Chapter 21 #2
He stands at the door, propping it open but staring at me like I’m his personal eye candy. His gaze trails over me and lands on my chest. A weird twist turns my insides upside down.
I roll back my shoulders and shove the rest of the cocaine in my purse. He spots me doing it but doesn’t say anything. We leave the suite and he guides me to a private elevator.
He hits a few numbers on a code box and the doors open. We ride it down in silence. I fill the quiet with anxious chatter and he barely responds.
I’m buzzed and I hate the stifling energy around me. “Hey, we’re like partners in crime tonight, so I have a party favor in my purse if that will help get us on equal ground.”
He rubs the top of his head and a slight curl of his lip exposes itself on one side of his mouth. “You got yourself a deal, Livianna.”
We don’t get in a car when we get to the main level. Instead, we get into a golf cart. He drives us to a laundry room area in one of the casino hotels.
He parks behind a huge clothes bin. “Got that stuff to share?”
“Yes, sir.” I pull it out and realize I left my straw. I glance around for something.
He lifts my hand and takes one of my fingers. “Your nails are long enough. I’ll use one of these. They’re pointy, so don’t shove it up my nose. Just hold it out and I’ll do the rest.”
I let him use my nails to get his fill. Once he’s had enough and I take one more line, we skid out of the area, laughing and ready for a great night.
Once we get to the bar where Mayhem is performing, we skip the long line. Party music fills the air. People are shoulder to shoulder and pushing like they couldn’t care less who’s in their way.
Tony finally gets us to the front where the bouncer is. He says something to the guy.
The bouncer looks at me and shakes his head. “Not tonight.”
I step beside Tony. “I’m with the band. Callum Mayze is my boyfriend and Bren Hemings is my brother.”
Tony glares at the guy. “She’s supposed to be backstage. They’re waiting for her.”
“Not tonight, she’s not.” The bouncer turns and lets two other people in.
“Why?” I push forward. “My name is Livianna Hemings—”
“And I’m part of this organization.” He gives me a look of apathy. “I know who you are and you’re underage. I’m not losing my job because some teenage TV star thinks she’s entitled to get in. We could lose our license. Cops are watching everywhere tonight.”
I glance at a security guard nearby. “But—”
“If you were meant to be here, they would’ve instructed you to be early so we could’ve gotten you in under the radar and kept you out of sight. You can’t come in now. Your access has been denied.” The bouncer presses on an earpiece in his ear.
He waves three more people in and turns his back to me. My jaw drops. I face Tony, dumbfounded. He pulls out his phone. He types something to someone. I pull mine out and text Callum.
Me: They won’t let me in. Help!
Nothing.
I send Bren the next one.
Me: They denied me access, saying I’m underage. Now what?
Nothing.
I stand frozen off to the side of the opening of the bar.
Callum’s voice spills into the area. “Happy New Year! You might know some of us as Ur Boyz, but tonight we’re here to create nothing but Mayhem!”
The crowd goes wild. Callum breaks into a new song and I already know I’ve lost. I won’t be getting in. I won’t be able to reach them now that they’re on stage.
Tony wraps his arm around me and leads me away from the crowd. “John says there’s no way around the rules now. He said it’s best if we wait for them back at the hotel.”
“At least let me hear them play.” I stop and stare at Tony. “I know it’s not the same as seeing them, but I can tell them how they sounded.”
Tony nods and stands behind me as I try in vain to soak in everything I can about their performance. Women scream how much they love Cash and my brother. Some even yell out to Hawke and Cooper, who are relatively unknown at this point.
When they’re done, my heart breaks and my stomach empties. I missed the first time Mayhem played live in front of a crowd and nothing will ever take its place.
Just like Zara took Callum’s first time with sex, this crowd took Callum’s first time living as who he truly is, the lead singer of his rock band Mayhem.
Once again, I come in second place. Any time after this is only a replica, a substitute for the original.
With that, I turn to Tony. “I’d like to go back to my hotel now.”
“Wise idea. We’ll beat the crowd.”
Tony drives us back to my suite, taking tunnels and back route areas. I barely notice. My heart’s fucking broken. I’m high as fuck, but this still hurts.
I send Callum another text.
Me: They wouldn’t let me in, but I heard you. You were fantastic. Text me and let me know when we can meet up.
Tony and I get back to my hotel a little after midnight. He tries to cheer me up by telling me a few jokes. They’re not really funny, but I appreciate him trying to lift my spirits.
He escorts me into my place. “John said they’re signing autographs and will be out for a while. He said we should relax and wait for them to return.”
“Fine.” I throw down my clutch and go to the bar area. “You want one while we wait?”
“Sure.” He moves my purse. “You got any of the good stuff left?”
“Yeah.” I fix our drinks and return to sit next to him. I get the remaining coke out. “There’s plenty to last until they get here.”
He takes it from me, pours it out, and divides it into seven lines. He finds the straw I was using and does two fat lines, then circles back and does another bump.
I sip on my cocktail and watch in amazement. I’ve never seen anyone do that much coke in one go.
He comes up and wipes his nose. “You know, if I were your guy, I’d never let you spend New Year’s Eve alone.”
“You didn’t.” I smile, trying to ignore the iron forming in my gut. “You’re here and they’re—”
“Stupid.” He takes my drink out of my hand.
He advances on me, forcing me down against the cushions of the couch so he’s on top of me.
“No, don’t.” I try to press him up with my heart jumping out of my chest. “I’m Callum’s girlfriend.”
“And he’s not here. As they say in these types of situations, he’s busy.” Tony laughs as he takes a whiff of my perfume. “And damn if you don’t smell good.”
I keep pushing on Tony, but he’s too heavy to get off me. He licks my neck and pulls my sheer top, tearing it. I squeeze my eyes shut and pray this isn’t happening.