“This is nice,” Amanda said as I pulled out her chair.
I took my seat across from her once she was comfortable. The hostess brought us menus and offered my favorite wine. I told her tonight we were having Amanda’s favorite, and they happened to have two bottles, unlike my place last night. The hostess excused herself to get it.
Amanda didn’t open the menu right away. She was still taking in her surroundings. “Not at all what I expected.”
“No?” I cocked an eyebrow at her. “What did you expect?”
“I don’t know,” she said, breaking into a soft laugh. “Bright lights, opulence, a horde of servers waiting on you.”
“Hardly,” I replied. “This is more my speed. Plus I told you in the car, neither of us would enjoy that kind of scene.”
She nodded her agreement and took a sip of her water. “True. So is this more like the Lorne side of your personality? Not the Johnny side?”
I laughed. “Someone did their research, I see.”
She blushed. I was flattered she had looked into who I was. “Maybe just a little. So, tell me, where did the name Johnny Q Venom come from, anyway?”
“Hell if I know. It was Kevin’s idea. Apparently the name Lorne Stein didn’t quite say ‘rock star’. He thought I needed something with a little more punch. It’s kind of like Roxy Punisher, you know? It intimidates. It commands respect. And I’m sure it still brings fear to the faces of small children.”
“She leaned forward and laughed hard. “Good point.”
“Yes.”
“I have to ask. Was that you who left flowers in my hotel room?”
“It was. I wanted to make sure you had a good experience out here.”
“Thanks. And what is it about Kevin? I’m still trying to figure him out.”
“Well, get back to me when you do.”
As if on schedule, the server appeared with our wine. He poured our glasses, and after we ordered the main course, he stepped away briefly to get us dessert menus. I told Amanda to pick out anything she felt like. She told the server she liked desserts with either chocolate, caramel or a hint of citrus, which was something I didn’t know about her that would come in handy. She told the server she would decide later and looked at me to let me order. I wasn’t much of a dessert person, but for her, I would try pretty much anything.
Fuck. The hold she had over me was overwhelming. I took in a deep breath and did my best to loosen up.
We picked up our wine glasses and each took a sip.
“Good choice,” I told her.
Technically, this close to a show, I wasn’t really supposed to be drinking. It was another one of Kevin’s rules. At any other time, I wouldn’t mind it at all. In fact, I was grateful he and Lady had screwed my head on right, years ago—they would tell me the world didn’t need more addicted musicians. We had a four-day no-drinking rule before studio recordings and live performances. Kevin would have my ass if he found out. Then again, he would have my ass for doing everything I was doing right now.
We chatted for over two hours and meandered through our meal. She opened up to me, sharing a few highlights about her MMA days. I listened to her stories and asked a lot of questions. I made a point of keeping to myself that I was a huge fan. I had probably watched all of her fights more times than she did. It felt awkward keeping it a secret, but I didn’t know how she would take it.
She asked a lot about my life. It felt more like courteous small-talk. She seemed like she didn’t want to pry. We talked about hobbies and favorite movies; sports teams and pizza toppings; most highly recommended memoirs and favorite vacation spots. The hours flew by. And the conversation never stopped or lulled through the whole thing. I enjoyed every minute with her. That was no surprise to me. This moment had been years months in the making.
“I don’t feel like heading home yet,” I announced, once the plates had been cleared and the bill was settled.
“I know,” Amanda said eagerly before taking the final sip of wine. “Me neither. This has been really fun.”
“I’m glad you feel that way.” My chest pounded again.
“The only thing is I can’t stay out too late. I have to get up to make my flight tomorrow morning.”
“You’re leaving?” This was news to me. Why did she have to go? I hoped she wasn’t backing out.
“Yes,” she answered. “We have a few days until we leave for the first tour stop. I need to go home and pack, put my mail on hold, empty my fridge, that sort of stuff. Nothing glamorous, I assure you.”
I nodded. I was not pleased. Her reason made sense, but I didn’t like the idea of her leaving. In the back of my mind, there was lingering apprehension. I worried that she would get home and decide not to come back. I didn’t know what she really felt about taking such a risk. I had not intended to make her my bodyguard during this crazy stalker scenario. Kevin certainly wasn’t exactly a pleasure to work for. And I didn’t have the courage to tell her she meant a lot to me long before she even knew I existed. That would be awkward.
“Agent Carlson and his team will be at the house to keep an eye on things,” she said, misinterpreting my apprehension.
“Oh good,” I replied. I looked down at the table, tapping out a beat with my thumbs along the edge.
“I saw a sports bar a few doors down. Want to go check it out?”
I looked up and smiled at her. That was exactly what I wanted to hear.
Chapter 11 - Amanda
We had a couple of beers at the bar, listened to some music, and casually watched the end of a football game that aired live earlier that night.
“Shit,” Johnny said, glancing at his phone. “It’s after midnight.”
“Are you going to turn back into a pumpkin now?” I asked, not sure my question had made sense. The bottle of wine and two beers had all gone to my head. I knew I wasn’t drunk, but I definitely had a buzz going.
Johnny laughed at my bad joke. “You have a flight tomorrow, remember?”
“Mmmhmm,” I said.
He was right. I should get back and take the few hours of sleep that remained to be had. As I watched him fish out a couple bills from his wallet, all I could do was stare. I want to get back into his bed, and sleeping was the last thing on my mind. The man made me so hot. I wanted his hands on me, and to feel his cock deep inside.
“God, Amanda,” he said in my ear. “I want you too.”
Oh shit! I had to have been way pass the buzzed stage now. I said that last part out loud. I couldn’t even try to be embarrassed. Shame did not register, with all the alcohol in my system.
Johnny spoke with the bartender for a few moments. Their voices were too low for me to hear what they were talking about. When he turned back to me, he smiled and held out his arm for me to take it. Boy, did I ever need something to keep me from nose-diving into the pavement outside.
“I’m having a car sent over. It’s not a good idea for me to drive. I’ll have someone come get my car tomorrow.”
I told him it was a good idea—and it took a gargantuan effort for me not to sound slurred. Nothing helped. I was drunk. I let him take my hand and he led me outside the bar. He threw a thank-you nod back to the bartender as the door swung shut behind us.
I shivered at the sudden temperature drop when we stepped out into the brisk night air. He removed his jacket with no hesitation and wrapped it around my shoulders.
“Thanks.”
“Not quite as warm as Miami, huh?”
“No, but it’s a gorgeous city too.”
He draped an arm around my shoulders and pulled me to his molten hot chest. I was thankful for the sweet gesture, and the body heat. Still, I had already done enough damage having all that alcohol and openly telling him I wanted to jump his bones. I needed to take this opportunity more seriously, so I subdued my instant arousal at his touch and made a quick sidestep.
“Thank you for such a nice evening,” I said politely. I caught his eye but quickly looked away.
“The pleasure was all mine, Amanda. It was refreshing to have such good company.”
I shivered. He had said exactly the same thing the night before. Or something close to it. With this level of intoxication, memories were the next thing to go after the shame dissolved.
“Don’t tell me someone like you has any shortage of good female company,” I said.
He laughed softly. “You’d be surprised.”
“Come on, give me a little credit here. I’m not under some star-struck impression that I was such a great time for you last night.”
He snorted a short laugh. My mention of our bedroom escape caught him off guard.
“Right,” he answered. “I mean. Yes. I won’t lie, I go out and there are always women around. But this…well, I have a great time around you. I’m not just talking about last night. I mean, that was great. I’d love to be with you again. I’ve been thinking about it a lot. Well, I mean, not a lot, a lot, but you know.” He stopped short and gave a frustrated growl. “None of this is coming out right. I’m just making it worse.”
“I know. I’m sorry, I don’t know why I even brought it up.” I stared down at my shoes and mentally kicked myself for saying anything about it.
We stood on the sidewalk in front of the bar, not speaking or making eye contact. The awkwardness between us was amplified compared to how easy the rest of the night had been. Before this, the conversation had flowed so easily between us. I was grateful the town car pulled up a few minutes later. He helped me inside, and we kept some space between us.
It was difficult not to overanalyze it. I mentally debated—and poorly at that, with the alcohol-induced haze standing in the way of logic—whether he was keeping his distance to respect me, or as a buffer he wanted for himself. He made small talk on the way back, pointing out landmarks, cool restaurants, bars, and shops. We cruised through downtown Hollywood before making the ascent back up the hillside. The longer the awkwardness went on, the guiltier I felt. I wished I had a rewind button and could return to the easy rhythm we had over dinner and at the bar.
We finally got to his place. Johnny gave the driver the gate code to get in the driveway, and within minutes, the town car had rolled to a stop in front of the house. A bubble of anxiety welled up in my stomach. I was running out of time to correct the situation. Logically, we could both go to sleep and wake up to reset the next day. For a reason I could not quite put my finger on, it felt more urgent than that.
I opened my mouth, unsure what was going to come tumbling out. Before I could say anything, the car door opened and the driver peered down at me. He offered his hand to help me out of the car. My legs were unstable on my heels when I was out of the car, but not for long—Johnny stepped out behind me, and propped me up by putting his arm around my waist.
“This is weird,” Johnny said, turning to look at me.
I burst out laughing. It had to be the alcohol. “So weird!”
“Listen, Amanda,” Johnny started when my laughter had faded. “I like having you around. I know I’m supposed to play it cool or whatever. I don’t care. I just want you to know. I like…this.”
I smiled, but only to mask how much his words twisted at my heart.
“Listen, Johnny, I’m having fun too. I just don’t do this.” I paused, moving my hand back and forth between us. “I don’t do dating, or relationships, or whatever this feels like it’s turning into.”
“Is that code for try harder?” Johnny asked.
I laughed. “No, not at all. I’m serious. I…I just don’t.”
“Hmm.” He stared at me, like he could read my mind if he just concentrated hard enough. “All right, I can respect that. And just so I understand. What was last night, if…” his voice trailed off.
I shrugged. “What about last night? I said I don’t do dating, love or relationships. That doesn’t mean I’m celibate. I have needs just like everyone else.”
“Good,” he said.
I did not get another word in. His arms were around me and his lips were pressed up against mine in a hungry kiss. I could feel his arousal as he drew me in closer and swallowed me up in his strong arms. I got caught up in the heat of it. I couldn’t focus long enough to back away, even if I wanted to. I ran my hands up his tight abs and firm chest. He snaked a hand through my hair and I wrapped my arms around his neck.
He was so strong. He grabbed my ass, and with the one arm, he hoisted me up against him. I wrapped my legs around his hips, hooking my ankles to stay in place. He walked up the rest of the driveway, kissing me all the way to the front door. There was not a moment’s pause in our attack on each other’s needy bodies.
He pulled away just long enough to unlock the door and punch in the alarm code. We fell through the door in a tangled mess of limbs, laughing before our lips frantically searched each other’s again. Johnny picked me up again and carried me across the foyer through the dark main floor of the house.
When we made it to the living room, Johnny stripped his jacket off my shoulders. He wasted no time in working to tug my shirt out from inside my skirt. His fingers skimmed over the sensitive skin on my stomach. I moaned at his touch, and whimpered when his arms slid up under my skirt and gently squeezed my thighs. Johnny buried his face into my neck, licking up to my ear, his breath hot and fast.
“What the fuck is going on here?”
At the sound of Kevin’s voice, Johnny and I sprang apart from each other. A light flicked on to reveal Kevin standing in the entryway, staring at us. He crossed his arms. That glare he shot at Johnny and me, well I was glad looks couldn’t kill. I quickly bent over to pick up the jacket lying on the floor, and threw it on the sofa, feverishly pulling down the hem of my skirt to cover my thighs. Johnny and I stood inches apart, panting to catch our breaths.
“What the hell are you doing here, Kevin?”
“Ms. Baker, please excuse us. Johnny and I need to speak privately for a few minutes.”
I looked over at Johnny. He was angry, and matched the glare Kevin had been doling out to us both. It would have been pointless for me to argue. I passed through the living room and rounded the corner. I had intended to go to the main staircase and up to my room, but the sound of their agitated, angry voices stopped me in my tracks. I flattened against a wall, my body covered in shadows, and I listened.
“This is exactly what I’m talking about, Johnny. You’re out late and you’ve probably been drinking. You have a show in a few days. Does that mean nothing to you? You need to be resting your voice, eating healthy, working out, preparing yourself for this tour. And it’s almost two in the morning!” Kevin yelled.
“Since when do I need a chaperone and a curfew?” Johnny fired back. “All we did was go out to dinner.”
“This could be the tipping point of your career. Don’t you get that?”
“How could I not? You tell me a thousand times a day. All I hear is, ‘Focus, Johnny. Focus’.”
“Exactly. That’s all I ask of you. In fact, that was the only condition I made when you practically begged me to take this girl on staff! I knew we were playing with fire, but you insisted, and swore to me that you would focus! You told me it would not get you off-track. Now, it’s twenty-four hours in, and you’re coming home late, it smells like you’ve been drinking, and what was just about to happen in there? Is that why you demanded she get a million bucks for this job? A million-dollar piece of ass? We are not paying her to be your personal playmate, Johnny!”
Kevin’s words echoed through my head. I tried to decode it, like unscrambling a word puzzle. It didn’t make sense. Johnny was the one who wanted me to come work as his security? And he insisted on such a high paycheck? Why?
“To hell with you, Kevin. Get the fuck out of my house,” Johnny growled.
“I’ll leave, but just remember what you agreed to, Johnny. I have executive decision over who we keep on staff. I’m going to let this one go, but one more mistake and she’s gone. And don’t think I’ll back down next time.”
<
br /> My heart was racing now. Why the hell do all these important pieces of information get shared when people are angry? And when I’m under the influence! I pressed farther against the wall at the sound of footsteps in the kitchen. I heard a door slam, and shortly after, the sound of glass shattering as it hit a wall. Everything fell silent after that.
I wanted to go to him; to make sure he was okay. I knew I couldn’t. I had heard Kevin’s warnings just as loud and clear as Johnny had, and if I wanted to have any chance of completing this job and getting paid, this had to stop now. Professionalism needed to prevail. I tiptoed up the stairs, padded down the hallway, and shut myself in my guest room. I locked the door behind me, undressed, and put on some pajamas.
As I was about to get into bed, there was a knock on the door.
“Amanda. It’s me, Johnny. Can I come in?”
I stared at the door. I knew what I had to do.
Rocked Part Two
Chapter 1 - Amanda
I should have ignored the knock on the door. Whatever conflict there was between Kevin and Johnny, it had to have been going on long before I was in the picture. Kevin was the boss, and I had heard him loud and clear downstairs. We had exhausted all the chances, and it was going to be my ass out on the curb with no million-dollar contract if he wasn’t happy. I needed to keep a professional distance from Johnny. That was simple enough to do in theory, but why was it so hard for me to stick to it?
“Yes?” I answered without opening the door.
“Aren’t you going to let me see you, Amanda?” Johnny whispered.
“It’s not a good idea, Johnny. I won’t get in the middle. I need this gig.”
“Do we have to keep talking through this door?”
“Let’s just leave it alone. This contract is too important to me.”
“I’ll handle Kevin. I won’t let him do anything stupid. We need you. Come on. He’s gone now. You’re going to make me beg, aren’t you?”
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