Revolt (Legends and Love)

She nods nervously and follows me. Beck is beautiful, but I knew she would be. It takes more than looks, though, for Trav to be obsessed, so she’s clearly smart and talented, but I wonder what else. When we reach the bar, she steps up next to me, towering over me.

“Look, let me be blunt.” Beck sighs. “I hate cat fights and jealousy. I’m not the type. It wasn’t cool for me to call you a booty call. The guys love you. They say you’re the coolest and that you’re friends. I care about them and the band, so I think we should get along.”

“I like that. I appreciate getting straight to the point. I hate word games and backstabbing. I’ve had enough to last a lifetime,” I reply.

“I saw. Want me to cut a bitch?” Beck asks, making me laugh.

“No wonder they like you.” She’s perfect for them—brash, outspoken, slightly crazy, and obviously fucking talented. “Look, yes, I’ve slept with Trav—”

“That’s none of my business,” Beck interjects, swallowing. “We are just friends, bandmates.”

“Sure.” I nod. “But we haven’t hooked up in a long time. I called him when I was lonely and hurt, but we didn’t do anything, I promise. I’m in a happy relationship with someone else, just don’t spill that. I like my privacy now. So how about we start again? Hi, I’m Reign.”

I hold my hand out, and she eyes it before smiling brightly.

“Hi, I’m Beck.” She grins. “Nice to meet you. In fact, I even had your poster on my wall, so I’m kind of starstruck. I was worried about comparing—”

“No comparison here,” I interrupt. “Talent is talent. The guys brought you on and they are the best. They obviously see that in you, so I have no doubt you’re amazing.” I glance around. “And this? This world takes some getting used to.”

“Tell me about it,” she grumbles, taking the shot and then staring at her beer. “Want to know a secret?” She leans in. “When I auditioned, I was working at a restaurant. I was nobody. This is . . . a lot to get used to. Does it ever get easier?”

“No.” I grin. “But you find people who make it worthwhile and learn how to use it for your best interests.”

“I know you always do. You make it look effortless,” she admits, grinning at me. “Even that Tucker fucker, want me to kill him?”

I see Dal nod approvingly. “Not today. Now, how about we go back over there, get really fucking drunk, and I tell you all the guys’ dirty secrets and embarrassing stories?”

“Sounds like a plan.” Beck grins. “Hey, Reign, thank you.” Her brows furrow. “This world is kind of lonely. I never know whom to trust.”

“Trust me.” I shrug. “I could use that kind of friend too, in all honesty.”

“Then friends.” She nods. “Now who else should I be worried about?” Hand in hand, we stroll through the party, and I can’t help but grin at her. She’s exactly what they need, and I’ll admit she has this magnetism about her. She’s just real, raw, and it’s addictive. She has me spilling secrets without even meaning to.

She’s going to be a fucking powerhouse, that’s for sure.

I just hope the guys can handle that, but when I see them perk up when she returns, completely ignoring the groupies vying for their attention, I know they can.

I’m drunk as hell. I blame the guys and Beck for that. The girl can fucking drink. She even out drank me, which is a feat in itself. I lean against Astro while I wait for the bathroom, and he chuckles down at me.

“I need to pee so badly,” I whine.

“I know, baby, one second.” He holds me up.

When the door opens, he steps in, pulling me in next and sighing. I tug my dress up and hover over the toilet, groaning as I relieve myself. When I open my eyes, I see him watching me with a laugh.

“How sexy, right?” I wink.

“Very.” He grins. When I’m done, I wash my hands, and he wraps his arms around me, looking at me in the mirror. “Having a good time?”

“The best,” I admit. “I’m sorry. I’ll slow down on the booze.”

“Baby, drink all you want. We’ve got you. Just have fun and enjoy yourself.” He frowns. “Why would we stop you from drinking?”

I startle at that. “Oh, um, Tucker said if I drank too much, I became embarrassing,” I mumble.

“Fuck him. We aren’t Tucker. Drink all you goddamn want. I’ll hold your hair later.” He helps me out of the bathroom and back into the party.

“There she is!” Beck calls. “How about a duet? They want to hear one of our new songs.”

“Oh no, you guys sing it. It’s your party—”

“Not a chance.” She grabs my hand. “You sang with them for ‘Dead to Me,’ right? Well, do that one! Please, Reign, it would be the best moment of my life.”

“You heard her.” Raffiel grins. “Go on.”

“Yes, I like him. Let’s go!” Beck drags me to the outside area where there’s an impromptu stage. Brilliant. I’m way too drunk for this shit.

She drags me all the way up the stage before letting go and sliding on a wicked black guitar. I borrow a spare green one that’s similar to mine and step up to a mic as the guys prepare. “Alright, fuckers.” Beck grins, speaking into the mic. “Tonight is a real treat. Rather than us boring you with all our music, Reign Harrow is going to sing with us. So for one night only, you’re dead to us!” she screams.

The crowd gathers, screaming and chanting as I wink at Trav. Here goes nothing. I nod at Beck as the music starts up, and I try to remember my chords. It’s been over a year, but it comes back like riding a bike as we play. When she starts to sing, I add in backup vocals until the chorus, and then I join in with her.

Swaying to the music, I let my voice ring out. I forget everything else as the booze moves through my veins, and when Beck heads over, shredding the guitar and singing, we share a mic. Grinning at each other, we work it, dancing and singing together.

When the song finishes, I glance over the crowd to see my men watching me. Blowing them a kiss, I tap my necklace, knowing they’ll get the message.

I’m theirs, no matter what stage I’m on.

“How about another one?” Chase, the other lead singer, calls into the mic.

“Not for me, boys, this one is all you,” I murmur as Kolton, the bassist, coos into the mic. “Dead Ringers, everyone, put your fucking hands up for the rock band of the fucking century!”

I clap as the crowd screams, and I bow to them as I head off stage. My guys meet me, and I lean back into Cillian’s chest, uncaring who is watching, and when they start to play again, I grin up at him.

“Want to dance?”

“With you? Always?” Taking my hands, he twirls me around.

I let my heart beat to the music, swaying my hips as Cillian dances with me. The crowd surges around us until we blend in, just one of many. We become anonymous, and their hands slide across me possessively, tugging me into their bodies as they dance with me, using the cover to get what we all want.