I can’t help but be proud of my woman. “What about you?”
“Me?” He turns left and I can start to see Dome’s building, “I can’t wait to get back home. People here have a weird lifestyle and I miss home or even Europe goes.”
“But Japan is a dream…” The closer we get, the bigger Dome gets. “It’s intimidating.” I’m in awe.
“You need to see the inside.” He chuckles while getting into the covered parking lot. “Even though it is an indoor stadium it can host 57,000 people and security is top notch.”
“Of course it is, they have you.”
“Such a smartass.” He playfully nudges me before handing me the badge. “Don’t lose it, if they see you without it hanging around your neck you may get in big trouble.”
“That’s scary,” I laugh out loud, but his look makes me wonder if he’s joking. “Are you serious?”
“Miles, our sound technician, forgot it in the car and he almost got arrested.” He shrugs, “They’re a bit strict.”
I may go to sleep with it on, just in case. “A bit? Wow.” As we pass the security we step in and move along the hallways up to an elevator.
“Emma should be with Matthew for a brainstorm unless they’re doing a sound check.” The doors open and I feel like a tiny ant.
Holy shit! This place is huge. Endless.
The colored lights from the stage swirl around illuminating the ceiling in a thousand colors but my eyes catch a minute figure standing up close to the edge. I move closer and she closes her laptop.
“Okay Jun, let’s try it one more time with the music, please.” Her voice alone makes my heart race in my chest. The music starts and the lights move in rhythm. It’s absolutely amazing.
I stop right behind her, and the urge to scoop her up and kiss her is unbearable.
“Perfect, get ready for the soun—” She pauses, and shakes her head, “For the sound check and then we can call it a day.” Em moves forward, places the laptop on the table and leans on the handrail. She takes her cell phone out and puts it away while rubbing her face. The music plays, the vibration hits my stomach but I like it and move closer.
I can see her lost in thoughts and I cage her between my arms. “It’s me you’re thinking about?”
When Em looks over her shoulder the smile on her face melts me down. “Jax!” She pivots and squeezes me in a hug, “Oh my God, you’re here.”
“I missed you, baby girl.” I’m breathing again and fuck it makes me feel alive.
“How? I mean… You…” Her eyes glaze up and I cup her face and kiss her. The passion she kisses me back is so powerful that it almost knocks me out. She owns my heart for good.
“Angel granted me three days off to come here.” She knew I’d ask for them and organized everything even before me to ask. The more I know Angel, the more she manages to be a step ahead of me. She’s good at reading people.
“I owe her one.” She giggles, kissing me again, “I’m almost done here.”
“Good because I want to take you out for dinner.” She goes pale within a second, “You okay, babe?”
“Yeah,” she moves back, takes her bottle of water and drinks some. “But I need a shower, I’ve been in here all day.”
“Have you had lunch?”
“Sure.”
“Lies.” Luke shows up and hands her a folder, “She skips meals regularly.”
I shift my gaze to her but she shrugs and signs the papers, “Not a big deal. I prefer to sleep more.” That’s another lie and both me and Luke look at each other.
“Shower, dinner and sleep then, I’m up for it.” I wink at her while she snuggles in my arms. God, I missed her so much.
The soft rays of the morning sun filter through the curtains, gently illuminating the hotel room. I stir in bed, my eyes fluttering open as I become aware of the strange sensation in my stomach, again. It’s not a pleasant feeling at all. In fact, it’s downright uncomfortable. I groan and clutch my abdomen, hoping the discomfort will dissipate. As I swing my legs over the edge of the bed, a wave of nausea washes over me. My hand instinctively flies to my mouth, as if trying to hold back the queasiness threatening to escape. I take a deep breath, trying to steady myself, but it doesn’t seem to help. The uneasiness persists, intensifying with each passing moment.
I stumble toward the bathroom, my steps unsteady and cautious. The cool tiles under my feet provide a momentary relief, but it’s short-lived. I lean over the sink, gripping the edges tightly, and my reflection stares back at me with weary eyes. The familiar pang of sickness strikes again, causing me to retch, but nothing comes out except a bitter taste.