Relentless (Relentless Soul Book 1)

by Ryan, Rachel

  Finally feeling like myself again, I push up off the bed and walk over to the desk. I open the lid on my laptop and press down on the power button. Just as I think about going to get a coffee from downstairs, I hear the message alert on my phone. Reaching over I see there is a new message in my inbox. It's an unknown number and I smile lightly when I think to myself that Jeremy hasn't wasted any time. I quickly read the first line of the message and I am a little confused.

  Ava,

  I'm really sorry about Jeremy. He can be a bit full on sometimes.

  Sorry if you felt uncomfortable at all.

  Brody

  It's a message from Brody. This is really unexpected. I quickly type in a brief reply while smiling to myself.

  Brody,

  There is nothing you need to apologize for, but thank you for your concern.

  Ava.

  This has been the most bizarre day ever!

  ***

  Jeremy

  "Fuck me!" I glance around at the boys and shake my head "Is it just me or was that feisty little piece of ass smokin' hot?"

  Luke and Hunter laugh and nod in agreement as they stand to leave the conference room.

  "Yeah, Stone. She sure was. But that's one smokin' hot piece of ass you won't be getting your hands on anytime soon." Luke laughs at his own bad joke as he and Hunter each grab one of Ava's cards from the table and move towards the door.

  "Ha ha! We'll see." I mutter to no one in particular as I grab one of the small business cards. I glance over to see Brody typing on his phone with a stupid grin on his face, "Who are you texting, Coops?"

  Brody wipes the cheesy grin off his face and quickly shoves his phone in the back pocket of his jeans. As he stands up to leave, one of Ava's business cards falls from his lap onto the floor. I pick it up and hand it to him.

  "You dropped this."

  He seems to be avoiding my eyes as he snatches the card and heads toward the door. Well, that was weird.

  "You coming?" he says over his shoulder. I follow him and we head towards the elevator.

  "So, what do you think man? Do you think she was interested?"

  Brody seems to frown, as he mutters "I don't know. She made it pretty clear you aren't her type."

  "Bullshit. She was just trying to be professional. Of course I'm her type."

  Brody starts to walk faster as we head down the corridor.

  "Hey, what's up with you today? You've been acting weird." I grab him by the shoulder and turn him so he's facing me. "Are you alright?"

  Brody shrugs "Yeah, I'm fine. Just one of those days I guess." He strides over to the elevator and I watch him with concern. He has seemed so happy lately, with the success of our album and the plans for the tour. I wonder what's put him in this mood.

  I follow him into the elevator and try my best to cheer him up.

  "Let's go out tonight. I need to get wasted. We'll find ourselves some hot little distractions." I wiggle my eyebrows suggestively and he frowns at me.

  "I thought you were into Ava?"

  I hesitate slightly before I answer. "Yeah, I am, for sure. I think I need to take my time with that little pocket rocket though." Running my hand through my hair nervously, I try to think of the best way to approach her. Apparently, she's staying at the hotel, but I'm not sure for how long. So, if I'm going to make a move, I'll need to do it soon. Plus we go on tour in a couple of weeks, so there's not a lot of time.

  Brody shakes his head and steps out of the elevator as it reaches the ground level parking lot.

  "I think I'm just gonna have a quiet night at home, maybe do some writing. See ya." Brody heads over to his chopper, puts on his helmet as he starts the bike and tears out of the parking lot.

  Unlocking my black Mustang 302 I slide into the driver's seat. I sit there for a few minutes wondering what the fuck has got Brody so down in the dumps. As I turn the ignition key and the loud engine roars to life I try to work it out. But all I can seem to think about as I leave the parking lot is the feisty little minx with the hypnotizing curves that is still upstairs somewhere in the hotel.

  ***

  Walking through the front door of my penthouse apartment I toss my car keys in the bowl on the small side table in the foyer. What the fuck is wrong with me? I can't get this girl out of my mind. All the way home all I could picture in my head was her long, dark, wavy hair and imagine it wrapped around my hand as I kiss every part of her hot little body. I can still feel her amazing amber eyes and the heat scorching my dick as she was checking me out when we first met. I'm getting hard just thinking about it. Fuck! I need to find some excuse to see her again before we go on tour in two weeks. Shit, that's it! Why the fuck didn't I think of this before. Pulling my phone out of my pocket I search through my contact list. Finding the name of our band manager, Travis, I connect the call.

  Travis answers after a couple of rings "Hey, Stone, my man! What's up?"

  "Hey man! I have an idea about the tour."

  Travis is quiet for a second then replies "What did you have in mind?"

  I smile as I think of what a fucking genius I am. "Why don't we get one of the big magazines to send someone on tour with us to cover the story of our rise to fame? 'Cause you know, man. This tour is just gonna be the start."

  "Okay, I'm listening."

  "So, you know how Treble Magazine sent this Journalist out to interview us? What if we organize a deal with the magazine where she comes on tour with us, all expenses paid and access all areas. I'm sure our fans would love to hear all about our first tour and what goes on behind the scenes."

  Once again, Travis is quiet for a moment. "Are you sure you want some chick hanging around all the time and knowing all your dirty little secrets?"

  I grin triumphantly. "Sure. Why not? I think it would be great for the band."

  Travis hesitantly agrees. "Okay, if you're sure. I'll call the label and the magazine and see what they think of the idea."

  I fist pump the air, silently congratulating myself. "Thanks, Dude. Let me know what they say."

  Disconnecting the call I tuck my phone back into my pocket and wonder if I've made a mistake. Do we really want a chick hanging around finding out all of our dirty little secrets like Travis said? Fuck it! I plan on making Ava one of my dirty little secrets.

  Chapter 2

  Brody

  As I cruise along on my bike, I feel the tension begin to leave my body. Music, workouts and riding my Harley are my biggest stress relievers. I don't even know why I feel so worked up about this. I only just met the girl a few hours ago, but I can't seem to stop thinking about her. All I can think about is her beautiful amber eyes, flawless, golden skin and the hottest accent. Not to mention the sexiest smile I have ever seen. The fact that it was Jeremy that kept bringing out that gorgeous smile is what has me on edge. There was definitely some kind of connection between the two of them, even if she was trying her hardest to fight it. But I also feel there was a bit of chemistry between us. That moment we had in the elevator, the way she was trying to avoid looking in my eyes, the smile she gave me as she walked away. There is something there, I'm sure of it.

  After leaving the hotel I went straight to the gym where I tried to work off my frustrations with a punching bag. Even now, two hours later, as I head toward Santa Monica my mind doesn't stray from thoughts of Ava. I can't remember a time when a girl has affected me this much straight away. Yeah, I've had my share of girlfriends and a couple times I thought I was in love, but when I think back to those times I'm pretty sure I was in love with the idea of having someone; someone who was there for me. Someone that didn't know about my fucked up life and all the emotional baggage that goes along with it.

  As I park my bike in front of my apartment building I decide to go for a walk to clear my head a little more. I put my helmet in the small compartment on the back of my bike, put on my shades and decide to walk the couple of blocks to the Pier.

  ***

  I walk along the crowded pier envyin
g the people I see with their easygoing, carefree lives. Families talking and laughing, couples holding hands and being affectionate. I get a few strange looks from people as if they may recognize me, but we aren't really that well known yet and let's face it, who takes notice of the bass player anyway. I stroll along, lost in thought for a few minutes.

  "Brody?" What the fuck? Now I'm hearing that cute little accent in my head. I look up to see Ava walking towards me dressed in skintight blue jeans, a white tank and brown sandals, juggling a small handbag, a camera and an ice-cream cone.

  "Hey. How are you? What are you doing here?"

  What are the fucking odds?

  "I was going crazy stuck in the hotel, so I decided to catch a taxi down here and do the whole tourist thing." Fuck that accent is so cute. She licks her ice cream and I freeze. I can't help but watch her tongue as it glides slowly across the melting pink ice cream. My heart starts pounding in my chest and I feel my body starting to react, so I break the trance and look away.

  "Oh, um cool. If you ever need a tour guide…" I glance at her breathtaking eyes and then quickly look down at the ground.

  "Uh, sure! That would be great."

  We naturally fall into step beside each other and start back in the direction I came from.

  "So, what are you doing here?"

  Fuck! How do I answer that? I can't tell her I have spent the last two hours doing whatever I can to get her face, her sexy curves and that adorable accent out of my mind.

  "I live a couple blocks from here. I got home and decided to take a walk."

  "Oh. It's so nice here. But so different to my home in Australia." Ava follows me as I sit down on one of the benches along the pier and we spend the next hour just talking. Well, I let her do most of the talking. I listen and ask a lot of questions, because I want to get to know her better. I also want to avoid too many questions from her about my life.

  She tells me all about her life back home in Australia, about her Grandma and how she went to live with her when she was nine years old after her parents passed away. I listen intently and can't help but admire her bravery and courage when she explains that she wanted to come to the U.S to meet her Father's family for the first time. She also tells me that she is really excited, but also scared to make a fresh start in a place where she is completely on her own. I can definitely empathize with that.

  We fall into a comfortable silence and stare out at the water.

  "It's so pretty here."

  "Are you planning on finding a place of your own in the city or somewhere out here?

  "Actually, tomorrow I'm meeting with a realtor to have a look at some places 'cause I'm already sick of the confined space of the hotel."

  "I don't have anything on tomorrow. I'd be happy to drive you around to look at some places."

  At first I think she is going to turn down my offer as she has a very strange look on her face, then she turns and looks into my eyes.

  "Thanks. That would be really nice." We stare at each other for a few seconds until the sound of a cell phone ringing drags her attention away from me. She pulls out her phone and looks at me apologetically. "Sorry, it's my Editor calling. I'd better get this."

  She hits the answer button and greets her boss. While she is distracted by the phone call, I can't help but sit and study her face. She has beautiful, long, dark wavy hair that is just calling out for me to run my fingers through it, gorgeous amber eyes framed by dark brows and long black lashes that caress her cheeks when she blinks. But that mouth, with straight white teeth and full pink lips. This is what holds my attention as she talks on the phone. As if she can sense my eyes on her she glances over at me with a strange look on her face as she says to her Editor.

  "Are you sure? This all seems a bit sudden." Now I am getting curious. "No, it's no problem at all. I really appreciate the opportunity. Thank you. Ok, Bye." She disconnects from the call and slowly places her phone back in a small compartment of her handbag, then glances up at me with a look of surprise.

  I'm beginning to worry "Are you okay, Ava?"

  She slowly nods her head. "Um, it looks like I will be coming along on tour with you and your band."

  What? How the hell…?

  "Apparently your record company and management team think it would be a great idea for our magazine to cover all aspects of your tour and document your band's rise to fame. And my Editor agreed so… I guess I'm coming on tour with you."

  As the news settles into my brain I feel a little surge of excitement at the fact I am going to be seeing a lot more of Ava over the next eight weeks. Wow! What a strange day this has been.

  "So, I guess I should get going. I have to go into the office and finalize some details with my Editor." We stand up and she picks up her handbag and camera.

  "We can walk back to my place and grab my bike and I can give you a ride."

  "No, that's fine I can just get a taxi"

  "Ava, I insist. It will take hours for you to find a cab. My place is a five minute walk from here." I smile down at her as she considers my offer.

  "Okay, thanks"

  I turn to my left and start walking in the direction of my street, with Ava following close beside me. We walk in silence for a while, but it's a comfortable silence. I feel her eyes on me and I glance down to see her looking at my arm.

  She smiles at me and starts to blush and it's so fucking cute. "Sorry, I'm just trying to work out what your tattoo is."

  I pull up my right shirt sleeve and show her my half sleeve tat of an electric guitar, surrounded by colorful and intricate patterns.

  She smiles shyly "That's really cool."

  "Do you have any tats?"

  She laughs softly and it's the most amazing sexy laugh. "No. I've always wanted to get one though; something simple, but meaningful."

  Our eyes meet and I can tell by the sad look in her eyes she is thinking of her parents. All of a sudden I feel the most overwhelming urge to grab her and pull her to me. But I don't. Glancing at her mouth, soft pink lips open slightly; I hear her sharp intake of air and look back up to her eyes and see her staring at my mouth. I can't help but break into a big smile. She does feel it too. She blushes again and starts walking.

  I chuckle quietly to myself and catch up to her. After a couple more minutes we arrive at my apartment block and I walk toward my bike. I unlock the back compartment and hold my helmet out to Ava. She looks a little nervous as she accepts the helmet and puts it on. Throwing my leg over the bike, I start it and turn to look at her offering my hand "Hop on."

  She places her small hand in mine and I feel the warmth spread up through my arm and into my chest. She doesn't take her eyes off me as she hops onto the bike. I feel her tight little body slide up close behind me and her arms wrap around my waist. Fuck! She feels so good with her arms and legs wrapped around me and I can smell her perfume, light and fruity. My dick automatically responds and I try not to think of how good it would feel to grab her, lift her on to my lap and take her right here on this bike. I feel a slight shiver behind me and I hope she is thinking the same thing.

  ***

  Fifteen minutes later we pull up out the front of the Treble Magazine building and I turn off the bike and climb off. Holding my hand out to her I help her off the bike and feel those sparks again. I hold onto her hand a little too long before I finally let it go and step away from her. Staring into her large golden eyes, she smiles up at me and thanks me for the ride.

  “Any time.” I slowly back up toward my bike and smile "I guess I'll be seeing you tomorrow."

  She looks confused for a second "Tomorrow?"

  I smile as I remind her "To look at apartments. Just send me a text when you're ready and I can pick you up from the hotel"

  "Oh, yeah. Okay well, thanks again for the ri… Lift. See you tomorrow." She walks swiftly toward the large glass door and I sit on my bike watching her, my eyes glued to her curves in those tight jeans. Holy fuck! I love those jeans. Just as she gets to the door she
suddenly looks over her shoulder and catches me staring at her ass. Shit! Busted! I raise my hand in a small wave, move my bike into the traffic and head for home. The whole way home I can't wipe the cheesy grin off my face. Fuck! I'm in trouble.

  ***

  Ava

  That bike ride was intense; I can still feel his abs beneath my hands and his firm muscular thighs between mine. His smell is still lingering on my body, a sensual, woody, masculine scent. I hope he didn't feel me tremble; I couldn't help but imagine us being tangled between bed sheets. Shit! Grabbing my nose I feel pain radiating through my face and my eyes start watering, is it bleeding? I curse myself and my previous thoughts as I just literally walked into my office door. Rummaging through my handbag with one hand I find my compact mirror. Moving my hand away from my face I inspect my nose to discover there is no blood and a feeling of relief washes over me.

  "Ava, are you ok?" Wiping the tears from my eyes I see Jennifer, my editor, standing at the door.

  I laugh a little "Oh yeah I'm fine, I wasn't watching where I was going and hit the door with my face."

  "As long as you're okay then, I just came by to see how you're going with the Relentless Soul article?

  "I'm almost done. I can have it to you by the end of the day. So what other details do I need to know about the tour?"

  "Their manager Travis rang me about an hour after the interview was finished and said they wanted to expand the coverage of the band. So they offered all expenses paid and all access to our journalist."

  "Why me?"

  "They've already met you. They will be more comfortable and most likely be more open with you. The tour starts in two weeks, you'll be on a bus with the makeup artist and stylist."

  "What is their itinerary?"

  "They haven't sent me the itinerary yet; I'll get it from them Monday and call you as soon as I get it."

  "Thank you"