Page 54 of Busted String

Jace took a shaky breath, the initial shock and hurt beginning to ebb away. It would take time to fully come to terms with this, but for now, he could start by trusting that Nico’s heart was in the right place. Jace would never consent to be a sub for Nico or anyone. He wasn’t into that scene.

“Did you put Harry’s dick in a locked cage in October?”

“Did Harry tell you about Locktoberfest?” Nico laughed.

“He did. I never heard of Locktoberfest.”

“Don’t worry about that. We will not take part in that. I don’t need that with you.”

“Are you sure I’ll be enough for you?”

“More than enough. I love you more than anything. What we have is real. I’ve always loved you.”

Chapter Twenty-Five

Nico

The morning sun pierced through the thin curtains, painting the interior of the camper in a golden hue. Nico stretched, feeling the buzz of anticipation in his veins. Today was the day. The band had agreed to meet early at a local practice space, so they could have one last run-through before their big performance.

Arriving at the practice spot, Nico felt a jolt of excitement seeing everyone ready and eager. They dove into their set, each song flowing effortlessly. Twice they went through their entire set list, hitting every note, every beat, without a single mistake. By the end, the room was filled with their triumphant energy.

Back at their camper, they took a brief nap to recharge. When Nico woke up, he nudged Jace. Nico chose his favorite outfit—a snug, black t-shirt and ripped jeans—and started getting ready. The others followed suit, each choosing outfits that reflected their unique styles but harmonized with the band’s vibe.

“Tonight’s the night, guys,” Nico said, pulling on his boots. “We’re going to light that stage on fire.”

Jace laughed, adjusting his guitar strap. “Just try to keep up, drummer boy.”

Sammie grinned, running a hand through his hair. “Hope the crowd’s ready for this. They won’t know what hit them.”

Mark, now calmer and more focused, nodded. “Let’s give them a show they’ll never forget.”

As they walked through the crowds, the sea of faces parted to let them through. Nico felt the energy building, a wave of excitement that matched his own. They reached the stage, and the roar of the audience washed over them.

Taking their places, Nico glanced at his bandmates, feeling the bond between them stronger than ever. The first notes rang out, and the crowd erupted. Jace’s voice cut through the night, powerful and magnetic, as he danced across the stage, connecting with the audience who chanted Jace’s name.

Nico’s drumming was steady and relentless, driving the rhythm that kept everyone moving. Mark’s guitar riffs soared, while Sammie’s keys added depth and texture. The crowd clapped, sang along, and moved as one entity, completely enthralled.

Jace’s energy was contagious, his voice reaching new heights as he jumped and danced, his movements fluid and free. Nico watched with pride, knowing that they had created something special. Each song blended into the next, the audience hanging on every note.

As they finished their set, the applause was deafening. The crowd’s energy was still electric, and Nico couldn’t help but smile. They had done it. They had brought the house down. And as they walked off the stage, hefelt an overwhelming sense of accomplishment and unity with his bandmates. Tonight was a night they would all remember for years to come.

When they left the stage, there were people who wanted to sign the band up for more shows in different states.

“We want you to tour the East Coast in February,” one manager said to Nico.

He turned to the guys. “What do you say about that?”

All three said yes in unison.

After that manager, another one wanted them to do a tour in Canada. They all agreed. They had almost six months booked. Their calendar was filled. Nico had heard of this happening after big concerts, but he never expected it to happen to them here.

He couldn’t help but smile as they all gathered back in the camper. The energy from their performance still thrummed through his veins. Each of them took a shower, washing away the sweat and grime of the stage, and now they were ready to celebrate. The camper felt like a sanctuary, a place where they could let their guard down and just enjoy the moment.

Nico pulled a bottle of champagne from the mini-fridge, the cool glass a sharp contrast to the warmth of the room. He popped the cork with a satisfying pop, and the bubbly liquid foamed over the top. He filled each of their plastic champagne glasses.

“To us,” Nico said, raising his glass. “To our success and to this incredible journey we’re on together.”

They clinked their glasses, the sound like a harmonious chord. Nico’s heart swelled with pride and gratitude as he looked around at his bandmates. Each one of them had played a crucial role in their success, and he felt an overwhelming sense of camaraderie and love.

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