Bandom One-shots book 3

The Bad Boy and The Protective Lover (StarSixx)

(Nikki's POV)

Chaos.

That's what my life had become.

My body was numb, my mind was fried, and my heart? Completely shattered. I was running on fumes—drugs, booze, and empty one-night stands. Anything to fill the void. Anything to drown out the memories.

But it never worked.

And now?

I was sitting on the cold floor of my hotel room, cigarette dangling between my fingers, barely holding myself together. The smoke curled lazily in the dim light as I stared at the mess around me.

Empty bottles.

Powder residue.

A shattered mirror.

My eyeliner was smudged, mascara streaking down my face—fuck, I didn't even remember crying.

And that's when I heard it.

The door.

Soft footsteps.

I didn't even have to look up. I already knew who it was.

Paul.

"Nikki..."

His voice was softer than I deserved.

I felt him kneel beside me, his warmth so close, but I couldn't look at him. I couldn't.

Not when I was like this.

Paul didn't say a word. He just... took the cigarette from my shaking fingers and set it aside.

"You don't have to do this alone, Nikki."

Fuck.

His voice was so damn gentle, and it broke something inside me.

I tried to speak, tried to say something, but my throat was tight, and before I knew it...

I fell apart.

Tears spilled down my face as I collapsed into Paul's arms.

"I'm sorry... I can't... I don't know how to—"

"Shh... I got you, baby. I got you."

Paul held me so tight, his hand gently stroking my hair as I sobbed into his chest.

No judgment. No lectures.

Just love.

"I'm right here, Nikki. Always."

And for once?

I believed him.

At first, I thought this thing with Paul was just a fling.

I mean, who the fuck sticks around for me?

Nobody.

But Paul?

Paul was different.

He didn't run when I lashed out. Didn't leave when I was hungover and snapping at everything.

He stayed.

Even when I didn't know how to ask for help, Paul was just... there.

"Why do you even put up with me?" I muttered one night, lying beside him after another brutal night on tour.

Paul just smiled, brushing my hair out of my face.

"Because I see you, Nikki. And I love what I see."

Shit.

I was in too deep.

It wasn't just the soft words and gentle touches.

It was how Paul protected me from the vultures trying to drag me down.

When Tommy and Vince were dragging me out for another bender, Paul stepped in.

"If you're gonna destroy yourself, I'm not gonna stand here and watch."

His voice was firm, but his eyes?

Full of love.

And that?

That's when I knew.

I couldn't lose him.

Between the chaos, there were these little moments.

Late at night, after gigs, Paul would massage my hands, whispering softly, "You're more than this band, you know that?"

Mornings where I'd wake up to Paul making breakfast in nothing but my oversized t-shirt.

I'd sneak up behind him, wrapping my arms around his waist and murmuring, "Stay with me forever."

And Paul?

He'd just smile, leaning back against me.

"Always, baby."

On stage?

All business.

But backstage?

Oh, babe...

Paul would whisper sweet nothings in my ear after a killer set, and I'd be grinning like a lovesick fool.

And don't even get me started on how obsessed I was with Paul's hands.

Those fingers on a guitar?

Fucking lethal.

I'd kiss them every chance I got.

Paul never pushed me to talk about my past.

But when I was ready?

He was there.

"You don't have to be perfect, Nikki. I love you exactly as you are."

And that?

That's all I ever fucking wanted to hear.

It happened after a show.

Just me and Paul in a quiet little hotel room, candles flickering, soft music playing.

Paul was nervous, which was fucking adorable because—hello? It's Paul.

"Nikki..." His voice was soft, his fingers intertwined with mine.

I looked up, and those eyes...

God, those fucking eyes.

"I don't care where this crazy life takes us... I just want to spend it with you."

And then?

The ring.

Simple. Classic. Perfect.

For once in my life...

I was speechless.

Tears welled in my eyes as I whispered a shaky, "Yes."

And when Paul slipped that ring on my finger?

My heart finally felt whole.

Paul's the anchor to my storm.

My chaos meets his calm.

And together?

We're unstoppable. 🖤