REBEL Brother

by Jessa Wayne

  Rebel Brother

  Jessa Wayne

  No part of this book may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted by any means without advance written permission of the author, except by a reviewer who may quote brief passages for review purposes only.

  This book is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, situations and incidents are either the product of the author's imagination and/or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or historical events is purely coincidental.

  Copyright © 2018 Jessa Wayne All rights reserved.

  DISCLAIMER

  Recommended for mature eyes only due to adult content.

  Contents

  1. Chapter One

  2. Chapter Two

  3. Chapter Three

  4. Chapter Four

  5. Chapter Five

  6. Chapter Six

  7. Chapter Seven

  8. Chapter Eight

  9. Chapter Nine

  10. Chapter Ten

  11. Chapter Eleven

  About the Author

  Other Books & Previews

  Chapter One

  Travis

  "Another successful night," said Buck as he plopped down in the chair across from my desk.

  "Yes, it was." I leaned back and took a big breath. "The band tonight was kick ass."

  "You can't go wrong with Southern Country."

  "They're going on tour with Travis Knight and Whiskey next summer. With a following like they have, you can't go wrong."

  "I hear that. How'd we do overall, Buck?”

  "Amazing. I've been going over the sales numbers, and if we keep it up, we'll have record-breaking sales again this month. I have the potential to book a few more well-known bands this year. I want to set it up out back."

  "How can we do that? There's nothing out there."

  "Not yet," I said, smiling. "I want to build on an outdoor stage with a bar to accommodate an outdoor crowd."

  "Oh, man. That's a sweet idea."

  "Now that we're back on top I want to keep us there."

  "Absolutely," Buck said, smiling.

  "For now, I think we should hire a few more staff members. It's getting pretty crazy around here."

  "I was going to mention that. My hours are getting longer, and I know you've been working your ass off lately too, boss."

  "Yeah. Between the club and the recording studio, I barely have time for Maddie, and that has to change."

  "Everything okay on the home front?"

  "Oh, yes. I just don't like being away from Maddie for a long time. She's important to me. I want to spend time with her."

  I fiddled with the pencil on my desk and looked up at Buck.

  "I want to ask her to marry me."

  "Whoa! That's big news!"

  "Don't say anything to anyone. I need to do this the right way."

  "You got it, boss. Just let me know what you want me to do, and consider it done."

  "For now, let's concentrate on building this business up to run more efficiently. I'll put it in your hands, Buck. Let's hire two more for the floor and one for the bar."

  "Consider it done. I'll start interviewing tomorrow. I know a few who are looking to get in here."

  I nodded, happy that things were finally looking up. I worked diligently to close out the night in hopes of catching Maddie at home. By the time I finished and left my office, Buck and the others had already gone. I closed up the club and took off toward home.

  When I walked inside, I glanced at my phone. It was pushing four AM, and Maddie was asleep on the couch with the television still on. I dropped my things and sat next to her, watching her sleep. My finger tracing the side of her face caused her to stir, but she didn't wake up. I pulled her blanket up and covered her, shutting the television off and lingering over her for a moment longer. I was disappointed that I worked so many hours. We had such a good thing going, and I needed to make it right.

  "And I will, my angel," I whispered, kissing her lightly on the forehead. I went to the bedroom and was asleep before my head hit the pillow.

  "Good morning." A sweet voice pushed into my head and woke me from my sleep. I smiled before opening my eyes to Maddie's beautiful face. She kissed my lips, lingering a moment before breaking away to take a sip from her cup that she held in her perfectly manicured hands.

  "It will be if you tell me that’s coffee and you have one for me."

  "I do, but you have to follow me."

  "I have a better idea."

  I reached for her hand and gently pulled her toward me. She set her cup on the nightstand and curled her body up next to me. Her kiss was sweet as honey, but much too short. She pulled herself away from me, moaning as she climbed out of bed. Picking up her cup, she shook her head and frowned.

  "As much as I'd love to waste my morning away with you, I can't, not this morning. I have to be at the studio in an hour. We're working on my record and talking about a video for my first song."

  "Wow! Exciting stuff. I'm so proud of you."

  "You'd have known more about it if you were around more."

  "I know, I know. I was just talking to Buck about that last night. We’re hiring some new people. It should alleviate some of the workload."

  "So, I'll be seeing more of you then?”

  "Mmmm," I said, rolling to the side of the bed. I reached out to her and pulled her to me, kissing her tenderly. "Yes, you will. Beautiful, talented, and now a rising star. I'm proud of you Maddie.”

  "Well, I couldn't have done it without you."

  "Don't sell yourself short. I know good talent when I hear it."

  "There are a lot of talented artists out there who don't get heard because of bad timing or not enough money or just stupid luck. I was lucky when I found you, Travis."

  "I think that’s the other way around," I said, lunging for her. The blanket fell away from my body, and she smiled.

  "Very nice," she said, leaning in for a kiss.

  "Keep that up, and you'll be missing the beginning stages of that first video."

  "Mmmm," she cooed, kissing me again. "It's so tempting, and I do miss you. Can we do something tonight?"

  "I'll try. I have to be at the club, but I'll text you and let you know."

  "Ugh, okay."

  "I'm sorry. I'm going to try and hire more help as soon as I possibly can, so in a couple of weeks I should have more time for us."

  I kept her close to me, my arms wrapping around her. She felt so damned good.

  "I know. I'm trying to be patient. We've been working so much; we barely have time for us."

  "Well, I promise you now, that’s all going to change."

  "Change," I said, looking out at the staff. "That's what we're looking for. We need to keep things fresh and new, give our customers something to look forward to when they come here. They're looking for a quality night out on the town. We can provide that for them. I want to know your input and ideas. I'm working with a contractor to build an outdoor venue with its own bar and waitstaff. We will have bands inside and outside along with a food menu that will be easy but delicious."

  "It sounds exciting," said one of the girls. "We should be able to pack the place."

  "That's exciting?" asked someone else. "I don't know about you, but I'm already working double shifts."

  "No worries," I said. "Buck will be hiring some new people this week, and we will hire several more once the outside venue is complete. I'll give you all the option of where and when you want to work, and I'll create your schedules accordingly. There will be a few of you being promoted to managers, so I want to see your best work in the next few weeks. There will be some growing pains with this process, but I hope you will all help out and be patient as we transition t
o one of the best-damned clubs in Nashville." I felt a sense of pride when I looked out at them. Their eyes were wide, and their smiles held hope. "Does anyone have anything to add?"

  "I do." Buck stood up. He held a newspaper in his hands and held it up toward me. "Desperado is up for sale."

  I was speechless. I stared at the paper in his hands as if the words would come to me.

  "What's Desperado?" asked one of the staff members. "And why do you look like you're going to pass out? Is this big news?"

  "Desperado was the only club in town I couldn't surpass," I said, still staring at the paper. "No matter what I did, they always seemed to have the upper hand. Always a step ahead. I went as far as hiring a private investigator, so to speak, to get the inside scoop on the place."

  "Well, apparently they didn't do as good as they had hoped if they're selling out."

  Buck leaned forward and handed me the paper.

  "Let's just say we found out a little more about the owner than was expected," he said. "He and his sister are doing jail time, and apparently the place can't run very well without them."

  My eyes scanned the story, and I could only shake my head. "This is too much."

  I looked out toward everyone and smiled. "I guess that's all. I'll keep everyone informed on the progress of our changes and if you have any questions or new ideas, just let me or Buck know. My door is always open."

  I waited for everyone to disburse and nodded toward Buck.

  "Do you have a minute?"

  "Of course."

  He followed me into my office, and I set the paper down on my desk in front of me. It took me a few moments to get my thoughts together, but the wheels in my mind were in overdrive.

  "What would you think if I bought Desperado?"

  "That's why I gave you the story," he said, a broad smile on his face. "I was hoping you had the same idea I did."

  "We could turn it into a rock and roll club. That way we can corner two very large music industries."

  "I love the idea."

  I smiled. "This is going to be big."

  Everything was coming together nicely. The outdoor venue was underway. The new staff took to their positions easily, and I was able to free up more of my time for Maddie.

  I kissed her forehead and stared into her eyes. I was ready to make her my wife. I wanted to propose, and I knew just how to do it.

  "Are you busy tomorrow night?" I asked her.

  "Not at all. I was hoping we could do something. What did you have in mind?"

  "Just a little dinner, maybe some dancing afterward. I want to take you out." I kissed her lips lightly. "I've missed you."

  "I've missed you too. I'd love to go out with you."

  "Great, I'll set it up."

  "Set it up? It's just dinner."

  "I meant, I'll make the reservations."

  "Are we going someplace fancy? Should I dress up?" She sounded giddy, like a child wanting to wear her princess dress.

  "A little," I said with a chuckle. "There's a little Italian place on the other side of town I want to check out. I hear it gets filled up fast if you don't make a call. Get a little dressy, but no ball gown or anything," I smiled.

  The next morning, my stomach was a ball of nerves as I called and reserved a table for ten. I wanted my closest family and friends there to witness the important event. I mentioned the event and the importance of privacy, and they offered a special VIP room with champagne on the house.

  "What's the big announcement?" my mother asked.

  "That… that will be revealed at the dinner tonight. Say you'll come."

  "Well, of course, dear. I wouldn't miss something that obviously has you riled up."

  Later that afternoon when Maddie had gone to the studio, I snuck into her jewelry box and slipped one of her favorite rings into my pocket. The jeweler was more than accommodating and within a few hours I had chosen the perfect engagement ring for her; a blue sapphire stone surrounded by small white diamonds.

  "It's breathtaking," said the jeweler.

  I assumed it was her job to say something along those lines, with the hefty price tag on this new ring.

  "It's nothing compared to the woman I'm buying it for."

  I paid for the purchase and waited impatiently for the associate to prepare it for its journey to the restaurant.

  I walked into the restaurant with Maddie on my arm. When we entered the room, everyone else had already arrived and they were seated around the large table.

  "Travis," Maddy whispered as she leaned in toward me. "I thought this was just going to be you and me?"

  "I have a little surprise to share, and I wanted everyone here. I hope you don't mind."

  She shook her head and looked around the room, forcing a smile. She was obviously hoping for a romantic evening with just the two of us. I was hoping that would come later with this rock on her finger. I touched my suit coat pocket feeling the black velvet box through the fabric.

  When the waitstaff arrived to take our drink orders, I was quick to order a double bourbon.

  Well into the meal and three double bourbons later, I was ready.

  "Everyone?" I stood up at the head of the table and looked out toward those who meant the most to me. "I am so happy you were all able to join me on this night. I have something special I want to share with all of you." I took a drink and set my glass down. "You all know how much the club and the studio mean to me, how hard I've worked... we've worked," I looked at Buck and my mother, "to make them both successful. I couldn't have done it without all of you in my life, and ever since I met Maddie, I feel like my world is finally complete."

  I pushed my chair back and turned toward her. I slid my hand into my pocket and wrapped my fingers around that soft black velvet case and took a deep breath.

  A quiet knock on the side door interrupted me and I looked up in time to see it open. When I saw him walk into the room, my heart dropped out of my chest and hit the floor.

  "Hello, Travis. Your little brother is home." He held his arms out and looked around the room. "Looks like I'm just in time for the special festivities."

  My mouth dropped open.

  Chapter Two

  Maddie

  I sipped on my wine as I waited for something to happen. No one knew what Travis's big news was and now this stranger, dressed in fatigues, who had crashed our little party, had quickly shut everyone up. I wanted to ask, but something on their faces told me to stay in my chair and wait.

  I looked into this man's face and saw traces of Travis, but with the lack of welcome he was receiving, I was dying to know what he did to cause such an unwelcome.

  "I'm sorry," said Julien, walking toward Travis. "It looks like I'm interrupting something important. Should I not be a part of it? Should I go?"

  "You've been gone five years, Julien." Travis tightened his jaw. "No calls, no contact at all. I'm sorry if the shock of seeing you just pop in after all this time doesn't settle well with you."

  "Awe, big brother. I've been a busy man. Someone had to keep you safe from the bad guys."

  "Oh, come here," said Madeline, getting up out of her chair. She approached him with her arms wide open and kissed his cheek before her embrace.

  "Hey, ma." He hugged her tightly. "I'm glad someone is glad to see me."

  Their affection seemed genuine, but something was lacking. I couldn't help but wonder what had happened between them all.

  Julien pulled up a chair from the corner of the room and wedged himself next to Buck at the opposite side of the table. He snapped his fingers at the first waiter who walked in.

  "Can I get a Jack and Coke and whatever your special is?" Looking around, he put on a big goofy smile and reached across the table to grab a dinner roll. He stuffed half of it into his mouth. "Continue, please," he muffled.

  After a few moments of hesitation and the murmuring had died down, everyone looked back toward Travis and waited for him to say something. He seemed uneasy that his brother was there. I
wanted to reach out to him, but without knowing the reasoning, I stayed put and prayed the night would go smoothly for him.

  "I just wanted to let everyone know that it has come to my attention that Desperado has been put up for sale. Our club, Bourbon Guitar is now back on top and to keep it that way, Buck and I have decided that we are going to purchase Desperado."

  "Are you sure about this, Travis?" My mother always questioned what I did, mostly just to play devil's advocate.

  "Yes. Buck and I have been talking, and he agrees with me. With a little investing and the right people, we should have a successful second club in the rock and roll department."

  "Good for you." My mother clasped her hands and smiled from ear to ear. "My boy, such the success."

  "Yeah, congratulations." Julien's sarcasm was thick and bitter as he held his drink up.

  "Here's to success," I said, holding my glass up. I attempted to keep the moment as it should have been. When Julien's eyes locked on to mine, I regretted speaking up. A smile slowly formed on his mouth, leaving me feeling vulnerable and uneasy. I quickly looked away and sipped my wine.

  Travis kept quiet on the way home. I didn't question the dancing he had promised me after dinner. I knew his mind was full and I had hoped he would have opened up to me, but I understood and gave him his space. When we got home and went inside, I made some coffee and sat next to him at the table. I put my hand on his arm and waited for him to look at me. When he did, I saw concern that wasn't there before.

  "Do you want to talk about it, Travis?”

  "How did he know where we were?"

  "Maybe your mother told him? I sensed that you didn't want him there."

  "He's my brother. I should be happy to see him."