by TM Watkins
I had to be realistic. We had known each other just a few days, in the proper sense of course, not in the two months of silent stalking sense. Maybe after a couple of months together we could revisit this subject. Once any kinks in the relationship were ironed out and we knew that we could last a lifetime, then we could talk kids.
But how could you know a lifetime would work after a few months? You couldn't but it didn't mean that we couldn't try.
“Frankie.”
He whispered the word across my lips, slowly pressing against them. His thumbs caressed over my temples and along the side of my head.
“Curtis.” I smiled at him softly, feeling the movement slowing.
“I...”
He frowned hard, wanting to say something but it wouldn't come out. Instead he kissed me hard. I slid my hand along his jaw to the back of his neck, pulling him deeper into the kiss. It wasn't the time to dwell on it but I had a sneaking suspicion what he was going to say. With a few more thrusts he was done, laying down onto me in a sweaty mess. We laid like that for a few minutes, his head on my chest as I gently caressed his back.
I wanted to pull him out of the sullen mood, I wanted the guy that I walked in the park with. He was sweet and fun. This guy, I didn't know how to help him. I worried for him.
“We're playing at the ceremony.”
“Really?” I gasped. “That's awesome.”
“You think so?” he sat up, looking at me sadly.
“Of course I do, why don't you think it?”
He shrugged and moved away from me, sitting on the edge of the bed with his head hung low.
“Apparently we'd never be good enough for it.”
“Who said?” I frowned hard as I sat up.
“Doesn't matter.” he huffed and stood up, removing the condom as he walked to the bathroom.
My legs swung off the bed and to the floor, chasing after him.
“Like fuck. Who said it?”
“James, my brother.”
With a morose look he turned into the room, tossing the rubbish into the bin and starting the shower.
“You will prove him wrong. He's just a jealous bastard. Don't take that kind of shit Curtis, you are going to be awesome.”
“Thanks babe.” he smiled and kissed me softly.
He took my hand and led me into the shower, another oversized area. Everything in this place was of epic proportion. Utterly ridiculous.
“If he was any kind of brother he would support you. Lola said he's a lawyer, right?”
Curtis nodded with a slight smile, one that would make me believe that he was actually proud of the bastard.
“Well then why isn't he your lawyer?
“Lives in New York.” he shrugged.
“What a load of shit.” I snapped. “If I was a lawyer and my brother needed me on a permanent basis, I'd move for him. Your family needs to learn what it means to be a family.”
His lips twitched with a sly grin as his eyes narrowed slightly.
“What exactly did you and Lola chat about?”
Damn it, my anger had gone overboard.
“Nothing.”
I turned and picked up the bottle of shower gel, hoping to avoid any further scrutiny. His hand grabbed my wrist, gel sitting in a plump circle on my palm. Taking the other hand he pressed them together and then put them on my breasts. His heated breath on my shoulder, watching as the soap bubbled against my skin.
“Lola was a better mother to me than my own damned mother. Evan was a better brother than James has ever been. My parents told everyone when Beth got into university, gloating at how smart she was, that she was going to be a great doctor. When James got in, it became worse. Two smart children, how talented their genes were. Then along comes the screw up Curtis who spends his days in the neighbor's garage, annoying them with his devil music. They couldn't handle it, I was breaking their perfect pattern. I wasn't what they wanted or expected.”
His hands left my wrists, one settling on my hip, the other flattening to my stomach.
“I'm sorry, I should have said something but I was so angry, so lost. James had sent me a fucking email with baby photos.”
My heart lurched, feeling his pain. No doubt the email was a dig at him, yet again trying to put him down. I turned around and wrapped my arms around his neck.
“No, don't cry Frankie.”
He wiped the tears away.
“Why not? They are so cruel to you. You deserve better.”
“I have better now.” he smiled at me and I laughed a little which kind of sounded like a sob.
Damn hormones.
“If I'm not then we are going to talk about this at a later date, okay?”
“Sure.”
“And when we walk the red carpet, we are going to put on one hell of a show, right?”
He grinned.
“Go team Curtis.”
Chapter Ten
Apparently Night Fire didn't do commercial flights. It was far too risky according to Fraser. The last flight they were on, a girl had become a little irrational with her obsession and constantly approached them, talking to them, taking photos. She was annoying the other travelers, getting in their way, refusing to return to her seat. The flash of the camera annoyed a nearby baby, causing it to scream and fuss. When the stewards finally stepped in the woman threw an almighty tantrum, yelling that it was a conspiracy, the attendants were against her and the band were egotistical. They had to make an unscheduled landing to unload her to the police, thus delaying the flight. So this was their solution, one jet that was for their use and stopped all crazy fans.
I'm sure the stewards are most appreciative of their effort.
The jet was incredible, even though it was on the smaller size in terms of what they could have bought. It was a bright white interior making it seem spacious and airy. Pristine white leather seats, in the first section there were four double seats. The next section had more seats, this time there was two double seats to one side, on the other was a bar. It did not surprise me in the slightest. Beyond the seats was a bathroom and a door. Two large hands settled on my hips as his lips stroked against my ear, whispering that we could venture beyond that door. It was a bed and I agreed only if it had never been used by the four pests that were venturing into the jet rather loudly. Otherwise he'd have to have the thing sanitized.
There was some kind of private joke going on between the four of them. They sat in their seats and sniggered, taking turns to look at their phones. Curtis sat onto one of the double seats opposite the bar, tugging me down with him. Fraser turned on his seat to face us, wiggling the phone with great delight.
“Guess who has hit the headlines.”
Curtis huffed and turned his attention to the tarmac, ignoring Fraser. He turned the phone back and cleared his throat, putting on his stern face.
“Drummer of Night Fire, Curtis Andrews has been spotted with an unknown woman. Investigations have identified her as Francis Weller.”
“Well that's wrong for starters.” I interrupted. “My name is Frankie, not Francis. Ring them and tell them they screwed up.”
“I'll get right on that, your majesty.” Fraser shook his head as he looked back at his screen. “The band was seen at Vinnie's Restaurant on Friday night. The drummer assaulted a patron after he allegedly made a pass at Francis.”
“Wow.” I groaned, rather exaggerated. “They really like to pile on the manure, don't they?”
“Yep.” Curtis hummed under his breath. “You'll learn to ignore it.”
I couldn't understand why they would want to ignore it, why not get the lawyers onto it? Send a cease and desist letter or something? Then again, they'd probably send dozens of them out on a weekly basis, costing them a fortune in legal fees. Maybe ignorance was the key.
Ten minutes later we were in the air, free to walk around and stretch our legs. Not that we had been sitting for too long but still, it was good not to be trapped to a seat. Curtis showed me the back end of the p
lane, encasing us into the darkened bedroom. I had expected to get the usual caterwauls from the four pests but not today. Austin was reading a book, Fraser was occupied with the steward, chatting to her. Or rather, chatting her up. The smile could be seen from a mile away, the giggles and whispers were hard to miss. Evan had fallen asleep and Jaxon had headphones on and his eyes closed. For once, they were easy to deal with.
“Tired?”
Curtis looked down at me as I sat on the edge of the bed, a soft smile playing across his lips. I shrugged one shoulder.
“Lay beside me.”
He slid onto the bed, pulling me into his arms.
“We won't be up here for long but maybe just a little rest will help.”
I closed my eyes and laid on his chest, his arms wrapped around me like I was his favorite childhood bunny rug. No, I did not totally have a bunny rug until I was five. Okay, so maybe I did. And maybe I took the bunny rug to school with me but that's not what we're talking about here. We are talking about me being crushed by the defined and taut arms, pressed against the hard chest with the soft pattering heart. My own private heaven.
A thumping on the door made me jump.
“Mister Andrews.” a woman called out. “We are going to be landing soon.”
I could hear the sniggers that became loud laughs. Curtis grumbled and got off the bed, opening the door to a clearly flustered steward.
“My apologies sir.”
“It's okay, we were only resting.”
“Speak for yourself.” I snipped. “I actually fell asleep.”
The woman had cheeks that were as red as tomatoes. Poor thing.
Curtis went into the bathroom, I took the opportunity to discuss his anxiety over performing. The four of them were sitting and waiting to land. All buckled and being rather well behaved. It was more alarming than I could have ever imagined.
A multitude of thoughts washed through my mind, what they were up to, what they were planning. But that had to be set aside, Curtis wouldn't be long.
“We need to be quick.”
“Princess, we ain't giving you any loving.” Jaxon grinned darkly.
Oh there's the pest, I did kind of miss him.
“Shut up smart ass. He's anxious about performing because James has given him shit over it.”
They looked at each other and all buffoonery was gone.
“You never heard a thing about this because I never said a word but you four need to be there for him. Cut the crap and be the family he clearly needs.”
“You assume that we aren't already?” Austin frowned at me.
“James said that you guys would never be good enough to perform at an awards ceremony.”
“Never liked that fucktard.” Evan hissed. “Always sucking up to his parents, always ratting out everything Curtis did.”
The door to the bathroom opened and Curtis walked out.
“Talking over. You know what I mean, right?”
They all nodded and I relaxed just a little. Curtis sat on the seat beside me and looked around at us.
“Everything okay?”
“Princess was just telling us you're a lousy lay Curtis. Asked us to compensate her needs.”
Curtis stared at Jaxon, a look of pure doom as he frowned and clenched his hand.
“Okay, back to me.” I pulled on his shirt. “Hello, over here.”
He caught my gaze and I had him. The frown dropped away but there was no happiness.
“We were discussing the after parties. Weren't we Jaxon?”
“Sure thing princess. She's going to let loose and get completely hammered with us, her words.”
Crap. It is so not what I would have said. I stared at him, trying to think of something that would cover us.
“I know what you're up to. I don't want a party, understand?”
A subtle look of relief washed over me. No clue what he was talking about but at least it wasn't what I expected.
“You are getting a party dude, you only turn twenty-five once. Suck it up.”
His hands gripped the arm rests tight, the fingers going white with the pressure. The seat belt light flicked on as the steward walked out. I quickly put mine on to avoid the conversation that was spiraling out of control.
“Oh look, we're about to land. Put your belt on.”
Curtis looked at me, blinking slowly like he couldn't understand what I was saying. I reached over and did his belt up, giving Jaxon the evil eye. Maybe one day they all might grow up enough to stop goading each other like this.
The landing was beautifully smooth which was great considering I had mixed feelings about flying. Most of the time I didn't mind it but on the odd occasion a rogue thought would creep through my mind about how many things could go wrong.
Once the seat belt light went off, Curtis was out his seat and thumping his way down the plane.
“What are we missing?” Evan asked warily.
“Just don't talk about me drinking, okay?”
They looked at each other and I knew what was coming so I got up, completely forgetting to undo the stupid belt.
“Damn it.” I hissed as I unbuckled it.
“Frankie, you're not knockin' bare boots are ya?” Jaxon queried.
“What, no longer a princess anymore?” I pouted, feigning hurt.
Free of the belt I chased after Curtis and avoiding any further questions. I didn't want to answer his question, mostly because I didn't have one. Give me a week and then I might have an answer. Curtis was by the boot of the limousine, talking to the driver as they loaded the bags.
I smiled at the sight, he could have ignored the man and his duty, opting to sit in the limousine like an over glorified star yet he was out here helping. Thumping my way down the metal stairs, I picked up a bag and took it over.
The ride to the house where we were staying was uneventful, aside from the pests hooting at women as we passed them on the street. When the driver slowed at lights, they actually stuck their heads out the window to invite some of them to a party. I made the mistake of suggesting that they might want to get a good night's sleep ahead of their performance tomorrow. Instead of being called princess I am now called mommy. I'm such a lucky girl.
Chapter Eleven
Jerry had organized a house for them to stay at. Not sure if it was the wisest thing to let these five loose in someone's multimillion dollar house but it wasn't my call. It was an amazing Mediterranean style house with a brown stone facade that was similar to the house that Curtis owned. Arched windows with decorative iron balustrades on the little balconies lined the first floor of the house. Lush green gardens tumbled over the garden edge to the stone driveway, it was private and relaxing. Well, as relaxing as anything could get with five men who were loud.
We walked in through the front door to the most grandest foyer I have ever seen. I am pretty sure my dirty shoes were walking on marble, in fact I would say it was indeed marble given the size of the house and its location.
A grand sweeping staircase started at the left and curled around the room to the first floor, a black wrought iron balustrade against taupe walls with one massive chandelier hanging in the center.
“You guys are going to take care of this place, right?”
“Yes mommy.” Evan sniggered, taking his bag up the stairs.
Suddenly I felt sorry for the owners of this house, they had no clue that their house wasn't going to survive the week.
“Just remember, this is someone's home. You're planning on having a party here and I can see a lot of stuff that will get broken.”
“Dude, tell your wife to stop being a drag.” Fraser mumbled.
I sighed wearily, holding up my hands to placate them. Not that it was getting heated or anything.
“Fine, do as you please. It's not me that has to pay the bill for damages.”
“That's the spirit, princess.” Jaxon grinned broadly.
He dragged his roller bag up the stairs, my body flinched and cringed every time he
hit the next step. Instead of carrying it, he dragged it up each and every step.
I carried my bags, taking them up the stairs before Curtis could try and stop me. He had his own bag and two dress bags, it wasn't as if he was going empty handed. We had commandeered a bedroom at the far end of the house. Far, far away from the other four. And to my delight and a little concern, there was a lock on the door. Not the push button kind that keeps those pesky children out when mommy and daddy are playing hide the sausage. No, this sucker was an actual bolt lock that slid across the door.
Maybe this house was let out to furniture destroying rock stars more than I thought.
“How come Jerry didn't come with us?” I asked as I dragged my suitcase into the walk in robe.
“Interviewing new assistants. Not really needed. Daughter having a kid soon. Take your pick.”
He thumped his case onto the low bench in the center of the room.
“We got a temporary babysitter arriving sometime.” he did his one shoulder shrug thing, sorting through his clothes. “They generally don't last too long. Too obsessive. Difficult. Demanding. He needs to find someone who isn't a fan. Claire was supposed to work for him for a while to learn how to deal with the business and then become our personal assistant.”
“But she's not working for him anymore.” I said without too much thought. “You guys are going to need one real soon. I can't imagine those four getting places on time. I'm surprised they made the plane this morning.
I looked up as he nodded, his eyes pinned to me.
“What?”
“We made it because you kept pushing them.”
“Yeah.” I grinned, remembering how I poked Fraser the whole way.
He complained. He got over it. Considering that we made the plane on time, I'd say job well done.
“You know who'd be good for the job?”
“No, who?”
“Lola. She thinks the world of you guys. She has always been your biggest fan and she's been supportive of you all, right from day one.”