CHAPTER 14
SIERRA
What the fuck was that?
A vague recollection of my biology teacher explaining the chemical reaction of hormones inside our bodies popped into my mind.
That was what it was, right?
Definitely a hormonal, chemical reaction.
But nothing else could explain that intense, suffocating emotion that drew heat to every single cell of my body, zapping it alive.
Whatever it was, I knew I shouldn’t be feeling it, but that fact alone made me want to feel it more and more.
I tried to sneak glances at him when he wasn’t looking, but that seemed harder than a math exam because Matty’s sole focus was on me.
Every time I looked.
Like I was a model for the sculpture he was carving.
I didn’t know if I should welcome it or shy away from it.
It wasn’t long before we arrived at the event. It was only when my eyes dragged over the press, screaming crowds, and photographers did the monumental significance of where I was, and with whom I was, dawned on me.
“We’ll go through the red carpet,” Katy declared. “Matty, you take Raphael up front, I have news that the boys are already here. I’ll take Sierra through, and come meet up with you guys. Unless…” Her eyes darted to mine. “Sierra, you want to walk the red carpet with your brother?”
My eyes widened. “No,” I blurted loudly, shaking my head. “I don’t want that.”
“Okay, then.” Katy nodded, determination shining in her eyes. “Let’s get this event over with.”
Matty held a tight grip on my arm while he helped me out of the limo, and for a second, I froze. I did have my fair share of photo moments at the competitions, but nothing compared to this scale.
Even though none of the cameras were trained on me, it felt like they were.
It was so blinding and jarring.
“Sierra.” Matty’s soft voice beckoned me over the commotion and clatter filling the air. It tugged me away from my trance-like state, and somehow looking into his green eyes felt like I was home again.
“Go with Katy.” He gestured toward her, rubbing a rough thumb over my arm. “You’ll be fine.”
“Okay.” I nodded, licking my lips. “Okay,” I repeated louder this time and quickly dashed to Katy, who was looking at us with amused eyes.
“You okay?” she asked over the chanting fans.
“Yes,” I mumbled.
“Good, follow me,” she said, taking me through a line behind the photographers where assistants and PR managers lingered.
“Will you be okay here?” Katy’s questioning eyes met mine. “I have a few interviews I have to coordinate.”
“Yes.” I smiled. “I’ll be fine. You go.”
“Okay,” she muttered, smiling back before she whooshed through the crowd, commanding the space with her unmatched aura.
And this place was perfect, it had a clear view of the carpet that was filling up with so many celebrities that I only thought I would be seeing on TV.
Last, the Four Foxes arrived, and the crowds went wild.
And my inner fangirl went bonkers, I wanted to be in the stands holding a Matty poster, screaming his name. But I toned it down, trying hard to maintain my composure as I watched them.
I didn’t even bat an eye at the other members flashing their stage-ready smiles because my eyes never strayed far from him. Matty looked scrumptiously delectable in his fitted three-piece, imposing the air with his sharp gaze and stoic presence.
There was a realness to him that bewitched me, even from day one.
Matty Evans was real.
In every version, he was truly himself.
Sometimes, I was envious of that. It was something I’d always wanted, to be the unapologetic version of me to everyone in my life. But most time, I admired that part of him. It was probably why he was my favorite fox.
In the following minutes, the band answered a few questions and exited to the venue, while the Evans siblings lingered, introducing Raphy, who ate up the attention like a pro, grinning confidently.
Internally, I was a proud, proud sister.
It wasn’t long before they walked up to me, finally wrapping up with the press.
Matty’s gaze found mine first. “You okay?” he asked in his gruff voice.
And I tried my best to appear collected as I whispered, “Yes.”
He nodded, and the four of us entered the hall with Katy guiding us up front.
Holy wow.
The vast room was bathed in a golden light from the low-hanging chandeliers, the decor minimal with tasteful flowers and velvet tapestries.
I’d never seen so many people in the same place wearing elegant attire, embellished in extravagant jewels.
It was opulence at its height.
A small stage stood by the far end, facing the round tables in the room. Only a simple, clean poster of the label’s logo was perched as the backdrop. It was a thin golden outline of a box with a dot at the bottom, with ‘true beat’ written in all lowercase.
It was uncomplicated but eye-catching at the same time. It suited his brand and the message he wanted to send to the world. But I still couldn’t believe they accomplished all this branding in a matter of days. I guess when you have plenty of money, you could even get a kidney transplant done in weeks instead of being placed on a waiting list like the rest of us mortals.
Katy led us to a table right by the stage, where I recognized the other two members of the Four Foxes lingering with some people I didn’t recognize. Now that I thought about it, the last member of the band, Landon Greige—Katy’s fiancé, was missing. Wouldn’t he want to be here to support his future brother-in-law and bandmate? Moreover, I heard that the entire band was involved in the label, so wouldn’t he want to be here for his own big day? It was interesting that he was a no-show.
Katy immediately swooped two gorgeous girls into a tight hug, smiling as she murmured something to them.
Just as she moved aside, Matt stepped forward. “Guys,” he said, gesturing toward Raphy and me. “This is Raphael and his sister, Sierra.”
My eyes wandered over to the girl standing beside J.J., the lead singer of the band. She must be the girlfriend, Evy, who Katy mentioned, donned in a silky soft pink dress that warmed her brown eyes and beautiful smile, she was stunning. No wonder she was J.J.’s girlfriend.
To her right was a female version of J.J. with similar raven black hair, only she had the most striking pair of eyes that I had ever seen. The tight black dress molding over her strong figure only brought out the dark blue specks in her violet eyes. I never knew eyes could exist in that color. She must be J.J.’s sister, Lily Jameson.
Behind her was the notorious golden boy of the band, his long blond hair swept casually over his shoulder, and his dark green eyes fixed solely on Lily, who tried her best to appear nonchalant. The tension between them was so obvious that even I, without barely knowing them, picked it up.
“Fuck me,” my brother muttered.
My confused gaze landed on his face, which was brimming with exuberant excitement. Uh-oh, what was he going to stir up this time?
I followed his glowing eyes and it was rooted straight on Evy, and before I could even think to reprimand him, he was on her face.
A loud gasp left her lips when his grubby hand latched around hers. “I’ve never seen anyone more beautiful in my life,” he said in awe, and I wanted to swing a heavy axe down his throat.
“Please, do me the honor of being my girlfriend,” he continued, adding honey to his tone.
Evy watched him wide-eyed as her jaw dropped to the floor.
The buzz from the group slithered into complete silence when J.J. shifted his dead eyes to Raphy. “If you don’t take your hand off my girl right this second, I’ll make sure you can never have a girlfriend for the rest of your life,” he hissed in a ruthless tone.
It was only then that my stupid brother noticed his favorite celebrity. “Fuck me. J.J.?” He gaped, starstruck. “I’m your biggest fan.”
“Well, I’ll have one less fan if you don’t remove your hands from her,” J.J. said in an icy tone, a line forming over his jaw.
Raphy laughed as if his threat was for giggles while his eyes went back to Evy. “I don’t care if you have a boyfriend. I can stop being his fan and make you my girl. Just say yes.”
I can’t believe that little fucker.
The air charged thick with tension when J.J. started to take a menacing step toward Raphy, and my heart was at my throat, but Evy stopped him. “He’s just a kid, Jay,” she said, softly peering at him with her bright brown eyes.
Jay?
Thankfully, it worked because J.J. melted under her gaze.
And before I could smack my brother to his senses, Matty beat me to it.
“Fucking hell,” he cursed, tugging Raphy by his collar as he pulled him back to us. “I told you to behave. You better shut the fuck up before your mouth lands you in trouble. And you’re fucking sixteen.”
“Raphy.” I dug my nails into his arm, shooting him a glare. “Cut your antics, and don’t fucking embarrass me,” I gritted.
He just rolled his eyes, holding his hand up in defeat. “Fine, fine.”
“Matt, you have five seconds to explain to me who this little fucker is,” J.J. said, his tone still holding the undercurrents of his fury.
Katy huffed out a breath, explaining, “He’s the one he found busking on the streets—his debut artist. He has talent, but unfortunately, a big mouth.”
“Little fucker,” J.J. muttered.
They all laughed, dissipating the tension in the air.
Soon we all took our designated seats at the table, and a note on the table said mine was right between Matty and Raphy, not sure if it was a coincidence or planned, given the grin that Katy slid my way from Matty’s other side.
I shook my head. First, I had a brother to put in place, because J.J. still hasn’t stopped glaring holes into Raphy’s head, who still hadn’t stopped sneaking glances at Evy.
“Raphy, you stupid, idiotic fool. Do you not know where the fuck you are and who the fuck you’re talking to and looking at? I think it’s time for me to disown you as my brother,” I whispered-shouted at him.
Raphy blinked his brown eyes innocently at me. “What? I like her. I can’t shoot my shot now? Is that against the rules?”
“It is,” I spat. “When she belongs to someone else. She doesn’t like you, period, and you’re fucking sixteen.”
“So what?” He shrugged. “I’ll grow old and breakups happen all the time.”
“I don’t think that would be the case for them.” My eyes trailed to the happy couple who seemed to be lost in their own world, having their private conversation. Even from a distance, you could say they both adored each other.
My ears perked with attention when Katy asked her twin. “Matty, it’s almost time. Are you ready for the speech?”
“Fuck, do I really have to?” he muttered, exasperated.
I knew that the last thing Matty wanted to do in his life was get up on a stage with a room full of people to deliver a speech. He loved to stick in his dark corner, letting the rest of the band soak up the spotlight. But this dream of his was more than that, more than chasing fame or letting the mere fears rule over.
He didn’t say much about his late friend, but I understood that this meant a lot more to him than he was letting on.
At the end of the day, I felt that this was Matty’s purpose.
To create the kind of music that speaks to the soul rather than just the ears.
“God, I’m going to enjoy watching you squirm on stage. Just wait for the millions of memes I’ll be posting tonight,” Mikey snickered, catching on to the twins’ conversation.
A sudden surge of anger flooded my veins, and I snapped my eyes to him, not even caring that I was interjecting their conversation. No one spoke to Matty like that when he was already nervous about it. Especially, not in front of his number one fan in the world, but I’m keeping that certain information to myself at the moment. “He’ll be fine,” I fired toward him. “The only meme that will be floating around will be yours,” I continued the threat before sliding a reassuring smile toward Matty. “You’re going to be amazing.”
Matty blinked.
The whispers around the table dropped dead, and a flush worked its way up my skin.
Only a second passed before everyone burst out laughing, well, except for the grump next to me and Mikey, who looked like someone stole his puppy before he darted his eyes to me, and a smug grin crossed his lips. “Ah, a feisty one, huh. I love it when they’re feisty.”
My heart leaped with embarrassment. At the height of the moment, I didn’t realize I was threatening Michael DeClere, the charming playboy of the band who could get any girl to her knees.
And I must say he did it well, but he didn’t make my heart flutter like an Olympic swimmer on her way to gold. Only a pair of seafoam eyes did that.
I could feel Matty stiffen beside me at his comment. “Shut the fuck up. She’s only eighteen.” His voice held the weight of a silent warning.
Ugh, that only made my embarrassment deepen.
“Seems like someone’s being a little too defensive.” Mikey laughed, his eyes shining with mirth.
Matty just disregarded him with a roll of his eyes.
Soon, Mikey started to bicker with everyone, and it was only then that I realized he was pulling everyone’s leg, like the more grounded adult version of my brother.
Minutes later, Katy dragged all the boys to the stage, and a PR host greeted everyone before welcoming J.J. and Mikey to say a few words.
J.J. spoke confidently while his lover watched him with utmost devotion, hanging onto every word he said, while the latter, Mikey, began with a few jokes, saying he wasn’t much for speeches.
But his charm won the crowd and got them hooked. Then his tone took a serious note when he spoke about the label, even calling Matty his brother as he praised him.
It was fascinating to watch the dynamics between the bandmates, they had a certain synergy like they knew each other’s moves before one could even make it.
Made me imagine how powerful the flow would be if Landon were with them—they would be a complete package. They were after all the most famous band in the world.
I’d never seen the band perform live, coming from a small town, it was a bucket list thing for me. I hoped they’d keep me long enough to invite me to a show. Or else I’d probably swallow my pride and ask Matty for one or two ticket or probably a lifetime pass.
Excitement thudded my heart when it was finally Matty’s turn to take the stage.
“Good evening, everyone,” Matty’s deep voice echoed through the microphones. “Most of you here who know me personally must know that I’m not much for words, so I’ll keep this as short as I possibly can, so please bear with me.” His gaze regarded the spectators with a rare hint of a smile.
The air carried soft laughter from the crowd.
“This label wasn’t something we decided on a whim; this is a lifelong dream that was years in the making. A dream where the credit wouldn’t just go to me, but to all the aspiring artists who never got the chance to make it. Lost in a world where no one ever heard their creation. This one is for all artists whose dreams were cut short by the run of life, and today I stand here to send the message that True Beats is an initiative to change that narrative. Change the narrative that not everyone can be an artist, because they don’t tick off the industry standards with their looks or stage presence. True Beats will be a label that will include everyone who creates music, the real rare talent, rather than something that sells or profits from its artists.”
I sighed. This man was too good to be true. Any other man in his position would’ve sought some way to profit off this, yet here he was, like a true knight who kept his word. Like the prince in the fairy tales, his words were true and kind.
“I want to wrap this up by saying thank you to each and every one of you here tonight. Your immense support means a lot. And a big thank you to all the benefactors who have donated tonight. One hundred percent of this money will go toward the artist and the artists only. I want to thank my bandmates, Emmie, Mikey, and Lan, for always being on my side and jumping on this train without a single question. Your trust in me is what keeps me going.” He nodded toward the guys who stood by the sidelines, beaming.
“Thank you to my twin, without whom none of this would’ve been possible.” His eyes flashed to Katy, who gave him a proud smile.
“And last, I want to thank the person who helped name this label.” Those green eyes fixed straight on me, and my heart drummed a beat in my chest I couldn’t recognize. “I wouldn’t be here without you. Thank you,” he added the last sentence softly.
For a second, his eyes stayed glued to mine, like he was speaking right to me before they shifted.
The applause that went around the room was a low buzz to my ears because heat unlike anything swathed my body like a heavy blanket on a hot summer day.
The intensity of my heartbeat did nothing to help that.
It felt like I was on the verge of breaking out of a fever in the middle of a cold room.
Did Matty Evans just thank me?
Thank me in his speech for the most important project of his life.
Me?
A nobody from nowhere who worships the ground he walks on.
He did want me here.
“Looks like you’ve got him hooked, Sister,” Raphael mumbled, his tone laced with amusement.
His voice snapped me from the daze, and it was only then that I realized everyone at the table was staring right at me with knowing smiles dancing on their faces.
A scorching flame unlike anything brushed the skin on my cheeks.
I averted my gaze to the glass of water in front of me. My shaky fingers picked it up, and I washed away my dry throat.
Thankfully, by the time I set the glass aside, all their attention was back to the stage, where a small fundraiser auction was happening.
To me, it was just a blur because my mind was still reeling over what Matty said. I think my inner fangirl would forever be reeling over that.
Thirty minutes later, the boys returned to the table.
“You were amazing,” I whispered to Matty just as he took his seat beside me.
He paused, his gaze focusing on me. “Thank you,” he mumbled.
I nodded, trying hard to douse the fire in my cheeks.
The chatter around the table continued for a while before the boys ventured to mingle with everyone and dragged Raphy along with them, leaving me alone with the girls and three other men whose names I still didn’t catch.
“Nice to meet you, Sierra. We couldn’t get properly introduced earlier,” Evy said, smiling softly at me as she held out a hand. “I’m Evy.”
I smiled, grasping her hand gently. “Sierra, so nice to meet you as well.”
“Matty never told me about you,” Lily added, her curious eyes twinkling. “I’m Lily, by the way, and this is my friend, Jack.” She pointed at the charming brown-haired man sitting next to her, who gave me a nod.
“And that’s Gabe and his boyfriend, Rory.” She jutted her chin toward the couple beside Evy. “Gabe helped Katy plan this event tonight.”
Ah, I recall Katy mentioning him. “You did a wonderful job,” I exclaimed.
“Thanks, darling,” he said, leaning forward with a smirk. “But back to what Lily said. I didn’t know grumpy old Matty was living with someone so pretty. Damn, he’s been keeping secrets.”
I flushed. “I’m only there for my brother.”
“Is it?” He flicked a brow, grinning. “I think I heard him say you named the label. I’ve known that grump for a while, and he’s spoken like ten words to me, but that… doesn’t seem to be the case for you,” he teased, his brown eyes shining with glee.
I lifted a shoulder. “Es lo que es.”
“Ah?” His eyes widened. “Eres Latino?”
“Si, mi padre es mitad Mexicano.”
“Okay, stop, guys.” Lily scrunched her nose, pouting. “I’ve no clue what you’re both talking about.”
Gabe laughed at her. “Sierra here was just telling me that her dad is half Mexican.”
“You’re hot, and you can speak two languages,” Lily muttered. “Now, I’m jealous.”
“Hey, I’m hot, and I can speak two languages too,” Gabe added.
“Three, actually,” I said, “I’m also fluent in Mandarin.”
Lily gaped. “Now I’m super jealous.”
Evy’s eyes widened in wonderment. “That’s so amazing. I’m twenty-six, and I still can’t speak English right.”
“I grew up speaking it, so it wasn’t that hard for me,” I replied with a smile.
The next hour passed by, and I chatted with the girls and Gabe while Rory and Jack were immersed in a deep conversation about some building materials.
I didn’t have many girlfriends in my life except for Kiki, but Evy and Lily were so warm and welcoming that I spoke with them like we’d known each other for years despite our age difference.
They didn’t have one arrogant bone in their body, not even the guys—the Four Foxes, and their family shared a sacred bond. I could tell that they fiercely protected each other and were a warm unit of love.
An hour later, the group dispersed with their significant others to the dance floor while Raphy stood by the bar chatting with a bunch of giggling girls.
I was perfectly comfortable sitting at the same spot, munching on the spectacular hors d’oeuvres while I people-watched the rich and the famous.
I was on my third plate when Matty came back, heaving out a breath as he dropped down to his seat.
“You seem exhausted,” I commented, noting his tired eyes.
“Yeah, talking is not really my thing. But I have to do it if I want investors.”
“Don’t you guys have enough money to do this on your own?”
“We do. But it won’t be sustainable in the long run.”
“I’m sure this is going to be a big hit, though. It’s something different—good different, and people will appreciate it. Plus, you have good intuition when it comes to music, like you’ve never missed a beat on stage. Who else can do that?” I said excitedly, and from the knot of his brows, I just realized my slip.
“How do you know that? You a fan?” He questioned, his voice grim.
Ah fuck, Matty couldn’t know that I was his fan other than obvious reasons, the main being Matty Evans hated obsessive fans like me. He’d mentioned time and time again in interviews how much he hated when they pried into his daily life, and if they were truly his fans, they would respect his privacy.
I couldn’t say the same for myself. I have internet stalked him for hours, bought his used items off eBay, and dedicated an entire shrine to him in my closet. That was as crazy as it got, right?
“Hmm, not really. I’m not saying I don’t listen to you guys. I listen to all kinds of music. But I wouldn’t play you guys on a loop or anything.”
I definitely did. Especially his isolated beats, on repeat, every single time I gamed or fell asleep.
“Raphy told me,” I rambled, blaming my brother. “What would I know about music, right?”
He nodded, sighing as his gaze roamed over the room.
“How long do we stay here?”
“Till it ends,” he replied before his concerned eyes reached me. “But if you’re tired, I can arrange a car to take you home. I’ll make sure Raphael gets home with me.”
And miss sitting here with him? No, thank you.
I shook my head. “No, I’m not tired, plus I’m having so much fun.”
“Really?” He cocked a brow in disbelief. “You’re sitting here alone, eating.”
“Exactly.” I grinned. “I love free snacks, and I should be here till they stop serving them. Because…” I gestured toward the pretty girls, in their tall, lean figures, who hadn’t touched the food. “They don’t seem to be eating, and I don’t want the food to go to waste.”
“I could ask them to pack it for you if you like.”
“That’s okay. I don’t mind eating here. I’ve never been to anything like this before.”
“Sorry that we couldn’t be better company. I can’t believe your brother left you alone.”
I rolled my eyes. “I’d rather stay alone than have Raphy bleed my ears to death.”
He nodded, and a moment of comfortable silence passed between us. I knew he was taking a breather before he had to go out to the wild again.
A warm feeling swept over my heart space that he was spending that time with me rather than anyone else. His entire family was here tonight, but he chose me instead.
It was a far reach to think that way, but even with just crumbs from him, I’m going to be overthinking it. I couldn’t help it otherwise.
“ He would be proud,” I whispered softly. “I know he’s not here anymore to tell you that, but he would be so very proud of how far you’ve come and how much you’ve accomplished.”
He inhaled sharply before sliding his rounded gaze to me. “You really think that?”
A smile curved my lips. “Yes, I have no doubt.”
I watched as his throat worked a swallow. “Thank you for saying that.”
The smile never left my face as we went back to staring at the crowd.
And we spent the rest of the night just like that.
Matty would go make rounds with the people for a while and always came back to me to continue our conversation before he left, eyeing me among the masses to make sure that I was okay every five minutes.
And it repeated the entire night.
It was a heady, heady rush.
The earlier chemical reaction in the elevator, coupled with his protective tendencies, was making the innocent crush in my heart grow into something more dangerous.
Something else, like feelings about him that I shouldn’t really be feeling.
But could I help it?
If there was one man who ticked all the boxes in my head, it was him.
And if there was one man I wanted, it was him.
He would be the perfect, perfect boyfriend… if only it were written in the fates for us.
But fantasizing in my head doesn’t hurt anyone, right?
Right?