Relentless (Relentless Soul Book 1) Read online

  Chapter 9

  Ava

  Brody and I silently walk through the halls to the stage. I'm sure he is continuing to mentally prepare himself. While I'm walking along feeling like a dick head, how could I have been so stupid? I'm supposed to stay professional but it's so hard, I'm around the band twenty four seven of course I'm going to want to establish some friendships. As long as I do my job the rest doesn't matter. Clearly I had Brody's signals crossed. He keeps shutting my attempts down so I guess he just wants to be friends. That's okay, I mean I just met the guy, I thought we had a connection but I was wrong. I must not be thinking clearly with the move and everything else. Oh well it's not like I'm in love with the guy.

  Rounding the corner I see the rest of the band standing at the side of the stage waiting to go on. Jeremy must have heard our footsteps, as he is looking right at us with a frown. Brody and I have been walking along in complete silence, the tension just hanging in the air. I'm so glad we have reached the other band members. I can't wait to see them perform. Sound check was amazing, they sounded so good. Jeremy walks over to Brody and places his hand on his back.

  "All good, Coops?"

  "Yeah, fine. Just settling the nerves, the crowd sounds huge."

  Just then the crowd roars, I can feel the energy even back here. The electricity is just buzzing though the arena. Peeking around the guys I look out to see the large crowd. Shit! "I'm glad you are going out and not me, I think I'd wet my pants." Jeremy gets the biggest smile on his face.

  "I bet I can make your pants wet."

  Dragging my eyes away from Jeremy I look at Luke. I am totally speechless, what was that? Jeremy is just standing there staring at Luke, the smile wiped from his face.

  "Don't speak to her like that." Jeremy's voice is deathly.

  "Sorry, bro. It was a joke."

  Tuning them out I turn away, feeling really uncomfortable. Picking up my tablet from Emma, I walk off to go and find a chair. A hand grabs my arm and halts my steps.

  "Ava, are you okay." Brody whispers to me.

  Not able to look at him I shrug my shoulders "Yeah just going to start on some writing." Looking back over towards Jeremy and Luke I see them both watching me. Holding my head high I turn and walk away.

  I find a chair just as I hear the crowd scream and cheer. Turning around to bring the chair closer I see Hunter walking behind the others to the stage. I guess it's time. Placing my chair where I can see the band and part of the crowd I open up a new document as they begin the opening song of the night. I think I need a picture for this article. Stepping up closer to the band I take a picture of them all doing their thing. Jeremy is up the front, his smooth, sexy voice projecting out over the arena, he really takes command of the stage. Brody is on the far side, Luke is on my side and Hunter is at the back on the drums. Unfortunately I can't see their faces. I take a couple pictures of the crowd, once again amazed at the number of people, and then I head to the dressing room. Singing softly I can hear them back here. I snap a couple of photos of the dressing room from different angles but not wanting to miss a thing I race back to the side of the stage and get there just in time for Hunter to start the intro for the next song.

  It's so hard to concentrate on my writing, the show is amazing, and Jeremy’s voice is so distracting; smooth and hypnotic. Looking up I can't help but admire Brody. His dark blue jeans are firm fitting on his legs and show off his cute butt. Pulling my eyes away from him I shake my head. Jeremy's voice pulls me from my thoughts. I wish I could see him from the spot I'm in. His voice sounds so passionate when he sings; I wonder if that passion is evident on his gorgeous face?

  ****

  Typing the last sentence in my article about how the band had the entire arena chanting for more I hear Jeremy thank the audience. Shutting off the tablet I hear Hunter and Brody talking.

  "That was amazing. I have no idea how you could have been nervous about that."

  "Me either. I'm buzzing. Hey Ava what did you think, did we rock?"

  "You guys were really good, I have some great pictures. The article is going to give your fans a great insight to your shows." Just then Jeremy runs down the stage and looks at me, the smile on his face is just screaming how happy he is.

  "That was unreal! What do you think Dundee, glad you came?"

  "You were simply amazing. Of course I'm glad I came, it's the opportunity of a life time."

  Jeremy puts his arms around the band "Let's go out and celebrate."

  Luke looks at Jeremy "Yeah I'm in. So is Hunter"

  "Don't I get a say?

  "Yeah Hunter but I just know you. You love the ladies."

  Jeremy laughs, "What about you Coops?"

  Brody looks at me with a frown, He looks back at Jeremy. His frown deepens then disappears.

  "Yeah Stone I wouldn't miss it. There are bound to be some chicks that want to party with some rock stars."

  "When do we ever have a problem picking up?"

  "Yeah, so true. Let's go."

  As I realize that the whole band must be players and plan on picking up tonight, I try to sneak away.

  "Ava, are you coming with us?"

  Turning around I see that Jeremy has followed me "No, watching you lot pick up is not my thing Jeremy."

  "I didn't say I was going to pick up. Come out and celebrate with us, you and the girls."

  "I'm not really dressed to go out."

  Jeremy smirks and his eyes are hooded as he whispers "Dundee you are sexy, no other girl compares to you."

  Glancing past Jeremy I see the rest of the guys standing there waiting for my answer, I hope they didn't hear what Jeremy just said. Looking in his eyes I feel like I should say no, but I feel so drawn to him and can't help but give in. Feeling my face heat, I smile.

  "Uh, Ok. I'll go and get the girls and meet you at the bus in five minutes"

  ***

  Opening up the door to the bus I call out. "Get ready girls we're going out."

  Emma looks up from the couch.

  "Where are we going and with who?"

  "The band, I have no idea where we are going but they invited us to come along. Hunter's going, Tori"

  "I'm not even dressed to go out Ava how do you expect me to hook up with him if I don't look good."

  "Go now and hurry they are going to meet us here in a few minutes."

  As we all change quickly and take turns in the bathroom to freshen our make-up I decide to talk to them about what happened with Jeremy.

  "So, you'll never guess what just happened."

  "Jeremy flirted with you again?"

  "Yes, how did you guess Tori?"

  "Your voice is all squeaky. So I assumed something good happened to you."

  Emma looked me dead in the eyes "Spill."

  I proceed to tell them all about the conversation with Jeremy as I change into my favorite black skinny jeans and a purple low cut halter top. "I told him I was coming back to the bus, because, after all I don't want to hang around with them when they are picking up chicks. He said that they never said they were and for me to come. I told him I wasn't dressed to go out. He proceeded to tell me how sexy I was and that no one else compared. I almost kissed him." Emma gasped "I didn't but I just felt this pull."

  "Ava sweetie, that's how he gets chicks and you, my friend, just fell for it hard."

  Shaking my head I look at Tori. "I know, are you almost ready?

  "Yes."

  Tori walks out of the bathroom and looks amazing. Her jeans and shirt have been replaced by a short black dress and red heels.

  "Thanks Tori now I'm under dressed."

  Tori laughs and gives me and Emma a once over. Emma is also in skinny jeans and a nice top, so I feel a little better about my outfit.

  "You two look great." Reaching back in my wardrobe I find my ankle boots with a five inch heel. I put them on and join the girls on the couch. Suddenly a knock startles us and we all look at the door. Looking from the door to the girls I stand up and walk over
to open it.

  "Are you ready girls?"

  Opening the door up I see the band waiting outside for us. Stepping down the stairs I raise my head trying to forget about the embarrassment of falling for Jeremy's pick up line.

  "Yep let's go."

  Chapter 10

  Jeremy

  As we make our way to the waiting car and driver that Travis organized to take us wherever we want to go, I find myself walking behind Ava, mesmerized by the movement of her hips. She looks beautiful tonight. Her hair is swept up into a pony tail and the halter top she's wearing scoops dangerously low in the back exposing a lot of smooth, flawless golden skin. Damn! I drag my eyes away from her back and try to focus on something else as we all climb into the black limo.

  Finding myself sitting next to Ava I struggle not to reach out and touch her thigh as it rests against mine. The air between us is electric and I'm sure she feels it too, as she keeps glancing at me with a shy smile on her pretty face.

  The ride to the nightclub is short and I'm wishing we had chosen another club further away so that I could enjoy her closeness for a little longer. As the car pulls up out the front of the large club we all pile out and make our way to the door. There is a line a mile long of people waiting to enter, but obviously Travis has called to let them know we are coming as one of the doormen ushers us in. We make our way up some stairs and over to a large lounge area. We order a round of drinks and shots of Tequila as we discuss the show and how great it felt.

  After a few rounds of drinks and about five shots of Tequila each Tori stands up and tells the group she needs to dance. Grabbing Ava and Emma's hands she drags them down the stairs and onto the large dance floor. They find an open space and begin dancing to the techno music that is playing. My eyes are drawn to Ava once again as she sways her gorgeous hips to the beat, her body moving in perfect timing with the music. Damn, that girl's got some rhythm. As the guys sit around me still chatting about the show, I down another shot of Tequila. I want to join in the conversation and celebrate with the guys, but I just can't tear my mind or my eyes away from Ava. I'm seeing another side to her personality tonight. She really seems to be letting her hair down. I'd love to be out there with her running my hands all over her body as she moves those curves. Fuck it! I stand up and the guys all stare up at me with curiosity in their eyes.

  "I'm going dancing!"

  I ignore the laughter from Luke and Hunter and the frown from Brody as I make my way down to the dance floor. Strolling up behind Ava it's like she senses my presence as her movements still and she turns slightly to look at me.

  Leaning down close to her ear I say "Dance with me, Dundee?"

  Without turning around her hips start to move again as she slowly inches back further so that her ass is rubbing up against my thighs. She reaches back a hand and rests it on the front of my thigh as I curve my body to hers and we start to move together. She keeps her right hand on my thigh and with her left hand she reaches up to grip the back of my neck, gently pulling my head down toward hers.

  I nuzzle my nose into her neck and smell her amazing scent as I whisper in her ear. "Baby, you are so beautiful."

  She moans softly and her fingers dig into my thigh as she wiggles her ass even closer. I feel my dick responding to her touch, and she must be able to feel it too but she doesn't pull away. Placing my hands on her thighs, I slowly run them up over her hips and across her stomach. Her shirt has raised a little from her lifting her arms up, so when my hands run across her stomach they are met by a small patch of smooth, silky skin and another soft moan escapes her. She feels so good. I've never been this turned on with me and the girl both fully clothed. I don't think I've ever been this turned on at all. I slide my hands back to her hips and quickly spin her around to face me. Her eyes meet mine and I can't hold back anymore. I dip my head down as I stare into her beautiful glowing eyes. She stills for a second as she seems to be internally processing what is evidently about to happen between us. I beg her with my eyes not to pull away. Suddenly, she lifts her head and our lips meet. The kiss is soft at first, and fuck her lips are amazing. She sighs into my mouth and I feel her run her tongue along my bottom lip and flick at my lip ring. Fuck me! The kiss is no longer soft as I grip her hips tighter and my tongue plunges into her, tasting her sweet little mouth. She runs her fingers up through my hair and a groan sounds low in my chest. This seems to spur her on more and her tongue starts caressing mine deepening the kiss. This is the most amazing kiss ever. I need to stop it though before I strip her clothes off and explore her sweet little body in the middle of the dance floor. I slowly pull my mouth from hers giving her lips one last little lick and stare down into her face. As she slowly opens her eyes, I take in the flushed cheeks and the hungry look of desire in her eyes.

  I whisper again "Even more beautiful when you're turned on." She wraps her arms around my neck and rests her head on my chest. I wonder if she can feel my heart still racing after that amazing kiss.

  We stay that way, gently swaying our hips together for the next few minutes. I'm scared to let her go because I don't know if I'll get the chance to hold her like this again. I look up and notice that Tori and Emma are watching us with huge grins. Tori gives me the thumbs up sign and it's then that I notice Brody standing behind Emma. He grabs hold of her hands and pulls her in close to him as he starts dancing with her. He glances at me and I give him a smile which he seems to ignore as he turns back to Emma.

  "Shit! I didn't see that coming"

  Ava stirs in my arms and lifts her eyes to mine. "What?"

  I nod over to Brody and Emma, who are now making out in the middle of the dance floor. Ava stiffens in my arms and I'm unsure of what I'm seeing in her eyes as she looks back at me. "Can we go and sit down? My feet are starting to ache."

  "Sure." I hold her hand in mine as we walk back to where Luke and Hunter are still sitting, with Tori following behind us. They look as shocked as me at the sight of Brody and Emma sucking face on the dance floor.

  Hunter looks amazed "What the fuck is happening? Is that all you have to do to get a chick? Dance with her?"

  Tori giggles and replies "I'll dance with you Hunter."

  Luke chuckles as Hunter jumps out of his seat and drags Tori back to the dance floor. "Well, I'm going to get wasted and find myself a dance partner." Luke chuckles again as he stands up and strolls toward the bar leaving Ava and me alone. "Do you want another drink?"

  "Um… I don't think I should drink anymore. Maybe iced water."

  I signal to a waitress and order the iced water for Ava and a beer for myself.

  Ava looks up into my eyes and says softly "I'm sorry I attacked you out on the dance floor." Her face falls as she looks down at our hands still joined and resting between us on the booth seat. I reach up to her chin and gently lift her face so that her eyes meet mine again "Baby, you can attack me anytime you want. That kiss was hot…and hopefully it won't be the last." She blushes and tries to look down again but I lean in and catch her lips with mine. This kiss isn't as frenzied as the last one, but it is just as hot and I find myself staring into her eyes as we kiss. Once again I break the kiss before I get carried away, but this time I lean down and rest my forehead on hers. "What have you done to me, Dundee? I can't stop thinking about you. I feel like I should be thinking about the show and how well it went, but all I can think about is you." She stares into my eyes and then suddenly leans back in for another kiss. As our tongues stroke each other again I pull her up and she lifts a leg over me so that she is straddling my lap. I should care that we are in the middle of a very public nightclub, but I don't. All I care about is this beautiful girl who is now sitting in my lap and blowing my mind with another teasing kiss. I pull my lips from hers and she lets her head fall back slightly as I kiss my way down her neck and lick her collar bone while running my hands up and down her smooth back. I'm lost in the passion of the moment, but suddenly hear someone clear their throat. Ava pulls away and we both look up to see Brody and
Emma collapse onto the couch opposite us. Ava looks slightly embarrassed as she slides off my lap and back onto the seat, taking a sip of her iced water.

  Emma looks very apologetic "Sorry to interrupt, but we needed a break from dancing. It was starting to get very hot down there." I smile and look over at Brody to see him watching Ava with a strange look on his face.

  "It seems like it was getting all hot and heavy up here too." As he says the words, he seems to frown a little. What the fuck is his problem?

  Just then Hunter and Tori stroll toward us looking very disheveled and flushed. I watch as Tori tries to straighten her dress and smooth down her hair, obviously their dance turned into a little more as well.

  Ava squeezes my hand and asks "Is everyone ready to head back to the bus? I'm quite tired."

  "Sure, let's get out of here." I reply as I stand up and pull her up behind me. We locate Luke and we all exit the club and climb into the waiting limo.

  Brody

  The limo pulls up in the parking lot and everyone climbs out.

  Emma looks at me as she says "Thanks for inviting us out, guys. It was fun."

  Looking down at the ground I can't stop the rush of guilt that floods my body when I think about how I used her tonight. When I stepped onto the dance floor earlier, the last thing I expected to see was Jeremy kissing Ava. It physically shocked me. I knew they had some chemistry but I didn't realize it would turn into something more so quickly. Before I had even thought it through I grabbed hold of Emma and took out my jealousy on her. I don't know what I was hoping to achieve, but it just made me feel low as fuck. She seems like a lovely girl, I'd hate to lead her on and let her think there was going to be more between us. I force a smile onto my face and look over at Ava to see her watching me "Yeah" I say keeping my gaze locked on her. "It was good. Well goodnight Ladies. See you all tomorrow." Just as I'm about to step up onto the bus I glance back at Ava to see Jeremy take her hand and walk her toward her bus.