by Liz Crowe
“What?” I ask jumping from the bed.
“Get the fuck back over here, Aiden’s seen enough,” Gray growls, making me realize I am still in just the t-shirt. I tug it down passed my knees and dive under the quilt. “He may not have a choice. If I can find a way out of this contract, they’re both gone,” Gray adds, yanking the quilt up to my chest.
“Gray, we can’t just drop our manager in the middle of a tour,” Aiden says, pacing the tiny space of floor in front of the bed. As big as he is, it makes him look more like he is spinning in circles.
“Aiden’s right, Grayson,” I say turning to face him. “We can’t let what happened last night dictate the entire tour. It will mess everything up for Shaft. You know that you’ll regret it if you jump the gun on this.” Reaching up I cup his cheek with my hand, running my thumb across his lip.
“So you two are?” Cam asks with a very pleased smile spreading across her face. Damn her!
“I don’t know what I am with anyone,” I say, flinging myself back onto the pillow. “Up until twelve hours ago, I was all set to marry Landon,” I choke out. “That isn’t exactly happening now, is it?”
“Well, whatever Gray and you are doing here, Daisy, you need to know that as soon as we leave this room Landon is going to burst in here and demand that you talk to him. He’s swearing you’ll forgive and forget but I say tell him to take that little rock and shove it up his ass,” Cam says with a wink. “No ‘O’ for days? You were rackin’ your fuckin’ brain for a way to turn his goddamn ass on, then he’s givin’ excuse after sorry excuse. All the while, he’s gettin’ his rocks off with that motherfucker. Unforgivable.” She watches Gray’s hand as it lies on my hip. “Hmm. I want the details but without the interfering cocks listening.”
“I’ll take that as you askin’ us to leave?” Aiden says arching a brow at her.
She laughs, “Take it however you want, babe. I say you take a hint and get the fuck out. Let us talk about you.”
Gray scrubs a hand over his face then climbs from the bed. “Alright. Let’s go get coffee. It’s gonna be a long ass day; plus, we got a show tonight on top of it.” Turning, Gray grabs my face in his hands, kissing me softly. “Just don’t give so many details that she gets jealous. Can’t have her upset with Aiden if he can’t keep up,” he says with a wink.
“Fuck you,” Aiden deadpans. “She knows I’m the man.”
“You’ll never be half the man your Momma was,” Gray says with a laugh.
Aiden’s hands go to his hips as he shakes his head dramatically, “Oh, fuck no, Girrrrrl! You did NOT just talk ‘bout my Momma.”
Cam and I are doubled over laughing. Gray shoves at him. “Come on, diva, let’s go get some coffee. You ladies want?” We both nod as they walk out the door, Cam quickly locking it back behind them.
Flopping back onto the bed she glares at me expectantly, “Spill Sweets, I’m dying. Did he pluck your strings like he does that Fender?” she asks, nudging me with her elbow. “Come on, I’m a one Shaft groupie but I’m not fuckin’ dead,” she teases, fanning herself dramatically rolling her eyes.
After a complete run down of all the night’s highs and lows, I think I have stunned Camaron into silence. She nods and her eyes widen but Cam says nothing as I go over everything that happened at the club. I give her all the details on Landon and Tad, then drop the bomb of all that happened with Gray. “Then he just says ‘because I need you.’ What the hell do I do with that, Cam?” I ask. Cam’s eyes are glazed over, lost somewhere in space. “Earth to Cam!” I shout.
Shaking her head, she smiles widely as she fans herself. “Fuckin’ Rock Gods! Jeez, I thought our bathroom stall sex was hot.” She sighs, “You should’ve let him take you right there on the dance floor. Let Landon see that shit!”
“No!” I say covering my face. “Landon can’t know. It would ruin the tour. It would ruin things with his brother. I’ve ruined everything.” I ramble on about my list, my crazy detail to my plan until Cam sits up and shoves me.
“Wake the fuck up, Daisy. I’m givin’ it to you straight here because it’s what you need to hear,” she says as I meet eyes that are churning with rage. “You didn’t cause this. You played your part, I know what went on. Landon revved the fuckin’ engine, took you along for the ride without thinkin’ about your feelings. It’s no one’s fault but theirs. Tad and Landon knew what the fuck they were doing. Landon has neglected you for days. I’m not the only one who’s seen this shit comin’. No one thought Landon and Tad, I mean holy mind fuck; but hey, whatever tickles your pickle. I won’t judge when it comes to definitions of love, but he fucked you over in the process. Un-fuckin’-cool.”
I nod, “I can’t forgive Landon. The trust is gone. I will always wonder if he’s with a guy or thinking of a guy when he’s with me. My plans, all my plans I just…” I stop as the sob rumbles up my throat.
“Don’t. It’s done. Fuck the plan and a great big fuck you to the list for the rest of the tour. Now, let’s get you ready. You’re going to strut your shit stage left with me. Let Landon eat his goddamn heart out,” she says holding, her fist out for me to bump, but I hesitate. “Don’t you dare leave me hangin’ Daisy. It’s time to put on your big girl panties. Let’s ruin Kansas in a big way tonight!”
I bump her fist as I slide out of bed, “You’re right, fuck reality for the rest of the tour. Let’s tear this place up and watch Shaft bring Kansas City to its knees.”
I hadn’t realized what time it was until the guys knock on the door with our coffee. Gray and Aiden walk in handing us each a mug. “Jealous yet, Cam?” Gray says with a wink. She just smiles flipping him off in the mirror, making Aiden chuckle. “We gotta head over for sound check. You good here?” Gray continues, as his eyes roam over my body still covered in his t-shirt.
“I’ll see you later, yeah?” I reply with a nod.
Wrapping his arms around me he nods, “Yeah. Then tonight, stage left? I’m singing again tonight. Got one for you,” he purrs into my ear. I shudder in his arms. “Later,” he says, then they’re gone.
Digging through my bag I pull out my ‘Shaft Approved’ shirt and leather jacket. Standing in front of the mirror I shake my head, “Cam, I can’t wear this.” My eyes drift down at the white leather mini-skirt that barely covers my ass. “What the hell are we thinking?” I shriek as I try to pull it down farther.
“Leave it the hell alone! I don’t know who is going to go more crazy, Landon or Gray!”
“That’s not my plan you know. I don’t want them fighting over me. That’s why I want to leave!” I snap, finishing my make-up. I never wear this much but Cam sort of commanded that we go all out and make a statement tonight, telling all the groupie bitches that we don’t welcome loose pussy on our bus or near our boys. I have to agree with her on that point.
Except Hunter, he would really fuck anything that moves…well I don’t know if it even needs to move. He is the total definition of a man-whore. He will totally die with some plastic bitch on his dick and a bottle of Jack Daniels in his hand. Shit, he probably will choke on bacon during his orgasm that’s going to be a hell of a tombstone.
Here lies Hunter, AKA, Cunter, Chesterfield. He loved his bacon, booze and pussy all in equal fashion, but it was his downfall. He was an Overinflated Rock God and the Shaft honestly did him in.
The thought makes me giggle. Hunter will be the only man who, IF he lives to senior citizen status, will demand the senior discount on blow jobs and booze. I toss my stuff back into my bag and slip my tag over my head so that no one doubts where I belong backstage. Stepping out onto the pavement, I’m expecting to find Henry waiting for us as usual. I am stopped dead in my tracks as I watch Landon stalking toward us, looking completely vicious.
Chapter Nine
Acoustic Love Song Gauntlets
“I need to speak to you in private for a minute,” Landon says grabbing my arm.
Cam gives him the death glare, jerking my arm free from him. “If that’s cod
e for ‘Come in the bathroom and Nerk my Throbber’, you need to get Tad to help you out with that. We’re busy tonight,” she bites out, shoving past him, dragging me along with her. I stumble in my heels but, luckily, I manage to keep from falling over.
“Nerk his Throbber?” I ask, glancing over my shoulder just in time to see him punch the side of the bus. I almost feel bad for him but I’m not ready to talk to about it.
“Well, what do you want me to say, Daisy? There’s no way you’re goin’ to shine his pole since you don’t know where the hell it’s been,” she says with a laugh.
“He wanted to talk. I’m just not ready to go there. I’m still too angry,” I say as she wraps her arm around my shoulder.
“Yep and guess what, bein’ angry and not heartbroken says something, doesn’t it? He’s not gettin’ to you before the show. We’re rockin’ up stage left. Aiden told me Tad and Landon are always MIA during the shows. So that means it’s just us and Henry, of course, but he’s cool as hell.”
I nod, “He is. Alright,” I say, shaking my head side to side as I roll my shoulders taking in her words, “Let’s do this.”
Walking down the hall, we follow the sound of Henry’s booming voice as he stands outside a closed door. “Sorry ladies, I’m not allowed to let just anyone in,” he says, crossing those huge tree trunk arms over his chest. His face turns, as he sees Cam and I approaching and grins. “Ah, there are my girls. I was about to come collect ya but it’s been a battle keeping the hounds at bay,” he says gesturing at the three blondes pawing him, begging to get in the door.
Henry shuffles us behind him, opening the door and quickly closing it behind him as the tramps whine about unfair treatment. “Bitches,” Cam says, kicking the door with her heel. “No loose pussy allowed.”
“Pussy still out there?” Hunter asks peeking his head up like a Meerkat. He is sprawled out on the couch in just a pair of leather pants and his boots. “Damn, I hope they hang around until after. Last night was just a taste. The bald man here has been starvin’,” he says staring at his crotch.
“Didn’t you get enough from those sluts last night?” I mutter in disgust.
“Oh you mean the butter face twins?”
Cam and I look at each other in confusion. Hunter must have notice because he laughs then hops to his feet. Walking over he wraps his arms around our waists and smiles down at me. “A butter face: when a bitch’s bod is so out of this world epic that you want to fuck it so hard you don’t care if you die once you come…but-her-face…is NASTY!” He laughs, then shrugs. “Yeah. So I fucked them both in the handicapped bathroom at the club with the lights off.”
“You’re disgusting,” Cam snaps as she elbows him in the ribs. Ignoring Hunter’s laughter, we walk over to Aiden and Gray.
“Of course I am! You ladies fuckin’ love me. That’s why they all want me.”
“No one in this room wants you, asshole,” I snap, making Hunter clutch his chest.
“Daisy, that hurts. I need affection. I need my ego stroked.”
“Is that what you’re callin’ it today?” Aiden says, thumping his sticks against his thighs.
I watch Cam’s face as she watches Aiden’s hands move. The way Aiden moves up and down, the sticks pounding against his inner-thigh muscles as he finds the right rhythm. She is watching him like she could eat him alive. I have no doubt after our gossip session this morning that she totally will any minute. Aiden’s eyes leave the paper Gray is scribbling on, meeting her hungry stare. Not hesitating, he tosses his sticks onto the table, grabs her hand, pulling her toward the bathroom.
“I’m done, man.” He tosses over his shoulder.
Gray laughs as Aiden shoves her in and kicks the door closed behind them. Hunter plugs in his headphones sprawling out across the couch. “Hate him right now,” he spouts off, then murmurs something about not sharing his toys.
Gray’s eyes drift up my legs, taking in every inch of my body as he goes, before finally meeting my face. A wicked smile spreads across that sexy as sin face as he crooks a finger at me. My brain doesn’t question the silent command for a second. My heels click along the tile, as if by their own free will, until I am stopped right in front of him. His eyes level with my chest. I watch as his tongue darts out, wetting his lips. His teeth run along that bottom lip, worrying his piercing. I think I might faint at the tension building between my thighs right now.
“You look fuckin’ incredible. Come here.”
I go willingly into his arms as if I belong there. Pulling me into his lap, he drapes my legs across his thighs. “Landon tried to talk to me earlier,” I blurt, feeling his body tighten beneath me. Why did I even mention Landon?
“What did that bastard say to you?” he growls. I can’t stop myself from pressing my lips to his gently. Not just to calm him but because I need it just as badly as he does. I need to feel the connection that we have.
“Nothing Gray. I walked away from him to come find you,” I whisper breathlessly. Nuzzling my neck, he inhales my scent as if he needs it to breathe. Gray’s tongue darts out to taste the skin behind my ear, sending a shiver up my spine, my body instinctively arches into his. I tilt my head, giving him better access, my body completely in tune as he plays me like he would his guitar.
“I don’t want that asshole anywhere near you alone, Daisy,” he growls against my skin.
I turn my face, meeting his eyes. “Gray, you can’t be serious?” I ask incredulously. The look on his face tells me I asked the wrong question. I stroke his face with my thumbs, feeling the coarse stubble against my fingertips. “I have to talk this out with him even if I don’t take him back, Grayson. I can’t just leave it unfinished.”
Something unfamiliar flashes in his eyes, but he quickly masks it. “Not alone, Daisy. I don’t’ trust him and I don’t want you hurt again. I saw you last night. I kissed your tears, he didn’t. He lost his shot. I told you I’m fightin’ for mine.”
“Gray…” I whisper but he presses his finger to my lips.
“Not now, baby. I’ll wait, I’ve got time. I just want you to get it. You. Are. Mine. Daisy,” he growls as he leans in, our lips almost touching. “Whether you know it yet or not, you were already mine. I took that last night. I won’t give it back to Landon or any-fuckin’-body else.” Then he crashes his mouth to mine.
Gray’s fingers slide up my thighs, squeezing my ass hard as he turns me so that I’m straddling his lap. Cupping his face in my hands, I ravage his mouth. My tongue fighting with his to take control of the kiss. I slide my hands into his hair, my fingers tugging the black strands. He moans loudly into my mouth, only driving me further. My mind is so torn between what I should be doing. With Gray, I am someone completely different from who I am with Landon. I should say…who I was with Landon. I forget the world and everything in it in these moments with Grayson. Damn the plan. Damn the entire world! When Gray is touching me, I could forget my own name. Gray is my escape. I feel like the me I have made myself into is shoved away in these moments, letting me be someone else. I can be free with him, escaping all the harsh reality I force myself to stick to. There are no lists here, there is just us.
Breaking the kiss Gray rests his forehead against mine, “Have to stop this. Don’t want to, baby, believe me. Can’t fuck you in a chair with anyone ‘bout to bust through that door any minute,” he says breathlessly.
I nod. “I know. I need to talk to Landon after the show anyway. Before anything else happens, I need to sort this shit out.”
“You wanna talk shit out with Landon later that’s your choice,” he says kissing my cheek. “Carve out time for me after? We got a few things to deal with too.”
I nod as Aiden flings the door open. Walking out of the bathroom, he has a huge smile plastered on his face. Cam is tucked under his arm, her smile matching his. Pulling his headphones off, Hunter looks up and rolls his eyes. “Well you don’t have to be so smug about it, you son of a bitch.”
Aiden flips him off, “She’s yo
ur mom too, fucker.”
“Yep and she’s a bitch. She should’ve stopped with just me. I don’t know why she kept goin’ when she got perfection the first time.”
“Because she wanted a son, asshole.”
Hunter’s eyes drift to us, making me freeze. Gray’s hands are on my thighs, my fingers twisting his hair absentmindedly. “Well, looks like Landon shares his toys with his brother,” he says with a wink at me. Jumping off Gray, I stumble back in my heels, nearly falling on my ass. Calmly, Gray stands, grabs my waist, pulling me into his side.
“What am I sharing with Gray?” Landon says from the door, making us all jump.
“Nothing. We’ve got a show to do,” Aiden says, interrupting; we all head toward the stage doors.
Gray leans in to whisper in my ear. “Song’s for you, babe. See you, stage left.” Then Cam and I walk to Henry so he can take us up.
It’s different watching them tonight. Watching Gray’s fingers move across the strings is magical. It’s unbelievably sexual, the way they caress every chord. I noticed before, but now that I know what they feel like on my flesh, touching me, playing me like he does his instrument, it makes me blush. “That good, huh?” Cam laughs, nudging me with her elbow all I can do is nod.
“I had a feeling.” Leaning in closer, she continues, “Aiden… Oh, every time I watch his leg slam down on the pedal, his hips jumping with the beat, I get all heated. I’m tearin’ his clothes off as soon as he gets over here.” I turn, looking at her in shock.
“Cam!”
“What?” she shrugs. “The man is sex with sticks. He can thump his beat on me anytime. He knows it too. He’s ruined me. No one will ever measure up.”
“Have you told him?” I ask, knowing Aiden hasn’t said they are in a relationship any more than she has. They haven’t defined it but they are fucking crazy about each other.