34. Chapter 34
Chapter 34
Ace
I was a bundle of nerves planning that date, running everything by Xander to make sure I had it right. He told me women love that romantic shit, and the sex that follows is always off the charts. He wasn’t wrong. Last night, when we got back to the hotel room Scarlet blew my mind. This morning, in the shower, I tried to recreate that intensity, my hand moving fast on my hard cock as I relived the feeling of her.
Nate's flying in today, and Scarlet’s not here with me. She and Theo went to pick him up at the airport. I’m worried about how things will go with Nate around. Even though he thanked me for handling Beck, we haven’t really talked much since. I’m not sure if he’s still pissed about me being with his sister. If he brings it up, I’ll set the record straight. I don’t give a damn if my feelings for her are out in the open. They’re as clear as day, and I know exactly what I want—her.
If I have to prove I’m different with her than the guy Nate thinks I am—the fuck-them-and-leave-them type—I’ll do it. I’ll show him, day after day, that I’m not like that with her.
We’re heading to the stadium right now for sound check, and Xander’s with me. He’s on the phone with Poppy, clearly missing both her and Alex.
My phone vibrates in my pocket, and I pull it out, a small smile tugging at my lips when I see it's Scarlet.
Scarlet: We just got here. You close?
I fire off a reply, my fingers flying across the screen.
Ace: Yeah, just pulling up now.
I shove my phone back into my pocket, open the door, and step out. I wait as Xander slides across the seat, still on his phone. Once he’s out, I shut the door and we head into the stadium.
We make our way through the long corridors, me leading the way. As soon as Xander hangs up with Poppy, he catches up and falls into step beside me.
“You ready to face Nate?” he asks, clearly concerned about how things will go when I see him again.
“Yeah,” I mutter.
“Just be straight with him, Ace, no matter how hard it is. He’ll see it’s different this time, that you’re different with her. We’ve all seen it.”
"Fuck, you're making me sound like a giant pussy," I groan, not even sure where this real talk is coming from between us. We used to joke about women, comparing who gave the best head or who could fuck better. We were naive assholes back then, and yeah, I sometimes miss the cocky little shits we used to be. But I don’t want to go back to that broken mess who kept everyone at arm’s length. Hiding behind walls was easier, but fuck that—Scarlet’s worth every bit of this vulnerability. So, yeah, maybe it’s different now; maybe I’m different now. If it means letting her in, then I’m all for it.
I shove open the door, and Xander and I step into the green room. Nate's sprawled out on the couch between Theo and Scarlet, both caught up in whatever bullshit Theo's spouting this time. The second they hear us, their heads snap our way. My eyes immediately land on Scarlet, and that smile of hers hits me. I can’t help the grin that spreads across my face. She gets up and walks over, wrapping her arms around me like she’s been waiting for this all day. As I pull her in, I notice Nate and Theo watching us, until Xander steps in front of them.
“Hey, how's the shoulder?” Xander asks.
Nate pushes himself up from the couch, and I can tell his movements are still a bit stiff. He extends his arm and pulls Xander in for a brotherly hug. “Getting there,” he replies, his voice steady, even if his body hasn’t fully caught up yet.
I move over to Nate, knowing I need to face him, leaving Scarlet by the door. When Xander steps back, I pull Nate in for a hug, careful not to hurt him.
As soon as we’re close, he whispers in my ear, “We need to talk.” He’s quiet enough that no one else hears, and I know he’s serious.
I nod, acknowledging that we need to clear the air about everything that happened when he first found out about me and Scarlet.
I take a step back, giving Nate some room. Xander stands beside me, his arms crossed, and the tension starts to ease as the conversation shifts. Nate scans the room, that familiar spark lighting up his eyes once more.
“Man, I’ve missed this,” he says. “Being away from this is driving me crazy. I can’t wait to get back out there. It’ll take a while, though…I can’t keep up with the fast stuff yet. My shoulder’s still a little stiff. But I’ll get there.”
Scarlet moves to stand next to Nate, her smile soft as she links her arm with his. “You will. Just take it slow. You’ll come back when you’re ready.”
Nate nods, but a hint of frustration lingers in his eyes.
Theo chimes in, his tone playful but blunt. “So, you can still fuck, right?” he asks with a smirk. “Because I haven’t hooked up with a chick this whole tour, and I’m sick of having my cock in my hand.”
Scarlet rolls her eyes. “Theo, for fuck sake, no one wants to hear about you jerking off. Especially not me.”
Theo smirks. “Hey, cut me some slack. My dick’s been benched this whole tour.”
I laugh at the look of disgust on Scarlet’s face as she walks away shaking her head. She wanders over to the fridge and grabs a bottle of water.
While the guys talk, I walk over to her, hands shoved in my pockets. Normally, I wouldn’t care what Nate thinks—he’s been around for all the women I’ve been with, from when we hit it big to those weekend parties when we were still nobodies trying to make it in the music scene. But with him watching me now, I feel a bit nervous as I approach Scarlet.
As if sensing me, she turns around, and I can’t help but let my eyes devour her. The top buttons of her shirt are undone, her tits pushed up, practically begging for my attention. I know I shouldn’t be fantasizing about getting lost in them with her brother right behind me, but fuck, all I can think about is coming on those perfect tits.
“Hey,” she says, unscrewing the cap off the bottle. “Did Nate say something to you?”
I think about lying, but I want to be honest with her. No secrets between us. “Yeah, he said we need to talk.”
Catching a flash of anger cross her face, I reach out and take her hand. “Don’t stress. The two of us do need to talk.”
She frowns. “I don’t want this to turn into some bullshit drama, Ace. Nate and Theo always think they can control every aspect of my fucking life.”
I squeeze her hand, trying to reassure her. “They won’t. I just need to talk to your brother, lay it all out, and let him know where we stand. I’ve got to make sure Nate knows things are different with us and that he needs to accept it.”
The door swings open, and Kit pokes her head in. “The guys are waiting.” She spots Nate and steps into the room.
While Kit chats with Nate, Xander strolls over, grabs a bottle of water, and chugs it like he’s trying to drain every last drop. He finishes it in one go and wipes his mouth with the back of his hand.
“Alright, let’s get the fuck out there,” he says, tossing the empty bottle into the bin.
Scarlet and I follow behind him as he chats with Neil, who’s leading the way to the stage. Theo and Nate trail behind us, with Theo animatedly chatting to Nate about Walter's band. Even though Nate’s right behind me, I reach out and take Scarlet’s hand as we head toward the stage. I couldn’t give two flying fucks that her brothers are right behind us.
As we stop at the side of the stage, I catch the look on Nate’s face—he’s itching to get out there, wishing he could dive into the action.
Xander steps up to the mic, and we all slide into position, getting ready for the set.
After soundcheck, we’re back at the hotel. Nate and Theo are waiting for me in the bar downstairs. I know I need to lay it all out and be straight with Nate. I have to make him understand that Scarlet isn’t just another quick fuck. I need him to see that.
As I step into the bar, I spot Theo and Nate already drinking in one of the booths, their heads close together in what looks like a serious conversation. I order my drink at the bar, then make my way over, steeling myself for what’s about to happen.
As I approach the booth, I can hear the low hum of their conversation fade as Theo and Nate look up, their faces shifting from whatever they were discussing to focus on me. Theo grins, raising his glass in a mock toast. “Finally! I was starting to think you’d gotten lost on your way down here, old man.”
Nate’s expression turns serious, and his eyes, narrowed slightly, seem to pierce through me. It’s clear that whatever’s about to be said between us is important. I take a seat across from them; the tension settling over us like a thick fog.
“Alright, let’s cut the bullshit,” I say, keeping my tone steady. “We need to talk about Scarlet.”
“We do,” he replies, his expression serious.
“So let’s get this shit out of the way.” I take a deep breath. “I’m sorry I went behind your back with Scar all those months ago.”
Nate’s eyes narrow. “You’re lucky I found out the way I did. Because if I had been there, you would have been fucked up Ace.”
“And now?” I ask, trying to gauge where Nate stands now that he knows about Scarlet and me.
“Look, Ace,” Nate replies, his tone serious, “I’ve known you for years. I’ve seen all the shit you’ve pulled with chicks at those apartment parties we used to throw—hell, I’ve seen you with three women at once. I never want Scar to be just another number, and that’s what’s got me fucked up about the whole situation between you two.”
“It isn’t like that with her,” I say, making sure he hears the conviction in my voice. “Looking back, I’m pretty sure it never has been. Since the first time Scarlet and I hooked up, I haven’t been with anyone else.”
“Seriously?” Nate raises an eyebrow, his tone a mix of skepticism and surprise. “Because the Ace Roberts I know would fuck anything with two legs.”
I smirk, knowing he’s not wrong. A wet hole to get me off was my motto back in the day. I glance over at Theo, who’s sitting there unusually quiet. He’s usually the one speaking up to make his point clear, so his silence is throwing me off. “What about you, Theo? What’s your take on this?”
Theo gives me a hard look. “I was with Nate at first; I wanted you to stay the fuck away from her.” Then he turns to Nate. “But honestly, seeing Ace with Scarlet? It’s like watching him try to bake cookies—messy, confusing, and you can’t help but laugh at how far out of his depth he is.”
I let his smart-ass remark slide. A few weeks ago, all I wanted was to hear him bust my balls instead of giving me the cold shoulder.
“But I also see a different side to him,” he continues, his tone shifting. “He loves her, Nate. I can fucking see it. It’s just like the way we loved Bianca. I never thought I’d see the day Ace Roberts could actually fucking love something, but I see it with Scar. It’s in the little things he does and the way he treats her.”
I stay quiet, not sure how to respond. The guys don’t often bring up Bianca, except for that photo they showed me and Xander—a snapshot of the beautiful girl they lost all those years ago, a picture they both keep on their phones.
“You love her?” Nate asks, cutting right to the chase.
I could easily tell them both to back the fuck off and mind their own business, but instead, I lock eyes with him and stand my ground. “Yeah,” I say firmly. “Yeah, I love her.”
Nate keeps his gaze steady, and I can’t help but wonder what’s running through his mind. Then, without a word, he extends his hand. I look down for a moment, then reach out and take it.
“I approve,” he says. “But listen up, Ace—if you fuck her over or treat her badly, I’ll fucking end you.”
I shake his hand, holding his gaze. “And I wouldn’t expect anything less,” I reply.
With that, Nate takes another sip of his drink, and the tension begins to dissipate. I can see the trust slowly building between us, the kind that makes this whole crazy situation feel a little more solid.
Tonight, as we walk onto the stage, Xander turns to face me, his expression serious. “Don’t count us in tonight, Ace. I’ve got something I want to do first.”
I nod, my mind racing. What the hell is he planning now?
He turns to the stagehands, snapping his fingers and calling out for them to power up his mic and get the curtain moving. As the curtains part, roars erupt from the crowd. The noise is deafening, and the atmosphere is thick with excitement. It’s as if the whole place is vibrating with anticipation, and I feel it thrumming through my veins.
Xander spreads his arms, and the crowd instantly falls silent, like he’s some kind of prophet about to drop a major revelation.
“Before we kick things off tonight,” he begins, “I want to bring someone out on this stage. Someone you all know.”
I nod, catching on, and glance over at Nate.
“Someone who hasn’t been able to hit the stage with us this whole tour,” Xander continues.
The moment the crowd realizes who he’s talking about, chaos erupts.
Xander grabs the mic and shouts, “Come on out here, Nate!”
Nate steps onto the stage, a wide smile spreading across his face as he takes in the roaring applause. He raises his good arm to the crowd, soaking up every moment. It’s like he’s finally back where he belongs, even if it’s just for tonight. The cheers of the crowd are like a welcome home. I’m just stoked to see him here, part of this world he helped create.
Nate strides up next to Xander, a broad smile on his face. They share a knowing grin, a silent acknowledgment of the moment. Nate gives one last wave, letting the crowd soak up his presence before stepping back to the wings of the stage. With the roar of the audience still echoing around us, Xander turns, nodding for me to count us in. I start it off, and we launch into the first song of the night, ready to give it everything we’ve got.
The night pushes on, and the energy in the arena stays electric. We power through our set, pouring everything into each song. Every time I glance toward the side of the stage, I catch Nate watching Scarlet. He’s finally seeing her step into the spotlight, witnessing the magic he’s been missing.
By the time we reach the last song, I’m breathless and drenched in sweat. Xander grabs his stool and guitar, and I spot Scarlet getting up from the drums and moving toward Nate. My gaze follows her, curiosity sparking, and I notice Xander and Theo watching just as intently. Scarlet leans in close to Nate, and I catch the smile and nod he gives her before she hands him the drumsticks.
Nate steps up to the drum kit, and Xander and I exchange a look, both wondering if he’s pushing himself too hard to make a comeback.
“Are you sure you should be doing this?” I ask, moving closer.
“Yeah, it’s slow enough,” Nate replies. “I’ll be fine.”
I glance over at Scarlet, standing on the side of the stage, her face glowing with pride as she watches Nate take his seat.
As the opening notes of "Creep" fill the arena, we glance at Nate to make sure he’s holding up. His drumming is steady, with no signs of struggle. He’s fully immersed, lost in the rhythm, feeling every beat like he used to.
After getting a text from Nate, calling for a band meeting, I slip out of mine and Scarlet’s hotel room. The message was clear—this one’s just for the four of us guys. No Scarlet. Lucky for me, she’s on the phone with her mom, so slipping out unnoticed wasn’t an issue.
Walking down the hall, I rake a hand through my hair, feeling the exhaustion weighing me down. My eyes are bloodshot—we went hard last night. It was me, Scarlet, Xander, Kit, and Neil, partying until the early hours. Theo and Nate bailed early, though. Theo had already set himself up with some brunette for the night’s “entertainment,” so they didn’t stick around.
When I finally reach Nate and Theo’s room, I knock and wait. Theo swings the door open, smirking like he’s ready to make some smart-ass remark, but, for once, nothing comes out. Strange.
I step inside, and the stale scent of cheap perfume hits me—probably from whichever groupie they brought back here last night. I’m the last to arrive. Xander’s already here, Kit too, which immediately sets off alarms. My gut twists, and my first thought is, what the hell has my fucked-up mother done this time?
As I step in, all eyes turn to me, and I feel the tension hanging thick in the air. My gaze lands on Xander, sitting on the couch with his arms crossed, looking pissed off about something. Without a word, I cross the room and drop down next to him, sinking into the cushions.
“Alright, what’s up?” I ask. My voice comes out rough, but I don’t care. Whatever’s going on, it’s big. I can feel it.
All eyes shift to Kit as she starts talking. "Yesterday, someone reached out to me. They're interested in Scarlet."
“Who reached out?” I ask, already feeling my jaw clench. My mind goes straight to Beck. Don’t tell me that prick went to the press after I dealt with him.
“A label.”
Nate doesn’t even wait a second. “It’s not fucking happening,” he snaps, storming over to the opposite couch, sitting next to Theo. His eyes are blazing.
“Hold up,” I say, running both hands through my hair, trying to catch up with the conversation. I lean forward, elbows resting on my knees, and lock my focus on Kit. “What exactly are we talking about here?”
“Kit’s had a call from a label who is looking to put a band together, and Scarlet’s caught their eye,” Xander chimes in, filling me in on the details.
A smile tugs at my lips as I think about Scarlet finally getting her big break. She deserves this—she’s got the talent and drive to go far. But the thought quickly turns, twisting in my gut.
“Why the hell isn’t she here then?” I ask. “If they’re interested, she needs to know. This could be huge for her.”
Kit glances over at Nate and Theo.
“Because it ain’t fucking happening, that’s why,” Nate retorts.
My anger flares, and I fix him with a hard look. “What the hell do you mean it’s not happening? That’s not your call to make.”
Nate’s eyes flash, and he leans forward, his tone turning sharp. “I’m looking out for her, Ace. You know how the industry is. It’s a fucking jungle. Labels fuck people over to get what they want.”
I don’t back down. “So? This could be her big fucking break! We took it when it was offered to us. Why the hell would you try to stop her, especially when you know how hard it’s been for her to step out of your shadow?”
I can see the hurt flicker across his face, the realization that her struggles have something to do with him. But fuck that. This isn’t about him; this is about Scarlet finally getting the chance she deserves. “This is not our decision; it’s fucking hers.”
The silence stretches between us, thick and charged. I can feel the tension hanging in the air, and for a moment, it’s like the room is holding its breath, waiting for someone to speak. I’m not backing down—not now. She’s been given a chance, and I’ll fight tooth and nail to make sure she gets it.
I shift my attention to Theo. “So what about you, asshole? Are you against this too?”
Theo shifts uncomfortably on the couch, avoiding my gaze. “I don’t want her used by a fucking label the way we were. I’m with Nate on this one.”
“No fucking shock there,” I mutter, shaking my head as I turn to Xander, desperately looking for some clarity. “What’s your take on this? Why are we even discussing this shit?”
“Hey, don’t look at me,” Xander replies, hands raised defensively. “I’m all for Scarlet getting her shot. She fucking deserves it.”
“Then why the hell are we even here?” I look over at Kit, my frustration bubbling over. “Why didn’t you just take this to Scarlet?”
I know I shouldn’t be taking this out on Kit; she’s always been great at what she does, which is exactly why we brought her along when we left the label. But my frustration spills out anyway.
Kit stands up, locking eyes with me, her gaze fierce and unwavering, despite being about two feet shorter than me. She squares her shoulders. “You know what, Ace? Maybe you should get off your high horse for a second! I mentioned it to Nate yesterday in passing, thinking he’d be happy that Scarlet got her chance. But clearly, I was wrong—and that’s why we’re here.”
I can’t help but smirk at her, respecting the verbal ass-whooping she’s handing me. I shift my focus back to Nate and Theo, my resolve hardening. “You two need to get your fucking heads out of your asses. Scarlet deserves this, and I’m not gonna sit here while you try to keep her from her shot. She’s ready to fight for it—and so am I.”
I take a breath, about to launch into a full-blown argument, ready to go toe-to-toe with them over this. But just as I open my mouth, a sharp knock echoes through the room.