Savaged Dreams: Savaged Illusions Trilogy Book 1

by Jennifer Lyon

  On the other side of the wall, she was working on one of her books. She always wrote before she went to sleep. Said it helped her keep her mind from the dark places.

  He wanted to give her something and reached for his guitar propped by the bed. He went through the opening riff, then launched into the song “Expired Hero.”

  The one about his dad.

  Seconds after his last notes died off, his cell phone vibrated on his nightstand. Picking it up, he read a series of texts from Beth.

  That’s ‘Expired Hero’?

  It’s giving me chills.

  Powerful and poignant.

  Oh, Justice…perfect.

  Again?

  Her words on the screen meant so much to him. He could feel her emotional sincerity in every single letter of the texts. How could he feel this close to a woman with the wall between them? Riding a wave of happiness, he teased her back with, You want to hear it again?

  Yes.

  Grinning, he typed out, Nope. You have to earn it.

  Are you hitting on me, Rock Rooster?

  He roared with laughter, the sound echoing in his bedroom. That was his smart-mouthed girl. From the other side of the wall, he heard her giggles. He called out to her, “Quit thinking about my dick, little bunny.” Two could play this nickname game.

  “Bunny?” she asked.

  “’Cause, you know, you panic, run and hide like a rabbit. Finish your damn book.” What would she do? Justice waited, his phone quiet, the room quiet. Finally his cell screen flashed a new text.

  Check your email. P.S. It’s a scientific fact that bunnies are always horny. Deal with it.

  His fingers flew over the keyboard, Horny bunny, this rooster has just the cock for you. He hit send and switched to his email, and his breath caught when he realized what she’d sent him.

  Pages of her book to read.

  She was sharing a piece of her secret world.

  * * *

  Backstage at the Sandcastle Concert, Justice couldn’t stand still as his adrenaline pulsed and pounded. Jagged Sin was on stage now, screaming a rendition of the cover songs they’d been assigned for this concert. Ace’s too-rough voice had Justice looking up at the monitor.

  The lead singer sported sunglasses, mottled skin and gave an anemic performance. Justice shook his head. “Partying much, loser?”

  “Had a convo with Ace and Mick when they stumbled in earlier,” River said. “They were late for the signing, and their little publicist was trying to get them there. Ace grabbed her arm, told her to get the fuck out of his face and shoved her back.”

  Oh hell. River had a short fuse when he saw a woman being harassed. No telling what he’d done in reaction to Ace shoving Nikki. Although if Justice had seen that, he’d probably have punched first and remembered the consequences later. They were only two days away from the next elimination show and just over a week from the finale. They had to stay out of trouble. The stakes were too high for this crap.

  Justice said, “You obviously weren’t arrested since you’re standing here.”

  “Didn’t have a chance. Liza was with me, and she jumped in. And, dude, she was pissed. She got in Ace’s face and told him if he laid a finger on Nikki again, she’d take pictures and post them everywhere. Then she’d superglue the same pictures all over his ugly-ass truck so everyone would know an asshole drove it.”

  Hot streaks of protective anger hit his chest. “Did he touch her?” His voice had dropped to icy menace. He spotted Liza bent over her laptop, her camera at her feet. Lynx sat by her with earphones in and tapping his sticks. Safe, she was safe.

  He needed to know if that bastard had touched her. “What did Ace do?”

  River tilted his head. “Usual. Started yelling that Savaged Illusions is stealing their publicist, he was gonna get us, file a complaint, wipe his ass…dunno. I walked away with the two girls and helped them get set up in the signing booths. Ace shut up in the event, probably ’cause I saw Frank and Colin storming over to Ace and Mick.”

  Ah, the show’s producer and head of security would tell them to calm down. The execs might stir shit up behind the scenes, but they didn’t want fights at a Sandcastle Contest and Concert where families and kids were running around.

  “Might want to keep an eye on Liza, J. Ace won’t come at any of us face-to-face but…” He glanced over at Liza. “I already told Lynx.”

  The band was closing ranks around her. But damn, they’d warned her not to tangle with Ace.

  What did you expect? You saw her last night when that bastard grabbed her, she fought back. He might have teased her about being a bunny who ran and hid, but his girl had a fierce and protective side. “Thanks, man.”

  River strode over and grabbed a water bottle off the table filled with drinks.

  Onstage, the show’s host called out, “Ladies and gentlemen, Jagged Sin!”

  Realizing Jagged Sin would be exiting the stage in a few seconds, Justice jogged across the backstage and stood in front of Liza.

  When the band straggled by, Ace glared at him.

  “Problem?” He knew that Liza telling Ace off would stick in the man’s craw. He didn’t even bother keeping the mocking grin off his face.

  “Keep that bitch away from me and my publicist.” He stomped off, all of the Jagged Sin band going to another corner. Nikki rushed up, passing out towels and drinks, like she was their assistant, not a publicist.

  “River has a big mouth.” Liza set her computer aside and stood to face him. “And don’t start. He shoved Nikki. I know you told me to stay away from him, but—”

  He held up his hands in surrender. “I didn’t say a word.”

  “You were going to.” Her expression was pure stubbornness. “I’d do it again.”

  “Yeah, I figured that out. I’m not trying to stop you, I just want you to be safe.” His gaze shifted to the monitor, watching as Fury Run owned the damn stage. Those women knew how to rock, and they were killing it with their cover—a song by Heart. His edginess ramped up, his muscles twitching to get out there and perform.

  “If I’d been alone, I’d have gotten help. But you said River trained with you and your fighter friend.”

  Eyes on the monitor, he answered, “He does. You’re safe with him.” Jagged Sin was a dangerous irritation, but Fury Run? They were the real competition.

  “Nervous?” Liza’s hand settled on his arm. “I can feel the energy radiating off you.”

  Tearing his concentration from the monitor, he gazed at her. She’d braided her hair today to keep it out of her way and wore a pretty green-and-white sundress. She’d started the day with a sweater over it, but she’d soon shed it beneath the warm sunshine and her growing confidence. The sight of her, the feel of her hand on his arm, and her scent eased some of the wildness in him. But it did nothing to dial back his protectiveness. However, he didn’t want to harp on her tangling with Ace right now, especially since she’d made a good point, she really was safe with River.

  “Not nervous, it’s my adrenaline.” He held out his hands. Both of them trembled slightly. “I’m always like this before I perform—amped up and wanting to be out there on stage.”

  “Ah, there’s my rock-star rooster, demanding his turn at being the center of attention.”

  How did she make him grin like this? “Hell yeah. And later tonight, all my focus will be on you.”

  Challenge gleamed in her eyes. “Think so?”

  “Know so.” She’d agreed last night they were all in, and that meant she was his to take care of. That thought switched him to his overriding concern today about side effects from the morning-after pill. She seemed okay, but she could have nausea, cramps, or various other symptoms. The doctor wanted her to make a second appointment for the birth control shot, and Justice agreed. She was stressing her body enough, and he could damn well use a condom and a little care until then. Peering closer, he asked, “You feeling okay?”

  “Fine, same as the last eight times you asked tod
ay.”

  “Keep it that way. But if you’re tired, we’ll eat something and kick back tonight.” Much as he wanted her naked and begging, he also liked just sharing time with her, even through the wall late at night. “If you give me more of your book to read, I might be able to keep my hands off you.” She’d only sent him one chapter last night. He wanted more.

  “Not subtle, Cade. Also, I like your hands on me.”

  Damn right she did, but her words stoked up his pre-show frenzy until he bounced on the balls of his feet, needing a release. Either he got on that stage, or he picked up his girl and found them a private spot. “Don’t torture me right now. I’m—”

  “Okay, listen up, Savaged Illusions,” Frank cut in.

  Justice shut his mouth as she dropped her hand from his arm.

  The other four band members closed in around them.

  Frank went on, “I need you guys ready. Fury Run exits the stage on the left. You go on from the right after the intro. Remember, we’re filming this to use for promo clips, so hit your marks.” He turned to Liza. “You can stay at the curtain. Take pictures or whatever you do.”

  Justice’s heart pounded as he slid in his earpiece, let the crew check his mic pack, then he picked up his guitar. The guys gathered at the curtain and fist bumped.

  “Let’s do this,” Lynx said.

  Gray took a breath, turned and ran out on stage first, followed by River, Lynx and Simon.

  “And the front man of Savaged Illusions,” their host shouted, “Justice Cade.”

  Excitement exploded in his veins. Hyped up, he kissed Liza, then jogged out and effortlessly hit his mark. Throwing out both arms, careful holding the neck of his guitar in his right hand, he shouted, “Hello, San Diego! How’s it hanging?”

  The crowd roared back, and the connection went live, that moment when he knew the band and the audience were gelling. This was the magic he lived for. They launched into their first song.

  Twenty minutes later, Justice was pouring sweat when he ran off stage to thunderous applause and screams.

  “Fucking awesome.” Simon high-fived him.

  “Sick show,” Lynx added.

  Justice cracked a seal on a water and drank it down, when Liza caught his attention. She was huddled over her computer. Everyone was hovering backstage, waiting for the last call when they all would go onstage together before the concert closed. Liza was probably just taking a minute to upload some shots she’d taken during their set.

  Except that she was twisting and fiddling with her watch. She did that when she was anxious.

  “Ninety seconds,” Frank yelled out.

  Justice nodded, then started toward Liza.

  Simon put a hand on his shoulder. “Dude, you heard him.”

  “Need a sec.” He shrugged off the man’s hand and walked up to Liza. “What’s wrong?”

  Startled, Beth slapped her hand on her laptop, closing it.

  He didn’t think, just reacted, catching the top before it fully shut. “Beth?”

  “You have to go back on.”

  “Talk fast.” Something was definitely worrying her.

  Sighing, she lifted the lid and turned the computer enough for him to view the screen. “It’s posted around the web.”

  He shifted his gaze to the image blazed onto the screen. Oh hell. It was him shirtless with his tats gleaming and his eyes furious. A smaller picture was set into the bottom right-hand corner. It was Liza—her blue top wet and plastered to her boobs. Caption read, Justice Cade gives drunk girl his shirt.

  “Oh shit.” Rage roared into him. It was bad enough he’d pulled her into that online interview, but now this picture was out there too. More exposure meant more chances for someone to discover Liza’s past, or her family to see her and be mad.

  “Thirty seconds.”

  Aware of his time limit, he crouched and studied the image on the screen. “They don’t say your name, Liza. The picture of you is small and blurry. No one will recognize you.” Hopefully.

  “I guess. The interview is probably more risky. But I’m still worried. This just looks bad.”

  “Justice,” Simon called out.

  “Try not to worry. It’ll be okay as long as we don’t call more attention to it.” He didn’t have time to reassure her more than that. “I have to go onstage, but we’ll talk more later. Just don’t panic.”

  Her lips tightened. “I won’t. Go.”

  For one second, he stared at her. She wouldn’t pull away again, would she? “Beth—”

  She shut the machine and snagged her camera. “All in. Now go.”

  That relieved him. “All in,” he answered her. Out of time, he turned and jogged back.

  But damn it, he had to protect her better. Last night, he’d turned his attention to the fans and lost sight of Liza. Hadn’t taken care of her.

  He didn’t care how committed she was right now, he knew the score. If he screwed up enough, he’d lose her.

  Chapter 13

  Two days later, Liza was running on adrenaline and nerves. The big night was finally here.

  The second-to-last Court of Rock show.

  As Fury Run exited the stage, Liza flashed her credentials to the security guard and slipped through the door into the auditorium. It was jam-packed with five hundred screaming, pumped up people. The atmosphere was different than all the times she’d been in here during practice. Powerful lights made the stage look bigger, and the three iconic rockers seated behind the judges table added an electrified star power.

  Those judges and all the viewers’ votes she’d been courting with her promo would decide which band went home tonight. The other two bands would battle it out for the win in next week’s show.

  Savaged Illusions had to survive the elimination and go on to the finale.

  The show host introduced the second band of the night, Savaged Illusions.

  Liza’s heart jumped into her throat as the crowd erupted in near hysteria. Women screamed, “Justice! Justice!”

  Gray, Lynx, River and Simon jogged out, whipping up the enthusiasm. Gray waved and sat at his keyboard. River blew kisses, making the girls scream, Lynx did his usual devil-horn gesture, then rapped out a beat on his drums, while Simon grabbed the mic and asked, “Who are we missing?”

  “Justice!” the crowd shouted back in a frenzy.

  That was her rooster going for maximum impact. She raised her camera to be ready.

  Justice burst out of the wings, his hair flying, wearing a leather bomber jacket over a dark T-shirt and black jeans. With the lights blaring down on him, he looked fierce and bigger than life. “How’s everyone feeling tonight? Are you ready to rock?”

  At the deafening response, Justice laughed, then stripped off his jacket and tossed it aside. The lights caught his bronzed, ripped arms and gleaming tattoos. “Let’s do this!” He counted them into the first song.

  She couldn’t take her eyes off him as he sang. Up on stage, he seemed older, more intense and so raw. He held nothing back, and everyone in the crowd responded. His voice gravelled out low and sexy.

  Liza squeezed her thighs together, surprised at the shaft of heated desire suffusing her. Even his voice made her wet and ready. Probably like every other woman in the audience. But the difference was Liza would be the one in Justice’s bed tonight.

  Get back to work. Right. After snapping the shots she needed, Liza slipped through the door to the backstage area and paused for a second. The intensity dimmed, but even here, crew milled around, and pieces of set changes were stacked on one end. Frank stared at the monitor while talking into his headset—she assumed to the camera guys or the control room. She didn’t know. This whole world of rock mixed with reality T.V. was surreal and awesome. She loved being a part of it. Even with the risks, like that picture of her and Justice she’d found while at the Sandcastle Contest and Concert.

  She’d been holding her breath, waiting for something to come of it. But Justice was right, it faded away. Too many other thin
gs happened. Some chick claimed Wendy from Fury Run was coming on to her man when the girls were out Saturday night, and threw a drink on the lead singer. It’d taken a couple of her bandmates to hold her back, and the pictures hit social media.

  Mick from Jagged Sin had gotten into a fender bender, mouthed off to the cop that responded and got a ride to the police station. Charges weren’t filed, but there were pics of him in handcuffs.

  Someone bumped into her. “Sorry, Liza,” one of the makeup guys said. “You okay?”

  “Just taking a second, you know?”

  “First show’s a rush, yeah?”

  “Amazing. But I’d better get back to work. See you.” She hustled to the greenroom where she, Nikki and Karl were all working feverishly to solicit votes for their respective bands. She skirted around Nikki and took her spot on the couch in front of her laptop.

  “Nikki, if you’re going to pace like a caged animal, can you toss me a water?” Karl asked.

  The girl scooped up a bottle and lobbed it. “I tried to get some pictures of the guys getting ready, but Ace was…”

  Liza eyed Nikki, but she didn’t look hurt. “What? Did he touch you?” Liza was pretty sure Ace had gotten his ass chewed by the brass for grabbing and shoving Nikki. She’d been called in to describe what she saw and was admonished to keep it quiet as it had been handled. She didn’t like that, but since Nikki assured her it was fine, she went along with it.

  “No. But he got clearance to bring in his own hair chick, and she was—no lie—giving him a blow job.”

  Liza recoiled. “Ewww.” She didn’t need that image of Ace in her head. Justice was a whole different matter, but not something she should be thinking about right now.

  “Should have gotten a picture,” Karl blurted out while typing on his laptop.

  She and Nikki rolled their eyes at the same time.

  Liza split her time between engaging on social media, with constant reminders of the number to call or text in the vote, and stealing glances at Justice and the band on the monitor. Once they left the stage, she only had twenty minutes to coax out more votes.