Finding Trust (Centre Games)

by Natalie Gayle

  Rory was rocking along, moving his body to the music in his totally hip, masculine way. Even Quade seemed to be getting into it. She’d excuse him for not getting too excited. He shouldn’t have even been there.

  The guys had played non-stop for close to two hours. The sun had well and truly set when the familiar chords of Steel’s “Take Me Baby Tonight” rang from Brayden’s guitar. She felt her body light up at all the memories this song evoked. Her mind flashed a camera reel of the most delectable memories she associated with this song. Brayden’s face, eyes, body. His hands running over her. His tongue tormenting her in the most glorious way…Rory’s hand closed around her arm, halting her private vault of memories.

  “Come on.” He motioned her forward to follow him. He nodded to Quade. She looked around and noticed Jazz was right behind her and Quade was hot on Jazz’s heels.

  Rory moved through the throng of people with consummate ease, making way for their little chain of four. The song was just reaching its crescendo when they made it to the barriers that separated the crowd from the backstage area. Rory caught the attention of one of the security guards and said something to him. The guy nodded and moved to the gate.

  The song ended with a crash of cymbals. The lights went out and Jace growled, “Thank you so much. Good night, Byron, you’ve been awesome.” The crowd erupted in even more deafening cheers.

  Rory put a hand to her back and pushed her forward to the gate the security guard had opened. She turned to look at him. He kissed her cheek and spoke in her ear. “Go get him, sweet.” He encouraged her forward.

  Rihanna looked up, unsure what he meant. Then she looked up past the guard towards the stage and she saw him. He was coming down the stairs, his eyes seeking hers. The smile that lit his face said it all. This was what she wanted and only a mere few feet separated her from her future.

  The butterflies disappeared and she knew exactly what she had to do.

  She broke into a run as his feet touched the ground and he started to move from the stairs. He stopped and planted his strong frame. Her feet hardly seemed to touch the ground as she flew the last few steps to him and launched herself into his open arms.

  His arms closed around her, one arm under her butt, the other locking her shoulders to his chest. She linked her legs around his narrow hips and never wanted to let go. Her head dropped to the curve of his neck and she couldn’t resist shooting her tongue out and running it up his hot, corded skin. His taste on her tongue was amazing. Hot, salty from sweat and oh so Brayden.

  She felt him shiver and he wound his hand in her hair and tugged her head back. His eyes twinkled and he lowered his lips to her open mouth. Oh, it was good. Oh, so good. She’d missed him like crazy the last week and his kiss told her he felt the same. His tongue teased and tangled with hers and she shifted in his arms, trying to get closer. She wanted more; she wanted to give him everything.

  He gently tugged on her hair, breaking the kiss.

  She met his eyes and all she saw was warmth, love, and a little amusement.

  “What are you trying to tell me, Minky?”

  She felt the smile spread across her face; her heart was light, so light. She didn’t even hesitate. The time for that had passed.

  “I’m ready to be yours. I’m ready to trust my heart to you. I love you.”

  He dropped a chaste kiss on the tip of her nose, and then buried his head in the crook of her neck, inhaling her heady scent. His lips brushed the soft skin under her ear and he whispered, “Thank you, baby. I love you more than anything.”

  The spell was broken when Rihanna noticed Jace approach over his shoulder. She slid down his body.

  Jace smiled at her, obviously amused. “I can see his mood has suddenly improved. I need to borrow him for about five minutes, Rihanna.”

  She nodded her understanding and Jace headed back to the stage.

  Brayden still held her hand as she reluctantly stepped back.

  “Got to go do an encore, Minky.” He kissed her on the cheek and winked. Only then did she realise that the crowd was still cheering and screaming like crazy. They wanted Steel and they wanted them now. She could understand that. But she’d have him for a lifetime.

  She watched him bound back towards the stage stairs, only stopping briefly to say something to a guy with a headset and then he disappeared into the wings of the stage.

  The guy looked up and immediately motioned her over to him. Rihanna went willingly and he guided her into a spot just off stage where she could clearly see everything.

  The lights came up and Jace took his place centre stage.

  “So Byron Bay, do you want to hear some more?”

  The deafening roar was his answer. Jace turned to Brayden. “Hey Brayden, seems like these guys want to hear some more. How do you feel about giving them a taste of something very special?”

  Brayden looked up directly at her and moved his face closer to his mic. “Jace, I’m feeling pretty damned happy right about now. I’ve just been given something incredibly special.” The crowd screamed and wolf whistled. Brayden laughed into the mic. The sound of his voice sent shivers down her spine. “You’ve all got dirty minds.” Another roar went up from the crowd. “Yeah, let’s give them something special.”

  “Okay, mate.” Jace adjusted his stance in front of his mic. “Well, before we give you this treat, I’d better let you know that this is the first time we’ve performed this in public. In fact, Brayden only finished writing it a couple of days ago.” He paused and then let out a short burst of laughter. “Let’s hope we don’t fuck it up.” The crowd cheered again.

  Brayden started strumming his guitar and Rihanna immediately recognised the piece he’d been messing around with on the veranda a couple of weeks ago. He looked at her across the stage and smiled wide. He mouthed, “Love you,” and her heart melted.

  Jace’s voice cut in.

  I saw you standing there alone in the crowd

  Your eyes met mine and

  I nearly crumpled ’cause you were so divine

  The universe sang to me so loud

  Her heart lurched; the song was telling the story of their journey. It was beautiful. Oh so beautiful. He’d written it for her.

  The whole band joined for the chorus.

  Now I’ve found you

  Now your mine, for all of time

  Trust in me. Trust in you

  Together we’ll make it right, a future so bright

  Then Jace turned and grinned at her before starting on the next verse. She could see the crowd craning their necks to get a better look at who Brayden and Jace were directing their attention to.

  You looked behind you and saw the past.

  You looked at me and you saw the future

  Trapped between the two

  Like a yacht without a mast

  Tears poured down her face. The rhythm of the song shredded her. It was haunting, catchy, and personal, oh so personal.

  Brayden winked at her again before he started on the chorus.

  Now I’ve found you

  Now your mine, for all of time

  Trust in me. Trust in you

  Together we’ll make it right, a future so bright.

  They stepped back and Jace’s beautiful voice continued on.

  You asked for time

  You asked for space

  It nearly killed me when you couldn’t keep pace

  But I knew you had to run your own race.

  And together they all sang:

  Now I’ve found you

  Now your mine, for all of time

  Trust in me. Trust in you

  Together we’ll make it right, a future so bright.

  Jace’s voice cut in again and to her astonishment, Brayden motioned with his head to come over to him.

  You came back to me

  With promises in your eyes

  The crowd and her whole surrounds disappeared. She didn’t think, she only felt and acted. There was only Brayden. Her feet mov
ed of their own volition. She was walking towards a sun so bright after the clouds had parted.

  Your heart is mine for keeps

  My life is so good I could weep.

  She moved into his side and turned her head up to look at him, oblivious of the crowd. He somehow managed to keep playing as he dropped the sweetest kiss on her lips. Then he broke into the chorus, which he sang just for her.

  Now I’ve found you

  Now your mine, for all of time

  Trust in me. Trust in you

  Together we’ll make it right, a future so bright

  Tonight and every night oh so right.

  Oh so right, oh so bright, oh so right, so bright.

  The crowd roared their approval. The lights dropped.

  His arms came around her and he whispered in her ear. “I love you—you’re my everything.”

  Their future started now. So right, so bright.

  Epilogue

  Three months later

  “Come on, sleepyhead, get up, you can’t sleep through your wedding day.” Jazz charged into her room and launched herself on the bed.

  Rihanna groaned and rolled over. “Surely I don’t have to get up this second?” she moaned.

  Jazz laughed. “Well, maybe you can have another five minutes.”

  “I’m taking every one of them,” she mumbled into the pillow.

  Jazz grabbed a couple of pillows off the king bed and propped herself up against the headboard. “Well, Rih, you certainly can’t say your life has been boring over the last few months.”

  “Are you going to sit there and chat to me or can I actually have the five minutes to sleep?”

  “I’d have thought you would be bounding with energy this morning. You didn’t have Bray in your bed last night to keep you up and start the honeymoon early.”

  The guys had all gone to a hotel last night. She’d offered to leave him in the house and go instead. Brayden had adamantly refused. He wanted her at home where he knew she was safe and happy.

  “Ha ha, very funny. Seriously, Jazz—sleep. I need every second, because I know he’ll keep me up all night, tonight.”

  Jazz just laughed. “Oh girl, you are so right. And you love every second of it.”

  Rihanna resigned herself to the fact that there was no more sleep for her today. She copied Jazz and pushed some pillows up to the headboard, allowing her to sit comfortably in bed.

  “Yeah, you’re right I do love every second I spend with Bray, but I have to say the sex is spectacular.” A very satisfied grin spread across her face.

  Jazz bashed her with a pillow. “That’s for rubbing my nose in it.”

  “What? You had your wish granted. You’ve hung out with the guys from Steel. Hell, you’ve even been on a few dates with Cody. What more do you want? Ungrateful much?”

  Jazz sighed a very big sigh for so early in the morning. “Yeah, I know. You’d think I’d be happy. But it didn’t click—something was missing.”

  “Huhhh.” Rihanna snorted. “Yeah, more likely the problem is he isn’t six foot five, built like an Adonis with dark hair, and blue eyes, and extra special abilities. He’s just a mere rock God.”

  Jazz had been coping a ribbing from Rih a lot lately about having something for Quade. “Bullshit. There’s nothing between Quade and me. Although, I have to admit he is very nice to look at. Besides, I’m jealous you’ve got the whole spectacular package and I want it, too.” She pouted.

  “That’s the biggest load of crap I’ve heard. You two have got something happening. Just none of us can figure out what.” All the team had been commenting on it. For two people who apparently didn’t like each other, they sure spent a lot of time ribbing each other.

  “Enough about that,” Jazz proclaimed, wanting to change the subject. “Today is about you. First off, how do you feel? No morning sickness?”

  “No, all good. I’ve been good for the last week. I’m hoping that’s behind me.”

  Jazz got up from the bed. “Okay, today is all about pampering you. Let me go get you some breakfast. Don’t move, okay? I’m giving you breakfast in bed.”

  Rihanna moved to get up as well. “Really, Jazz, it’s not necessary. I’m totally good to get up and have breakfast on the veranda with you. In fact, I’d prefer it.”

  “Alright,” she relinquished. “But I’m making it for you. You’re doing nothing but sitting out there relaxing.”

  Rihanna laughed. “Okay, I can handle that.”

  “Omelette, fruit yoghurt, and toast okay?” Jazz called from the door.

  “Great.” A couple of weeks after she found out she was pregnant, her appetite kicked in big time. In fact, it was embarrassing. She could almost keep up with the boys. She just couldn’t seem to eat enough and was constantly starving—that was when she wasn’t throwing up, which had kicked in around week seven to thirteen. Now hopefully all that had passed. She patted her slight baby bump affectionately.

  It had taken a couple of weeks but she’d come to terms with it. In fact, now she was actually excited about becoming a mummy. Brayden doted on her twenty-four-seven, and she had no doubt he’d make a wonderful father. The man just excelled at everything he did and he wanted to be a great father, so she saw no reason he wouldn’t be.

  Truth was she felt blessed and finally whole. Once she’d made the decision to let go of the edge and walk forward, a huge weight had lifted off her shoulders. She didn’t even realise she’d been carrying it for all these years. Others had noticed or maybe they suspected. She knew. Brayden had given her a reason to shed her protective layers and start living.

  When she passed through the kitchen and family room, Jazz had yelled that there was a pineapple juice on the veranda table for her. She decided to appreciate and enjoy all the pampering. She knew Jazz wouldn’t let her do anything if she had her mind set on it anyway. Besides, it wasn’t every day a girl got married.

  She took a seat out at the big table and looked out over the view to the Gold Coast. The weather was gorgeous. Clear, slightly crisp, but it was going to be an awesome Gold Coast day—beautiful one day, perfect the next so they said. And today was going to be perfect. Regardless of what happened, it was going to be perfect because she was going to marry the man of her dreams. In fact, she couldn’t have dreamed of a guy as perfect as Brayden.

  Rihanna laughed out loud at her own thoughts. Must be true love if she thought he was perfect and could do no wrong. God, what had happened to her? Sometimes she didn’t even recognise herself.

  Jazz had been right. So much had happened in the last three months. In fact, it was a day not unlike this three and a half months ago, that she’d sat at this very table and Brayden had told her that she was his latest job. Now she was his everything. How quickly life can change.

  Since the night at Byron, her life had been a blur. Not that the few weeks before were anything but crazy with the virus and crazy Chinese guys trying to kidnap her and cripple an industry. She still had trouble comprehending all that. It had been close. Far too close. She didn’t want to think about that too much today. Happy thoughts. Happy thoughts.

  After the night at Byron, she’d joined Brayden for the rest of the tour. Steel had played to sell-out concerts around Australia. And every night they’d performed “Finding Trust” as the encore. And every night she’d had tears streaming down her face. Happy tears.

  The tour had finished late February and they’d spent another blissful two weeks by themselves. In fact, if she didn’t know better she’d have sworn it was a honeymoon. Brayden took her out on the Jet Ski most days and he taught her how to ride it. She’d caught the bug and was hooked.

  A few days later, when he was convinced she was as into it as he was, he’d presented her with one of her own. Not surprisingly, it was a Kawasaki 300, only in red, not green. She loved it—almost as much as she loved him. She did miss the closeness of being cuddled up to Bray on the back of his ski but it was fun to ride alongside him. Something they both loved doing toget
her. Unfortunately, she knew very soon she’d have to put it away until after the baby arrived. But there was always next summer.

  In fact, one of those incredible rides had led to this day. They’d retraced their ride from the day in January and pulled up at the very beach they’d visited with the team. Brayden said it held incredible memories for him. Apparently it was that day he became sure she could trust him enough to make it through all the secrets he held.

  Looking back, maybe that was true: she had taken a huge risk and it had ended up resulting in the little bump she now had her hand resting on.

  Anyway, they’d packed a picnic and had enjoyed that together on the deserted beach before going in the water for another swim. She felt her face blush at the thought. There was just something about that beach, obviously.

  They’d made love, sweet, sweet love in the water and on the beach. Then out of the blue he’d proposed to her. A big gorgeous green emerald and diamond ring. He chose an emerald as the central stone, he’d explained, because it represented unconditional love, rebirth, and apparently it also keeps partnerships in harmony. Some also say emeralds stimulate metaphysical abilities, allowing the wearer to see beyond the projections of the material world. Apparently he’d figured that might help her understand his additional abilities a little better, now that she was part of his world.

  Regardless of all its meaning, the ring was beautiful and she loved it because he’d given it to her.

  And so far, it seemed to be working a treat. As for being comfortable with his extra abilities, comfort really wasn’t a word she’d use. More like fascination. She’d love him with or without his special enhancements. But they certainly made life interesting and they were an intrinsic part of him. Therefore they were special to her. And in a few short months, she’d be a mother to a specially gifted child as well. Hope they don’t gang up on me!! she laughed to herself.