Rock the Heart (6 page)

I swallow hard. “That can’t happen between us. I don’t have those kinds of feeling for you anymore.”

He raises an eyebrow and his grin turns wicked. “Are you sure about that? Don’t forget, Lane, I know you. I know how you tick and what you…”—his eyes scan the length of my body, lingering on my breasts—“want.” 

Damn him. I shove against his chest. “You’re wrong.”

Noel laughs as he pushes himself away from the wall and gestures me further into the room. “Well if you’re sure you don’t require any further assistance from me, I’ll leave you to it. But…if you change your mind—”

“I won’t,” I snap, cutting him off and step past him. I can’t even look at the smug expression I know he’s wearing.

He chuckles while he lets himself out the bedroom door and I let out a sigh of relief.

Five Finger Death Punch rocks out hard on the stage and the audience is insane. I count at least five mosh pits not far from the front row. Girls sit on guys’ shoulders and flash their bare breasts at the band on stage while the crowd hollers encouragements to egg them on. Some must’ve gotten tired of tops altogether and sit there without a shirt while rocking out. 

Crazy. 

There’s some sort of wild energy in the air that has everyone hyped. Even I feel it as I bob my head to the beat. Now I know what Noel is talking about. This is a major rock event, and everyone is enjoying themselves to the fullest. There’s some sort of spell that sucks you into the moment going on here.

Backstage is busy as well. There are people everywhere I turn. A few of the bands I recognize off music videos or tour posters I’ve seen Black Falcon on before, but the rest of the people are faceless strangers. A few giddy female fans mill about and gush over their favorite bands, and I smile every time I hear one of them mention Noel’s band. Those girls don’t bother me much. They seem harmless. I don’t think they’re back here to attempt to get in the band member’s pants.

The hardcore groupies and strippers, on the other hand, have a different agenda. It’s like they’re on a mission to get laid by the most famous guy that will have them. A few of them have even hit on the female rockers that are backstage. Pathetic, really. What would drive a woman to want to be used for sex by someone so badly? They must have some serious Daddy issues. 

A large crowd gathers by the steps that lead up to the stage area where I am. Cameras flash, and I strain my neck hoping Noel’s back from his band meeting. People cram in tight, pushing to gain every inch they can toward their target. Riff makes it to the top step while he signs autographs and kisses some of his female admirers. I sigh—still no Noel yet. I tilt my head, curious as to what it is about Riff that drives the girls wild.

I just can’t figure it out.

Sure he’s really cute, even a blind woman can see that, but that alone wouldn’t make me want to sleep with him. Who knows what kind of person he is. I don’t judge, but I’m going to sleep with a person based off looks alone. 

I’m no slut. 

Security cuts the girls off on the stage. “Sorry, ladies, this area is off limits.” I hear the wall of muscle tell the girls as he and his partner hold them back. The girls all whine with disappointment and beg to follow Riff. 

My eyes dart to Riff, and he smiles when he catches me staring at him. He walks toward me, his eyes never leaving me once.

“Damn, you’re sexy,” Riff says to me as his eyes rake slowly over my body. His gaze stops directly on my breasts under my tank top. I narrow my eyes at him. He doesn’t seem the least bit bothered I have the look of red death pointed directly at him. He pulls a piece of gold paper from his pocket. “This golden ticket grants you access into my pants when our set is over. Hold on to it tight and give it to security that guards the buses. They’ll let you through. I only give away one or two of those a night. Consider yourself a lucky lady.”

He stuffs the paper into my hands, and I furrow my brows. Is he serious right now? Does he think just because he shoves some gold paper in my hand that I will instantly drop my panties for him? I shake my head and try to hand him back the paper. “No thanks.”

“Not interested?” Riff laughs. “Sweetie, that’s cute, but you don’t have to play hard to get. I know why you’re back here, and I can guarantee there’s no better time to be had than the one you’re going to get with me.”

He licks his lip and runs his hand down my arm. His skin on mine makes my blood boil. How dare he think he can just touch me like that? 

I slap the paper into his chest. “I’m waiting for someone, you asshole. I’m not some random fucking groupie.”

Surprise registers on his face and then a slow grin. “You’re feisty. I like that.” He tilts his head. “What a shame. We could’ve been pretty awesome together tonight. You know where to find me if you change your mind.”

I huff as Riff lets the piece of paper fall to the ground. It lands by his feet and he smirks at me before he turns and walks away.

What I wouldn’t give for murdering someone to be legal right now. I should kill that asshole for the benefit of all womankind. 

Noel finds me about ten minutes after my run in with Riff. At first I think about telling Noel, but decide against it. Their chemistry has to be on point in front of this many people.

I can always tell him about it later. Besides, I’m sure Riff will feel like a jackass when he discovers who I am. 

Noel’s white t-shirt strains against his chest and biceps as he wraps his arms around me. “Are you going to watch my set?”

I try to pull his arms away from my waist, but Noel grins, and squeezes me tighter. 

I sigh. “Not if you keep manhandling me like this.”

His laugh rumbles in his chest and our pelvises smash together. “I think if you keep rubbing against me like that, I’m going to take you back to the bus and fuck you right now.”

I raise an eyebrow and fight the urge to smack him across his smug face. “You wish. Besides, if you disappoint your fans, they might just fire your conceited ass.”

Noel’s hands cup my face and leans in for a kiss, but stops just inches from my lips when I resist. He licks his lips. “It might just be worth it.”

A laugh escapes me and I immediately cover my mouth with my hand. My eyes widen as I realize I’ve let my tough shell crack a bit, but he’s so damn forward and it’s kind of comical.  

 “Grrrrrr,” he growls and pulls me against his warm body. “You know it drives me crazy when you giggle.” He cups my butt through my jean shorts and presses the bulge in his pants against me. “See what you did? How am I supposed to go in front of fifty thousand people like this?”

I laugh and pull away from him. “Not my problem. You’ll just have to hide it behind your guitar.”

 An impatient stage manager appears out of no where. “Noel, we need you in position.” 

Noel takes a heavy breath. “Okay, gotta go. See you after we’re done.”

He smiles and heads toward the stage. Another giggle bubbles out of me when he readjusts his pants and picks up his guitar. Poor Noel. Smug satisfaction, mixing with a little guilt, surges through me. 

My eyes glue onto Noel’s backside until he’s out of sight. I must admit his butt is really nice. Okay, okay—it’s damn near perfect. No wonder he has so many women lusting after him. 

The crowd rumbles as they chant for Black Falcon to take the stage. It’s not surprising considering people really love Noel’s band. They’re one of the most played bands on the charts. Noel’s dream of millions of people hearing his music has most definitely arrived. Some critics say they could be one of the next greats. Throwing them in line with bands like, The Beatles, Queen, Aerosmith—bands that changed the face of music. 

I always knew Noel was great, but I guess I never realized how great until the rest of the world discovered him. It’s like he walks on water to his fans.

This band is his life now, and I couldn’t be happier he allowed me back into his world, considering I dumped him after graduation. 

I take a couple steps toward the stage. It’s definitely the best spot in the stadium to watch a Black Falcon performance.  A woman with bright, red hair whom I recognize from the music video channel, steps out on to the stage. She’s this weekend’s host and hops from stage to stage introducing the bands. The crowd roars as she waves to them wearing her skin-tight black, leather pants and halter top. 

She brings the mic up to her lips and asks, “Are you fuckers ready for one of the best damn bands at this festival!”

I scream along with the crowd to answer her question.

“These guys are one of my personal favorites, not to mention they look pretty fucking amazing, too. Right, ladies?” She pauses and allows for crowd reaction. “Give it up for BLACK FALCON!”

Trip takes the stage first and throws up a metal sign. People scream at the black-haired rocker as he takes his seat and gives the bass drum a kick. Tyke comes out second and picks up his bass guitar. Screams erupt when he thumps a couple cords out. The two twin brothers look at each other and smile like they have an inside secret, and it drives the fans nuts.

Riff and Noel come onstage together. My eardrums feel like they are about to explode from the sheer volume in this stadium. Noel glances my way on the side of the stage, and I wave to him. Riff, still clueless, smirks at me and wiggles his tongue while his back is to Noel. 

Dear God, does this asshole think I’m here for him?

I roll my eyes at Riff, and he smiles before he puckers his lips at me. He just doesn’t get it and won’t take no for an answer.  

The band kicks up and plays their intro song. I do my best to stare past Riff and watch Noel perform, but every time Riff sees me he makes sexual gestures of some kind—once even thrusting his hips while stroking his guitar. The crowd loves it, of course, but my stomach is about five seconds from losing the bagel I ate on the airplane.

Noel leans into the mic and wraps both hands around it. He licks his lips and closes his eyes. The red stage light on him causes something in me to stir. It’s like it’s highlighting him as the most sexually pleasing man I know.  My knees buckle when his voice belts out a love song. The audience sings along to every word. I sway to the beat, but never take my eyes off of him. 

Something flies up on stage at Noel’s feet. I look down and realize it’s a thong. These women are actually throwing their disgusting panties at him. Several more join the first one at Noel’s feet.

Riff steps up to his mic. “That’s what I like to see. Horny women! Damn.” He points out. “You fuckers better not let all that pussy go to waste. Now show me some titties.”

Men throughout the place cheer and chant. “GET NAKED! GET NAKED!”

A couple girls near the front row climb onto guys’ shoulders and rip off their tops and shake their boobs at Riff and Noel. My hands clench in fists, and I have half the mind to go yank them down and ask just where do they get off shoving their breasts in Noel’s face?

But thankfully Noel just shakes his head at Riff and laughs. The muscles in my body relax a little. I remind myself that this is part of Noel’s life. It’s all an act. It isn’t like he’ll be screwing around with those girls later just because they flashed him, will he? I know I walked in on him with those two sluts back in Houston, but I don’t think he’d do that now that I’m here. Would he?

Riff, on the other hand, I’m not so sure about. There were several times I’d spoken to Noel after a show and he told me Riff had some random groupie in the foxhole with him. Sometimes I could even hear the girl screaming in pleasure. It was disgusting.   

Riff glances at Noel and points at one topless girl and nods his head. “Now that’s what I’m talking about!”

I shake my head, again. Riff is a complete sex fiend. The only reason he’s in a band is probably for the women.

Noel’s smooth voice shoots out over the crowd. I close my eyes. It’s like a beautiful lullaby. For a hard-rock band, they could sure play a sweet ballad. 

I open my eyes, and my gaze locks on Noel’s eyes. He sings into the mic about the love of a good woman and I feel a blush creep up my neck. When the chorus hits, he breaks our stare and faces the audience. Cell phones light up across the sea of people and they dance like fireflies in the dusk. 

The song ends, and the crowd roars until Trip pounds out a fast beat on the drums. Tyke and Riff join in, and the song zings to life. 

Noel’s voice changes to his signature growl he likes to use when the band rocks out. He yanks the mic off the stand and bends at the waist to belt out a note. The crowd hypes up when he runs from one corner of the stage to the next. Girls stretch out their arms, hoping to touch him, and guys reach out for a high-five.

Everyone wants a piece of him. 

The song ends, but the guys play an extra few bars on the song to allow Noel time to thank the crowd before they wrap up their set.

Tyke waves to the fans before he heads behind the stage. Riff throws out guitar picks, and Trip wings his sticks out to the people in the back. Noel wipes his face with a white hand towel before he tosses it into the mass of people. There are about ten fans that shove and grab for the towel before one lucky guy yanks it into his grasp. 

The life of a rock star is unreal.   

Big Bertha is quiet when Noel and I climb inside, which is a relief after we just fought our way through a ton of screaming women on the other side of security. Those guys in the yellow shirts have to put up with a lot of crap to protect the stars.

Noel’s sweat drenched shirt clings to his sculpted chest. His normal fohawk is a flat disaster. “I need to go shower. I’ll only be a few minutes. Wait for me right here?”

He brings my right hand up to his lips and kisses my fingertips. A rush of warmth spreads through me before I pull them away. “I’m not going anywhere.”

 Noel grins at me before he rushes off toward the small bathroom on the bus. 

My stomach rumbles because I’ve forgotten to eat during the midst of this crazy day. I step over to the kitchen area and open a couple of top cabinet doors. No food. What do these guys live on? Beer? I bend down to check the bottom shelves.