32. Chapter 32
Chapter 32
Ace
A s the early morning light, soft and golden, slips through the blinds, I reach out, brushing a strand of hair away from Scarlet’s face. She’s asleep, completely at peace, and for a second, I just take it all in. Everything is clear now. I love her. Probably have for way longer than I even knew. But saying it out loud last night? That shit changed everything. There’s no going back now. Not after this.
For the first time in my life, I’ve let someone in. Really fucking let them in. I laid it all out for her—the shit I never thought I’d say aloud, let alone to anyone else. And the crazy part? It felt right. No hesitation, no second-guessing. She’s the one for me. I get that now. No one else will ever get this close, not the way she has. It’s terrifying, sure, but fuck, it’s the best feeling I’ve ever had.
I pull her into me, careful not to wake her just yet. I need to hold onto this. Hold onto her. It’s just us, no more chaos. I’m hers, and she’s mine. That simple truth makes everything feel… lighter.
She stirs, her eyes fluttering open, and when those big, sleepy eyes land on me, I can’t stop the smile tugging at my lips.
“Good morning,” she murmurs, her voice soft and raspy.
“Morning,” I reply, leaning down to kiss her, slow and gentle.
Her smile widens against my lips. “I’ve got the perfect day planned for us. I’m going to show you all my favorite spots in New York.”
“I can’t wait,” I say, smirking as my voice dips low, “but you know I’d prefer to keep you in this bed all day.”
She flashes that wicked grin, her fingers trailing down my chest, sending a spark through me. “Oh, really? You think you can handle me in bed all day?”
She laughs, slipping out of my hold, and I let out a frustrated sigh.
“I’ve got the whole day planned,” she says.
“And I’ve got other plans in mind,” I say, grabbing her wrist, pulling her back to me. My lips brush against her ear. “You better make it worth it, ‘cause I’m this close to saying screw your plans and just keep you here.”
Her laugh is light, but there’s fire in her eyes. I’m tempted to lose myself in her right here and now, but the idea of her sharing her favorite things with me draws me in just as much.
With one last heated kiss, I let her go, watching as she heads toward the shower, my eyes roaming down over her tight body.
I’m about to follow her when my phone rings, and Xander’s name lights up the screen, stopping me in my tracks. I pause, torn between going after her and taking the call. With a frustrated sigh, I swipe to answer and lift the phone to my ear.
“Hey?” I say.
“Just checking in. I wanted to see how you’re holding up after that interview yesterday,” Xander says.
I glance toward the bathroom, hearing the water running, and smirk. “Everything’s good. Better than good, actually.”
An hour later, disguised and ready, we plunge into the bustling chaos of New York City. The streets pulse with bright lights and towering buildings, an overwhelming mix of car horns, bursts of laughter, and the mouthwatering scent of street food that makes my stomach rumble. This place is a circus—way more intense than Los Angeles.
Our first stop is a cozy little coffee shop tucked away near Central Park. Scarlet’s eyes light up as she orders two steaming cups, the rich aroma wrapping around us, adding a warmth that feels almost intimate. We settle by the window, letting the city's pulse wash over us as we watch the world buzz by. The soft hum of conversations and the clink of cups create a laid-back atmosphere, but all I can focus on is her. She talks about all the previous times she's come here over the years, her voice filled with stories and memories, and I can’t help but be captivated, completely drawn in.
Sitting here with her, it really sinks in just how far we’ve come. This isn’t just another day in New York—it’s us, building something real, something solid that’s been quietly growing between us for a while now.
I take a slow sip of coffee, but my eyes stay fixed on her, captivated. I get lost in the way she speaks, how her hands move with each story, and the way her face lights up with every word. It’s these little moments, so genuine and effortless, that pull me in deeper and make me fall even harder.
Afterward, we stroll through Central Park, surrounded by vibrant green trees and a gentle breeze brushing against my face. The future doesn’t feel hazy anymore—it’s clear, almost within reach. I can sense it in the sweet scent of blooming flowers, feel it in the warmth of the sun filtering through the leaves. It’s like I’m watching our life come together, piece by piece, with Scarlet and me building something lasting, something real. In this moment, I’m absolutely certain of it. She’s my safe haven, my anchor in this vast, unpredictable world.
"What are you gonna do once the tour’s over?" I ask, keeping my tone casual, though inside, the thought of not seeing her everyday hits hard. The idea of her not being there, of not being able to reach out and touch her or watch that smile light up her face—it feels like a punch straight to the gut.
“I don’t know,” she says, her voice trailing off into silence. As we head back toward the bustling city street, I watch her carefully. “I guess I’ll have to find another band that needs a drummer.”
“It should be easier now that people know your name and how kick-ass you really are,” I reply, trying to reassure her.
She glances at me, her expression thoughtful. “Yeah, I suppose. But some will still try and use me for the connections I can make.”
I fucking hate hearing that. The thought of someone using her, taking advantage of her just because of her last name. It doesn’t sit right with me at all. I want to protect her from that, to make sure she knows her worth is more than just who she’s related to. She deserves to shine on her own, not in someone else’s shadow.
We leave the park and wander through the city, stopping by a quirky little bookstore she loves—the kind that smells of old paper and fresh coffee. Then there’s the rooftop garden she once stumbled upon—a hidden oasis high above the concrete jungle that is New York. The moment we step inside, we’re wrapped in the intoxicating scent of blooming flowers and fresh herbs. Tiny fairy lights hang around the space, their soft glow sparkling in the sunlight, adding a hint of magic. Each spot offers a glimpse into her world, and with every stop, I find myself even more captivated by her.
As we sit together in the silence, I know we need to head back to the hotel before soundcheck at three. But for the first time, I don’t want to leave for my music. I don’t want to break this closeness, this moment we’re sharing. It’s not like me—music has always come first. But right now? All I want is to stay here with her, wrapped up in her world.
Then it hits me, clear as day. I finally understand what Xander meant when he said he’d give it all up for Poppy and Alex. I thought he was crazy when he said that to all of us. But with Scarlet here beside me, it makes perfect sense. She means more to me than any stage or spotlight ever could. And this feeling… It’s stronger than any high I’ve ever chased.
The fans’ cheers, a deafening roar that echoes through the venue, fill the air as we wrap up another killer show. But all I can focus on is the smoking hot chick who's been killing it on the drums—yeah, the one who’s mine. Watching her pound those drums with everything she’s got has my pulse racing and my dick straining against my jeans all night.
I even caught Theo sneaking glances at me a couple of times while I was watching her. Ever since that little incident on the bus, the asshole’s been a bit more relaxed about us. Even Nate has eased up about me being with his sister. Of course, they’ve both made it crystal clear they’ll kick my ass if I ever hurt her. But honestly, they don’t need to worry—I’d never fucking do that to her.
As we walk off the stage, Scarlet stops in the wings and waits for me. The moment we’re together, I wrap my arm around her shoulders, pulling her close. It’s funny—at first, it felt weird having the guys watch me do this, their eyes glued to my every move, but now? I don’t give a flying fuck. If I want to touch her, I’m gonna do it. And right now, all I want is to have her close, no matter who’s watching.
Xander and Theo, ramble on with their usual bullshit as they lead the way down to the green room. Before entering, Xander ducks into another room to change his sweaty shirt, and while we wait, Theo just stands there, staring at us with this odd look on his face, like he’s got some secret agenda. I’m half-expecting him to drop a smart-ass comment or some snarky remark. But no, he just stands there with this weird ass grin. What the fuck is he playing at? It’s creeping me out, like some new pet that won’t stop staring at you while you sleep.
Xander comes back out, and Theo, like some kind of loyal sidekick, falls in step with him as we head into the green room. Disturbed and Twisted are already in there, knocking back drinks and soaking up the aftershow buzz. Jack and Walter are sprawled out on one of the couches, nursing their drinks, and I can’t help but notice the way they’re totally eyefucking their bass guitarist. Yeah, there’s definitely something going on there.
It makes me wonder if these guys are like Theo and Nate, sharing more than just a tour bus and a stage. I haven’t seen them with any of the groupies this whole tour. Maybe they’re keeping their hookups under the radar, or maybe they’re just not into that kind of scene.
Xander tosses Theo a water bottle, then hands one to Scarlet and me. The three of us crack them open and take a long swig.
Kit walks into the room. “Okay, guys,” she says, eyeing Walter and Jack and then shifting her eyes to the rest of their band. “I’ve got extra tables set up so you guys can sign stuff with Broken Oasis for the fans.”
I glance over at them, catching the stunned look on their faces, realizing we’ve just made their night. Usually, it’s just us signing autographs for fans, but with the band’s growing popularity, Xander suggested incorporating Walter’s band into the session. Seeing the excitement on their faces takes me back to the frenetic energy of our first tour with the hottest band at the time. That moment when we joined them for signings felt like everything.
Within seconds, Kit ushers us into a room across the hall, and I can already hear the buzz of fans waiting, practically vibrating with excitement to meet us. Behind the screen doors, I catch snippets of conversations—guys talking about Scarlet—and it makes my blood fucking boil. Those assholes. If any of them so much as think about touching her tonight, they’ll have to deal with me. I won’t hesitate to shove my fist right into any prick’s face who crosses that line. No one’s laying a hand on what’s mine—I can fucking guarantee that.
Kit sets us up at the table, black Sharpies ready in hand. Scarlet is at the end, with Jack next to her, and I’m right beside him. Jack was a total asshole when we first met, but he’s chilled out since then. We’ve had drinks and bullshit sessions in the green room, and after Theo and I laid into him, he’s kept his distance. I don’t expect him to try anything with Scarlet again. Besides, he’s probably figured out we’re together, especially since I made a point of holding her hand when we walked in.
“So, how many pairs of tits do you get to sign at these things?” Jack asks, grinning like a kid in a candy store.
I chuckle, thinking back to the time when Theo and I were just as excited doing our first signing. “Quite a few,” I reply, still laughing.
Jack’s eyes light up, and he grins wide. “I don’t think that’ll ever get old. If a chick wants to flash her tits, I’m all for it. The more, the better.”
“I hear ya,” I say, laughing. Scarlet leans forward, shooting me a look that could melt steel, and I can’t help but grin. The jealousy in her eyes is kinda fucking adorable.
“Asshole,” she mouths, turning her head away.
The doors swing open, and the fans come charging in, nearly tumbling over each other to reach the roped-off section Kit set up. I watch them, eyes wide and starry, as they scramble to line up. Scarlet’s the first one in line for signings at the table, and I spot a girl at the front, her friends racing behind her. She’s holding one of the new posters Kit had printed with Scarlet on it, and watching Scarlet sign it—rather than having to scribble her name on Nate’s image—makes me grin like an idiot. I can tell this is a huge deal for her.
“Thank you. You’re awesome,” the girl says before moving on to Jack.
The look in her eyes heats up as she checks him out. He’s decent enough—not a pretty boy like Xander—but I bet the chicks will still go fucking nuts for him. As soon as he drops that Aussie accent, it’s like she fucking melts. He gives her a wicked grin, and his lines roll off his tongue smooth and flirty, just like Theo’s.
Fuck me, I have to stop myself from laughing. Jack’s charm with that accent is off the charts. I can already picture the chaos if he and Theo teamed up on the prowl—those chicks would be losing their shit. With Theo’s effortless swagger and Jack’s smooth-talking Aussie vibe, they’d turn every room they walked into a full-on frenzy.
When she finally pulls herself together, she saunters over to me. Even though she’s still in that gooey, Jack-induced daze, she manages to flash me a smile.
With a grin, I take the poster from her and sign it, then hand it back, and watch as she shuffles off to the next person in line.
I spot a girl standing right in front of Jack, flashing her tits in his face. His eyes go wide, and he’s grinning like he just won the lottery. He tries to act casual, but it’s pretty obvious he’s loving every second of it. I can’t help but laugh at the ridiculousness of the whole thing. Jack glances at me and says, “Fuck, I love this job, man.”
Still wearing that stupid grin, Jack signs the girl’s tits before she struts over to me, her top still pulled up, flaunting her assets like it’s no big deal. I scribble my name on her skin, and she thanks me before walking off. These groupies are fucking wild. But now that I’m with Scarlet, they don’t have the same pull they used to.
We keep pushing through the crowd, signing tits and moving merch. After a while, everything starts to blur together.
About twenty minutes later, Jack shoots me a look, his face twisted with concern. “Something is going on with Scarlet.”
I lean forward, my stomach twisting into knots as I spot a guy standing in front of Scarlet, his hand clamped around her wrist like a vice. She’s tense, struggling to pull her arm free, but the asshole just tightens his grip, a smirk on his face.
That sight ignites a fire in my veins, rage surging like a tidal wave. I shove my chair back, the screech of wood on the floor ringing out like a battle cry. There’s no way I’m letting this asshole think he can lay a hand on her without consequences. My blood is boiling, and I’m ready to march over there and make it painfully clear that he’s crossed a line.