“Bird what are you about to do?”
“I’m about to give One Time what he wants.” She walked outside realizing she couldn’t use the driver. He’d call Cameron as soon as he dropped her off. She turned to Isaac. “Will you please take me?”
“Bird this is not a good idea. That dude tried to strangle you.”
“What do you think he’ll do next? I can’t have him coming after Cameron or the RSE family over me. I did this. I have to fix it. Now are you going to help me or not?” She didn’t want to drag Isaac in it.
“Call Cameron, Sydney.”
“No. I have ten minutes. Or do I need to call an Uber.”
Sydney entered Club Black and it was jumping. She asked for the VIP Lounge and the hostess pointed down the hall. The women were swinging on pools and the men were making it rain. She made a deal with Isaac that if she didn’t return in ten minutes to call the police and then Cameron, and he agreed.
A warning voice in her head scream, “Go home Bird!”
Truth be told, she was scared out of her mind. She knew he wasn’t above harming her but she was tired of being scared and holding her breath for the moment he popped up. Now was her chance to put this behind her. She only hoped Cameron would forgive her.
She stopped outside the VIP Lounge having dodge gropy-hand losers. She took a deep breath and knocked.
Cameron saw Isaac’s car the moment he entered the parking lot. The security guard called when he saw them get in Isaac’s car. Cameron called and Isaac told him where they were heading, never once giving away the he was talking to Cameron.
Sydney got out the car and went inside. Cameron got out with Bruce. They walked over an talked with Isaac.
“What is she doing?”
“Something about recording the final album to finish out her contract. We’ll be back.” Cameron turned to walk inside.
“Cam let me come with you. I tried to go in with her and she’s talking crazy. She thinks this will help.”
“I need you to stay here and call the police in five minutes. Okay?” He saw the worry in Isaac’s eyes. “I’ll get her. You did the right thing kid.” He tapped the door and walked toward the club.
Club Black was a premier gentlemen’s club. He asked to rent a VIP lounge and the hostess didn’t blink.
“This dude is on the line for millions but he paid ten thousand dollars for a VIP room.” Cameron shook his head. He had to get Sydney out. There was two rooms. The hostess assigned them room two. It was safe to assume she was in room one.
“Stand back.” Cameron whispered to Damian pointing at the peephole. But Damian halted him with a hand then flagged down a waitress.
“Can you do me a favor?” Damian asked the waitress, pulling out a hundred dollar bill and she agree without hesitation. “Knock on the door. And wait until he opens it.”
The waitress did as instructed. The moment the door opened they pushed their way inside. Sydney sat inside, her eyes boldly met his. The table between her and One Time had enough drugs to send someone to prison for distribution. Damian stood blocking the door.
“Sydney, let’s go.” Cameron ripped out the words impatiently.
“Cameron—”
“What are you doing in here? Do you know what would have to your career if someone took pictures of you in here with all these drugs?”
The thump of the DJ outside disguised the rhythm of his racing heart. What was he doing here? Trying to save someone that doesn’t want to be save.
“Syd, we’re leaving in five seconds. You can stay or leave but once I leave, I’m done.” Cameron said with finality.
“Oh, ain’t y’all sweet. Lady Bird you traded me in for this weak dude? He did put you back in the game but baby girl you can do better.”
“Cameron,” she reached for him, not to leave but to stay.
“I’m done with this shit. Damian let’s go.”
Cameron left with her calling his name. He had no business inside Club Black, risking the careers of every artist under his leadership.
“Want me to stay back?” Damian asked.
Cameron looked back towards the room, “Please. Call me if you need me. I can’t stay here. This is too much.”
“Cameron, things are not always what they seem.”
“You could be right, but right now. I don’t care. It’s her life to screw up.” He said the words but his leaving her inside would kill him. He stopped in the parking lot, counting the cost. Torn between walking away and going back and dragging her out.
“Cam, let me explain.”
He did put you back in the game…
He won’t let that go Cameron, I know him.
Turning it over in his mind. She’d said on more than one occasion how much she knew him. And the alarm bells went off in his head like a fire station. He turned around to face her, “You were with that dude?
“On and off for a few years. But its over and it has nothing to do with tonight.”
“I’m out of here.” He walked away then doubled back. “You know what Sydney you’e no different than Gabrielle, she wanted my money and you wanted a deal. Congratulations Syd. I guess your man is right, I just put you back in the game. You’re welcome.”
Sydney reached for his arm. “Cameron, you know that’s not the truth. I’m here tonight to finally finish my contract and put this behind me. And behind us for good.”
She stepped closer, “Baby, I need for you to trust me. I have a good plan.” He looked away but didn’t move. “I have enough material to complete an album. And then I’m done with Southern Sounds and One Time for good. Please Cameron help me do this.”
“I’ll help you under one condition, you must do exactly as I say or I’ll walk, for good.”
“I agree.” A smile crossed her face and it broke his heart because he knew what he had to do.
“And Syd, this between us is over.”
“What do you mean?” She cupped he face in her soft hands and he wanted to kiss the pained look off he face. But she’s gambling and the price is too high.
Cameron stepped back. “I’ll help you finish off this deal with Southern Sounds. But I can’t do this. I have an entire team following my leadership and I can’t jeopardize their careers. Good night Syd.”
“Cameron you’re over reacting. Let’s talk about this.”
“Did we talk about it before you decided to take this meeting? In a strip club? Surrounded by drugs and a man that tried to strangle you in front of me? Tell me Syd. Why didn’t we talk about that one?”
“No, because I knew you’d try to stop me.”
“And that’s why I’m leaving. That sounds like some toxic behavior to me. I can’t protect you from you.”
“Cameron, I’m a grown woman and you can’t control me. I don’t ask for nor do I need your protection. What I need is for you to stand by me. Stand by me and love me.”
He shoved his hands in his pockets to keep from touching her. “My decision stands. This is business. I’ll met with you both tomorrow at ten o’clock.”
“Just business,” she called out.
“No doubt.”
Chapter Twenty-Two
Cameron assembled the team at eight o’clock in the boardroom. He gave them an overview.
“Sydney would complete the writing contract with RSE without renewal. He would represent her in renegotiating her contract for her final album with Southern Sounds, against his recommendation. But it’s a setup. We’re including a Key Man clause. This means if Diesel “One Time” Armstrong is dropped for any reason, she’s free and clear.”
Damian sat forward, “After working with a few sources I learned that Diesel “One Time” Armstrong needs this deal with Sydney to keep his contract.”
Cameron dropped his gaze to his hands, “I’m asking you guys to help me. He doesn’t know, that we know this information. We will be using it towards our advantage to get her a better deal.”
“A better deal to leave us?” Jamal asked.
“How will you negotiate her a better deal if the current contract is valid?” Marques asked.
“I will propose a substitution contract. We’ll oversee her entire project, including the expenses. Southern Sounds must agree to give Sydney full creative liberty, that she will not owe for production and to clean past debt. Of course, any expenses incurred by RSE I’ll pay personally.”
“Why would you agree to this type of deal?” Devin asked.
“To give her a fresh start.” Cameron looked around the room, “I call for a vote.”
“I’ll vote yes, if you allow us to shoulder the expenses together.”
“I can’t let you guys—” Cameron
“Then my vote is no.” Bruce boldly met his eyes. The other men nodded in solidarity with Bruce.
“Then you’ll agreed to vote yes, only if RSE covers the expenses to produce Sydney Jones’ final album with Southern Sounds.”
“I agree.” And it was an unanimous decision.
“Man, I love you guys.” Cameron felt overwhelmed. He wouldn’t have Sydney but she would have her first love, music without the cloud of Southern Sounds.
“Family…” Marques said.
“Over fame.”
Sydney couldn’t sleep. She left Club Black in a daze. One Time agree to meet her at RSE. She went their the catalog of music she’d created since working with RSE. She had over fifty tracks.
But the knowledge of this deal only made her life worse because now Cameron thought she used him. She dressed and headed over to RSE hoping to talk with Cameron before the meeting. She prayed he’d let her explain.
She went back to the conference room and the full team was there. The guys stood up to greet her but her eyes remain locked on Cameron. He gave a tight nod, then pulled out the chair beside him.
Sydney sat in the offered chair with the same of his cologne swirling around her. “Cam.”
He turned her way and she saw nothing. No light. No sparkle.
“I’m sorry,” she whispered as One Time entered the conference room. The men stood and so did she.
“Please have a set.” Cameron offered to One Time and his attorney.
Sydney glanced around the table and she was the only woman. And she sat at the head of the table like the queen beside her king. The great leader surrounded by his team. She looked over at Cameron, his strong profile looked chiseled in stone.
This isn’t over.
Sydney walked away from her career before out of duress. But she’d not the same woman. She would should Cameron and RSE that this is where she belongs. With that resolve planted in her heart she took the offered contract, making sure to brush Cameron’s hand. And she saw a spark. She may be down, but she’s not out.
Cameron and Damian negotiate her contract with ease. He direct delivery and command of the room made her grip his knee under the table. He jumped giving her a behave eye. She pretended not to understand his look.
After the fifth knee squeeze Damian called for a fifteen minute break to regroup.
One Time and his attorney left, as soon as the door closed Cameron turned to her. “I need you to behave.”
“I’m trying.” She shrugged it off and he dropped his head with a discreet smile on his lips. “But I have on addendum.”
“And what’s that?” Damian asked.
“I want a full release for my songs on the soundtrack.” She saw a little more light in Cameron’s eyes.
They called the men in and finished the negotiations. In the end, she received essentially a new contract with creative liberty, no debt, release for the soundtrack, and a fresh start. Now to finish the album.
They signed. Southern Sounds gave her thirty days to complete it. One Time wanted to take advantage of the movie and soundtrack release.
The men filed out leaving her alone with Cameron. “You’re all squared away.”
“Why’d you do Cameron?”
“Because everyone deserves a second chance. This is yours. Now, make it count.” His smile was as intimate as a kiss.
“Don’t give up on me.”
“Never, but don’t give up on you and don’t settle.” Cameron stood to leave and she grabbed his hand.
“I love you Cameron and I plan to show you.” Sydney stood and walked out on shaky legs. She needed to call her RSE sisters. They needed to stage an intervention.
Chapter Twenty-Three
Sydney left RSE and headed to Coffee Confessions to meet the ladies. She had a lot of explaining to do. She only hoped they’d help her, especially Imani.
They ladies arrive and huddled around the table. Sydney told them about her renegotiated contract and wanting Cameron back.
“We’ve all made mistakes, but why should Cameron believe you wasn’t in cahoots with One Time.”
“He shouldn’t I can only give him my word. I went to the club to get this behind me. You don’t know what it feels like to always looking over your shoulder for the one person capable of snatching away the little bit of joy and happiness you’ve found. I have that here. And I plan to fight for it with or without your help.” She brushed away a tear. “I give you all my word. I love Cameron. More than anyone in my life. And I know I hurt him. It wasn’t intentional, but I did and I’ll have to ask his forgiveness.”
“I’ll help,” Brione raised her hand. “And I know what you’re talking about. RSE helped me get my baby back. You got my support and organization skills.”
“Me too.” Imani said, “Damian and I believe you. It just all came out wrong. I’ll help too.”
“Good because I need some dance moves.”
“Count me in then.” Imani smiled.
They all look at Sandi. Sydney noticed they differed to her the way the guys looked to Cameron. She sat thinking, not rushed or pressured to respond.
“I’ll help. But Cameron has a special place in my heart. Treat him right.”
Sydney nodded. “Thank you all so much. I won’t let you down.” She took a deep breath. “This is what I have in mind.”
Sydney arrived for her session with Bruce later that night early. She planned to intentionally drive Cameron wild. Her heart told her it wasn’t over. And she hoped she was right.
She dressed in her normal comfortable attire but added a little perfume. He said how it drove him crazy before, she might as well use it to help her get her man back.
She went into the studio and dropped her back then she walked the halls of RSE like a fool. She wanted him to smell her fragrance everywhere. Especially with Eliana in Atlanta. That meant she was the only female in the building. He’d know it was her.
After taking a couple turns around the building she went into her session with Bruce. He sat down in his favorite chair and Sydney knew she had to apologize. The women decided it was best to keep the guys out of their plans. And with Eliana’s help they could, since she arranged most of their schedules.
“Thank you Bruce.”
He leaned back assessing her. “You’re welcome. Now what do you have in mind?”
“I figure we only need ten to twelve songs. I calculate we recorded about fifty. So, once we decide on the ten to twelve, We need to discuss the fees for the beats and production.”
“I know that, I’m talking about you and Cam. What’s your plan, and I want in?”
They went to work. Finalizing her album and planning her surprise appearance at the soundtrack release party in Atlanta. She was cleaning up her recording at night and dancing with Imani almost daily.
After three weeks of her nonstop schedule, she was exhausted. And she was exhausted. Bruce texted and said was running late. Sydney sat on the couch wanting to close her eyes for few minutes.
I love you Cameron and I plan to show you. Cameron was miserable.
Dear Reader
Dear Rockstar Romance Reader,
Marques Carter entered the outer edges of my mind over ten years ago. He’s a mixture of heart, soul, and music.
Actually, it feels more like book three…in HIDDEN DESIRE you met Bruce Daniels and Damian Hughes in AS YOU WISH. They are three of the six partners in Rockstar Entertainment, the indie record label featured in Forbidden Chords.
The Forbidden Chords Series follows the drama of the rockstars heading Rockstar Entertainment. This indie record label makes more magic between the sheets than on the tracks.
The music is cutting edge. Their love lives are hot as sin. But if they aren’t willing to choose between the two, they’ll risk everything they’ve worked their whole lives to pursue fame and fortune on their own terms.
Family over fame is their motto...now sit back and watch them blaze a trail to the top.
I hope you loved it and you’re ready for book two, ROCKSTAR SINNERS, featuring Cameron the fearless leader of this eclectic tribe. Look for his story early summer 2018.
Take care and happy reading.
Ja’Nese Dixon
www.janesedixon.com
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AVAILABLE NOW: Rockstar Secrets (Book 1)
Millions of adoring fans dream of having one night with him, but only she has access to his heart.
Rockstar Sinners (Forbidden Chords Book 2) Page 13
