Between Lust & Tears (Backstage Series Book #2)

by Dani René

  Pulling up to my driveway, I hit the button on my remote and the gate glides open. Once the bike is safely tucked away, I head inside and the lights turn on automatically. I’m alone every night because being around my brother and Tayla makes the pain in my heart worse. They’re so in love, it makes me cringe.

  You may think I am an asshole, but seeing people happy makes me angry. Pouring my customary whiskey, I stare at the glass for far too long.

  My gaze rakes over the mess in the living room. The easiest thing would be for me to down the bottle of Scotch and forget life.

  Turning on the sound system, I hear our newest song, the one I’ve been working on, blare through the speakers. Callum wrote it a couple of weeks ago, and I need to finish laying down the drums, but inspiration has evaded me. Who knows… Maybe my little peach will be my inspiration?

  “I can’t believe you’re going away and that I won’t see you until the wedding.” I know I’m whining, but there’s a reason behind it. If they’re not there, I’m going to have to spend five days with Liam. Alone. Yes, I would love to spend it with him, but we agreed that what happened in London, stayed in London. Although, a few days with him may be what we need to see if there is anything between us. Yes, we had a connection, but six months is a long time to get over that. I know I haven’t. I still want him, I still think about him. Now I’ll need to find out if I’m on his mind as much as he is on mine.

  “You’re not going to be alone, Ryan and Ki are here and you’ll be staying at Liam’s. It’s really not that bad, sis.” She’s right, I can do this. I am an adult who brought this on herself. Shit. Did I have to fuck one of the hottest drummers in the world? Yes, I did. But did my sister have to go and marry his brother? Yes, I suppose she loves him so I can’t really fault her there.

  “I’m staying with Liam?” I squeak my response. Shit.

  “Yes, and about that...I’m not telling you what to do, but I want you to have your walls up. He can be an ass, but I have a feeling that maybe, just maybe, you may be able to knock some sense into him.” I can’t help smiling. My sister knows me too well. I’m as transparent as glass to her, she can see straight through me. That infuriating man is my weakness, and I would love to see if he’s willing to change. If I can be the one to make him realize he’s worth more than just a one-night stand. Or me for that matter.

  “Fine, I’ll be careful. See you in Napa, darling.”

  “Safe flight.” I can almost hear the excitement in her voice. “And let me know when you’ve landed. I spoke to Mom and Dad. They’re arriving on Friday, so you and Liam need to pick them up from the airport. And don’t forget my dress.” Grabbing my keys and purse, I get ready to head out to meet Margo for drinks. We studied together, and she’s become like a sister over the past few years that I’ve been here.

  “Okay, does he know all this? And your dress is already packed.”

  “Yes, I’m only telling you so you can remind him.” The groan that escapes my lips doesn’t go unnoticed. “Em…”

  “Have a good trip, Tay. Say hi to Cal for me. Love you, sis.”

  “You too, babe. And please keep your heart locked away?” My teeth worry my lower lip. I don’t want to answer that because, somehow, I know this is all going to backfire on me and I am going to end up falling for him. And my sister knows it, too. When I met him in London for their show at Wembley Arena, I was determined to get him to notice me. After they walked off stage and I came face-to-face with one of the world’s best drummers, I was dumbfounded by him. Yes, he’s handsome in photos and videos, but nothing can prepare you for seeing him in person. Caramel eyes, that boyish smirk, and those rugged features were enough for me to drop my panties. But, in the process of us spending the night together, and then the day after, something shifted. He didn’t come across as the manwhore he’s so well known for being, and it felt like we had something tangible between us.

  Shaking my head to clear the thoughts invading my mind, I respond to my sister. “Go, have a good week, Mrs. Soon-to-Be-Hayes.” Her giggle is soft, and I can tell she’s nervous. Even though she’s older than me, there’s always been this serious side to her. I don’t know what happened after I left, but she changed. Since she’s been with Callum, there’s been another shift. That’s why I love my brother in-law, he treats her like a princess.

  As soon as I hang up, anxiety hits me again. Opening my apartment door, I step out onto the landing and before I get a chance to lock up, my phone beeps. When I pull it from my purse, the name that flashes on the screen has my stomach flip-flopping and I can’t stop the smile on my face.

  * Peach, I’ll pick you up at the airport, not sure if Tay called you. L. *

  Seeing the nickname that he gave me that night sends excitement through my body. He still has a way of making me feel like a teenage girl with a crush. Would I like something more than what he can give me? Yes, I would.

  I want what my sister has, something real. A tangible connection that can’t be severed by groupies, or any other female, for that matter. Yes, the Hayes brothers are famous for their womanizing ways, but can’t a tiger change his stripes?

  As I walk the three blocks to the pub, I can’t stop my thoughts from wandering to the badass drummer who made me scream his name in so many delicious ways.

  Stepping into The Rose & Crown, my eyes do a sweep of the pub and I find my best friend sitting at a booth at the rear. “Hey, love.”

  “Oh my God, you’re late and guess who was just here?” She’s the most excitable person I have ever met, besides me. We graduated together at the Condé Nast College of Fashion & Design here in London, and while she’s starting her internship in Paris, I start mine in L.A. I chose to go back to the U.S. to be near my sister, but I’m excited for the chance to intern with Katherine Kidd. Her designs are incredible, and the clothes she makes are modern, yet affordable. I would love to get an offer for a permanent position with her after my internship.

  Scrunching my nose, I question, “That weird guy again?” I know exactly who she’s talking about. She is adamant that I have a stalker, and I have a feeling she’s right. He’s been at the pub, my gym, and the store close to my apartment. I’m normally aware of him though, there’s something intimidating about him and the way he always seems to stare at me.

  “I’m telling you, there’s something strange about that one.”

  Ignoring the chill of fear that has goosebumps rising on my skin, I slide into the seat, grab the pint glass she ordered for me and take a long drink. I’ve gotten used to beer since I’ve been here, although it’s not my favorite, but I’m not about to pass up a free drink.

  “Yes, he’s creepy, but he hasn’t done anything or even said anything to me.” Shrugging it off and pushing it to the back of my mind, we change the subject to one I know she’s dying to talk about but I’m not. Liam.

  “Are you looking forward to it? To seeing him?” Her question sends another wave of panic through me.

  Am I?

  “I don’t know. He sent me a text and told me he’s picking me up at the airport, but it was… I don’t know, so formal. You know? Like… I mean we slept together. It seemed a little cold, to be honest.”

  Her expression changes as she considers what I’ve said. Sitting back, I wait for it. Margo is strange that way. She’ll overthink something before commenting, but she doesn’t have days to give me advice this time. The last time was the morning after I slept with him, I called her to tell her he invited me to spend the day with him. She told me to go for it. That was definitely the best decision I made because I had an incredible day. Liam was attentive and fun to be around. We got to know each other and I realized he’s never really dated a girl before, most of the tabloids show him with a girl once and never again. I’ve never seen him with a date, out doing normal things like visiting an amusement park or grabbing pizza at a small diner.

  “Have you responded?” she questions, and I shake my head, handing her my phone. She scans the message diligently
. “I think you should.”

  “What do I say?” I don’t know why he makes me so nervous. Maybe it’s the age difference; I don’t want to come across as a silly little girl. I know I’m not, but he’s a lot more mature and probably used to older women. Would he even want me?

  “Love, you need to respond and let him know his chilly attitude doesn’t bother you. Men love to chase, and you should let this bad boy do just that. You’ll have him wrapped around your finger in no time.” With a cheeky wink, she slides out of the booth. “I’m heading to the bar. What do you want to drink?” My last weekend in London, I might as well have another.

  “Vodka and cranberry, please?” She scrunches her face at my choice.

  “I don’t know how you can drink that sweet stuff.” Shrugging, I relax and grab my phone. Unlocking the screen, I open the message and hit reply.

  * Just spoke to her, see you Monday. P. *

  Hitting send, I stifle a giggle. “What did you say?” I meet my best friend’s green eyes peering at me over the rim of her pint glass. I turn the screen to show her the message.

  “Do I want to know why he calls you, Peach?”

  “Probably not, you may be scarred for life.” We both burst into a fit of giggles. I know that if I ever have to explain why he calls me that I would turn crimson. The fact that he loved tasting me, telling me my skin was like biting into a juicy peach, he made reference to my ass while he gripped it when he had me bent over every surface of the hotel room.

  “Right then, don’t tell me. So, did you get that dress we saw for the wedding?” Nodding, I sip my sickly sweet drink and can’t help shuddering.

  “I did. I can’t believe my sister trusted me to buy a dress of my choice. She’s always worried about my taste in clothes, because I went through a few questionable phases. My emo goth was the funniest, and she hated it. But when I showed her my designs, she was pleasantly surprised that I’ve grown up and my tastes have changed.”

  “And you’ve finished her dress?”

  “Yeah, I need to make final adjustments, but it’s pretty much done. Napa is going to be amazing for the wedding. I can’t wait for Liam to see my dress.”

  “Only because there’s not much material to it.” Shrugging, I glance at my phone as it lights up on the table between us. “Is that him?” Swiping the screen, I see his name pop up.

  “Yeah.” I drop my gaze to the message and I can’t help grinning.

  * Looking forward to it, darling. *

  The words send a rush of excitement straight to my belly. Is he really looking forward to it? Or is he just saying that? Before I have time to think about it, Margo snatches the phone from my hand. “Yes! I told you.” At Margo’s shit-eating grin proudly in place, I giggle at my best friend. “Babe, you know you want another ride on that stallion. Don’t deny it.” Her voice rises a tad too loud, and the couple next to us glance at me.

  My cheeks burn with embarrassment. “God, woman. Can you keep it down? I don’t want the whole city knowing I had sex with him.”

  “Just saying, babe.”

  “Yes, I do want him, but he’s not relationship material. You know this. You’ve seen the videos of him online. I mean he fucks everything with tits.” As I whisper the words, I feel a stab of jealousy. He’s gotten to me more than I would like to admit, and as scary as it is, I like him. Those caramel eyes, rough, calloused hands, and that monster… well, you know.

  I can’t fall for him. It’s a bad idea.

  “Love, do you really think I am that stupid?” Margo’s thick English accent tears me away from my worrisome thoughts. She’s right, I am fucked. Well and truly fucked.

  “No, I didn’t say you were. All I meant was that he’s not going to be giving me a ring anytime soon. I would spoil his chances with all the groupies he gets to sleep with.”

  She reaches out and grips my hand, giving it a quick squeeze. “He’s a man. If he thinks you want a ring, he’s going to run. But, if he thinks you’re having fun… that’s another story. Then he’ll want to give you a ring.”

  “I doubt one of the biggest manwhores will fall for me and give me a ring,” I respond quietly. Even though I believe my words, there’s a spark of hope in what my best friend says. Liam would have to give up his womanizing ways and show me that he can be happy with one woman. Me. My feelings for him are stronger than I want to admit, and I don’t want to give in to his charms as soon as I land in LA; he’ll need to work for it. And I’m going to enjoy challenging him.

  “Callum did.” She’s right. We stare at each other for a little while before I shrug it off.

  “I can’t believe I am leaving in one day. I’ll be back in LA on Monday and I won’t see you for a while.”

  “Yeah, you big shot designer. Can’t believe you landed that job with Katherine Kidd.”

  “Neither can I. My designs aren’t as fluid as hers, but I want to learn everything I can. Who knows, maybe I’ll be offered a job at one of the bigger fashion houses after. Now that would be incredible.”

  “Maybe you’ll marry a stinking rich drummer, and he’ll help you open your own fashion house.” I pin her with an incredulous glare.

  “Seriously, Margs?” Her lips quirk and she gives me a cheeky wink.

  “Yes. You can have an amazing home with a picket fence and two point five children.” Her comment has me choking on my drink.

  “Who said anything about children? I am twenty-five, for God’s sake.”

  “He’s getting older, can’t wait too long.” This is what she’s like, blatant to a fault. Most people can’t handle her, but I love her sharp tongue. I can’t find a comeback for that, so I finish my drink and slip out of my seat to get a refill. “Seriously, love.”

  Shaking my head, I walk up to the bartender who’s leaning on the counter. “What can I get you, sweetheart?” He wipes his hands on a tea towel and offers me a sexy smile.

  “Another vodka cranberry and a pint of lager, please?” With a quick nod, he heads off to pour the drinks.

  “Can I buy those for you?” A deep baritone startles me, and I turn to find steely gray eyes the same color as the cocktail shaker that sits on the shelf behind the bar.

  “It’s fine, I can handle this. Thank you anyway.” Fear flows through me. Something about this man scares me. I didn’t think he was still here after Margo mentioned him. My skin prickles with awareness, and I’m so glad that we’re in public. The bartender places both drinks on the counter in front of me, but before I can pay him, the hand of the stranger darts out from beside me.

  “I insist.” He hands the money over and I can’t help gawking at him. Margo is convinced he’s following me, and I have noticed him around, but this is the first time he’s spoken to me. His accent filters between English and American, and something about him has my hackles rising.

  “Thank you. I have to go.” Without a second look, I rush back to the table and slide into the bench seat. “That creep just walked up to the bar and spoke to me. I thought he’d left.” I hiss, glaring at her.

  “Oh God, what did you do?”

  “I couldn’t do much, he paid for our drinks.” Her eyes widen, and I am sure they’re going to pop out of their sockets.

  “Did he put anything in them?”

  “No, I held on to them. He just creeps me out.” We nod in agreement and sip our drinks slowly. “Can we leave after this? I just want to go home.”

  “Yes, love, of course.” Inhaling a deep breath to try calming myself, I gulp my drink faster. The sooner I can get out of here, the better. My phone buzzes, and as soon as I unlock the screen, a small smile plays on my lips. Once I’ve read the message, I lock my phone and drop it into my purse. I look back up to the bar, and my face falls when my eyes collide with steely gray ones staring at me.

  Flopping on my bed, I check my phone again. She hasn’t responded. This girl has me by the balls, and we’re not even in the same country, let alone in the same room. Laying back, I turn out the light and close my e
yes. Hopefully I can get a good night’s sleep. Tomorrow, Ryan and I are working on the track, and I need to focus.

  “Peach, you look gorgeous on that bed.” My words come out as a growl, and I don’t even recognize my voice. Her face is ethereal. There’s an innocence there that makes me want to corrupt her in the dirtiest ways. When she walked into the catering room tonight after the concert, I couldn’t stop myself from hitting on her. I knew she was Tayla’s sister, and she knew who I was.

  That long, chestnut hair hanging in waves down her back, those beautiful chocolate eyes, and curves that can make even the strongest of men drop to their knees. She’s incredible. Her beauty is unparalleled to any woman I have been with, and I know that tonight is going to be decadent. I can’t keep her, I can’t make her mine, but I can enjoy her while she’s in my room.

  “Are you just going to stare at me all night?” Her cheeky mouth makes me grin. Stalking toward her, I stop at the end of the bed, pulling off my tank top, and shuffling off my jeans and boxer briefs. I feel the heat of her gaze drinking me in. Every inch of my skin ignites as her eyes travel down until she reaches my hard cock.

  When her lips part, a small gasp flutters from them, and I groan in agony. I am going to do things to her that will make her gasp some more, whimper and moan, and eventually scream my fucking name. I crawl up between her legs, my body hovering over her. Our mouths only inches apart, I can smell the sweetness of her perfume. Soft, sweet peaches.

  “I want to savor you, darling. If we’re only going to get one night, I want you to remember me for the rest of your life.”

  Her hands trail over her bare breasts. Taut, pink nipples harden, and my mouth waters. There’s only one thing I want to do, and that is devour every inch of her. My mouth finds hers—it’s a soft kiss, but the hunger with which my tongue invades her is that of a man having his last meal.

  I swallow the soft moan that escapes her lips. Happily. I finally break the kiss, moving down to her neck, kissing, nipping and licking. When I reach her pebbled buds, my mouth latches on, teasing, sucking. I graze my teeth over each one.