AUTHOR'S NOTE: This chapter is rated M.
On The Edge
Chapter 46
I BELONG TO YOU
"Christ, Princess," Eliza gasped as she took a sip of the drink Addison had just handed her. "This is strong! Not all of us share your love for the taste of tequila you know!"
"Oh, wah. That's like a shot and a half at most," Addison laughed, taking a large sip straight from the bottle. "And if you don't like tequila then you should have told your boyfriend before he got us a sponsorship deal with a tequila company… It's not my fault we don't have any room for anything else in these cabinets…"
"I think I'm finally getting used to it," Wynter said as she held up her own cup.
"Oh yeah?" Willa snickered. She handed her the tequila bottle she was drinking from.
Wynter took a swig and immediately started coughing. "I stand corrected," she gasped. "Keep mixing mine." She coughed again and shook her head. "Seriously, how do you two drink that shit straight!"
Addison and Willa both shrugged and took another swig from their bottles.
Tracey squealed with excitement as he came bounding into the small kitchen at the back of the bus that had become their hangout. "We're almost there!... Ooooh! Did you make me one?" He asked, pointing to the drinks.
Addison handed a glass over to him and smiled as Wynter jumped out of the booth to look out the window.
"Eeeek! I'm so fucking excited! I haven't been here since…" she looked at Addison and dropped her voice to a whisper. "Your graduation party."
"Fun times…" she replied with a large smile. "I guess I should go finish packing…"
"I'd give it a minute," Tracey said, jumping over the back of the booth seat so that he was sitting next to her. "Jacey's in Lacey's bunk at the moment… I'm surprised you can't hear them in here." He pretended to dry heave before pulling a blunt out of his wallet and lighting it up.
Wynter turned back to the window and sighed dreamily. "The city of angels…"
Addison rolled her eyes and took a puff as Tracey offered it to her. "Don't send me no angel...
This city's too cold… 'Cause I need a man with a black heart of gold…" she sang on the exhale.
"Who-oh-oh-ooh…" Tracey added in with a giggle.
Eliza began to bang out a beat on the table.
Willa took the joint from Tracey as she sang out. "Don't give me no lover… If he ain't got the stones… 'Cause I need a man who will fight for his own!"
"Whoa-oh-oh-ooh…"
"I've seen dark nights …" Addison sang, with Willa and Tracey backing her up.
"Whoa-oh dark nights
But only the darkest light can deliver my love..."
"Whoa-oh-oh-ooh"
"Can't take the fire
'Til you've fallen from grace
'Cause I need a man, a man who's got blood on his hands
And the truth on his face..."
"Blood on his hands, huh?" Jacey asked as he walked into the room. "Is that really what you want in a man?"
Addison looked over her shoulder to where Jacey was standing in the doorway. "What I want in a man is exactly what I have in a man," she smiled before turning back to the table.
"Finished already, Jace?" Tracey asked sweetly.
He scratched the back of his head nervously. "Uh, yeah…"
Willa grabbed an empty cup and poured him a shot. "Here…" she said, sliding it across the table towards him. "Maybe it will help get the taste out of your mouth."
"So…" he said, ignoring Willa's jab, but taking the shot of tequila. "What do you all have planned while we're off the next few days?"
"Well…" Tracey said with a large smile plastered across his face. "Princess and I are heading off for a quick romantic getaway with our boy toys."
"And we're practicing…" Willa said motioning over to Wynter. "You know… that thing the Acey's don't seem to do anymore… I mean, it's not like we don't have the biggest show of our lives coming up or anything."
Jacey continued to ignore her as he looked at Eliza. "What about you and the rest of Zombies?"
Eliza's eyes went wide. She picked up her drink and began to chug.
Jacey laughed. "I hear that… I'm definitely looking forward to the bar scene out here." He looked over to Addison, his hand resting on her shoulder. "I thought I'd treat myself to a few nights at the Beverly Hills Hotel...If your boyfriend's a no-show like he's been the last few concerts, you know where to find me."
"I've been to the Beverly Hills Hotel before… Several times… It doesn't impress me…"
"I'm sure she could do better than you for a backup."
Addison fought back a smile at the sound of Zed's voice.
"Zed," Jacey said smiling over to him. "I was just asking everyone what they had planned for our time off… so how about you?"
Zed shrugged his shoulders as he walked over to the refrigerator to grab a bottle of water. "Oh, you know… the usual… lots of sex, lots of music… drinks that aren't tequila," he said motioning to the full shelves.
"Sounds like fun… you planning on doing any of that with a certain someone?"
Zed smirked and closed the refrigerator door as he turned to face Jacey. He crossed his arms around his chest, making his muscles flex. "I plan on doing that with several someone's… and I don't have to worry that I'd just be someone's backup choice."
"You sure about that?"
"Abso-fucking-lutely."
The two men stared each other down, neither of them willing to break first.
"Z man, you coming?" Wyatt asked as walked into the crowded kitchen. He took in the face-off and glanced over to Addison who lifted her shoulder. He shook his head and chuckled. "Are you two about to make out or something? I'd hate to interrupt… then again… it might be fun to watch...Totally didn't think you were into that though, Jacey," he said as he leaned over the table and kissed Willa.
"Wait, what?" Jacey asked looking over at him. "No… of course not!"
Wyatt laughed. "Don't look so offended. I'll have you know, he's a great kisser, totally wouldn't blame you."
"He's not wrong," Willa giggled.
Tracey nodded in agreement. "Ten out of ten… would definitely recommend."
Jacey looked around at all of them in disbelief. "No, I was just…" he shook his head. "Has everyone in this room made out with Zed?" He caught Addison's eye and smirked. "Except for you, Princess… Obviously, you haven't… it would be a violation of your band contract… And I'm sure you wouldn't want that, now would you."
Addison smiled tightly. "Obviously you're forgetting what happened on stage last month. Everyone, including Lacey, knows we kissed."
"Mmm… Pom-poms, could you make me one of these?" Wyatt asked as he took a sip of Wynter's drink, interrupting their stare-off. "It's really fucking good… What is it?"
She scoffed a laugh. "Of course you'd like it, it's called an Alpha."
"Not the only Alpha I like," he said with a smile, leaning over to kiss Willa again.
Addison stood up from the table and squeezed by him. "I'd be happy to make you one."
He grabbed her around the waist and pulled her in for a quick kiss. "Thanks, Pom-poms."
Jacey rolled his eyes. "I'm sure your boyfriend would love to know you let another man kiss you.. last month and just now."
She smiled and looked at him over her shoulder as she walked towards the counter. "I don't keep secrets from him… He knows exactly what I do and whom I do it with." She dropped her voice lower and pretended to whisper, "It really turns him on."
Wyatt barked out a laugh. "Think he'd want to join in? I've heard he's great in bed… Wills, do we have plans tonight?"
"We do now," she smirked.
"The more the merrier," Addison laughed. "I'll send you the address."
Zed covered his mouth to keep from laughing as he watched the look on Jacey's face. He pushed himself off the counter and over to where he was standing, clapping him on the shoulder. "Damn… tough break… not even the backup plan, apparently…"
Jacey roughly pushed his hand from his shoulder and stormed out of the room.
They all watched silently for about ten seconds before they all started laughing.
"Fuck…" Addison said as she shook her head. "Do not fucking say it."
Zed peered down the hall before pulling her into his arms and kissing her, "I fucking told you so, Baby… he knows."
"Yeah…" she sighed. "I know."
"Now can I beat the shit out of him for hitting on you?… Speaking of which…" He looked over to Wyatt and reached out to smack him upside the head. "Hands off my girl."
"That's not what you were saying last night," he winked with a large wolfish smile spreading across his face.
Zed rolled his eyes but smiled. "Last night was fun…" he kissed him quickly before turning towards Eliza. "And you? Way to dodge a question, E," he said sarcastically.
She threw her hands in the air. "You know I can't lie for shit. The last thing we needed was me blurting out that I was flying on your girlfriend's jet to Cleveland to watch her dad be inducted into the Rock N Roll Hall of Fame and then watch you two and Mason play the tribute performance!"
"Wow…" Addison said as she shook her head.
Willa snickered. "Couldn't you have just said that you were going with your boyfriend to some family thing he needed to go to?"
Eliza pursed her lips. "Well, I didn't think of that… Blame Princess, these drinks are hella strong!"
Addison poked out her tongue. "Weenie." She ran her hands through Zed's hair and pulled him back down for another kiss. "Now that Jacey and Lacey are finished, I need to go pack the rest of my bags."
"Need a hand?" he asked against her lips.
"You and your hands need to go back to the front of the bus before you get us in trouble, Trouble."
"You love it."
"I do… And I love you."
"Forever."
"And after…" she bit his lip and smacked his ass. "Now go!"
"Yes, ma'am…" he said with a flirty wink, stealing one final kiss before grabbing Wyatt and pulling him back to the front of the bus.
Addison shook her head, giggling, as she watched them scamper out of the room. "And on that note… I'll be back."
ZzZzZzZzZzZ
Addison furiously dug through all the bags she had just packed, throwing clothes and shoes behind her into the narrow hall as she went. "Fuck!"
"Everything okay, Baby?"
She closed her eyes and smiled as Zed's warm hands circled her waist, pulling her back into him. "Not really…"
He bent over her and nipped at her ear. "I bet I could make it better."
She bit back a moan. "I'm definitely taking you up on that offer later when we're not on this bus… but unless you happen to have our flash drive, even your dick isn't going to make this better."
"Uhoh… What happened?"
"The flash drive is missing."
"The flash drive? As in our flash drive? As in the flash drive that we've been putting songs on since we were juniors in high school?" he asked.
She nodded her head. "That would be the one…"
"Has Jacey been around?"
She turned her head to look at him. "What is he going to do with a flash drive full of cheesy love songs that no one gives a fuck about except for us?"
"No clue… but I wouldn't put it past him."
Addison rolled her eyes. "Maybe I left it in the studio when we were home."
Zed looked around them once more before spinning her around and pinning her against the step ladder, crashing his lips against hers.
"What was that for?" she giggled, glancing nervously towards the front of the bus.
"You called it home."
"Well, yeah…"
"You haven't said 'home' in years. It's always 'the house', or 'my dad's… I think you even said 'my house' once… but home?" he smiled and kissed her again.
She smiled against his lips, lacing her fingers through the hair at the back of his neck. "It only feels like home when we're there together… without you it's just…"
His lips cut her off. "I like the way 'home' sounds…"
"Me too… you know what sounds even better?"
"What?"
"Our home."
His lips crashed against hers once more. "I can't wait to go home with you, Baby."
As the car pulled up to the large gates Wynter let out a low whistle from the backseat. "Why does this place feel even bigger than I remember?"
Zed chuckled and met her eyes in the rear-view mirror as Addison leaned across him to punch in the access code. "Because the last time you were here there were enough people crammed inside to fill a small concert hall."
"This is true…" Wyatt nodded in agreement.
"If you guys wreck my house while we're gone I'm going to be seriously pissed," Addison warned.
"Don't worry, Pom-poms," he laughed. "I promise we'll take good care of it… and more importantly, we'll keep an eye on you know who."
"Thanks, Wy…"
"And stay the fuck off my bike," Zed added as he parked the Volvo in the garage next to Dale's Mercedes and his Indian Motorcycle."
"Oh come on! You're such a buzzkill!" Wyatt laughed.
Zed He cut the engine and turned to Addison, grabbing her hand. "You ready?"
"To face Bree in full packing mode? Not a chance!" she laughed leaning over and guiding his face towards hers for a kiss. "But I'm definitely ready to be home… even if it is only for a night. I'm so tired of hiding on the bus."
"You and me both, Baby," he said against her lips.
"Ugh, you two are so stinking cute sometimes!" Willa exclaimed as she stuck her head in between the front seats and kissed their cheeks. "But I seriously have to pee, so let's go!"
As soon as they made their way inside, Addison stopped walking. The entire den of the house was packed full of hanging racks and luggage. "Jesus, Mary, and Joseph…"
Bree looked up over a rack. "It's about time! Everyone else got here almost an hour ago!"
Addison shrugged as she and Zed walked over to her.
"Evasive maneuvering," he said, leaning down to kiss her cheek before going over to sit on the sofa with Zoey. "We all took separate Ubers. I went to the airport to pick up the car, picked up The Pack at some random hotel they went to, and then we picked Adds up at the old record store."
"Seems a bit excessive, bro."
"We wanted to make sure Jacey and Lacey didn't suspect anything."
"Then you should have done what I said and not driven here together," Bucky said from the sofa, without looking up from his phone. "Did you manage to work on your speech?"
Addison rolled her eyes, ignoring him. "Where's Bonz and Mase?"
"Went to go get pizza."
She nodded and started to rifle through one of the racks. "So why does my house suddenly look like a Gucci storage room?" She turned to Bree with wide eyes. "And why is my name on everything on this rack? My dress for the ceremony only takes up one garment bag."
"Real cute, Adds," Bree said smacking her hand away and straightening out the rack.
"I'm serious."
Bree stopped and spun to face her. "Have you not looked at your itinerary?"
"Yeah, we have the stage for three hours every day for rehearsals."
"Not your rehearsal schedule."
Addison's brows pulled together in confusion making Bree sigh.
"You have industry events to attend… dinners, meetings, parties, etcetera…"
Addison scoffed. "Yeah, I don't think so."
"According to your office, you're expected to be there."
"My office?"
Bree nodded. "Yeah. Your secretary called me the other day about it… she's meeting us out there."
"My secretary?"
"Yeah."
Addison shook her head and looked to Zed. "Is it too late to change my mind about all of this?"
He stood up and jumped over the back of the sofa so he could wrap his arms around her and pull her in for a kiss. "You'll do great, Baby."
"Pizza's here!"
ZzZzZzZzZzZ
The sun was beginning to set as they all sat around the pool finishing dinner. Wyatt was splayed out on one of the lounge chairs, strumming a soft melody on his guitar with Willa and Wynter humming along. Bree had pulled Bonzo back into the house to help her finish arranging their luggage for transport, while Tracey and Mason were taking a walk along the beach.
Bucky sat down next to Addison and Zed. "So…"
"...So…" she replied.
He rolled his eyes and cracked a smile. "Any progress on that speech?"
"Nope."
"Are you planning on working on it at all?"
She took his cigarette from him and inhaled. "I'd really rather not."
He looked around. "I think you should go upstairs and try."
"And I think you can go fuck yourself, Bartholomew."
Zed snorted back a laugh.
"Deflect all you want Addie-loo. You know just as much as I do that you have to get this done… And you'll feel a hell of a lot better once you finish."
She narrowed her eyes.
"We've got a few hours until we leave…"
"I hate you."
"No, you hate when I'm right."
"That too." She huffed out an aggravated breath. "Fine… I have to go look for something in the studio anyway," she said standing up and giving Zed a look.
He crossed his fingers and stood up as well. "And I think it's about time I took Zoey back to Carla's."
"Awww," Zoey whined. "But you guys don't leave for like hours still… And are you sure I can't come with? Do you have any idea the cred it would give me at school?"
"Cred?" Zed laughed. "You're a legacy and have a written recommendation from Adds. How much more 'Cred' do you need?"
"Um, do you think any of my classmates know or give a shit? You remember how kids in that school are!"
"Yeah, I was there on scholarship," he said, ruffling her hair. "Build your own cred."
"But...but…" she looked around waiting for someone to back her up. When it was clear none of them were going to, she threw her hands in the air and sighed dramatically. "Fine…" she walked over to Addison and hugged her tight. "Good luck. I'll be watching the live stream…" she turned and glared at her brother, "...since I won't be there."
"Thanks, Zo."
Once Zoey let go, Zed pulled Addison into his arms and bent her back with a passionate kiss, ignoring the dry-heaves and gags his sister and Bucky were doing in the background.
When he pulled her back to standing she ran her hand down the side of his face, "Hurry home to me."
He nodded and kissed her once more before leaving with Zoey.
Addison took a deep breath and went inside, walking directly to the stairs and up to the second-floor studio. She flipped on the lights and looked in the control deck, but couldn't find the small silver flash drive she was looking for. With another sigh, she walked out and headed back to the stairs so she could go up to her room and begin to work on the acceptance speech she had to give at the ceremony. As her foot touched the first step up to the third floor she stopped and looked down the hall to where her father's office and bedroom stood. She hadn't been in either since he had passed away, but for some reason, they were calling to her now.
She walked down the dark hall, stopping outside his office. Her hand stilled on the doorknob, she took a shaky breath and turned it, cracking the door open. The smell hit her first- bergamot and spearmint, her father's Armani cologne. She inhaled and let it wash over her as she walked in and flipped on the lights. She sat behind his desk and spun around once in his plush leather chair. She settled in and opened the desk drawer, taking out a sheet of his stationary and placing it on top of his desk. "Alright Daddy… what do you want me to say?"
Addison didn't know how long she had been sitting there staring at the blank page in front of her. Nothing she thought of seemed to strike the right chord. She sat back in the chair and rubbed at her tired eyes.
"Here I am…
And I can barely see straight
But I'm too numb to feel right now..."
She ran her fingers along the top of his desk, her eyes drifting to the shelves lining the walls where various pictures and awards were displayed. She let out a breath and dropped her head onto his desk.
"Here I am...
Watching the clock that's ticking away my time
But I'm too numb to feel right now…"
She lifted her head up and sighed. "How am I ever supposed to honor your legacy?"
"That's easy."
She spun in the chair to find Zed standing in the doorway.
"Easy, huh?" she asked as she stood up and stretched.
"Yeah..." he said walking further into the room and wrapping his arms around her waist. "You leave your own."
She smiled and leaned into his chest, breathing in his scent. "That may be… but that doesn't help me write this speech."
He kissed the top of her head. "Keep it simple and speak from the heart."
"That sounds a hell of a lot like encouraging me to wing it," she smirked.
Zed shrugged his shoulders and lifted her off the ground, guiding her legs around his waist. "We both know that if you sit here and try to put pen to paper, you're never going to find the words. You're a singer and a born performer. Let the show say what you want."
She smiled and pulled his face to hers. "When the light hits your eyes… It's telling me it's right… and it's all because of you…" she sang against his lips.
He chuckled and deepened their kiss. "Any luck with the flash drive?"
"No…"
"Damn. My money is on Jacey."
She crashed her lips against his again. "I don't want to talk about him or Lacey for the next few days… I need to give this show all of my focus. We'll deal with them after."
He walked her to the wall, pinning her against it as his hands went under her shirt. "You got it, Baby… Want to go for a drive? Get away for a little while?" he asked, trailing kisses down her jaw.
"I wish," she sighed as his fingers traced the edge of her bra. "We don't have time."
He laughed quietly into her ear. "What are they going to do? Leave without us?"
"Good point… but still, I don't want to face Bree's wrath… she seems a bit frazzled."
Zed blew out a breath. "Yeah… Bonz is working on calming her down now."
She hummed contently as his teeth scraped along her collarbone. "You know… you still owe me a 'make it better' from earlier."
"You're right… bedroom?"
"Yes, please… I think those brackets above my bed need to be used."
He smiled and nipped her bottom lip. "I love the way you think."
"You just going to hold me here all night?"
He dropped his head against her neck and laughed for a moment before running them both upstairs to her room.
He kicked the door closed behind him and tossed her playfully onto the bed. He stalked towards her with a mischievous glint in his eyes. "You are going to look so fucking hot tied up."
She bit her bottom lip and got up on her knees, pulling her shirt over her head. "I'm always hot…"
"Yes you are…" he said as he stalked towards her."
"But I'm not the one who's getting tied up tonight."
Zed stilled as a slow smile spread across his face. He hadn't expected her to flip the script and take charge, but he was more than happy to oblige. "Yes, ma'am..."
"That's more like it…" She reached out and grabbed the hem of his shirt, pulling him closer to the bed before slowly pulling the shirt up and over his head. She stared at his bare chest for a moment before she tossed the shirt to the side. She grabbed a handful of rope from the nightstand, quickly tying his wrists in front of him before tossing the working end of the rope through the loop on the hardpoint. Moving behind him, she gently pulled until his arms stretched, and his hands were secured above his head. She smiled to herself as she locked the end of the rope at the binding around his wrists, immobilizing him and giving her all the access to his body that she might want.
"Is it sick of me, to need control of you…" she sang as she placed her hands on his shoulders and leaned in close to him.
He shivered in anticipation under her touch. "Oh god, Adds… are you trying to kill me? Rope and you singing?"
"No more talking…" She ran her hands down his back and then wrapped her arms around him, holding him briefly before moving around front and look up at his face. "Is it sick to make you beg the way I do…" She pressed her lips hard against his, gripping the hair on the back of his head as she pulled him away.
He closed his eyes as she continued touching his chest and arms before moving to his stomach, willing himself to calm.
Addison ran her hands up and down his sides, stopping at the edge of his jeans. She quickly popped the fly open and pushed them down. "Is it sick of me, to want you crawling on your knees…" She reached up and tugged on the rope bight, immediately releasing his hands. She quickly grabbed the free end of the rope in her hands and wrapped it around his shoulders, locking it off behind his back. She gripped the rope and pulled it taut as she brought him down to his knees.
She bent his leg at the knee, tying his ankle to his thigh before wrapping the rope down his leg, making Munter hitches along the gap between his thigh and his calf. She did the same with his other leg before pushing his legs apart, his feet firmly planted on the ground, up close to his ass. She grinned at him before reaching over and taking his hard dick in her hand, stroking it it and down twice before releasing him.
She ran her hand over his chest and stomach again, stopping just short of his eager cock. She tilted her head to the side, running her finger over the tip, and sat up. She hiked her skirt up a little and tossed her leg over him easily, placing her hands back on his chest. "I really want to ride your face first, but I want to feel you moving deep inside me more…" She leaned over him, moving her hands to the floor on either side of his head. She pressed her mouth against his neck twice before moving to his ear. "Feel free to moan…"
Zed didn't need to be told twice. A loud moan escaped from his mouth as she slid down, rubbing herself along his cock. He couldn't take his eyes off of her as she positioned herself above him, took his dick in her hands, and slowly began to lower herself.
The sight of him bound and below her made her thighs clench around his hips. His expression hovering between tortured and ecstatic as he gripped his hands into fists making the ropes tighten around his wrists. She leaned forward enough to press her lips to the base of his throat. "Is it sick of me to feed the animal in you…" She groaned and pushed herself up slowly, closing her eyes as she felt his length slide most of the way out before she lowered herself back down.
Zed moaned again, wishing like hell his hands were free to grab onto her waist and drive into her harder. The slow, methodical rhythm she was building was quickly driving him to madness.
"Is it sick to say I tease the hunter like I do…" she teased him, staying on the edge for as long as possible, and wanting to keep him right there with her. She tilted her hips from side to side, enjoying the small gasps that fell from his mouth. "Is it sick of me to watch the wicked way you thrill…"
"Oh fuck…" he moaned as she pressed her palms more firmly against his chest, moving faster.
"Is it sick to say that I live to break your will…" She slowed down again, grinding against him, making him gasp at the sensation. The look on his face almost did her in, and that was before he opened his eyes and stared into hers.
A quiver started deep in her stomach, pushing down and flooding through her legs. She grinded again and again, watching Zed pull against the ropes around his wrists as he brought his knees up to press against her hips. She could feel his cock pulse inside of her the closer he got to release. "Fuck!" She dug her fingers into his chest, leaving marks on his skin as she threw her head back and they both crashed over the edge.
She dropped down, placing her forehead on his shoulder for a moment before sitting up again. Zed was still breathing heavily, staring at her with his mouth open. She smiled and raised herself off of him so she could snuggle into his side. She ran her hand over his warm, sweaty skin, smiling to herself. "Fuck needed that…" she whispered as her heart rate began to drop back to normal.
"I know you did, Baby…" he leaned down and kissed the top of her head as he let out a light chuckle. "So did I… It's been a long time since you tied me up completely… I almost forgot how much I enjoy it."
Her nose scrunched up as she smiled, looking up to kiss him briefly, before sitting up to reach for the ropes. She quickly untied his legs, rubbing each as she released them from their bonds and straightened them. Once those were free, she moved up to his hands and untied them as well, tossing the ropes off to the side before she laid down beside him again.
A loud knocking sounded from the door. "We're leaving in Fifteen!"
Zed was sitting on the plush sofa in one of the suites of the Cleveland Ritz Carlton, flipping through the channels on the tv and sipping a beer when a loud, pounding knock sounded against the door.
"Open the fuck up!"
Zed rolled his eyes at the sound of his manager's voice. He set his beer down and stood up, walking over to the door and opening it up.
"Why don't I have access to this floor?!"
Zed bit back a laugh and opened the door further, inviting him in. "Clearly you do or you wouldn't be here."
Bucky rolled his eyes and plopped onto the sofa, holding up a key card. "Temporary elevator card… I had to bribe a member of the staff to get this, too… my sister is paying for it… So again, why don't I have access to this floor or a key to the room?"
"Because we're not on tour?" Zed answered with a shrug.
"That's beside the point…" he grumbled grabbing the remote and flipping through the channels. "I'm still your fucking manager, and clearly my sister needs to be fucking managed!"
"Speaking of… Shouldn't you be in that meeting with her?
"It's not a board meeting. The one today is for label execs."
"Then why did Adds have to go?"
"Because she's technically the president of the label."
Zed's eyes widened. "I thought Jamie was the President?"
"Acting…" Bucky said as he stood up and walked over to the bar to pour himself a drink. "As part of the conservatorship set up when Addie went awol, Jamie is the acting president until she turns 25. Despite the fact that my sister has made it clear to everyone that she has no interest in running the company, it is still hers."
"Woah…" Zed sat back on the couch with a thump.
"Yeah…" Bucky snorted.
They both looked towards the door as the sound of the lock beeped and the door opened.
"Hey, Sis. Anything you want to tell me? Like the reason your secretary has been blowing my phone up for the last thirty fucking minutes?"
Addison looked over to Bucky and rolled her eyes. "Pour me one of those and get the fuck out."
He flipped her off but poured her a drink anyway. "Start talking."
She threw herself dramatically onto the sofa, landing on top of Zed. "So fucking pointless… There was no reason I had to fucking be there. It was just a bunch of label heads jerking themselves off with congratulations because they had artists getting inducted. What the fuck did they do? Nothing! It's the fucking artists and songwriters and producers who put in the work, not the fucking executives! Hell, Daddy and Poppa both knew that! That's why my dad became a producer! So that he was actively involved! None of those idiots know a goddamn thing about the fucking industry other than how to make themselves richer! Ugh!"
Zed smiled and leaned over to pepper her face with kisses. "You're so hot when you're pissed off."
"I'm always hot," she grumbled. "Unfortunately some junior VP slime ball from Icon Records noticed that too… and of course Jamie thought it was fucking hilarious that the guy had no idea who I was. He thought I was Jamie's secretary!"
Zed pulled back, not bothering to hide the murderous look in his eyes.
Addison took the drink from her brother and downed it in one large gulp before turning to face Zed. "Relax, Babe… nothing I couldn't handle… he compared me to my mother without even knowing she was my mother and got a little handsy. So he ended up wearing the $400 bottle of Merlot he ordered trying to impress me. Fucking asshole… my investment portfolio gains more in a month than he earns annually. Why do men in those positions think flashing money is the way into a girl's panties!"
"You like Malbec, not Merlot" Zed mumbled.
She kissed his cheek. "I did try and tell him that, but according to him 'someone as young as me couldn't possibly know what I like yet'… like my family doesn't own a fucking vineyard in Napa… I may prefer tequila, but I probably knew more about wine at 13 than he'll ever know!" she shook her head and turned to her brother. "I already told Jamie I'm finished with the fucking meetings. I'm here as a musician, not a fucking suit."
Bucky raised his glass in a mock toast. "There's the Addison I know and love… I am so letting the Bamm! PR department handle this one."
She flipped him off and smiled. "Now get the fuck out so I can take a shower with my boyfriend."
He rolled his eyes and looked down at his watch, "Be ready to head to rehearsals in an hour."
"Rehearsals aren't for two."
"And if I tell you to be ready in an hour, maybe we'll actually be on time."
She smiled and flipped him off again.
"I'm serious. One hour," he said as he walked to the door. "Oh, and get me a fucking key!"
She grabbed one of the pillows off the sofa and threw it at him as he walked out the door. She rolled her eyes in exasperation and looked up to Zed. "Hey… you okay?" she asked when she noticed the far-off look on his face.
He nodded his head. "Yeah… Sometimes it still catches me off guard."
"What does?"
"The money… Bamm!"
She sat up and straddled his lap, grabbing his face with both hands. "Look at me," she whispered. "What have I always said?"
"Baby, I know… It's just…"
She crashed her lips onto his. "None of it means a goddamn thing without you."
"Adds, you're not just a board member at Bamm!. You're the fucking president of the label."
"No… my Uncle Jamie is."
"Because of the conservatorship! Next year it's all yours."
"IF I sign off on it… which I have no intention of doing! Bamm! is in good hands right now. It will always be mine, but that doesn't mean I have to run it. I'm a musician! I don't belong behind a desk! Why are you making such a big deal about this? You always knew that Bamm! was going to be mine one day. I'm literally the only actual Donnelly left!"
"You told Tracey you'd resign your position on the board if Mega offered a deal."
"And I meant it…"
"But...why, Adds? Why would you give up everything?!"
She pulled him to her and kissed him again. "Because you're more important."
"I don't want you to give up Bamm! for me! I don't want you to have to give up anything! I want you to have everything! I want to give you everything!"
"When are you going to understand it! If I have you, I do have everything!" she yelled. She closed her eyes and rested her forehead against his. "You let me fall apart without letting go
Then you pick up the pieces and you make me whole
I didn't want to escape
From the bricks that I laid down
So break in…
And take everything I have
Till there is nothing left
Till it's just your voice in my head
And when the lights come on
You see me as I am
You're still inside me…
You are the only one
The only one that sees me
Trusts me and believes me
You are the only one
The only one that knows me
And in the dark to show me
Yeah, it's perfectly reckless
Damn, you leave me defenseless
So break in
Break in…"
Zed wrapped his arms around her and flipped them over so he was laying on top of her. "I'm sorry… I love you…" he whispered as he gazed down into her eyes.
"I love you, too… I always have, and I always will."
"Forever."
"And after…" she breathed as his lips met hers.
Addison pushed her sweaty hair away from her face as she looked over the top of the shiny black grand piano to where her Uncle Jamie was standing with his arms crossed over his chest, watching the new set. "So...?" she asked nervously.
He snickered and started to clap as he walked out onto the stage. "Addison… no words… that was…" he blew out a sharp breath and smiled. "That was everything this memorial should be and more."
"Do you mean it?"
"Your Dad would be so proud… I didn't recognize the order though… It's not chronological or chart rank."
"Well, the first song just felt right, and then it ends with a song from his last album and his first… The middle…" Addison bit her lip and smiled as she looked over to Zed, "It's kind of our relationship."
Jamie chuckled. "Unconventional, but it definitely works. It was a roller coaster of emotions!"
"That sounds about right," Zed laughed.
Jamie looked down at his watch. "Alright, I've got to get to another meeting in a few. Slash will be here tomorrow for the final tech rehearsal... And I will see you guys this evening for the photoshoot and party."
"Uh… I thought I said I was done with everything that didn't involve this stage?" Addison said as she stood up.
"And the photoshoot at your Dad's exhibit falls under that category."
She crossed her arms over her chest and pouted. "Fine."
"And the party is non-negotiable… you owe me after the wine incident yesterday."
"That guy deserved it!"
Jamie held his hands up in surrender. "That may be… but Addison… please? You making an appearance would go a long way in boosting company morale. Your dad's absence is really being felt this week."
She groaned and rolled her head back in frustration. "Such a low blow… fine."
He smiled and shook his head. "I'll see you, kids, later."
Addison looked over to Zed. "I guess we're going to a party tonight."
"And a photoshoot," Mason chuckled as he walked up to them and threw his arms around them. He looked out into the audience where their friends were watching. "Think you can work your magic on us tonight, Bree?"
"Of course I can!" she laughed. "Especially after witnessing that set! Whooo! Fire!"
"Seriously, you guys. It was Ah-Maze!" Tracey called out.
Addison grabbed Zed's wrist and looked at his watch. "We've still got like thirty minutes before we have to hand over the stage… you wanna come up and mess around?"
"Depends on what you mean by mess around!"
Addison giggled, "You'll just have to get up here and figure it out!"
Zed, Addison, and Mason all laughed as Tracey scrambled out of his seat and down the aisle towards them.
"You two, coming?" Zed called out to Bonzo and Eliza.
Mason helped Tracey up onto the stage as the others made their way down the aisle.
"Wow…" Tracey said as he looked out over the empty seats. "One day…"
"Why not today?" Addison asked, hip checking him. "Go grab a guitar."
Tracey's eyes lit up as he ran to the wings of the stage where the guitar racks sat.
Addison handed her bass over to Bonzo as Eliza walked over to Mason and held her hand out.
Mason rolled his eyes. "Yeah, yeah, yeah… fine, here you go," he said reluctantly, handing his sticks to her. "I'll just go hang out with Bucky or something while you guys have fun."
"I'm not that bad!" Bucky called out from the curtains.
Mason sighed and walked over as Eliza made herself comfortable behind his kit.
"So…" Addison said as Tracey walked back out with a guitar strapped on. "What do you want to play?"
"My choice?"
She shrugged her shoulders. "Sure. Why not."
"Anything?" he asked with a mischievous smile.
She smirked and put her hands on her hips. "Why do I feel like I'm going to regret this."
"You'll love this," he winked.
"I doubt it," she whispered, walking over to Zed and pulling him down for a kiss.
Tracey plugged in and started to strum out an opening riff of a very familiar song.
Addison pulled away from Zed's lips and looked over to him. "Seriously?"
He smiled and continued to play. "You said it was my choice…" he walked up to the microphone. "Want your bad romance!"
"Fine… have it your way…" Addison giggled, stepping up to join him as the rest of them started to play along.
"I want your ugly, I want your disease
I want your everything as long as it's free
I want your love…"
"Love, love, love, I want your love …" Tracey kissed her cheek. "See, I told you you'd love it!"
She rolled her eyes. "I want your drama, the touch of your hand
I want your leather-studded kiss in the sand
I want your love…"
"Love, love, love, I want your love..."
Addison grabbed one of the microphones from its stand and walked up to Zed, sliding down his body seductively. "You know that I want you, and you know that I need you
I want it bad, a bad romance...
I want your love and I want your revenge
You and me could write a bad romance
Oh-oh-oh-oh-oooh
I want your love and all your lover's revenge
You and me could write a bad romance
Oh-oh-oooh-oh-oh-oh-oooh
Caught in a bad romance
Oh-oh-oooh-oh-oh-oh-oooh
Want your bad bad romance..."
"Christ she was born to perform."
Bucky startled. "Jesus, Jamie… you scared the hell out of me. I thought you went off to a meeting?"
"I was… but I forgot to ask Addison if she had a chance to review those answers PR sent over."
Mason snorted. "If you think Addison Donnelly is ever going to stick to a script, you clearly don't know her."
"I figured as much," Jamie said shaking his head. "So… Tell me about these bands you're managing, Bartholomew. Who's in what?" he asked, pointing to the stage.
"The ones with green hair are in Zombies. The ones without are in The Acey's. The Pack is back in LA rehearsing. So are the other two Acey's."
"Why didn't they make the trip out?"
"Because The Pack is keeping an eye on the other two Acey's who have no idea who my sister really is."
Jamie turned and looked at him. "What?"
Mason rolled his eyes. "It's a long story."
The three of them watched as Addison jumped onto Zed's back and kissed his cheek as she continued to sing.
I want your love, and I want your revenge
I want your love, I don't wanna be friends!
Je veux ton amour
Et je veux ta revanche
Je veux ton amour
I don't wanna be friends
I don't wanna be friends
I don't wanna be friends
No I don't wanna be friends
Want your bad romance!
"They sure are a spirited bunch," Jamie laughed. I'm sure they keep you busy."
"You have no idea."
"They're amazing though."
Bucky cracked a smile. "Yeah… they are."
Addison gently traced her fingers along the glass covering of the exhibit honoring her father's career, ignoring the chatter surrounding her as she let herself fully take everything in. She had seen pictures as the exhibit was being put together, but those did little to prepare her for the final product. Pictures of her father with some of Rock's biggest legends, his Grammy awards that she had boxed up and shipped for display, original tape recordings of some of his greatest works, and his notebooks all expertly arranged. She let out a soft gasp when her eyes landed on a small picture near the right corner. There for everyone to see was her, her father, and her grandfather sitting behind a control board. She couldn't have been more than three years old and was wearing the biggest smile as her father let her adjust the controls.
"You okay, Gorgeous?" Zed asked as his hands wrapped around her waist and his lips kissed her cheek tenderly.
She nodded, wiping away a single tear. "This makes it feel so real."
"The academy did a great job."
"They really did…" she let out a breath and turned in his arms. "I really hope I don't fuck this up tomorrow night."
"You won't," he whispered into her hair. "I won't let you fall."
She smiled and placed a kiss on his chest, careful not to get lipstick on his crisp white button-down.
Zed spotted the picture she had been looking at and let out a soft laugh. "You know, I bet this isn't the last picture of you that will hang in these halls… one day, Baby… one day..."
She rolled her eyes, but couldn't help the smile that spread across her face.
Tracey walked up and handed her a glass of champagne. "Wow, Honey-Bunny…" He motioned to the exhibit. "This is a lot to take in."
Mason handed Zed a scotch on the rocks and started to look over the exhibit as well. "God do I miss the shit out of this man…"
Addison nodded. "Yeah… me too."
Mason pulled her away from Zed and into his arms. "Daddy Dale would be so proud of you."
She giggled and smacked his arm "He'd also want me to do that for calling him Daddy Dale."
Mason laughed and hugged her tighter as Bree, Bonzo, Eliza and Bucky joined them.
"Photographer is on her way over. Need a few more minutes, Addie-Loo?"
Addison nodded her head and looked over to Bree. "Makeup okay?" she asked as she straightened out her gold dress.
"As flawless as ever," Bree answered, fighting off her own tears. She looked to the display and shook her head. "I still can't get over all this… I mean, I grew up with you while he was doing all of this… just seeing it all together…" she let out a breath. "It's incredible."
"Just wait until we're standing in front of your dad's bust in Canton this fall," Addison said with a smile.
Bonzo looked to Zed with wide eyes. "How did we both end up with women whose fathers are being enshrined?"
Zed shrugged his shoulders. "No idea, man. But we're both fucking lucky as hell."
Mason held his glass up in the air. "To Daddy Dale."
Addison smacked his shoulder again before clinking her glass against his.
ZzZzZzZzZzZ
"I'm at an industry party… I. Am. Actually. At. An industry party!" Tracey said excitedly as they walked into the ornate ballroom that Bamm! Records had rented out for the evening.
"Quick lap around, we stay for Uncle Jamie's speech, and then we bounce the fuck out," Addison mumbled under her breath. "I hate these fucking parties."
"Why?!"
Mason shook his head back and forth quickly, silently urging him to drop it.
Zed squeezed Addison's hand tighter. "How about we skip the lap, go find our table and start drinking?"
She grabbed a glass of champagne off the tray of a passing waitress and downed it. "I like that plan even better."
"I'll grab the drinks," Mason offered.
As Zed led her away, Bucky leaned over to Tracey. "The last time we were at a label party Dale passed away."
"Shit…" Tracey said under his breath. "This has got to be taking a toll on the two of you."
"Her more than me… but, yeah…" he said, loosening his tie and grabbing Eliza's hand. "Let's get this over with."
Addison was just about to sit down when a loud raucous behind her made her turn around.
"ADDISON!"
Before she could even process the dark mass heading her way, she was swept up in a pair of strong arms.
"Oof!"
Zed started to step in until he realized who had practically tackled his girlfriend.
"God, kid! When did you grow up?! You're making me feel old as shit!"
Addison giggled and smacked his back. "Dave! Put me down! I'm pissed off at you right now!"
"Awww, come on!" he said placing her down. "Don't be like that!"
"D..dd...ddd...da…." Eliza stammered with wide eyes as the rest of the group reached the table. She turned to Bucky, practically shaking. "That's Dave Grohl! THE Dave Grohl! And he's talking to your sister!"
Bucky bit back a laugh and wrapped his arm around her waist as he held out his other. "Good to see you again, Dave."
"Bartholomew! How in the hell are you? You're not pissed at me too, are you?" He said shaking Bucky's hand.
"You backed out of the show, what do you think?"
Dave looked between him and Addison. "To be fair, until I saw Addison's name on the rehearsal schedule, I was under the impression that Bamm! decided to pull Dale's tribute."
"That would have been my Mother's doing," Addison said shaking her head. "Oh, and congrats on induction numero dos."
He smiled and shook his head. "I wouldn't be in the hall of fame at all if it wasn't for your dad. Especially this go-round. Without his encouragement, I'd have never recorded that first Foo Fighters album… he gave me a way to work through the darkness."
Addison smiled softly. "Yeah… Daddy had a way of doing that."
Dave let out a sigh and looked Addison up and down. "I can't get over how grown-up you are all of a sudden. I haven't seen you since…"
She held her hand up, cutting him off. "The memorial. I know… Not my finest hour."
"Given the circumstances, I think you handled it as well as anyone would have."
She rolled her eyes and cuddled into Zed's side. "In a very obvious attempt to change the course of this conversation, let me introduce you to everyone."
Dave chuckled. "You are definitely Dale's kid."
She smirked at his comment. "This is my boyfriend, Zed. You met him…"
"At your graduation party," he said with a smile, reaching out to shake Zed's hand. "Hell of a guitarist if I remember right. You still play?"
Zed shook his hand, honored that he still remembered him. "Uh, yeah… I'm playing the tribute with Adds."
"That's awesome, man!"
"Um, this is Bonzo, he's a bassist and my best friend Bree's boyfriend."
"Nice to meet you, and always a pleasure Bree… how are your parents doing?"
"Doing well," she said, trying not to laugh at the shocked expression on Bonzo's face.
"And the woman drooling next to you is my brother's girlfriend, Eliza," Addison said with a soft laugh. "She's a hell of a drummer."
"Is that so?" Dave said turning towards her. "I'm always up for a good drum talk!"
"I… you… drums..."
"Easy, there E," Addison laughed.
"I'm gone for five minutes and you show up!" Mason called out as he and Tracey walked up to the table with the first round of drinks.
"Little Maxwell!" Dave exclaimed hugging him.
"I've produced your last two albums," Mason laughed. "You'd think that'd be enough for you to call me by my name and not my dad's!"
Dave ruffled his hair. "You teethed on one of my drumsticks, you'll always be Little Maxwell."
"Holy shit…" Tracey said as he took in everything.
"And that's Tracey," Addison said with a large smile. "He's a guitarist."
"Nice to meet you, man," Dave said shaking Tracey's hand. "So… are all of you playing the show tomorrow?"
"No, just the three of us," Mason said, motioning to Zed and Addison.
"I can't wait to see it, should be a hell of a performance!"
"Hopefully," Addison said with a tight smile. "And just to give you a heads up, we're playing Everlong."
"No way! I'm honored!" he said as someone walking behind the table caught his eye. "Hey, Billy! Get over here! You'll never guess who showed up!"
ZzZzZzZzZzZ
"Great party, as always, Jamie."
Jamie turned around to find one of Rolling Stone Magazine's head reporters. "Sam! Glad you're enjoying it! Come, have a seat," he said, motioning for him to take the empty chair next to him. Once Sam was seated, Jamie leaned in. "So… what can I do for you?"
Sam chuckled softly. "Can't I just enjoy the party?"
Jamie raised a brow.
"Fine, I'm working on a story."
"Thought so. What's it about?"
"Well, it started as a typical Hall of Fame induction piece, but…" he looked around the room, his eyes landing on a table near the stage where a crowd of some of rock's biggest names were huddled.
"But?" Jamie asked, his eyes following Sam's.
"But one name has been popping up all week, and I literally have no information on them."
"And who would that be?"
Sam pointed to the young woman at the center of the crowd. "Addison Donnelly."
Zed watched the rise and fall of Addison's chest carefully for any signs that she was stirring. After a few moments, he continued with the task he had set out to do, slowly and gently writing without disturbing her. Thirty painstakingly slow minutes later, he capped the marker and sat back to appreciate his work. He looked over to the clock and stood up, walking over to the windows and slowly opening the curtains before crawling back into bed.
"Lying in bed with my baby…" he whispered into her ear as his fingers gently traced up her arm.
Addison sighed contently as Zed's voice slowly began to pull her from sleep.
"You make me weak, make me crazy…"
His hands ghosted across her shoulder.
"For your love… Oh, your love…"
His lips brushed across hers.
"It's not good, it's not bad… Just the way that I am
So put down your book and give me your hand…"
Her eyes fluttered open as his fingers moved across her shoulder blades.
"Chain me to you in the back of your car
Drag me and drive me
Through your garden
Brass knuckle and bound me
Shackle me please …" He gently grabbed her leg and lifted it up, tracing the words he had written.
Addison gasped as she realized he had been tracing lyrics all along her body.
"To the heat of the moment
I'm down on my knees…"
His hand continued its path as he gazed into her eyes.
"I belong to you
I belong to you
Just 'cuz I want to
Belong to you
You know that I want to
You know I belong to you…"
"Zed…" she breathed.
He leaned down and kissed her softly before continuing to trace the path of lyrics.
"Lounging by the pool at the hotel
Leaving me to lie all by myself
Not for long
Not for long
'Cuz you know that I know
How to make you say yes
So I slide in the water
Like I'm getting undressed
Now I got your attention
With all of these goods
I dare you to drown me
The way that you should
Break all my limbs
And I'll breathe on your neck
Tying me up is a form of respect…"
Addison giggled and pulled his face back up to hers, kissing him as he continued to sing.
"I belong to you
I belong to you
Just 'cuz I want to
Belong to you
I belong to you
You know that I want to
You know I belong to you
I only belong to you…" He finally deepened their kiss, allowing all of his love and devotion to show through as he held her close.
When he finally pulled away, Addison had tears in her eyes. "Zed… that was beautiful."
"I've been working on it since the cabin… I finally finished it last night after you fell asleep."
"I loved it."
He leaned in and kissed her again. "I love you… And I meant every word of it. I belong to you." He took a deep breath, running his thumb down her cheek. "Marry me?"
Her breath caught as she looked into his eyes. It wasn't the first time she'd heard him ask her, but there was something different about this time. Something more.
Zed closed his eyes and smiled, kissing her again. "I know…" he said quietly with his eyes still closed. "But you can't blame a guy for trying."
She lifted his chin with her index finger, making him look at her. "I didn't say 'no'," she whispered.
His eyes widened. "Wait, what?"
She smiled and brushed her lips against his. "I'm saying 'not yet'… I love you," she said quietly. "Marriage was something I didn't even want to consider. But I want everything with you… including archaic ideas like getting married. I want the world to know I belong to you. But…" she sighed and curled into him, kissing his neck. "I don't want to have to keep something like that a secret. And right now, we're keeping a hell of a lot secret."
He smiled and grabbed onto her ass, rolling them over so she was on top of him. "You mean it?"
She bit her lip and nodded her head.
The smile that broke across his face took her breath away. He rolled them over again and kissed her hard. "That's almost as good as a 'yes'!"
She giggled as he continued to kiss along her jaw and down her neck.
A loud knock from the front door of the suite sounded out.
"Go away, Bucky!" Addison yelled.
Another round of knocking picked up.
"Seriously, Bartholomew! Quit trying to cockblock me!" She giggled again as Zed bit her hipbone.
The knocking continued. Finally, Zed growled and sat up. "I'll go get rid of him. Do. Not. Move!" he warned in a low voice that made her insides burn in anticipation. He stood up and walked towards the door.
"Aren't you going to put something on?"
"Nope…" he looked over his shoulder and winked, "Serves him right."
Addison sat up and watched him stride across the room naked. "Hate to see you go, but love to watch you walk away…"
He turned and wagged his eyebrows, blowing her a kiss, before turning back and throwing open the door. "What do you want Bu…" the words died on his tongue as he came face to face with Missy.
She eyed him up and down, a slow smirk pulling up the side of her mouth. "At least now I understand why my daughter keeps you around."
"What are you doing here?"
"I came to speak to my daughter…" she put a hand on his chest and pushed past him into the room.
"Mother?" Addison said as she walked out of the bedroom wearing only the top sheet from the bed. "What in the actual fuck?"
Missy gasped and clutched her pearls. "Please dear God tell me those aren't more tattoos"
Addison followed her horrified glance down to the lyrics Zed had written on her body. "No… but now that you mention it…" she looked over to Zed and smiled, "You think you could re-write these for me when we get home, Baby?"
He bit back a laugh and walked over, wrapping her up in his arms from behind and kissing her neck. "It'd be my pleasure, Gorgeous."
Addison giggled and turned in his arms to kiss him.
Missy cleared her throat.
"Oh, you're still here?" Addison asked innocently, looking over her shoulder.
"Yes…" she said tersely. "Please go shower and put on something presentable. We're having breakfast."
"No thanks," Addison smiled sweetly. "My schedule is completely full today. I just don't have the time... Such a shame."
"So you're actually going through with the performance, tonight?"
"Why wouldn't I, Mother? It's what Daddy would have wanted."
"I highly doubt your father would want you holed away in some hotel room with the likes of him," Missy sneered, looking at Zed.
"Nice try, Mom. Daddy loved Zed. He's always been the love of my life and not even you could keep us apart… even though you tried."
Missy glared at her daughter. "After everything I've done for you…" she shook her head in disappointment. "I really had hoped it wouldn't come to this, Darling, but if you insist on playing the show tonight and staying with that… neanderthal…" she said, looking over Zed again, "you've really left me with no other choice." She opened her purse and pulled out a small silver flash drive. "I believe you've been looking for this?"
"How did you…"
Missy smiled triumphantly. "I took the liberty of adding a little something onto it... Play the show and I promise it will go public." She tossed the flash drive onto the coffee table. "And yes… there are copies." Without another word, she turned and walked out the door.
Zed and Addison both stared at the flash drive in silence.
"Security really sucks in this hotel," Zed finally whispered, breaking the tension.
Addison giggled and smacked his chest. "I guess we should figure out what the Wicked Witch did this time…" She picked up the flash drive and walked back into the bedroom, pulling her laptop out of her bag and sitting on the bed.
Zed paced in front of the bed as they waited for the computer to boot up.
Finally, Addison clicked on the file folder, only to find that there was indeed a new folder added. She let out a slow breath as she clicked it open. She selected the file and sat back as the media player filled her screen.
As the video started she let out a sharp gasp.
"What is it?" Zed asked anxiously.
She slowly turned the laptop around towards him.
His eyes widened for a split second before the shock was replaced with murderous rage. "I'm going to fucking kill him!"
AUTHOR'S NOTE: I've been stuck on this chapter FOREVER! I finally decided to just post it because I'm tired of looking at it. Sorry if it's all over the place again!
SONGS USED:
Dark Nights, Dorothy
Just Tonight, The Pretty Reckless
Sick Like Me, In This Moment
Break In, Halestorm
Bad Romance, Halestorm (love the Gaga version, but it's not the one I used while writing this!)
I Belong To You, Austin P. McKenzie