massaged her forehead. “I shouldn’t have looked over there. Bentley saw me. God, I hope he doesn’t approach me tonight. I just want to have a good time.”

  “Cheers.” Toasting her, she clinked her glass with mine then we both drank more.

  The song went to the chorus when I glanced back to the stage. Darius was high-fiving a few of the fans in the front row while the ones behind them kept pushing forward, hoping to get the same treatment. There were just as many men as women among them.

  Rebel Stone’s fan base was huge. It had tripled over the last few years. D had thanked me for that more than once while we were in L.A. He said it wouldn’t have happened without me.

  His band was the reason I debated on managing Ayden and his friends. I hadn’t forgotten the struggles I faced with D when I first began managing Rebel Stone. Once I gained his respect, things changed, but then, so did our feelings toward each other. We fell in love.

  Then Izzy and Wesley ruined everything.

  There was no doubting it anymore. I had allowed history to repeat itself by getting involved with Ayden. Did that mean one day I would forgive him? Would we be friends? I wanted to believe it was possible, and at the same time, the thought scared me.

  Did I really want Ayden out of my life?

  “Come on.” Andi tugged my arm and pointed toward the right. “Let’s go to the VIP box. We can get a better view of the performance.”

  She didn’t release my arm until I was walking beside her. We made our way around the dance floor, avoiding the stools Bentley and Ayden were sitting on. I couldn’t bring myself to look at him. It would only make me second-guess my decision to keep my distance.

  I had to remind myself of what had happened to end things. Ayden chose to believe lies over the truth. Those lies may have resulted in a one-night stand between him and my sister. How could I ever get past any of it?

  As the first song of the concert came to a close, I leaned against the rail of the VIP box. The cheers below made me smile. So did D when he glanced up and found me. When he winked, my face warmed. Even though we were just friends now, it didn’t stop him from flirting on occasion. He pretended it was all in fun, but deep down, I knew a lot of feelings remained between us.

  And still, it was nothing compared to what I felt for Ayden.

  The lights dimmed as the ones above the arena changed, casting shades of blue, red, and purple over the stage. D’s silhouette was the clearest to me. I couldn’t see the tattoos on the strong arms that used to hold me at night, but I saw their outline. Those same arms wrapped around me in L.A. every time I broke down and cried over Ayden. They squeezed me tight as he promised me repeatedly that everything would be okay, that I would heal in time, and one day, love would find me.

  I didn’t want to go through the motions again of meeting someone new, getting to know them, or looking for signs that they were keeping secrets. It would be a struggle, if not impossible, to reach the point where I let down my guard and gave them my trust. My heart hadn’t healed from Ayden. It wouldn’t as long as I had to interact with him every day.

  While I wasn’t spending the same amount of time working with the band, Ayden was making up for the difference every time he approached me. Rehashing the same conversation proved dauntless. Our exchanges were wearing me down.

  So was my heart.

  * * *

  ~Mia~

  Six drinks and five songs later, my skin glistened under the fluorescent lighting. After our third drink, Andi and I were dancing. Now that D had changed to a slower song, I was able to catch my breath again.

  Andi fell against her chair and wiped the back of her hand over her forehead. “I need another drink, but I’m too tired to walk to the bar.”

  “Don’t worry. I’ll grab them. Be right back.”

  “You’re my hero,” she teased as I raced up the steps and down the aisle.

  As I approached the bar, I spotted Max wiping the top and removing a few glasses. He wasn’t far from where Ayden was sitting. Though I fought the urge to look in his direction, I gave in. He was still there, but Bentley wasn’t.

  Slowing my gait, I debated on going back to the VIP box. Ayden hadn’t bothered me since our first encounter this evening, but it didn’t mean he wouldn’t try again if I were close enough. Bentley wasn’t there to talk him out of it, not that he would.

  Before I could go back, Max glanced my way. He motioned me forward as he grabbed a couple clean glasses from the rack above. At least he knew what I wanted, which meant I wouldn’t have to wait long for our drinks. If I didn’t stand here like a target, Ayden wouldn’t have time to focus on me.

  A quick glimpse in his direction proved I had no reason to worry. He wasn’t looking my way. The empty glass in his hands held his attention. His fingers were wrapped around it while he thumbed over the rim.

  Perhaps he’d sensed me staring at him. His head turned toward me a second later. I hadn’t meant to observe him as long as I had, and the brief instant our eyes connected, I saw how red his eyes appeared.

  “Here you go.” Max set the drinks he made Andi and me on the bar. When I faced him, he glanced at Ayden then gave me a somber look.
r />   The next time I looked at Ayden, he was no longer on the stool. He was rushing toward the main doors.

  The distance I’d wanted between us was finally mine. I didn’t have to worry about him rehashing our usual conversation. I didn’t have to worry at all.

  Yet I was. Something deep inside me was yelling at me to follow him. I wanted to resist the urge, but the harder I fought it, the more insistent it became.

  “Max, would you mind taking Andi her drink and telling her I’ll be back.”

  “I don’t mind,” he answered. “Are you sure you want to follow him? He’s had several drinks.”

  Max was trying to remind me of what happened the last time Ayden got stupid drunk. There was no need. I hadn’t forgotten.

  “Something isn’t right with him. He tried to talk to me tonight, but after I told him no, he just gave up. He hasn’t backed down since I returned.”

  “Maybe he’s convinced it’s over.”

  “I have to make sure.”

  He didn’t attempt to talk me out of leaving. Instead, he asked another bartender, Skye, to watch the bar while he took Andi her drink.

  Quickening my stride, I made my way out of the bar, through the hall, until I reached the elevator. I didn’t see Ayden until I glanced toward the staircase. He was already descending them by the time I made my way to the top step.

  “Ayden, wait.”

  He didn’t halt his steps right away, but he slowed down. Before he reached the next platform, he stopped and gripped the handrail. “What do you want?”

  I crept down a couple more stairs until I had a good view of him. “Are you okay?”

  “I’m fine.” He raised his glass higher but didn’t look my way. “Just having a couple drinks.”

  Why was he refusing to look at me? “I, uh, thought maybe you were—”

  “What, having a good time? Am I not allowed? I guess you’re the only one who can enjoy themselves.”

  “That’s not true. I want you to enjoy yourself.”

  “Great. I’m glad I have your approval, Mia. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I need to go.”

  It was like a light switch had flipped from on to off. Ayden’s voice was full of pain and anger. I wasn’t sure which emotion was guiding him at the moment, but I disliked the raspy sound of his voice and the fact that he never met my eyes.

  As I watched him resume his steps and reach the bottom floor, irritation prickled my skin. Why was I standing there like a dejected idiot or allowing his lousy mood to affect mine? Hadn’t I been miserable enough?

  I had half a mind to turn around and rejoin Andi in the VIP box. Yet that little nagging sensation I kept feeling pushed me forward. I removed my heels before racing down the steps. I was sure I’d skipped over a few in the process, but I made it safely to the bottom.

  When I walked outside, Ayden was almost to the wall surrounding the community. I assumed he was heading to his suite. By the time I was able to see the condo, my assumption was confirmed. He darted inside the door a second later.

  It was probably just as well that he’d gone inside. If he ended up talking to me, we both deserved privacy. It was bad enough that the other fights we’d had happened in front of staff and guest alike. I didn’t want to set a pattern.

  Before I could reach the door, I noticed a light in the window of Ayden’s bedroom. I peeked inside in time to see him slam the door behind. He walked around aimlessly as if he wasn’t sure what to do next. With his back to me, I couldn’t see his face to gauge his emotions. Yet the longer I observed him, the more I recognized frustration in his movements.

  He finally stopped pacing and stood near the door. I half expected him to open it and walk into a different part of the suite, but he didn’t. He stood there, his shoulders rising and falling with his heavy breaths. He hadn’t wasted any time walking to the suite. Even I was struggling to regain control of my breathing.

  A second later, his fist collided with the wall. Cracks appeared around a newly formed dent, the same one Ayden’s fist caused. Witnessing what I had, I grew more concerned by the minute. The moment I noticed his shoulders slump and shake, I rubbed my eyes to make sure I wasn’t seeing things this time.

  There was no longer any doubt in my mind. Ayden’s emotions had gotten the best of him while he was at the bar. That’s why his eyes were red. He had been crying, just like he was now.

  And for the first time since we split up, I regretted my decision to push him away.

  Chapter 8

  ~Mia~

  The red circle on my calendar was like a beacon flashing at me, wanting me to take notice. I didn’t need to see it to remember why this day was significant. When I originally wrote it inside the perfect square a month ago, it was so I could plan something special. I never fathomed being in my current position—apart from Ayden.

  Regardless of that fact, I didn’t let it keep me from arranging something special for his birthday.

  Everyone deserved something good on the day they were born. It was a celebration, after all. It didn’t matter if we weren’t together. I wanted him to enjoy his day.

  Playing with my phone, I traced over the edge of it as I read the text I received a minute ago. It was the second time I’d scanned over every word George Thomas had sent me. He was an old friend of the family who represented some of the most famous bands in history. It just so happened that one of his clients was Ayden’s favorite band. He’d mentioned once before how he’d never had a chance to see them play live.

  Today, that would change, and it wouldn’t be the only thing. If things went according to plan, Ayden would know the truth before the evening was over.

  Everything is set. We’ll be there by seven. The guys want to shower and eat before they take the stage. I look forward to seeing you again. It’s been far too long, precious girl. Talk to you soon.

  His sentiment was sweet, but then, so was George. While he was aggressive when it came to his clients, he was one of the kindest men I knew in the business. He and my father formed a friendship years ago before I was born. He also knew my mother before she passed. In fact, George was one of the reasons my parents met.

  Though George never admitted to anything, I could tell by the way he talked about my mother that he had a lot of respect for her. I thought he was secretly in love with her, but I never brought up the subject. It didn’t matter. My mother was long gone.

  I glanced at the clock, noting the time. Five o’clock. Just a couple more hours until George and the band arrived. It was time to check in with Andi and see if the cleaning crew had prepared the suites for my guests.

  Leaving my chair, I turned off the lights in my office and made my way to the living room. It would only take a minute to text Andi and get my answer, but I needed to speak with a few department heads anyway. Besides, I’d hid in my suite long enough for one day.

  I grabbed my keycard off the bar and slid it into my back pocket. Once I placed my phone in the case on my side, I twisted the doorknob and jerked open the door.

  Before I could take one step into the hallway, something gained my attention. Andi. She was standing in her doorway, but she wasn’t alone. Bentley was with her. They weren’t talking either. Their lips were melded together in a passionate kiss. Guess they’d finally reconciled after the fight my sister caused.

  I didn’t like the fact that he’d kept the incident with Izzy and Ayden from Andi, but I didn’t want it to come between him and my closest friend. Andi deserved to be happy, and Bentley did an excellent job of keeping her that way.

  Feeling awkward about staring, I gripped my door to shut it when I heard the hinges on another door creaking. My eyes shifted to Ayden’s suite. His door stood ajar as he held on to the handle. Just like me, he noticed Andi and Bentley’s public display of affection first thing. Their kiss had grown more intense. The way their hands moved over each other was clue enough.

  My face warmed when I noticed him looking at me. He hadn’t expected to find me there. His eyes widened bri
efly before returning to normal. Then he did nothing but stare.

  Part of me wanted to know what he was thinking. I half expected him to approach me like he always did and ask me to speak with him. Unlike those other times, I wanted him to do it. Would he be surprised if I agreed to talk?

  I wouldn’t be finding out. Ayden retreated a step and closed his door. As soon as I heard it click, my heart sank. Things had definitely changed. I should have expected as much. All the times he tried to talk to me, I pushed him away. He’d finally given up.

  Bentley and Andi disappeared behind her door. After it shut, I heard her giggling. Then she squealed with delight. I didn’t have to guess what they were doing.

  Now that Andi was busy, I would have to check on the suites myself.

  Still, I couldn’t leave. The longer I stood staring into an empty hallway, the heavier my body grew. I eased the door shut then leaned my back against it. My knees were weak. I was sure they would buckle any second.

  Instead, I slid my back down the door. Every ounce of my strength was drained. Reality had given me a sucker punch, and I wasn’t resilient enough to take the assault. Why did I keep setting up my heart to be broken? Maybe this was the universe’s way of telling me what I didn’t want to accept. Ayden and I weren’t meant to be together.

  Had love damaged me yet again?

  * * *

  ~Ayden~

  “You ready?”

  Shrugging at Bentley’s question, I glanced toward the front door of my suite where he was standing. His rumpled hair and huge smile were the telltale signs that he and Andi had made up in every way possible. It had been a few hours since I found them kissing in her doorway.

  As happy as I was for them, seeing their affection increased the ache in my chest. So did seeing Mia in her doorway seconds later. It had been tempting to go to her and attempt another conversation, but I’d had enough rejection for a lifetime.