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  Greg shook his head in disgust. “I don’t get it with y’all, but to each his own. What y’all do on your time ain’t my business.”

  “Good, so stop judging my guy, then,” Malakei said, then looked back at his man. “You ready, Seth?”

  Greg grumbled behind him.

  “Ready, love. I was thinking we might record this bit and load it on the Tube. I wore the kilt for you and to be on the cam today. You okay with that?”

  “I am. It’ll be a good thing to let everyone see High Stakes before they go on tour in a couple of months. Are you going to do this live or play to the master?”

  “Hells no, sweets. We gotta do it live or not at all. I don’t lip synch. My name ain’t Milli Vanilli.”

  All of them laughed; even Greg snickered at that comment.

  Malakei grinned at Seth, knowing this man had him hook, line, and sinker. His saucy lines, his intelligence, musical genius. All of it along with his looks were too hard to ignore.

  No, Greg was wrong. He wasn’t just some ordinary white boy.

  He was Seth Davies.

  Reaper.

  The man he’d fallen for almost overnight.

  And he had absolutely no plans to stop the quick descent.

  Chapter Twenty-Two

  AFTER THE band finished recording the video, Barry helped Seth put it online. The man was amazing, able to add a couple of effects that made it seem like their first music video. It was raw, hard, and bone crushing just the way Seth had envisioned. Now, they’d take a little break as the single circulated and plan the tour. He hoped Malakei would stop in to see them for a couple of gigs. It didn’t have to be every one of them because that would probably kick up suspicions Malakei wouldn’t want.

  To further that point, Seth didn’t put up a fuss when Greg wanted to hang out with Malakei alone. On his way out, Seth tried making amends with the guy, saying since they both cared for him, they should get along. Greg agreed and thanked him for the suggestion. He promised the next time he was in town, perhaps they could all sit down for a meal.

  Once they left, Seth stood with his guitar, practicing a few new chords. Morty and Gio went out for a bite also, but he declined to tag along. He wanted to be alone with his thoughts, to process everything that had happened in such a short time. Truth was he was falling for Malakei quicker than he expected. He needed to check himself to make sure he was clear on the real reason he’d come to New York… to record a disc and get the ball rolling on a long career as a musician. That would remain first and foremost before any plans were made with Malakei.

  As he strummed the guitar, his phone rang on his hip, and he stopped playing. When he noticed his mother’s name and number on the caller ID, he pressed the button. “Hello, Mom.”

  “Hi, dear. You hadn’t called me in the last couple of days. Is everything all right?”

  “Never better. You recall what I talked with you about before we came? About Malakei?”

  “Yes, dear.”

  Seth sighed, wondering if he could talk to his mother about this. More so than Johnno, Morty, or Gio, his mother was his best friend. She never judged him and always listened to every word he’d say. He was just concerned that she’d babble to someone else. He figured there would be no harm, so he relayed everything that had happened over the last couple of weeks, leaving out the naughty bits.

  “Son, I would’ve never guessed. Not that it’s a bad thing, but… it just goes to show you how easy it is to hide.”

  “Mom, he doesn’t do anything. He’s shy, to himself. The man doesn’t even curse.” Seth laughed. “Please don’t say anything to anyone, all right? Only his folks and close friends know.”

  “I won’t, son. I will tell you to be careful, though. Make sure you’re always using protection. Did you finish the box of condoms I left for you?”

  “No, because we only just started. I guarantee you I’ll need more fairly soon, though.” He laughed.

  “Oh, Seth, stop that! I don’t need that kind of information. Like I said, just be careful. Don’t fall all over yourself too quickly. Not that I don’t trust him, but I don’t want to kick his arse if he breaks my babby’s heart.”

  “He won’t. He introduced me to his best friend today as his man.”

  “Well, that’s good. Will he come out for you?”

  “Not now, and I’m not pushing him.”

  “Why not? I don’t approve of you staying in the closet like his dirty little secret. You’re a good guy, and he’s very lucky to have you as his man.”

  Seth puffed up with pride from his mother defending him. “Mom, he will. It’s okay that he doesn’t now because, well, I want to make sure High Stakes gets off the ground.”

  “That’s what he told you in the beginning, right?”

  “Yeah, he did. He’s right on the money with that. I want people to recognize my music before they realize I’m fucking Malakei Oakley.”

  “Are you in love?”

  Seth smiled when he thought of the way Malakei responded to him. The way their bodies meshed, their kisses, full of passion and excitement. Every time they shared a moment, it was as if Seth had been plugged into a socket and turned to the highest level. The electricity from Malakei flowed through him, and he didn’t wish for it to stop.

  “Seth?”

  “’M not in love yet. What I know is, he makes me feel… special. Like I could conquer the world.” Seth grabbed the notepad in front of him and scribbled a few words.

  “Aw. That’s my lovie. All right, then. Are you coming home for a bit to visit?”

  “Yeah. I hate to leave Malakei, but I miss you lots. We got a while before the tour starts, and I can take the time to apply for a work visa when we come back to play.”

  “I miss you too, son. He is welcome to come if he likes.”

  Seth smiled at that. “Barry told me he has a home in the English countryside, so maybe he will come for a while. Okay, I gotta go. I’m working on something. I’ll check in with you later?”

  “Okay. I love you, son.”

  “Love you too, Mum. Bye.” Seth pressed the button and put his phone down on the stool in front of him. He wrote down the chorus to a new song he’d hope to sing to Malakei at some point. It wasn’t finished, but he had all the basics down just to start. All he needed now was the right tempo to pull it all together.

  “SO, BRUH, your man….” Greg mouthed so no one in the restaurant would hear.

  “Mhmm?” Malakei only grunted. Malakei stopped eating his gourmet salad and pushed away the plate.

  “He apologized after you stepped out. He seems cool.”

  Malakei smiled hearing that. “Told you. He can be a little abrasive. We argued the first time we met, but once we got together—”

  “You fell.”

  “Heck yeah. Hard. I know he needs to go back home for a while. A part of me wants to jump on that plane to go with him.”

  “Where’s he going?”

  “Back to England to see his mother. I don’t want him to leave, Greg. I want him here, not on another continent.”

  “Uh, you sure that’s a good idea? I’ve heard that suffocating ain’t good for no relationship. That’s why me and Cara stay apart sometimes. I can’t have that chick living with me.”

  “I get it. I don’t want to do that, but I’m gonna miss… him.” Malakei finished his sentence and looked around. When he looked back to the left, a figure he knew well caught his eye. Malakei pushed his plate away and patted his mouth with the napkin.

  “What is it, fam?”

  “It’s Darryl. He’s sitting at the table on the left. Oh God, don’t come… fuck.” Malakei straightened in his chair, trying to pretend he didn’t notice.

  Much to his chagrin, the man buttoned his jacket, then walked over.

  “It’s a coincidence he’s here, man. I swear,” Greg said, sounding annoyed.

  “You sure? I mean, I’m wondering about all of this because—”

  “Well, well, well, if it is
n’t Malakei Oakley. Haven’t seen you around much, my man.”

  “Because I’m busy, that’s why. What can we do for you, Darryl?”

  “Nothin’. I heard through the grapevine you been branching out to help a few white bands. You realizing hip-hop is better off without you?”

  “Ah cut it, Darryl. Don’t come over here.” Greg was about to stand, but Malakei stopped him. The last thing he needed was a fight to break out over some things his rival had said.

  “Darryl. We will not have this conversation here or anywhere. Fact is, you’re envious of my success. Always have been.”

  “Not at all. I’m doing good in my own right, and I’m staying with my own. I don’t do that crossover shit. I’m not tainting my label with crap I don’t like.”

  “Well, I like a variety of music. And good for you and your label,” Malakei said. He grabbed his money clip from his pants pocket.

  “What’s up with that, Malakei? Rock music ain’t no good. Who you trying to be?”

  “The best producer I can. I’m offering people a shot, nothing more.”

  “Heh. To the wrong kind of folks, G. Leaving your own people to work with white groups. That ain’t nothin’ but some Uncle Tom shit, there.”

  A couple of people in the restaurant turned their heads in their direction when they heard Darryl’s offhanded comment.

  “Man, let’s go.” Greg got up and glared at Darryl.

  Malakei rose and threw a hundred-dollar bill on the table.

  Before he could move, two men from security ambled over with a well-dressed guy Malakei recognized as one of the managers.

  “Is everything all right, Mr. Oakley? I could have this young man escorted out if he is bothering you.”

  “Ain’t no trouble.” Darryl held his hands up.

  “Thank you, Pierre, but we were just leaving.” Malakei turned on his heel and continued out the side door reserved for high-profile customers, avoiding anyone who may have spotted him. Rousseau’s had been his favorite steak house to unwind and relax in. How the hell did Darryl find out he’d be visiting tonight?

  Malakei pondered over the possibilities. Only Greg, Peter, and Lena knew he was coming tonight for a quiet meal with Greg before he departed. Malakei thought back to what Seth had said. Could he somehow be tied to the phone calls and the reason Darryl was coming to pick a fight with him? And if so, why?

  “That fucker has a lot of nerve,” Greg said aloud as he followed Malakei. Malakei sprinted across the street toward his car. When he got there, he gasped and cursed under his breath. “Sonofa….”

  “Dayum!”

  Malakei walked closer to his beloved vehicle Micah, noticing all four tires were flat. Why the hell wasn’t his car in the garage? He didn’t know, but he was rather unappreciative of what had occurred. “This is so….”

  “I told you, man. You need to show that ass who’s boss. I’ll rough him up for ya. I don’t need money to do it either.”

  “Shut the hell up, Greg! Nobody’s doing anything, okay? It’s four flats. From the looks of it, they didn’t do much else.” Malakei took out his personal key that he didn’t give to the valet. When he pressed the key fob, the locks clicked, and he opened the door.

  When he did, his breath caught in his throat. The person who’d slashed his tires also took a knife to his leather upholstery. It would take a few days to repair the damage done, but nothing he couldn’t handle.

  “Shit… this is….” Malakei ran his hand over his head. “Where is that fucking valet with my key?”

  “Let me go find him. When I do, I’m gonna fuck him up good, I promise you.” Greg took off.

  Malakei didn’t bother stopping him. Instead, he slammed his car door closed and leaned against it. Why was someone targeting him now when he was out of the rap game? Darryl had his own company, clearly doing well. What reason would the jerk have to bother him? Was he still jealous, or did he want to annoy the heck out of Malakei? Either way, he was more than sore at all that had happened this evening when it was supposed to be a quiet dinner with a close friend.

  Once he called a tow truck to get his car, Malakei would call his chauffeur, who had been carting the band around, then Seth who he hoped was already back at the hotel. He needed a vacation. Perhaps time away would be good. Away from New York to figure out who the hell was stalking him and destroying his personal property. Yes, maybe a trip to England might be just what he needed right now.

  Chapter Twenty-Three

  “MATE, WHEN are we leaving?”

  Seth looked up from his book he’d taken the time to read for the umpteenth time, Stephen King’s classic It, which still made him want the lights on when he slept.

  “On Friday, I believe. I need some time to say a proper goodbye to Malakei, you know? Unless, you guys want to fly commercial and go back early,” Seth said.

  “Nope. We’d prefer the first-class treatment, especially so we can get better acquainted with the stewardesses,” Gio said, laughing.

  “Might join the mile-high club before we turn twenty-five, after all,” Morty added, sitting across from Seth on the opposite couch. They were in their hotel room taking time out.

  Seth shook his head at his bandmates. “You guys are numpties, you know that? First-class numpties. No stewardess would want the likes of either of you lot.”

  Both men chuckled at that.

  Seth picked up the sofa pillow and threw it in their direction.

  “Ha ha, missed.” Morty laughed at him and sent it back his way.

  Seth blocked it with his forearm. “I won’t miss the next time. Hey, don’t you two have something better to do besides annoy me?”

  “You know what, Gio, I’m thinking he’s right. We should go out on the town, see if we can find ourselves some company, aye?”

  “Yeah, sounds good to me. You sure you don’t wanna come, Seth? I know you’re all faithful to Prophet, but it shouldn’t stop you from having fun.”

  “Nope, I’m good, gents. Gonna finish reading this and then work on my little tune some more.”

  “And hoping your man will call for some late-night loving,” Morty added, snickering.

  “Shaddup, you wanker. You’re jealous, that’s all. I’m not going to push him. Whenever he’s ready—”

  A knock sounded at the door, interrupting Seth from finishing his comment.

  “I’ll get it.” Gio hopped up and turned to the door.

  “Who could that be at this hour? We didn’t make too much noise, did we?”

  Seth harrumphed. “If those fools didn’t come up here while you and Gina were busy bickering, I’m sure they wouldn’t do it now.”

  “You had to ruin the mood mentioning her, didn’t you? I sent her home so I wouldn’t have to hear her name until I returned home.”

  Seth snorted. “Sorry, mate, just sayin’….”

  “Seth, Malakei’s here to see you. He says it’s important.” Gio stepped back in, looking serious. “Hurry, man. Your guy doesn’t look so good.”

  “What?” Seth tossed the book aside and stood. He slid into the bunny slippers his mother bought him from the clothing store before she departed. He adored them, and they reminded him a lot of when he was a kid.

  “What could it be? He doesn’t drink… smoke….” Seth made his way to the main living area where Malakei sat on the sofa, with his head in his hands.

  “Babe? What’s wrong?”

  Malakei looked up at him. His eyes were slightly pink, and single bags had formed underneath them.

  “Kei?”

  Malakei got up and held out his arms. “Seth. I just need you right now.”

  Seth quickly ambled over and held him close as he’d asked. He could feel him shuddering under his touch, but it wasn’t the same as when they made love.

  Seth continued to hold him. “Boys, give us some time, hmm?”

  “Sure,” Morty said, pulling Gio out with him. “Hope things get better, Malakei.”

  “Thank you,” Malakei answ
ered them, but didn’t bother watching them walk out.

  Seth pulled away slightly to glance into Malakei’s eyes. He placed both hands on Malakei’s face. “All right, love. Tell me what’s wrong? Who do I have to kill?”

  “I… I just don’t know. It started off simple with these strange calls. Then, my rival shows up at the restaurant Greg and I ate at. To make matters worse, when I left, the tires on my car were slashed, and so was my leather interior. They also left a note inside that said ‘eat shit and die faggot.’”

  “Fuck! Are you serious? I swear, whoever did—” Seth stopped and grabbed him by the neck. He kissed his temple.

  “I don’t know, but I went to the police and told them everything. I’ve never been scared in my life, Seth, but this hits too close to home. Whoever is taunting me is getting his or her jollies from it.”

  Seth wrapped his arms around Malakei and rubbed the back of his neck. “Dammit, I don’t know who’s doing this, but when we find out, they will pay!”

  “I don’t know what to think or who to believe, you know? This is just getting to be too much. I think I need some time away.”

  Seth didn’t stop holding him tight. He led him to the couch and helped him sit down. “You want something to drink? I know you don’t usually, but….”

  “I need it now, and I need you. I don’t want you to leave.”

  Seth nodded and shifted on his heel, heading for the wet bar. He grabbed two glasses and then the bottle of Jack that he hadn’t touched in a couple days. “Jack and cola, good?”

  “Yeah, that’s fine. I hate that shit, but I need something to relax.”

  Seth made the drinks for both, then walked back over to where his lover sat. He’d removed his jacket along with his tie, setting them off to the side. “Here. Drink slowly. It will go down better if you do.”

  Malakei nodded. “Thanks.”

  Seth took the seat next to him and ran his arm around the back of his neck. “So, I hate to bring this up again, but have you confronted Peter?”

  Malakei shook his head and winced when he finished part of his drink. “I don’t think Peter’s responsible.”