Lane takes a long pull of this beer and smiles. “What do you have in mind?”
“Lane, you run women off all the time. We’re gonna follow your lead,” Everett says, laughing.
“Yeah, running back to my bed, asshole,” Lane says.
I roll my eyes and sit down. “Both of you, shut the hell up. I’ll handle it.”
We are expected to spend the next few months of our lives trapped on a tour bus with this chick. It won’t be hard to run her off. I’ll just do what I always do. I’ll party, fuck, and have fun. She’ll be begging to get off the bus and back home.
She doesn’t look like the kind of girl that can hang with us. She looks uptight and serious. She doesn’t seem to have a sense of humor and she’s nervous around us. We intimidate her and that’s exactly how it needs to stay.
I’ll admit, despite all that, she is beautiful. She does have a confidence about her that if she wasn’t trying to use on me, I would find sexy. I didn’t expect her to be so young either. I thought we were going to get someone older than Jennifer, but this chick looks to be about my age. I mean, good for her getting to where she is in her career, but she can take that success and use it on another band. Our name says it all, Loyalty. We are loyal to each other, our music, and our dream. No one will get in the way of that. Even if the label that owns us tries to tell us differently. I don’t just bend, I fucking break.
“Anyone going to tell Remi that he doesn’t need to kiss her ass like he kisses Olivia’s?” Everett asks.
I finally laugh and lean back in my chair. “Go for it man,” I say.
“She’s gonna fight this,” Lane says.
“Who?” I ask.
“Lorelei,” he replies, raising an eyebrow. “The label will make sure of it.”
“The label might own our music, but they don’t fucking own me. They don’t like my behavior, neither will she. She doesn’t seem like the kind that will do well with our lifestyle. We live our lives boys and she’ll leave all on her own,” I say, shrugging.
They both laugh and Everett stands up. “I need to get home and get some sleep. It’s already two in the morning.”
Shit, I didn’t realize it was so late. I need to finish packing and get some sleep. The bus might be fun for fucking and partying, but sleeping on it sucks. There’s one master bedroom and we all take turns in there, but even that bed sucks. The only time I get a decent night's sleep is when we stay at a hotel, but that won’t be for a while.
“Yeah, I guess we should all get some sleep. I’ll see you guys in the morning.”
They leave and I finish packing before I take a long hot shower. I’ll miss being able to turn around in the shower. The one on the bus is small and I can barely lift my arms, never mind turn around.
Once I’m all done, I climb into bed and the softness pulls me right under. Unfortunately, my dreams become nightmares as Lorelei invades them.
I’m up before my alarm, and I don’t know if it’s because I’m excited for the tour or excited to run off the suit. Either way, I know a lot of fun is going to happen. It’s not just that, it’s the music. We have new songs to play, and I can’t wait for our fans to hear it. We are the main show this tour and that’s huge. This is all about us. All about our fans and our music.
I take another shower, just to enjoy the space one last time. Once everything is packed, I pick up my phone and hit call.
“Hey, sweetheart,” my mom says.
“Hey, Ma.”
“You getting ready to leave?”
“Yeah, I just wanted to check in before I head out,” I say, checking to make sure everything is off.
“Don’t spend a second worrying about me. I’m fine and feeling great,” she says, and I can hear her smile.
It makes me smile in return as I lean against the counter. “Great news, Ma. You’ll keep me posted though, right?”
“Of course. Now talk about something good.”
“It’s our tour, Ma. Everything about that is good. We need to deal with this publicist the label hired, but I’ve got it under control,” I say.
“Kegan,” she warns.
I laugh at her tone. “It’s all good, Ma. Not a big deal, promise.”
“You better behave yourself.”
“I always behave myself,” I retort.
“Liar,” she laughs.
“You need anything before we leave? Did Lane drop off the money last night?” I ask, changing the subject.
“Yes, he did and you’re lucky he slid it under the door and left. I don’t expect you boys to be spending your money on me like that.”
“Well good news, it’s just my money,” I say, laughing.
“Kegan, you need this more than I do,” she argues.
“No, I don’t. Go treat yourself to something and make sure you get what you actually need, too. I’ve got plenty of money now and I’ll always make sure you are taken care of.”
I hear her begin to cry and I close my eyes. I know it’s happy tears, but I hate her crying just the same.
“Ma, don’t cry.”
“Sorry. I’m just so proud of you and thankful that I was blessed with a son that has such a big heart.”
“Only for you, Ma. Now listen I need to go, but text me next week and let me know how everything goes. Call if you need anything at all, promise?”
“I promise. Now go kick ass and have fun.”
“I will, I love you.”
“I love you, too, sweetheart. Do me a favor?”
“Anything,” I say, meaning it.
“Don’t screw every girl on tour. Maybe look for someone special instead,” she says, hopeful.
“Why? I have you, I don’t need anyone else.”
“Kegan, you know I won’t always be around.”
“I’ll talk to you later, Ma. Love you.”
I hang up before she gets another word in. I can’t let her guilt me, because I know I can’t give her what she wants. I’m not ready to settle down. My career is just starting, and I intend to enjoy every perk that comes with it.
I grab my bags and lock the door. It will be months until I’m back. It’s strange leaving and knowing that, but exciting as hell too.
When I get to the lobby, Anthony, my driver, grabs my bags from me and takes them out to the car. Once it’s all loaded, we head for the parking lot of JRJ. That’s where the tour bus is picking us up.
“What’s your plans while I’m gone?” I ask, hating the silence.
“Working, sir.”
Right, the label can’t pay him when I’m not around. I begin to wonder how much he makes and how much he needs. I don’t really know anything about him. I have no idea if he has a family or if he’s married. I never asked and I probably should know these things. I just don’t want to have a long personal conversation right now. I’ll find out eventually.
“You excited for your tour?” he asks.
“Yeah, can’t wait. Should be a lot of fun.”
I stare out the window as he continues the short distance. The closer we get, the angrier I feel myself getting. I’m not sure if it’s because of my mom, the publicist, the label, or lack of sleep. I just know I feel the anger starting to take over and I need to keep it focused on one person only. Lorelei.
Once I get to JRJ and say goodbye to Anthony, the guys meet me in front of the bus.
Lane hands me a coffee and I’m so damn grateful. “So, what’s the plan?” he asks.
“I told you, we live our lives. She’ll hate it.”
“Do we talk to her?” Everett asks.
I shake my head and turn away from them. “What do you want written out fucking instructions? We live our fucking lives. We fuck chicks, we get drunk, we kick ass on stage. Repeat, repeat, repeat. If you don’t understand that we have a serious problem.”
I start to walk away, but stop when I hear Lorelei at the back of the bus.
“I have everything, and I will not let you down. I will keep them in line, on time, and out of th
e negative headlines. I’ve got this,” she says.
So confident. So upbeat. So determined. Too bad for you I’m more determined, more confident, and angry. It’s a bad combination.
We climb on the bus and Lorelei is standing there with a smile in place. She’s wearing jeans and a t-shirt that hugs her tits. A totally different look from last night, kinda hot.
“Let’s make one thing clear,” she begins, and I smirk. Let’s hear it, angel. “I’m not going anywhere. I’d rather we be friends, but that’s entirely up to you guys.”
Oh, how right you are. And you, angel, are the fucking enemy.
Chapter Five
Lorelei
“Hell! That’s what this is,” I groan, pressing the phone tighter to my ear.
“What now?” Haven asks.
It’s been a week since I stepped foot on this bus of torment. I really thought after telling them I wasn’t leaving, and we could be friends that I’d extended an olive branch. Well, they’ve taken that branch, torched it, and tossed it back. They are horrible humans. I’ve never in my life met people with so much hatred toward someone.
The first few days, I thought they would get over being such assholes, but it seems the longer we are trapped together, the worse it gets. They completely ignore my presence. I’ve tried to go over things with them, and they just keep talking to each other like I’m not even there. They don’t offer me food when we stop for it. At one point, they even hid all the drinks so I had to ask the driver to stop so I could buy myself some. They all take forever in the only bathroom on this bus, making sure I am always the last one to use it. Do you have any idea what it’s like using a closet sized bathroom after four men? It’s disgusting!
Tonight, is the first night we’ve stopped somewhere besides getting food. They’ve all been drinking at the bar and now they are piling on the bus one by one with women. I was trying to relax on the couch, but Kegan looked at me with the slutty girl on his arm and sat down almost right on top of me. So, I’m now hiding in my little bunk with only a curtain to separate me from the sounds of a porn being made.
After I explain it to Haven, she laughs. She actually laughs at my situation.
“Yeah, thanks a lot,” I say, frustrated.
“I’m sorry, Lei. I do feel for you, it’s the way you describe it all,” she says.
“Haven, I don’t know if I can do this.”
“You’ve taken shit since you started working for your grandfather. This is no different. They are trying to run you off just like he does. You didn’t let him win, don’t you dare let them,” she scolds.
The music gets louder, and Everett falls into the bunk below me and he’s not alone. I grab my pillow and hold it over my head. This can’t be happening.
“Easier said than done when I’m now feet away from the porn,” I whisper.
“What?” she yells.
“Yep, Everett just brought his friend to the bunk under me. I’m gonna need to listen to this shit play out at a way too personal level,” I hiss.
I can tell she’s fighting a laugh and I appreciate her at least trying. “Just put in your earbuds and try to drown it all out. Think of how tomorrow you are going to be the powerhouse bitch you are and take control. If anyone can do this, it’s you, Lei.”
I sigh as I grab my ear buds. “Fine, I’ll call you tomorrow.”
“Good luck.”
We hang up and I close my eyes. Not having the phone to my ear makes everything much clearer. The girl below me is moaning loudly and I squeeze my eyes tighter. I hear laughter from the front of the bus, even over the ridiculously loud music.
I push my earbuds in and crank up my new playlist. Everything but Loyalty. I pull the covers over my head so I can lay on my pillow. I try to clear my head of what’s going on around me, and focus on getting control of them.
When Jennifer said they were out of hand, I don’t know what I expected, but it sure as hell wasn’t this. They aren’t out of control: they are purposely pushing against any authority. Kegan is by far the worst. He is the leader, and they all fall in line right behind him. He is the most arrogant, self-centered, hardheaded man I’ve ever met. The fact that his dark eyes and muscular body distract me pisses me off. When he bothers looking in my direction, I can see the anger on his face, and I’ve come to realize that smirk, as sexy as it is, means he’s about to screw you. Not in a good way either. In a, I’ll be happy when you are in tears on the bathroom floor, kinda way.
I need to gain the upper hand and fast.
As my mind continues to spin with how to accomplish that, something hits into the bunk and my curtain is ripped down. I scream, tossing the blanket off my head and I see red.
Kegan has his tongue down the slut’s throat, dry humping against the bunk. For fuck's sake, Everett is right below.
“Kegan!” I yell.
He slowly pulls his lips off hers and I shake my head at his hazed over eyes. He’s beyond drunk.
“Enemy,” he says, lifting an eyebrow.
Not one word in a week and that’s how he refers to me. I’m so pissed I feel myself beginning to shake. “Get the fuck away from my bed. Take that shit somewhere else!”
He steps back and the bimbo nearly falls to the ground. He glances down at her before lifting his eyes to mine. That smirk makes its way and I refuse to back down. I can barely sit up, so I’m on my elbows, and I’m sure my hair is all over the place from pulling the blanket off me. I lift my eyebrows, pushing him to continue. I must look insane, but I don’t care.
“You jealous? You want my tongue and hands on you, angel?” he whispers, his deep sexy voice making it hard not to squirm.
“Not even a little,” I say. Great come back, that will show him.
He laughs and I groan in frustration. “This is my bus and I’ll fuck who I want, when I want, where I want,” he says, winking.
This time, I laugh as I move closer to him. I have no idea where this confidence is coming from, but I’m proud of myself. “I don’t give a shit what you do, who you do it with, or where, Kegan. I care that this teeny tiny area is mine and you’re in it. I care that tomorrow I will be writing a retraction, to whatever it is that is printed about you, because you walk around like you’re a fucking king, when in reality, you are the damn jester. You think because you have fame and money that you are above everyone else and in some ways, I’m sure you are. But you can have all the fame and fortune you want, and still be a piece of shit because you have no one’s respect, including mine. Now get the hell away from me and my bunk before I decide to let the stories of you run and allow the label to handle you how they see fit.”
I see the muscle tick by his jaw as he grabs the girl’s hand and pulls her into the master bedroom. I smile as the door closes.
You want an enemy, you got it.
The next morning, I get up before everyone and take my time in the bathroom. I take a long shower and even though it’s difficult to move around, I take advantage of my double win. Last night with Kegan, and this morning with getting the bathroom first. Once I finish, I pull on my jeans and a long-sleeved black shirt that hangs off one shoulder. I brush my hair and turn on my blow dryer, just to extend my stay. After my hair is dry, I pull it up into a high ponytail and apply a bit of makeup. Satisfied, I step out and Lane nearly knocks me over rushing in.
“Fuck, longer,” he yells.
I laugh as I put my things back on my bunk. I walk out into the main part of the bus and find Everett and Remi sitting there. Both have on sunglasses, hats sitting low over them, and coffee in their hands.
“Good morning,” I sing.
“Ugh, not so loud,” Remi whines.
I make myself a cup of coffee and sit at the table across from them. “A little hung over, huh?”
“That’s a fucking understatement,” Everett whispers.
I take a sip of my coffee and nearly choke on it. “What the hell is this?” I yell.
“Please, fuck, stop yelling,” Remi groans. “
It’s coffee, very strong coffee.”
“This is fucking tar. I need real coffee; I’m making a new pot.”
I get up and just as my hand touches the pot, a hand wraps around it. “Don’t fucking touch it,” Kegan growls. I snap my head toward him and notice he looks even worse than Remi and Everett. “I need a cup first.”
I yank my hand away and simply nod. Okay, so I finally learned something. They need this disgustingly strong coffee after a night of getting trashed. It’s a start.
After Kegan makes a cup, I pour a mug full for Lane and empty the rest. I brew a fresh pot and sit down at the table to wait.
“Too much whiskey,” Everett says.
“You fucking think,” Kegan replies. He has his sunglasses on too, but no hat and no shirt. No fucking shit. He’s my client. I know that, but holy shit. Having a shirt on does no justice to the amazing body that it is hiding. The muscles are flexing and the tattoos he has are dancing with each flex. I’d be a fool to not admit how damn hot he is. His hair is a mess from either sleep or sex, maybe both.
“Coffee,” Lane moans, coming out finally.
“I poured you a cup,” I say, nodding to the mug.
He looks at me and tilts his head. “Why?”
I laugh as I lean back in my seat. “Because I’m generally a nice person, you guys just won’t give me a chance to show you. Plus, I needed real coffee, not that shit you are going to drink.”
He chuckles and gets to fixing his coffee. Well, at least he didn’t say anything mean. Just then, my phone rings and I see that it’s Jennifer. I look at them, but of course, no one is paying attention to me. Let’s see if I can finally make them.
“Hey, Jennifer, what’s up,” I answer. Oh, look at that, all four heads look my way.
“We have a problem,” she says.
I shake my head looking at each of them and sigh. “I figured we would. What happened?”
“Kegan.” It’s all she says.
Loyalty: A Salvation Society Novel Page 4
