The Complete Tempest World Box Set

by Mankin, Michelle

  I moved to the bed and patted the spot next to me. Carter rose and pulled himself up on the high twin mattress. I hugged him first, my hands on his back between his shoulders, inhaling his wonderful little boy smell.

  I pulled back and looked at his face.

  “I’m sorry, Mommy.”

  “No, Carter. I’m the one who needs to apologize. Mommy made a mistake. A big one. One that hurt you and Justin and me.” I sucked in a deep breath through my nose and reached for him again, tucking his head into my chest and pressed a kiss into his silky hair. “Do you remember the story I told you when Hinklesnort first met Thinthorp and how badly he really wanted him to be his friend?”

  “Yeah.” He leaned back to peer up at me. “He gave Thinthorp all his favorite toys and lots of candy.”

  I nodded. “Did any of that stuff work?”

  “No, Mommy.” He looked so serious, his cute little blond brows drawn together. “They only became best friends after Hinklesnort pulled Thinthorp out of the Icky Sticky Quicksand in the Scary Woods.”

  “That’s right.” I sighed. “Justin’s a lot like Hinklesnort.” I looked around the room. “He brought us here. He showed us by his actions how much he cared about us and then he gave us the very best gift of all…himself.” I touched my finger to his soft cheek. “But that wasn’t enough for me. I listened to someone I shouldn’t have. Believed lies about Justin without giving him a chance to explain. I guess I didn’t believe he could really love me.”

  “Don’t worry. Justin knows the superhero code. He’ll rescue us, just like Hinklesnort. You’ll see.”

  CHAPTER FORTY-FOUR

  Justin

  “I’m ok, sis. Really.” I leaned in, gave her a peck on the cheek, and pointed my head toward the dressing room door. “Get back out there. You’re gonna miss Cold Snake if you stay back here hovering.”

  She didn’t move. “I don’t believe you.” Stubborn emerald eyes drilled into my own.

  “Fine.” I sighed. I thought she’d lighten up with the mother hen routine after I’d told her that I’d found Bridget and Carter, that they were safe at the farm, and that I was going out to see them first thing in the morning.

  Wrong.

  “Justin,” she started. Sensing the impending lecture, I stopped her.

  “Listen.” I put my hand on her arm and glanced around the room. We were on in fifteen minutes. King and Sager were seated in front of the makeup mirror, the last to have their turn with the stylists. Dizzy had his boots propped up on the coffee table. Lace was in Bryan’s lap in an overstuffed chair.

  The atmosphere was thick with expectation. Make or break time as the new lead singer of Tempest was nearly here.

  “The stress level’s already high enough.” I lowered my voice. “Everyone’s watching my every move, afraid I’m gonna blow. I’d feel much better if you were out in the audience, supporting me.”

  She studied me for a moment. “Ok.” She rose, smoothed out the nonexistent wrinkles in her leather skinnies, and said a general good luck to the room before leaning in close to my ear. “Brother, you’re gonna bring down the house. Not that the women in the audience are gonna care how you sing,” she said in a louder teasing tone with a pointed glance at my low slung jeans. “They’re gonna be too busy watching to see if those pants of yours stay up.”

  There were snickers and chuckles all around. Ironic considering that I was more covered than any of the rest of those shirtless rockers. Her teasing had lightened the mood considerably.

  I loved my sister.

  “I’m heading out.” I stood and nabbed the laminated set list from the coffee table, leading the way. I had one eye on the set list even though I already knew it by heart, devoting the other to the task of dodging bodies as I made my way down the corridor.

  I was paying so little attention to where I was going that I nearly ran him down as I climbed the stairs that led to the stage.

  Warren Jinkins.

  The whole world froze solid.

  Fuck. Like I needed this shit right now.

  “War.” Bryan was the first to speak. I don’t think he noticed the glance War gave Lace. It was clear from that look that he wasn’t over her, even if she had moved on. “I didn’t know you were on the bill tonight.”

  War straightened and not in a friendly way. “Morris pulled some strings last minute.” He shrugged like it wasn’t a big deal, but I got the opposite impression. “Still letting that bitch Timmons lead you around by the balls I see. Can’t believe you’re letting her front Tempest with this pussy.” His narrowed condescending gaze swept over me.

  “I’m sick of your shit.” Bryan started toward him, hands clenched, but I stepped between them.

  This was between War and me now.

  “I don’t get you, Jinkins. You act like you’re indispensable, but you’re not.” I lifted my chin to acknowledge King and Sager’s presence on one side of me. Dizzy and Bry quickly moved to the other.

  Lines were being redrawn and not in War’s favor. And he knew it, too. His eyes hardened. A muscle started twitching in his jaw. He looked as furious as I felt.

  “You left.” I leaned forward. “You made your choice. Now you’re just the guy who used to sing for Tempest. And these guys haven’t said shit about you despite that. Why they would still have your back after what you did, I’ll never know.”

  He bowed up even more, but I wasn’t backing down. “One thing I do know. No one’s letting me do anything. I’ve earned my place in this band. Now get out of my way, ’cause I’m about to go out there and kick ass proving it.”

  CHAPTER FORTY-FIVE

  Bridget

  Carter bounced up and down on the seat next to me, his shadowed face pressed to the window. The only illumination in the cabin came from the instrument panel in front of the pilot. Down below us the ocean was as black as spilled ink and we were speeding low and fast across it.

  When Carter had seen the helicopter land on the front lawn at the farm, you’d have thought it was Christmas morning. I still was amazed by Mary Timmons’ extremely thoughtful and extravagant act. In the last few days on the farm with Justin’s dad, I’d seen firsthand how debilitated he had become. There was no other way he’d have been up to seeing Justin’s debut performance with Tempest. Regular commercial travel was out of the question.

  I leaned forward to check on him. Eyes just like Justin’s met mine and Arthur reached over Carter’s lap and gave my hand a squeeze. I took it and squeezed back. He smiled reassuringly. I could see my excitement and anxiety reflected in his gaze. The Vogue Theatre sat twelve hundred, and there’d be a lot of press and important industry types in attendance. The stakes were high. We were all eager to see Justin succeed. I was nervous just to see him. In person. To make things right between us again if I could.

  The helicopter set us down in a vacant lot on Smithe Street. A waiting car dropped us at a discrete side entrance. A friendly uniformed escort greeted us with programs and a wheelchair for Arthur who got a stubborn look on his face the moment he saw it.

  Hoping to persuade him, I told him how tired Carter was and asked him if he would mind letting Carter ride in his lap.

  I’m pretty sure Arthur was on to me, but I let out a relieved sigh when he let go of his pride and accepted the offer of assistance. It turned out to be a good thing, as our assigned seats ended up being quite a long distance away just two rows from the stage. I spotted Marcus Anthony in the first row alongside Mary Timmons. I looked for Avery but couldn’t find her before the houselights dimmed.

  We sat through several bands, and though they weren’t bad, they weren’t very memorable either. My heart was set on Tempest. They were the last band slated to perform, but just before they were scheduled to come out, the MC made a surprise announcement that Warren Jinkins’ new band was going to perform first. Whoever had orchestrated that change certainly knew how to amp things up. The tension in the audience was palpable. I’m sure it was off the meters backstage.

&
nbsp; I scooted forward in my seat as War strode out, rolled bandana holding back chin length brown hair, sunglasses askew on his head. He looked a little shaky on his feet, but I had to admit he was brilliant, a raw bundle of dark energy and pain. But he eclipsed his bandmates, who were nowhere near his caliber of talent and who were entirely too polished for War’s stripped down style. I wondered who had mismatched them so badly.

  War’s expression was dangerous as he finished the two song set and stormed off the stage. I’d bet money there’d be some hell to pay.

  After a short set change, the introduction was finally made for Tempest. I spotted Avery as she slipped down the steps on the right side of the stage and moved into the vacant seat next to Marcus. Then all the lights in the theatre went completely out.

  Suddenly, a lone spot light illuminated center stage. Back arched, chin raised up in the air, mic held near his mouth, dressed in low slung tight jeans and a completely unbuttoned shirt, looking like a groupie’s wicked fantasy, Justin let out a primal yell that sent goose bumps rippling over my skin.

  That was obviously a cue. The rest of the lights blazed on. The band kicked in, and Justin strutted confidently to the front of the stage. The audience went wild for him. I did, too. He was mesmerizing. His voice was breathy and he had the ability to somehow make me feel as though he were singing just to me.

  Bryan moved closer to Justin as they transitioned into “Truth.” Back to back, leaning on each other, Bryan’s fingers flying over his guitar and Justin crooning into his mic. When they reached the bridge, Justin and Dizzy harmonized into the same mic.

  They all seemed larger than life. King high on his riser, heavily muscled arms banging aggressively, Sager’s inky hair in his eyes undulating to the bass, Dizzy’s steady rhythm balancing Bryan’s frenetic solos, but I had eyes only for Justin and my gaze remained fixed on him throughout the set. I was so proud of him. By “My Way or the Highway” his skin was glistening with sweat and his hair was drenched. He oozed sex appeal, prowling the stage in nonstop motion.

  “Take off your shirt!” I heard a female voice beckon.

  He smiled, but shook his head. And that’s when I realized which one he was wearing. I sat up straighter. The lavender one I’d bought him that day everything went wrong. The one I’d thrown in the kitchen trash before I’d left. He must have salvaged it. That tiny glimmer of hope, that belief that what we had was something worth saving, too, intensified becoming bigger and brighter in my heart.

  A Tempest roadie cleared the stage of the colorful lingerie that now littered its surface while another handed Justin his guitar. He strapped it on with practiced ease and leaned into the mic.

  He closed his eyes as the crowd fell silent. “There’s this girl,” he said in a thick voice.

  Whistles and catcalls filled the pause, and a male voice yelled, “There always is!”

  “Yeah, but this one’s special.” Justin opened his eyes and smiled. “And this one’s for her. It’s called ‘Girl behind the Glass.’ We hope you like it.” Bryan took lead on the subdued acoustic piece, but it was Justin who had me transfixed, his voice resonating with deep emotion as he sang.

  Image in the mirror

  The fairest of them all

  I want to wake you from your slumber

  Behind that frozen wall.

  No matter what your demons are

  I’m equal to the task

  Strike’em all down for you

  All you need to do is aks.

  Girl behind the glass

  I’m waiting right outside

  Can you see my reflection?

  Are you feeling our connection?

  There inside your crystal world?

  Fragile but not broken

  I’ll handle you with care

  No need to be frightened

  As long as I am there.

  If this life tears you down

  I’ll build you back again

  Ready to be your hero

  If you’ll just let me in.

  Would it be so hard

  To let down your guard

  And give your heart

  To the one who’ll keep it safe for you?

  Girl behind the glass

  I’m waiting right outside

  Can you see my reflection?

  Are you feeling our connection?

  There inside your crystal world?

  Tears streaming down my face, I remained in my seat until the standing ovation ended. I couldn’t believe he’d written a song like that about me. He saw me and understood me the way no one else did, and I’d been an idiot to have ever doubted him.

  Arthur passed me a tissue as I drew my legs in so people could file past us. Suddenly a shadow blocked out the light. I glanced up. Marcus stood in front of me, and Avery was with him. She bent down to hug her dad. I stood, wiping my face, and then reached back and took Carter’s hand.

  Avery turned to me, her smile fading. She stared at me for a long uncomfortable moment. “Why are you here?” she demanded her eyes icy green.

  “Avery,” Marcus cautioned.

  “She’s got a right to ask,” I said looking her straight in the eye. Justin wasn’t the only twin who was a protector. “I love him,” I told her. “I was wrong to doubt him. I was wrong to run away like I did. But I’m back to stay now.”

  Her brow rose, skepticism evident. The gesture was so like him that it made my chest burn. “And if he doesn’t want you back?”

  “That’s something he has to decide.”

  Her assessing eyes flashed with what I hoped was approval.

  Arthur started coughing and her gaze slid to him, concern creasing her brow. “I’m sorry, Kat. I don’t think I’m up to an afterparty. Would you make my apologies? Give your brother a hug. Tell him how proud I was to see him tonight.”

  “I don’t really want to go either Dad.” Her expression turned thoughtful. “It’s his night. I’d rather go back to the farm with you. Is there room on the helicopter for Marcus and me?”

  “Yes,” I answered for him. “Carter and I are planning to stay here.”

  “Good. Then you can deliver the message for us both.”

  I nodded, and she pressed a couple of lanyard passes into my hands. “The party’s in Ballroom C at the Sutton.”

  “Thanks,” I mumbled and impulsively threw my arms around her neck. I felt my eyes burn when she returned the hug.

  “Good luck, Bridget,” she whispered in my ear.

  I so liked her.

  CHAPTER FORTY-SIX

  Bridget

  Taking Carter by the hand, I made my own way through the crowd, threading through every available space that opened up in front of us. When I finally reached the taxi line outside, I wanted to scream in frustration. There were fifty people already in line ahead of us.

  “Excuse me, Miss Dubois?”

  I turned to face the imposing black man with kind mahogany eyes.

  “I’m Ray. Marcus’ driver. He thought you might appreciate a ride to the Sutton?”

  “Yes.” God bless Marcus Anthony.

  Turns out Ray was very Fast and Furious, darting deftly in and out of traffic. I held onto the door handle with one hand and texted Lace with the other.

  Me: Back in town. Fashion emergency. Can you help?

  I received her reply just as we were pulling into the front circle drop off.

  Lace: About time. And hell yes. Meet you at the apartment.

  Ray had gotten us to the Sutton in an astounding fifteen minutes. He rounded the hood and held the door open for Carter and me to get out. “Good luck Miss Dubois. Champ.” He gave Carter a fist bump.

  The well attended after party was for the benefit of the Amanda Todd foundation, an anti-bullying charity. Women in colorful floor length gowns mingled gracefully in the crowded lobby amid smartly attired men in their black tuxes. Thankfully the crowd thinned as I turned down the narrow hallway to the residential side of the hotel.

  I smiled when I exited t
he elevator. Lace was waiting for us, her backside propping the apartment door open. “Took you long enough.” Carter flew into her arms and she hugged him tightly. Her eyes remained on me though and I approached her a little more cautiously.

  “So you’re finally giving JJ the green light?”

  I nodded. “I’m sorry I left with only a note. I messed things up so badly.”

  “Stop it.” She pulled me in with her and Carter, hugging both of us. “I missed you, Gigi.” Tears pricked my eyes at the heartfelt words. “So you jumped to conclusions. Everyone does once in a while. Antonia’s a bitch. I would’ve probably reacted the same. Only I would’ve punched him first, then left, but it’s all good. Mary’s PI got the whole story out of that lying bitch. Now’s the time for moving forward. What did you think of the show?”

  “Tempest was fantastic.” I felt my face go all dreamy fan-girl.

  “Yeah.” She grinned. “JJ wasn’t too bad either, huh?”

  My cheeks got hot. “What’d you tell everyone when you got my text?” I asked as we moved inside the apartment.

  “Didn’t have to tell anybody anything. Everyone’s kind of distracted after the thing with War backstage. Bryan’s in a really bad mood. I haven’t had much luck getting him out of it.” Lines bracketed the edges of her mouth. Though she probably wouldn’t admit it, I could tell that seeing her ex again had been rough on her, too.

  Carter plopped down in front of the television and picked up a game controller. Lace and I moved down the hall.

  “What happened with Warren?” I asked as soon as I closed the door to my old bedroom.

  “With him and me, nothing.” She shrugged as if she wasn’t bothered. “He and Bry exchanged some words. It didn’t come to blows, but only because Justin put himself between them. There’s definitely someone War hates more than Bryan now.”