Escaping Me (11 page)

Climbing off of the bed he pulls me with him. “Shower baby. Fast.  I want to go eat with you.  Be with you away from all of this.” Gray says lightly kissing my lips. I nod, grab some clothes and head to the bathroom.

Chapter Eleven

Mapping
out the Territory

After a quick shower, I throw on a hoodie with some jeans to go eat with Gray.  Since Henry is still out with Hunter we end up just taking a cab. I look around at the nearly empty diner once we are sitting in a little corner booth.  Gray has me pulled up against him while he looks through the menu he is holding. “What’s with you guys always wanting to hit these little places anyway?”

“When we first started touring every single night there was a fight over where to eat. 
It was hard to find a place that we could agree on since we all like different shit.  Aiden won’t eat anything with vegetables in it.  Hunter, well you already know about his obsession with bacon.” He says winking. “Henry, he just eats the spiciest shit ever.  Not to mention the portion sizes.  I mean that motherfucker puts shit away that would eat through a cement block.”
 

“You’re
so full of shit.” I giggle, making his face warm.

“You watch Wildflower
.  When he brings in some superhot shit to eat Cunter comes out full force trying to out-do the big man.  It’s funny as hell.” He says shaking his head. “The last time Hunter ended up in the bathroom sick for three days.  I had to call in someone to clean the fuckin’ bus.  We had to stay in a hotel for three days while the shit aired out.  Anyway, these little truck stop diners always have a little of everything.”

I laugh as Gray tells me about touring
while we eat.  They are always playing pranks on each other or getting into trouble. “I can’t believe you three played naked on stage to sell out a show.” I say laughing so hard at some of the stories that I nearly choke on my tea more than once.

Gray shrugs, “Since I play guitar, I was mostly covered.  It was no big deal. 
Except Aiden nearly beating his stick with his sticks.” He blurts making me laugh.

“Oh my God.”
I say gasping for breath.

“You say that a lot.” I glare at him as the grin spreads across his face.  That sexy face of his melts my annoyance instantly making me
lose the battle to keep a straight face. “She’s smilin’ at me.” He whispers leaning in to touch his lips to mine. “Tell me something about you Daisy.”

I sigh.  “Up until yesterday the list was all that mattered.”

“Fuck the list Daisy.  Gimmie that damn thing.” He says yanking my pad from my bag. “Ah okay.” He continues, his eyes scanning the page. “So you’re officially at marriage, career, with a partridge in a pear tree?”

“It’s not funny Gray.” I snap
, trying to yank the pad from him.

“It is Wildflower.  Life is not planned out on a goddamn legal pad.  You don’t go through checking off things like you do at the grocery store.  Fuck Daisy have you ever had one day of
unplanned fun in your whole fuckin’ life ‘til now?     

I shove at his chest. “You’re an
asshole.  I have had fun.  I’ve done lots of things.  I just want my goals lined out so that I can see them.”

“Where’s the main goal Wildflower?” He asks, flipping through the pad as if I had more there. “Where does it say ‘number one, Daisy is happy’?  That’s all that fuckin’ matters.  You lined your life out here page by page.  What do you have to show for it all huh?  Nothing on this list is worth shit if you aren’t happy.  You need to stop hiding behind a damn piece of paper, Daisy.  You are using it as an excuse to hold back, all so you can hide.  Why should you duck your head, escaping all the real things in life?  You should never hide baby.  It’s time to do some shit to make the wildflower bloom.” 

Grabbing the pen from my bag Gray writes:
Daisy’s List.
  Then he writes his previous number one below the title. “Let’s see here.” He starts as he chews the end of the pen.  Shit everything he does is so fucking sexy. “Two should definitely be laugh.  You need to laugh a lot.” He says as he scribbles on the page. “I think you need to get a tattoo.” He tosses out making me hiss out a breath. His eyes dart to mine, “What?”

“I’
m scared of needles Gray.  I can’t do that.”

“Oh that
fuckin’ settles it.  You eat my ink up Wildflower.  You’re getting’ tatted so I can return the favor.  Let’s go.” Shoving the pad into his pocket, Gray tosses some money onto the table.  He yanks me from the booth almost dragging me out of the diner, hurrying to catch a cab before it pulls out.  Opening the car door, he helps me inside then slides in next to me.

Gray rattles an address from his phone to the driver as we pull out into traffic.  My nerves are churning in my stomach like a typhoon.  I’m concentrating on the street lights just to keep from hurling my dinner into the floorboard of the taxi.  Holding my hand in his, Gray’s thumb makes tiny circles over my wrist.  The feeling soothes me enough that I stop trembling.

“Okay.  Let’s get your mind on something else.” Gray says pulling me from inside my head. “This new list of yours…” He starts as he pulls it from his pocket. “Does it include how to deal with Landon?  Because my brother putting his dick in you now that mine goes there is a problem for me.  Yeah?”

My eyes meet his.  Even though I can barely see the steel color illuminated by the street lights they pull me in as usual. “Landon isn’t welcome to warm my bed.”

Gray’s smile spreads as we pull into a parking lot. “Is that so?  Well Wildflower, who’s gonna be warming that bed of yours then?”

“No one if he doesn’t stop being a dick.” I toss out with a smirk. “I could always let Cam bunk in with me.”

“Now that’s a helluva idea.” He says rubbing his hands together. “Naked pillow fights.  I’ll bring popcorn.”

“Um, none of that shit in your head right now is ever happening fuck you very much.  We enjoy the Shaft way too much.”

Waggling his eyebrows, Gray pulls me into his lap. “Say it again.” He growls against my ear.

“We enjoy the Shaft?  Are you really that vain?”
I murmur.

“No smart ass. 
Right before that part.”

“Fuck you very much?”

“Don’t forget it either.” Gray whispers, kissing my neck.

Af
ter paying the driver, we are sitting in a tattoo parlor looking through outlines. “This is so pointless.  I’ll never find something good enough to permanently ink myself.”

“Do you trust me?” He asks me seriously.

“Yes.” I breathe.

“
Yo!” Gray shouts as he strolls over to the counter. “I think I’ve got an idea.”

Finally after I watch as they go back and forth with ideas for a half hour he starts sketching.  I have an outline but am only allowed to see the size.  Lying back on the table, my nerves are churning again.  Gray has my hands in his, my shirt tucked up nearly to my bra.  My jeans had to go completely, but Gray demanded that I be covered.  So with his hoodie as a blanket covering the essentials, I prepare to be inked.

I watch as the tattoo artist, Kyle, cleans my skin.  He discusses everything he will be doing to keep me relaxed but it only makes it worse.  Just as he lifts the outline I jump. “Whoa there, just going to put the outline on.” Kyle says carefully.

“I… I need to see it.” I mutter as I reach my hand out.

“Here.” Gray says calmly as he hands the sketch.

As my eyes roam over it I can’t keep from smiling.  It’s a daisy.  It stands tall except the end of the stem that will curl along my panty lin
e.  “It’s beautiful.” I whisper as a tear slips down my cheek.

“No.” Gray wh
ispers. “You are.” His thumb swipes away the tear as I nod.

Lying back on the table, I gesture to Kyle that I am ready.  Gently, he places the outline as Gray rubs circles on my wrists with his thumbs.  Leaning down he kisses my lips gently. “Ready?”
Gray asks then I hear Kyle switch on his gun.  All I can do is nod as my body tenses.

The first few sticks are really the worst though nothing is worse than the sound of the gun.  That is the worst part I think.  Like the drill at the dentist.  Eventually
, I am numb for the most part.  My eyes don’t leave Gray’s face.  He drifts from watching Kyle to me.  Every time he looks at me he just smiles.

“Why do you call me Wildflower?” I blurt without thinking.

Gray shrugs. “Daisies are wildflowers.  They can thrive even in the worst circumstances because they are stronger than the others.  Probably even come out more beautiful for it.  Roses are shady bitches.  They look all pretty sure but have those thorns waiting to stick ya when you aren’t looking.”

Closing my eyes, I let Gray’s words wash over me.  I swear everything he says is a damn song lyric in the making.  I am scared of what I feel for Gray already.  It is nothing like what I thought I felt and still somewhat feel for Landon.  It is so different.  Part of me still loves Landon even though I know he isn’t mine anymore.  He probably never even was.  He said that he loved me but I know that he is conflicted, so am I. 

Gray thinks that I am so strong.  Am I?  Did I make the choice that I thought was best by giving Landon back his ring?  Am I strong by wanting a plan that I made ten years ago; or is it my weaknesses clinging to the safety of familiarity? 

Things that Cam said argue inside my head with Gray’s words.  Cam is
right, there is no way that a member of Shaft would want to settle down right now.  Though Gray says he is nothing like Hunter.  I do know that to be true mostly anyway.  I’ve seen Gray talk with the groupies but never doing anything like Cunter.  Gray says that he wants me.  Part of me is afraid that Gray is more like Hunter.  Although I think Grayson is more like Aiden than he wants to admit.  Aiden and Grayson are more balanced, more grounded than Hunter.  At least that’s my opinion but even Aiden wouldn’t want to be tied to a ‘girlfriend’.  He doesn’t put labels on what he has with Cam.  Would Gray really want to settle down with the band getting bigger every day?  I mean Cam is afraid Aiden doesn’t want to settle although I have doubts there too.  Why would three guys about to become larger than life want to settle down during the biggest years of their lives?  Since Landon and I are over maybe I should see where this goes?  Or should I run while I have the chance?

“Hey all done.  Where’d you go?” Gray whispers into my ear.

“Just thinking.  Can I see?” I ask as he helps me off the table to the mirror.

The stem starts
along my pelvic bone, flirting with the edge of my panties moving up to end with the bloom curving around my navel. “The petals are gray?” I ask confused turning to Gray.

Grayson smiles, “No, they’re steel. 
Strong.  Able to withstand anything thrown at them.” Grabbing my hand, he pulls it to his lips kissing my palm. “Unable to be trampled or plucked, baby.  Forever flawless, my Wildflower.” I stand, shocked into silence while Kyle applies the ointment then bandages me up.  I slip my jeans back on but don’t button them so nothing rubs my sore flesh.

“All paid and ready to go.” Gray announces
as he drapes his hoodie over my shoulders.

“You
paid?” I ask in disbelief, “It’s my tattoo.”

“It was my idea.” He says brushing
his lips over mine softly.

“Ready to head back to the bus?”

I shake my head. “Mexico is nice this time of year.”

“It is.” He agrees.  Wrapping his arms around me he kisses my frowning lips. “Though we can’t avoid it forever.  Hey, you’ve got me, Cam, Aiden…  Hell even Henry and Cunter would kill Landon if they knew.”

“That’s why they don’t.” I remind him. “I don’t want it to be all about me if things go to shit.  It would cause too many problems.  I don’t want the tour ruined
, it’s too important.  Let’s go before they leave us.” I kiss his lips reassuringly.  After we thank Kyle again, we go in search of a cab to take us back to the bus.

“So
you goin’ to show it off?” Gray asks, stopping outside the cab door to kiss me.

“You know it. 
What are we waiting for?” I tease as he jerks open the door.

It is nearly four am by the time we make it back to the bus. 
Gray and I are completely wiped.  My side is stinging, which is a lot better than the pain I expected to feel.  All I want is my bed with Gray wrapped around me for twelve hours or more.  The sight I walk in on has me nearly heaving up the dinner I fought to keep down during a two hour tattoo session.  There is Landon, on his knees stroking himself all while Tad is fucking his mouth.  Tad’s eyes snap to mine as a smile spreads across his face. “You wanna ask her to join us now Landon?  Go on then pet. Just ask her.” Tad hisses as he thrusts his hips nearly choking Landon in the process. 

Opening my mouth, I try to say something, anything.  There is nothing but shock.  Landon doesn’t move.  It’s like he doesn’t care
. 

Chapter Twelve

Spooners
and Forkers

“What the ever lovin’ fuck is this?” Cam’s screams echo through the bus from behind me.

Slamming into Tad, she knocks him
into the wall. “You son of a bitch!  You don’t care who you hurt do you?” Cam shouts as her fist connects with his nose.  Tad screams as blood pours from his nose.  Grabbing Cam by her shoulders Landon shoves her to the couch.

“Get the fuck off of him.”
Landon’s voice is volatile, in a way I’ve never heard before.  Landon has never been one to jump into a fight, at least not for me.  I stand there watching while Landon defends Tad in ways he would never have done for me.  The realization shocks my system, making me see yet another thing I thought I had that I truly didn’t.  I didn’t have him at my side like Tad obviously does.  Just another thing that should break my heart, I wait for it to shatter but no cracks.  Nothing but anger at the shit going on behind my back just hours after Landon crying begging for me to take him back.

Aiden roars grabbing Landon by his throat. “You never touch my woman motherfucker!” Landon is gasping for breath
as he claws at Aiden’s hands.  Without a second thought, Aiden shoves him out the door of the bus.  Landon stumbles backwards down the steps crumbling to the pavement.

“You
stupid bitch!” Tad growls, “You broke my goddamn nose.   I should call the cops.”

I grab a wad of napkins from Aiden’
s fast food bag, shoving them into his hand. “Boo-fuckin’-hoo!  What exactly happened?” I ask tapping my temple with my finger. “Did anyone witness this attack?” Aiden and Gray chuckle, shaking their heads.

“I ran into the side of Tad’
s face.  It really was the damnedest thing.  Landon can take him to the E.R.  Maybe they will give a shit about how I may have broken his nose.” Cam whines. “Bastard’s lucky his dick is still attached.”

Laughter bubbles out of my chest causing me to double over.  The complete
clusterfuck that has been the last week of my life, none of which is really funny at all but I’m laughing.  I slide to the wall as the tears stream down my face, blurring my vision. “This is too much.” I hiss out clutching my side.  The adrenaline is wearing off.  Now I am feeling the burn in my side again.  Tad stuffs himself back in his pants then stomps off of the bus.

“Come on Landon.
” Tad shouts.  Like the little puppet Landon is, he stands and follows behind to the SUV Henry is helping Hunter out of.  They exchange some words then I watch as they drive off without another word.  That’s right, not a damn word.  The man I’ve spent the last year with, the man I was planning the rest of my life around, left without saying one word to me.  No explanations, no excuses, not even a fucking ‘see ya later’.  He just left me after walking in on that goddamn nightmare.  

“Babe you have blood
all over you.” Aiden says looking Cam over. Turning to face Gray, he declares, “That bastard is gone.  Fuckin’ gone Gray!  I don’t give two shits if he’s your brother or the goddamn head of Sony Music.  G-O-N-E!” He growls.

Gray nods as he pulls at my shirt to check my bandage. “It’s fine.  No one touched me.” I say shooing his hands.

Cam’s squeals interrupt my explanation as she shoves Gray out of the way. “You sneaky whore!  You didn’t tell me anything about getting a tattoo.” She yanks my hand pulling me toward her to get a close look. “Lemme see!  Lemme see!” She delights, pulling at the bandage.  It makes me smile that Cam seems to bounce back so quickly.  She just broke Tad’s nose then Landon pounces on her but yet here she is excited over my ink.

“
Right?  Because there was a tattoo viewing portion of the orgy that turned MMA match?” I snap teasingly.  Of course Cam just glares at me, arching her brow.  “Okay.  Okay.  Let me do it!” I say shoving her hands away to get the bandage off then pull her down the aisle toward the bunks.

“It rocks! 
Holy shit!” She says bouncing on her heels. “In Vegas we’re shopping!  You can’t cover that up ever!”

“
OH Henry why?” We both turn to see Henry helping Hunter up the steps.

Hunter looks wrecked
.  His shirt is ripped, his face is pale and he’s covered in puke. “Because you’re a stupid cocky bastard.”

“That hurts big man.  L
ike right here.” Hunter says pushing his hand against his chest. “It hurts right here.”  Walking carefully around us, Henry helps Hunter into the bathroom, cutting the cold water on full blast then shoves Hunter into the shower stall still fully clothed. “Fuck!  That’s cold!” He screams.  Hunter’s brown eyes roam over to mine as his smile spreads. “Wanna help me scrub up?” Hunter slurs eyeing Cam and I leaning against the bedroom door.

Henry
rolls his eyes then slams the door making us laugh “Fine you bitches are spooners anyway.  I need a forker!” Hunter shouts through the door.

“
Just wash your forkin’ ass!” Henry shouts slapping the door. “Don’t mind him ladies.  A chick tonight didn’t know who he was.  Deflated Cunter’s poor ego.  He got trashed so now he’s covered in his own self-pity.”

“Is
that what self-pity smells like?” Cam shrieks, holding her nose. “Fuck, someone needs to put that man out of his misery!”

“I’m in misery without someone to fork baby!” Hunter sings from the shower. “I
wanna, wanna fork you long time.”

“
Oh my god!  Aiden, I need to go to bed.” Cam groans, shaking her head.

“You got this?” Aiden asks looking
at Henry as Hunter starts another chorus of ‘fork you baby’.

“
I’ve got him man.  No one else can handle him when he gets like this.” I hear Henry reply as I head into the bedroom with Gray hot on my heels.

Closing the door behind him
Gray’s eyes meet mine.  Pulling me against him, his thumb traces my bottom lip slowly undoing me. “Interesting night…  Cam beat the hell outta Tad. Landon freaked out on her.  Not to mention Aiden nearly rippin’ his head off for touchin’ Camaron.”  He says shakin’ his head. “Landon isn’t worried about who he hurts.  I’m firing them once they come back.  Aiden agrees and well, Hunter is too fucked in his own head tonight but he will be on board too.  They’re gone, but you…” He says brushing his lips over mine.

“I can’t just…” I start bu
t Gray silences me with a kiss.  His tongue parts my lips, diving into my mouth.  Melting against him has become instinct and he knows it too.   Gray grins against my lips as he pulls us to the bed, settling me on top of him.  Our lips fused together, my hands tugging his hair.  Loving every minute of his hands running along my body, I lose myself in him, in us. I don’t want to think about the fact that everything is falling apart around us.  I don’t want to think that this is temporary even though my subconscious knows it is. 

“We have something here Wildflower.  You can’
t deny it.  Your name is signed on the contract as an assistant to the band.  Extra pair of hands, remember?  I want you here.  Stay.  Tell me you won’t leave.” He pleads, as I pull my shirt over my head.  Rolling me beneath him, Gray trails kisses along my chest.  His lips moving along the edge of my tattoo so carefully, so gentle that it almost unhinges me.

“I don’
t wanna think about it Gray, not now.” Leaning back I pop the clasp on my bra, tossing it to the floor.  Gray runs his tongue around my nipple, sucking it into his mouth.  Straddling his thighs I roll my hips against him making his eyes close.  He releases my nipple with a pop.  Though amazing eyes of his snapping up to mine, hooded and dark waiting to claim me again.

“You.
  Naked.  Now.” He groans.

The door flie
s open making me jump.  Hunter walks in as Gray wraps his arms around me.  My chest smashed against his, keeping me covered. “What the fuck are you doing in my room Cunter?” Ignoring Gray, Hunter flops on the bed beside us, completely naked, still dripping wet from his shower.

“I wrote a song.” He slurs, wrapping an arm around Gray’s nec
k.  My eyes drift down Hunter’s body.  His colorful bands aren’t the only tattoos he has.  He has music notes along his chest and lyrics that I can’t read from this angle. “Do you wanna hear it?”

“G
et out asshole.” Gray says as I roll my eyes.

Hunter grins at me, pinching my cheek.
“This one’s for you Daisy.  I loooooove you.  You little spooner.”

“Get the fuck on with it then.” Gray growls as I giggle against him.
  This is the most fucked up night ever.  I think I am hallucinating.

Hunter leans over on his si
de, his dick nearly brushing against us. “Keep that over there. I don’t know where it’s been.” Gray bites out.

“In your mothe
r, bitch.” Hunter tosses out then groans covering his face. “I take that back man.  Your mom needs some work.”

“Get the hell on with it today
Cunter.” I say, trying to be sweet so that Gray doesn’t kill him.

Hunter leans back against the pillows as he starts singing. “There’
s some skeeter in my peeter, beat it off.  There’s some skeeter in my peeter, suck it off.  There’s some skeeter in my peeter…” Gray shoves him to the floor making him groan. “Damn man.  I was bringin’ it home.”

“Not in here you aren’t.” Henry says as he wraps a towel around him. “You dumb fucker.  Get in there and put some clothes on.”

“I love you Henry.” Hunter slurs.

“Not even if you were rich
with a great rack you sloshed out bastard.” With a chuckle Henry shoves Hunter out of the room closing the door behind them. 

I bite my lip to keep from laughing out loud but I am shaking so hard Gray glares at me. “This has been the craziest night of my life.”
He says scrubbing a hand over his face.

“By far.”
I reply.  Losing my fight with the giggles, curling to my un-tattooed side I slide my jeans off.

“The sun is coming up we better get some sleep.” He whispers stroking my hair.  I nod as I feel him kick off his boots then he curls against me. “Goodnight Wildflower.”
He breathes then covers us with the quilt.

“Good morning
, Gray.” I mutter into the pillow making him chuckle.

“Good morning
, smart ass.”