Sinful Serenade

Chapter 14

Danielle

We settle into the comfortable leather seats of the tour bus. The interior is exactly what you would expect from a popular band: massive, with lavish amenities similar to the hotel we had just left, only now, it's all on wheels.

I swear, just when I begin to wrap my mind around the reality of our situation, I see something else that makes it even harder to believe.

Like we're on the Devil's Knights tour bus! How f*****g cool is that?

Before we left, Kenneth introduced us to the rest of his bandmates, Andy and Roxy. Andy is a bit standoffish, but I think Roxy is amazing. She has a magnetic charm that just draws you in, and I love her energy. I silently hope I get to hang out with her some more.

"Why were you in the bathroom so long?" I whisper to Maeve, sitting beside me.

"Well first, that shower was nice as f**k. And then, of course, I'm documenting every moment of this experience. I just started a vlog page on Youtube," she replies with a grin.

I give her a skeptical glance, my eyebrows furrowing. "Are you sure that's a good idea? Just saying, it might attract more negative attention than good."

She gives me a dismissive wave. "I'm not worried about it. It's not like I'm f*****g any of these guys, and neither are you. So, we're good," she states matter-of-factly.

No, we're not.

"But you didn't even ask them," I hiss under my breath, hoping my voice isn't audible over the hum of the engine. Kenneth, Gage, and Nolan are on the other side of the bus, while Roxy and Andy are asleep in the back, but who knows who's tuned into our conversation or not.

"Oh, you're right," Maeve mutters. Standing up, her voice resonates through the entire bus. "Hey, guys, is it okay if I vlog all of this? Of course, I'll ask before recording your faces."

"Sure," Gage and Nolan both answer at the same time.

"Don't care. Just keep my private life out of it," Kenneth mutters gruffly before taking a swig of his drink.

"There, feel better?" Maeve turns to me with a smug smile.

I purse my lips together, still not entirely convinced. "Well, what about Roxy and Andy?"

"Oh, I talked to them about it earlier," Maeve replies casually. "You would've heard me if you weren't so preoccupied staring at someone the entire time," she adds, making sure to keep her voice low.

Heat rushes to my cheeks. "What?"

Was it that obvious?

Maeve bursts out laughing. "I was just kidding, but you totally just called yourself out."

"No, I didn't," I retort, maybe too defensively. "I just didn't know what you were talking about."

If only she knew why we were really here, that I'm teetering on the edge of crossing a huge line with the lead singer of this band. And despite the risks, I can't deny the overwhelming desire to do so.

Gage's gaze flickers to Maeve from his seat, a smirk playing at the corner of his lips. "So, your boyfriend allowed you to be alone with a bunch of guys all summer without him?"

Maeve narrows her eyes at him. "First of all, I don't have a boyfriend," she retorts sharply. "And second, no man will ever 'allow' me to do s**t. Let's get that straight right now."

Gage's grin widens, admiration shining in his hazel eyes. "I like that. A strong, independent woman."

"Damn right. My daddy didn't raise me to depend on a man. I'm not easily impressed, like I'm sure most girls are with you guys."

He chuckles. "So, I'm guessing I'll have to work hard for your attention then, huh?"

I smile to myself. Is Maeve really sure she won't sleep with one of them? Because right now, I'm damn sure picking up some s****l tension.

"So, how'd you end up getting into the Devil's Knights? Metal music isn't exactly popular in our community," Gage continues.

She shrugs. "I just heard ya'll on the radio one day, and instantly fell in love. Then, I dragged my best friend to your concert in Virginia Beach. That was her first concert, she was raised in a very...conservative household, so you know I had to help her get a little taste of freedom."

I notice that Kenneth is listening tentatively, his gaze fixed on Maeve as she speaks. But somehow, I can still feel him watching me from the corner of his eye.

Gage hums. "Yeah, I know how that feels. My family completely disowned me until the money started rolling in."

Her eyes widen. "And you still gave them some?"

"Yeah, she's my Ma. My feelings were hurt, but I wanted to show her that I wouldn't abandon her the same way she did me. It must've worked, she calls me almost every day now."

"Wow, that's really big of you."

"Thanks," he replies with a smile.

A sense of guilt washes over me. Am I in the wrong for lowkey hoping I never have to speak to my mother again? Would she ever change the way she treats me? Could we actually have a relationship one day?

Pushing the nagging thoughts aside, I refocus on Maeve and Gage, who are still very much flirting with each other. Nolan is asleep with his headphones in, while Kenneth has grown disinterested, gazing absentmindedly out the window.

"So, can you scream too?" Maeve asks Gage.

Gage laughs. "A little, but I definitely don't have the vocal range that Kenneth does. That's why he's the lead, and I'm his backup. He has the most amazing voice I've ever heard from another man."

"Gage," Kenneth warns in a low voice.

He throws up his hands in surrender. "Hey, I'm straight as a ruler, but I'm damn sure going to compliment my brothers when they deserve it."

"Do it for us. Scream my name," Maeve challenges playfully.

Wow, she's not wasting any time.

He does it, his deep voice reverberating through the entire bus.

"Shut the f**k up, Gage! I'm trying to sleep!" Julio shouts from the front of the bus.

We all burst out laughing. Everyone, except Kenneth, who's watching me intently. His gaze feels like a weight, and it's so f*****g intense, I can't seem to look into his eyes without blushing. It's as if he doesn't like that I'm paying more attention to Gage than him.

Is he jealous?

If so, he has no reason to be. I have a feeling Maeve will be crossing that bridge with Gage VERY soon.

"Now that y'all are our girls for the summer, I'm gonna need to see ya'll to be the hypest in the pit," Gage continues, his tone playful yet suggestive.

Maeve just smirks in response. "Don't you have enough cheerleaders?"

Gage's grin widens. "Not one as pretty as you."

Okay, this is getting ridiculous. They might as well go get a room now.

Maeve blushes at the compliment, brushing a purple strand of hair behind her ear. "Well...I'll see what we can do then."

"We?" I squeak. "I didn't agree to that."

Maeve playfully slaps my arm. "Come on, the mosh pit in Virginia didn't look too bad."

"We're in Florida...should I say more?" I retort, shivering at the very thought of how wild their mosh pits are. The Florida heat combined with the frenzy of male testosterone in the mosh pit is a terrible idea for two petite black girls like us.

Yeah, hell no to that.

While Maeve goes to the bathroom, Kenneth addresses Gage, his jaw locked with tension.

"Do you hear yourself, Gage? No f*****g way are they standing in the pit. It's either the VIP section or they watch from backstage."

Gage chuckles. "I know, I was just kidding. Just let me spit my game, man," I hear him mutter to him.

"Oh yeah, because every girl loves hearing that you're okay with them being trampled in a mosh pit," Kenneth replies, rolling his eyes.

Gage opens and closes his mouth, lost for words. "You know what, just worry about your girl and I'll worry about mine."

It's hilarious how he thinks he has already won her over, but I don't say anything.

"Oh, I will be taking care of my girl." Kenneth's eyes snap to mine, and I can't help but blush.

Kenneth's girl.

Why do I love the sound of that so much?

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We finally pull into the hotel, stepping out into the warm Florida evening, the scent of palm trees and ocean filling the air. While the crew gets set up for tonight's performance, Maeve and I get ready in our room.

"Your mom call yet?" Maeve asks as she stands in front of the mirror in the bathroom, perfecting her hair and makeup.

"Yep, so far twelve missed calls. Can't wait to listen to them later and hear how much of an ungrateful child I am," I mutter bitterly. Just the thought of my mom fills me with anxiety, making me want to search for relief. I did pack my razor just in case I needed it.

"Well, f**k your mom. I'm your mom now, we can just pretend she doesn't exist anymore," Maeve declares, making me smile.

There's a sudden knock on the door, and when I go to answer it, my heart skips a beat. Kenneth is standing there, clad in a white beater and black jeans. He looks...mouthwatering.

"Hi," I say softly, feeling a rush of nervous energy. It's like talking to the most popular guy in school, except all of his attention is on you and it feels like you can't f*****g breathe in his presence.

"Little trouble," he greets smoothly. "What do you think of the room? Wouldn't want our guests to be unsatisfied."

"It's amazing, another one of the fanciest hotels I've ever been in," I reply, trying to keep my composure.

"That's good," he muses, glancing past me to where Maeve is now sitting on the bed, likely listening to our conversation. I'm surprised that he's still playing along with this "contest winners" bullshit I made up. His voice drops low, intended only for my ears, as he hands me a keycard envelope. "Join me when you can get away."

Speaking to both of us this time, he says, "Well ladies, we'll be performing here today and tomorrow. Then, we'll have some free time on Monday to enjoy the beach before we head to Georgia On Tuesday."

My pulse quickens at the thought of spending more time with him.

He takes the necklace from around his neck, tucked beneath his shirt, and carefully places it over my head. The pendant is a black knight's helmet with red eyes made of rubies. "This is one of a kind. I want you to wear this while you're here, so everyone knows that you're with me."

Before I can respond, he adds, "Also, here are the VIP lanyards, you'll be able to get into anything around the venue." He places it around my neck, while handing me another for Maeve.

I nod, my heart fluttering at the intimate gesture. "T-Thank you," I whisper, feeling a flush creep up my neck.

With a small smile tugging on his lips, he turns and saunters down the hallway.

As I close the door, I find Maeve's suspicious gaze fixed on me. "What?" I ask, handing her the lanyard.

"What the hell was that?" she demands.

"What?"

"Let me see." She stands up and reaches for the pendant, inspecting it closely. "Holy s**t, this is like platinum or some s**t, and he just gave that to you?"

I shrug, trying to play it off casually. "I guess just to make sure we can get in."

"Orrrr he's totally obsessed with you. Have you noticed the way he looks at you? It's like some creepy Edward Cullen s**t," she adds, her tone laced with curiosity and a bit of concern.

I snort, rolling my eyes at her speculation. "You've been watching Twilight too much. He's not a f*****g vampire, Maeve."

Well, I'm pretty sure he isn't.

"Who knows? He just might be. No normal human would taste your blood. I'm going to need you to sleep with some garlic or some s**t underneath your pillow."

I laugh at the completely serious look on her face. "Chill, Maeve. He's just showing his own version of kindness," I try to reassure her.

"Mhmm," she hums, her expression still skeptical as she continues to scrutinize me.

"Hey, why don't we take a picture for your vlog? You know for our first night?" I suggest, trying to divert her attention.

"Okay, but I'm still watching ya'll," she warns. Nonetheless, she retrieves her phone and pulls me beside her to snap a photo.