Dirty Rock: A Rock Star Romance

by James, Vicki

  Rhett held up a single finger, his smirk ridiculous as he offered me a wink, and then turned into the frontman Halo could only dream of being. Rhett walked over to Halo, shook his hand, and shared a private joke with him the rest of us couldn’t hear. Halo looked in awe. The whole damn band did.

  “How’s it going?” Rhett asked the crowd, taking front and centre stage. Halo, to his credit, stepped back. He would know this was big for Front Row Frogs, and how this was about to get crazy for the whole band now. Rhett was wearing one of their T-shirts, and it would only take a day for them to be sold-out worldwide, and for every Youth Gone Wild-addicted teenager to now be a champion of Front Row Frogs.

  The crowd screamed back at Rhett, and he ran a hand through his hair, letting it linger down the back of his neck while he laughed to himself.

  “Okay, okay, calm down,” he eventually said, walking the length of the stage before he started to drift over to where I was. Looking up at the lighting guys at the back of the venue, he gestured with his hands for them to light him up. They did so on cue, and he came to a stop right in front of me.

  “I know you didn’t expect to see me here, Berlin, and I’m not one to normally crash a gig like this unless I’ve been invited, but sometimes we’ve got to do what we’ve got to do, right?”

  The crowd, obviously, burst to life again.

  “It’s our pleasure to have you, man,” Halo offered.

  Rhett tilted his head to the side, beckoning Halo to go to him. The young kid practically ran, before slipping under Rhett’s arm and curling his around Rhett’s waist.

  My man had no idea of the hero he was to so many. Including me. He saved people with his music. He saved me with his love.

  Instinctively, my arms curled around my swollen belly.

  “Listen, Halo,” Rhett started, “You and I are gonna sing a song together, that okay?”

  Halo scoffed at the ridiculousness of the question before he agreed into his microphone like a little school kid, losing all his cool.

  “You know Lovesong?”

  “By The Cure? They’re one of my favourite bands.”

  “Good taste, brother. We’re gonna slow it down. I’ll lead.”

  “Fuck, yeah!”

  Halo looked pleased with himself, and I watched as Rhett let him go and began to walk to me. “First, I’ve got something I need to do.”

  The crowd’s screams were crazy, and my stomach flipped over and over as Rhett sauntered to the edge of the stage like he owned it. He owned them all.

  He looked up to the lighting guys again and pointed at me as he spoke into his mic. “Any chance we can get a nice little glow of happiness shining down on this lady right here?”

  Three seconds later, I was under the heat of a thousand suns, feeling my whole body flush as I leaned back in my chair and pressed my hands to my cheeks.

  “Rhett!” I growled, knowing he couldn’t really hear me. “What the hell are you doing?”

  His responding grin was bright white and lit up my life. “Berlin, have you guys had the pleasure of meeting my woman?”

  The crowds cheered, for the most part, with a few grumblings and quizzical murmurs as people strained to get a look at me.

  “Actually, I hope you haven’t,” Rhett hit back. His voice was with them, but his eyes were on me. “I wanted, for so long, to keep her my little secret. See, this woman here saved me when I didn’t even know I was lost. You know who she is, of course. You’ve seen the fucking media speak her name when they don’t have the right to. You’ve seen her face next to mine on E!News and all those other bullshit gossip sites.” Rhett bent his knees and crouched down, so he was balancing on his toes. He gave me his bedroom eyes, the ones reserved for me that turned me to jelly, and he held out his hand to me. “Now, I’m here to do something she’s probably going to kill me for. Come over here, my Jules.”

  The two guys next to me stood at once, and I glanced up between them, realising they’d been placed there by Rhett to protect me all along. They each held out their arms for me to take like true gentlemen. On shaky feet, with my heart threatening to burst out of its cage, I took them and let them guide me forward.

  Rhett’s eyes never left mine. When I got to him, I had to take a few steps up before I could hold his hand. I stopped on those stairs, not wanting to mount the stage.

  “What’s going on?” I asked cautiously.

  Rhett dropped the mic down by his side, brought his lips to my ears and whispered, “I’m taking control. Trust me.”

  He left me with a kiss I felt everywhere.

  Bringing the back of my hand to his lips, he held it there for a moment before he brought the mic to his mouth.

  “Berlin, you might want to get your phones out for this one. Hit that record button and mark this moment in history because some of you could make a bit of money off this. Fleece those media arseholes for everything you can get.” He wiggled his brows while mine creased together. “Everyone knows it’s no secret that I love this woman. When you find someone who brings out sides of you that you never knew existed, you keep that person close. Even letting her come on this leg of the tour with Front Row Frogs killed me. I didn’t want to let her go. Letting her live her life without demanding I take control kills me, but I do it for her. I do it for her… and I do it for our baby.”

  Everything within me froze.

  My lips parted as a chill ran over my skin.

  Rhett glowed under those bright lights. His eyes sparkled, and his jaw ticked as he watched my reaction and leaned in with only the microphone between us for him to speak into.

  “So, here you go, world. Another exclusive. Julia Speed, the love of my life, is having my baby.” He looked up at the crowd, his timing perfect. “And I’m the happiest guy alive because of it.”

  My smile was ridiculous as a happy tear fell down my cheek.

  Rhett turned back to me just in time to catch it with his thumb. He brushed it away and then pulled the mic away so the roaring crowds couldn’t hear us anymore.

  “You can leave me to go to work, baby, but I never said I wouldn’t follow.”

  “You’re an idiot.” I laughed as I ran one hand through his hair and another over my belly.

  Rhett’s eyes fell to the bump between us, and he placed his hand over mine. “Can’t blame a guy for being excited to do life with you.”

  “Hey, Rhett?” I smirked leaning closer.

  He looked up at me with eyes full of love. “Yeah, baby?”

  “Well done on that whole not falling in love thing.”

  With a laugh, he pressed his forehead to mine, and I held onto him like we were alone because that’s how Rhett always made you feel. When you mattered to him, you could be surrounded by thousands of strangers, and he had the ability to make you believe you were the only person to exist.

  * * *

  “You ready?” I asked Tessa as she stood there in her wedding dress, blowing the air out of her cheeks in long, slow, breaths.

  “I feel dizzy. Should I feel dizzy?” she squeaked.

  “You’re not going to faint on me, are you?”

  A pair of arms circled my ever-expanding waist, and a familiar minty breath washed over my neck when Rhett rested his chin on my shoulder.

  “I hope she hits the deck. That will be hilarious,” he joked.

  I slapped his palm, but only gently as it moved to slide down over our growing baby. “Be nice. This is a big day for her.”

  With a side-eye glare, I gave him my warning. Rhett rolled his eyes playfully, but I knew he’d behave. He wanted this day as much as Presley and Tessa did.

  “Okay, okay, I’ll back off.” He came around in front of me and made his way over to Tess. I tried so hard not to focus on the ridiculously genius cut of the Tom Ford suit he was wearing, or the way it hugged his arse and the way it made him seem so… regal. Instead, I tried to focus on the way he turned Tess around in his arms and gave her a hug.

  I tried to focus on the smile tha
t never seemed to leave his face these days, and the way his eyes were always bright instead of dull. I tried to focus on the way Tess looked up to him for reassurance, and the sweet words he said to make her relax, her shoulders sinking with each second that passed.

  But when Rhett turned around and unleashed his cheeky grin on me, I was gone again, and the unfiltered whimper that fell from my lips was heard by everyone in the room. Especially him, goddammit.

  Shoving his hands into his black suit trouser pockets, Rhett tilted his head and raised a brow. “You doing okay over there?”

  “No,” I squeaked, sounding like the Tessa of moments before. “You. In a black suit. The bow tie. The shirt. All of it.” I waved a hand in front of me, feeling more tears rising. Damn hormones taking over my whole world.

  Rhett huffed out a laugh and stepped towards me, stroking the baby bump first before he slid his other hand down my bare arm.

  “You look pretty divine yourself.”

  I glanced down at the rose gold sequined dress I was wearing. It was so far beyond my usual T-shirt, jeans, and Converse combo, I felt a little strange. Especially with half a basketball already swelling around my middle. But the way Rhett looked at me made all those doubts drift away like sand on a blustery day, and I was left with this indescribable feeling I couldn’t remember ever waking up without.

  Life was perfect because of my imperfect man.

  The cards I’d been dealt hadn’t always added up to a full deck, but I made the most of what I had. I took pride in the hearts around me, and I kept hold of those rare diamonds for everything they were worth.

  “You’re about to cry again, aren’t you?” He cringed, dipping his head to meet my eyes.

  “Little bit,” I croaked.

  “Julia, are you okay?” Tess asked, coming towards us with her genuine concern.

  “My God, Tess, you look…” I started, only to feel more tears rise to the surface again.

  “What?” Her eyes widened as she patted down her beautiful knee-length dress with the dipped hem at the back. It was made of the most exquisite lace and led up to a bardot neckline that complimented her frame perfectly. Understated, yet so damn Tessa Lisbon classy. “Is there something wrong? Do you think it’s too tight? Do I look too girly?”

  “No. I love the heels. I’m not used to seeing you out of those Doc Martens, that’s all. Visual overload in the best of ways,” I assured her.

  Her shoulders sagged, and she closed her eyes as a smile came to life. “Thank God. I was worried.” When she looked up again, she reached for my hands. “And don’t worry. The Doc Martens are coming out as soon as those vows are over with.”

  “I’m so happy for you,” I cooed.

  Tess grinned and leaned in to offer me a kiss on the cheek. “And I couldn’t be happier for you. All three of the Ryans.”

  The Ryans.

  Before I could protest, she’d turned and walked away, leaving Rhett to look at me with confusion.

  “Why have you just paled?” he asked, oblivious.

  I cleared my throat and grabbed the lapels of his very expensive jacket. “Must be those damn hormones again.”

  “Which ones? Because I adore the crazy horny ones that are showing up each night. Not so keen on the ones that tell me off for leaving my boots behind the sofa.”

  “Do not start that argument right now.”

  He shrugged, his lips pursing. “I’m just saying. I don’t see the big deal with them being there. Handy for me to slip on when I need to go out for your pre-cut melon slices,” he said sarcastically. “Handy enough for me to slip back off when you let me sit down for more than four minutes at a time.”

  “Rhett…”

  His grin exploded, and he laughed as he pushed me back against a wall and held me there. “Sorry. It’s just too easy these days.”

  I wrapped my arms around his shoulders, forever unable to believe he was mine. “Are you ready to go out there and sing the most important song of your life?”

  “It’s not the most important song of my life, Jules. That’ll be the first song my baby hears me sing. Or the one I perform when you marry me one day.”

  Marry him.

  The Ryans.

  I wanted all of it.

  Everything he had to offer me and more.

  “I can’t wait to hear those songs,” I whispered up at him.

  He pressed his forehead to mine and sighed. “Neither can I.”

  “You need to go,” I warned him. “It’s almost time.”

  “Mood killer.” He smirked.

  “I’ll give you whatever you need once this is done, and they’re married.”

  “Anything?” Rhett’s brow rose like a teenage boy’s, and it made my heart swell.

  “An… y… thing,” I whispered.

  After a kiss, he took off with a spring in his step, and I made my way to where I needed to be.

  It’s hard to describe what it feels like to see two people you love getting married. To see them declaring their lives and love to each other for eternity. Most people assume marriage is just another step in life. The couple say the right things, make their vows lyrical and convincing. They cry on cue, take their first dance arm in arm, and they go about their business to get the job done.

  Not Tessa Lisbon and Presley West. They were more than that. This whole wedding meant more.

  We were guests wrapped up in a cloud of perfection, wooed by their love, and in awe of their need to claim each other for a lifetime.

  But even watching them get married wouldn’t compare to the way I’d feel if Rhett should ever choose to be mine for the rest of forever.

  I sat in place on the front row, and I watched my man climb onto a high stool sitting next to the altar that had been made out of tree trunks, wooden beams, and lots and lots of fairy lights. I watched my man in his Tom Ford suit slip in front of the microphone stand with that handsome smile in place. I watched him pick up his guitar and place it over his knee. And when it was time for Tessa to begin walking down the aisle, I watched my handsome entertainer as he began to sing Stone Sour’s acoustic version of Wild Horses.

  Uncontrollable emotion overwhelmed me that had nothing, not a damn thing, to do with the hormones.

  Rhett’s eyes were closed as his gravelly voice drifted around the outdoor space, swirling through the willow trees around us in a way only he knew how. The hairs on the back of my neck rose, and my skin tingled as I took him in like I was seeing him for the very first time.

  Every time felt like the first.

  The bride and groom could have been naked, and I wouldn’t have noticed.

  I had tunnel vision for that one man in front of me who was willing to change his dirty rock lifestyle for dirty nappies and sleepless nights.

  My heart beat wildly as he performed, and in that perfectly clear moment, I was hit with something new. I knew what I had to do.

  Rhett Ryan was mine for life now. No way would I let him slide through my hands. I’d get down on one knee and beg him to marry me if I had to.

  As if he could hear my thoughts, Rhett opened his eyes and looked right at me.

  The lyrics of the song poured from his mouth as he played his guitar effortlessly. But I saw the struggle there. I saw it in the sly wink he gifted me with. I saw it in the subtle glisten of his eyes. He was on the same page as I was.

  With a hand resting on my heart, and a palm on my belly, I held his attention and mouthed, “We love you. Always, baby.”

  With a smirk on his lips, Rhett sang back, telling me that wild horses couldn’t drag him away.

  The baby kicked, and the tears formed. Nothing could drag me away now.

  That voice was mine to listen to forever.

  I’d finally found my true home, and I’d always wake up to Rhett’s song.

  P.S: Our son, Corey Rhett Ryan was born healthy, with eyes like his mama’s and a scream like his daddy’s. As soon as our baby was old enough, Rhett bought him a pair of Mickey Mouse ears, and h
e took us both to Disneyland, where we held Corey’s hands and walked towards the castle we’d both spent our lives dreaming about.

  PLAYLIST

  When I Come Around - Green Day

  Zombie - Cranberries

  Bitter Sweet Symphony - The Verve

  Dirty Cash - The Adventures of Stevie V

  Epic - Faith No More

  Freak on a Leash - Korn!

  Sorry - Nothing But Thieves

  Hail, Hail - Pearl Jam

  Homely Girl - UB40

  Transatlanticism – Death Cab for Cutie

  Please Don’t Make Me Cry - Homely Girl

  I’ll Be Your Lover, Too - Van Morrison

  Hallelujah - James Cherry

  A Little Respect - Erasure

  Snuff - Slipknot

  Dead Memories - Slipknot

  Lovesong - The Cure

  Victim of Love - Eagles

  Just Breathe - Pearl Jam

  Wild Horses - Stone Sour

  Anna - Stone Sour

  Ordinary World - Red

  I Wish It Would Rain Down - Phil Collins

  Heavenly - Cigarettes After Sex

  Three Little Birds - Bob Marley & The Wailers

  Imperfect – Stone Sour

  The Way You Do The Things You Do- UB40

  About Vicki James

  Vicki James is a pseudonym for Victoria L. James, taking her stories from heavy angst, to heavy romance and bad boys you can’t help but fall in love with. She is, however, one and the same person so feel free to follow her on any of her platforms. Most importantly, enjoy the stories she tells, no matter what name she writes under.

  Website:

  Vicki James

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