Fractured Rock Read online

  Her phone vibrates again but she ignores it.

  Robbie must have thought he’d have a few hours to himself before she returned from the concert. Or did he want her to walk in and catch him? She sits straighter and frowns at the stall door. What if that’s what he wanted? What if he wanted to end things with her and decided this would be the easiest way?

  Their relationship wasn’t Earth-shattering by any means, but they had been together a year. Surely that must count for something? One year of her life with Robbie for what? For it all to end like this? With him cheating on her?

  That’s the part that’s upsetting her the most. It’s not the fact the relationship is over. It’s how it ended.

  This weekend was supposed to be her last-ditch attempt at finding some feelings for him. Something more than caring about him. But it hadn’t worked. She didn’t love him and doubts she ever would have - even if he hadn’t cheated.

  He’d done everything right. From their first date he’s ticked all the boxes... well, all except one. She didn’t love him. She had decided their relationship was over the minute he left to go back to the hotel. If she loved him, she would have gone too instead of staying to watch the band.

  It seems he was on the same page. He wouldn’t cheat on her unless he thought their relationship was over.

  Bria wipes her face and takes a deep shaky breath as she gets herself together. In truth, Robbie had just brought their demise forward by a few days. Not that it helps with the pain of what he did. She’d never cheat on anyone. If he felt that they weren’t going anywhere, all he had to do was tell her. He didn’t have to sleep with someone in the bed they’d shared the night before. That wasn’t on.

  None of that helps her with her current predicament. She’s still none the wiser about what to do. She’s got nowhere to go with Robbie still in their room and she can’t stay in the restroom for the night.

  She pulls out her phone and sees a missed call from Tate along with a text message. A year ago she would have called him back and told him what had happened. Not anymore though. A year ago he wasn’t a recovering alcoholic and heroin user. A year ago he hadn’t been arrested for drug possession. A year ago he hadn’t nearly died.

  She has no doubts at all Tate would barge into the room and hang Robbie from the balcony by his ankles. The drug possession charge had been dropped, but that doesn’t mean she wants to get him in legal trouble again because of her.

  Bria scrolls through her contacts, dismissing them all until she gets to one. She looks down at the name on the screen and sighs to herself. Of all the people on her contact list, he’s the one she knows would help her no questions asked. But he’s also close to Tate so that’s not great.

  It’s not like she has a lot of choice. He’s nearby and she trusts him. There aren’t many people in her life she can say that about. Her finger hovers over Gregg’s name but she hesitates. He’ll be out with the band having fun after the show. It wouldn’t be fair to pull him away... would it?

  Bria buries her head in her hands and the tears come back. She’s never felt more alone than she does right now.

  Deciding against another fizzy drink, Gregg orders himself a water and sits back down beside Luke. ‘Dillon still not back?’

  Luke shakes his head. ‘No sign of him. And I don’t fancy going looking for him. Tate get off okay?’

  ‘Yeah. It’ll be weird not having him around for the month. Kinda got used to him being here.’

  ‘He’ll be fine, Gregg. He’s on top of everything.’

  Gregg smiles and nods. ‘Yeah. I hope so. So should I ask where Pippa is?’

  Luke’s face drops a little. ‘She was tired.’

  Gregg nods and takes a drink of his water. Pippa was pissed off about something. She always seemed to get pissed off after concerts. Probably has a bit to do with the fact quite a few people had spent ninety minutes drooling over her man. ‘Any plans for the break?’

  Luke runs his hand through his short dark hair and his shoulders drop a little. ‘Pippa wanted to go abroad somewhere. Hire a villa with a private pool. You know, the works. But I’d already told my brother I’d look after his kids while he went away for a week. Alex and Sophie haven’t been able to go away alone for six years. Thought they deserved a treat, so I surprised them with a holiday.’

  ‘Wow. Best brother award goes to you. Where are you sending them to?’

  ‘South of France. They’ve always fancied going there.’

  ‘And you’re looking after the kids? Brave.’

  Luke laughs as he turns the piercing under his lip. ‘They can be a handful, but I can keep them in line. I’m moving into their place for the week. Easier than dragging all the kids’ things over to mine.’

  Gregg takes another drink as he tries to hide the smile. No wonder Pippa isn’t here tonight. Having her dream holiday ruined by Luke’s nephews won’t have gone down well. But it sounds like Luke is looking forward to taking care of the kids. Or maybe it’s the thought of being away from Pippa for a week.

  They look up as Dillon slides into the seat beside them with a satisfied look on his face.

  ‘Where the hell were you?’ Luke asks.

  Dillon smirks as he takes a drink. ‘Having an itch scratched.’

  ‘What?’

  ‘You know... having an itch scratched,’ he repeats as he mimics holding a head over his groin and moving it up and down.

  Gregg glances at Luke who shakes his head briefly then grimaces and turns back to Dillon. ‘Oh God,’ Luke says as he rolls his eyes at his friend. ‘Seriously? You met the guy ten minutes ago and he’s already jerked you off.’

  ‘Yeah. With his mouth.’

  Gregg leans forward on the table. ‘Olive guy? You’re having a laugh, right?’

  Dillon raises his eyebrows as he takes another drink.

  Gregg slumps back in the seat and shakes his head. ‘Nope. You’re not. Okay. How the hell do you do it?’

  ‘He did it. Not me.’

  ‘Oh nice. Thanks for the imagery that’ll be forever burnt into my brain.’ He pulls out his phone when it vibrates in his pocket. ‘Saved by the bell. I want out of this conversation yesterday.’

  Gregg glances at his phone and has second thoughts about excusing himself when he sees Bria’s name on the screen.

  ‘Back in a sec. You two continue and please, for the love of all things holy, finish the conversation before I get back.’ Dillon grins at him as he walks away to the far end of the room.

  ‘Hey, Bria. What’s up?’

  ‘Where are you?’

  Gregg stuffs his finger in his ear to block out the music from the jukebox. ‘At a burger restaurant with the guys.’

  ‘Is Tate there?’

  ‘Tate? No. He left about half an hour ago. He should be back at the hotel by now if you want to give him a shout.’

  ‘How far away are you?’

  ‘Me? Maybe twenty minutes or so. Why? Is everything okay?’

  Gregg steps outside, vaguely aware of Ciaran getting up to keep an eye on him. He could swear Bria is crying but can’t hear much over the sound of the music.

  She sniffs a few times before she speaks again. ‘He cheated on me, Gregg. In our hotel room. I walked in and found him in bed.’

  Gregg takes a minute to process what she just said. ‘Hang on. Are you saying Robbie cheated on you?’

  ‘I caught him in our room. I can’t go back there, Gregg. I’m sorry for calling you, but I didn’t know who else to call.’

  Gregg leans against the doorframe and wipes his hand over his face. What the hell is Robbie playing at? You don’t have a woman like Bria in your life then do something so idiotic as cheat on her. Dickhead. ‘Never apologise for calling me, okay? Where are you now?’

  ‘In the toilet just outside the hotel bar.’

  ‘Tate is just upstairs–’

  ‘I can’t tell him about this, Gregg.’

  He’s not entirely surprised to hear her say that. The relationship between Tate and Bria is still awkward at the best of times. ‘Okay, I get it. I’ll head back to the hotel now and give you a buzz when I get back.’

  ‘Thanks, Gregg.’ She sniffs once and hangs up, leaving Gregg staring into the empty street. This is not how he planned the night going, but he’s not leaving her alone while she’s upset.

  ‘Problem?’ Ciaran asks from behind him.

  Gregg shakes his head and smiles over his shoulder. ‘Nope. It’s all good.’ Ciaran follows him back to the others and takes a seat at the bar as Gregg goes back to the table. He grabs his jacket from the back of the chair.

  ‘Hey, where you going?’ Dillon asks.

  ‘I’m done, mate,’ Gregg says before finishing his drink. ‘Heading back to grab some sleep.’

  ‘You want us to come too?’ Dillon asks but his attention is focused on the waiter again.

  ‘Yeah, and have to listen to you complaining about leaving Olive Guy? No thanks. You guys stay and have fun.’

  Luke smiles up at him. ‘We’ll be right behind you.’

  Gregg slips on his jacket and looks back at Dillon and Luke before he leaves the bar. Dillon is already back at the counter chatting to the lucky waiter. Yeah, Dillon won’t be following him any time soon.

  Ciaran calls a car for him and he slips into the back seat beside Gregg.

  Fucking Robbie. What the hell was he playing at? To each their own, but Gregg has never understood why people cheat. If you’re not happy with who you’re with - leave them. Break up, divorce, move out. The works. Then you can go and do what you want. Having sex with someone while you’re in a relationship with someone else, it’s just not on.

  He also can’t get over the bare-faced cheek of the guy. Robbie’s only in Birmingham because Tate paid for th
e whole fucking trip. Idiot. There’s no other word for it. Robbie is an A-Class idiot.

  The car pulls up outside the hotel and Gregg thanks the driver as he steps out into the cold night. Gregg hurries inside the hotel and looks around the lobby, finally spotting the toilets Bria is hiding in.

  ‘You can head up, Ciaran. I’m grand.’

  ‘Not what I’m paid to do.’

  ‘Okay listen, Bria had a fight with Robbie and she’s hiding in the toilet.’

  Ciaran crosses his arms as he shakes his head. ‘Seriously? Fucking asshole.’

  ‘Exactly. I just need a little space for a bit. I swear I’m not leaving the hotel. Pinkie promise.’

  Ciaran looks down at Gregg’s outstretched hand. ‘I’ll trust you without the pinkie promise. I’ll be in my room if you need anything.’

  Gregg nods and watches Ciaran get into the elevator. Once he’s gone, Gregg leans against the wall just outside the corridor leading to the toilets and sends Bria a text to say he’s outside then tucks his phone away.

  He turns when he hears someone approaching from down the corridor. As always, Bria looks incredible. Her strawberry blonde hair reaches to just below her shoulders, the soft curls framing her face. The fitted blue top, black skinny jeans, and black boots show off her figure perfectly as she hurries over to him.

  Gregg instinctively wraps his arm around her and pulls her into a hug. ‘C’mon. You can freshen up in my room.’

  She nods against his chest, then takes his offered hand and allows him to lead her towards the lifts. The attendant recognises him and thankfully stops anyone else from crowding in before he closes the door.

  Neither of them say anything until they’re safely in Gregg’s room and the door is locked. Bria sinks onto the couch and wipes her nose. ‘I’m so sorry about–’

  ‘Don’t you go finishing that sentence, Bria,’ Gregg interrupts. He crouches down in front of her and squeezes her hand. ‘What happened?’

  ‘He said he had a headache. Said he just wanted to lie down for a bit. You know I love watching you guys perform so I stayed. But I came back to the hotel to check on him after the show. I heard them, Gregg. Like an idiot I had to look. I had to know for sure. Just in case I was wrong. He was in bed with the waitress from earlier.’

  ‘What waitress?’

  ‘From the restaurant.’

  ‘The hotel restaurant?’

  She nods weakly and sniffs again. ‘Asshole.’

  ‘Yeah. I think I could come up with a few more choice phrases. Where is he now?’

  ‘Still in the room I guess. I just backed out without him noticing then hid in the toilets. I’m so pathetic.’

  ‘Hey. You’re far from pathetic. He’s in the wrong here. You want me to call anyone?’

  She looks up at him and shakes her head defiantly. ‘Absolutely not. Please Gregg. I don’t want anyone to know about this - especially Tate.’

  ‘Come on Bria. He’s going to find out. You can’t keep this hidden from him forever.’

  ‘I’m not planning on hiding it forever. Just until they get back from their holiday. Their flight is in three hours. They need this time away.’

  ‘C’mon, Bria. He’s your brother. He’ll go ape when he finds out about this.’

  ‘You’ve just made my point. I have no doubts he’d beat the living daylights out of Robbie. He barely escaped a possession charge in August. There is no way I’m going to be the reason he ends up with a record. Or worse. You know he has a temper when he’s really pissed off. I swear I’ll never forgive you if you tell him about this. I mean it Gregg.’

  He sits beside her and gives up the fight. He’s known Bria since she was a kid, and she got her stubborn streak from Tate. It doesn’t help that she may have a point. Tate is incredibly close to Bria. Gregg has no doubts he’d go fucking crazy if he found out about this and could quite possibly end up in a lot of legal trouble. ‘Fair enough. I’ll keep quiet until he gets back. After that all bets are off. He loves you. He’d want to know.’

  ‘Thank you and I promise I’ll tell him. But not until he’s had this time away and this whole thing with Robbie is a little less raw.’

  Gregg nods and scratches his jaw as he looks over at her. ‘Robbie really had it off with someone in your room?’

  She nods and forces a smile on her face, but it falls short. ‘Yeah.’ She covers her face with her hands. ‘I am such an idiot.’

  Gregg gently prises her hands away. ‘Hey. You’re no idiot so knock that off. He’s the one that’s fucked things up. Asshole just threw away a future with you for a quick fu–’ He grins sheepishly. ‘Sorry. That was–’

  ‘Accurate,’ she finishes. ‘He’s messed things up with me for a quick fuck. Maybe he’s the idiot.’

  ‘No maybe about it. Okay, so you’re staying here tonight. I’ll take the couch and you can have the bed.’

  ‘Gregg. I can’t–’

  ‘Oh believe me you can. I’ll just nip back to your room and grab your stuff.’

  Her face brightens a little at his suggestion. ‘Really? Thanks, Gregg. I don’t want to see him. But just get my things and leave. I don’t want you to get into anything with him. Promise me.’

  Gregg grins. ‘Oh, I promise.’

  4

  Gregg pulls the key to Bria’s suite out of his pocket and slides the card into the holder. He creeps into the room and slowly makes his way through the vast living area. Tate hadn’t held back with her suite. It’s a hell of a lot bigger than Gregg’s or even Tate’s.

  He cracks open the double doors into the bedroom and shakes his head. Robbie is sprawled across the bed snoring loudly. Asshole cheated on his girlfriend, was caught red handed with his dick in some other woman, and instead of trying to talk to Bria, he decided to get a good night’s kip in a room her brother paid for. Classy guy.

  Gregg slowly lowers onto the bed beside Robbie and scrunches his nose as he gets a whiff of Robbie’s breath. Fucker stinks of drink. ‘Robbie? Wakey wakey, dickhead.’

  Robbie groans but doesn’t wake up.

  ‘Robbie!’

  Gregg gives him a good smack to the face when there’s still no response. Robbie opens his eyes and freezes when he sees Gregg beside him. ‘What the fuck?’

  Before Robbie can get his drunken brain in gear Gregg straddles his chest, pinning Robbie’s arms under his legs. He leans over and wraps his hand around Robbie’s throat. ‘Morning sunshine.’

  ‘What... the fuck?’ He tries to pull his arms free, but Gregg squeezes his legs tighter to Robbie’s side, locking his arms in place.

  ‘Stop struggling you muppet. You’re a fucking idiot, Robbie. You know that?’ Gregg releases the pressure on his neck a little.

  ‘What?’

  ‘I heard you stuck that dick of yours in another woman. And you did it in the bed you and Bria shared last night. Actually, that makes you a double fucking idiot.’

  ‘Get the fuck off me. She knows?’

  ‘Yeah, she knows. Walked in on you while you were shagging the waitress.’

  ‘Damn it. I’ll talk to her. I’ll apologise.’

  ‘Oh, you’ll apologise to her? Great. Problem is, right now it’s not Bria you should be worrying about.’

  ‘What?’

  ‘How exactly do you think Tate would feel about you hurting his sister? You know what? How ‘bout I go get him and you can tell him how sorry you are for cheating on his sister. After you bailed on his concert. That he gave you tickets to. And paid for the flight over. And this hotel room. And dinner tonight. Yeah. I’d love to see what he has to say about that. It’ll make my fucking day.’

  ‘I’m sorry, okay? Let me go.’

  Gregg leans a little more on Robbie. ‘Tell you what. I’ll make you a deal. I’ll give you a head start.’

  ‘What?’

  ‘You get up, get dressed and get the fuck out of here. I’ll wait half an hour before I go two doors down and wake big brother.’

  ‘You’re serious?’

  Gregg leans closer. ‘Try me.’ He shoves Robbie against the pillow by his throat then climbs off. ‘Twenty-nine minutes. Tick, tick, tick...’

  Robbie rubs a hand over his face and then glares at Gregg. ‘Where do you want me to go?’

  Gregg shrugs. ‘Can’t say I really care.’ He pulls out his phone and hits the recent calls. He holds the screen up to Robbie, showing him Tate’s name. ‘Are you taking the twenty-eight minutes or shall I just go straight for the call button? Maybe I’ll call Luke and Dillon too? Make it a full house. Four pissed off guys who see Bria as part of their family. Dillon has one hell of a temper.’