This Is Forever (17 page)

Lola pouted. “No…”

“You must. He must know the history if he is to help. Don’t worry. I will see you in Arizona, oui?”

“Our Arizona date?
Sure.”

Xxieda interjected. “Astrid and Fallon, her fiancée, will be there as guests of Shades. Make sure you meet up with her. Now go, and enjoy whatever pampering you plan on having.” She hung up.

Lola walked into the room with a frown.

“Problems?”
Gatsby asked as she shed her robe and climbed up on the table, letting the attendant fix a towel over her rump.

“No everything is fine. You ever feel like things are surreal?” She asked and both girls laughed.

“All the time lady Hotness…” Stoli said as she stepped down into a swirling mineral pool.

Lola stopped as an attendant stood in her way.

“Please disrobe Ms. Lola. You are to have your massage first, then your scrub.”

“So don’t think we forgot.
Spill.” Stoli offered.

Lola smiled and took the robe off, then climbed onto the table in her thong. “What was the question?”

Gatsby laughed. “How’s it back with Winter? Is it like before?”

Lola sighed. “It’s better. We aren’t kids anymore, and we aren’t trying to hurt each other.
He’s…” she gave a small, wistful smile, “just more. More sexy, more confident, more in control.”

“Good.” Gatsby said as she yawned. “How did you guys meet anyway?”

“High school. We ended up in a closet together.”

Gatsby giggled.
“And he was your first?”

She nodded and sighed as she felt the masseuse start their rub down.
“First and best by far.”

The girls laughed. “Normally one of us would say something flippant to that but we don’t have to. I’m actually giddy to hear that
it’s working out. He loves you in a way I never thought possible. It’s deep, and lasting. Fuck its lasted this long. I mean looking at him, the possession in his eyes when he mentions you. He wants forever.” Stoli said softly.

Lola smiled again. “He’s not the only one.”

TWENTY TWO

The crowd in Vegas was thrashed. Lola weaved through the backstage area, hastening to the Strange Angels trailer and the sweet bliss of air conditioning. She had just gotten off stage, and she could feel her eye makeup running, ruining her well done up face. That just wouldn’t do, not when she was supposed to meet the mysterious Murphy.

She had gotten back to the hotel room to find
Winter in the shower, sloughing off the grime from the gym. He had seen her walk into the bathroom and motioned her to join him, which she did. He didn’t take her, just teased the shit out of her, bringing her to a fever pitch, and letting her hang there. She was still on edge now, hours later, the feel of her clothing moving across her skin keeping her on the precipice.

Winter
was just now finishing up an interview with some men’s magazine, and was going to meet her at the Strange Angels camp before he went on stage. She threaded her way past a few of the roadies, nodding when some motioned she was not 100%, and she pointed to the trailer. That got her a thumbs up. She might not talk to the guys a lot, or hangout with them, but they were a family on tour, and they knew how vain she was about her appearance in public.

She crossed the threshold second later, the cool air of the interior of the trailer
assailing her. She sighed, letting the AC blow over her. Grabbing some clothes from her bag and her makeup case, she bee-lined for the bathroom. Within minutes she was cleaned up and redressed, and was working on fixing the raccoon eyes when her phone buzzed. She looked down, one eye closed to add her kohl, and saw Winter was on his way over.

She finished one eye, then the other, applying both her eyeliner and mascara in record breaking time. She was just applying her cherry
chap stick when Winter walked in.

“You ready sexy?” he called from the front of the trailer.

She walked out of the bathroom, and smiled when she saw his appreciation of her outfit. Another playsuit, this one was latex, hugging her hips and torso lovingly. She pared it with a cute micro mini that doubled as a belt, her Mary Jane’s complete with Knee high socks, and a cute mini vest with epaulets and chains. Winter looked like he really liked what he saw.

“Say something.” She said and walked forward.

He smirked. “I think that suit is fucking hazardous.”

She quirked a brow.
“To who?”

He pulled her closer and flexed his hips into her. “Me. Now
I’m going to have to play with a raging hard on.”

She cooed at him.
“Poor baby.”

“
You’re in so much trouble tonight.”

“I hope so.”

He kissed her, softly and grabbed her hand. “Ready? I only got another fifteen before I gotta be on.”

“Damn right.”

They left the trailer and after two round-about maneuverings through a throng of Strange Angels fans, Winter approached a tall guy and regal looking female that didn’t look like they belonged at the event at all.

It wasn’t their clothes, more the way they carried themselves. He was dressed in three hundred dollar jeans, a burnt out shirt, studded belt and sneakers, his hair arranged in a rock-a-
billy pompadour style. His Cartier watch was out of place next to the large green ornate tattoo on his forearm.

The female was
in a skirted sailor suit, with five inch heels, her hair in victory rolls. Her skin was flawless, her makeup, perfect pin up.  When she turned completely to look head on at Lola and Winter, Lola could barely catch her breath. Her eyes were the most amazing blue she had ever seen, and she threw off sexy like it was a scent.

“Hey,”
Winter said and came to a full stop in front of them.

The guy looked Lola over and smirked and then put his attention on
Winter. “Kid, this is insane.”

“I see you came dressed for the part. Well kinda.”

“Hey just be happy we didn’t decide on the Goth everyday-is-Halloween outfits. Though Fi looks stunning in long Lily Munster gowns, I prefer this. And I see your lady love does as well.” He looked at Lola again. “It’s a pleasure to finally meet you petal, I’m Murphy and this is my reason for living, Fiona.”

Fiona smiled at her and waved her fingers at Lola. “I love your play suit. Who makes
it.”

Lola smiled. They seemed pretty down to earth. Still there was something…regal about the way they stood there.
Commanding. “Black Orchid. I’m kinda sponsored by them I guess. Since most of my stage clothes are made by them.”

Fiona went wide. “You need to give me your contact. Murphy is eying the outfit up like he can’t get enough, and that’s good enough for me. I need a few.”

She was so matter of fact about his leering, and Winter didn’t seem to mind…

“Are you guys having a good time?”
Winter asked.

“Yeah.
Didn’t think I would, I mean this shit is insane. This is every night for you guys? I don’t know how you do it.”

“You get used to it, right Lo?”

She nodded. “It’s the job.”

Fiona nodded. “We watched your set. You got a set of pipes on you girl.”

Murphy nodded. “Very impressed. We had listened to the album this afternoon and you’re even better live. Your timing is perfect.”

She blushed.
Winter wrapped himself around her and kissed her cheek.

“So you guys going to stay and watch my set?”

Murphy nodded. “It’s why we are here kid.”

Rhys sauntered up, texting. “Hey.” He said and hugged Fiona and kissed her hand and then shook hands with Murphy. “
Saff said you guys were here. It’s good to see you both again.”

She watched Rhys and
Winter interact with the pair. Both of them were respectful, and a little reserved. It was weird. The pair was preternaturally beautiful, and held themselves with a quiet grace. And Murphy was a relation to Winter? Had to be distant, as the majority of family Winter had were bayou babies and rednecks with names like Cleetus, Eustace, Beavis and Clariee. Not even on the Tulane side of the family were people this refined. True the ones she had met had sticks so far up their asses they spit splinters, but they guys didn’t seem stuffy. Hell they were dressed awesome and were relaxed in the environment. And everything they were screamed of wealth, and not wealth like Winter had grown up in. Obscene wealth.

“You cool with that?”
Winter asked her.

“Huh? I’m sorry I was miles away.”

Winter laughed.

“I asked if you would like to hang out with us while he’s on stage.” Fiona said as she kissed Rhys on the cheek.

“Good set.” She told him and he looked at Winter.

“Yeah on my way man…” he offered and Rhys walked off, texting again.

“Love to.” Lola said and Fiona clapped.

“Wonderful!” she said and moved away from Murphy and hooked arms with Lola and steered her towards the stage. “Let’s get a good spot.”

Winter and Murphy walked behind them, slower, and Lola looked over her shoulder. “Winter, you keep looking at my ass like that you really will have a hard time playing.”

Winter
winked at her. “Can’t get any harder than it is now.”

“Oh he’s so fresh!” Fiona said and laughed.

They made it to the stage just as the lights went down. Saffron saw them and greeted Fiona and Lola just as Winter walked by, Betty in hand. He started playing and Murphy walked up and stood between Fiona and Lola.

The set went so fast, it was like a whirlwind. One minute
Winter was playing the beginning baseline of their opening song, and the next the lights were going down around them, and the crowd was roaring.

Both Fiona and Murphy clapped, smiled when
Winter walked up and congratulated him on such a fantastic set. Lola barely felt winded, and truthfully the band didn’t look overly fatigued like they normally did.  She frowned at that.

Winter
pulled her close and kissed her. He wasn’t even sweaty.

“Ummm…” she said and looked him up and down.

He winked at her. “Later. I promise.”

Murphy turned to them as Saffron and Rhys walked towards the back stage area. “So?
Dinner?”

***

Winter knew it was going to be seriously hard to explain their set to Lola. She had noticed, and caught on quickly, but he had stifled the question she had with a promise. It was too bad the question was all over her face, and he knew she was more and more confused.

Explaining to her she was in a time bubble, they all were, while Murphy sped up the world around them for a few minutes would have freaked her out more.

Dinner was fun, and despite her confusion Lola had a great time. She and Fiona had hit it off, she charmed Murphy, and watching her laugh and smile made Winter’s heart hurt. Gods, she was beautiful and sexy and she was his. It was also apparent that Murphy approved of her, which was damn good for their future.

“Well kids, I think
it’s time we say goodnight, less we turn into pumpkins.” Murphy said as they got up from the table they were sitting at for dinner.

“It
’s past midnight Murphy.” Lola said and laughed.

“True, but it is the saying right?”

She nodded. “So that’s you off then?”

He nodded and then took her hand and kissed it.
“A pleasure, Miss Cavendish. You are a vision and I understand why Winter adores you.”

Lola blushed.
“Flatterer.”

Fiona hugged and kissed
Winter on the cheek. “We will see you soon yes?”

He nodded. When they switched places to say goodbye to their counterparts Murphy pulled him aside.

“Always a pleasure kid.” He said and shook his hand.

“Lady Fiona is fucking amazing.”
Winter said softly.

“And she will be your queen soon
er rather than later. Mark my words.”

“I don’t think you can do any better man.”

“Likewise, though I have to tell you…”

Winter
arched a brow at Murphy’s tone. “What?”

“She’s
warded, a barrier is in place over her. A Strong one. Deep magic to keep something at bay. She’s hiding something, and you know how I feel about that shit kid. Find out what it is. I know what I said this morning, but this feels wrong. See to it, yeah?”

This was news to
Winter. He nodded. “Of course.”

Murphy grinned at him. “And tell her about you. Seriously kid. She is forever material. Don’t blow it. And don’t let her blow it.”

Fiona wrapped herself around Murphy and beamed at Lola. “Seriously, once tour is over call me ok? Spa weekend.”

Lola nodded. “You got it.”

Winter grabbed her hand as they all said their goodbyes and Murphy and Fiona walked off down the hallway towards the exit to the streets. She turned and smiled at him.

“I like him, and Fiona is amazing. Why did I never meet them
before?”

Winter
shrugged. “You know how family is.” He said offhandedly. “So? You still up for a nightcap?”

She crowded in close and rubbed against him. “Depends on what you have in mind.”

Winter gave her a winning smile, “Let me show you.”