TableofContents

SomethingWicked
ChapterOne
ChapterTwo
ChapterThree
ChapterFour
ChapterFive
ChapterSix
ChapterSeven
ChapterEight
ChapterNine
ChapterTen
ChapterEleven
ChapterTwelve
ChapterThirteen

SomethingWicked

By

TheresaHissong

Allrightsreserved.Thisbookorpartsthereofmaynotbereproducedinanyform,

storedinanyretrievalsystem,ortransmittedinanyformbyanymeans—electronic,

mechanical,photocopy,recording,orotherwise—withoutpriorwrittenpermissionofthe

publisher,exceptasprovidedbyUnitedStatesofAmericacopyrightlaw.

©2017TheresaHissong

AllRightsReserved

Disclaimer:

Thisbookisaworkoffiction.Anyresemblancetoanyperson,livingordeadispurely

coincidental.Thenamesofpeople,places,and/orthingsareallcreatedfromtheauthor’s

mindandareonlyusedforentertainment.

Duetothecontent,thisbookisrecommendedforadults18yearsandolder.

Editingby:

HeidiRyan

AmourtheLineEditing

CoverDesign:

PinkInkDesigns

CoverModel:

AnthonyMattox

FormoreinformationorhowtocontactTheresaHissong,pleasevisit:

http://authortheresahissong.com

www.facebook.com/authortheresahissong

OtherBooksbyTheresaHissong

FatalCrossLive!

FatalDesires

FatalTemptations

FatalSeduction

RiseofthePride:

Talon

Winter

Savage

TheBirthofanAlpha

Ranger

BookforCharity:

FullyLoaded

Dedication:

ToAnthonyMattox…

“Itisoneoftheblessingsofoldfriendsthatyoucanaffordtobestupidwiththem.”

~RalphWaldoEmerson

Contents:

ChapterOne

ChapterTwo

ChapterThree

ChapterFour

ChapterFive

ChapterSix

ChapterSeven

ChapterEight

ChapterNine

ChapterTen

ChapterEleven

ChapterTwelve

ChapterThirteen

Epilogue

ChapterOne

Kit

Myeyesflutteredopenasthetourbustookasharprightturn.Irolledoverandchecked

myphone,groaningwhenthedisplaytoldmeitwasn’tevennoon.Theshowthenight

beforehadbeencrazy,andweendeduppartyingwithouropeningbanduntilitwastime

toleaveAlbuquerqueatthreeinthemorning.

Istillcouldn’tbelievehowmuchmylifehadchangedinjustashortamountoftime.At

twenty-fouryearsold,Iwaslivingmydream.Fiveweeksago,Iwashiredontobethe

newbassistfortheheavymetalband,SomethingWicked.Thetryoutswereannouncedon

socialmedia,andIhadbeenluckyenoughtobelivingintheirhometownofPhoenix,

Arizona,wheretheauditionsweretakingplace.

Thatmorning,mypieceofcrapcarandmyequipmentweremyonlyhopeinmakinga

lastditchefforttofitinsomewhereinthemusicindustry.I’dbeenintwootherbands

beforelandingthisnewgig.Oneofmybandshadsplitbecauseourdrummerandguitarist

decidedthattheyenjoyedpartyingmorethanworking.Thesecondone,Iwouldn’teven

havecalleditaband.Weplayedcoversofnumberonehitsfordrunksatashadybaron

thesouthwestsideofPhoenix.Imadethirtydollarsaweekendaftersplittingthefunds

withmyfourotherbandmembersandtheguywehadhelpinguswithmovingour

equipmentfromthevanintothebuilding.

SomethingWickedhadjustreleasedanalbum,andtheirfirstsinglewasrisingupthe

charts.Thistourwasourchancetospreadourmusictotheworld,landingaspotplaying

atseveralfestivalsduringthesummer.IwasatapointinmylifewhereIeitherneededto

gethiredwithabandthatwasactuallygoingsomewhereorfindajobincorporate

America.

AsIstaredatthebunkabovemyhead,Ichuckledsoftly,thinkinghowIwouldnever

fitinanywherebutthemusicbusiness.Iwasn’tsecretarymaterial.Withmymultitudeof

tattoos,piercings,andanewhaircoloreveryfewmonths,noonewasgoingtohiremeto

workinahighrisebuildingwithpeopleinstuffysuits.ThereliefofknowingI’dbeonthe

road,playingmusic,almostbroughtmetotearsthemomentI’dgottenthecall.I’dpacked

mybagsforthetouraweekafterlandingthejobandspentmylastdimeonclothesto

wearonstage.ThedayIloadedmybagsintothatbuswasthestartofsomethingbigfor

me…Icouldfeelit.

Now,Iwasperformingsoldoutshows.Beingthrustintothespotlighthadn’tchanged

memuch.Whenyouwereworkingforabandthathadbeennoticedbyseveraloutlets,

andtheinterviewrequestsstartpouringin,youkindofrealizedthatwhatyouhadgoing

onwasabigfuckingdeal.ThefactthatthevocalistforSomethingWickedwaswidely

knownintheindustrysealedthedealthatwhatweweredoingwasgoingtoexplode…and

soon.

AidenHawkefrontedourband,andheraneveryaspectofthebusinesssidefor

SomethingWicked.Thiswashisbaby…hisbrainchild.IadmitIhadbeenabitstarstruck

whenI’dfirstmethim.He’dbeenintwootherbands,oneofthemhittingnumberoneon

thechartsafewyearsago,throwinghimintoinstantstardom.Thatventurewentsouth,

andhedisappearedforaboutayearbeforecomingbackwiththenewband.Kade

LancasterandJudeOakleycamefromanothersemi-knownpunkbandafteraterrible

breakupandfallingoutwiththeirrecordlabel.Kadewasalreadypeggedasoneofthebest

upandcomingguitaristintheindustry,andJudehadalreadygracedthecoveroftwo

drummermagazines,showcasinghistalent.

I,ontheotherhand,wasbustingmyasstoamounttosomethinginthemaledominated

industry.Therewereonlyahandfulofwomenbassists,butIreallydidn’tgiveafuck

aboutstatistics.Ilovedplayingtheinstrument,andIwasgoingtomakedamnsurethatI

succeededinchasingmydreams.

Thehissofthetourbuscomingtoastopwastheonlyindicationthatwe’darrivedin

LasVegas.Todaywasourfirstfestivaloftheseasonand,fromtherumors,itwasgoingto

beabigone.TheGetRockedFestivallineuphadbeenthetalkofthecircuitoverthepast

fewmonths,andtheattendancenumberswereslatedtoberecordsetting.Thepasttwo

weeksontheroadhadgivenmealittleinsightintohowmynewlifewasgoingtogo.

Sleepforafewhours,thenhitthegroundrunninguntilitwastimetoloadupanddoitall

overagaininadifferentcity.

Islidoutofmybunk,carefulnottowakeanyofmybandmates.Itwasstillwellbefore

theirusualwakeuptime,sotheywouldn’tevennoticeIwasgone.AfterImadeaquick

stopinthebathroomandchangedintomyworkoutclothes,Itiptoedpastthebunksand

mademywayouttothefrontofthebus.Ourtourmanager,Steven,wasbrewingapotof

coffeeandcalledoutformetograbapassoutofamanilaenvelopethatwastossedupon

thedashofthebus.IfoundmylaminateandtuckeditintomyworkoutshortsasImade

mywaydownthesteps.Iturnedandshutthedoorbeforelookingaroundatthebacklot.

Foodtentswerebeingsetupbehindtheparkingarea,andbeyondthatwasanarea

reservedforVIPs.Iwalkedaroundafewoftheworkersandprettymuchignoredthe

stares.Yes,IwasachickwithspikedblondehairandcarriedabadgeindicatingIwaswith

theband,butIsureashellwasn’tabandwhorelikeIknewtheywerethinking.Isawthe

lustintheireyes,butIdidn’tletitbotherme.Icameintothisknowingthatsomepeople

wouldn’ttakemeseriously.I’dbeenthroughhellandbackinmyshorttimeinthisworld.

Notmuchbotheredmeanymore.

Iturnedleftatthefoodtentsandstartedmymorningjog.AsIran,Icheckedoutmy

surroundings,makingamentalnoteofthestageweweresupposedtobeperformingon

laterintheafternoon.Iwouldhavetostudythescheduleagain,butIwasfairlycertainwe

weresettogoonaroundfourthatafternoon.

Thevenuewasn’tscheduledtoopenforanotherhour,soIwasprettysafetojogaround

theentireareawithoutbeingbothered.AfewpeoplenoddedasIpassedthem,butIdidn’t

stoptochat.Ineededthismomenttomyself.ItwasmandatorythatIworkedmybodyto

itslimitssoIcouldbereadytothrowdownoncewewalkedonthestage.

SomethingWickedwasametalband.Wehitthestagehardanddidn’tstopuntilthelast

notewasplayed.Aidenwasaforceofnaturewhenhewasperforming,andhenevergave

anythingbelowtwohundredpercent.KadeandJudewerejustasfierce,andIhadno

problemskeepingupwiththem.IsmiledtomyselfwhenIthoughtofhowwellwe

workedtogether.IwasquicklyrealizingthatIwasexactlywhereIneededtobe.

AsImademyfinallapandheadedbacktothebus,afewbandswerestillarriving,and

theircrewswerejuststartingtodepartthetourbuses.Inoticedafewguysfromother

bandstalkingbytheirbus,butIwalkedawayquicklybeforetheylookeduptoseeme

pass.Iwasahugefan,butwasn’treadytointroducemyself.

OnceIwasbacktotheshelterofmybus,IpacedasIslowedmybreathing.Evenwith

thedryheat,sweatpebbledonmyskin.Mymusclesburneddeliciously,andIsmiled

whenIfelttherushovercomeme.Ineededashowerandsomebreakfast.

WhenIclimbedaboardthebus,AidenHawkewasjustcomingoutofhisbunk.Hisred

andblackhairwasindisarrayaroundhishead.Oneeyewassquintedshutashemoved

towardthehotpotofcoffee.HefrozeforamomentwhenImadeamovetowalkpast

him.Hisnostrilsflaredandhiseyesroamedovermyworkoutclothes.Isawthefireburn

inhisstarewhenhisgazepassedovermybreastsandthecolumnofmyneck.

Iwasn’toblivioustothewayhelooked,either.

Histattooedarmsflexedashereachedforacupfromthecabinetabovehishead.One

ofthetwohoopsinhislipmovedasherolledthethingwithhistongue.Isworemyright

eyetwitchedwhenhedidthat.ItwasallIcoulddonottoaskhimifIcouldtakeoverwith

myowntongue.

“Coffee?”hemumbledashepouredhisowncup.WhenIdidn’tanswerrightaway,he

tossedhistwo-tonedredandblackhairtothesideandoutofhisemeraldeyes.Holyhell,

hewashotasfuckandcompletelyofflimits.“Kit?”

“Yeah,”Ireplied,almosttooquickly.“Letmeshowerfirst.”

“Goodmorning.”Kadesmiledashepassedmeinthebunkarea,hisdark,short-

croppedhairglisteningfromhisrecentshower.Hewastall,almostfreakishlyso.

“Where’sJude?”Iasked,notwantingtoaccidentlycatchhimintheshower…again.

Thatmanhadnoshame.

“Helefttograbsomefood,”Kadelaughed.“Ithinkyouaresafetojumpinthe

shower.”

Ishookmyheadandgrabbedmybag,makingmywaytowardthebackofthebus.The

smallbathroomwasn’tmuch,butitwasallIneeded.Havingshorthairmyself,itdidn’t

takelongformetodomybusinessandgetout.Iwasdressedandheadingbacktothe

frontofthebusbeforeJudereturnedwithacardboardboxandtwoofourcrew.

“Goodmorning,beautiful,”Judesaid,pullingmeintohisarms.Ipattedhisshoulder

andkissedhischeek.JudeandKadewereconstantflirts,butIknewtheywouldnever

makeamoveonme.AidengrowledlowinhisthroatandnarrowedhiseyesatJude.

“It’salmostafternoon,Jude,”Isaid,rollingmyeyes.

“Morningforme,”hehuffed.“Here’ssomegrub.”Hesatatthesmalldinettetableby

thewindowandrestedhiselbowsonthetabletopashewatchedtheactivityoutside.Jude

pulledthehairtiefromhishairandshookouthisdarkblondcurls.Ialwayslovedto

watchhimbeatthehelloutofhisdrums,tossingthatwildhairaroundhisfaceashelet

themusictakeover.

Ipeekedintheboxandsighedinrelief.Amongthefoilcoveredbreakfastburritoswas

aplasticcontainerfulloffreshcutfruit.Ourtworoadies,ButchandLyle,satheavilyon

thecouchandreachedfortheirfood,givingeveryoneagruntastheytuckedintotheir

breakfast.

“Youmakemeproudsometimes,JudeOakley.”Itookmyfoodaftergaininga

mumbledreplyfromourdrummerandsatcross-leggedontheendofthecouchnexttoour

crew.Theguysdugintotheirheartattackfoodwithgusto.Theywereguys,afterall.

Ourdriver,Joe,camebackandhandedAidentheenvelopewithallofourpassesand

schedulefortheGetRockedFestival.Wewererequiredtogosignautographsforthefans

intheVIPtentattwo,butuntilthen,wewerefreetomeanderaroundthebackstageareas.

AsmuchasIwasexcitedtoseeallofthebands,IplannedonhittingtheLasVegas

Stripforsomefunafterourset.Ineededsometimeawayfromtheguys,andspendinga

nightonthetownsoundedliketheperfectexcusetobealonebeforeweweretoleave

earlythenextmorning.

ItwasimperativeIgotawayfromAidenHawke.We’dbeenstuckonthebusforthe

pastfourteendays,andhisclosenesswasaffectingmemorethanIeverwantedtoadmit.

We’dtouchedbyaccidentthefirstdayontour,andI’dfeltitinplacesIhadn’tbeen

touchedinmonths.Howcouldonesimpletouchsendfirestraightthroughmysoul?

Shakingmyhead,Ihadtodislodgethevisionsofhimandanyintimatemomentsthatmy

stupid,sex-deprivedbrainwasconjuringupeverysingletimeIwasnearhim.

Iftherewasanyoneonthefaceoftheplanetthatwasofflimits,itwouldbethelead

singerofSomethingWicked.Itdidn’tmatterthathe’dbeenexceptionallyobservantof

me.Italsodidn’tmatterthatwe’dalmostkissedlastweekwhenwe’dtriedtopasseach

otherinthebunkareaofthebus.

Itwasalapseofjudgementafterwe’dbothbeendrinkingheavilyafterashow.Iwas

headingtowardthebackofthebustogetsomethingfrommybag,andAidenwasheading

forthefront.Weweretheonlyonesonthebus,andwhenweturnedsidewaystopasseach

otherinthesmallspace,mybreastsrubbedagainsthischestandhishandsclampeddown

hardontomyhips.Wewerefrozenforamomentaswestaredateachother,notmovinga

muscle.

Aiden’seyesroamedmyface,andwhentheylandedonmylips,Iautomaticallyswiped

themwithmytongue.Hiseyesheatedandmypussyachedwithneed.Ididn’tremember

whobrokeawayfirst,orifwerealizedatthesametimethatkissingwould’vebeenabad

decision,butwelookedawayandtheincidentwasneverspokenaboutagain.

ChapterTwo

Aiden

ThefaintscentofKit’ssweatybodycaughtmyattentionthemomentIsteppedintothe

livingareaofthebus,andmycockhardenedtothepointofpain.Ibusiedmyselfwith

makingcoffeesoIwouldn’tpullherintomyarms.

KitElliswashotterthanhell,andIfuckingwantedher.Therewasn’tanythingabout

thewomanthatcouldturnmeoff.Shewasbeautiful,fullofsass,andcouldrockoutas

hard,ifnotharder,thananyfemalerockerI’deverseenonastage.

Shehadbeenhiredonafterourlastbassistleftforalifewithhisnewfamilyandajob

thatdidn’tinvolvethemusicindustry.Ithadbeenforthebest.Johnjustwasn’tcutoutfor

thislife,andwedidn’tblamehimforleaving,butitsureputastrainonusrightbeforewe

kickedoffonthisnewtour.Thankfully,wefoundareplacement.Kitcameintothe

auditionswithherownequipmentandabadassattitudethatwouldfitourhardcoreantics

onstage.SomethingWickedwasmybrainchild,andIknewimmediatelythatshe’dmake

aperfectadditiontoourlittlefamily.

AndIcouldn’tkeepmyeyesoffofher.

Myfuckingcockhadamindofitsownwhenshewasnearme.ThefirsttimeItouched

her,myfingerstingledwithsomeforeignelectricitythatleftmecravingmore,andI’d

almostruinedeverythingbyputtingmylipsonhers.Thankfully,IcaughtmyselfbeforeI

didkissher,butthatnight,allIcouldthinkaboutwasherbodyandthefactthatfucking

hercouldruineverything.

Thewomandrovemewild.Kit’sskinwassmoothunderneathhersleevetattoo,and

damnifshewasn’tcurvedinalltherightplaces.Themomentshe’dpassedmeinthe

bunksandherbreastsgrazedmychest,myhandsautomaticallylandedonherhips.They

wereperfectformyhands.Hermuscleshadtensedasmyfingersdugintoherflesh.I

wantedtopushherintomybunkandhavemywaywithher,butIdidn’t.

Shewashalfafootshorterthanme,andhershort-croppedblondehairmadethefreak

inmewanttotanglemyfingersinthelongerhairontopofherheadsoIcouldholdherto

mylips…mycock.

“Fuck,”IgroanedasImademywayintothebathroomtodowhatIneededtodoand

brushmyteethassoonasshewasfinishedwithhershower.Igotafacefullofherclean

scentandthatjustsentmymindrightbackintothefuckinggutter.Therewasnoneedto

takecareofmyhardness,becauseeverysingletimeI’ddonethatsincethefirsttimeI

touchedKit,myneedforheronlyincreased.Itwasdamnnearimpossibletokeepmydick

fromswellinganytimeshewasnear.

Islidintomyfavoritepairofleatherpantsandsnaggedaclean…okay,somewhat

clean,bandshirtfrommybag.I’drippedthesleevesoffofitforeveragoanduseditmore

asatanktopthananythingelse.

Itwasstillearlybyrockstarstandards,ofcourse.Eleveninthemorningwasmorelike

fivea.m.toamanlikeme.WhenIwasn’tperforming,Ilikedtopartymorethanthe

others.Whothehellcouldblameme?Iwastwentysixandintheprimeofmylife,

leadingoneofthebestupandcomingbandsinthenation.Myonlyrulewasnottostepon

thatstageundertheinfluenceofanything.I’dseentoomanybandsfailbecauseofit.

SomethingWickedwasthebandI’dseenmyselffrontingfromthetimeIrealizedthatI

couldsing.Whenmymomrealizedmygift,shehadimmediatelyplacedmeinafterschool

lessonstohonemysingingvoiceandtolearnhowtoplaytheguitar.WhenImastered

that,shefoundaguytoteachmehowtoplaythedrums,bass,andpiano.BythetimeI

graduatedhighschool,I’dalreadyfoundmyselfabandandhadbeenperforminginand

aroundthePhoenixareawhereIlivedforayear.

Afterafewyearsofdeadendrelationshipswithpeopleandbands,Ifinallyfoundthree

otherguyswhofitmeperfectly,oursoundmatchingsowellthatitwasalmostscary.Now,

withourfirstsingleoffofthenewalbumclimbingthecharts,thebandhadsetoutonour

thirdtour.Wewerekickingitoffduringthefestivalseason,andthankfully,wehadbeen

abletogetaddedtoalmosteverylineupacrossthecountry.WhenJohnleftus,Ithought

everythingI’dworkedforwasgoingtobedestroyed,butKitcameinandsavedtheday.

“I’mgoingbackouttoseewhat’sgoingon,”Kitsaidwithasmile,droppinghertrash

intothebinunderthesink.Myeyeslandedonherassinthosetightblackjeans.Theblack

andblueleathervestsheworematchedhereyesanddarkmakeupandwastheonlything

coveringherlargebreasts.Thetattooofanowlstoodoutacrossherchest,anditwas

visiblealongwithhercleavage.Iwashonestlyworriedthatifshesneezed,thedamnthing

wouldriprightdownthemiddle.Thethoughtofothermenseeingherbreastssentmeinto

asnarlingfrenzy.

“Don’tgofar,”Igrumbled,narrowingmyeyes.Sheraisedabrow,teasingandtaunting

metogivehermoreorderssheprobablywouldn’tfollow.Thatalonemademewantto

takeherovermyknee.Kitpressedherlipstogetherandhurrieddownthestairsinsteadof

arguing.

“Youneedtohitthat,”Judelaughedthesecondthedoorofthebusclosedtightly

behindher.Hepulledabaseballcapoverhisdarkbrowneyesandleanedbackinhisseat.

ThefuckerhadacertainknackforknowingexactlywhatIwasthinking.

“Notcool,myman,”Igrowled,makinganothercupofcoffee.“She’sofflimits.”

“Sayswho?”Kadeasked,raisingabrow.“You?Orsomeunwrittenrockstarlawthat

isn’tmadetobebroken?”

“It’ssoobvious,”Judeteased,pullinghiscaploweroverhiseyesasifheweregoingto

takeanap.Thesmirkthatformedatthecornerofhismouthwasn’teasilycovered,

however.“EversinceweleftPhoenix,youcan’tkeepyoureyesoffofher.”

“Fuckoff,”Isnarled,knowingdamnwelltheywereright.“Iamnotlookingtohit

that.”

“Bullshit,”mydrummerreplied.

“Canwetalkaboutsomethingelse?”Iasked,blowingoutabreathoffrustration.

“LikehowKitisouttherealonewithallofthesebandboyswalkingaround?”Jude

teased.“Howthey’reprobablyundressingherwiththeireyesasshewalkspastthem

lookinglikeawalkingwetdream?”

“Seriously,guys?”Isnarled.

“Someone’sgoingtohitonher,andyou’regoingtoloseyourcool,”Kadewarned.

“Don’tendupinjail.Idon’thavethemoneytobailyourassout.”

“I’mgoingforawalk,”Isnappedatthemandwalkedtowardthefrontofthebus,

ignoringtheirsnickers.Isnatchedmybadgeandalistshowingthescheduleoutofthe

envelopeandleftKadeandJudeonthebus.Ineededsomefreshair.

Kithadbeenconsumingmyeverythought,andIneededtostopmywaywardthoughts

whenitcametoher.Shewasn’tminenomatterhowbadlyIwantedtoclaimher.

AsIwalkedaround,InoticedafewoftheotherbandsgatheredintheVIPtent,signing

autographsandmeetingwithfans.Weweren’tscheduledtobethereforalittlewhile

longer.Isawthehordesoffanswaitinginlinetomeetwhateverbandwasinthetent.A

girlinthelinecalledoutmyname,butIjustduckedmyheadandkeptwalking.IfI

stoppednow,they’dwantmetocomeover.Iwasonamission.

IneededtofindKit.IfIfoundhertalkingtoanotherguy,IwasworriedthatJude

wouldberightandIwouldbeattheshitoutofsomeone.Iknewninetypercentofthe

bandswhowereplayingatthefestival,andIalsoknewthatonehundredpercentofthose

guyswouldwantinKit’spants.JudeandKadewereright.Shewasn’tmine,butthe

thoughtofthosemotherfuckerslayingahandonhersentmybloodtoboiling.

Whatthefuckwaswrongwithme?

AsIroundedthelineofbuses,Icametoahalt.Kitwasleaningagainstabrickwall

thatblockedoffthebusesfromthebathrooms.Shewasonthephonewithsomeone,and

shelookedlikeshewasabouttoburstintotears.Myeyesnarrowedassheletoutastring

ofcursesandendedhercall.Shecoveredhereyeswithherfistsandsliddownthewall.

Myfeetmovedquickly,andthenextthingIknew,Iwasstandinginfrontofher.

“Whowereyoutalkingto?”Idemanded,holdingoutmyhandasIschooledmy

features.IknewImusthavelookedlikeIwasangry,butseeingherupsetsentmetoa

placeIdidn’twanttothinkaboutjustyet.“What’swrong?”

“Shit,Aiden,”shegasped,placingahandoverherheart.Herotherhandlandedin

mine.“Youscaredme.”

“Andyouhaven’tansweredme,”Igrowled,pullingonherhandsothatshewas

upright.Mybodyautomaticallyleanedin,makingherbackhitthebrickwall.Myother

handlandedjustaboveandtotherightofherear.Icouldsmellheragain,anditwas

drivingmycockinsane.

“Itwasnoone,”shemumbled,lookingtowardtheground.

“Thefuckitwasn’t,”Ireplied,sensingthelieasIhookedmyfingerunderherchinand

pulleduntilshelookedup.Ileanedforwardandbrushedmylipsagainsttheshellofher

ear.Sheshiveredinresponse.“Idon’tlikebeingliedto,Kit.”

“I’mnotlyingtoyou,”shesaid,hervoicebarelyaboveawhisper.“Itreallywasn’t

anyoneimportant.”

“Whyareyouupset?”Iasked,pullingawayfromherear.IstrokedherjawlineasI

waitedformyanswer.Iwantedtoknowwhohadputthosetearsinhereyes.Atthat

moment,ifIhadaname,Iwould’vefoundthesonofabitchandkilledhim.

“Aiden,”shesighed,slumpinghershouldersindefeatasIsteppedbackabitfartherto

giveheralittlespace.“It’sreallynothing.”

“Bullshit,Kit,”Isnarled,sendinghereyesbacktomine.Iscaredher,butatthat

moment,Ireallydidn’tcare.“Tellme,orIwillthinktheworst.”

“It’s…it’sthingsathome.”Shefrowned,lookingtowardthegroundforamomentto

gatherherthoughts.Whenhereyesraisedandlockedwithmyown,sheletoutacurseand

toldmewhatwasbotheringher.“Mymomisinjail…again.”

“Seriously?”Iasked,wide-eyed.“Whatthefuckfor?”

“Drugs,”shesaid,wavingahandoutinfrontofher.Acrewmemberwalkedby,

causingKittopause.Shewaiteduntilhewasoutofearshottocontinue.“Thisisn’tthe

firsttime.”

“Jesus,”Isaid,runningmyhandsthroughmyhair.“Doyouneedto…?”

“No!Fuck,no,”shesnarled,cuttingmeoffwithaslashofherhand.“Sheisagrown

asswomanandI’mdonebailingherout.Wewon’tbehomeforanotherthreeweeks.She

cansitinjailanddetoxuntilIgetthere.”

“Ifyou’resure,”Ipushed,restingmyarmbesideherheadagain.Imadeafistwhere

shecouldn’tsee,hopingitwouldmakemeforgetthatbeingthatclosetoherwasdriving

memadwithlust.

“I’msure,”shesaid,duckingundermyarm.“Ineedtocallthelandlordandmakesure

theydon’tevictus.”

“Us?”Iasked,shockedasIspunaroundtowatchherwalkaway.“Youlivewithher?”

“Yeah.”Shenodded,glancingoverhershoulder.Shelookeddownatthephoneinher

handandgrimaced.“I’llhavetowirehimsomemoneytocovertherentuntilIcanget

home.”Icouldseethatshewasthinking,calculatinginherhead,whenshestartedtowalk

away.

“Kit,”IcalledoutasIjoggedtoherside,reachingforherarm.Shestoodstillwhenmy

fingersmadecontact,hangingherheadassheturnedaroundslowly.Thelookofdefeatin

hereyesalmostbroughtmetomyknees.“Doyouneedmoney?”

“No,”shegrowled,firesparkinginherdeepblueeyes.“Idon’tneedhandouts,Aiden.”

Shejerkedherarmandjoggedaway,disappearingbehindoneofthefoodtentssetupby

thebuses.

“Fuck,”Imumbled,takingoffafterheratasteadyclip.Shedidn’tgofarbeforeshe

stoppedandspunaroundassoonasIgotclose.HereyesheldafireI’dneverseenbefore.

Shewasupset,butIsureashellwasn’tgoingtoletherrunoffonherown.

“Givemesomespace,Aiden,”shewarned,placinghertinyhandonmychest.The

infernoofhertouchburnedmethroughmyshirtwhenshepushedmeaway.

“Nothappeninghere,Kit,”Ireplied,noticingallofthepeoplerunningaroundtheback

lot.Shedidn’tneedtobeoutherealone.

“I’llmeetyouattheVIPtentinanhour,”shesaid,thensighedheavily.“Ireallyneed

totakecareofthingsathomewhileIhavetime.”

Somethingtoldmethatshewasn’ttellingmeeverything.Hell,Iknewnothingabout

herotherthanshewasabadassonstageandhadasharptongue…andwasfucking

beautiful.

“IfthereisanythingIcando,”Ioffered,softeningmyvoice.

“Thankyou.”Sherelaxed,hershouldersslumping.“I’llmeetyouatthetent.”

Sheturnedandwalkedawayfromme.IttookeverythingIhadtokeepfromtakingher

intomyarmsandsolvingallofherproblemstokeepthatsadnessoutofhereyes.Ireally

should’velefthertotakecareofherownthings.ThelastthingIneededwastoget

involvedinherfamilydrama,butdamnifIdidn’twanttomakethingsbetterforher.

Whatthefuckwaswrongwithme?

AndwhythehellhadIbeenaskingmyselfthatrepeatedlyoverthepastfewweeks?

ChapterThree

Aiden

Thesunbeatdownontheasphalt,andtheheatrisingfromthepavementwasalmost

unbearable.Kithadarrivedatthetentwithdarkermakeup,givinghereyesasexy,smoky

look.Nowthatshe’dgottensomesunonherskinfrombeingoutsidemostoftheday,the

tattooonhercheststoodoutagainstthevestshewore.She’dputinanewnoseringthat

sparkledwhenthelighthititjustright.

“Let’sgetinside,”Judesaid,holdinghishandoutforustowalkintothetentbefore

him.Kadewhistledattheamountofpeoplewaitinginlinetomeetus.Severalfans

cheeredwhenwecameintoview.

Iwalkedovertomyseatbehindthetableandpulledachairoutforhertositdown.

KadeandJuderaisedaneyebrowatme,butdidn’tsayanythingelseaboutmysudden

chivalry.Fuckthemanyway.Sure,shewasabadass,butshewasstillawoman,andIhad

beenraisedtoberespectful.Althoughmythoughtswereanythingotherthangentlemanly

towardKitEllis,Istillhadsomegoodleftinmewhenitcametowomen.

“Areyouguysandgalready?”Stevenasked.Ourtourmanagerglancedathisphone

andlookedtowarduswitharaisedbrow.

“Yeah,man.Sendthemin.”JudepushedseveralmarkersovertowardKitandmyself.I

grabbedtwoandrolledthembetweenmyfingerstogivemyselfsomethingtodowithmy

hands.Itwasdrivingmefuckingcrazytohavehersoclose.Iwantedtotouchher.I

wantedtofeelherbodynexttomine…naked…underme.Fuck!Icouldsmellheragain.

Iwasthefirstonethefansmetassoonastheywereusheredthroughtheline.Several

guyscamethroughandtookalittletoomuchtimetalkingtoKit.Itgratedonmynerves

thattheywerelookingatherwithlustintheireyes.Oneguy,wholookedlikehewasa

partofabikergang,evenaskedKitifshewasgoingtobeoutonTheStriplater.She

wavedhimoffwithanexcuse,andtheguymovedon.

Twogirls,whowereprobablybarelyeighteen,giggledandaskedforapicturewithall

ofus.Kitdidn’tlookveryhappywhenoneofthegirlsplacedherhandonmystomachas

ourtourmanagertookthepicture.Igentlypushedbothofthegirlsawayandreturnedto

myseat.Kitdidn’tsayanything,andwecontinuedsigningautographsandtakingpictures

withthefansforanotherhalfanhour.

Occasionally,IwouldcatchKitwatchingmeoutofthecornerofhereye.Whenthe

nextfanaskedforapicture,Imadesuretopositionmyselfnexttohersothatwhenweall

squeezedintothepicture,Kit’ssidewaspressedagainstthecenterofmychestandmy

armsnakedoverhershoulder,hanginglooselywithininchesofherbreast.Atonepoint,

thedrunkguywewereposingwithstumbledtotheright,causingKittoreachoutfor

balance.Herhandlandedonthetopofmythigh,andshegavemeatightsqueeze.I

wasn’tsureifshedidthatonpurposeornot,butIwasn’tcomplaining.Thefeelofher

handsonmybodywassomethingIcraved.

“Youokay?”Iwhispered,notmovingfrommyspotaseveryonereturnedtotheirseats.

Isqueezedherhandandreleaseditjustasquickly.

“Yeah,”shesaid,smiling.Hereyesdarkenedwhentheyfellonmylips.“Thanks.”

“Iwon’tletanyonehurtyou,”IpromisedasIturnedawaytotakemyseat.

“Okay…Thankyou.”Kitnoddedandtookherseat,greetingthenextpersoninline.We

didthatforafewmoreminutesbeforesecurityropedoffthetent.Thestragglerswere

eventuallyescortedout,andwestoodupfromourseatsassoonaseveryonewasgone.

“Youhaveanhourbeforeyouareneededatthestage,”Stevenannouncedasweexited

theVIPtent.

“I’mgoingtograbsomethingtodrink,”Kadesaid,nudgingJude.

“Hey,Kit?”Inarrowedmyeyesasourtourmanagerpulledhertotheside.Stevensaid

afewwords,andonKit’snod,theybrokeapart.Stevenleftthetentandloopedofftoward

thelineofbuseswithKitfollowinghim.

Istuckmyhandsinmyfrontpocketsandheadedouttothebus.Iwasn’tgoingtodrink

beforeoursetbecauseIwasgoingtosavethatforlaterwhenthenightreallystarted

going.Wewereanewerband,andeventhoughweonlyhadonesongonouralbum

released,itwasclimbingupthecharts.Ifthenextfewweekswentaccordingtoplan,it

wouldhitthetopten.So,thelastthingIwantedtodowastobreakmyonerulebygetting

drunkandfuckingupoursetatoneofthebiggestrockfestivalsinthecountry.

JoeopenedthedoorassoonasIapproached.Hewassittinginhisseat,eatinga

sandwichandobservingthecrowdthroughthewindshield.Henoddedandresumedeating

afterclosingthedoor.WhenIenteredthelivingarea,Stevenwasjustgettingoffthe

phone;hisfacetoldmehewaspissedaboutsomething.

“What’sgoingon?”Iasked,openingthefridgeandgrabbingsomeleftoverChinese

foodfromthenightbefore.Itosseditinthemicrowaveandsetthethingtoheat.

“Kittoldyouabouthermom?”heinquired.Ourtourmanagerwastallandbuiltlikea

brickshithouse.Hisbeefyarmswerefoldedacrosshischest,andhisshirt,sportingour

band’sname,displayedhismultitudeoftattoos.Hishairwasshortcroppedintheback

andonthesides,buthisbangswerelongenoughtoreachhischin.Hekeptthemslicked

backwithgel,lookinglikehejuststeppedoffthesetofGrease.

“Yeah,”Icursed.“Ihadnoidea,man.”

“Itookcareofherlandlordsoshecanfocusonthistour,”headmitted,punchingin

somethingonhisphone.“That’ssomefuckedupshit.”

“Ihadnoideahermomwasadeadbeat,”Isaid,takingmyfoodtothesmalltable.

“Shewouldn’ttellmemuch.”Stevensighed,leaningagainstthecounter.“Ijusttook

careofgettingtheinformationforhertopaytherent.”

“Iaskedherifsheneededhelpandshebitmyheadoff,”Isaid,takingabiteoffood.I

lookedoutthroughthewindowandsawafewroadiespushingcasestowardthestage

area.

Ourcrewwasalreadyinplaceandreadytosetupassoonasthebandbeforeuswas

doneandclearedoffthestage.Oursetlastedanhour,andafterthat,wewerefreeuntilwe

hadtobebackatthebusbytwointhemorning.

VehicleofDestructionandSteelTotalDestructionwereafterus,leavingWickedEnd

tocloseoutthenight.Ihadeveryintentionofhangingaroundforalloftheir

performances,butIhadafeelingtheguyswouldwanttoheadouttothecasinosorsome

clubsassoonasweweredone.IhadnoideawhatKit’splanswere,butIdamnsure

wasn’tgoingtolethergooutintoLasVegasonherown.

“She’snotgoingtoaskforhelp,”Steveninformedme,takingamomenttolookoutthe

window.“KitEllisisn’tonetoacceptcharity.”

“Kit’satoughone,”Iagreed,bobbingmyheadinsomesemblanceofanod.

“Okay,”Stevensaid,grabbingasodaoutofthefridge.“It’sgoingtobefuckinghotup

theretoday,butwehavefansplacedonthestagetokeepyousomewhatcool.”

“MakesureKitandJudehavethem,”Iordered,pointingmyplasticspooninhis

direction.“Theygetthemostoverheated.”

“Gotit,”Stevennodded.“I’mheadingouttocheckonGilesatthemerchbooth.Call

meifyouneedme,anddon’tforgettobeatthesideofthestageatfour-fifteen.”

“Willdo,bossman,”Ipromised,givinghimashortsalute.

StevenhadbeenwithmesinceIwaswithmyfirstbandsixyearsago.Heknewthe

innerworkingsofthisindustrybetterthananyoneelseI’dmet.Whyhestayedonwith

me,Ihadnoidea,andIwasn’tgoingtoquestionhimeither.

Lookingatmyphone,wehadjustunderanhourbeforewehadtobeready.Ourcrew

wouldbesettingupforourperformanceinthenextfewminutes,iftheyhadn’tstarted

already.IneededtokeepmyheadclearandoffofwhateverwasgoingonbackinPhoenix

withKit’smom,butI’dadmitthatIwasworriedshewouldbetoofocusedonhometobe

readytotearupthestageforthenextfewweeks.

BeforeIcouldtakeofftofindher,thedoortothebusopenedandIheardtheclickof

herheeledbootsassheclimbedthestairs.Thosefuck-mebootssheworeonstagewerea

damnhazardifyouaskedme,butsherockedthemandneverlostherbalance.Theyhad

spikesalloverthetoes,andifshewantedtomakesomeguysinglikealittlegirl,allshe

neededtodowaskickhimintheballs.

“Haveyouwarmedupyet?”sheasked,droppingabandshirtfromWickedEndonthe

table.

“No,”Isaid,reachingintothefridgeforabottledwater.“Areyougoodtogoon

today?”

“Whythefuckwouldyouaskmethat?”shesnarled,herblondebangsfallingintoher

eyesassheleanedforwardandputahandonherhip.ShewaspissedthatI’dbroughtup

hermom.

“Justwanttomakesureyourheadisintherightspot,”Ireplied,walkingtowardher.

Thefireinhereyessentmythoughtsstraighttomydick.“Thisisabigeventforus.”

“Myheadisonstraight,Aiden,”shesnapped,hereyesroamingmybodyasImoved

intoherspace.“Iwantthisasbadasyoudo.”

“Whatisitthatyouwant,Kit?”Iasked,reachingouttowrapmyhandaroundher

waist.Ididn’tpullhertowardme,butfuckifIdidn’twanttojusttakeherlipsrightthere.

“Iwanttoplaymusic,andIwantSomethingWickedtocomeoutontop,”she

admitted,hereyessofteningassheinhaled.“Iwanttobeherewithyou…theband.”

“I’mnotgoinganywhere,”Isaid,tighteningmyhold.Thatmomentwasthereagain.It

wasthesameaswhenwe’dalmostkissedaweekago.Somestrangeelectricitycrackled

throughtheair,andIcould’veswornitwascomingfromher.“You’renotgoing

anywhere.”

“Weshouldn’tbedoingthis.”Shefrowned,butshedidn’tmoveawayfromme,either.

“Thistouching,andalmostkissing,isn’tthebestidearightnow,Aiden.”

“Iknow,”Isaid,stillwatchinghereyesastheysearchedmyface.“ButIdon’tcare

anymore.”

HereyesblazedwithheatasIleanedin,capturingherlips.Hertonguesnakedoutand

lappedoverthepiercingsinmylip.IfeltherbodyrelaxintomyholdasIdeepenedthe

kiss.Myhandsliduptocupherface,holdingherstillformydemands.IknewifIlether

go,shewouldrunfromme.

IwasshockedwhenKit’shandwrappedaroundmyforearmandheldmeinplace.She

didn’twantmetostop,andmaybesheknewthatIsureashelldidn’tplanonreleasingher

anytimesoon.Withmyfreehand,Iletitslideupthesideofhertightvest,stoppingather

breast.Icuppeditthroughthematerialandfeltmyselfhardenwhenshemoaned,closing

hereyesinbliss.Myerectionpressedagainsthersex,showingherjusthowmuchshe

affectedme.Ifelttheheatcomingfromherpussy,andIknewifItouchedher,I’dfindher

wetforme.

Myphonerangfromitsspotonthetable,causingbothofustojump.Icursedand

turnedaround,releasingmyholdonher.Stevenwascalling,wantingtoknowwhereI

was.Wehadlessthanfifteenminutesbeforewewereneededatthestage.

WhenIhungupthephoneandturnedaround,KitElliswasnowheretobefound.

“Fuck,”Igrowled,myvoiceechoingintheemptybus.

ChapterFour

Kit

Whenhisphonerang,Iusedthatasmyexcusetogetaway.Ididn’tevenlookbackasI

boltedfromthebus,grabbingmybackpackfromitsspotonthecouch.Iscurriedaround

thefrontofthebusthatwasparkednexttooursandmademywaytothewomen’s

restroombehindoneofthetents.Iignoredthetwowomenwhowerewashingtheirhands

andsteppedintoastall,throwingthelockassoonasthedoorclosed.Iputmyfeetupon

thetoiletandcroucheddown,coveringmyfacewithmyhands.Iinhaledslowly,hoping

tocalmmyrapidheartbeat,butIcouldn’tgethisfaceoutofmyheadorthetasteofhim

frommylips.

AidenHawkemadeeveryounceofmybodyturnliquidwheneverhetouchedme.

Therewasnodenyingthatwewantedeachother,andIknewitwasonlyamatteroftime

beforeI’dlethimburyhimselfbetweenmylegs.Ifeltallofmyinhibitionsdrainingaway,

andIwould’velethimfuckmerightthereonthetableifhe’daskedforit.Hiskisswas

electric.Hell,anytimehetouchedme,IfeltlikeI’dwillinglygrabbedalivewirewith

bothhandsjusttofeelthejolttomysoul.

Mypointofustogetherwasvalid.Wecouldn’tcrossthatline,butwehad.Beingwith

Aidenwassuretodestroymycareer.Itwouldmakethingsawkward,butdamnifIdidn’t

wanttolethimtouchme.Icouldn’triskbeingputoutofthisbandbecauseIfuckedmy

leadsinger.Icouldn’taffordlosingeverythingforanightofwhatwassuretobethe

hottestsexI’deverhad.

IwasfinallymakingmoneydoingwhatIloved.Granted,I’djustsentallofmysavings

tothelandlordtokeepfrombeinghomeless,butIstillhadasteadyincomehittingmy

bankaccountonamonthlybasis.ThistourwasgoingtomakeitsoIcouldmoveoutof

thattrashyapartmentandfindmyselfsomethingthatwasn’tintheslumsofPhoenix.

Whenmyunclecalled,Iknewimmediatelythatsomethinghadgonewrongwithmy

mom.WhenIleftforthistour,allIdidwasdropanoteonthekitchentable,tellingher

thatIwouldbegoneforthenextfewweeks.She’dbeenpassedoutonthecouchand

neverwokeupbythetimeIclosedthedoor.Atthatpoint,Ihadtoquitworryingabouther

andlivemylifeforme.

Ididn’tknowhowlongIstayedtherebeforemyphonechimedforanincomingtext.

StevenwasthrowingafitbecauseIhadlessthantenminutesbeforeIwasdueattheside

ofthestage.HittingareplyandtellinghimIwasonmyway,Ihurriedoutofthestallto

usethebathroom’smirrortodarkenmymakeup.Igrabbedmycombandhairsprayfrom

mybagandhastilymademyhairstandupjustalittlemore.

Shrugging,IputeverythinginsideandwalkedoutintothehotNevadasun,turningfor

thestage.MythoughtsaboutAidenwouldhavetobeputonthebackburnerforthenext

hour.Isureashellwasn’tgoingtoletmyhormonesfuckupthisshow.I’ddealwithmy

feelingstowardhimwhenIwasalone.

Istoppedbesidethestageandrolledmyheadaroundtoloosenthekinkthathadsettled

inthebackofmyneck.TherewasnothingIcoulddoabouttheheatthatstillrolled

throughmycoreafterAidenhadkissedmeonthebus.Ourcrewwasjustputtingthefinal

touchesonthestage,adjustingourmicrophonestotheheightweneeded.

“Youreadytodothis?”Kadeaskedashecametostandbesidemewithasmirkonhis

face.Hejuttedhischinoutandlookedovermyshoulder.“Oh,thisisgoingtobefun.”

Iturnedmyheadandfinallygotagoodlookatthecrowd.Therehadtobeafew

thousandpeopleoutthere,bodiespulsingastheyallcrammedinasclosetothestageas

possible.Bodiesswayed,peoplewerebouncingbeachballsacrossthecrowd.I’donly

seencrowdslikethisfromtelevisedconcerts.

“Holyfuck,”Ibreathed,feelingmyheartthunderinmychest.

I’dneverplayedforthismanypeopleinmylife.Thepastweek,ourtourstopshad

beenpackedfulloffans,butthevenuesweplayedonlyheldaboutafifthofthepeople

thatwerewaitingatthisfestivaltoseeSomethingWicked.Thiseventwasbig…huge.

“You’reoninthreeminutes,”atechsaidashewalkedtowardusholdingAiden’s

microphone.

“Thanks,”Aidensaidfrombehindme.Ihadn’tevenheardhimapproach.Whenour

eyesmet,Isawthefireinhis,andthepullwasstrongerthanever.Hisgazeroamedmy

bodylikehewastakingstockofeveryinch.Likehewascalculatingtheminutesuntilhe

couldhavemealltohimself,andhelookedhungry…veryhungry.

Judemovedtomyrightandstretched,bendingfromsidetoside.Aidenwrappedhis

armsaroundus,pullingthebandintoacircle.WebowedourheadsandletAidendohis

preshowritualofremindingusthattheshowwouldnotbeasuccessunlesswegaveitour

allandthensome.Assoonaswebrokeapart,thetechnoddedandwewalkedupthestairs

tothesideofthestage.Istrappedonmybassandtookadeepbreath.

Itwastimetowork.

MyfeelingstowardAidenwouldhavetowait.

ChapterFive

Aiden

“HELLO,LASVEGAS!”Iscreamed,andthecrowdroaredaswerushedthestage.

Judewasalreadypoisedandreadybehindhiskittostartthefirstsong.OnceKitandKade

wereinplace,Igavemydrummeranodandtheshowbegan.

Ourfirstsongwasgoingtobethenextreleaseoffthenewalbum.Itwashardand

heavy,andfromtheroarofthecrowd,thesongwasahit.Theheatrolledupoffthedesert

floor,andIrippedmyshirtoffassoonasthesongended.Womenscreamed,andIsaw

Kit’sgazeflickertomychestbeforewestartedthenextsong.

Itwasn’tlongbeforeInoticedoneoftheotherbandsplayingthatweekendstandingin

thecrowd.Flixwasn’tscheduledtoplayuntilthenextday,butIwasn’tsurprisedtosee

themthere.

WhatIwassurprisedatwastheobviouslustintheirdrummer’seyesashewatchedKit

fromhisperchinthecrowd.Ifoundmyselfgravitatingtowardherasthesongended.Jude

startedthenextsongimmediately,andIbeltedoutthebeginning,myeyesfocusingon

her.Kitlookedatmewithanoddexpression,butIplayeditoffaspartofourset.Ileaned

mybackagainsthersasIsangthechorus,thenturnedaroundtoputthemicinherfaceso

shecouldsingherbackupvocals.Igaveherawinkandheadedbacktocenterstage.

Thecrowdroaredaswerolledintothefirstsingleoffofthealbum.Somegirlwas

surfingacrossthecrowd,andseveralguyshadstartedmoshingafewrowsbackfromthe

rail.Iraisedmyfistintheairandtoldthefanstosingalong.Kadejumpedofftheriser

andfoundhiswayovertoKit,lookingoverhershoulderassheplayedthedeepbassline.

“Ladiesandgentlemen,KitEllis!”WhenIpointedtoher,theaudiencecheeredand

swayed.Ismiledandgaveheranothersoftwink.Shenoddedandwalkedbehindmeto

standupontheriserthatJude’skitwassittingonsohecouldbeseenbythecrowd.She

didn’tstaylong,returningtohermictohelpmefinishoutthesong.Wedidthisforthe

nexthour,pushingourselvesuntilwewerenearthepointofexhaustion.

Aswecameoffthestage,ourcrewrushedinbehindustotakedownourequipment.I

grabbedatowelandwipedmyface,tossingitintoabasketbythetentthatwassetupfor

usbesidethestage.Kitfollowedalongafterme.Herfacelitup,andlikeallofus,shewas

feelingtherushofenergyfromthecrowd.

“Thatwasamazing!”

JustasIturnedaround,IsawtheguysfromFlixapproaching.Theirbandmanager,

Ryan,introducedhimselfandmadesomepleasantries.WhentheyaskedaboutKit,I

hardenedmyfeaturesandofferedtointroducethem.Iknewtheyweren’ttheretotakeher

frommyband,butthelookinthatdrummer’seyestoldmehewouldhavehernakedand

screaminghisname,giventhechance.

“Kit,”Isaid,takingmyhandandplacingitonherlowerbackasIsteppeduptoher

side.IfeltherbodyrelaxforamomentbutquicklystiffenwhensherealizedIwasn’t

alone.Herbodysignalstoldmethatshewantedme,butsheresisted.

Ryanheldouthishandforashake.Itoldherwhohewasandthatthey’dbeenvery

impressedwithherperformance.Shesmiledwidelyandblushed.“Ah,thankssomuch.”

“I’mWill,”thedrummersaid,pushingpasthisbandmatestogethishandsonher.“Can

Ibuyyouadrink?”

IfeltKadegraspmyarmwhenshenoddedandallowedWilltowrapanarmaroundher

lowerback,leadingherofftowardthebar.Therestofthebandandtheirmanagersaid

theirgoodbyesandleftusstandingtherealone.Iwatchedherasshewaitedforadrink.

Afterthat,shedidn’twastetimemovingtoatalltabletotalkwiththedrummerfromFlix.

Iwantedtokillthesonofabitch.

“Calmdown,”Judewhispered,makingamovetostandinmylineofsight.WhenI

madeamovetosteparoundhim,Kadewasrighttheretoblockmyway.

“Iamcalm,”Isnarled.“Iwanttomakesureshe’sokay.”

“Itoldyoutoclaimthat.”Kadeshrugged,handingmemydiscardedshirt.Ipulledit

overmyheadandimmediatelyfoundheragain.

“She’sfine,”Judesighed,givingKadeahardglare.“Wewillmingleandkeepaneye

onher,butdon’tyoudaredoanythingstupid.They’rejusttalking.”

IspentthenexttenminutestryingmyhardestnottogooverthereandclaimKitformy

own…andpunchthatdrummersquareinthefuckingthroat.Hewantedwhatwasmine.

“Drinkthis,”Kadedemanded,settingashotofwhiskeyandabeerinfrontofme.My

eyesneverwaveredfromherspotacrosstheroomasItiltedtheliquidback,swallowingit

downwithoutevenfeelingtheburn.

Kitwastalkingquietlywiththedrummer;andthankfully,shewasn’tleaningintohim

orlaughingatanythinghesaid.JudeandKademovedwithmeasImademywaycloser

tohertable.Iwantedtobenearher,becauseIreallydidn’tknowtheguyshewaswith,

andIwasn’tsureifItrustedhim.Mybodyvibratedashereachedovertotouchherhand.

Inoticedthemomentshelookedawayandoureyesmet.Therewasthatfireinhergaze

again.

Justasmyfeetstartedmovingtowardthem,IfeltKadegraspmyarmoncemore.I’d

hadenoughandwasgoingtogetherawayfromWillforgoodthistime.BeforeIcould

approachthetable,WillstoodupandnoddedtowardKit,leaningdownandplacingasoft

kissonhercheek.Theanimalisticgrowlthatcamefrommylipscausedafewpeopleto

turnandlookinmydirection.

Ireallydidn’tcareanymore.

Iwantedher.

ChapterSix

Kit

InoddedandacceptedWill’sinvitationforadrink.Hishandsettledonmylowerback

asheguidedmetothebaratthebackofthetent.ThedrummerforFlixwasverytall,his

armsheavilytattooed.Hisdeepbrowneyesandlightblondhairmadehimstunning,butI

wasmoreinterestedinaguywithmulticoloredhairandeyessogreentheywere

mesmerizing.

“WhatcanIgetyou?”thebartenderasked,givingmeaonceover.

“Whiskeyandcoke,please,”Ireplied,refusingtolookovermyshoulder.Ididn’teven

havetochecktoseeifAidenwaswatchingme,becauseIcouldfeelhisstare.

“I’llhaveabeer,”Willsaid,interruptingthebartender’screepyleerasheflashedhis

badgeindicatinghewaswithabandandourdrinkswerefree.Oncehesetourdrinkson

thebartop,Willshovedafewbillsintheman’stipjarandtookmyhand,pullingme

awayfromthecrowdthathadgathered.Wefoundabistrotable,andItookaseatafter

settingmydrinkdown.

“Youareanamazingbassist,”Willsaid,leaningagainstthehightoptable.

“Thankyou!”Ismiled,takingalargegulpofmydrink.Theburnfromthealcoholfelt

goodagainstmyparchedthroat.

“Howlonghaveyoubeenplaying?”hecontinued.

“Abouttenyears.”Ishrugged.“Myunclegavemehisoldbassformyfourteenth

birthdayandthenspenttheweekendsteachingmehowtoplayit.”

“Isn’tthathowmostofusstartedout?”heasked,lookingatsomethingovermy

shoulder.Hiseyesnarrowed,buthequicklyschooledhisfeatures.

“Prettymuch,”Ianswered,turningmyheadslightlytoseeAidenhadmovedcloser.He

heldabeerbetweenhisfingers,bringingittohislipsandtakingaswig.Thefireinhis

eyessentachilldownmyspine.Hewaspissed.

“IseethatIhavecompetition,”Willchuckledafteralongsigh.“I’mgoingtobowout,

Ms.Kit.Itwasapleasuretomeetyou,andIhopetoseeyouagain.”

“Thankyouforthedrink,”Iconceded.Willwasright.Aidenwould’veprobablykilled

himifhe’devenmadeamovetogetclosetome.

“IusuallygoafterthingsthatIwant,butIseethatwithyou,mycharmswouldgoto

waste,”hesaid,thenwinked.“IjustwishI’dmetyousooner.”Hewasteasingme,andI

knewit.Whenheleanedoverandkissedmycheek,IheardWillchucklebeforewalking

away.

AssoonasIwasalone,Aidenmarchedforward,histeethclenchedsohardthathisjaw

tickedrapidly.Ididn’tsayanything,justpickedupmydrinkandfoundmywayoutofthe

tent.Hefollowedmewithoutanotherword.JudeandKadehungbackanddidn’tmakea

movetofollowus.

“Doyouknowhim?”AidenaskedassoonasIclimbedthestepsofthebus.Looking

around,IcursedundermybreathwhenIrealizedthatwewerealone.Beingalonewith

AidenHawkewasabadidea.

“No,”Ireplied,drainingtherestofmydrinkanddroppingtheplasticcupintothe

garbagecanunderthesink.“That’sthefirsttimeI’devermetanyonefromFlix.”

“Hewantedinyourpants,”Aidensnarled,runninghishandthroughhismulticolored

hair.

“That’scrude,Aiden,”Iscoffed,takingastepback.“Reallyrude.”

“It’sthetruth,”hecursed,movingforward.“Ifhecould’vethrownyouacrossthat

table,hewould’vefuckedyourightthereforeveryonetosee.”

“And?”Ipushed.Iknewhewastryingtostakehisclaim;anddamn,Iwantedhimto

claimme,butnotlikesomeNeanderthal.Thetensionwasbuildingbetweenus,andI

wasn’tstupid.Webothknewthatwewantedeachother,butIwastheonlyonewhowas

thinkingrationally.Hewasactinglikeacaveman.

Aidenfroze,hiseyesblazingwithheatashesearchedmyface.Ikeptmyexpression

hardasstone.Itwasnowornever.Iwantedhim.Hewantedme,butinthatmoment,

AidenHawketurnedonhisheelandwalkedoffthebus.Onlyaviciouscursewasleftin

hiswake.

Myheartthunderedinmychest,theadrenalinmakingmyhandstwitch.Tearspricked

atmyeyes,andIcursedloudlytokeepmymindoffcrying.Iwantedhimtobetheoneto

throwmedownonthetableandfuckme,butIalsodidn’twanttoruinwhatIhadwith

SomethingWicked.

WheredidIdrawtheline?

“Fuckthis,”Isnarled,grabbingmybag.Therewerealineofcabsoutsideofthevenue.

IknewwhereIwantedtogotoletoffsomesteam.

Islippedoutofthebusandskirtedaroundthebackstagearea,hopingIwasn’tseenby

anyofmybandmatesornoticedbyanyfans.ThesunwassettingandIpulledonathin

jacketovermyvest.Ipulledthehoodupovermyblondehairandduckedmyhead.As

soonasIclearedthefence,Iwavedatacabandjumpedinthebackthemomenthe

stopped.

“TakemetoTheStrip,”Isaid,leaningbackinmyseatandfinallyreleasingabreathI

didn’tevenknowIwasholding.Ifiredoffatexttoourmanager,tellinghimIwouldbe

backintimeforustoleaveLasVegas.Ijustneededsometimealone.

ChapterSeven

Aiden

AfterI’dleftheronthebus,I’dfoundmywaybacktothetent.Judehadsatmeona

barstoolandfedmeafewshotstocalmmyself.Ichattedwithsomeoftheotherbands,

andwespentthebetterpartofanhourtossingbackthefreedrinksthatwereoffered.The

alcoholinmysystemhadn’tdulledmyneedforher,either.

Infact,ithadheightenedit.

Islammedtheshotglassdownonthebartopandmadeaswirlingmotionwithmy

finger,tellingthebartendertobringmeanother.Thebuzzinmyveinsjustwasn’twhereI

wantedittobe.Kitwasinmymind’seye,andIcouldn’tshakethefeelingthatI’dfucked

upwithher.

Ishould’veneverranoutonher.

Ishould’vestayedthereandclaimedher.

SeeingthatguyfromFlixtouchingKithadeveryprotectiveinstinctinsidemewanting

tomarkherlikeawildanimal.Shewasdrivingmeinsanewithlust.Now,Iwasjust

pissedatmyself.

Assoonasthedrinkwasplacedinfrontofme,myeyesroamedthearea.Ineededto

findKit.Thiswasgoingtoendnow.Myfeethittheground,andIturnedfortheexit.I

searchedthefoodtentfirst,butshewasnowheretobefound.JudeandKadewereoutby

thetrailer,helpingourcrewloaduptheequipment.“HaveyouseenKit?”

“No.”Judefrowned.“Ithoughtshewaswithyou.”

“Shewasn’tonthebus?”Kadeasked,settingaguitarcaseontheground.

“Ihaven’tlookedthereyet,”Ireplied.

“CheckwithSteven,”Judesuggested,handingoffatoteofmerchandise.“Ifyouneed

us,wewillstartlookingforher.”

“I’llcheckthetentsandthebus,”Isaid,leavingmybandmatestofinishloadingup.

Iloopedoffaroundthebusesandsearchedtheentirebackstagearea,evenaskingthe

guysfromFlixifthey’dseenher.Willofferedtohelpme,butIdidn’twanthimanywhere

nearher.Shewasmine.

MyheartthunderedinmychestasIsteppedonthebusandshewasn’tsittingonthe

couch.Shewasnowheretobefound.AsIpulledthecurtainbackonherbunk,Icursed

again.Herbagwasmissingandtherewasn’tanote.Herbasswasstillinthebackofthe

bus,soIknewshehadn’tleftusbyflyingoutoftown.“Wherethefuckisshe?”

“Sheleftaboutanhourago,”Stevenannouncedasheclimbedonthebus.

“What?”MyvoicehardenedasImarchedtowardourtourmanager.“Whereisshe?”

“Shetextedmeoutoftheblue.SaidshewasgoingtohitTheStripandwouldbeback

beforeitwastimetoleave.”Hehelduphisphoneformetoseethemessage.

I’mheadingtoTheStripforsomealonetime.I’llbebackbeforethewheelsturnonthe

bus.

Ididn’tsayanythingasIpushedpasthim.IgrabbedaworkerandaskedwhereIcould

getacab.Afterafewdirections,Ifoundmywayoutofthevenueandintoacab.My

fingersflewoverthekeyboardonmyphoneaswedrove.

Whereareyou?

Shedidn’tanswermeforagoodfiveminutes.

AtCaesar’s.

Itoldthedrivermynewdestinationanddidn’treplytohermessage.ShehadtoknowI

wascomingforher.Myprotectivesidewasonahairtrigger.Ifshewaswithanotherman,

Imayjustkillhim.I’dhadenoughofourconstantgo-arounds.ItwastimetoclaimKit

Ellisformyself.

Fucktheband.

Iwantedher.

Ipaidthefareandslidoutofthecab.Thedoormanheldthedooropen,andIcursed

undermybreathwhenhecalledmebyname.I’dbeenhereplentyoftimesbefore,andI

shouldn’thavebeensurprisedthatIwasrecognized.Aftermyoldbandhadhitnumber

oneonthecharts,we’dallflowntoVegasandpartiedatthisexacthotel,spendingmore

moneythananyoneshouldonliquorandwhores.

Myfirststopwasatthehotelcheck-in.Itdidn’ttakelongbeforeIwasgivenakeytoa

room,andthenmynextgoalwastofindKit.AsIwalked,myeyessearchedeveryslot

machineandcardtableinmypath.JustasIwasabouttostartyellinghername,Ifound

her.

Thebrightblondeinherhairstoodoutagainstthemulticoloredlightsoverthesmall

bar.Shewasseatedattheend,sippingonamixeddrink,andthankfully,shewasalone.I

didn’tknowifshesensedmeorwhat,butherheadjerkedtothesideandoureyesmet.

Sheblinkedtwiceandlookeddownatherdrink.Sheturneditupanddrainedtheglass,

settingitdownheavilyonthebar.Shespunonthestool,droppingherfoottotheground.

Afteraheavysigh,shestoodupandwalkedstraighttowardme.Imetherhalfway.

“Don’tyoueverrunawayfromme,”IsnarledasIpulledherflushwithmybody.

“Aiden,”shebegan,butmynarrowedeyescausedhertopressherlipstogether.

“Doyourealizethatthistownisn’tthesafestplacetoberoamingaroundalone?”I

tried…Ireallytriedtocontrolmytemper,butthethoughtofherbeingpickedupbysome

loseratthecasinosetmyteethonedge.

“Iwassafe,Aiden,”shehuffed,lookingaroundthebar.“Whyareyouevenhere?”

“Youleftme,”Isaid,watchinghereyesdarkenwithlust.

“Ididn’tleaveyou,”shesighed,hershouldersslumpingwithexhaustion.“Iwantedto

bealone.”

“Why?”Iasked,myheartdroppingtomystomach.“What’swrong?”

“Nothing’swrong,”shepromised,andasoftsmilepulledupthecornerofherfulllips.

“Youseemtohaveahabitofnottellingmeeverything,Kit,”Ipushed.

Somethingwasbotheringher,andIwantedtoknowexactlywhatitwas.Therewasa

deepseatedneedinmyguttoprotectandprovideforher.Why?Ihadnofuckingclue.

Shewasworkingherwayundermyskin,andIcouldn’tshakeit.Icouldn’tlethergo.I

wantedtoclaimherformyown.

“Ijustneededsometimealonetothink,”shesaidquietly.

“Comewithme,”Iordered,pullingheralongtowardthebankofelevatorsthatleadto

thehotelrooms.

“Thisisabadidea,”shesaidassoonasthedoorsclosed.

“No,thisisright,”Ireplied,turningtothesidesoIcouldcuphersoftcheek.We

searchedeachother’sfaceforafewsecondslikewewerelookingforasignthatthis

shouldn’thappen.Whenwefoundnone,Ipushedherintothecornerandtookherlips

withmine.

Assoonasweconnected,Ifeltthefireinsidehercometolife.Shewasn’thesitantwith

herreturnkisses.No,shetookeverythingIdirectedatherandshegaveitbacktomejust

asstrongly.Mycockhardenedpainfullywhenherbodymeltedintomine,andIsworemy

kneesalmostbuckledwhenherhandcuppedmyerection.

Thedingoftheelevatorwastheonlythingthatmadeusseparate.Theroomwasdown

thehallway,andIhadherupinmyarmswithherlegswrappedaroundmywaistbythe

timeIslidthecardinthelock.

Ididn’tevenbotherturningonanylightsasIwalkedustowardthebed;onlytheonein

thebathroomhadbeenleftonbyhousekeeping.Assoonasmylegshitthebed,Isether

toherfeetbesideit.Herjacketwastossed…somewhere.Minewasnothingbutaheapon

thefloor.

“Thisvestneedstobeburned,”IgrowledasIunsnappedthebuttons.Myeyesfellon

herlargebreastsassoonastheywerefree.

“Ilikethatvest,”sheteased.

MylipsfoundhersagainandIpushedherdown,coveringherwithmybody.There

wasnowayIwasgoingtogetundresseduntilshewascompletelybarebeneathme.Isat

backonmykneesandunbuttonedherblackdenimjeans,scootingbackuntilIhadto

standandremoveherboots.Withinseconds,Istoodoverhernakedbodyandtookinher

rawbeauty.

“Jesus,you’rebeautiful,”IgrowledasIpulledmyshirtovermyhead.“Openyourlegs

forme,Kit.IwanttoseewhatI’mabouttofeaston.”

Shewasn’tshyasherlegsfelltotheside.Herpussywasbareandglisteningwithher

desire.Mykneehitthebed,myeyesfocusingonherpinkflesh.Myshoulderbumpedthe

backofherthighandsheautomaticallyhookedherlegovermyshoulder.

“Fuck,”shemoanedasmytonguemethersex.Thoseskillfulfingersofhers,theones

thatplayedherinstrumentwithperfection,tangledintomyhairandshetightenedherhold

onmyhead,directingmetowhereshelikedtobetouched…tasted.Itookherdirection

welland,withinminutes,shewaswrithingbeneathme.

“Iwanttotasteyourpleasure,”ItoldherasIlookedupintohereyes.“Giveittome,

Kit.”

Itouchedheropening,pressingtwofingersinsideher.HerpussyclampeddownandI

felthershiver.Betweenmymouthandmyhand,Iworkedheruntilshescreamedmy

name,grabbingtwohandfulsofmyhair.Sheliftedherhipsandpulledonmyhead,

guidingmeexactlywhereshewantedme.Ismiledasshecameonmytongue.

“Condom,”shemumbledasIfinallyclimbedupherbody.

Shewasbeingsafe,andIknewit,butfuckifIdidn’thavetheoverwhelmingurgeto

comeinsideherjustsoIcouldmarkherwitheveryounceofpleasureIhadinsidemy

body.Yes,itwasanimalistic,butthiswomanbroughtthatoutofme.

Reachingformydiscardedjeans,Ifumbledaroundwithmywalletandgrabbedthefoil

packet,tearingitopencarefullywithmyteeth.MyhandworkedovermycockasItook

hermouthwithmyown.Iknewshetastedherselfonmylips,andIalmostcameinmy

handwhensheusedhertonguetocleanheressencefrommychin.

“Youareadirtygirl,aren’tyou?”Iteased,guidingmyselftoherawaitingheat.

“Youhavenoidea,AidenHawke,”shepurred,wrappingherlegsaroundmywaist.

Shewastight,andthepartofmethatwasselfishrelishedtheideathatshehadn’tbeen

withsomeoneinquitesometime.Noonehadseenthisbodythatwasbeneathmeina

longtime.Noonehadclaimedherpleasurerecently,either.No,KitElliswasmine.

Myhandtuckedbehindherear,andIstrokedmythumboverherbottomlip,pullingit

downandawayfromherteeth.ShemoanedloudlywhenIleanedinandtooktheplump

fleshwithmyteeth,bitinghard.

“Holdon,baby,”Igrowled,rotatingmyhipsuntilherbodysoftenedbeneathme.Her

breastspressedintomychestasIcoveredhercompletely.Myballsachedwiththeneedto

release,butIfocusedallofmypentupneedonkissingheruntilwebothforgottobreathe.

“God,Aiden,”shecursed,reachingdowntograbmyasswithbothhands.Iswore

whenhernailsbitintomyflesh.

“Yourpussyishungry,isn’tit?”Idemanded,notmistakingthetighteningofhersex.

Herwarmthsurroundedme,pullingmeinasdeepasIcouldgo.

“Fuckme,Aiden,”sheordered,movingherhandstomyhead.

Ourbreathingincreased;thesoundscomingfromourmouthsweresavage.Oneofher

handsmovedoutofmyhairandstartedtoslidedownbetweenus,butIgrabbedherwrist

andpinneditaboveherhead.

“Icontrolyourpleasure,”Isnarled,thrustingdeeptwicesosheknewIwasincharge.

“Please,”shecried,liftingherhipsformetogiveherwhatshewasneeding.

“No,”Ireplied,smirkinginthedimlylitroomasshecursedunderherbreath.

Iwasabouttolosecontrolovermyself,butIknewthatthiswasprobablytheonly

chanceIwouldgettostakemyclaimoverher.Theweekswe’dbeentrappedtogetheron

thatbushadmademewanthermorethanIhadwantedanythingelseinmylife.

KitwasfierceandsoftandallthethingsIwantedinawoman.Shewasnobunny.No,

thebassistforSomethingWickedwasadevil,andthefirethatcamefromhersoulcalled

tomeonsomanylevels.

“Ineed…”shebegan,butIshutherupwithmytongueinhermouth.

BythetimeIreleasedherlips,shewasbuckingagainstme,thepleasfallingfromher

lips.Ifinallygaveherwhatsheneededbyreachingbetweenusandpressingmythumbto

herclit.Iwantedheronedge.Ineededhertocome,becauseIwasgoingtoworkheruntil

shecouldn’tleavethebed.Themomentshestartedcryingoutmyname,Ipulledoutand

grabbedherlegsasIsliddownherbody.Hercursewasharshontheair,butIdidn’tgive

aflyingfuck.MytonguefoundhercoreandIletherrideoutherorgasmonit.Sheburied

thosefingersinmyhairagainandIlethermoveherbodyuntilI’dlappedupallshehad

togiveme.

“I’mnotdone,”IgrowledasIrolledoveronmyback,pullingherbythehips.“Come

here.”

“Aiden,”shebreathedout,obviouslyexhausted,butIdidn’tcare.LikeIsaid,Iwasn’t

done.

“Ontopofme,”Idirected,helpingherthrowalegovermyhips.Shedidn’tprotest,

andwhenshegrabbedmycockwithherwarmhand,Itossedmyheadbackandgrittedmy

teeth.Hertouchwasgoingtodrivemeinsane.

Herbodyopenedup,takingeveryinchIhadtooffer.Kit’shandslandedonmy

stomachandmyfingerswrappedaroundherwaist.Ihadtoguideherforamomentbefore

sherecoveredenoughtotakethelead.

Myhipsbucked,sendingherbodyforward.Insteadoffallingagainstmychest,she

grabbedaholdoftheheadboard,sendingherbreastsrightintomyface.Myhandslidup

andcuppedherasmytonguesnakedoutandblazedapathoverherdarknipple.Whenmy

teethgrazedher,shegrowledlowinherthroat.

“Giveittome,Kit,”Idemanded,feelingmyballstightenfromthefeelofheraround

me.Ineededherwithmeonelasttime.

“Aiden,”shemoaned,rotatingherhips.“I…can’t.”

“Yes,youcan,”Isnarled.

Ipushedupward,makingsureIhitthespotIknewmadehercome.Withinseconds,

shecriedoutmynameandIletgo,comingharderthanIeventhoughtpossible.

Fuck,sherockedmyworld.

ChapterEight

Kit

WhathadIdone?

Isleptwithmybandmate.No,Ididn’tsleepwithhim.Ifuckedhim.Iscrewedtheman

whohiredmetobeinhisband.I’djustmadetheworstmistakeofmylife.

Ireachedformydiscardedclotheswhilehewasintheshower.Ididn’twanttodothe

walkofshamebackonthebuswithhimatmyside.Ineededtogobackalone.JustasI

slidintomyboots,Iheardthewatercutoff.Afewsecondslater,Aidenopenedthedoor

andwalkedoutinjustatowel.

IthoughtI’dbeabletoresisthimafterI’dgottenhimoutofmysystem,butseeinghim

standingtherewiththelightfromthebathroomathisback,Iknewoncewouldneverbe

enoughwithAidenHawke.

“Wereyouabouttorunawayfromme?”heasked,onedarkeyebrowraisedin

question.Hiswethairfelltooneside,coveringtheothereye.Damn,hewasgorgeous.

Whydidmystupidhormonesgohaywirewheneverhelookedatmelikethat?

“Thisshould’veneverhappened,Aiden,”Isaid,tryingtofittheseweirdfeelingsinside

myheart.

“Itwasboundtohappen,”heretorted,movingtowardme.“Youknowthat.”

“Still,”Ibegan,buthisharshstarestoppedmeinmytracks.

“Justdon’t,Kit,”hewarned,droppinghistowel.Hiscockstoodout,hardandthick.

“Whyareyoufightingthis?”

“I’mnotthewomanforyou,”Ihedged.Aidenwalkedtowardmeslowly.Hishand

snakeddownhisabsandwrappedaroundhiscock,squeezingthetipashegrowled…

again.Whydidthatmakemewanttowhimperandfallathisfeet?

“Sayswho?”hescoffed.“You?”

“Yeah.”

“Youarenotleavingthisband,”hewarned.Myeyeswidenedashevoicedtheexact

thoughtthathadbeenrollingaroundinmyheadforthepastfewhours.Icould’vesworn

atthatmoment,AidenHawkecouldseeintomymind,readingitlikeanopenbook.

“Aiden,”Isighed.Ineededtotellhim.Heshouldknow.“Ineedthisjob,andwhatwe

justdid…yeah,thatcomplicatesthings.”

“Complicatesthings?”hepushed.“Youhavethisjob,Kit.Nooneisgoingtotellyou

togohomeforfuckingme.”

“Idon’tthinkyouunderstand,Aiden,”Ibegan,feelingtearsprickthebackofmyeyes,

butIwouldn’tcry.No,I’dlearnedtohidethatemotionfrommanypeopleovertheyears.

Cryingshowedweakness,andweak,Iwasnot.

“Tellme,”hesaid,takingaseatonthebed.

“Ihavetokeepthisjob,”Istarted,butpausedtobitemylip.Itwashardtosaythe

words,butheneededtoknow.“MybabysisterisallIhave,besidesmymom.Hell,my

motherissofargoneinheraddictions,I’mnotsureevenrehabwouldhelpher.”

“Youhaveasister?”heasked,hiseyeswideningatmyconfession.

“She’ssix.”Iswallowed,tryingnottobreakdown.Shewaseverythingtome,andI

wantedhertohavesomuchmorethanI’dhad.“Myunclehascustodyofher,butIstill

payforeverythingsheneeds.Thisjobisthebestthingthathashappenedtomeinseveral

years.Idon’tknowhowtodoanythingelseotherthanplaymusic.It’stheonlywayI

knowhowtotakecareofher.”

“Whatishername?”heasked,hisvoicesoftening.

“Kylie,”Ireplied,thinkingofherlongbrowncurls.ThewayIusedtolookbeforeI

decidedtogiveintomyneedtobedifferentfromeveryonearoundme.“Shelooksjust

likeIdidatthatage.”

“Yoursisterwillnothavetoworry,”hereplied,touchingthesideofmyface.He

tuggedslightlyandIturnedmyheadsoIcouldlookathim.Thedeep,greenpoolsofhis

eyesdarkenedashesearchedmyfaceforsomething.“Icansendyourunclemoney.”

“No,”Isnapped,turningmyheadsohishandwouldfallfrommyface.“Itoldyou!I

don’ttakehandouts.”Myfeethitthefloor,andIstoodupsofastmyheadspun.Aiden

reachedoutforme,butIslappedawayhishand.“Don’t!”

“Kit,don’tyoudare!”hesnarledasIgrabbedmybag.Icouldn’tletthesefeelingsIhad

forhimjeopardizemyfuture.Ihadanotherpersontothinkabout.Mymomwasinjail,

andKyliehadnoonebutmyuncletocareforher.Sheneededclothes…food.Iwouldn’t

lethergrowupintheslumsofPhoenixlikeIhad.Icouldn’tlosethisjob…nomatterhow

hardIwasfallingforAidenHawke.

“She’smyresponsibility,Aiden,”Isaid,feelingthetearspushtowardthecornersof

myeyesasmyhandfellonthedoorhandle.Ihadtogetoutofthere.

“Butyouaremine,”hesaid,slamminghishandonthedoorsoIcouldn’tleave.

“I’mnotyours,”Iwhispered,turningaroundinthebracketofhisarms.Hisfacewas

setinahardscowl,andIknewthatbeingthisclosetohimwasabadidea.

“Themomentyouopenedyourlegsforme,KitEllis,wasthemomentyoubecame

mine,”hestated.“Ifyourunfromme,Iwillcomeafteryou.”

“Letmego,”Ibegged,droppingmyeyestothefloor.

“Never,”hevowed,tuckinghisfingerundermychinandpullingmyfaceupsohe

couldcapturemylips.

IknewIwasdoomedthemomentIdroppedmybagonthefloorandlethimcarryme

backtothebed.

ChapterNine

Aiden

“Callheruncleandgetmeanaddress,”IbarkedthemomentStevenpickedupthe

phone.PacingseemedtobetheonlythingIcoulddoasmyworryincreased.

Kithadfinallyopenedupandtoldmeaboutherlife.Well,themostimportantparts,at

least.God,howdidsheliveeverysingledayworryingaboutwhereherbabysisterwould

findhernextmeal?Howthehelldidshesurvivelivingwithadrugaddictforamother?

“What’swrongwithKit?”heasked,worried.“Issheokay?”

“She’sfine.”Isighed,pinchingthebridgeofmynose.“Didyouknowthatshehasa

babysister?”

“No.”Stevenpaused.“Shenevertoldmeanythingaboutherfamily.”

Thankfully,Kitwasintheshower,takinghertime.Ineededafewminutesaloneto

figureoutwhatIneededtodotomakesurehersisterwastakencareofsoKitdidn’tneed

toworryaboutanythingathomewhilewewereontheroad.

IlaidoutmyplanforsendingsomemoneybackhomeforKit’sfamily.Hersister

wouldn’twantforanythingaslongasIhadsomethingtosayaboutit.Steventookthe

informationIgavehimandpromisedtogetintouchwithheruncle.Itoldhimwe’dbe

backatthebuswithinthehour.

“I’mready,”shesaid,walkingoutofthebathroominapairofshortsandablackand

whitebikinitopthatshould’vebeenillegal.Mydickhardenedinstantly,andIhadtotellit

tocalmthefuckdownbecausewehadtogetbacktothebusandheadoutforournext

stopinafewhours.

“Comeon,”Isaid,takingherbagandslingingitovermyshoulder.Shetookmyhand

whenIoffereditandwalkedquietlytotheelevators.

Theridebacktothevenuetookabouttwentyminutes,andthecabdroppedusoffby

thebackstagegate.Weshowedourbadgesandwalkedtowardthebus.Whenshemadea

movetoreleasemyhand,Iheldontighter,pullinghertomyside.

“Ithinkwebothneedadrinkandsomethingtoeat,”Iofferedasweapproachedthe

bus.Shelookednervous.Ididn’tneedtobetoldthatshewasstillhavingsecondthoughts

aboutusbeingseenasacouple.I’dalreadyresignedmyselftotellthebandandourcrew

thatshewasmine.“Let’ssetyourbagdownandhitthetent.”

“Okay,”shesaid,nodding.Iboardedthebusbehindherandwaiteduntilshereturned

fromherbunk.Ourdriverwasjustwakingupfromhisnap,sippingoncoffeeatthesmall

dinette.Hegavemeashortnodwithareminderthatwehadtoleaveinlessthanthree

hours.

Thetentwasbustlingwithactivity.Almosteverybandthathadplayedthatday,and

othersthatwereduetoperformthenextday,wereraisinghellastheymingled.Someone

wasbuyingaroundofshotswhenweapproachedthebar.Kitorderedamixeddrink,andI

didthesame.Shedidn’tsipherdrinkpolitely.No,sheturneditupandswalloweddown

thedarkliquid,droppingtheemptyplasticcupinthetrashbinattheendofthebarbefore

orderinganotherone.

Iwantedtobeclosetoher,butIhadafeelingshewantedsomespace.I’dcomeather

likearagingbull,notgivingherachancetothinkthroughwhathadhappenedatthe

casino.I’dpaidforaroomforthenight,butonlyendedupusingitforanhourandahalf,

leavingthekeycardslayingontherumpledsheetsasweleftaftergettinglostineach

other.

Itookaseatonatallstoolasshewaitedforherseconddrink,turningaroundtolean

herbackagainstthebartop.Shesippedherdrinkslowerthistime,hereyesroamingthe

area.Shedidn’tsayanything,butIhadafeelingshewascalculatingherwordscarefully

beforeshesaidsomethingtopissmeoff.

“Aiden,”shebegan,butmyhardglarecutheroff.

“Notnow,Kit,”Iwarned.

“Thenwhen?”sheasked,hereyesnarrowing.

BeforeIhadachancetotellhertostopoverthinking,herphonerang.Icursedunder

mybreathwhenIheardhersayheruncle’sname.Iknewthathewascallingaboutthe

littlesurpriseI’ddroppedinhislap,andIfelttheangerrollingoffofherwhensheturned

herhardglareonme.

“Whatthefuck,Aiden?”sheroared.Ididn’tmistakethetearsthathadgatheredinthe

cornerofhereyesasshetossedtheremainderofherdrinkinmyfacebeforesheranaway.

ChapterTen

Kit

“Hedidwhat?”Igasped.Myunclehadcalled,tellingmethatAidenhadtransferreda

shittonofmoneyintoanaccountforKylie.LikeaLOTofmoney.

“Kit,calmdown,”UncleRogerurged.“Thatmanwantsyoutoconcentrateonthetour

andnotbeworriedaboutus.”

“Idon’tlikethis,”Iadmitted,staringoutthebuswindow.Aidenwasoutside,talkingto

StevenandJude.They’dstoppedhimwhenI’dboardedthebus,wipingtearsawayfrom

myeyes.

“Youdeservethis,Kit,”hesaid.“Iwantyoutofollowyourdreams.Youaretooyoung

totakeonasixyearoldbyyourself.”

“No,”Isaid,shakingmyheadasIturnedawayfromthewindow.“Ineedtoworkfor

this.ThelastthingIneedistobehiswhore.”

Therewasn’tanythingIcouldn’ttellmyuncle.IfIhadafather,hewouldbeit.My

mother’sbrotherwastheonlyoneinmydysfunctionalfamilythathadabraininhishead.

Themanworkedhardforwhatlittlehehad.

“Youarenotawhore,”Aidenbarked,causingmetoyelpfrombeingstartled.

“Fuckyou,Aiden,”Ireplied,narrowingmyeyes.Aidensighedandranhishand

throughhishair.Herefusedtoleave,takingahardstanceinfrontofme.Hecrossedhis

tattooedarmsacrosshischestandwaited.

“GetoffthephoneandtalktoAiden,”myuncleordered.“Don’tdoanythingstupid,

Kit.”

“We’llseeaboutthat,”Imumbled,hangingupbeforeRogercouldtalkmeoutof

takingAidendownanotch.

“Kit,”hepled,butpausedwhenmyeyesnarrowed.

“Wouldyouliketoexplaintomewhyyousenttengrandtomyuncleandputitinan

accountformysister?”Idemanded,placingmyhandsonmyhips.

JudeandKadewalkedontothebusaboutthetimethosewordsleftmymouth.Both

menfrozeandlookedatAidenlikehe’dgrowntwoheads.Aidensnarledandfistedhis

handsathissides.“Ididitforyou.Itakecareofwhat’smine,Kit.”

“What’sgoingon?”Kadeasked,walkingaroundAidentostepuptomyside.The

protectivestancehetookwasn’tmistakenbyeitherofus.

“Isentthemmoneysoyouwouldn’thavetoworryaboutyoursister,”Aidenexplained,

ignoringourbandmates.“Now,whydidyoutellyourunclethatyouweremywhore?”

“What?”Judegrowled,placingahandonAiden’sshoulder.“Whatthefuckdidyou

do?”

“Nothing,”Aidenanswered,shruggingoffourguitarist’stouch.“Ididnothing.”

“Nothing?”Iexploded,throwingmyhandsintheair.“Nothing?Aiden,justbecause

youfuckedmedoesn’tmeanyouownme.”

“Oh,”Judegasped.Kadegavehimanod,understandingthatthey’djustwalkedinon

somethingmoreseriousthananyonecouldimagine.“Wewillgiveyoutwosometimeto

talk.”

Iwasfuckingpissed.

Aidenwaiteduntileveryonewasoffthebusbeforewalkingtowardme.Iheldoutmy

handtostophimandnoticedthattheyweretrembling.Hedidn’ttakethehint,takingmy

handsintohislargerones.Hebentmyarmssohecouldsecuremyhandsatmyback.I

washelplesswhenhebumpedhischestagainstmine.Iwantedtokickmyownassforthe

sighthatleftmylips.Thismanhadmymindrunningincircles.

“You.Are.Not.A.Whore.”Hisvoicewascalm,evenifhiseyestoldmesomething

different.

“WhatamIthen?Aconquest?”Ibarked.WhatsurprisedmewasthemomentAiden

releasedoneofmyhandsandgraspedmyarmtightly,butnotenoughtohurt.

“Youaremine,KitEllis.Nomatterhowhardyoutrytofightit,thisthingbetweenusis

morethanasimplefuck.”Hegrowledandpulledmeagainsthischest.Beingthatcloseto

himphysicallyhurt.Iwasfallingforhim,butIneededtohavemyspace.Ineededtobe

somewherethatIcouldthinkwithouthiminmyface.

“Aiden,”Iwarned,tryingtopullaway,buthisholdwasjusttoostrong.

“YouneedtounderstandthatItakecareofmyown.”Hepaused,releasinghishold.

“Iwasdoingfinebymyself,”Ireplied,raisingmychin.“Idon’tneedhelp.”

“WhatabouttheafterschoolcareforKylie,huh?”hequestioned,butkeptspeakingsoI

couldn’tinterrupthim.“Whatabouttheextramouthyourunclehastofeed?Whatabout

herclothes?Whatabouttherundownapartmentyousharewithyourmom?Explaintome

howinthehellyouaregoingtoaffordthat?”

“I’msendingthemeverythingImake,”Ireplied,myvoicecrackingfromtheemotions

hewaspullingoutofme.“Hesaysit’senough.”

“Well,it’snot,Kit,”Aidensaid.

“Whatthefuckdoyoumean?”Iyelled,takingtwostepsawayfromhim.Thelastthing

Iwantedwastobethisclosetohim,becausehistouchscrambledmymind.Iwantedto

keepmywitsaboutmeforthisargumentthatIknewwasgoingtoendbadly.

“Rogertoldmethathe’dtakenanextrajobtosupplementthecostofhavingcustodyof

Kylie.”Aidenmovedtothecouchandsatdown.Wewerestillcloseintheconfinesofthe

bus,butatleastnowhewasgivingmesomespace.“Yourmotherwasnohelp,because

shespentallofthemoneyshehadondrugs.Yourunclewantsyoutosucceed,sohehas

beenworkingatthehardwarestorebyhishouse.”

“What?”Iwhispered,myvoicesuddenlygone.

“Kit,”Aidensighed,reachingoutandtakingmyhand.“Isentthemoneynotonlyfor

yoursister,butsoyourunclecouldquithissecondjob.”

“Ifeellikeyouarepayingmeforsex,”Iadmitted.

Aidenshotupfromhisseatandmovedtowardmeagain.Isteppedback.Myassmet

thedinettetable,andheleanedforwardtoputhishandsbesidemyhips,blockingmefrom

moving.Hisscentwasdrivingmecrazy.Whatevercologneheusedmingledwithhis

naturalscent,andthatalonewassomethingI’dcometoenjoy.Infact,itcausedalowache

inmysex.

“IfIeverhearyousaythatagain,Kit,Iwillblisteryourass,”hewarned,pressinghis

foreheadtomineasheloweredhisvoice.“Don’tquestionmeonthis.Iwantedtohelp.”

“Help?”Isnorted.

“Yes,help,”hereplied,steppingback.Iwasthankfulforthereprieve,butitdidn’tlast

long.Aidenusheredmetothebackofthebuswheretherewasalittlemoreprivacy.The

backroomwasusedmainlyforaquietspaceforustorelax.Therewasalong,black

leathercouchagainstthebackwallthattheguysusedwhentheywantedtowatch

televisionorplayvideogames.

“Idon’tneedyourhelp,”Icomplained.

“Well,yougotit,”hesaid,andhiswordswerefinal.“Andstopbeingsostubbornabout

this.”

“I’veneverhadsomeonetofallbackon,Aiden,”Iexplained,hangingmyheadinmy

hands.“Thisissohard.”

Acommotionpausedourargumentwhentherestofthebandandcrewboardedthebus.

Idecidedtogiveup…fornow.Aidenwasn’tgoingtobudge,andinallreality,hewas

right.Myuncleneededhelp.Ihadnoideahe’dtakenasecondjobtotakecareofKylie.

Ipushedpasthimanddidn’tspeaktoanyoneasIleftthebus.Thankfully,noone

followedmeasIfoundmywaybackouttothedrinktent,flashingmybadgeandordering

adrinktocalmmynerves.AssoonasIwasfinished,Imademywaytothesideofthe

stageandwatchedWickedEndperformafewsongs.Igrabbedanotherdrinkandwalked

aroundthebackstagearea,talkingtoafewofthebandmemberswhowerealsomilling

about,butmymindwasonwhatI’ddonewithAidenandhowIwasgoingtohandleitin

theweekstocome.

BythetimeAidenfoundmestandingatthebar,Iwasmorethanslightlybuzzed.The

bartenderhandedoveranotherdrink,andItookahugegulp,knowinghewasstanding

behindme.Ineededjustalittlemoreliquidcouragetogetthroughtherestofthenight.I

plannedoncallingmyunclethenextmorning,buttonight,Ijustwantedtonotthinkabout

everythingathomeandhowIshouldjustpackmybagssoIcouldgobackthere.

Aidenwalkedupbehindme,hiscallousedfingertracedthetopofmyshoulder.I

squeezedmyeyesclosed,notbecausethefeelingwasforeignorunwanted;rightthen,it

wastheopposite.Iwantedhim.IttookeveryounceofpowerIhadinmybodynottoturn

aroundandfallintohisarms.

TheproblemIhadwasthatIcouldeasilyseemyselffallinginlovewithhim.Aiden

waseverythingIeverwantedinacompanion.Hegotme.Heunderstoodmylifeonthe

road.Therewasn’tanythingthatwouldcauseaconcernbetweenuswhenItraveled,

becausehewouldbetherewithme.

“Kit,”hewhispered.Ishookmyheadanddidn’tturnaround.Ineededtimetosortout

thesefeelingsIhadforhim.

AideneventuallygaveupandleftwhenJudepushedhimtowardtheexit.Inoticed

themspeakinginhushedtonesforamomentbeforeAidendisappearedfrommysight.

Judetookaseattomyrightandorderedadrink.Hedidn’tspeaktome;justsattherein

silence.

IlookedatmyphoneandcursedwhenInoticedwehadtwentyminutesleftbeforeit

wastimetorolloutofLasVegas.Iflaggeddownthebartender,askingforadoubleshot.I

stayedatthedrinktentuntilthelastpossibleminute,lettingthealcoholwarmmyblood

andrelaxmymuscles.WhenIstoodfrommystoolwithshakylegs,Judewastherewitha

steadyarm.“I’vegotyou.”

“Thankyou,”Islurred.Wewalkedinsilenceuntilwewereoutofthetentandmoving

towardthebus.

“Heworriesaboutyou,”Judeofferedoncewewereoutofearshotfromanyone.

“Iknow,”Isighed.Eventhroughmydrunkenfog,IrealizedthatAidenwasagood

guy.Evenwithhisbadassappearanceandtoughasnailsstagepresence,thevocalistfor

SomethingWickedtrulywantedtohelpmeandmyfamily.Iwasstupidtoevenconsider

leaving.“God,I’vebeensuchanasstohim.”

“Oneofthesedays,”Judechuckled,“youtwoaregoingtorealizethatyou’reperfect

foreachother.”

Iwantedtoletgoandbehis…butcouldIbalanceworkandlove?

ChapterEleven

Aiden

Kitwasdrunkasshemadeherwayontothebuswithonlyminutestosparebeforewe

werescheduledtoleave.Judehelpedherintoherbunkandclimbedintohisown,

mumblingsomethingaboutcheckingonheratfirstlight.

Mybunkwasacrossfromhers,andIfoundmyselflayingtherewithmycurtainpulled

backsoIcouldkeepaneyeonher.Thelightsweredimmed,butthesmalltracklightingin

thefloorilluminatedtheareajustenoughthatIcouldseeherglassystareasshelaidon

herside.

“I’msorry,”shewhispered.

“Don’tbesorry,”Ireplied,keepingmyvoicelow.

“Ialmostleft,”shesaid,causingmyhearttostopbeatingforasecond.

“Iknow,baby,”Ireplied.

Sheshuffledaround,tuckingherhandunderhercheek.Iwatchedashereyesfluttered

closedonasoftsigh.Ithoughtshewasasleep,butafteramoment,hereyesopened.This

time,thereweretearspoolinginthecorners.Sheblinkedonce…twice,andtheyspilled

over,makingacrystaltrailoverhernoseandcheek.

“Scoot,”Iordered,droppingoutofmybunkandliftingmyselfsoIcouldslideinwith

her.Shebackedallthewaytothewall,allowingmetoslidebeneathhersoftblanket.Kit

wassmallenoughthatIcouldpullhertomychestandstillfitcomfortablyinthebunk.

“Idon’tknowwhattodo,”sheadmitted.

“Letgo,Kit,”Iurged,strokingherjawlinewiththebackofmyfinger.

“I’mscared.”

“I’mnot,”Ireplied,kissinghersoftlyonthelips.Shedidn’tresist,butshedidn’t

respond,either.Herbodyrelaxedintomine,andIknewrightthenherhardexteriorwas

crumbling.“Gotosleep,Kit.”

Imust’vetakenmyownadvice,becausethenextthingIrememberedwaswakingup

withKitstillnestledagainstmychest.Istrokedherhairandsighedquietly.Shefeltright

againstme…likeshewasdesignedtofitperfectly.

Iwasfallingforher,andfallingfast.

Atthatmoment,IrealizedshewaseverythingIwantedandneeded.Nootherwoman

appealedtomelikeKitEllisdid.

“Gobacktosleep,”Imumbledwhenshestartedtostir.“Wedon’thavetobeupyet.”

“Ineedtogetup,”shegroaned,coveringhereyesfromthesmallamountoflightthat

filteredinthroughtheslightlypartedcurtain.

Shecrawledovermeanddroppedtothegroundbeforehersoftfootfallsdriftedaway.I

rolledonmysideandbroughtherpillowcloser,inhalinghersweetscent.Thiscouldbe

mine…foreverifIclaimedherforgood.

KadeandJudeexitedtheirbunks,mumblinggreetingstoKitasshereturnedtothe

bunk,climbingbackinsidethecomfortofmyarms.“Jude’smakingcoffee.”

Welaidthereforseveralminutes.Itracedtheowl’swingswheretheypeekedoutofthe

flimsytanktopshewore.Herhandslidacrossmystomachandstoppedatmyhip.She

rubbedherthumbontheexposedskinabovethewaistbandofmyshorts.Thesoftness

causedmycocktorespondthesamewayitdidanytimeshetouchedme.Judehollered

thatthecoffeewasready,butwedidn’tmoveforafewminutes.Isighedandreluctantly

removedmyhandsfromherskin.

“Okay,”Isaid,pushingmyhairbackfrommyface,“I’llbeback.”

Ifoundmywaytothebathroom,brushingmyteethandhairbeforeIopenedthesmall

closetholdingmyclothes.Ishookoutanoldbandshirtandpulleditovermyhead.The

bushummedasitcontinueddowntheroad.IfoundmyphoneandgroanedwhenIsawit

wasn’tevennoon.SomuchforsleepingmostofthewaytoSeattle.

Asolidideaformedinmyhead.Ipulledupareservationsiteontheinternetandfound

whatIwasneeding.Aftertuckingmyphoneaway,Imademywaytowardthefrontofthe

bus.Kitwassittingatthesmalldinette,sippingcoffeeandthumbingthroughherphone.I

whisperedsomethingtoJoe,givinghimtheinformationformyplan.Hesmiledwidely

andgavemeanapprovingnod.

WhenIreturned,nooneaskedmewhatIwasdoing.Imadeacupofcoffeeandturned

aroundtoseeKitwasstilllostinwhatevershewaslookingatonherphone.Shefrowned

atsomething,thenslappedherphonefacedownonthetable.

“What’swrong?”Iasked,immediatelytakingaseattoherleft.

“Mymomisoutofjailandmovedeverythingoutofourapartment.”Shecursedand

coveredherfacewithonehand.Shetookadeepbreathandthensatupstraighter,swiping

herhandthroughtheair.“No,I’mnotgoingtoworryaboutthatuntilIgethome.”

“Youcanstaywithme,”Iblurted,realizingIhadjustofferedheraplaceinmyhome.

“Ican’t,”shereplied.

“Why?”

“Idon’twanttoimpose,”shesaid,lookingatmefromthecornerofhereye.

Myknucklebumpedherchin,causingKittoturnherheadinmydirection.Ileanedin

andtookherlipswithmine,tastingthesweetnessfromthecreamersheusedinhercoffee.

Ididn’treleaseherlipsuntilthetensionfledherbody.

“Whenareyougoingtoacceptthefactthatyouaremine?”

“Isthatwhatthisis?”shewhispered.Hereyesdarkenedashertonguesnakedoutand

ranalongherbottomlip.

“Yes,”Ibreathedout,capturingherlipsforanothertaste.

ChapterTwelve

Kit

Callmewhenyougetthis.Maggieisoutofjailandmovedeverythingoutofthe

apartment.

IstaredatthemessagefrommyuncleafterAidenhadfinallyreleasedmefromthekiss

thatcalmedmemorethanitshould’vewiththenewsI’djustbeengiven.Theconviction

inmymindtoleavemymothertoherviceswassolid.She’dmadeherbed,andIrefused

tolethertakemedownwithher.Shewasonherown.

“Excuseme,”Imumbled,standingupfromthedinette.Aidenstartedtofollowme

towardthebackofthebus,butIwavedhimoff,leavinghimstaringaftermeasIpushed

pastthebunkareaofthebus.OnceIenteredthebackloungeroom,Islidthepocketdoor

closedandhitthenumberformyuncle.

“Hey,Kit,”Rogergreetedsadly.Hesoundedtired.

“Howbadisshe?”Iasked,pinchingthebridgeofmynose.DidIevenwanttoknow

whathappened?

“She’sgone,”heanswered.“Shedidn’tevenleaveanotethistime.”Jesus!

“How’sKylie?”Ihadtoknowmybabysisterwasokay.Shewassoinnocentinallof

this.Howcouldamotherrunoffonherownchild?

“Kylieisgoingtobefine,”hepromised,hisdeepbaritonevoicestrongandsteady.

“She’ssomuchstrongerthanyourealize,Kit.Sheremindsmeofherbigsister.”Wehad

tobestrongintheenvironmentwelivedinwithher.There’dbeenseveraltimesI’dhadto

kickoutherdrugbuddiessotheywouldn’texposeKylietothatlifestyle.ItwasamiracleI

didn’tfallintothesamepitasmymother.Iguesswhenyou’vegrownupinthattoxicity,

youlearnwhatnottodoinlife.

“Ihopeyou’reright.”Ismiled,knowinghewastryingtocheermeup.Therewasa

longpauseovertheline.IknewRogerwasworkinghimselfuptoasksomething,butI

could’veneverguessedatwhatheaskednext.

“Doyoulovehim,Kit?”Aiden…hewantedtoknowifIlovedAiden.

“Idon’tknow,”Ioffered,knowingIwaslyingtonotonlymyself,buttheonlyfamilyI

hadotherthanmysister.

“Ithinkyoudo,”hechuckled.“Thatmanobviouslylovesyou.”

“Howcanyouknowthat?”Ichuffed.IfIcouldrollmyeyesanyharder,they’dhave

beenstuckinthebackofmyhead.

“Nomanwouldsendtengrandtothefamilyofawomanheisjustfriendswith.”He

paused,thensaid,“Iwantyoutobehappy.”

“Youandmeboth,”Ireplied,leaningmyheadbackagainstthecouch.“Doyouneed

metocomehome?”

Ihadnoideawherewewere,orhowcloseweweretoSeattle.Ournextfestivalwas

thatnight,andasbadasIwantedto,Icouldn’tleavethebandtorunhome.

“No,”heanswered.“Ihaveeverythingcoveredhere.”Rogerwastakinggoodcareof

Kyliewithmymomoutofthepicture.Thelegaldocumentsweresolid.Thatreallydidn’t

matter,becausewebothknewshedidn’twanttheresponsibilityofraisingherownblood.

She’dmadeherdecision.

Now,itwastimetomakemyownpathinlife.

“Youthere?”Rogeraskedaftermylongsilence.

“Yeah,”Ianswered.“Justthinking.”

“About?”hepushed.Rogerhadalwaysbeentheonewithalevelhead.Hecould

explainthemeaningoflifeinawaythatmadesenseandyou’dbelievehiseveryword.

“WhatIwant.”Ichuckled,pushingastrandofblondehairoutofmyeyes.

“Didyoufigurethatout?”helaughed.

“IthinkIdid.”Ihungupandstaredatthecloseddoor.IknewwhatIwanted.Iknew

whatIneeded…andhe’dbeeninfrontofmetheentiretime.Iwasjusttooworriedabout

whatIcouldlose,insteadofwhatIcouldgain,toseeitclearly.

ChapterThirteen

Aiden

Kitreturnedtothefrontofthebus,asoftsmileonherlips.Myheartdroppedintomy

stomachasIrealizedshewascomingtowardme…willingly.ThemomentIopenedmy

arms,shefellintomyembrace.Itiltedherheadbackandtookherlips,notcaringtohear

anythingshehadtosay.Iwantedtheconnectionwithhertobephysical.Therestcould

waitforlater.Iheardathroatclearandpulledawayfromher,lookingtowardthefrontof

thebus.Ourdriversmiledbroadlyashestoppedataredlight.“Fiveminutes,Aiden.”

“Thanks,”Ireplied.

“Fiveminutes?”Kitasked,hercutebrowpushingforward.Ireachedupandsmoothed

theskinthereandsmiled.“It’sasurprise.”

“Aiden,”shesaidcautiously,butIshutherupwithanotherheatedkissrighttherein

themiddleofthelivingareaofthebus…withmyentirebandandcrewwatching.

Noonespokeasthebuscametoastop.KitstartedtoprotestwhenIpulledhertoward

thefrontofthebus,butmyhardstarebroughtherupshort.Shepressedherlipstogether

andlookedoutthefrontwindowofthebus.Ididn’tevenrespondtohergaspwhenshe

sawthatwe’dpulleduptoahotel.

“Youhavefourhourstogettothevenue,”StevenwarnedasJoeopenedthedoor.

“Don’tbelate.”

Theweatherwasovercast.Adrearydaywasuponus,butIwasn’tgoingtoletitputa

damperonmyfeelingstowardKit.Whateverhadbeensaidonthatphonecallcausedher

moodtolightenenoughtoforgettheabsenceofthesun.

Weenteredthelobbyhandinhand,neitheroneofuswantingtoletgoofthe

connection.Imademywayovertothecheck-incounter,acceptingthekeytotheroomI’d

alreadyreservedonline.Withinafewminutes,weweretakinganelevatoruptothe

seventhfloor.

“Aiden?”KitquestionedwhenIpushedthedoortotheroomopenwide.“What’sgoing

on?”

“Weneedprivacy,”Ireplied,tossingthekeycardonthesmalldeskbythedoor.

“For?”sheasked,takingaseatontheedgeofthebed.Shewasn’tafraidofme,andI

wasthankfulforthat,becauseinthatmoment…Ineededher.

Itwastime.

Droppingtomykneesatherfeet,Itookherhandsintomineandlookedupintoher

beautifulblueeyes.“Kit,Ineedyou.Idon’tknowwhatthehellisgoingonwithus,butI

feelsomethingwhenyouarenearme.Ifuckingcraveyou.”

“Aiden,”shegasped,squeezingmyhand.“I’vebeenacompletejerktoyou.”

“Becauseyouthoughtbeingminewasforbidden,right?”Iasked,alreadyknowingI

wasright.Sheplayedbytherules;somuchmorethanIeverdid.

“Yeah,”shesaid,hervoicecrackingattheend.

“It’snotforbidden,Kit,”Ipromised.“I’vefoughtmyattractiontoyouforfartoo

long.”

“SohaveI,”sheadded,thensmiled.

“Tellmeyou’llbemine,”IbeggedasIliftedmyselffromthefloor.I’dneverbeenone

tobegatanyone’sfeet,butI’ddoiteverysingledayfortherestofmylifeifitmeantKit

wouldbemine,andminealone.

“Iwanttobeyours,”shesaid.

ShemoanedwhenIlungedforher,pushingherbackonthebedandtakingherlipsina

tangleoftonguesandgrowlsofneed.Hernailsscoredmybackasshedraggedmyshirt

overmyhead.Myhandsfumbledwithherpantsand,beforeIknewit,shewascompletely

barebeneathme.

“God,you’resobeautiful,”ImoanedasIpressedagainstherpussy,feelinghowwet

shewasforme.Ididn’tevenwaitforhertoadjust,pullingherlegsupandovermyhips

onlyasplitsecondbeforeIthrustdeepinsideher.

“Fuck,Aiden,”shemoaned,liftingherhipstohelpmesinklowerintoherwarmth.

“Idon’tknowwhattomorrowwillbring,”IbeganasIslowedmymovements,“but

whatIdoknowisthatIwantyoubymysideineverything…musicandlife.”

Herbodytrembledbeneathme.Thesoftmoansthatfellfromherlipsweremadejust

forme,andIgrowledasIfelthertightenaroundmycock.“Don’tyoudarecome!”

“I…please…need,”shestuttered,rollingherheadfromsidetoside.Thosesharpnails

dugintomyforearmsandtheburnregisteredaspleasureinsteadofpain.Fuck,shewas

perfectforme.

“No,”Ismirked.“I’mnotdonewithyou.Wehavehours.”

“Fuckme,”shesnarled,buckingagainstme.Mylittlehellcatraisedupandrolledher

shoulderagainstmine,throwingmeofftotheside.Shedidn’twastetimeclimbingontop

ofmeandgraspingmycockwithherhand.“Myturn.”

Airhissedthroughmyteethwhenshetookmebackinside,placingherhandsonmy

stomachandrollingherhips.Thesensationcausedmyballstotightenalmosttothepoint

ofpain,andIhadtogritmyteethtokeepfromspillinginsideher.

“Fuck,”Igrowled,grabbingKit’shipstostophermovements.“Weforgotcondoms.”

“I’monthepill,”shepurred,anaughtysmirktiltingatthecornerofherlip.“Now,shut

upandfuckme,AidenHawke.”

“Yes,ma’am,”Ireplied,chucklingasIpulledherforwardsomycockslidcompletely

freefromhersex.Shestartedtocurseatmeagain,butwhenItuckedmyarmsunderher

legsandpulledherpussytomyface,mylittlesassybassistshutthehellup.

However,shedidscreammynameeachtimeImadehercomeforthenextfewhours.

“I’mgoingtomakeyoucomeoverandover…untilyoufinallyadmitthatyouare

mine.”

“I’myours,Aiden,”shepanted,fallingtomyside.Ipulledheroversoherheadwas

restingagainstmyheart.“IthinkIwasyoursthefirsttimeyoutouchedme.”

“Iknewyouwereminefromthemomentyouwalkedintotheaudition,”Iadmitted,

kissinghersoftlyontheforehead.“Iwantyoutomoveinwithme.”

“IthinkIwantthattoo,”shewhispered,tiltingherheadbacksoshecouldlookintomy

eyes.“Iwassostupidtopushyouaway.”

“Areyougoingtoletmehelpyourunclewiththethingsheneedsforyoursister?”I

asked,hopingshewouldn’trefuseme.“Ifyouaretrulymine,KitEllis,youwilllearnthat

Iwillprovideforyouineveryway.Thatmeanshelpingoutwithyourfamily,too.”

“Iwasafooltothinkhecoulddoitonhisown,”shesaid,tearspoolinginhereyes.I

reachedupandwipedawaythefirstonethatfelloverandtraileddownhercheek.

“Raisingakidishard,”Ioffered.“Mymotherworkedtwojobstosupportme.”

“Whataboutyourdad?”sheasked.

“Nevermettheguy.”Ishruggedandtouchedthesideofherface.“Ihadmymomand

that’sallIeverneeded…untilnow.”

“AidenHawke,”shesmirked.“Yousureknowhowtotellagirlyouloveher.”

“ButIhaven’tsaidityet,”Iteased.ShehadtoknowthatIlovedher.“Idoloveyou,

KitEllis.”

“Iknow,”shemurmured,touchingthesideofmyface.

Glancingattheclock,IsmiledwhenIrealizedwehadanotherforty-fiveminutes

beforewehadtocatchacabtothevenue.Kitranherhandsthroughmyhairandcaptured

mylipsbeforeIcoulddothesame.Hertonguetracedoneofmytwopiercings,andI

growledoutmypleasureasIsunkbackintoherawaitingheat.

Itwasdone.

Kitwasmine.

Epilogue

2YearsLater

Aiden

“Youready,baby?”Iasked,givingKitawink.

“I’msoready,”shelaughed,rufflingoutherhairthatwasnowahotpink.

IwaitedforJoetoopenthedoorbeforetakingKit’shandintomyown.Foursecurity

guyswaitedforusoutside,andaswesteppedoffthebus,theymadeabarrieraroundusto

escortustothestage.Peoplestaredwhenwemovedasonethroughthelineofbusesand

towardthemainstage.

Nighthadfalleninthedesert.Theroarofthecrowdcausedarushofadrenalinto

coursethroughmybody.Thousandsofpeoplechantedournameaswesetouttoheadline

theGetRockedFestivalinLasVegas.Haditonlybeentwoyearssincewewerehereasan

opener?Somuchhadchangedsincethattime.Wewerenowatthetopofthecharts,

sellingoutarenaseverywherewetoured.

“Twominutes,”atechinformedmeashesteppeduptoourside.“Goodluckout

there.”

WatchingmybeautifulwifeprepareforourheadlinedebutoftheGetRockedFestival,

IrealizedhowthankfulIwasthatshe’dcometotheauditionandblewmeawaywithher

talent.WemarriedayearandahalfagoattheJusticeofthePeaceindowntownPhoenix.

HeruncleandbabysisterweretherewithJudeandKade.Theyweretheonlyfamilywe

hadandneededtowitnessourvowstoeachother.

Kyliewasnowenrolledinaprivateschool,gettingthebesteducationwecouldbuy.

Herunclewaslivinginourguesthouse,workingformeasthecaretakerforourhome.It

waseasierthatway.Kitcouldtourandnotworryaboutherfamilyanymore.

Hermotherdiedsixmonthsago,succumbingtotheevilsthathadplaguedher.We

buriedherproperly,andKitsteppeduptotheplate,puttinghersister’sfutureaheadofany

heartacheshefeltoverthewomanwhogaveherlife.

“Youready?”Kitasked,bringingmebacktothepresent.

“Yes,ma’am.”Ismiled,placingaquickkissonthecornerofherlips.

Judeslippedouttohiskitunderthecoverofdarkness.Oncehewasinplace,Inodded

towardKade.Heraisedhisknucklesinourdirectionaswebumpedthemforgoodluck.

Whenwebrokeaway,IwaitedforKittotakethethreeshortstepsuptothestagebefore

followingher.Thelightsfloodedthestageasthespotlightcenteredonmyface.Ismiled

widelyandraisedmyvoicetotheair.

“HELLO,LASVEGAS!”

TheEnd…

AboutTheresaHissong:

TheresaisamotheroftwoandthewifeofaretiredAirForceMasterSergeant.After

seventeenyearstravelingthecountry,movingfrombasetobase,thefamilyhassettled

theirrootsbackinTheresa’shometownofOliveBranch,MS,wheresheenjoyshertime

withfamilyandfriends.

Afteralmostthreeyearsofmanagingaretailbookstore,Theresahasgonebehindthe

scenestowriteromanticstorieswithflare.Sheenjoysspendingherafternoons

daydreamingoftheperfectloveaffairandputsthoseideastopaper.