Rocking Away: A Heavy Metal Romance (Slava Pasha Book 3)

by Herrick, A. D.

  Alexa turned in my arms to face me. “So when you said you were in a band, you didn’t mean a garage band that booked an occasional gig, did you?” I ducked my head embarrassed. I really hoped this wasn’t a deal breaker for her. Things had been going so well. I never lied or meant to mislead her. I told her I was in a band and kind of left it at that.

  “Is that a bad thing?” I asked forebodingly. She laughed and wrapped her arms around my neck pulling me down to her. “Now I have definitely got to see what skills you possess vocally. You said you were a drummer, right?” I chuckled and kissed her cheek.

  “Yes, I’m the drummer. But I might have a few tricks up my sleeve.” I gave her a cocky panty-melting smile. Her cheeks immediately flushed and she bit into her bottom lip.

  She wagged her eyebrows at me and gave me a lewd smile. “I can’t wait to see what you’re working with.”

  “I know who it is,” Katinka’s voice pulled my attention to her. Looking up I followed her line of sight.

  “Is that Howard Isley?” I asked shocked to see our old high school buddy behind the DJ booth. Katinka laughed and nodded her head raising her hand to wave at Howard.

  “I’m going to go talk to him.” She shouted above the crowd. Tosha followed behind her as she made her way toward Howard.

  “Okay, guys. We have no baby until tomorrow afternoon. Time to drink up.” Kiev shouted. I gave him a thumb up. “Where is blondie tonight?” He shrugged his shoulder. “Said she had plans.” I shot him an apologetic smile. The two had been dating for three months now and I thought they were getting serious, though she had been coming around less and less.

  Katinka had returned with a sick smile on her face. I knew she had been up to no good. She grabbed Alexa and Evie’s hand and walked away with them. I assumed to clue them in on whatever she had planned. The night was going to get interesting.

  I tried to make small talk with the guys but my eyes kept searching out Alexa. She was like a magnet drawing me in. Depending on how the night went, I knew I would have to make a move one way or another.

  Katinka and the girls came back grinning like the Cheshire cat. Alexa came up to me and wrapped her arms around me. I was thrilled that she wasn’t one to shy away from public displays of affection. I had never realized I was a fan of it until her. She made me realize I was a fan of a lot of things I had never thought possible. One of which was jealousy. The way the men stared at her ass. It drove me insane. What made it worse was knowing there was nothing I could do about it.

  “Howard got us a table set up at the front of the stage. How about you boys follow us up. I can’t wait to watch the show.” Katinka’s eyes practically shined like diamonds with excitement. We all grabbed our drinks and followed her through the crowd to the waiting table at the front of the stage.

  “Now that everyone is seated, let’s begin with our first act. Isabel, come on up to the stage.” A cute brunette wearing a half shirt that hung off her shoulders along with a matching pair of parachute pants stepped onto the stage. When the music started I couldn’t help the chuckle that escaped my lips. What 80s night would be complete without a Cyndi Lauper? The brunette’s voice wasn’t bad. Though I wasn’t here to judge voices, I was here to be entertained and have fun.

  Several other people were called up on stage to perform all of which were highly entertaining and some of which were damn near fantastic. The bar had newer equipment which had a nice frequency range with clear audio quality. I could tell they had paid good money for their system you didn’t hear the typical wind and pop noises which meant it had a good filter.

  “Come on guy and gals and put your hands together of Katinka and Evie Von.” The crowd went wild when Katinka and Evie stood up and made their way to the stage. As soon as the music started I couldn’t fight the smile that plastered across my face Olivia Newton-John’s Physical had begun to play. It was absolute genius for the costumes they were wearing. They both had fun with the song and performed sexy 80s workout routines. It was fantastic. When the song ended everyone was on their feet cheering.

  Throughout the night everyone had been called up to the stage to perform one song or another ranging from Joan Jett to Michael Jackson. When Nik’s name was called to perform Michael Jackson’s Dirty Diana he put a little a little rock on it which reminded me of a harder version that Breaking Benjamin did of the song more akin to Shaman’s Harvest’s version. It was pure magic to watch him make the song his own. The crowd went absolutely wild as he belted out the lyrics. Throughout his performance, his eyes never once swayed from Evie.

  Since the two had gotten married in a quiet ceremony last month they had been inseparable. It was disgustingly sweet. Because all of Our family was here and Evie didn’t have any family, just a few close friends they had the wedding here. A small ceremony with Kiev and Ivan’s parents in attendance in the back yard of our house. They planned to take a month off for a honeymoon but they hadn’t decided when or where. I was happy for them both and glad that Nik had found someone to share his life with.

  After Nik’s performance, my name was called. The girls had fun picking out our songs. The fun part for us was that we had no idea what they had picked. We had to go out on a limb and hope that we actually knew the lyrics as they had also elected to not have the words displayed on the screen.

  I was also given a Michael Jackson song Man in the Mirror. This I could work with. It was also one of my favorite songs and one of the most honest and fitting songs. It was my first time up on stage and I knew that Alexa had no idea what to expect. I was telling the truth when I said I was the drummer. So when I began to sing I got great joy in watching her eyes light up with shock. I sang the lyrics with everything I had in me. Belting them out with my heart and soul attached. I danced across the stage and encouraged the crowd to join me in singing and clapping along to the beat.

  I was a drummer and I loved it. I loved my place in the band, but I also loved to sing and I was good. What can I say? My momma raised an arrogant confident bastard. I got down on my knees and sang directly to Alexa, “I’m going to make that change…” My heart swelled as her eyes welled up with tears. I shot her a wink and finished the song, taking a bow at the end as the crowd roared to life.

  Before I could exit the stage Howard came over the speakers asking me to stay on stage and sent Nik, Ivan, Kiev and Tosha up on stage with me. A woman in a small cocktail dress came out and handed them mics. We all shared a confused look. Then the music started.

  A loud laugh erupted from the crowd. Here we were a heavy metal band up on stage singing The New Kids on the Block You got it. We played it up too. Dancing around the stage like fools. Little did anyone but Tink know, we had actually practiced and rehearsed the song and dance many times as kids. We were practically professionals at this.

  The crowd jumped to their feet and was singing along. Katinka, Evie, and Alexa were standing on their chairs and singing along. They smiled ear to ear as they got down to the song. I knew New Kids on The Block were huge with all of the ladies in their 30s. That’s why we had spent so many hours of our youth practicing the song and dance, to get the girls when we were in school.

  Howard was obviously having fun at our expense because as soon as the song ended Hangin’ tough began to play. Resigned to our fate we continued on singing. By the time the song was finished everyone was out of their seats and crowded up at the stage. It reminded me so much of our shows it was unreal. I signaled Howard that we were through, cutting my finger across my throat. As much fun as I had on stage, I was ready to hang up my NKOB dancing shoes.

  As soon as I stepped off stage Alexa jumped into my arms and wrapped her legs around my waist. Instinctively I wrapped my arms around her ass and tugged her makeshift dress down to cover her. She excitedly covered my face in kisses as she laughed with exhilaration.

  “Oh my gawd, Baby, you were amazing! Where did you learn to do that? I can’t believe you can actually sing!” I laughed at her excitement and kissed her. “You do no
t want to know.” She giggled and shook her head. “You are so wrong there. I most definitely need to know.”

  Katinka came up beside us with her arm wrapped around Tosha’s waist. “The guys used to practice day and night to impress the girls at school when we were kids.” This sent Alexa into another fit of giggles. I just hung my head in mock shame.

  “We should probably get out of here now. The crowd is getting thick and I can’t even begin to guess how many cameras are waiting for us outside.” Ivan’s words were sobering. I gave Alexa a tight smile.

  “Want to come back to our place and hang out a little longer?” Her eyes lit up. I loved seeing her so excited knowing I put that light in her eyes. “I have to go home and change. Do you think I could just meet you there?” I had to bite back my disappointment.

  “Yeah, I’ll text you the address.” She wagged her eyebrows at me and planted a kiss on my lips. I gave her a playful slap on the ass and set her on the ground. “I’ll walk you to your car.” He cut me a curious look.

  “You know I’m a big girl. I can take care of myself.” My eyes widened as I tried to bite back a slew of curses. “You’re my woman and I can’t have you walking the streets looking like that.” I motioned to her makeshift dress. Her eyebrows pulled together. “Like what?” “Like what? Sex on a stick, that’s what!” Her mouth dropped open in shock at my retort. “Now, let’s get you to your car. I can’t wait to get you in my lair.” I gave her a wicked smile.

  Chapter Ten

  As soon as I got in the house I rushed up to my room and jumped in the shower. I hated to scrub off the sweet scent of Lexa but I knew I would be seeing her later tonight. Jumping around on stage had caused me to work up a sweat. I made sure to scrub every inch of my body. I made short work of it and rushed to brush my teeth. I wasn’t sure how long it would take her to get ready but I wanted to get everything set up and ready.

  I towel dried my hair and threw on a pair of track pants and a wife beater before rushing downstairs. Everyone else was still in the shower or getting ready as I pulled food out of the refrigerator. I had hoped we could continue our night with drinks, snacks, and some cards. It was one of our favorite past times around the house and as kids.

  Once we started gaining popularity it was hard for us to go out on the town and have a good time without being ambushed by girls and guys itching to pick a fight. We learned early on to find ways of entertaining ourselves at home. It came in handy once we started going on tour. We rarely had time to get out while on tour. Usually, we would fly in with enough time to get dressed and ready before hitting the stage then crash in the plane or hotel room depending on the tour schedule. On the rare occasion, we had free time we tried to spend it at a low key bar having drinks and shooting the shit. You would think that after 31 years together the 6 of us would have run out of things to talk about but that never seemed to happen. There was always a new song, rift, band, beat, tour, or idea to talk about. Lately with everyone catching the marriage and babies bug it had been women and babies.

  I placed the deli meats on a tray and cut the cheese into bite size pieces placing it beside the meat. I pulled out a loaf of rye bread and cut into bite size squares, adding them to the tray with the meat and cheese.

  “You’re becoming quite the little housewife, aren’t you?” Evie’s voice startled me out of my trance. I shot her an easy smile. “What can I say, Tink has trained me well.” Evie patted me on the back and opened the refrigerator door. She was wearing a pair of capris yoga pants and a tank top. She learned quickly that we don’t dress up around the house. I think she secretly liked the comfortable relaxed atmosphere. We spent so much time dressing for the cameras and stage that we took every advantage we could to just loaf around. “I really like your Alexa.” I smiled back at her. “Me too.”

  “Do you think she will stick around?” She asked the question that had been on my mind for a while. “I hope she does.” Evie pulled some Salami out of the fridge and tossed it on the counter in front of me.

  “I have a hankering for some Salami. Will you add it to the tray?” I shot her a shrug. “Sure,”

  “Do you think I should make some herring or Oliver salad?” Evie asked, her head stills tuck in the fridge.

  I gave it careful consideration. I wanted the night to be easy with just a few hand foods. “Nah, I want to try and limit it to easy foods. Maybe some pickles, some of those deviled eggs if there are any left, and maybe some of that honey cake if there is any of that.” Evie giggled as she started pulling the items out of the refrigerator and began setting them on the counter. “D, Honey cake is not an easy finger food.”

  “But it’s so good.” I moaned out. Evie clapped me on the back affectionately. “Sorry, kiddo. No can do. Nik ate the last of it before we let.” My head hung in shame.

  “Nik, I’m going to throttle you for eating the last of the honey cake.” I bellowed out. I knew he wouldn’t be able to hear me from his room but it didn’t matter. Evie couldn’t help but laugh at my distraught disposition. She was the devil. I knew she would fit in just fine.

  “I didn’t know you had such a wonderful voice. Why do you play the drums?” Evie’s question caught me by surprise. I gave a few moments of thought before answering. I was surprised the question had not come up before.

  “Well, for starters, I am the only one coordinated enough to play the drums. Kiev is decent, but I still have him beat. I am shit on a guitar. I can’t play one to save my life. And well, Nik, he is the prettiest of us all so we saw fit to put him in the spotlight. That left me to the drums, Nik in the lead and the others on guitar since they are good at it, great even.”

  “But don’t you want to sing?” I shook my head and laughed. “Evie, have you not noticed the Mic beside my drums?” The question caused her to think before shaking her head. “Eve, I do sing. I just don’t sing lead.” Her eyes grew wide with surprise. “You do?” I shook my head and laughed. “Yes,”

  “Okay then, sing me something.” I pulled a face. “Sing you what?” “Something fun and upbeat.” I thought about it for a moment. I knew just how to shock her. I started singing some Justin Timberlake as I prepped the trays of snacks.

  Ivan joined us in the kitchen and started singing along with me. He had a deep gravelly voice but it was surprisingly smooth. Evie clapped with delight at our impromptu show for her. We danced and spun around the kitchen as we loaded tray after tray with desserts and finger foods that we came across in our scavenger hunt.

  Ivan filled a bowl with dip as he dumped several bags of chips on a tray. Kiev finally entered the room in time to start singing one of Katinka’s favorites Smile by Lily Allen. Evie danced around the room filled with excitement. Honestly, we were butchering the song. Our deep voices were no match for the sweet sultry voice of Lily Allen. But we did, however, make it our own. Actually, we sounded pretty good. I considered talking to Katinka about possibly doing a cover of the song when we started back to work.

  “What the hell are you guys going in here trying to steal away my woman?” Nik’s voice boomed through the kitchen. No one paid him any attention. Kiev took Evie in his arms and began to waltz around the room singing Secret By The Pierces. Nik just rolled his eyes and grabbed a handful of trays and took them to the Living room.

  “Look who I found outside.” Katinka had her arm wrapped through Alexa’s. A broad smile spread across my lips. Alexa had come over in a pair of gray sweats and an oversized t-shirt and a pair of flip flops. I knew she was going to fit in. Alexa’s eyes widened as she watched Kiev and Evie waltz around the room as he continued to sing, the tempo picking up signaling the song coming to an end.

  “I’m glad I dressed appropriately.” Alexa tugged nervously at the hem of her shirt. I wiped my hands off on a dishtowel and ushered her into my arms. “I’m going to get her situated. You guys finish bringing in the snacks and drinks.” I shot them a wide smile over my shoulder. Katinka gave me a thumb up as I passed her in the doorway. My chest shook with laughte
r.

  I escorted Alexa to the living room and got her comfortable. Nik got her drink order and left us alone in the living room. “Wow, everyone is so nice. I didn’t realize you all actually lived together.”

  I collapsed my hands together between my knees as I sat down beside her. “Well, This is actually Tink’s house. The guys and I haven’t taken a break longer than a few weeks here or there so we never invested in houses of our own. Any time one or all of us would come home we would just crash at Tink’s house. When we were in LA for extended periods we would rent apartments but that would be it. Nothing permanent, just furnished studios. When we found out Tink was pregnant we decided to take a year off once the baby was due so we all decided to stay here at Tinks. We weren’t sure what our travel schedule would be like once we did go back on tour and if it was going to be anything like the past 13 years then we knew that purchasing a house would be a waste of money since we would never be there to enjoy it.”

  “So do you all share rooms?” Her face a mask of concern. I couldn’t help but laugh. “Oh, No. Not even when we are on tour unless we can’t help it. We all have our own rooms. This house is actually huge. Other than our bedrooms, there are 6 spare rooms. The rooms are laid out so that none of us have rooms near one another which give us enough privacy.” I wagged my eyebrows at her seductively. She playfully swatted my arm.

  “So being with each other 24-7 doesn’t bother you?” Her question was one we heard more times than I could count.

  “Nah, we have been side by side since birth. It’s actually weirder when we are separated than when we are together for extended periods of time.” She looked so cute when she was confused. I used my thumb to smooth out the lines of confusion on her forehead.

  “Don’t think too hard on it.” She wrinkled her nose at me. Everyone entered the room breaking the private moment between us. I hoped that by seeing us all together and watching how we worked as a unit would give her a better understanding. I also hoped that spending time with Evie would help her to see that we weren’t a closed group, that we were willing to expand and accept her.