“I love Austin,” Wayne says.
Brett looks conflicted, but then he says what’s on his mind. “Will you go with us, Vivian? I’d like to get to know you. I’m still angry and hurt, but you’re my mom, and that has to mean something. I need to hear more about what happened all those years ago. And also why you still wanted to keep me as your dirty little secret even now. I don’t know if I can forgive you, but I want to try.”
I don’t want her anywhere near me right now, but if that’s what he needs, I’ll go along with it. It was hard not having a dad growing up, but at least I had her. I can’t imagine what it was like for Brett. I can bite the bullet and tolerate her if he needs me to.
She looks at me, and I nod. While still glaring at her. “I’d love to. And I promise to tell you whatever you want to know. One thing you can always count on with Kace and me is that we keep whatever promises we make.”
Shit. We do keep our promises. And I made one about tonight. I have to go keep it. Not the way I’d planned, though.
“I’ll be back in an hour or so. Can we get a jet tonight?”
“Yeah, that’s no problem. Where are you going, Kace?”
“To keep a promise, Marv.”
Thankfully no one’s told the guards to keep me out when I get to Stella’s building. I walk towards her door and stop a few feet away. I don’t know if I can do this. How can I do this? I have to, though. I promised.
I square my shoulders and walk to her door, turning the knob because I know it’ll be unlocked. I should’ve expected the scene before me. But I wasn’t thinking that far ahead.
“Kace, “Stella says, a smile breaking across her tear-stained face. “You’re here.”
I don’t dare look at any of her friends who are gathered there. I know they’ll see what she hasn’t yet. I’m not staying, and I want to walk out of this apartment with all my parts attached.
“I promised you I’d come here after the show.”
“For our date.”
She reaches for me and I step back. “Don’t touch me.”
“I don’t understand. You’re here?”
“I’m here because I promised I’d come here. I came, now I can go with a clear conscience.”
“No. Please. No,” she cries, grabbing my shirt.
“I have never hit a girl before, but if you don’t get your fucking hands off me, I will do whatever it takes to make you do it.”
“And then you’ll die,” Reina tells me.
I look over and see the women all standing while the guys sit back and watch. They’re all smirking because they know as well as I do that any one of these women could end my life in seconds. “Someone better get her off me then, because I’m leaving one way or another.”
No one has to come for her. She lets go of me and stands up straight. “I’m not completely pathetic. No one has to get me off of you. Just know that if you leave tonight, you won’t be able to just walk back in here again. You’ll be on your knees begging before you ever come through my door again.”
“I promise you that I will never beg you for anything.”
“Then go.”
I turn and walk out the door. I don’t even make it to the elevator before I feel a hand on my shoulder. I turn and shrug off Zack Taylor’s hand. Gavin Harris is in the hall with us, too.
“What do you guys want?”
“Stella’s an awesome woman. Anyone would be lucky to have her feel even a tenth of the love she feels for you,” Zack tells me.
“She has a funny way of showing that love.”
“They can’t tell us everything. Even if they want to. When Ainsley and I met, she thought I might be the one sabotaging the Legions. If I would’ve been, she’d have taken me down in a minute. And then I would’ve still proposed. Because I respect who she is and what she does.”
“I almost lost Faith because I wasn’t sure I could be okay with some of the things they have to do. I ended up realizing that they do what they have to for a reason. Sometimes they can’t tell us that reason.”
“This was a secret about me, Gavin.”
It’s Zack who answers me. “I don’t know all the details, but Ains did tell me that Stella really couldn’t tell you. But she wanted to, and she’s been a mess because of it.”
“She has been a mess, but I have to come first with the woman I love. And I obviously didn’t. You don’t mind the Society coming before you?”
“Honestly, no. In every single way that matters, I’m first. In Faith’s heart, and her soul, it’s me. When I’m kissing her or we’re making love, that’s all me. I don’t care that she suspected me of being a traitor, and she can’t tell me much about what she does every day. When we’re together and even when we’re apart, I know she’s mine. Always. Stella’s that kind of woman, too. You’ll be first in all those ways with her if you give her a chance,” Gavin says.
I have to get out of here. They’re confusing me. And I have a plane to catch. Besides, what they said doesn’t change what she did, or what she kept from me. That’s what’s important—and unforgivable—to me. I shake my head and get into the elevator without saying another word.
Chapter 15
Stella
It’s been two weeks since Kace walked out of my apartment. I make myself go into work every day and go through the motions of doing my job. I’m trying to act normal, but I know my friends aren’t fooled. Tegan stays in most nights, keeping me company as we watch 80s movies and eat lots of ice cream. She says she wants to stop partying so much, so my self-imposed exile is actually a good thing for her. That’s what she says, but I know better. She’s scared to leave me alone. They all are.
My new assistant, Kevin, has been doing a great job of picking up the slack when I zone out. He used to work for the Griffins, but Chloe said he’d be a great fit for me, and she was right. He’s fun, stylish, and an all-around great guy. The girls have been trying to find another great guy to hook him up with, but all of his dates have been duds. I have an idea for someone, but I’m not sure how I’ll work that out.
Vivian had been keeping me updated about what’s going on in Austin. I know she was doing it because she feels bad. She says the guys are making some great music and bonding all over again. She usually texts me at least once a day. It’s been four days now, and I’m guessing her guilt is waning. It’s probably for the best.
“Hey gorgeous, Reina wants to see you in the small conference room.”
“Thanks, Kev.”
A meeting in the conference room means a new assignment. I didn’t think she’d send me out again so soon, but I guess whoever it is needs what I can offer. I walk down the hall and knock before going inside.
Along with Reina and Mallory, there’s a striking woman in maybe her forties or early fifties, and a hot nerd sitting at the table. The guy doesn’t look traditionally hot at the moment, but I can see his potential. With a little hair gel and some cooler clothes, women would be dropping at his feet. I’d keep the glasses, or maybe not.
“Thanks for meeting with us, Stella. This is Courtney and her son, Chris. They need your help.”
“Okay. Sure.”
“You should probably hear their story before you say yes, Stella,” Mallory says, glaring at Reina. Uh-oh.
“Maybe you’re right, Mal. Can you tell me why you’re here?”
“I run a charity in Austin that brings music education to terminally ill children. My daughter had cancer, and even when she was weak, she wanted to try and play the piano. When we lost her, I realized that the best way I could honor her short life was by sharing her love of music with other children. Many times we focus on the dying and not on the life that’s left. I wanted to change that for as many children as I could.”
“That sounds great.”
“It is. My mom’s really awesome.”
“I feel the same way about you, Chris. Which leads us to why we’re here. A few months ago, I called in some favors and booked the band Storyside for our annual gala.
I’m sure you’ve heard that one of their members was arrested right here in Vegas.” We all nod, and I try to act normal as I grit my teeth and dig my hands into the arms of my chair. “The other three young men agreed to still perform. They seemed like some nice boys, until that Kace one stole Chris’ girlfriend.”
It’s taking everything in me to not scream and run from this room. I might also faint. It’s only been two fucking weeks and he’s already moved on. I want to kill him. How dare he pretend to love me? Because if he’s already dating again, he was obviously pretending. And he had the nerve to accuse me of playing games. Little boy bastard.
“Mom,” Chris says, breaking the silence that had descended on the room. “You know Brooke’s behind it all.”
“Who’s Brooke?” I manage to ask in what I think was a calm voice.
“She’s Tami’s best friend, supposedly, but she’s more like a worst friend. She’s jealous of Tami because she’s beautiful, smart, and just plain awesome. She hated it when we started dating and has tried to break us up over and over again. When we all went on a school trip last year, she climbed into my bed while I was sleeping and almost got Tami to believe I cheated on her.”
“She sounds delightful.”
“She’s a bitch, and so are the other girls in their circle. The guys are bastards who all hate me because I’m richer and smarter than them. Plus they all want Tami, too.”
“What is she, some sort of magical being?”
“Stella,” Reina warns me.
“I’m just asking. I mean, every girl in Austin wants to be her, and every guy wants her. Including some asshole boy bander.”
“Kace isn’t an asshole. He’s really cool. He’s spent a bunch of time with the kids, and he lets me hang out with him and the other guys all the time.”
Of course he did. He’s just a saint. And I’m the sinner. Shoot me now.
“So, what? You want me to go back to Austin with you and try to make him jealous so he leaves your girl and she comes running back to you? Sorry, but it won’t work. Kace hates me now.”
“You know him?”
“Um, yeah. We dated a few weeks ago.”
“You didn’t tell us that, Reina,” Courtney says.
“You asked for a stylist for your son. Stella’s our stylist.”
A stylist. They didn’t want a date, they wanted a stylist. Well, fuck me. “I’d love to help you, Chris.”
“You’ll be my date for the gala?”
“What happened to needing a stylist?”
“Well, I need that, too. But Brooke will know who you are if you dated Kace, and she’ll freak. Wayne doesn’t want to get with you by any chance, does he?”
“Wayne wants to get with anything that’s moving. Why?”
“He and Brooke are hooking up. She lords it over everyone, thinking she’s the shit.”
“Call Tegan,” I tell Reina.
“Who’s Tegan?” Chris asks.
“Wayne’s kryptonite.”
“Seriously?”
“Oh yeah. If she walks into the room, he won’t even remember that this Brooke chick is there. I have a question, though. If Tami’s with Kace, how is she not the Queen Bee?”
“She’s not really with him.”
“Chris, we’ve talked about this. He’s gone with her to the club several times for dinner.”
“They don’t hold hands, and I’ve only ever seen him kiss her cheek. When they dance, it’s not close—he holds her very formally. They’re both pretending.”
“And you want her back? She up and dumped you to pretend to date a rock star, but you’re going to take her back, just like that.”
“Don’t you want Kace back?”
“No.”
“You’re lying. I saw you gripping your chair when my mom mentioned him.”
I smile for real, my first one in a long time. “I think I like you, Chris. Yes, I want Kace back, but that’s not an option. I’ll help you, though. I can see the hottie peeking out from your bad clothing and hair choices. When I’m done with you, Tami will be begging for it.”
“’It’? Oh my, I think I love you, Stella,” Courtney says with a laugh.
“Calm down, Mom. I’d never make her beg for me or…or…that.”
“That’s one of the things we’re going to work on. You need to be all alpha and claim her. Especially if you’re walking into that gala with me. I already know what I’m wearing, and those little bastards who’ve tormented you are going to fall at my feet, and those catty bitches are going to fall at yours. Then we’ll walk right over them.”
“You’re pretty confident.”
“I have reason to be.”
“This is going to be the most talked about gala in our history.”
“Isn’t that what you came here for, Courtney?”
“Honestly, I just wanted a makeover for my son to show that girl what she’s missing. But this, well this is so much better.”
“The first step is still the makeover. Let’s go down to my office, Chris, and we’ll plan out your transformation. And don’t worry, I still want you to be ‘you,’ we’re just going to enhance the good looks God gave you a little. And help you be a little bolder.”
This is going to be fun. Really, really fun. Chris is a nice guy, and I’m not sure this Tami chick deserves him. He’s not going to be the meek guy she left behind when I get done with him. I may even let Tegan help.
* * *
Kace
Austin has been great for the most part. Until Wayne hooked up with that bitch, Brooke. She’s definitely no Tegan, and Tami is nothing like Stella. I guess that’s why I’m playing along with her. I know there’s no chance of anything happening between us. I just want the bombshell I can no longer have, and she wants the nicest guy on the planet. Who she’s currently fucking with. I really shouldn’t be participating in this. I like Chris.
“You thinking about Stella again, bro?”
“No.”
“Yeah, you were. You should call her and give her a chance to explain.”
“There’s nothing to explain, Brett. She kept the truth about us from me. I can’t get past that.”
“You forgave Mom and Marv. And they kept the secret for longer.”
“Mom sacrificed almost my whole life to make sure I was fed and clothed. She thinks I don’t know about the nights she went without food so I could eat, but I do. I can’t just turn my back on her. And she’s a package deal with Marv, now that they’re working on their relationship. I still can’t believe he can forgive her, though. I guess being in love with someone for over twenty years makes you a little more open to that.”
“But you can turn your back on the woman you could be with for even more than twenty years if you were willing to work on it? The woman you love.”
“Loved. Past tense.”
“Love. Present tense.”
“I’m with Tami now.”
“Bullshit. That girl’s so hung up on Chris it’s a wonder she hasn’t accidentally strangled herself. And you aren’t fucking her, that’s for sure.”
“Wayne’s fucking her friend.”
“So, what? We’re supposed to just hook up with her friends in a show of solidarity? I wouldn’t touch one of those guys with a ten foot pole.”
I don’t blame him. They’re a bunch of pompous assholes. If they weren’t so dumb, they’d have figured out by now that Brett’s gay. And then we’d have to kick their asses because they wouldn’t take it well. And I wouldn’t go for anyone saying shit about my brother. Even before I knew he was my brother, I would’ve thrown down for him. Any day, anywhere. I know Wayne feels the same.
Before we can talk any further, Tami comes in looking like someone kicked her puppy. “What’s wrong, sweetheart?”
“I miss Chris.”
“Well of course you do. He’s awesome. I keep hoping he’ll decide he swings my way and I can have him for myself,” Brett tells her.
“He doesn’t. But he’d accept you.”<
br />
“He already does. We hang out sometimes.”
“So you know where he is? He won’t answer my texts anymore.”
“You’re texting him? Should I be jealous?” I ask sarcastically.
“Shut up. You could care less.”
“Actually that’s not true. I like Chris, too. Not in a play for the other team kind of way, but he is pretty cool.”
“I know. That’s why I miss him so much. I know Brooke thinks he’s just a nerd, but I think he’s hot. He has muscles, and I practically melt when he kisses me. He always says such sweet things to me, too. Or at least he used to before I started acting stupid and pretending to be into you.”
“Wow. First you’re texting your ex, and now you’re saying it’s stupid to be with me. Are you trying to totally annihilate my ego?”
“You know you’re hot and could have any girl you want. I still don’t know why you’re going along with this for me.”
“Because he’s too stubborn to go after the girl he wants,” Brett tells her.
“You never answered my question. Do you know where Chris is?”
“Yes. I do in fact know. And no, I’m not telling you. I will tell you that he’s not coming back as the same guy he left here a week ago.”
“But he’s okay?”
“Yeah, and he’ll probably be better than okay when he gets back for the gala this weekend. So you should be prepared to beg if you want him back.”
“He wouldn’t make me beg.”
“The old Chris wouldn’t have, but new and improved Chris most definitely will.”
“I don’t want a new Chris, I want my sweet boyfriend back.”
“Then you shouldn’t have messed with him like you were doing. All for some bitch who pretends to be your friend so you’ll spend your money on her.”
“I know. I need to get him back and stop hanging out with Brooke.”
“Then do it. Don’t just say it. I’m not kidding about him changing. It’s happening. He still wants you, but he’s not going to be a meek little puppy who plays dead for you anymore.”
“I will. I’m going to take him back at the gala.”
Rocking a SECRET Page 15