AllFreeNovel
Share Us
But you love me even when you can’t stand me.
You’re my heaven. We both know that's not where I’m going.
It's like a drug in my veins, keeping me alive.
I’m selfish, keeping you all to myself in my bloodstream,
Don’t scream, don’t be afraid. Take my hand, dance with me.
My soul is black but your eyes are green and that's the only color I see.
Sometimes I’m crazy,
Sometimes I’m a loose cannon,
But you love me even when you can’t stand me.
You’re my heaven. We both know that's not where I’m going.
You’re my dream, Little Star. Shine down on me.”
I cross the stage during the final verse until, once again, I’m standing toe-to-toe with Jade. Tears fill her eyes. She recognized the song, the lyrics still hold their meaning even after the years we’ve been apart. The crowd is wild. Her song never made it to a record and it never will. It belongs to her and me.
ChapterThirty-Four
Jade
The sign for my home state flashes past the bus as we roll into town. I haven’t stepped foot here in four years. I ran and never looked back. My hands turn clammy and I rub them on my jeans. This leg of the tour has been the craziest. After Onyx’s performance, the media has spiked up a frenzy again. Our names are plastered all over social media together. I thought Mia was going to fire me when she, once again, was forced to deal with the gossip. Instead, she scheduled us a couple’s interview with a local radio station in one city and an appearance on a morning show in another. There was no denying the rumors that I was the girl Onyx “The Kid” Kiddrick was in love with.
We really buckled down when the new booking in my home state appeared on the schedule. Onyx was already two steps ahead. Before tonight’s show, he planned to have a conversation with Rip and make him aware we are in his territory. To not risk a new war, Onyx had already told his father, who was also reaching out to Rip and his crew. He assured me it was fine, but the words did nothing to extinguish the nerves in my stomach. For once this week, I wanted to be out of the spotlight.
As if sensing my thoughts, Onyx’s lips brush my temple. “Don’t worry about it. It's going to be fine.”
I nod my head silently, praying he’s right. This sudden move feels too planned and purposeful. I never would have agreed to perform here if I had seen it on my contract before.
Our bus parks and we get off. The theater is crowded already and the lights remind me of the last time I saw this area lit up and bustling. The Gobbler Fair. I tug on his hand and he swings his arm around my shoulders. “No rollercoasters this time.”
I grin at him, because of course he remembered. Security escorts us into the lower level, where we’ll wait until the concert. Once they file out of our room and Terrance has a chance to sweep it, Onyx makes the call.
“Kiddrick,” Rip’s voice answers and instantly my blood runs cold. So much hate that I have for this man simmers in my veins.
Onyx’s fingers touch my jaw and he turns my head, my chin clasped in his fingers. I can’t look away. I can’t hide the turmoil I feel inside. His eyes narrow. “Rip. It’s been a long time.”
“Not long enough for some of us. I heard you had one of our own on your tour bus.”
Onyx hums non-committedly. “This is how it's going to work. You can’t afford a war right now. Your guy hasn’t been dealing you a steady supply lately. And my family’s supplier is ready to bounce if I give them the go-ahead.”
“Wait a second,” Rip tries to interject, the fear of losing his last cash flow heightens his voice.
“We’re going to perform. You will stay in your corner, and when we’re done, we’ll leave peacefully. No harm done.” I lick my lips, turned on by the authority in Onyx’s voice. His eyes turn black, his nostrils flare. Rip has about one second left to agree until the conversation ends. I smirk.
“Yeah man. Listen, I won't move. And please send your grandfather my regards.”
The phone call ends and I sigh in relief. Onyx’s arm comes around my back and he cradles my body to his. “It's handled, Jade.”
“Thank you.” I lean in and wrap my arms around his neck before placing a kiss on his lips.
He pulls back and runs his hand in my hair, pushing it out of my face. His smile falls. “I wasn’t going to bring it up, but I wanted to ask. To see if you were ready. Do you want to visit his grave?”
