Broken Little Melodies(55)

“Right. The old girlfriend.”

“She’s agreed to come along,” I tell him, tucking Belle against my side and giving him a warning glare. He was a dick when I brought the possibility up earlier this morning, ranting about how I’d destroy the tour if I started thinking with my dick instead of my head. I’ll throttle him if he says anything to offend her.

His fingertips brush over his balding head. “Whatever you do with your personal life is your own business, but this thing between you two better not affect your performance in any way. That means no drama.” His eyes narrow on Belle. “Are we clear?”

“Crystal,” Belle deadpans.

“Don’t be a dick,” I snap at him before turning to her. “Normie’s job is to make sure everything runs smoothly on this tour. If you need something and I’m not around, let him know and he’ll take care of it.”

Normie huffs loudly. “I manage the band, Roman. Not your groupies.”

“She’s the furthest thing from a fucking groupie!” I snarl, flexing my hand into a fist. “And I pay you to take care of my needs, meaning you’ll do everything in your power to make sure my girl is happy! Got it?”

Normie still doesn’t seem convinced the way he shakes his head and grumbles to himself.

“Com’on,” I tell Belle, joining my hand with hers. “I’ll take you to meet the chef and you can let her know what you like so she can add to her grocery list.”

Once again, Belle answers with a half-hearted shrug. “I’ll eat what everyone else eats. No big deal.”

I could kiss her for being so damn agreeable. Instead I throw Normie a hard glare as we head out, letting him know I won’t put up with his crap. As invaluable as he may be to this tour, if he treats Belle like shit again I’ll throw him out on his ass. There isn’t anything I wouldn’t give up to make her happy, including my future.



Between broken props, missing crew members, a mix-up in wardrobe, meet and greet with the fans who paid for backstage access, and a short jam session with the guys, it’s nearly show time before I have a chance to see Belle again after she helped me run through a few voice exercises. I find her sitting on an empty food service table, legs swinging beneath her as she snacks on a celery stick and seems to be involved in an animated conversation with the chef.

I’d be full of shit if I claimed touring with Belle would be easy, but she sure makes it seem as if it’ll be smooth sailing. She’s clearly no longer the shy girl from camp, and I wouldn’t be surprised if she was able to get along with literally anyone. It’s no stretch of the imagination to envision her on a tour of her own once she’s recognized for her talent. If I have anything to say about it, she’ll be offered a recording deal sooner rather than later.

“So what do you think, Nick?” I ask, slipping my arms around Belle’s waist from behind. “Will she be a fun addition to this tour or what?”

Belle leans back against me, wrapping her arms over mine. As much as we’ve both changed, our bodies still mold together like they’ve been meant to fit together like a puzzle. Though I’ll be exhausted after the show, it won’t stop me from executing my plans for her sweet little body later.

“Hell yeah,” Nicki answers, setting a hand on her hip. “She tells me you guys have been friends since you were kids. I don’t know what you’re waiting for, Roman. Better marry her before she gets away from you again.”

No shit.

“We’re taking it one step at a time,” Belle tells her.

Grinning, Nicki rolls her eyes. “Whatever you need to tell yourself, sister.”

I found Nicki a few months back when she was working as a short-order cook for one of my favorite dives in Hell’s Kitchen. I’ve always had this weird thing for crepes, and she prepared the best I’d ever had. When I asked the waitress to send the cook out, I was surprised to learn “Nick” was easy on the eyes with short dark hair, the biggest smile I had ever seen, and was barely taller than my elbow. Doesn’t hurt that she’s spunky and unafraid to speak her mind. I especially like how she’s easy to get along with and rolls with whatever idea I have. Thank fuck I didn’t sleep with her or it would’ve been awkward as shit seeing her with Belle.

“Thanks for the great burgers, and thanks for keeping my girl company,” I tell Nicki, releasing Belle. “We have to go, but we’ll see you tomorrow afternoon.”

“You’re still going to meet up with me before the show?” Belle asks her.

Nicki nods. “Wouldn’t miss it.” Then she winks at me. “Break a leg out there!”