Phoenix Rising: Issue #2 (Pretty Boy Rock)

by S R Watson

  “Well, hello. You must be the infamous Phoenix I keep hearing about,” she states as she takes a seat next to me.

  “You’re the infamous one,” I correct. What in the hell could she have possibly heard about me? “I’m just someone trying to get where you guys are.” Anderson pats me on the shoulder and lets me know that he will introduce himself to the rest of our band. Nobody has really ordered food yet because we were waiting for them to arrive. We’ve kept the bartender pretty busy, though. I’ve barely put a dent in my second gin and tonic.

  “Oh. It’s nothing bad. Desiree told us about your band and let us listen to your sound.” She leans closer and picks up my drink. She looks me directly in the eyes—daring me to object. She takes a small sip before taking a bigger one. “Hmm. So good. Gin and tonic?”

  “Uh, yeah,” I say without breaking her gaze. I’m caught off guard by her forwardness. She’s already giving me the green light. “So, what did you think?”

  “Of what?” she challenges. She knows what I’m asking.

  “Of our sound,” I play along.

  “We’re touring together, aren’t we?” She winks. “I think you guys complement us perfectly. A perfect blend of perfection.”

  “Agreed,” I grin. That means a lot coming from a member of a band that is already so established. We don’t even have the recognition yet.

  “Make no mistake about it, Phoenix,” she adds. “You’re fucking hot as hell. This face and body are going help you guys climb the charts. But your vocals and your band’s sound is what’s going to make you guys rock stars. You have the total package.” I don’t know how to respond to that. I blame it on the lack of current blood flow to my brain because it’s all at the head of my dick.

  “Glad you think so,” I finally manage to get out.

  She moves in closer. “Oh, I do. And when all those women are lining up—just hoping for the chance to get a taste of your cock, I’ll enjoy knowing that I have you for the next four months.” I grab my gin from her and take a huge ass gulp. That was bold as fuck. Is she really going to do all the work for me?

  “What do you mean you have me for the next four months?”

  “I think you know,” she says, squeezing my leg under the table. That escalated fast. She is going to have to spell that shit out for me. I’ll let her think she is in control for a few more minutes before I yank that illusion from her.

  “I don’t like to assume anything, Ivy. You’ve been so forward up to this point. Don’t play coy now.” I take another swig of my drink. I get a glimpse of Harlow at the end of the table, and her facial expression is telling. She can’t hear the conversation between Ivy and me, but I’m sure our body language says it all. Ivy is damn near in my lap, and she isn’t giving a shit who notices.

  “That’s one thing I don’t do, Phoenix,” she insists. “I don’t play games. I see something I want, I take it. I’m calling dibs on this.” She tries to reach for my dick under the table, but I grab her wrist. I have no doubt that she is used to getting her way. She’s gorgeous, has a banging body, and a bank account with several trailing zeros and comas. None of that shit matters to me, though. I arch an eyebrow at her. She has no idea.

  “Only one problem with that logic, doll,” I tsk. “This is my dick, and I say who can have a taste. I say who, and I sure as fuck say when,” I inform her. I shake my head because she fucked any chance of having me tonight. Her assumptions have earned her a lesson that I’m oh, so willing to teach. The waiters bring out the food, and I realize that everyone has ordered except us. I waved the guy off the first time he made rounds, but I thought he would be back. Oh well. I’d rather eat leftover chicken breast from last night.

  “You don’t mean that, Phoenix,” Ivy retorts.

  “It was nice meeting you, Ivy. I look forward to rocking this tour with you guys.” I’ll just have to show her how serious I am. I give her the same wink she gave me earlier, and her mouth drops. Perfect. Let that sink in. I rise from my chair and round the table to meet Miles, Mitch, and Jack. We exchange a few words before I tell them all I’m heading back to the bus. Harlow can’t even look at me. She probably thinks Ivy is on the way out with me. I will give Ivy what she wants if she tones that alpha female shit down. My dominant nature is itching to make her submit. The thing is, she is so far from being submissive, it’s comical. That’s the beauty of it. Ivy meet my alpha. Say hello to your match. You’ve never come across a man like me. I’m immune to your charms and wicked ass sex appeal. This alter ego of mine is the one that is in full control. I just need to make sure he stays present. I need to get him reacquainted with Harlow too. Not to make her submit, but to move past my desire for her. My dominant side demands respect, rewards the worthy, and above all, avoids fucking becoming attached.

  I see Ivy hasn’t moved from her seat. She’s smirking with her arms folded. Checkmate.

  “Night, everyone. See you in the morning.” I get the hell out of the restaurant and don’t look back. The bus is parked across the street in a paid lot. It’s plain black, so nobody has any idea it’s a tour bus or who’s inside.

  Having the bus so close, I could have easily brought Ivy over and made use of that bed back there. Her loss. I heat what’s left of the chicken from last night and throw together another salad. I need to prep my shit before things get too hectic. Desiree calls me just as I sit down to eat to let me know that we have a photo shoot in the morning before rehearsal. The shoot is for a possible single CD cover and a front cover shot for the label’s leading rock magazine. The magazine will feature a promo to push the word we’re touring with Wild Silence.

  I finish the call and resume eating my food before it gets cold. I watch the door for a bit before heading to take a shower. I half expected Ivy to follow. Then again, she was rejected. She isn’t going to make it easy for me now. She wants me to regret my decision and pursue her. Her smirk was so telling. I will make sure I have a few bitches visit my dressing room tomorrow night as an appetizer. I have the stamina to pleasure a plethora of pussy. If she thinks I’ll cave and play her boy toy for the length of this tour, she’ll be waiting.

  I’m sure Desiree would disapprove. She issued a warning, but I know what the fuck our contract says. If I decide to give Ivy this dick, and she gets salty after it’s over, she can’t back out of our legally binding business agreement. I’m not a follow the rules or do as you’re told kind of guy. I know the reality and consequences of my actions. I do what the fuck I want. I don’t consider fucking Ivy shitting where I sleep now because technically, she’s not sleeping on this bus. We’ll see if she smartens up and realizes it’s my game to play, and therefore my rules to make.

  Harlow

  It’s time to go back to the bus. We all stayed and closed the restaurant down with food, laughter, and just getting to know each other. Well, all except Phoenix and Ivy. Phoenix left first, and then Ivy left maybe twenty minutes after he did. I faked a smile for the rest of the night. I knew this was coming. I knew Phoenix was going to be getting plenty of ass. I just didn’t expect it to be before his first concert and with his fellow tour member. I’m sure everyone else came up with the same conclusion about what the two were up to, but they didn’t pay it any mind.

  “What are you so deep in thought about, girl?” Lily joins me as we walk across the street. The guys are still deep in conversation.

  “Nothing really. Just missing my friend Irelyn. I really do need to call her,” I lie. “I’m shocked no paps or crazy fans were out tonight hounding these guys,” I say to change the subject.

  “I was actually wondering the same thing, so I asked Asher about it at dinner,” she confesses. “He says that the restaurant has an exclusive guest list and a long as hell waiting list to get a table. In other words, people with lots of money eat here. People with an exorbitant amount of money are not going to go all fangirl over some rock stars.”

  “True.” I nod.

  “The paps have to stay a certain distance away because the
restaurant has some sort of no trespassing ordinance and can actually sue them if they violate it—kind of like a members-only club. Because of that, they get a lot of celebrities here. Celebrities know they’ll get a hassle-free dining experience. It’s the reason they picked this place for their first meet.”

  “Pretty clever. You’d think more businesses would do the same thing.”

  “Yeah, but it takes a lot of money, and probably rubbing of palms, to pull this type of privacy off.” Lily chuckles.

  “Isn’t the saying greasing the palms?” We look at each other and fall into a fit of laughter. Lily is great. She isn’t Irelyn, but I‘m thankful she’s here with me. She helped get my mind off Phoenix and what he’s doing on that bus with Ivy.

  We’re standing outside our bus now, but the guys don’t make an effort to carry this meet and greet onto the bus. We’re only out here for about ten minutes before a white stretch limo pulls up. So I guess they were just waiting on their ride.

  Oddly, Ivy doesn’t come out to leave with them. I’m guessing she’s staying the night on our bus. Here we go. I suck in a deep breath and board the bus with Lily and the guys. I wasn’t supposed to feel whatever this is. My heart is racing. The reality of it all is overwhelming right now. I just need to get out of this ridiculous dress, shower, and go to sleep. I don’t want to think about any of it. I don’t want to feel this way. He’s. Not. Mine. I excuse myself from the group by saying that I’m tired and call it a night. I use the shower at the front of the bus because there is no way in hell I’m going through that bedroom. My shower is the quickest one yet. I make it to my bunk in under twenty minutes. Thankfully exhaustion takes pity on me and pulls me under so my mind doesn’t have time to linger on shit I shouldn’t be thinking about—or worse yet, hear them fucking.

  Phoenix

  “Morning, dip shits,” I say as I stroll through to the kitchen. Everyone is up and in our little living area, except Harlow. Lily peers over her gossip magazine to give me the finger. I’m starting to like this girl more and more. She has a little sass to her. She came off as meek, at best, in the beginning. I guess she just had to get comfortable with us.

  “We already had breakfast, your royal dip shit.” She grins. “We saved some for you.”

  “Aye. Where is it?” I look around the stove but don’t see it. Why can’t I smell what they cooked?

  “It’s in the cereal box above the refrigerator.” She places her magazine over her face and laughs her ass off while Killian and Asher join in.

  “That’s real cute,” I say, shaking my head. I can’t help laughing along with them.

  “She got you, man,” Ren instigates.

  “Yeah. I made omelets for your asses yesterday, and today we’re eating cereal.” I pull fresh eggs out of the fridge to scramble up some egg whites. I’ll have that with some oatmeal. I’m not eating that sugary shit.

  “Sorry, Phoenix,” Lily says. “Nobody felt like getting in the kitchen to do anything after staying up last night.”

  “Where’s Harlow?” I ask casually.

  “Oh, she didn’t stay up with us last night. She was the first to hit the sack, so I thought she would be the first one up,” Asher says. “I guess we need to get dressed for our photo shoot that you failed to mention,” he teases.

  “Shit, man!” I forgot to tell them about that. I crashed before they returned from the restaurant.

  “No worries, dude. Desiree called and bugged the shit out of us early this morning when she couldn’t get a hold of you. Why do you think we’re all up so early?” Killian gives me a knowing look. I glance at the clock in the kitchen and see that it’s a little after eight. These guys’ idea of early is warped. “We didn’t tell her about the ass you already tapped last night. She would have your balls. Where is she anyway?”

  “What? She who?” What the hell is he talking about? I didn’t get any ass last night. Then a light bulb goes off.

  “Ivy, fucker. We didn’t see her get off the bus when their limo came for them last night.” Ivy must have left after I did last night, and they all assumed she was meeting me. That means Harlow thinks I smashed Ivy last night, too. Is this why she went to bed early or why she still isn’t up yet? My damn reputation precedes me a little too well, but this time they’re all wrong.

  “I don’t know where Ivy went last night, but she didn’t come here. I didn’t touch her.”

  “Wow. I just knew you had hit that. She was damn near in your lap trying to give you the pussy, man.” The guys nod in agreement. They have no idea.

  “Well, I didn’t bite. I’m going to get ready for this shoot. I suggest you fuckers do the same,” I say, bringing my meal with me.

  Chapter Five

  Harlow

  A warm hand nudges me to wake up, and I nearly hit my head on the top bunk when I sit up startled. “Wake up, Harlow. We’ll be getting off the bus in roughly thirty minutes,” Phoenix informs me. When I see it’s him, I snatch my arm away.

  “Yeah, okay.” I grab my phone from the charger next to me to look at the time and avoid eye contact with him.

  “Ivy wasn’t here on the bus last night, Harlow. I didn’t fuck her,” Phoenix says before walking away. My shoulders instantly relax with relief. Then I get pissed all over again because why do I even care? The fact that he just told me that means he knows that I do. Ugh. I need to find something to wear. That Ivy chick could wear a freaking paper bag and rock that shit. She didn’t even try to get dressed up for the restaurant. She wore jeans, a T-shirt, and sneakers. She still had Phoenix’s attention from the moment she walked into the room. It was so apparent that she had set her sights on him too. They may not have fucked last night, but it is inevitable. Their sexual tension was so strong it consumed the entire room.

  The temperature is bearable today, considering we’re smack dab in the middle of January. I still nearly froze my ass off trying to be cute last night. I’m used to the almost nonexistent winters of the south. My phone’s weather app says it’s fifty-five degrees out, so a hoodie and jeans it is.

  “Are you ready yet, Harlow?” Lily calls from the other side of the door. I open the door to see that she’s dressed in cute jeans, a sweater, and ankle boots. “Are you ready?” she asks again.

  “Sure am,” I answer. My University of Alabama hoodie and jeans is what I’m sticking with. I have nobody to be cute for. My give a fuck is broken.

  “Oh, okay,” she says, unwilling to push. “Well, the guys are waiting for us outside in the black Yukon. Desiree sent someone to pick us up.” I nod, and we leave without another word. I’m in a funky mood this morning, and I can’t shake it. We get into the SUV, and the guys try to strategize what their album cover should look like. I don’t look any of them in the eye. I head straight back to the third row. I pull my earphones from my pocket and plug it into my phone. I need to drown out my thoughts. Rihanna’s Needed Me is the first song to shuffle through. I close my eyes and attempt to get lost in the lyrics. I haven’t been in a funk like this since my initial break up with Phoenix. I hate feeling vulnerable—like I’m waiting for the remaining pieces of my heart to disintegrate. I hate giving anyone the power to destroy me.

  The ride to the photographer’s studio is a short one. Lily nudges me to let me know that we’ve arrived. I didn’t even know she came to sit back here with me. I just assumed she would stay closer to the front with Asher.

  “Are you feeling okay?” she whispers.

  “Yeah. Just have some stuff on my mind, is all. Nothing that’s a concern,” I say, plastering a fake smile on my face.

  “Okay. You can always talk to me if you ever need to.” She squeezes my hand before pulling me out with her. Now that the men are out of the car, I get a good look at them. They’re all wearing black t-shirts with jeans. The look is so casual, yet so sexy. My eyes fall on Phoenix, and I have to look away. His shirt hugs him, and I can make out his defined abs. Why does he have to be so damn hot? I give my attention to a pebble on the ground like it
is the most interesting thing I’ve ever seen. I kick it around while I wait for them to head toward the studio. Another car pulls up. It’s Desiree. She gets out wearing a red pantsuit with matching heels. I guess I’m the only underdressed one but whatever. I’m not cold, and I’m comfortable.

  “Morning, boys. Lily. Harlow,” she half ass greets. “This way.” She catches up to Phoenix, and the two of them talk on the way into the studio, but I can’t hear what’s being said. Whatever it is, Phoenix doesn’t seem to be too happy about it. I can see the wrinkle in his forehead from here. Why is he frowning?

  The photographer, Antonio, I think his name is, greets us once we’re inside and then shows Lily and me where we can sit so that we’re out of the way.

  We still have prime seating, though. Antonio’s back is to us, but we can see the guys clearly as they take direction from him. They get into a grove instantly, and all you hear is the camera.

  “Okay. Phoenix, I need a few shots with just you.” That wrinkle in his forehead is back. This must have been what he and Desiree were talking about.

  “I don’t see why that’s necessary,” he complains.

  “I explained that you guys are going to be featured in Rock Solid magazine as new and upcoming artists. The band will be featured as well, but they want some solo shots of you. Don’t bust my balls here, Phoenix,” Desiree pleads. “I had to pull some strings for this.”

  “It’s okay, man,” Asher assures. “You’re our frontman. They just want some shots of all your sexiness. We’re not tripping. You got this, stud,” he jokes, lightening the mood. The guys make smooching noises like they’re blowing him a kiss, to which he shoots them the middle finger.