Twisted Rhythm: A Dark Rockstar Romance (Twisted Rhythm Series Book 1)

by Lexxi Chase

  Lucifer’s seduction, an orgasmic nightmare

  Devil’s destruction, reclaim what he stole...

  And as Jake fiercely, valiantly, sang his heart out, a crucified, risen, victorious messiah, his hybrid band cleansed and purified, they shared, along with the audience, his scorching pain and betrayal and reveled in his radical, unadulterated revenge. Illuminated by golden and green spotlights and relentlessly flickering strobes, Jake melted and transformed into a holy, sensual, licentious warrior, poised for retribution, ripe for uninhibited, brutal, continuing revenge.

  Jake concluded the song with one last piercing, gut wrenching scream, lowered his head and didn’t raise it until the lights went down for a quick break between songs. Raking back his sweat-soaked hair from his eyes and face, he fiercely ran his fingers through it, sending it cascading sensuously down his shoulders, back and across his tattooed, muscular arms. I’m beyond pissed, he brooded, way beyond anger and shock and pain. But Zack and Amanda and Wade temporarily faded into the distance of his reflections as he struggled to focus through his rage and boiling jealousy. Noticing Chris staring at him intently, he smirked, gave him an encouraging nod and spun to face the boisterous crowd.

  “Not bad, huh?” he laughed. “Takes more than one backstabbin’ self-righteous sleazy asshole to destroy Steel Demon and fuck me over...”

  The crowd roared.

  “In fact,” he continued, smirking, “It takes more than two loser douchebags or even three.”

  Then, nodding to the band to begin playing, he put on what many proclaimed, one of the best shows of his entire career. Fueled by overpowering anger and hatred and insatiable hunger for revenge, and infused by the collective raw power of the crowd, Jake became an undefeatable self-serving mercenary, an onstage immortalized outlaw, a predatory hunter once off. But Wade didn’t see all of it, didn’t watch YouTube’s series of videos that long. He watched up until Jake’s comments following Devil’s Destruction and then angrily swiped off his phone.

  What the hell am I doing here, he thought bitterly, and considered texting Jesse but it was already past 2 a.m. Aside from sparing himself a fresh tide of suffocating I told you so’s, he realized he already knew exactly what Jesse would say. Did you really think you were the only pawn in Amanda’s game? Get in line for the ride, bad boy. And Jesse’s favorite, get the hell outa Dodge.

  How the hell can I leave now, Wade agonized, slumping back on the couch and anxiously covering his face with his hands. I’ll look like a cowering dog that’s scared shitless, running for the hills from Hurricane Jake. Fuck, he sighed, snickering, at least Jake told the world I got more balls than Zack. Which isn’t difficult, he readily admitted to himself.

  “You still up?”

  Tyler was surprised. He’d just come from the kitchen with a sandwich in his hand.

  “Yup. Couldn’t sleep worth a shit but wish I’d stayed in bed.”

  Tyler furrowed his brow.

  “Heard about Zack?” Wade asked, and tossed Tyler his phone when he shook his head.

  “Links were all over my Facebook. Just google Jake Steel. Tonight’s bullshit is right at the top.”

  Tyler watched Zack’s humiliating demise and ensuing dramatic events morosely, wistfully leaving his salami sandwich untouched. He handed Wade back his phone without saying a word.

  “Look Tyler,” Wade said, “I know ya really don’t like me but we got no choice now. We really gotta be here for Amanda. I don’t think by a longshot Jake’s done exacting revenge.”

  “We gotta be here for Amanda?” Tyler scowled.

  “Yeah pal,” Wade huffed, his muscles suddenly tensing, his nerves sizzling like oil on white hot iron. “We, meaning you, me, Rachel and Katelyn. But especially us ‘cause I doubt the girls can fight worth shit.”

  Tyler thought of his gun packed securely upstairs in his suitcase and silently noted Jake might be facing more than he bargained for. Much more than Wade’s primitive ineffectual defense plan. He stood suddenly, grabbing his sandwich to toss in the garbage in the kitchen.

  “Sweet dreams,” he grumbled as he ambled from the room.

  ***

  They were all outside on the spacious red cedar deck bordering most of the east side of the mansion, preparing to dig into a mouthwatering barbeque dinner. Alone with Amanda for a few moments, Wade resolutely sat down beside her and confronted her about Zack.

  “I assume ya heard ‘bout what happened to your other boy toy?” he snickered. “None ‘a my business Amanda but of all people, Zack?”

  She sighed heavily and looked straight at him, her gaze and determination literally locking his eyes onto her. Home from the hospital for just a few hours, tired and in pain only partially alleviated by her meds, she somehow managed to still look radiant and fantastic. Wade’s swirling misgivings melted away and his trepidations were no match for her charms.

  “God Wade,” she groaned, “you’re startin’ to sound a lot like Jake.”

  That might not be a bad thing, Wade admitted inwardly. Jake’s perfected the routine on how to seduce, master and control women.

  But there was only one woman Wade wanted dominion over. But knowing he’d most likely never have it, he gazed back at Amanda defiantly and said, “I’m fuckin’ serious. What the hell were ya thinkin’? Screwin’ someone in Steel Demon isn’t exactly the way to Jake’s heart.” He lowered his eyes briefly, then leaned close to her protectively and said, “Ya got some kinda death wish? Jake’s gonna come for ya now...and not the way ya want.”

  “I wasn’t really gonna sleep with Zack!” Amanda huffed, despite her inner uncertainties. She silently wondered just how far she would’ve taken it, how much more torture she could’ve endured if Zack hadn’t panicked like a schoolboy and ended their aberrant tryst.

  Wade stared at her dejectedly, wearily, and said nothing. He leaned away, shaking his head, and brushed his long wild bangs from his intense, restless eyes. Despite his best efforts to remain aloof and stoic, he reeked of anger and jealousy and flagrant condemnation.

  “Honestly,” Amanda leaned closer in towards him, “No way was I ever, could I ever, be into Zack. I couldn’t have gone through with it.” She paused awkwardly, looked hesitantly at the ground and then back up innocently at Wade. “It was...it was different, you know, when I was with you.”

  Wade relaxed and smiled haughtily. His luscious long black and blonde hair fell seductively into his eyes as he leaned forward once again. So close Amanda felt his stirred, hot breath in her face. She heated as he placed his hand firmly on her thigh.

  “Whatever we had between us, maybe still have in some way, really isn’t the point though, is it?” he said. “You didn’t invite me here for that.”

  Unnerved and shaken by Wade’s compelling touch only inches from between her legs, Amanda squirmed restlessly. Why the hell do I have to feel anything and why the hell does it feel so goddamn good, she agonized. She leaned carelessly into him until their foreheads touched and earnestly grabbed his wrist.

  Fighting the sudden powerful urge to slide his hand down closer, to push it right onto her moistening pussy, she took a deep shuddering breath and gasped, “I’ll always, always have feelings for you Wade. You know that. But right now...”

  “Right now it’s all about Jake,” he finished for her.

  The startling clatter of silverware tossed angrily onto the table nearby made them jump and they straightened up and glared sharply at Tyler.

  “Steaks are done,” he announced and sauntered away.

  “He fuckin’ hates me,” Wade sneered.

  “Yeah well,” Amanda laughed, “he seems to hate just about everybody these days.”

  Despite Tyler’s obvious disdain and animosity for not only Wade but Rachel too, they all sat down hungrily for dinner, making pleasant small talk as they passed the food around.

  “So you got us rooms tomorrow at the Luxor?” Rachel asked Amanda as she spooned steamed corn and carrots onto her plate.

  “Of
course,” Amanda smiled. “A fantastic suite for you and another one for Wade. I know how to treat my guests.”

  “No doubt,” Tyler muttered, picturing Amanda entangled feverishly in Wade’s arms.

  She glared at him sharply but his petty slight was dismissed by everyone at the table as they settled in to enjoy their meal. Even Katelyn seems to be having a good time, Amanda mused as she struggled against her own demons, her repeated thoughts and visions of Jake. She’d called and texted him immediately upon leaving the hospital but, unsurprisingly, he hadn’t answered. Right after supper, as soon as I get some time alone, she told herself, I’ll call him again or text him. I’ll make him listen if it kills me about what happened with Zack.

  “You don’t think the tigers are still freaked out after yesterday?” Rachel asked her. “They gonna be all right to perform?”

  “Oh sure,” Amanda re-centered her focus. “They’re bomb proof. Nothin’ really fazes them. I always got ‘em under control.”

  Looking up at Rachel, she was astonished to see her sister’s face had gone white.

  “No really, Rachel. You don’t have to worry...”

  She suddenly noticed that Wade had laid down his cutlery and was sitting rigid and tense in his seat, and that Tyler’s face had almost literally turned to stone. Sitting beside her, Katelyn elbowed her gently, and after turning towards her, Amanda slowly followed her gaze.

  Jake strolled leisurely on the deck towards them, inexplicably his snakeskin and black leather cowboy boots barely scraping or making a sound. Jesus, she marveled, he actually fucking came. She stood, her legs shaky and heavy beneath her, and reveled in his magnetic, fluid movements. She realized with a start that looking at Jake is always like seeing him for the very first time.

  His long brown hair was down, no ponytail or bandana this time. Sensing the paralyzing stare behind his Lugano sunglasses, she quickly lowered her eyes and was transfixed by his faded skintight jeans. Unravelling tears snaked dangerously up his thighs hinting boldly of the heaven and salvation within.

  “Ya got a habit ‘a partyin’ without me,” he rasped as he arrived at their table.

  Resting his sunglasses on top of his head, he fixed cold, murderous eyes on Wade. Seemingly unconcerned, Wade glared back at him, but inside his mind was racing. D-Day. Jesse’s words rang in his ears. This was no game, no mere mocking Facebook post to boost his ego, not merely an innocuous test to determine whose grit and bravery Amanda liked best.

  But I’ve known all along, he told himself, and glanced at Amanda standing enamored and beaming beside Jake. Her lecherous conqueror had arrived. Hands down, no dual or contest necessary. Jake was Amanda’s feral, carnal dark knight. I should have ramped up my fighting skills, Wade mused, but remained stoic and motionless in his seat and didn’t say a word.

  “I’m here motherfucker,” Jake sneered, his voice cool, his deep green eyes blazing. “What’s the problem, asshole? No fuckin’ balls to back up your hype?”

  Wade stood. And with Rachel gasping beside him, yanked back his chair and stepped aside.

  “Glad ya made it. No time like the present to settle our score.”

  “No!” Amanda screamed. “Guys please, don’t. I started this stupid shit but there’s nothin’ to fight over, no prize to win. Jake, Wade already knows where my heart is. Let’s stop this shit before things get outa control.”

  “Really Amanda?” Jake laughed bitterly. “You’re the last one to talk about control. If ya woulda learned how to keep your stinkin’ legs shut this raving idiot here wouldn’t ‘a mistaken his wet dick for some real manhood and posted his slanderous crap and ridiculous deluded challenges all over the net.”

  “Shut the fuck up,” Wade said coolly. He moved farther from the table. “Ya wanna go asshole, we’ll go.”

  Jake tossed his sunglasses on the table.

  “Let’s rock,” he said.

  “No!” Amanda screamed frantically and grabbed Jake’s arm.

  “Let go ‘a me you stupid cunt,” he sneered, gripping her wrist so tightly she winced and shrieked in pain.

  Before anyone, including Jake, saw it coming, Wade leapt across the table and punched him squarely in the face. Amanda crashed to the ground as Jake threw her before wrapping his hands around Wade’s throat. Tightening his grip even as Wade pummeled him, he wrestled him, kicking and struggling, roughly to the ground. Barely aware of his opponent’s stinging punches, the girls shrieking or the numerous paparazzi drones suddenly circling lower in the air, Jake set out to finish what Wade started. Vengeance never felt so good.

  “Lowlife fuckin’ cocksucker!” he raged, releasing his right hand from Wade’s throat and smashing him, over and over and over, in the face. “Wanna fuck my girlfriend?!” he screamed. “Think ya can call me out, ya piece ‘a shit!”

  Jake’s punches continued, long after Wade flailed his arms in surrender, gurgling through his own blood for breath that eluded him and precious air. Finally, Jake stood angrily, raking his tangled and bloodied hair from his face, booting Wade in the side half a dozen times for good measure and then spitting righteously in his face.

  “So much for your backwoods bodyguard,” he sneered, turning to Amanda.

  She stood trembling by the table, gasping and crying, flanked by her sniveling sister and Katelyn. Jesus, Amanda thought, he called me his girlfriend. Even in her distress and horror, it was all she could think. Watching Wade struggling to his feet weakly, she sighed and looked pleadingly at Jake.

  “Can we stop this shit?” she asked him.

  “For now,” he snickered and looked around for a place to sit.

  “Tyler, grab a chair for Jake,” Amanda asked.

  But Tyler remained seated, excuseless, leaning back defiantly in his seat.

  “Tyler!” she hissed, but Katelyn was on it.

  She rushed to the side of the deck and hurried back, quickly sliding a dining chair in place.

  “Here,” she offered apologetically. “I’ll straighten up the table and grab you guys some wet towels. There’s more food and I’ll get another plate.”

  Jake glared at Wade as he made his way to his seat across the table.

  “We’re not done motherfucker,” he sneered.

  “Not by a longshot.”

  Wade slid bitterly into his seat.

  Casually wiping blood from his mouth and knuckles with the wet towel Katelyn handed him - Wade’s blood and his own - Jake eased himself into his chair. And glared at Wade again before sourly eyeing Tyler. What the fuck’s his problem, he thought. Ignorant, jealous asshole. But resolved to bide his time before also putting Tyler in his place. His resolution, however, became more difficult to keep as Tyler started up conversation.

  “I’m surprised you made it,” he snickered, “Thought you’d be busy auditioning a permanent replacement for Zack.”

  Rachel gasped, clamping a hand over her mouth and even Wade shifted uneasily in his seat. Yeah Tyler, go for it, you stupid moron, Wade thought but said nothing. Amanda, seething with anger, squirmed restlessly in her chair. But Jake, proving he was subdued and calm and restrained when he wanted to be, merely laughed, deftly stabbing a steak on the serving dish and tossing it carelessly onto his plate.

  “Yeah well,” he smirked, “Chris is doin’ all right. Should be OK for rest ‘a the tour. Zack won’t be too hard to replace. He was pretty expendable all along.”

  An uneasy quiet enveloped the table, with everyone except Jake and Tyler reluctant to speak.

  “But ya should easily understand that Tyler. Ya know all ‘bout what it’s like to be just another expendable guy,” Jake quipped.

  Tyler threw his fork angrily and leaned back, about to stand, when Jake shifted his attention to Wade.

  “Sorry to break it to ya buddy. Guess Amanda never bothered tellin’ ya, Tyler got into her too.”

  Tyler jumped to his feet and with Rachel screaming, Amanda lost control.

  “Stop!” she yelled. “Sit down Tyler. Everyone, enough
‘a this shit. I gotta open my show tomorrow and if no one fuckin’ minds, I’d like to stay calm and stay alive.”

  She told Wade, “Tyler and I dated casually a long time ago. No big fuckin’ deal. No earthshattering monumental event.”

  Jake bristled in his seat, about to stand.

  “Ya feel the need to explain shit to this overzealous moron?” he sneered. “I missin’ somethin’ here?”

  “No,” Amanda gasped. “I don’t owe anyone an explanation. Not even you. You know it was before we met.”

  Jake laughed bitterly.

  “Yeah right,” he said. “So many men in ‘n outa your pretty pussy, guess I’m mixin’ up the order, it’s so hard to keep track.”

  “Shut the fuck up!” Wade grumbled and stood.

  He leaned menacingly over the table.

  “Oh yeah, pal?” Jake smirked. “Didn’t learn your lesson the first time? Ya mean fuck all to Amanda and I sure as fuck ain’t gonna take orders from you.”

  He stood too.

  “Nice friends ya got here Amanda,” he leered. All we need now is Zack.”

  “Stop...” she stood but he continued.

  “Shoulda brought Misty to even things out.”

  It was a vicious kick in the gut. Evil, arrogant malicious bastard, she fumed, and it took everything she had not to slap him across the face. She glared at him furiously, even as the series of decadent videos he sent her played crazily in her head. Amused, Jake cocked his head coyly, arching his eyebrow innocently and waiting for her response. Despite the sting of everyone’s eyes on her, she composed herself quickly. Allaying her flood of tears and swallowing hard.

  “No need for either of us to continue wallowing in the gutter,” she said, adjusting her chair and sitting back down.

  Jake remained standing. Looking down at her quizzically. No way is she this calm about this, he thought. No fucking way is she not drowning in agony and pain. Gazing back into his eyes placidly, Amanda later remembered thinking, I’m not giving him the satisfaction. Especially in front of Wade and my sister, I’m not playing his cruel, spiteful game.