Torrid Love: Friends to Lovers Romance (Bad Boy Studs Book 1)

by Scarlett Avery

“I want you between your brothers,” she tells him.

  He arches an eyebrow.

  “Don’t pretend you don’t know what’s about to happen. We need to talk and God knows how you’ll react.”

  “You knew?” Rod asks, his gaze shifting to mine.

  I look away.

  “I did, which is why I think I might need Rory and Roark’s help,” she explains.

  “You think I’d hurt her?” Rod asks, visibly insulted.

  “Don’t be ridiculous, Rod,” she snaps. “I’m afraid you might be tempted to track down Gideon and end his life. Not that I condone killing another human being, but I surely would understand. Trust me, the thought had crossed my mind dozens of times after Dom’s attack. And again after you called Rory last night. Gideon Wilding shouldn’t be allowed to walk this earth, but I’m not God and neither are you.”

  A shiver runs across my body.

  Her words are frightening and touching at the same time.

  “Just sit down,” Rory sighs, placing his hand on Rod’s shoulder.

  He does, reluctantly.

  “Let’s eat,” Isobel says.

  I still feel Rod’s stare on me.

  I’m not courageous enough to stare back.

  * * *

  Breakfast is tense to say the least.

  No one even attempts to make small talk.

  We all eat in silence.

  On any other Saturday, I’d be able to appreciate how delicious the food is, but today, I’m simply filling my stomach.

  “How did it happen, Dom?” Rod asks out of the blue.

  I jump in my seat.

  It’s stupid really because I knew the question was coming. It’s unlike Rod to hold back. I assume he didn’t want to barrage me in the shower.

  When my eyes lock with his, my stomach twists with nerves. His gaze is still burning with rage. My fear is once he finds out all the details, he might not want to look at me at all.

  You can do this.

  “Well,” I say with a sigh. “It happened after the biggest concert of your career at the Staples Center. You guys had sold out the arena in less than an hour. It was insane. The buzz was so high—”

  “Weren’t you back stage with Gideon? I remember seeing you.”

  “It was after you guys had left.”

  Rod frowns, then nods. “The interview.”

  “Exactly. You, Holt, Jace and Beckett were rushed to MTV’s studios for the LIVE Q & A with your fans for their MTV Music Special. They had asked to keep it to only the band members and your manager. I stayed behind with Gideon.”

  “Fuck,” Rod exhales a deep breath, his eyes filled with anguish. “It was crazy that night. It was the height of our career, but I couldn’t take you with me. They were pretty strict about it since so much can go wrong when shows are live. I still remember how many screaming fans were waiting for us outside their studio. I also remember how happy I was you wouldn’t be caught in the chaos and you were somewhere safe. It put my mind at ease.”

  “Gideon counted on that.”

  Rod pinches the bridge of his nose. “I trusted him,” he growls. “I told him no one touches you.”

  “I think he took it as a personal challenge,” I say. “Of course, he isn’t man enough to own it, so he waited for when he knew we’d be alone and there was no way you were going to be close enough to save me. No one could. Gideon made sure we were in a remote area of the arena. I was too naïve to pick up on his evil plan.”

  “What do you mean?”

  “He promised a big screen TV, popcorn, pizza and dessert. I just wanted to see you shine. We headed to one of the tour buses parked way out in the VIP area.” Rod and his band had a few tour buses on hand regardless of the city. They were more like big game rooms than anything else, but they were far cozier than most hotels. “Gideon really had transformed it into a comfortable sitting area. He opened a bottle of champagne and poured two glasses. I reminded him I was underage—”

  “What a douche bag,” Loki growls.

  “He wanted me drunk,” I say looking at him. “He waved off my protest, stating that it was a big celebration. A little bubbly wouldn’t hurt. One glass turned into a few too many and suddenly I started feeling lightheaded. I told Gideon I wanted to go back to Isobel and Rory’s place and wait for Rod there.” I was fully emancipated from my mother by then. “But he cajoled me into staying a little longer. After a while, I was feeling uncomfortable being around him, so I got up to grab my phone. That’s when he turned into someone I didn’t recognize. He snatched my phone from my hands and threw it on the floor. For good measure, he stomped all over it, smashing it to pieces. I was so confused. I think the champagne had lulled my senses. I tried to run to the door to escape, but he laughed and blocked my way. When I looked into his eyes, I saw a monster, but I didn’t know yet he’d hurt me.”

  Isobel slides her hand between mine and Loki rubs my shoulder.

  “I wish I’d known you were still around,” Loki says. “I must’ve been somewhere packing equipment. I was certain you’d gone with Rod since you guys were always together. I didn’t know you were in danger.”

  “It isn’t your fault,” I tell him. “I had no idea I was in danger. I didn’t know I was supposed to fear someone who had become a friend,” I inhale a shaky breath.

  “What happened next?” Rod asks.

  My gaze slides to his. “He wrestled me to the floor.”

  “Fucking asswipe,” Rod grunts.

  “I fought back, kicking and screaming, but I wasn’t strong enough. Then he punched me and knocked me out—”

  “I should’ve ended the motherfucker’s life,” Rod yells, pointing an angry finger at me.

  “Calm down,” Rory orders. “Let her finish.”

  Rory nods my way and I continue my sad story.

  “The next thing I remember is him over me—” I let out a low shaky sob.

  “Jesus Christ,” Loki grumbles. He pulls me into his embrace and I drop my head against his chest. “I’m so sorry, Dom.”

  “I’m going to fucking rip his goddamn head off before castrating the son of a bitch by ripping his balls from his body before stuffing them into the mouth of his decapitated head,” Rod roars. This time he leaps out of his chair.

  His brothers are quick to restrain him.

  “Sit the fuck down, Rod!” Rory shouts.

  “The motherfucker deserves to die,” Rod argues, wrestling to free himself from his brothers’ hold.

  “You want to end up in prison for a pee on?” Rory challenges.

  “Damn you. He violated her. I can’t just sit here and do nothing,” Rod spits out.

  “You need to calm the fuck down. That’s what you need to do,” Rory retorts. Rod doesn’t budge. “Sit! Now!”

  Rod pulls out of Rory’s grip and does as he’s told.

  Rory and Isobel exchange a knowing glance.

  They all knew Rod would lose it.

  “You ending up in a cell isn’t going to help Dom,” Roark says. “Your girlfriend needs you to keep your head on your shoulders. Not turn into a murderer like Rachel.”

  “Don’t you fucking compare me to her,” Rod warns.

  “Keep at it and you’ll become her,” Roark retorts.

  Rod shoots his brother a slicing glare. His body is tense and in defensive mode for a while before he concedes. He crosses his arms over his chest and sinks into his seat.

  He looks like he’s about to burst an artery.

  “Go on, Dom,” Isobel says.

  “When I came to, he was hovering over me. In a panic, I realized that my skirt was up around my waist and my underwear had been pulled down to my knees. He’d covered my mouth with his hand to prevent me from screaming. The next thing I know…” I stop, unwilling—and unable—to provide all the sordid details of my attack.

  Rod drags his hand down his face, his remorse as tangible as his pain. “I’m so fucking sorry, Dom.”

  “Don’t blame yourself,” Rory says. “
I felt as powerless—and remorseful—when I found out. I wasn’t even in town when it happened and I hate myself for it.”

  “You knew?” Rod asks incredulously.

  “Down boy. I didn’t. Isobel told me everything on the way to Dom’s studio after you called. Trust me, I wanted to kill him with my bare hands. Gideon is a piece of shit, but you can’t stop an evil force, Rod. And, as I’ve told you a million times, you can’t protect Dom twenty-four seven.”

  My eyes move to Isobel’s stare, who seems as shocked, confused and hurt as she did when she found me sitting in front of the stadium crying, with blood running down my legs, with a split lip and a bruised chin where Gideon had punched me.

  I offer her a shy nod.

  She nods her understanding.

  “Dom called me when she was finally able to get to a pay phone,” she says, “I drove so fast, I was sure I was going to get arrested. Rory was in San Francisco at a conference, so I took Dom to my aunt Celeste’s house—”

  “She’s the doctor?” Rod asks.

  “Yes. She worked at a Beverly Hills clinic—still does—and suggested we head there. It was the middle of the night, but she insisted on carefully documenting everything and grabbing as much evidence as possible. I never left Dom’s side. My aunt had packed a change of clothes for Dom since she kept everything she was wearing that night. I wanted to call the police. Dom panicked and begged me not to say anything. She explained why. And I had to respect her wish even though I didn’t agree with her decision not to expose the asshole. She was protecting you, Rod.”

  “What did Gideon threaten to do?” Loki asks.

  “To end Rod’s career,” I say. “Rod came from nothing and he finally got a big break. I didn’t want Gideon to take that away from him. I really believed he had the power to make it all disappear, so I kept my mouth shut.”

  “The guy deserved to be beaten to a pulp for what he did to you, Dom,” Roark says. “Glad my brother got a swing at him. He might not have killed the asshole, but he hurt him real good.”

  I nod in agreement.

  “Why didn’t you tell me when I told you he was back in town?” Rod asks. I meet his sad gaze. “Don’t say you’re sorry again, Dom. I want an explanation.”

  He knows me well.

  “The longer time passed, the harder it was to confess what had happened to me,” I say. “And as time passed, I knew Gideon no longer had a hold on your career, but I was ashamed and humiliated, and I felt so… soiled.” I pause, taking a breath. “Once he left LA, I figured I’d never see him again. I was wrong.” I pause. “I was going to tell you this weekend. I knew he was in town and I was freaked out about it, but I never thought Gideon would come after me again.”

  “Dickless coward,” Roark grunts.

  “Fucking predator,” Rod grumbles.

  I no longer have to carry around the huge burden that’s been weighing me down for so many years.

  “Gideon is repugnant,” Loki says, “but his reign of terror is about to end.”

  “What do you mean?” Isobel asks.

  “After Rod left Vego’s Lounge to head to Dom’s studio,” Loki goes on, “I was so freaked out by the allegations, I kept doing searches until Rod called me to tell me about the attack. While we were in the hospital, I stepped outside as often as I could to follow as the scandal exploded in London. In fact, Holt and I have been back and forth. He knows about what’s happened.”

  “What scandal?” I ask.

  “Holt sent us a few links to developing news in London,” Rod says. “They were all about Gideon. . . and some pretty scary shit he did to women. After reading the headlines, I rushed to your studio. I just had a bad feeling.”

  “Holt is as shocked as we all are,” Loki says. “Since the first victim came out, so many others have stepped forward. Some of the things these women are accusing Gideon of are atrocious. He allegedly raped a thirteen-year-old girl. She was ripped apart so badly. . . front and back. He, well, I’m sorry to say this, but the bastard fisted her after fucking her.”

  We all gasp at that.

  “She’s an adult now, but she still carries the scars. Understandably so,” Loki adds.

  “Just like I do,” I say.

  “Men like Gideon disgust me,” Loki says. “There are so many grown women who would willingly have sex with him. Why violate innocent girls?”

  “Motherfucker,” Roark growls.

  “Now I get it,” I say slapping my palm against my forehead.

  “What do you mean?” Loki asks.

  “He kept yelling at me that I was trying to destroy him by talking to a reporter and spreading lies. I was confused—”

  “I guess you aren’t his only victim in Los Angeles,” Rod says.

  “Given the media frenzy in London,” Loki says, “I bet there are a lot of women who will step forward once the news hits the US.”

  My God.

  Rod gets up and circles the table.

  Worried, I turn to Isobel.

  She shrugs before sliding her puzzled gaze to her husband.

  “Rod,” Rory warns.

  “What are you—” Roark doesn’t have time to finish his question.

  “Leave it. This is between me and my girl,” Rod says. “Baby,” he calls for my attention before falling to his knees next to me. Loki and Isobel pull their chairs back before getting up all together. My boyfriend’s handsome features are etched with so much pain. He cups my face in his hands and stares at me. His eyes swell with emotion and a tear trails down his cheek. I flinch at the sight. And then, to my utter shock, the love of my life starts crying. “I’m sorry he hurt you, baby. I’m sorry he stole a precious part of you. I’m sorry he blackmailed you. And by God, I’m sorry you kept silent for so many years to protect me,” he says in between tears.

  “Oh, my God, Rod. Don’t say that. It wasn’t your fault. Please don’t cry.”

  “I swore after Connie and her gang of bullies in high school and after rescuing you from Jarreth, I’d always keep you safe. I’m sorry I wasn’t there to protect you when you needed me most. I’m sorry I failed you.”

  “Don’t you dare blame yourself for Gideon’s actions. He’s worse than a venomous snake. My Roderick Wolfe has always been there for me. Always,” I declare, looking straight into his teary eyes.

  He shakes his head.

  I’m not sure if it’s because he doesn’t believe me or he’s still unable to process what’s happened.

  I’ve never seen Rod cry before. For me, he’s always been this larger than life superhero who managed to triumph despite life’s shortcomings. He’s the warrior who’s never afraid of a fight—no matter the size of the adversary. To see him broken on my account just makes me love him more.

  “I have to ask, Rod.” My throat tightens and the burning of tears spill from my eyes. He wipes them away.

  “What is it, baby?”

  “After all this. . . You might. . . I mean. . .”

  “You can ask me anything,” Rod coaxes.

  His eyes are so red.

  “Do you see me differently? Maybe. . .” You don’t want me anymore.

  “No. You’re still my sweet Dom. Nothing’s changed for me.”

  “Really?”

  “I love you, baby. All of you,” he says.

  “I love you so much, Rod.”

  “No more secrets.”

  I nod. “I promise.”

  “I’ll never let anyone hurt you ever again. You mean too much to me—you always have. Frankly, I’m nothing without you, Dom.”

  Tears flood his gorgeous face again.

  I don’t have time to wipe them away because he tucks his head between my breasts.

  My God.

  It breaks my heart to see him like this.

  My own tears roll from my eyes onto his hair as my lips rest against the back of his head and I cradle his body.

  And just like that, I feel like I have done since we started dating.

  Complete.

/>   Content.

  Blissful.

  It’s over.

  I’m safe again.

  I embrace him a little tighter in my arms, closing the door on my dark and painful past. I can let go of the troubling shadows.

  Shame.

  Humiliation.

  Guilt.

  There’s no more room for those feelings in my life or in my future with the man I love.

  CHAPTER 33

  Roderick

  Four months later

  “And cut!” Dom shouts.

  “We got it!” Morgan cheers.

  “That’s a winner!” Loki yells. “My bet is on over one hundred million views within three days and God knows how many paid downloads.”

  A round of applause erupts in the room.

  “If we achieve anything close to that, you guys get a cut of what we make,” Scott says approaching Loki. “To be able to top the charts again as a band, is priceless.” Scott Deen is the lead singer of Flooding Dynasty—one of the rock bands on Veemonth Records’ label that went into obscurity. Dom’s video will mark their comeback.

  “You better pull out your checkbook,” Loki says with confidence. “Dom nailed it!”

  Both men turn to look at her.

  “You’re an incredible director,” Scott tells her. “I was a little wary about your age, but you have amazing vision.”

  “I’m flattered,” she says.

  There’s another collective cheer.

  I look at Dom and wink. “Good job,” I mouth.

  “Thanks,” she mouths back, her cheeks flushing.

  I love that I can still make her blush.

  A small crowd forms around her, congratulating her and her team. Her brilliant smile says it all. I’m happy to stand back and watch her bask in her glory. She so deserves it.

  As people scatter and go back to their jobs, I pull out my phone.

  -----

  I want you in my private bathroom in the next two minutes—no panties!

  She drops the camera she was holding on a table, pulls out her phone, unlocks the screen and reads my message. Slowly, she turns around and looks at me. She cocks an eyebrow, a teasing smile flirting on her lips. Since she’s still standing there staring at me in disbelief, I decide to provoke her.