by KT Fisher
Booker literally runs up to me, capturing me in his arms and kissing me on the forehead. Everyone looks at us, wondering what’s going on, and for the first time I really don’t care. The girls all watch us with happy expressions, because of course, I’ve told them what’s been happening between Booker and me, but the guys still don’t know.
Tate’s actually frowning at Booker right now and pushes him to the side. “She’s my sister, bro, let me in,” Tate complains as he grabs me close and breathes out a stuttered breath. Over Tate’s shoulder, I see Booker’s red face and tight lips as he takes a step to remove Tate from me, but before I can do anything Cole stops Booker and holds him back. He shakes his head in a silent warning, and thankfully Booker calms. I’m glad, because although Booker’s worried about me, so is my brother and he deserves to be able to check to see if I’m fine as much as he does.
“I’m fine,” I insist.
“She is now,” Roxie complains. “The fool was going to throw herself out the car, so Troy could get her.”
“Troy?” both Tate and Booker ask in unison. Booker’s voice is a low growl, whereas Tate is simply asking. Of course, he doesn’t know about Troy, but I have told Booker Troy is an ex.
Roxie’s eyes widen as she realizes she’s said too much, but I’m not mad. Perhaps this is the right time to explain everything. After all, I can’t exactly lie my way out of it now even if I tried.
“Yes, it was my ex driving the car behind us.” I look to my brother and Booker.
“Why would he be following you?” asks Booker.
“Hold up,” Tate shouts. “Who the fuck is Troy?”
Taking a deep, steadying breath, I look to Tate and begin to explain, “Troy is my ex. I met him when you first went on tour.”
“And why’s this the first time I’ve heard his name?” asks Tate.
“Hey, let her talk, yeah?” adds Booker, coming to stand beside me.
Tate looks between us, his eyes flickering while he tries to figure this out. “What is it with you two?”
“That doesn’t matter right now. We need to get home and get Crystal to safety,” Lacey insists.
“Why isn’t she safe?” Tate frowns. “Is this Troy fucker scaring you?”
I sadly nod and feel like shit because Tate looks so confused. “He’s been threatening me.”
Booker tenses beside me as I watch the emotions on Tate’s face, and I imagine if I look up, Booker’s face will reflect exactly the same.
“Why didn’t you tell me?” asks Booker. “Is this why you’ve been on edge all the time?”
I nod, beginning to feel emotional. “Yes. He’s been calling me nonstop, stalking me, and now when he was following us in the car, he ordered me to hand myself over to him. He wants me back, but I can’t go back. I hate him.”
“Calm down…” Booker strokes my hair. “Why is he doing this?”
“Because he’s obviously fucked in the head,” Tate shouts. “Come on, we’re taking you home and then I want to know everything.” He pointedly looks to Booker as he says that, and I agree to ride in the car with him and Booker jumps in beside me.
The car drive is silent, until Booker breaks it with a dreaded question, “Why is Troy threatening you Crystal?”
“Because he wants me back…” I answer, “…but I will never go back to him.”
“Why did you leave him?” he asks, and I look up to Tate in the front of the car, watching us through his mirror. “Crystal?”
“He hit me,” I admit and the car fills with a deathly silence.
“What?” both Booker and Tate ask in anger.
“This guy fucking laid his hands on you?” Tate asks.
“Yes,” I admit whisper quietly.
“Why did you never tell me?” he asks. “Is that why you wanted to join the tour?”
Crying, I nod. “Yes. I knew he wouldn’t find me if I was with you. I never told him you were my brother.”
“But he’s found out,” Booker points out.
I nod again. “After what Joe did, and it being all over the news, he was bound to see me in something.”
“Speaking of which, why wouldn’t you tell anyone after what Roxie’s been through?” Tate asks.
“I didn’t think Troy was dangerous, not until today,” I answer.
Tate shakes his head and storms out the car as soon as we reach his house. Booker and I follow and our friends pull in after us. All their worried eyes on me as Booker pulls me in close.
“I’m so sorry I put you through this,” I tell the girls.
Ria, Paige, and Lola walk toward us as they drove to Roxie’s place. They had no clue what was happening, so Roxie kindly updates them all.
“This is Lola by the way,” Roxie introduces her. The guys haven’t met her yet and they all wave. I just wish they were meeting under better circumstances.
“What I don’t get, is why you were offering yourself to him?” Tate asks. “Why would you do that if he beat you?”
I flinch at the word, and the girls all gasp. Lowering my head, I let a single tear fall to the ground.
“That’s fucking out of order,” Booker shouts at him.
“Stay out of it, Book,” Tate growls.
“He’s right, Tate.” Lacey frowns. “That was a horrid thing to say.”
“He hit you?” Cole asks me, and I nod my head. I can feel their anger surrounding me.
“And now he’s stalking her. He wants her back and claims if he can’t have her, nobody else can,” Tate explains for me.
“I’ve told the police.” I look to him and Tate steps closer.
“I wish you would’ve told me,” he whispers. “I’m sorry.”
He holds me tightly, and I cry a little. “I didn’t want you to think I was weak and pity me.”
He holds me back, deep lines form on his forehead from how hard his brows draw together. “I would never think that. I just want to look after you Crystal, you’re my sister.”
“I’m sorry,” I cry. “He told me I had to go with him, or he’d hurt you all and I didn’t want that.”
“He will not get to you, Crystal,” Roxie declares, and I smile over at her.
“Like hell he will,” Booker growls and places an arm over my shoulder. “We need to talk to the police and demand to know what the fuck they’re doing because Crystal’s reported Troy and he’s managed to get so fucking close to her.”
“He sent that drink, didn’t he?” Paige asks.
“I think so,” I agree, and when I look to the guys, the question is in their eyes. “When we were having dinner, a waiter delivered a drink from a mystery man.”
Booker clenches his jaw, looking as pissed as everyone else does. “He shouldn’t have been that close.”
“Damn fucking straight,” Tate shouts. “And what the fuck is happening here?” Tate points to me and then Booker.
With a glance to Booker, it’s clear I should be the one to tell him. “We’re seeing each other.”
Tate’s body goes stiff, and he glares at Booker. “You and my baby sister?”
Everyone goes quiet, waiting to see what happens next and I’m worried.
“She ain’t a baby,” Booker replies, and I get ready for Tate’s fist in Booker’s face.
“The fuck does that mean?” Tate asks.
“Crystal and me… we’re together,” Booker tells him. “She’s worried you’ll be pissed, but I’ve assured her you’d want her to be happy.”
Tate’s frown deepens and he steps forward. Cole and Mason also stand by closer, just in case shit kicks off.
“Don’t fucking speak for me, Book. You’ve just told me that you and my little sister have been seeing each other behind my back.”
“That was for me…” I add, “…Booker kept quiet for me.”
Tate comes closer, kisses me sweetly on my forehead and before I know it, he punches Booker square on the face. I actually scream from the shock of it, but Booker stands his ground and looks to Tate. Thankfully, B
ooker doesn’t do anything, but stand still and I stand in front of him.
“No.” I shake my head.
“You want this?” He indicates to Booker behind me and I nod.
“I do…” I smile up at my brother and then take hold of Booker’s hand. “I really do.”
Tate sighs loudly and nods before walking away. Cole shakes his head at Booker and Mason laughs silently. Turning around, I face Booker, and he smiles through his cut lip. Frowning, I go to touch his cut but Booker pulls away. “Probably best not to touch it, babe.”
“Okay.” I laugh.
“No more hiding.” He grins widely.
“No more secrets.” I giggle, feeling free.
Booker holds me, whispering in my ear, “Don’t put yourself in danger like that again, babe. I was fucking terrified.”
“I won’t,” I promise him.
“When I heard Rox say you were gonna jump from the car, I was going insane. Please, don’t think like that. I don’t ever want you close to that man again.” I almost cry again just from hearing his words.
“Oh boy.” I hear Ria laughing and I turn to look.
Tate is standing with Lola, holding his hand out to her, but Lola does not look impressed. “Lovely to meet you, Lola. Your name is as beautiful as you are.”
I hold back my own laughter. Booker and I are long forgotten, now that he wants to impress the lovely Lola. He doesn’t fool me, though, I know once he gets me on my own he’ll want to talk about Troy. I know I’ve badly hurt him by not confiding in him.
“Thank you.” Lola shakes his hand, looking very uncomfortable.
She’s staring at Tate and all his tattoos, his prominent rock star lifestyle screaming through. He doesn’t know that he’s everything she doesn’t want in a man. However, Tate still turns on the charm with his signature smile. I must admit, watching him fail with Lola is awesome to watch, as she walks away with Roxie.
Booker takes my hand and leads me back into his arms. I risk a glance behind me and notice Tate watching us. I offer a small wave and he sends me back a wink in return.
After literally talking through most of my past with Booker, we decide to watch some television and relax. He wanted to know all there was to know about Troy and I told him. It felt good to let him know everything that happened. I told Booker more than the girls will ever know, and maybe that’s a sign of what Booker means to me. He’s not a short fling, our past sneaking around is witness to that, but actually being together with everyone knowing is going to be different. I’m excited to not be hiding anymore, and I pray Tate will eventually be okay with us. He’s my big brother, and I really don’t want to hurt him or to have him angry with myself or Booker. They’re friends after all, never mind just being in a band together. With their new album coming together, a tour will be on the horizon, and I hate the thought of causing awkwardness or drama for them all, just because Booker and I want to be together.
I sigh as I cuddle into Booker. “Thank you.”
“For what?” He smiles.
“For not punching Tate back.”
This awards me with an even bigger smile. “I wouldn’t do that. He’s hurting, and I probably deserved it.”
“No, you didn’t,” I argue.
“Babe, I slept with his sister under his nose.” Booker turns to me, running his finger over my jaw and down my neck. “We’ve had sex many, many times, and he didn’t know anything. I feel bad and I know you do. I definitely deserved that punch.”
“Yeah, maybe.” I laugh, and he kisses me sweetly.
The knocking sound breaks us apart, and I hate watching Booker leave as he runs off to answer the door. After a couple of minutes, I hear Booker’s voice shout from down the hall, “Crys! It’s ya brother!”
Wow, it’s a pretty good job we didn’t take that kiss any further. “Tate?”
“The one and only.” He smiles as he enters the room.
I look between the two men. “I hope there’s going to be no more punches.”
Tate looks at Booker. His lip now cleaned up. “Yeah, I’m not sorry.”
“I’m not even surprised.” Booker laughs.
With a nod to Booker, Tate comes to sit beside me and looks me over. “Are you okay?”
“Yes,” I simply answer.
“No Crystal, I mean really okay? All that shit you kept quiet for so long, I want to know if you are truly okay,” he insists.
“I am…” I place a hand over his, “…honestly.”
“Why didn’t you tell me?” he asks. “I would have helped you.”
Tears threaten to fall as I speak. “But you did. You let me join your tour, and without you knowing you kept me safe.”
“But you should have told me. If I knew a guy was treating you like that, I would’ve fucking killed him.”
“And that’s why I didn’t,” I admit, watching Tate keep back his emotion. “You were a rising star, I couldn’t let my mistake cost you your career.”
“Bullshit,” he scoffs. “You still should have said something.”
I fall into his arms and just let him hold me for a few seconds. “I’m sorry,” I whisper.
“I’m worried about you. This ex of yours sounds like a fucking lunatic, and I won’t have him anywhere near you,” Tate declares.
I like his words and I really hope they’re true, and that Troy never gets so close to my friends or me again. “The police will get him.”
“That’s just it. I just spoke to the police, and they didn’t get the fucker,” Tate growls and a shiver runs through me. I don’t like the sound of that.
“You fucking kidding me?” Booker asks, finally joining the conversation after leaving Tate and I to it.
Tate shakes his head. “I wish I was. They lost him, and he’s still fucking out there.”
“Maybe we could hire some extra security?” Booker asks. “We probably should after all the shit with Joe. You never know who can take crap a little too far.”
“That’s true…” Tate nods. “I’ll sort something out.”
My brother then stands and I follow. Booker walking just behind me as I talk with Tate.
“I just want you to be safe and I’m sorry for what I said earlier.”
“Tate, it’s fine…” I hug him goodbye. “I shouldn’t have kept everything from you.”
“Let’s forget it all,” Tate offers. “All that matters is keeping you safe.”
We break apart and then Booker stands beside me. Tate looks to him and I can see how torn he is. “Look after her.”
Before Tate can turn around, Booker answers, “That’s going to take the both us.”
Tate smiles. “If you make her happy, then I guess I have no choice do I?”
“Nope.” I laugh and see the hint of a smile as he turns and finally leaves. When I close the door, Booker grabs me in a tight embrace, and I finally feel happy. “No more secrets.”
Booker laughs. “No more hiding.”
The next day I’m with Roxie over at Lacey’s, updating them on what happened when Tate paid a visit to Booker’s.
“You think he’s going to be okay with you two?” Lacey asks.
Hope fills me. “I think so.”
“I love that you two are together,” Roxie smiles. “I had a feeling you two were doing something, but I could never catch you.”
I have to laugh. “We were very secretive.”
“You look so happy,” Lacey observes.
“Do I?” I ask.
Roxie nods. “She’s right, you look happier considering what went down yesterday.”
“I’m just so relieved I don’t have to lie to anyone anymore. Between Troy, and having a secret night with Booker, it started to get tough.”
“I bet.” Lacey laughs.
“I’ve heard Booker is great in bed,” Roxie blurts out. “Is it true?”
My eyes widen, and Lacey howls in laughter. “Rox!” I shout.
“What? I’m just curious.” Roxie shrugs. Thankfully before I
can reply, there’s a knock on the front door. We’re in the living room, and we hear Tate shout before Lacey even has a chance to leave the room.
“Lace?” he shouts.
“Living room,” she replies, and he walks in, smiling at us all.
“Here you are…” Tate greets, looking to me, “…I’ve been looking for you.”
“Is everything okay?” I ask, worried if there’s been some news on Troy.
“No, everything’s fine. I just thought you’d want to know three guards have been selected and will start as soon as possible,” Tate explains.
“Oh, that’s good.” I nod.
“Crystal, that’s great news! After Joe, and now Troy, we need some extra security around here,” Roxie adds.
“Hey Rox, I was wondering about your friend. Is she single?” Tate shuffles his feet as he asks.
I see Lacey hide her smile and I hold back my own, but Roxie doesn’t and full out grins as she replies, “Why? You like her don’t you?”
“No, I was just curious. She’s a pretty girl, and I thought the way she reacted she must be with someone.” He shrugs.
“Wow!” I laugh. “So, if a girl turns you down, it’s because she has a boyfriend and not because she’s not interested?”
“Of course,” Tate answers as if I was stupid to even ask.
“Tate, you aren’t Lola’s type.” Lacey lets him know. “Trust us, she is not interested.”
“She a lesbian?” he asks, and we all laugh.
“No!” Roxie bursts out. “She doesn’t do rockers or any musicians for that matter.”
He frowns. “Why not?”
“She has her reasons,” I inform. “Just leave it. She ain’t interested, Tate.”
“But I’m everyone’s type,” he sulks.
Rolling my eyes, Roxie and Lacey continue to laugh, and Tate looks at us as if he’s not getting the joke. He’s a great and caring guy, but Tate does have a high opinion of himself.
I get a text from Booker explaining that he wants me to come over when I’m finished with the girls. So soon after Tate leaves, I let them know I have to join Booker. They both snicker their comments as I leave with a huge smile on my face. I don’t bother to knock on Booker’s front door and walk straight in.
