Page 21 of Louder Than Words

My head snaps toward him, and sure enough, he’s wearing that shit-eating grin. The first I’ve ever seen on the man—and I absolutely want to wipe it off. It’d be one thing if there were this many people for a show. But these people? They’re here to mingle. To chat. To talk about our record.

And I’m not a talker.

James flings his door open, and the cheering hits so loud I can barely hear anything else. He grabs Desmond and Ana and drags them both out, but all I can focus on is the roar crashing over me as they slowly make their way inside.

Why are they moving so slow? Because James thinks he has to greet every single person he walks by, just so no one feels left out. He’sthat guy.I wish I could say I’m alsothat guy, but I’ve always been the one looking for the exit. And tonight’s no different. If anything, that instinct is louder than ever.

Nora and Gareth move next.

And I’m just… frozen. Stuck in my seat like there are cinderblocks tied to my feet with so many questions slamming into my head I just want to go home.

I’m not cut out for this. I know I’m not. It was stupid to think I could just shove everything aside. I’m just the poor kid who grewup in Cardiff and got booed off stage in bloody pubs. What the hell gave me the right to think I could make something of myself somewhere else? In America, of all places.

Maybe Dad was right…

Then I feel a hand rest on my knee, and my shoulders relax at least a fraction.

“Look at me,” Allie says softly.

It’s hard as hell, but I do as I’m told, ripping my gaze away from the crowd and into her eyes—the one place that knows how to make all the screaming in my brain seem more like background noise.

“Youdeservethis, Jax. All those people? They’re here to support you today.” She reaches up and cups my cheek, making sure my eyes stay on hers. “And I can’t think of anyone more deserving.”

Her words hit me right in the chest. I can’t say whether I fully agree, because part of me still wants to take her hand and run. But the urge isn’t as strong anymore—not as loud. I know I have this with her by my side.

Leaning in, I press my lips to hers softly. “I love you,” I murmur.

She smiles warmly. “I love you, too. Now get out there. Your fans are waiting for you.”

Swallowing past the lump in my throat, I force one foot out, planting it on solid pavement. The second I stand, the clapping grows louder, the flashes brighter.

I quickly turn, offer Allie my hand, and help ease her out of the car.

She gives me a look—the one that always manages to ground me—and I finally take a deep breath.

Well. It’s all or nothing.

11

Allie

Holy shit.

That’s the only thought crashing through my mind as we step through the double doors of The Wren House. Silver, gold, and sleek black decorations cover every inch of the floor—hell, even the ceiling. Waiters weave through the crowd, balancing circular trays brimming with champagne flutes and appetizers so tiny they wouldn’t even fill my pinky. And… is that seriously an ice sculpture?

There’s so much going on it makes my head spin, never mind poor Jax. I glance over and catch the color draining from his face, his eyes wide as they dart over every passing guest. He offers stiff nods and robotic hellos, probably thinking he’s being polite when, honestly? He’s one curved lip away from scaring someone to death.

I grab his hand and give it a gentle squeeze, hoping it grounds him even just a little. He’s been my rock through my whole mess without me having to ask, or a single complaint. Now it’s my turn to be his.

His eyes meet mine, and he offers the faintest smile. It’s small, but it’s at least something. He draws in a deep breath, holds it for a second, then exhales shakily.

I lean in, my voice low. “You’ve got this.”

He nods slowly, and I swear I can already see a hint of color creeping back into his cheeks.

Scanning over the crowd one more time, I’m still in shock as to how many people are here.

Then I’m sucked into a trance of déjà vu. Right back to when I saw them in this very city just a few short months ago. Their first ever meet and greet, and how many fans rallied together to be here for them. And how beautiful of a moment that was to be a part of.