by Amy L. Gale
The man nods his head, holding on to his sketch book. “Hey, you guys want some ink?”
Van takes my hand and walks forward, almost pulling me. “Yeah, my girl and I both want one.”
“Let’s get started, I’m Jared.”
I explain to Jared what I have in mind. He makes the perfect sketch. It’s time to start.
“Who’s first?” Jared wipes his chair down and spreads out some white paper.
Sweat builds up on my hairline around my forehead as he prepares his color palate. I’m up first, no going back now. I straddle the chair and lean forward to brace myself against it. I’m greeted by the aroma of fresh leather and rubbing alcohol. Van is sitting in a chair facing me, holding on to both my hands.
“You ready babe?” Jared asks.
Van grips my hands tightly, clenching his jaw. “Her name is Lexie.” His tone is deep.
Great! Nothing like pissing off the guy who’s about to pierce my skin repeatedly with a moving needle.
“Here we go, Lexie.” Jared pulls on rubber gloves and wipes my skin down.
The buzzing of the gun roars through the shop. I begin to breathe heavily and my hands tremble. Van squeezes them, placing a soft kiss on each of my knuckles. My heart races as the artist begins. Van holds me tighter as the tattoo gun makes contact with my skin. I close my eyes and cringe, then slowly relax. It’s not nearly as painful as I anticipated. Forty-five minutes later, I have a perfect image of a pink and grey asphodel flower on my left shoulder blade. Sexy and tough, just like the woman of a rocker. Van is up next. He sits like a rock while the flowers are added to his piece. We’re now branded with the same image forever on our bodies. Our connection is eternal.
We take another cab back to the hotel room and crash into our massive bed. I lay on my stomach, my head resting against Van’s chest. The slow, steady beat of his heart relaxes every cell in my body. Dear God, don’t let me roll over onto my fresh tattoo. I don’t want to ruin the perfect image.
A dull ache pulls me out of my slumber. Cool air caresses my body, which is now erupting into shivers. Jeeze, the air conditioning must be set at fifty degrees. I slowly slide off the bed, trying not to wake Van. Tall shadows cover the walls, growing larger every time I move. I tip toe over to the thermostat. No wonder I’m freezing, it’s set to sixty degrees. I turn the dial to seventy degrees and calmly walk toward the bed.
Bright moonlight shines through the sliding glass doors, reflecting off the tranquil water. The blaring sun has woken me for the last time. No reason to get up early tomorrow. The floor creaks as I gradually make my way over to the balcony. Tonight I’m closing the curtains and sleeping until noon. I gently crawl back onto the bed and cover myself with the silk sheets, drifting off to sleep.
Piercing whimpers ring through the dark room. I jerk my head back and open my eyes. The bed is shaking, bouncing my body all around. I sit up, gripping the sheets. Suddenly, Van’s body collides with mine and I’m pushed through the air. Smack. I hit the hard hotel floor. Rubbing my eyes, I take a deep breath and grab for the light switch. Finally, I reach it and turn it on.
Van is trembling, his body flailing back and forth across the crimson sheets. I jump on top of him and place my hands on his arms. Sweat is pouring off his body, covering him from head to toe. His breathing is heavy and intense.
“Van, wake up!” I shake him as hard as I can. “Van, please. Wake up!” I move my hands up to his face, yelling into his ear.
He gasps and leaps up into a sitting position, catching his breath. I straddle his lap and sweep his hair out away from his face.
I give him a quick hug and pull away to give him some air. “Are you ok?”
“Bad dream.” He covers his face with his hands, wiping the sweat off and slicks his hair back. “Sorry I woke you.”
I brush my hand across his cheek. “Want to talk about it?”
He takes my hand and kisses my fingers. Placing my hand on his chest, he pulls me on top of his body and holds me close. “I just want to get some sleep.”
I’m just about to fall asleep when I remember I left the night stand light on. No harm done, Van’s already fallen back to sleep and I don’t want to risk waking him.
∞
I awaken, lifting my head to admire the gorgeous view. Ah, pure perfection sleeping right next to me. I stretch. Ouch! A sharp pain radiates along my left shoulder blade quickly reminding me of my new artwork. Van wakes up when I flinch.
“You’ll probably be a little sore for a day or two. We’ll have to think of something to keep your mind occupied.” He winks as he tucks a stray hair behind my ear.
“I’m more than confident you can achieve that goal.” I nuzzle my nose against his cheek. “Last night was pretty intense.”
He props himself up on his elbow and tilts his head. “Intense is my specialty.”
I blush and my face heats up. He certainly is a talented man with many gifts. “I meant your nightmare.”
“I can’t even remember it.” He exhales deeply. “Let’s check out our ink.”
We remove the gauze and examine our artwork, revealing it to the world. My heart races and adrenaline rushes through my body as I gaze upon the smooth, intricate lines that are now part of my body permanently. Van and I have a forever connection.
I’m not taking any chance of pulling off the colorful scabs. Ugh! I won’t be able to wear anything but halter tops and strapless bras for the next week until it heals.
We order room service for breakfast and sit poolside in the afternoon. It’s like we’re alone on a vacation. I close my eyes and let the sun shine down upon my face. There’s no way it could glow brighter than my smile. I’m in a state of pure bliss for a split second before reality sets in.
Chairs scrape the concrete as the guys and Jenna join us at the pool. I slide my sunglasses up to the top of my head and squint.
Jenna hands me a frozen concoction, with a pink umbrella hanging over the side of the glass. “You’ve got to try this, better than sex.”
I catch my bottom lip in my teeth, slowly releasing the flesh. “Not possible.” I turn toward Van and take a sip.
He leans over and sips the melting cocktail. “Not even close.” He lifts my chin and places a soft kiss on my lips. “Be right back, cold beer is more my style.”
The guys head over to the patio bar and grill while Jenna and I snatch a table. The bamboo roof, along with the tiki torches surrounding the perimeter of the property, turn the resort into an island paradise. We drink our cool beverages and relive our adventure at the tattoo shop. Tyler and Chaz quickly find some ladies to focus on, so the rest of us order some poolside snacks.
“I can’t believe tomorrow’s the Fourth of July. I’ll be sleeping in my own bed before I know it.” Jenna’s sips her drink, and tosses a nacho in her mouth.
“I’ve never been to the mid-west before.” I’m picturing flat meadows and windmills, like a scene from The Wizard of Oz.
“You probably won’t be that impressed, but home is home,” Marcus says as he takes a gulp.
Van slugs his beer. “No place like it.”
We head back to the room to get ready for the night’s show. The temperatures soar to 90 degrees and the hot breeze mimics a convection oven, blowing my flowing, blue, halter dress all around. I pat it down, praying I didn’t flash the mob of fans. A few loose hairs escape from my bun, sensually caressing my face. My new ink gleams in the sunlight, showing itself off to the world.
The spectacular show quickly turns the people of Chicago into hard core Devil’s Garden fans. The energetic crowd roars, echoing cheers throughout the small arena. While the band greets their fans, Jenna and I save ourselves some anguish and wait for the guys on the bus.
“You guys are getting better; that was pretty quick.” Jenna wraps her arms around Marcus, kissing him softly on the cheek.
Chaz grabs a beer and winks at Jenna. “Tyler and I have some hot chicks waiting for us at the hotel so we’re pretty psyched t
o get back there.”
She folds her arms and shakes her head.
The bus takes off and we’re back at the hotel in record time.
Van places his hand on the small of my back and leads me into our room. I reach around and take it, pulling him toward the bed. He holds onto my hips and pulls me close against his body. I run my hands underneath the bottom of his shirt and slide my fingers across the various peaks and valleys of his abdominal muscles. Oh, he’s sculpted like an impressive piece of art. I pull his shirt over his head, tracing my fingers along the mounds of pure muscle slightly tinged with sweat. He places his arms around my back gently squeezing me and then quickly flinches away.
“It doesn’t even hurt anymore; you don’t have to treat me like I’m going to break.” I press my lips into a hard line.
“What, I’m not rough enough for you?” he says with a wry grin.
I purse my lips as I stare into his eyes. “Yes damn it. Now come over here and ravish me.”
He’s holding back a smile. “Be careful what you wish for.” He walks over and pulls me hard by my hips, slamming my body into his as his lips collide with mine. I moan.
Almost immediately, our clothes are in a pile on the floor. He backs me up to the wall, placing one hand on my waist and the other against the wall, to prevent my back from contact. My breathing increases and my heart hammers. I bend my leg, resting my knee on his waist. He quickly and forcefully thrusts himself inside of me. My nerve endings stir and tingle, shocking my body into hypersensitive mode. Every inch of me explodes with passion. I find my release within minutes, and he continues his sensually forceful assail on my body until he finds his.
I look into his eyes as I try to catch my breath. “That’s exactly what I needed.”
He kisses my lips softly as we make our way to the bed, allowing sleep to overtake us. “I can never deny a damsel in distress.”
∞
It’s the Fourth of July, and we’re spending it at the Navy Pier festival. Restaurants and quaint shops line the walkway while entertaining acts such as jugglers and magicians wow the crowds. The view from the giant Ferris wheel is almost as spectacular as the taste of my first Chicago hot dog. Van and I soar above the skyline, looking down on the massive structures throughout the city. Bursts of colorful fireworks light up the night sky, reflecting the shimmering sparks off the dark lake. Van and I sit on the edge of the pier, dangling our feet as we watch the impressive display. I cuddle with him and lick the sweet, sticky cotton candy from my fingers. Can it get any better than this, or do all good things have to come to an end?
CHAPTER 11—SEX, DRUGS, AND ROCK AND ROLL
The bus slows to a stop, gently rocking backward as the engine silences. The bright sunlight and warm summer air greet me through the screen of the window as I gaze out into the infinite sea of black pavement. This monstrous parking lot is endless and will be jam-packed by early evening. Devil’s Garden is about to play their biggest show yet. Opening for a prominent, mainstream, metal band may propel their career forward leaps and bounds. Vengeful Wrath always sells out, and there’s not even one seat left in the huge Des Moines arena for tonight’s show.
Jenna walks over to me and interlaces our arms together. “Now Lexie, we’ll partner up and use the buddy system so we don’t get separated. Make sure you call 9-1-1 if you can’t find me.” She rolls her eyes.
Marcus presses his lips into a hard line. “Excuse me for trying to prevent my wife from being trampled to death in a mosh pit.” His face reddens and his tone deepens. “You don’t realize how rough these kinds of concerts get, and your smart mouth won’t save you. Plus, if we all get separated and you don’t have your pass, the bouncers are sure as hell not going to let you back in.”
Jenna walks over and puts her arms around Marcus, giving him a kiss on the lips. “I love that you’re so worried about me,” she pauses, “oh, by the way, I’m confident I can get backstage without a pass if I needed to.” She winks at Marcus, flashing a sexy smile.
Marcus sighs, throwing his hands in the air.
“Why are you busting his balls? You should be happy he cares.” Van narrows his eyes, gawking at Jenna with a pinched expression.
“Jeeze, don’t get your panties in a bunch, I’m only kidding. I appreciate everything Marcus does for me and I’m lucky to have such a great guy.” Jenna pulls Marcus close.
Within minutes, they disappear to the back of the bus.
“Please, be careful tonight. Vengeful Wrath concerts get crazy. They’ll probably rush us through the hallways to the stage, so stay close to me.”
“I promise I’ll be on you like white on rice.”
“Hmm, not sure what that means, maybe you should show me now.” Van walks toward me and sets his hands on my hips, weaving his fingers into the belt loops of my jean shorts. He pulls me close, slamming me against his body.
My hands travel up his hard biceps, and over the colorful serpent that graces his skin. I wrap my fingers around the back of his neck and press my forehead against his.
“Alright, enough of the lovey, dovey shit. I’m gonna throw up all over the bus from the four of you constantly doing that. Let’s take it down a notch,” Chaz yells, his arms crossed.
“Sorry buddy. I’ll save it for the hotel.” Van gives me a quick peck on the lips and steps away. “Let’s grab some grub before we head inside.”
Chaz nods and knocks on the door to the sleeping area. “Move ‘em on out,” he shouts with a smug grin.
Jenna and Marcus emerge, slightly disheveled.
My eyes settle on the blond strands, tangled and sticking up in a variety of directions. “Are you going for the grunge look?” I press my lips together, holding back my laughter.
“Bumpy bus ride.” She blushes and runs her hands through her hair, securing it in a loose ponytail.
“Time to fuel up before the show”. Tyler shuffles through the aisle and hops off the bus.
The rest of us follow suit and dash across the unending lot onto the sidewalk. Luckily, there’s a pizzeria a few blocks away. I close my eyes and inhale, taking in the aroma of fresh bread and garlic that fills the quaint eatery, adding to its old world charm. The hand-stretched dough flies through the air before it’s placed on a tray and baked in a wood fired oven, just like in Italy. My stomach growls and my mouth waters; I’m suddenly starving. I easily inhale four pieces.
“Jesus Christ, Lexie. How the hell can you eat like a trucker and stay so thin?” Tyler asks, staring at me in awe.
“I’m on the Van Sinclair workout plan,” I reply, raising my eyebrows and sporting a devious smile.
Van licks his lips and grins. “You may need an extra session.”
Chaz exhales loudly and shakes his head.
Jenna drops a piece of pizza crust on her plate. “I think we ate enough to feed a third world country.”
I slouch in my seat. “Yeah, maybe we’ll burn some calories on the hike back to the bus.”
∞
Ah, time to relax and digest. There’s nothing on the TV, so we turn on the classic rock station. I sway to the familiar chords.
“You guys are playing for about 10,000 people tonight. Are you nervous?” I tilt my head and look into Van’s eyes. Does he ever get stage fright? I’d be in a state of sheer panic. It’s got to be stressful and scary to lead a band, especially in front of a huge crowd like this one.
“No, not really. I do my thing and hope the crowd likes it.”
“If I had your talent I wouldn’t be nervous either.” I trace my fingers along his arm, stopping at his cheek and guiding his chin toward me.
He nibbles my lip and pulls me onto his lap. I wrap my arms around him and nuzzle my head on his shoulder. Chaz can look elsewhere if he’s offended. Every ounce of my being gravitates toward Van, like a magnetic force. It’s impossible to stop the attraction.
With twenty minutes left until show time, Jenna and I bolt for the bathroom. Getting ready together saves time and stress. I gen
tly tug my silky, black nylons, stretching them up the length of my leg. Hmm, this outfit may become part of my bedroom attire. Jenna and I emerge, our hair hanging down over the stiff fabric of our tight, black mini dresses.
Van’s eyes widen and his head jerks back. I smack my red lips together and blow him a kiss. He walks toward me and leans forward, slowly running his hands up my dress. He stops at my waist, turns my backstage pass so it’s clearly visible, and steps back.
I let out a deep breath. Such a tease!
“Alright everyone, time to go,” Marcus says as we start filing out of the bus.
I link my arm with Van’s and hold his hand tightly as we walk into the arena.
Van looks at my face, wrinkling his forehead.
“You’re holding on to me for dear life.”
“I can’t imagine why, you were only lecturing me all day about getting lost or abducted.” I stare at him. How can men be so oblivious?
“That would never happen. I just need you to stay with me the whole night.” Van squeezes my hand and kisses my cheek.
I gently nibble his neck, returning his squeeze. “I’m not leaving you for a second.”
We’re pushed through the musty, dim-lit halls of the arena by an entourage of large men in yellow EVENT shirts. These heels wouldn’t do well in a marathon. I click along the concrete floor, barely keeping up with the group.
“Stop,” Van yells.
Everyone halts and turns toward him.
The large man wrinkles his forehead and tilts his head. “Is there a problem?”
Van lifts me into his arms and continues forward. “No, we’re good now.”
My heart is racing faster than the quickest thoroughbred racehorse and my body is a raging inferno. Van is my gallant rock god! A smile sprawls across my face reaching the heavens and beyond. I wrap my arms around his neck and press my cheek against his. “Thanks for the lift, I’ll return the favor later,” I whisper in his ear.