Claiming Beauty (Taking Beauty Trilogy 2)

“Pretty much, Liam,” he said. “I guess most people who sign on to be a tour manager don’t fancy getting death threats.”

“Right,” I said, falling silent as we walked back to the hotel. The bright sunshine blinded us as soon as we walked outside. We put our sunglasses on and put our heads down, hoping to avoid being recognized by anyone during the short walk to the hotel. We usually had Big D with us, but Ian and I insisted on visiting the hospital completely alone. Big D was a big, scary guy, and the kids at the hospital had enough fear in their lives.

“How’s everything going with Catherine?” Ian asked.

“I don’t know. I’m sure I’m probably screwing that up, too.”

“Yeah, you probably are.”

I laughed, in spite of myself.

“You’re such a wanker, Ian.”

“Just make sure you keep your pants on, at least. The last thing we need is another article about your sexual prowess.”

“Oh, come on, mate! It’d be a smash hit!”

“Right. Well, if you want to be sure we ever have another smash hit, then you’d better be on your best behavior with her. She could make us or break us.”

“I hardly think one little story could hold such power, Ian.”

“It’s not the story we’re worried about, Liam. It’s your fucking reputation. As a professional. Interest is waning, ticket sales are down, and nobody wants to work with us. Get your shit together, or we’ll be shovelin’ shit instead of swingin’ that ax, mate. If I have to get a real fuckin’ job because of your shenanigans, I’ll shove my boot up your ass!”

“Don’t worry, little brother. Have I ever let you down?” I asked.

“Yes!” he cried, throwing his hands up in the air. “Every bloody day of our lives!”

“Oh, calm down, Ian! You’re so fuckin’ dramatic. I’ve got Catherine right where I want her.”

“Well, as long as that isn’t on the tip of your dick…”

Chapter 17

CATHERINE

The show in Philadelphia was even better than the one before. Liam’s onstage presence was powerful and raw. Sweat poured down his face as he slithered around the stage like a man possessed. Tonight, he’d traded in his usual jeans for a pair of tight-fitting black leather pants that did nothing to hide the huge bulge between his legs. The usual open shirt was gone completely, his guitar strapped over his shoulder the only other thing he was wearing besides the passion that washed over his face as he sang his heart out.

The fans ate it up. Lining the stage, they danced and swayed, staring up at him adoringly. I watched from the side with Rhone again, the two of us just as caught up in the energy as everyone else watching. It was impossible not to - they were electric.

Everything was going smoothly, until Liam was singing an old song from their first album titled “Bad Idea”. He changed the lyrics in the chorus, as I knew as soon as he’d done it. Rhone and I looked at each other and she shook her head.

“Ian’s going to be so pissed. He does that all the time,” she said. Sure enough, I glanced over at Ian and he was fuming, his death glare firmly pointed in Liam’s direction. “God, I hope they don’t have another fight. I’m getting so sick of Ian being pissed off all the time.”

Ian turned away from Liam and the show went on normally, but Ian’s anger was apparent.

When they were finished, Ian stormed off stage, leaving the rest of the band to do the encore without him. Liam was unfazed, singing the songs perfectly, leaving the crowd begging for more when he was finished.

When it was all over, he strode right over to me, and planted a very sweaty kiss firmly on my lips and then walked away, leaving me stunned and frozen as the others streamed past me.

“Watch out, Catherine,” Rhone whispered before walking away, “he’s bad news.”

As if I hadn’t figured that out already.

His kiss stung my lips and I felt dizzy. I touched a finger to my lips, and felt everything inside of me melt.

I was in big trouble, and I wasn’t sure there was a way out of it that didn’t include falling under Liam’s spell.

Chapter 18

LIAM

Management always booked an extra room at every hotel we stayed at on tour. It was intended to be a place for schmoozing and networking but it just ended up being a big party every time. But we were ‘encouraged’ to attend every night, just in case there were some puffed up VIP’s that someone had deemed important that we meet. I hated that part, but I was almost always up for a party, so I played along.

Tonight, I wasn’t really in the mood for all of that. I went anyway, but only because I was hoping to get a little farther with Catherine tonight, and by ‘a little farther’ I meant I was hoping to finally sink my cock into her tight little center. I wasn’t one for taking my time, but I was surprised to find that I was enjoying the chase a little bit.

I was just ready for that to be over.

As soon as I walked in, I was cornered by Callum.

“Great show tonight, Liam,” he said.

“Thanks,” I said, scanning the room over his shoulder for Catherine. I spotted her in the corner talking to Ian and as soon as he saw me, he turned and walked away. So he was still pissed, I thought. Oh, well. No surprise there.

I headed over to Catherine, leaving Callum talking about something behind me. She was wearing a tiny black dress that left her long legs bare, and they seemed to go on forever. My cock twitched in my pants as I thought about how they’d feel wrapped around my hips. She smiled as I approached.

“Hello, luv,” I said, pulling her in for a hug. To my surprise, she hugged me back warmly. “You look fuckin’ fantastic.”

“Thank you,” she replied. She looked away shyly and I saw a slight blush creep up her neck. “How are you? Your show was great.”

“Was it?” I asked. “I thought so, but I don’t think Ian agrees.”

“No, I think he’s quite upset with you…again.”

“I’m sure he is. He’s always pissed at me. Are you seeing that now? There’s a bit of a pattern here,” I winked.

“I see that,” she said. “It must be exhausting.”

“For me or for him?” I asked.

She laughed, and her face lit up with beauty. My cock throbbed between my legs, and just as I was about to ask her if she wanted to leave, Callum walked up.

“Catherine, this is Callum McGregor, he runs our charity. I told you about him the other day.”

“Oh, yes,” she replied, holding out her hand. Callum shook it and nodded.

“Nice to meet you,” he said.

“Catherine is writing a story for Rolling Stone magazine. She’s attempting to restore my reputation, if you can believe that,” I said.

“Well, that’s quite a job!” Callum said jokingly. Catherine joined in the laughter.

“It sounds like you have the important job,” she replied. “I’d love to get together with you, ask you a few questions about the charity - if that’s alright with you, Liam?”

“Sure, whatever, that’s fine,” I replied. I’d have agreed to anything if it meant I would be alone with Catherine sooner.

“I don’t think I could really contribute anything to the story…” Callum replied.

“Oh, it wouldn’t take long at all, actually,” Catherine said. “Just a few minutes of your time? We could even do it by phone.”

“Sure, that’s fine,” Callum said, pulling out his wallet. “Here’s my card, just give me a call tomorrow and we’ll talk.”

“Perfect, thank you. It was nice to meet you,” Catherine said.

“Callum, we must be going,” I interrupted. “I’ll see you when we get to Los Angeles.”

“Okay, Liam, see you then,” Callum turned and walked away.