AllFreeNovel
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“I’ll be out of pocket during break, so if you need anything call Roark or Benny. They know how to reach me.”
Ryker’s attention turned to his earpiece as someone spoke over it. He touched his earpiece and listened. He said, “Okay, thanks. We’ll be right out.”
He lightly squeezed Jade.
“The cars are ready. Grab anything you need and we’ll go to the hotel.”
Everyone’s suitcases already waited at the hotel, except Jade’s and Ryker’s, which were in the car that would take them to the airport for their flight. There wasn’t much to grab from the bus, so it wasn’t long before they were on the way to the hotel.
Lyra and Polly cradled their instruments like precious cargo the whole ride. They kind of were, as the band’s only original instruments to survive the blaze.
When they reached the suite, Ryker and Benny did a final sweep of the rooms.
“The suite is secure,” Ryker said. “I need to make some last minute arrangements after everything that’s happened tonight. I’ll be back soon. Benny will be here with you. Please don’t leave this suite. Understood?”
Everyone nodded and mumbled their assent.
Ryker walked to Jade and wrapped his arm around her shoulders. He pressed his lips to her ear and murmured, “Our flight leaves in four hours. I don’t know how long this will take, but I’ll definitely be back so we can be at the airport at least two hours before. You’re going to love your surprise, sweetness.” He kissed her temple.
“Thank you. For everything,” she said.
“You’re very welcome. Be back soon.”
After Ryker left, the band waited around in the common area for a while, alternating between watching the news and teasing Jade about making moves on their security.
Eventually, everyone went to their rooms.
While Jade waited for Ryker to return, she and Lyra sprawled beside each other on Lyra’s bed and stared at the ceiling, like they did when they were kids.
“What happened tonight?” Lyra asked. “One minute our music was on fire, then the next minute the stage was...”
“I’m still not sure. It all seems so surreal.”
“Do you think it was Rosé?” Lyra asked.
“I wondered about that but I don’t know. Maybe. It’s possible, I guess.” Jade sighed. “I want to kick the shit out of Rosé. He’s injured three people so far — good people. And now he’s destroyed my drums. Fucker better hope the cops get him before I do.” She growled in frustration.
Lyra said, “I’d offer to help, but you wouldn’t need me. Your brothers would be better. Or Ryker. That man would throw down for you without a second thought. You’re lucky.”
“I don’t want any help facing Rosé. I want to punish him myself, and I already would have if some bitch hadn’t stolen my phone.”
Lyra brushed the insult off. “Eh, it was for your own good. Plus, you met Ryker out of my meddling. Told you you’d thank me.”
“I’m not thanking you for anything.”
“You will. Especially after I plan the perfect wedding. I’m so excited.”
“Who’s getting married?” Ryker’s deep voice rumbled from the open doorway.
“You are,” Lyra said.
Jade propped herself up and watched the shock cross Ryker’s face as he absorbed those words.
He sputtered, “Me? Wh- Wait, what?”
“I’m planning the perfect wedding for you two. I’m getting started on venues tomorrow. Let me know what date you want. I’m thinking maybe Halloween next year. We can do a masquerade or a costume party at some really cool location. Maybe in New Orleans... that’d be awesome! Don’t worry, babes, I’ve definitely got your backs. This will be great!” Lyra pulled out her phone and started searching for wedding venue locations in New Orleans.
“I think I missed something...” Ryker said.
