Bad For Me (My Forbidden Rockstar)

by Bowman, Dara

  “Annie, no,” I say softly, reaching out for her hand.

  “Don’t fucking touch me!” she screams.

  She looks around the car like she’s an animal who suddenly realizes it's been trapped.

  “Let me out! Let me out of this fucking car!” she shouts. She doesn’t even wait for me to stop, before she flings the door open and jumps out.

  I slam the brakes on.

  “Jesus, Annie!” I yell, but she’s already taking off towards the hospital entrance.

  “Fuck,” I mutter. I throw the car back into drive, hastily find a parking spot, and run in after her.

  Chapter Fourteen

  Annie

  I can barely see through my tears as I hurry into the Emergency Room. I’m crying over my dad and Dom at the same time, and I’m so angry at Dom for a million different reasons. I’m angry about him and his slutty neighbor, and I’m angry that he’s distracting me at this crucial time when I need to be a hundred percent here for my dad.

  “I’m here for Cliff Winterford,” I say breathlessly to a receptionist, as my eyes frantically search the halls for Roxie.

  The receptionist nods curtly and her fingers begin flying across the keyboard.

  “He’s still being seen, Miss. You can’t go back just yet. But if you follow the blue hall to the right, you’ll find a waiting area.”

  “But how is he?” I demand.

  “Miss, I don’t have any other information, but please follow the blue hallway and perhaps someone at the nurse’s station there can help you.”

  I roll my eyes in annoyance and dash down the blue hall.

  “Annabelle!” A familiar voice calls out.

  I see Roxie hunched in a chair in the corner.

  “Roxie! How is he?”

  “I don’t know anything,” she says her voice cracking. “I’m waiting for one of the doctor’s to come back and see me.” She sniffles.

  Suddenly she looks very childlike.

  “Was Dominic with you?” She asks.

  I nod, not wanting to betray myself by telling Roxie that her son is a disgusting man-whore.

  Roxie is too perceptive. “What's he done this time?”

  “It’s nothing.”

  “Annabelle, I can tell it’s something.”

  I give Roxie a hard look. “Since you love your son, it’s probably best that I don’t share it with you.”

  My tone is scathing and Roxie looks taken aback. She doesn’t have time to ask me anything else before Dom rushes into the small waiting room.

  “How is he?”He asks, moving to sit down next to us.

  “We don’t know anything,” Roxie says.

  “I’m going to get a soda,” I say, jumping out of my chair before Dom can get too close. I’m so disgusted that I don’t even think I can be in the same room with him right now.

  “What did you do?” I hear Roxie demand, as I move swiftly towards the soda machine.

  I rifle in my purse for a dollar and get a small can of Coke. I lean against the ugly hallway wall so that I can see the doctors and nurses coming and going, as well as Roxie and Dom in a quiet heated conversation.

  Good.

  I hope Dom tells his mom what a slutty asshole he is.

  “Mrs. Winterford?” A doctor asks as he approaches Roxie.

  I hurry across the room as I hear Roxie correct the doctor.

  “I’m only his fiancé.”

  The doctor nods and looks at all three of us. I think he recognizes Dom as some celebrity.

  “I’m his daughter,” I speak up.

  “Mr. Winterford has had a mild heart attack.” He must see the alarm painted on our faces because he quickly smiles and clarifies himself. “But he is alright. There is very minimal damage to the heart, and he will probably be released in a few days.”

  Roxie sags into Dom with relief, and I feel tears flood my eyes. Daddy is going to be okay.

  The doctor gives us a stern look. “But he needs to take it easy,” he stresses, “And we’ll be sending him home with medication. Make sure he takes it.”

  Before I can speak up, Roxie is literally blubbering to the doctor.

  “Thank you, so much. Yes, yes, I promise he will take the medicine.”

  “They’re moving him to recovery now and then you’ll be allowed to see him. If you wouldn’t mind waiting on the third floor, someone should be able to assist you once you’re up there.”

  We nod our grateful thanks and hurry to the nearest elevator. I stand rigid in the corner, keeping my body as far as possible from Dom. I can feel the close proximity of him, my skin buzzing and my heart beating wildly at his familiar smell.

  I will be nothing but professional toward Dom now. Even though I’d like to be a real bitch to him, but that won’t do either of us any good. I’ll treat him like any other guy on the tour, and maybe I'll start talking to Jenner more, then Dom will see how it feels.

  Once the doors open, I burst through and hurry to the nearby nurse’s station. I hear Roxie and Dom behind me talking in low voices again, and I purposefully try to ignore them. I speak with a nurse, and she directs me to a row of chairs and promises to let us know when my dad is situated in his room.

  I curl up in a chair and pull out my phone. Wisely, Roxie and Dom seat themselves away from me. I have five missed calls from Elle, and I call her, quietly whispering about what has happened. When I hang up with her, I start going through emails, looking for anything to help pass the time.

  Finally, a nurse comes up and says we can see my dad. Graciously, Roxie motions for me to go first. I hurry down the hall and then stop when I enter my dad’s room. He looks small and fragile in the sterile bed, with numerous tubes and wires sticking out of him.

  He gives me a wry grin.

  “Daddy, what the hell?” I say shakily, taking a seat next to the bed.

  “I guess I’m too old for that crap,” he jokes.

  “What were you thinking?”

  “I was thinking that I despised that prick who had hurt Roxie and Dominic.”

  I wince at hearing Dom’s name, and my dad gives me a strange look.

  “What?”

  “It’s nothing, Daddy. Let’s talk about you. The doctor says you need to take it easy and make sure to take the medicine they give you.”

  He waved his hand. “I’ve been healthy for nearly sixty years, I’ll be fine.”

  “Daddy,” I say sternly, “You are going to take those pills. And if you think I’m going to be a pain to deal with, wait until Roxie gets to you.’’ I knew Roxie would shove those pills up my father’s ass if she had to.

  Dad sighs, he knows he isn’t going to win this battle.

  “So, why don’t you tell me what’s going on with Dominic.” My dad says.

  He settles himself into his bed comfortably, gesturing to me that he has all the time in the world.

  “It’s not worth talking about,” I mutter. “I’ve got a great gig going on tour with the band. We have one more rehearsal tomorrow night before opening show on Saturday.”

  “I know about the tour, Annabelle honey. I’m asking about the personal side.”

  I exhale loudly. I can't believe I'm talking to my dad about my feelings for Dom.

  “He’s just like the rest of them," I say, "An arrogant prick.”

  My dad fixes me with a hard gaze and I know he doesn’t approve of my language.

  “He’s been through a lot, Annabelle. Roxie has told me horror stories about his father.” My dad shudders at the thought.

  “So, that gives him an excuse to treat your baby girl like a piece of crap?” I challenge, going straight for my dad’s soft spot. No one treats his baby girl poorly.

  “Well, that’s different. You deserve the best, and I’m definitely not saying that I think Dominic is the best guy out there.” My dad laughs. “Far from it. I read the tabloids too, you know.” He stops, slightly winded, and then begins again. “But as a friend, and as your future step-brother, I say give the guy a bre
ak.”

  “Too late for that,” I say under my breath.

  My dad gives me a sad smile and shakes his head.

  “You always go for the bad boys, sweetie, don’t you?”

  “Yep. And I always get my heart shredded.”

  “Did it get serious that quickly? Has your heart already been, as you say, shredded?”

  Okay, maybe I am being a little dramatic. It’s not like I'm in love with Dom. I am certainly in lust with the rock god, but love? Definitely not?

  “No, Daddy. It wasn’t that serious. I just let my guard down for a bit and was quickly reminded of why I stay away from guys like Dom.”

  My dad reaches out to pat my hand.

  “We live and learn, honey, live and learn.”

  When the hell did my dad become all wise and philosophical?

  I squeeze his hand and reluctantly stand up.

  “I’m sure Roxie is anxious to get in here to see you. I don’t want to hog up any more time.”

  “Okay. Bye, sweetie. I love you.”

  I lean over to kiss my dad. “I love you too Dad. I’m going to come check up on you on Saturday once you’re back at the house.”

  My dad salutes me. “Yes, doctor.”

  I laugh and roll my eyes, I already feel a lot better after seeing him. I walk into the hall and find Roxie pacing back and forth.

  “Is he alright?” she asks, biting her nails.

  “He seems fine. Thanks for giving me some time alone.” I reach out to hug her and she hugs me back.

  “I’m sorry about Dominic,” she whispers.

  I pull back and blink at her. I don’t really know what to say.

  Gee, thanks for agreeing that your son is a douche?

  I nod and head towards the exit, purposefully ignoring Dom who is hanging back in the corner.

  “Annie!” he calls, hurrying after me.

  Damn, damn, damn.

  “How are you getting home?” he asks.

  “There are these amazing things called cabs,” I say patronizingly. “They’re yellow and have four wheels-’’

  “Alright, enough bullshit. I get it. Please let me drive you home.”

  “There’s no way I’m setting foot in your manwhore-mobile again.”

  I can see the corners of Dom’s mouth twitch.

  “You think this is funny?”

  “No, not at all.”

  “Well, I’m glad that I’m so damn amusing Dom, but I have some paint that I’m going to watch dry, so I need to go.”

  “Christ, Annie!” He’s getting annoyed now. “I told you I was an ass. Can’t you forgive me? We’re just getting to know one another. I didn’t know one dinner meant we were fucking exclusive!”

  I stop in my tracks, because even though he made a sleaze ball move, I know he’s partially right. It’s not like he promised me anything. But that still doesn’t mean that I'm not hurt by his actions.

  “You’re right,” I admit. “But please understand that I’ve been down this road before.”

  And before he has time to respond I hurry through the swinging doors and make my way out of the hospital.

  Chapter Fifteen

  Annie

  Rehearsal on Friday is terrifying, amazing and humbling all at the same time. I’ve never been a part of something so big, and I’m ready for the tour to kick off. Dom was insanely busy during the rehearsal, which made me both relieved and annoyed. Even after discovering the disgusting thong in his car, I can’t deny that I'm still attracted to him.

  I'll admit it, learning about Dom’s childhood has made me see him in a different light. I don't know much in the way of details but how could my heart not go out to a man who had been kicked around as a kid? I try to picture Dom as a little boy, and I’m sure he was so cute with his bright green eyes. The fact that anyone could have harmed him sickens me. And I think of Roxie who seems so pulled together and sophisticated, and I can’t imagine what she must have been like before.

  I hate to admit it, but it makes me want to know Dom better. With that kind of history, he can't be a total jerk. Can he? The thought of being alone with Dom again makes my body tingle all over, yet I internally seethe at myself for so easily forgiving his disgusting antics with his slutty neighbor.

  As rehearsal draws to an end, I move towards the band in search of Dom. He was there ten seconds ago, but now I don’t see his wild, dark hair anywhere.

  “Hey Annie, looking for Dom?” I see Avery smiling at me. He’s an attractive guy too, with his dark hair and strong features, but he’s nothing compared to Dom.

  “Actually, I was. Do you know where he snuck off to?”

  “Damn. He always gets the best girls.” Avery says, shaking his head.

  I’m definitely flattered. “Must be his wholesome ways,” I tease, scanning the stage.

  Avery guffaws. “That must be it. Not sure where he went, baby girl, but I know he’ll be sad he wasn’t here when you came looking for him.”

  “Oh, really?”

  Jenner has walked over now too, and he brushes his long hair out of his face as he listens.

  “Oh, Dom has got it bad for you,” he says, brushing playfully at my long hair.

  I had decided to braid my hair last night before bed and the result this morning had been a head full of soft, feathery waves.

  “Is that so?" I say, "He couldn’t have had it that bad, because he still found time to hook up with his neighbor.”

  I didn’t mean for the snide comment to slip out, and I can tell that the light mood is gone now.

  Johnny shakes his head, grimacing. “That dumb bastard sure knows how to fuck up the good shit that comes his way.” He takes my hand. “Annie, let me take you out.” He flashes me his gorgeous smile, showcasing his dimples. “I’ll show you how a beautiful woman like yourself should be treated.”

  Before I can respond, Avery jumps in.

  “No fucking way!” He argues with Johnny, “I can show Annie what a real man is like, Johnny-boy. You’re still a fucking child.”

  Not to be outdone, Jenner drops to his knee before me. “Not one of these clowns knows about taking care of a class act like you. I’ll please you in and out of the bedroom.”

  I cover my mouth and giggle at Jenner’s dramatic display. And that's when Dom shows up.

  “What the hell is going on here?” He asks.

  Jenner quickly jumps back up.

  “You fucked up a good thing, bro. We’re just lining up for our chance now.”

  “Stupid shits,” Dom mutters.

  His eyes find mine and I’m glued to the spot. I feel like Dom has already removed all of my clothes with his eyes.

  Damn, he looks sexy as hell today.

  I drink him in, taking in his tight black jeans and fitted shirt. It’s so unfair that he gets to be this good-looking. Dom’s bright green eyes are filled with emotion, and he doesn’t seem comfortable with whatever he’s feeling.

  “Do you want any of these guys, Annie?” His voice is quiet and filled with raw emotion.

  “No,” I whisper, still not breaking eye contact with him. There may be hundreds of people in the arena, but I see only him.

  “Walk with me then.” He says.

  He strides over to me, and leads me away from the others. I easily fall in step with him, my body breathing easier now that we’re closer. It’s like I’ve been holding my breath since the last time we were together. How can everything feel so right when I’m with him, even when I'm upset?

  “Were you looking for me?” he asks.

  We stop as soon as we are finally alone, and he turns towards me.

  I nod, still unable to speak.

  “Why?” His expression is guarded, and I’m not sure why.

  I fidget, trying to find the right words without sounding silly.

  “Because I wanted to talk to you again," I admit, "I want to try again.”

  I stop and wonder if I’m making any sense. Dom is frozen, his eyes are boring into mine and I try t
o focus and ignore the fluttering in my stomach.

  “If you’re willing,” I begin again, “I’d like to see where this can go.”

  It takes him a moment to respond. “This? As in you and me?”

  Oh god, I’m mortified. Now he probably wants nothing to do with me. I’ve been such an idiot around him ever since we met.

  I swallow the nausea rising in my throat and nod.

  There, it’s all out there now. I’m putting myself before Dom Dresden, rock star extraordinaire, and telling him that I want to see what can happen between us.

  “Oh, Annie,” Dom says roughly, pulling me into his arms. “I want that so fucking bad.”

  Before I know it, his mouth is on mine and his hands are all over me. I kiss him back with every fiber of my being, pressing my body up against his, relishing in the feeling of his hands on my ass and the sweet pleasureful pain as he gently pulls my hair. He pushes me backwards, and my body makes a thud as it hits the cool wall behind me. Dom’s tongue is hard and probing in my mouth, and I can’t get enough of him as I grind against the growing bulge in his pants. He pulls my head back and runs his lips along the sensitive skin of my throat, making me shudder with pleasure.

  “Dom,” I moan, as he brings his lips back to mine.

  He swallows my words hungrily, and cups my ass with both hands, pulling me even tighter to him.

  This kiss is different. It’s frantic, urgent, and laced with sexual need.

  “What are you doing right now?” he pants, and I can barely hear him over the pounding of my heart.

  “I want to be with you,” I gasp, running my fingers through his hair.

  “I’m taking you home with me. Now.” He commands.

  And without another word, he pulls himself off me, and all but drags me from the Honda Center.

  I don’t even think twice as I follow him. The sooner Dom takes me home with him, the better.

  Chapter Sixteen

  Dom

  I can’t believe that Annie isn’t putting up a fight right now. She is actually letting me drag her out of the arena, right in front of everyone. People stare at us, but I don’t care. We don’t say a word to each other on the way out, we both know what’s about to go down.