Chapter Three #2
Death assures him we’ve got this before disappearing around the front of the bus.
Noah and the rest of Ruby’s security team leave to grab dinner and do whatever it is they do when they’re not with her.
Lock and I take a seat to eat our food before we let Death grab something to eat or take a seat.
We don’t really talk so we can focus on eating before getting to work.
We’re here to do a job and nothing will stop any of us from getting it done.
***
T he last few days have been crazy. I haven’t seen Ruby at all.
Lock, Death, and I are usually getting in a few hours of sleep when she has to go to rehearsals, meet and greets, or whatever else she has to do.
By the time we make our way to the bus each night, she’s already locked inside with Memphis.
I’ve heard music coming from inside, but no voices have reached us.
I can barely hear the guitars playing if I’m being honest. It’s only when everyone finally settles in for the night that I can hear the faintest sounds coming from inside.
Today is the first day I get to see Ruby.
I’m one of the security members escorting her to the stage when it’s time for her to go on.
As I stand outside of Ruby’s bus, I’m joined by Wren. She’s wearing a backstage pass around her neck so she can walk around back here. Excitement is pouring off of her as she looks around.
“You good, Wren?” I ask her as I keep my eyes locked on the bus in front of us.
“I’m good. This is all so exciting. I’ve never been backstage anywhere,” she gushes, her cheeks flushed as she looks around some more. “Have you met Ruby yet?”
“No. By the time we get here to guard the bus, she’s already inside and hasn’t had to come out for anythin’,” I answer her as the door opens and I prepare to get my first glimpse of Ruby.
Wren goes completely still and shuts her mouth as we both wait in anticipation.
Judge shows up and I see Wren grab onto his arm as her body practically vibrates with excited energy.
She’s so funny, but I can see where she’s coming from as Ruby steps into view.
I have no words when I get my first glimpse of her.
She’s short as hell and barely stands over five feet tall.
Her hair is long, almost down to her ass, and a dark red I’ve never seen before.
It’s got blonde streaks through it that blend in seamlessly as she moves her head with a smile plastered on her face.
Her green eyes shine bright as she glances in my direction and I move forward to circle her with the rest of the security detail.
No one will ever get close to her as we walk really fast to the stage.
Ruby is wearing a short black skirt with black high heels on her feet.
The halter top she’s wearing is an emerald green color.
Her eyes have that smokey look women are always trying to perfect and her lips have been painted a bright red.
I can’t take my eyes off of her as we move through the backstage area toward the stage where the band is finishing up their last song.
Lock is at my side the entire walk and as we stand around her at the bottom of the stairs she’ll walk up to get on stage.
“Ice and Lock, you’ll be on stage at this side.
Keep your eyes locked on Ruby at all times and make sure no one attempts to get on stage.
We’ll have men in front of the stage and at the stairs to ensure no one walks up that way.
I’ll be on the other side of the stage with Rex.
If you see anythin’, motion for me and make a move when you can.
Always go for Ruby first before you attempt to get whoever is movin’ toward here.
There’s enough security here to apprehend the individual comin’ for her,” Noah says as we watch the band walk off the stage, talking, laughing, and full of excitement as they barely nod in our direction.
The stage crew will have Ruby set up in fifteen minutes. You ready to go on, Sweetheart?”
“I’m ready,” she answers and my heart skips a beat as I hear her speak for the first time. Her voice is soft and gentle as I look down and see her smile at Noah. For the first time, she’s got a real smile on her face. It lights up her eyes and her nose crinkles in the cutest way. I’m fucked!
When Noah is given the signal for Ruby to get on stage, Lock and I follow her up the steps while the rest of the guys move to their positions around the stage.
I stand closer to the front of the stage where I have an unobstructed view of Ruby as she stands in the middle of the stage, smiling and waving at everyone in the crowd.
The first notes of a song begin to play as the crowd quiets instantly.
I’ve never seen such a reaction before when I was on tour with the Wicked Angels.
That includes after Onyx joined the band.
I’m in awe as I stand and watch Ruby begin her performance.
If I thought I was fucked when I heard her talk, it’s nothing compared to how she sounds when she sings.
Ruby’s voice is smokey and dark. Not at all like when she was talking a second ago.
Each word she sings comes from deep in her soul and you can hear it in the way she sings each lyric.
It’s not being ripped from her body, but it’s definitely coming from deep in her heart.
I can’t take my eyes off of her if I wanted to.
Ruby’s performance is captivating and I know I’ll never be the same after watching her this weekend.