by Frank, Ella
“It was a prerelease party. The album’s not out yet. But it was…” Unexpected? What ended up being the best night of my life? “Not bad for my first time.”
Not bad. Now I was using Viper’s lingo.
“Not bad? That’s all you’ve got?” Mom gave Dad an exasperated look. “‘Not bad,’ he says. Our boy’s a big shot now, and won’t even admit it.”
“Staying humble is a good thing, Cheryl.”
She waved her hand. “Of course it is, but that doesn’t mean he can’t give us the details of his big night.”
They both looked at me expectantly.
“I, uh, met a bunch of record company executives, and there were some other artists they manage there too. It was kind of loud and chaotic, people everywhere. I think Imogen enjoyed it.”
“I don’t think there’s a party your sister wouldn’t enjoy,” Dad said.
“Do we get pictures?” Mom asked. “I want to see you two all dressed up.”
Imogen had made me pose for about a million before we left, so there had to be at least one she approved of. And I’d rather them see those pictures than the ones that would be plastered who knew where. Because there was no doubt that even though Killian threatened security checking for photos on the way out of the party, there was at least one rogue shot that showed up somewhere.
“I’ll, uh, tell Im to send you some.” I wiped my suddenly sweaty palms on my pants.
“Everything all right?” Mom asked.
“If you need money for rent, you know you can ask us,” Dad said, and before I could protest, he put his hand up. “I know you always say no, but you’re not working in those bars anymore, and I know how the music industry works. They’ll pay you when they want to, so if you need something, don’t be shy.”
God love my parents, they always wanted to protect Im and me, and it had been a serious struggle to get them on board with us living in such a shithole building. But we’d been determined not to live off them, only renting what we could afford, much to their horror.
“Actually, I got my first check when I was in Miami.”
“Really? Well, you may not get another one for a while, so the offer’s there,” Dad said.
I remembered my shock when I first saw the number of zeroes on that check, and even now, I couldn’t believe the amount sitting in my bank account. I hadn’t touched it, other than to pay rent and buy my sweeeeet guitar, but it was comforting to know there was money there if I needed it.
“Thanks, Dad, I appreciate the offer,” I said, and then wiped a bead of sweat from my brow. I hadn’t even realized I was sweating, but my nerves were starting to show.
“Can I get you something to drink?” Mom started to get up, but I put my hand on her arm.
“Actually, there’s something I need to talk to you and Dad about.”
“Oh?” She sank back down into the cushions, the skin between her brows creasing.
Dad must’ve heard the way my voice shook, because he shut off the computer screen and turned his chair to face me.
God. With both of them looking at me, waiting for me to speak, I had the urge to say never mind and bolt out of the room, back into the safety of the car. But then Viper’s face filled my mind. I wasn’t just doing this for me. I was doing this for us.
I sucked in a deep breath, and as I let it out slowly, I said, “Something else happened last night at the party, something personal, and it’s going to get out. I want to tell you both so you hear it from me and not from anyone else.”
Mom fingered the collar of her shirt, her face going slightly pale. “What’s wrong? What happened?”
“Nothing’s wrong,” I quickly assured her. “There’s just been a change that’s going to surprise you, and I’m not really sure how to say it.” I looked down at where I’d unconsciously twisted my fingers together. I forced them apart and wiped my hands on my pants again.
“You can tell us anything,” Dad said, his face already full of understanding, even though he had no idea what I was about to say.
“A few months ago, I met someone. I never expected to have feelings for them, but the more time we spent together, the more I found myself…”
“Falling for them?” my mom supplied, her color coming back now.
“Yeah.” I nodded. “I thought it was only a fling, but last night…they told me they loved me. At the party, in front of everyone.”
Mom’s hand came up to her mouth as she gasped and Dad grinned.
“Soo, I guess we’re, uh, official now. Like officially dating,” I said.
Mom reached over to put her hand over mine. “Oh, honey, that’s wonderful. Why were you so scared to tell us?”
“Because…” Just do it. Tell them. “Because it’s a man. A bandmate of mine, actually. Viper.”
It was as if someone had pushed pause, because my parents didn’t move a muscle. No blinking, no eye twitching, nothing. They sat frozen, looking at me with blank expressions.
I felt like I needed to say something, anything, so I cleared my throat and continued. “I know this is unexpected—believe me, I was more surprised than anyone. I mean, I’ve never, you know. Dated a…guy. Or looked at one like that, really. But Viper, he’s…he’s…”
“Different?” Mom said, slowly coming out of her shock.
“In more ways than one. But once you get to know him, I swear you’ll fall in love with him too—”
“You’re in love with Viper?” Mom said. “And he’s…in love with you?”
I could feel the heat in my cheeks, but for once I didn’t care. “Yes. And yes.”
“Oh…” Mom began to finger the collar of her shirt again, her other hand still firmly on mine. “Okay.” She looked like she wanted to say more but couldn’t find the words, and then she looked at my dad. “Larry? Is there something you’d like to say?”
“Uh…” He seemed just as dumbstruck as Mom, and a little bit confused. I didn’t think I’d ever seen the two of them so quiet before, and if it hadn’t been such a serious topic, I might’ve laughed. “You’re happy with this…guy?” he finally said.
“I’ve never been happier in my life.” I couldn’t hold back the smile. Viper had flipped my world upside down, inside out, and had made me crazy half the time. But he’d also opened himself up to me and given over a heart that had been long closed off. “He’s amazing. You’ll see.”
My parents looked at each other, and a million words seemed to pass between them, none of which I understood, and then I saw Dad give an almost imperceptible nod before they both turned my way.
“You’ve definitely given us a shock this morning,” Dad said, running his hand through his short curls. “You always dated…well…girls.”
“I know.”
He tapped his fingers on the arm of his chair. “Well, son, if you’re happy, then that’s all we want for you.”
This time, I was the one shocked into stillness, because a ready acceptance was not what I’d been expecting. Hell, I didn’t know what I’d been expecting, exactly. Maybe more of a protest that I couldn’t possibly love a man or be with one? Maybe a few curse words thrown in for good measure?
“I think you’ve shocked him,” Mom said, giving my hand a squeeze. “You okay, sweetie? Want me to get you some tea—”
I lunged forward, wrapping her in a fierce hug, and she let out a surprised chuckle. My eyes burned, and I lowered my head down to her shoulder, keeping my arms locked tight.
She ran a soothing hand up and down my back, letting me hold on for as long as I wanted.
“I love you, Halo,” she said into my hair. “You know we’ll support whatever you do. Whoever you choose.”
I squeezed my eyes shut, willing tears to go away. How was it fair that I was sitting here with both my parents open and willing to accept the person I’d chosen, and Viper’s father hadn’t? How could he have turned away from someone so incredible, to shun them completely because of who they were? I felt lucky, grateful, and relieved all at the s
ame time.
From behind me, a strong pair of arms wrapped around me and my mom, holding us all together.
“We’re here for you, kiddo.” Dad pressed a kiss to my head. “But your mom may have to be the one to help you with the boyfriend advice. Can’t say I know much about it.”
A chuckle escaped as we all sat back up, and I wiped my wet eyes. “Noted.”
“Do we get to meet him?” Mom asked. She brushed at the corner of her eyes and then reached over the couch for a tissue on the end table.
“Viper? Of course. And actually, he’s a big fan of yours.”
Mom’s eyebrows shot up. “Of mine?”
“His mom used to take him to all your concerts. He practically fell over himself when he found out we’re related.”
“Oh, well,” she said, sitting up and smoothing a hand over her hair. “I think I’m beginning to like this Viper boy already.”
I laughed as Dad groaned beside me.
“Flattery will get him everywhere,” he said.
“I’m sure he loves your work too, Dad.”
Dad pretended to straighten his tie. “Well then, I suppose we’ll have to have him over for dinner, won’t we?”
Oh God. Viper was totally in for it whenever he decided he was ready to meet my parents. They may end up adopting him instead.
“I do have one question, though,” Mom said. “Is Viper his real name? Or is it something he calls himself like you did?”
“You’ll have to ask him,” I said.
“You don’t know?”
“I know, but I had to give up my real name, and now that he’s got that info, I don’t want to give him any ammo.”
Mom’s jaw dropped. “What’s wrong with Howard Allen? It’s a lovely name. A mature, handsome name.”
“Mom…”
“What?”
“Just call him Viper.”
She gave me a cheeky smile and winked. “Noted.”
Eight
Viper
THE NEXT AFTERNOON, as I sat on one of the leather couches in Killian’s spacious living room, I tried to bank the impulse to check my phone for the millionth time as we waited for the last two members of the band to arrive—Jagger and Halo.
It was no surprise to any of us that Jagger was running late, but the angel? He was another story. He’d left my place early to try to miss the crush of reporters we’d known would descend the minute this story leaked, but he was out of luck. By nine o’clock there’d been a crowd surrounding the front entrance of my condo’s building, and once I’d gotten him safely in the car, Halo had shot me a text—Thanks for the escort. I’ll see you this afternoon at Kill’s—and that was the last I’d heard from him, which was starting to make me antsy.
Halo was never late. In fact, one thing I’d come to learn about the angel was that he either arrived early or on time, and his absence in the room had me getting to my feet and crossing to the windows for something to do with myself.
Last night had been as surprising as it had been incredible, and despite Halo’s brave words about him telling his parents about the two of us, I knew how difficult that conversation could be. Especially when you’d never planned on having it in the first place.
I brought my phone out again to see the couple of texts I’d shot Halo’s way throughout the day. Did you make it there okay? How’d it go with your parents? And then my final one, which I still couldn’t believe I’d actually written. I miss you. I shook my head. They’d all gone unanswered, and I hated the sliver of doubt that crept in at the sudden shutdown in communication. I’d just gotten Halo back after four days of radio silence, and not having him close enough to touch, or talk to, or even text, was apparently turning me into a fucking head case.
“V?” Killian said from behind me, and I gladly shoved aside my crazy to turn and face the couches, where Slade sat with the latest Rolling Stone, and Killian was watching me through narrowed eyes. “You okay over there?”
I nodded as I made my way to the couch I’d vacated, but before I took a seat, I looked toward his front door. Maybe I could head outside for a smoke and wait for Halo downstairs.
“You sure?” Killian said as he propped one of his ankles up on his knee. “You haven’t sat still since you got here.”
“I’m fine. Just got a lot of energy today, that’s all.”
Slade snorted as he lowered the magazine to his lap. “Funny, I would’ve thought you and the angel would’ve had trouble walking today.”
I shot Slade the finger as Killian let out a low, rumbling laugh and his front door opened. My head jerked up and my eyes immediately flew to the doorway, searching out Halo, but when Jagger stepped inside and waved, I frowned.
“Wow, that’s such a warm welcome, V,” Jagger said as he walked over and clapped me on the arm. “It’s good to see you too, man.”
As Jagger moved around me to take a seat, Killian grinned. “Aw, don’t be too hard on him, Jagger. I think he’s still coming to terms with the fact that—”
“He’s in looove,” Slade said, which had all three of them cracking up like a bunch of fucking morons.
“Yeah. Okay, okay. Laugh it up, assholes,” I said as I ran a hand through my hair.
“Mhmm. He’s been standing at the window pining for his… Wait, what do you call someone you date exclusively and love, again? I can’t remember,” Killian said as he stroked his fingers over his chin. Then he snapped his fingers and aimed a shit-eating grin my way. “Oh, that’s right. His boyfriend.”
“You can all go suck a dick,” I said, as I rolled my eyes.
“Just not Halo’s, right?” Killian said, which earned a fuck you glare from me.
“Speaking of Halo,” Jagger said, his eyes doing a quick sweep of the place. “Where is he?”
When three pairs of eyes landed on me, I shrugged and slipped my hands into my pockets. I wasn’t about to cop that he’d gone to his parents’ house to tell them about me. A. It wasn’t my place, and B. I’d never hear the fucking end of it. “He had something he had to take care of this morning.”
Jagger chuckled. “His poor, abused body? Come on, V. You knew we all had to get together today. Couldn’t you have taken it easy on the guy?”
I was about to tell Jagger to go fuck himself when Killian’s door once again opened and Halo finally stepped inside. With a smile on his generous mouth, he waved at the guys as he shut the door behind him, and when his gaze finally connected with mine, that grin widened.
Like a weight had been lifted from my chest, I started to walk in his direction.
“Is it just me, or do you feel like violins should be playing and this should all be in slow motion?” Jagger said.
I ignored him as I closed in on Halo, my eyes taking in every gorgeous inch of him as though it had been weeks, months, years since I’d seen him, instead of hours.
He was wearing a pair of my faded jeans and a black long-sleeved Henley, and the fact that he was dressed head to toe in my clothes had my heart and cock pounding even harder. Mine.
As though he could read my mind, Halo’s eyes all but glittered as I came to a stop in front of him, but before he could say a word, I reached out, cupped the back of his neck, and drew him forward to greet him the only way that would satisfy me. I crushed my lips down onto his, and Halo put his hands on my chest to steady himself, as I swept my tongue inside his sweet mouth and took a long, deep taste of him.
Halo moaned, and it was music to my fucking ears, but when the wolf whistles behind us began to drown out the delicious sound, I felt Halo’s lips curve against mine and raised my head.
“Ignore them,” I said, which made Halo chuckle, even as he shifted to look over my shoulder. “They’re just jealous.”
“Of me or you?” Halo said when his eyes came back to mine.
I smirked and ran my thumb across his slick lower lip. “Me. You’re the pretty one, remember? They wouldn’t kiss me if we paid them.”
Halo slid a hand up into the back of my
hair and tugged on it. “Their loss. You’re the best kiss I’ve ever had.”
My dick jerked in response to Halo’s closeness and his words, but knowing the three yahoos on the couches behind us were watching, I made myself let him go. “You lose your phone today or something?”
Halo frowned as though wondering why I was asking. “Oh, shit, sorry. The battery died literally five minutes after I got in the car. I hadn’t charged it all night, and then—”
“It’s okay,” I said, feeling slightly fucking ridiculous now. I hadn’t even thought of that.
“No, it’s not. I should’ve called you from my parents’.” Halo reached down and took my hand, and as I intertwined our fingers, he said, “You were worried about me.”
“I—”
“You were worried about me,” Halo said again, and this time leaned in to kiss the corner of my mouth. “That’s really sweet. But there was no need. Everything went…surprisingly well.”
“It did?”
Halo nodded. “It really did. I’ll tell you about it later. After.”
I nodded, understanding he wanted to keep this between us right now, and instead tugged on his hand, guiding Halo over to the rest of the guys so we could finally shut them all up and get down to business.
Nine
Halo
“WELL, WELL, WELL. If it isn’t our resident power couple,” Killian said, smirking as Viper and I took a seat on one of the couches.
“Fuck your face,” Viper said before placing his arm on the back of the couch behind me.
Killian turned his attention to me. “If you’re experiencing morning-after regret, or if you think Viper drugged you last night and forced your hand, you can tell us. We’ll take care of the bastard.”
As Jagger and Slade voiced their agreements, Viper groaned.
“Trust me, Angel’s more than fucking happy right where he is,” he said, dropping his arm down onto my shoulder.