Rock Me Two Times (10 page)

He jutted out his chin, started to shake his head, but stopped. She could see the indecision in his dark eyes. He ended up crossing his arms over his chest and sitting on the edge of her cutting table.

“Syon means a lot to me. A fucking hell of a lot, and he’s got it bad for you, but you…” His eyes flashed. “You don’t think he’s good enough. That’s what’s pissing me off. He’s going to get his heart shredded by your holier-than-thou ’tude.”

Ramsey considered her. “You’re not the first bitch who looked down her nose at him or me. So don’t expect me to kiss your ass because you don’t like my attitude or the way I live my life. It pisses me the fuck off to see you disapproving of the way my best friend spends his free time. He’s walked through fire to be what he is today and doesn’t owe you shit.”

He started to walk away. Kate lunged after him and hooked his arm. He jumped and turned around to snarl at her.

“You’ve had your say, now it’s my turn,” she informed him.

“Is that right?”

“It is,” Kate snapped. “For the record, I didn’t say Syon wasn’t good enough for me.”

Ramsey snorted.

“What I question is how healthy this environment is for a relationship.” She pointed in the direction of the hallway. “Do you even remember the names of the girls passed out in your bed or wherever you left them?”

Ramsey shook his head without a shred of remorse. “Most of them don’t want me to. They want a buzz and a mind-blowing experience, and they sure as shit don’t want it to follow them back to their nice, respectable lives. You know what I’ve got down the hall? One’s a school teacher. She’s getting married next summer.”

“She told you that?” Kate asked incredulously.

“No.” Ramsey reached for his jacket and pulled three cell phones out of the inside pocket. “I found that little tidbit right…here.” He dangled a smartphone from his fingers. “I was trained to disarm complex programs. These little civilian devices are a piece of cake for me.”

“You hacked their phones? What’s wrong with you?” She paused as his words sank in. “You should tell her fiancé.”

Ramsey only shrugged and slid the phone back into the jacket pocket. “It’s not my shit-pile life. She might even make a good wife, now that she can enjoy her memory of fucking a rock star when hubby can’t go down on her worth crap.”

“That is so messed up, Ramsey. She’s got no right to use you like that.”

“I used her too.”

He was trying to blow it off, but Kate wasn’t buying it. She could see the pain in his eyes. He changed the subject.

“Syon hasn’t touched another woman since he saw you.”

She failed to hide just how much she appreciated hearing that. A little bubble of happiness just rose in her chest and sat there, glowing. Even the knowledge that the time frame under discussion was a whole two days didn’t dampen her joy. Ramsey bit something back after reading her emotions off her face.

“Just…understand this. We spent years playing together before our parents decided to ship us off to the military so we would grow up and lose our adolescent dreams of playing in a band. It turned out to be the best thing that ever happened to us, but this is what we are.” He opened his arms wide. “It’s the fire that’s been in our bellies since we were eight years old. I’m sick of seeing Syon torn between what he loves and his damned desire to please the rest of the world.”

“You’re sick of being judged,” she said as understanding dawned. It was a painfully clear sunrise too. Success didn’t promise happiness, even on the level Toxsin was experiencing it.

Ramsey’s eyes narrowed. “This isn’t about me.”

“Yes it is.”

He shook his head, but Kate reached up and cupped his cheek to stop him.

“It’s about you because of the connection you share with Syon.”

Ramsey lifted his chin to sever the contact. “He’s the only family I have, since my blood thinks I’m infecting the youth of America with Satan’s plots…or some shit like that.”

He turned and started stalking toward the door.

“I’ve worked my ass off for what I have too, Ramsey.”

He froze. She watched him fight the urge to turn around and fail. He faced her with a grudging expression.

“Professionalism is the foundation of my business.” She spoke quietly. “Jumping my clients doesn’t fit that image. My reputation is all I have. If you guys trash my performance on this tour, everyone who works for me will suffer. I’ve got a damned good reason to think before acting. Syon made this my workplace. So…I have to hold on to my professionalism.”

He studied her for a long moment. She could see his outer shell cracking, granting her a glimpse of the wounded soul behind his public persona. His lips twitched, just a bit, into a genuine grin. “I’m beginning to see why Syon is fascinated with you.”

“Huh?” Confusion stole her composure as Ramsey strolled back toward her with that sexy prowl of his. She tipped her head back to maintain eye contact and didn’t care for the feeling of exposure that washed through her.

“You have integrity.” He reached out and tapped her on the lips with his index finger.

Kate jumped back, feeling like a live wire had touched her.

Ramsey laughed, low and deep. “That’s sexy. Really sexy. Sucks that you prefer Syon.”

“Yeah, I heard how pitiful your night was as you longed for my company.”

He smiled before moving back toward the door and knocking on the drywall. “It’s not that thin.” His eyes flashed. “What can I say? I do a fantastic job at everything.”

Kate groaned and pointed him toward the hallway. “I’ve got all I need from you, thanks.”

He licked his lower lip. “No, you’re still hungry.”

She raised her voice. “Bye!”

He chuckled knowingly at her before disappearing into the hallway.

She was going to be insane by the end of the tour.

Syon was avoiding her.

It really pissed her off.

Liar… It stings.

Well, that too.

The other members of Toxsin had come by her suite for fittings, but Cid showed up with Syon’s missing-crotch pants instead of the singer.

“Pull a pattern off these.”

The road manager tossed the garment at her. She caught it but dropped them on the chair next to her. “I don’t clone. I do my own work. Always. I need a fitting.”

Cid was close to fifty by her guess but hiding it extremely well. His body was toned and fit, and only a hint of gray was visible where his hair had grown out at its roots. He fixed her with a hard look.

“You’re here to work on our schedule. Mr. Braden hasn’t had time for a fitting. In case you missed it, he’s a celebrity.”

“My work is custom.” Kate pointed at the two pairs of partially completed pants hanging on a rack, waiting for fittings. “If Syon wants a pair of pants that fit, I need him down here.”

She needed his ass and his hard-on, but she was avoiding thinking about the particulars.

Cid didn’t like her tone. Something slithered through her that left a very unpleasant aftertaste in her mouth. She realized she was getting a glimpse of what it was like to ruffle the feathers of those who considered Syon their bread and butter. If Syon told Cid to be a dick to her, he would without getting a single hair out of place. Cid knew who was signing the paychecks and didn’t give a shit about how many feelings got hurt while he was ensuring his meal ticket. Toxsin was bringing in big money, and that meant there were going to be big sharks swimming in the tank. No one was on tour who didn’t know when to abandon fair play.

“I’ll see what I can do.”

The road manager left with an air of importance and no hint of remorse in his expression.

She should have dived back into the work she had.

Should have, but she walked across the suite and glared out at the San Francisco skyline instead. The sun had gone down hours ago, but the city was far from sleepy. There was a buzz and pulse that she could feel through the double-paned glass windows. Traffic was flowing below her, people thick on the sidewalks. Cafés were open, catering to the night crowd. It seemed too dedicated to spend the night working for someone who couldn’t be bothered to make time for a fitting.

Okay, she was miffed that she didn’t rate high enough for an hour of his time.

Kate shook off her grumpiness.

Syon had gotten his eight hours out of her. So it was quitting time.

She picked up her phone and trolled through Facebook and a couple of travel sites to see what the city offered for night entertainment. Surely there was a local hot spot somewhere close with a band or signature dinner dish that she could enjoy.

Her phone chirped. It startled her, but she grinned when she recognized the name of one of her Bay Area clients. His name was Clarence O’Malley, but it was a whole lot safer to call him by his preferred nickname.

“Hello, Conan.”

“Why didn’t you tell me you were coming to the Bay Area?”

Kate smiled, feeling ridiculously rescued. “It was last minute. Um…how’d you know?”

“You’re logged into Facebook, with the location app. You’re too cute to have that turned on, you know. Someone like me might use it to stalk you,” Conan said.

“Um…yeah.”

Conan chuckled on the other end of the line. “You doubt my badass-ness?”

Kate laughed and reached back to rub her neck. “Never. Just your level of desperation to resort to stalking. Last time I checked, you had a small harem.”

“Maybe. Get down to the lobby.”

“You’re here?” she asked incredulously.

“Yeah, I drive my ass down to your end of the state because no one can sew leather like you. Just shut up the shop. Let’s grab a cold one and get some chow. Got a couple of guys I’d love to introduce you to. Can’t wait to tell them you were in my pants while you’re sitting close enough for them to see how hot you are.”

And that was why he liked to be called Conan. He claimed to be a barbarian at heart. Which made him just interesting enough to be fun.

“You’re on,” Kate said.

She wasn’t going to hang around waiting for Syon. She’d put in a full day. If she was going to be on tour, she might as well enjoy the sights a little. She could catch up on her sleep on the road.

She swung around and took a moment to run a brush through her hair and apply a fresh coat of lipstick. The elevators were express ones, and a few moments later, she was striding through the polished marble floors of the lobby. Conan had pulled up on a chopper. The doormen were eyeing him as security eased closer.

Not that she blamed them. Conan was rather typical as far as her clients went. His shaved head had a tattooed skull on the back, and his forearms sported more ink. He had a huge, square-cut jaw, and his nose bore the evidence of being broken. When he grinned, one full gold crown winked at the suit-clad security men watching him. The only way he wasn’t typical was in the fact that he ran a very lucrative business. The bodyguards edging in on him would have been surprised to discover themselves dealing with a man who could afford to rent out one of the exclusive penthouse suites. Ripped jeans and all. The guy owned several Armani suits, but needed to be beaten half to death before putting one on.

He revved the chopper and whistled when he spotted her. Kate swung the shoulder strap of her bag over herself, cross body.

She reached out and steadied herself with a hand on his shoulder before lifting her leg to get on behind him. There was a roar as Toxsin pulled into the half-circle drive, taking control of the space completely. Conan turned his head to admire the chrome work on the Harleys. Kate slid her leg along his back.

“What the fuck?” Syon ripped off his shades. “Get the hell off that chopper, Kate!”

She wasn’t completely on the back of the bike yet. Surprise kept her frozen. Syon threw his helmet and launched himself off his Harley.

“Know this dude?” Conan asked her, his attention on Syon. There was a clink as he kicked the stand into place. “His tone says he needs his ass kicked.”

“That’s the only action you’re going to get tonight,” Syon growled.

Conan was off the chopper the second Syon got close. Kate stumbled back as they faced off.

“She’s not worth it.” Ramsey grabbed Syon by the shoulder and tried to pull him back. “If she’d rather be in his pants, let the bitch go.”

“Oh, she’s been in my pants alright…real deep.”

“Conan—” Kate protested.

Syon’s growl cut her off as he took a swing at Conan. People screamed, and paparazzi moved in, their cameras rolling. Conan bared his teeth and launched himself into the fight. Syon snarled and went after him with blood lust on his face.

“Stop it!” Kate skirted around the tail of the chopper and tried to lunge between them. Ramsey turned and hooked her around the waist. He dragged her out of the way and scooped her up when she tried to fight him. She got out only half a sound of protest before he dumped her into someone else’s arms.

“Get her out of here.”

“Wait…”

Taz didn’t pay attention to her. He turned and carried her back up onto the curb.

“Forget this shit.” She kicked her feet up and succeeded in getting one knee loose. She put her leg down and pushed out of Taz’s hold.

Taz snorted and let her stand up. A second later he had her over his shoulder. There was still the sound of flesh hitting flesh behind her. She looked up as Taz hauled her through the front door of the hotel, to the delight of the paparazzi snapping pictures.

“Put me the fuck down!” Kate yelled.

Taz dumped her in an elevator but pushed her back into the corner as he jammed a key card into the slot. He stuck one finger out at her. “You can walk or I’ll carry you.”

“Like hell you will.”

The elevator jerked and started pulling them toward the top floor. “I want out of here. You guys are insane!”

“Yeah, we are.” Taz shrugged.

His nonchalant attitude left her frozen for a moment. It was long enough for them to make it to the penthouse. She dove out the door the second it started opening.

She refused to work for crazy people.

Percy would have to understand.

She was inside her suite before she realized Taz had slid smoothly through the door behind her. She spun around and pointed at the door. “Get out.”

He caught her wrist and jerked her arm around. She popped into position like a rag doll; one moment she was facing him, and the next he had her arm locked up in a martial arts move that made sweat pop out on her forehead. The pain was just enough to keep her from challenging him, because it was going to hurt like hell if she did. He pushed her toward the bed. There was the touch of something smooth against her wrist and a click before he released her.

She looked down and realized he’d handcuffed her to the huge headboard.

“What are you doing?”

He’d retreated a few paces and shoved his hands into his pockets. “Making sure you’re here when Syon wants you. You two need to talk.”

“Fuck what Syon wants.” She snarled and jerked on the handcuffs, but they held. “Unlock these.”

Taz shook his head.

“Are you some kind of idiot?” She jerked on the handcuffs again. “This is illegal.”

“Did you have to take up with someone else so fast?” Taz looked disgusted. “Is this your idea of some sick game?”

“What?” She shook her head, trying to make sense of what he was saying.

“That dude.” Taz pointed out the window. “You cut Syon deep.”

“Wrong.” The door hit the wall as Syon kicked it in. The handle punched right through the drywall with a dull sound. “I don’t give a shit whose pants you’re hopping into.”

“I made his leather pants,” she explained. “Conan’s jerking your chain, dumb ass.”

And Syon had blood trickling down his chin.

It froze her in place. Horror wrenched her gut and left her stuck between breaths. Nothing else mattered at all.

Syon had gone still, his gaze locked with hers, one hand stopping in midswipe on that trickle of blood.

“That makes sense.” Taz sounded surprised. “A lot of sense.
‘She’s been in my pants real deep…’”
He started to laugh softly. “That dude totally got you.”

“You too,” Kate said.

Taz shrugged. “Yeah. Sorry if I hurt your shoulder.”

“Get these cuffs off me,” she demanded.

Syon reached out and pushed Taz toward the open door. It was still open, the doorknob stuck in the drywall.

“They’re making up!” Taz yelled down the hallway. Drake and Ramsey must have come up. “She made that dude’s pants, that’s why she was in them.”

“Like hell we’re making up,” she yelled after Taz. “Get your ass back in here with the key, Taz!”

Taz stopped and tossed a key back; Syon caught it and yanked the door loose. Chunks of drywall dropped to the floor as he shoved it closed with a slam.

“Are you done with him?”

“Done with who?” She jerked on her hand again; this time the cuff bit into her wrist. “I swear, if you don’t unlock me…”

“Yeah, yeah.”

He flipped the key over and fit it into the lock. He was too damned close again. The scent of his skin filled her senses. Just the brush of his fingers against her hand sent a little thrill through her.

“You’re making me crazy.”

She rubbed her wrist and glared at him. “That’s my line. Where the hell does Taz get off handcuffing me to the bed?”

Syon’s eyes narrowed. “He won’t be getting off. Not with you.”

“Like that’s any of your concern. Is Conan alright?”

“Yeah. The dude can hold his own. Had to stop when the cops showed up.” He wiped the blood away, but a fresh trickle appeared. For some reason, the sight of it deflated her anger, which pissed her off again. Couldn’t she even be mad at the guy when he deserved it?

“Shit. You have a show tomorrow night.”

She rolled over the bed and came up on the other side.

“So what?”

Kate rolled her eyes and went into the kitchen. She yanked a plastic bag out of the cabinet and filled it with ice. “Put this on your jaw before you get a bruise.”

She settled the bag against his jaw.

“That’s what makeup is for.”

He wrapped his arms around her, and the bag dropped.

Syon buried his face in her hair instead. “All day I’ve been thinking about how you smell.”

His words were muffled, but she still heard the low, raspy sound of need in his tone. It was like being shocked with a set of jumper cables. She flattened her hands on his chest and tried to push him back. “Really? Then why didn’t you show up for a fitting?”

She hated how hurt she sounded, but the words were out of her mouth.

He cupped her nape, pressing a kiss against her neck. It sent a tingle straight down to her toes. She squealed, struggling against his hold, feeling the tidal wave of arousal beginning to crash down on her.

He let her go, and she bounced onto the bed.

“That’s why.”

She jumped up, her face flaming.

“I tried to stay away because every time I get near you, all I want to do is lick you.” He threw his arms into the air. “You want me to do it too.”

She had her mouth open to fire off a retort, but it died when he locked gazes with her. The world shifted again the second her eyes connected with his caramel ones. She did want him. Bad. She shifted, her clit feeling crushed inside her pants.

“So I gave you some space and came back to find you on another dude’s bike.” He shook his head. “You’re fucking making me…jealous!”

It was a strange compliment. Really strange, because he was pissed off. At least she thought he was, until she looked closer.

Apparently, Syon was just as overwhelmed as she was. The need burning between them was so tangible, it interfered with everything else.

There was a hint of uncertainty in his eyes, and it hit her straight in the heart.

“What are you doing?”

Kate rolled her eyes at him. “Taking my clothes off.”

She popped the lace holding her corset top closed and untied the knot.

“Why?” He wasn’t waiting for her answer but shrugged out of his leather jacket with a violence that strained the seams.