It all starts with a glimpse into the past of Falling Down, when Jesse meets Lucy, and everything you've wondered about Cage. Let's see how they got to where they are right now.

PRESENT:

It's time to prepare to go back out on tour. Let's meet the Blush Baby and get everyone settled in for what looks to be like a kick ass finish to the BFD tour.

Other Titles By
Anne Mercier

The Rockstar Series

Falling Down (Rockstar #1)

Blush (Rockstar #2)

A Very Xander Christmas (Rockstar #2.5) - Free short story

Amplify (Rockstar #3)

The Rockstar Series Box Set

Interlude (Rockstar #4)

Ballad (Rockstar #5) – Coming August 2015

The Truths Series

Whispered Truths (Truths #1)

Discovered Truths (Truths #2) – Coming October 2015

Interlude

ISBN: 978-0-9962621-2-5

No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, without written permission from the publisher, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles or reviews.

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, businesses, places, events, and incidents are products of the author's imagination and are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, events or locales is purely coincidental.

Cover Photo and Design
: Sara Eirew of
Sara Eirew Photography

Formatted by:
Cassy Roop at
Pink Ink Designs

Editor:
Nicole at
Proof Before You Publish

Rockstar Character Chart
: Janelle Schindler at Bookaholic Promotions

Rockstar Logo
: Pamela Cunningham.

The use of actors, artists, and song titles and lyrics throughout this book are done so for storytelling purposes and should in no way be seen as advertisement. Trademark names are used in an editorial fashion with no intention of infringement of the respective owner's trademark.

This book is licensed for your personal enjoyment. This book may not be re-sold or given away to other people. If you would like to share this book with another person, please purchase an additional copy for each recipient. If you are reading this book and did not purchase it, or if it was not purchased for your use only, then you should return it to the seller and please purchase your own copy.

PERSONAL NOTE:
The only pirate I like is Johnny Depp as Captain Jack Sparrow and Captain Morgan, which means I'd appreciate if you'd keep my books to yourself. Pirating shows a clear lack of respect for the author—me. I'd rather not meet you on bad terms, so let's not do that, let's not meet that way. Let's meet at a signing or conference instead, or let's go have a cup of coffee or a drink—maybe some of that Captain Morgan! Thank you for respecting the time and effort put into each book. I appreciate it very much.

DEDICATION

To the ladies of the Rockstar group…

You inspire me every day. You make me laugh and cry, and I love the closeness of this group.

You are all family.

#laFamiglia

Ch
apter One

Cage
Thirteen years into the past…

The first time I saw
her was the day her parents were murdered. Serafina Manzini was a pretty little girl whose heart was breaking, and what's worse than that is her spirit broke that day as well. I watched as she gave into the grips of grief and despair, letting herself fall, letting reality fall away, and I couldn't blame her. No child should go through what she's going through right now and no child should ever see the horror of what she's seen.

The Russos are good to her, trying to engage her as I speak with Ernesto and Giovanni across the patio from where Anthony rested her on a chaise in the sun, hoping against hope that she'd snap out of it, but I know better. She isn't ready to be found yet. No, that little girl needs to be lost a little while longer, just until she finds her anger and fight. Then, and only then, will she be ready for the battle ahead. I know what road she'll take. I can see it in her eyes, bleak as they might be—I still see the fire of vengeance burning in them and I admire it. That's why I vow right here and now to help her—whatever she needs.

Two weeks later
my pretty little girl still isn't ready. I see who she's going to become and I know one day she'll be mine. With eight years between us, me at eighteen and her at ten, I know it's going to be a long time before that day will come—but it will come. I see a kindred spirit in her and when she's around, I don't feel quite so alone.

I walk over to where she's lying on the sofa and sit down on the coffee table to face her. I rest my elbows on my knees and will her to meet my gaze. She doesn't. I tilt her chin gently with my fingertips then run them down her cheek.

"Little Serafina, it'll all be okay. One day we'll make things right. I promise you." It's probably just wishful thinking, but I swear I see her lips move just the slightest bit. I can only hope she hears me.

"Nickels," Giovanni calls and I nod.

"Until next time, little one."

Chapter Two

Jesse
Six years into the past…

The flight's delayed.
After eating a burger with the security detail, I head through the airport. The four days at Comic Con were kick ass. I'm pretty fucking proud of our artists. When we were approached last year about a five-part comic book series featuring Falling Down we were skeptical. We've been learning quickly not to trust people until they've earned it. These artists have totally fucking earned it.

The crowd at the event was fucking awesome. Very cool and welcoming to the artists, not only focusing on me, which was a huge relief. I'm really the only one in the band who gives a shit about this stuff and the guys razz me, calling me a nerd. I like comic books. Sue me.

As we head through the concourse of Chicago's O'Hare International Airport, I get stopped sporadically for autographs. I don't think I'll ever get used to it. We've been at this for four years now and it still feels weird having people scream when they see me. I'm just a dude who likes to sing. It's not really me they're all hyped up on, it's the music and the image I represent. I won't lie and say I haven’t taken advantage of it, because I have, probably more than I should.

Christ this airport is packed.

"Jesse!" a blonde with fake tits calls out. I can spot a pair of fake tits a mile away now. I prefer the real thing, but what do I care when I'm fucking a chick after a show and sending her on her way? If they're too unrealistic, I'll just bang her from behind.

"Hey," I greet her with a smile.

"Can I have your autograph?" she asks. This one isn't shy at all as she presses those fake tits against my arm.

"Sure can. You got a pen?"

She hands me a Sharpie and it clicks. This chick followed me around at Comic Con and I look over at Ruben, who looks to John and Kal, alerting them to the possible stalker. I don't acknowledge I recognize her. I learned the hard way that giving them that will have them thinking they're more to you than just a fan. Yeah, no fucking thank you.

"Sign my shirt?"

I nod. "Sure thing. Who do you want this made out to?"

She pouts, not happy with the blow off. "Sandra."

I nod and sign her shirt with a generic, "To Sandra, Thanks for taking the plunge and Falling Down. Jesse." I cap the marker and hand it back to her.

"Thank you
so
much, Jesse. I'll see you when you're back on tour," she purrs.

Not if I can help it. "We're going back out next month. Hope you can make it to the show."

Ruben nods and urges me on.

"I gotta go."

She nods but pouts again. I swear she's gonna cry.

"Let's get the fuck out of here before she starts clinging," I mutter and the guys pick up the pace with me. We pause when we get waylaid by a bunch of young girls wanting autographs. This, this I can handle just fine.

"I love your music," one girl says.

"Falling Down kicks ass," the other adds.

"Thanks ladies. I appreciate that and so do the guys." I keep signing and when I'm done I hand them their pen back.

"Thanks so much!" the first girl murmurs, and looks at me like I'm some sort of god.

"This is so awesome. Thanks Jesse. See you when the tour makes it to Chicago,” the second girl tells me. Die hard fans. I love them. They're usually the ones who've been with us from the beginning and those are the fans that kick ass.

"See you there," I answer, and we're just turning when someone calls out my name.

"Jesse!" a gorgeous brunette calls out.

"Damn," John mutters under his breath.

I smirk. Yeah, this one's a looker, but it's the chick she's pulling along behind her that's grabbed my attention. Long, curly brown hair. Eyes the color of chocolate. Tiny nose and extremely kissable lips. This one's definitely beautiful.

"Ladies. How are you today?"

"Good, we're good," the first girl says as she smacks the other one's arm. My girl is quiet, nervous, and when she tries to smile, it's so obviously forced I can't help but grin.

She mutters, "Unh," and her eyes wander over my face, lingering longer over my piercings. I've got a hoop in my eyebrow and another through my bottom lip. This pretty girl could tug on it with her lips and I'd die a happy man. Hell, it'd be worth the jail time if these girls are underage. Her eyes slide down my body slowly, like a caress, then slowly back up. When she sees me grinning at her, she freezes up again, and I can't hold back the chuckle. Damn she's fucking adorable.

The first girl rolls her eyes at my girl. "You're traveling alone?"

I nod. "The band is in L.A."

She pouts, probably a fan of one of the other guys.

"My friend, Lucy, would like to get your autograph." My girl, Lucy, stands there frozen.

"Is that so, Lucy?" I ask with a smile.

Nothing. I'm more than amused. This doesn't happen much. Mostly the fans are aggressive, but not little Lucy.

I reach out to take the pen from my girl's hand and I can't resist the temptation. I want to know what she smells like so I lean in and whisper, "It's okay, Lucy. I won't bite. Well, unless you want me to, of course." I hear her breath catch in the back of her throat and I can't fight the full-on grin that pulls across my face.

I sign the paper, personalizing it for my girl, Lucy. "Lucy, Gorgeous girl, thank you for helping make Falling Down number one. As always, Jesse." I had the urge to sign it "always yours”. What the fuck?

I put the cap back on the pen. I reach out for Lucy's hand, putting the pen and paper into her hand, enjoying the softness of her skin, before closing it so she doesn't drop them. I can't let go. Her gaze flicks over to where I'm still holding her hand. I reluctantly let go. Shit. If she's of age, it isn't by much and that makes her untouchable for me. I won't fuck an innocent. Hell, with the way she's blushing, I wouldn't doubt she's a virgin. She wouldn't be the first who wanted me to take that from her, but something about her… it makes her more than just another cherry to me.

"Are you going to be all right, Lucy?" I ask, curious to hear her voice.

"Um…" she murmurs and I grin again.

Her sister? Well, she looks like her sister, sighs in exasperation. "She'll be fine. She's just had the biggest crush on you for forever."

My girl blushes a pretty red from head to toe. I'd give my right nut to see that blush over her naked body spread out before me. Fuck.

"Really?"

"Oh yeah. She's been following your career since you went national your junior year in high school."

"Wow," I say, grinning some more. "That's a long time."

"Yeah, it is. She ran around screaming when your first album debuted and when your video came out she threw a party."

"That's dedication," I tell her with raised eyebrows. Hell, that's fucking awesome. She believed in us before anyone else did.

I can't stop smiling when I notice her staring at my lips.
Oh, little Lucy, what I'd give to taste your pretty lips right now.
No can do. If I start with her, I won't be able to stop. Not with this one. She's got me fired up and she hasn't said a word. When her teeth sink into her lower lip I bite back a groan.

Son of a bitch.

She blinks as if she knows what she's doing to me.

I look to the other girl. "Hey, I think she's coming out of it."

She shakes her head, blushing red again. "Oh my God. I'm so sorry."

That voice. Pretty with a hint of rasp. Damn. Is there anything about her that isn't perfect—besides her age? I'm such a chick right now. I can't stop grinning. "No worries."

"I'm Lucy."

"Nice to meet you Lucy," I say, taking her hand into mine, shaking it, giving it a gentle squeeze, and I'm hard as a rock. Ruben clears his throat and I ignore him. Instead, I reach out and tuck a strand of her silky hair behind her ear. I don't want anything covering up that perfect face.

"Nice to meet you too," she answers, shoving her pen and paper at the other girl.

John nudges me and I nod.

"Let's walk and talk. I think my flight might be ready."

"No private plane today?" my girl asks.

"Nah. Not for just me and the big guys," I tell her, motioning to Ruben, John, and Kal. "When the band travels, then we take the jet."

She nods and gets quiet again.

"So you're a fan," I prompt.

"Mhmm."

I make sure to walk close to her so our arms and hands touch as we walk. I'm like a junkie searching for crumbs. I'll take whatever I can get. I don’t know what's going on right now, but I know it's a big fucking deal—at least to me. No one's ever affected me like Lucy has.

Our hands touch and she gasps. I throw her a wink and she blushes. She's a tiny little thing, her head reaching me mid-chest. Damn. She's perfect.

Lucy looks at her friend, who's grinning, then fans herself like she's on fire. I know the feeling.

"Where are you headed?" I ask, curious to know more about her.

"L.A."

My brows raise. "I'm headed back there myself."

"Oh, were you at Comic Con?"

My brows go up even more. She really
is
a true fan if she figured that out.

"Good guess. I was. There was a great turnout. It's part of what I love about the Midwest. People have passion and they're not afraid to go the extra mile to show their dedication."

She hums a, "Hmmm."

I reach out and softly squeeze Lucy's shoulder. "Excuse me while I check in."

Christ. I need to get it together. I walk up to the counter and Kal gives me a questioning look. I just shake my head.

The airline chick gets all flirty and it's annoying as hell. I just want to check in and move on. When I am in a restaurant, store, or airport as a passenger or customer, I expect to be treated with professionalism and this bitch doesn't have an ounce of it in her. I make note of her name and I'll be contacting the airline when I get back to L.A.

"Do you think he's on our flight?" I hear Lucy whisper to her friend.

"It looks like it. Holy shit! Jesse Kingston!" the other chick says in hushed tones.

"I think I just fangirled all over the place." I smirk at Lucy's comment while her friend laughs.

"I can't believe this is happening. This has got to be a dream. Ow! What the fuck, Sera?" Lucy cries out. I resist the urge to turn around.

"Not a dream. Just proving it to you," the friend says.

"You're so violent," Lucy mutters with a whimper.

Finally the airline bitch has my shit straight. It only took Kal coming up here to intimidate her. This is the part of being famous I hate.

I turn and head back toward Lucy, and as I do, a huge smile forms and it lights up the room. She's so incredibly beautiful. "Looks like the flight will be ready in a few minutes," I say as I stand in front of her.

Lucy bites her lip and I grin. "Can I get a picture with you?"

"Of course."

Lucy hands Sera her phone and I steer Lucy to an empty area. I pull her into my side, wrapping my arm around her, breathing her in. God damn. She's so soft, she smells like strawberries and cream, and her breathing picks up as I pull her even closer, wrapping my arm around her waist.

Lucy's grinning. I can see the arousal and pleasure at my touch. I curse the age difference again.

"All done?" I ask her friend.

"Yep."

Damn.

I turn to face Lucy, just a sliver of space between us, as I stare into those brown eyes. I could get lost in those eyes. Maybe someday.

They call for boarding. I don't move and neither does she. I can't yet. I'd like nothing more than to reach out and hug her close for a long fucking time. Ruben clears his throat, signaling it's time to go.

"Lucy. It was really great to meet you."

I reach out and grab her hands in mine, needing to touch her one more time.

"Thank you. And thanks for the autograph and photos."

I don't even try to stop myself when I pull her hands up to my mouth and kiss them. When her breath catches again, I know she's feeling the same thing I am.

She's so familiar, so comfortable. Do I know her? I look at her through narrowed eyes.

"Have we—" I pause and shake my head. Nah. We've never met. There's no way in hell I'd forget this girl.

I smile and slowly run my knuckles down the side of her face. When they reach her jaw and hit air, I turn and walk away before I do something stupid.

Just before I step into the tunnel, I look back, her friend’s pulling her in for a hug. Shit. What the hell just happened? Her friend sends me a wink and I force a small grin.

Me and the guys make our way to first class and I plop into the seat.

"What was that, man?" Ruben asks.

BOOK: Interlude (Rockstar #4)

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