Front & Center (Book 2 of the Back-Up Series) (19 page)

“Embellish how?”

“I don’t know. A specific threat.”

“Dylan, I won’t let you lie to the label.”

“What if I filled them in on a condensed version of what’s going on? It may be a good idea to have them backing us.”

“I don’t w
ant all the pain I’ve caused Jack to be in vain. The more people who know about this, the more she can find out.”

“I’ll
speak directly to Charles. He’s level headed and discreet.”

“Ok. If
you think it will help, then go ahead.”

“I think it will. This is a lot for you to carry. Y
ou need help figuring this out. If they are trying to extort Jack, he’ll need the label’s legal support.”

“Thanks
, Dylan. I really appreciate it. You’ve become such a great friend to me.”

“I care about you
, Leila. I’d do anything to help.” His eyes look sad as he stares at me.

“Thank you.” He nods quietly, an uncomfortable silence falls between us.
“Um…I need to get out there. Let me know once you speak to Charles.”

Leaving Dylan, I make my way to the stage. The guys are all in position, Jack waiting impatiently at the microphone. “How nice of you to join us.”

Maybe I was wrong. Maybe he can act. Ignoring him, I walk to my position, aware of every pair of eyes on me.

Jack begins rehearsals
by barking orders, criticizing mistakes, losing his patience. It’s a very convincing performance on his part.

Looking out into the empty arena, I first notice Jen sitting a few rows back with Malcolm. I’ve just about had it with the bitches in Jack’s life. This one
is so anxious to get rid of me that she’s blatantly pushing her boyfriend onto my tail.

The roadies are hanging around the stage, as they always do during our rehearsals. Will and Dylan are also here. The upside of Jack know
ing is I can now concentrate on something other than his stress. I no longer have to worry about him. This gives me the opportunity to scrutinize our staff.

Watching from a distance, I study each roadie, looking for any obvious signs of disloyalty. Of t
he five, three of them are young, early twenties. It wouldn’t be hard for one of them to be seduced by someone like Jessa.

Jack cuts rehearsal short and pounces off the stage towards our agent. A few minutes later, he storms out of the arena.

“Leila.” Jen call
s me from where she is standing off the stage.

Showing my impatience on my face, I walk towards her and Malcolm. “What?”

“Malcolm would like to talk to you. Do you have a few minutes?”

“Do I have a choice?”

“Of course you do.”

Malcolm watches, with an amused expression on his face. “Come on, I won’t bite.”

Sighing, I motion for him to lead, the guys are all watching from the stage wide-eyed. I follow him towards the dressing rooms and walk through the door that he politely opens for me.

“I have a proposition.”

“I’m listening.”

“A song just came through my office. It’s a winner. Top ten, no doubt. I’d like you to record it. Sort of an experiment.”

“Experiment?”

“Yes. I know you would be huge. Let’s throw something out there and see if anyone bites.”

“Sure, why not.”

He raises his eyebrows in
surprise. “Well. I’m extremely pleased, Leila. You are finally taking my advice.”

“I simply don’t have the energy to continue fighting you. And since I’ll be unemployed in a few months, timing seems right.”

“Awesome. You guys are in LA in a few days. I happen to know you also have a day off. I’ll arrange studio time for us.” He bends to pull a few papers and a CD out of his bag. “Here are the lyrics and the music. It’s a perfect fit for you and your voice. This is going to be gold.”

“If you say so.”

“Trust me. I believe things happen for a reason. This unfortunate chain of events will lead to something good. I just know it.”

Jen
barges in, without knocking or asking. “So, are we on board?”

“Yes
, Jen,
we
are on board. You’ll have me out of your hair sooner than later.”

“Leila, I detect hostility from you. I’ve never given you any reas
on to believe I don’t like you.”

“Jen, let’s not
play games or sugar coat your true intentions. I have been a problem for you since the day I walked into my audition. Stay out of my way, and I’ll stay out of yours.”

Grabbing the papers off the table, I walk out leaving Jen with her sleazy boyfriend. Ugh, I feel like I need a shower. But this will help circumstances. What better way to show Jessa we truly are done than to pursue my solo career smack in the middle of our
tour?

I have an hour before our show starts. Just as I’m about to jump into the shower, my cell rings. “Hey
, baby. What did the snake want?” His voice is muffled and he sounds like he’s under water.

“
Where are you?”

“I’m in the bathroom.”

“He wants me to record a song in LA. He’s arranging studio time.”

“Ok. That’s good, right?” Jack clearly wants to follow my lead.

“I guess. Helps with our breakup rumors. Are you ok with it?”

“Of cour
se. I told you, I’ll support whatever you want to do.”

“
I know. Thank you.” Clearing my throat, I add, “Hey, um…I kinda had words with Jen.”

“Really? Why?”

“I just got sick of her attitude. I told her off. I’m sure she’ll tell you since she thinks I’m the enemy right now.”

“I’ll act surprised. Then I’ll tell her off too.”

“Jack…”

“Kidding. I’ll act indifferent. How’s that?”

“Good. You’re better at this than I thought.”

“
See, you have no faith in me. You could have spared…”

“Don’t…
say it.”

“Ok. I won’t.”

“Jack, Ace is calling me. I have to go.”

“I’ll see you in a few. Love you.”

“
Love you, too.”

“Ace?”

“Hey, Lei. She was back at Sorenson’s place again today. Only for about an hour.”

“Have you seen him? Can you get a picture so I know what he looks like?”

“You can Google him. He has a mug shot. He’s been arrested twice.”

“For what?”

Ace pauses for a few seconds. “Sexual assault and battery.”

My silence prompts him to add,
“Hey, don’t get scared. We’ll figure them out.”

“Thanks
, Ace.”

“Oscar will be traveling on our bus. The two buses will now be caravanning for the rest of the tour. We leave together, we depart together. If anyone sees any suspicious activity, over-zealous fans, anything at all that looks shady, please report it to Oscar immediately. Oscar will be interviewing each of you, so he can get to know you, exchange cell numbers, pretty much routine stuff.” Dylan runs through some more specifics of Oscar’s job responsibilities. Most of Dylan’s speech has been rehearsed.

Since
our interview in Chicago, our fans have been getting more comfortable with approaching us in public or hanging around the buses after shows to get autographs and pictures. The staff thinks the reason security is being added is due to the fans becoming aggressive, especially towards me.

Leila explained it was
Dylan’s idea to bring Charles into the loop and tell him exactly what was happening. I couldn’t agree more. I’m impressed he came through.

Finally having security, I will
be able to concentrate on exposing Jessa’s true motives. I can relax and not stress over Leila’s safety. Oscar Holden is ex-army and works for *Orion Securities. I’m relieved he will be traveling with us for the rest of the tour. Dylan filled Oscar in on the entire Jessa/Danny situation. He knows his purpose is not only to serve as security, but also to find out who amongst our crew has been feeding information to Jessa.

Glancing over at Leila as she sits as far away from me as possible, my heart swells
with the amount of love I have for this woman.

Once the dust cleared
, I was able to digest why she did what she did. I fell in love with her even more, if possible. She does have my back. Our relationship is her priority. I’m her priority, and she’s mine. We lock eyes for a split second, before she looks away. It’s been two days since our reunion in Seattle. I’m literally aching for her.

“So that’s about it. Roadies, are we all packed up?” The five roadies all nod simultaneously. “Ok, let’s head out.”

As everyone files out of the holding area, Leila is one of the first ones out the door. I can’t wait to sext her.

“Jack, you have a minute?”

“Sure, Dylan.” He moves to close the door.

“I wanted to let you know Oscar wan
ts to travel to San Francisco on the other bus.”

My hackles instantly
rise. “Why?”

“Mainly
for some privacy, so he can do some investigating online. But also to pick Leila’s brain on her conversation with Jessa. He would also like to bring the guys up to speed. Unlike Leila, he feels the more eyes and ears aware of the situation, the better.”

“Hunter knows
some details of the situation, but Trey and Scott have no idea. I hated keeping this from them. I agree they should know.”

Dylan nods. “Good. Also, I wanted to tell you since it’s
only a few hours from Portland to San Francisco and we are pulling in fairly early, if you want, you can sneak away with Leila before anyone is up and about. I plan on having a sit down with the roadies and Oscar mid-morning to keep any moles busy.”

“
Really? Dylan, that’s awesome. Thanks, man.”

“Sure. I feel bad for you guys. You ok?”

“Yea
h, I’m hanging in. The sooner this is over the better.”

“I agree. We’ll figure it out.
”             

I can see the draw Leila has towards him. I was jealous of his relationship with
her in the beginning, but now I truly think he’s just a good guy. I feel bad I called him a prick so many times behind his back.

On our way to the bus, my phone buzzes with a text from Leila.

love you

want you

i know. soon baby.

real soon. go
od news. i’ll text you details.

k. xxx

It’s times like now when I wish I could hire a hit on Jessa. Besides the obvious, which is missing my girl more than I can stand, living on the other bus is aggravating for so many damn reasons. I have no privacy. I can’t call anyone without fear of someone hearing me. I feel so helpless, so unproductive.

Snatching up Wi
ll’s laptop, I head to my bunk.  I need to move things along, maybe bait Danny. I Googled his name and was not surprised to see he’s been arrested twice. The first article I read makes me feel sick. Danny sexually assaulted a woman in a bar. Charges were filed against him. He served nine months in prison with a stiff fine. The second arrest is for battery against a woman. The second time there wasn’t any jail time since the charges were dropped, victim un-named.

If Jessa did get mixed up with him, she should worry. Not that I care, it would serve her right. I take that back, no matter how evil and vindictive she is, even she doesn’t deserve abuse from Danny.

I haven’t spoken to her. It’s beyond frustrating to be sitting around waiting for these two to reveal their intentions. I decide to change tactics. If someone is spying on me, I’ll give him something to listen to.

Keeping
my privacy curtain drawn shut, I dial Jessa’s number. “Jessa, it’s me. Um…so I um, wanted to talk to you. Call me back.” Knowing her, she will call me back sooner than later. This is the first message I’ve left where I didn’t call her a fucking whore.

As I’m expanding my search on Danny, my phone buzzes with a call from Jessa.

“Jessa.” I say in a normal tone of voice, allowing anyone on the bus to hear me clearly.

“Hey, you called?”

“Yeah, thank you for calling me back.”

“Of course
, Jack. Is something wrong?”

My gut instinct is to say, “
Besides you trying to ruin my life, you fucking bitch
?” Taking a deep breath, I need to tread lightly and handle her just the right way. “Have you heard from Danny?”

“No
, Jack…not a word. Why?”                           

“Did you know he was arrested twice?”

There is a slight pause on her end. Knowing her, she’s quickly debating the different routes a yes or no answer would take.

“Yes, I did. He’s a very dangerous person
, Jack. That’s why I wanted to warn you about him.”

“Well, b
e careful. He clearly hates women.” I don’t want her to get suspicious, so I add, “I know she isn’t my problem anymore, but can you warn me if you hear him say anything about Leila?”

“Of course,
Jack. I haven’t heard or seen him, but I’ll tell Max to keep his ears open. Once I told Max that Danny leaked I was pregnant to the tabloids, he cut all ties with him as well.”

“Max is a smart guy.” This bitch lies through her teeth. “How are you feeling?”

“Better. It was a rough start, but I feel better now.”

“Ok.
I’ll guess I’ll talk to you later.” I hang up before she can respond. At this moment, I just know she is smiling wickedly, assuming her expectations of my behavior were dead on.

No harm in helping her out a little.
                           

Plan B
is to text Danny. A simple text that will show vulnerability on my end, maybe even a touch of fear.

what do you want from me?

Now, to sit back and let Frick and Frack speculate.



At five a.m. I sneak off the bus and into the waiting cab. Everyone is still sleeping, but I still need to be careful. I have another cab arriving in ten minutes to take Leila to the same destination that I am heading to. The Inn in San Francisco. It’s a Victorian Bed and Breakfast that has a private sun deck, a hot tub and a five star rating. I needed to book two nights since check-in is at two and we are arriving at the crack of dawn, but it’s worth every penny.

The owner was very gracious to meet me so early
in the morning to check us in. Once she tiptoed away, she left me waiting anxiously for Leila in the formal living room. I cannot wait to get my hands on her.

Watching from the
foyer, I can see her pull up, as she adorably looks out the cab window wide-eyed and open-mouthed. I open the front door for her. She walks up the path towards me while smiling and shaking her head.

“How did you arrange this in so little time?”

“I got lucky. As soon as Dylan told me about Oscar’s meeting, I made the reservation.”

She steps in, looking around still in awe. “Jack, it’s so beautiful.”

“I’m glad you like it. Let’s get upstairs, we don’t have much time.”

“Don’t we have like ten hours before rehearsal?”

“Like I said, not much time.”

Leila gasps once I open the door. “Oh
, Jack. This is incredible.”

There is a h
uge bed, a lit fireplace, and the bathroom has a tub big enough for two.

I step closer to wrap my arms around her and nuzzle her neck. “They have a rooftop deck with a hot tub. And we can arrange breakfast here or on the balcony.”
She swings her head towards the balcony doors, her ponytail brushing my chin.

“This is perfect. Thank you.”
She leans back, pressing her body into mine. “I missed you so much.”

“Leila, you
have no idea how much I missed you.” As I’m kissing her neck, goose bumps appear over her body. “Do you want to take a warm bath?”

“I’d love to.”

Leading her into the bathroom, I start filling the tub as she pours some of the complimentary bubble bath under the stream of steaming water. We undress slowly, each watching the other quietly. Closing the distance, I kiss her like my life depends on it. I lift her and place her in the tub, following right behind. She settles against me, her back to my chest, my arms around her body, our legs entwined and her hands caressing my thighs.

“Remind me to thank Dylan again.”

“Mmm…yep.” She agrees.

I
suck on her earlobe, before whispering, “I love you.” My hands find her breasts beneath the warm water. She arches her back, pushing herself into my touch.

“I love you
, too.”

I kiss
her neck and move one of my hands down her body while the other molds around her breast. My hard cock invades the space between us. Slowly, I caress her with my fingertips and drive her to the brink of an orgasm. The instant I pull my hand away, she groans with disappointment.

“Ssh, baby…
turn around.”

Gently
I turn her and arrange her thighs on either side of mine. The warm water spills over the sides, prompting her to giggle adorably. She instantly stills when she sees the heated look in my eyes. I pull her face closer, connecting our lips. When I stroke my tongue against hers, she moans erotically. The inside of her mouth feels like warm, wet silk.

Slowly, she lowers herself over me
. A small gasp escapes her lips as I fill her so perfectly. Her hands rest on my shoulders while she controls my pleasure with her movements. Her eyes close for the briefest time. When she opens them, the intensity of her stare is overwhelming to me. She reaches climax soundlessly, as she rests her forehead on mine. Her fingers gripping my shoulders, her pants, and her body clenching around me are the only clues that she is coming undone.

A guttural groan
is my giveaway that I’m coming as I tremble inside of her. Leaning my head back against the tub, my eyes close from the force of my own release.

“Holy shit.”

“Will it always be like this?” She asks through her pants.

“What? Mind-blowing?”

“Yes.”

“
Of course.”

“Even when we’re old and grey?”

“Especially when we are old and grey.” I pull her towards me to kiss her deeply.

When we part, s
he smiles. “How did I get so lucky?”

I shake my head before responding
. “I’m the lucky one. You’ve had to deal with a whole load of crap because of me.”

“You’re worth it.”
She settles against me, wrapping her arms around my body. “I can stay here all day.”

“We can. We can do whatever you want.”

“Can we order food?”

“Hungry?”

“Starving.”

“Your wish is my command.”

Later, while sitting on the patio having breakfast, I decide to let Leila know I had a brief conversation with Jessa.

“
I had an idea. I called Jessa today while in my bunk. I thought if someone were listening, it would fuel her fire. I found out Danny was arrested twice, once for sexual assault and once for battery. He served a short jail time for the assault, but the battery charges were dropped. I pretended I was warning Jessa to be careful and she bought right into it.”

“
I know about Danny. Ace told me yesterday,” she replies.

“We really need to take this seriously. He is one fucked up son-of-a-bitch.”