Archangel

By Jamie Salisbury

Archangel. A musical angel hiding in the dusty, smoke-filled London clubs, she performs with reckless abandon. Few know the woman behind the mask she adorns.
Mary Tudor, twin sister to Amadeus Tudor - a well known rock star- has all but given up her up and coming photography business to become the personal photographer, and fiancé to Daniel Kennedy. Daniel, a world renown violinist, is one of the few who knows Mary's secret. Together they scheme to devise a way for her to fulfill a secret dream.
Postponing their wedding until after Daniel's much anticipated European tour, Mary juggles many jobs. One however alludes her every month. Motherhood.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Jamie Salisbury
• Release date: May 5, 2015
• ISBN: 9781311367198

Jamie Salisbury

Writing romance stories with passion and sass, Jamie Salisbury has seen several of her books soar to #1 on Amazon. Her novella, Tudor Rubato was a finalist in the 2012 RONE (Reward of Novel Excellence) awards. The cover won for Best Contemporary Cover. Now in 2014, her novel, Life and Lies was nominated for a RONE in the Erotica category. Her books are both self published and now include several published through Secret Cravings Publishing. Music, traveling and history are among her passions when not writing. Her previous career in public relations in and around the entertainment field has afforded her with a treasure trove of endless story ideas.

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Archangel

(Book 2 - Tudor Saga series)

by

Jamie Salisbury

Copyright © 2015 Jamie Salisbury

All Rights Reserved

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All rights reserved. Without reserving the rights under copyright, reserved above, no part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in or introduced into a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form, or any other means (electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise) without the prior written permission of the copyright owner and the above publisher of this book.

Dedication

This book is dedicated to my readers who have patiently (and not so patiently) waited for this sequel to Encore! Also to my ferocious group of beta readers, my heartfelt thanks.

Cover: Anya Kelleye Designs

Cover Model: Jax Turyna

Formatting: Lauralynn Elliott

The rave reviews for Encore! keep coming in!

Reading Encore was like watching an exquisite dance... The Book Minion

This is a beautifully written tale of the return of the prodigal daughter...it is easy to imagine being there and seeing things through their eyes...The relationship is very realistic... InD'tale Magazine

...an amazing love story, music, and a story of two characters with three dimensional personalities. . . Amazon customer

The romance between these two characters is what we all wish for! Daniel and Mary have a relationship based on love, mutual respect, and a great passion... C. Randolph

Jamie Salisbury writes a captivating, well written story that drew me in from the first page with strong, well developed and interesting characters... Cocktails and Books

Chapter One

Mary

All the months of meticulous preparation come down to this final moment. Dancers, classically trained ballerinas carefully chosen and choreographed for their numbers. Endless hours of rehearsals not only with an orchestra, but the band as well. Behind the scenes video backgrounds, signage, backdrops. Huge, jumbo screens for those not seated close to the stage. Daniel has conceived this entire elaborate production. No matter how minute it might be, Daniel has thought of it. The show is unlike anything he's attempted in the past, and it is unparalleled.

Pyrotechnics - did I forget to mention them? Phenomenal! Then the strains of a classic movie intro plays in the background, readying the audience.

The crowds are looking around, straining for some glimpse of him, expecting him to appear among the crowd as he has in past openings, ala Paganini. But he is nowhere to be found.

Bright white lights direct the audience to gaze above to the ceiling. Emerging on a small round platform, the maestro appears; he and his Stradivarius confined only by a nylon safety strap. Across the top of the arena he slowly floats towards the stage to the strains of one of his favorite rock pieces as he begins to entertain his captivated audience. And for the next three hours, that's exactly what Daniel Kennedy does. Entertain.

The musical menu is completely new. From Mozart to Bon Jovi, the man knows how to work a crowd, knows how to play to them. It shows! They love it and by the end of three hours still want more, so more they will get. I was enthralled, as I had been every night of the tour, by the incredible mix of oldies he snuck in with all the new material. No doubt about it the crowd loved it.

The band, his band, as well as the philharmonic orchestra, which was traveling along for the entire tour, were tight. Perfect. Just the way Daniel would want them. The arrangements he and his pianist and old friend Zach had painstakingly agonized over were magnificent. One of these days, I silently predicted, those two are going to be recognized for their great work. An Oscar or American Grammy, perhaps. Zach had a half dozen or so movie scores under his belt. With Daniel, it certainly was possible. He'd won his fair share of European music awards, along with a few smaller American awards.

Proudly I stood at the back of the hall, and watched as the show continued. By the look on his face I could tell he was in absolute heaven. Daniel was a perfectionist, and tonight it was evident by the audience's reactions.

But tonight...tonight there was going to be a huge surprise for the crowd that had come to see this phenomenon known as Daniel Kennedy. Tonight Archangel's going to make a special appearance...though her entrance would be nothing like Danny and I planned.

In retrospect I probably should have made my entrance according to plan. Tucked up on stage and appearing through a cloud of smoke. To be honest? That made it look pre-arranged and not spur of the moment like my walking through the audience did. This was Archangel's debut, and it was going to be in typical Archangel fashion. Unscripted.

At just the exact moment, I began heading towards the stage. Down the aisle between the people. It was an old trick the late Italian composer, Niccolo Paganini, one of Danny's classical idols had used in his day. Daniel himself used it, and now I was. It worked. It got the audience's attention.

By now Danny and his stage people had picked up on my change of plans and had a spot directed on me as I strutted towards him. He was now watching me as he played. I detected a smirk on his face. He knew me well enough to know when it came to Archangel that I was in charge.

As I reached the front of the stage, I turned towards one of the two sets of stairs located at either side. Staying focused on the stairs, I pranced past him. I knew not to look at him, fearing I'd trip and ruin everything. The man affected me in just that way. Made me crazy, but then I was crazy in love with him.

We'd picked a lively pop tune which had been one of the favorites on Danny's previous tour and CD. Keeping everything upbeat, a Paganini favorite was the second choice for the evening.

Walking across the stage toward him, I sucked in a breath as I seductively smiled at him. As we ended the first piece, Danny took my free hand to introduce me to the audience. He squeezed my hand and leaned toward me.

Having fun? You're doing awesome, sweet. And by the way, you look ravishing.

I glanced up at him, an erotic look in his eyes. Archangel always brought out the sexual lioness in me, and he knew it. I nodded my head, as though to remind him where we were. We played. The audience seemed to love the two of us performing together.

Though Archangel also sang during her performances at the clubs in London, for now, Danny and I decided to forego that. His entire show was instrumental, with the exception of the use of backup singers here and there. Once we got a feel for how well received Archangel was going to be, that would be sprinkled in.

Smiling at him, I knew I'd accomplished what I'd set out to. As an extra surprise I'd updated Archangel's attire. Tight leather pants, black jacket and boots, a camisole and of course Archangel's trademark mask.

I also knew there'd be some smokin' hot sex later in our suite. Though Danny may not like my playing dressed like this, out of fear for my security, the costume had quite the desired effect on him. On both of us.

Come on Danny, think you can keep up with me? I teased as we played Paganini face to face.

He grinned, never missing a note.

The piece ended, I took a bow alongside Danny, who had his arm around my waist this time. The audience was on its feet wanting more, but I knew it was time for Archangel to depart. Not only did I not want to take away from his show, I knew one of my brothers sat in the audience watching. An unexpected surprise to this evenings events.

Impulsively I kissed Danny on the cheek, turned and walked through the cloud of fog to Ben. Following him, I made my way to Danny's dressing room where I quickly changed back into my clothes and adjusted my hair and makeup. Everything, including my violin went into a large duffel bag I'd been carrying every evening during the course of the tour.

Pacing the room, I grabbed a bottle of water and stuck my head out the door to Ben. I was on an adrenaline rush like never before, and it felt wonderful. I nodded to the tall, muscular man, silently letting him know I was ready. He nodded, turning to head back to the stage where Danny was winding up his performance.

I think that went well, don't you? I asked taking the towel from Danny's hand. I knew if he was going to be mad at me, he was going to say just enough for me to know he didn't approve of certain things.

Yes, I do. In spite of your change of entrance plans.

Oh Danny...

Any further conversation on the subject was stifled as someone knocked on the door. He made a gesture, warning me to drop it. Ben. Seemed there were members of the press in attendance who were quite curious as to what Danny knew about the mysterious Archangel. We'd anticipated this might happen. He nodded in Ben's direction and told him we'd be out in a few moments. They would get no more than ten minutes. After that I knew he wanted both of us back in the sanctity of our hotel suite.

Come, he finally said. Let's get this over with.

We stood at the doorway to the outside. About a half dozen or so reporters stood waiting patiently. Danny took the first question, answered and expanded on it. He used it to answer any and all questions they might have regarding Archangel. The one's he was willing to answer that is.

No, I did not know that Archangel was going to join me this evening. I had offered her the opportunity to perform with me some months ago. The only thing I knew for sure was that it would be on this final leg of my tour. And no, I do not know where she went. She's quite mysterious.

Do you know who she is, Daniel? Someone yelled from the back of the crowd.

No, I don't. But even if I did, I wouldn't tell you guys. She obviously wants to remain a mystery. Sharing that with the world would ruin that. Now that's all I've got for you tonight. Thanks for coming this evening. He nodded to me to turn around and head back inside.

This time when we entered the dressing room we were greeted by Neil, Penny and Amadeus. They quickly ended whatever it was they had been bantering about when Danny and I entered. I wasn't sure if that was a good thing or not.

You didn't know she was coming tonight? Neil asked, as Penny whispered something in his ear.

No, I didn't. Like I just finished telling the press, I invited her to perform with me on this tour. She just never told me where or when.

And you mean to tell me you have no idea who she is, Daniel?

Neil, I'll answer this one last time. No, I haven't a clue who she is. The one time we all saw her in that club, I merely made sure she got home safely.

Where were you Mary? Penny suddenly asked, eyeing me.

I'd been quietly standing by my duffel bag containing the costume and violin, and tried to look as annoyed by the entire conversation as possible. Very annoyed.

Penny and Neil, what can I say about this pair. Neil had been working for Daniel's label long enough. Long enough working with Danny to know his temperament. Unfortunately, Penny, who was now married to him thought she was the one in the executive position, not her husband. That, and she was annoying as hell.

You know damn good and well where I was, Penny. Now are you done? Because I know Daniel would like to get back to the hotel.

I rolled my eyes and bent down to pick up the bag. I glanced over at Amadeus, my twin. He'd remained quiet through all this. I wondered if he recognized my playing style. I glanced away, focusing on getting out of this room.

Amadeus, would you like to come visit with us? I heard Danny ask my sibling.

Sure, I'd like that. Give us some time to catch up.

****

Amadeus showed up at our suite about thirty minutes after we'd arrived back at the hotel. When he knocked on the door I'd had to pry myself away from Danny. Good thing, or we'd be in the shower having mind blowing sex. The norm, but even more so after one of my performances as Archangel. So I'd left Danny to shower by himself.

Come on in, I greeted my brother. Shutting the door, I followed him into the parlor of the suite.

I had to call Zara and give her a synopsis of the show. She was quite intrigued by this Archangel chick.

Was she?

Yeah, she has been ever since I told her about us seeing her perform at that club in London, he replied. You remember, don't you Mary?

Yes. If memory serves me, Danny got up on stage and played with her.

Yes, he did. He was watching me a little too intently. Time to change the subject.

Walking over to the small bar and refrigerator, I turned to my twin. Can I get you a beer, or something stronger, Amadeus?

A beer sounds great, as long as you're going to join me.

Yes, I thought I'd have a glass of wine while we're waiting for Danny.

Did you get some good shots of Daniel and that Archangel chick?

I wasn't taking pictures tonight. Jacques had requested an opportunity to photograph Daniel for a magazine article. I assisted him though, I replied carefully, not looking my brother directly in the eye.

That explains it then.

Explains what? Danny asked as he joined us. Dressed in a pair of sweat pants and a t-shirt, he grabbed a bottle of water off the bar and swigged it down. He came and sat down on the sofa with me.

Amadeus was wanting to know if I got any good shots of Archangel and you together. I was explaining to him about Jacques taking over that department this evening.

He's known me since I was a boy. He's always done wonderful work, and has never sold my image to anyone without first asking me.

That's a good relationship to have then. Amadeus had a look in his eye. Teasing almost.

Jacques will be at the press conference tomorrow, and we have a private photo shoot set up afterwards. You're welcome to attend either, Amadeus.

I'd like that. In fact I was wondering if we might be able to get together in the morning, Danny. For breakfast, my suite? I have an idea I'd like to run by you.

What sort of idea? I asked. My interest was now piqued for sure.

Amadeus chuckled. I'm not telling you. Not yet. You'd just go off on your own and do it. Take credit for the whole thing.

Would not! I shot back.

Would too. I know you Mary. You may have been gone all these years, but there are some things between us that never change.

Danny rolled his eyes and laughed. He'd been right there with me all the way through my getting my feet wet with my family again. Amadeus and I were twins, and had always been fiercely competitive. Even after ten years.

You are going to make it to our wedding, aren't you, Amadeus? I inquired.

Danny and I had put off getting married upon our return to London. Even though he'd had a break, preparing for this new concert tour was all-consuming. We'd decided on a small family ceremony in London. Neither of us wanted anything elaborate, that wasn't our style. On the other hand, if I'd told Danny I wanted to be married at Westminster Abbey he would have moved heaven and earth to make my dream come true.

Wild horses couldn't keep me away.

Do you think Zara can make it?

I'm not sure. Three kids, especially two little ones is challenging. If she doesn't make it, she'll be at the party we're planning on holding for you two when the weather warms.

I needed to run by one important matter with him, while I had him in my clutches.

Amadeus, I hope you're okay with what I'm about to tell you.

What's that? He asked, cocking an eyebrow.

I've asked Peter to stand up for me since Daddy's no longer here. I thought long and hard about this, and, well Peter's done so much...

You needn't say more, sis. I'm glad you did. Mind you I'd do it in a heartbeat if you asked, but I think you're right in asking Peter. He's the perfect choice.

Thank you, I replied teary-eyed, going over to hug him. I held onto him for the longest time when we did. Despite all we'd been through, Amadeus was still the one person who understood how I ticked. Even more than Danny when it came to some things.

What time should we meet for breakfast, Amadeus? Danny inquired, trying to lighten the emotionally charged room.

Nine suit you?

Yes, then we can all go to the press conference together. Mary's so excited about this one too, Danny teased.

Why's that?

"Because Penny and Neil