24. Chapter 24
Chapter 24
Scarlet
I ’m not sure what happened between Ace and Theo in the corridor earlier today, but lunch was at least somewhat more pleasant, despite a few tense moments. It’s been a good day, mostly spent with Ace, who’s been surprising me in ways I didn’t expect—like showing up at my door this morning. Usually, it’s me showing up at his hotel room, wondering what he’s doing.
Lately, he’s been more relaxed around me, despite all the stress with his mother. He’s opening up more about his problems in a way that feels easier than before. It’s good for him. He needs to let it out, and I’m glad he’s turning to me.
Every day, I fight the urge to tell him how I feel, holding back because I’m not sure how he’ll take it. Something’s shifted between us; it’s not just a quick hook-up anymore. The last time I heard him say it was just a quick fuck was at his place, and everything has felt different since then.
As I get ready in my room for tonight’s show, I can’t shake this thrill building up inside me. Stepping onto that stage feels like a jolt of pure energy, waking up a part of me I never knew existed. Back in my old band, playing to packed stadiums was nothing but a dream, and now, I get why the guys live for it. I know Nate misses that feeling—it’s obvious every time we talk. Even though I hate that he got hurt, I’m grateful he pushed me to take this gig.
I’ve had so many opportunities with this, but there’s still a nagging worry that once the tour wraps up, everything will go back to how it was—me out of a job, back to auditioning, only to find out they’re really just interested in what opportunities my brother can give their band. And, of course, there’s a voice whispering that after this Ace might fade into a distant memory.
For now, I’m focused on savoring every second, soaking up the energy of this incredible experience. Being part of something this big fills me with gratitude, and I’m determined to make the most of it while I’ve got the chance.
I open the door and am instantly caught off guard by the sight of Ace standing in the hallway, waiting for me. His eyes roam over me, as if he’s undressing me with his gaze. Just the thought of him stepping forward, pulling me back into the room, and losing ourselves like we did earlier today is almost overwhelming. There’s a fire in his look that sparks something primal—a raw, intense desire I’ve never felt with anyone else.
He steps closer, and the heat pooling in my pussy flares as he closes the distance and captures my mouth with his. The kiss is intoxicating, making me forget everything—even my own damn name.
“All I want to do right now is fuck you,” he growls, his words making me shiver as he grinds against me, feeling the hardness of his cock. It takes every ounce of my self-control not to beg him to take me right here right now. If he did, we’d definitely be late, and the last thing I need is to stir up more trouble with the band. We’ve already caused enough chaos just by being together, and the thought of them finding out we’re fucking around because we’re late is a risk I can’t take.
“Ace,” I whisper, letting my head fall back as he sucks on my neck. I close my eyes, losing myself in the sensation. “We need to go,” I murmur, trying to refocus on what really matters.
“In a minute,” he growls, his voice dripping with that sexy edge that makes it impossible to think. If I don’t step away now, my resolve will shatter.
I grip his chin, pulling his face toward mine. I see it in his eyes—the raw desire, the way he wants me, the way he’s desperate to fuck me. It’s all laid bare, and it’s almost too much to handle.
“You’re coming back to my room tonight, and I won’t take no for an answer,” I say, my voice firm and low.
His lips curl into a cocky grin, the kind that makes him even sexier. “I was coming back to your room anyway,” he replies, his tone dripping with confidence.
I slip out of his grip and step into the hallway, Ace close behind. It feels liberating, like he’s finally lowered his guard, letting me glimpse the real Ace—the one hidden beneath all his defenses.
As we step out of the elevator, I keep a careful distance from Ace, catching sight of Xander and Theo watching us from across the foyer. Their stances mirror each other, hands shoved into their pockets, a noticeable space between them that speaks louder than words. Whatever happened between them, it’s obvious they’re not over it. I asked Ace about it earlier, but he brushed it off, not wanting to talk. I just hope they sort it out soon.
Theo flashes me a smile as I approach, wrapping an arm around me in a brotherly hug. “Are you ready for a great night,” he asks.
“Yeah,” I reply, feeling a surge of excitement. It’s great to have him here, sharing this experience with me.
I glance up to find Xander waiting for Ace. Their bond is unmistakable, a camaraderie that speaks volumes. From what Ace has told me, Xander was his rock during the hardest days—his anchor when everything felt like it was slipping away. Ace often says he wouldn’t have survived those struggles without Xander by his side.
Theo and I push forward, trailing behind Neil and a couple of security personnel as they guide us through the main entrance and onto the bustling street. Usually, we would discreetly exit through the back to avoid attracting any notice, but unfortunately, the hotel’s rear section is currently closed off for the loading of vehicles.
Kit was livid that first time we had to use the main entrance; it drew the attention of the press and the swarm of fans waiting outside. With the news now spreading rapidly, the crowd has grown even larger, buzzing with excitement as fans eagerly await a glimpse of their favorite band member. I can’t comprehend how these guys manage it day in and day out—the unrelenting demand from fans to catch a glimpse, reach out, and scream their names.
As soon as we step out the door, the deafening roar fills the air, making it hard to hear anything else. Amid the chaos, I feel Theo’s hand tightly gripping mine. The thought that this might ignite further rumors in the press lingers in my mind. Given the media frenzy surrounding those leaked photos of Ace and me kissing after that disastrous interview, it wouldn’t be surprising if a story starts circulating about me moving on to Theo.
Theo lifts a hand and waves to the adoring fans. Some hold posters decorated with love hearts, their names, and all the scandalous things they want to do with them. It’s a reminder of how these guys can have anyone they desire. The thought of what might happen after this tour, when I’m no longer part of their world, lingers in my mind. Will Ace go back to his groupies? He’s never clarified what we are, and I’ve never shared my true feelings with him. Maybe tonight, when he comes to my room, it’s finally time to tell him how I feel.
Just as we’re about to hop into the limo, I hear it—and so does Theo. We both freeze in our tracks. A handful of fans off to the right are waving signs with Ace’s name, but the word “abuser” is scrawled in bold letters across them. The mood changes instantly, a sharp edge slicing through the excitement as the angry chants and boos swell, their voices blending into a harsh, accusing chorus that fills the air.
“Abuser!” a woman with black hair yells, her voice cutting through the chaos. Theo and I share worried glances before turning to Ace. The carefree energy he had just moments ago has evaporated, replaced by a serious, wounded expression. He avoids eye contact as he rushes into the limo, and it stings to see him like this.
Xander steps forward, his voice booming as he faces the crowd’s hostility. “Back off!” he shouts, defending Ace against the onslaught of accusations and angry jeers. “You don’t know what the fuck you’re talking about!” Frustration laces his words as he continues, “He never laid a hand on his mother; it was the other way around!” He’s desperately trying to make them see the truth, but it’s obvious these people aren’t real fans—they’re just troublemakers eager to stir up chaos.
As Neil pushes Xander back from the angry crowd towards the limo, Theo grabs my hand and pulls me inside. I glance over at Ace as we settle into the car. He’s sitting there with his head bowed, his eyes fixed on the floor. The weight of the accusations and the public outcry is clearly weighing him down, and my heart aches for him.
“You okay, man?” Theo asks softly, his voice tinged with sympathy, clearly shaken by the chaos outside.
Ace doesn’t react, his gaze is fixed on the floor, almost as if he’s shut himself off from everything around him.
Xander climbs into the car, his expression is fierce as he looks over at Ace. “That’s fucked up, man,” he snaps. It’s clear he’s seething at the unfairness of it all.
But Ace remains unmoved, trapped in his own thoughts and weighed down by the accusations. I push off my seat between Xander and Theo, sliding over next to him. I can see him starting to shut down, spiraling into that dark place he usually retreats to when this kind of shit hits hard. He doesn’t look at me, so I gently reach out and slip my hand into his. Even though I can feel Theo and Xander watching me closely, my focus is entirely on Ace.
To my surprise, he lets me weave my fingers through his and holds my hand, though his gaze remains fixed downward. I give his hand a gentle squeeze, and that small gesture finally encourages him to turn his head and meet my eyes. “Are you okay?” I ask softly.
He nods, but his eyes quickly drop back to the floor, his thoughts clearly elsewhere. I glance at Theo and Xander, catching their gaze as they silently observe us. I shift my focus between the two of them, attempting to decipher their expressions. Theo offers me a reassuring nod, his eyes conveying support, but I still wish I knew exactly what he is thinking.
The ride to the stadium feels suffocating, as if a heavy fog has settled over us. I can’t shake the feeling that the echoes of the crowd’s curses and Xander’s fiery defense are forever imprinted on camera lenses, ready to be broadcast to the world.
Xander and Theo both wear expressions of concern, their eyes locked onto Ace.
“I think it's time to come out and set the record straight, Ace,” Theo says.
Ace lifts his head to meet Theo’s gaze.
“As hard as it is to hear,” Theo continues, his tone steady but filled with compassion, “I know just how fucking difficult this is, Ace. But you can’t be blamed for that shit. You can’t be held responsible for having fucked-up parents who are just trying to grab money by any means.”
“Maybe you should reach out to Daisy and see what she wants,” Xander suggests.
Reflecting on our earlier conversation when Ace mentioned his sister reaching out—despite his desire to keep her at arm’s length—I think it might not be such a bad idea for him to reconnect with her, especially now that things have escalated.
The limo finally pulls up, and Xander and Theo are the first to jump out, ready to face whatever awaits us outside.
“Are you sure you’re, okay?” I ask, kneeling in front of him to catch his eye before he can step out of the limo.
“Yeah,” he responds, but his voice lacks conviction.
“Just focus on the music for now,” I say, hoping to guide him toward some relief. Losing himself in the music might be his best escape right now; it’s what I do when everything gets too much.
We’re in the green room, waiting to hit the stage, and Ace is already deep into the booze. Walter’s band is out there, about to wrap up any minute now. I’ve watched him down three beers, and if he keeps this up, he’ll be too far gone to give his best performance tonight. It feels like he’s trying to drown out the shit from earlier, but I know that kind of escape won’t lead him anywhere good.
I make my way over to Xander, who’s got his eyes glued to Ace with a detached intensity. I sit down next to him on the couch.
“I’m worried about him,” I say, trying to keep my voice steady. I brace myself for Xander’s typical response—the one where he tells me to fuck off and that it’s not my concern. But tonight, he just keeps watching Ace, and the sharp retort I expect never comes.
When Xander still doesn’t respond, I begin to think he might just ignore me. But finally, he turns his attention to me. “I’m worried too. I’d go talk to him, but he probably doesn’t want to hear what I have to say.”
Xander turns his gaze back to Ace, and I can see the weight of the situation pressing heavily on him.
My brows furrow in confusion. “Why? What do you mean?”
Xander’s eyes remain locked on Ace as he speaks. “The fucker’s been drinking since we got here. If he grabs another bottle, I swear I’m going to throw it against the fucking wall. You need to go talk to him.”
I nod and stand up, striding toward Ace, who’s resting against the table, draining the last of his third beer. The moment our eyes lock, I catch that lustful glint in his gaze as it sweeps over my body. Shit, I hope Theo didn’t see that—didn’t catch the intent behind those eyes.
He turns slightly, tossing the empty bottle into the plastic bin with a loud thud. As he reaches for another, I step forward and grab his hand, halting him mid-motion.
“Ace,” I say firmly.
His eyes flicker towards me, a mix of annoyance and something else that I can’t quite place. I’m not sure how to get through to him when he’s like this, but I know I have to try.
Kit bursts through the doorway, immediately drawing everyone’s attention. “On in ten,” she announces, her voice cutting through the room. “They're on their last song now.”
She glances at Ace, and I can see she’s picked up on the tension in the air. As she strides over to him, she gives me a quick, knowing look, a silent acknowledgment that she senses something’s off. Turning her full attention to Ace, she asks, “How are you doing?”
Ace meets her gaze but remains silent, his eyes revealing the internal struggle he’s facing. Kit takes a deep breath, her expression shifting to one of seriousness. “I was planning to wait until after the show to share this with you, but considering what happened at the hotel, you might as well hear it now.”
She pauses, allowing the weight of her words to settle in the air. Ace’s brows furrow as if bracing himself for whatever is coming next.
Shit, if she’s got more bad news lined up, I can’t even imagine how he’ll react. Xander and Theo seem to be on the same wavelength because, in no time at all, they’re both at Ace’s side, ready to offer their support.
“Kit,” Xander says, like he’s trying to warn her against dropping any more bombs on Ace right now.
But Kit, ignoring Xander's warning, locks eyes with Ace. “Your sister’s here tonight. She told me she wants to set the record straight about your mother. If you decide you never want to see her again after that, she’ll accept it.”
Ace’s voice drips with bitterness as he responds, “And why would she want to do that? She didn’t give a fuck back then, so why care now?”
“Ace…” Xander interjects, his tone shifting to one of pleading. I can hear the desperation in his voice, a rare crack in his usual tough demeanor.
Ace turns his head to Xander, and for a moment, they lock eyes. There’s something unspoken that passes between them.
Ace’s jaw tightens, and his eyes narrow. “You really think one conversation with her is going to fix everything? That suddenly the world’s just going to believe her over my mother?”
Theo steps forward. “I know how hard this will be for you, Ace. It would fucking terrify me to go back into that world, but if she’s willing to set the record straight, you should at least hear her out. She could fix the shit that happened tonight.”
My gaze softens as I turn to Theo. Despite everything that’s happened between them, he’s stepping up, setting aside all the complicated feelings to offer his support. Right now, Ace needs that more than anything. It’s clear they have each other’s backs, no matter what.
“I can go with you if you want,” I offer.
He nods, swallowing hard, and I can see the dread etched across his face at the thought of facing his sister.
“The fans can wait,” Kit says firmly. “We need to have this meeting now, rather than let it weigh over you during the show.”
Ace’s shoulders tense, but he nods anyway. Xander steps closer, lifting his hand to rest on Ace’s shoulder, a quiet show of support.
“You can do this, man. I know you can,” Xander says, his voice steady and infused with the kind of confidence that’s meant to lift Ace up.
“Of course, the dickhead can,” Theo chimes in, his tone echoing that same unwavering belief.
Kit pulls out her phone, dials a number, and raises it to her ear, her expression serious as she prepares for the conversation. “Neil, have you got eyes on Daisy?” she asks. Her gaze shifts to Ace, whose grip on my hand tightens as if he’s bracing himself for what’s about to happen. “Yeah, bring her to the green room, please.”