REGRET - The Price of Truth: Everhide Rockstar Romance Series Book 4 Read online

  He brushed it off. “You know Lex—she’s out for fun. I was wrong to think otherwise.” Hayden knew her better than anyone. She hadn’t had a serious boyfriend since Quintin two years ago. It would take someone, no one short of a god, to break her out of her ongoing, never-ending dating game. Good luck to them. He stretched his arms above his head. “Rejection’s a bitch, I won’t lie, but I’ll be fine. Just need Lex to get over it.”

  “Sorry? What’s that? Rejection?” Grinning a goofy grin, Hunter placed his empty bottle on the floor. “I don’t know what that is.”

  Hayden threw a drumstick at him.

  “Ow.” Hunter clutched his bicep. “What was that for?”

  “Made me feel better.” Hayden chuckled.

  But the more he thought about the move to Boston, cemented it in his mind, the more excitement flickered to life, licked through his veins. His big break was coming; he could feel it in his bones.

  Kyle wiped his hand over his thigh. His skinny black jeans with the ripped knees had seen better days. “Well, you can’t sit around here and sulk.”

  Hayden shook his head. “I won’t.”

  “What are you going to do about Christmas?” Kyle asked. “You always spend the holidays with her. We’ll be away.”

  Crap. This was a rough time of year for them. She was always torn about which screwed up parent to visit. He went along to support her. He had no family, biological or foster, that warranted visiting. He didn’t belong anywhere.

  Shit.

  Without Lexi, the festive season held no appeal. He’d miss morning coffee before they headed to work. He’d miss curling up on the sofa and watching Netflix with her. Since last night, he felt as if he’d severed what they had. Just like in his life before meeting her, he suddenly didn’t fit.

  “I’m happy to stay home this Christmas.” He rounded his shoulders, fidgeted with his drumstick like it was a stress ball. “I’ll be fine.” But he knew otherwise. Hunter and Kyle were great buddies but being friends with global rock stars meant they weren’t always around. Their lives were fucking insane. He didn’t want to hang out with his own band; he already spent enough time with them.

  He grabbed a spare drumstick from the canister beside the bass drum, twirled it around and tapped away on the tom-toms again. Thrum. Didi. Thrum. Didi. Thrum.

  Kyle snorted and chuckled. “Hayds, take it from me, I know how fucked up you can get over a girl. Gem certainly made me jump through hoops. But if you want to take a few days off, have some space to clear your head and some more time to let things smooth over with Lex, why not come to LA with us? We’ve got a crazy schedule, but we’ll have some time to hang out. I don’t think Hunt or Gem will have any issues with that. Do you?” Kyle jerked his chin at Hunter.

  “Fine by me.” Hunter scratched the tip of his chin. “It’s Gem you’ll have to convince.” A mischievousness glint flickered in his eyes and he rubbed his hands together. “We do have to christen your new house with a party or two.”

  “Why did you buy a house in LA?” Hayden asked Kyle.

  “We spend so much time there. It beats staying in hotels.” Kyle strummed a low note, his fingers twiddling a constant beat. “It’s in Pacific Palisades and has a great view of the ocean. Hunt’s right. We’ll throw a party or two and help you forget all about Lex.”

  “Thanks.” Hayden’s gaze fell to the floor. He rubbed at his chest. He didn’t want to forget about Lexi. He wanted things to be right. But having a few days away from her, maybe even a week or two, might do them a world of good. He could get Kilt’s brother, Basil, to fill in playing drums for him. He could take vacation time off from the recording studio. He hadn’t told them he was leaving yet. He’d do that when he got back.

  He had nothing to lose. “I need to do something to get out of this rut. If Gem’s okay with it, I’d love to come. Some time in LA will be good for me.” No Lexi. No drama. No hassles. “It’s perfect. Count me in.”

  Chapter 4

  Lexi lost track of time. Dancing at the nightclub on Saturday night had at some point segued into Sunday morning. Music blared. Bodies gyrated around her.

  A night away from the continued awkwardness around Hayden was perfect. Burning up the dance floor with Kara and Gemma was just what she needed . . . but the guy with his hands around her hips, trying to get friendly? Not so much. Mr. Handsy, who’d yelled his name ‘Zac’ into her ear, had been fun to have a dance with; now she was over it. She’d made excuses—‘It’s girls’ night’, ‘I’m here with friends,’ and ‘I’m not interested’—but he wasn’t taking no for an answer. Dickhead. She’d been nice to him, but it was time to tell him to get lost. So much for being in the VIP section. Creeps existed everywhere.

  She twisted out of Zac’s hold. “I’m going for a break.” She mouthed, “Let’s go,” to Kara and Gemma dancing next to her, and thumbed toward their booth. But Zac caught her hand, pulling her back to his side.

  “Hey, hey, hey.” He slithered closer. “I’ll come with you. Let me buy you a drink.”

  “No, thank you.” She snatched her hand free.

  Zac tilted his head and smiled, his eyes glassy from too much alcohol. He had that whole suave Jared Leto thing going on—the long hair, stunning blue eyes and groomed beard. “Give me a kiss before you leave. Or are you gonna promise to come back and have another dance?”

  Ergh! He was the type of guy who’d want to stick around, go on dates, get to know her. Not what she wanted. Kissing Hayden and the turmoil of awkward emotions it had created had reaffirmed her pledge to the single life. She wanted no dramas. No commitments. No fuss. She was much better off alone. “Sorry Zac. No promises. No kiss. Gotta go.” She linked her arms with Kara’s and Gemma’s and headed for their booth.

  The usual ‘Oh wow. It’s Gemma. From Everhide’, could be heard as they jostled through the crowd. There were some flashes from cell phones, but no one stopped or interrupted them. Thank goodness, because tonight was girls’ night and time to celebrate. Chase had approved her trip to LA. He’d been impressed with her pitch, commended her with a slap on the back—or was it a rub? Ew . . . don’t go there.

  Gemma shuffled into their booth and took the middle. Chester and Giles, Kara’s and Gemma’s bodyguards, stood either side of the table, facing the crowd with don’t-mess-with-me looks chiseled onto their faces.

  “You want another drink?” Lexi hollered at Gemma and Kara as she waved at the cocktail waitress decked out in a gold-logoed Lennon’s Nightclub midriff top.

  “Absolutely.” Gemma drummed out a rapid beat on the table with her palms. “The night is still young. Let’s par-ty.”

  After ordering a round of drinks, Lexi scanned the bobbing crowd. Disco lights flashed off faces, reflected off shiny clothes, sparkled on rhinestones and bling. She sank deeper into the comfy cushioned seat, excited to be here with her girls, and even more thrilled to be heading to LA with them on Monday. She hadn’t been to California in ten years. She couldn’t wait to see the beaches and the vibrant city, and experience that Hollywood charm again. Even better to capture it through her lens.

  Bernie, the waitress, returned with their drinks—champagne, JD, and vodka. They each grabbed a glass and chinked them together.

  “Here’s to LA,” Lexi toasted, holding her vodka, lime and soda in the air. “Away from Hayden for two weeks, some fun work, and a mini vacation. Woohoo!”

  But guilt smacked her in the back of the head. She had to leave her mom in the hands of Aunt Nora, who thought lunching with friends was more important than checking on her own sister. And . . . Lexi shouldn’t be away from Hayden for so long. Not when their time left together was limited. But now she could blame work, not the weirdness that had lingered between them since they’d kissed.

  Kara’s champagne didn’t make it to her lips. It stopped an inch short. Her eyes widened and she pointed toward the door. “Not sure you’ll be able to avoid Hayds tonight though. The guys are here.”

  Fuck! Lexi’s throat
ran dry. Her grip on her glass tightened. Why are they here?

  Hunter, Kyle and Hayden, followed by Mick and Sam, Everhide’s security guards, made their way through the crowd, ignoring the ohhs, aahs, and OMGs from girls in the club.

  Hunter made a straight line for their booth, people parting as if he were a king. But it wasn’t Hunter who held Lexi’s attention. It was Hayden. His long gait made him look like he was gliding in slow motion across the floor. His half grin, steel-gray eyes, olive skin and messed-up hair screamed damn-I’m-sexy-and-cool. His slim black trousers and button-down shirt molded perfectly to his toned, ripped body. A wave of heat surged through Lexi’s veins. Shit. She hated that since he’d kissed her, she’d become hyper-aware of him—from his good looks to his very presence. She didn’t want to feel like this. React like this. The trip to LA couldn’t come quickly enough.

  Hunter slid onto the seat next to Kara and laid one kiss on her lips, then another and another.

  Kyle stepped onto the seat beside Lexi, strode over her legs and plonked next to Gemma. He hooked his arm around her neck. “Hey, babe.”

  She crawled onto his lap and kissed him.

  Lexi rolled her eyes and sipped her drink. She’d seen her friends make out often enough not to be fazed. But she stopped short when Hayden stared at her. His face was wiped clean of expression. She couldn’t read him anymore. Did he think she wanted to make out with him? No chance.

  But her gaze drifted to his lips, then shot back to his eyes. Her pulse jumped a notch—maybe three. Kissing him slammed to the forefront of her mind. Up against the wall. His hands caressing her face. His lips on hers. The taste of his tongue. And, oh my, his body pressing against hers.

  Heat crept up her neck and turned into a feverish flush by the time it reached her cheek. Is it hot in here? She wriggled on her seat, peered around the burly bodies of Everhide’s security, and searched for an escape.

  Hunter pulled away from sucking Kara’s face, his azure eyes caught the nightclub’s lights and an I’m-a-fucking-rock-star-and-will-do-what-I-want grin lighting his face. Kara’s cheeks blazed bright red. Her lips were swollen, and the biggest smile curled across her lips. Hunter leaned forward, resting his elbows on the table. “Sorry to intrude on your girls’ night out.” He jutted his chin toward Kyle. “He’s still in the honeymoon phase. It’s pathetic. After Hayden’s gig and a few drinks, he had to come see Gem.”

  Still on Kyle’s lap, Gemma twisted to face Hunter. “Oh, pa-leeease. He did not.” Her voice rolled with a you’re-so-full-of-shit tone. Turning back to Kyle, she cupped his face and rocked her hips on him. “But I’m not complaining.”

  Kyle groaned and grinned, rested his head back against the padded booth and circled his hands over Gemma’s ass. “Neither am I.”

  Hayden placed his hands on the edge of the table near Lexi. He swayed. By the smell of his breath, and the fumes radiating off Kyle next to her, the guys had been into the JD.

  Great. He’s drunk.

  His eyes gleamed, dark and predatory, like a lion’s. She couldn’t tell whether he wanted to pounce on her or feed her to the pride.

  “How was your gig?” She tilted her head to the side, fumbled to put the straw in her mouth—klutz—then downed the rest of her vodka in one massive slurp.

  “Okay.” Hayden’s lopsided grin softened and widened.

  “Okay?” Kyle butted in. “Dude, you nailed it.” He clicked his fingers at Bernie. She came running, and he ordered a bottle of JD for the table.

  “He’s exaggerating.” Hayden chuckled and leaned forward, way too close for her liking. With a flick of his wrist, he pointed at the vacant seat beside her. “Can I?”

  Hmm. Squished in a booth next to him. Legs touching, arms brushing. Nope. Not good. She needed space. “Sure can.” She slid off the seat and straightened her short, party dress. His simmering gaze traveled down her legs and back up again, dragging spiraling tingles up her spine. He shouldn’t look at her like that—all smoldering and seductive. She shouldn’t react like this—all hot and bothered. Breathe. Just breathe. “You can have it. I’m gonna dance. By myself.” She waved at the girls to stay. “Have fun. See ya.”

  She swiveled on her toes and headed toward the dance floor, feeling his eyes drilling into her back.

  “You can’t avoid me forever.” His voice trailed after her.

  “Bye.” She twinkled her fingers over her shoulder. Her heart rate eased a fraction with each step she took away from him. So much better.

  Jostling her way into the middle of the dance floor, she closed her eyes. Absorbing the vibe from the crowd and letting the DJ’s music into her soul, she held her hands up in the air and grooved in time to the beat.

  It took less than half a minute for creepy hands to span her waist. She spun around. Zac staggered before her. He was more drunk than he had been twenty minutes ago. He leaned in close. His breath reeked of rum. “You’ve returned.”

  “To dance. But not with you.” Lexi took a step back, bumping into someone behind her.

  “You’re lying,” Zac hollered over the loud, throbbing music. Drunken confidence smeared his face. “You know you did.”

  Lexi’s laugh came out as a snort. “No. I didn’t.”

  She went to leave, but he grabbed her hand, hooked his arm around her waist and tried to drunk-waltz with her.

  Placing her hands onto his shoulders, she pushed back, hard. “Let go of me.” If he didn’t, there’d be trouble. As a close friend of Gemma’s, Everhide’s security team had given Lexi some basic self-defense training and she wasn’t afraid to use it or call on them if needed.

  “One dance.” Zac dipped his head and cocked an eyebrow.

  Oh my God! Was he trying to give her the sexy eye?

  He leaned in.

  Ew! Was he trying to kiss her?

  She shoved against Zac’s chest, but his grip was a vise.

  Should she knee him in the groin?

  Maybe a good slap would set him straight. She gathered her wits, gritted her teeth and looked Zac square in the eye. She tensed her hand, ready to strike. But over his shoulder, she saw Hayden storming through the partygoers. He tapped Zac on the back and spun him ’round. “Hey buddy, thanks for looking after my girl, but I’ll take over from here.”

  “Dude, fuck off.” Zac flicked Hayden’s hand away. “She’s dancing with me.”

  “Um . . . she’s my girlfriend. So please let her go.”

  Lexi threw Hayden a stern I-don’t-need-your-help glare. She didn’t want him fighting her battles.

  His jaw locked; his eyes narrowed. He’d gotten the message. He nodded once and turned to leave, but within a flash, she grabbed his arm. What had she been thinking? His help was exactly what she needed. Her brain had to stop malfunctioning around him. She slid into his embrace and forced herself to smile. “Honey, you’re here. What took you so long?”

  They’d played this wingman, save-you-from-the-clutches-of-intoxicated-leeches part often over the years. It was second nature.

  He pulled her close, hard and firm. His posture was rigid against hers. Within one breath, he relaxed and rubbed his hand up and down her arm. “Sorry, angel. I got held up at work.”

  The hair on her arms rose. Heat swirled beneath his warm touch and shivers spiraled across her skin. What the hell? She tried to pull away, but his hold was unrelenting.

  Fine.

  He wanted to role-play. She could do that. Sucking in a deep breath, she placed her hand on his chest and fiddled with a button on his shirt. “That’s okay, honey. Zac was just being a gentleman and having a dance.”

  Hayden gave Zac a short, sharp nod. “Thanks, dude. But your services are no longer required.”

  Zac grunted, held up his hands and backed away. “Your girl’s a fucking prick-tease. I’d watch her if I were you.”

  Hayden stepped toward Zac and got up in his face. “What did you call her?”

  Fire flared in Zac’s eyes. “She’s been over me all night.”
/>
  Hayden eyed Zac up and down; his lip curled at the corner. “Doubt it. She’s mine. Now beat it. Or I’ll have my security throw you out.” He jerked his head toward Everhide’s bodyguards standing with their arms folded by their booth. They were watching intently, ready to intervene.

  Lexi pursed her lips and tried not to giggle. Wow. She’d never heard him taking charge like this before. Was it wrong to like it?

  Zac threw a dagger-filled glare at Lexi. “Bitch.” He stormed toward his buddies on the edge of the dance floor.

  Hayden turned to her; a victory grin lit his face.

  Resisting his infectious smile, she jammed her hands on her hips. “Thank you, but I didn’t need your help. I had everything under control.”

  “Yep. You sure did.” Taking her hand, he spun her ’round and pulled her close.

  Her breath hitched, got stuck in her throat. Arching her back, she tried to break free like Penelope Pussycat trying to escape Pepé Le Pew but had no luck. “What are you doing?”

  “Better dance with me so Zackie boy gets a clear message.”

  Shit. She caught sight of Zac through the crowd. He looked like he was ready to murder her. Fuck. Shit. Fuck . . . Wait . . . What? . . . Dance with Hayden . . . I can do that. There was nothing to it. Right? “Um . . . okay.”

  She hooked her trembling hands around his neck. His grip on her hips tightened, and they stepped side to side in time to the beat. Two nervous, virginal teenagers would’ve looked more comfortable. She did her best to keep an arm’s width between them, but Hayden slid his hand onto the small of her back and pulled her hard against his chest.

  She closed her eyes, afraid to meet his gaze. With his hips against hers, his knee between hers and his whiskey breath on her face, her legs wobbled like Jell-O.

  “Lex.” Hayden’s voice rumbled near her ear. “No more trying to avoid me. How many times do I have to say sorry for kissing you?”

  She licked her lips and found her voice. “At least one hundred more.”

  “I’m-sorry-I’m-sorry-I’m-sorry . . . “