Page 140 of Fame & Chaos

So I’m taking her to one of London’s best restaurants for a late lunch.

I called ahead and pulled a few strings. For a ridiculous amount of money, they agreed to keep the restaurant open privately for us after closing. The doors officially shut at two-thirty, and we’ll get there right around then, meaning it’ll just be us. No curious eyes, no awkward questions, and no chance of someone spotting us together before Indi is ready.

As much as I’d love to show her off to the entire fucking world, I understand why she’s hesitant. With everything in her past, I’d probably feel the same in her position. Besides, I’m not famous yet. People know me as Huxley Slade’s son, sure, but Staked has only played two live gigs so far. I doubt paparazzi are hiding in bushes waiting for me to emerge from a restaurant with a girlfriend…

Yet.

Indi walks out of the bedroom and into the living room, where I’m sprawled across the sofa waiting for her. I love her deeply, but Christ, she takes forever to get ready. Then again, I only had one set of clothes to throw on while she actually had outfit choices to make.

The second I turn and see her, my chest tightens.

She looks fucking stunning.

The yellow halter dress hugs her body perfectly, while the white cardigan softens her whole look and makes her appear sweet and innocent. Meanwhile, I’m standing here in dark jeans, boots, a black vest, and my leather jacket, my hair hanging around my shoulders, looking like trouble personified.

I chuckle softly and push off the couch, walking toward her. “You look beautiful,” I murmur, sliding my fingers through her shoulder-length dusty blonde hair before cupping her cheek gently.

Her cheeks pink slightly as she studies me. “You look… well, exactly the same as always. Do you own anything besides black jeans, leather jackets, and vests?”

“Would you like to see me in something different?” I ask teasingly.

She bites her lip and smiles. “No, you look perfect.”

“That’s what I thought.”

Rolling her eyes affectionately, she lets me pull her in for a quick kiss.

“You ready to go?”

She nods and grabs her keys from the buffet table beside the enormous arrangement of roses I sent her. Even I have to admit they look impressive as hell.

“Yeah. I hope we’re not going somewhere crowded,” she says cautiously.

I smile and lace my fingers through hers. “Nope. Just somewhere nice and cozy.”

We head outside and walk down the street toward my car, which thankfully hasn’t been vandalized or destroyed by the lowlifes that live in her street. I open the passenger door for her, and she smiles softly as she slides into the seat. Closing the door behind her, I walk around and climb into the driver’s side. The second I start the engine, I feel her staring at me.

Turning toward her, I catch the smirk on her lips. “What?” I ask.

She giggles quietly. “It’s just… you.”

I furrow my brows. “What’s that supposed to mean?”

Her eyes wander around the inside of the car before settling back on me. “You. This car. Your band. Your whole vibe.” She smiles softly. “You’re pretty spectacular, you know.”

My chest instantly warms. “I think you’re confusing yourself with me there, sweet Indi.” Leaning across the console, I grab her seatbelt and pull it toward her. “Buckle up.”

She takes it from my hand and clips it in before I lean over and kiss her quickly, then I pull out into traffic and head toward central London. The drive passes easily, conversation flowing naturally between us now that all the walls finally seem to be coming down. We talk about how this relationship will work practically. When she’s on night shifts, she’ll stay at my place afterward since it’s closer to the hospital than her apartment. Except for the times I’ll be in Oxfordshire rehearsing with the band, which I already know is going to become more frequent.

Something big is coming for Staked.

I can feel it.

Another tour. More gigs. A label meeting. Maybe even an album.

Whatever it is, I know life is about to change, which means I want every possible second with Indi before the chaos really starts.

Eventually, we pull up outside the restaurant in the heart of London, and the second Indi notices where we are, she goes quiet.