Love Desired

Prologue

Prologue

~Mia~

Curiosity and desire.

I’ve always heard they go hand in hand, both courting chaos as much as peace. Neither would exist without the other, but the former could extinguish the latter in a heartbeat. Perhaps it was true.

No. It was true, and it was the reason I came to Tucson.

I told myself I’d made this journey for the concert, but it was just a bonus. I knew the real reason I’d come. My curiosity brought me here. My desire kept me from leaving.

Concerts. Crowds. Rock stars. They are my specialty because music is in my blood. Anyone in the entertainment industry knows this. My paternal grandparents created a legacy, one I was born to own, one they raised me to lead.

Yet here I was, chasing old ghosts.

The car door shut, scattering my thoughts. Andi eased against the seat and crossed her legs. As she checked her phone, I admired her. She was more than my assistant. Andi was my closest friend, and if the stars had aligned right, she would have been my sister.

I still claimed her as one. It was more than the fact that she’d lived with my family since we were twelve. Of all the people in my life, I knew Andi had my back. She would fight to the death for me, and I for her.

Sitting on the edge of the seat, she regarded the glass partition separating the chauffeur from the dimly lit passenger compartment. Soon, she focused on the only other occupant of the vehicle. Me.

After an extended period of silence, she feigned a smile and cleared her throat. “It was a great concert.”

“That it was.”

Caught up in my thoughts, silence fell again. I couldn’t hold a conversation. Instead, I listened as the tires passed over sand and dirt. The road leading away from the outdoor arena, south of Tucson, reminded me of our long journey home. I had plenty to occupy my mind for every mile ahead of us.

“D hasn’t changed. How long has it been since we saw him?”

Andi’s question left me struggling for an answer. I did my best mental math to count up the time. It was when I realized the significance of what she’d asked.

“It’s been four years to the date.”

“Four years, huh?” Andi mumbled while digging through the oversized purse beside her. “So, did you get everything settled?”

“Yes, we’re good now. I told him I know the entire story and everyone’s part in it.”

“I commend you for coming here, Mia. I know it wasn’t easy. Maybe you can get closure to this whole mess. Isn’t it the main reason we came?”

“Yes, it is.”

“But D also wanted you to see this new band.”

Unsure of what to say, I turned to the window. Andi was right. The purpose of my visit went beyond simply visiting an old ... acquaintance. Part of my trip was to scout the new rock group, Breaking Silence. It wasn’t how I’d planned to spend my New Year’s Eve, but here I was, regardless.

“That’s what D’s original letter stated. Tonight, he confirmed it was part of the reason he wanted to see me.”

“So he wants you to help Breaking Silence?” Andi asked while uncrossing her legs.

“It’s what he was hoping.”

“And what do you think?”

Silence fell again. I focused on the silver blur of the guardrail as we proceeded down the interstate. Four years had passed since I managed a band, and even though they’d turned into a great success, my heart splintered when I left them. Once again, I had come full circle, because that same splintered heart brought me to Tucson.

“Grandfather would have called Breaking Silence a diamond in the rough. It’s why he created Music Haven.” I glanced at Andi, noting the dip in her brow. Was she worried? Probably, but she was more likely calling my bluff. She just hadn’t spoken the words I knew she was waiting to say.

Why did it matter if I managed a new band? It wouldn’t be a big deal. My grandfather trained me for this. Success ran in the family. By now, I’d learned from my previous mistakes. There could be no repeat performance.

“I think they have what it takes. It’s why I want them to come to Music Haven.”

“There’s more to it, Mia. You proved it when we were backstage. The look on your face was priceless.”

“I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

“Yes, you do,” Andi chuckled, then gave me a knowing look. “Ayden McAllister.”

And there they were—the two words I was waiting to hear. They made me squirm in my seat because she was right. It didn’t mean I had to confess, or would I. Admitting as much meant I’d learned nothing from the past. Was history about to repeat itself?

My heart couldn’t take it.

Still, I’d made a promise. I couldn’t go back on my word. What happened next would be on a professional level. It had to be.

“All I’m saying is I want Ayden and his band at Music Haven. The sooner I work with them, the better.”

“I understand,” Andi assured me. “Just don’t deny what you're feeling, Mia. Make it your New Year's resolution to put the past behind you. Isn’t that why you came here?”

“Yes.”

Andi’s lips lifted in a smile. “Good. It’s time for a new chapter in your life. I think he’s the one.”

I didn’t take her words lightly. She’d never said them about anyone I found desirable. Knowing she was now had me questioning my decision.

I knew I could make Breaking Silence successful. It was the six-foot, dark-haired, toned and tatted lead singer that had me second-guessing myself. Ayden McAllister. One difference existed between him and the man I saw tonight.

D was a part of my past, but Ayden …

I wanted him more than I’d ever wanted anything. Resisting him would not be easy. It would be impossible because Ayden had awakened the desire in my soul.