Chapter 35: Crystal Clear

Rick wasn't mad, he wasn't even pissed off, no... he was seething. Kay has gone too far this time. He could tell she was up to her conveying ways and he had to put a stop to it before two people he cared very much about got hurt.

Kay was walking out of the ladies room after getting dressed when Rick finally spotted her. He didn't say a word as he walked up behind her and took her by her arm, pulling her out towards the exit.

She jerked free from him, her brown eyes glaring back at him. "Don't ever touch me again, Grimes."

Rick took in a deep breath as he set his hands on his hips. He looked at her with such a deep burning fire that she actually shivered. "You and me are gonna have a little chat. We can have it out right here in this damn lobby or outside."

Kay turned her back to him, walking toward the bar when he took her by the elbow, pulling her towards the front door.

People in the lobby were starting to stare, so Kay did as he asked and stomped outside.

They walked to the corner of the hotel when she stopped and began to shout at Rick. "You can't tell me what to do or who to do. I'm done with Shane and as soon as I have Daryl back, then I'm cutting him loose."

Rick walked up to her, standing only inches from her. His blue eyes peered back at her and she went mute.

"First... Shane does know about you tryin' to get Daryl back. Told me himself this morning. I got a text from him that he was cuttin' you lose. He don't need you fuckin' this up fer him. Second... Daryl doesn't want you back. He's very happy with Beth and third... looks like yer out of options sweetheart. You don't have Shane to fall back on and I'll be damned if you use Daryl. I see you fer what you really are. A gold diggin' hussy." Rick took a step back from her as her eyes began to tear up.

"Shane is an idiot. He was a means to an end for me. I can see my mistake now. Daryl will be something... a somebody and I shouldn't have lost my faith in him. I'm going to win him back and you can't stop me. Just so you know. I have a contract with Apocalypse Rising so I'm not going anywhere. Not even Abe Ford can make me leave or he loses his precious band." Kay gave Rick a smug smile, looking like she'd just won some major prize.

Rick gave her an equally smug look back as he started to laugh. "You don't want to cross me, little girl. You come near Beth or Daryl again and I'll spread your secrets all over the news. I know the truth Kay... Jenna told me."

Kay's face went pale, all color gone. Her eyes dropped to the concrete below her as she scrambled for the right words to say.

"Jenna would never tell you that. I'm her sister. No, you're bluffing." They stood there staring at each other, feeling the other out.

At that moment Shane walked around the building, his usual smug look on his face. Rick took his cell phone out, pushing record on his camera.

Rick looked at Shane, with a smirk so large it covered his face. "Tell him Kay, how much money have you taken from the band? Tell him about the secret bank account you have."

"What? No... you're guessing." Kay stumbled backwards, looking around. "She wouldn't tell you that."

Shane looked back at Rick, his smug grin gone. "She's one conniving bitch. Let me tell you a few things about Miss Kay. She was never pregnant. I've never laid a hand on her and yes, I know about the lies you've been feeding Dixon. She's always been out for herself and jealous of her sister. Listen sweetheart. You're done here. Out of the band and if you don't pack your shit and leave now, I'm gonna press charges."

"Jenna said her manager found the account under her name. She called me a few days ago, asking me for some advice. You might want to call Morgan and find out for yourself, Shane." Rick didn't divulge any more information, but Shane was livid and clenching his fists. At that moment Rosita walked by with Tara, as if part of Rick's plan.

"What's all this about?" Rosita asked and Rick showed her the recording. It was obvious to Kay she was in big trouble. She turned to walk away when Rosita grabbed her by her arm. "You're coming with me."

~~ OO ~~

Beth saw Merle walking towards her room and asked him to let her handle this. She raised her hand to knock, but before she had a chance to knock, Daryl flung the door open and locked her in a big bear hug. Beth hugged him back, kissing the side of his face and telling him she loved him.

He put her down and crashed his lips to hers. They stood there with the door open, kissing and holding each other. Merle closed the door, winking back at his little brother.

"Beth. I…," she didn't let him finish as she kissed him again and pulled him towards the bed. She sat down with him beside her and he stroked her pale cheek as he gazed back at him.

"Daryl. I'm sorry for running out. Let's go find Rick. I saw him talking to Kay." Beth placed her hand over his, nuzzling her face into his palm.

"I'm sorry I didn't put an end to this back that first day. Yer all I want... all I'll ever want. Love you, Greene," Daryl pulled her closer to him, wrapping his arms around her and kissing her again.

They walked out hand in hand. Beth was going to have a little chat with Kay to end this once and for all, just like Dale's wife had done, but when they got to the lobby, she saw Kay crying on a couch with Rosita's bodyguard, Tyreese standing beside her. Rosita was on the phone and Shane and Rick were having a chat out by the front desk.

She walked over to Rosita, telling Daryl to go check on Rick.

"Can I talk to her? she asked Rosita and she nodded back.

Beth put on her best smile and sat down beside a very upset Kay. She squared her shoulders back, readying herself for what had to be said.

Kay looked up at her, her face becoming a hard mask of hatred. "What do you want?"

"Just to set the record straight," Beth was about to dig into Kay when Tara walked over to her, showing her the video. Her blue eyes got wider by the second as her lips pursed tight.

Tara glared at Kay, wishing she could kick her ass. "Sorry she put you and Daryl through this. Come on, she's not worth it, Beth."

From the look on Kay's face, Beth knew she'd hit a nerve. The atmosphere became cold in a second and Kay started to clench her fists. "What we had didn't need to be defined with words. He and I were electric together. We were on fire in the bedroom too."

Tyreese reached down to pull Kay from the couch when Beth slapped her hard across the face. "That's for lying and making Daryl think he lost a baby. When we have kids someday, I'll send you a picture. If I ever see you near Daryl again, there won't be a Tyreese there to keep me for kicking your ass."

Kay looked over at Daryl, but all she got back was the look of pure disgust. Her tears stopped and she flipped them all off as Tyreese and Rosita escorted her out of the building.

Beth ran to Daryl and he picked her up, kissing her and swinging her around in his arms. "I love you, Daryl Dixon."

They didn't care who was watching, at that moment they needed each other. Rick patted Daryl's back, giving him a cheery smile.

~~ OO ~~

Rick had planned a band dinner and meeting for later that evening in the hotel dining room. Daryl was sure it was to discuss the Kay issue and meet up with Rosita. He really didn't want to leave his room or the sexy blonde that was currently giving him that fuck me look.

He got in the shower and Beth changed for dinner. She slid her dress on when she heard a knock on the door. It was a bellhop with an envelope marked Beth & Daryl.

She took it and walked back inside. Daryl shouted out to her, asking who it was. She ripped it open and inside was an invitation in what looked like Rick's handwriting.

You are cordially invited to a party for two

Where: The Double Entendre Tour Bus

When: Right Now. Get Moving.

Dinner will be provided and the bedroom is all yours. Have fun. Lots of fun.

Daryl walked out in only a towel, making Beth's core clench hard. He took the invitation and smiled, thanking Rick mentally as he set it down. He grabbed his favorite dress shirt and jeans, forgoing any underwear. If this night turned out like he hoped, he wouldn't need any.

All he could think about while he was in the shower was Beth and how much he wanted to hold her, kiss her and breath in that sweet scent that clung to her. Making love to her was his own personal heaven, but if that didn't happen tonight, he'd wait as long as he had to. She was worth it.

Beth slipped on her heels, turning to him with a devilish smile. Daryl watched as she opened the door and walked out into the hallway.

"Beth, where you going?" he asked as he slipped on his boots. He watched as she walked away, twisting her ass. She was being playful and seductive and his dick was ready to salute her.

"I'll see you on the tour bus, Mr. Dixon. I guess we have a private party to be at," she flashed him her beautiful smile and was gone.

Daryl combed back his usual shaggy hair and spraying on some body spray that Glenn had given him. He took one more look in the mirror as he trimmed up his goatee.

"Okay, Dixon. Don't blow it," he smoothed his hand over his hair and steady himself. This was a new beginning for them both. Tonight would be the end of all the chaos in their lives and the start of them being free to love each other and live their dream.

Glenn was walking up towards him as he walked out the door and into the corridor. "Hey Daryl… Rick told me to give you these. Something I should know?"

Daryl took the flowers and hurried past Glenn. Rick was doing all he could to make sure Beth and he got back on the right track, flowers and all.

Daryl entered the tour bus, seeing candles on the table with a dinner for two spread out. He looked around for Beth but didn't see her anywhere. He was about to put her flowers on the counter and wait for her when he heard her call his name from the back.

He let out a chuckle as he made his way towards the back bedroom and let out a bigger chuckle when he saw the note Rick had left on the door. Rated R Zone.

"Daryl, don't leave me waiting," Beth said in a very sensual tone. Daryl didn't waste another second as he opened the door and found his beauty, naked on the bed.

"What about dinner?" he asked as he laid the flowers on the bed. She smiled back at him as she sat up.

"We got all night to eat. I want you now." The want in her eyes, the need nearly dripping from her words made his cock come to life. He wanted that too, to be deep inside her and forget about the world.

She smiled as she took a rose, smelling it as Daryl started to undress. Beth shook her head, reaching her hand out to him. He tossed his shirt on the floor and toed his boots off before he walked over to her.

Her hands went to the waistband of his pants, making quick work of his belt and zipper. When she darted her baby blues up at him and began to pull his jeans and boxers off his hips, he was sure she meant to torture him tonight.

Once he was naked, he crawled on the bed towards her. She went right for the kill, letting their lips meet. Their two bodies clung to each other while Daryl kissed her as if he couldn't get enough.

He let his fingers trace up from her waist to her back. She shivered and deepened the kiss, nearly pushing him back against the bed.

Beth was all he wanted and tonight he was going to prove that to her. He pulled his lips from hers, placing small kisses over her jaw and down her neck, whispering her name over and over.

"All mine," she said with a smirk and gripping his hair. She pulled his face up to look at her and he couldn't stop staring at the huntress before him.

"Always," he promised her this with an open heart. Beth let go and crashed back on the bed, ready to have him take her to places she could only reach under his ministrations.

~~OO~~

The sound of soft rapping on the bedroom door woke them. Beth didn't want to leave the bed or Daryl's arms. He was so affectionate and loving last night, well after he rocked her world twice.

Daryl lifted his arm from her waist and she gripped it, "Not yet."

"Who is it," Daryl called out as he kissed Beth's shoulder.

"It's Dale. The band will be getting up and going to the venue soon. You might want to get dressed before they get here," Dale's footsteps traveled back down the hall and Beth turned to look at her blue eyed rock star.

"I love you," she whispered to him before kissing his forehead. He smiled back at her, letting his fingers trace the outline of her face.

"Love you too, darlin'," they lay there a few more minutes before sliding out of the bed and getting dressed. Beth held up her new panties and gave him a cross stare.

"Hey, don't blame me. Yer the one that got dressed last night, then begged me to fuck you hard," he took her panties and tucked them in his jean pocket. She rolled her eyes and slide on her dress.

"Your keeping those, aren't you?" she asked him as she tried to retrieve them and he stopped her.

Maggie called out their names, followed by Glenn then Tara. Daryl took her hand, stopping at the door before he opened it. Beth reached up to tuck his hair behind his ears, giving him that sweet smile that he loved so much.

The door opened, almost hitting Daryl as Maggie barged in. "Sorry. Just making sure you're back here. Rick said you needed some 'alone' time."

"We still do Maggie. From here on out… our private life is just that. Private." Daryl looked down at her as she stood her ground with her sister.

"Okay. I get it, but I'm here for you… both of you. We're a family," Maggie gave Daryl a kiss on the cheek before she jetted out the door.

They walked out and off the tour bus, towards the hotel where Shane and Abe were in the lobby. Apocalypse Rising was MotherDick Records biggest band and Abe no was doubt here to put things back on track.

Kay was history, gone and Rick was happy to tell them she had been arrested for embezzlement. Beth couldn't help but feel a little overjoyed at the way things had turned out. Daryl had been mentally kicking himself for not stepping in sooner, but the matter was now taken care of. All he cared about now was Beth, she was his number one priority. Daryl had confessed his undying love to her last night, telling her he never knew what love was until her. It was in that moment that Beth knew Daryl Dixon was hers and hers alone.

Beth was thinking the same thing. Their time alone was exactly what they needed, away from all distractions. She heard Daryl say he loved her and show her a few times last night as well.

"What are you smilin' at?" Daryl asks as the elevator doors close.

"Ain't it strange how one person can cause so much chaos? She's a wrecking ball and she's managed to wreak her own life. I sort of feel sorry for her," her eyes look up at his face, seeing not one ounce of pity there.

"I don't. As Merle would say, Karma will get ya and when she does… it hurts like a bitch," Daryl smirked at the grin on her face.

As they elevator doors slid open, they spotted Rosita walking their way.

"Thought you'd be heading over to the venue?" she said as her eyes narrowed in on someone walking towards them.

Shane walked over to them, extending his hand. "Can we put the past behind us, Dixon. Your band is good. Damn good and I'm ready to really get this tour started."

Daryl shook Shane's hand, hoping he was being sincere. "I will if you will. I will do whatever it takes to see Double Entendre makes it." He took Beth's hand, walking off to their room. Beth wasn't sure if Apocalypse Rising and Double Entendre could put the past behind them, but for now she'd take the win.

~~OO~~

When they arrived at the venue, they crowd gathered outside was chanting the band's name. Glenn looked over at Daryl and gave him a high five.

"They love us," Glenn said rather enthusiastically.

Tara looked out the window of the tour bus to see several posters of Beth on the motorcycle being held up by teenage boys. She looked over at Glenn with a smirk and pointed them out. "No, they love Beth and who can blame them. You're hot, girl."

Beth blushed several shades of red as she buried her face into Daryl's chest. Rick smiled back at her as he ended his phone call.

"I got an interview set up for you with Andrea Blake. If we don't give her our story, she's going to ride us like a race horse. So, y'all okay with this?" he was looking at the band, but his attention was mostly on Beth and Daryl.

"Yeah, we're good," Beth looked up at Daryl as he placed a kiss on her forehead. He was a private person, but the world got to see them flirting with each other on stage and several pictures of them holding hands had been flashed on the tabloid news shows.

"I'm good with it as long as yer there, Rick," Daryl had no plans of answering any questions and Rick knew that.

Dale pulled the bus up to the back of the venue and security instantly swarmed them. They got off the bus to cheers and chants and guys asking Beth to marry them. She waved at them all the while holding Daryl's hand. It was obvious to anyone looking at them, they were very much in love.

Glenn elbowed Daryl as they walked past two girls wearing something close to nothing and Daryl's name painted on their bodies. "Looks like you have a fan club."

"Guess so," he said quickly when he felt Beth's hand squeeze tighter on his.

He'd done the groupie route before, even had his pick of the prettiest girl for the night, but now that he had Beth in his life, he had something worth living for. He wasn't just going through the motions of day to day life. No, he was actually living.

The band was escorted into their dressing room for the night. The long table with lighted mirror was filled with flowers for Beth and Tara and some various items of the bands liking.

Daryl wanted to go out for a smoke, but he knew Rick wasn't going to let him out of his sight until they'd talked with Ms. Rollingstone.

"Andrea will be in here soon, so y'all just be yerselfs," Rick looked nervous, which was something new for the band to see. He was usually this big pillar of strength and resolve, but with one article from Andrea, the band could be ruined.

Beth sat beside Daryl on the big white couch with Glenn and Tara taking the two armchairs on each side. Rick stood beside the couch, resting his hands on his hips as Tyreese showed Andrea in.

She looked all business in her black pencil skirt and white button down blouse. Her hair was pulled back into a classic bun that showed off her steel blue eyes. Her makeup was minimal, but her ruby red lips drew you in.

Andrea took the chair that had been placed out for her. She crossed her legs over and pulled her recorder out of her purse.

"Before we start, are there any questions off the record, Mr. Grimes?" Andrea smiled ever so sweetly at Rick and he gave her back a crooked grin.

"I'll let ya know when ya ask one," he coyly answered making her raise her eyebrows.

"Okay. With the recent fame the band is experiencing, what would you say is the biggest reason?" Andrea placed the recorder down on the table and sat back in her chair.

Glenn spoke up, being the appointed spokesman for the band. "Beth is one hell of a singer and we have great music. Some people think she's going to leave the band like Jenna did, but let me tell you... she's Double Entendre all the way. We... all of us are a band. That's why we're so good. We're a band and we play as a band."

Andrea shifted in her seat to look at Glenn. "Does this mean you are bitter at Jenna for leaving and finding success without you?"

Rick started to speak up, but Glenn beat him to it. "No. The band was going nowhere. We'd tried for years to get a start, but we failed. Jenna did what she had too and I'm glad to still call her friend. Actually, we might even get her to do a duet with Beth on our next album."

Rick's eyes went wide when Glenn said that, but he'd have to admit that was one great idea.

"I know you have to be on stage for rehearsal soon so I'll ask the one question I know my readers want to know. What's the real story with you two? The video, the songs, and the way you're always holding hands in public. Are Beth and Daryl a couple?" she lean forward as if sitting on the edge of her seat.

Rick looked at Beth, who didn't look shaken or rattled, but very confident and in love. Daryl's eyes didn't leave Beth as she took his hand and answered the curious blonde.

"Yes. I love him and I know he loves me. As for the details of our relationship... that's private. All you or your readers need to know is Daryl Dixon is off the market as well as myself. What you see on stage isn't some act to sell recorders. It's us." Beth locked eyes with Andrea, the two of them sizing the other up.

"I see. Just so you know, Ms. Greene. In this business, there is no such thing as private. I'll be around with my photographer taking pictures of the concert tonight. Have a great show." With that she picked up her recorder and purse. Tyreese showed her out and Rick let out the breath he'd been holding.

He turned to the band, ready to give them some big you can do this speech, but they all jumped up and headed out to the stage. Beth stopped in the doorway, giving him this gleeful glance.

"We got this, Rick. No worries. Glenn is right. We are a band and a family. I'm shutting out the world and all the negativity. You should do the same thing," she hurried back over to him and gave him a kiss on the cheek. They walked out in the hallway to Daryl who was waiting for them.

As Tyreese walked behind them, they made their way to the stage to find Andrea Blake there with her photographer. She was chatting with Shane and taking some pictures of his band. She asked Double Entendre to join them for a tour photo. Rick nodded to them and Daryl glared at Len as he smiled back at Beth.

"Okay boys, keep it friendly," Rick said as he stood beside Andrea. Len looked over at Daryl, but there was no sign of malice in his eyes or angry in his features. Shane gave his band a stern look as he walked off, reminding them how important it was this tour go well.

After the photo shoot, Beth followed Andrea backstage, hoping to get a private moment. Andrea stopped as Beth called out her name, smiling back at her. "Yes, Ms. Greene."

"You're right. In this business, nothing is private. I'll make an arrangement with you. You come to me before publishing anything and I'll give you the real story. You can print this if you want. I love Daryl and if it means leaving the band to have him, I'd do that. I don't want to, because this band is my dream come true. I love singing, love preforming but I love him more." Beth gave her a very intense stare, letting her know she meant every word.

Andrea extended her hand, giving her a wink. "It's a deal, Ms. Greene. By the way… your band is so much better than A.R. You're going places, kid."

Thanks for the support. Bethyl on!