The Complete Tempest World Box Set

by Mankin, Michelle

  “Good morning.” The redhead took a step back to let me out of the elevator. She allowed the door to close without getting on, her hands twisting on the handles of a jump rope. “I heard you sing last night. You were really good.”

  “Thanks,” I muttered, my eyes narrowing. “Did you have a good workout this morning?”

  “Yeah,” she said, completely oblivious to the double entendre. “I like to jump rope while Marcus does the treadmill.”

  “Oh, really?” I glanced over her shoulder. “Where is your fiancé?”

  “He’s finishing up. Why?”

  “No reason.” I shrugged.

  Avery stared at me for a moment, her head tilted to the side. “Where’s War?”

  When I didn’t answer, she said, “I’m surprised to see you down here. You both seemed pretty messed up last night.”

  “We had a couple of drinks. It was a party,” I said sarcastically. “Anyway, who are you to talk?” Her lips pursed in response to my biting sarcasm, but I wasn’t done. I had better than that. “I seem to remember some internet video of you being pretty smashed yourself at some hotel bar in Phoenix.”

  “I wasn’t referring to alcohol.” Avery’s emerald eyes flashed. “I’d keep those sleeves of yours pulled down if I were you.”

  Sanctimonious bitch.

  “Listen, you don’t like me for some reason,” she said. “And that’s fine. You’re not exactly my favorite person either. There’s been a lot more tension on the tour since you arrived. But your drug use really concerns me. My brother went down a similar path. It will destroy you, and hurt those who care about you.” She sighed. “I really don’t want something bad to happen to you. Especially if there’s something I can do to prevent it.”

  “Oh, please,” I said. “Save the Mother Teresa act for the fans. I don’t need your help or anyone else’s.”

  “Hey.” Marcus walked up and kissed Avery’s cheek. “I’m done. You ready to go up?”

  “Yeah, I guess.” Avery stood back while he pushed the elevator call button, and then leaned into him. “Think about it, Lace.”

  I walked past them without responding. I’d had enough of her highhandedness.

  But though I tried not to let them, Avery’s words got under my skin. I nervously twisted my engagement ring on my finger as I continued down the hall. I inserted my keycard and took in a calming breath before I entered the small exercise room.

  With his sleeveless exercise tank wet with sweat, Bryan was lying on a bench, his tatted muscles flexing under an impressive load of free weights. “You okay, Lace?” He racked the bar as soon as he saw me. “You look a little pale.”

  I put my shaking hands in my hoodie pockets. Avery Jones had rattled me more than I cared to admit.

  “I’m glad you came,” he said, holding my gaze. Reaching for one of the folded towels, he wiped his forehead. “I did a lot of thinking after the Morris party.” He stopped talking as a woman entered the room. “Let’s go somewhere where we won’t be interrupted.”

  His hand warm and insistent against the small of my back, he guided me out of the gym and down the hall. He opened the door to an empty massage room. Flipping on the light after I was inside, he closed the door and I heard the lock click.

  My gaze fluttered nervously to his when he turned around. My blood pressure shot up in response to the intensity of his gray-green gaze.

  “Bry?” I took a step back, even though he only stared at me. “What are you doing? I thought you said you wanted to talk.”

  “I do, and we will.”

  He took a step toward me, and when I took another step back, my ass came into contact with the counter behind me. I was trapped.

  Bryan closed the remaining distance between us, pressing his hard body, all of it, against mine.

  I placed my hands on his chest, intending to push him away, but my traitorous fingers didn’t comply. Instead, they fisted into the damp material of his shirt and pulled him closer. The smell of his crisp cologne surrounded me.

  “I’m done, Lace. Done hiding what’s between us.”

  My face probably registered my shock as his head lowered, and he kissed me.

  How many times have I wanted him to say something just like that? A million and one at the very least.

  Thoughts gave way to sensation as his talented lips moved expertly against mine while his hands slid down to my ass. He grabbed me, pulled my hips into alignment with his, and pressed his erection against me.

  He felt delicious, better than anything in the world, and I wanted him so badly. Drenched in desire, I shivered, allowing him to coax my lips apart. His tongue entered my mouth and slowly slid across mine. My pulse fluttered, beating wildly as his fingers opened and closed, massaging the soft flesh of my ass.

  Breaking the seal between our lips, he lifted his head, breathing out my name before he trailed hot, open-mouthed, body-melting kisses down my neck. I was just going to slide my hands underneath his shirt when he caught them and brought them to his lips.

  Suddenly, he froze. “What the hell is on your finger?”

  My passion-hazed brain took a moment to process his question.

  “You’re fucking engaged, aren’t you?” Bryan’s voice was deadly quiet, but his expression was so wild and wounded, I would have stepped back if there had been any room.

  “Why, Lace?” He took a step back and scrubbed his face with both hands. When he refocused on me, his eyes had a tormented glint to them. “How could you do this to me? To us?”

  “What us is there, Bryan?” Anger slithered through me. “Prom was a long-ass time ago. You left me behind the same as War did, but he wants me. He makes our relationship a priority. When have you ever done that?”

  “When could I possibly do that?” Bryan bit out, his expression anguished. “First War, then Martin, there was always someone else for you. But I can tell you this, and I want you to listen well. If you were mine, I’d love you better. I’d love you enough to tell you when you’re wrong.”

  He pulled in a ragged breath, his eyes blazing with emotion as they met mine.

  “The drugs, Lace, they’ll bury you alive. Like they did your mother. They’re keeping you from seeing the truth that’s right in front of you. How incredibly strong you are. How much you have to give. How much you mean to the people who really care about what happens to you. Like your brother. Like me.”

  “War cares about me,” I said, protesting weakly, my eyes burning at his harsh words while I recognized the truth in them. I dug my fingernails into my clenched palms.

  Bryan’s declaration was beautiful, but I told myself it was too little, too late. War was the safer choice, the wiser choice. I’d taken a risk on Bryan before, and look at the downward plunge my life had taken afterward.

  “It’s admirable how loyal you are to him, and you’ve been a good friend to me too.” I peered up at him through my lashes. “That is, when I remember to keep my distance. But that’s difficult for me to do when there will always be a little part of me in love with you.” I sighed. “I don’t think anyone ever gets over their first.”

  “Lace, don’t,” he said low.

  My eyes burned beneath the strain it took to refuse him. “You know how I always wanted a Prince Charming to come and sweep me off my feet?”

  “I remember.” His gorgeous face was intense as he focused on me.

  “What I’ve been looking for is a man to take me away from my shitty life, a man who would do everything in his power to keep me safe, a man who would put my happiness above his own. War is that man. I was too young and had too much going on to see that before, and I . . . I made a lot of mistakes. I don’t deserve him. I’m certainly no prize, but most of the time he treats me like I am. So, we’ve got to stop doing this, Bryan. It has to be over between us. I’ve made a commitment to him.”

  We stared at each other a moment, the room completely silent except for our quiet, tortured breathing.

  When Bryan reached for me, I didn’t avo
id him. I reveled in his touch, the warmth as his fingers curled into my upper arms.

  “All right, Lace. You’ve had your say. Now it’s my turn.” His eyes glistened, a green forest shimmering with rain. “You say you’ve decided War’s the fucking one.” Bryan’s voice was quiet but harsh. “How the hell can that be when he’s giving you heroin? Some knight in shining armor, he is. That’s bullshit. He’s facilitating your destruction. That’s not putting your happiness above his own.”

  I shook my head in denial, but Bryan was hard to resist. His words, the pull of his personality, and the sincerity in his gray-green eyes weakened my resolve, and that was before he gently skimmed his knuckles down my cheek.

  “You need to ask him about the Morris deal, Lace. You need to remember the past and think about the future. Then you need to open your eyes and see who really loves you. I always have, and I always will.”

  “What about Avery?” I said desperately, too afraid to believe that he’d really said what I’d always wished for him to say.

  “Avery was never more than a friend. What little there was between us was destined to fail. The truth is I didn’t want it to succeed. You’re the only woman I’ve ever cared for. The only one I’ve ever made love to. The only woman I’ve ever loved.”

  “Stop,” I cried out. “Why are you telling me this now?” Tears gathered in my eyes, but I blinked them away. “It’s too late now. You make me want to believe in a happily-ever-after for us, but that’s not reality. That’s a fairy tale. That’s something the woman I once was believed in, but I’m not that woman anymore.”

  “That’s not true.” Bryan firmed his jaw and weakened my resolve. “That woman is still here. I’m looking right at her. You have more than enough faith for both of us. You’ve just lost your way. We both have, being separate from each other.”

  He reached for me, but this time I drew away.

  “Talk to War,” he said grimly. “And then you’ll see. He’s the one who isn’t who you think he is. He’s changed. He’s the one who’s not who he used to be.”

  CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO

  Bryan

  The bus ride from Atlanta to Orlando turned into six and a half hours of living hell. I didn’t see Lace at all, but thoughts of her in the back bedroom with War—with that ring on her finger—made me want to tear the hair out of my head.

  I let out a loud sigh of frustration. Now that I’d decided to risk everything, give up everything for her, she wouldn’t let me. If only I could just grab her and whisk her away, away from War, away from the haze of deception and drugs, maybe then I could convince her.

  As one hour bled into the next, I remained alone in the front lounge, settling for killing digital zombies on the bus game console, instead of going back and doing real harm to Lace’s drug-enabling fiancé.

  When the bus eventually pulled up to the drop-off area at the Contemporary hotel, I disembarked, got my key, and headed straight for my room without stopping to make small talk with anyone.

  The happiest place in the world, my ass. Orlando was jammed with parents, children, teenagers, and tons and tons of strollers. Fortunately, my boots kept my feet from being maimed by errant wheels as I wove my way around all the flotsam and jetsam to the elevators.

  When the doors opened, I had to squeeze sideways to fit inside. Though there was barely any room to breathe, it wasn’t half as crowded as my brain was right now. Crammed with thoughts of her. Of us.

  But what more could I do? I’d said my piece. Lace knew where I stood. Now I had to wait, but I was not a patient man.

  She’d better talk to War soon.

  As I exited the elevator, I cursed my bad luck that there wasn’t even a real concert to keep my mind occupied tonight, just a short set inside the Magic Kingdom that Tempest and Brutal Strength were obligated to do for one of the tour sponsors who had rented out the entire park for an after-hours affair for their employees.

  Once I finally reached my room, I entered and dropped my guitar case on the floor. I threw my sunglasses and small overnight bag on the white duvet that covered a king-size bed. A quick scan revealed an earth-toned interior with modern decor like the lobby. Nothing to provide any real distraction.

  I crossed to the sliding glass doors and looked out at the view of the lagoon. As I watched a parasail drift back down to the water, I wished I could drift out of this nightmare to a safe landing.

  Needing some grounding, I slid my cell out of my pocket and dialed home. The call was picked up on the first ring.

  “Hello,” my mother said, sounding out of breath.

  “Hey, Mom. Did I catch you at a bad time?”

  “No, sweetheart. I just came in from work and was cleaning the kitchen.”

  I heard the sound of running water being shut off. “Are Miriam and Ann okay?”

  “They are. Both made the honor roll again, but we’re all looking forward to the winter break. What’s up with you? I haven’t heard from you in a couple of days. The tour’s in Orlando now, right?”

  “Yeah.” I turned from the window and flopped onto the bed.

  “How’s Disney World?”

  “I just got here. It’s a little surreal, I guess. Not exactly a rocker kind of place with all these rug rats running around.”

  “I can imagine.” She laughed. “How’s Lace?”

  Shit. My mom always had an alarming ability to home right in on whatever it was that was bothering me.

  “She and War got engaged last night,” I said softly.

  “Really?” The line was silent for a moment. “I would’ve thought that relationship would have run its course by now.”

  I barked out a humorless laugh and rubbed a hand over the ache in my chest. “Apparently not.” In a quick rush, I said, “I love her, you know.”

  “I know.”

  “How could you? I never said anything.” Worried, I asked, “Was it that obvious?”

  “It was always obvious to me, but I’m your mom.” She sighed. “Seems like this has been building for some time. What are you going to do about it, Bry? Have you told her how you feel?”

  “Oh yeah, but it didn’t go over quite the way I’d hoped.”

  “Well then, she’s not as smart as I thought she was.” After a short pause, Mom said softly, “I’m sorry, Bry. Maybe you should consider just letting her go.”

  I’d been trying for the past two years. Longer, if I was being truthful.

  “There are other girls out there,” she added. “Any one of them would be lucky to have you. You’re a real catch.”

  “Thanks, Mom. I’m glad you think so.” I glanced at my watch. “Hey, I’m sure you’re tired after your shift. I’d better let you go.”

  “I’m okay. It’s great to hear from you, Bry. I’m so proud of you and all that you’ve accomplished, but I’ll be glad when you actually get to come home.”

  “Me too. Love you, Mom.”

  After ending the call, I threw my cell onto the comforter and stalked to the minibar. After a quick examination, I slammed the door. Figured that all this place would have was granola bars and healthy shit. I needed a drink.

  • • •

  An hour later, my left elbow was propped up on the bar at the Outer Rim. I looked out over the lagoon from inside the large open-air atrium as a monorail whooshed through the building on the track above me.

  The bar was small and concave. It only sat four, but all the seats were filled, as were the couple of low loungers by the windows. Apparently, being happy was easier with a little liquid lubrication. For me, it was going to take a hell of a lot.

  I tried yet again to generate some interest in the blonde beside me. It had been wishful thinking that she’d be able to distract me. Even with my mind blurry from four drinks, it wasn’t happening. She was too small on top, too curvy on the bottom, and her eyes and smile were all wrong. In other words, she wasn’t Lace.

  I was so screwed.

  The blonde took the cherry from her drink, pulled off the st
em, and leaned in close with a flirty smile. “Wanna see what I can do?”

  “Not really.” I was serious.

  Not getting it, she laughed and proceeded to try to wow me with her tongue-tying prowess.

  Suddenly, the hairs on the back of my neck prickled, and I glanced over my shoulder.

  Lace. She stood by the gift shop, forgotten souvenirs in her hand. As her wide eyes met mine, she brought the pile of T-shirts she held to her chest like a protective shield and then spun away.

  I squeezed the blonde’s hand. “Nice trick, baby. Sorry, but I gotta go.”

  “Wait,” she said, but I ignored her.

  I threw a couple of twenties on the bar and hurried to the shop. As soon as I entered, I spotted Lace in the checkout line and called out to her.

  She tensed before turning to face me. “Hey.” Her smile didn’t reach her eyes. “Pretty girl.”

  “I didn’t notice.” I took a step closer.

  “The only one you’ll ever love, huh?” Lace’s cheeks reddened. She twisted the shirts, as if embarrassed that she’d said that out loud.

  “Yes, dammit.” I grabbed her arm and pulled her around the counter and over to a secluded corner, next to a bargain bin of Mickey Mouse swimsuits and flip-flops. “Have you talked to War yet?”

  “No, not yet. He—”

  I moved her back. “You didn’t like seeing me with someone else, did you?” I grabbed her hands and pinned them behind her back, tugging them down and forcing her to look up at me as I growled out, “Well, join the fucking club. I don’t like watching you with him either.”

  Her eyes darkened with understanding.

  “You need to talk to War. Today, Lace.”

  She licked her lips and nodded.

  I stared at her mouth. “I’ve laid it out to you how I feel, and I believe you feel the same.”

  She was fighting it, though. She needed a push, and I was going to give her a big one.

  I came closer, crudely rocking my erection against her. “That’s for you, babe. I’ve been sitting next to that blonde, but the whole fucking time, I’ve been thinking about you. It’s always you. For years, it’s been you.”