“Thank you, Jagger,” I tell him, managing to catch myself before I land in a heap on the floor at his feet.“This means more than you’ll ever know.”
Jagger accepts my hug before I release him and head back to my bedroom to pack the few items I need to take with me on the flight.I’ll be able to bypass regular security and all the other bullshit at airports because I’ll be taking the private jet back home.I listen as Jagger laughs while exiting my bus.He’s a really good guy but takes things too hard when it comes to our careers.
I pack a few clothes, my notebooks, and my guitar before I jump in the shower because I’m in desperate need of one after crying all day long.After cleaning up and dressing in my favorite pair of oversized sweatpants and one of Memphis’ hoodies, I brush out my long hair and toss it up in a messy bun.As usual, I don’t put on any make-up and make sure my wig and everything else remain on the bus, hidden so no one finds it.Thankfully, I have a brand-new bus and the decals with my name haven’t been added just yet.No one knows this is a tour bus so my things are fairly safe for the time being.My previous bus had been broken into a few times while we were on tour.That’s why I have a new one.
Stepping off the bus, I find Noah, Austin, and Rex waiting for me.The three of them offer me a small smile before we head to the waiting SUV that will transport us to the airstrip.None of us speak as we make our way to the jet and they give me my space.I’m in the middle row on my own while Austin and Rex sit behind me and Noah takes the front seat.Our driver doesn’t talk either.We’ve had a few who were chatty and I don’t like that.This is my time to unwind and not think about touring, music, songwriting, or anything else related to my career.Right now, I’m ready to fall asleep and not wake up until I’m back in Briar Glen.This day needs to end so I can start to heal and move on from a fake relationship I didn’t understand wasn’t real.
Chapter One
Ice
DANCERS ARE FUCKINGexhausting and beyond frustrating.I’ve been at Angel’s of Rebellion, the strip club Knight’s Rebellion owns, all day long dealing with one drama after another.This dancer isn’t happy with her spot in the rotation.Another one is bitching because all of her costumes are being used by the other girls when none of them are exclusively assigned to one girl or another.Bambi is the worst of them all.She thinks because she’s been at the strip club the longest, it’s up to her to deal with the rest of the dancers so they bend to her will.Bambi has caused more issues for me than anyone else who has ever stepped foot on the stage.Today was the last straw when she tried to make demands of me and what I’m supposed to be doing.She gets one more chance and if she fucks it up, there’s no way in hell she’ll still have a job.Bambi isn’t ready to end her career just yet so she backed down really quick.
It’s not just the dancers though.I had to deal with our largest alcohol supplier because they missed a delivery.There was no reason for them to miss it.I always pay the bills every week and never miss one payment.I have the record of it and when I sent a copy of it over, they apologized and promised we’d have a delivery within two hours.Yes, I waited for them to show up and went through every single bottle to compare it against the invoice sent with the delivery.We were given every single bottle I ordered and even a few more to make up for the bullshit of missing the previous delivery.It really doesn’t make up for anything because we ran out of our most popular drinks and had to spend money with a liquor run locally.Not that I mind supporting local businesses, because I’d rather do that than waste money on some place who doesn’t know how to properly conduct business.I might have to rethink my supplier and go with someone local.
Instead of heading straight back to the clubhouse like I planned when I left this afternoon, I find myself taking a ride to clear my head and get away from the drama today.The cool night air whips around me causing my skin to freeze.I usually have a hoodie on my bike, but I wore it last night on my way back to the clubhouse and forgot to grab another one.I’ll be okay and I already hardly feel the cold air as I focus on the road in front of me.There’s really nothing like a cool night with nothing but stars in the sky above me and nature surrounding me as I cruise the roads on my bike all alone.I’m rarely alone and always have my best friend, Lock, with me when I go on a night ride.With everything going on, I’m grateful to be alone for the first time in forever.It doesn’t appear as if I’ve been alone in so long.Not since before I took on more responsibilities in the club since Razer was killed.
As I ride back into town, my phone rings and I press the answer button on my Bluetooth.
“What’s goin’ on?”I answer, not sure who to expect on the other side of the call.
“You good, Ice?”Judge questions me, his voice filled with concern as I smile to myself because there’s a very good reason for him to worry about me.
“I’m as good as I’ll ever be,” I respond, losing my smile.“Just not expectin’ all the extra work I’ve been doin’ recently.Anyway, what’s up?Why did you call?I know it’s not just to ask how I’m doin’.You would have waited until I got back to the clubhouse for that shit.”
“Just got a call from Sebastion.They have another job from Jagger.This one is closer to home for us though.There’s a huge concert a few towns over and they need extra hands.You’ll be paid, but I’m not forcin’ anyone to do this job.It’s gonna be long hours in the elements, and you’ll be assigned to one of two bands.Well, a band and singer.Wicked Angels will be there with the openin’ act for them.Some girl named Ruby or some shit like that,” Judge informs me as I smile because I’ve been on security detail for Wicked Angels once and it was actually a good time.
“I’m in.Is it one day or a few?I don’t know how these outside venues work.Especially if it’s a festival and not a regular concert,” I ask my President as I slow my speed while entering Briar Glen.
“I’m waitin’ for Sabotage to call back with more details.Jagger was callin’ in when we were on the phone.I’ll add your name to the list and see you when you get here,” Judge tells me, hanging up without saying anything else as normal.
It doesn’t take me long to ride to the clubhouse and park in my spot against the front of the large building.I take my time shutting my bike off and removing my helmet before getting off my bike while leaving my bandana in place.The weather is definitely colder than I was expecting tonight and I don’t want my face freezing any more than it already is.Even my riding gloves are left on as I enter the clubhouse and find the common room full of members drinking and having a good night.A few of the Rebels are out and wandering around as they look for their dick of the night.It won’t be me.Seeing Judge at his normal table, I make my way over and take a seat with Fury and him.Wren is bouncing around the common room with the largest smile on her face.Her hands are waving in the air as she dances around the tables.There’s no music playing right now as she listens to some song in her head.I wish I knew what the hell it is with the way she’s moving.She’s more refined than the strippers and her moves are simply for her, not the men in the room surrounding her.This is simply one more side of Wren we rarely see.
“Is Wren okay?”I ask, not sure what’s going on right now.
“Yeah.She heard about the festival and got a little excited.Ruby is one of her favorite singers and I managed to get her tickets thanks to Sabotage.She loves Wicked Angels, but they don’t compare to this Ruby person.Never seen Wren as excited about somethin’ until I told her about the tickets,” Judge tells me, holding his twin boys in his arms while keeping his eyes locked on his wife.The man is in love with his family despite fighting the pull to Wren for so long.