Page 18 of True Stars Collide

Ian stepped in, “We’ve got time for one more question.”

“What’s the deal with this marriage? It sure seems like a publicity stunt to get attention for the band. ‘Love ’em and Leave ’em Liam’, how long have you known Zoe?”

And there she was, Marissa, trying to stir up trouble. No way was that scheming bitch messing this up for them. Zoe stiffened and he tugged her in closer and pressed a kiss against her lips. He knew how to handle the piranha in pink.

He grinned down at Zoe. “Black Velvet Machine returning with a new album and tour doesn’t need a publicity stunt. You can retire my old nickname because I’ve got no reason to leave. Zoe’s the first woman who ever made me want to stay, so I figured I’d make it official.”

The press began buzzing and shouting out more questions.

“You want us to believe you fell for some pop princess?” Scorn laced her tone. Yeah, Marissa was livid. She could go screw herself.

“Who wouldn’t fall for this woman––she’s got a hell of a voice, she’s tough as nails, sweet as sugar, and she’s all mine.” He hugged Zoe in closer.

Zoe sucked in a breath and held up one hand. “That’s former pop princess to you, sweetie. Time marches on so feel free to come along for the ride or not. You can call us the King and Queen of Rock and Roll now.”

Ben, André, and Ian all shouted and hooted, “Hell, yeah. Queen Zoe!”

Time to wrap this up. “Thanks everyone. We’ll see you on tour. It’s time for us to celebrate. Black Velvet Machine’s back.”

More questions and calls rose from the media pack, but Liam was ready for a drink or ten. Time to make an exit the media wouldn’t forget. He turned to Zoe, and scooped her curvy, warm body into his embrace.

She wound her arms around his neck and pulled his head down to hers. “Thanks for standing up for me,” she murmured against his mouth, her breath sweet and hot.

“Anytime, darling. Let’s give them a grand farewell and get some whiskey. That was a hell of a show.”

She wiggled her hips and pressed one hand against his heart. “Okay, Your Highness.”

He puffed out his chest and strode toward their after-party room feeling better than he’d felt in…ever?

What was this surprisingly complicated woman doing to him?

CHAPTER 9

“Mom, I know what I’m doing. I know the marriage was fast. Yes, it was impulsive but that doesn’t make it a mistake.” Zoe paced around the perimeter of the enormous, sunny bedroom.

“Honey, I love you and I’m worried. The only time you ever brought a boyfriend home to meet me was when you were in sixth grade and invited that little hooligan Jeff Hawkins over. Fifteen years later you marry a man two days after meeting him? What’s really going on? All these nasty stories claim you’re out of control. That your marriage is a publicity stunt.”

Zoe nibbled on her lower lip and paused to stare at the deep blue Pacific Ocean outside the wide window. She’d never lied to her mom before. Her mom was her best friend. But she’d signed an NDA and she was actually protecting her mom by keeping her in the dark.

Yeah, sure, keep telling yourself that.

“I love you, Mom. The reporters are exaggerating and blowing everything out of proportion. They should be focusing on how fantastic our show was and how Black Velvet Machine is back, not the marriage. There are some…ahem…circumstances. Please believe me that you’ve got nothing to worry about. I promise I’ll explain everything when I come visit you.”

Her Mom pounced. “I? Don’t you mean we? Aren’t you bringing Liam home to meet me?”

Crap. “I’m still getting used to being part of a couple. Of course, once we’ve finished recording the album, I, I mean we, will have time to visit. We’re working around the clock to wrap as soon as possible. Once it’s done, I’ll have time before we go on tour.”

Silence. After a few beats, her mom responded. “Okay, I’m not going to push you. But you promise me one thing.”

“Anything.” Except admit my marriage is a publicity stunt.

“I’m always here to listen, day and night. I really hope this whole quickie marriage isn’t another manipulation by the band or your PR people to sell records. You’ve already spent years playing a role. You deserve to be recognized for your talent. Full stop.”

Yeah, wouldn’t it be nice to simply be a lead singer without an elaborate public image. But the fake marriage plan was working, just like the PR people said it would. This band was her chance to fulfill her dreams of singing rock and roll––her way. When she was on stage or downstairs in Liam’s state-of-the-art recording studio, she was completely, totally the authentic Zoe Hastings.

“Thanks, Mom. I completely agree I deserve it. Black Velvet Machine is my chance. I know what I’m doing.” The sacrifice was worth it. Would be worth it. The marriage was temporary. She would keep her eye on the long-term prize.

“You’re not pregnant, are you?”

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