Epilogue
One month later
The beaches went on for miles as the mini-bus rolled along the highway. Isla stared out at the blue expanse of the Pacific Ocean, wishing she were in it, floating on her back and looking up at the psychedelic sunset. In the front of the bus, Jac listened to rock tunes as his hands gripped the steering wheel, Benz sat behind him, playing a game and cursing under his breath, Gage lay on the seats, sleeping, and Arsen held onto the back of the seats as he walked toward her.
She pretended not to notice him when he plopped down on the seat across from her.
“What the fuck’s going on with you?” he said softly.
“What do you mean?” She kept her gaze on the white tips of the waves as they caressed the shore.
“You’re not having a good time. You’re not feeling the music. We’ve all noticed it. It’s not really fair to the fans.”
Ouch. Isla inhaled sharply. “You’re right. It’s not fair to the fans. I’ll sort it out.”
“Black Creek expects us to kick ass. You’re not doing your part. Tell me what’s going on with you.”
Sangre’s going on with me. I miss him so much it hurts. “I don’t know. I guess I thought this is what I really wanted, but I don’t think it is.”
“It’s that dude back in Alina, isn’t it?”
“Yes and no. I was having doubts after we came back from our tour last year. That’s why I left for a while. I needed the break to think about what I want as a musician.”
“What’re you guys talking about?” Benz said as he came over.
“We’re just shooting the shit, dude. Go back to your game.”
“Isla doesn’t look like it’s nothing. What the fuck’s up with you?”
“I don’t really like touring.” There. I said it.
Benz jerked his head back and sank into one of the seats. “What the fuck does that mean? That’s what we do. We’re a band that’s now on a label. We fuckin’ record, do shows, and tour.”
“I know. I like the recording and doing shows, but not the constant touring, or the stress, or the scrutiny. I guess I’m not cut out to be a mega rockstar. I just like to write songs, sing, and perform in small places.”
“Are you fuckin’ serious?” Benz glared at her.
“Dude, chill. If this isn’t for her then it’s not,” Arsen said. “It’s better we find out now rather than later.”
Benz’s eyes bulged. “Are you saying you want to quit?” She nodded slowly. “Un-fucking-believable. So where does that leave the band?”
“I’ll stay until you get another singer. I should’ve told you sooner, but I didn’t want to blow your chances with Black Creek.”
“I appreciate that,” Arsen said as he took out a joint and lit it. “Now that we’re on a label, we shouldn’t have a problem finding a chick who wants to join.”
Benz pounded the seat cushion. “It’s because of that damn biker, isn’t it? Are you really thinking this through? I know you. Music runs through your veins. You’re not going to be able to give it up.”
“You’re right, Benz—music is a part of my life. I can start a band.”
“In that shithole town? If you want to blow your life, go ahead and do it. I’m done with you.” He slid out of the seat and headed back to the front of the bus. He looked over his shoulder. “I give you four months or less, but don’t even think of wanting back in. You’re officially out of Iris Blue as soon as we get back to LA.” He sat down and went back to his game.
“I know I’ve really hurt him,” Isla said softly. “I didn’t mean to.”
“He’ll live. None of us were in tune to the way you were feeling. We kept thinking you’d get used to the life.”
“I tried to, but it’s just not me. I like roots. I love to write songs, and I’m pretty damn good at it. I’ve thought about selling some of the ones I’ve written that aren’t in the style of Iris Blue.”
“And you miss the biker dude.”
She closed her eyes. “Terribly.”
“I’ll miss you, but the show must go on. I’ll put out feelers when we get back to LA.” Arsen stood up.
“I’ll be with the band until you find someone. I’d never abandon you guys.”
Arsen lifted his chin and walked away.
* * *
Three weeks later
Warmth spread through Isla when she saw Sangre’s Harley in the parking lot of Precision Security. I’m home. She’d arrived in Alina the night before, and wanted to surprise him. She was happy and astounded on how fast Iris Blue found another female singer, but a tinge of sadness wove through her at the same time. The band had been her life for the past seven years, and she suspected it would take time for her to get used to not being in it. Jac, Gage, and Arsen had been great when she’d left, but Benz was so angry at her he didn’t even tell her goodbye. That hurt. She wished they could be friends, but she didn’t hold out much hope of that happening.
Isla walked down the hall to Sangre’s office and knocked on the door.
“Come in,” he said. His familiar gravelly voice made her tingle.
Smoothing her hair down, she took a couple of deep breaths then opened the door. “Hi, sexy.” She chuckled at the shock spreading over his face.
Sangre leapt up and rushed over to her, crushing her in his arms, kissing her deeply. Isla ran her hands over his strong arms, breathed in his scent, and leaned into the kiss. I missed this so much.
“Why didn’t you tell me you were coming?” he said between kisses.
“I wanted to surprise you.”
“What a fuckin’ great surprise. How long are you staying?” He slid his hands along her body, cupping them around her butt. His kisses and touch sent a carnal tingle down her spine.
“Forever.”
He pulled away and shuffled back a couple of steps.
“Is the offer still open to get a place together?”
He nodded, his gaze scanning her face. “What about the band?”
“I quit.”
“Won’t you regret it?”
“No. I can always start a band here. Music is a part of me and just because I left Iris Blue doesn’t mean it stops for me.”
“But you’re giving up your dream of selling out arenas.”
“You’re my dream, and there’s no fuckin’ way I’m leaving you behind again. Anyway, for me, touring and climbing to the top was way better in my dreams than in real life. I’m where I want to be.”
He yanked her to him and hugged her so tight she almost couldn’t breathe.
“So you’re happy that I’m here?”
“Fuck, yeah, honey. I was getting ready to book a trip to LA to see you because I missed you so damn much. I love you babe, and every time I see you, I want to hold you in my arms and never let go. You’re the girl that I always wanted to be with. It just took me all these years to realize it. I want you to be my old lady. I gotta get the cut ready. Damn … I didn’t know you were coming.”
Heat radiated through her chest. “I’d be proud to be your old lady. You’ve always been in my heart. Fate tore us apart and brought us back together. I love you.”
“We need to get a place together. Where’re you staying?”
“I’m at a small hotel downtown. We have time to find a place. As long as I’m with you I’m home.”
“I feel the same.” He kissed her again and led her over to his desk. “I’ve been burning for you since Sturgis. You’re all I thought about. I want inside you real bad.”
“I missed our lovemaking. I missed the way you feel inside me.”
“I’m all yours. I’ll never let you go. You’re my passion, my love, and my life. This time, I’m in it for the long haul, baby.”
“We both are. Together,” Isla said softly.
For much of her life there had been so much noise, but with Sangre, she found her signal in all the pandemonium: She’d finally found peace in the midst of life’s unpredictable chaos.
Then, ever so slowly, she slipped her hands under his shirt, her gaze locked to his, and she glided her fingers over his taut muscles. He sucked in a hissing breath and pushed her down on the desk.
“I’m gonna claim every inch of you, baby.”
Isla had never heard sweeter words, and she spread her legs and opened her arms, welcoming him to her.
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