by Liz Crowe
I can’t believe what he is saying. He has been tormenting me ever since he met me, not to mention the fact that he wants to tear into me. I take a breath then nod. “I think so too. As long as you can keep your dick in your pants, Grayson, then I’m fine with being your friend.”
“We can be naked friends,” he says with a wicked smile. “Or maybe just you can. I don’t mind,” he shrugs. I kick his boot with my foot. “Okay, okay… I’ll be good. I promise, Wildflower.”
Sitting up, he grabs his acoustic guitar and starts strumming it. “We have a gig tonight. I get to do a cover or two,” he says, as he starts humming along.
“Really?” I ask shocked. “So Hunter isn’t the only vocal?”
He looks at me with a weak smile. “Nope. I can carry a tune if I have a bucket to put it in,” he says sarcastically, making me wince.
“Sorry, not what I meant….it’s just that…” I start but he interrupts me.
“It’s just what, Daisy? You think that all I can do is strum a few chords. Everyone thinks that Shaft is all about Cunter. Especially him. I write all the music and lyrics. Aiden lays the tracks. Fuck, up until we picked up Tad, Aiden and I booked every fuckin’ thing we did. Tad even used our old books as starting blocks for this tour,” he snaps. “Damn. Just like the rest of ‘em.”
Grayson’s accusations piss me off. I am boiling and I don’t know why. All I do know is; I want to know what the hell his problem is. He doesn’t fucking know me but he thinks he knows me well enough to classify me as some groupie whore who doesn’t care which band member she talking to. Grabbing his guitar from his hands, I toss it to the bed then slap him hard across the face. Grayson’s eyes go wide in shock. “Listen to me, you son of a bitch. Last night I didn’t watch a damn thing Hunter did, or Aiden. I could have easily forgotten that Landon was standing with me. Those riffs you played were hypnotic. Everyone in that bar felt that shit! It felt like the guitar was singing the fuckin’ song, not Hunter. So shut the fuck up before you accuse me of being a Shaft groupie bitch again. Believe it or not, I’m not Shaft’s biggest fan, here to fall at your feet,” I spit; then, before I can breathe, he is up shoving me into the back wall of the bus.
Grayson’s hands pinning mine above my head, his body pressed tightly up against mine. My entire body is humming at the closeness, electricity crackling all around us. The feel of his warm body against mine, his erection straining against his jeans, pressing against my stomach it is all too much, making my eyes flutter close involuntarily. This is it, he is going to kiss me right here. Landon could walk in, but I can’t stop it even if I wanted to. “You better watch what you say, Wildflower. I can be friends with you but I can only take so much,” he whispers as he leans in, nuzzling my ear. “I’m so close to breaking my no naked friends rule with you right now. Landon be damned, brother or not, I want you,” he says, grinding against me making me moan. I feel his smile against my neck. “…and I sure as hell know you want me, baby. You can’t deny this shit pulling us together anymore than I can. I’ll tell you this much, if he, for one second, doesn’t make you so fuckin’ happy that you aren’t fixed on him…” He trails his tongue along the shell of my ear, nipping lightly with his teeth. “I’ll take what I want.”
He releases me, adjusting his bulge as he scoops up his guitar. Grayson leaves me in the room alone to wonder what in the hell just happened. How do I plan to make sure it doesn’t happen again? I don’t want it to happen again, right? That would be stupid.
Flopping onto the bed covering my face with my arms, I let out a huge sigh. The bed dips down making me jump up and scream. “Shh,” Landon says sweetly, kissing my lips. “Whatever you said to Gray worked. He’s out there right now practicing with the guys for tonight. Thank you.”
I take his lips, rolling so that I am on top of him. Moving my mouth against his, I straddle his lap and grind against him. “Take me right now, Landon,” I growl against his mouth. “Please.”
Chuckling, he rolls us to our sides. “I won’t take you on a bus with everyone around, Daisy. I can’t do that.”
The rejection stings like a bitch. “What? How is this different from the back room last night, Landon? We aren’t going to be in hotels very much, we have to be resourceful,” I say, sounding more like a spoiled brat, I know, but I am worked up damn it. Regardless of the fact that I’m worked up by the wrong brother, I’m in need of a release.
“Last night shouldn’t have happened like that. You don’t do that to the woman you’re going to marry. That’s groupie sex and we don’t do that Daisy, Aiden is right.” The joke from Aiden hits me square in the gut. Standing to my feet, I grab my laptop off the shelf.
“Fine,” I say, flinging the door open.
“Wait, Daisy, don’t get upset.”
I turn to meet his beautiful blue eyes. “Landon, I’m fine with whatever you want. I’m not the one that will have to hide that,” I say gesturing to his straining zipper. Yeah, Landon’s brain may not want to do this on the bus, but Landon’s second head sees my reasoning. I smile knowing I will win this fight if I hold out. “I’ll just take care of it myself. No biggie,” I shrug, then walk out of the room closing the door behind me.
I pass Tad in the aisle, on my way into the living area. He rolls his eyes then walks back toward the bunks. I secretly wonder what his problem is, although maybe he heard us. Or maybe he is just a determined manager wanting to work. My bet, though, is that he is probably just an asshole. Grayson’s eyes meet mine as he drops a shot glass to the counter. “You want one?” he asks me when I sit my laptop down on the table.
“Hell yeah! It’s a tradition, she has to do a shot or three,” Hunter says, fist pumping the air.
“Yep,” I reply when Hunter hands me the salt shaker. “Line ‘em up.” Licking my salt covered hand, I look at Aiden. “What was that you said before? Fill ‘er up and shut ‘er down?” Aiden nods as I down my shot. The burn slides down my throat then warms my belly. Quickly, I suck on a lemon wedge and gasp for a breath. “Yep, that’s the new motto,” I say, bumping his outstretched fist. Hunter pours another round in the glasses while I officially start my last hoorah.
Chapter Three
Shaft Approved
I lose count after the sixth shot, but I do know that the bottle is empty. Sagging to the couch between Aiden and Gray, I decide that once you down a bottle of tequila with a guy you can call him by his nickname. I know I am drunk when I accidentally ask ‘Cunter’ to pass the lemons. He spits tequila all over the bar, making me fall to the floor, erupting in a fit of giggles. The guys all look at me in shock but laugh along with me anyway.
Aiden flips through the channels on the flat screen, arguing with Gray over what to watch. It’s safe to assume Landon is still sulking in the bedroom, but I really could care less at this point. I want fun and this is what this is right? I’m touring with the next big thing. I am on a tour bus with Shaft, even though my fiancé is being a total dick…. Ha! Shaft, dick…see what I did there? I bury my face in my hands and laugh, making Gray turn his eyes to me.
“What’s so funny, Wildflower?” he asks, pushing the hair away from my face.
“I was thinking that I’m having fun with Shaft even if Landon is being a dick!” I say, doubling over in laughter. Tears streaming down my face as I roll off of the couch and onto the floor still giggling.
“That’s awfully punny,” Hunter laughs from his chair before taking a pull from his beer.
“Yep, sure is hard not to laugh at the Shaft jokes,” Aiden says, as I am now heaving for breath through my laughter.
“I fuckin’ love this chick,” Hunter says laughing.
I lean back against Gray’s leg, catching my breath. “Thanks, not so bad yourself,” I say sweetly. He just winks at me.
“What the hell is wrong with her?” Landon bursts through the aisle while I am wiping my face on my shirt sleeves. Stopping at my feet, Landon pulls me off the floor with a groan. “She’s drunk! What the fuck, Daisy?” h
e says looking around at the guys. “Are you all drunk?”
“That’s a great big positive there, Captain Blue-ball,” Hunter announces. I push away from Landon only to plop between Aiden and Gray on the couch again. Landon’s eyes angrily flit to mine, making me wince. “Oh and you’ll wanna keep your voice down. I mean, if you don’t wanna fuck her on the bus because she’ll be too loud then you should know you two arguing on the bus about it is pretty much the same thing.”
“I say she fakes it any way,” Aiden says, making me elbow him in the ribs. I don’t deny it or come to Landon’s defense and this seems to send him over the edge.
“You four are like children!” Landon snaps then jerks my hand, pulling me to my feet. Tossing me over his shoulder, he nearly falls backward into Hunter, then stomps down the aisle toward our bedroom.
“Put me down, Landon! What the hell is wrong with you?” I scream trying to wiggle free. He tosses me to the bed and slams the door. I jump up to argue which is a big mistake. The room starts to spin as I meet him toe to toe at the edge of the bed.
“What is wrong with YOU? You’re supposed to be helping me keep them in line, not doing shots of tequila with them. Are you trying to ruin everything? Tad is furious!” he shouts, getting in my face.
I slump to the bed burying my head in my hands. “I’m sorry,” I whisper.
Landon paces the small room, his hand diving into his hair. He is so angry with me. I don’t know what to say to calm him down. I didn’t think I was doing anything wrong. Landon doesn’t drink, ever. Maybe that is what he is upset about. I don’t know. I have never seen him so unhinged.
Looking out the window, I notice we have made it to the venue. Landon walks to the door. “Maybe it is best you don’t come to the show tonight, Daisy. I’ll see you later,” he says, leaving the room. I hear muffled voices then the bus door slam. I watch Landon and Tad walk away from the bus and into the building.
Leaning against the wall I slide to the floor, letting the tears fall freely. The door to the bedroom flies open making me jump. I look up to meet angry grey eyes. “Why the fuck did you let him talk you like that?” Gray growls, pulling me into his arms.
“I…I…” Is all I get out before he crushes his lips to mine, I feel his lip ring pressing against my bottom lip. Gray groans into my mouth, his hands sliding under my shirt to meet my bare skin. I should fight him but I don’t have it in me. All the alcohol, mixed with all the emotion, is making my head swim.
Just as quickly Gray pulls back and runs his thumb across my bottom lip. “Never let anyone trample your petals, Wildflower. No one. Don’t let him get away with brushin’ you off.”
“I deserved it,” I say defensively. “I don’t act like this, Gray. I’m supposed to be here for Landon. I was being stupid before. Now Tad is angry with him and it’s all because of me,” I choke out.
Gray gets right up in my face shaking his head. “No one, Daisy,” he repeats. Once I manage to nod he hands me a shirt. “Wear this to the show. Stand on stage left where I can see you. Some fuckin’ body needs to be worried about you.” Then he’s gone.
I pace the length of the room, over and over, trying to figure out what to do. Landon told me not to come to the show tonight. I have a feeling if I do we will just fight again. I don’t know what has come over him in the past few days. He is usually so sweet and relaxed. Now? Now he is wound so tight I think he may snap! I need to give him his space. Let him go do his job without getting in the way. Then I think about Gray and the fact that I really do want to watch the show tonight. I want to hear him sing.
Continuing to pace, I worry the shirt in my hands as I continue debating with myself. Then my mind goes where I don’t want it to…the kiss. Flashbacks of Gray marching in here, taking something he wanted just like he said he would. My body trembles at the memories of his hands on my skin…his mouth on mine.
I am pretty sure I’m losing my mind completely. I should pack my things and leave before something horrible happens. Never in my life have I ever felt so torn over what to do. I can’t think straight enough to fix a sandwich let alone talk this shit out in my head. Having only met Gray yesterday, I hardly know him. I have been with Landon for over a year. I should go right now while I still can. Distance is the only thing that would clear my muddled brain.
Instead, I straighten my hair and dig a black mini-skirt out of my bag. Once I am dressed, I give myself a once over in the mirror, and attempt a half-assed pep-talk. My pink converses match the words on the black halter top and I have to still be half-lit to even contemplate going out in public wearing this stupid thing. I can’t help laughing at the phrase ‘Shaft Approved’ plastered across my chest as I hear a tap on the door.
“Time to take you over, Daisy.”
Turning, I face the giant security guard. “I’m ready, Henry,” I say as he drapes a security tag around my neck.
“This way no one questions you if we get separated,” he says, but I can only nod. “You good to go then? Need anything? Show starts in half an hour.”
Not waiting for my answer, he leads me up the aisle, out the door. The minute my feet hit the pavement, Henry wraps a protective arm around me, blocking me from view. We shuffle through hundreds of people all waiting to get a look at the bands before the show. I don’t get to look around too long before Henry swipes a card key, getting us inside and away from the growing crowd.
Henry leads me down a hallway into a staging room. My eyes go wide as truck tires and my jaw probably hits the floor; Hunter is on a couch with a topless red head on his lap, his face buried in her tits. She moans loudly as she wiggles her ass into his crotch. Does this bitch have no shame? “Maybe after the show. Company’s here,” he says spotting me. Hunter shoves her off his lap, making her stumble in her heels as she fixes her top.
“Boys…” I mumble, walking over to sit on the couch across from Hunter while the redhead is dismissed from the room.
“Love the shirt,” Aiden says with a wink as he unwraps his burger.
“She’s off limits,” Gray growls, walking through the door, flopping down beside me. “She’s gonna be Daisy Cole so she’s a no-go,” he stresses, his glare drifts between them both. “That especially means you, Cunter.”
My eyes meet Gray’s but I can only nod. He is sending me mixed messages. He says he wants to be friends, then kisses me, then says I’m off limits. I don’t get it. Maybe I read more into that kiss when all I should be doing is finding Landon to apologize. It seems the more my buzz fades the more confused I become. One thing is clear, now that the alcohol has nearly left my system. I need to talk to Landon.
“Have you seen Landon?” I blurt making Gray’s smile fade.
“Yep,” Aiden says through a mouthful of burger. “Down the hall with Tad.”
I stand to my feet and head for the door. “Thanks,” I whisper then head down the hallway in search of my fiancé.
Heading further down the hallway, I stop outside of a closed door. Before I can knock the harsh voice makes me freeze. “I told you, Landon. You get her on board with this. I’ve given you enough chances,” Tad snaps.
Oh no they are fighting about me again.
“It’s not that simple with Daisy,” I hear Landon’s hushed tone.
“Either she’s with us on this or she’s fucking gone. End of story. Remember your place, Landon; I hold all the cards here.”
I watch in horror as the door knob starts to move. Oh my God! They are going to see me. They will know that I have been listening. Move Daisy! I’m frozen in my spot. I couldn’t make my feet move if the building was on fire.
A hand covers my mouth, muffling my gasp as my feet leave the ground. “Sshhh Wildflower,” Gray whispers against my ear as we duck around the corner.
We watch Tad and Landon step out into the hall. Tad glances around before turning to Landon, pinning him with a glare. “You want her to stay then get the shit done,” he bites out before they go in separate directions, leaving Gray and I stand
ing out of view.
“What the hell was that about?” Gray asks sagging back against the wall.
“I’m a problem,” I whisper, as a tear rolls down my cheek. “I need to go before I get Landon fired.”
“The fuck if you are,” he roars, turning me in his arms to meet his eyes. He opens his mouth to say something else then shakes his head. “Show is starting. We’re openin’ for No Approval Needed. When we’re done I’m goin’ to feed you. Then we will talk to Landon and figure this shit out.” Gently, Grayson pushes the hair off my shoulder before walking away.
By the time I take a minute in the bathroom and head back up to the staging room, Henry is standing there waiting for me. “Ready?” He takes my arm, leading me through the stage doors. Picking me up, he plops me on a stool and pats my shoulder. “Better than front row, Daisy girl.” I can’t help but smile when he grins at me. Then, without a word, he walks over and leans against the wall. Crossing his arms over his chest, he fixes his eyes on the stage, going into his badass mode.
The stage lights dim as I watch Hunter and Aiden come into view. Aiden takes his place at the drums, immediately beginning to pound out the beat. He is one with his kit, his sticks just extensions of his fingers as the intensity pours off of him in waves. I watch the tattoos ripple across his chest as he slams his foot down on the bass pedal, keeping time. His sticks moving almost effortlessly as he sinks his teeth into his bottom lip in deep concentration.
Hunter’s bass kicks in with his brother’s beats seamlessly. It’s amazing being this close. I can see everything as it changes, every movement, every facial expression… They communicate without words. The music does all the talking for them as Gray’s guitar cries out. The crowd goes wild as he walks out joining the guys. I scream out too making Henry chuckle behind me.
