Falling Stars: Josie and the Sentinels, #4

By NJ Boyer

Jealousy and desire

Life and death

Can she hold it together for all of them?

 

After the death of her best friend and as she watches the man she loves fall for someone else, high school senior Josie Braveman's life is in an emotional tailspin. Her guardians love her and only want the best for her when they send her to a paediatric psychologist. Little do they know this is not the type of help she needs.

Yasin Sabri has always been there for Josie. He prides himself on being her white knight. When she seems nervous and not herself, he figures it is just the continued backlash of her successful tour over the summer. The same summer that has seen many of his dreams come true. It looks like there will be happy endings for the entire team.

With all that is going on in the households around her, there is no way that it can all work out. Josie knows that the only way for the most people to be happy is to give up on her dreams. If she relinquishes control of her life, then it will all work out in the end. And her part in it will be easy. All she needs to do is keep all the lies straight.

Falling Stars is the fourth book in the Josie and the Sentinels Series. You've followed Josie Braveman as she makes her way through the ups and downs to happiness. Now see just how dark the sentinels' world can be.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Where Lore Meets Tomorrow Press
• Release date: Oct 7, 2022
• ISBN: 9780645415001

Book preview

CHAPTER 1

His skin was warm, inviting in the over air-conditioned private lounge. I pulled in closer to him for that warmth, for the comfort of him. His eyes were chocolate pools that held me in heated anticipation. I pressed up on my tippy toes and allowed his full lips to gently meet mine.

A thill of yearning ran through me. The lounge was private, but not private enough.

His arms tightened around me, vice-like but only securing me to him, not holding me captive. I was safe here. I was wanted here. And I craved here.

His lips captured mine again. I sighed. My mind was lost in the hormones coursing through me.

Sister, you know this isn’t right.

There was no way to hide from him. He would always pull me back into my world. No matter how desire pulled me into my other world. The world where life was easy, and I was loved, needed, wanted.

Zac, please. There is nothing wrong with this. I begged him to leave me in my daydream.

I’m not sure Takoda would agree. He announced his presence to us openly.

Takoda brushed his cheek against mine before turning to look at my pesky brother. He had a slight stubble that rasped against me. It wasn’t unpleasant. I sighed again.

As I did, the room at the Albert Pike International Airport rendered before me. Don’t start me on the inappropriate name of the airport. I was in the New Confederate States, after all.

Takoda didn’t let go of me. His heat was still coursing through me.

Zac, nice to see you made it back. Takoda didn’t sound happy to have my brother intrude on us any more than I did.

The large splash-screen of Pike signing the treaty with Cherokee chief John Ross pulsed behind Takoda’s head. It had an immediate cooling to my overheated senses.

Takoda, she’s not yours. Don’t act as if she is. My brother moved past us and sat in one of the oversized chairs in the room. They will come in soon.

He spoke of my mom, Stockton, and Jim, who were in one of the other meeting rooms ‘discussing issues with the tour’. Evidently, there had been some, but that was news to me. I had never felt so alive or some much like I belonged. Just about everything was going the way it should.

A playful smile broke across Takoda’s face. His eyes held a warning. But that warning wasn’t directed at me.

Zac, I am only saying goodbye to my girlfriend. Takoda’s words held an edge I had never heard from him before.

He kissed me with the passion I had felt only seconds before.

I didn’t need my brother this time. I pushed away from Takoda, laughing awkwardly.

Wow. We have kind of gotten into a habit there, haven’t we?

His eyes reflected my feelings. We both had somehow overstepped our bounds without meaning to or even knowing when we had.

Yeah, Takoda closed the space I had developed and tightened his arms around me. Maybe we have made it a habit and habits can be hard to break. Pushing a loose tendril of hair behind my ear, he smiled at me. But could it be I just enjoy kissing you?

Takoda, my sing-song voice lengthened his name and pleaded with him to stop.

I know. Takoda dropped his arms and paced back. You live for Yasin.

I flinched at the name. My manager had made no effort to contact me on the tour. He had spoken to every single member of the team, but not me. Not even a video message. Frag, not even a voice message. Nothing.

But I’m here right now. Takoda’s eyes sparkled as a mischievous smirk bowed his lips. Look, he’s the one who wants me to be with you when he isn’t. I don’t find it difficult to act like I like you, Echo. And if you would only let me like you as I want to, I wouldn’t have to worry and struggle like I do now.

Worry and struggle? These were not words I would identify for our relationship. I knew that my feelings for Takoda were inappropriate, but having him on the tour and taking care of me had been a blessing.

Echo, I have been a paid employee. I have to mind my behavior. What I am saying is that if you would allow me to… if we were boyfriend and girlfriend, then I wouldn’t have to worry about the perception about the amount of time I spend with you. I wouldn’t have to struggle against myself every time I wanted to take you in my arms and kiss you. It’s a finite time. I know you love Yasin. Again, the name sent a shock of pain through me. But I also know that, until you turn eighteen, he is not interested in being with you. And once you are eighteen, he may not get the chance. The meaning in his words hit their mark. Both Zac and I knew exactly what he meant. I think he is foolish. I mean, if I could get you to like me half as much as you do him, I would be crazy happy.

I smiled at him. Takoda, I love you. I think you forget that from time to time. And it’s chilly that you are my make-believe boyfriend. I circled around him. I wanted to be close to him; for him to hold me. Zac needed to leave. But you know as well as I do that my guardians and your parents would never agree to us being together. I placed my hands around his neck and his hands took hold of my hips. However, I am willing to see what happens if… And I kissed him.

It was just exceptionally unfortunate timing as Stockton walked in at that precise minute calling me from my enjoyment of my ‘boyfriend’.

Josie, don’t get carried away. Takoda, you might do well to remember that she is your charge, not really your girlfriend. The Sabri’s are happy to have you as added protection, but don’t overstep your mark. His words of advice to both of us.

Just saying goodbye to Takoda can’t be wrong, Stockton. I didn’t step away from Takoda, nor did I stop looking into his eyes. Habits die hard.

Takoda smiled at me and then let me go. No, Stockton’s right. I should keep my mind on the job. Besides, it’s almost time for me to head to my gate.

My brother grumped from his seat. I see where I stand in the logic of things.

Takoda took my hand and led me closer to my brother. Take care on the rest of your tour. Call me if you have time. Though I am going to guess that you won’t. I mean, Yasin is going to be there and… he looked away from me.

That’s when I realized Takoda was jealous. I had a moment of rolly tummy. I placed my hand on his cheek. Takoda, please don’t. I don’t want to think about him right now. It’s going to be awkward enough. I retrieved my hand.

Grabbing his carry-on bag, he returned to hug me one more time. He whispered, I love you, Echo. Take care and have a good time.

I cuddled into him, I love you too, Takoda. Oh, give Tilda a hug for me when you get home. Tell her I miss her.

He nodded to me as we let go and he walked out the door. Zac reached up, pulling me onto his lap. I nestled in and rested.

Heathrow Airport is crazy on an imposing scale. It’s ginormous, loud, and has herds of people running through it all the time. As a VIP, I was met at the air bridge by an airport representative. Her name was Amelia, and she was there to make sure that everything goes swimmingly for you, dear. She reminded me of some sort of sitcom character—an over effusive, British 60-something. She wore clothing that met the local British laws of a ‘return to a purer time’. I had studied it briefly in my history class. The King had passed an edict throughout the commonwealth that set the people and lands back to the late 1800s.

Amelia wore a tidy Victorian lady’s day suit with big, puffed sleeves and a bustle. I couldn’t help but wonder what my concerts would look like here. That said, Amelia was nice enough, and she got us through the doldrums of immigration and customs efficiently. We shipped the equipment as cargo, and the band and roadies went to get it all sorted. Amelia took me with Zac, Stockton, Jim, and my mom towards the exit. This is when I realized Yasin wasn’t coming to help me run the gauntlet of reporters I knew would be on the other side of the wall. I looked over at Stockton for help.

He shrugged. Yasin said he would meet us at the hotel. Just smile and say something nice about the country. All right?

I steadied myself. Just say something nice. It’s easy. It’s just a few words and some smiles. I pressed my courage to the sticking point, but my hands were shaking. I hooked my thumbs into my pants pockets to keep my hands from drawing attention to my nerves.

I followed Stockton out. Zac and my mom stood either side of me, if one step behind and Jim covered my rear. We walked out the VIP door through the calls of ‘Here she is’, ‘Miss Braveman, over here’, and a few thousand flashes. I smiled and kept walking. I waved to some of the reporters I had met before—to see them in Victorian garments brought a quirk to my lips—with all the to and fro from the press, there was a parting in the crowd, and I saw her. She was maybe my age, and she was in the scrum a few people back. She stood out like a lamb amongst wolves.

Miss Braveman, please! she called and waved a gloved hand. Her hair was wrapped under her small hat. Her blue walking suit had to be new because of the pressed and brushed look to it.

I was compelled to walk over. I tilted my head a bit before saying, Yes? and pointing to her.

Oh, oh spirits! She was suddenly at a loss. The other reporters were shouting out questions, trying to gain my focus, but I just fixated on the girl while she got her mind together. Stockton was walking closer to me when she finally said, Miss Braveman, Mandy Black from your UK fan club, Josie’s Dance. Wow! I had a fan club here? Who knew?

Hello, Mandy. I tried to encourage her.

Miss Braveman, our readers are so excited that you have chosen London for two shows. She emphasized the last two words. I was wondering if you have anything to say to your fans. She poised her pencil over her small notebook.

Well, thank you for having me. I mean, without my fans, I wouldn’t be here to do the two shows. I mirrored her excitement. I am keen to be here, and I can’t wait to see England. I understand it is beautiful, but I have never gotten to travel here before. I am looking forward to meeting my fans here, too. I flipped my VR glasses over my eyes. A few quick air swipes, and I had moved a virtual calling card towards Mandy’s VR avatar. Mandy, can you please call this number today and set up an interview? I would love to talk to you more.

Every one of the reporters there would have died for that card. As I smiled at the shaky girl, I chuckled. I was no different to her, really. I was just as nervous.

I am sorry, but they expected Miss Braveman at the hotel, and she has had a long flight. Jim pushed from behind and got me moving again.

It surprised me to see the sleek pearl-colored coach waiting for us at the end of the walk, not the characteristic limo. Jim took shotgun beside the driver in gold livery and a footman helped my mom, Zac, Stockton, and me into the compartment.

Echo, it was my mom with a mom's voice.

I put up my hand. Don’t start. I just want to get to the hotel and have a rest and a shower.

CHAPTER 2

The city swept by the windows as I stared, inactive. Ancient architecture mixed with modern. Pubs, theaters, and shops selling knickknacks flashed by. Stone lions dominated it all.

Josie? My name pulled me from my idle state. Stockton had reached back to assist me out of the carriage. I hadn’t registered that we had made it to The Royal; let alone that I was now the only one still in the back.

The hotel, located on the River Thames, was a grand old era recreation. The carriage had pulled up to the front doors, which had a covered area for exiting your conveyance, and a red carpet running up the steps to the ornate brass and glass doors.

I took a breath and focused on Josie Braveman. Stepping from the compartment, I mounted the steps. The tidy men in gray and blue, old-fashioned bellhop uniforms opened the doors, and I crossed the threshold into the imposing lobby—a huge cavern with multiple stories high ceilings that encompassed several nice seating areas, a long row of check-in counters, and a mystical fountain with statues of fairies leading unicorns about on ribbons. It was spectacular.

The concierge met us as we walked in.

Miss Braveman? the well-presented man in an immaculate morning suit extended his hand to me.

I took it with a smile and allowed a playfulness to dance in my eyes.

I have taken the liberty of checking you in. Your bags will arrive shortly, and I will have the bellhops bring them up. Would you like me to show you to your room so that you can freshen up from your flight?

I found it unpleasant to have people kowtow to me. The number of adults who now treated me as if I were more important than they were or as if they should be thankful that I would look their direction made me extremely uncomfortable.

Please, what is your name?

John Dewhite, Miss.

I nodded. John, do you mind if I call you John?

He hesitated before he indicated that he didn’t object.

Please call me Josie. Now, I would love, love, love to see my room, but can you show me the pool first because I have every intention of heading there just as soon as I can.

He was a pleasant enough fellow, and he told me all sorts of interesting facts about London on our tour to my room.

We dropped my mom off at her accommodation and Jim at his. John gave Stockton his room key, but he didn’t go in, instead he followed on to my apartment, which was just down the hall from his.

My room was a two-bedroom suite. It was registered to Zac and me. It was beautifully appointed in that old English palatial style and had views of the river and the city. But, perhaps the very best part of the room was the baby grand piano in the main room. I sat on the bench, raise the lid, and allow my fingers to find the keys for Mars. My playing distracted John for a few seconds. Then he remembered he was on the clock.

So, Josie. If there is anything else I can do to make your time at the Royal more enjoyable, please call this number, and he placed his card on the table.

I raised a brow at the old artifact.

Is there anything you require right now?

Actually, you can answer a few questions, if you don’t mind.

Anything I can answer, I will.

I smiled. I can call you at any time?

He nodded.

Don’t you ever go home?

Yes, of course, Josie. But this number is for my wrist phone. I am to work as your PA while you are with us. I am sure that I can survive one week of being on call. He was so very polite.

Obviously, you haven’t heard what happened to her last PA. Stockton laughed.

"She can