Rock Me Deep by Nora Flite Read Free Book Online Page B

was stifling. I felt how he studied Colt, watched the drummer wither under that look.
    “Dammit,” Colt said under his breath. “Sorry, didn't mean to bring him up. It isn't some dirty secret or something, though.”
    They all gave me a meaningful look. Clearing my throat, I spoke carefully around my swollen tongue. “Everyone knows about the fight with Johnny. Sort of, anyway. Can I... can I ask what really happened? The stories are pretty wild.” Shark's version of the incident rippled in my memory.
    Drezden sank into his chair, feet kicking up onto the small table. “It's not much of a story. Johnny just fucked up too many times. I wanted him gone, he didn't like that. Not exactly shocking.”
    “He tried to murder Drez with a bottle,” Porter said, pushing his empty one away like it was the actual weapon being discussed.
    Drez made tiny circles with the base of his beer on the table, wet smudges that went round and round as he spoke. “He didn't try to murder me. That's how these shitty rumors start, Porter.”
    The bigger man tilted his chin down. “Sorry. Johnny was pretty pissed, though. I think he would have messed you up if he'd had the chance.”
    I hadn't realized I'd begun leaning forward. Half off my seat, I spoke with unbridled curiosity. “So what actually happened to him?”
    Drez continued to twirl his beer. “He got dragged off by security.”
    “Not before that asshole ripped my gauge, though,” Colt muttered. He pointed to his ear for emphasis.
    “Honestly," Drezden said, "I don't know where the fuck he is now. I don't care, either."
    “You're not worried he'll come back and cause more trouble?” I asked. "If I'd been kicked out of my band, I think I'd be furious."
    The singer lifted his eyes, showing me a hint of the fierce animal living in his head. The beer didn't slow its perfect circles, his voice was a low, dry mutter. “Johnny knows if he ever shows his face to me again, I'll break his fucking jaw.”
    And I believed him. Down to my gut, I didn't think he'd made an idle threat.
    Porter started to say something. A hard, meaningful glare from Drez stopped whatever it was. I had the terrible idea that they knew something and didn't want to tell me.
    “So,” Drez went on. Lifting the beer, ending the endless circles, he took a deep drink. “No. I'm not worried about him.”
    My breath came in, sharp and loud. I'd been so wrapped up in Drezden's words and tangible emotions I'd forgotten that I needed oxygen. A thrill went up my spine, tickling the back of my brain and throat. His passion turned my insides to butter. That worried me.
    Colt broke the serious mood. “About that food. Should we call Brenda, see where we can stop?”
    Yawning, Porter stretched his beefy arms over his head. “As long as it isn't pizza again. I'm so sick of pizza.”
    Drezden pushed his phone to his ear. “We need to stop and refuel soon. I'll tell her we want to stretch our legs and get a bite.” His attention shot to me, and instantly, I squeezed my beer too hard. “What do you want to eat? Any preference?”
    “Uh,” I managed to say. “I don't really care. I'll eat anything.”
    The green in his eyes went wild, a forest that was eager to sweep me up and let me get lost. Whatever flicker of heat between us that was there vanished when he stood, speaking into the phone. “Hey, we're hungry. When's the next stop?” He waited, listening. “No, no more damn pizza. Uh huh. Then pick a place where we can get a private room and not get mobbed. That's what you get paid for.”
    Smiling, I imagined the put-together woman arguing with Drez on the end of the line. I was getting the impression she got frustrated with him a lot.
    I was starting to know the feeling.
    “Yeah, fine. Yes, it's fine! Brenda, just—yeah.” He rolled his gaze to me, thoughtful. “She's fine, we'll be fine. Even better if we can eat something before we all starve. Then you'll have no band at all.” He winked at me, which of