Page 71 of The Final Beat

“He loves her,” I replied, watching them as intently as she was. “She just annoys the shit out of him.”

“She’s a bit interfering,” Ronnie offered.

“He told me that she told him that the ring wasn’t right,” I added. “Apparently it wasn’t the right size or shaped diamond.”

Amber gasped. “No? That’s terrible. It’s a beautiful ring.”

Ronnie cleared his throat. “You like diamonds?”

I gave a quiet laugh and nudged him. “You need to be more subtle,” I whispered. He’d confessed that he wanted to propose after the boys were born—yep it was twin boys that they were expecting—but wasn’t sure what kind of stone to get.

He gave me a scowl and then turned back to Amber. “Diamonds then, babe, you like them?”

“What girl doesn’t?” she said with a laugh. “Especially Simmy’s, it’s gorgeous. Although, pear shaped means she’ll need a special shaped wedding ring.”

“I think Beau can afford it.” I smirked because I knew exactly how much he’d paid for Simmy’s ring. It was a hell of a lot and if Simone knew, she’d never dare wear it. “Anyway, Amber, how are you feeling?”

“Fat and frumpy,” she grumbled.

“I keep telling her she’s not.” Ronnie stroked her hair.

“I am. And I’m pissed off about Hugo.”

“Why?” I asked, turning away from watching Beau and Simone to give Amber my full attention.

“He was supposed to sort Jimmy’s stuff out. After the funeral he said he would, and he’s still not done anything about it.” Her smile turned down and she shoved another olive into her mouth.

“The funeral was months ago.”

“Tell me about it,” Ronnie replied. “He came to see her after it and swore she wouldn’t need to worry about anything, that he’d sort the flat.”

“I told him he can keep whatever he wants,” Amber added. “I don’t want anything. Not a thing.”

The whole thing with Jimmy had been stressful for Amber and Ronnie. They’d agreed she shouldn’t go to the funeral, particularly as her blood pressure was a little high at the time. They also knew they’d probably attract press attention by being there.

“If you want me to call him, I will,” I offered. I was in the mood for kicking someone up the arse. I’d been in a shitty mood for the last six weeks since the tour ended, well three months if I was being honest. All because of one tiny blonde woman.

Destiny and I were polite and friendly with each other on the remainder of the tour, after the night I punched the lighting rigger. Since it had finished, though, we hadn’t seen or spoken to each other, and I fucking missed her. I missed her so much it felt like I was having a heart attack—daily. That was how bad the pain in my chest was.

“I’m going to see him tomorrow,” Ronnie replied, dragging me from my thoughts of Destiny.

“If you need company, just let me know.”

“I might just do that.” Ronnie gave Amber a concerned look. “I just want it all over and done with for her before the boys get here.” His face then broke into a grin, and I decided I was leaving before I had to listen to him go on about Bert and Ernie. They hadn’t agreed to call them that, but I personally thought it suited twin boys sired by Ronnie.

“I’m going to find Elliot,” I announced. “I need to speak to him about something.”

“Okay, buddy.”

Relieved to have dodged the twin bullet, I spotted Elliot and Belle talking to one of Beau and Belle’s cousins. They were all laughing and glancing over at Beau and Simone so guessed they’d noticed Sylvie as we had. I didn’t want to disturb them, so I decided to do a quick circle of the room and slowly make my way back to Ronnie and Amber. Maybe Ali would be here soon, and I could question her about Destiny and find out what she had lined up. If anyone knew, then Ali would.

I’d made it only a few steps when the door into the restaurant, which Beau had hired out, swung open. There was a quick flurry of cold, January air and my breath was stolen.

“Daisy,” I whispered.

As if she felt me watching her, she looked my way and her hands paused at the thick red, woollen scarf that she was wearing. Her mouth dropped into a small o, and I instinctively knew that her breathing had sped up.

I didn’t need to think twice about moving towards her. I didn’t have a choice because the magnetic pull wouldn’t let me do anything else. My gaze was pinned to her, watching her carefully to make sure she didn’t run. She didn’t, though, she seemed stuck in place with her fingers still gripping her scarf. Her bleach blonde hair had grown a little longer over the six weeks since I’d seen her and was tucked behind her ears. She had big gold, hooped earrings in and her lips were a deep red. Instantly, I imagined them around my cock, and I felt a stir behind the zip of my trousers.

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