by K E Osborn
Bouncing up on my toes, I reach out for his hand and interlock our fingers as I turn for the VIP door dragging him with me. He lets out a small chuckle and follows behind me as we walk back inside the club, the heavy bass vibrating through my chest in time with my anxious heart. Walking past the girls and Tank, they all smile at us with knowing smiles, but I ignore them as I head toward Raoul and Cooper at the top of the stairs. We stop in front of them, and Mercs moves in behind me wrapping his arms around my waist, holding my back to his front and resting his chin on my shoulder.
“Raoul, I need another favor,” I ask looking at him.
He exhales and looks from me to Mercs and then subtly to Cooper and then back to me. “Effa, do you know how much shit I got into last time?”
With a wince, I answer, “I know, I’m sorry. But I’ll tell the people who matter we’re leaving this time… promise.”
He groans. “Fine. But make sure you tell Luke. Please. Before we leave.”
Nodding, I lean forward planting a chaste kiss on Raoul’s cheek. He doesn’t smile or flinch, he just stands there and looks from me to Luke as if to say ‘hurry up.’ Giggling to myself, I turn in Mercs’ grip and face him. “I’ll be right back.”
I turn and rush over to Luke and Alana. They both look up at me and smile wide. “Hey, you really have to try this cocktail, Eff, it’s to die for,” Alana beams, taking a sip of her fruity looking drink through her curly straw.
“No. I’m calling it a night. I’m getting Raoul to take me back to the hotel, early morning flight and all.”
Alana looks up with a concerned stare and furrows her brow. “Oh, you’re not still upset about Mercs are you?”
I turn my head to where Mercs is happily chatting to Cooper. Alana and Luke follow my line of sight, and Alana smiles wide.
Luke stiffens and lets out a loud exacerbated groan. “Effa, be careful… we need him,” Luke warns.
“Don’t worry, old man, we’re just going back to talk and get to know each other. We’ve already set boundaries.”
He rolls his eyes. “Yeah, right. You know you can talk here, Effa. A hotel room with a bed and no one else around, that’s not taking unnecessary risks… at all.” He lays on the extra sarcasm. “Enough with the old man shit, I’m only thirty-five. I’m not pushing up daisies just yet.”
“Sorry, Luke. I know you’re not old, and trust me… please. Nothing’s going to happen other than talking. We need a quiet environment to get to know each other without people watching us.”
He huffs as Alana bumps into his side giving him an adorable smile, and he looks down at her and seems to soften. “Okay, fine. But so you know… I’m against this relationship. It’s only going to end in heartbreak and with us losing Mercs in the middle of the tour.”
Nodding my head, my stomach turns slightly at the thought of that outcome. That’s precisely what we don’t want, and the reason why we’re taking this slow. Why I’m not rushing into bed with him like I would any other member of the crew because as much as he makes my panties wet, I need him on tour as much as I need him between my legs.
I’m going to have to hold out. I can do this. I have to do this because having a meaningful relationship with someone is far better than casual sex anyway. I’m so over the casual, and I want something more.
Turning, I walk back over to Mercs and the security team who seem to be having a great time together. Raoul is actually almost cracking a smile, and I’m a little shocked as I approach.
“Hey, you guys ready to head off?” I ask, stepping up behind Mercs and wrapping my arm around his waist.
He looks to me sliding his arm around my shoulders and pulling me to him. “I am. You good to go, Raoul?”
He nods and turns as Mercs looks to Cooper and slaps him on his shoulder giving him a wink as Cooper starts laughing. I have no idea what that’s about, but I guess it’s just men being men. Raoul leads us down the VIP stairs, and at the bottom, he has some more security guards stationed.
You never know if you’re going to get a smooth exit or if it will be chaos.
Tonight I’m hoping for smooth.
Raoul stands in front of Mercs and me and then three other guards circle around us as we flow through the crowd at the bottom of the club. People start to turn and stare at us heading through the dancefloor, and then suddenly it’s like it hits them. Someone realizes who I am, and lets out an almighty scream. I grip onto Merc’s hand as he moves into my side tighter to surround me a little more. He hasn’t been witness to this, but I have a feeling he’s about to see the mania close up and personal.
The crowd all turn and focus on us and in a mad rush swarm the security circle, their hands in a flurry reaching in between the guards to try and touch me as the music continues to beat, thump, and reverb through the room.
The Arizona heat is doing nothing to help with my nerves as the club is pumping with humidity from all the bouncing bodies, mixed with adrenaline and sweat, as they scamper to move closer.
Mercs wraps his arms around my body, sheltering me from the prying hands as they try to grab at anything they can, all the while the screaming continues in its intensity. Raoul and the others force a line through the crowd to the door, with the help of the club security as well.
We finally arrive at the door and burst out onto the street. The crowd screaming and yelling, and it’s only now, that we’re away from the heavy music, that I can hear they’re chanting my name.
“Effa… Effa… Effa,” drawls through the crowd as they scream and claw to reach me.
Raoul keeps us moving toward the car that’s parked right by the front of the club. He leads us to the side of the car, while my breathing is erratic and my heart pummels in my chest. No matter how many times this happens, it still scares the fuck out of me.
“I got you,” Mercs yells in my ear as his body towers over mine comfortingly, and Raoul opens the rear car door for me to slide in. Mercs pushes me in as a girl grabs at his shirt and yanks. The sound of the fabric tearing grates my ears as he slides into the car behind me, and the door slams shut to people pummeling their palms on the window. I turn to look at Mercs who’s panting heavily, his shirt ripped open and torn down the side in an entirely irreparable way which immediately makes my eyes well.
“Shit, Mercs, I’m s-sorry,” I stammer moving my hand to his shirt, picking up the loose strand of black fabric and noticing the frayed edges.
Raoul slides into the driver’s seat as the remaining security guards try to fight off the crowd from the car so Raoul can pull out from the curb.
Mercs grabs my hand while shaking his head. “Stop! It’s just a shirt, I can get another one. Your safety in that chaos was all I cared about,” he assures.
I sigh, leaning in and resting my head up and on his shoulder. His arm wraps around my shoulders pulling me to him, filling me with warmth and safety, something I haven’t felt for a long, long time.
“Thank you. Thank you for being so understanding.”
“This isn’t my first rodeo, Effa. I’ve been around bands for a while now. I’ve seen this sort of stuff before. Sure, I’ve never been in the thick of it, but I’ve witnessed it all. I want to be here to protect you.”
“I think I can handle that.” Glancing up at him, I press my lips to his tenderly. Kissing him and knowing he comes from this chaotic world makes this that much easier. He knows how we work. He knows the pitfalls and dramas that come with being famous. Hell, he’s lived this life with many bands before us that he could probably teach me a few things. But knowing he’s here to support me in this way, kissing me, holding me, encouraging me, lets me know that he thinks highly of me like I do him. And I can’t wait to get to know him better. To see if I can set his pulse racing as much as he’s sent mine rushing off into oblivion.
Chapter Eleven
MERCS
Spending last night with Effa was incredible. And not because it was passionate, unbridled, untamed or lustful—it was none of those things—even t
hough I was thinking about it constantly. Running through the thoughts of what I wanted to do to her. How I wanted to bend her in ways just to see how flexible her little body is, and fuck her so hard until she’s convulsing in ripples of pleasure.
But no, we kept ourselves in check and went back to her room to talk. We laid on her bed, embraced all night and simply got to know each other. It was a change for me to the usual way I do things and taking the time to take this—whatever it is—slowly, seems to be going well for us.
As the evening wore on, I had every intention of leaving her room, but I ended up crashing the night not wanting to let her go. The protector in me has kicked in, and even though I know those fans can’t get in here to hurt her, I wanted to be sure she was safe all night. Plus, sleeping in a bed and holding her all night long, well fuck, who could say no to that? Her fruity hair tickled my face as I spooned her from behind, just like we did on the sofa, only this time it was far more comfortable and relaxing.
We talked a lot about how our friendship might affect the tour, and how Effa’s positive Luke won’t be on board. Luke’s concerned that if things go ass up, then I might leave the tour. But I assured Effa that I would never be so unprofessional and I will always see out my contract.
Then I spent the morning eating room service in her suite like it was a normal thing for us to be doing together. Everything felt so fucking right. We were in our own little world, right until Luke showed up popping our bubble and making everything run ten times faster than I thought possible.
I knew changeovers were quick, but what I didn’t realize was just how fast everything’s taken from your room, and then you’re shoved from the hotel onto a minibus along with everyone else and driven to the airport.
From there, cue more screaming Luminati’s as the girls call them—the diehard fans of the band—who come and try to catch not just a glimpse of the five superstar rockers, but a mere touch to make their world complete. All this happened while I was requested to stand back with the rest of the crew and let the girls through with their security. I was a little put out at first, wanting to be in there to protect Effa, but Raoul and Cooper had her covered, and I watched the whole thing like a freaking stalker. No one got a single hand on Effa, and that’s the way I like it.
We boarded the band’s private jet and made the one hour and forty-five-minute flight from Phoenix Arizona to Denver Colorado. At least on the flight I was able to sit next to Effa and spend some more time getting to know her.
Once we arrived at the Red Rocks Park and Amphitheatre, I had to get to work. The stage set up here is just under half the average size, and the lighting is minimalistic at best. I had to come up with a whole new stage show design for this intimate one-time performance. It’s going to be recorded for a charity DVD, and all proceeds are going toward a woman’s shelter called Rosalie House. Apparently, they have an association with them through their old tour mates Recoil. Their bassist, Matt, is a primary spokesperson for the foundation along with his wife, and it’s something the girl’s feel strongly about, so I’m all for it. Helping women in need sounds like a great cause for Luminous.
But right now—right now I’m standing at the back of the amphitheater waiting for Effa and the girls to come on. The night sky is glistening with vibrant stars showing us a beautiful summer’s night glittering above the fractures of broken vast cliffs and rocks. The scenery here is breathtaking and no wonder people feel a spiritual connection. I can see why Effa chose to perform in the mountainous wonderland. I know she’s going to love being on stage, as this is a spiritual place that oozes Effa’s inner goddess.
The place is packed, and the general hum of chit chat echoes around the open expanse giving it a good buzz and feel. The area is alive and ready to go, and I’m really looking forward to seeing Effa in all her glory tonight. I know she’ll bring her A-game to this crowded amphitheater. She’s exceptionally talented and her voice mixed with the skill of the other girls, they’re an epic combination. No wonder they have made it so big, so quickly.
The pre-show music is gently wafting through the air indicating it’s almost time. I’m in my position behind the stage out of sight of the crowd, but in a good spot so I can see up to the back of the stage. I’ll be able to view Effa from here, and if anything goes haywire with the lighting, which it shouldn’t, I’ll be able to rectify it quickly. It’s all pretty much set to timers for each song, all Tank and I have to do is set them going. Pretty easy night’s work. It’s all digital these days. Gotta love technology.
Tank moves in and plonks down on the red rock beside me with a heavy contented sigh. I glance at him to see a cocky smile on his face, and I don’t want to ask, I really don’t want to know the details, but my stupid mouth is talking before I can stop it. “That’s one heck of a smile you’ve got there, Tank,” I quip.
“Sure is. It’s fucking awesome to be the guy on call for one of the girls. I know she’s a grouch, but man, when she takes her frustrations out on my cock, Andi’s a fucking spitfire. The things she does with her tongue—”
“Okay, yeah, yeah. That’s enough imagery for one night,” I interrupt.
He chuckles, cracking his neck from side to side and bumping his shoulder into mine. “Heard you stayed with Effa last night. How’d that go?”
“Nothing like what you’re thinking. We just talked. Completely innocent.”
He looks at me and raises his brow. “Hmm… you didn’t make a move? You gay or something?”
Shaking my head, I check over the timing switches one more time. “Nope, we have an understanding.”
He chuckles and reaches down between my legs grabbing my cock through my pants firmly with his hand. I swat his hand away as I stare at him, my eyes wide in disbelief while his bellowing laughter fills the back of stage area.
“Easy, tiger… I just wanted to check you still had your cock and balls. Like they hadn’t shriveled up and fallen off or something.”
I push his shoulder while he continues to chuckle. “Fuck you! And for your information, my cock and balls are just fine. We’re taking it slow.”
He lets out a loud snort like he’s having trouble believing my words and shakes his head. “Effa? Going slow? What the hell world have I stepped into? You must be a special kind of ass. Either that or she’s repulsed by you, and doesn’t want to hurt your pussy feelings.”
I tilt my head. “She’s worried if we fuck things up then I’ll leave the tour. They don’t want to risk me bailing on them. What they don’t get is I’m a professional and will always see my contract out.”
He stops laughing, and his face takes on a serious look. “Wow! She’s actually thinking logically. If she’s talking like that, then she does like you for more than just your cock. Fuck, Mercs. You’re the first guy... no, the only guy, to take Effa’s eye emotionally that I’ve seen in the two years I’ve been with them. Everyone else has just been a matter of convenience.”
I’m not sure why that means so much to me, but it does. I like that I’m the only guy to have caught her attention.
“Fuck man, you’re smiling like a Cheshire cat. Anyone would think you like her, too?” he says more like a question than a statement.
“I do, man, I do. She might be a little weird with her hippy shit, but she’s cool, and I appreciate how attuned she is to everything. She cares about things more than most people, and I like… her. She’s pretty fucking incredible. I’m looking forward to getting to know her more.”
Tank grips my shoulder. “Well, just know that I’m all for you two bumping uglies and making the sweet love. But… if you hurt her, I’ll be the first to smack you out. Fair warning and all.”
“It’s early days, very early, so don’t go popping champagne bottles or planning anything just yet. But I don’t intend on letting her down. We’re nothing official, just hanging out.”
He closes his eyes with a wide smile and raises his hands like he’s feeling the air for energy or something weird. “I feel happiness in
your future. A wedding fit for a rock star… and babies, lots of babies,” he jests in a voice you hear when people try to tell ghost stories.
I punch his hands away. “You’re a fucking idiot.”
“Hey, don’t knock it. That’s what Effa does, right? Feels the energy around people and shit. I was just tapping into that or… some crap.”
I stifle a laugh and look to my left to see the girls being escorted to the stage. Jumping from the rock, I move forward hitting the right buttons to set the lighting into action, initiating the first sequence. The lights dim, and the crowd erupts into a fit of cheering and applause.
I watch Effa who’s in a different outfit to her usual leather dress and thigh high boots. Tonight she’s wearing a long flowing summer dress, and she mustn’t be wearing heels because she seems shorter than usual. She looks stunning. Her hair is down, flowing around her face in long smooth blonde waves, and circling her head is a white floral headband. She seems very in tune with her surroundings and less the rock chick vibe she usually portrays.
She looks beautiful.
The other girls have changed up their usual attire too, going for more casual wear.
They arrive at the back of stage, and I watch Effa as her tiny frame takes the stairs one by one. They’re off to the rear, so the crowd can’t quite see them properly yet. But as if to feel me watching her, she turns and looks right at me. When her eyes meet mine, it’s like a pulse of energy slams through the air around me, and my heartbeat quickens. She smiles giving me a quick wink before she turns and continues to walk up the stairs followed by the rest of the girls. It’s amazing how one look from her and I feel like a fucking schoolboy. I know I have an effect on her, but fuck if she doesn’t affect me just as much.
She makes my pulse race.
“Fuck me! You should see how far your tongue is hanging out of your mouth right now, brother,” Tank teases, bringing me back into the now as I look to him while he fiddles with the lighting cues.
