Table of Contents
Epilogue
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 10
Chapter 11
Chapter 12
Chapter 13
Chapter 14
Chapter 15
Chapter 16
Chapter 17
Chapter 18
Chapter 19
Chapter 20
Chapter 21
Chapter 22
Chapter 23
Chapter 24
Chapter 25
Chapter 26
Chapter 27
Chapter 28
Chapter 29
Acknowledgments
About the Author
Beyond the Masks
A Beyond Love Series Novel
Nicky F. Grant
Copyright © 2018 by Nicky F. Grant
Cover art assistance by: Melissa Panio-Peterson
Editing: Red Quill Editing, LLC
All rights reserved.
No part of this book may be reproduced in any form or by any electronic or mechanical means, including information storage and retrieval systems, without written permission from the author, except for the use of brief quotations in a book review.
This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, businesses, places, events and incidents are either the products of the author’s imagination or used in a fictitious manner. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or actual events is purely coincidental.
ISBN-13: 978-0-9995404-1-1 (paperback)
ISBN-13: 978-0-9995404-0-4 (eBook)
To Matthew:
My love, my king, and my hero.
The man that encourages my dreams
and the one who owns my heart.
Table of Contents
Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3
Chapter 4
Chapter 5
Chapter 6
Chapter 7
Chapter 8
Chapter 9
Chapter 10
Chapter 11
Chapter 12
Chapter 13
Chapter 14
Chapter 15
Chapter 16
Chapter 17
Chapter 18
Chapter 19
Chapter 20
Chapter 21
Chapter 22
Chapter 23
Chapter 24
Chapter 25
Chapter 26
Chapter 27
Chapter 28
Chapter 29
Epilogue
Acknowledgments
About the Author
1
“Agh!”
Shane Vaughn slammed the copy of Rolling Stone on her desk, nearly spilling her coffee all over the pristine white desktop.
David peeked into her office. “Did you read it?”
“Yes, I read it.” Tossing the magazine aside, she ran her fingers through her hair.
“You didn’t fail,” he soothed, walking in. He unbuttoned the slim-fit, blue linen jacket before sitting in a cube-shaped visitors’ chair.
They’d been through so much together since starting out in the music business while living in Austin, Texas. He had a special way of making her feel like a success even on her worst days. Working in a male-dominated field left no room for error, and he kept her grounded and focused.
She adored him. Loved the support he provided as she lived the dream and achieved success as a top executive for Omega Records in New York City.
He rested his right ankle over his left thigh, showing off his cropped jeans and gleaming brown, wing-tipped shoes. “You knew Jacob would try to sign Icarus Descending first. He always knows when you’re close.”
Jacob Andrews, her first relationship and music business partner in Austin, Texas. A man built to challenge her in every way possible. “Only the best survive, Shane,” he’d told her.
The mutual competition to rise to the top was appreciated. He’d pushed her hard, and she wouldn’t be CEO of a major record company if not for him. He’d believed in her, even when they had differences.
“But how? The only other person who knew was Gavin and maybe his assistant.” She drummed her fingers on the desktop. It would be industry suicide for the top talent director in the business to leak their intentions. “Shit. All the money spent on food and parties, not to mention the Rolexes and whatever else Omega flipped the bill for makes me feel like…”
“A three dollar whore?” He raised his eyebrows and smirked.
“Yeah, kind of. That contract was the biggest Omega has offered to date for any new artist. I just wish he’d find his own talent,” she snapped. “He’ll be the death of me.” All this talk about contracts and business made her thirsty. A few steps to the mini fridge and she snagged a bottle of water. The chilled liquid soothed the heat in her chest.
She scanned the impressive collection of awards. Each had a spot on the shelf above the refreshment bar. These were her proudest accomplishments. Her hand grazed the gold phonograph award for Album of the Year. Jacob doesn’t have one of these.
She returned to her desk and stared at the portrait on the cover. In the photo—flattering, but then, it was the cover of Rolling Stone—his shoulder-length, light brown hair glinted with blond hints. His tight, full beard framed his perfect face as his green eyes stared back. Mocking her.
Asshole. “I can’t take the smug look on his face.” She plopped down next to David in the adjoining visitor’s chair.
“It is a nice face, doll. He’s easy on the eyes.”
“Don’t remind me.”
“Have you spoken to him?”
“Not since the Billboard gala last fall.” She kicked off her shoes and curled into the chair.
She’d been discussing a new business venture with the CEO of Billboard when Jacob monopolized the conversation. Granted, he did drop a few desultory compliments to the CEO on her work ethic and beauty, but she knew better than to give in to Jacob’s allure.
“Wow, that should go in the record books.” He raised his hands as if displaying a headline. “I can see it now: ‘Music Exec Shane Vaughn Makes It 365 Days Without Speaking To Her Long-Lost Love. Is It Really Over?’ ”
She glared. “You read entirely too much US Magazine. And before you ask, I can’t forgive him.”
He tilted his head, the light from the window shining off his black-rimmed glasses. “Now, now. Shouldn’t all gorgeous, successful men be forgiven sooner or later?” He swiped the magazine from the desk. “I mean, look at him. Man, I bet he’s good in bed.”
“Would you like to prove it?”
“Only if you hear he’s batting for the other team.”
“You’d never cheat on Sean.”
Sean was the love of David’s life and a production manager for a successful rock band.
“So true, but a guy can dream.” He sighed. “Well, should we kick off the day?”
“Yes, and get Gavin Mayne on the phone and tell him to be in my office in five.”
“Shane ‘The Vicious’ Vaughn is back, and she’s already forgotten about Jakey,” he mocked. “Are you firing him? Can I watch? I love it when you get all CEO.”
“Watch it, or you’re next.”
“Nah.” He tossed the magazine in the wastebasket before making his way to the door. “You’ve fired me a million times, and I’m still here. Besides, who’s going to keep you looking fabulous?”
She
lifted her shoes. “You’re lucky I love these so much.”
As he left, closing the door behind him, she dug the magazine out of the trash, gazing at Jacob’s image.
What happened to us?
Gavin rolled his neck, all the muscles in his body stiff. Being called to the boss’ office had put a damper on the morning. Shane was a nuisance, a constant irritation, poking and prodding his insides.
How the hell did she deserve a title as prestigious as Chief Executive Officer of a major record label? She had been promoted to right the ship, according to the board, but in his opinion, he didn’t see the company improving.
He straightened his Canali suit jacket and yanked at his shirt cuffs. He was the number one sought-after talent director in the city, and if his artists didn’t make it to number one on the charts, it was a personal failure. Not an option. Because of his natural ability to identify the next big thing, he’d pushed Omega Records to the forefront of the music industry. Not her.
Musicians beat down his door for a few minutes of his precious time in hopes he’d give them a shot. He was the face of Omega Records. Not Shane. She went around town riding his coattails, never once acknowledging his hard work. Taking all the credit for herself.
And now she had the nerve to summon him. Whatever she wanted, he would find it trivial, thus wasting his valuable time. Not once in the last three years had she ever invited him to her office, let alone had a side conversation with him.
A few minutes later, he knocked and sauntered into Shane’s office. “You wanted to see me?”
She stood at the windows, talking into her headset, and when she glanced at him, he could sense her irritation. “Yes, please sit,” she said before continuing the call. Such a power play. Inviting him here to watch her work.
Brushing invisible lint from his suit, he sat and examined her office. Along the large windows sat her oversized white desk. Her taste was modern with mostly white features, something he found out of date. The large sitting area to his left was where she entertained vendors or the board of directors. A place to perform the work required to make this record company a success.
The awards encased in glass along the bar and rows of platinum records were strategically placed throughout the room, all from his connections and discoveries. She barked an order to whoever was on the other end of the call, and he casually looked her way. A crisp white shirt with black leather belt cinched her waist. His gaze drifted past the multi-hued pencil skirt to her long legs and blue peep-toe slingbacks. One thing he had to admit: The boss lady took care of herself. He leaned back into the chair. Waiting had its perks.
“Have Kelly pull out front at five o’clock…Yes… Not till later. Thank you.” Shane tossed the headset aside and walked to the front of the desk. She leaned back against it, arms crossed.
“Is there something you would like to explain?”
The old game of cat and mouse. He preferred blunt and to the point.
“I’m not sure what you mean.” When he steepled his fingers, his elbows rested on the arms of the chair.
Shane picked up the copy of Rolling Stone and tossed it in his lap. The headline read: “Jacob Andrews of Avalon Music Group Signs Icarus Descending.”
The news had finally hit the stands, and now he knew what angle to play. “It was never going to happen anyway. No sweat, there will be others.” He shrugged, throwing the magazine into the empty chair next to him.
“Last week, you said they were ready to sign.” If looks could kill, her eyes would be the weapon.
“Things change.” She wouldn’t win this battle or the war ahead. He would go toe-to-toe with her until he wore her down and she had no choice but to bow out. His finger curled over his top lip. Anything to hide the smile that had formed.
“Things change?” She pointed to him. “I expect results, and when I’m told this is in the bag, it better happen.”
“Don’t get your panties in a twist, Shane. Icarus Descending played both sides.”
“The only thing twisted is your understanding of the hierarchy in this company.” She straightened and raised a finger. “One. You make assurances. Two.” She held out another. “You deliver. And three. I pat you on the head and say good boy.”
A laugh nearly choked him as he swallowed. Her imperious delivery almost seemed convincing. A thousand insults raced up his throat and settled on his tongue.
“Do you understand what this means to Omega? Their single received three million views on YouTube last month alone, for crissake. This is pure irresponsibility on your part. AMG has stolen what should have been ours—on your watch.”
That’s right, Shane. Maybe now you will keep an eye on your company.
Enough of this charade. He stood and stepped forward until he felt the heat radiating off her tight body. Staring down at her, he said, “And what are you going to do about it? Fire me?”
A force shifted between them. Shane inhaled sharply, the sound a sudden tug to his dominant senses. Her gaze met his. That shut her up. He drew out the uncomfortable silence between them.
Finally, she said, “Consider this a warning.”
He snorted. There was no way she could prove anything. He stared into her crystal blue eyes and allowed his gaze to travel to her full lips, then her long, light brown hair, which flowed in waves down to her perky tits. A dark thought stirred inside him. What would she be like bent her over her desk?
He gazed back up, slow and deliberate. “I’m too valuable to this label, and I’m the one who makes you look good. Remember that, sweetheart.”
He turned to leave, striding toward the door.
“Which is why we are going to attack the new Ryan Digmore account together.”
He stopped cold. Now she’d crossed the line. Interfering in his business affairs was off limits, even if she was the CEO. Ryan Digmore was poised to be the next up and coming indie artist. His sound fit into several categories of music, rounding out Omega’s catalog of artists. Gavin had courted Ryan over the last several weeks and could almost taste the sweet victory of another deal closing on his behalf.
“No thanks, Shane.” He pivoted to face her.
“It wasn’t a request.” She closed the gap between them, her spine ramrod straight as her chin jutted forward, arms crossed, pushing her breasts together. He could almost make out their shape. “Sources tell me AMG is going after him, and we can’t have another unfortunate slip-up, now can we?” The corner of her lip curled in satisfaction. She’d done her homework. Good girl.
He matched her pose. Arms crossed. Feet shoulder wide. At six foot four to her five foot three, he could get used to this view. “Actually, he’s close to signing with AMG.”
Her face tilted to meet his. “They may be our biggest competitor, but aren’t you the best in the industry? Change his mind, Gavin. Or perhaps you can’t live up to your overinflated potential.”
He clenched his fists, and his heartbeat branded his rib cage as she artfully tested his connection to AMG while challenging his business savvy.
In a cool tone, he said, “Does the queen of the minnows think she can swim with the sharks?”
“Oh honey. You’re mistaken. I’ve been swimming with you for a long time.”
David’s voice piped through the intercom. “Shane, your ten o’clock is here.”
“One minute, David.” She never flinched. “Well, Gavin?”
A small slip in her daily armor fell when he stepped forward. She straightened again. It was unguarded, even if for a moment. What do we have here? The reaction shot straight down to his groin.
He twitched a small smile. “Okay, Shane. I’ll let you play with the big boys. But I have nothing to prove to you.” He paused, allowing his gaze to flick over her face. “It appears you have everything to prove to me.”
2
“He said what? I can’t believe you didn’t fire him!” David exclaimed, taking a dainty bite of his burrito.
“I know. I couldn’t. When he left the room, I
nearly fell to the floor, completely turned upside down. Besides, he’s too valuable. The board would have my head.” Shane pushed the carne asada around her plate, having suddenly lost her appetite after the sudden rush of heat and tingling nerves ran to her toes. Why him. Why now?
Since the day she hired him, he’d provoked a level of aggravation she couldn’t overcome. The board had insisted he join the team, which, at the time, she’d thought was a great idea given his credentials and talent pool. But Gavin had proven to be a chauvinist with a separate agenda. He made his own rules, avoiding a unified front for the label. After several attempts at fostering collaboration, she’d given up, concluding avoidance was the only way they could work together.
“And something changed all of a sudden. He approached me and…it was strange. Like how I used to feel around Jacob.” A warning bell sounded in her head as the fork clanged the plate. “Shit, now he knows he can get one over on me.”
“Or get ON you,” he laughed.
“Whatever.”
But maybe this is something. A man she’d despised throughout their working relationship had changed in a moment. Did he notice? Or was she the only one to feel the shift in the air? His large body close. His scorching blue eyes searing her face. Tight, square jaw and Grecian nose cut from a sculptor’s mold to meet wide sexy lips. And the aroma of anise and cloves...Can’t forget his smell. Holy hell. The wave of attraction returned, sucking her in like a riptide. The gravitational pull had possessed her thoughts all day.
With an accusatory tone, she pointed her fork at David. “He’s up to no good, and I need to keep an eye on him.”
Beyond the Masks (Beyond Love Series Book 1) Page 1
