Heart's Duo (Ugly Eternity #4) Read online

  Table of Contents

  Title Page

  Copyright

  Introduction

  Dedication

  Chapter 1

  Chapter 2

  October….

  November….

  Chapter 3

  Chapter 4

  Chapter 5

  Chapter 6

  Chapter 7

  Chapter 8

  ABOUT THE AUTHOR

  Heart’s Duo

  Ugly Eternity 4

  Charity Parkerson

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

  Please Note

  The scanning, uploading, and distributing of this book via the internet or via any other means without the permission of the copyright owner is illegal and punishable by law. Criminal copyright infringement, including infringement without monetary gain, is investigated by the FBI and is punishable by up to 5 years in federal prison and a fine of $250,000. Please purchase only authorized electronic editions, and do not participate in or encourage electronic piracy of copyrighted materials. Brief passages may be quoted for review purposes if credit is given to the copyright holder. Your support of the author’s rights is appreciated. Any resemblances to person(s) living or dead, is completely coincidental. All items contained within this novel are products of the author’s imagination.

  --Warning: This book is intended for readers over the age of 18.

  Copyright © 2015 Charity Parkerson

  Editor: Laura Hampton

  Photographer: Blue Sky Images

  All rights reserved.

  Introduction

  What began as a half-baked scheme to help his brother win the man of his dreams has become a tailspin Joss can’t escape. His actions and secrets have kept him from making any real claim on the woman who captured his attention years ago.

  But secrets have a way of coming to light.

  Maddox has known from almost the beginning Joss has been playing games with his life. What he doesn’t realize is how deep the man’s deception runs. When Cade and Dylan’s wedding reception brings everyone together in one place, the entire story is revealed with a little help from Benton.

  And Hell hath no fury like a man with nothing left to lose.

  The implosion Joss has braced for has finally come to pass, changing everything forever. With Jamie and Hawke in another country, enjoying their happily ever after, Maddox is about to teach Joss a valuable lesson in toying with other people’s lives.

  What happens when bad decisions, manipulations, good intentions, and misunderstandings combine? It’s an Ugly Eternity.

  Dedication

  For Robin French, who kept an open mind and believed in my vision even when Ugly Eternity pissed her off.

  Chapter 1

  The raucous nightclub seemed twice as loud as it should to Benton’s pounding head. Jamie and Hawke were damn lucky he loved them, otherwise he’d be lit out of his head and stumbling to bed about now. Not necessarily his bed or to sleep, but he certainly wouldn’t be at Khronos, pushing his way through scads of people to reach someone he didn’t care to see.

  There wasn’t a band playing. Benton bit back a sigh. Ugly Eternity played every weekend. He’d been banking on it. It was just his luck he’d arrived while they were off stage. If they weren’t there, he would be mega brassed. Pushing his way toward the bar, Benton recognized a familiar face working on pouring a round of drinks. Of course, it wasn’t hard to spot Dylan. He stood a good foot taller than everyone else in the place. The man’s brown hair and blue eye combo had people begging him to take their money for drinks they probably didn’t want. Benton almost made it to the man’s side.

  Warmth seeped through the rear of his pants, sliding across his ass before tightening and squeezing. Benton clenched his back teeth as he glanced over his shoulder. A tiny red-haired woman smiled up at him, unrepentant. Benton’s protest died on his lips. Hawke’s sister, Sophie, never pretended to be anything other than her real self—outrageous and totally shameless. He liked it. A smile stretched his lips to the point of making his cheeks ache. He’d fully expected this errand to be akin to a trip through hell, but Sophie … that was a different matter.

  “You should see your face,” Sophie said, yelling to be heard over the crowd.

  “I do, several times a day actually. It’s quite magnificent.”

  Sophie’s eyes flashed with humor, but she didn’t argue. Huh. He really liked it. Someone knocked into her from behind, pushing her forward. Shifting the case he was carrying from one hand to the other, Benton reached out, steadying her.

  “Are you unharmed?”

  She shot an annoyed look over her shoulder before focusing on him once more. “Yeah. Let’s hit the bar. It doesn’t look as crowded over there.” She nodded toward the opposite corner. Following the line of her gaze, Benton spotted the empty space she’d indicated. Benton held onto her arm while making a path for them. By the time they reached their destination, he was considering the merits of buying a rape whistle. These people had no boundaries. He was certain two women and at least one man had grabbed his junk. It was no wonder Hawke hated this place. Of course, Hawke had bigger reasons, but still.

  “Are you joining the band?” Sophie asked glancing toward the case in his hand. He’d almost forgotten he was carrying it. His whole concentration had been fixed upon the safety of the goods in his pants.

  “Do you hate everyone here?”

  A line appeared between Sophie’s eyes. “What kind of question is that?”

  Benton shrugged. “I can only assume you hold some grudge toward the patrons of this club if you wish to thrust my musical hackage upon them.”

  Instead of laughing, as he’d hoped, Sophie tilted her head to the side, inspecting him as if he was some never-before-seen object she found fascinating. “How did you end up in the music business if you have no musical ability?”

  “I didn’t say that. While it’s true, I can’t play an instrument, I can hear every note and missed note. I can break down every song I hear by chord and rebuild it into something unique. More importantly, I’m very, very good at selling musical talent to the unsuspecting.”

  By the time Benton finished his claim, Sophie’s playful expression had turned serious. She seemed genuinely invested in their conversation. Silence stretched between them as her emerald gaze searched his. He saw her brother in her at that moment. No one broke people down with their eyes the way Hawke did. It seemed Sophie shared his intuition.

  “Be careful, Benton East,” she said, almost too quiet for him to hear. “You’re in danger of showing your true self.” At her warning, Benton’s practiced and carefree smile snapped back in place. Sophie smirked.

  “Do you know if Joss is here?” he asked before she could say whatever was in her head. Benton intentionally kept everyone except Hawke at arm’s length. He’d seen too much in his life. People were users. All of them—everywhere. Once again, Hawke was the only exception. That’s why the man was his best friend. Sophie was Hawke’s sister. Best he moved along.

  Glancing around, Sophie went up on her toes. “He is … somewhere. Hold on.” She waved at Dylan, snagging the man’s attention. He moved to their end of the bar, all smiles and youthful good looks. It was no wonder Ugly Eternity’s sexy drummer, Cade, was enamored with his other half. There was no denying the pair made a delicious couple—if not an odd one. While Dylan was a bit hipster, Cade was hardcore tattoos. The story of
how they’d ended up together was one Benton would love to hear. For now, he had more pressing issues.

  Dylan’s gaze moved between them. “What can I do for you?”

  Sophie beat Benton to the punch. “Can you snag Joss for me? I’m too short to find him in this mess.”

  Dylan inspected the room before focusing somewhere over their heads. With two fingers in his mouth, he released an ear-piercing whistle before motioning toward the bar. He focused on them once more. A boyish smile flashed across his face. “Does that work for you?”

  Sophie’s flirtatious nature never wavered. The fact that it was wasted on Dylan didn’t seem to affect her in any way. “Thanks, doll.”

  Dylan dipped his chin. “Is there anything else I can do for you?” He switched his attention Benton’s way. Dylan’s eyes hardened when they landed on him. An inner sigh rang through Benton’s head. He would always be that interloper who’d stolen away with a member of the band by signing him with Guillotine.

  “I’m good, but thanks.”

  Sophie scoffed. “Awww, come on, Benton. Don’t get all stuffy Englishman on me. Let me buy you a drink.”

  Joss appeared at her side, saving Benton from responding. Snagging Sophie’s waist, Joss pressed several loud kisses to the side of Sophie’s face before he spotted Benton and froze. Benton’s eyebrows hit his hairline at Joss’ actions. Not his business. He would not get involved. Joss’s happy visage drained away at the sight of Benton. He straightened away from Sophie.

  Joss reached past Sophie, holding out his hand. “I didn’t realize you were in town.”

  In spite of his dislike of the man, Benton accepted his handshake. “Just passing through.”

  “Business or pleasure?”

  “Neither,” Benton admitted. “I’m here for you.” He didn’t care if he sounded like a dick. This man had done harm to his friend. Benton wouldn’t soon forget it. Perhaps Hawke was willing to forgive and forget. Benton wasn’t as nice. Once he met a son-of-a-bitch, he never forgot their name. If anyone other than Hawke had asked him to do this, he’d easily have said no. Unfortunately, he’d never been able to deny Hawke. He tried not to let his bitter feelings toward Joss interfere. “Your brother is in Canada. His schedule is too fierce right now for him to do this personally, but he didn’t want you to think he’d forgotten your birthday.”

  Joss snorted. “Being as how we’re twins, the idea never crossed my mind.”

  “Nonetheless,” Benton said, passing the case over to Joss. “He wanted you to have this on your birthday, and he didn’t want it to arrive by some cold deliveryman.”

  A humorless laugh filled the space between them as Joss accepted. “Yeah, ‘cause this is so much better.”

  Sophie elbowed him in the ribs. Joss winced but pressed his lips together. Dylan, who was still lingering at their side and shamelessly hanging on every word, cleared a spot on the bar so Joss could set the case on top. He flipped open the lid. A white 1949 Fender Broadcaster caught the light and gleamed at everyone leaning over the open guitar case.

  “Holy shit,” Joss said, dragging out each syllable. He gently pried the guitar from its case, holding it reverently. “This must’ve cost 300K at least.”

  “Three seventy-five, actually,” Benton said without an ounce of shame. “Although Jamie and Hawke understand this in no way replaces having them here in the flesh, they hope you know they’re thinking of you and will forgive them.”

  Joss didn’t look away from the work of art in his hands. “Are you kidding me? I can totally be bought.” He finally focused on Benton. “Thank you. I know this is probably the last thing you’d choose to do with your time.”

  It was the man’s birthday. For that reason alone, Benton swallowed his dislike for a moment. “Hawke is the one you should thank. I did it for him.”

  Joss turned his head, hiding his reaction. “Please pass along my thanks.”

  “I will, but you should tell him yourself.”

  Even with his face turned away, Benton caught Joss’s rueful smile. “He doesn’t want to hear it from me. This is awesome,” Joss said, changing the subject. Benton let it go. Not his business, he reminded himself once more.

  “Your brother would be thrilled if I could report back you’d played this beauty while I was here.”

  Dylan snagged the case and slid it behind the bar. “I’ll keep an eye on this for you.”

  “Sweet,” Joss said, heading for the stage without a backward glance.

  A wry voice cut through the air, snagging Benton’s attention. “So you don’t intend to say hi or anything.”

  Spinning, Benton found Maddox seated on a stool behind him. He could’ve been there the whole time for all Benton knew. It was unnerving. The guy looked like shit. The bright eyes, which were usually filled with good humor and intelligence, were dimmed by alcohol and dark circles.

  “Maddox,” Benton said for lack of anything more.

  One corner of Maddox’s mouth lifted. “Come on, Benton. You can do better than that. I saw that flash of hatred when you realized it was me. You can let it fly. Now’s your chance.”

  For a moment, Benton considered it. Maddox deserved it. Hawke had loved this man, and he’d destroyed him for it. Loyalty made Benton want to rip the man to shreds. He wasn’t worth it. Hawke would never forgive Benton if he did. On the other hand, he couldn’t remain totally silent. If there was any chance Maddox didn’t fully grasp the ramifications of his actions, it was Benton’s duty to shine the light on each one. Leaning into the bar, Benton set his elbow on top and gave Maddox his full attention. He flashed him a fake smile.

  “Look, I’ve been to every corner of the world, meeting every possible personality and side of the spectrum. There’s nothing I haven’t seen before. I could cut you off at the knees. Hell, with my money, I can probably afford to get away with at least one murder, but do you know what all that travel, interaction with different people, and life experience has taught me?”

  Maddox’s eyebrows lifted, but he didn’t take the bait. Since Benton hadn’t expected him to, he continued without encouragement. “There’s no one else on the planet like Hawke. Not a single one,” he said, rubbing it in. “Truly. He’s an original. His heart is ten times the size of everyone else’s. There’s nothing he won’t do for others, even at the expense of his own happiness. You lost that—threw it away, actually. There is nothing crueler that I can say to you than to remind you of that single truth. You will never again own the most beautiful soul in the world, and it’s all on you.”

  Maddox didn’t flinch nor did he show an ounce of emotion until he spoke. His voice came out sounding tight. “I never had him.”

  Maddox turned away, heading for the stage. As far as arguments went, it was a powerful one. Admittedly, it was also one he’d never considered. The pair had danced around one another for months before—finally—ending up together. Perhaps, by that time, it had already been too late for Maddox. Hawke’s heart belonged to Jamie. Benton wouldn’t be surprised if it was the truth. Hawke was loyal. He would’ve stayed with Maddox because that was the path his life was set upon. There was also the way Hawke had fought to make Jaime’s dreams come true to consider. Yes. Maddox’s argument was a powerful one indeed. Hawke had never been Maddox’s to lose.

  *

  Benton watched Maddox heading for the stage with calculating eyes. Sophie could’ve walked away at any time, ignoring the pair’s conversation, but no. She’d shamelessly eavesdropped on every word. Hawke was her brother, after all. Of course, it all turned out to be pointless since she learned nothing she hadn’t already known. There was something about Benton that held her in place. Even when Maddox claimed the mic, Benton didn’t seem to as much as blink. The offer rose to her lips before she had time to consider the ramifications.

  “Dance with me.” Sophie held her breath, hoping. She’d met Benton a few times over the years, but he was Hawke’s best friend. If he held any particular opinion of her at all, he didn’t show it. His
position at Guillotine Records kept him on top of his poker face, or perhaps he was successful because it came naturally. Either way, he could hate her or love her, but Sophie couldn’t tell. When he smiled, the way he did now, his amber-colored eyes smiled too. She liked it. That’s probably why she couldn’t walk away and leave the man in peace.

  “Uh. No. I think I’ll pass.”

  “Awww, come on,” Sophie pled, lightly slugging him in the arm. “Just one dance, and I promise I’ll let you leave.”

  Benton’s gaze swept the room, landing on the stage for a moment before returning to her. “If there’s anything I’m worse at than playing an instrument, it’s singing. If there’s anything worse than singing, it’s dancing.”

  “Have a drink with me then.” She couldn’t stop. There had to be something about him. Hawke and Jamie moved their life to another country to be closer to him. As far as Sophie could tell, he was somewhat bland. Occasionally she caught a flash of some unnamed emotion crossing his features. He had layers. She was intrigued. Not to mention, he had a nice ass. She’d copped a feel and wasn’t sorry.

  “I’d rather not.”

  It was direct. She had to give him that. Clasping her hands behind her back, Sophie pasted on a fake smile. There were two types of people in the world: those who loved her and those who hated her. Rarely did anyone fall in between. It seemed Benton wasn’t a fan. Considering his obvious dislike of Joss, she shouldn’t have been surprised. “Okay, well, send Hawke and Jamie my love, and it was nice seeing you.”

  “I don’t like to eat alone.”

  “Does anyone?” Sophie asked, trying to keep up. She’d been set to make her escape. Now, she didn’t know how to react. A genuine smile lit his face. It was wicked and devastating. Sophie held her breath. Whatever he was thinking, she couldn’t wait to hear it.

  “In some cases, I’m certain they do.” His voice turned seductive. She wasn’t entirely sure they were still discussing the same thing. Either way, she wasn’t ready to stop. “Nonetheless, I’d intended to find a restaurant before bed. Would you care to join me?” She cast a quick glance toward the stage. Joss still had several hours left in his night. Plus, they weren’t serious, and it was Benton. He was an extension of her brother. Possibly. If anyone asked, she would go with that. Benton moved closer, drawing her focus back to him. “That is, if you’re free.”