Just an Illusion, Side A: Side A

by D. Kelly

  When the last lyrics fall from his lips, the deafening silence of the room explodes into a standing ovation. Except for me, because even though my vision is blurred by the many tears streaming down my cheeks, my eyes are locked solely on him. Eli is right; I need to tell him exactly how I feel because I’ve got no doubts about his love for me.

  “Thank you all for indulging my romantic gesture. We’d like to thank you all for coming out tonight and for the love and support you’ve all shown us over the years. For those of you who aren’t aware, Just an Illusion is more than an album and a song title. It’s also the name of the bar we’re filming from tonight. This bar holds many memories for us, and we wouldn’t be where we are now without the chance we were given here. It only felt right to do this show here, where it all began. So please give a round of applause to my cousin Jordan for letting us invade once again. We love you, brother.”

  A round of applause breaks out, and Eli leans over my shoulder as the guys continue to talk to the crowd, expressing their love and thanks. “Amelia Triton, as much as it pains me to say this, you should marry him and never look back.”

  “It’s Greyson now, Eli,” I correct him harshly.

  With a raised brow, he shakes his head. “You’ll always be a Triton. Own that shit, Mel. It’s who you are and who you were always meant to be. You’re not hiding anymore. Write under Greyson but be a Triton.”

  He’s got a point.

  “And by the way, your book was outstanding. I’m proud of you.”

  It’s strange falling into a friendship with Eli so easily after all this time. Sometimes, there are people in your life who you can pick up right where you left off with. I’d have never considered it before because I was so angry, but it makes sense Eli is one of those people.

  “Thanks, Eli.”

  Before I know it, the guys have left the stage and the show is over. The camera crews are tearing down their equipment and the place is buzzing as everyone tries to talk to and congratulate our guys.

  Noah’s family makes their way over to us. They were on the other side of the venue, where their security could linger on the outer edges and out of view all evening. Belle makes introductions to everyone because my eyes never leave Noah. It seems like it takes him forever to finally get to me, but I stayed put like I told him I would.

  Eventually, he pushes his way through the crowd of friends and label executives and finds his way to me. In a heartbeat, I’m out of my chair and in his arms.

  “I take it you liked the show?”

  “The show was good. You were sensational. You didn’t have to do that, but I’m so glad you did.” His hands rub against my lower back, and his head dips down against my ear. With a voice so low only I can hear, he whispers, “So you’re not leaving me for Eli?”

  His tone is one of joking insecurity. Turning around, I indicate to Eli and the rest of them we’ll be right back before pulling away from Noah and grabbing his hand. “We need to talk privately. Now.”

  Noah pulls me back toward Jordan’s office, determined not to let anyone get in our way. Ryan keeps up along with who knows how many other guards and he does a quick sweep of the office before stepping outside and closing the door behind him.

  “What’s going on, Mel?” Noah asks with a resigned sigh.

  “You!” I cry out louder than I should while poking a finger at his chest. “We need to get a few things clear right now because there are obviously still some unresolved issues at hand.”

  Noah leans against the desk and crosses his legs in front of him, his arms follow. He’s in a fully defensive position, effectively keeping me at bay. We’ll see how long that lasts.

  “First of all, I’m pretty sure I told you that you have no reason to be worried where Eli is concerned.”

  When he opens his mouth to speak, I hold out my hand. I’m not having any of his BS right now, not when there’s something this important I need to get off my chest.

  “There are things you are going to have to accept, Noah, if you want to be with me. One of those things is Eli. He’s my friend, he was my best friend for a long time. One of only two I’ve ever had … before you.”

  He relaxes, dropping his arms to his sides. “You consider me one of your best friends?”

  “Of course I do. Which brings me to my next point. In case it’s not completely obvious, I’m going to follow Eli’s advice for once and come clean. I’m in love with you, Noah. You’re the one. The only one for me.”

  His brilliant smile is automatic with my words, and he moves toward me at a slow pace. “Eli told you to come clean? About your love for me?”

  I nod and pull him close by the front of his shirt. When his mouth is a whisper away, I drop the bomb, “Eli told me I should marry you.”

  Noah’s mouth closes over mine and he takes complete control of our kiss. I don’t know if he’s claiming his dominance or me as his woman but whatever he’s feeling right now, it’s reflecting in his actions and is a complete turn on.

  Reluctantly, he pulls away, leaning his forehead against mine. “I can’t believe I’m going to say this, but Eli’s a smart man. You should listen to him.”

  “Maybe, but how about we tour, co-habitate for a bit, and then talk about getting married?”

  “I can live with that. But tell me the truth, was I hallucinating or did you really say I’m the one?”

  A sudden shyness encompasses me, but I look him in the eye because he deserves that and so much more. “I did. Noah Weston, you own my heart. You better be gentle with it.”

  He groans in frustration. “I need to get you home so I can make love to you until the sun rises.”

  “Sounds like a plan. Let’s go get the goodbyes out of the way.”

  After he opens the door, he pulls on my hand. “Mel, hang on a sec. How good of a friendship are we talking about with Eli?”

  I pause and think for a minute so I can give him the best answer possible. “Probably the kind where he’s going to call and text me often, visit when we’re in the same towns and definitely at home, and maybe even earn a godparent spot with one of our kids someday.”

  Just when I think Noah is going to complain, he flashes a brilliant smile instead. “Alright, if Eli coming back into your life means you’re finally willing to acknowledge our future children, I’ll take it. Just don’t make me sing his music in karaoke. Out of all the boy band music, his was my least favorite.”

  After a burst of laughter, I plant a firm kiss against his lips. “I can’t promise anything, but I’ll keep your request in mind.”

  Hand in hand, we walk back into the bar so we can say goodnight to our friends and family. The only place I want to be right now is in Noah’s bed. Our bed.

  Two ridiculously long hours later, the bar is empty. As much as we wanted to go home, there were so many friends and family members here supporting them we couldn’t just up and leave. Always the gentleman, Noah insisted on shutting the place down and helping Jordan wrap things up for the night. It’s one of my favorite things about him, so I’m not complaining. Being here with him is enough. Besides, for the last hour or so, I’ve been watching the best thing ever. Noah and Sawyer are sitting together at the bar, drinking and talking. Really talking. None of that gruff and quick stuff. They’re reminiscing, joking, and acting like the best of friends. It’s nice seeing them interact with Jordan on his home turf as well. The three of them really are brothers in every way.

  I’ve been observing them from afar while sitting in a circular booth making notes on my phone about tonight and catching up on emails. I’ve got plenty to keep me occupied while they do their thing. Every once in a while, Noah glances over and flashes me a smile, which I return with one of my own.

  “Princess, are you sleepy?” Of course Sawyer would walk up on me as I’m yawning, but when he yawns, too, it makes me laugh.

  “I guess as sleepy as you are,” I reply as he slides into the seat across from me. Jordan and N
oah are still at the bar with Mac and Ryan, talking and laughing. I’m happy to see Noah enjoy himself after all the drama of the day.

  “Hey, I really just wanted to say I’m sorry for earlier. I didn’t mean for you to overhear us arguing about things.” He pauses and runs his hand through his hair before looking back at me. “But, to be honest, I’m glad you did. You have the right to know what is going on. I couldn’t forgive myself if anything happened to you because you were unaware, so … please be safe, Princess.”

  Sawyer’s expression stops my heart. He has the look of a man who has everything at his fingertips and lost it. It’s heartbreaking. There’s so much more to him than the bad boy reputation he lets rule his image. For a brief moment, my mind flickers with the knowledge of how easily it could have been the two of us … if I’d fallen into his bed that night. I can’t even wrap my head around it so I shake it off. I’m not sure if Sawyer could have handled an us. Hell, I’m not sure I could have, either. It doesn’t matter, though … things are as they should be. I love Noah with my whole heart and can’t imagine my world without him. But Sawyer has seen so much, lost so much, and I know this Sara stuff is weighing as heavily on his heart as it is mine.

  “You don’t have anything to apologize for, Sawyer. You were right. I know Noah wants to protect me, but knowing your battle is half of conquering it. I appreciate that you care enough about me to want to protect me. It means more to me than you could ever know.”

  My pulse quickens with the hooded gaze he wears, but we both shake it off. We have to get past this bit of inappropriate sexual tension between us because it’s not going anywhere and never will. I think he realizes it as well because he brushes it off and a crooked smile appears on his face. “Yeah, well, we’re family now, so be prepared to understand how Rory and Diane feel. We’re going to be in your business all the time, it’s what brothers do. And when you and Noah eventually tie the knot, that’s what I’ll be … your brother.” He practically chokes over those last two words, and I can’t say I blame him. The thought of Sawyer being my brother-in-law is … unsettling. And that pisses me off most of all because there shouldn’t be anything unsettling about it. I’m head over heels in love with Noah.

  “Hey, you guys about ready to get out of here?” Noah asks, sliding in next to me, immediately stroking my thigh with his fingers. Instantly, I feel better. The awkwardness of whatever vibe was between me and Sawyer has vanished.

  We both nod, and Sawyer pauses. “How are we working security?”

  They let all the extra security leave to ensure everyone else got home safe about an hour ago. It’s only the three of us and the two guards left. It’s also two a.m. and totally fine, I’m sure.

  “Mac is going to take you and J to Jordan’s house and stay on his couch. Ryan is going to take Mel and me back to our house.”

  With a nod, Sawyer agrees to the plan. I’m not sure why Sawyer is staying with J tonight, but I don’t ask. I’m sure they want some time away from the family to catch up alone.

  A few minutes later, we’re all leaving out the back exit of the club. Mac went out first and got their car ready and Ryan stayed with us while Jordan locked up the club. They drove off as Ryan finished checking out our car for any obvious issues.

  “What the fuck is that?” I turn my head toward the sounds of screaming and banging around the side of the building. It sounds like someone is being beat against a dumpster.

  “I’ll go check it out. Get in the car and call the police,” Ryan orders, tossing the keys to Noah. He’s out of sight before I even step up into the car. Noah’s hand is resting on my hip protectively as I climb inside.

  “Noah!” The scream leaves my mouth the second I’m in my seat enough to see him start climbing in behind me. Sara is right behind him with a gun, and fear shoots straight through my heart. Before he even has the chance to turn around—while his eyes are locked on my fearful expression—she takes him down, cold-clocking him with the gun in her hand. Noah’s body crumples to the ground as I lurch toward him. Blood is rushing down his face, and when I move to jump out of the car, the muzzle of her gun is against my head.

  Cold fear floods my system as her feral gaze meets mine. She’s fucking insane. If I doubted it before, I don’t anymore. This woman is going to kill me.

  “See what you made me do? You’re such a stupid bitch! Noah is mine, he always has been. But you had to get in the way, had to make him think he was in love with you. All he needed was a reminder he’s mine. And he is. Noah belongs to me! The sooner you’re out of the picture, he’ll realize how much he misses me.” The frantic words flow from her mouth, but my eyes are locked on Noah.

  The puddle of blood around his head is growing. Where the fuck is Ryan? If he doesn’t get help soon, he’s going to die out here. With tears streaming down my cheeks, I take my chances and try pleading with her.

  “Sara, I’m sorry. Please, help Noah and I’ll disappear. I promise. Just help him.” My words are stuttered, spouted through sobs I can’t control. My eyes are still locked on Noah; he’s so still, his breathing so shallow.

  “Help him!” I plead with her and am met by nothing but an insane smile.

  “He’s fine, he’s only sleeping. It will be just like a fairy tale. He’ll wake up from his true love’s kiss. But first … I need to get rid of you.”

  The gunshot blast echoes through the silent night. The heavy impact slams me backward into the car, and my vision dances with red and black dots before everything fades to black.

  Belle’s Post-Shooting Announcement

  Slammers!

  It’s Belle. Remember those positive thoughts and prayers I asked for yesterday? Please get them going. We need the best vibes we can get right now. It’s with great sadness I have to tell you Noah Weston and Amelia Greyson, along with their bodyguard Ryan Goodall, have been involved in some type of altercation after leaving the private BAD concert tonight.

  We’re en route to the hospital as I type, and at this moment, all conditions are unknown. I’ll update you hourly with more details as they come in. Please keep them all in your hearts. Love is a powerful thing.

  Xs and Os

  Belle

  To Be Continued …

  Please visit http://www.dkellyauthor.com/ for Just an Illusion – The B Side pre-order and release information.

  If you’d like to join D’s fan group, please visit us at https://www.facebook.com/groups/239952459522719/

  To keep up on all things D. Kelly, including releases, sales, signings, giveaways and more please sign up for her mailing list. http://www.dkellyauthor.com/mailing-list/

  Thank you all for reading Just an Illusion – Side A. This book was difficult to write because in a lot of aspects, it’s a very personal story.

  With each book I release, the acknowledgements become increasingly difficult to write. The indie book world is a wonderful place. Authors, bloggers, readers—everyone ensconced within our community is so giving. Every day, I’m helped by more people than I can count. With a simple message, post, or cry for help, people come through. This is a beautiful thing, and a wonderful community to be a part of.

  To try and narrow down everyone who has helped me in some way or contributed to my books is nearly impossible. Please know I appreciate every one of you. Every blogger who has helped me in any way, every reader who has picked up one of my books, my editors, designers, formatter, proofreader, and beta readers, I am so thankful for each of you and love you all.

  Of course, I do need to give a huge thank you to my PA, Ashley Griffieth. She has been with me from the beginning and knows what I need before I even realize it. My street team—D’s Divine Divas—and my fan group—Dee’s Dirty Divas—you are all amazing. I love you guys!

  Lastly, to my family and friends. You may be last on this list but you’re always first in my heart. I wouldn’t be writing at all if it weren’t for your love and encouragement. Thank you for always believing in me, even whe
n I don’t believe in myself.

  I’m a wife, a mom and a dog lover. I’m also a taxi, problem fixer, extreme multi-tasker and my kids’ biggest fan in anything that they do. I’m married to my high school sweetheart... how cool is that? Margaritas and sarcasm make me happy. Chocolate makes that happiness grow exponentially. People who make me laugh are my favorite kind of people. I believe Karma is real and mean people suck. I’m California born and raised, I love the beach but hate the sand. And of course I believe Starbucks makes any day better. I’m a Contemporary Romance author and Just an Illusion ~ Side A is the eighth book I’ve released. If you’d like to learn more about me, please visit my website. www.dkellyauthor.com

  The Acceptance Series –

  Breaking Kate – Book One

  Catching Kate – Book 1.5

  Releasing Kate- Book Two

  Loving Kate – Book Three

  Christmas with the Houstons – Book Four

  Stand Alone Novels

  Chasing Cassidy

  Sharing Rylee

  The Illusion Series

  Just an Illusion – Side A

  Just an Illusion – The B Side (coming early 2017)

  http://www.dkellyauthor.com/retailers/

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