Connected (Twists of Fate #1)

by Jolyn Palliata

  “Who is she?” Addison couldn’t help but ask the question.

  She sensed the depth of Rhys’

  feelings for this Kyleigh person, and had to know what the deal was, whether it was her place to or not.

  “Her and Gavin are like family. We grew up together.

  Gavin’s the rhythm guitarist for Persevere. You ever hear of them?”

  Who hasn’t?! Addison simply nodded.

  “Kiki is his sister, basical y. It’s complicated.” He shook his head. “Sooo what now? What else does Rhys need?” Addison felt nothing but pity for Xavier as she took in his whole countenance. The man looked so conflicted; hopeful but defeated.

  “I’m going to miss him too, Xavier,” she admitted quietly.

  “But that was what he needed to move on.”

  Hold up. You two aren’t getting rid of me that fast. I have a few other things.

  Her surprise must have shown clearly on her face, because Xavier asked, “There’s more?”

  “Apparently.” She listened to Rhys ramble in her head. “He has some ideas for Scripted Lives. Some sounds…riffs.

  Solos for you to try out. A couple of arrangements.”

  “Okaaay.” Xavier looked doubtful. “How are we going to do this?”

  “He’s sounding out some stuff in my head. Hey…that sounds nice.” She bobbed her head to the tempo. “Let me try that.”

  She cleared her throat and tried to relay the music she heard, focusing especial y hard on the pitch and length of the notes.

  When she noticed Xavier wincing, she stopped. That was when she also noticed the dead silence in her mind. Hel , you could’ve heard crickets chirping right then.

  “What?” she asked.

  It was Rhys who answered. Don’t ever do that again.

  “It wasn’t that bad, was it?” She looked to Xavier for an al y.

  But she wasn’t getting it there.

  “If he just told you that silence is bliss, I whole-heartedly concur.” She huffed a breath and crossed her arms.

  Sorry, sweetheart. But you’re gonna have to get me to Xavier.

  She cringed at the only alternative. “Do you have to?” She rubbed at her chest, remembering the uncomfortable sensation of him being so close, yet so far away. Although, if she was going to be honest with herself, she’d best get used to it, huh?

  “What’s up?” Xavier asked.

  “Rhys wants to talk to you himself.”

  He nodded and braced himself. “Al right. Let’s do it.” And then held out his hand.

  Chapter Nineteen

  Xavier barely had a chance to adjust to the sudden noise in his head when Rhys launched into a melody of sounds, humming and sounding out new riffs and solos for various tracks on Scripted Lives. Although Xavier was the lead guitarist, Rhys was their primary composer.

  Shit. How the hel was he going to do this without his little brother; not only a fucking awesome col aborator, but his rock in this crazy-ass life of theirs?

  He realized Rhys was picking up on his thoughts when a somber wave of emotions seeped into the very depths of his soul. Rhys fumbled the tempo he was maintaining and Xavier quickly shoved the thoughts aside—for Rhys sake, if not for his own.

  Damn, my brother. Don’t stop now. Xavier grabbed a notepad and pen off the coffee table in front of him. This is some stellar shit. I gotta get it down.

  Sometime later, Xavier glanced up from his furious scribble of musical notes and noticed Addison was curled up on her side, snuggled into the pil ow at the end of the couch. She must have realized they’d be awhile.

  Now make sure you match Connor’s tone here. Watch the variation in your pitch to match the chorus. It’ll come off as an extension of his voice. Rhys paused and took a deep breath. You get all that?

  No worries, man. I got ‘er all. Xavier tossed the pen on the pile of makeshift sheet music, and flexed his cramped knuckles.

  Damn, the talent his brother had…

  He laced his fingers behind his head as he kicked back on the couch, reveling in the pride he felt exuding from Rhys and feeling pretty damned pleased himself. This album was going to be their best yet, and it was al gonna be because of Rhys. If anything else, the man had always been committed to their band and its success. It only seemed logical he needed this as a part of his closure as wel . In Scripted Lives, Rhys was leaving his legacy.

  But that wasn’t the only thing he was leaving behind.

  Xavier glanced over at a dozing Addison. With a chuckle he said, You wear your girl out last night?

  Why? What’s she doing?

  You want to see her? Knowing Rhys would appreciate it, he concentrated on the woman laying next to him.

  Thanks man, Rhys said, his voice tight.

  Xavier studied her soft features framed by long, golden locks. She’s a classic beauty, Rhys.

  No doubt.

  And sassy, and smart. Plus, she doesn’t put up with my shit; she deals it out just as hard as she fucking gets it.

  His sigh was ful of remorse. It’s too damn bad I hadn’t met her when I was alive.

  Sounds like it would’ve been a match made, my brother.

  Rhys snorted. The bitch of it is, I probably wouldn’t have realized what I fucking had…given she would’ve spared me the time of day in the first place. We never would’ve connected like this in life.

  What the hel ? It sounded to Xavier like his brother had fal en hard for the girl. Was it possible that—

  As ridiculous as it may fucking sound to you, you’re absolutely right, Rhys admitted. And doesn’t that just kick me right in the ass?

  There wasn’t a single hint of the embarrassment or defensiveness Xavier would’ve normal y expected from him.

  If that’s the case—and I can feel that it is—then… Xavier tipped his head back, staring at the oil painting across the way as he organized his thoughts. Or tried to. Am I out of line here…or missing something…?

  What’s that?

  Why the hell don’t you just stay with her?

  I’m real fucking tempted to try. Believe you me. But I want someone real for her. She deserves that.

  Does she know how you feel?

  Yeah. Rhys blew out a frustrated-sounding breath. She wants me to stay, too. But, dammit, I’m feeling it, man.

  There’s something calling to me, or some shit.

  Xavier’s shoulders tightened. Like what?

  I don’t fucking know. But I can’t ignore it anymore. The more closure I get, the stronger it is.

  That’s saying something. He sat up and rubbed his palm on his thigh, a nervous gesture he never could shake no matter how aware of it he was. What more can I do for you, Rhys?

  There’s only one other thing I need taken care of. Then I can let go for good.

  The fact that Rhys responded without the slightest hesitation showed how paramount his final request was.

  And, dammit, Xavier was going to do everything in his power to see that his brother got whatever he needed.

  Name it.

  Addison. I want you to take care of her now.

  Shock rippled through him. “What?” he choked out.

  Not like that! Not unless you want me haunting your ugly ass for the rest of your guaranteed-to-be-short-miserable-life. Xavier felt what he thought was a mental slap upside his head. Just… Check in on her. Watch her back, ya know. There was a tense silence before he growled, Make sure whatever guy she ends up with treats her right…isn’t some fucking pansy-ass douche bag.

  I’m on it. Xavier glanced at Addison who was now rubbing at her sternum in her sleep. His brow creased. Is she going to be okay when you go? You’re still right here and she all antsy and shit.

  He showed Rhys her image so he could see what he was talking about.

  I gotta believe she’ll be fine. She was before I came along and latched onto her…

  Xavier sensed his doubt and confusion, and the underlying pain. He rushed to reassure.

  You’re rig
ht. People weren’t made for two souls, or whatever the fuck. She’s cool. I’ll make sure she is.

  Thanks, X. Really. I know this is an impossible situation, and you’re trying to be all stoic and shit. I just want you to know I appreciate it. I appreciate you. I love you, man.

  Love you too, my brother. Xavier’s jaw clenched with his need to guard the truth of his overwhelming emotions, but he knew his thoughts pierced some of his front. He cleared his throat. Better say goodbye to your girl.

  Yeah. I’m ready.

  Without another word, Xavier brushed his hand across Addison’s cheek. He felt the warmth of his brother’s spirit flow down his arm and dissipate into a spark of tingles where his skin met hers.

  *****

  Addison stirred out of sleep with the sensation of firm lips traveling down her neck.

  Wake up, Addison, Rhys whispered, a gruffness to his voice . Come back to me.

  “Rhys?” she mumbled, her eyes fluttering open, causing her to lose his touch. She groaned at the lost contact and was about to close her eyes to recapture it when she heard Xavier’s voice next to her.

  “It’s time, Addison.”

  She glanced over at him. Her muscles locked down at the pained expression on his face.

  No. She wasn’t ready.

  His eyes softened as he said, “Did you want to go into the other room for privacy?” She sat up and shook her head.

  Denial flooded through her as Rhys remained eerily silent.

  “Is there a possibility he isn’t dead? It could happen, right?

  What if—” Xavier put a firm hand on her shoulder. “They found…” She saw his throat work overtime as he swal owed hard. “They found a part of… Several yards from the wreckage, like Rhys had said.”

  She refused to believe it. Suddenly, couldn’t believe it. She stammered her response. “M-m-maybe it was the pilot.” Oh, sweetheart.

  Reality slapped her in the face the second she heard Rhys’

  gentle admonishment.

  “It was him, Addison.” Xavier leveled his eyes at hers. “His spirit is inside of you. It’s time to let him go.” Numbly, she nodded. “I’m going to…” She gestured towards the bedroom.

  “Take your time. I’l wait right here.”

  Addison walked blindly into the room and closed the door.

  She stood there, hand on the knob, her thoughts scattering then coalescing into a state of panic.

  “Oh, God.” She lurched to the bed and sank down, clutching at her swirling bel y. “I love you, Rhys. I don’t want you to go.

  Please.” Tears wel ed and an air bubble lodged itself in her throat.

  It’s not right. It’s not fair to you.

  “I don’t care! I’l take you any way I can get you. Any way I can.” His tone turned hard and frigid in an instant, a dark calm remaining as he closed off his thoughts but let his words slip through. I fucking said no.

  Her chest squeezed, cutting her breath off into a whisper.

  “But…” I want to move on. You’d think someone who claimed to love me would want that for me too.

  Her lip trembled—make that her whole body—as his words sliced and diced. The ensuing guilt and selfishness seeped into the raw wounds, stinging like alcohol on an open cut.

  “I…I’m sorry. I thought you felt the same.”

  “I…I’m sorry. I thought you felt the same.” Well, I fucking don’t. I’m sorry, sweetheart, he said in that condescending tone she loathed.

  It’s been fun, but I’ve got to do this. This is about me, not you.

  She blocked her thoughts as she mental y berated herself, and then bit her lip as she kept them on lockdown. What the hel was she thinking? How could she have asked him to stay?

  Jesus Christ! What the hel kind of a person was she?!

  “Yeah. You’re right. You’ve gotta do this.” Hey.

  “What?”

  You take care of yourself, got it? Call X if you ever need anything. He’ll help you out.

  Despite the caring nature of his words, his tone remained distant, his thoughts hidden. But she couldn’t help the spark of hope that he was about to open up to her.

  You did right by me, he’ll do right by you.

  That was the reason? Not because he… But because she was a debt to be repaid? Was that al it was al along?

  Couldn’t be. Could it?

  She hated that he made her question everything, and squeezed her hands into a fist as she forced herself to end this. A deep steadying breath helped her find a voice.

  “Goodbye, Rhys. I hope you find what you’re looking for on the other side. You do deserve that.” Thanks, Addison, he said, the tenacious hold on his shield slipping. Ah, hell, he muttered as a blast of emotions—love and agony—seared through her, boiling her blood and baking her down to the core.

  She shot straight to her feet. “You unbelievable bastard!

  You made me feel guilty on purpose?!”

  Now, calm down, sweetheart. I—

  “Don’t you dare ‘sweetheart’ me! I can’t believe you used my feelings against me! And for what? To make it easier on you?! You selfish sonofabitch!” She launched across the spacious room as she paced, unable to keep her muscles locked into place as the fury thrummed through her veins.

  I thought if you hated me when I left then you’d get over me a helluva lot faster. That it’d be easier for you to walk away. She felt the truth in his words, felt his regret.

  And she didn’t give two shits.

  “You just tore my heart out of my chest and ground it up little pieces to make it easier for me?! That’s just like a fucking man to—”

  Addison.

  “—have such twisted logic! How do you asshats come up with this shit? Seriously! If you weren’t—” Addison!

  “What?!”

  I love you, baby. I love you so much my soul aches for you.

  And just like that, her entire frame turned into mush as she sank to the floor.

  I really was trying to make it easier on you.

  Her vision swam. “I’d rather know you loved me, than to think it al meant nothing to you.” It means everything to me. You mean everything. You know that.

  And she did know that, with cel in her body.

  She nodded her assent as she thought about her reaction, flushing as her liberal use of swear words echoed in her head. “I’m sorry about the rant and al .” He chuckled. I can’t believe you kissed me with that mouth.

  A watery laugh slipped through. “Quiet.”

  Come to me. This one last time.

  Addison’s smile faded as she closed her eyes, and was immediately enveloped in his tight embrace, surrounded by his love and his warmth.

  Oh, God. This was it.

  The good life, as I conceive it, is a happy life, Rhys murmured softly in her ear, his deep voice soothing the ache in her heart.

  “Are those lyrics?”

  It’s a quote. He became distant as he contemplated the words. Didn’t make one bit of sense to me until now.

  “Who said it?”

  Originally? Beats the shit outta me. But Masamba— His thoughts shifted and came back as he laughed in remembrance. She couldn’t track what he was thinking, but she caught a glimpse of a dreadlock-sporting guy.

  He was a tripped-out hippy I met in New Guinea; the one who told me about the Solomon Islands. Shit, he said that quote all the time, like a damned spiritual mantra, even when the plane was going down. But it makes sense now.

  The good life, as I conceive it, is a happy life.

  Addison mul ed over the words, stil encased in the loving presence of her man. “What does it mean?”

  It means I want you to be happy, so you have a good life.

  His lips brushed over hers and pul ed back. Be happy, Addison. Have a good life. For me.

  The tears couldn’t be stopped any longer. They ran like torrent rivers down her cheeks. “I’l try.” I’ve got to go, baby. I can feel it.

  “Go where y
ou need to, Rhys. Go there knowing how much I love you. And always wil . I’l never forget you. I’l never stop loving you.”

  He took her mouth fiercely, his tongue seeking hers in honest desperation. They clung to each other and let their emotions flow uninhibited, as if trying to experience as much love as they could in their final moment together.

  Not nearly enough time had passed when Rhys gentled his hold and began peppering soft kisses across her cheeks.

  Cupping her jaw in his hands, his lips reverently caressed hers one last time as his spirit began to dissipate.

  She felt him with as he faded from existence, the echo of his last thought whispering through her mind and clenching her soul.

  My Addison. In death, I found you…the love of my life.

  Chapter Twenty

  Rhys felt like he was losing his mind along with his soul as he drifted away from Addison.

  He let loose a primal roar of anguish as the distance between them grew, his spiritual being aching with his loss.

  The pul at his gut snapped him back at a faster clip, and then he was plummeting at break-neck speed. He didn’t know where he was going, but who the hel cared? He wasn’t with her.

  And she was al that fucking mattered.

  Rhys slammed into a surface without give, his back and head jarring with the sudden landing. His soul felt confined, strapped into place by a taut tether.

  This couldn’t be good.

  There was an incredible pressure on his chest as it dropped and lifted with his breaths, something—

  Hold up a tick. He was breathing?

  Little tingles erupted over the surface of his…skin?...as his eyes popped open. Water-stained tiles greeted his vision as his surroundings became more clear. He heard the increasing beeps of a heart monitor next to his head, smel ed the tel -tale stink of antiseptic common to al hospitals, and felt the rough fabric of a gown rasping against his skin.

  Holy shit!

  His first reaction was to find Addison, to reach out for her.

  He sat up with jerk, the sheet spread over him dropping around his waist. A quick dart of his gaze confirmed he was alone in a smal room, but with a little concentration he found her—honing in on her like some sort of spiritual GPS.