CHAPTER 2
“I think I want to go out there,” I mumbled, staring at the flashing lights from the safety of the car—cocooned in the darkness and the clatter beyond.
“Where?” Jay lifted a brow, peering at me with confused eyes.
“Go out there.” I jutted my chin to the massive crowd lining the side of the curb while Jay waited for Tyler to give him the heads-up to exit. Tyler would then drive me to the private entrance for family and friends.
But I didn’t want that.
I wanted to walk out there with my man.
He gave me a bewildered expression. “You want to walk the red carpet?”
“Yes,” I said, ignoring the way my heart pounded at that fact.
He shook his head. “Evelyn, you were hiding under the sheets just hours ago. Do you think you can handle something like this?”
My eyes met his cautious blues. I couldn’t, which was why I wanted to. I couldn’t let my insecurities always get the best of me. I wanted to be seen with Jay more than anything in the world. So even if it terrified the shit out of me, I knew I had to do it.
Because that was what they usually said, right? Do what you fear the most, and it will be worth it in the end. At least, I hoped that little quote stayed true for my sake.
“Yes, I’m sure. Now, let’s go before I chicken out. Unless.” I slid a glance his way, hesitating. “Unless you don’t want to?”
His gaze softened. “There’s nothing in the world that I want more. Come on.” Jay held out his hand upon Tyler’s cue and gently eased me out of the car.
I let the warmth from his skin suppress the tremble in my hands as I stood on wobbly feet.
The snap of the shutters and the echoes of their questions were the first thing that hit me. The only way I knew we were even going in the right direction was because Jay led the way.
The pounding of my heart intensified when we halted at a dot on the red carpet and turned toward the cameras. My eyesight was nonexistent as the flashes went frantic from his presence.
I mustered a small smile while Jay’s hand was firmly clasped around my waist. I counted it as a blessing that I couldn’t see a thing because if I did, I would’ve run out for sure.
“Look at me.” Jay leaned and whispered close to my ear, and the shutter of the cameras went wilder.
“J.J., is she your girlfriend?”
“J.J., ma’am, to the right, please.”
“Look here! ”
Heat blossomed on my cheeks as I aimed my eyes at him. With one look at those blues, the air in my lungs evaporated, and I couldn’t stop the genuine smile that tugged up my lips.
He looked at me with so much love that it sparked my soul.
“I love you,” he whispered in my ear before his soft lips swept across mine in a faint kiss. Even though it was chaos on the outside, the world around us went dead quiet.
I didn’t care that a thousand cameras were trained on us. At that moment, it was just him and me, and that was all that mattered.
It wasn’t long before Jay nodded to the cameras, and a publicist led us farther away from the carpet. I stuck to Jay’s side as he greeted a few people but kept walking toward the entrance.
“That was… blinding.”
He chuckled. “That wasn’t what I expected you to say.”
“Is it always like that?”
“Most times.” He shrugged. “Will you be okay from here? I see Gabe around the corner. Why don’t you chat with him while I finish some interviews with the boys?”
I nodded as I placed a soft kiss on his cheek. “Go on, I’ll be fine.”
He grinned, giving me one last squeeze on my waist as he glided away, leaving me alone by the entryway.
Sucking a deep breath, I stepped inside, ignoring the hushed whispers surrounding me. The adrenaline from earlier made me braver and less intimidated.
The glittering lights flickered through the crystal drops of the chandeliers, the shades casting a soft glow of gold and amber. Murmurs of pleasantries and deep conversations leaked into my ears as I walked farther, trying hard not to limp.
Everything was elaborate, from the decor to the lighting and immaculately dressed crowd, with the air carrying a deep sense of approval from the smiles apparent on everyone’s faces.
“Evy, there you are,” a familiar voice called out before a hand clamped over mine and pulled me to a table at the far right.
“Gabe,” I said as I came to a stop before his anxious face. “How are you?” I greeted him with a tight hug.
“Nauseous,” he answered, looking pale.
“Why?” My brows knotted.
“Have you forgotten!? I’m the event planner, Evy, and it’s my first big event.” His eyes were wide, filled with panic as we parted. “I have no clue what’s happening. Are the centerpieces perfect? The seating arrangement? The lights? The decor? Is everything working out fine because I’m losing my fucking mind?”
“Gabe,” I insisted, my hands going straight to fix the crooked bow tie he had probably wrung with worry. “You’re fine, and everything is perfect. Stop worrying.”
An audible sigh left his lips. “I know, but it’s my first time planning something like this for someone so big. I’m a nervous wreck at the moment.”
“It’s understandable.” I gave his shoulder a tight squeeze. It was his lifelong dream, and to have a start at this scale could definitely be nerve-wracking. “But you’ve done an exceptional job, so all you have to do now is relax and feel proud. Let the team handle the rest. ”
“You’re right,” he mumbled as he visibly relaxed, and a small smile lifted his lips.
“Fuck, thank God, Evy. That’s the first smile I’ve seen on his face ever since he started complaining last night. I didn’t catch an ounce of sleep,” Rory pitched in from Gabe’s side, blowing out an exasperated breath.
“Oh, shut the fuck up.” Gabe rolled his eyes but pressed a kiss on Rory’s cheek, and he pulled him close in his arms.
I shook my head, grateful he was back to his usual self.
“Hey, guys.” A soft voice reached our ears.
My head snapped back. “Lily.” My smile widened at the sight of her, and I pulled her into a tight hug. “You look gorgeous,” I whispered, taking in the tight black dress flowing overher petite frame. Her short ink-black hair swept over her shoulders, and her violet eyes glimmered under the golden lights.
“You’re more pretty, E,” Lily muttered.
My eyes instantly went to the man standing next to her with a faint smile dancing on his face.
Lily stepped back, gesturing to him. “This is Jack, my date. Jack, this is my brother’s girlfriend, Evy.”
Confusion swept through me. I didn’t realize Lily was dating someone. He was charming, with warm brown eyes, dark hair, and a welcoming presence. “It’s so nice to meet you, Jack,” I said softly.
“Likewise, Evy.” A warm smile spread across his lips. “I didn’t know J.J. had a girlfriend.”
My feet rooted to the spot, and my heart picked up a beat. There it was, my stupid anxiety about people knowing about us .
“It’s kind of a secret,” Lily chimed, giving him a knowing look. Understanding flashed in his eyes. “Or not. I saw you two out there getting photographed.”
I shrugged, flushing as some of the apprehension faded away. Why the hell did it feel like ripping open a wound whenever people found out about us?
“Lily, when did you get yourself this handsome hunk of a man? And how did I not know about any of this?” Gabe’s narrowed eyes met Lily, who just rolled her eyes.
Jack laughed. “Hey, man, I’m Jack.”
I didn’t catch what Gabe said because the air sizzled with electricity as low whispers hushed through the walls, and I knew exactly why.
My spine tingled with awareness, and it felt like my heart jumped at my throat. It wasn’t long before a pair of strong arms circled my waist, pulling me so close to him—too intimate for the public eye.
I swallowed a breath. “Jay, stop. Everyone’s looking,” I mumbled. My cheeks flushed as I felt all the curious eyes burning a hole through my skin.
“Let them look.” He tightened his grip.
“Jay,” I chided.
He grinned, catching me off guard with a deep kiss that intensified the burn in my cheeks.
I was in a complete daze as we parted.
A knowing smile danced on Jay’s face while I burrowed closer to his side.
His eyes left mine, snapping straight to the newcomer and holding him in place. “Lily, who’s this?” he asked, raising a brow. “I thought you said you were coming in with a friend. ”
Lily forced a tight smile. “Yes, Emmie. Jack is my friend, but who knows…” She shrugged, and I believe that little insight was for the person who graced us with his presence, a stunning model hanging onto him.
Though Mikey’s entire attention was fixed on her, the glint in his eyes glowed with jealousy as his eyes trained on Jack’s hand draped loosely around her waist. The grim line in his lips and the white of his knuckles suggested that he was ready to clock Jack square in his face. But Michael had to realize that Lily wasn’t going to wait around for him forever.
Jack’s excited eyes met Jay’s. “Nice to meet you, J.J. I’m not much for rock music, but you guys are amazing.”
Jay gave him a firm nod. “Jack, huh? What do you do, and how do you know my sister?” He shot off in an icy tone.
“Jay,” I whispered as the expression on Jack’s face faltered. There he goes, being an overbearing brother. Lily was old enough to decide who she wanted to date without her brother interfering.
His eyes snapped to mine, and I gave him a look. “Fine,” he mumbled.
Jack cleared his throat. “My cousin Riana works with her, and I’m an architect,” Jack replied to Jay’s unwarranted questions without skipping a beat.
The awkward conversation halted as Katy breezed in and gathered Lily and me in a warm hug. She was dressed in a gorgeous flowy red dress, with her trademark crimson lips smelling like sweet roses. I was happy to see her come out of whatever had been bothering her recently.
“Guys.” Matt’s grim voice interrupted my thoughts, and we all turned to him to see a tall boy with shaggy black hair and a girl about his age with similar hazel eyes, wearing a soft gold dress standing next to him. “This is Raphael and his sister, Sierra.”
“Fuck me.” Raphael’s bored expression morphed into excitement as he zeroed his eyes on me, and before I could take the next breath, he was right in my face.
I gasped when his hand curled around my free wrist. “I’ve never seen anyone more beautiful in my life,” Raphael said, his brown eyes wide with awe as they swept over me. “Please, do me the honor of being my girlfriend.”
I gaped at his brazen words.
I could feel Jay’s fury radiating from my side. “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 growled in a low tone.
Raphael’s eyes rounded when they dashed to Jay in surprise. “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,” Jay steeled coldly, his eyes glinting with the promise of his wrath.
Raphael chuckled, shaking out of it while his eyes switched to me. “I don’t care if you have a boyfriend. I can stop being his fan and make you my girl. Just say yes.”
Wow, this boy was going to lose his teeth if he didn’t stop, and before Jay could do just that, I squeezed Jay’s hand. “He’s just a kid, Jay,” I said in a soft tone as I gave him my doe eyes, and in an instant, his tension dissipated. I knew that would work.
“Fucking hell.” Matty’s lips thinned in annoyance as he grabbed Raphael by his collar and pulled him away. “I told you to behave. You better shut the fuck up before your mouth lands you in trouble. And you’re fucking sixteen.”
“Raphy.” Sierra gripped her brother’s hand and held him in a dead stare. “Cut your antics, and don’t fucking embarrass me,” she bit out through her teeth.
Raphael rolled his eyes, holding up a hand. “Fine, fine.”
“Matt, you have five seconds to explain to me who this little fucker is,” Jay demanded. Even though his rage faded, his tone remained feral.
“He’s the one he found busking on the streets—his debut artist. He has talent but unfortunately, a big mouth,” Katy explained.
Matty was pretty confident he found the perfect artist to debut with his label. The only problem was that he was also an arrogant little fellow. Raphael and his sister came as a package deal and were staying with him while he made the album. And from Matty’s exasperated expression, it looked like he regretted that decision.
“Little fucker,” Jay mumbled as we all took our designated seats at the table.
I laughed.
“Glad you find this funny.” Jay still had his eyes on Raphael, who was having an intense whispered conversation with his sister.
“He’s sixteen.”
“Old enough to have thoughts about you that he isn’t allowed to have.”
I shook my head as I laughed harder .
Minutes after we settled, Katy turned to her brother. “Matty, it’s almost time. Are you ready for the speech?” Katy questioned with a soft smile.
“Fuck, do I really have to?” he mumbled, fidgeting with his bow tie. He was clearly anything but excited about his speech. Matty was the quiet one and mostly kept to himself. Yet as much as he loved to stay in the background, his dreams demanded differently.
“God, I’m going to enjoy watching you squirm on stage. Just wait for the millions of memes I’ll be posting tonight,” Mikey joked, his eyes filled with mirth.
Sierra’s head snapped from her conversation with her brother, and her eyes turned to slits as she regarded Mikey. “He’ll be fine. The only meme that will be floating around will be yours,” she firmed at Mikey before turning her soft eyes to Matty. “You’re going to be amazing.”
Whoa, someone had a crush.
The table erupted with laughter at Mikey’s wounded face. But it didn’t last long, and a devious grin tugged his lips. “Ah, a feisty one, huh. I love it when they’re feisty.”
Matty’s jaw clenched in a tight line. “Shut the fuck up. She’s only eighteen.”
“Seems like someone’s being a little too defensive.” Mikey chuckled, loving the taunts he was throwing Matty’s way.
“You boys are crazy,” I said, turning my head toward Jay.
Jay looked offended while he peered at me. “What did I do?”
“Oh really, what didn’t you do?” I playfully raised my brow.
A cocky smile curved his lips. “Well, I can think of a few things that I’ll be doing to you tonight. ”
My upper hand in the conversation vanished at his insinuating words. “Stop.”
“Don’t act like you don’t want it.”
A flush crept through the top of my chest while my toes curled. I did want it. I did want all the things he wanted to do to me, even if that made me look like a lust-driven fool. “I don’t,” I whispered, lying. “In fact, I think we should tone it down. We’ve already had sex three times today, and I don’t think that’s normal.”
My heart hammered when his lips brushed the edge of my ear. “We didn’t have sex, we fucked, hard . And I’ll show you what our normal is when we go home tonight, and I tear that dress off you.”
A sharp inhale lodged its way up my throat, and I was at a loss for words.
Thankfully, Katy called all the boys to the stage right at the moment, saving me.
Matty, despite his earlier trepidation, delivered a heartfelt speech. A few people even shed tears as he explained the message behind his project. The rest of the boys pitched in a few words, and the label was officially launched to the public.
Lan’s absence was evident, but the boys made up for it. He was supposed to be here at Katy’s side, supporting an event that he, too, was a part of. Yet he was a no-show, and Katy had been evading questions about him.
A few hours of mingling later, Jay led me to the dance floor despite my protests. “I still don’t think this is a good idea, Jay.”
“I want to dance with my girl.” His blues left no room for argument .
Although I was getting more comfortable being by his side under watchful gazes, I wasn’t sure how I felt about dancing with my stiff knee.
“I get it. But can we dance when we get home? I’m not sure dancing is my strongest forte, given my disability.”
The light muted as we approached the dance floor, already filled with smiling couples and the sound of violin strings.
“One song, please,” he said, wrapping his arms around me to bring me flush with his body. The heat of his touch seeped through my naked back, tingling my nerve endings.
“Okay,” I mumbled, forcing my stiff feet to match his steps, careful not to let my limp show.
We moved at a slow, lingering pace while I rested my head on his shoulder.
Somehow, I ended upright back in his arms like I was supposed to, no matter the journey. Maybe the winds of destiny weren’t so cruel to me after all.
“What are you thinking?” he whispered only for me to hear.
“The adventure of our love,” I said.
“That doesn’t sound very good at all.”
“Yes, it was some ride.”
“Will you ride me tonight?” His lips tugged in a cheeky grin.
I pinched his ribs hard. “I think you’ve been spending too much time with Mikey.”
“No, I’m not.” He pouted, and a moment of comfortable silence passed between us. “It was some ride—wild. But we’ll ride out together from here on out,” he affirmed. “Nothing is ever going to force us apart, not anymore.”
I nodded, smiling .
Somehow, I knew that too. Funny how the worries of the past felt like nothing now that White was permanently out of our lives. The threat waslong gone, and I hardly thought of her these days. She was just another fleeting thought that didn’t bother me, and I hoped she’d stay that way.
It was well past midnight when we left the event, and as much as I loved it, I was exhausted. My body wasn’t made for something like this.
“Fuck, I regret making you dance.” Jay’s sorry eyes smoothed over the very prominent limp that I was sporting as I got out of the car.
My leg was killing me, anever-ending battle that I was cursed with for the rest of my life.
In an instant, I was in his arms, and I didn’t even object as I wrapped my arms around his neck, thankful for his ability to always take care of me. “Do you think I got heavy?” I asked just as we entered the elevator that shot us right to the top floor.
Jay’s face scrunched up adorably with a little pout that almost made him look childlike—boyish. At moments like this, I thought about having babies with this man. I wondered if our son would look exactly like him: wavy black hair, piercing blue eyes, and a heart-wrenching smile.
I shook out of it before my mind started drowning in daydreams that I didn’t know would ever happen.
“Maybe,” he answered my question.
I let out an offended scoff. “You were supposed to be a good boyfriend and say no.”
“You called me your boyfriend.” His face transformed with a wide grin .
My cheeks blazed, noting my spill. “Yeah, whatever. But you still were supposed to say no.”
“It’s a good thing if you put on weight,” he teased, his eyes sparkling under the elevator lights. “More skin for me.”
“I think you owe me a hundred dollars every time you make a sexual innuendo.”
“I think it’s supposed tobe a penny, darling,” he pointed out as we exited the elevator and walked toward the door.
“I think you could afford it, rock star, and you know what, I’ll increase it up to a thousand.”
“Fine, ma’am.” His teeth clamped over my bottom lip just as the thud of the front door closed behind us. “Now, enough of you being a smart-ass. It’s my turn.”
My giggles carried through the apartment as he showed how smart he could be when he got me naked under him.
And it lasted all night long, till we fell asleep to the early morning lights spilling through our windows.