Epilogue
TRISSA
Two weeks later
The flash of cameras was blinding as Killian and I stepped onto the red carpet. His hand—the one not encased in the sleek black cast—rested on the small of my back, guiding me through the sea of paparazzi shouting our names.
My heart hammered and blood whooshed in my ears. Killian rubbed my back lightly, sensing my trepidation. His touch was both reassuring and electrifying. He knew how nervous I was about tonight. The spotlight was not a place I was used to being, and since we’d made our relationship official, it didn’t seem to be going away.
“You’re stunning,” he said, his voice that low rumble that made my insides all fluttery. I hoped I always felt this way around him. His eyes raked over me, appreciation clear in his gaze, and for a moment, I forgot how to breathe. “You’ve got this, Tink.”
I nodded, not trusting myself to speak. This was it—our first big public appearance as a couple. I’d just made it back from the press mini-tour with Peter and Wendy the night before, and hardly had time to breathe, never mind think about what this night would be like.
“Tris! Over here!”
“Killian, how’s the wrist healing?”
Killian leaned down, his lips brushing my ear. “We don’t have to stop for all of them.”
I smiled up at him. “I know, but it’s a big night. And if we give them a little of what they want, hopefully they’ll be satisfied.”
Tonight, VS Music Production had pulled out all the stops for their twentieth anniversary celebration. The who’s who of the music industry had descended on the Monarch Hotel’s grand ballroom, making this the event of the season. Every major artist signed to the label was expected to attend, and as two of their biggest stars, Killian and Peter were required to make an appearance along with their bands, Wicked Ways and The Lost Boys.
“Killian, when did you two officially get together?”
We ignored that question since the answer wasn’t an easy explanation.
“How did you two meet?” Another reporter asked.
“We’ve known each other for most of our lives.” He paused and slipped his arm around me while a photographer took our picture.
Killian was devastatingly handsome in his tailored black suit, and the cast on his wrist somehow added to his rockstar mystique rather than detracted from it. He’d been moody about it at home, frustrated how it limited his playing, but tonight he was determined not to let it ruin our evening.
“Mr. Hook,” called a reporter from a national gossip blog. “Any comment on the delay of your album due to your injury?”
Killian gave his signature bad boy smirk. “It’s just a minor setback. Sometimes the universe forces you to slow down for a reason.” He glanced at me. “I’ve found the silver lining though. More time with the love of my life.”
My cheeks warmed and I caved to internal swoon. Already, the stiff practiced smile I’d plastered to my face had been replaced by a goofy grin. I loved how openly affectionate and loving Killian was in public.
We’d almost made it to the end of the step-and-repeats when another reporter stuck his microphone in our faces. “What does Peter Young have to say about the two of you together?”
“Peter’s happy for us.” I answered, glad that for the most part, this was true. Peter had come around to accepting our relationship over the last two weeks as we found our new rhythm as friends.
My next goal was to help him and Killian repair the rift between them.
Finally, we were able to escape the throng of reporters and head into the main ballroom, which had been transformed into a grand, glittering tribute to music through the decades.
“There’s Jareth and Hazel,” I said, spotting them near the bar. Hazel radiant in a gorgeous blue dress that hugged her belly, and her blond tresses were tamed in an elegant updo.
The second she saw us, she pressed her drink into Jareth’s hands and launched herself at me for a hug. “You two look adorable together. And that dress is killing it.”
I let the tension in my shoulders from the red carpet release at her exuberant greeting. “Thanks.” When Hazel let go, I smoothed down the black dress I’d worn. It was the one Killian had helped me with the day of my makeover. Our eyes met, and from the heat within the depths of his irises, I knew he was remembering that moment, too.
Hazel handed me a glass of the signature fruity cocktail of the night.
“The two of you look dashing as always.” I sipped the drink and sighed at how delicious it was.
Hazel grinned up at Jareth and winked. “Thank you. He cleans up nice, doesn’t he?”
I nodded. To be honest, I hadn’t ever seen Jareth without a suit, and always felt he exuded a dangerous edge with his appearance. “How’re you feeling?”
Hazel rubbed her stomach. “Okay. I’m kind of disappointed I haven’t had any cravings yet. Isn’t that what happens to all pregnant women?”
I shrugged. Having never been pregnant myself, I wasn’t sure I knew enough to respond intelligently to her comment.
She took her glass back from Jareth and sipped it. He slipped his arm possessively around her waist, his fingertips grazing the edge of her slight bump. I almost missed the soft expression that crossed his face, it happened so fast. There was no doubt about their mutual love for each other.
“How’s the wrist, Hook?” Jareth asked.
“Better than the doctors expected,” Killian replied, though I knew he’d been up late last night, trying to strum his guitar before tossing it aside in utter frustration. I was happy to be home with him so I could make sure he truly took care of himself and let his body heal. While I’d been gone the past two weeks, I was fairly certain he’d been pushing himself to try and play regardless of the cast hindering him. “They say I’m healing ahead of schedule.”
“Excellent,” Jareth responded, but I noticed his expression tighten as he looked across the room. Following his gaze, I saw Peter and Wendy engaged in what appeared to be a heated argument near the stage. Peter’s face was flushed and his gestures were animated as Wendy crossed her arms defensively.
“Peter still being an ass?” Killian murmured.
Jareth sighed, swirling the whiskey in his glass before taking a sip. “Peter’s been … difficult. I’m still hoping the charity concert will help his image with the public, but behind the scenes, he needs to get his shit together.” He shook his head. “I’m running out of patience.”
My heartrate picked up. It didn’t matter that I was actively looking for a replacement assistant, Peter was still my friend. “Are you considering dropping him?” I asked, my voice low.
“I might not have a choice, Trissa. Everyone is tired of his drama, the missed studio sessions, the attitude with producers and staff.”
“But the press tour … ”
“Has helped, but I don’t know if it’ll be enough.”
Killian tensed beside me. Despite their complicated history, I knew he still cared about Peter. But right now, I knew his primary concern was me. If Peter lost his contract and went completely off the rails, Killian knew it would affect me.
“Wendy and I are making progress,” I said, hopeful that I sounded more confident than I felt.
“I hope so.” Jareth’s eyes shifted to scan the room. “If you’ll excuse us, I need to make the rounds.”
Once they were gone, Killian tugged me into his arms. “It’s not for you to worry about tonight, little fairy,” he whispered in my ear.
I nodded. Tonight was about Killian and me.
I’d worry about Peter tomorrow.
The DJ transitioned into one of Wicked Ways’ older hits, and the crowd erupted in cheers.
“Dance with me?” I asked, tugging his hand.
He glanced down at his cast and frowned. “I might not be my normal graceful self.”
“Worth the risk,” I assured him and pecked his cheek. “Come on.”
As we moved to the center of the dance floor, Killian pulled me close with his good arm, and our bodies found their rhythm together as naturally as breathing. The music washed over us as Killian spun me carefully, his movements limited but still graceful, contrary to his concern. In that moment, surrounded by the glitter and glamour of the industry, I felt completely at home. Not because of the place or the event, but because I was in Killian’s arms.
“I love you.” He pulled me against his chest.
I laid my head on his shoulder. “I love you more,” I replied, the words not quite encapsulating all that I truly felt.
He kissed the top of my head, and I felt his lips kick up into a smile. “Impossible.”
I kissed the edge of his jaw. “So … I’ve been thinking …”
Killian sighed. “Why do I have a bad feeling about this?”
I grinned. “I just want you to think about it.”
He laid his forehead against mine and waited for me to continue. This grump of a man was such a sweetheart even if he didn’t believe it.
“Maybe Peter needs a change of scenery? Maybe we can consider signing him with the new label if Peter doesn’t get his shit together by the end of the charity event.”
Killian lifted his head. His expression was so incredulous it was like I’d asked him to adopt a pair of grizzlies. “Tris, that’s not—we’re just getting things off the ground. Taking on Peter right now would be … ”
I held his gaze, saying nothing. A feeling that had grown inside me told me this was the right move. I didn’t know how or why, but something told me if Killian would agree this could be the turning point we all needed. A new beginning.
His groan, an audible concession of his crumbling resolve, spoke volumes. “Ah, fine. I’ll think about it.”
“That’s all I’m asking you to do.” I was smart enough to not speak the last part out loud, for now.
As the song ended, my gaze landed on Isaiah and Dante at the bar, both looking handsome in their suits—a far cry from their usual stage attire of ripped jeans and band t-shirts.
“Let’s go say hi to the guys,” Killian said.
Isaiah called out as we approached, his glass raised in a mock salute. “Well if it isn’t our fearless, if slightly broken leader. And the woman who finally tamed him.”
“Don’t let her fool you,” Killian replied, pulling me into his side. “She’s far more diabolical than I am.”
Dante laughed. “How’s the wrist, man?”
Killian shrugged.
I filled them in. “He’s the worst patient. Won’t follow a single instruction. Good thing I’m back so I can keep an eye on him.”
A concerned expression crossed Dante’s face. “We’ve been talking …”
Killian raised an eyebrow. “Should I be worried?”
The band was well aware of Killian’s plan to open his own recording label and had committed to keeping the band together and going with him.
“Depends,” Dante leaned in, lowering his voice. “With you being out of commission for a bit, Isaisah and I got to thinking that maybe it’s time to expand the sound and bring in a fourth member. We could get them up to speed and be ready to rock once you’re back full-time.”
“A keyboardist,” Isaiah added. “They could fill out some of those arrangements we’ve been struggling with.”
I watched Killian’s face carefully. He’d always been careful about who had influence over the band, but something in his expression softened. “I’ve been thinking the same thing,” he admitted, surprising me. “Got anyone in mind?”
“Mia Chen,” Dante said without hesitation. “She played with The Sigma Girls before they broke up. Her technical skills are off the charts, and she’s got the right vibe.”
Killlian nodded. “Bring her by the studio next week and we can see what happens.”
The conversation drifted to the album plans and tour possibilities that had been put off due to Killian’s injury. As they chatted, my attention wandered. Through a gap in the crowd, I spied Peter, this time alone in a corner, nursing what was probably his third or fourth drink. Wendy emerged from a side door, likely from the ladies room. Her makeup appeared to be freshly applied, but her eyes were rimmed with a telltale redness. The two of them stood apart, and the space between them appeared charged.
I felt a pang of sympathy. Even during the mini-tour, those two had been volatile.
“Earth to Tris,” Killian’s voice pulled me back, his warm hand rubbed at my waist.
I blinked up at him. “Just people watching.”
Killian’s gaze followed mine. “It’s not for us to interfere. Especially you, Tink.”
“I know.” He was right. I’d been letting Wendy take more and more of the reins when it came to Peter. She was determined to fix his image. During the tour, we had a girls afternoon while Peter was getting a massage, she’d admitted that she needed this to work. She had family responsibilities. If she lost her job, her reputation would take a hit—and so would her finances.
Killian whispered in my ear. “Guess what?”
“What?” I replied, loving the playful glint in his eyes.
“I got us a room. Fifteenth floor, city view.”
Heat bloomed up my chest working its way up to my face. “Oh, did you? You sound pretty confident I’d say yes.”
“More like hopeful,” he corrected, his thumb tracing over my collarbone. “Besides, these things run late and I thought it would be easier for us to sleep here.”
“Sleep,” I repeated. “Is that what they’re calling it now?”
His laugh was soft. “Among other things.”
I glanced around the ballroom. The night was in full swing, speeches still to come, networking to be done. But suddenly, all I wanted was to be alone with him.
“How soon can we slip away unnoticed?” I asked. I’d missed him terribly while I was away. I’d rather have stayed in, but we’d both been expected to make an appearance tonight.
“Now seems good,” he replied, already guiding me toward a side exit with the practiced ease of someone who’s escaped such events before.
We managed to avoid the main corridors and took the service elevator to the fifteenth floor. The moment the doors closed, Killian pressed me against the wall, his mouth on mine, hungry and insistent. I tangled my fingers in his hair, careful of where he’d been hit and knowing it would be awhile before his concussion completely healed.
“Missed you,” he murmured against my neck, which should have sounded ridiculous since we’d been together all evening, but I knew exactly what he meant.
The elevator chimed, forcing us apart. He led me down the thickly-carpeted hallway to the door at the end, fishing the key card out of his pocket with his good hand. At my questioning look, he grinned. “Smee picked it up earlier.”
The room was everything you’d expect from the Monarch—elegant, understated luxury with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the city’s glittering skyline. But I barely had time to appreciate the view before Killian was pulling me back into his arms.
He cupped the nape of my neck and pulled me closer. “You’re stunning, Tink.”
“So are you.” I’d seen the eyes on him the moment he’d gotten out of the car. Killian Hook was incredibly drool-worthy in whatever he wore, but there was something about him in formal wear that made my whole body—and everyone else’s—sit up and take notice.
His lips ghosted over mine, teasing me and making me want more.
“Kiss me,” I demanded.
“So, you missed me?” Instead of focusing on my mouth like I wanted him to, he feathered kisses over my cheeks, jaw, and neck. Goosebumps erupted over my body.
I whimpered with need. “You know I did.” The calls and video chats helped, but it wasn’t the same as being in his arms. My head tilted to give him better access as he hit a particularly sensitive spot.
“I missed you so damn much, Tink. I want to worship every inch of you. Slowly. Thoroughly.”
I threaded my fingers in his hair and tugged his head up. “Killian, please save that for later. I need you now.” There was no way for me to stop the whine that tinged my voice as I pleaded with him. Now that we were here, I wanted to rip his clothes off and have my way with him.
His eyes flashed and there was no mistaking the desire that swirled within their depths. When his lips descended to mine and devoured me, I knew he was claiming me. Making me his once more.
He stifled my gasp as his mouth pressed firmly to mine. His tongue swiped across my lips, dueling with mine the second I let him in. My body sagged in relief.
I needed this.
I needed him.
I needed our bodies tangled together sooner rather than later.
God, yes.
His hands ran up and down my sides. Without his mouth leaving mine, he reached around me, tugging the zipper of my dress down.
I shivered as the cool air hit my back and his fingertips caressed my spine. Without missing a beat, he slid the dress off my shoulders. The second I was bare to him, his hands roamed my body and cupped my bare ass. “No underwear? Fuck, Tink.”
I’d debated on whether or not to go commando, and his reaction confirmed I’d made the right decision. I twisted my arms behind me to unsnap my bra, and let it fall to the floor.
“What are you doing?” he rasped in my ear.
“You’re going too slow,” I complained.
Now to get him out of his clothes …
Killian’s hand skimmed the tips of my breasts, down my soft stomach, and then disappeared between my folds at the apex of my thighs. My hips jerked as he lightly circled my clit.
“You want more of this?” he teased.
I nodded.
He walked me backwards to the bed, guiding me down to the edge. I let out a frustrated curse as he stepped back and went silent the second he peeled off his suit jacket.
I licked my lips, ready to watch him reveal his perfect body to me.
He slowly unbuttoned his shirt, exposing his toned chest and the tattoos there.
I pressed my knees together.
He slipped off his cufflinks next and set them on a nearby dresser, his eyes never leaving mine. When he rolled his sleeves up to his elbow, I frowned.
What was he doing? He was supposed to get naked.
I opened my mouth, but shut it on his next command.
“Spread your legs for me.”
My breath stuttered out. Oh. My. God.
“Good girl.”
Pleasure fluttered through me at his words.
I do as he requested, loving the affirming groan that left his lips.
Killian’s rough palm slid up my thigh as he knelt before me. He pushed my legs further apart and nosed at the creases of my thigh before licking up my pussy lips. The second the tip of his tongue swiped my clit, a full body shudder swept through me. Not able to keep myself upright, I lay back, gripping the sheets as he began a full-on assault with his mouth.
“More. Use your fingers,” I pleaded, my pleasure already ratcheting high enough that I knew I’d come quickly tonight.
Damn.
I sensed his lips curling into a smirk. “All you had to do was ask, love.”
The moment his fingers entered me, my legs tightened. Before they could create a vise around his head, he wedged his shoulders into place and set his casted arm against my lower abdomen.
Oh, fuck.
His pace intensified. Killian’s tongue lapped, licked, flicked, and swirled while his hand did oh so magical things. When my orgasm hit, it was like a runaway car crashing into a brick wall. Every muscle in my body locked up, then started to shake. The world around me ceased to exist as explosion after explosion rocked my core.
I came once, and then a second time.
And then a third.
The cry that left my lips barely registered. All of my senses were targeted to what Killian was doing to me.
But he didn’t let up. Not until I’d come down from my orgasm high and giggled. I had to tug at his hair to get his attention. “Give me a second.”
Killian’s head popped up. His pleased smile glistened with wetness left behind as I came all over his chin. “You’re so fucking perfect, Tink. Your body is a masterpiece. I’ll never get tired of learning the sounds you make when you come for me. You almost had me spilling in my pants.”
“I love you,” I whispered.
I loved him so damn much.
“I love you too, babe,” he whispered.
He stood and finally stripped his clothes from his body, then he grabbed a condom from a box on the dresser I hadn’t noticed.
I scooted further up the bed until my head hit the pillow. He followed me up the mattress, careful of his cast, and kneeled in between my legs. Lifting them so they rested on the crook of his arms, he lined up his cock at my entrance. When he teased me, sliding it in just a little and then back out, I wanted to throw something.
“Killian,” I warned, groaning.
“You want my big dick sliding into your wet cunt, Tink, taking what I want?” His filthy words always surprised me at how much I loved hearing them.
“Fuck yes. Killian, don’t you dare make me wait anymore.” I didn’t know if it was my pleading or the way my fingers dug into his legs, but a second later, he inched in. I’d rather have had him slam into me in one thrust, but we had the rest of the night to ravish each other.
“You’re so damn beautiful with my cock stretching you,” he said, another grin toying at his lips as I clamped down harder around him.
He withdrew and then pushed in deeper, burying himself as far as he could.
“Yes!” I shouted, lifting my hips as he pounded into me.
Killian let go of my legs and leaned down over me so that his pelvis was angled to rub at my clit, intensifying every sensation sweeping over me. He was so damn strong. I knew he held up most of his weight with his good hand.
My overly-sensitive body trembled with every thrust as I wrapped my legs around his waist.
“Come for me, little fairy.” His soft demand triggered the release that was so close to the surface.
“Oh, fuck. Killian!” My back bowed and my heels dug into the curve of his ass. My climax crashed over me, hitting me with wave after wave of intense highs and lows. My body continued to convulse, and if he wasn’t on top of me I’d have likely levitated.
I cried out with pleasure as my core clenched rhythmically around him.
“That’s it, baby.” He picked up the pace, pumping his cock in and out of me, pushing my orgasm over the top again. “I could watch you come all night long.”
His hand gripped my hips, each thrust harder, faster. A primal cry left his lips as his body stiffened and his orgasm hit. “Fuck,” he groaned.
For several moments, neither of us moved.
Our labored breaths were the only sound in the room.
Killian eased out of me and disposed of the condom. He joined me in the bed and curled his body around me, his front to my back.
His arms tightened around me, his good hand laced with mine over my stomach as he buried his nose in the crook of my neck and brushed gentle kisses on my shoulder. “You belong to me, Tink.”
Hearing his possessive words did something to me. It connected us but in a way that I knew wasn’t about power. It was about all consuming love and acceptance. The desire to be with each other always.
A broad smile stretched across my face as I drew his forearm up and his hand to my lips to feather a kiss on our connected fingers. “I belong to you.”
We lay in silence, just enjoying being together after so long.
“I’ve been thinking,” Killian whispered, tugging at me so I laid on my back facing him.
“Dangerous,” I murmured, making him chuckle.
“Maybe,” he conceded. “The past two weeks have shown me I don’t want to be without you.”
“Killian—” I thought he’d come to terms with me working with Peter and needing to have some nights when we weren’t together.
“Hear me out.” He propped himself up on one elbow to look at me. His hair was mussed, his eyes gentle, almost timid in the soft glow of the city lights, and a tender ache of love bloomed within me. Whatever his fear was, we’d figure it out.
“I’m listening,” I said, far more gentle this time.
He took a deep breath. “Move in with me.”
I blinked. Whatever I thought he was going to say, this was not it. Memories of the last time he’d said a similar version of those words—well, demanded, to be precise—had been a defining change in our relationship, even though now I was seeing just how much.
“I know what you’re thinking,” he continued quickly. “It’s too soon. Last time, I was being?—”
“A possessive jerk?” I supplied, hiding my smile as I ran my fingertips down the tattoos of his arm until they stopped at his cast.
“I was going to say I was being less than considerate, but sure, let’s go with your words.” His signature smirk barely tilted the corners of his lips. He was nervous. “This isn’t like before. I’m asking you, not telling you. I want—no, I need —to wake up every morning with you by my side. It’s me realizing my place feels too empty without you. It’s knowing that I can shore up the memories of our days together so when you do have to go away for work, maybe it’ll hurt a little less.”
I bit my lip, blinking back tears. His words affected me in ways I hadn’t been able to anticipate. Damn this man and his sweet side. “You sure you won’t get sick of having me around all the time? I talk during movies and leave glasses of water everywhere.”
“I know your flaws, Tink. None of it matters.”
This was a big step for us, but how could I say no? “Okay.”
“I’ve made a list of all the reasons why we … Wait, what did you say?”
I giggled. He’d been so in his head, ready to list the reasons why we should do this that he’d barely comprehended what I said. I grabbed at his cheeks, his stubble rough against my palms, and tugged him to me. As my lips met his in a frantic kiss, his body lowered down over mine. “Yes, you silly man. Yes, I want to move in with you.”
The smile that broke out across his face was worth every moment of doubt, every obstacle we’d overcome to get here.
“Should we go back to the gala?” I asked, breathless as he placed tender kisses along my jaw and the column of my neck.
He didn’t even bother looking at the nearby alarm clock to see how much of the night was left. “Nah. We’ve got better things to do.”
I turned to look at the wall of windows. Outside, the lights from the city glimmered and the stars and moon above us cast us in a cool glow. All the planning in the world couldn’t have brought us to this point. That this reality—this magic that was just us—was better than anything I ever could have imagined.
And not for the first time, since we declared our love to each other, I could recognize that home was Killian. It wasn’t those outside things … It was the feeling inside me, knowing I was where I was supposed to be and with the person I was meant to love forever.
Home was us together.
Tris and Killian one-hundred-percent stole my heart. I’ve been thinking about their story and how they got together for the past year. And once I got over the initial bumps things just fell into place. I loved watching how Tris found herself again after making herself small for Peter and how fiercely Killian loved her. All of her. These two were just meant to be!
While Wicked Rockstar is a standalone you can catch Killian’s appearance in the first book in the series Wicked Billionaire where he was not pleased to find out Jareth had signed on Peter’s band.