Rockstar Secrets (Forbidden Chords Book 1)

by Dixon, Ja'Nese

  She wins. But what she loved the most, was no longer being alone.

  “Do you think Kayla liked me?” he asked, and she glanced up at him.

  “Her following you around all night told it all.” He laughed. Kayla was glued to his side. But she was the youngest in the room. None of his siblings had children yet. But Sandra and Imani would change that soon.

  “I bet Mom’s downstairs cooking for her now.” His parents insisted they all stay overnight and continue the festivities today. Brione chuckled, the Carters started the spoiling last night. They gave in to Kayla’s every request. And not just his parents but his brother Kyle and sister Lauren too.

  “I think we’re going to love hanging with the Carters.”

  “No doubt.” Marques rolled on top of her, getting comfortable between her legs. “Are there anymore arranged marriages I should know about?”

  “No, sir.” Thank God.

  “What about babies?”

  Brione laughed harder. “No, Marques. I think I’ve tapped out on my secrets and surprises for a while.”

  “My heart thanks you.” He kissed her.

  “So your Royalness,” she wiggled against him. “I was thinking. How about we take this act overseas after I graduate?” Traveling the world with him and Kayla felt like a sweet deal.

  “Only if I’ll have you both with me.”

  “I think we can arrange that.”

  “I love you Brione.”

  “I love you too.” He kissed her slow and easy, just the way she liked. “I bet you can’t repeat last night and get me to the breakfast table in under an hour.”

  An erotic smile crossed his handsome face; she was going to love losing this bet. "Oh princess, I accept that challenge.”

  “Prove it.”

  “Don’t mind if I do.”

  Epilogue

  The doors opened, and a collective gasp rippled through the sanctuary as Brione stood in the doorway. Marques was a very lucky man. And he deserved it.

  “Uncle…Uncle….” Cameron took his eyes away from the bride marching down the aisle with her father turning to Kayla sitting in the crook of his arm.

  “Yes, Sweetheart,” he whispered to the flower girl that was more interested in his bowtie than her mother walking down the aisle.

  “This is purple.” She smiled, and his heart melted. Who knew a little girl could turn his family upside down? Her curly hair was pushed back with a silver headband in a white dress similar to her mother’s.

  “That’s right sweetie.” Kayla had recently learned her colors, and he was a very proud uncle. He kissed her cheek and patted her back turning his attention back to the ceremony. Kayla rested her elbow on his shoulder and followed his lead.

  Brione stopped at the altar, and her father gave her hand to Marques. The two exchanged vows and not a dry eye was in the sanctuary. The wedding was intimate, at the bride’s insistence. Eliana stood with her and he with Marques.

  “The ring.” The pastor turned his gaze to Cameron. He pulled the ring off his pinky finger passing it to Marques.

  “Preettteee,” Kayla added. The audience laughed.

  Somehow, Marques managed to release two albums at the top of the charts, relocate to Houston, and he finalized the adoption papers legally becoming Kayla’s father. The paperwork was merely a formality. His parents, brother, and sister already spoiled their little lady like crazy. And just like that, they all were riding high.

  Rockstar Entertainment was making a name for itself, and now Cameron was ready to sign new acts. It was best to ride the wave while the tide was high, after he danced with his beautiful niece at the reception, of course.

  The pastor pronounced them husband and wife. As the wedding party exited the church Cameron held on to Kayla and walked with Eliana down the aisle. They blew bubbles as the newlyweds entered the limo. His baby brother was officially a family man.

  “The Prince of R&B is hitched," Eliana said reading his mind. She reached for Kayla, and the little girl gladly went to her godmother.

  He shook off the thought. “I’m driving out right after the ceremony.”

  “Why so early? Brione has everything prepped from South by Southwest,” Eliana said lowering Kayla to the ground as they walked to the car.

  Marques was performing at a venue before they left for their honeymoon. Now with Brione officially Marques’ co-manager and handling his events, they planned to drop Kayla off with her grandparents, perform, then head to Torres del Paine National Park for their honeymoon.

  “I know. I want to take my time driving to Austin and follow up on a few artists in the area.” He opened the door for them, after getting them settled in, he lowered behind the wheel. “Can you believe it?”

  “No, but those two are perfect together. Right honey?” Eliana leaned over and tickled Kayla. “First Bruce, then Damian, now Marques, I guess you’re next.”

  “Hell naw.”

  “Uncle!” Her little face bunched in a warning glare.

  “Sorry Sweetheart. And don’t tell your Poppa,” Cameron begged, Eliana laughed, and he did too. Kayla would tell Marques as soon as she placed her shiny Mary Janes on the ground. He leaned closer to Eliana, “There are too many fish in the sea. Besides I have a wife.”

  “RSE doesn’t count.” Eliana secured her seatbelt.

  Cameron turned the key in the ignition. He glanced in the rearview mirror at Kayla’s little eyes drifting off to sleep and thought about one day having a child of his own, but not before marriage.

  He entertained women here and there but having his heart steamrolled once was enough to show him he was out of his league. Starting and managing Rockstar Entertainment was more than enough for him, the label fulfilled his business goals and his passion for music. That was all he needed. But if he was truly honest with himself, somewhere deep down inside Cameron wondered if maybe there was a happily ever after out there for him too.

  Dear Reader

  Dear Rockstar Romance Reader,

  Marques Carter entered the outer edges of my mind over ten years ago. He’s a mixture of heart, soul, and music.

  ROCKSTAR SECRETS tells of an emerging R&B rockstar and a woman with a secret. And it is the first book in the Forbidden Chords series.

  Actually, it feels more like book three…in HIDDEN DESIRE you met Bruce Daniels and Damian Hughes in AS YOU WISH. They are three of the six partners in Rockstar Entertainment, the indie record label featured in Forbidden Chords.

  The Forbidden Chords Series follows the drama of the rockstars heading Rockstar Entertainment. This indie record label makes more magic between the sheets than on the tracks.

  The music is cutting edge. Their love lives are hot as sin. But if they aren’t willing to choose between the two, they’ll risk everything they’ve worked their whole lives to pursue fame and fortune on their own terms.

  Family over fame is their motto...now sit back and watch them blaze a trail to the top.

  I hope you loved it and you’re ready for book two, ROCKSTAR SINNERS, featuring Cameron the fearless leader of this eclectic tribe. Look for his story early summer 2018.

  Take care and happy reading.

  Ja’Nese Dixon

  www.janesedixon.com

  Can she convince him that her only addiction is him?

  Sydney “Lady Bird” Jones took sex, drugs, and rock ’n roll to the extreme—literally—until she woke up determined to put the limelight in her rearview mirror.

  Cameron Carter can spot raw talent a mile away with his eyes closed and ears plugged. He stumbles into a small Austin showcase, and the songstress captures his attention and his heart.

  Sydney believes the sexy executive belongs in her bed as Cameron fights to maintain professional boundaries against the need to possess every inch of her. But when a demon comes to haunt her, he might as well sign his death certificate.

  Get Click HERE to get the

  Alert for Rockstar Sinners.

  Is their simmering attraction enough t
o defeat their crusades?

  Damian “The Shark” Hughes real estate billionaire lands in Houston, Texas to handle a “problem tenant” stalling his partnership with Rock Star Entertainment. But on first sight he doesn’t know which he wants more, to evict her or bed her.

  Imani Scott is at the end of herself and her resources for keeping the doors of Harmony Dance open. What she doesn’t have time for is the sweet talking, money slinging gorgeousness from Atlanta. Her sole focus is on her students. They are depending on her and she’s not to go down without a fight.

  The blurred line between friend or foe…

  Imani organizes a Kwanzaa benefit recital to save her studio not knowing she’s sleeping with the enemy. And Damian is willing to do whatever it takes to close the deal and keep this ebony beauty by his side.

  At odds yet drawn to each other by their undeniable chemistry, the ticking clock and a multi-million dollar development deal erect the perfect battleground.

  Will they win the battle but lose the war? Or will they let love win?

  Get Your Copy on Amazon

  or Read in Kindle Unlimited!

  Chapter One

  "Houston we have a problem and it must be resolved by the end of the year." Soft chuckles came from around the table.

  Damian Hughes was invited to a private meeting by Cameron Carter at The Ritz-Carlton with undisclosed. These types of secret gatherings were not new to him but Cameron had piqued his interest.

  Tilting his head back Damian reached into the corners of his mind to recall the exact verbiage Cameron used—an offer most kill for but only five receive. His father didn't raise a fool, and he knew if Cameron said it, it was worth returning to the United States.

  Damian had cleared his calendar and boarded a private plane from Dubai heading to Atlanta, Georgia. A nomad by choice, he sold his home in the States seven years ago and now hopped from state to state, continent to continent, and a part of him welcomed this meeting due to exhaustion. Working abroad had its perks but lately he missed the comforts of his home country.

  His missed southern hospitality, football games, his friends and his family. Pursing the next big deal made him a wealthy man and garnered him a seat at today's meeting, apparently he wasn't doing too bad.

  "What happens in this room, stays in this room." Cameron scanned the room stopping at each attendee personally. Damian nodded his agreement.

  "Very well. I've invited each of you here because Bruce and I have decided to launch Rockstar Entertainment January 1st with the debut of Marques' album." Cameron stood with his hands flat on the table. "We invited each of you because you possess a skill set that we need. You are the absolute best of the best and in exchange for your gifts and talents we are prepared to offer you equal partnership in RSE."

  "Besides friendship, what made you select the men in this room?" Damian glanced at the men huddled around the table. He sat amongst friends, which was a welcomed treat. But he felt out of place.

  "It's simple. You all are at the top of your game. I want to bring business and fire back to the music industry. Back to when our fathers were rock stars and real artistry was king." Cameron stopped and faced Damian. "RSE artists will have career longevity of David Bowie, the pop appeal of Michael Jackson, the swag of James Brown, and the soul of Marvin Gaye."

  Damian always loved music, however, his specialty was real estate and development. He'd been groomed under his father and now he traveled as a freelance consultant flipping and developing residential and commercial property.

  "Gentlemen, we have six months to launch the label that will put this industry on its ass." Cameron declared.

  For the next four hours Damian listened as they laid out their very ambitious business plan to introduce RSE as an independent record label and artist management firm. The idea of equal partnership intrigued him. Less traveling and more time with his family in Atlanta topped his list. A family he felt disconnected from, they talked by phone frequently but his father's declining health made Damian question his professional choices.

  "To the man of the hour." All eyes were now on him.

  Cameron dropped a thick folder on the table and pushed it in his direction. It slid across the polished mahogany wood table; Damian stopped the file folder before it reached the glass of iced water sitting on the decorative coaster in front of him.

  "I'll give you a few minutes to review it."

  Damian sat forward and extended his arms to settle into reading through the documents, maybe this would make sense of it all. He glanced around once again, he only worked with the best. Yet it was rare for him to sit amongst a table of old money. They all were second and third generation wealth. Something told him this was going to be a big one.

  Focusing on the task at hand he opened the folder and his breath caught at the sight of a brown skinned beauty. Her eyes leapt off the photograph and the voices of the men around the table faded into a muffled mumble.

  He picked up the picture and rested his forearm against the table, examining the rich hue of her honey kissed eyes. They twinkled as if the photographer had told a joke. His eyes swept lower wondering if remnants of her laughter would show in her smile.

  No, the smirk awaiting his inspection was raw sexiness, inviting him closer. He glanced back up at her eyes and decided she was seducing the camera. From her soft pout, to the long regal neck, to the soft waves flipped to the side resting on her shoulder.

  "Damian." The edge of Cameron's call cut through the haze of the electric picture sending his senses into overdrive.

  "Yes." Damian dropped the picture like a hot potato.

  “I think I need to start again." The men around the table chuckled, the joke was on him. He turned his attention to Cameron, wishing he could erase the sexy pout from his mind. "We need to establish two compounds for a dual headquarters. One based here in Atlanta and the other in Houston."

  Now Damian caught Cameron’s vision. "That's why you need me."

  "Yes, sir. We haven't found an appropriate location here, and we thought we had a perfect spot in Houston but it seems we've hit a glitch and I can't babysit this."

  Damian could see all types of potential for this arrangement. He would have equal ownership in RSE and access to the artists for future contracts. Not to mention the commercial development he'd add to his portfolio.

  "The file contains the details about the property and Imani Wright. She is owner and operator of Harmony Dance, a hold over tenant in the Houston property."

  Cameron ran through the facts like an ordinary, boring grocery list. Nothing about the heat in Imani's eyes said ordinary or boring. Damian dropped his gaze again to the folder and found her bewitchery gaze waiting for him. He pushed the picture away with the tip of his index finger.

  "We attempted to use a standard real estate agent for this portion of our plan. He negotiated on our behalf and then after that it seemed to go over our heads."

  "Do you own the property or are you still in negotiations?"

  "We own it."

  Damian nodded. "Then what's the problem?"

  "It seems Miss Wright is the last tenant from the previous owner and she hasn’t paid rent in, last count, six months." He let out a long frustrated breath. "We were told that all tenants were provided notices to vacate and were given a 90 day notice."

  "All except one." Damian stated.

  "Exactly. We're at a loss as to how we should proceed. It is an inner city, non-profit serving minority students. You get my drift. We can't just swoop in and boot her out.”

  “Not and keep your reputation in tact.”

  “You got it.”

  “We have plans for the property that doesn’t involved managing tenants. And so, here you are."

  Damian nodded and flipped through the pages skimming the dates, figures, and he realized the plight before them. He leaned back computing the issues and several exit strategies for RSE.

  "The way I see it, you need to sell the property to me. The last thing you need i
s a woman running to the press with her cute kids pointing the finger at Rockstar Entertainment and derailing the launch." He looked down again noting the address. "Let me fly out and see how we can best resolve this."

  Damian made billions cleaning up real estate messes—residential or commercial, small town or big city, domestic or abroad.

  "Done. None of our names or RSE can be attached to this situation. We have too much riding on our first impression. We'll also expect you to handle the Atlanta property and any future real estate matters. But there's a catch." Cameron lowered to his chair.

  "There always is." Damian crossed his hands over the folder and faced Cameron and Bruce.

  "We need this finalized by the close of the year."

  * * *

  Imani Wright approached Harmony Dance. She parked her gifted Toyota in the spot marked "Director". The aged signed leaned to the side, but it was hers. The cool air pumping icicles in her car was the only reliable function of her twenty year old car, which was much more than she could say about her studio. She turned the fan up to maximum.

  Relief coursed through her body at seeing the door free and clear of any notifications. She'd occupied her studio rent-free for almost six months. Every day driving up was like a man walking towards death row.

  "No news is good news," Imani whispered and took a long drink of her 44 oz sweet tea.

  "You really need to get your life in order," Adrianna Martinez said, grabbing Imani's cup, taking a long drink too. They sat in the car together staring at the front door.

  "Negative Nancy please leave your comments to yourself. I'll take every day they give me." She was her best friend, partner-in-crime, and fickle unpaid employee. As usual, she was tap-dancing on Imani’s last nerve.

  "All you have to do is start charging them. What other studio allows students to attend classes tuition free?” Adrianna picked up the cup again and Imani snatched her tea back. She refused to share the last of her cold drink and listen to her pessimistic comments.