by Anne Mercier
Cage nods. “It's being handled. This won't happen again. To any of you.“
“You can't know that,“ Meggie says.
Cage tilts his head and that look, the one that shows just how lethal he is underneath it all, the one that separates the businessman from the mobster, shows for just a brief moment and Meggie gasps and meets my gaze.
“I'm sorry you're involved in this, Megs. The offer Jesse made you while I was off in my unconscious Land of Make Believe still stands for you all to take a vacation far away until this settles down. We've got a couple months before the tour picks back up,“ I tell everyone in the room.
“Are you fucking kidding me?“ she replies, sounding insulted. “I'm made of tougher stuff than that. What they did was chicken shit. If they want to threaten, they need to step up their game and stop with the lurking in the fucking shadows bullshit. Bitches, that's what they are, pure and simple.“
Cage smirks and my grandpa winks at her.
“They'll get theirs, little Meggie,“ Damian reassures her. “I can promise you that.“
I WALK PAST Sera's bedroom in the suite and I hear her retching. I go in and knock on the bathroom door just as I hear a flush.
“Who is it?“ she calls out.
“It's just me,“ I murmur softly.
“You never have to knock, Luce. You know that.“
“Well, vomiting is a bad thing,“ I say opening the door.
“I hate puking.“
“Me too. What did the doctor say when they all forced you to get checked out while I was out of it?“
“It's nothing bad. It'll run its course and I'll be fine again soon.“
I nod. “Good. I don’t like seeing you suffer like this.“
“I'm okay.“
“Hmm. Debatable. Let's go get some vitamin water,“ I tell her.
“Okay. You know I really like that pomegranate kind.“
“Me too! We're going to end up fighting over them, aren't we?“ I smirk.
“Probably, but you've got the Kingston Litter on board so I'll have to let you win,“ she tells me then laughs out loud.
“Kingston Litter,“ I laugh with her. “I have a feeling Jesse's not going to like that one.“
“Probably not but it's always fun riling him up.“
I nod.
“And he does have it coming. I mean, he doesn't think I've forgotten the shit he's pulled, does he?“
I snort.
“I may forgive, but I never forget,“ she tells me.
“Oh how well I know.“
“Luce, I've got to tell you something,“ she deadpans.
My heart drops into my stomach. “What is it?“
“Well, I think it's only right for me to tell you...“
“Tell me what?“ she's making me so nervous.
“Luce, you're going to be big as a whale.“
I gasp and she laughs.
“Bitch!“
“You know it's true!“ she laughs when I give her hair a not-so-gentle tug.
“That's just so mean. You know I know I'm going to be ginormous. You don't need to remind me! Why can't you all just lie to me once in a while?“ I ask, then freeze when I realize what I've said. She did lie to me. For how knows how long.
“Luce…“ she begins.
I just look at her.
“I'm sorry I didn't tell you. There's so much… and so many reasons why I couldn't. The main one is I wanted you to be safe. Knowing less is best in this case. I promise you. And I'll tell you everything you want to know when we get back to CFD, okay?“
“Where?“
“Casa Falling Down. I'm just too lazy to say all that every time.“
I snort. “I'm not going to say it's okay that you went through this and didn't let me in. I'm your sister, Sera. We've always done everything together—especially the bad.“
“I know. I'm sorry.“
“I don't understand why you'd keep this from me. This is a major thing, Sera.“
“It is,“ she nods, “but you were dealing with a shitload of other major things as well, weren't you? So why would I dump more onto that plate when it's already overflowing?“
“Because I will always have room for you and that's at the top of the list. Always.“ I sigh. “Promise me you won't do this again. Please. Always tell me everything.“
She meets my gaze head on. “It's not safe right now, Lucy. Not for any of us. I worry if—no, when they find out about the babies, especially knowing it's triplets, that they'll do something to you. I won't survive that. I just won't.“
“Then it's a good thing I know now, right? I can be extra attentive so I'll be safe. Besides, security is going to be insane at CFD. We'll be okay,“ I reassure her.
“We will, I have no doubt. Gampy, Cage, Damian, and Jesse all working together? Yeah, I wouldn't be surprised if they all knew when we went pee, how many times, and how much,“ she snickers.
“Well, they're going to be taking a lot of notes because look,“ I say, lifting my shirt, “My tummy is popping out and there's not a damn thing I can do about it.“
Her hand curves over the bump. “Three babies.“
“Yeah,“ I whisper.
She blows out a breath and I wrinkle my nose.
“You really should brush your teeth. You've got puke breath,“ I chide.
She laughs and pretends like she's going to blow out another breath in my face. “Don't even think it. I'll puke all over the place and it won't be pretty. I had bacon and eggs for breakfast,“ I tease.
“Eww. Nice visual, whore.“
“You're welcome,“ I tell her as she finishes brushing her teeth.
“Let's go see what everyone's up to. Maybe Xander'll start humping Ben's leg again.“
I laugh. “Oh, God, that was hilarious. Let's go see if we can coerce him into it.“
She snorts. “Coerce? All we have to do is ask. That man needs no coercion.“
“Truer words were never spoken.“
Xander's in the sitting area when we get out there and we just look at each other, then look at Xander who looks back at us and smirks.
“Don't even think about it,“ Jesse whispers in my ear.
I cross my arms over my chest. “I didn't do anything.“
He chuckles. “You didn't have to.“
I give Xander and Sera wide eyes.
“Did anyone bring you that water, Luce?“ Xander asks, and I have no idea what he's talking about. Then it clicks.
I pout. “No. I should go get one,“ I say, starting to get up.
“Just sit, Cupcake. I'll get it for you.“
“Thanks, babe,“ I tell him with a wide smile. When he leaves the room Xander rubs his hands together and heads straight for Ben.
Oh boy.
“I'M SURPRISED YOUR grandfather is letting us do this,“ Jesse tells me, holding my hand as we walk through the double doors.
“We're not exactly alone,“ I tell him, making note of the four security guards and Damian surrounding us.
“You know it's not even the security,“ Damian says as he walks beside me. “It's those angel eyes you flash at people when you want to get your way.“
“Whatever do you mean?“ I blink innocently.
“You know exactly what I mean,“ he chuckles. “I've seen you use them more than once. Hell, you used them on me and I fell for it. I'm trained not to fall for that shit.“
I can't help it, I giggle. “I'm just too good. Growing up with my grandpa, can you blame me for having to fight dirty?“
“Hell no,“ Jesse tells me.
“Dude,“ Damian begins, “she only has to look at you for you to fall at her feet.“
“Fucking A. That's my wife and she gives me rewards, isn't that right, baby?“ Jesse asks before leaning in for a kiss.
“Mhmm. Really amazing, toe-curling rewards,“ I agree and Damian scoffs.
We get to the airport checkpoint and I look at Jesse and pout. “I have to take my rings off.“
“I know, it's just…“
“Aww, babe.“ He pulls me close.
I had Celeste contact Dave Richardson, my favorite reporter, the one who was pulling for me and Jesse at the press conference from hell. He and Margo Phelan will always be my go-to reporters.
“You two gonna be alright from here?“ Damian asks, looking us over and smirking.
“We'll be okay. Besides there are others inside. I'm not stupid,“ I tell him.
He shakes his head. “You're going to draw attention to yourselves. Hell, you already are,“ he says, nodding at mine and Jesse's matching jerseys.
I shrug. “Worth every second.“
“Be safe,“ Damian states then backs up, waiting until we get through the airport security checkpoint. When we're through, I give him a wave and a small smile and that's when I see him. Emilio. I look at Damian giving him the look, the one my grandpa taught me to give. Damian taps a button on his phone, pretending like nothing's going on, but Emilio isn't a novice. He knows, he sees the look. He smirks and in a blink he's gone.
“Go,“ Damian tells me and I nod. Do I tell Jesse about this? Yeah, yeah I will when we get on the plane.
“Babe,“ I begin as Jesse slips my wedding rings back on my finger, “these jerseys are awesome.“
Jesse smirks. “Thanks.“
Jesse's is black with pink letters and numbers and mine is pink with black letters and numbers. They look like professional football jerseys but they've got special names and numbers. Jesse's is number ninety-nine and the last name is “Problems“. My number is one and my last name is “Ain't“. I laughed so hard when he showed these to me, I ended up with a headache.
See, Jesse and I are making a statement. While we've got problems coming out our asses with the media, groupie whores, mafia, the Blush Baby nickname, and whatever else life deems to throw our way, neither one of us is one of them.
Take that world. It's a great big finger we're waving in the air letting them know that they can bring it. We got this. Together we've got anything they want to throw our way.
Yeah, I think with a nod. We got this.
TO THE LADIES OF MY STREET TEAM who keep me sane, who keep me in line, and who bitchslap me when I'm in need: Thank you. Thank you, thank you, thank you. Meeting you all and becoming teammates as well as friends has made the publishing journey less scary and even more memorable. Your unwavering support is humbling and I love each one of you for it. July 2015 – The first ever Street Team Stalker Event – I'm sure it's going to be memorable!
To the Rockstars group members: It's amazing how many there are of you now and how many I've gotten to know personally. I enjoy the group more and more every single day and each and every one of you are the reason why. I can't imagine what I'd do without you all to goof off with, share books and book boyfriends with, to objectify hot men with (all in good fun), and to just be able to share everyday things with. I'm so glad you like the Rockstar series and I hope you'll keep on enjoying each and every installment.
To the readers: I'm truly shocked at how quickly the Rockstar series blew up. I wasn't prepared at all. I said, “If I sell a couple hundred copies, that'll be so awesome.“ Ha! You all kicked my ass! I don't know how word traveled or everyone heard about Falling Down, but holy hell, it was an explosion of epic proportions! Thank you! Thank you for reading the story. Thank you for liking it! Thank you for reviewing it! Thank you for your feedback! And thank you for your support!
To Harper Bentley for being an amazing friend, an amazing author, and a fountain of information for this newbie author. I can't wait until May when I get to hug you and squeeze you and call you George! Ha!
To my amazing editor, Nicole Bailey. What can I say about this lady? She's not simply my editor but one of my very good friends. She tells it like it is and she supports and gives kind words when they're needed. I'm so happy you've come into my life.
To my crit partner and friend, Kimberly Blalock. We kind of stumbled upon one another in the Facebook blogosphere and I'm grateful for that! Your encouragement and feedback pushed me through some rough moments of self-doubt. *raises a glass* Here's to many more years of working together.
To Pamela Cunningham: Thank you so much for designing the Rockstar logo! I didn't know what I wanted when we started this journey, but you created exactly what this series needed. I'm excited and honored to put the logo on each and every book.
To Lisa Matheson Sylva, Tera Chastain, Lisa Ravenscroft, Abby Cook, the FMR Book Grind, and the ladies at HEA Book Tours, PR & More for their nonstop support, promotion, friendship, and kindness. Thank you so much for everything you do. No matter how big or small, it does not go unnoticed by me. I appreciate every single effort more than you know. To Tricia from Bedroom Bookworms for the truly amazing time I had being the November Author of the Month- It was an honor and I thank you from the bottom of my heart!
To my Betalicious Beauties – Thank you. Your feedback is, as always, invaluable.
To my amazing PA, Leagh Christensen – You've literally saved my sanity. I can never thank you enough for that, for starting within the week and just taking over all the things that I don't have time for. You are extraordinary and I thank you for everything you do!
To Porter – Thank you for believing and pushing me to hit the publish button for the very first time when I was scared beyond belief.
To the entire Burke family – Thank you for the love and support you've always shown, without conditions.
To Heather Lux you are one of the most generous and beautiful people (inside and out) I have ever met. I am so proud to call you friend and I look forward to the day I finally get to give you a big, squishy hug. Thank you for your support, my friend. It means the world to me.
To Janelle Schindler: You sent me chocolate chip cookies! You fed the beast during deadline crunch time and for that I can never thank you enough! You, my dear, are so sweet and kind and a true diamond in the rough.
To my friends, new and old; all of the amazing people in my life who continue to support me and my writing, whether near or far: A simple “thank you“ isn't enough to tell you how thankful I am for each and every one of you and your kind words and encouragement. It's a humbling experience to find out just how many people really do care and love you. Know this- I love you all right back.
To my kids who put up with my bullshit, who run my errands when I'm in the zone, and who wait much longer than “just five minutes“ when I'm in the middle of a scene. Thanks, boys, for being awesome and not complaining out loud—or at least to my face.
To the amazeballs bloggers out there: Thank you, sincerely, for all you do each and every day out of the goodness of your hearts. What you do is selfless and, a lot of the time, unappreciated. Just know that I do appreciate your efforts and your never-ending support.
To Jake Ingrassia: Your debut! Though much of what's written here isn't fiction, when we get to the Blush Baby campaign in books 3 and 3.5, much of it will be. Thank you for allowing me to share information of your talents with the world.
To Milo Ventimiglia: Your work ethics and principles inspire so much of the overall feel of this series. For that I thank you.
To M. Shadows and Avenged Sevenfold: Thank you for inspiring me as I write every day. Your talents amaze me.
And to all the other truly amazing and talented musicians out there: Thank you for sharing with us your talent and your love of music.
Come visit me on my website at AnneMercierAuthor.com or on Facebook (Anne.Mercier24). I'd love to hear from you.
I really am just a reader who writes stories sometimes, so never be afraid to drop me an email at [email protected]. Anytime.
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Copyright ©2014 Kimberly Blalock
BLOOD; RED, WARM, SLIPPERY, and bitter. That’s all that I can see, feel, and smell. The darkness covers more than the sky, it covers my whole life now.
She can’t get out. “Get her out! She’s stuck, please get her out!“
No one can hear me. I’m screaming. My voice is fading into the same darkness that my fear hides in. My hands are numb. The tears are breaking through this life and I don’t think that death can help with the pain. She will not respond to me. Quiet, dark, unwritten words are all that I can see and hear.
The sound is gone and an ear piercing calm comes over me. I can do it. I can do it. I want to save her, but I can’t. I can’t, I can’t move through the darkness it’s too thick, so thick.
“Addie? Are you ok?“ I need to get myself out of this stupid seat belt.
My hand is stretching to grab ahold of her. “Addie can you hear me?“ Be strong Abby. Be strong Abby. Be strong Abby. “Someone please get us out of here!“ My voice is so weak. “Please someone help us!“
She’s so far away. What am I supposed to do? “Addie? Wake up, you’re going to be ok. Addie, please wake up. I’m so sorry Addie.“
I can’t see through the tears erupting through the holes of my soul. Addie’s head is pushed against the roof of the car that is now upside down. My hand reaches for her cold lifeless hand. “Don’t leave me Addie. Please!“
Blood is covering our fingers. If I squeeze and I don’t let go she can’t leave me. “Please. Please. Please. Don’t leave me. Don’t leave me. Don’t leave me. I love you Addyson. I’m so sorry, I’m so sorry, I’m so sorry!“
THE NIGHTMARES ARE HAUNTING my days and nights. Sleep has become a memory at this point. I close my eyes and my twin sister is all I see, so yea, you can say sleep hasn’t been an option for me in a long time.
