The Heart Series: Complete Boxed Set

by King, C. M

  “Err, can you tone it down or a least keep those thoughts to yourself? Thanks.” I did not need to know every single pervy thing that was going through their heads.

  “Sorry, Iz, do you fancy watching a film, maybe take your mind off it?” Corinne offered, but I just wanted to escape back to my room where no one would be telling me how much they were lusting after Joel.

  Locking the door, I grabbed my pyjamas and quickly changed, climbing into bed. I clicked on the remote and let the room fill with the background noise. There was a film playing but I didn’t take any notice, just stared blankly at the screen as I patiently waited for Joel to get in touch.

  An hour later, I had dosed off and woke up to the sound of my ring tone. I sat upright quickly silencing the TV and clicking on the accept button.

  “Hey Iz, sorry it’s late. We’ve just been celebrating and it was hard to get away. Chantel threw a surprise party after the gig, and well, I had to hang around and it was far too noisy to call. But what do you think? Be truthful now.” His voice was almost hesitant to ask.

  “It’s amazing, Joel.” I could do this I would not be the jealous fiancée. I had grown over the years. I was the woman he was marrying, and it was his ring I wore on my hand. I just had to suck it up and let all the women lust after him. At the end of the day, he was mine.

  “Oh thank god, that one picture of me, I was worried you’d have an issue. I wasn’t happy about taking my top off, but they have a way of persuading you and then when I saw the proofs, I was afraid you wouldn’t approve.”

  “Is that why Chantel wouldn’t let me have a sneak peek?” I could almost guarantee it was.

  “Probably, she was adamant she was using it even if it didn’t come with your approval.”

  “Charming.” I snorted. She was already starting to grate, and I hadn’t even clapped eyes on her.

  “I know, but I’m so happy you’re okay with it. I was dreading ringing in case you weren’t. It’s all out of my hands, we either accept the help or we lose it all, but it’s hard trying to keep both of you happy.” He let out a long sigh, and I could only imagine just how much pressure he was under to keep everyone happy.

  “I’m fine, stop worrying. The whole page looks so good, and the amount of likes and shares is growing all the time.” I was proud of them all, to see the start of the band receiving the fame they deserved.

  “I know, I just checked and we’re at six thousand now. Chantel said we’ll be up to ten soon, but I’m just happy where we are.” His voice had a level of excitement that made me smile.

  “Anything is a bonus, and I’m sure you will do just fine.” I could almost guarantee it.

  “I love you, Iz. Sorry I haven’t been able to ring as much, but you do understand, right?”

  “Of course I understand, Mr Rock Star,” I jested.

  “Don’t, Iz, not when it’s just us. I’d rather you just call me my main title, your fiancé.”

  “I love that word.” I sighed. In some ways I still couldn’t believe it.

  “Me too.”

  “I love this ring.” My eyes automatically fell on my hand, taking in the elegant ring that was sat perched on my finger.

  “Maybe if we start to perform more at bigger venues I could get you another—”

  “No way, this ring means everything to me. This was the ring that you proposed with, and this is the ring that will stay on my finger for as long as I live. I don’t want a big rock. I wear this ring to signify our love for each other not as a fashion accessory to show off,” I huffed. I couldn’t even believe he would say such a thing. Didn’t he know me at all?

  “You make me smile. You know I love your feisty side,” he breathed.

  “Good to hear, now no more talk of getting a new ring, it offends me to think you thought I’d ever wanted to change it.” I pouted at the thought of it.

  “I just want to give you the world,” he explained, trying to make me understand.

  “Well, all I want is you.” Nothing else mattered.

  “You have me.”

  His words made me smile. “Then I have everything I need.”

  “Promise me you’ll marry me when things settle down, after the tour I want you to be my wife.” I could almost hear the panic in his voice.

  “I promise.”

  “Really?” he asked doubtfully.

  “Elijah is slowly turning me crazy with the arrangements. Trust me, this wedding is happening.” And I would probably go crazy in the process.

  “Then that’s all I need to hear.” He sighed, sounding a lot more relaxed.

  “Joel, there you are. I was wondering where you sneaked off to—oh, sorry, are you on the phone?” a sultry voice crooned in the background.

  “Sorry, Iz, one moment. Yeah, I’m on the phone to Iz, what’s up?”

  “There are some reporters here from the local paper. They want to take a few pics and write up a quick report. It’s for their music section. We can’t do an exposé on the band if the main man isn’t there.”

  “Okay, tell him I’ll be there in five.”

  “We need you now, Joel, you can speak to your girlfriend later on. This is far more important.”

  Girlfriend? The cheek!

  '“Actually she’s my fiancée,” Joel added and I smiled. Yeah, put her in her place.

  “Girlfriend, fiancée, all of that is insignificant. I told you from the start I’m here to promote, if you want my help, you’ll come now and speak to the reporter. We need to get the ball rolling, the more exposure on the band the better,” she all but snapped. Jeez, she soon switched personalities within seconds, the act alone sent a level of unease to run right through me.

  “Sorry, Iz, I have to go, there’s a reporter waiting. I’ll speak to you tomorrow. Love you.”

  “Love you—”

  He hung up before I’d even finished the sentence. Chantel was being pretty brutal, which I knew wouldn’t go down well with Joel, but he would have to suck it up. There was no point adding to the drama, I would bite my tongue for now.

  * * *

  Over the next week, the likes on Joel’s band page climbed and Chantel was indeed correct they’d hit the ten thousand mark and continued to grow. I was astounded at the amount of publicity they were getting, Chantel was obviously doing a good job. I had to give her that at least. Joel was constantly occupied so we were down to one call a day after my performance, but we were both that tired. I couldn’t help feel sad that the communication part of our relationship was slowly going down hill. I missed our chats throughout the day, but I had to be realistic and put up with it. Joel was working in the pub during the day and then spending nights with the band. If they weren’t performing, they were busy trying to get themselves out there. They were signed up to every social media site going. Elijah informed me Joel was on Instagram. He was following the band, but I knew it was the photos of Joel he was mainly after.

  Saturday finally arrived, the day Elijah and Sam were heading up to Manchester to see the play, and of course go for our big night out. He had talked non-stop all week. I wasn’t envious of Sam having to hear it all day long, but he was so in love he would put up with just about anything. I could just imagine the car journey now.

  I got a text through just after rehearsals saying they were here and were outside the theatre. The plan was to meet up after, but I knew he would be bursting for a catch up and I couldn’t wait to see him as well. I headed out the main doors and ducked my head outside to be greeted with an excited squeal. I was grabbed and hugged within an inch of my life.

  “Oh my god, Izzy, it’s been forever since I saw my bestie. Oh look at you, wow you look amazing.” He stood back marveling at me, smiling.

  “All the performances and rehearsals take it out of you.” It really did.

  “This body is banging, oh you are going to look fabulous in your wedding dress. That reminds me, I need measurements.”

  Oh he was off already.

  “Maybe get them later on,
Elijah,” Sam warned and I mouthed a thank you. He winked back in return.

  “Fine, but I’m not going home without them,” he insisted, pulling a look of warning.

  “I promise tomorrow you can take my measurements.” Just not right this second.

  “Now show me around the place, I want to meet the girls. I can’t wait to see them in person. The other night was so fun but tonight will be better.” He clapped his hands excitedly, I couldn’t help but laugh at his enthusiasm.

  I led them both through the theatre, up the corridor to where the changing rooms were. I poked my head in to make sure they were decent, but Elijah didn’t give me that long before he burst through the door, playfully shoving me out of the way.

  “Well I need no introductions, you know who I am, ladies.” He spun around before bowing in an over dramatic way.

  “Are you Elijah by any chance?” Micha grinned.

  “The one and only. Oh, come here, both of you, so I can squish you.”

  I was glad to not be part of the hugging circle. I was still recovering from the first one.

  “Oh my, you both are hotter in person. FaceTiming does not do you both justice,” Elijah remarked, much to their pleasure.

  “Thanks.” They both grinned hard at the compliment.

  “You are way hotter too.” Micha winked. “And who is the sexy guy in the corner?”

  All eyes turned on Sam who blushed.

  “This is my boyfriend so hands off, ladies, as you’re missing the right equipment.”

  “Hey, I have a boyfriend,” Micha retorted.

  “Ahh, but you’re still looking, but I know it’s only human nature to be drawn to sexy hot men.”

  “Elijah,” Sam groaned, growing even redder.

  “Oh he can’t take a compliment so I usually show him in other ways.”

  “Elijah,” Sam warned.

  “Okay okay, so enough about me, tell me everything. I need to get up to speed on all the gossip. Who are the hotties ’round here? Tell me everything.”

  “This will take a while. We have three hours till the show, so let’s hit Starbucks and we can fill you in there,” Micha suggested.

  “Sounds good to me, ladies, lead the way.”

  * * *

  I quickly ran the towel through my wet hair. It had been another grueling performance and now I was destined for a night of dancing. Elijah was taking no prisoners. I had a feeling we’d be out till the early hours of the morning, despite my body’s protests. I knew I had to make this night special for him to make up for all the others I had missed out on since leaving for the tour.

  “Here Iz, let me do our hair. I can give it a quick blow dry and then add a few waves, and you’ll be good to go. I’ve laid out your outfit on the bed.”

  It was just like old times. “Thanks, I’ve missed you bringing some order to my life. Where’s Sam?”

  “Oh he’s busy watching the Broadchurch box set. It’s his new obsession. He thinks he’s just as good as the police in working out who the killer is. I told him I’ll text when we’re good to go, but knowing Sam he’d stay in and watch his DVD if he could. I know I’ve said it like a million times, but you were amazing out there tonight. I couldn’t have been prouder watching you dance your heart out on stage. I’m so happy for you. I just hope my turn will come soon. I need a little bit of luck to come my way.”

  “It will, trust me, anyone with the talent you have will not go to waste. Your time will come and I will be a proud member of the audience watching you strut your stuff on stage.”

  “Do you really think so, Iz?” he asked almost hesitantly.

  “I know so.”

  “Oh you’re going to make me want to cry. Come on, I need to get this hair styled, else we’ll be here all night and we have a night out to enjoy.”

  Twenty minutes later I was dressed, hair done as Elijah applied the last of my makeup. A loud knock at the door brought our attention back, and Elijah answered, welcoming in our guests.

  “Ladies, come on in, you both look stunning showing off those fine legs.”

  “Why, thank you.” Corinne beamed.

  “How about a couple of shots to get this party started?” Micha jiggled the bottle and I groaned. At this rate, I would be pissed before I even left the hotel room.

  “Oh come on, Iz, we need to get this party started.” Elijah nudged me playfully and I laughed.

  “Fine, but I’m only doing one,” I warned.

  “She’s doing two.” Micha winked at Elijah.

  “Err, hello, I am standing here, you know?”

  “Oh get this down your neck and then you might lighten up,” Elijah joked and I snatched it from his hand.

  “Fine.”

  “Are we ready, down in one? Three, two, one.”

  We all tipped our glasses back and the sounds of groans filled the room as all our throats burned with the potent liquid.

  “Oh god, that was strong. How about another?” Elijah chuckled as I shook my head.

  “No, I’m out.” I coughed, barely able to catch my breath as it was. I was not putting myself through that again.

  “Wimp,” Elijah mocked as all three threw back another, instantly coughing after. I knew I had made the right decision.

  “Wow, well that certainly got the blood pumping through my veins. Are we all set for our big night out?” Elijah asked excitedly.

  “Yep, let’s do this,” Micha shrieked, looking way too eager to leave.

  “I just need to ring Sam first and then we can leave.” Elijah grabbed me from behind encircling me in a hug. “Tonight is going to be amazing, Iz. I can feel it in my bones.”

  I grinned at his words. It was definitely going to be interesting one that was for sure.

  Chapter Twenty-Four

  “Seriously, how long is this queue?” Elijah fumed as his eyes roamed along the long line of people patiently waiting to enter to start their night.

  “I know, but trust me, it is so worth it. Once we get in, we’ll be here all night. The music is amazing, the DJs are the best, that’s the reason it’s so popular. Once we get in and grab a table, we’ll be set. It won’t take long, I promise,” Micha urged as we all let out loud sighs of annoyance. My feet were already hurting in these heels before we had even got in the club.

  Thirty minutes later, we finally walked through the doors. The place was already heaving. Sam and Elijah headed for the bar after taking out orders, while the rest of us went to hunt down a good table.

  The short red dress I was wearing sent a little attention my way. It was a present from Elijah, so I could hardly turn down the chance to wear but it was a little shorter than I liked and teaming it with six-inch stilettos was only highlighting the fact even more.

  “Hey darling, there’s room for one between us if you want to squeeze in,” an annoying blonde hair guy chimed up when I walked past.

  Ugh.

  “No, thanks.” I smiled but it came out more like a grimace.

  “Oh come on, let’s buy you a drink, maybe loosen you up a little,” he offered, grinning. His smile made me shudder.

  “Err, we have our own table, thanks,” Micha retorted, encircling her arm around my shoulder to guide me away from the braying mob.

  “Your loss, darling,” the ringleader shouted, pissed by our refusal. I was just glad to be led away. They looked like trouble. God knows what their behavior would be like after a couple hours of solid drinking. I was led over to a table in the far corner. It was far enough away from the idiots with still a good view of the dance floor. I knew it wouldn’t take long before Elijah would be invading it and showing off his moves. He would be the main attraction soon. I was happy to sip on my drink and observe. That was about all I could manage right now. The fatigue had taken over, but I knew Elijah would not let me off so easily.

  “Here we go, ladies, a round of Cosmos, the first of many.” Elijah beamed, looking all too pleased at playing the host.

  “I’ve never had a Cosmo before,”
Mich admitted.

  “What? Well, get your virgin lips wrapped around this. You are going to love it.”

  “It’s been a long time since I was a virgin.” Micha grinned and we all laughed.

  “Oh me too.” Elijah winked back, taking a long sip.

  “Wow, that is gorgeous. I might need to have a few more of these before the night is through.” Micha practically drained her glass within seconds.

  “I totally agree.” Elijah threw back his own and smiled. “Fancy coming to the bar, Micha? You can fill me in on all the goss while we wait.”

  “Of course, my pleasure. Oooh, I want to come too.” Corinne jumped up and left me and Sam sat there.

  I scooted over and kissed his cheek, pressing my mouth against his ear. “Hey, Sam, having a good time?”

  “Hmmmm.” He wasn’t very convincing.

  “Yep, me too.”

  “I’d rather be at the hotel watching Broadchurch. No offense, Iz, it’s just I’ve been working long hours and it’s taking its toll. I’m just too tired to go clubbing.”

  I rested my head against his shoulder. “I know, eight shows a week is wiping me out, I’d rather be in bed with my Kindle.” I was in the middle of a great book that I was dying to get back to it. I cursed that there wasn’t enough hours in the day to get some serious reading done. It was my one love that was truly being disturbed, and I hated when my Kindle time was disrupted.

  “What are we like?” He chuckled, putting his arm around me, pulling me in tighter against him.

  I nuzzled into his neck. “Now this is nice, I could seriously doze off now, well, if they turned down the music a little.

  “Oh me too. Do you think we could sneak off back to the hotel? I am so ready to leave,” he suggested.

  “I think they might notice or else I would,” I replied, yawning once more. “I know its wishful thinking on my part, it’s just I’m at this part in the book where the big reveal is about to happen, and if I’m right about what I think it is then I will be so annoyed. I just want to know already.”