Chapter 25
Iwas lying in Asher’s lap, quietly listening to the guys bounce ideas off each other for their new song, and spinning the beautiful treble clef charm with a small diamond inserted in the middle that Asher had gotten me for my birthday present between my fingers.
It looked perfect dangling next to his ring on the necklace he’d given me a while ago.
Ava was scrolling through her phone, leaning against the couch, sitting on the floor between Jaxon’s legs, and Nova was quietly snoring beside Drake on the couch.
My eyes were closed as Asher threaded his fingers through my hair, running them between each strand and across my scalp. Kieron groaned, leaning away from his drum set that he’d set up to the side of the sectional.
It was fun listening to them. And the music was as beautiful and eerie as usual.
“Why don’t we start at the beginning and jam after that part instead of forcing what’s written?” Asher suggested, and they mumbled agreements.
Drake strummed the first few chords on his guitar, and then Jaxon and Kieron joined in their parts.
Asher began singing, and I hummed the melody.
There was a point where, instinctively, I added harmonic dissonance in, fading quietly back into Asher’s melody as the music took me to that different world.
My world. But this time there were four others with me. Four others who—
I stopped humming, suddenly realizing that the music was only in my head. They’d already paused playing. Not a single note was being produced from any of the guys in the band. Slowly, I peeled my eyes open to find not just the men looking at me, but the two girls as well.
Asher had a subtle smile on his face but kept quiet. Kieron’s mouth was open, his jaw on the floor and inviting every insect inside. Drake and Jaxon’s hands hovered over the strings of their guitars, wide-eyed and in shock.
“What?” I muttered, my cheeks heating up with embarrassment. I curled up tighter into Asher’s lap.
“That was you? This whole time that was you?” Kieron gushed, finally closing his mouth.
“What was me?” I curled up smaller, trying to evade the spotlight.
“Oh, don’t deny it,” Drake said, shooting an accusatory glare my way.
“The melody is catchy.” I shrugged my shoulders.
“Yeah, but you harmonized, and in a way that was unexpected. Can you do it again? But like with words?” Jaxon asked.
I glanced at Asher. He lifted a brow, wanting me to say yes, but not pushing me to. Shaking my head, I pulled my lip between my teeth.
“Oh, come on, please?” Kieron begged.
“Just until we are able to break through where we’re stuck,” Drake added.
“It’s exactly what’s missing,” Jaxon said, widening his eyes.
Ava looked up from her phone and nodded.
“It did feel more rounded out when you were humming along,” she said and then returned to her phone.
All three guys pointed at Ava, as if she were the swaying factor needed.
My eyes drifted up to Asher once more. I was actually scared.
What if they found out too? But then again, I hadn’t composed anything that I sang in since the flopped operas, so maybe it had been long enough since then that nobody would recognize my voice.
And this wasn’t opera. I would have to use some of the techniques that Asher had begun to teach me.
“Just this once,” I finally said and sat up. The guys cheered. Asher’s grin widened, and he counted out the timing. They began, but I hesitated. Giving myself a couple measures to try and snatch the courage I needed.
Asher bumped his leg against mine, slipping his hand onto my thigh. I closed my eyes and pretended like I was alone. That this music was in my head. It had to be, right? That’s how it was when I’d been humming, so this wasn’t that different.
I took a deep breath and let the music drift from me.
Quiet at first, but then building. And finally, there it was.
Back in my world. But this time, my world was a little different.
It didn’t feel so lonely, so desperately dark.
The notes were bright, the feeling light, haunting still as I assumed it would always be.
But I liked this different. I liked this new.
Layers danced in front of me as I finally relaxed into the music.
Louder, harder, heavier. And the song kept going.
Breaking through that barrier that had them holding up.
That wall that Void had been constantly slamming into no longer bound them as the words just flowed.
I had to open my eyes to read the lyrics he’d written, ones that spoke to my soul. I was alive and free. Asher took the lead as I harmonized behind him, the guitars filling in the empty space.
And then it was done.
My heart raced as silence filled the room. That had been exhilarating. For the first time in my life, others had wanted me to sing something that didn’t conform to the expectations of my parents. I giggled to myself. Touching my lips, I leaned back against the couch and slid behind Asher’s back.
“Damn,” Drake muttered.
“Where’d you learn to sing like that?” Kieron asked. Asher patted the side of my bum as I pulled my legs up on the couch beside me.
“I think we’re good for a bit?” Asher asked his friends.
“Yeah…” Jaxon gushed, still in disbelief.
My boyfriend’s hand slapped my leg a little harder, and his breath washed over my ear. “Let’s go for a ride,” he whispered, and I nodded against his shirt.
My hands held tightly to his waist as we flew down the street on his motorcycle.
I was once again his backpack, though this time he’d supplied me with matching protective gear to his.
The sun had set probably an hour ago as we cruised through the back roads, hardly a car in sight.
It felt freeing. My chest pressed against his back, tightly holding onto this man who had long since uprooted my mundane life.
He had been the death of me. Of whatever girl I’d been before. There was so much more passion flowing through me now. So much more adventure. I wanted to be a little crazy. I wanted to try new things. I wanted this life that he was slowly giving me.
We leaned into a corner, curving upward toward a lookout I suddenly recognized.
He’d brought me here once. I smiled while he shifted down, and started slowing the bike, easing us off to the side.
Asher glanced at the stars twinkling in the night sky before he killed the engine and pushed the kickstand down with his foot.
My smile widened as I sat upright so he could swing a leg over and face me, then he began to undo the buckle on my helmet.
I removed my glasses, and he slid the helmet over my head, then hung it on the handlebar. Placing them back on my face, he pulled his own helmet off, shaking out his hair, and then smiled at me.
A simple smile, melting in with the peaceful silence around us. He’d truly set me free, and I was upset it took so damn long. Narrowing my gaze, I glared at him.
“What’s that for?” he asked, appalled.
“You took too long,” I grumbled.
He furrowed his brows, confused. “Took too long for what?”
“Just say you’re sorry.” I crossed my arms.
“No.”
“Yes.”
“No.”
“Then fine. No kisses.” I looked away, scanning the sparkling city.
Fingers gripped my chin, tugging me toward his face, and he slammed his lips against mine. I very softly protested as he kissed me deeply. But only for half a second before I giggled and grabbed his face, kissing him even harder.
He pulled away, smiling to himself. “That’s what I thought.”
“I sang today,” I whispered, watching his eyes.
“Yes, you did.” He grinned, his eyes sparkling with admiration. “Want to be a guest singer for the new song?”
I shook my head. “One step at a time.”
“But the guys loved it. Everyone will love it.”
“Everyone already loves you guys. Make one of the guys sing it. Someone probably can hit those notes,” I replied, and Asher chuckled.
“Fair point.” He slid a hand along my leg, and I looked over his shoulder at the beautiful mountains. “I’m proud of you. I know that was hard.”
My gaze slid back to his, and a heated blush crept upon my cheeks.
“You’ll at least sing with just us again, right?”
“Maybe.”
“No, not just maybe,” he grumbled.
I giggled again and nodded.
“Good girl.”
Immediately, my heart stopped. I squeaked in response. Literally squeaked. That was it. The only sound that came out of me was an actual squeak. Asher threw his head back and laughed. I rolled my eyes, feeling the heat heighten in my face.
Eventually, he calmed down and slid down from the bike. “Wait here, I’ve got to take a piss.”
I nodded and placed my hands behind my back, leaning my weight against it. Asher quickly pecked my lips and then sauntered across the road, disappearing up the hill behind a tree. Closing my eyes, I breathed out deeply. It was so serene here. So perfectly perfect. Nothing could ruin this moment.
Asher and I alone, peacefully enjoying each other’s company. What could go wrong? Nothing. Nothing could go wrong.
Except maybe that…
My eyes shot open as I heard the rumble of multiple vehicle engines and screaming girls.
Asher emerged across the street, squealing fans rushing out from seemingly nowhere.
My stomach sank as my heart began to race.
I shot forward, grabbing my helmet and shoving it over my head.
I pulled down the shaded portion of the full-face shield to hide my identity.
They hadn’t noticed me yet, but in order for Asher to escape, he would have to come over here. He would have to get on his bike.
Which meant I would be exposed.
He slowly began attempting to wade through the ever-growing crowd. More cars were showing up. More vehicles stopping in the middle of the street, throngs of girls unloading, the light increasing with each incoming car.