by K. S. Adkins
“He does, doesn’t he?”
“I kept waiting for him to bite me,” she joked. “Seriously, he’s not very approachable.”
Laughing, Tempest looked over at a brooding Chevy and said, “Come meet Claire.”
“We’ve met,” he grumbled.
“Let me rephrase,” she said firmly. “Come and meet the real Claire, Guy’s fiancée.”
Reluctantly, he did come forward and instinctively, I did, too. Chevy was unpredictable especially when it came to Tempest. Sticking his hand out he grunted, “Chevy.”
“Claire,” she offered, doing the same.
“Why?” was all he said, but it was clear he was demanding answers.
“In my line of work—”
“What do you do, Claire?”
“I’m a therapist.”
“You weren’t our therapist,” he grunted.
“No, I was Guy’s.”
“Guy’s?” Tempest frowned. “Huh?”
“He came to therapy on your behalves,” she began to explain. “He wanted to help the two of you find your way back to each other. He shared your history with me and kept in contact with you, Chevy, giving you small amounts of insight into Tempest’s life.
“But Guy felt it wasn’t enough. That you both needed a push. There was one way he knew would bring you home. Tempest’s safety. You’re a protector, so we used that.
“When you had Rick fired, Tempest, I asked Guy to let me take over your management with Arthur’s consent. I needed access to you both in order to implement the proper challenges while being able to evaluate your progress. The stalker, the media invading your privacy at every turn, the RV being tampered with… well you get the idea,” she said softly. “The final challenge was immersion therapy for you, Tempest.”
Blowing out a long breath, Chevy looked at Claire with respect and his signature smirk. Tempest just started crying, which I was used to, of course. My woman was not.
“Don’t cry,” Claire rushed forward, taking Tempest in her arms. “I’m so very sorry—”
“It’s a happy cry,” Tempest said, hugging her tight. “Thank you. Thank you, both. Seriously, genius!”
“Who wants a drink?” I called out and Chevy was the first to nod his agreement. But Claire was looking at Tempest and I knew what was coming. “Baby, no,” I teased.
“I’ve waited forever for this,” she pouted.
“For what?” Tempest asked, looking concerned.
“To ask for your autograph.”
Throwing her arms around my woman, my best friend and the closest thing I have ever had to a sister, roared with laughter then smiles up at Claire.
“I’ll sign whatever you want.”
“What are the odds I could push my luck?” she asked softly and this made me smile. Claire played her part well, too well, but hated every minute of it. The very second she met Tempest, she fell in love with her. And causing her pain, even if it was for good reason, was excruciating for her. Claire dedicated her life to helping people. It wasn’t in her nature to be cruel, ever.
“The odds are in your favor, Claire; so go on ahead and ask.”
“Guy and I—” she struggled not to cry herself. “Okay, Guy and I would love it if the two of you would stand up in our wedding.”
“I gotta wear a suit?” Chevy griped, but did it with a grin. He didn’t have to voice it; I already knew he loved wearing suits because Tempest couldn’t keep her hands off him in a suit. Who am I kidding? She couldn’t keep her hands off him no matter what he wore.
“I love dress up!” Tempest cheered. “Yes! Of course we’ll stand up.”
With more love than I ever dreamt was possible for me, Claire leaned into my chest and sighed, “I love you, Guy.”
“Love you back, baby.”
In the end, I had to credit Chevy and Tempest’s breakup for putting me in Claire’s path. My soon-to-be wife didn’t have it easy. In that way, she was very much like us. Unfortunately, she didn’t have the support of Chevy and Tempest as I did.
A man could be no prouder to be able to offer her heart’s desire. Claire finally had a family. Tagging me around the waist with Chevy holding her hand, Tempest reads my mind, “A family of four, I like it.”
“I do, too, Tempest.”
“Come on, Claire,” she said, taking her hand. “We have a wedding to plan.”
“Um,” she said, stopping her. “Would you maybe, if you’re up to it, consider—“
“I’m singing at your wedding, Claire, that’s not negotiable. On one condition.”
“Name it.”
“I choose the song.”
“Deal.”
“Well, alright then,” she whooped, and the girls disappeared from sight. But I didn’t have to see them to be able to hear them. Judging by Chevy’s smirk, he felt the same way I did. Lucky.

Coming to stand next to Guy, who couldn’t take his eyes off the door the girls just went through, I nudged his shoulder and simply said, “Thanks again, brother, and congratulations.”
“The two women I love most are behind that door,” he said, facing me. “Just so you know, I’d do it all over again to be standing here with you right now.”
Guy had always been the responsible one. The reasonable one and the first to set his own needs aside for ours. He had fallen in love and was getting married. I couldn’t be happier for my best friend.
“I’m not mad,” I promised him. “You were right about Pest, about me.”
“Claire hated every second,” he said softly. “But she saw what I saw and we both wanted—“
“Guy,” I said, pulling him in for another hug. “Stop. It all worked out. Take a breath.”
Doing as instructed, he slapped my shoulder and mumbled, “I hated every second, too.”
“Tempest is going to want to take care of you both in regards to this wedding. You gonna let her?”
“We’ve already discussed it, and yes, we’ll let her.”
“Good,” I nodded. “So can we have that drink now?”
“Absolutely,” he exhaled hard. I followed him inside and took a seat at his table, happy to watch Pest fawn all over Claire.
For obvious reasons she never had close girlfriends. To know she now would, settled me. There was no question I was exactly where I belonged. Tempest, Guy, and now Claire are home for me.
Even though I almost fucked up huge, Pest was loved me enough to forgive me. In return, I got to spend the rest of my life protecting her, making her laugh, and one day making her my wife.
“I see you thinking about it,” Guy said, handing me a beer. “Trust me, once you start you can’t stop until she says yes.”
“Oh, she’ll say yes,” I winked.
“Or she’ll make you work for it.”
“Or she’ll make me work for it,” I agreed, and knowing Pest, she would and I’d love every minute of it.
“Heads up,” he said, motioning to Pest who was covering her face with her hands. Coming out of my chair, I pull her to me and ask, “What’s wrong?”
“Nothing,” she sniffled into my chest. “I’m just happy. Our family is growing, Guy is getting married, and I have you. I am so so happy.”
“I wonder how much you’ll cry when we get married.”
“I guess you’ll have to ask me and find out.”
“You challenging me, Pest?”
“Always, Chevy.”
“Challenge accepted.”
Kissing her hard, she wrapped her arms around my neck, pretending to faint. Lifting her up and over my shoulder, I swatted her ass and grinned when she squealed. Several hours, and a lot of booze later, I was playing guitar, Guy was on the harmonica with Claire on his lap, while Pest sang her heart out. If this was how my life was going to play out, I wasn’t complaining.

Guy and Claire chose a destination wedding.
After Claire explained her childhood, I understood why.
Where I had Chevy and
Guy, Claire had no one. Yet, through poverty and hardship she put herself through college. And instead of growing bitter, she chose to help others.
Today, Claire was a certified badass who owned her own practice and was a sought after public speaker. She was also head over stilettos for Guy. As for Guy, I’d never seen him happier. I was so over the freaking moon about it all, the thought of flying in a tin can actually…excited me.
With the wedding a month away, Chevy and I hit the road to get in some travel before the big day. As much as I had toured previously, my hectic schedule and anxiety prevented me from enjoying my surroundings. This was a problem I was correcting daily. Of course, I had moments where I faltered, but Chevy either talked me down if we were public or fucked me through it in private.
Total win-win for me.
Tightening the strap on my backpack, Chevy swatted my ass then motions for me to do his. Sweeping my hair up into a messy bun, I didn’t even bother hiding my enthusiasm about our adventure.
“That’s a big mountain. I can’t believe we’re about to climb it!”
“Technically, we’re not climbing it, we’re hiking the trail that—”
“Same thing,” I said, waving him off. Only it wasn’t and I knew that, I just wanted to give him shit. I wanted to annoy him for once.
“If there was a mountain you wanted to climb, there’s no doubt you would, Pest.”
Melting for him, I lean into his chest and simply say, “I am kind of a badass now, huh?”
“Let’s see how badass you are a few hours from now.”
“What do I get if I don’t complain?”
“What do I get if you do?” he countered like he’s already won.
Thinking on it, I offered, “Anal.”
His swift intake of breath was proof I had caught him off-guard. Back door action was his greatest fantasy and my greatest fear. Taking it in the ass never sounded enjoyable to me, especially the way Chevy was endowed. Plus, we tended to prefer rough play.
However, fulfilling his fantasy had amped up my own. Because the moment I said it, I realized I wanted it. Badly. And I knew to my soul he’d make it good for me. So yeah, anal.
“Fuck,” he groaned. “You’re serious this time, aren’t you?”
“Yep.”
Taking my hand, he lead us to the opening of the trail, but stopped so I could take yet another photo. That done, he hangs my camera back around my neck and kisses me.
“Ready?”
Nodding to him, he stepped onto the trail as the leader to begin our hike. I hadn’t gone ten feet when I said, “I’m hot.” A few feet more, “This pack is too heavy.” Three steps, “I’m starving.” Enjoying Chevy’s attempt to walk straight, I declare, “Ugh, I have a wedgie!”
Whipping around to face me, the predatory look in his eyes had my knees shaking. Stalking toward me, Chevy tagged my neck, and growled, “You lost the bet.”
“I did?” I blinked innocently. “Damn. It’s like I didn’t have a fighting chance. Almost as if I’d set myself up for failure.”
“We’re gonna hike this trail in record time,” he said, cupping me between my legs. “Gonna make this trail our bitch, then—”
“Then you’re going to make my ass your bitch?”
“I won’t ever hurt you,” he said softly and my heart sped up.
“You hurting me never crossed my mind, Chevy.”
“But letting me take your ass did,” he said as his lips touch mine.
“Guilty,” I said, biting his bottom lip.
“Fuck, this hike is gonna kill my balls.”
“What do I get if you complain?” I challenged.
Kissing me hard, he gave me his sexiest grin which promised hours of sinful pleasure. Adjusting my pack, I looked forward to following his lead and spending the entire day enjoying the view of his ass. I might take time to look at the Appalachian Trail, too, but I doubt it.

Last night was…how she trusted me…How good it felt…Fuck, I couldn’t stop grinning.
All these years, Pest only had one hard limit. Her ass. She’d held it sacred and because she offered me everything else, I never pushed it. Then she offered, had been greedy for it, and the term ‘worth the wait’ didn’t seem appropriate. More like, fucking life altering.
Pest and I fucked hard, always had. But that wasn’t the case, couldn’t have been the case, last night. Both of us had been tested, calling on our patience and openness. Together we tried something new, an act considered taboo by many.
Once I was deep inside of her, I swear, I’d never felt closer to her. I had her complete trust, I was responsible for her pleasure, and she saw to mine.
It had been fucking beautiful. So fucking beautiful, I was hard again just thinking about it.
Up before me, and unwilling to wait until I showered, she took off on foot to go and get us breakfast. Tempest going off on her own without me by her side would take some getting used to.
For me, not for her.
Because prior to fame, Tempest was always on the go. You could not contain her. The best you could do was try and keep up with her. Truth was, I did like that she had come to depend on me. I loved that no one could do for her what I could. It gave me a sense of power.
But that wasn’t healthy for Tempest—supporting her independence and progress was. So this was a big step, for her, for me. A step she took on her own. The depth of my love for her…endless. I was beyond fucking proud. But also unbelievably nervous and incredibly anxious, because I’d forgotten what it was like for Pest to not need me.
Turns out, I didn’t like it. Not one fucking bit.
As the minutes tick by, I found myself glued to the window and when an hour passed, I stood on the grass outside the van.
Where the fuck did she go for breakfast? Back home? When my phone rang a chill ran down my spine.
Running back inside and swiping it open, I answered, “Pest, where the fuck are you?”
I was greeted by a man’s breath, then, “I told you she would pay.”
Closing my eyes, I warned him, “You so much as touch her, I’ll rip your arms from their sockets.” My declaration was met with laughter, and I followed up with, “I’m gonna kill you, Rick.”
For his part he said nothing, but I needed to keep him on the line because I needed information, dammit. When I heard her bitching it was a relief because it meant she wasn’t hurt. Clearly she didn’t consider him a threat either because Tempest was on a goddamn roll.
“Did you always have a comb-over? I bet hookers charge you double. Your ass is flat. Do I at least get breakfast? You smell like gym socks. Is that Chevy on the phone? Well, let him know he’s cut off, maybe forever, but at least until dinner.” And when she said, “for fuck’s sake how much is this therapy lesson costing me?” My knees buckled. Pest thought this was another attempt to cure her. “Seriously,” she said on a pout. “As much as Arthur paid you, you couldn’t have done better than the Roadside Inn? They don’t even have Wi-Fi!”
Tempest, you beautiful storm! Starting up the van, I was opening my mouth to engage him when he said to her, “Shut your mouth before I shut it for you.”
“Kicking your ass is going to be so much fun for me,” she quipped. Then I heard a crash, followed by, “Is that all you got? You fucking hit like a bitch!” and then the phone went dead. Dialing Guy, I begged him when he answers. “Roadside Inn near Boiling Hills, Pennsylvania, find it for me man, I can’t fucking think straight!”
“Claire is looking,” he vows. “What happ—”
“Rick took Pest,” I roared inside the cab of the van.
“Fuck!”
“And she thinks it’s another therapy session!”
“Chevy,” he said, calming down a notch. “That might be a good thing.”
“How the fuck—”
“If Tempest thinks it’s an attempt at therapy and doesn’t panic, it could help keep her safe until you get to her.” I knew he was right but I couldn’t
form a thought, couldn’t—
“It’s directly off Route 850,” he instructed and I listened as he tells me the rest.
When my breathing slowed and my focus locked in place, I knew down to my soul that I was going to kill Rick. Ending his life for what he’s done to her, even if that meant prison for me, didn’t stop me from speeding up. With the needle buried, I flew as fast as the van would allow.
Almost flipping the damn thing, I managed to right it as I veer onto to Route 850. The inn was up ahead, less than a half mile. Sirens. Dozens, coming in hot behind me. Accelerating, I wanted to get there first. Make sure she was okay before killing that motherfucker with my bare hands.
Flying into the lot, I slammed on the brakes when I see her sitting on the curb staring out into nothing. Panic swiftly engulfed me. It was all I could do not to pass out.

When Chevy flew into the lot, I exhaled hard. I had actually done it. I defended myself and neutralized a threat all on my own. When Rick forced me to go with him, I almost froze up.
Almost.
But I relied on everything Chevy taught me about self-defense and using sarcasm as a weapon. My sharp wit worked initially, but Rick quickly lost his patience and attacked me. He was not gentle when he bitch-slapped me. Nor was he playing around when he sucker-punched me in the gut.
Coughing on the floor, trying to buy myself some time, I started thinking. About never seeing Chevy again. Guy and Claire coming to my funeral instead of their wedding. Chevy breaking the news to Tiffany and wondering when the panic would set in.
The one thing I didn’t think of when Rick was squeezing my throat, was my voice being silenced forever. Because faced with the prospect of losing my family, losing him, singing was the furthest thing from my mind. Front and center in my thoughts while my body fought Rick off was that I was fucking done with being rescued.
