Surrounded By Knight

by A. N. Hennessy

  I jumped up and grabbed Trevelin’s arm before he did something he’d regret. Tabloids would eat him alive. “Trevelin,” I said, my voice betraying the nervousness I felt. I needed to calm him down. He didn’t look at me; rather he kept his now dark green gaze locked onto Ryker. “Don’t. Don’t do this, please. You hit him and it will be top news on the front cover of every magazine.”

  His gaze dropped to mine, and the fire raging in his eyes scorched my soul. He frowned with a loud huff. “I don’t give a fuck. I will not let someone talk about you like you’re some goddamn cheap piece of pussy to me. I almost kicked my best friend’s ass for it, I’m sure as hell not going to stand here and let this fucker do it.” His words were soaked in anger and his expression was something I couldn’t begin to explain.

  That’s why Reed had been so nice to me. He didn’t want to get his ass kicked by Trevelin. Smart choice on Reed’s behalf, even though I was more than certain Reed could hold his own. Regardless as to why he had eased up on his foul mouth, I was just glad he had.

  “Face it. We all know how you like to take a nosedive in every willing bystander that so happens to be of the female kind,” Ryker snarled.

  “Go ahead and pretend you like don’t enjoy your fair share of women that loiter backstage,” Trevelin snapped back. I did not want to be hearing this, particularly in the middle of a populated restaurant, but I couldn’t leave. They’d tear into each other like rabid wolves. Nothing would be left.

  Ryker stood, now only feet from Trevelin. I placed my body in between them with my arms stretched out to keep them at a safe distance and turned to face Trevelin. I needed to get him out of here! Why was I so concerned for his safety and wellbeing? For his name and career? I cared for him, that would be why. And no matter how mad I was at him there was no way I would let him do anything to get blasted all over the media to make him look even more like a trouble-making rock star.

  “Izzy isn’t remotely like any of them and you know it.” I could almost smell the determined challenge in his words.

  Trevelin’s jaw twitched as he finally snapped, lunging for Ryker.

  Somehow I managed to stay between them, keeping each testosterone-fueled male at a safe distance. Placing both my hands on Trevelin’s chest, I was capable of holding him back. He could barrel through me and slam into Ryker if he wanted to, but with the soft concern that flickered in his blue-greens when he peered at me, I knew he didn’t for the chance of hurting me.

  Even with that look that had the power to increase my pulse, I disregarded it; letting the anger I was beginning to feel from earlier retake its place. Was I some game to them? Who could fuck the virgin first?

  Ryker didn’t know the extent of my sexual status, but there was still this impending clarity that that was what they were both after. I was so mad tears began to pool in my eyes. This was ridiculous and completely embarrassing.

  Trevelin’s eyes dropped to mine again and the anger on his face softened when he looked at me. “We’re out of here.”

  Without giving me time to think, he grabbed my hand and snatched my bag from the booth before pulling me through the staring eyes of onlookers. I would say I was surprised we didn’t get tossed out by the manager, but why would they do that when the name of their restaurant would soon be in gossip mags over tonight’s event?

  Outside, Trevelin opened the door to a blue fast looking sports car he’d drove and motioned for me to get in. I shook my head. “I’m not leaving with you.”

  Licking his lips, he forced both hands through his crazy hair while pacing the length of the car like a wild animal. He must be trying to calm down, but I could care less. I didn’t want to be near him.

  He stopped with rage racing all over his face. “Get in the goddamn car, Isabel!” he shouted.

  Well that most definitely won’t get me in the freaking car.

  I jerked away from him and started heading in the direction I believed the beach house was in, determined not to set foot in that stupid car beside his stupid butt. I didn’t make it too far though, when two strong arms hoisted me off the ground like I weighed nothing at all, then tossed me over his shoulder.

  “Let. Me. Go!” I beat against his back all while kicking my legs. He never faltered or stopped until I was placed in the seat of the tiny stupid car I hated for no reason other than Trevelin was driving it.

  Slamming the door, he stomped to the driver’s side and got in. I should have jumped out and took off like a loony that just escaped an insane asylum, but I didn’t. I had no clue as to where I was; therefore I sat and sulked as all the revelations of tonight played again. I heard the car when it started and I felt it move when he peeled out of the parking lot, but other than that I was like a mindless zombie; numb, speechless and stupid. I fell for a damn rock star and all I was to him was untouched ass.

  I should’ve known that. And I was positive that was all Ryker was after too. Men were disgusting. How did Addie put up with all of this? She must have a way to shut her emotions off and not care, something I was clearly not capable of doing.

  Silence was our music as we rode back to the beach house, and once he put the car in park, I slung the door open and stormed for the house as quickly as possible. There was no way I wanted to see or talk to anyone. I wanted a shower, a bed and a pillow. Nothing more.

  I breathed out a sigh of relief when I walked inside and no one was around. I hurried up the stairs and to the room I would be sharing with Trevelin. Now I was not so sure about our sleeping arrangements, but it was a king sized bed, plenty big enough for a few pillows between us for secured distance.

  Marching into the bathroom, I turned on the shower and undressed. The hot water was welcomed against my tense muscles as I stood there under the streaming water while I tried to make sense of what just happened.

  The door to the bathroom made a creaking noise and I froze. “Izzy, we need to talk.”

  If he comes in this bathroom I swear I will scream.

  “No, we don’t. I heard all I needed to hear. I’m not some damn game, Trevelin. I do have feelings, ya know. And don’t you dare ever tell someone I like to stay away from me. I can’t believe you did that. I’m your friend, and friends don’t do that to each other.” I heard him mutter a few livid curses before the door slammed so hard the glass walls to the shower shook in fear.

  Slowly relaxing from his departure, I let my body slide down the tiled wall of the shower until my bottom hit the floor. Tears with no purpose escaped as my emotions go haywire. Why did I allow myself to develop something for someone I shouldn’t?

  After staying in the shower longer than I should, I got into my pajamas and climbed into the large bed. No sooner did my head hit the pillow had my phone sounded off with a text on the bedside table.

  Ryker: Sorry for what I said, Izzy. I really like you and he pissed me off.

  Me: That’s what all the big bad wolves say, isn’t it?

  I knew he programmed his number into my phone, but I never shared mine with him.

  Me: How did you get my number, anyways?

  It didn’t take long for him to reply back.

  Ryker: I texted myself with your phone earlier :) And that may be true for some, but I wouldn’t know. Think of me more as the bigger piggy in the brick house looking out for the smaller piggies.

  I couldn’t hold back my laugh. I was still ticked off at both of them, but more so with Trevelin.

  Me: LOL...I can’t picture you as a piggy.

  Ryker: How about one in a leather rock star getup?

  Me: Ugh, nope still don’t see it ;)

  Ryker: You’re cute :) Sleep tight, Izzy.

  I sat my phone down and let sleep take over me, sending me into dreamland with a mesmerizing man with dirty blond hair, light aqua green eyes and fabulous eyebrows.

  ♪♫♪♫♪♫

  “Get up, Izzy. We gotta go.”

  Get up? I felt like I just went to sleep. My eyes hesitantly peered open to Addie looking down at me. I
must be dreaming. What time was it? I glanced at the clock by the bed that read 6:00 a.m. Oh no! Something must be wrong. She never woke up this early.

  “What happened? Is everyone okay?” I jumped out of bed, thoughts of my mom, dad, and Nana Lulu coursing rapidly through my head.

  “Everything’s fine,” she laughed at my reaction. Glad she found this funny. “We got a video shoot to do, silly.” At that particular time, Trevelin walked into the room with his hair a mess and missing his shirt, exposing a dream worthy upper body—which my dreams partook in flawlessly—and all of its stunning artwork.

  He didn’t even look at me. He just went straight to the closet. After my shower last night I’d walked into an empty room and he never returned. I assumed he’d decided to sleep on the couch, and that I was fine by me. It was funny how things could change so quickly.

  “Video shoot? Wait, Addie, we haven’t even recorded our first single yet.”

  “Nope, but they have.” She motioned toward Trevelin.

  Oh no. No, no, no, no, no! I remembered the video they’re supposed to shoot and I did not want to be any part of it.

  No way! Hell no.

  “I didn’t agree to be in any video.”

  “Nope, but your trusty sister sure did. She’s already agreed on your behalf, babe. You and me get to get hot and heavy together later on a rooftop,” Trevelin replied, coming out of the closet. I shook my head, wondering if I’d heard him correctly.

  He looked amused as he smugly walked to me still shirtless, holding the one he’d retrieved from the closet in his hand. I felt empty not hearing his usual morning greeting. My ears had become dependent on hearing his horrible attempt of sounding like a rooster. Cock-a-doodle-doo.

  When he reached me, both hands came down on the bed on either side of my body, caging me in. He leaned forward, his face mere inches from my own. I could lick him...or spit in his eye if I wanted to.

  “I don’t fucking play games, Izzy. It’s all real. So if I can’t have you the real way then we’ll just play pretend for some cameras.” His voice was flat and his expression told me zilch—nada. He pulled back, still staring. “You need super glasses or something, babe, because you’re fucking blind as goddamn bat.”

  As he pulled away, I was left breathless. His vehemence had sucked all the air out of my lungs, and he was taking it with him. I watched as he strode with his perfect gait toward the door. Without so much as a glance back at me, he left the room.

  I got the sudden impression he had a major part in us being in the stupid video. If I had the strength my deprived lungs took from me I might blow out that door and kick some Knight Raider ass. And what did he mean I was blind as a bat? He didn’t play games...yeah right. He’s a man, ain’t he?

  “You two seriously need to do it already. I could cut y’all’s sexual frustration with a dang butter knife it’s so thick. I thought you were going to open up to him, if ya know what I mean.” Addie nudged me with her elbow. Yeah, I knew what she meant, and I had thought so too.

  “Things change.”

  “Things, like Ryker Steele?” She arched an accusing brow. “He’s a fine ass, too. Not Trevelin Knight panty-dripping fine; close runner-up though. Other than Gage. That man is a sex machine, but he’s not freaky like Ja—” I held up my hand to shut her up. I didn’t want to hear about her sexual exploits when I’d just seriously been thinking about creating my own. Now that I found out I was in his video to a song that I freakin’ loathed.

  A song suggesting sex. Something I’d never done.

  “Lay off the sex talk, Addison. And I was planning to open up to him until last night. He and Ryker got in a spitting match over me...I think.” I rubbed my face, adamantly confused. “It just pretty much sounded like they were competing on who could snag my virginity first.”

  Addie shook her head with a look as if she’d been there and witnessed the whole thing. “I don’t know much about Ryker, but Trevelin wouldn’t. I don’t believe it,” she argued brightly with a tilted smile. That face meant no good.

  “Why is that?”

  “Because.”

  “You know something you’re not telling me?” I narrowed my eyes at her.

  She chirped, “Nope,” and cutely hopped off the bed. “Throw some clothes on, they’ll dress us and do our hair and makeup there.” When she shut the door I flopped back on the bed with a huge sigh.

  I did not want to do this.

  ♪♫♪♫♪♫

  Trevelin and the guys were elusive for the better part of the day. Suited me fine. I really didn’t want to be around Trevelin anyways. The man came off domineering yet majestic, a combination that shouldn’t go together and should definitely not appeal to me. As much as I kept telling myself it didn’t, thoughts of us and our friendship that we’d built crashed down around me, proving me wrong. Yeah, I was mad at him. Still, it didn’t mean that I didn’t miss our normal...or abnormal affinity that I’d become accustomed to.

  Rightfully so, I hadn’t spoken to him all day. They’d been at a local bar filming the live performance part of the song. Bryson’s fiancée, Jade, was there, and I’d only seen her a handful of times. She seemed nice and was beautiful with perfect skin and strawberry blonde hair that fell in thick layers down her back. They were so cute together.

  I felt terrible considering I was expecting him to be with someone engulfed with tattoos that matched his. Even though her flawlessness was a dire contrast to his heavily inked skin, the love they shared was immediate the moment I saw them together. I loved the fact that Bryson seemed so happy and found who appeared to be his soul mate. I envied them truthfully.

  I had also spoken with Randy. He’d called, a little distraught when he heard I said I wasn’t doing the video.

  I wasn’t.

  There was no flipping way I was going to do God knows what in front of cameras for the world to soon see. But somehow the sly prick talked me into it.

  He and the Knight Raiders publicist, Janet, said it was all for good promotion. Once people got wind that the sweet Country Bliss girls were in a Knight Raider video, everyone would want to check us out. I had to agree, but it still didn’t mean it thrilled me at all. The song was about a guy emotionally caught up in a girl, and point blank...banging her. Okay, so it wasn’t as crude as I’d let on, but the message was still there, plain as day.

  I found out later in the day that I would be the girl rolling around on a rooftop with Trevelin in a hot, steamy love scene. Nervous wasn’t even the word for how I felt, especially since I was still technically mad at him, and he seemed pretty livid with me this morning. Not to sound petty, but I was so irritated that he warned Ryker away from me I could bite through a nail. I could’ve eaten a bucket of them!

  Ryker and I had talked on the phone off and on all day. He’d wanted to spend the day with me at the beach and didn’t sound too excited about me being the girl in the Knight Raider video. I was momentarily thankful that I wasn’t the only one.

  At first I went off on him about him thinking I was some game—something I didn’t want to do through text last night—and after trying to calm me down through the phone he proceeded to tell me I was far from the truth. That he wasn’t like most rock stars, he didn’t like the trashy girls and meaningless hookups. That he enjoyed the security and stability of being in an actual relationship.

  That made me like him more, and I promised to spend my whole day with him tomorrow, to which he seemed pleased. And not to lie, but in a way I was excited as well.

  Addie and I got our hair and makeup done in a small portable trailer stationed outside the bar. She’s excessively jubilant that she’s doing a scene with Jace in a bathroom. Her back and forth from Jace to Gage gave me major headaches. I didn’t know how she did it or why. I was having trouble managing one guy on a friend level—that I had strong feelings for—while another guy could possibly be more. Yep, headache.

  I got where Randy and Janet said it would boost my and Addie’s image, not to mention
what it would do for the Knight Raiders, but I just wished it were more of an everyday love song. Sex sells, I got that, but I thought it was bullshit.

  So here I was, waiting in the portable trailer to be called to the rooftop of the bar.

  Without warning, the door swung open, and a guy with heavily gelled brown hair wearing a tight black t-shirt and an earpiece in his ear looked in at me and Addie.

  “They’re ready for you. Follow me.”

  Addie giggled and clapped her hands excitedly like she always did. He took us into the bar where I saw the set up on stage where the guys shot the other parts of the video. It reminded me of the stage at Buck’s, and it made me wonder if that was what they were trying to recreate. Since the YouTube video was such a huge hit.

  “Good, they’re here. And ooh la la. You two are more sex-a-licious in person. Sorry, seen the YouTube video. Loved it!” I didn’t know who this cheery guy was that just literally skipped in front of us, all chirpy like a yellow canary, but I think I liked him.

  “It was really hot, wasn’t it?” Addie joined in swaying her hips in the same way I did around Trevelin on stage.

  “Girlfriend, hot isn’t the word for it. If I liked getting sexy dances from women then I would have totally popped a stiffy.” There was nothing to say to that but laugh, and I no longer thought I liked him – I knew I did. He was making this easier. “I’m Ross Gates by the way, style manager to the Knight Raiders, and I need to take both of you to the back to wardrobe so I can get you two dolls dressed up. That trailer is way too tiny. I am a man that needs his space to create my magic.” He pointed to me. “You Izzy?” I nodded, causing him to screech giddily with a tilt of his head. “Or lack thereof.” He clapped his hands.

  Lack thereof? What the heck did he mean by that?

  To my utter dismay, I soon found out what he meant by his comment. In a makeshift dressing room, I was handed a red lace bra and panty set. It looked more like slutty lingerie to me, but hey, what did I know?