by KB Winters
“Yes.”
“Livvie, is everything all right?” The concern was growing on his face and I knew I needed to get it together.
I nodded and gave him my best false smile. “Uh huh. Just have some bills to pay, that’s all.”
Remy took the lead and went into the kitchen. My bills were scattered all across the kitchen island where I’d set up my temporary office station with my laptop and notebook. I tried to sweep the papers out of his view, but it was too late.
“What is all this? Is it for Conquer?” he asked, studying one of the statements.
“No, it’s nothing. I got it,” I said, swiping it away from him and stuffing all the pages under my laptop.
“Liv, you should have told me about these. I would’ve handled it,” he said, a slight hint of scolding in his voice. He hated when I didn’t let him do everything. Our relationship seemed like it was constantly on the verge of a battle of wills.
“I need to do things for myself, Remy. I can’t just put on blinders and pretend that nothing matters. That life is all about shopping trips, expensive dinners, and sex!” I raved, flinging my arms in the air.
“What’re you talking about? Livvie, why is it so hard for you to let me take care of you?”
“Ugh! Remy, I cannot—” I cut my glance away, not able to take the confused puppy eyes he was giving me. “I just need my independence. It seems like ever since I met you, everything has been out of control. The business, things with Tessa, my job. It’s like you’re pulling all the strings, and that’s not really what I want.”
Remy came around the counter and stood in front of me but I kept my eyes trained down the hall. “Livvie, look at me.” His voice was gentle but firm. I flicked my eyes back up to his. “I told you I’d take care of you. All of you. I’m not doing it because I don’t think you can do it on your own. It’s because I don’t want you to have to do it on your own.” He ran a finger down the side of my face and I melted under his soft touch.
“I know, Remy, but you have to understand that’s not how I was raised, and it’s definitely not what I’m used to.” I paused, wondering if I should bring up what I’d seen in his office. He’d practically caught me red-handed. Did he think I’d missed the extensive stack of blueprints on his desk? “If this doesn’t work, I need—”
“Wait. Stop. If this doesn’t work? What do you mean?”
I hesitated and dropped my gaze.
“Livvie? What do you mean?” he repeated.
I sighed. Might as well let it all hang out. “If we end, break up, or however you say it. I have to be able to take care of myself.”
Remy nodded and my heart broke at the sad look on his handsome face. I instantly wished I could take it all back. That I hadn’t let my own doubts, insecurities, and fears shadow over him.
“You know what, forget it,” I said, hoping it would help. I took a step back and he let me go.
I wasn’t sure what he was thinking—and too chicken shit to ask—but something had shifted and I wasn’t sure we would ever get back to how it used to be.
Chapter Eight — Remy
“She’s going to leave me.”
There, I’d said it out loud. The fear had been building, rattling inside my mind for weeks, but I hadn’t yet brought myself to outright say it.
“What do you mean?” JJ asked.
I took another hit off the whiskey glass in my hand. I only drank whiskey when I was good and miserable, and tonight certainly fit that criteria. I’d made reservations at a new restaurant in West Hollywood, and was going to surprise her with a night in the most exclusive suite at the Four Seasons, complete with an in-room couple’s massage. We both needed the relaxation. But, at the last minute, Kaylee called and told her that one of the bands we had an eye on was filling in for another act, and she bolted out of the penthouse like her heels had rockets attached to them.
“She’s not happy,” I told JJ.
I’d bumbled around the apartment, feeling like a complete idiot before giving in and calling JJ to go out for the night. We ended up at our usual bar downtown that was close to JJ’s office.
JJ took a sip of his own drink. “You gonna cut her loose?”
His question was so casual, almost like he thought it was the obvious solution. Every nerve in my body prickled at the idea. It was the absolute last thing I wanted to do. “Naw, dude. I want to make it work.”
JJ’s eyebrows shot up. “Man, this one’s really got you.”
“You know I’m not really the advice type, and I don’t want some Dear Abby bullshit answer, but tell me, what am I’m supposed to do now?” I gritted my teeth, hating that I sounded like a complete pansy.
JJ shrugged. “Did you try flowers?”
I groaned and threw back the rest of my whiskey. The burn hit the back of my throat and I winced at the flicker of pain. “Not helping.”
“You said no Dear Abby! What’d you expect?”
“All right, fine.What else ya got?”
JJ had been with the same girl for as long as I could remember. They weren’t married, but they might as well be. Hell, by now it was probably a common-law marriage.
“I need more info. What do you think is wrong?”
I didn’t know how to explain it. Since the night she came home with news the two bands dropped out and went to Christopher’s new management branch, we hadn’t had a full-on argument, but something was off. There wasn’t anger or tension, but still, I was on red alert and I couldn’t shut it down. With each passing day, Livvie was getting more and more distant, and I couldn’t find a way to get her back. I’d already tried everything I could think of. Or, maybe it was just everything that romantic movies had taught me over the years.
“Things have changed.”
JJ laughed. “Well, yeah! Welcome to the world of relationships. See, you’re used to a hot hookup and then see ya later. With that arrangement, there isn’t time for people to change or room for mood swings—well, unless she’s super drunk—but in a relationship there are a million things going on at all times. Who knows, she could be upset about something else and you’re taking it personal.”
“Which is exactly why I’ve avoided relationships for so long.”
JJ shrugged at me. “Maybe so, but I think it’s good for you, Remy.”
I couldn’t help but smile. Livvie was good for me. I only worried that maybe I wasn’t good for her.
“Things will get back to normal after the business takes off again,” I said, hoping it was true.
The game we were watching on the big screen came back from half-time and all relationship talk ceased as we tuned back into the main event for the rest of the night.
When I got home, Livvie was already asleep in our bed. I undressed and slid in beside her and she automatically snuggled up to me. I smiled and breathed her in.
“Remy,” Livvie’s voice was soft and sleepy.
“Hey, gorgeous.” I kissed her temple. “How was the night?”
She rolled over and I could see her face, shadowed by the moonlight streaming in from the open window. “I talked to the band for a little while. They took my card, but I don’t know—” She cut off and bit her lips. “I just don’t know anymore, Remy.”
“Don’t know what?” I took her face and kissed her deeply before she could answer.
We broke apart and her eyes opened slowly. “I think I need to go back to the drawing board on the entire thing. Christopher has way more pull in this town than I could’ve ever imagined. He’s constantly one step ahead of me—us—and I’m tired of feeling like I’m chasing my tail.”
So, that’s what it was. Maybe JJ had been right. All the time I’d been worried that she wasn’t happy with me—or our relationship—she was really stressed and stewing over the bullshit with Christopher and getting the business launched.
“Something is going to work out,” I reassured her. “Think about it.A few weeks ago we didn’t have any clubs lined up or any local contacts, but now we have
an entire tour lined up for new bands we sign. The rest will come, you just have to trust the process. We’re working hard and it’ll pay off.”
She nodded and closed her eyes again. I could tell she was exhausted, so no matter how much I wanted her, I needed to let her sleep. I kissed her again and wrapped her up close to my chest, willing her to have peace-filled dreams.
While she slept, I formulated a new plan, and left early the next morning before she woke up to start putting it into action.
***
Two fifty-hour weeks later, and everything was in place. All I had to do was get Livvie downtown without tipping her off what I had in store.
I’d never been the family party planner. Madge had always hired a horde of staff and event coordinators for that shit, but I had to say—standing before my work—I’d done a damn good job. I’d rented out one of the city’s newest restaurants. I’d mapped out every detail on blueprint papers, from furniture and décor, to the menu and the seating arrangement. None of it had been left to chance, it was all meticulously arranged.
I stepped outside and dialed Livvie’s phone. “Hey, pretty girl, whatcha doing?” I asked when she picked up.
“Working through the list of club owners again.”
I pictured her alone in the penthouse, poring over the list and wondering when she was finally going to catch a break. It twisted my heart, and for the hundredth time, I sent up a prayer that the night would be a huge hit. She needed it to be—we needed it to be.
“Well, you’re going to have to finish that up later,” I said, trying to inject as much positive energy into my voice. “For now, you need to put on something hot. I got a tip, one of the biggest club guys got us in to meet with Shawn Diego, the lead singer of—”
“Tattered Allegiance! Oh my God!” I could practically hear her jumping out of her seat. “Oh my God, Remy! Do you even know who they are?”
I laughed. “I’m aware. That’s why I need you to glam it up and get down here ASAP. I’ll text you the address.”
The smile had returned to her voice and the picture of her beautiful face had my heart thumping against my chest.
“Okay! I’m there!”
“Can’t wait to see you, gorgeous,” I said, ending the call. I texted the address and then stuffed my phone into my pocket.
This had to work.
She arrived right on time for the event to start, and she looked hot as hell.
For a moment, I completely lost track of what we were even doing. The rest of the room faded and all I could do was stare at her, working my eyes up her long, lean legs to the short hem of her tiny little skirt, and her turquoise crop top that showed off her taut stomach and the edges of her black lacy bra at the top where her perfect tits met, displaying gorgeous cleavage. Her eyes were dark and smoky and her lips were deep red. My cock went hard just looking at her and thinking of what I’d do to her once the event was over and I got her back home—if I could hold out that long.
“Welcome to Conquer Entertainment’s first annual Sound Off.” I wrapped an arm around her waist.
Chapter Nine — Livvie
“Oh, my God, Remy,” I gasped, choking back the instant rush of tears. “What is this?”
My eyes couldn’t soak everything in fast enough. The restaurant was filled wall to wall with clusters of people, most of them holding guitars, basses, or drumsticks. There was a huge stage set up along one wall with what looked like two different areas for bands to perform. There was a light show flashing over the crowd that filtered the room in bright jewel tones, and illuminated a huge, glossy Conquer Entertainment sign that hung above the stage.
But the most overwhelming thing was the massive amount of people forming the crowd up by the stage.
Remy pressed a kiss to the side of my face. “Come on. I’ll show you,” he said. He kept one arm wrapped around my waist, his hand resting on my hip as he led me through the room towards the stage. I had no idea what was coming next but my heart was pumping in anticipation. Remy obviously had big plans for the night.
He took me up the small set of stairs that led to the stage and with his magnetic swagger, took the mic from the stand. “What’s up, LA!” Remy’s voice boomed and the room erupted in a deafening cheer. He cut a glance over at me and winked. “I’ve always wanted to do that,” he said, covering the mic for a moment so I was the only one who heard the last part.
He turned back to the crowd and they quieted down, allowing him to continue. “First of all, thanks for coming out to Conquer Entertainment’s first annual Sound Off! My name is Remy Maddox, and this little vixen over on my left is the beauty and brains behind Conquer Entertainment, Ms. Olivia Sanders!”
The crowd cheered and applauded, and I gave a shy wave.
Remy flashed me a smile before continuing to address the crowd. “Before we get started, let’s go over the ground rules, since this is a new thing. We have eighteen bands lined up for you guys tonight. As you can see, we have room up here for two bands. So, this is how it’s gonna work.Two bands will face off, playing back to back, and then it’s up to you guys to see which one goes through to the next round. At the end of the night, we are giving the grand prize to one band, a one hundred thousand dollar promotional package!”
The crowd roared at the number and my heart jumped in my chest. One hundred thousand dollars?
“That’s right!” Remy yelled over the noise. “So, who’s ready to get this party started?”
Everyone jumped to their feet and the screams and cheers got even louder. Remy laughed into the mic. “All right! For our first battle, we have a band from Florida, simply called Red, going head to head with a local fave, Tattered Allegiance. Give it up!”
Remy grabbed my hand and we ran from the stage, laughing and smiling.
“Oh, my God, Remy, this is insane!” I gasped as we took our place at the front of the stage while the two bands set up to battle each other. “How did you—when did you—Remy.”
He smiled and kissed me. “This is just the beginning, baby. All these bands were discovered online, places like YouTube and other video and media sharing sites. I contacted them all and flew them out here. None of them have representation, so whoever we like, we can offer a deal to and then the winning band will get the full VIP treatment.”
“Where did you…the money…thank you!Thank you!” I said, trying to keep it together. The entire scene was overwhelming.
“You’re more than welcome.”
“You’re an excellent host.”
Remy laughed. “I know. I think I missed my calling as a DJ or something.”
The bands started to play and I lost myself in the performances, each one seemingly better than the one before. The sheer amount of talent in the room blew my mind. And, the best part was they were from all over the country so none of them gave a flying fuck who Christopher Diaz was, and I knew he would shit his Italian linen pants when all my new bands hit the airwaves.
At the end of each set, Remy would jump back on stage and direct the crowd how to vote, using a smart phone app that tallied the votes and would determine the official winner at the end of the night. I marveled at how organized and smoothly the entire event was playing out. How long had he been planning this? It had to have taken months.
Remy announced an intermission while the judges calculated the winners who would move onto the final round. When he was done, he hopped off the stage and came back to get me. He grabbed my hand and tugged me over to meet all the bands who were waiting nervously for the results. We chatted with all of them and I instantly knew which ones I wanted to keep an eye on. If what Remy had said was true, we could end up signing multiple bands in one night.
My mind reeled at the possibility.
“Come on, I have one more thing planned,” Remy growled into my ear, before nipping at my earlobe.
My entire body warmed at his suggestive tone, and as he led me down a new path, weaving in and out of the crowds of people, I had a pretty good idea what he h
ad in mind.
He pulled me into a private restroom and locked the door behind us. “What the hell are you trying to do to me?” he asked, smiling at me with his most wicked grin. “That outfit has made it impossible for me to think straight tonight.”
“You seem to be doing just fine,” I replied.
He backed me against the door and his fingers found their way up the hem of the skirt. In one fluid movement, he pulled my panties down my weak legs, holding one leg up in the air as he slid them off, over my stiletto heel. He draped my thigh on his hip and I held on for dear, sweet life as he started finger fucking me against the door. I arched back against the cool metal to keep from sliding down to the floor as he teased my g-spot with the tip of his finger. The pressure built hot and fast, into a blinding explosion and a trail of moisture slid down my thigh. “Fuck, baby!” I called out, crashing over the edge so fast it shocked me. I gripped his shoulders as my body shuddered and convulsed.
“You can get me back later. I just had to touch you,” he whispered in my ear before licking off his fingers while I watched him, my mouth still open as I caught my breath.
The crowd was roaring and I knew it was time to go back out to the stage area.
“Where are my panties?” I asked, between Remy’s hot kisses.
“I’m keeping them,” he said.
I flushed at the idea of going back into the room full of a couple hundred people without panties. “Remy, no. Come on. This skirt is way too short, please—”
He silenced me with his finger pressed to my lips. I smelled my own excitement on his skin and felt a new rush of longing. I couldn’t wait to get home and let Remy take me over and over again.
“You don’t need your panties. I want to be up on that stage, and look out and see you and know that you’re wet and waiting for me.”
The idea sent a thrill through me, and I found myself nodding along with his insane plan.
He smiled, and held up the pink lace panties and pocketed them inside his jacket before leading me back out to continue the event.
