Chapter 2
"Are you talking to me?" A deep voice comes from behind me, causing my heart to speed up and my body temperature to rise a few degrees.
I turn around to see Ronan slowly strolling towards me, in nothing but his boxers.
He smirks at me, knowing very well how much he affects me.
He's distraction personified.
"That was Zoey." I throw the phone over onto the couch, just as he reaches me.
His hands grab my waist and he pulls me flush against him.
I melt into him immediately, relishing the contact, trying to push the guilt of keeping secrets from him to the back of my mind.
Ronan
The earth shattering noise coming from the screaming fans stays with me long after I leave the stage.
This was night number two in Murkwell, and tomorrow we'll be on our way to Grenthar.
The arena had been sold out both nights, and I loved every single second of it.
The rush of performing in front of thousands of people never gets old.
Right now I want nothing more than to get back to the hotel, though.
I know Skylar will probably be passed out already after having to get up so early this morning, but just lying right next to her in bed makes me feel better, more complete.
I'm fighting my way through the crowded tunnels backstage to get to the side entrance, knowing a SUV is waiting for me.
My two bodyguards Rocky and Quill are at my side, and we keep a brisk pace.
We know how important it is to get out of here as quickly as possible before the masses leave the building.
I take a deep breath when I'm finally in the car, and Quill closes the door behind me.
He and Rocky slip into the front seats and I let my head fall against the headrest, closing my eyes for a moment.
The quiet moment doesn't last long when my phone starts vibrating in my pocket.
Who would send me a message this late?
I take out my phone to check it and smile when I see who it's from.
Xyla:
I can't wait to see you next week in Quinla.
It will be the best night ever.
I can't tell you how excited I am.
Me:
Same here.
It's been too long since we've seen each other.
I hope it's going to be great.
I'm a bit nervous.
Xyla:
Do you think Skylar suspects anything?
Me:
I don't think so.
She's been so busy with her final exams that I don't think she's really been paying attention to much else lately.
Xyla:
We can still change our plans if you think she's onto you.
I don't want to risk getting caught.
Just let me know.
Ok?
Me:
Will do for sure.
We should be fine, though.
I'd hate to change our plans now.
Xyla:
Good!
See you in a few days, loverboy.
Xoxo
I laugh at the message and put my phone back in my pocket, just as we come to a stop at the side entrance of the hotel.
Quill gets out with me, while Rocky drives off with the car.
There aren't a lot of people out at this hour, but I pull up my hoodie anyway.
Better safe than sorry.
Luckily we make it up to our floor without any issues.
I leave Quill at his door and walk past a few more doors down the hallway to Skylar's and my room.
I slip in as quietly as possible, glad that we have a bigger suite with a separate bedroom.
That way I don't wake her up the second I get back from my concert.
I take a quick shower, put on my boxer shorts, and climb slowly into bed.
The moonlight shines softly through the window, and I can see Skylar's eyes fluttering open for a second to look at me.
Skylar is extremely weird when it comes to her sleep.
When we go to bed at the same time, it's almost impossible to wake her up once she's asleep.
I've been close to dumping a bucket of cold water on her on a few occasions now.
When I'm not there and she goes to bed by herself though, she's the lightest sleeper.
She usually wakes up immediately when I climb into bed, almost as if she's been subconsciously waiting for me.
"Hey." She whispers quietly, her voice full of sleep.
"You're back."
"I am," I say, opening my arms for her.
She nestles herself as close to me as possible, and I enjoy the heat radiating from her body.
I give her a soft kiss on her forehead, loving the contact with her soft skin.
"I've missed you.
It's starting to get really lame here without you." She's pressing herself into me some more, and my body heats up right away.
There are no words needed to tell her how much I've missed her too.
Skylar
"Let's take a picture, Ronan.
That will get Zoey of my back." Ronan takes the phone out of my hand and turns it around so he can take a picture of us.
We're in Stillwater, in the central place to be exact, and it's absolutely stunning.
I'm not sure where to look first with all the majestic beauty around us.
We arrived in Grenthar yesterday afternoon.
I worked very hard for the rest of the day, so I could take some time off today.
We've been sightseeing and just enjoying each other's company all morning.
I already dread going back to the hotel and the piles of schoolwork that are waiting for me.
"Smile, Skylar.
Or did you want me to take a picture of your big frown?" I look over and smile at Ronan just as he takes a photo.
"Aww look at this.
What a cute picture." He holds the phone out to me, so I can see it too.
I know he's making fun of me right now because I look at him like a lovesick puppy.
I have to agree though, it is a very cute picture.
"Oh shush it.
You know you love it." I snatch the phone out of his hand before he starts taking pictures of me looking all embarrassed.
"Of course I do." He pulls me close to him and rests his forehead against mine.
"I like seeing you out here with me, actually enjoying yourself and not stressing out for once."
"I know.
It feels good too.
We're almost there.
Even though it feels like forever, it's just around the corner now." I whisper, our lips just inches apart.
"Can't wait to have you all to myself again."
"Ronan, I.." Before I can get any more words out, he closes the distance between us and our lips meet in a soft kiss.
After a few minutes we pull apart, and I feel a little lightheaded.
"Let's go get some Grenthar waffles.
I saw a great place earlier." He starts walking, pulling me after him.
"You can take another cute picture when we're there." He winks at me and I have to laugh.
Ronan comes to a sudden halt in front of a gift shop, and I have to stop him before he can pull me inside with him.
"I'll just wait here for you, ok?
I'll upload that picture quick for Zoey."
"Of course.
Be back in a second."
My phone vibrates with an incoming text message not even ten seconds after I posted the photo of Ronan and me on Instagram.
Zoey:
That picture is adorable.
I want more.
Hope you're having fun.
Miss you.
Me:
I'll take one of the Grenthar waffle I'll get in a few minutes.
Hope that'll make you happy.
Zoey:
As long as you're in it too, it'll make me very happy.
Ronan wouldn't hurt either.
Gosh, that girl can make me laugh like no other.
Me:
Duly noted.
I'll see what I can do.
Zoey:
He looks very happy.
Did you tell him?
Me:
Way to dampen the mood.
Zoey:
I guess that means no. Just do it already, Skylar.
It'll only get harder the longer you wait.
"Hey, beautiful." Ronan puts his arm around my shoulder, and I almost drop my phone.
I shove it into my bag as fast as possible.
"Are you keeping secrets from me?" He chuckles, and I think I feel a little sick.
"What?
Why would you say that?" This would be a great moment to tell him, but I chicken out.
As usual, my nerves have taken over again.
"I was just joking.
Come on, let's get that waffle before heading back to the hotel." He gives me a long hug, and I close my eyes, unhappy with keeping things from him.
"Let's go." I take his hand and let him lead the way, my appetite suddenly gone.