Chapter 19

It wasn’t an exaggeration to say that kissing Faise was the best thing that had happened to me in my adult life. And I’d experienced a lot of highs over the past twenty years.

Waking up wrapped in his arms this morning, and after everything that had happened last night, I realized I was going to take that leap. Step out on stage. Put myself out there. Risk our friendship for something more.

When I rolled over, I did what I’d been wanting to do for a while now. I kissed him. I’d shocked him for sure. And myself. But it felt natural, another step in our relationship. Did I know what I was doing? Fuck no. Did it feel good? Did I want more? Yes, and yes.

So, I dragged him into the shower, my heart beating out of control, my legs about to give out under me. Everything was about to change.

And when we kissed—a fulsome one this time—my world rocked louder than any show I’d ever performed.

Like discovering sex for the very first time, I was addicted to Faise’s taste. The urgent way he brought us to orgasm was something else. It unleashed a hunger, an intensity that I’d never felt with anyone else.

I came so hard, so fast, I should’ve been embarrassed. But I wasn’t. I was still reeling from the fact that it had happened at all. And my vivid fantasies had nothing on the real deal.

But as soon the orgasm was done, my brain kicked online, and I remembered why he was here in the first place. And who was waiting downstairs.

I kissed Faise gently, cupping his face in my palms. Unlike me, he had hardly any facial hair. On his face or his body. He was miles of smooth, golden skin, long and lithe, and sexy as fuck. My dick hardened again, wanting more, but play time would have to wait.

I noticed the large bruise on his face, and relived the moment when Dallas hit him. I rubbed my thumb gently over his tender cheekbone, wishing I could erase the mark. Erase any pain Faise ever had.

“Sorry to ruin the moment,” I whispered. “But we gotta head downstairs. Ciara.”

Faise nodded, “I know. That’s why I said we had no time.”

“I’m scared for her, Faise. What if he comes after her again?”

Faise stepped away from me, turned the water off, and opened the door to grab towels. I shivered. From the cold or from my worries, I didn’t know.

“She’s staying with us for now. We’ve got security, and she’ll be fine.”

“Yeah, but her job and stuff.”

Faise quickly dried himself off and then took a second towel, wiping my body, head to toe, taking care not to disrupt my bandage. And I, needy bastard that I was (who knew?), let him. It was nice to be taken care of. When he kneeled and dried off my feet, I looked down at him. Imagining him in taking care of me in other, filthier, ways. My cock was raring to go again but he’d have to wait.

When Faise finished drying me off, he stood up and took my hand. Funny how a simple touch from my best friend could set my blood racing.

“No doubt it’s going to be a shit time for a while,” he replied. “But she’s strong. Just like you. She’ll be okay.”

I nodded, still unsure but not wanting to voice the doubts in my head.

All of them.

As I looked at Faise, I wondered, worried, if I was gonna fuck this up. I didn’t know anything about being a boyfriend? Was that what we were now? Lovers? Partners? None of those words seemed big enough to fit how I felt about Faise. It was that, but more, deeper than anything else. He was my world. I don’t know why I didn’t see it sooner. Or maybe I just took for granted he’d always be there.

We stepped out of the bathroom and I gave in to temptation and pulled him back into my arms, taking his lips in a deep kiss as we stumbled into the bedroom.

Between languid kisses, we managed to get dressed. Faise borrowed a pair of my sweats and a t-shirt. The clothes were enormous on him, but he looked cute as fuck. Of course, he ruffled when I told him so.

“Cute? Don’t even,” he scoffed.

“You are. Adorable,” I teased, kissing his head as we headed down the stairs.

“That’s worse!” he grumbled but the smile on his face told me he didn’t mind at all.

I playfully slapped his ass—as I had a habit of doing with my boo—and he turned to glare at me.

“Baby, don’t start that now.”

Baby? Fuck. Had he really called me that? I was lightheaded again, tripping on the stairs, nearly falling down.

“Careful, love,” Faise whispered. “We don’t want a return visit to the hospital.”

Love? Baby? The words filled me with a high, a warmth that spread throughout my entire body. If anyone else called me that, I’d gag. To me, endearments weren’t sexy at all.

Until they were. But only with him.

I was distracted, but in the best way.

Until we finally made it downstairs and I spotted my sister, Regan, Lennie, and Ailey waiting for us in the living room. Along with our PR rep, Zoe, and our lawyer, Elias Kain. Ever since we split with Bandit, me and the guys hired our own lawyer, on retainer, to ensure that we had objective advice. No more label lawyers.

Walking over to my sister, I sat down beside her and gave her a gentle hug. “How’re you doing this morning?”

“Okay. The sedative helped me sleep but I’m still exhausted. And scared.”

Her face was pale but the red marks on her neck were turning purple. Just like that, I was so angry I was ready to scream. Faise sat down beside me and squeezed my thigh, his reassuring touch the only thing keeping me from spiraling.

“We’ll keep this as short as possible. Dallas has been charged with assault, but his lawyer has arrived and is pushing for bail. In addition to that charge, I’d strongly suggest you file a restraining order. That way, if he tries to approach you again, he’ll be arrested. Also, you need to be prepared for his accusation,” Ailey paused and leaned forward. “He’s claiming that the three of you attacked him in that alleyway. Given your injuries and the eyewitnesses from your security team, I doubt his claim will go anywhere. But the video footage shows the street, not the alley. There’s no audio either, and the actual assault was not caught on tape. Given what Ciara has told us about his abusive behavior, I’m not surprised he’s denying everything and pointing the finger at anyone but himself.”

Elias interrupted, “Given the evidence I’ve seen so far, I doubt anything will come of his claim or that charges will be laid against you. Our best chance of hitting him back will be civil court. I’m also ready for him to counter-sue if he continues with these claims that you attacked him. He’s going to use your rockstar reputation against you, claim you were high or just entitled and lashed out at him.”

“The news of the assault has already hit the major outlets and social media,” Zoe interjected. “An anonymous account claims to have video from the incident. Maybe someone at the party? Or a bystander walking by?”

“I’m going to follow up on that with you,” Ailey added.

“And that’s not all,” Zoe sighed. “There are rumors that Faise relapsed and attacked Ciara and Dallas.”

“What?” I launched off the couch. “This is bullshit! This asshole abuses my sister, drags her into that alley, cuts me, hits Faise, and he’s the one who’s the victim? Fuck this! He’s not getting away with it!”

My head was about to explode.

“I’ve already issued an official statement denying Dallas’ claims and confirming our side of the story,” Zoe replied.

“It’s not our side, Zoe. It’s the truth,” I snapped. “It’s the fucking truth!”

“Ro.”

Faise called out to me and I stopped talking. He motioned to my sister. When I looked down, she was shaking. Hard.

I sat back down and took her hand. “Sorry, Ci. I’m sorry.”

Shit, my temper was probably triggering her. I was acting like such an idiot. I didn’t know what to say to her or how to deal with this.

“Hardwick’s team is working to track the stories. We’re on top of it,” Zoe continued.

“Stories? These are lies,” I countered. “Don’t give me the public relations speak. What’s really being said about us? Do I even want to know?”

“Most of your fans are rallying behind you.”

“Most?”

Ailey stood up. “Sorry, but I need to get back to the precinct. Between the footage, eyewitnesses, and the photographic evidence of your injuries, I doubt Dallas’s claim will go anywhere. But, for now, keep a low profile and file that TRO. And if you have any other questions, reach out to me. I’ll keep Elias posted on any updates as we move forward.”

I nodded, unsure of what else I could say. I was still too angry.

Lennie escorted her out of the room, and I looked to Zoe.

“How bad is it? And don’t bullshit.”

Zoe shook her head. “Like I said, your fans are behind you, but?—”

“Maybe I should head back home,” Faise announced suddenly.

“What? No!”

“You heard what Zoe said, Ro. The media think I relapsed and attacked you guys.”

“No, I said there was a rumor circulating—” Zoe started.

“Whatever,” Faise bit out. “We know how this works. Wouldn’t it be better if I hide out for a while until the news dies down? Keep my distance from them?”

I didn’t want that at all. I didn’t want any distance between us. Ever.

Zoe shook her head. “What’s best for you and Ronin and Ciara is a united front. If anything, I’d prefer you stay here for a while. That way, if the paps do get a shot of you, they’ll see that nothing has changed between you and Ronin. Still supportive. Still besties.”

More than that. I hoped.

I looked at Faise, but he refused to make eye contact. My stomach flipped over and not in a good way. Then I wondered if what had happened upstairs was the start of something incredible or the end of it.

My phone buzzed. It was a group text from Brodie and Holls.

Brodie: Are you guys okay? We’re coming over.

Holloway: Daws and I are on our way. How about we jam? A bit of distraction might be welcome.

I tapped out a quick reply.

Ronin: Sounds like a plan. The police just left. Talk when you get here.

Then I glanced over at Zoe. “Holls and Brodie are heading over.”

Faise’s phone rang, and he walked out of the room to answer it. I heard him say “Av” and it made that insecure part of me flare to life again. Would Faise change his mind? What if everything that had happened this morning was all we had?

Stop. This is Faise. He wouldn’t do that.

“What about my sister?” I asked Zoe, then turned to Ciara. “Ci? Do you have any active accounts Zoe should know about?”

It was the first time Ciara smiled since she arrived. “I work in social media, Ro, of course I have accounts. I’ve shut down my personal one. I texted my boss this morning and requested an emergency leave. Given what happened and all the negative publicity, I’m confident they’re going to fire me.”

“I’m sorry.”

“It’s okay. I’d need to quit anyway. You were right. After what happened, I can’t go back to New York. To be honest, I wanted the big city dream, but the reality wasn’t good. Maybe if I hadn’t been so damn lonely when I arrived, I wouldn’t have let Dallas treat me this way. I don’t know. And now your name’s being dragged through the press. It’s all my fault. All of this.”

“Hey, no,” I reassured her. “None of this is your fault. He’s the asshole.”

“I need a job, though. Or something. I just can’t sit around for the foreseeable future doing nothing.”

“As it happens, I’m looking for someone to work behind the scenes,” Zoe offered. “Copywriting. For other bands in our roster. What do you think?”

Ciara bit her lip. “Remote?”

Zoe nodded. “Freelance.”

“Thanks. Can I think about it?”

“Of course.”

Faise ambled back into the living room, finally meeting my gaze.

“Everything okay?” I asked him.

“Yeah. Averell just wanted to check in and see how we were doing.”

Yeah, right. He wanted to check in on Faise. I wanted to say something snarky but I held back.

“I also reached out to my therapist,” Faise continued. “She has time to see us this week. Ciara first, then you and me, individually.”

“I think that’s a great idea.” I reached for my sister with one hand, and Faise with the other. “The sooner, the better.”