A/N Hey ! I love to hear from you, thank you for the reviews and for following my story !


The next morning, Lizzie kept her promise and called her parents with Jane. It had been a few days since they last spoke. Both sisters braced themselves, held to their coffee cups and dialled the number.

- Jane ? Did you manage to catch a wealthy musician ?

Was the first thing Mrs Bennet expectantly asked her daughter when her face appeared on Jane's phone.

- You're not getting any younger you know.

Jane listened, prepared to let her kindly go on until she had exhausted the subject. Lizzie always marvelled at her patience with, well everybody in fact. But their mother and her fads required a certain amount of said quality. Which Lizzie was unfortunately deprived of. She waved at the screen.

- Hi, mom ! Actually, we did ! We just waited until a wild world famous rock star passed us on the corridors and we caught him. He is now firmly rope bound in our room. But you never told us what we were supposed to do once we caught him.

There was a blank in the conversation that Jane used to gently lecture her sister in hushed tones. The pout on their mother's face indicated that she finally understood it was a joke.

- Really Lizzie, I don't know where you get this strange sense of humour of yours from, she said in a low exasperated voice.

Their dad chose this moment to sit beside his wife on the couch and nod at his daughters through the phone. To the average onlooker, he seemed serious, but for Lizzie and Jane, the twinkle in his eyes when he responded in a deadpan demeanour was plain to see.

- Yes, Lizzie, where did you get that strange sense of humour from ?

- I swear, I have no idea, Mrs Bennet went on, shaking her head. You should be careful, young girl, she said, her finger now menacing her second daughter. No man will want you with things like that coming out of your mouth.

Lizzie rolled her eyes and sent her father a secret smile. Seeing her daughters settled, meaning married, was Mrs Bennet's chief concern in life, although they all had a career or, as far as the twins were concerned, were attending college.

- How are you all ? Jane asked. We miss you.

- We are fine, sweetie. How is everything going for you ? We heard you on the radio the other day. We are so proud of you all !

- We are doing great. Lizzie plays on stage now, and she is fantastic ! She stands in for Charles, he broke his wrist last week, Jane excitedly explained.

- Charles ? Who is he ? Is he your boyfriend ? Is he a musician too ? How rich is he ?

Of course, for Mrs Bennet, this was the information that stood out of what Jane just said. The young woman blushed comely. Mr Bennet only raised an amused eyebrow at Lizzie, who smiled and answered.

- I told you about him mom. He's the one who is tied up in our room, remember ?

Eyebrows furrowed, their mother shushed her with a wave of her hand.

- And yes, we tied him a little too hard, so we broke one of his wrist, she went on.

It was a tactic Lizzie used since childhood. Whenever Jane would be embarrassed by their mother, Lizzie would step in and redirect the conversation, so that their mother would lose track of the topic everybody wanted her to avoid. Lydia and Kitty would join in, quite without their knowledge. It usually ended in their mother being exasperated with Lizzie, but for the latter, it was worth it to shield sweet Jane.

- So now, he can't play anymore, so I play for him. It's quite nice in fact really, I

- Stop it Lizzie ! Oh my nerves, this child is driving me mad, Mrs Bennet said, massaging her temples.

- What instrument do you play ? their father asked.

- Bass guitar. Hey, remember we'll be nearby in a few weeks. We look forward to seeing you ! Will Kitty and Lydia be there too ?

- Yes, they have a few days of holiday, or so I understood, their mother replied. Do you have an evening off ? I planned a good family dinner.

The idea was mouthwatering, Mrs Bennet was a very gifted cook.

- Sorry mom, we'll be playing at night, Jane replied sadly.

- No problem my love, we'll make it a lunch then !

- Will you come and see us play ?

- A concert ? My children, I barely tolerate your mother speaking and you want to throw me in a crowd of thousands of screaming women ? This is my idea of hell, Mr Bennet replied in his usual sarcastic tone.

- Dad, Jane gently admonished him.

- We got to run, Lizzie waved after seeing the clock on the wall. We love you, see you soon ! Bye !

- Don't forget to bring this Charles with you for lunch ! Mrs Bennet called after Jane before hanging up.

Both girls looked at each other, Lizzie shrugging in a « I tried » kind of way. Her ploy was more effective when Kitty and Lydia added their chatter to Lizzie's, even though they were oblivious to their sister's purpose.

Darcy had not meant to eavesdrop. He only happened to be within ear shot when they called their parents. Sitting at the bar of the hotel, he was drinking his coffee engrossed in the documents Mrs Reynolds had handed him during their breakfast meeting. Lizzie's voice had reached him first from the booth where the sisters were sitting, and his attention took a different path. He had meant to leave after Mrs Bennet's first vulgar comment, but he was worried for Charles, so he wanted to hear more. Was the matron pushing her eldest daughter in the arms of wealthy men ? When the first signs of attachment between Charles and Jane became obvious, Darcy had worried Jane wanted nothing more than furthering her career. He had observed her, and she seemed sincere. But now, that thought lingered on his mind again. Jane was always so peaceful, was that the appearance of a girl violently in love ? Charles was a great guy and an excellent friend. He deserved a girl who would be crazy about him, nothing less. Besides, Jane hadn't corrected her mother. Darcy kept wondering. But then again, he had this stiffening effect on people. Maybe Jane felt it too and would keep her feelings in check.

And then, he had had to refrain himself from chuckling to Lizzie's joke. But when Mrs Bennet had mentioned things coming out of Elizabeth's mouth, he was the one who stiffened. Keep looking busy man, he reminded himself while turning the page he had been staring at, not that he had read a single word of it. He could only hope he was holding the paper in the right direction. What was it about anyway ? Mrs R. had mentioned a change in their route, the kind of important stuff he would want to examine. Right now, it was absolutely not as interesting as Elizabeth's lips, though. What could possibly be ? He didn't mind her teasing, he kind of liked it in fact. It was a delicate mixture of impertinence and sweetness. She was never rude. And never in awe of him, which was incredibly refreshing. Not until now had he realised he needed that. Suddenly, the idea of him tied up in Lizzie's room was…enticing. His skin tingled, he rubbed his chin, a hungry smile creeping on his face. And he really liked that mouth when it smiled, preferably to him. No, Mrs Bennet, some men will want her with that mouth of hers and everything that could come out of it. Him for instance. Wait, what ? Were did that come from ? He shook his head, took a mouthful of coffee and redirected his attention to those route plans. Apparently, he was in dire need of a break from this tour. That would explain all of … this. A few more weeks and it would be over. Had he kept his attention focused on the Bennet sister, Darcy would have heard the rest of their conversation.

- You just put yourself in trouble, Lizzie said to Jane as they reached the bar.

- I know, I'm so stupid, she said shaking her head. So far, we've managed to avoid the paparazzis and I throw us to the biggest gossip. Fuck.

Jane was clearly frustrated it had slipped from her tongue. Lizzie gently rubbed her back, a concerned expression on her face. She knew Jane was very private and their mother, far from discreet. An unsolvable equation. Thank goodness Kitty and Lydia were not there, otherwise it would already be on tweeter. Luckily, their mother, like most 50ish parents, was completely clueless regarding social media and technology. Now may be the right time to thank whatever god allowed that. Lizzie smiled to the bar tender who was wiping a glass.

- Hi, my friend and I have been coming here for the last 4 nights to get some drinks. I'd like to set the bill please.

The bar tender smiled back.

- It's already been taken care of. Same thing for your coffees, he added with a nod of the chin towards the booth they had just left.

- Oh… OK. Have a nice day.

Both sisters looked at each other quizzically. Jane shrugged, palms up at Lizzie's unspoken question.

- Let's go pack, we only have a few hours before hitting the road.

They were heading to another stadium a few hours drive away, that would take them a little closer to their family's hometown. The journey would eat up a good part of the day, a great way to catch up on sleep, since they were traveling in luxurious and well appointed buses. But Lizzie knew it would only take a couple of hours for her to feel restless in the bus.

- You know, I think we should do something special together, all of us, Charles thought aloud.

The two bands were hanging out in the stadium after the sound check. Everything was ready for tonight's concert, all they had to do now was wait. All heads turned to him.

- What do you have in mind ? Darcy asked.

Charles shrugged.

- Maybe a cover ? Or write a new song, we still have some time, he added after seeing Darcy's scowl.

Will turned a silent question to Richard, who nodded his approval. A bright smile illuminated Charles' face.

- What do you think girls ?

No discussion was needed, Jane, Charlotte and Maria readily and vocally agreed.

- Lizzie ?

Throughout the exchange, she had been silently half listening, lost in her thoughts. Charles interrupted her woolgathering. She turned an astonished face to him.

- What ?

She watched everyone in turn. Everyone was expecting something from her.

- What do you say ? Charlotte pressed.

Her mouth formed a silent « oh" when she understood. She shrugged.

- I'm the back up musician, I'll play what ever you want me to play, she answered, putting her hands deep in the pockets of her shorts.

Charlotte pinched the bridge of her nose, and Jane tilted her head on the side in the most exasperated expression she could muster, which in reality, looked like she was trying to decide between ketchup and mayo on her fries. She just wasn't build for anything negative.

- You'll participate in the creative process, right ? Charles asked nicely.

Darcy took his phone out of his pocket to sent Georgiana a long delayed text. Elizabeth was talented, excellent during the concerts really, but he didn't expect her to be creative. She was just a tool. A nice-looking tool. However, he was not going to insist on her involvement.

- But I'm not part of either band, she argued.

Surely between the 6 of them, they could write one very good song. Charlotte sighed heavily. Did she also whisper « I swear to God that girl… » ?

- The point is to do something together, Jane added sweetly, sounding like she was explaining some extremely basic facts to a mentally deficient person.

- You wrote half our songs, Maria boldly whispered.

- And your voice is incredible, Charlotte added.

Amazement lead Darcy to slowly slip his mobile back in his jeans. That Maria had dared to speak in front of them all and from the information itself. She wrote music ? And sang ? Silence. Five pair of eyes were on him. Shit, did he just say that out loud ? Apparently he did. Uneasy, he cleared his throat and scratched his lightly bearded chin, as if flatly considering this new piece of information. Judging by the way Elizabeth was glaring at him, his attempt at sounding casual was unsuccessful.

- In case you hadn't notice, I work in the music industry, so I'm kind of a music enthusiast. Her tone was polite but her eyes were murdering him.

- There is a difference between being an enthusiast and being talented, he replied matter of factly.

Was this guy never tired of being a dick ? She breathed slowly and bit her tongue, hard. No sharp come-back.

- I like your song that goes :

This is a gift, it comes with a price

Who is the lamp and who is the knife *

Charles began to sing.

- That one's not finished yet, a wide-eyed Elizabeth interrupted.

- My favourite is :

It's a different kind of danger and the bells are ringing out

And I'm calling my mother as I pull the pillars down**, Richard responded while drumming thew rhythm on his thighs.

- Really ? Good, because it's your song, Lizzie blurted in a laugh.

Richard leveled a surprised gaze at her, Darcy flinched.

- Writing songs about me already ? he winked at her.

- I always test the setting of your drums with the same rhythm. Someone (she threw Jane a pointed look) strongly suggested I turn it into a song. Your drums, your rhythm, your song, Lizzie shrugged.

Richard placed a hand on his heart and half bowed.

- I'm honoured, and I love it, thank you, he said with a sincere smile.

That was as close to serious as Lizzie had ever seen him. In answer to his bow, she curtsied. Charlotte watched the exchange with a strange expression neither Richard nor Lizzie noticed. Her eyes then reached Darcy, for she had seen his reaction to Lizzie's confession. It only confirmed what she already suspected. She sent him a knowing look. He held her gaze.

- Where did you both hear me sing anyway ? Lizzie asked.

- Your voice isn't exactly discreet ! Charles explained. What's your favourite Lizzie song, Darcy ? he asked, turning to his bandmate.

Arms crossed on his chest, eyes fixed on the object of the conversation, he slowly enunciated :

- I never heard her sing.

His stormy blue eyes were looking at her in an odd way. Had she not known better, Lizzie would have thought she saw hurt.

- Really ? Come on, sing something Lizzie ! Charlotte pushed her.

She was about to retort that she was no performing monkey when the slight curve of his lips stopped her. The man was infuriating. Something in him kept pushing her buttons. Hard. Like banging on them. With a hammer. Oh, she hated him. Mentally, she went through her songs, searching for one that was both not to long and that she could play alone. The few seconds it took her appeared like uncertainty to him. Of course she would be intimidated to sing in front of them. His bandmates had heard her sing through shut doors only. His smile widened and a smug expression shone on his face. Was it possible to have smoke coming out of one's nostrils ? For real ? She was no coward. Her legs took a few steps forward on their own volition. Before she knew what she was doing, she was in front of him. Without breaking eye contact, she took his guitar in a swift movement and anger guided her to the stage.

As soon as the first notes reverberated, Jane gave a quick nudge to Charlotte and Maria. The three of them immediately recognised the song Lizzie was playing. They had heard her rehearse it several time.

- Should we go there and play with her ? Jane asked in a whisper.

Charlotte considered it for a moment, looking at Darcy and Lizzie in turn and then answered.

- No, it's between her and Darcy. Let's let her fend for herself. I think she doesn't need us.

The intro was over. Lizzie's rich and powerful voice was now echoing. In an unconscious movement, Darcy slowly uncrossed his arms. That was not what he expected. At all. As soon as she opened her mouth, he was hypnotised. Her warm voice was wrapping him entirely like a cosy blanket. The metallic accents of her timber were piercing him to the core. Her expressive vocals conveyed raw emotions that touched him deeply. Was he actually shivering ? He had to double check to make sure he was still standing, because his body wanted nothing more than to drop on his knees and beg her. For what ? He didn't even know. All he knew was that she was singing for him. That she was furious was irrelevant. That scene would be replayed in his mind, often, possibly on a daily basis, of that he was sure. Maybe with a little less clothes. This was food for fantasy. She was everything appealing. The way her body moved with the music, her soulful voice, her incredible eyes, her wild hair, even the meaningful lyrics, the mesmerizing music, everything came together perfectly. Something warm and comforting emanated from her. She was like a chocolate goddess and he wanted to taste her. If only he could close that sensual mouth with his. Suddenly, the room was too hot, and he prayed no one would notice how his treacherous body reacted to her. God, she was incredible. The sight of her fingers lightly caressing the guitar was probably the sexiest thing he had ever seen. He swallowed hard, thinking about what else those fingers could touch. Hopefully her song would soon be over, otherwise he would have to leave to hide his modesty. His prayers were heard, cheers and clapping brought him back to earth. She bowed deep and smiled in a dazzling way. Then, she walked straight to him with an air of defiance. Without a word, she pressed his guitar against his chest, hard, lifted her chin and turned her back on him. He was so stunned, he couldn't move, clutching his instrument. Richard was the only one to see the way Darcy bent his head down and smiled, his cheeks lightly coloured. A humbled Darcy was quite a sight.


* Rabbit Heart, from Florence and the Machine

** Delilah, from Florence and the Machine