Page 85 of The Bitter Words

“Yeah. Now get back over here and let me make love to you the way you deserve.”

Livianna stands off to the side of the stage as I belt out song after song, allowing my soul to release into the words, the melody, and out to the audience.

I’m a sweaty mess, but she doesn’t seem to mind. Her loving eyes stay on me the entire time I work the floor.

Our tour has been picking up steam. We’ve even had to change venues or add more shows to accommodate the demand. Being on stage is everything I dreamed it would be. Other than being with Livianna, it’s the only time I’m myself.

I give every cell I have over to the crowd. There’s nothing but total elation when I spot the whole group of them singing along with me. It’s as if I’ve transcended to another level.

They’re hearing my message. Every lyric I write is a story of how love gets you through anything in some way or another. Sometimes it’s a ballad, other times it’s almost as if I’m screaming my heart out, but the theme is the same.

The band knows all the songs are about Livianna and give me shit, but I don’t give two fucks. The words flow from my soul and out of me. It’s just who I am.

I let the music out for the audience to hear. If it gives one person hope, then I’ve done my job.

We end the show with our most popular upbeat tune. My theory is always to leave them wanting more. It seems to be working out well.

I let the last note fade from my lungs, thank the crowd, and run off the stage.

Livianna, appearing like a rock sex kitten, holds out a towel for me. “Callum, you get better every time I see you. I’m so proud of you. You’re like a seasoned professional now.”

“Thanks.” I take the rag, wipe my face, and give her a quick kiss. “Wanna hang out with the band or go to the hotel?”

“Let’s go backstage for a while. You seem amped up and I’m wide awake.”

“Then let’s go share a drink with everyone and kick back for a while.” I intertwine our fingers together and lead her down the hallway.

It takes the guys a little longer than me because they have to escape their instruments before they can leave the area. They follow close behind, high-fiving each other as they celebrate another successful concert.

I open the door to the backstage room and immediately wanna close it. Zara is hanging around and it’s likely only because Livianna is here. I stop mid-stride, causing her to bump into me.

Zara laughs. “What’s wrong, Cash? Are you afraid that Livianna and I may have a chat about you?”

“No. I can’t stand you and hate being around you. You know that.” I turn to leave with my stomach roiling.

I need to get Livianna out of here. There’s no saying what Zara has planned.

Livianna digs her heels in. “If you think I’m letting her run us out of here, you better think again. I want to celebrate with the rest of the guys and she’s not going to stop me.”

“Lily, we have limited time together. Let’s just go back to the hotel and chill out there.” I tug on her hand.

She steps around me. “I’m not going anywhere.”

I growl and roll my eyes right as the rest of the band strolls up. They slip inside the room.

One by one, as they enter and see Zara, they groan or curse under their breath about this being some fucked-up shit. I couldn’t agree more.

Zara, in her thigh-high suede boots and short leather skirt, sways up to Livianna. “I hear your selfishness is putting a lot of people out of work. Do you ever consider anyone but yourself?”

I get between the two and glare at Zara. “What are you talking about?”

“One more thing she needs, other people fighting her battles.” Zara’s evil gaze lands on Livianna. “Can’t you do anything for yourself?”

“Fuck off, Zara!” Livianna explodes. “You know nothing about me.”

That’s all it takes. This is too much and we’ve been in the same vicinity for a total of two minutes.

I turn my back to Livianna, blocking Zara from her. “Get the fuck out of here. You’re not welcome and you know that. Or do I need to remind you of the stipulations I put in place when we started this tour?”