Loyalty

By L.P. Maxa

Oh, What a Tangled Web We Weave

Twins Cash and Crue Matthews are as close as brothers can be. Cash would do anything for Crue, so much so he lived a lie - a huge lie - for over a year. Cash doesn't know who he's angrier with, himself for doing it, or Crue for asking. Either way, Cash feels like crap. Then, Mason Maxwell's sweeter than sin daughter, Katie Cadence, drops into his life and Cash has a new purpose. But...how will she react to his secret, and can he risk losing her by telling the truth?

Katie Cadence's parents have treated her like she'd evaporate in the rain. True, her beginning was so tragic the news media covered it for years. But, damn. She wants to break free and take chances. When she's banished to the Devil's Share compound, she expects more of the same, only to find the Devil's Spawn know how to live, and Katie is all in for spreading her wings. Who's offered to give her the guided tour: Cash Matthews. Falling in love isn't on her list of firsts, but when it hits she has no choice but to go with it.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Boroughs Publishing Group
• Release date: Feb 24, 2018
• ISBN: 9781948029117

L.P. Maxa

L.P. lives in Austin, Texas with her husband, daughter, three rescue dogs, and one adopted cat. The first group of chickens met with a sad and unexpected death. They have been replaced. The dwarf goats are a story for another day. And now there are ducks. Writer, business owner and office manager, L.P. says she loves to read as much as she loves to write. Reading a good book is her reward after writing one. In her spare time—ha!—she fosters puppies for a rescue organization based in Austin. Connect with L.P. – lpmaxa.wordpress.com facebook.com/pages/LP-Maxa/1442560722667127 twitter.com/lpmaxa instagram.com/lpmaxa

Book preview

Chapter One

Katie

You’re serious? Like serious, serious? You’re going to let me come on tour with you guys? I refused to get my hopes up until I knew my dad wasn’t playing a cruel joke on me. Not that he was a cruel man by nature, but he was overprotective. And a sold-out rock tour? Not the place he’d normally let me hang out. My usual haunts were our house, my über-small private school…and that was about it.

Your mom and I have been talking, and I know how badly you’ve been wanting to travel, spread your wings a bit…we thought this was the perfect compromise. We have a few dates here in the states, but then we’re headed to Europe.

I put my hands on my hips, looking between my parents. What about Kasen? Who is going to watch him? My younger brother was fourteen and I doubted they’d think he was old enough to tour with our dad.

Mom answered, I’m not joining the tour until Europe. Kasen has that baseball camp in Colorado starting next week. But when I leave, Uncle Pax will watch your brother. My mom reached out and tugged on the ends of my hair. You graduated at the top of your class and—

I go to a private school the size of my closet. The two other people in my graduating class don’t really count.

Nonetheless. My mom rolled her eyes. We know that we’re protective of you guys, and that things at the ranch can be stifling at times. We want to give you a chance to get out, see some of the world before you start college.

College. I needed to have a long talk with my parents about college, and my plans for the future. But now certainly wasn’t the time. No need to cause an argument when they agreed to let me spend the summer off the ranch not sixty seconds ago. Okay, wow, thank you. I hugged them each. Where is our first stop?

Austin. My dad shrugged apologetically. I know you’ve been a few times, but after Austin we’re headed to New York. And you haven’t seen New York since you were in junior high.

And when they’d taken me to the Big Apple I’d been allowed to see the Statue of Liberty, Times Square (during the middle of the day), and the inside of our fancy hotel room.

My mom put her hands on my shoulder, turning me toward the hallway. Go pack, Bug. You leave tomorrow.

I skipped all the way to my room. Freedom was so close, relatively speaking of course. My dad would be too busy on tour to keep a constant eye on me. Right? And maybe he’d finally see that I was old enough to be on my own. To make my own decisions and take care of myself. Visions of walks on busy downtown streets and afternoons spent at random coffee shops filled my head.

I had friends, but not many. I didn’t date; it was slim pickins at my school. Plus, my life wasn’t exactly ordinary. My dad was really my brother, not in a backwoods kind of way though. My bio parents died the day I was born, and my brother swooped in to raise me. He and my mom, Payton. My dad (my brother) was a famous rock star; my bio dad was a famous actor. Mix all that with the tragedy surrounding my birth? My life was a made-for-TV movie. And the paparazzi had been brutal, for a long time. I knew my parents had striven to give Kasen and me a normal life, but in trying to shelter us from the scrutiny, they isolated us from the world.

I collapsed on my bed, staring at my ceiling. I understood my parents’ protectiveness, I did. And for the most part, I was fine with it. I didn’t complain; I went with the flow. But I was an adult now, and I didn’t only want to spread my wings, I wanted to fly. I wanted to soar all the way to UCLA. I’d applied and gotten accepted, two things that my parents weren’t aware of yet. I couldn’t really say why I picked Los Angeles for college. Maybe it was because my bio dad spent so much time in L.A.? Maybe it was because I figured I’d blend in more. In a town full of famous people? I doubted they’d care that Katie Cadence was an undergrad.

Hey, loser. Heard you get to go on tour with the ‘rents. My baby brother launched himself onto my bed, making us both bounce around. You should pack your bags, and when you hit those Cali dates, casually mention you’re gonna stay.

I sighed, turning to look at him. You’re funny.

You’re going to have to tell them sometime, Katie. He pulled his phone out of his pocket, thumbs moving fast as he divided his attention between me and whichever kid he was texting with. He had more friends than I did. He’d started public school two years ago, which was something I’d never been given the option to do.

I’m waiting for the right time. I used my hand to push his phone down. They worry so much, and I’ve never really been away from them before.

You don’t need their permission, you know that right? You’re eighteen, and your massive trust fund from Grandpa already kicked in. He sat up, shaking his head. You need to learn to stand up for what you want in life, Katie.

Who’s the older sibling here? Huh? I ruffled his shaggy hair.

You. He got to his feet. But I’m smarter. He winked and then left my room, his face trained on his phone.

Kasen was my complete opposite in almost every way. He was loud, and funny, and uninhibited. He made life so much harder on our parents than I ever had, and he was only fourteen. He refused to be locked away and kept safe. He refused everything I quietly put up with. I knew he’d spend the next four years bucking the Cadence system, and then he’d be gone. Amsterdam or Fiji. Somewhere wild, and free, and fun.

I got up and pulled my rarely used suitcase out from under my bed. My dad was bringing me on tour, letting me see part of the world. That was a step in the right direction, and I’d take it.

***

Knock, knock.

I zipped my last bag and turned with my hands on my hips. My Uncle Paxton was leaning against my doorframe, his arms crossed over his chest. I thought you had a date tonight?

I do. He looked down at his watch. It doesn’t start for another hour or so.

I snorted. You know what Mom says about dates that start after nine o’clock.

Yeah, yeah. He waved away her figurative concern. But your mom is an old boring married lady, and I am a young vibrant bachelor. My Uncle Pax had never been married, although he’d come close a time or two. My parents said they felt sad for him because he didn’t have anyone beside us. Kasen looked up to him, said he wanted to be a bachelor forever too. Me? I was somewhere in the middle. I wished Paxton would find love, find someone to grow the rest of the way to old with. But at the same time, I envied his freedom. I came to tell you bye. Freedom was in short supply around here.

I stepped into his embrace. I think I’ll miss you the most, Scarecrow. I felt his laughter and smiled when he moved me back to arm’s length.

Smart ass.

I rolled my eyes. I’m going on a glorified vacation with my parents for like four weeks, not to war.

Have fun, Bug. He bent down to my level. "Run away from your dad, get a tattoo, get drunk. Live. Even if it’s for a few weeks, okay?"

You’re the only person in my life that begs me to rebel, you know that?

You, my darling niece, were born with a wild heart and an old soul. But your parents didn’t let you use either. He sent me a sad smile. Your father has been terrified of losing you from the second you were born. You’re eighteen now, and it’s time to start living, kiddo.

I nodded.

Promise me, Katie.

I promise.

He pulled me into another hug, squeezing me tightly.

Chapter Two

Katie

Austin, Texas. Yeah, I’d been here more than once growing up. RiffRaff Records, the music label my dad recorded for, had an office here. Even so, it would have been nice to leave the hotel. See some of Sixth Street, the capitol…hell, at this point I’d settle for a nice BBQ stand. But, no. My dad had been at sound check for two hours now and the only sightseeing I’d done was from a massive bay window in my suite.

I grabbed my phone from the mattress beside me, clicking accept when my dad’s picture came across the screen. Hey.

Katie Bug, I am so sorry. Sound check ran late and now there is a problem with some of the lighting. My dad sighed into the phone. This is the first tour stop and there are always some kinks to work out. I promise when we get to New Orleans things will go smoother and we can see some of the city.

Translation? I was stuck going between the hotel and the venue, but he’d make it up to me in two days. Unless something went wrong in Louisiana, and then I’d be experiencing New Orleans from yet another elegant hotel room. I took a deep breath, channeling Kasen and attempting to put my foot down.

Maybe I could take a security guy and go on a little walk? There are still a few hours before the car comes to bring me over, right? I held my breath, and silently prayed that he’d say yes. That he’d give me a little room to roam.

I don’t think that’s a good idea, Bug. I deflated like a stupid balloon. The promo for this show has been insane. There are fans already lining up outside the venue. I don’t want you getting hounded by the paparazzi. You aren’t a minor anymore. They can take all the pictures they want.

Yeah, no, that’s okay. I’ll order up some room service and maybe take a little nap. See? My first reaction was to cave, to give in—to not make waves. See you later. I was doomed to become a lonely spinster. I might as well skip college and live with my parents forever.

Bye, sweetheart.

In reality, I wasn’t particularly recognizable. Because my parents made sure there were never any pictures of me and my brother anywhere—I mean anywhere. It was against the law, and they’d filed police reports then sued each and every time someone posted even a blurry ten-year-old photo. Eventually, the reporters gave up. Kasen and I weren’t worth the legal hassle.

Regarding tonight, my dad’s logic wasn’t sound, not even a little. I was more likely to get hounded if he was with me than I would by myself.

I rolled to the side and grabbed the giant room service binder from the desk. After flipping through it, I dialed up the number. Yes, hi, I’d like a large Caesar salad with the grilled chicken.

Yes Mrs. Cadence, and to drink?

They thought I was my mom? That was funny. I opened my mouth to order an iced tea, but out of nowhere, A bottle of champagne came out instead. My eyes went wide when I heard those words leave my mouth, and I swear, I stopped breathing. I was instantly terrified that I’d get in trouble for this. I was underage and I was lying to an adult. But I clenched my molars together, refusing to take it back. My little brother was right. I needed to grow some balls. And I’m about to hop in the shower, please ring the bell and leave the cart at the door. Please add the charges to our room tab. Uh, thank you.

I doubted my dad ever really looked too hard at the hotel bill. He probably wasn’t even the one who signed off on those sorts of things. Maybe his tour manager or the label did. It was one bottle of champagne, and I’d only drink like one glass. No one would know.

After I hung up the phone I turned on the radio. That one small act of rebellion was making me feel a bit giddy. I danced my way to the bathroom, making a small stop in front of the big window, shaking my ass against the glass.

***

Champagne was delicious. One glass turned into more like three glasses, and now I was giggling in the car with my driver. He was an older gentleman and he told me hilarious stories about other celebrities he’d chauffeured for in the past.

Hey you go, ma’am. He opened my door, helping me step out onto the curb and then transferring my care to one of my father’s bulky security men. Enjoy your evening.

Thank you. I smiled at him over my shoulder, only stumbling once. You were a delight. A delight? Was his age rubbing off on me? I was eighteen. I needed to remember to talk like it. I smoothed the front of my cream-colored silk shirt, which I’d paired with leather leggings, and was wearing taller-than-I’d-normally-wear black heels. I wanted to feel grown up. I wanted to look the rock and roll part. And I really hoped my dad didn’t freak out and make his stylist find me something else to wear.

I let the man in the dark suit escort me to my holding cell, a.k.a. the room backstage where my dad was supposed to meet me. When the door opened, my eyes went wide. There were four gorgeous men sitting around, drinking bottles of water and eating apples. Uh, I’m sorry, I must be in the wrong room.

No, no, no. The one with the big muscles stood from his spot on the long leather couch. He was like a handsome giant. Come on in, gorgeous, we don’t bite.

"We sure the hell don’t bite, especially Mason Maxwell’s daughter." Another man got to his feet, slapping the other one on the back of his head. The slapper had light brown hair pulled back into a man bun and a short scruffy beard.

Hey. Yeah, I’m Katie. I’m supposed to be meeting my dad here? I smiled at the flirty guy. He was super freaking cute, and I was tipsy enough to notice. I’d never really flirted before, but I bet with another few flutes of champagne I could figure it out.

Your dad had to step away to do a little press before his show. A blond surfer twirling a drumstick in his hand smiled from the corner. You’re more than welcome to hang here with us though. He pointed to flirty guy. That’s Braxton. He moved his drumstick pointer to the responsible one. That’s Talon. That guy over there on the phone is Dane, and I’m Brody.

Clashing Swell, right? I didn’t keep up with all the latest music, but Kasen did, and I recognized the names when they were all grouped together like that.

Brody nodded. That’s us.

Can I get you anything? Something to drink? Talon was really nice, but he was looking at me like I was a child. I’d know, since that was the look I got from my parents day in and day out.

Still. Manners. Yes, please. Some water would be great.

I think we drained all the bottles in here. He stepped to the door, opening it. I’ll be right back, and I’ll see if I can find your dad.

I sent him a bright pleasing smile. Thank you.

He left and the tall skinny guy on the phone stepped into the restroom. Maybe we were all talking too loudly or maybe he had to pee. Who knew, right? I pursed my lips, swinging my arms back and forth. When Brody’s cell started to ring, he excused himself to the hall. And suddenly, I was all alone with Flirty McFlirtersen. Normally, I’d be nervous. Out of my element. But that champagne had really done wonders for my give-a-damn.

Come, sit. He patted the space next to him. I promise I honestly will not bite you. Braxton smiled with his eyes, and his voice was giving me butterflies. Either that or I was a few minutes away from puking up champagne.

I crossed the room, oh so thankful that I didn’t stumble or do anything embarrassing. I sat next to him, closer than I probably would have sober. I bet you get in trouble a lot. I wasn’t sure why that was what came out of my mouth, but it made him laugh so I figured I’d go with it. Also, I thought my assessment was probably spot on.

And you seem like you don’t get in any.

I snorted and he dipped down, meeting my eyes. Am I right?

I get in trouble. No I didn’t. I’d have to disobey to actually get in trouble. I drank champagne tonight with my dinner, and…yeah, my dad doesn’t know. I said the last part with attitude.

Flirty Braxton narrowed his pretty brown eyes. How old are you?

I gave a dramatic head nod, you know, to sell how utterly uncool I was. Eighteen.

Legal is good.

I frowned. The drinking age is twenty-one, I’m not legal. How dumb was this guy? Did he really not know the legal drinking age?

He