Rise (Rock God 1)

“Rhys,” she whispers, blinking back the tears as she laughs, her whole body shaking.

“I should have told you earlier. I thought it was clear.” I frown. Why am I stumbling like this? She places her fingers on my lips and cocks her head as she watches me.

“I love you, Rhys. I’ve loved you forever.”

I stare at her. She’s fearless, always has been. It rolls right out of her mouth. I can write the fuck out of a song. Perform in front of thousands of people. But she knows me, sees past all the fame and wealth. Gia sees the man that I am. She knows my demons, has seen me bleed.

She traces my lips and I lightly bite the tip of her finger and suck it. When she smiles, my heart squeezes.

“We need to go, Rhys.” The room is thick with all our emotions and things that need to be said. But that can wait.

“You ready?”

She leans down for her bag. Wiping under her eyes, she smears her eyeliner, so now she’s got the Cleopatra look going. I take her hand and open the door. Ace and three other bodyguards wait.

I wink at her and the madness begins.

“I’ve got Granger. We’re on the move.” Ace speaks into his earpiece. I squeeze her hand as we take the stairs, trying to avoid the crowds that must be waiting for me.

“Get the limo. We’re coming in three, two, one.” Ace throws open the door that leads to the lobby.

“There he is.” A man tries to block our way, his damn camera in Gia’s face. I fucking know this scumbag. He stalks me all the time.

“I’m warning you, Bob, get that camera out of her face.” He swings it toward me right as Ace pushes him back.

“Granger, man. Who’s the beauty with you?” He laughs as we pass and ignore him. “You gonna reschedule because of the rain? Granger?”

I flip him off. He keeps smiling the whole time. The crowd that was waiting at the lobby entrance and elevators runs toward us.

“Granger? Rock God, can you sign this, please…”

“Granger, I heard the concert is postponed until tomorrow… Granger?

“This is insane. Get more guys and clear them out,” I tell Ace who is talking into his earpiece.

“Rock God… I love you!” A woman grabs ahold of my shirt.

“What the hell?” Gia explodes as Ace calmly removes her hand and pushes the crowd back. Jesus, this a big fucking mess, and the rain seems to have picked up. It’s pouring and still, people are outside waiting.

I hold up my hand as I plow through. Rock God, I love you. Rock God, over here. Granger, I’m pregnant… the words just blend together as I hold up my hand and go straight for the limo.

“Christ.” I shake my head, water dripping down my face and neck. Leaning back into the leather seat, I pull a wet Gia next to me.

Ace slides in and slams the door. “Move,” he yells at the driver.

“What the fuck, man? Who leaked that we’re staying here?” I glance out the window, then over to Ace.

The limo pulls out, horn blaring.

“Cash was at the bar last night, and Nuke stopped to sign autographs earlier.” Ace looks out the window, then back at me as we glide down the street slowly, the wipers going at full speed.

“You can’t play in this rain, Rhys,” Gia says, almost dazed as she looks out the window.

“Pull over.” I tell the driver, raising my hips to get my phone out of my pocket.

“Christ.” There are at least twenty missed calls from Rafe. The last one reads 911. “Did you hear anything about tonight?” I look at Ace as I push on Rafe’s number.

“My main priority is your safety. I haven’t checked my phone,” he snaps, which is very un-Ace. He always stays cool and collected, but even he must feel the ominous vibe.

I rub the back of my neck waiting for Rafe to answer as I kiss the top of Gia’s head.

“Hand me that bottle of Jack, brother.”

Ace grabs it, passes it to me, and pulls out his phone.

I’m almost ready to hang up when Rafe answers. “You still at the hotel?” Loud noises filter through.

“No, we just left.”

“Go back. I’m already at the hotel. Meet me in my suite. The show has been postponed for tomorrow. It’s not safe.”

“The fuck, Rafe! You could have told me earlier.” My head pounds as I crack open the bottle.

“Bring Gia.” The line goes dead. I take a breath, because I’m getting ready to lose my shit, and that’s not gonna help anything right now.

“Rhys?” Gia looks up at me, confusion on her face.

“It’s not happening tonight. Go back.” I bring the bottle to my lips and drink, swallowing the spicy burn like it’s water.

“Concert postponed, and Rafe wants to talk for a few minutes in his suite.” I spit it out as I take another swig.