chapter 2.29

Lana

Jitters tumbled through my body as I looked at one of my father’s most feared former henchman. But I had to act calm. Exude Antonio Richardson’s essence. That was easier said than done. A sadness washed over me as I thought of Father. He would have known what to do. He always knew what to do. But I had to be strong.

Lifting my head high, I said, “And so...do we have a deal?”
​

Taking a seat, the man pointed at me and said, “That’s if you got the cash, girlie. I heard that idiot, Knight, ate up all the dough. I don’t come cheap.
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He was going to be harder than I thought. But I could take him. Ronald was right. Money meant power. Fortunately, I had the money.

I laughed, hoping to unsettle him. “Listen, I will admit, my brother is a fool, but I’ve got friends who have helped me regain control of Knight Industries. We are making more money than ever before. Do not worry. I will pay you handsomely.”


“How’d you do that? Make so much money in such a short amount of time? I don’t buy it.”

Walking around my desk, I decided a more comforting approach might help. “It was easy. First of all, Knight is very gullible and greedy. He took the bait I gave him. And secondly, I have the right friends who helped me.”
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His eyes flashed. “So, you basically stole Knight’s legacy right out from under him?”

I nodded. “More or less.”

He laughed, shaking his head. “You are definitely Antonio’s offspring. That’s cold. I doubt even Antonio would have done something that dirty.”

“I don’t need your opinion, just your skills. If you can scare this girl into promising to leave us alone without bloodshed, I will double the offer.”
​

He bit his lip. I had him.

“A cool million? Okay then. You got a deal.”
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Winter

Now...how was I going to reveal my evidence to Jackson? I had no clue.
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Filing my nails, my mind swirled like windblown snow. It had to be a setting where we could get cozy once he found out.
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And he needed to be in a good mood. What did Jackson love most in all the world?
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And then it hit me.

His music.

Dialing Ro, I said, “Hey, handsome, how would you like to come to a party at my house I’m having tomorrow night? Yeah. And could you do me a favor? Ask Jackson and his band to play for it. I want this place to rock.”
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“Of course! Your boyfriend’s friends are my friends. Bring them, too. Sure...it’s going to be a blast. Thanks, Ro, you’re the best!”
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Hanging up, I looked at myself in the mirror. “Jackson, honey, it’s all over but the kissing. You. Are. Mine.”
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Jackson

When Ro asked me and my band to play over at Winter’s, I almost did a backflip into our frozen pool, I was that stoked. The Llama Kings had NEVER played in front of anyone except the oddball homeless guy that might have wandered in front of Clarke’s grandparent’s garage, asking for a handout.

And yeah, playing in front of all my friends made me a complete nervous wreck, but once we started, and I saw everyone getting into the first song, it was all over.
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I wanted this.

I wanted the applause. The music. The atmosphere.

I wanted to play in a band for real.
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Only a month ago, I would have never agreed to even play in front of my little sister. But Clarke’s girlfriend introduced us to her friend, Mako Nakamura, who was killer on the electric guitar.
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And our band couldn’t be complete without a drummer. Manu was decent but really not that good. Luckily, Eskandar had a buddy, Lane Hayes, who could play just about every instrument imaginable. The guy was a prodigy or something. When I’d heard him play a set for us a few weeks ago on the drums while I was hanging with them at Eskandar’s luxury penthouse, I knew we had to get him. And I was so happy he’d said he’d do it.

And now, we were making sick sounds while all the girls danced, having such a blast.
​

What an incredible night.

But what made it even more amazing was I caught Luci really smiling at me. She wasn’t even dancing anymore. Just listening. It was as if I was singing for her and we were the only two people in the room.
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After about six songs, I was getting tired, so we took a break. Everyone was in full tilt party mode, and I needed to catch up. When you’re the entertainment, although the music was a rush, it sort of left you behind socially. I saw everyone pairing up. Victoria’s new boyfriend was Jenny Garraph’s brother, Ben. He was one of Ro’s friends. Played on the basketball team at Newcrest High. A jock. I totally didn’t think he was her type, but she seemed to be having a lot of fun.

And of course, Ro and Eskandar always had fun together.
​

I punched Ro in the gut and yelled at him to knock it off. They both laughed.

And then there was Luci.

I told myself I wasn’t going to date her, but I couldn’t help it. What if we dated and the next few months she was here would have been totally an amazing time? If we didn’t put pressure on the relationship, then wouldn’t it still be fine? I thought it was worth a try.

“Hey, Luci,” I said, grinning.

She smiled back. “Hey.”


“So...are your ears deaf yet? Sorry if we were too loud.”
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“No,” Luci shrugged. “The louder the better, I always say.”

But then I noticed something was wrong with Winter. I figured since this was her party, I better go over there and cheer her up. Hopefully, she liked my band. Maybe she hated it. That would totally suck.
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​Winter

I was having the most amazing time of my life. My Jackson was sooooo talented. I could really see him becoming some famous rock or tween pop star in the future. He had the looks, voice, famous fathers...and he would have me at his side making sure everything happened the way he wanted. I was so excited about it, I danced better than I’ve ever danced in my life!
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Unfortunately, I saw Luci and Jackson making eyes at each other. It was enough to make me puke.
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Oh. My. God.

I was too late. Jackson was already falling for Luci. And there was nothing I could do about it.

Luci was my sidekick. My minion.

I was the main attraction. Are you kidding me, Jackson? How can you look at Luci when I have been by your side all this time?

I felt so unhappy, I was about to cry.
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​That was until my hubby came over to me and touched my arm. “Winter? Are you okay?”