Between Love & Fire (Backstage #1)

by Dani René

  “That doesn’t bother me, Petal. Unless you have someone?” I glanced at him, a frown creased my eyebrows. Someone? When the realization hit me, I wanted to giggle.

  “God no! I haven’t had someone in years, I mean. I mean not… uhm… shit. I mean I am not seeing someone.” Abruptly I stood up. His stare was too much, too intense. My heart raced, and I wasn’t sure what I wanted to say. “People will talk and I can’t afford to lose my job. You’re a rock star. What will people think? Your friends and family?” He got up, the irritation was visible in his features and in his stance. He grabbed my shoulders and spun me around. When he pulled me towards him. I stopped breathing. Our bodies were once again remarkably close and I couldn’t think straight.

  “Tayla, stop. Just for one-second stop and don’t worry about what everyone else will assume. Stop worrying about the rules. What the fuck do you want? Open yourself up and stop being so fucking stubborn.” Sky-blue eyes turned stormy, and it took him shouting at me to realize I wanted him to kiss me. Without another word his mouth crashed down on mine and I didn’t care. I didn’t stop him. Kissing him back, surprised by how much I wanted it. How much I wanted him.

  The past I worked so hard to keep buried better stay buried. Because if I was going to do this with him, he couldn’t know what happened.

  Glancing down, the lights shining on me hide the eyes that are glued to me. I swirl around the soft fabric holding me up in the air. Their hungry gazes are locked on my every move. They anticipate my movements, holding their breath. From this high up they can’t see the girl beneath the façade that I portray. The scars that have marred my skin. It’s okay. I did it to keep my sister safe. There isn’t a day that goes by I regret what I did. She was safe. This was my final performance. He made sure of it. His promise will be kept. There is no choice for me. I had to leave. The burn on my skin still aches from last night.

  I am upside down. He’s here. I can feel his filthy leer on me. I need to finish my routine. My heart shudders in my chest. He came back. After all he did. I can’t hide. That’s what he told me. Fear grips me and I almost fall. I take a deep breath and swirl down, in a slow effortless movement. The song slows to a stop, and the applause deafens me. He’s watching. Waiting. I offer the crowd a small smile. Walking off the stage, I make my way to my dressing room. The girls up next pass me on the way and then I am alone. With my thoughts. Alone. He will follow me. I wait for it.

  As soon as I walked into the house last night, or should I say early this morning, I realized I would get the third degree today. Liam knew I had taken Tayla out, but what he didn’t know was that she wanted me. That much was obvious. Even though we didn’t fuck, her body told me all I needed to know. Nothing will stop me from ripping her panties off. Or sliding them down her legs. As I roll over in bed, I glanced at the clock. Fuck, it was only eight on a Friday morning. There was so much shit to do. I wasn’t in the frame of mind.

  Last night differed from past dates. Just sitting on her sofa, chatting, drinking wine, and learning more about each other as the night turned to morning. Since I didn’t get home until five am. There would be no stopping both Liam and Kierra asking me shit loads of questions I don’t want to answer.

  Ki is worried about me getting involved with someone who works with us. Liam would ask how tight she is. My brother can be crude. He loves women, lots of them. Sometimes at the same time. But for me only one woman outshines the rest.

  The memory of Tayla’s lips on mine is seared into my mind. Her body so pliable against mine, under my touch. In my control. That beautiful blonde hair fanned over her pillows when I left her, haunt me. It took all my self-control to walk out. We had taken things slow. She told me she’s not ready to get into a serious relationship.

  Although I highly doubt it will be long before she is waking up next to me. Naked. I can’t wait to see what her sweet little body looks like without the barrier of material. That ass is perfect, fitting into my hand. Glancing down at the tent in my sheets, I grip my hard shaft. I stroke it with thoughts of her running through my mind. Her soft lips would feel so good wrapped around me. I want to fuck her sassy little mouth. With those beautiful eyes staring up at me.

  My fist moves faster over my hard cock, imagining her sucking me deep into her throat. Fucking all that sass and cheekiness away. Then taking her body and bending her over my piano. Watching that pert little ass as I ram into her. Deeper. Harder. Until she’s crying out my fucking name. Callum fucking Hayes. My body tenses and my release shoots over my stomach. As soon as I open my eyes, I take a deep breath. The realization hits me then; I want this girl and nothing will stop me from having her.

  Grabbing my shirt from the empty side of my bed, I clean myself up and hop out of bed. A shower, then I need to work. This fucking melody in my head is in need of an outlet. The warm spray is calming. Thoughts of Tay invade my mind again, I have to figure out a way of getting her to trust me. After talking to her last night, I realized she’s different to the groupies we typically have hanging around. She’s intelligent, mysterious, sexy, and I need her. I knew one night with me would get her over her apprehension about being with me because we work together. She will be mine. All fucking mine. Once I am out of the shower, I wrap a towel around my waist.

  “Callum!!” Liam’s voice is shrill from my bedroom. As I enter, I find him standing there looking like someone stole his coffee. What the hell is wrong now?

  “What the fuck is your problem?”

  “The label called. We have to have three songs ready by Friday next week. We have eight days.”

  “Fine. Done. What else?” His incredulous stare was piercing through me. Questions danced in his eyes and I waited for it. My brother didn’t disappoint.

  “So I guess the date went well?” The smirk curled his lips, and I hated that he knew me so well. He assumes I had sex with her. Well surprise brother, I didn’t.

  “It was good. We didn’t fuck. If that’s what you’re thinking? And she’s not that type of girl.” His laugh echoed through my room. I pulled out a new T-shirt from my closet and tugged it over my head.

  “Not that type of girl? Are you going soft on me brother?”

  My glare cuts to him. “No, I don’t want to fuck up with our intern. Tayla isn't a fucking groupie. She does work with us after all.”

  “So you’re being a gentleman?” He flopped onto my bed as I walked out of my walk-in closet dressed in my ripped black jeans with my “$uck It” tee. “Bro, be careful. We don’t know if we can trust her. What if she sells the story after she’s done with her contract?”

  “That won't happen. Jesus, what the fuck is wrong with you?” My heart lurches at the thought of her being like the other groupies we have. She’s not. My feelings for her shouldn’t be so protective, and my brother knows it. He can see it in my expression.

  “I am just saying man. You don’t even know her.”

  “Neither do you. Get off my back about this brother.” He gets up and turns towards the door. I watch him shrug and walk out, shutting it behind him. I can’t believe Liam is always such a dick and yet the girls flock to him. I need to stop thinking about this. My phone buzzing on the nightstand grabs my attention. Unlocking the screen, I find a message from Tay.

  T: Good morning boss, I will be a few minutes late. The queue at the coffee shop insane.

  C: Okay, Petal. We have a busy day and my brother is driving me fucking insane.

  T: Would you like me to spill coffee over him? I’m pretty good at that! LOL

  I chuckle at her making fun of herself. She’s adorable. Liam is right, I don’t know her, but my gut tells me I am right. There is no way she would do something like selling a goddamn story to the press.

  C: I don’t want you doing that, he may just want to take you out. That’s not a good idea.

  T: Why?

  C: I want to keep you to myself. I don’t like sharing. My brother on the other hand, he does.

  Slipping my phone in the pocket of my j
eans, I make my way into the kitchen. I want coffee and then I need to get this song finished. “Cal, dude.” I turn to find Ryan leaning against the doorjamb.

  “What’s up, man?”

  “Your brother stormed out of here, what’s going on with you two?”

  “Nothing. He’s being a dick, and I called him out on it. I am not in the mood for his shit. It’s fucking annoying. He needs to pull his head out of his ass. This whole bad boy fuck-up game he’s playing is getting old.”

  “I know, but we need him right now. The more you fight, the more you push him away.”

  With a shrug, I grab my mug and walk towards the door. Ryan looks tired. We all are. The record label wants this album out as soon as possible. I am a perfectionist with my music, not submitting something that’s not perfect. “I know, I can’t deal with it now. I heard we need three songs ready. There's a lot to get through today. I am writing today. Do you need me down here?”

  “No. I am working on the keyboard for the last track we did. I will be in the studio with Tayla.” At the mention of her name, my heart lurches. “Call me if there are any issues.” I turn and make my way upstairs into the music room. My sweet little piece of heaven. Setting my phone and coffee down, I slip into the seat. I inhale a deep breath, position my hands over the ivory keys. As my fingers dance over the black and white bringing the melody to life, I grin. It’s been in my head for the past week. I close my eyes, brown eyes and blonde hair flit through my mind.

  My fingers fly over the keys gently. The tune is beautiful; I need to write it down, but I can’t stop. Not right now. The echoes of the keyboards and guitars downstairs filter up through the air vent and I feel the song with every beat of my heart. My pulse races and I am possessed by the notes. Not stopping until I reach that last note.

  And before I am ready for it to end, it’s finished. The song in my head brought to life. “Fuck.” My voice is a rough growl. I have never had something hit me so deep. To my very soul. Grabbing a notepad and pen, I jot down every note. Every key. The melody on paper doesn’t look good, but when you hear it. Something about this courses through my veins. I don’t have a title and it’s far from complete, but something tells me this will hit number one.

  The buzzing of my phone pulls me from my thoughts. I pick it up to see Tayla’s name flash on the screen. I hit the green button. “Hello, Petal.”

  “Callum, I wish you wouldn’t call me that.”

  “Why? You’re gorgeous, delicate, and sweet, well… That I still need to find out.”

  Her sweet soft laugh makes me smile. I envision her beautiful brown eyes sparkling with amusement at my silliness. “Cal, don’t be ridiculous. Just letting you know I am downstairs. Ryan said you were writing. I didn’t want to disturb the genius at work.”

  “That’s okay, Petal. Any disruption from you is welcome.”

  “I have to get back to work.” Her voice is soft and so goddamn sweet.

  “Have fun, Petal. I needed to get a song written. I am under pressure to finish three songs by Friday.” Her gasp across the line sends a jolt of heat to my crotch and I am suddenly rock hard.

  “Will you be able to do it?”

  “I think so. I will see you in a bit okay?”

  “Okay.” I can hear the grin in her voice. I hang up. A knock on the door startles me. When I twist to find Ki, I realize I am in for my second round of third degree.

  “You hiding?”

  “Writing.” Her eyes narrow and I know what she’s thinking. Kierra is a shrewd pain in my ass. I can’t do anything without her noticing. I wait for the question that's burning in her stare.

  “Is it Tayla inspiring you?”

  “Why?” My voice comes across harsher than I wanted it to and she smirks. Kierra did it on purpose. She knows me too well. This will not blow up in my face.

  “I know it is, Callum. You’re an open book. Let me warn you…” She strode into the room until she’s close enough to slap me. She doesn’t. Instead, she prods me in the chest. “If you fuck this up, I will fuck you up. DO. NOT. BREAK. HER. HEART.” With every word another stab.

  “Kierra, I am not planning on breaking her heart. Just relax.” I notice Ryan watching us from the doorway. I knew he had a crush on her. Problem is he doesn't have the balls to ask her out. Granted, she’s difficult. Since her ex left her because she took her job so seriously, she's steered clear of men.

  Most people think I am dating her. Which is a fucking joke. I would and could never date Kierra. She’s only three years my junior, but I see her as a younger sister. Ryan is a good guy. I hope he gets his head out of his ass before someone else moves in on her. She won’t be there forever.

  “Ki, we need you in the office.” She turns and walks out leaving me chuckling. The door nudges again, this time my beautiful girl is standing there.

  “May I come in?”

  “Absolutely, Ms. Quinn.” I wink, which earns me a blush.

  “How is the song coming?”

  “It’s perfect. I finally got the melody. Which is the most challenging. I will write the lyrics later. Can I take you to lunch?”

  She shakes her head. “You can’t. I have work in the studio. A quick snack has to suffice. I am helping Ryan with the sound for the track he laid down yesterday.”

  “Okay. I should join you downstairs and keep you company.” She nods and leaves me to finish my writing. It’s Friday today and I can’t work over the weekend. I have plans for my sweet Petal. Hopefully it proves I am sincere.

  I roll over trying to find the horrendous noise waking me up on a Saturday morning. My heavy eyelids open gradually and I grab my phone. As soon as I notice the time and can't help groaning. It’s not my alarm, but a text from Callum. I open the message. A loud gasp escapes my lips. “Fuck.”

  C: Be ready in an hour, I want to take you somewhere. C. xo

  Shit, shit, shit! I scramble out of bed and race to the kitchen, turning on the kettle. Running back to the bedroom, I grab my towel from the drying rail. I looked terrible, Callum and I spent the evening talking, about music, movies, friends, traveling. Any subject we could think of. We only said goodbye at 4 am, and now I was scrambling around my apartment getting ready for a surprise he had planned. There was something insatiable about the way he made me feel. Every time we were together, it was as if we have known each other our whole lives. The only thing I can't talk about is the one night that changed my attitude to men. My body lacerated, my heart crushed. I broke, but I also got stronger.

  I pulled on a pair of jeans and a long sleeve tee, that would keep me warm, since the weather was chilly this early in the morning. I tugged my hair into a messy bun. As soon as I stepped into the living room the doorbell buzzed. I gripped the door handle and took a deep breath before I opened it. Coming face to face with the handsome man that I was slowly falling for. Dressed casually, but breathtaking as always.

  Dark blue jeans hugged his thighs. Snagging my attention and I couldn’t help drinking in his appearance. The fitted grey Henley he wore molded to his torso and chest, the black leather jacket hung open and he was wearing a pair of black biker boots. His short hair stood in every direction. It looked like he had just gotten out of bed. My stomach fluttered when he grinned. “Callum.” A mischievous glint sparkled in his eyes.

  “Petal, how are you this morning?”

  “Good, I think.”

  “You ready?” He leaned forward and wrapped his arms around me. The warmth of his body pressed against me had my nerves fluttering. Instinctively my arms circled his taut waist. The sweet spicy scent of his cologne calmed me. A mix of cinnamon and sandalwood. Reminding me of sitting in front of the fire on a chilly winters night. I stepped back, and he followed me into the apartment.

  “I was surprised by your message this morning. We agreed to see each other later.”

  “I got the surprise I had planned, confirmed. It’s cold outside. Grab a jacket. You will freeze in that little scrap of material.” The heat of his gaze
roamed over my tight fitting tee, heating me to the core. From the top of my head to my feet. Fire coiled deep in my stomach, tightening the ball of need that was ever present when he was near. My pulse rioted against my ribcage.

  “Okay, I'll be back. Take a seat.” Turning to the bedroom, I opened my closet and pulled out my thick black pullover, and found a hoodie. Checking my reflection in the mirror, I noticed the flush on my cheeks. My hair was pinned perfectly with wisps that framed my face. I kept my make-up light. In the living room, I grabbed my purse. “Ready.” I spun around.

  “You look incredible, Petal.” A blush spread across my face.

  “Thank you rock star. So where are we going?”

  “I want to show you California. In a way you never seen it. I hope you'll like it. You’re not scared of heights are you?” That sounded intriguing.

  “No, I am not. As long as we're not jumping out of a plane, I should be fine.” He helped me pull on my hoodie. “You're being sweet, Hayes.” He chuckled quietly.

  “I am a sweet guy, regardless of what the tabloids say.” I knew he was baiting me.

  “Oh? So you aren't a bad boy rock star?”

  He shook his head slowly. His eyes searched mine. “You know, sometimes the things you read are exaggerated. Yes, I have done foolish things. Times where I was the bad boy, but I am not that person anymore. I am thirty-five years old, Tay. I am not sure what I want in ten years, but I know what I want right now.” He stood so close, my body reacted. His soft large hands cupped my face, and I stared into the deep blue pools. A window to his soul. The only thing I could think about were his lips on mine. “Let’s go, or we will be late.” The low rasp of his voice rumbled, prickling my skin. A small smile curled my lips, and I nodded.

  “Okay.” I breathed. He shut his eyes for a second as if savoring our proximity. His thumbs swiped a slow arch on my cheeks, leaving a fiery blaze in their wake. This is such a bad idea, on so many levels. I am falling. Fast and hard. We were flying in two weeks and I had no way of knowing if, once he steps onto the plane, he would forget about me. I needed to just quit thinking about that. Enjoying time with him is what I should focus on. When we’re on tour, if he wants to go back to his groupies, as much as it hurt I have to deal with it.