Bound by Song (Cauld Ane Series)

by Tracey Jane Jackson

  “Mine as well,” he admitted.

  “No way, really?” she joked.

  “Feel like writing a song with me?”

  “I don’t know,” she said with a shrug. “I’ve never written a song before.”

  He kissed her hand. “Well, I have been wanting to sing with you ever since I attended your church.”

  “Oh, so this isn’t charity, then?” she asked, tempering her question with a smile.

  Max slid a wayward lock of hair behind her ear. “I really didn’t mean to make that suggestion sound so arrogant, love.”

  “I’m figuring that out, Max.” She leaned forward and kissed him. “You’re actually quite sweet under your tough exterior.”

  “Well, don’t tell anyone that. It’ll ruin my rep.”

  Grace giggled. “I won’t tell a soul.”

  “What do you feel like doing?” he asked. “We can venture out to explore, or we can order room service and watch a movie.”

  Grace checked her watch. “It’s still so early. What are the odds of doing both?”

  “Hmm, I have an idea,” he said, and rose to his feet. “Don’t go anywhere.”

  “Okay,” she promised.

  He picked up the room phone and pressed a button. “Concierge, please.”

  Grace raised an eyebrow as he turned his back on her and spoke quietly into the phone. Her interest was piqued, especially since she only caught snippets of the one-sided conversation. When he faced her again and hung up, her stomach was in knots…the good kind.

  “Right, love. We need to be in the lobby in twenty minutes.”

  She nodded and stood. “What should I wear?”

  “Ah, right. Did you happen to bring boots with a heel?”

  “No, why?” She shook her head. “What are we doing?”

  “I thought we’d ride. They have a few tours around Anchorage that sound lovely.”

  She clapped her hands. “That sounds amazing! But I really don’t have proper riding shoes. I have sneakers and these.” She pointed to the ballet flats on her feet. “Nothing that would work for riding.”

  “We’ll buy you some.”

  “What? No, Max. I don’t have the money to buy riding boots.”

  He frowned. “You’re not paying for them, Grace.”

  She bit her lip. “Can I pay you back?”

  “Absolutely not.”

  Grace sighed. “I’m so incredibly torn right now.”

  “Why?”

  “Because A, I really want to ride, and B, I want to explore Anchorage a bit. But C, I feel guilty about letting you pay for everything.”

  Max laughed. “Well, A, we’re going; B, me too; and C, you can make it up to me by kissing me at least once an hour on the tour.”

  She rolled her eyes. “Where are we going to find riding boots in twenty minutes?”

  Max smiled and picked up the phone again. “Hi, Jim. Yes, I need riding boots. Paddock boots will suffice.” He glanced at Grace. “What size, love?”

  “Um, seven in boots, typically.”

  “Seven, but bring a few larger and smaller options as well, just in case.” He nodded. “Aye…ah, yes. Thanks.” He hung up and grinned. “Boots will be here shortly.”

  She smiled. “Will you at least take the cost off my first paycheck?”

  He shook his head and closed the distance between them. “Let me spoil you.”

  “I don’t have a problem with you spoiling me, Max. I just don’t want you to think I’m mooching off you.”

  He chuckled and wrapped his arms around her. “I couldn’t think that if I tried.”

  * * *

  After six hours of riding in the Chugach Mountains, Max followed a very tired Grace into their suite. Their day had been idyllic, just the two of them riding through some of the most beautiful scenery. He’d dare say it could rival Scotland in some parts. They’d stopped for a romantic picnic in the middle and returned the horses just as the sun started to set. For once, no one bothered them; the discretion the concierge had shown in setting everything up was a credit to the hotel.

  “I haven’t had that much fun in years,” Grace said, and wrapped her arms around his waist. “Thank you.”

  He kissed the top of her head and smiled, squeezing her gently. “I think I could mark this down as my best day so far.”

  “Me too. You sure know how to show a girl a good time.”

  He shook his head.

  “What?” she asked.

  He lifted her chin. “You don’t think it has anything to do with the fact that you’re easy to please?”

  She giggled. “You might be giving me more credit than I deserve. I had nothing to complain about. Today was perfect. Great horse, great food, great view…and I’m not just talking about the scenery.”

  Max laughed. “Back atya.”

  “But right now I’d like to wash the horse off me and curl up with a movie.” She looped her hands behind his head. “Will you join me?”

  “In the shower? Absolutely.”

  “Oh, ha, ha,” she retorted.

  He kissed her quickly. “Are you hungry?”

  “Starving.”

  “I’ll order something to eat while you’re in the shower, then. What would you like?”

  “Right now, I could probably eat an entire cow.”

  Max chuckled. “Burgers and fries it is.”

  “Perfect.” She headed toward her room. “I won’t be long.”

  Grace didn’t linger, even though the large tub beckoned to her aching muscles. She towel-dried her hair and pulled it into a scrunchy before pulling on sweats and a long-sleeved T-shirt.

  She stepped out of her bedroom and stalled. Max stood by the window, his hair damp and slicked back from his shower, jeans slung low on his hips, his T-shirt tight across his back, and his feet bare. She licked her lips, the desire to peel him out of his clothes overwhelming.

  He turned and she realized he was on the phone, listening intently to someone on the other end. When he caught sight of her, he smiled, his eyes raking over her. “Aye, we can change the order. No, don’t care. Seriously. We’ll go through it tomorrow at sound check. Okay, gotta go. ’Bye.” He slid his phone into his pocket. “Hi.”

  She smiled. “Hi.”

  “You look gorgeous.”

  Grace let out a quiet snort. “You’re insane.”

  He closed the distance between them. “Am I?” he asked, as he wrapped his arms around her.

  She gazed up at him. “So crazy.”

  He grinned as he leaned down and covered her mouth with his. Grace sighed, deepening the kiss, and giggled when he lifted her off the ground.

  “You find my kisses humorous?” he asked, breaking the kiss.

  She leaned her forehead against his. “Most definitely.”

  He kissed her again, carrying her to the sofa, where he stretched out beside her without breaking contact. Grace shifted and whimpered as her muscles objected.

  “What’s the matter?” Max asked.

  She shook her head. “I’m just a little sore.”

  Max smiled. “Where, love.”

  “All the normal places. Legs, butt, arms, back.” She slid her arm around his waist. “I’m fine. Let’s keep doing that.”

  “I have a better idea,” he said, and leaned down to kiss her again.

  As he did, he massaged her back, and Grace felt the aches and pains dissipate. She sighed against his lips and smiled. “You’re a miracle worker.”

  He chuckled. “You’re easily pleased.”

  “Today has been the absolute best day ever.” She ran her fingers down his stubbly cheek. “Thank you.”

  “Believe me when I say it was my pleasure.” He kissed her again and then sat up. “If we don’t stop, love, I won’t be able to, so let’s watch that movie, eh?”

  She nodded and sat up beside him. “Probably a good idea.”

  Max poured wine while Grace ordered the movie, then pulled her close and held her until long after she’d
fallen asleep. Despite his desire to sleep with her, he carried her to her room and tucked her into her bed, before heading to his own.

  * * *

  The next day, four hours before the arena doors opened, Grace followed the security guard down a long hallway, to a door marked with Max’s name. She’d been summoned by him almost an hour ago, and had only just gotten a break to find out what he wanted. The guard stood aside and Grace knocked.

  She grinned when she heard Max yell, “Unless you’re Grace, go away.”

  The security guard nodded and Grace pushed open the door. Max rushed her, wrapping his arms around her and pulling her close as he kicked the door shut. “Och, love. You’re a sight for sore eyes.”

  “You just saw me two hours ago.”

  “Far too long.” Max kissed her quickly. “How’s your first night going?”

  “So far so good. Super busy.”

  “It’s a bit of a circus, isn’t it?”

  She nodded. “Kenna’s amazing, though. I don’t know if I’ll ever learn everything she knows, but she’s really helpful. Very patient.”

  “Good.”

  “Where’s everyone else?” she asked.

  He pulled her onto the large sofa and linked his fingers with hers. “A couple doors down.”

  She checked the notes on her iPad. “Are you ready for your sound check?”

  “Aye.” He frowned. “Hey, what’s wrong?”

  “Sorry.” She shook her head. “Nothing’s wrong, Max. I’m just processing all of this. It’s kind of overwhelming and I should be helping Kenna, not making out with you back here.”

  He grinned. “Being the boss has its benefits.”

  Grace made an attempt…and failed…at frowning. His charm was entirely too effective. “I need to get back, Max. There’s a lot to do before dinner.”

  “I’m sure Kenna can handle it.”

  Grace rose to her feet. “I hope you’re kidding, because this is my job and I’m taking it quite seriously.”

  Max sighed. “Fine. Go.”

  “Don’t pout,” she said, tempering her admonishment with a smile.

  “Why not?” he joked.

  “It’s unbecoming of a grown man.” He stood and leaned down to kiss her, but she leaned away. “Are you going to let me do my job?” she asked.

  He stared at her for several seconds before nodding. “Aye, lass. Go do your job.”

  “No interfering. Got it?”

  “I’ve got it,” he retorted. “When, exactly, will I see you then?”

  “I’d imagine when Kenna says we’re done.”

  “I’ll speak to her.”

  Grace laid her hand on his chest. “No, you won’t.”

  He raised an eyebrow.

  “Promise me, Max. This is important to me. I like this job, but I want to keep it because I do well, not because you have some weird obsession with me.”

  “Weird obsession?” he repeated, his face hardening.

  Grace’s phone buzzed and she glanced at the screen. “Kenna needs me.”

  “Go, then.”

  “Are you mad?” she asked.

  He dragged his hands down his face. “No, love, I’m not mad. Go.”

  Grace let herself out of the room before Max convinced her to stay. She didn’t know if she would ever understand him. His moods were so difficult to predict.

  * * *

  Max flopped back onto the sofa and dropped his head in his hands. He ignored the knock at his door, uninterested in talking to anyone. Apparently, his brother didn’t care.

  “Hey,” Niall said, after opening the door. “We’re ready to sound check.”

  Max nodded and rose to his feet.

  “What’s the matter?” Niall asked.

  “Nothing.”

  “You’re a shite liar, brother.” Niall closed the door and leaned against it. “You’ve been wound up tighter than—”

  “Yeah, yeah. I know.” Max groaned. “Grace thinks I’m obsessed with her.”

  “Aren’t you?” Niall joked.

  Max frowned. “I don’t know how to make her understand. If I tell her everything now, she’ll run.”

  “She’s smart, Max. She might surprise you.”

  “I know she’s smart. That’s the problem. I have to prove to her that everything she’s read or heard about me is no longer true. How do I make her believe something when she’s bombarded by the opposite? She’s not a ‘trust your feelings’ type of girl.”

  Niall smiled. “Sorry, brother.”

  “Not to mention the job idea’s backfiring,” Max continued. “Damn it! She actually wants to prove herself. Being with me isn’t enough for her. She wants to do a good job.”

  “That isn’t a bad thing,” Niall said. “At some point, Kenna’s going to be gone. She’ll meet her mate and more than likely want nothing to do with this anymore. Don’t you think it might be good to have someone who knows what she does?”

  “I don’t want my mate doing manual labor,” Max snapped.

  “I don’t think you can constitute what Kenna does as manual labor, brother. She works hard, but she’s sure as hell not digging ditches.”

  Max rubbed his forehead, trying to force away a headache. “Remember when women were expected to be home with the bairns?”

  Niall laughed. “Vaguely. But that time’s long gone, and it’s about time you settle in for a bumpy ride.”

  Max raised an eyebrow. “I’ll remind you of this conversation when you meet your mate. God help me, she better give you hell.”

  “About that,” Niall groaned, “I think she’s here. In the States.”

  “You do?”

  “Aye,” Niall said. “I can feel her.”

  “Sorry, brother.”

  “’Tis what it is.” Niall sighed. “For now, though, let’s not keep the boys waiting, eh?”

  “Fine, let’s get this over with,” Max said, and followed Niall out of the dressing room and onto the stage. He arrived to find everything exactly where it was supposed to be, which just pissed him off more. He had nothing to complain about. Nothing to turn his irritation onto.

  Niall counted the band in and Max adjusted the volume on his in-ear monitors. A faint crackling sounded and he ripped the right one out, turning to wave to the band. They stopped playing and Max faced front again.

  “What the hell is that crackle? And someone fix the feedback,” he snapped. “I can’t hear a bloody thing.”

  CHAPTER TWELVE

  GRACE STOOD WITH Kenna in the middle of the arena floor, still devoid of chairs. Max looked ready to kill someone and Grace watched as the sound people went into panic mode. Everyone jumped when Max barked and they all had expressions of fear as they did his bidding…or tried to, anyway.

  Except Kenna. She just rolled her eyes and continued to make notes on her iPad.

  “Should we do anything?” Grace asked.

  “No. It’ll just set him off more.” Kenna gave her a gentle smile. “If you don’t poke the bear, he’ll eventually calm down. We’ll have to talk with the sound people, though. These guys are new to us. It’s only their second concert, and if they muck it up today, they won’t be back.”

  “Really? Max is that picky?”

  Kenna nodded. “Aye, lass. Max gets what Max wants. It’s a double-edged sword, because he can be a nasty bastard, but it’s also why they’re so bloody good. Max demands excellence, and anyone who does well within the organization can write their own ticket as far as working for any other bands goes. Fallen Crown has a reputation for only hiring the best, so if the crew does well here, other bands know they’ll do well for them.”

  “I guess that’s good.”

  “It is. The crackle’s new, though,” Kenna said. “Not something we typically experience.”