Rhythm of Love: Darkest Symphony, #2

I glance at Emma's bridal bouquet and a wave of melancholy washes over me. Seriously, what the hell was going through her head when she tossed it to me?

Emma and Jax are a match made in heaven. The way he zeroed in on her the moment she entered the room. I can't help but laugh, thinking back to when he was practically tongue-tied the second she approached us. That's what I'm searching for, too. Someone who can rock my world, leave me absolutely speechless without even trying.

I peel myself off the couch and head to the kitchen. I grab a beer from the fridge and lean against the kitchen island, staring out at the city lights.

Moving on. Sure, it sounds simple enough, but actually doing it? That's another story. I've given it my all, trying to erase Samantha from my mind and carve out something for myself. She was the one I couldn't, shouldn't have, and when I finally did, it was like setting off dynamite, flipping my life on its head.

Years have rolled by, and it's time to push myself to fall for someone new. I'm clinging to a past I need to release. I'm after that all-American dream—a normal life, someone to love me. I've built a fortress around my private affairs to keep her secret locked down tight. Paparazzi are relentless, circling like hungry vultures, ready to swoop down at the slightest slip. My one and only shot at love left me shredded, heart in tatters, and since then, I've been all about night stands. No strings, no drama, just good times. I'm dead set against letting another woman wreck me like Samantha did.

Jax, my brother in arms and the front man of our rock band, has been my guide in this crazy fame game—keeping those prying eyes out of my business while still living it up. The guy's a godsend, a true mentor and pal. But damn, do I feel like a jerk. Every time he's tried to dig into what's eating at me, I've dodged and weaved with some lame excuse.

The Darkest Symphony has been through the wringer this year. It's been one wild rollercoaster ride, and I'm stoked that everything's finally falling into place.

But one thing hit me harder than I ever expected: watching Jax tie the knot with Emma made me realize that, in the end, true love is something extraordinary.

You're next. Emma's words have been bouncing around in my head for weeks now. But the truth is, I'm not cut out for marriage. I've never been a believer in it, though I do respect those who are ready to legally bind themselves to another person. My old man has been down the aisle five times. None of those marriages lasted long enough for me to call any of his women mom. They were all just after his money, some even tried to ship me off to boarding school. Thank goodness dad was the real deal. He pushed me to chase my dreams and never give up. That was all before Samantha. Before he gave me the ultimatum: stick with him and keep living the high life or hit the road. It wasn't much of a choice. The moment I chuckled at him and shut the door behind me, he knew exactly where I stood. I knew what I wanted, but she threw it all out of the window. Samantha never bothered to respond to my texts or calls, never wanted to hear me out. I'll never regret walking away. I did everything we had planned; the only missing piece is her. I studied and chased my dreams without looking back. Dad tried to reach out a few times, but after changing my number more than once, he got the hint and backed off. When I met Jax, Charlie, Liam, and Jill, I knew I'd found my crew. They've never seen any fault in me. Maybe it's because I've never really opened up to them, too scared their reaction would be like my old man's.

My phone lights up, casting a glow in the dim living room. I grab it from the couch, taking a sip of my beer.

Jax: We're coming home tomorrow. You okay? I haven't heard any complaints from you.

Me: Fuck off, dickhead. I'm still mad at you!

Jax: What the fuck have I done now?

Me: Do you want a hint? Red and white roses.

Jax: Come on! It wasn't me.

Me: I can't be mad at Emma so I'm going to be mad at you. It was you who pointed her to me.

Jax: Fair enough. Fancy a dinner tomorrow?

Me: Maybe.

Jax: That means you're not back from Miami? If so, Angel will kick your ass.

Me: I got back yesterday. I may have plans, you know…

Jax: No, you don't have any. She, whoever SHE is, can suck your dick another day. See you at seven p.m. at mine.

Me: Fine.

I shake my head, scrolling through my contacts, feeling like I've been putting this off for way too long. But it's time to man up and make the call.

Dex, Dex, Dex. You're so predictable, she says, her voice filled with amusement, and I can't help but laugh. I met Sienna three years ago backstage, and we swapped numbers. We're friends, good friends. Sex is good, and she's a goddess at sucking me off, I guess that's enough. I know she's hoping for more than just friends with benefits, and maybe it's time to see if we could make it work. I have my doubts, but what's the worst that could happen?

Am I? I ask with a smirk, settling back on the couch. How have you been?

Just got back from Paris. It was amazing, but I'm jet lagged. You?

I'm good, ready to get back to my routine, I chuckle. Are you caffeinated?

Depends, she fires back, and I can't help but smile at her smart mouth.

Come on, you're dying to see me too. I might have something for you, I say, gazing at the lights outside my window. The red glow of a plane ascending into the night sky is mesmerizing. On and off, like it's winking at whoever's watching.

She let out a frustrated sigh, Your dick doesn't count, Dex. This back and forth…

I know babe, you won't regret it. I promise, I cut her off.

She hums as she considers it. I'm off tomorrow.

Can I come over? I bite the inside of my cheek. Or you could come here.

I don't know, Dex. The last time we talked, you were pretty clear. Getting up from the couch, I walk over to the kitchen, tossing the empty bottle into the bin. I know what I said last time, but that was a long time ago. I'm done waiting for something that's not going to happen.

I don't want to talk about us over the phone. Pack a bag and come over, I say, glancing at Emma’s bouquet as if it could work some magic and change her mind.

Okay, she gives in, making me smile. See you later.

Can't wait, I mutter as she ends the call. I plug in my phone to charge before heading toward the bathroom.

After a shower and a shave to look presentable again, I pace back and forth, waiting for Sienna to show up. The minutes seem like hours, and the slower time passes, the more nervous I feel. When the doorbell rings, time seems to stop. As I open the door, Sienna looks at me with a serious expression. I pull her into my arms. I hadn't really thought about her in the past month. Yet, having her in front of me, in my arms after a month, I thought it would feel different.

What a weird way to be welcomed, she mutters, stroking my back. Then you really missed me, she laughs as she steps back. I lean in and kiss her. Sienna's surprised response makes me pull her closer and kiss her deeply. It's been ten years since I've kissed someone, and I thought I'd feel something, but nothing happens. No fireworks, no butterflies. Nothing at all.

Sienna breaks the kiss and pants. Whoa, Dex, are you okay?

Sure, I just missed you, I reply with the biggest lie of my life, but her smile says it all. That's what she wanted to hear.

You kissed me, she touches her lips and looks up at me, You said you never kiss the women you're with.

True, but you're not one of them, I caress her cheek. I want to give it a go. You were right, this back and forth takes us nowhere.

Wait, is it because I told you I couldn't come to Jax's wedding? She tilts her head, trying to read me. I was out of the States, Dex. I'd have loved to be there. With you.

No, Sienna, I shake my head, or better, it made me understand I could lose you. All lies.

She walks away. And it took you almost a month to find the courage and call me?

I rub my face, throwing myself on the couch. I needed time. It wasn't easy for me, but seeing Emma and Jax so happy moved me. The more I speak, the more I feel like drowning in my own lies. I'm sure Mom would have kicked my ass from Austin to LA for how much nonsense comes out of my mouth at this moment.

Ah, weddings! She sits next to me, laying in my arms. I love them.

Tomorrow they'll be back. Do you feel like having dinner with them? I brush my fingers over her arm. That way, I can finally introduce you to them.

She turns her head toward me, rolling her eyes. I already know Jax and Emma.

As my friend, yes, I caress her jaw and kiss her. But if you want to wait.

No, I think I've waited long enough, she says as I take her hand, bring it up to my mouth, and kiss it. That means we're exclusive now?

Is that what you want? She nods, and I take her in my arms. Yeah, I can get used to it. Maybe with a little more practice, it'll feel more natural. Having a relationship was not in my plans. It helped me get over Samantha, and after ten freakin' years, I think I should move on. I need to, for my sanity.

Is it true she's pregnant, or are they just rumors? Sienna's voice brings me back from my thoughts.

Emma is pregnant. Honestly, I don’t read the magazines or listen to rumors. I'm off social media too. I have a team taking care of that, I shrug as I caress her hand.

As long as you can focus on playing, that's all that matters, I guess, she sighs, checking her phone.

Absolutely, I kiss her head before getting up from the couch. Do you want some wine, beer, or anything?

She looks up at me, shaking her head. I'm exhausted. I walk back to her and pick her up.

I know a good way to help you relax, I whisper in her ear as she smiles.

I'm not used to driving the car anymore. My life has always been on my bike but Sienna is not a big fan of riding.

So you still don't like having bodyguards, she checks her makeup, making me roll my eyes.

They're not needed but apparently we all need one with us per contract, I say as I lose focus while speeding a little bit.

It's insane, that means your freedom is close to zero, she scoffs, Hopefully they won't spill to the media with whom you've been.

That's not how it works. My private life is private. Duncan and I get along pretty good, plus he rides a bike too, I explain as we leave the downtown.

Would you ever stop? she tilts her head, skipping song after song on the radio. It drives me insane.

Doing what? I place my hand on her as our song passes on a radio station.

Riding your bike.

Don't think so, but don't worry, I won't force you to jump on it, I joke as she relaxes in her seat.

When I park the car, I spot Duncan shaking his head while parking his. He knows I don't want someone watching my back, but he still keeps his distance and disappears when he's told to.

This place looks huge, Sienna says. I laugh as I get out of the car, open the trunk, and take out some bags. I couldn’t help myself and I bought something for all of them. Honestly, they are more for the baby. I can't wait to see Jax's babies. We walk toward the patio as Duncan greets Luke, Emma’s bodyguard.

Dex! Lorelai, Jax's niece, squeaks while hugging me, You're late.

Hey, cupcake, am I? I squeeze her back, I have something for you, then. I know she's collecting all the postcards and I wanted to buy more than one along with some sweets she adores.

Well then, I may forgive you. She giggles. Her eyes land on Sienna while a dangerous smirk appears on her face.

This is Sienna, my girlfriend. Sienna, this little cupcake is Lorelai, Jax's niece. I introduce them. Lorelai is my little fan too and part of our big family.

Hi, it's a pleasure to meet you. Sienna smiles at her, extending her hand.

Lorelai takes a step back. I already saw her, you're getting old, Dex. Lorelai mocks me as Sienna bursts out laughing.

You little devil, I try to catch her, but she starts running toward the house as I chase her.

You can't catch me. Lorelai sticks her tongue out while running around the playground.

It's good to see some things never change, Jax laughs as he nudges Mac, his dad. I stop chasing Lorelai and peer at the tanned guy on the doorstep.

Marriage suits you, mate, I hug him. Jax has always been a shoulder to cry on. The brother I never had.

Right? I was telling him the same, Mac shakes my hand too.

Your niece is a little brat. She told me I'm getting older for fucks' sake, I flop my head back as Lorelai comes to hug me.

You still have time to get older. First step is to find a woman to support you and that's when troubles begin, Jax points a finger at me, laughing. Emma appears behind him and pinches his side.

Oh really, Jax? Then you won't mind sleeping on the couch tonight, she hisses with her hands on her hips. The innocent look Jax gives her makes us all laugh out loud.

You look gorgeous, Emma, welcome back home, I can't take my eyes off her baby bump, geez it's huge.

I missed you, hope you don't hate me for the bouquet, she giggles as she hugs me tight.

Not at all, it opened my eyes, I step back seeing Sienna roll her eyes. It’s always been like that. I don’t know why women are so competitive. I guess it's time to introduce you all, my girlfriend.

Oh wow, Emma plasters a fake smile on her face that makes me cringe. Jax chokes on his beer as Mac elbows him.

Take it easy, mate. I mock him but I know that look. The what-the-fuck-are-you-doing look is something Jax uses when someone is doing something wrong.

Welcome Sienna, it's been a while since we’ve seen you around. How's it going? Jax forces a smile.

I was busy with my work, and since Dex needed some time, I just kept myself busy, she says and clings to my arm.

Cool. Let's get in, it's about to rain, I look up at the sky shaking my head, there are not even a cloud in the sky. We take a seat in the living room while thunder shakes the windows.

Well, it's good to see you, Emma rolls her eyes while bringing some cookies as Mac places some iced tea in front of us.

Instantly, I feel so awkward and Jax's eyes on me make me feel uncomfortable as heck. I got a demo back from Angel, do you have a minute? Jax cocks a brow at me as I nod at him toward the office. He knows it’s an excuse, Angel never sends us a demo, it's the other way around.

If you want to talk about work, close yourself in the office, I'm on leave for another day, Emma complains as I silently thank her. I kiss Sienna’s cheek as I get up and follow Jax in silence to his office. I don't even close the door that Jax leans on the desk, staring at me.

What? I ask, crossing my arms, puffing my chest.

You can't be serious, he shakes his head, I thought you were a wise guy, Dex.

What the hell is that supposed to mean? I sit on the armchair waiting to be scolded.

Are you in love with her? He asks with his reproachful voice. I ponder on the answer for a bit. And the fact you need to think about it says it all. Look, I'm no one to have a say on who you fuck but she's not for you. He scoffs at me.

I'm tired of being alone and she dreams of more than sex, I admit, looking at the fabric of my jeans.

When Emma handed the bouquet, it was for you to move your ass and open your eyes, he rubs his face, There's plenty of women around, but you took the easy route, ending up with Sienna.

I need to move on, Jax, and I'm trying to but it's not easy.

He takes a seat in front of me, What holds you back? I shake my head, refusing to open up, Dex, talk to me. I won't say anything to Emma.

I look up at him, Emma is the sweetest ever and I know maybe she will kick my ass for having given up. Because I did, even though it took me years. I know Samantha will never come back to me. I am the problem. I'm tired of repressing my past and it doesn't work anymore.

Then spill it out, what happened back then? He rests his elbows over his knee and waits.

Do you remember when we met?

Yeah, how could I forget it. The only drummer capable of holding those sticks without making them fly on the stage. You told me you left Texas but you never told me why.

I smile at the memory. I flew over LA the same night I left home, and I found a flier from The Darkest Symphony looking for a drummer. It literally flew into my hand. My gut told me to show up at their casting. I was the youngest of the candidates but it didn't stop Jax from making me play. He had no doubts, the same day he called me back and since then I was part of the family.

Mom died when I was five. Dad tried to find someone to settle, but he realized all the women around him wanted just his money, I sigh, looking out the window, The fifth wife though, was the greatest stepmom I ever had.

Then why did you leave?

Because of Samantha, her daughter. The moment I saw her nothing else mattered anymore. We fell in love, madly, a sarcastic chuckle escapes me, She was a teen like me when she moved in with us. We were inseparable, but it was hard to not let our parents know we were in love. Rain drops run down the window, and I follow their path until they disappear. One day Dad caught us. It was after her eighteenth birthday. We were in the pool, swimming until she kissed me. We thought we were alone and I pulled her close to me. Memories flash between my eyes and open that wound again.

Damn, he gasps, did he blame you?

No, not until I came clean telling him all the truth, but he demanded I stop fooling myself or leave, I sigh, swallowing the bitterness in my mouth, "I left, telling her I'll wait for her in a place we planned,