Front Man: The Complete Trilogy (Three books in one volume)

by Bell, Adora

  Watching Jack hold the crowd in the palm of his hand, Sara was glowing. She knew if he just faced them, the public would see through all the lies in the papers. People weren't stupid, they knew sincerity when they saw it. Jack seemed like a different person to the broken down man she had wrapped her arms around only a couple of hours earlier. Every moment he spent performing seemed to breathe new life into him. She couldn't wait to harness some of that new energy when they got back to the hotel room. Sara was thinking fondly of that giant shower, with plenty of room for two, when she realized that Jack was walking towards her side of the stage.

  “Ladies and gentleman, I'd like to dedicate this song to someone very special. Without her I quite literally wouldn't be here today. “ Jack knelt down and extended his hand towards Sara. Her eyes widened, and she shook her head, but Jack just grinned and grabbed hold of her. Someone behind her took the rather worrying initiative to lift her legs, and before she knew it, Sara was being dragged onto the stage.

  “Please give a big hand for the very beautiful Sara Lansbury!” Jack raised her hand in the air, and the crowd applauded enthusiastically. The rest of the band clapped as well, with the exception of Michael, whose face seemed to be frozen in a permanent scowl. Sara stood dead still, frozen like a deer in the headlights, as Jack sang to her in front of all those people. She wanted to pinch herself. It was like being in the middle of her silliest adolescent fantasy, except the man in front of her was very real. He had flaws, a bruised heart, and a lot of explaining to do.

  After the show, the band had a few scheduled meet and greets with fans and TV people. Sara sank into a comfortable chair in the dressing room. Exhaustion was finally getting the better of her. Her eyes were just starting to close when there was a knock at the door.

  “Sara? Sorry to disturb you,” the portly middle aged man held out his hand. “Jared, the boys' manager. We've not met, but I've heard a lot about you.”

  “Really?” Sara couldn't keep the surprise out of her voice.

  Jared smiled. “Yes, it seems like you made quite the impression on our Jack. Rock star he might be, but it's not every girl he flies half way around the world.”

  Sara blushed, feeling awkward all of a sudden. It dawned on her how silly she might look to outsiders, coming all this way on the whim of a man she barely knew.

  “Seems like he might have made a smart choice for once in his life. God knows it's about time!”

  Jared gave her a fatherly pat on the shoulder, and Sara smiled shyly.

  “Anyway, I just came in to say thank you for talking some sense into him. I don't know what you did, but he's finally agreed to a proper interview, get all this stuff out in the open. Risky, I know, but there's a few journalists in the business you can still trust to write a fair story. He's been keeping the Laura business a secret for too long...he thinks I don't notice, but I know it eats away at him. And now they've turned up those bloody photos, we might as well give them the whole story. At least then people will hear the truth, not just some half baked theories the papers cook up. I think the public will appreciate that, don't you?”

  Sara nodded, trying to pretend she knew what he was talking about, but all his years in the music business had given Jared a sixth sense.

  “Shit. He didn't actually tell you, did he?”

  “Not as such. I think he wanted to, he just...”

  “Couldn't find the words, I bet. That's Jacky boy for you. He'll write the most beautiful lyrics you ever heard, but when it gets personal, getting a whole sentence out of him's a challenge.”

  Sara smiled. “I'm beginning to see that.”

  “Look, Sara, he'll kill me if he knows I said anything. But you ought to know. Jack's parents died when he was nineteen, just a kid really.” Sara nodded. That much had made it to the Wikipedia page.

  “Left him all on his own, with his kid sister to look after.”

  “Laura.” She guessed.

  “You got it. Man, Jack loved that kid. From the day she was born he looked out for her. Laura and his music, those were the only two things that mattered to Jack. But there was only so much he could do for her. Sixteen-year-old girl, lost her parents...she went the way a lot of them do. Got in with a bad crowd. Got kicked out of school, that's when she started with the drugs. And it all went down hill from there. By the time I met Jack, after we first spotted the boys on the bar circuit, she was injecting. Jack tried everything, spent every cent he had trying to get her counselling and what have you. Followed her out at night, making sure she got home safe no matter how messed up she was. Poor boy, he never gave up on her. Finally, just before the first album was about to drop, we got her a spot at this really nice rehab centre, one of the best. Jack told her she had to go have the treatment, or he was going to kick her out of the house...that's what they tell you to say, you know? You have to stop enabling them or whatever. And the record company had a tour lined up for Compass, Jack was going to be on the road. He wouldn't have been able to keep any eye on her all the time. Anyway, the night before he was going to drive her up there, Laura took off. Just vanished into thin air. And that was the last Jack heard of her. He almost quit the band then and there, it took all I had to persuade him not to. I don't think he's ever forgiven himself.”

  “Those pictures...”

  “Yeah, that's Laura in the photos, and some of her no good 'friends.' I can't believe Jack was stupid enough to go somewhere that sleazy...but he would have followed her into the mouth of hell if it meant keeping his little sister safe. That's just the kind of guy he is. For a little while I even wondered...it sounds stupid, but I wondered if maybe he had done a bit of dealing. Made a bit of money and kept an eye on his sister at the same time. But when Jack Carter looks you in the eye and tells you something...well, he's a man of his word, I'll tell you that.”

  “Wow. I never even imagined...poor Jack. No wonder he never wanted to talk about it.”

  “He's been carrying the guilt around all these years. I'm hoping by finally speaking out, some good might come of it.”

  “Do you know what happened? To Laura, I mean?”

  Jared sighed and shook his head. “If you ask Jack, she's dead. I don't think he can face the thought of her still being out there somewhere. But I guess I've always hoped she might get in touch one day, you know. Give him a bit of closure.”

  “No such thing as closure, Jared, you know that.” Jared and Sara whipped round to see Jack standing in the doorway. Sara's stomach gave a little flip.

  “If you're going to talk about a person, there are more subtle places than their own dressing room.”

  Sara tried desperately to read Jack's face, but his expression stayed neutral. She could only hope he wasn't too angry with her.

  “Jack, I'm sorry buddy. I just thought she ought to know...I overstepped the mark, I'm sorry man.”

  “It's okay Jared. In your own interfering way, I know you were just trying to help. And you're right, I suck when it comes to talking about this kind of stuff...I do want to sometimes, but I just don't know how.” He turned to Sara, and in that moment he looked so tired and vulnerable, that she couldn't stand not to be touching him. She stood and flung herself into his arms, pressing her face into his chest.

  “So, now you know all my secrets,” Jack said to the top of Sara's head. “Still wanna come back to the hotel room?”

  “You're an idiot.” Sara mumbled, raising her face to place a gentle kiss on his lips. At last, Jack smiled.

  The moment the door opened, they were met by a barrage of photographers. Sara was blinded by flashes as Jared strode ahead of them towards the car, waving away microphones and yelling 'No comment!' at anyone who would listen.

  “Jack, is there any truth to these allegations?”

  “Jack, how can you explain the photos we saw today?”

  “Sara, are you Jack's girlfriend?”

  “Are you two engaged?”

  “Jack, do you still take drugs?”

  “Are you leaving th
e band?”

  As he helped Sara into the back seat, Jack turned back one last time to the huddled paparazzi.

  “There is no Compass without Jack Carter. There's no way I'd leave the band. I'll see you in Madrid!”

  As they pulled out of the side street, Jared's cell phone bleeped. His face was exasperated as he read the message.

  “Let me guess,” Jack grunted, “Michael.”

  “He's not happy Jack. You know what he's like about you getting special treatment.”

  “I'm sorry for not showing up tonight, Jared. I was just thinking about myself...I know I let you guys down.”

  “Don't worry about it Jacky boy. Look, we're all behind you, me, the boys, the record company. Micheal’s just having one of his little temper tantrums; he'll be over it by tomorrow.”

  Sara nodded encouragingly, but she sensed even Jared didn't really believe what he was saying.

  “Thanks, Jared. You're the best.” Jack reached over to the front seat and squeezed his manager's shoulder. Sara could tell from the look they exchanged that there was a real affection between them, a relationship that went way beyond business. She felt glad that there was someone as solid as Jared in Jack's corner.

  “Let's get you back to the hotel. It's been a long day, and I could do with a hot bath and a glass of Scotch. And I'm sure you two have some catching up to do. “

  Jack gave Sara's leg a squeeze and winked. She felt a thrill run through her as she smiled back at him.

  ***

  “Non, merci.” Jack ventured, trying to indicate with gestures that the bellboy did not need to accompany them in the elevator. They were more than capable of finding the room unaided, and Jack couldn't wait any longer to have Sara all to himself. As soon as the doors closed, he pounced on her.

  His hands were everywhere, roaming under her clothes, making her tremble with arousal. Jack hooked his fingers in the silky fabric of her underwear and pulled them down, exposing her tingling pussy. Sara's breath caught in her throat as he knelt in front of her, gently stroking her nether lips with the pads of his fingers.

  “Jack,” she moaned urgently, reaching out to hold the button that would keep the elevator doors closed, “what if someone gets on?”

  “I'm hoping someone gets off,” Jack grinned. He lowered his head and Sara gasped as she felt his tongue probe her sex. He teased her hairless lips with the tip of his tongue, before delving between them to find the pulsing heat of her clitoris. Every tiny move sent shivers through her entire body; as he gently circled her clit, she let out another uncontrollable groan. He explored her tenderly with his mouth, lapping up her juices as she wound her fingers in his hair. Sara was breathing heavily, writhing with pleasure, then Jack wrapped his lips around her desperate clit and began to suck gently.

  “Oh, oh Jack, oh my God -” There was a ping as the elevator arrived at their floor. Abruptly, Jack stood upright, adjusting Sara's underwear with one deft movement. The doors slid open. Sara ran her fingers through her hair, trying to compose herself, as they hurried down the corridor.

  Jack kicked the door closed behind him and pulled Sara close. She could taste herself on his lips as he kissed her deeply.

  “Where do you want me to fuck you?” he whispered in her ear, and Sara felt her insides flip with excitement. She knew exactly where she wanted him. Grabbing his hand, she dragged Jack into the bathroom and switched on the shower.

  Sara tugged her sweater over her head, and before she knew it Jack's practised fingers had unhooked her bra and freed her breasts. She wiggled out of her skirt and stood before him, naked and expectant.

  “You are...wow.” he said breathily. Sara smiled, feeling suddenly bold.

  “Undress for me,” she teased.

  “You want a little show, huh?” Jack laughed. He reached down and undid the first button of his jeans, before lifting the hem of his shirt just a little to reveal his taut, tanned stomach. Sara bit her lip; he looked so damn good. Getting into a rhythm, Jack twirled around while whipping his shirt off and tossing it flamboyantly across the room. Sara giggled.

  “You've done this before!”

  “Oh no baby. This is a one time show, for your eyes only.” Jack tried to remove his jeans with a sexy flourish, but the tight denim was not cooperating. Sara padded across the tile towards him.

  “Here. Let me help.” She eased the tight pants down his firm thighs, relishing the sight of his erection bulging in his underwear. She pulled those down too, and his hard cock sprang out, straining and ready for action. Sara cupped his balls with her left hand, bringing her right up to gently stroke his length. Jack groaned. Giving him her wickedest smile, Sara lowered herself to her knees and leaned forward to kiss the velvety tip of his cock. Teasing him with her tongue, she ever-so-slowly eased him into her mouth, sliding her moist lips up and down his rock hard shaft.

  “Oh, god, Sara.

  Grabbing his firm buttocks with both hands, Sara pumped Jack's cock in and out of her mouth, teasing the head with her tongue on each stroke. Just when Jack thought the pleasure couldn't get any more intense, she relaxed her throat and pushed him deeper. It took all of Jack's self control not to shoot his load down her throat at that moment.

  “Sara, oh stop baby, I don't think I can take much more.”

  Smiling, Sara got to her feet and made her way into the shower, beckoning for him to follow. The warm water raining down on her skin only intensified her arousal, and when Jack ran his hands over her bare, slippery skin, she cried out with happiness. Jack manoeuvred her so her hands rested against the tiled shower wall, her pert backside pointing towards it. He caressed her buttocks gently, before dipping his fingers between her legs.

  “Oh yes, I think you're wet enough,” he sighed into her ear as he came up behind her. His hands went to her breasts, massaging the full orbs as he carefully eased his cock into her desperate pussy. Sara let out a wild cry, her body overwhelmed by the sensation of fullness. Unable to hold back, Jack pounded into her with short, hard thrusts, the head of his cock caressing her g-spot with each stroke. Sara was screaming now, having completely lost control, surrendering entirely to the pleasure she was feeling. Jack reached around and began to gently rub her swollen clitoris, and the added stimulation pushed Sara over the edge. Jack felt her pussy tighten around him as she came hard, and he let himself go, shooting his load inside her as he moaned into her ear. Their orgasms seemed to go on and on, waves of pleasure washing over them both as they were bathed by the shower's warm spray. As the feeling subsided, Sara knees felt weak, and for a moment she thought her legs might give out. But Jack's strong arms were wrapped around her, gently pulling her to her feet to kiss her under the running water.

  ***

  Wrapped in fluffy hotel towels, they lay side by side on the bed, fingers loosely entwined. They talked. Jack apologized for everything so many times that eventually Sara was forced to clamp a hand over his mouth. He bit her finger gently, making her squeal, before pulling her to him for another kiss.

  “Are you nervous about the interview?” Sara asked, keeping her eyes on Jack's face, trying to read him.

  “To be honest, I'm dreading it. I...I know I have to do it, but I just hate talking about myself. About that kind of stuff, I mean. I wish...I wish it was just about the music, you know?”

  “Poor little celebrity. Life's tough when you're rich and famous, huh?” Sara teased, poking him in the side. Jack swatted her with a pillow.

  “I'm sorry, I'm sorry, I'm joking. I...I was really worried about you today. Then when I got here and you'd disappeared - “ she held up her hand, “no, don't apologize, that's not what I mean. Just, I was scared. You seem so sad sometimes, and with all this stuff going on...I was worried you'd done something stupid.”

  Jack squeezed her hand. “If I can't say I'm sorry, I don't know what to say. I'm okay. It gets hard sometimes, on the road. I get lonely, then I start thinking about stuff. I used to talk to Michael about things...we used to be tight. But lately, it's
like he hates me. We barely even speak any more. All he does is complain to Jared that I'm stopping him getting any exposure. He's changed so much, it's hard to remember how we were ever friends.”

  “I'm so sorry Jack. That must be really tough. I guess it's true when they say fame changes people.”

  “Yeah. Some people.” Jack stared at the ceiling for a while, contemplating. Suddenly, he rolled over and looked Sara straight in the eye. There was an intense expression on his face.

  “Stay with me, Sara,” he said. “You can come on the rest of the tour, travel, see Europe. I know I'll be rehearsing and stuff, but you can do all the fun bits, see the sights, go shopping. It's only a few weeks.”

  “Jack, I have a job, I have to be at my desk on Monday.”

  “Take some holiday, tell them it's an emergency. Or just quit, come on, I've got enough money for both of us.”

  “Oh yes, brilliant idea Jack. I'll just quit my job and you can support me for the rest of my life...until you move on to the next one and I'm penniless and can't pay my rent. I can't just call my boss and say, hey, sorry, I'm going on tour with a rock band instead. That's not how things work in the real world, Jack.”

  “Hey, this is the real world too. Just with more, um, perks.”

  'I can imagine. Look, I'm sorry. Don't think I'm not tempted, believe me I am. But I have a life at home.”

  “A life that doesn't include me.”

  “Woah, hang on a minute. I...I barely know you.”

  “I know it's not been long, but...Sara, I've never felt this way about anyone before. I know it sounds lame, but...you're the best thing in my life right now. I need you here, with me.”

  “Jack, you know I can't. Come on, be fair.”

  “Oh, I'm sorry. I didn't realize offering you the chance of a lifetime was so unfair. How rude of me.” Jack's voice was icy. He stood up and grabbed a robe from the back of the door, wrapping it around himself.