by C. R. Jane
Chapter 29
(Mason)
I was officially the world’s biggest idiot. “What’s your name gorgeous?” That had to be the lamest pickup line in all of history. My stomach felt like it was up in my throat. I was worried my palms were sweating in her hand. I had grabbed her hand at the end of our very short conversation and now didn’t want to let go for fear of her walking away from me. I’m sure she thought it was weird that I was touching her after just meeting her. My heart was beating furiously and my skin was tingling where we were connected. She was even more incredible up close. Her voice had this sexy earthy quality and my cock had hardened just by her saying her name. At least I actually did have decent plans to take her out to. I had told Kevin to book a fun night out thinking Courtney would be meeting us so all the reservations were set.
Man I was a dick. I suppose I should have had some sort of semblance of regret or guilt about how easily I had disposed of Courtney, but this girl holding my hand made it hard to even think about anything else. How could any other girl on the planet mean anything to me when she existed. I had never believed in love at first sight or anything like that but this feeling I was currently experiencing felt otherworldly, nothing like I could ever have comprehended feeling. I felt obsessed, enthralled, like I was under a spell. Was she some kind of witch?
There were limos waiting around the corner. I pulled her to the one in front and made a gesture to the other band members who were with the other girls to go in the other ones. I wanted time alone with her. I still
didn’t let go of her hand when we got into the limo. Instead I found myself stroking her palm. She was sitting stiffly next to me, eyes wandering all over the car, looking at anything but me. “Do you feel this,” I asked. She looked at me. “Feel what,” she asked. “This connection,” I answered, not knowing how to adequately describe it. She blushed. She did feel it! “Where do you live right now,” I asked. “I’m a freshman at Rothmore College,” she answered. Damon’s school? Shit. There was no way he didn’t know about her. My question was why he would let her out of his sight. “How do you like it so far?” I asked, wincing inwardly at my lame attempts at small talk, but continuing to try and make her more comfortable. This question seemed to do the trick.
“I love it,” she exclaimed. “Everything about it, and New York City, is the best thing I have ever experienced.” “I agree…at least about the New York City part,” I interjected. “I’ve only been on that campus for a few football games, but my buddy seems to like it.” I didn’t mention Damon’s name just in case she did know him. “My home base is in New York,” I continued. I’ve been on tour but I call here home during my off times.” She seemed to be relaxing and proceeded to ask about my tour. “Are you a fan,” I asked. “I am now,” she said looking a bit embarrassed. “I honestly had never heard any of your songs before tonight,” she said.
Was she for real? My suspicions were up. Where had she been living before this? I don’t think I had met anyone that didn’t know about me or profess to be a huge fan of my music. “Where are you from?” I asked. She looked away, beginning to nervously play with her hair. “Here and there,” she answered, pulling on her hair harder. I grabbed her hand with the one not holding hers. “You don’t have to tell me anything you don’t want to,” I told her gently. She smiled at me. “I’m
a bit of a private person,” she answered. I turned my questioning to other topics, asking her about her likes
and dislikes, and what she had done in the city so far.
The more she talked, the more I was entranced. I didn’t even notice when the limo stopped in front of our destination, one of New York’s most exclusive clubs, ‘Covet.’ The driver opened the door, grabbing my attention. “We’re here sir,” he said politely, opening the door wider so we could get out. He had drove around to the side entrance. I’m sure the rest of my bandmates would choose to use the front door so the paparazzi could get their pictures, and the whole club could know they were arriving, but I didn’t want to draw attention to myself tonight. A part of me worried that as soon as Eva was captured in a photo with me she would be taken from me. She was too gorgeous for the world not to want to know everything about her as soon as they saw her. My thoughts strayed to the Grammy’s. I was supposed to be taking Courtney, but obviously that would not be happening now.
I wondered about taking Eva. If I didn’t take her I wouldn’t take anyone else but taking her down the red carpet with me at the Grammy’s would definitely go against this feeling I was having that I wanted to hide her. She smiled at me as I held out my hand to help her out of the limo. I was momentarily stunned and had to turn around to try and hide the effect she had on the front of my pants. A bouncer dressed in black from head to toe was waiting at the side entrance to escort us in. As we walked towards the door I could hear the music beating from within. We stepped inside, my eyes taking a moment to adjust to the dimness.
The manager of the club, a thin balding man wearing what I could tell was a very expensive suit was waiting for us. “Mr. Shaw, we’re so happy that you decided to join us tonight,” he simpered. Looking
around me he noticed Eva and his eyes widened. “And what is your name Miss?” he asked, salivating as he said it. I pulled her closer to me. “Are you here to take us upstairs?” I asked brusquely before she could say anything. Getting the message that I didn’t want him asking her questions he gestured up a flight of stairs.
“This way Mr. Shaw. Everything should be as you requested,” he added. I was worried for a second. I hadn’t requested anything and I hoped our idiot manager Kevin hadn’t set up something too tacky thinking that Courtney was going to be with me. Courtney always wanted the most outrageous and expensive thing that a venue offered if she was with me. I had hated that about her.
Eva was looking around in awe as we walked up to the VIP area. Covet only used black and gold in their décor and the VIP platform was actually suspended above the dance floor and featured a see-through floor and enclosed glass walls. Those dancing on the floor could not see into the VIP area but the VIP guests could see everything from both the floor and the walls. A winding staircase led down to the dance area on one side of the platform and tables and couches took up the rest of the space. If you wanted more privacy, drapes could be called down with a push of a button to surround your table or wherever you were sitting. I had been here many times but seeing Eva’s expression made me observe the area more than usual, trying to see it through her eyes. The manager led us to a table that was already surrounded by gauzy fabric. Several buckets with champagne and various other liquors were placed around the enormous table, and food trays with everything you could think of were set by them.
“Does everything look ok sir,” the manager asked nervously. “It looks amazing,” Eva blurted out, reddening immediately afterwards. The manager flushed in return and gave her a huge smile. I’m sure
he was going to head straight to his office to jack off after this. “Please let me know if there is anything else you want…or need,” he told her, ignoring me. “Here’s a card with my personal number so you can reach me at any time,” he continued, handing her a gold embossed business card. I gave him a look and pulled Eva into the veiled space, having her go into the bench seat first so I could be between her and whatever idiots chose to visit us at the table next. The area was already quite crowded. I had seen a few Giants football players, some movie stars, and one of the pitchers from the Yankees as we had come in. I poured some champagne for Eva and myself and started to help myself to some of the food, hoping she would feel comfortable and do the same.
She continued to relax more with me as we ate. I was excited for her to see the karaoke once it started. One of the unique things about Covet was that it featured a karaoke segment every night. But the performers were never bad. They usually were up and coming singers or bands, and even established performers frequently dropped by and sang a song or two while visiting the club. I told Eva it would be star
ting soon and her face lit up. I wondered if she could sing. They usually only let known singers up on the stage but I knew the manager would do anything for me, and also Eva by how he acted towards her.
I heard a roar from down below as the DJ announced that the rest of my band, along with Eva’s cheerleading squad, had arrived at the club. Soon they were coming up the stairs where Selena quickly spotted me and came over. “Mason, you left without me,” she said with a pout. Selena was becoming more and more of a pain in my ass. I assumed that Damon had kicked her to the curb and that’s why she had set her sights on me. I’m sure if Beck was here she would be all over his dick as well. She sat as close to me on the bench as she
could, curling her hands around my arm. I noticed that the group of Giants players were avidly staring at Eva. I wondered if I could somehow pass Selena on them. I had no problem being rude towards Selena normally but I sensed that it would create problems for Eva if I went too far. I nodded my head to a guy I recognized as the quarterback of the team. He had been to my New York City shows many times and was a fan of the band. He eagerly headed over, not taking his eyes off Eva. He moved to slide in next to her, I coughed loudly and nodded towards Selena. He looked disappointed and sat next to Selena. Selena was at least smart enough to see that she wasn’t going to get anywhere with me and immediately turned her attention to the new arrival.
I immediately turned my attention back to Eva. She was watching the situation develop warily. “Selena dates/hooks up with my friend Damon,” I explained. “Beck and I call her the black widow. I’m sure you’ve noticed that she’s an awful bitch.” Eva looked sick at my statement. “Everything okay?” I asked. “Everything’s fine,” she said too quickly. I wanted to pursue it more but I could tell Eva didn’t want to talk about whatever I had said to upset her. I picked up my glass of bourbon and motioned towards Eva’s champagne glass, tapping it in a toast. “I’m so glad you’re here with me Eva,” I said. She smiled at me and touched my arm. “I never imagined my life could be like this,” she said seriously. “I’m having so much fun!”
Chapter 30
(Eva)
Damon was dating Selena. I was crushed. I couldn’t believe that he could like her. She was one of the most awful people I had ever met. Why had he acted like he was interested in me if he was dating her? I had actually fallen for it. I felt sick inside but determined to pay attention to the gorgeous man next to me and enjoy the night. I could think about Damon tomorrow. My stomach felt sick despite my resolution to have a good time. I drank some deep sips of my champagne to settle my nerves. It was the most delicious kind I had tried so far. The DJ made an announcement just then that the karaoke performances were going to begin.
I turned to Mason, my mind made up. “Do you think they will let me sing?” I asked. “Are you a singer?” he asked surprised. “I’m not sure if I’m good or not but I want to sing,” I told him. And I did want to sing. I felt upset and used and I needed a distraction. Damon pressed a button on the table that I hadn’t noticed. Immediately a leggy platinum blonde waitress wearing almost nothing showed up to the table. “Can I help you with something Mr. Shaw,” she asked, batting her eyelashes. “Tell your manager that he’s going to have a new singer in the lineup,” he said, gesturing to me. The waitress flicked her eyes at me, a frown passing over her face before she quickly covered it with a fake smile. “Of course, sir,” she said, walking quickly away.
“Are you sure you want to do this,” Mason asked. “I’m sure,” I answered nervously. “What are you going to sing?” he asked. That was the question. I didn’t know very many up to date songs since I hadn’t been allowed to listen to music at the Anderson’s
house. There was one song that I had heard on my first day in the city though that I knew well enough to sing since it was on the radio constantly. “I think I’m going to sing “Issues” by Julia Michaels,” I said after a moment. Mason’s eyes lit up. “That’s a fucking awesome song,” he exclaimed. Just then the manager came hurrying to the table. “You want to sing Eva?” he asked me. “I’ll put you up after the next singer if you’re ready,” he said.
Mason moved off the bench so I could get out. Selena had dragged the guy who had come to the table off somewhere with her so it had just been him and I at the table for awhile. Mason held out his hand and I grabbed it as we followed the manager down the stairs to where the stage was. A singer I recognized as someone famous was stepping on the stage. I began to get panicky. What the heck had I been thinking? I hadn’t even been able to sing in the shower since Mrs. Anderson would have barged in after hearing me and beat me to within an inch of my life if I had. I was probably awful and was going to embarrass not only myself but also Mason if anyone knew he was with me. He would probably leave and act like he didn’t know me after this. Just then Mason smiled at me encouragingly. I took a deep breath. I was in a new city, starting a new life. I might as well take a chance. I didn’t know almost any of these people except for my team and most of them hated me already anyway. The singer on stage finished up her performance and walked off stage, the crowd screaming and cheering at her as she left. I squeezed Mason’s hand and then let go, walking up the stage.
Chapter 31
Mason
As Eva walked away from us to the stage the manager turned to me. “Can she sing?” he asked. “I mean with looks like that no one will care either way, but I am curious.” “No idea,” I answered, shrugging and inexplicably nervous like I was the one performing right now. People were starting to notice Eva up on the stage even though she hadn’t been announced yet and the crowd was growing quiet. The music started. Eva opened her mouth. For what felt like the millionth time that night I lost my breath. Eva’s voice was the most exquisite thing I had ever heard. Her voice weaved around the room, seeming to cast a spell on the club as she sang. You could have heard a pin drop in the club with how quiet everyone was. I hung on every word she sang. It was reaching deep inside of me, sparking pieces of memories that hung just out of my grasp. Her skin glowed under the light, her hair cascading down her back and framing her lovely face. Her eyes closed for parts of the song as she put her heart into the lyrics. I could have heard her sing forever and never wanted it to stop.
I wished at that moment that I had never brought her here. I was sure there were agents and other bigwigs here tonight that would be desperate to scoop her up. I didn’t know if she had wanted an inauspicious start to college. From what little she had told me she had been in and out of foster homes and hadn’t had a great life. I wasn’t ready to share her with the world and singing in a club like Covet meant that there was no way she would stay a secret. I was brought back from my troubled thoughts when Eva
sang her last notes.
There was an immense silence until the crowd started roaring. There were tears streaming down the crowd’s faces as they clamored for her to sing more. Eva was looking around nervously. She caught my eye, silently inquiring what she should do. I walked up the stage and the crowd got impossibly louder. Wrapping my arm around her waist I whispered in her ear, “You were magnificent, love. Do you want to sing one song with me before you get off the stage?” “I don’t know very many new songs,” she whispered back. “Do you know any Adele,” I asked. Her eyes lit up. “I do know some of her songs,” she said animatedly. “Alright, let’s sing ‘Someone Like You’ I said. Just follow my lead.” She nodded sweetly. The music started and I began to sing, Eva joining in for the chorus. I stared into her eyes wanting to live in this moment forever. “Never mind I’ll find someone like you,” she sang with me.
Her eyes held some unknown emotion as she stared back at me, the crowded club forgotten. I had grabbed both of her hands and drew her closer to me during the song. We stopped singing and I pulled her into me, crashing my lips into hers. She didn’t respond at first and then slowly opened her mouth, beginning to move her lips against mine. The world disappeared around us as our lips moved together. My tongue slowly sliding into hers, licking he
r mouth. She tasted like champagne and chocolate. She was the most delicious thing I had ever tasted. I could have lived and died in the kiss. Eva pulled away suddenly, remembering the crowd. I pulled her off the stage, desperate to continue. People were clamoring for our attention, begging for us to sing more, but all I could think about was getting Eva back to the penthouse I shared with Damon and continuing the kiss and hopefully more.
I pulled Eva through the front doors of the club, forgetting everything in my haste to get away from the crowds. As soon as we exited the club a million lights flashed before our eyes. Photographers had heard the band was here tonight and had surrounded the entrance in droves. My limo driver was pushing through the crowd trying to get to us to lead us to the limo. I looked down at Eva who I had encircled in my arms protectively, trying to block her from the cameras. She looked terrified. At that moment Eva broke away from me. “I have to go,” she yelled over her shoulder, pushing her way through the photographers. The cameras closed in after her, preventing me from being able to follow her.
When I lost sight of Eva, I pushed my way through the crowd into the limo, wondering if I could catch her by car. I was an idiot. Why in the world had I taken us out of the front entrance? The last thing I wanted was for Eva to be freaked out by the attention I got. Attention was higher than normal since the band had been on a world tour the past few months. But the truth was that there were constantly eyes on Damon, Beckham, and I. There wasn’t a lot of times where we could be out in public without cameras appearing or fans clamoring for our attention. We had always enjoyed it, basking in the attention. But with Eva in my life now, I didn’t want that anymore. I knew the cameras would turn towards her and I felt a possessive rage rush through me at the thought of sharing her with the world. I urged the driver to drive the way I had seen Eva go, desperate to make everything okay with her and make sure she was alright.
