“Why do you need these?” she asked, lightly stroking the silkties.
“I like being in control,” he said simply.
She frowned atthat, still rather confused.
“What is it? Ask me.”
“Aren’t you already in control by default? By being aman?”
As innocent asshe was, Crispin realized then that she was definitely not at allnaive. “Far from it, Becky,” he added with a wistful sigh. “Farfrom it…”
Chapter 22
“So, what you’re saying is that you’re excited,” Kell quipped,tapping Becky under the chin. Ever since he got home thatafternoon, she’d been fluttering around him like a dizzy butterfly.He hadn’t seen her this happy in days, and it did his heart a worldof good.
“I can’t help but be excited!” She giggled, clapping her handstogether, watching as the Goths loaded the van up with theirequipment. It was all so very interesting. So many parts andpieces. She was so looking forward to getting outtonight.
Watching herhandsome Goths perform… could there be anything moreexhilarating?
“Watch yourself, dormouse,” Crispin said, sidestepping her witha guitar case in his hands.
“Sorry…”
“Just stand back a bit, Becky,” Dorian reminded her. “Wouldn’twant to clip you.”
“All right, that’s the last of it,” Kell said, closing up thegarage. “Everyone into the van.” Coming at her, he picked Becky up,spun her around, and pretended to toss her into theback.
“Kelley!” Becky squealed with delight.
“Oops, sorry, thought you were one of our props.” He laughed,righting her onto her feet.
Dorian hoppedin behind the steering wheel. Circling around the back of the van,Crispin paused and glanced at Becky, giving her the once over.
“What?” She glanced at herself. “Why are you looking at me likethat?”
Seeing himquirk a curious eyebrow, Kell wondered the same thing. Other thanthe fact that she looked adorable in her little jersey dress, blacktights, suede ankle booties on her feet, he didn’t quite understandthe reason behind Crispin’s prolonged perusal.
“Best be making sure you’ve got proper ID,” Crispin suggested,looking her over once more.
“Shit, I hadn’t even thought of that,” Kell said with a smile.It suddenly dawned on him that Becky didn’t look a day oversixteen. “You do have ID, don’t you, love?”
“I’m nineteen! I’m of legal age!” she stated with an indignantfrown.
“We know that,” Kell said with a sigh of relief. “But you stillneed ID.”
“I suppose you’re right,” Becky said, following the Goth backinto the house to retrieve her age of majority card.
On the driveover to the college bar where they were playing that night, Beckycouldn’t help but be super excited. The guys all looked so hot.They were handsome devils on a regular day, but tonight they lookedincredible. Not only did they look awesome, they smelled yummy too,all wrapped up into an intoxicating blend of warm leather and blackliquorice.
Sitting nexther, Kelley, in his pseudo-military inspired Gothness was nothingshort of stunning. The fact that he was in an extra affectionatemood, was an added bonus of pure joy as far as Becky wasconcerned.
“So, what do think, eh?” he said, giving her knee a playful,lingering squeeze.
“About what?” She giggled, staring at his great big hand on herknee.
“The big event!”
“Right, we’ll be lucky if we make it through the first set,”Crispin grumbled.
“Oh, suck it up, man.” Dorian laughed.
“Well, I’ll cheer for you,” Becky said, reaching forward andplacing her hand on Crispin’s shoulder.
“Wonderful,” he grumbled, “We have ourselves acheerleader.”
“Just as long as you cheer loudest for me,” Kell said, drawingher back, and wrapping his arm around her shoulders.
Kell couldn’thelp himself. He was in an awesome mood. No doubt about it. Aftershe’d shared her feelings with him that morning, he’d taken it allto heart.
He hadn’t meantto be neglectful of her. He had thought he was doing her a favourby not encouraging her attachment to him. But what the fuck was thepoint in that? In the end, they both ended up losing out. As far ashe was concerned, she was his little Becky.
On the way homeearlier, he’d made up his mind to keep a closer eye on her, even ifat a respectable distance. If all she wanted was a littleattention, he would be more than happy to give her that. Perhapsthen she wouldn’t feel the need to frown about the house, piningafter that miserable prick, Jax.
“Right then, you sit right here and watch our stuff,” Kellsaid, tucking Becky into the booth closest to the stage.
“Oh, all right,” she said absently looking over his shoulder,watching Dorian and Crispin set themselves up.
“What can I get you to drink?” He leaned in close to her,brushing her hair away from her face. God help him, he couldn’tkeep his eyes off her tonight, let alone his hands.
“Oh, a ginger ale, I guess.” She reached for herwallet.
“It’s on me, love.” He chuckled, giving his head a shake. “Oneginger ale, on its way.” He turned and made his way towards thebar.
What aninteresting place, Becky observed. Located near the university, thebar was definitely a hangout for students. It had a distinct Irishpub influence about it. The smell of beer and chips wafted heavilyin the air. Noticing the arrival of a few Goths, she realized thatthey must be here to see her guys.
On that note,Becky glanced back towards the stage and watched as Dorian andCrispin set up a black, vinyl banner.
“Here you go, one sparkling ginger ale.” Kell placed the drinkin front of her. Taking a quick break, Dorian and Crispin joinedthem at the booth. Seeing her focused so intently on the stage, hecouldn’t help but ask, “What are you staring at?”
“I’m just trying to figure out what that means.” She frowned,pointing at the banner. “The Kingston Quartet?”
“Love, that’s our band’s name.” Kell couldn’t help but crack asmile.
“But there’s only three of you.”
“Ain’t that ironic?” Crispin snarked, taking a sip of herdrink. “What the fuck is this, ginger ale? Who the fuck drinksginger ale?”
Becky frownedat him. “What’s wrong with it?”
“It’s what the lady ordered,” Kell sighed, sliding it back toBecky.
“Well, she can damn
