Chapter 23: Too late to retreat!

Jaxon's POV:

Honestly, if someone asked me why I cancelled on all my appointments and flew all the way to Georgetown with her band.

I did tell you same thing the thousands of fans cheering and yelling in the arena would tell you.

That I was here for the good music.

I'd tell you that her music reminded me of peace in the most rough, uncut and unrefined way and somehow it aligned with me.

I dipped my hands into my trouser’s pocket and leaned back on the banister.

Her music did stuffs to me, I hated to acknowledge to anyone. Her voice was therapeutic…

And addictive. The more you listened, the more you yearned for more.

I watched her gyrate on stage— Her performance was simply too energetic and mind-blowing. It stirred something in me, something I never knew I had in me.

I chuckled softly, a bemused smile plastered on my face.

I caught sight of Ryan reaching for the dressing room and called out to him.

“Where's VIXEN?” I find myself asking before I could stop myself. I had seen them leave the dressing room earlier.

“She is meeting with a young man in the hallway.”

My face darkened. I pursed my lips together tightly. A young man?

“Okay, you can leave” I waved him away and made for the hallway.

I shoved two overexcited teenagers out of my way and then..

I saw them. He was pulling her into an embrace..

Wait?

I squinted a bit, as I caught sight of the man holding her. Wasn't that the same man from the club?

Were they dating?

The thought stirred up something feral and dangerous through me. I took two firm strides towards them. My fingers retracting, clawing themselves into fists that shook with anger.

Even though, they were dating, he had no right to hug her in public.

How could he give her bad publicity?

If I don't stop them, I'll have to spend extra money to turn the tide around. I couldn't let that happen.

Couldn't and wouldn't.

“Laura.” I called. The name escaped my throat like an animalistic growl. Fierce and dangerous.

All heads turned to me. The little penguins were all pulling out there mobile phones and flashing them at me.

I didn't care. I eyed her as she straightened up and turned to me.

The overhead light cast a sudden glow on her face that gave her a golden hue, that made her look even more angelic.

The sight made the anger rising in me dissipate as quickly as he came.

Her long black hair poured over her shoulders.

I parted my lips, rummaging my brain for a convenient lie to say. Now that I finally had her attention.

“I need you for a sec, come here.” I commanded dropping the please intentionally. I had to show that Mr-whoever-he-was. That I was in charge here and my word was final.

I reached for her hands without even waiting for her reply. I yanked her away, pulling her through the torrent of fans flashing their mobile phones, and snapping away.

I guess we'd be in the tabloids in the morning at this rate.

Some fans even wanted their clothes signed with her autograph.

I ignored them all, pulling her from all those.

She had to be with me.

I wanted her to be with me.

And. Nobody. Else.

We stepped outside the arena, my hands firmly clasped round hers. I pulled her to the pavement. The cool breeze washed over us. It was a sharp contrast from the choked up arena which was still hot even after turning on all the Air-Conditioners for the twelve thousand capacity hall.

The street was dark and free if traffic. I eased my grip on her, caressing it gently— The smooth and delicate feel of her small hands in my large ones, gave me some sort of comfort.

“What do you want to talk to me about?” Her voice suddenly cut through the silence making me swallow the lump in my throat.

I threw her a glance, just in time to see the wind blow her long black hair back. Leaving only her eyes and teardrop shaped face, staring back at me.

From this close range, she appeared even more gorgeous and eye pleasing.

She snapped her fingers at me. Clearly she had been saying something.

“Ugh…. What?” I stuttered, with a flushed face.

“I said why you are it. Can you kindly let go of my hands please.” She said in what seemed like a sweet canary voice. Her eyes batted to her hand.

I hastily drew my hands back, letting go of hers. I dipped both hands back in my pocket. As if afraid, I wouldn't be able to stop myself from reaching out and taking those small hands back into mine.

I cleared my throat after a moment of tensed silence, and began “I knew you were avoiding me.”

I tried not to make my voice carry any resentments. I wanted to understand her properly.

She raised a suspicious brow at me, then tilted her head to the side, to get a clear look at me and inadvertly, exposing the nape of neck.

The sight was alluring. I sucked on a sharp breath. Another lump was forming somewhere but definitely not in my throat.

“I know you've never wanted anything to do with me.” I paused, watching her closely. “And I might have put you in several difficult positions.” My voice, deepening as I continued.

She said nothing. Her face was blank and bleak. Just watching me, not blinking once. She showed neither surprise or shock or dislike.

And that unnerved me. I couldn't read her.

No matter how hard I tried, I couldn't see through her and that made me even more curious and drawn to her.

I had lied when I told Paul, She was merely business. I was just too ashamed to tell him, she intrigued me, the same way a mystery story did. And I wanted to unravel every piece and bits of this mystery, piercing all the clues together.

I sighed. “I'm sorry, if I made you feel like I was forcing myself into your life..”

Her lips parted immediately, cutting me off. “Oh, hell. You've done far worse than just that!” Her tune became hysterical, her eyes gleaming with a certain fireceness I had never seen in them before.

Did I say something wrong.

She bit her lip, sucking in a ragged breath. Trying to calm herself down.

“I'm sorry.” I muttered, helplessly.

She turned on her heels and took two brisk steps from me. And halted, She threw her head back and glared at me.

I met her gaze, unflinching. Her hazel eyes were dead cold.

“If you truly claim to be sorry.” She began softly, then her eyes suddenly darkened as if she was about to explode.

I braced myself for the explosion. Her nose flared up, as she growled. “Then just get out of my life. Out! I never want to see you again.”

“Asshole!” She cursed and stormed off.

The overhead light bouncing on her retreating figure.

I couldn't back off now.

For me, it was too late to retreat!