Chapter Thirteen
As I sit on the balcony with a tiny bottle of wine from the minibar, I look out over the city of Los Angeles, waiting for Colt to finish ordering room service for dinner.
The pill I was given in flight has caused a hangover, and I am still fighting the effects, but it could also be because I’m so relaxed after having another amazing time in the shower with Colt.
His hands seriously work magic over my body.
I rest back into the seat and close my eyes, and it’s not long before I’m drifting off.
Suddenly, my cell phone rings, disturbing my peaceful moment. Exhaling, I open my eyes to a call from someone I never expected to hear from.
“Joseph, hi,” I answer, still slightly groggy and confused about why he’d be calling me.
“Deliah, hey. How are you? Are you okay?” he asks.
“I’m good. Great, actually. Although a little confused as to why you’re calling me?”
“Right, yeah. Well, people are worried about you. I’ve seen the pictures of you with that rock star. Didn’t take you long to move on, did it?”
A little bit stunned and a lot pissed off, I reply, “You broke up with me, Joseph. You have no right to judge my choices when you made it perfectly clear that you didn’t want or need me around anymore,” I reply harshly.
“You’re right. Sorry. That was uncalled for. I still care about you, Deliah, and we are… I mean, I am worried you might be getting involved with the wrong type of people and maybe getting in over your head.”
“Ha! Daddy made you call me, didn’t he?”
“No, it’s not like that,”
“Don’t lie to me, Joseph.”
“He’s worried about you, and so am I. There are pictures of you, Deliah, standing on a balcony, wrapped in a sheet with that naked rock guy kissing you.”
Shit!
Bollocks!
Double shit!
Double bollocks!
“That’s none of your business. You lost all rights to my personal life when you treated me how you did.”
“Look, I didn’t call to argue. I only want to know if you’re okay and that he’s not taking advantage of you. And please tell me you’re not taking drugs and acting out because if you are, I will fly to America and get you myself.”
“What the hell is it with me taking drugs? I am not taking drugs! I appreciate your concern, but it’s not necessary. Colt is with me, and there are no issues for you to be involved in.”
“Colt, that’s his name? Deliah, you should return to England and talk with your father. Let’s see if we can work this thing out between us?”
“What the hell does that mean?”
“Even though I don’t love you as a partner should, it doesn’t mean I don’t care about you.
Your father and I will work something out so you are safe and happy.
I can take you to concerts and other things if that’s what you need to let your hair down, but being on tour with a rock band?
Can’t you see the complications that will arise from that?
Deliah, drugs and wild parties are the norm for those kinds of people, and I don’t want to see you hurt or wind up in a mess that you can’t find your way out of. ”
A sharp ache settles in my chest, frustration curling around it like a vice.
I drag in a slow breath, steadying myself before finally speaking, “Look, Joseph, I get what you’re saying, but I’m perfectly safe and happy with Colt.
He’s showing me how not to be so dull and boring as you so kindly put it.
I’m living a little and having a great time.
Please give my regards to Daddy, and don’t worry about me. I can look after myself.”
“I should never have said those words to you. I was going through something big in my life, and took it out on you because you were the closest person to me. So, I am sorry. I want to see you happy, and if being on tour with them is making you happy, then I’m okay with it.
Provided, of course, you’re keeping safe.
I’ll talk to your father and try to calm him down. And, Deliah?”
“Yeah?”
“I’m always here if you need me. Anytime, okay?”
Colt walks out onto the balcony, gesturing to the phone, and I roll my eyes.
“Thanks, Joseph,” I reply.
Colt’s eyes widen, and by the red blotches creeping up on his face, I think he’s mad, furious even.
“Look, I have to go, but thanks for your concern, and I’ll catch up with you when I get back to England,” I say, then end the call. “Hey, you all right?” I ask Colt, whose nostrils flare like a raging bull, and his eyes are cold and hard.
“Was that your ex?” he asks.
“Yeah, he was just—”
“Did he call you, or did you call him?” he interrupts.
“He called me. What’s—”
“Does he want you back?” he interrupts again.
I laugh. “No,” I say, scoffing like he’s being ridiculous.
“Do you want him back?” He still has that edge to his voice, bordering on losing control.
“Colt, no. What is this abo—”
“Do you still love him?” his voice is softer this time, a little more concern in his tone.
“Oh my God, Colt. What on earth are you talking about? Will. You. Stop!” I stand, taking his hands in mine.
“I don’t love Joseph. I don’t think I ever loved him as anything more than a friend, and I definitely don’t want to get back together with him.
He called because there are pictures of us on the balcony in New York.
Daddy saw them and asked Joseph to call to persuade me to return to London. He’s looking out for me, nothing more.”
“Right, ’cause all men look out for their exes but don’t want them back.” The vein in his neck pulses and twitches with his unease.
I huff out a slight laugh, which immediately causes him to frown. “Colt, are you jealous?”
He exhales loudly, and his face contorts. “I don’t want you talking to him again… ever.”
I raise my brow with a smile. “You are! You’re jealous.”
“Will you stop smiling at me? I’m being deadly serious, Dee. I don’t want you to speak to or see that fucker Joseph again. Do you hear me? Am I making myself clear?”
I laugh, but he flares his nostrils and inhales abruptly.
“I hear you. Don’t worry. I don’t plan to talk to or see him again.
You have nothing to be concerned about. I’m yours, remember?
But I am not overly keen on criticism about something I cannot control.
You have got to keep that jealousy in check, babe. ”
He moves in, embracing me, holding me so tightly I can hardly breathe. “You can’t leave,” he whispers shakily into my ear as he nuzzles into me.
“I’m not going anywhere, Colt.”
Then his lips crash to mine. His hand wraps around my neck while holding me against him, his other fists my hair.
He takes what he wants.
What belongs to him.
There’s something about it that gives me a moment’s pause, a reflection, but the way this man possesses me is like nothing I’ve ever experienced.
I’m not his property, but the way he owns my body, I can’t deny I like the feeling.
***
Anna, Sia, and I are sitting in the guys’ dressing room with them while waiting for Dragon’s Lair to finish their set. A sense of calm flows through the room as we sit in couples, except for Hux, who talks to a chick we don’t know.
As I sit on Colt’s lap, cuddling into him, a man walks in wearing a business suit sans tie. The guys all stop what they’re doing, and Dingo and Hux are the first to jump to their feet and walk over to him.
Colt leans in and whispers, “I can’t believe he’s here.” He lifts me off his lap and places me on the seat beside him. I watch with raised brows as he follows closely behind Johnny, joining the others.
“Colter, nice to meet you.” The suit extends his hand for Colt to shake.
“Rob. You here to check out the show?” Colt asks, shaking his hand.
“Well, actually, I’m here to negotiate a contract with the band. If you still want me?” he asks, and the guys cheer and high-five.
What the hell is going on?
I get up and walk over to Anna and Sia, who are smiling broadly.
“Fuck yeah, we want you with us, Rob,” Dingo states.
I sit down next to Anna and whisper, “Who’s that guy? And why are they so excited?”
“Rob Luxley,” she answers. “Looks like they have a new agent. He’s the best. Works with all of the big bands. He’s big time, Dee. The guys’ll be massive with his help.”
I’m glad they have found a new agent. I know Colt was concerned when Hux fired their last one, but I am conflicted. I’m beyond excited this is happening for Colt, for the band, but will this come between us and our time together?
Worry creeps in as thoughts run rampant through my mind.
Does this mean more tours?
Will he want me around all the time?
Will he want me around at all?
The guys head over to the table, and Rob pulls paperwork from his briefcase.
Colt is the first to pick it up and read it over. I’m unsure how much he gets to see before Sia stands and walks over to him, snatching it out of his hands.
“I’ll read it, Colt. That’s the manager’s job,” Sia berates while she looks directly at Rob.
The band chuckles while she starts to read over what I’m assuming is the contract.
“So, what happens now?” I ask Anna.
“I’m not sure. I guess they check the contract, and if his terms are okay, they’ll sign with him. But I’m pretty sure they’ll sign with him no matter the terms, honestly.”
I smile, my gaze drifting to Colt. He looks genuinely elated, his excitement radiating off him in waves.
When our eyes meet, I lift my brows, silently asking the question already written all over his face.
His grin widens, eyes shining with an almost boyish thrill, and in that moment, I know—this is everything he’s ever wanted.
“Okay, guys, you’re on in ten,” a young man with a clipboard yells out as he quickly walks in and right back out the door like he was never there.
“Right! My guys need to get themselves in the zone, Mr. Luxley. So, I’ll read over the contract while they’re on stage, and we’ll let you know our decision after the show,” Sia advises, and the guys all look at her like she’s crazy.