Black Hurricane

24

The next eight days were a joyous time.We were rehearsing for the second show, and Dean and I stuck together every minute we could.We started to plan a major renovation of the house, and Rick was entrusted with the task of decorating.All four tenants on the top floor miraculously pack up and leave, and Rick's work can flourish.I figured Dean bought them off, but every time I asked about it he acted innocent.We would dress up on dates and go to great lengths to change cars to hide from the paparazzi.Dean was good at stalking, and I never saw a paparazzi when we were dating.We'd also be cooped up at home, curled up in bed watching TV, or playing guitar and writing new songs.I feel happier than ever.

My friends stopped coming to band rehearsals to support me, they came to have fun.I love seeing the two groups get along well.Sometimes the assistants and the flesh and blood come over.Some of them have become members of our big family, but there is one person who has been watching with cold eyes and all kinds of displeasure, and that person is Li.

He came with the other flesh and blood, but he was distant and quiet.Dean was as friendly as ever to him, but I noticed now that he really didn't give Lee any special attention—nor did Lee when Dean and I weren't together.I think Dean really doesn't know how much Lee longs for him.I know Li's mood very well, I know it from every time he speaks badly or glares at me.I was not affected at all, because I no longer worried that Dean would be snatched by Lee.

Tonight is the second concert.I'm not nervous at all.Maybe it's because I've grown comfortable with Dean's proximity.On the contrary, I like to perform with him, and we have a little interaction from time to time, which is very funny, and occasionally goes a little too far, causing exaggerated wails and eye rolls from others.

"Ready, baby?" Dean asked me, all in leather and leather pants.He wears the same heavy makeup as mine, and our hair is intentionally tousled—I'm light brown, he's brunette.

"Okay." I smiled and took his hand.

We appeared on the stage together and faced the screaming crowd together.I felt a tingle in my stomach, but when I met Dean's gaze, all unease melted away.As in our first concert, Dean opened with a high note that nearly ripped his throat.The doctor told him not to do it again for three months, but Dean went his own way.We played the first song, and I could only vaguely feel the presence of the fans.There were no other members of the band, just me and Dean on stage, singing duets, teasing each other, teasing each other with lustful eyes, touching seductively, shifting positions teasingly.It felt so natural and real, and the time flew by so fast, the first part was over before I knew it.

The charity event host picked us up at half-time, but we were mobbed by the staff before our butts landed on our chairs.Ellie wipes off my sweat, and the makeup and hair stylists step up.I rushed backstage to change, and they were chasing after me with puffs and makeup brushes in their hands.

Can't see where Dean is, but I see a gossip magazine on the dresser against the mirror.There was a photo of me and Dean making out in the old factory printed on the cover, and there were some small pictures below.The headline read: Celebrity couple 'Jesdean' make out in public.For more highlights, please see the inside page!

"What the fuck is this?" I grabbed the gossip magazine and quickly scanned it.

It was brilliant: Me and Dean walking hand in hand through the bushes, drinking peach cider, and a few pictures of us lying on our blankets, kissing, fumbling under each other's tops, me kissing Dean's belly, His hand on my ass, oh my god... what if Dean sees this?

"Time to play!" someone yelled, and someone snatched the gossip magazine from me and wheeled me onto the stage.

During the confusion, I caught a glimpse of Coleman on the phone.

"The Asian tour is sold out? Every stop? Well, start planning an extra one. Yeah, yeah, we're trying to get him to sign."

While Dean and I waited to get on, another tabloid lay on the nearby device.Above is a photo of me and Dean on the pier, heading to some private island.There are some slightly smaller circular photos on the cover, which are actually photos of us on the island.Dean swore we were absolutely private.He said the paparazzi did not have permission to enter the island.How did these bastards do it?

Dean's smile and a simple kiss were enough to make me forget about it.He took my hand and led me to the stage, leading me into the darkness.When the light illuminated my eyes, I lost my mind for a moment and missed a few lines of the lyrics.Dean covered it up for me until I got on the tune.He put his fingers on my chin and gave me a quick kiss before continuing to sing.I suppressed the discomfort in my chest so that I could focus on what was in front of me.

The second part didn't go as smoothly as the first part.I didn't really get into it.For a moment it seemed the lights were too bright, the music was too loud, my leather jacket was too sweaty, and the screams of the fans were driving me crazy.I made it through, but Dean kept giving me wary glances, knowing I wasn't thinking.

When we finally sang the last song, I immediately let out a long sigh and relaxed.I smiled and thanked the audience.This time it didn't end with a kiss like last time, we were supposed to go back, but it was almost midnight and I really couldn't wait to get back in the big house and make out with Dean.

He took my hand and held it firmly, and walked down the stage with me.Then he pulled the headset out of his ear.

"Are you okay? What happened?"

I pointed to the device, but the magazine was no longer there.

"what happened?"

"There was a magazine there before," I said, as the rest of the band brushed past us, "with us on the island on the cover. There was another one backstage with us at the factory."

I followed behind Dean ignorantly, walking with the flow of people.He pulled me by his side and stared at me for a moment, wondering about me with concern.He pursed his lips tightly, then pulled me into his arms, and placed a deep kiss on my lips.I wanted to stop, to get him to talk to me, but he just kept deepening the kiss, sliding his tongue into my mouth.My anxiety has lessened, but it hasn't completely disappeared.

"Dean," Coleman's sharp voice said behind me.

Dean finished the kiss and looked away from me reluctantly to look at Coleman.

"Talk to me."

Dean took my face in his hands and met my eyes. "I'll be back, okay? Don't wander off. I love you." He kissed me one last time, deeply, before walking off to talk to Coleman.

I was too far away to hear what they were talking about.Dean even raised his voice a few times.Just as I was sitting on a spare speaker, a figure moved past me.It was Lee, who for the first time didn't glare or lose his temper at me, but folded his arms around his chest and joined me in watching Dean and Coleman argue.

"You know that YouTube video? That's what Jack did."

"What?" I asked, not really paying attention to Lee because Dean was looking increasingly annoyed.

"It was all planned. It was planned before 'Black Hurricane' even arrived in Boston. Let you and Dean go to the concert together, let the two of you show your affection in front of the media."

I frowned at Lee. "what are you saying?"

"Wait a minute, please," said the host of the second charity event, gesturing for us to come on stage with his eyes.Backstage was still buzzing, with fans howling for us to come back and do another one.

"Before you showed up, they were trying to find a way to make a big deal, you know, after Dean came out. They needed something big to get Dean back strong. He dropped a lot after that nasty video pink."

I glared at Lee, not sure if I wanted to hear him keep pushing.I know this guy had a relationship with Dean and he hated me so much.Know everything with your toes.He was just talking nonsense.

Lee's eyes went to Coleman and Dean.

"See, they've found a new market: female fans. Girls like boys and girls, and they've always liked Dean's music just like boys. You just happen to be who they're looking for."

"Fart," I gritted my teeth. "You think I'll trust you?"

My internal organs were in a mess.What if what he said was true?The sight of Dean looking at me distorted before my eyes, and I took a shaky breath and clenched my fists.

"Then ask him," Lee said.

"Nonsense," I repeated, looking from Dean back to Lee. "And how do you know?"

Lee shrugged. "I'm Jack's nephew. I've been in his office sometimes, and I've heard some. Besides, it didn't take much work to dig up the truth. I could have told you earlier, but Jack only went to gossip last night. The tabloids put out those pictures. After the concert, he'll officially announce that you're joining 'Black Hurricane.'"

Every time he said a word, my heart sank.

"But I won't join!" It's not going to happen, it's not true.

"See what they're arguing over there?" Lee pointed to Coleman and Dean. "It's Dean's job to get you signed. I guess they're fighting over when they'll get you signed because it's been two weeks now. Jack wants to announce tonight so they can strike while the iron is hot, but I guess Dean wants more time Convince you to accept it. I'm sorry, bro, you were screwed from the start."

I could hear the fans going crazy behind me.I just vaguely knew that Li walked away.The band members gathered at the entrance to the stage, and Dean strode in, crumpling up the towel and throwing it onto the couch with such force that it bounced off the floor.

He came over and I froze, I didn't want to believe anything Lee said.Dean wouldn't do that to me.

He stopped a few feet away from me. "Honey, we need to talk."

"About what?" I asked hoarsely.

Dean turned his head and squinted at Coleman, then back at me.Then he looked away and sighed deeply.

"Talk about your joining the band."

No...impossible.This is not going to happen.I glared at him and everything from the past few weeks flashed before my eyes: Dean courting me more than anyone else, we singing in bars, he trying to get me to sing with him again, gift bombing me, ok Make me reminisce about the good old days to control my feelings for him, he bought my loft so I could live with him, apologize for the past, seduce me in the MV, factory Dating, Kojima dating, let me fall in love with him, so I can't live without him.All he did was to boost his fame?God, it all makes sense.

My body began to shake, anger and pain rolled inside me.I didn't say a word for a long time, but Dean still refused to look at me.

"You son of a bitch," I said through my teeth.

Dean suddenly looked at me.Whatever he expected from me, it was clearly not what he expected.Coleman walks over, frowning, eyes crinkled, but my anger is all on Dean.

"You fucking son of a bitch! You're a piece of shit!"

I jumped up from the loudspeakers, and the collective silence of the band members gave me a sense of deja vu.Coleman seemed to feel the same déjà vu, and he put his big hand on my chest, trying to push me away from Dean.

"If you hit him again this time, we will sue him."

"Shut up." Dean pushed Coleman's hand away, then turned to me. "Baby, what's the matter with you?"

Baby... this bastard is still pretending.It's no use trying to convince me.I will never listen to his lies again.I was always so credulous around him, that's why I couldn't resist and fell into his trap again and again.He's a goddamn guy.

The fans in the audience became more and more crazy, stomping their feet and shouting our names.

"Get on stage. Now!" Coleman ordered.

"No, wait," Dean said, acting utterly innocent.The bastard.What a great actor as always.

My fingers trembled and ran through my hair, trying to calm my breathing.

"I've got good proof that you're the mastermind of this whole thing." God, I want to calm down.I'm trying not to let him get the upper hand.No one has pissed me off and made me yell like him and yet remain so calm.This kind of thing won't happen again.I'm going to announce to him we're done and walk off in style.

"What's the whole thing, Jace?" he asked hesitantly.

"About me," I said viciously, snorting.Calm down, calm down.However, the flinch in Dean's eyes is like adding fuel to the fire. I thought Lee's words were all bullshit, but now this hope is also smashed.Don't think about the plan to leave gracefully, I will beat him hard. "Concert, MV. And that damn YouTube video!"

Dean's jaw stiffened for a second, then he looked away.

Why doesn't he deny it?

"Jace—" he began.

"Tell me the goddamn truth, Dean. You planned the whole thing, for what? Money? Fame? Climbing in my bed for what? Perks?" I wiped the tears rolling down my cheeks .I just wanted to lie down and die.How could he do this to me?

Dean stepped back again and again, rubbing the bridge of his nose, bent over and arched his body, and murmured: "No, no, no..."

"This is not the time to talk about that," Coleman said. "You have to go back to the stage first."

The band members stayed where they were, and Coleman, looking like his veins were about to explode, yelled for them to go up and play something first.They talk back to him, but I don't mind them, and all I see is Dean slumped over the speakers.The bloody bastard.Why doesn't he deny it?

"I mean, what the hell is this, Dean?" I said softly as I turned away.I don't want him to see me cry. "What the hell is this?"

The whole space seemed to be approaching me, and waves of violent shocks hit me.I couldn't hear anything but a hum, and I searched for an exit to get out.A strong hand grabbed my arm, it was Dean, he looked broken.He pushed me back onto the speaker, with his arms at my sides.For a little while, I didn't resist.I just closed my eyes tightly, trying to hold back the unstoppable tears.I smell the strong, sweet scent of his sweat and leather, feel the reassuring warmth of his skin, hear his heavy breathing.God, I wish this was a dream.Just let it be a dream.

"I'm sorry, Jace. Please, let me explain."

Damn bastard.He did it!He rigged and planned the whole thing.He's used me again, this time so thoroughly and with such fanfare that I can't even quite figure it out.

Coleman ordered us back onstage again, and I started pushing Dean back.

"No, Jace, please," Dean begged, and I punched him in the chest, trying to get away. "Please, baby."

"I don't," I sobbed, pushing his arms away, only to make them wrap around me even more tightly.

"Dean," Coleman called. "Get on stage. Immediately!!!"

"I can't lose you again," Dean said through my hair. "Come on, Jace, please. I love you so much."

"Let me go, you bastard," I said even harder, struggling to shake him off.How can he still have the face to say he loves me?Where is the face?He had more energy than me, maybe because a part of me wanted to stay, but another part remembered that scene on the black and green grass that shattered like a piece of glass and told me to leave.No matter how much I tried to put my heart into that extremely hard and invulnerable iron box, it just refused to obey.

"Jess, please. Please, I can't lose you again, I love you," Dean babbled like a mantra.His strong body firmly pressed me against the loudspeaker, making me breathless and unable to think.Can't think about his betrayal, his deceit, what the hell he did in the whole thing.He... fucked me too.I can't believe I let him fuck me again.I can't believe he used me again, I can't believe I let him hurt me again.

"Dean!"

"Shut the fuck up, Coleman," Dean yelled over his shoulder. "Cancel that goddamn encore." He held me tightly, muttering the same words over and over again.What he loves me, what he can't lose me.I have to listen to him.Go back to the big house with him and listen to his explanation.

What are you listening to?More lies and deceit?More ways to torture me and ruin me forever?

"You signed the contract, Dean," Coleman yelled back, "and you too, Jace, get your shit over with and get back on stage."

"Shut up, Jack," Dean warned, his voice low and menacing.

Just like that, Coleman changed tack and adopted a persuasive tone. "Look, Jess, so what if it's all planned? Just one show could make you more than you make in a year. If you were in a band, you could make as much as Know how to spend it. People like you with Dean. Thanks to you. Don't mess with money."

God, does this idiot know anything but money?

Dean's arms were tightly wrapped around me, and I threw my head back and yelled, "Fuck!"

"Don't, don't, don't," Dean whispered into my hair. "Please, Jace. Let me explain."

There was a commotion at the door, and arms and legs squeezed past the bodyguards.

"What happened?" Eric asked, this guy, with small arms and legs, squeezed in first. "Jess?"

I let out a loud sob when I saw the confusion on Kal-El's face turn to anger, and big, big tears rolled from my eyes.Kal-El came striding over and pulled me from Dean's arms.Reality hits like a mountain, and nothing could be clearer.No matter how it goes, Dean will end up hurting me.

"Get away from me, Dean," I whispered, breathing heavily to keep the tears from falling.It took my best effort to raise my eyes to meet his gaze.His mascara ran a black streak across his face, and his nose was red from crying.It was gut-wrenching to see him like this, but I suppressed my mixed thoughts and announced the breakup without any emotion in my voice, "I'm serious this time. Get the fuck out of here."

"Don't..." Dean Xuxu said as Kal-El led me away.I'm surrounded by friends again, but now they can't help me much.I just want to close my eyes and never have to open them.How can I get through this?