Warlord Metal by D Jordan Redhawk Read Free Book Online

though?"
    Jordan leaned back and considered her response. "Well," she drawled. "It's been my experience that they're doing one of three things. First..." and she held up a finger, "...doing upkeep on their makeup, just like they said. Second...." Another finger joined the first one. "They're discussing how best to jump your bones." She stifled a chuckle at Atkins' smug look. "Or third, they're trying to figure out a way to ditch you without being too bitchy about it."
    The guitarist's face screwed up in concentration as he seriously considered her last statement. He apparently came to some sort of loggerheads with himself from his facial features.
    Unable to help herself, Jordan chuckled and leaned over to smack him on the arm. "It's probably the first one, dude," she said. "Makeup's a pain in the ass to keep up."
    "Oh." He tried to hide his relieved look. "Say, if you're not doing anything tonight..." he offered, wiggling his eyebrows with a leer. "We had a blast last month with the twins. And I know Rachel has been eyeballing you tonight."
    In her mind's eyes, Jordan saw the two women that had accompanied Atkins to this little party. A redhead and a brunette, both leggy and busty and just what the doctor ordered. A memory of pale eyes smiling blotted the vision out. She heaved a sigh and reluctantly shook her head. "Naw. Not tonight. I promised the Birthday Girl a little one on one with a crossword puzzle."
    Atkins nodded in understanding and both of them turned their attentions to the dark teenager who was now talking with Lamont Atkins, the bar owner and the guitarist's father.
    "Damn! You know, I've known that brat since she was ten?" he asked idly. "She's growing up mighty fine."
    "I'll say," Jordan agreed. She felt eyes on her and leveled a cool gaze in return.
    "You know she's off limits," the man said, his voice a trifle flat.
    "Well, duh, Lando," the woman responded scornfully. "Jailbait's nice to look at and nice to dream about, but shit! Like I wanna get tossed outta my room, my band and have statutory rape charges pending!" She shook her head and rolled her eyes. "Get a fucking clue..."
    The man chuckled sheepishly. "Well, you know. We're all kinda protective of her."
    You should be, the woman thought. You've got a wolf in the fold and you don't even know it. She could hear the voice inside, howling and laughing. She merely nodded in agreement with him. Looking back over the party, she said, "Looks like your girls are back."
    Atkins saw them as well and rose to his feet. As he stepped away, he looked over his shoulder with a lopsided grin. "Crossword ain't gonna take all night, ya know. I'll leave the door unlocked."
    Jordan watched him saunter into the women's waiting arms, considering.
    Sonny stifled a yawn and leaned against the doorframe, her arms laden with presents. Nearby, her brother was collecting the remains of the cake in preparation of leaving.
    The party had gone on for quite some time. There seemed to be a never-ending flow of well-wishers floating through. As some left, others arrived to take their place. It seemed that there were always twenty or so people in the warehouse at any given time.
    Tanya was adorable, she thought of the baby. With that red fuzz on her head and her daddy's nose.... Now, that had been a total surprise. I'm amazed Chris was able to get leave so soon after enlisting. And all the different visitors - there'd even been a distant cousin showing up that she hadn't seen in years. Sonny sighed contentedly. This has got to be the best birthday ever. Her thoughts were interrupted by a voice.
    "You're looking kinda tired," Jordan commented with a raised eyebrow.
    The dark girl smiled. "Yeah. I am a bit. Can't wait to get home. It's amazing how tired a person gets when they're having so much fun."
    The emerald eyes sparkled. "So, you're not up to a crossword puzzle then?" The guitarist scratched at the wool cap she was wearing, fully expecting the girl to disagree with her.
    Sonny's