Chapter Three

Jace

J ace’s nightmare began in a dark, desolate place. His father appeared; face twisted with anger. Without a word, he grabbed Jace, binding his hands with rough rope. Jace struggled, but his father was too strong. He forced a gag into Jace’s mouth, silencing his cries for help.

Jace’s tall, muscular father threw thin Jace into the back of a pickup, the metal truck bed cold against his skin. The truck roared as they drove through an endless night. Fear gripped Jace as he felt every bump and turn, unable to see where they were going.

Suddenly, the truck stopped. His father yanked him out and dragged him to a massive iron gate. Beyond it, flames blazed and licked at the sky, casting an eerie glow. Jace’s father shoved him towards the gate, his eyes filled with hatred.

“This is where you belong,” his father hissed. “You’re going to hell.”

Jace’s heart pounded as the flames grew closer. He tried to scream, but the gag muffled his voice. Just as the heat became unbearable, he woke up, drenched in sweat and screaming in terror.

Nico burst into the room; his face etched with concern. He rushed to Jace’s side, wrapping his arms around him.

“Jace, it’s okay. It was just a nightmare,” Nico whispered, gripping him.

Jace’s breaths were ragged, his body trembling. “It felt so real, Nico. My father…he said I was going to hell.”

Nico pulled back slightly, looking into Jace’s eyes. “Your father isn’t here, Jace. He can’t hurt you anymore. You’re safe with me.”

Tears welled up in Jace’s eyes. “He left a message on my phone, Nico. He said I belonged in hell.”

Nico shook his head, his grip on Jace firm and reassuring. “You don’t belong in hell, Jace. You’re a good person, and you’re loved. Don’t let his words haunt you. You’re stronger than that.”

Jace nodded slowly, taking comfort from Nico’s presence. “Thank you, Nico. I don’t know what I’d do without you.”

Nico smiled softly, brushing a tear from Jace’s cheek. “You’ll never have to find out. I’m here for you, always.”

“I can’t sleep, Nico. I’m afraid of the fire again.”

“Oh, Jace.” He sat on Jace’s bed and ran his hand through his hair. “Want to sleep in my bed?”

Jace nodded and more tears tumbled out.

“Let me carry you out of here like a caveman,” Nico said, picking him up and hoisting him over his shoulder.

He carried him completely naked to his bedroom. He put him on the bed and handed him a pair of boxers, helped him into them and then made sure his head was on a pillow.

“You okay now, pretty boy?”

Jace seamlessly slipped into Nico’s arms and nodded his head.

“You’re safe with me. So, sleep. We have a long drive to Bakersfield. ”

Despite Nico’s tough exterior, Jace adored the way Nico’s eyes softened when they looked at each other. His smile, which had the power to light up even the darkest room, and his composed demeanor spoke volumes about his self-assured nature. Nico was a perfect blend of strength and sensitivity, making him both intimidating and attractive. Jace was drawn to his strength when he was hurt and needed protection. Suddenly, the bear transformed into a gentle, docile lamb. The man he loved who wouldn’t fuck him.

They nestled together, their bodies fitting perfectly like spoons.

When Jace woke up, Nico wasn’t in bed anymore. He checked the time. It was nine o’clock, and they planned to leave at ten. Jace got up, used the bathroom, took a shower, then dressed. He went to the kitchen to find something to eat. Sammie was fussing with pancakes and strawberries.

“Jace, want some pancakes?”

“Yes. I had a terrible night.”

“We heard. You okay now?”

“After I eat, I will be.”

Jace sat at the kitchen table, the smell of pancakes filling the air as Sammie worked his magic at the stove. His stomach growled in anticipation. Just then, Nico walked in, wearing tight jeans and a T-shirt that clung to his muscles. Jace couldn’t help but take a moment to admire him.

“Hey, how are you doing?” Nico asked, his voice soft and concerned.

Jace smiled. “I’m better, thanks. ”

Nico nodded. “Good to hear. Listen, you both need to be ready to go in an hour. Mark and I are going to pick up the instruments.”

“Thanks, Nico. I really appreciate you helping me out last night.”

Nico shrugged, a playful grin spreading across his face. “Anything for you, Jace. Just make sure you’re ready to rock.”

Jace chuckled, feeling a warmth spread through him that had nothing to do with the pancakes. “You got it.”

When Nico and Mark left to pick up the instruments, Sammie put the pancakes with strawberries and whipped cream on his plate, then he got them both a cup of coffee.

“Thanks, Sammie.”

“This happened to you last year when we played in Bakersfield.”

“My family still lives there. I’m so afraid of them showing up at the club and causing shit.”

“Nico told us we’re not to let you go anywhere without us. He doesn’t want you walking around Bakersfield.”

“He didn’t tell me that.”

“Don’t sweat it, babe. He will take care of you like he did last night.” In a burst of happiness, Sammie danced in place, his every movement radiating joy to Jace spending the night in Nico’s bed.

“Sammie! Nothing happened.”

After they finished eating, Jace grumbled as he rinsed a plate, the warm water feeling oddly comforting against his tired skin. The last thing he wanted was to be cooped up with the band for two days in his hometown. He already dreaded going back to his hometown in Bakersfield, the awkward small talk, and the constant prying eyes.

“Hey, guys, come into the living room,” Nico called out, his voice carrying over the clatter of dishes. They shuffled into the room, their faces a mix of curiosity and confusion .

“Listen,” Nico began, his tone serious. “Jace isn’t going anywhere without all three of us. We’re sticking together, no exceptions. No partying, no wandering off. We have two days in Bakersfield, and we need to take care of each other.”

Jace’s heart sank. He’d hoped to slip away, maybe catch up with an old friend or two without the band’s watchful eyes. “Come on, Nico,” he protested. “I’m not a kid anymore. I can handle myself.”

Sammie and Mark exchanged a glance. “It’s not about you not being able to handle yourself, Jace,” Sammie said gently. “It’s about keeping you safe. We know what kind of people your family are.”

Jace felt a pang of guilt. He knew they were only trying to protect him, but it still stung. He’d always been the independent one, the one who didn’t need anyone’s help.

“Fine,” he muttered, defeated. “But I’m not going to be happy about it.”

Nico nodded. “I understand. But this is for the best. And after Bakersfield, we have a very important gig in Black Rock City.”

The mention of Black Rock City perked him up. He’d always wanted to go to Burning Man. Maybe this trip to Bakersfield wouldn’t be so bad after all.