Heart of Stone (Rock Star Fairy Tales #1)

Chapter 36

C h apte r 36

Hear t of Stone

W hen Ash, Nik, and Tim went on stage to uproarious applause, Margot went to look for Tobin, spotting him across the stage near the Leprechauns’ guitars. Two women stood near, both clearly angling for more attention, but Tobin only smiled and nodded politely, not leaning down to listen to them as they clearly wanted, a move that would put his face closer to their very exposed cleavage.

Margot watched the exchange for a few moments, long enough for Ash to finish their opening song, “Dragon Cry.” Eyes that normally watched every second of Ash’s performance drifted to see what Tobin would do next. She heard Ash start the long note opening “Breathing Fire,” but she didn’t look at him, didn’t need to see the soulful expression as he launched into the words. Instead, she watched the groupie on the right, a tall thing wearing white leather, as she leaned up to say something to Tobin and pressed her body against his. Tobin stepped back, face polite but distant as he answ ered her.

The other groupie smirked, this one in a blue corset and short black skirt, clearly thinking she had won the battle for Tobin’s affection, but then Tobin looked up, his eyes met Margot’s across the stage, and he smiled at her. The blue groupie followed the direction of his gaze, and her face fell. She nodded at Margot, clearly recognizing her and backed off. Margot gestured that he should go behind the stage to meet her, and he nodded, stepping away from both women without a backward glance. She headed behind the stage, knowing they couldn’t be seen behind the screen displaying Stone Dragons’ insignia.

The sound was blasting out into the crowd, but it was still too loud for any conversation to be heard. Grabbing his hand, she led him to the side where she knew there was a short ladder leading to the lower rigging. She climbed quickly, Tobin behind her, and they emerged onto a small metal walkway just over the stage. Margot plopped down, feet dangling over the side, settling into the spot where she normally watched the show. She would work more when they wound down, seeing if they planned an encore or if they were finished for the night, but for now, she had time to herself.

Normally, she watched Ash as he sang, his entire body tight with excitement, his voice soulful as the music poured out of him. Tonight, however, she was very aware of Tobin next to her, her new companion sharing her secret observation spot, her work, her sad obsession standing front and center as he drank in the love and adoration of t he crowd.

I can never replace that, she thought, watching as Ash stepped to the back of the stage for a drink, calling out his fellow bandmates with pride to a raucous cheer. They settled into their next songs, and she relaxed. “Tales of Blood and Maidens,” the song featuring Timothy’s drumming, started, and Ash rested near the back of the stage, sipping his water bottle. She saw him glance up into the rigging, looking around for something. When he caught sight of her, h e smiled.

At her.

Margot’s heart soared, unable to stop the pure joy that rocketed through her. He was looking for her. He wa nted her.

Of course he knew where she watched the shows from. His face was familiar, friendly, the Ash she had known in her bus, until he caught sight of Tobin sitting beside her, and his expression darkened. He downed the bottle of water and stalked back to the mi crophone.

Margot felt Tobin stiffen beside her, eyes narrowing as he watched his brother on the stage below. The last notes of Timothy’s song faded, and Ash strummed his guitar fiercely, a long discordant note, normally signaling the start of “Heart of Stone,” their hit song, but instead of the rock song she knew, he gestured for Nik and Timothy to stop playing.

“I know this is usually a favorite,” he said, that sexy voice echoing throughout the arena, “but tonight, I want you all to know that this is for someone special. You know who you are.” He glanced up into the rigging again, eyes meeting hers, and launched into the opening verse. The song stretched into a lost love song more so than a rock ballad. Margot had always wondered if “Heart of Stone” was about her, spending hours dissecting the lyrics: I know the truth when I look in your eyes, baby, but we’re just not meant to be, so I gotta have a heart of stone…

Margot listened to the words with a different world in mind, realizing most people assumed it was the ballad of the rock star singing to someone about how he couldn’t drag her into his wild life on the road. Now that Margot knew he was a fae in hiding, the words made even more sense. He couldn’t drag someone into his world. No matter how much he w anted to.

But I’m in your world, Ash, she thought desperately, his voice echoing through her as it al ways did.

No , she told herself. It’s not enough. You’re not enough for him—and being fae doesn’t ch ange that.

Sadness replaced her joy, and she looked away from Ash, reaching for Tobin’s hand as she climbed down from the rigging, not listening to the rest of the song, ignoring the way Ash’s gaze followed her as she disappeared into the darkness.

She let the music follow her as she headed deeper backstage, climbing stairs until a doorway opened onto the roof, letting the night air cool her heated face. She propped the brick in the door so it wouldn’t close and lock them outside, then walked to the edge of the roof, Tobin lingering a few steps away. For once the fae said nothing, letting her sort through her feelings as she would. The last echoing notes of “Heart of Stone” drifting through the door faded away. The band launched into “Blood from a Stone,” one of their last songs of the night. Margot knew they weren’t planning an encore if they were already playing it. Nodding, she paced a few more times, trying to understand the ache in h er heart.

He wants you, she insisted. He sang for you tonight.

But not enough, she knew. It would never b e enough.

Turning, she saw Tobin lingering near the door, his short hair blowing in the wind, breath visible in the cold air as he waited for her. He was wearing jeans and a hoodie like all the guys in Stone Dragons, but he wasn’t his brother.

“Am I enough?” she a sked him.

Tobin narrowed his eyes, then cocked his head at her. “You are more than enough,” he declared. “And you know it.”

“Then why am I not enough for him?” she asked, the question shot through with her he artbreak.

“Because my brother is a fool,” To bin said.

“Are you a fool?” she asked, steppin g closer.

“Apparently,” To bin said.

“Why do you say that?” She took another step to ward him.

“Because you’re going to break my heart, Margot,” he said, “and I’m going to let you.” Tobin bent his head and ki ssed her.