CHAPTER 24
Jessie stormed out of Van’s room, slamming the door, tears streaming down her face. She started to rush toward the stairs, but Van caught her before she could run away.
“Don’t, Van. We’re over. I promise that it's for good this time. Go have your tour. Get famous, but make sure you forget about me.” She wrenched her arm from his grasp and ran downstairs. Seconds later, the front door slammed.
Van stood there staring at the stairs, like he was unable to understand what was going on.
“Van, what happened?” I asked, placing my hand on his shoulder.
“I don’t know,” he answered, stupefied.
“What made her so angry?” Kill asked, shooting Van a worried look.
“I asked her to marry me. I wanted her to know she was the one I wanted, and we could work out whatever we needed to. She told me she’d met someone else. I didn’t believe her. I thought it was just a ploy to get me to stay away. She just ran out of my room.” The big guy looked so dejected. He rubbed his hands over his bald head, the muscles on his arms bunched in frustration.
I wrapped my arms around Van. He held me tightly, his body trembling with pain.
“Come on; let’s go get you a drink,” Kill said from behind us.
I turned my head to see Kill rubbing the back of his neck, looking uncomfortable at seeing his friend in so much pain.
“I don’t know what to do,” Van mumbled again as we led him downstairs.
Kill guided Van into the kitchen, on a mission to get him drunk. I gave them some time to themselves by staying in the living room and talking to Stace and Taze.
"It healed really nicely," Taze said after he checked my tattoo.
"You did an amazing job. I love it. I can see how they become addictive."
"Oh, Faith. Now, you've done it." Stace said, nudging Taze with her shoulder as he smiled at me wickedly.
There was a tap on my shoulder, and I was caught off guard, finding D standing behind me. “Can I steal you away for a minute?” he asked.
"I'll find you later, and we can talk about my next tattoo," I told Stace and Taze before following D toward the garage.
“What’s up?” I asked, hopping onto the washer as D closed the garage door behind him.
D’s eyes zeroed in on my ring, his jaw tensing. “Listen, Faith. Kill asked me to back off about how I feel in regards to your relationship and relationships in general. I just want you to know that you need to be prepared for what could happen when we’re on tour. I love you and Kill. I think you two are being stupid for putting the strain on yourselves by staying together. I don't want to see either of you get hurt. I refuse to let this band or you suffer. If he starts to do something while on tour, I will feel obligated to tell you. I just need you to be prepared.” He left the garage before my mind could process his words in order to form a coherent response.
My butt stayed glued to the washer as I tried not to let his words worm their way into my brain. I knew without a doubt if Kill did go back to his ways, there would be no one else for me. He’d asked for my trust, and I was going to give it to him until he proved he didn't deserve it.
“Hey, Faith,” Trent slurred when I walked out of the garage. He ran his finger down my arm with bleary eyes. “How are you handling loverboy’s departure?” he asked, not an ounce sincerity in his voice.
“I’m doing okay. I was just going to find him so I could spend the rest of the time we have together.” I went to move, but Trent planted himself in front of me, caging me in.
“Have you been getting any more notes?” he asked, leaning closer. His alcohol-soaked breath wafted over my face.
“No, I haven’t gotten any since I talked to his dad. I'm hoping he's over it.”
He shook his head tut-tuting me. “There's no way of getting over you, Faith. I'm sure he's just biding his time. Waiting until you're alone so he can get to you. Just know; I'm a phone call away if you need me.” He leaned even further into me.
I was angled as far back as I could get, my body pressed against the door.
Kill walked over and took hold of my arm, pulling me from Trent's clutches. “Hey, Slick, I've been looking all over for you.” Even though his words were for me, his eyes were on Trent.
“Sorry, I was just mingling,” I said, kissing him lightly on the cheek. “I’ll see you later, Trent.”
“What was that all about?” Kill asked me when we were far enough away.