The Luminous Rock Series Box Set

by K E Osborn

  “Yeah, all I can do is say sorry. I hate all this unnecessary attention. I wish they’d move on. But, as you can imagine, nothing happens here in Ligonier and so, for now, I still have to put up with it.”

  “Well, now you’re dating this awesome rock star… so maybe we can start some new town gossip.”

  Mercs smiles wide and reaches out grabbing my hand. “And this is why, baby, I like to spend every moment I can with you.”

  I glance over at Kiera and notice her beaming smile as she continues to suck on her straw which is buried in a delicious soda which I need to get stuck into myself.

  “Well the feeling’s mutual. Now, how about we actually try some of this delicious looking pie here. Yeah?” I suggest, and Kiera nods emphatically.

  “God yes,” Kiera moans not waiting as she picks up her fork and digs in.

  I grab mine as one of Mercs’ hands moves under the table to rest on my knee, while his other deals with his pie.

  Gran finally looks up and smiles at us both but says nothing.

  Kiera’s color is back, and she appears to be doing much better than when we first came in.

  Out of the corner of my eye, I notice Lilah at the counter serving customers and slyly watching us. She seems frazzled and I wonder what her motives are. What her end game is. And I know Mercs said he wants nothing to do with her, but I can’t help wondering what would happen if she asked him that one question every new girlfriend dreads from an ex.

  Will you take me back?

  Chapter Twenty-Three

  MERCS

  After today’s events, I’m physically and emotionally spent. With Kiera nearly passing out, and then everything that happened in the diner, I’m not sure I could handle another blow. That’s why once we got up from eating our pie, and I saw Lilah at the counter watching us all walk out, I didn’t want to give her any kind of false hope, so I looked away. My time with her is so done. But I have to admit, seeing her stunned me for a moment. I had a feeling coming home I’d bump into her, but even so, I wasn’t prepared for it when it did happened.

  Even though I feel nothing but contempt for her, just seeing her brought it all back.

  The ring was in my pocket. I was coming home to surprise Lilah after having a massive fight while I was on tour about me being gone for too long. She missed me, and so I thought what better way to make it up to her than to show up unannounced, and to propose to her, showing her how much I loved her. That I was doing the tours to raise enough cash so she could have anything she wanted. Whatever she dreamed. Wedding, cars, a beautiful home. Anything.

  My car was in the driveway, and I could see it was moving. Like people were in it, and that had me confused right away. It was close to eleven at night by the time my flight landed, and I’d made my way to Ligonier by cab.

  I thought Lilah would be in bed or at least cuddled up on the sofa in those cute little purple pajamas, but no. When I stepped up to the car and looked inside, she was pressed against the back seat, naked, with my best friend, Johnny, lying on top of Lilah and ramming into her, hard.

  Their moans filtered through the car, and I remembered the bile scorching my throat as I yanked open the back door. Lilah’s head fell backward out of the open door as she let out a small scream, and Johnny looked up at me his eyes opened wide in fear. The recognition on his face the moment he saw me was like he knew our lifelong friendship was done. Like he knew everything we’d been through, that no matter what he said, his actions right there had led to the breakup of a great friendship.

  And that was all his doing.

  Not mine.

  “Are you okay?” Effa’s husky voice breaks through my memories and pulls me back into the now. I hadn’t notice my fists are clenched tightly together, and my breathing has become rapid. That whole scenario still works me up. But I shouldn’t let it. It’s not like I want Lilah, and it’s not like I miss her. I think it’s more the betrayal that still gets to me.

  Releasing the tension in my fists, I reach out for Effa’s hand and lace my fingers with hers. “I am now.”

  We’re sitting in my bedroom preparing for bed. My free hand moves up to caress her cheek, her smooth skin beneath my palm feels like heaven, and I relax completely as I move forward pressing my lips to hers, teasing her slightly with a gentle graze. My tongue darts out and licks her bottom lip, causing her to moan slightly while her body sinks against mine. The arousal in my pants is not going unnoticed as the hardening pressure against the zipper of my jeans brings a level of uncomfortableness to the kiss, but I don’t care as I continue to kiss her slowly, romantically, tenderly. She’s the peace in my storm, and I appreciate having this moment with her.

  Effa settles my nerves and always manages to bring me down from the edge.

  She kisses me back, her tongue dancing with mine effortlessly and to a perfect tango. My cock striving for a release that I know I won’t get tonight, but that’s fine, just being with Effa and knowing we’re okay makes it all worth it.

  Suddenly, a high pitched ringing breaks the mood, making us both groan slightly as we pull apart smiling at each other.

  “It was nice while it lasted,” Effa murmurs, bending across me to reach to the bedside table to pick up her ringing cell.

  I smile, subtly rearranging my stifled cock in my pants as I lay back, getting comfortable on the headboard while she answers her cell.

  “Hey, Luke.” Her voice is full of pep. It’s cute.

  My hand runs up her leg as she slides in beside me.

  “Yes, things here are going great. It’s been good to have a break. Don’t worry we’re fine. How’s everyone there?”

  Her back stiffens a little like she’s hearing news that’s probably not good, so I look down at her and wrap my arm around her back for comfort.

  I hope it’s not Alana.

  “Okay, well, keep me informed. That’s not good. I wonder why she’s acting out like that.”

  Furrowing my brows, I’m confused. After all, it’s not like Alana to act out. Something strange is going on.

  “Well, I’ll be back tomorrow evening, so maybe I can have a chat with her. Try and suss out what she’s so worked up about?” Effa’s tense, her shoulders hard and her face stern. She’s worried, which in turn is making me concerned for the girls. I might not know them as well as Effa, but I still care about them.

  “Okay, and how’s everyone else?” she asks, bringing her hand up and rubbing the back of her neck to try and ease some of the tension.

  I pull her closer to me and squeeze her gently—I’m here for her, just like she’s been there for me.

  “Okay, that’s good. We’ll be back soon. Look after the girls for me, okay?” She snuggles into my side with a heavy sigh, and I lean in kissing the top of her fruity smelling hair.

  “Yeah, see ya, Luke.” Effa’s voice is now a far cry from the peppy tone that answered the call. Her somber sound ringing clear as she hangs up and throws the cell down beside her with another heavy sigh.

  “Is Alana okay?” I ask as she wraps herself around me, completely burying her head on my chest.

  “Alana’s fine. I’ve been texting her on and off all day.”

  “Then who’s that call about?” I ask surprised.

  “Andi. He doesn’t know why, but she’s being super argumentative, and her anger is off the charts ridiculous. Like she’s going off the rails. He’s really worried about her and her headspace right now. Even Casey can’t seem to get through to her.”

  “Mmm… I might message Tank. They seem to have formed some kind of relationship. He might know what’s going on, or maybe he’ll be able to get out of her what’s happening.”

  Effa peers up at me and nods. “Good idea. They do seem to have an attachment. Maybe he’s our best shot.”

  I lean over and grab my cell to type out the message.

  Me: Hey man, just checking in. Heard things are tense around camp with Andi. Was wondering if maybe she’s said anything to you about what’s going on
with her?

  I hit send and shrug, hoping maybe he can provide me with some answers. “Well, we’ll see what he comes back with.”

  “Yeah, maybe they had a fight or something?” Effa suggests when I hear my cell ping.

  Tank: Oh man, she’s seriously losing the plot. Mainly at me. I don’t know what the fuck I did wrong. We had this epic night, her, me, and this blonde chick we met at this bar. The best three-way I’ve ever had I swear, and then after she went complete fucking psycho on everyone, and has been ever since. It’s like she’s angry with me because of it. But she was fully into it at the time. I can’t fucking work her out. I swear, woman gives me whiplash.

  As I read the text I let out a small snort, and then hold it out to show Effa. She huffs as she sits up next to me.

  “Andi likes Tank, doesn’t she?”

  She’s thinking exactly what I’m thinking.

  “Maybe Andi got jealous of the blonde girl in the threesome. Now she’s taking it out on everyone, because she’s pissed she actually has feelings for someone,” I reply.

  Effa smiles widely. “This is so adorable.” Her voice squeaks with excitement as she claps her hands together and bobs up and down on the bed. “Okay, don’t tell Tank. Just let him know that I’ll chat with her when we get back tomorrow. I’ll have her back to normal in no time.”

  I type out the message and send the text, then place the cell back on the bedside table.

  “Now, Miss Effervescent…. I’d like to have my way with you, but I know you won’t allow that with Kiera and Gran in the house. So attach those lips of yours to mine and kiss the fuck out of me instead.”

  She laughs and lunges at me, smacking her lips to mine as she crawls over me, straddling her legs either side of mine and wrapping her arms around my neck while my back rests on the headboard. My arms snake up her back, holding her to me, making sure to take full advantage of our good mood, for as long as fucking possible.

  After finishing Gran’s famous pumpkin pie, we’re now waiting for the car to pull up and are saying our goodbyes. The visit has gone by too quickly and I hate leaving, but I know I need to so I can earn the money for Kiera’s procedure. I need to start paying Hex back, too. I should probably tell Effa about him, and what’s going on, but the whole money thing grates on my last nerve. I like to keep my personal life private. And this is personal and humiliating, so there’s no way I can open up easily about this.

  Effa has so much money, and after what Jett threw at me about only being with her for her money, telling her about my gambling debt doesn’t bode well for me. I don’t want the handouts I know she’ll insist on. That’s not what this relationship is about. I need to be, at the very least, able to support myself in this relationship. Even better, I should be able to support us both. I’ve got to man up and straighten my shit out before it becomes so deep I drown in it. And Jett, I don’t want him to drone on about being right because that would really fucking piss me off.

  I can’t think of that right now because Kiera’s in tears in front of me as she embraces Effa with the little strength she has, which doesn’t amount to much, but it’s all she can muster.

  I smile at them as Effa holds her close and sways her from side to side, rubbing soothing motions up and down her back. I know that’s what Effa uses to try and calm people. I love her for attempting to help Kiera right now. She really is one in a million, even with the hippy vibe that I’ve grown to love about her.

  Gran reaches out, wrapping her arm around my waist, and pulls me to her. “Now try not to stay away from us for too long. And next time you come back, make sure to bring this little angel with you. You hear me?” Gran instructs.

  “Yes, ma’am.” I lean in planting a chaste kiss on her cheek. “Love you.”

  “Love you, too, sweetheart, to the moon and back.” She grabs my cheek and squeezes, then she lets me go, and I move over to Kiera who’s finally released Effa.

  Effa moves past me toward Gran as I step up to Kiera and take a deep breath. Saying goodbye to my sister is always the hardest. I’m never sure about what might happen to her in the time I’m gone. So this is always the most difficult part.

  Kiera reaches up, wrapping her arms around my neck and pulls me in tight. She doesn’t have much strength, but it’s enough for me to feel the undeniable love and warmth emanating from her. “I love you so much, big brother. Make sure you get back here soon. I want to see you before Christmas. Okay?”

  “The tour ends in two months, so I’ll be home in November. I’ll definitely be here for Christmas. I promise.”

  “I l-love you, Kades.” Her voice cracks slightly through her tears, and it makes my throat close up.

  “I love you, too, so much. You keep going strong, you hear me?”

  She giggles pulling back, and looking in my eyes. “Only for you.”

  I press my lips to her forehead just below her beanie as I try to keep myself together. Effa’s hand slowly finds its way to my back and makes small circles, and funnily enough it does make me feel calmer.

  She has hands of the gods, I swear.

  An unmistakable crunch of rubber moving over pebbles approaches, as the thrum of an engine pulls in behind us—the tour car has pulled up ready to take us back to Pittsburgh.

  Sighing, I lean in kissing Kiera’s forehead once more.

  Leaving her is so hard.

  I don’t want to think the worst. She’s doing well. Well enough I suppose. But there’s always that risk that a small bug could knock her about, and I might not get here in time. A shudder runs down my spine, and I clench my eyes shut at the unthinkable thought running through my mind right now—this could be the last time I see her. My breath catches, and even Effa’s soothing circles aren’t working right now.

  “Kaden, stop it,” Kiera demands but in a whisper. She grabs my biceps and my eyes snap open at her harsh tone. “Stop that right now. I know where your mind has gone and I’m fine. I’m not going anywhere. I will be here when you get back for Christmas. I promise.”

  The driver steps out to place our bags in the trunk. “See you in November then, booger-butt.”

  “I’ll be here waiting,” she replies and lets me go.

  Effa laces her hand in mine giving me the support I need right now to leave, as I back away from Kiera toward the car.

  “I love you, guys.”

  “We know, now go. Call us tonight if you miss us that much,” Gran instructs.

  “Okay.” I pivot with Effa and walk toward the car.

  “Talk soon, thanks for everything,” Effa calls out.

  Gran and Kiera wave as we step up to the car and the driver opens the door for Effa. She slides in, and I look back to Gran and Kiera one last time before I wave with a heavy heart, then move in next to Effa as the driver shuts the door behind me.

  Slumping into the seat, I let out a long puff of air as I glance out the window.

  Effa squeezes my knee and slides into my side. “You’re incredible with them,” she murmurs.

  I shift to face her. “They mean everything to me. I hate leaving them… but I want to be with you, too. It’s watching them fade into the distance that’s hard.”

  “You’re such a softie, you know that? Beneath all this bravado you put on, you’re a caring guy, Kaden Mercury.”

  “Don’t tell the crew that, they’ll have my balls.”

  Effa runs her hand up my chest seductively. “I might just do something with your balls later. All this sexual tension between us and no play for the last two days… sheesh, this girl needs some tension relief.”

  Her fingernails clench into my pec, and I clear my throat shifting slightly in my seat as the driver slides into the car. My cock springs to attention without hesitation, straining against my jeans in an awkward manner. I glance back to Gran and Kiera who’re chuckling to themselves watching us. They can’t hear the conversation, but they can obviously see us. I smile shaking my head as Kiera throws her hands in the air in approval.

 
Fuck it! I whirl around grabbing Effa and kiss her hard, pinning her back against the seat. She lets out an “oomph” like she wasn’t prepared, but she kisses me back with such enthusiasm it knocks my breath away.

  The car engine starts to cheering and applause outside the car window, and I can’t help a chuckle that bubbles up from my chest. She giggles along with me while we kiss, and the car takes off back toward Pittsburgh.

  My family are amazing.

  Effa is my future.

  But now it’s back to reality.

  Back to the band.

  Back to the tour.

  Back to Jett fucking Jones…

  Chapter Twenty-Four

  EFFA

  It was all I could do to keep my hands off Mercs for the hour-long car ride back to Pittsburgh, but the car didn’t have a section break so unless we wanted the driver to see everything, we had to keep our hands to ourselves.

  Unfortunately.

  But for now, we’re at the hotel and making our way up to our room like a pair of giddy teenagers. I know I have people I need to see. Alana, Andi, probably Luke, but right now I have a two-day old itch that needs a serious scratch. They’re just going to have to wait.

  Mercs and I rush toward our room as he carries our bags and I pull out the hotel room key. Raoul from security met us downstairs and has walked up with us, so he’s following along effectively stopping us from jumping each other in the hall, which in essence is probably a good thing.

  “Did you have a good trip?” Raoul asks.

  “It was enlightening,” I reply.

  Mercs raises his brow as he stops at our door.

  Raoul tilts his head. “Oh, how so?”

  “I found out so many things about Mercs, and his family, and his life, but I had the best time. Thanks for walking us up, Raoul.”

  “We’ve had a few Luminatis lurking around the hotel, stalking the other girls, and trying to catch them on their downtime. Andi snapped at one of them, and you know what Luke’s like with that kind of thing. So he wants you girls on guard at all times. He let you go to Ligonier without a guard because Mercs was with you, and he knew everything would be fine due to the size of the town. Plus, no one knew you were going. But from now on, you’ll always have a guard with you. Sorry mon petit oiseau, I know you like your freedom.”