Rule

by L A Cotton

  Before I could stop, Levi grabbed my hand and pulled me beside him, slipping his arm around my shoulder like we were old friends. “Let me tell you all something about Evangeline Star Walker,” he said into the mic. “She isn’t only a great musician, she’s also a great person. She’s everything I could wish for...” he paused, and the whole arena seemed to take a collective gasp, waiting for whatever he was about to say next.

  Levi’s tortured gaze dropped to mine. “I couldn’t think of a better girl for my little brother, and I’m real happy you found each other.” He squeezed my shoulder a little too tight. “Welcome to the family, Angel. Let’s make some magic, shall we?”

  Levi left me standing there while he jogged up to Hudson’s kit. Someone rushed on stage with my guitar and a mic stand. I moved on autopilot, slipping the strap over my shoulder and positioning the mic right. Rafe was watching me, his intense gaze burning into the side of my face, demanding I look at him.

  Slowly, I lifted my eyes to the storm in his. He was pissed, but pride was etched into his expression. I knew he didn’t like that Levi had done this, but I also knew he wanted this for me. The stage. The spotlight. Rafe wanted all my dreams to come true. I smiled, mouthing, “I love you.”

  The faintest of smiles tugged at his lips. But then Hudson played the opening beat of Nothing Else Matters by Metallica. I only knew it because Levi often wove it into their set.

  “Do you think you can pick up the riff?” he asked me off-mic, and I nodded.

  The arena fell into eerie silence as Levi hit the opening lyrics. I waited, letting the band play the first verse. We hadn’t rehearsed it, but the second we hit the chorus, it was as if we became a well-oiled machine. Damon and Rafe let me take the lead, the acoustic notes of my Gibson carrying over Levi’s low growl. It was haunting. Full of pain and torment. The lyrics shouldn’t have held any deep meaning, but I knew Levi well enough to know he hadn’t picked the song at random.

  I harmonized the rest of the song, letting my voice linger over his. As the final note trailed off, a smile played on my lips. It shouldn’t have felt so good singing alongside him, given the circumstances. I couldn’t deny it did though. Rafe had my heart, not a single part of me doubted that. But out here on stage, Levi and I connected in a way I’d never expected.

  He bounded over to me and grabbed my hand, thrusting it into the air. “Eva Walker, everyone.” Raucous applause filled the arena, sending another bolt of adrenaline shooting through me. I staggered off stage breathless and starry-eyed, drunk on the moment.

  “When you two are like that...” Letty handed me a bottle of water while a stagehand took my guitar. “I don’t know how Rafe does it.”

  “Does what?” I asked, even though I already knew the answer.

  Letty gave me a knowing look. “You two were made to perform together. It shouldn’t work, but by God, it does.”

  The high began to subside as I came back down to Earth. The band had launched into another song. I turned to watch them. Levi was alive on stage, holding the crowd captive in the palm of his hand. And Rafe—my strong and sturdy Rafe—was playing his Zemaitis like he was born to do it. His brow was furrowed with concentration, fingers moving up and down the frets at lightning speed. Music held these four boys together. It was in their blood, and I hoped it would be the thing that held them together no matter what was happening in their personal lives.

  “I know it’s probably not what you want to hear, but we’re going out after the show.”

  My head snapped over to Letty. “Do I get a choice?” I didn’t want to party, not tonight. Not with things how they were.

  “I’m sorry, Eva. It’s a label thing and they want you there. All of you.”

  “Do you think he’s ready for it?” I flicked my head over to the stage; only this time, I wasn’t looking at Rafe.

  She let out a small sigh. “I guess we’ll find out soon enough.”

  The Sound was a swanky club downtown. It was past midnight by the time our SUVs pulled up outside the side entrance. A small group of paparazzi were hovering. The cameras started flashing before our bodyguards even got the doors open.

  “Keep your head low and don’t stop, okay?” Travis ushered me out of the vehicle, keeping me close as we hurried toward the door.

  “Eva, Eva, over here.”

  “Eva, is it true Rafe and Levi came to blows over you?”

  “Rafe, is it true you and Levi aren’t speaking?

  “Levi, Levi, can we get a statement on what you really think about Eva dating your brother?”

  The barrage of questions was relentless.

  “Just keep moving,” Travis barked, keeping his hand on the small of my back. I was grateful he was here, to shield me from them.

  A pretty brunette beckoned us inside, welcoming us to The Sound. “I’m Silla.” She beamed. “We have the VIP section reserved for you. The fans are already lining up. We’ll do the meet and greets in two sections, so you get to have a break. Once we’re done with that, you can kick back and relax. Anything you need, just give me a shout.”

  Silla led us down a long hall and up a flight of stairs. It opened out into a mezzanine that overlooked the dance floor. The decor was sleek; dark and moody. The music was loud, pulsing through me like it had its own heartbeat.

  “Sweet,” Hudson pushed past me and made a beeline for the bar where they had a selection of drinks already lined up.

  A frown crinkled my forehead. The guys had already been drinking. It had started pretty much straight after they came off stage. Even Rafe had joined them, which wasn’t like him. And I knew the tension between him and Levi probably had something to do with it.

  Everyone moved around me as I stood there, taking it all in.

  “Hey.” Strong arms slipped around me. “I missed you.”

  “It was only a ten-minute ride.” I tilted my face up, and Rafe’s lips brushed mine.

  “Ten minutes too long.” His lip piercing was cool against my skin as he kissed me harder, deeper.

  “Get a fucking room,” someone yelled.

  “Rafe,” I whispered, trying to untangle myself from his hold.

  “I want you,” he said against my lips.

  “Are you drunk?” I could taste the liquor on his tongue, but it was more than that. He was acting... off.

  “Seriously.” He scowled. “You think I’m drunk?” His brow went up.

  “Come on, let’s go hang with the others.” I took his hand and pulled him toward the plush leather booth.

  Rafe flopped down, pulling me onto his lap.

  “Drinks.” Letty appeared with a tray in her hands. “I got beer, some mixers, and sugary cocktails for the lady.” She winked at me.

  “I’m not sure...” I held up my hand.

  “One won’t hurt you. Besides, we’re celebrating. The interview was a hit. The show was killer. Everything is right in the Black Hearts world again.”

  I glanced over her shoulder. Levi was at the bar, knocking back a glass of what looked like whisky.

  “Are you sure everythin’s okay?” I asked her. She glanced back, watching Levi as he beckoned over a girl and slung his arm around her shoulder.

  “Oh, hell no,” she mumbled.

  “Who is that?”

  “Phoebe Halstead. She’s the new intern at Razorsharp.”

  “But why is she here?” I asked. “Interns don’t usually end up on the road, do they?”

  “No, they don’t. But apparently the big wigs thought it would do her good to learn on the job. She’s going to be shadowing me.”

  “Maybe you should go rescue her then before Levi ruins everything,” Rafe said, failing to disguise the bitterness in his words.

  “Fuck's sake. I wanted to enjoy tonight, not play babysitter.”

  “You stay, I’ll go.” I slipped Rafe’s hands off my hips and stood up.

  “Are you sure?” Letty asked, and I nodded.

  “Just keep your eye on him, okay?” I mouthed.


  As I went to leave, Damon reached us. “I can’t listen to Hudson for another second. He’s like a dog in a heat. Great show tonight, Eva. Sorry about Levi going off script. I guess he’s out to prove something.” His eyes flickered to Rafe, but I didn’t turn around. Instead, I excused myself and made a beeline for Levi and Phoebe.

  “Hello,” I said to the wide-eyed girl. “I’m Eva. You're Phoebe, right?”

  She nodded, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear. “Hmm, hey.” Her whole body was anchored to Levi’s side, his arm now around her waist. She looked super uncomfortable but not as alarmed as I had expected.

  “Levi.” He was busy talking to someone else. “Levi,” I snapped, and his eyes finally landed on mine.

  “Oh, Angel, it’s you. Great show tonight, right?” A wicked grin formed on his lips. We hadn’t talked about what he did tonight, there had been no time. And honestly, I didn’t really know what to say. I refused to be drawn into his games.

  “Have you met my new… friend?” He turned his grin to Phoebe, but it quickly melted away.

  “You can’t remember my name, can you?” She quipped back without hesitation.

  Well, okay then. I frowned, watching their strange exchange.

  “Of course, I can... Penelope?”

  “Cute, but no.” She slipped out of his hold. “It’s Phoebe.”

  “Aww, don’t be like that, baby. I would have gotten it eventually, preferably when you were under me.” Levi let his hooded gaze fall down the intern’s body. She flushed under his scrutiny but didn’t shrink.

  Interesting.

  “Phoebe works for the label, Levi.” I arched my brow. “She’s an intern.”

  “Sounds like a challenge to me.”

  “Behave,” I mouthed. “Come on, Phoebe, you can come sit with us.”

  “Oh, Angel, you’re no fun.”

  “Go on.” I urged her. “I’ll be right there.”

  She hesitated but then started toward Letty and the others.

  “What are you doin’, Levi?” I said the second she was out of earshot.

  “Who, me?” He gave me a dismissive shrug. “I thought I was having some fun.”

  “Is that really a good idea?” My gaze went to the glass in his hand.

  “Relax, I’ve got it under control.”

  “Have you?”

  “Are you asking me as a friend or my brother’s girl?”

  “Levi... stop, please.”

  He stepped into my space, forcing me to crane my neck to look at him. “I appreciate your concern, Angel, but I don’t need a babysitter. You all got your wish. I’m here, I did the show. What else do you want from me?” His intense eyes burned into me.

  Words formed on the tip of my tongue, but nothing would come out.

  Disappointment washed over him. “Didn’t think so.” With that, he brushed past me and stalked off, grabbing another drink on the way.

  Rafe

  * * *

  “God, I’m glad that’s over.” I nuzzled Eva’s neck, unable to keep my hands off her. It was the meet and greets. All the wandering hands and lovesick fangirls. I never liked that shit, but I knew it was part of the gig.

  Tonight was different though. Tonight, was the first time I’d stood there playing up to their eager questions and over the top flirtations, with Eva close by. I knew she trusted me; it wasn’t about that. It just felt wrong.

  “Rafe,” she chuckled. “Stop, we have an audience.”

  “Don’t mind us,” Hudson grumbled, taking a long pull on his beer. “There’s nothing I enjoy more than watching Rafe’s tongue down your throat.”

  “Dude.” Damon frowned.

  “I think it’s cute.” Phoebe glanced over at us but quickly ducked her head when I caught it her eye. She was a strange one. A new intern, here to shadow Letty, whatever the fuck that meant. It wasn’t like we were the epitome of well-behaved clients. The label could have chosen another—any other band—but instead they’d sent her here, to shark-infested waters.

  Poor girl.

  “I need to pee.” Eva leaned back and dropped a kiss on my cheek. “I’ll be right back.”

  “Need company?” Letty asked.

  “I think I can manage.” My girl smiled. “Besides, Travis will be right there.”

  “Not right there, I hope.” Hudson smirked at me and I flipped him off.

  Eva tugged his hair as she walked by. He yelped like a little girl, rubbing his head.

  “You deserved that.” I pointed out. I had a nice buzz, more than usual. After watching Levi coax Eva on stage at the show tonight, I’d needed it. Needed something to take the edge off.

  “Hey, you okay?” Damon nudged my knee with his.

  “I’m okay. Not sure I can say the same thing about him though.” I flicked my head over to where Levi was working the crowd.

  “Johnson is keeping a close eye on him. It could be worse.”

  Yeah. He could be pounding his fist into my face.

  “Have the two of you...”

  “No.”

  “You did well, you know, holding it together on stage like that.”

  I kicked my legs out. “It’s not like I have a choice.”

  “There’s always a choice, Rafe.” Damon gripped my shoulder, squeezing. “He’ll come around. He just needs—”

  “Time.”

  People kept saying that. Give him time. It was bullshit though. Levi didn’t need time, he needed... fuck, I didn’t know what he needed anymore.

  Maybe I never had.

  Conversations went on around me. Hudson entertained Letty and the new girl with his lame-ass jokes. Damon disappeared to talk to some industry people. And I sat there wondering when I could drag Eva back to the tour bus and bury myself deep inside her.

  She was fast becoming my drug.

  My high.

  My dangerous addiction.

  I’d never really understood it before, the craving. The permanent buzz underneath your skin. I wanted Eva all the time. I couldn’t get enough of her: her kisses, her touch, even her eyes.

  Her big ocean eyes.

  “I’m going to look for Eva,” I said after a few more minutes. She’d been gone too long, and Levi was nowhere to be seen either.

  “Rafe, man, relax.” Hudson rolled his eyes. “She’s been gone like ten minutes.”

  Letty glanced over her shoulder and then settled her gaze back on me. “Want me to come with you?”

  “I can handle it.”

  “Stay cool.” She gave me a knowing look, and I nodded, slipping out of the booth. Fenton shadowed me as I cut across the VIP section towards the restrooms. Travis was waiting outside, as still as a statue.

  “Is Eva still in there?” I craned my neck, looking over his shoulder.

  “She’s taking a call. It sounded like the friend. Miss Steinberg, I believe.”

  “So, she’s okay?”

  “You’ve got it bad, huh?” He chuckled.

  “And Levi, is he—”

  “Taking a piss.” Travis nodded. “You need to relax. We’ve got this place locked down.”

  What I needed was to see Eva.

  “I’m going to check on her.” I started to move around Travis, but his arm shot out. “Take a breath, Hunter. Your girl is fine.”

  “What the hell are you doin’? I said no, get off me...”

  I barreled past Travis and into the hall. It was dark, the strip lighting dimmed. At first, I couldn’t see them, hidden by the shadows, but then I saw her.

  Eva.

  My Eva cornered by some asshole who was all up in her space, touching her hip intimately. As if she belonged to him.

  “Get the fuck away from her,” the words ripped from my lungs as I went to move, only to be torn away.

  “Get him out of here,” Travis yelled, storming past me, in full-bodyguard mode.

  I thrashed against Fenton, but the fucker was too strong, dragging me out of there. Damon and Hudson were on me in a second. “What the fuck?


  “Eva, someone get Eva,” I yelled.

  “Travis has her, relax.” Fenton eased up. “You good?” he asked, giving me space.

  I smoothed out my shirt and nodded. “I’m good.” Anger vibrated through me, my body trembling. Damon inched closer, Hudson flanking my other side.

  “I’m going to make sure they’re okay.” Fenton disappeared.

  “He was... fuck,” I roared, my body quivering with anger as I stared at the door leading to the restrooms. “What’s taking them so long?”

  “Our guys can handle it.” Damon moved in front of me. “You need to calm down.”

  “I’ll calm down when I see... Eva.” I pushed my friends out the way and rushed over to her. “Are you okay?” My eyes scanned her face, her body.

  “I’m... I’m okay.” Her voice shook. “I told him I wasn’t interested, but he didn’t... he...”

  “Ssh.” I pulled her into my arms. “You’re okay. Everything’s okay.”

  Travis and Fenton appeared a second later, dragging the guy with them. His lip was busted open, blood trickling down his jaw as he hung limp between the two burly bodyguards.

  What the fuck?

  But it all made sense when my brother stalked out from behind them. He looked furious, his eyes wild and fists clenched at his side. Levi found me across the room and froze. Something passed between us. A momentary ceasefire. We weren’t in a good place right now, but we could both agree on this.

  On protecting the terrified girl in my arms.

  I offered him an appreciative nod, and he returned it. Then he was gone, swamped by the rest of our security team.

  “Come on.” I said guiding Eva into my side. “We’re getting out of here.”

  Travis stuck to us like glue as we exited the club. The SUVs were already waiting, the huddle of paparazzi smaller than when we’d arrived.

  “Rafe, Rafe, over here. What happened?”

  “Is Eva okay? Eva, Eva, did something happen?”

  “Stay back.” Travis shielded us as the camera flashes went off around us, lighting up the dark alley like July fourth.

  “Hey man, back the fuck off.” I glanced over my shoulder to find Hudson scuffling with an overeager journo.