After a moment, he points towards me. “But one day you’re going to have to tell Marshal how you feel about him. He’s not going to figure it out on his own.”
“I don’t think that’s ever going to be a good idea.” I huff out.
I then smile. “I kind of like Shiloh.”
“Then go for it,” Micah replies. “Do what makes you happy. But if he breaks your heart, we get to kick his ass.”
I snort and nod my head. “I love you guys.”
“We love you too,” Russell replies as he stands to hug me.
Sighing softly, Russell steps back. “I’m going to go talk to Marshal. Get dressed and then get something to eat.”
I nod and then watch as he walks away.
Micah motions over his shoulder absently. “I should make sure they don’t get into a fight.”
“Go; take care of them for me,” I reply.
He grunts in response before leaving.
Scrubbing my hand over my face, I release a groan. After a moment, I slip into the bathroom to clean up.
Chapter 6
“What is going on between you and Marshal?” Mickie questions as he walks into my dressing room. “You two have been too quiet, and what the hell happened to Russell?”
For two days, Marshal had ignored me.
We hadn’t spoken on the bus at all.
He had only spoken to me when he absolutely had to.
I had no idea what had happened to Russell, but I could only guess that Marshal had given him the black eye and busted lip that he was walking around with.
They had spoken, but it wasn’t the same.
The tension was nearly choking everyone in the band.
Sighing roughly, I turn around to face Mickie. “I’ve been sleeping with Russell, and Marshal found out. He’s pissed and more than likely hit Russell.”
“Oh…oh shit…” Mickie breathes out.
“You don’t have to worry about this hurting the band, though, Mickie. We’ll be fine as soon as we get on stage.” I insist.
He nods and then rubs the back of his neck. “…If you say so, Chloe.”
After a moment, he speaks again. “I don’t even know if I should bring this up now, but the lead singer from Lucky August has been pushing for you to play with his band.”
“I’ll do it, but for only two songs, and I’m not singing,” I reply.
“Awesome, I’ll let him know.” Mickie breathes out in relief.
A smile spreads across Mickie’s lips a moment later as he scans me from head to toe. “That outfit is awesome. We should have started with that one.”
I laugh and then finger the red plaid skirt that I was wearing. I then sigh while touching the red leather corset that I was wearing.
“It’s not too much, is it?” I ask.
He shakes his head. “It’s perfect.”
Mickie holds up his hand as he presses his other hand against his headset.
He nods absently and then speaks. “She agreed to play with them but only for two songs.”
He stops to listen again.
“No, she doesn’t want to sing.” He then answers.
After another moment, he nods and then looks at me. “They want you to join them tonight, like right now.”
“Seriously…?” I ask.
He nods. “Are you ready?”
I nod. “I guess so.”
“Then let’s go,” Mickie replies before he motions for me to leave the room.
Moving quickly, I rush down the hallway and then stop next to the stage. Someone hands me my guitar and then places an earpiece on my ear.
On stage, Shiloh sings loudly.
After a few moments, he notices me. He smiles and then winks at me before returning his attention to the fans.
“What are you doing?” Russell asks abruptly as he joins me. “Are we going on early?”
“I’m joining Lucky August for two songs,” I explain.
“Seriously…? Did you tell Marshal?” Russell presses.
“No, he doesn’t know,” I reply.
Russell curses. “This is really going to piss him off.”
“I don’t care,” I reply quickly as Shiloh ends the song.
He moves to the front of the stage and then raises his hands to quiet the crowd.
Once it’s quiet, he glances back at me. “I have a little surprise for you guys tonight. Someone I’m sure most of you love is going to join us for a couple of songs.”
He waves for me to join him. “Give it up for the beautiful and talented Chloe from Cyclone Lies.”
The crowd cheers loudly as I walk out onto the stage.
I plug in my guitar next to Shiloh before looking at him for direction.
Shiloh scans me from head to toe before letting out a low whistle into his microphone. “I’m a lucky man to share this stage with her, don’t you guys agree?”
My face heats as I smile and shake my head.
Someone suddenly shouts a question that I knew had been coming the second that I stepped out on stage with Shiloh.
“Are you two dating?” Another person shouts.
Shiloh looks at me with a smile before answering them. “I hate to disappoint you, but, no, we’re not dating….”
He trails off as his smile turns mischievous. “…Yet.”
The crowd absolutely goes crazy while Shiloh moves closer to me. He leans in close to whisper into my ear.
“Are you ready?” He asks.
I nod and then strum my fingers across my strings in response.
“Hot damn…” He hoots before motioning towards Max, Dante, and Lucas.
Within seconds they begin to play. I quickly match their pace as Shiloh starts to sing and dance around the stage.
As I play, I glance back at the stairs once to see Marshal, Russell, and Micah watching me.
Instead of focusing on them, I turn my attention towards Shiloh and then Dante as he moves to play beside me.
I laugh as he stops playing for a moment while raising his hands.
All at once, everyone stops to give me a solo. I play my heart out while Shiloh, Dante, Max, and Lucas dramatically leave their spots behind to bow in front of me.
After a few moments, they rush back to their spots and return to playing while I take a brief break to catch my breath.
Shiloh takes advantage and pulls me to the front of the stage with him.
He places one hand on my lower back as he sings directly to me. Growing bold, I push my guitar behind my back before placing my hands against his chest.
Shiloh grins brightly as he pulls me snuggly against his body without missing a single beat.
His heart beats wildly against my hand as I gaze deep into his eyes.
We both pant for our next breathes as he ends the song.
Without releasing me, he speaks to the crowd. “Do you guys think I have a chance?”
They cheer in response as he smirks.
A mischievous grin spreads across my lips as I look back at Lucas. I give him a wink, and he grins while raising his sticks.
Dante and Max quickly catch on and prepare themselves.
I lean closer to Shiloh before stepping back abruptly. With one smooth motion, I swing my guitar back in front of me before I begin playing one of their songs.
Shiloh laughs. “You naughty girl…”
He then begins to sing.
All too soon, the song ends, and Shiloh waves for me to come forward again.
“Give it up one more time for our favorite girl, Chloe.” He shouts.
I raise my hands and wave to the crowd before turning to leave the stage. I bounce down the stairs past Marshal, Micah, and Russell before stopping next to Mickie.
“Now that was one hell of a show.” Mickie states before glancing towards the guys. “You three could learn a thing or two from Lucky August.”
Marshal rolls his eyes and then walks past us and then down the hall.
Micah and Russell follow a few moments later.
>
I sigh and then hand Mickie my guitar. “I’ll go talk to them and smooth this over.”
“You better hurry. The band is going to be on in thirty.” Mickie stresses.
I nod and then run down the hall after the guys.
As I reach the room where the guys had disappeared, a loud crash echoes into the hallway. I stop just around the corner as Russell pleads for Marshal to stop.
“I swear, Russell, if you get any closer to me, I’ll give you another black eye to match the first one.” Marshal snaps.
“You’re acting like she’s leaving the band.” Micah states before continuing. “Chloe wouldn’t do that to us.”
“Did you not see the way she was smiling out there?” Marshal argues.
“We’re going to lose her.” He then adds.
I take that as my cue to walk into the room. “I’m not leaving you guys. It was just two songs, and, yes, I had fun, but the last thing I want to do is leave.”
I then point towards the guys sternly. “But this shit has got to end. So what, I slept with Russell. But how many girls have you slept with; how many nights did I sleep alone while you had someone in your arms? How many nights did I have to watch as a bunch of other girls throw themselves at you? I think it’s only fair that I find pleasure in someone’s arms too.”
“It wasn’t always fair, and it hurt, but I never got pissed off like this. I never blocked you out.” I stress before becoming quiet as I focus on Marshal.
“I have been in love with you for years, and not once did you ever notice,” I confess.
He opens his mouth to say something, but I raise my hand to stop him.
“I’m over it, Marshal. I’ve moved on.” I announce. “And you don’t have to worry because I’m ending what Russell and I have between us. It’s not worth it if you’re just going to hit him.”
“From this second on, we’re family, that’s all. We start fresh and get back to being the way we were before the last gig, understand?” I press.
Micah grunts in response while Russell nods.
“Marshal…?” I breathe out.
“You better not leave us.” He huffs out.
“I won’t,” I promise.
He then raises his brow. “Can I kick the lead singer’s ass?”
“No, Shiloh is off-limits,” I reply before smiling. “I like him.”
Marshal sighs. “Fine, we’ll forget this ever happened.”
“Good.” I breathe out in relief.
“Guys, you’re on in fifteen.” Mickie suddenly announces as he walks into the room.
He studies us for a few moments before speaking again. “Are you good now?”
“Yeah, we’re good,” I reassure.
Mickie nods and then turns to me. “Shiloh is waiting for you in the hallway.”
I nod and then turn my head to look at the guys. “Are you three going to be alright with me seeing Shiloh?”
“Do we have a choice?” Micah snorts.
“Not really.” I laugh.
“Then, go; don’t leave the poor man waiting,” Russell replies with a light laugh.
I smile and then quickly leave the room.
A few feet down the hallway, I find Shiloh leaning against the wall. He grins as I walk closer to him.
“That was an amazing show out there.” He states while standing up straight.
“I had a lot of fun,” I reply.
He takes a step closer before slowly reaching his hands out to grab my hips. After a brief moment, he pulls me closer to his body while gazing into my eyes.
“You have no idea how badly I want to kiss you right now.” He whispers.
“Then kiss me,” I reply breathlessly.
A smile spreads across his lips right before he leans closer to brush his lips across mine. The kiss starts sweet but quickly becomes something wilder as our tongues tangle together in an intimate dance.
“Holy crap…I knew it.” A female voice squeals abruptly.
Shiloh and I freeze in place as flashes of light blind us.
“Shit…” Shiloh breathes out. “That’s going to be plastered all over the internet within minutes.”
“It doesn’t matter,” I reply softly before pressing my lips to his again.
Chapter 7
“Your relationship with Shiloh is all anyone is talking about, Chloe. Everyone wants an exclusive interview with you and the band along with Shiloh and his band.” Mickie states as we sit together in the front of the bus.
We were already on our way to the next stop.
The photos of Shiloh and I had only been taken a few hours ago, but they were on every single social media site.
Our bands had blown up with the news because of it.
“Wait, they want both bands, like at the same time?” Russell asks.
“Yes, they want to know how this will affect everyone. Some even want both bands to get together for a few songs.” Mickie replies.
“That’s not going to happen,” Marshal replies sternly.
“I figured you’d say that,” Mickie reassures. “I’ve turned down every offer that was given.”
“Good.” Marshal breathes out.
“Either way, I think an interview with everyone would be great for publicity.” Mickie insists.
“We’ll do that, but we won’t share the stage,” Marshal replies.
“Fair enough…” Mickie breathes out before writing something down on his pad.
After a few moments of silence, he turns his attention towards me. “From now on, you need to be careful of who’s around when you’re with Shiloh. The last thing we need is a sex tape getting out or some nude photos.”
“I just kissed the guy; it’s not like I’m jumping into bed with him.” I laugh.
“Just be careful.” Mickie stresses.
“I will be,” I promise.
“Alright, so as of right now we have this next gig we’re doing on Friday, we’ve got a photo-shoot on Saturday morning, and then Saturday afternoon we’re doing three interviews,” Mickie explains. “I know you guys were hoping for a break this weekend, but that’s not going to be possible with everything that’s happened.”
The guys groan while I sigh. This was my fault.
“Are we at least going to stay in the same town?” Russell asks.
Mickie nods. “We are, so I’ve already booked a suite for you to stay in together.”
“Thank god, I think we could all use a good long shower and a comfortable bed,” Marshal replies while the rest of us nod in agreement.
“I agree,” Mickie replies with a smirk before continuing. “We should arrive in about an hour or so. I will warn you that there is already a large crowd waiting at the entrance of the hotel.”
“I want Mitch next to you at all times, Chloe.” He adds sternly.
“What about the rest of us?” Micah questions Mickie.
“I’m working on getting bodyguards for each of you, but right now, Chloe is a priority,” Mickie replies.
“Mickie, the other bus is pulling off to the side of the road. Should I stop too?” Todd suddenly questions.
Mickie turns in his seat before standing up to move to the front of the bus with Todd.
“Yeah, follow them,” Mickie instructs after a few moments.
The rest of us turn and watch as Todd expertly maneuvers our bus to the side of the road before coming to a stop.
“What the hell is he doing?” Mickie asks absently.
Moments later, Todd opens the door to the bus, and Shiloh comes inside.
He smiles brightly as he scans me from head to toe. “Nice pajamas, Chloe.”
“Leave the fuzzy penguin pajama pants alone,” Russell replies with a light laugh. “Those are her favorites.”
“What are you doing here?” Marshal asks.
Shiloh nods. “I was wondering if it would be alright if Chloe rode the rest of the way to the hotel with me on our tour bus.”
“I’d love to, but we were just about to wo
rk on a new song.” I lie.
“Oh…” Shiloh breathes out. “Okay, then, I guess I’ll see you at the hotel later?”
I nod and then stand before moving in front of him.
He searches my eyes before placing his hands on my hips. After a moment, he leans close to brush his lips across mine. His lips become more demanding, but I push him back.
“You should go so we can get back on the road,” I whisper.
Sighing softly, he nods. “Are you sure you can’t join me?”
“If I could, I would,” I reply.
He nods again and then reluctantly turns to leave the bus. I watch as he walks away before turning around to join the guys again.
No one says a word until the bus begins moving again.
“Why did you lie to him?” Marshal asks.
I turn to look at him for a moment before answering. “I didn’t like the thought of being on a different bus without you guys.”
Marshal smiles. “Good answer.”
“Yep, that is a good answer.” Russell agrees.
Silence fills the bus until Mickie rejoins us. He sits and then relaxes back before motioning towards us. “You might as well work on another song. We’re going to need a new line-up for the next gig, so people don’t get bored.”
We all groan in unison.
Mickie rolls his eyes and then reaches for my guitar.
He then hands it to me. “Work your magic, Chloe.”
I place the guitar in my lap and then close my eyes as I wait for the notes to play in my mind.
After what feels like forever, I reopen my eyes and sigh. “I’ve got nothing.”
“Seriously…?” Russell breathes out.
“What are we supposed to do now?” Micah asks.
“Is there anything we can do to help, Chloe?” Russell questions.
Sighing softly, I shake my head before turning my attention towards the window to watch as we pass trees and houses.
“We’ll work on something later,” Marshal replies.
Hopefully, I would be able to come up with something later because right now, it was bothering me that I couldn’t even come up with a single note.
To be honest, I didn’t even want to play.
Rock Me Page 4