by Dani René
“I am.” Turning, I meet her gaze dead on. “I’m not the father.” Her smile is bright, the tension that surrounded her only moments ago has dissipated and I can’t help feeling the happiness that this woman brings into my life. “We can move on without anything in the way. It’s us, no one else.” She smiles then, wrapping her arms around my waist, I lean in and inhale her scent. Sweet, like a dessert I’ll never tire of tasting. Mine.
“Ryan, you’re being ridiculous. I’m not even showing yet.” His glare is enough to scare the crew, but this is me. I don’t back down. Not from anyone. Including the man I love.
“You’re going to take time off. I just want to you get through this first trimester.”
“And what do you know about getting through this? You’re a man.” Crossing my arms in front of my chest, I meet his glare with one of my own. He’s going to be as bad as Callum.
“I’ve Googled.” He retorts indignantly.
“Ugh, you’re insufferable,” turning, I head into the studio to grab my laptop. He’s not going to stop me from at least sending out our marketing emails, as well as sorting out the hotels for the next few shows.
“Baby,” his voice is low behind me, but I don’t turn around. I feel his body heat behind me and before I know it, his arms are wrapped around me. His big hands splay on my belly as he circles it with the gentlest of touches. “I just want you and the babies safe and healthy.”
“I know Ryan, but I can still do my job.” Turning in his arms, I meet his gaze that’s filled with so much love I’m breathless.
“I want to show you something. Sit down,” he gestures to the sofa, then makes his way to the keyboard that’s set up for the recording session later.
“What are you doing?” Furrowing my brow, I watch him settle behind the instrument. When those dark eyes pierce me with a stare that’s filled with amusement, I can’t help wondering what he’s hiding up his sleeve.
“Just listen,” he murmurs, then starts playing.
Friends turn to lovers,
Fragile turns to forever,
I chose you,
I want you
Between want and fear,
I need you more,
No more what ifs,
No more another time,
Because it’s ours
Between want and fear
You’re mine now
Maybe turns to Yes,
You’ve given me all,
Release your fear,
You want me too
Between want and fear,
I need you more,
No more what ifs,
No more another time,
Because it’s ours
Between want and fear
You’re mine now
When he stops I can’t breathe. My heart is erratic, beating its way from my chest wanting to mold itself to his. “Ryan, I…”
“It’s something small. I don’t normally write, but…” He shrugs, then meets my teary gaze. “I wanted to tell you how much I love you in words. In a song that will be immortalized forever.” He rises from the piano stool and reaches for my hands.
“You’re amazing. I’m sorry it took me so long to let you in. I’ve always been scared. Losing someone I love isn’t something I’d ever want to go through again. Losing you, I’m not sure I’d survive it.” I tell him honestly.
“I’ll always be here, baby. For you and our babies.” Leaning up on my tip toes, I crash my lips to his earning me a low growl. His hands trail down my hips, gripping the cheeks of my ass, he lifts me up against his body. Walking us back toward the desk, he sits me down settling himself between my legs.
“Ryan, we can’t in here…” I whisper when he finally breaks the kiss.
“Baby, I’ll worship your body anywhere I want. Sit back, and spread those pretty legs. I’m starving and I’d like to devour my soon-to-be wife’s sweet pussy.” He growls with a low rumble as he places hands on my thighs, splaying them. “Such pretty panties,” he murmurs as he slides the material to the side.
“Ryan, we—”
“Shh, baby, all I want to do is eat you until you’re screaming. So, the only words that are going to be falling from those rosy lips will be my name, or “oh God more, Ryan”. Is that understood?”
I nod. I can’t find words to respond when his mouth then crashes down on my core, lapping and licking at the arousal that’s just for him. His fingers tease, his tongue taunts, and his warm breath has me teetering on the edge suddenly needing release.
The man completely consumes me. He feasts until I’m shuddering, gripping his hair tugging him closer as my hips undulate against his face and my cries echo around us. And as he ordered, it’s his name that the whole house has now heard me screaming at the top of my lungs.
My man.
My love.
My forever.
“Cal, can I take the stage after the show?” One of my best friend’s turns to regard me with questions in his eyes. I know what he’s thinking and he’ll be right to assume. There’s something I’ve been wanting to do for too long and I’m tired of waiting around.
Both of them are married with kids on the way. It’s time I start my own family. And today is that day. “Sure, you going to finally do it?” He questions and I nod. “Good man. I’m happy for you, but enough sappy shit, let’s get down to sound check and get this show on the road.”
The walk to stage doesn’t get easier, there’s always nerves that get the better of me, but when we round the corner, Kierra’s gray blue eyes meet mine and all the fear and anxiety that plagues me is gone. Her presence calms me and I know I can and have to do this.
“Boys, are we ready? Can I get the fans in for sound check?” I nod, pulling her into my arms and inhale her scent which reminds me of apple pie. Sweet cinnamon which has my taste buds watering to taste her again.
“Can you two keep your hands off each other for twenty minutes?” Liam comes strolling onto the stage with his drumsticks. The cocky mouth of my best friend is ever present and I can’t help chuckling.
He and Emma are just the same, they’re constantly sucking face. It’s like an overload of PDA that will make anyone puke.
“Shut it. Get ready, let’s do this.” My retort is met with a raised brow and a smirk as he eyes me and Kierra.
“I’m ready, man. This is Liam fucking Hayes you’re talking to; I was born ready.” With that confident comment, he swaggers up to the raised platform where his drum set sits and settles on the stool.
“I’ll see you after the show, baby.” Ki, leans up on her tiptoes and plants a soft kiss on my lips.
Her sweet smile is enough to make my night, but I’ve got a show to play. She turns to walk away, but before she disappears with Tay, she regards me over her shoulder. “Knock ‘em dead, handsome.”
Making my way to the platform, I find my keyboard set up along with the microphone. “We ready?” Callum bounds to the front of the stage and the girls that are entering the venue start screaming. I don’t know how he handles being the center of all that attention and keeps it from harming his marriage.
He’s always been popular with the ladies, thankfully I’ve managed to keep myself mostly in the shadows. He turns to give me the nod and I start the song Liam wrote for Emma.
The keyboards are easy and I watch as Cal entrances the girls with his voice.
One night, one kiss
One touch, one smile
You’ve haunted me,
Taunted me, but always made me feel
Between lust & tears,
We found our way
The path isn’t easy,
But you’re my salvation
Between lust & tears
Now it’s forever,
Just me and you,
Fire and ice,
Passion and love
Between lust & tears,
We found our way
The path wasn’t easy,
But you’re my salvation
Betw
een lust & tears
The show has been incredible and the energy from the crowd have pushed me through. Exhaustion is slowly getting the better of me, but I know tonight is special, so before we leave the stage, Callum makes his announcements. “Now, before we leave you, Ryan wanted to say a few words. You see, my best friend has fallen in love. He’s found his forever and I think he’s going to say something.”
I’m a flurry of fucking nerves because this is it. I’ve never wanted more anything in my life. Not even landing the gig with Hunters made me feel like this. So excited. So needy. Jesus, I sound like a woman. “Thanks, man,” I rasp as Cal hands me the microphone.
“Hey guys, thanks for coming out and making this show amazing,” my words have the crowd going wild. Raising my hand, I motion for them to simmer down, which they do. “Now, you all know my best friends have both found their forever, Callum being married, and Liam on his way there soon enough, I figured, you know… It’s my turn.”
Glancing behind me, I notice Ki standing in the shadows. She’s never been one for the public eye, but this time she has no choice.
“I’m here tonight, to tell you about my girl, Kierra,” I turn my glance toward her and crook my finger. “Come out here.” When she strolls over to me, I can’t help grinning like a kid on Christmas morning counting my lucky stars this woman loves me too.
The crowd are silent as they watch her step on stage. All our fans know who she is, and even though we’ve always been behind the scenes, I want to shout it out to the world. Letting them know she’s mine. That this woman has agreed to marry me.
“Now, this woman has put up with my crazy lifestyle, she’s been there since the beginning and she’s still here. The announcement I wanted to make this evening is to tell you all, our fans who’ve been supporting us for so long, that Kierra has agreed to marry me, and that’s not all. To top that, we’re having twins. And as much as I know I’m embarrassing her,” I smile, grasping her hand in mine. “Ki, I love you, I’ve always loved you. Without you, my life wasn’t complete, but with you, I know my song will play forever.” Swooning comes from the crowd and a few whistles and catcalls.
Those blue eyes that sparkle with excitement, are glistening with unshed tears. She takes the microphone from me and turns to the crowd. “Thank you for everything. Your support and love have given the band more than fans, you’ve given us a family. As much as I do stay behind the scenes, I’d like you all to know, Ryan and I will be getting married before the tour next year.” That’s when the crowd goes wild.
Then, she nods, her words slowly settle on me and my heart rate skyrockets with happiness. She fucking knocked me on my ass once again. Since the first time I met her, she’s always kept me on my toes, and this time it’s no different. Lifting her, I spin her around and the crowd is absolutely crazy—they’re shouting and screaming. Then I feel the arms of my brothers, the men who’ve stood by me for so long.
And I feel the emotion I’ve longed for.
True happiness.
This is what it feels like.
And there’s nothing more I want in this world.
She’s here. In my arms.
And she’s going to be my wife.
THE END
The Backstage Series
Between Love & Fire
Between Lust & Tears
Between Want & Fear
These are standalone’s and do not have cliffhangers.
PLAYLIST
It Will Rain - Bruno Mars
Beautiful - Alyssa Reid
Fast Car - Jasmine Thompson
Eyes on Fire - Blue Foundation
It’s All Games - Kristina Maria
All I Ever Want is You - Megan Davies
Hurts - Emeli Sandé
Silhouette - Aquilo
I Want Crazy - Hunter Hayes
Grand Piano - Nicki Minaj
Click HERE for the full list
THANK YOU!!!!!!
There’s always that one book, the one that is elusive for so long you think it will never come. And then, when it does, you’re blown away by the support.
Readers, I know you’ve been waiting on Ryan and Kierra for such a long time, but thank you for not giving up on me. In believing that he was waiting on his story to be told at the right time.
My Alpha BETAs who loved Ryan as much as I have—Becca, Tamara, Melissa, and Cat. Thank you for reading this story from it’s first draft to the final proof.
To the incredible Shana Vanterpool, thank you for your keen eye and help with this book. You are a true angel for coming to my rescue.
The Street Team, you ladies work your ass off to get my name out there, thank you! Tre, Tam, Becca, Sheena, Susan, Sarah, and the rest of the ladies, from the bottom of my little black heart, THANK YOU!
My Darklings!! This group is like my own personal form of therapy. Thank you!! There is never a dull moment, and that’s what makes me thankful for your love and support. It’s not easy working with the intense stress and deadlines, but you always seem to brighten my day!
To my fellow authors who are there with advice, support, and just a general pick me up. Thank you. It means more to me than you know. Thank you for sharing my work with your readers, and giving me a friendship that is second to none.
To the bloggers, you ladies read, read, read, support, post, review, and you do it with a smile. Thank you!! We wouldn’t be here if it weren’t for you, so keep what you’re doing, we appreciate you! #AllBlogsMatter!
Lastly, to the readers, thank YOU! It’s because of you I’m able to put out book after book. Giving you what you ask for, and hopefully making you excited about the next book. Thank you for your reviews, keeping them SPOILER FREE ;) But most of all, thank you for buying our books. For your support, love, and encouragement.
THANK YOU!
D x
ABOUT DANI
Dani is a fan of dark romance that grabs you by the throat and doesn't let go. It's from this passion that her writing has evolved from sweet and romantic, to dark and delicious. It's in this world she's found her calling, growing from strength to strength and hitting her stride.
On a daily basis she has a few hundred characters, storylines, and ideas floating around in her head. From the feisty heroines she delivers, to the dark, dominant alphas that grace the pages of her books, she's promises light in a world filled with danger and darkness.
She has a healthy addiction to reading, TV series, music, tattoos, chocolate, and ice cream.
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OTHER BOOKS BY DANI
Stand Alones
Ace of Harts
Love Beyond Words
Broken Series
Broken by Desire
Shattered by Love
Destroyed by Secrets (Coming Soon)
The Backstage Series
Between Love & Fire
Between Lust & Tears
Between Want & Fear
Falling Stars Duet
CUFFED (Book 1)
DETAINED (Coming late 2017)
Forbidden Series
From the Ashes - A Forbidden Series Novella
Crave (Book #1)
Covet (Book #2)
Ache (Book #3) (Coming Soon)
Lust (Book #4) (Coming Soon)
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