Her Mischievous Prince (Book 3)

Nine

Jaxon

“Look who finally decided to show up!” Maverick exclaimed with a huge grin on his face as I entered the band’s designated studio. “I come bearing gifts,” I said lowering the cups of coffee on the table. “So, how was the vacation?” Sky asked. “Let’s see...” I huffed, scratching my chin. “I guess we’re officially the f*****g Brady Bunch, what's up?” All three chuckled. They were probably thinking that I was kidding, but we kind of were for the past three weeks we were on vacation and I hated most of the days we were all stuck together. Actually, no. I didn't hate that I was spending time with my brother and a certain raven-haired girl. What I hated was having to pretend that we're enjoying ourselves. “Seeing that you survived and still have loose screws, maybe it wasn’t all that bad,” Maddox stated on his way inside the powder room. I sat my ass on the couch and propped my feet up on the coffee table. “Yeah, I survived alright. Dad was overbearing as usual. Lee was Lee, but if I’m being honest though, it didn’t really suck ass thanks to Elvie and her daughter Riley.” I admitted. Maddox quickly popped his head out with a raised brow. “Daughter?”

“Yup! She’s very pretty and pretty cool,” I answered nonchalantly, but mentally kicked myself after a nanosecond for letting that slip. Maverick shook his head looking all smug as he toyed with the strings of his bass guitar. He’s latched on to what I said, no doubt. “What?” I asked. “Acknowledging she’s very pretty and pretty cool is your tell sign that you’re into her,” he snorted. I f*****g knew it. “Oh, s**t! You’re right,” Sky chuckled. “People change assholes! Besides, she’s family,” I defended, trying my best not to show how rattled I am with what Maverick pointed out because the f*****g jerk is right. I f*****g am into her since day one, and because of our circumstances, I have tried my best to stop myself from entertaining those thoughts. And as much as I tried my best to stay away, for some f****d up reason, I’d always end up doing things that would involve us hanging out.

“Keep telling yourself that pretty boy. Besides, she’s family by affiliation not by blood,” Maddox teased so I flipped the bird without even looking at him. “Stop blowing things out of proportion you idiots. No one’s into anyone as far as I can tell. So are we working or not?” I asked. “Not... yet,” Sky answered, brows furrowing while he shuffled a few papers in his hands, probably a few music sheets. “Because?” I asked. “Cause this isn’t about work,” Maverick stated. “Then why the hell are we all here then? Did the two of you have a fight with your wives that you suddenly felt the urge to hang out with the two single guys in the band to relive your glory days?” I poke fun of Maddox and Sky which had one hurling a crumpled paper my way and one sniggering.

“No, you jackass! Remember when we talked about doing something nice for Colin and Laura for their anniversary?” Sky answered. “Oh, right! Forgot about that.” I chuckled. “No s**t!” Maverick interjected and this time it was my turn to hurl the crumpled paper at him. “So was anyone able to come up with anything?” I asked no one in particular. “Surprisingly, yes,” Maddox stated. “And?” I stood grabbing my cup. “And... we’re performing. Shocker huh?” Sky laughed and I swear his jokes are becoming more and more like dad jokes. “Obviously, but what?” I snorted. He then passed me the pieces of paper he was arranging before taking a sip from his cup. “Line-up.”

I studied the five songs in my hands and just as I suspected, they’re the kind of love songs that most women could imagine walking down the aisle in. This is definitely more of Laura’s taste than Colin’s but they’re pretty good. “So I’m assuming this is going to be an acoustic thing?” I asked. “It’s still undecided, but knowing Laura, I bet she’d find it romantic if it’s acoustic,” Maverick stated and I couldn’t agree more. “So, acoustic it is then!” Maddox said clapping his hands together. "Hold up, it doesn't necessarily have to be in acoustics," Maverick interjected and I agreed with a nod. "True," Sky stated without looking up. "So, not acoustic it is then or both whatever," Maddox beamed and so we went about each song’s arrangement.

By four in the afternoon, I was already heading up to my father’s office because as usual, he wants me to attend every meeting he deems important which is basically everything on his list whether it’s scheduled or impromptu. The only time I don’t get to attend is if we’re on tour or if I need to do other stuff that concerns being part of Lucid Mantra. I stared at my reflection inside the elevator and I couldn’t help but feel so out of my element even though I practically know how everything is going to go down the minute I step out. I look the part alright, the part of the CEO’s son who’ll one day step up to claim his father’s place, but the thought alone makes me want to throw up. I know I look good in a suit, but the man looking back at me is not the real him. No, this is a facade. The thing is, I don’t even know why I even put up with any of this. My father could disown me today and I’d still make it until the day I die. I’d still thrive on my own. So why do I even bother?

The elevator doors slid open and I stood frozen for a minute or two at the sight of Riley wearing a fully white look that consists of a blazer, shirt, and trousers that hug every curve of her body. She was fidgeting and standing in front of Elvie’s desk no doubt talking to her mom about something a bit intense. I guess Elvie decided to stick around as dad’s executive assistant, even though she doesn’t have to anymore. I readjusted my damn tie and walked towards where they are. I cleared my throat and was planning to grit them politely, but then I guess my dumb alter ego suddenly reached for Riley's lower back and leaned in to kiss her cheek. Jesus, Mary, and Joseph! What the hell was wrong with me?

I stepped back from her smiling as wide as I could wanting to look like everything was cool and that it was really how I intended to greet her, then I went for Elvie and kissed her on the cheek as well just so she won't get the idea I'm secretly crushing on her daughter. I was mentally facepalming by the time I stepped back because their gazes registered shock. "Hi," I greeted. "Hello, Jaxon," Elvie greeted while Riley stood there gawking. Okay, I must've really startled her. "Nice of you to drop by. What's going on?" I asked Riley. "I was asking mom the same thing. Your dad suddenly wanted me to meet him here so here I am," she nervously giggled. "He didn't really say why?" Both their heads shook in response. Odd, really odd. "Well, I'm heading in that is if he's not with anyone. Maybe you should come in with me," I offered, looking back and forth between the two. "Yes, that's a great idea. Thank you, Jaxon," Elvie stated. With a curt nod, I placed my hand at the small of Riley's back and pushed her to walk with me towards my father's closed door.

I wonder what he is up to this time.