AUTHOR'S NOTE: I tried to make it clear within the chapter, but in case it is not, here's a quick catch up… This chapter takes place a month after the previous chapter. In that time, the wolf pack has joined the tour and they are about to start the next leg of the tour in the larger venues. Because of this they have been practicing their new sets in a small empty warehouse and staying at a hotel a short distance away. The video that Gus took in the previous chapter has gone viral and they are in negotiations to get a sponsorship deal for the remainder of the tour. Hope that helps clarify anything!
Oh, one more thing… This chapter is rated M.
On The Edge
Chapter 35
ADRENALIZE
FEBRUARY
"Big day, people!" Bucky exclaimed as he walked into the break room of the small rehearsal space they had rented, wearing a suit and tie.
Wynter let out a loud wolf whistle. "Lookin' spiffy this morning boss-man!"
"No, he looks like he just stepped off the set of a gangster movie," Tracey yawned. "I mean really, B… I half expected to look down and see you wearing spats."
He smiled and shook his head, ignoring Tracey as he poured a cup of coffee. "We've only got one shot at this. First impressions and all that shit."
"It is way too early in the morning to lay that kind of pressure on us..." Willa mumbled as she took a sip of her coffee.
"At least you get to be on stage for an entire song!" Lacey snapped at her. "I'm the lead singer and I'm not even going to be on stage for ninety percent of our goddamn song!"
Willa narrowed her eyes and bared her teeth. "Do you ever shut the fuck up? Seriously? All I've heard out of your mouth for the last two weeks has been incessant whining!" She looked over to Tracey and Jacey. "Seriously, how the ever-living fuck do you put up with this shit?"
"Ladies! Ladies!" Bucky exclaimed as he walked over to stand between them, attempting to keep them from having yet another fight. "What did I tell you both."
"Play nice..." they both sighed in unison.
"Good to see we're on the same page," he smiled. He took a deep cleansing breath and looked around, noticing for the first time that two people were missing from the ranks. "Um… Where are Casey and Zed?"
"Casey's still at the hotel," Jacey said with a shrug. "We were heading out but then she said something about needing to work on something?" he shrugged again. "I don't know."
Tracey choked back a snicker, knowing damn well that what his roommate was working on was Zed. He coughed to cover it up. "Sorry… wrong pipe," he offered, holding up his tea.
"Zed was showering. Said he'd be right over," Bonzo added.
Bucky rolled his eyes in exasperation. "Great… two of my singers are..."
"I don't understand why we can't sing one of MY songs!" Lacey interrupted.
Bucky pinched the bridge of his nose, tired of having this argument. "Lacey for the hundredth time… The executives from La Muerta Tequila are interested in sponsoring this tour because of the video that has nearly a million views. Casey is the one singing in that video. So… for that reason, Casey will be the one singing in today's showcase. Is that clear?"
"Stupid fucking snowball..." Lacey muttered under her breath. "It's MY band..."
Bucky shook his head. "I'm going to go find them."
As he walked out of the room, Wyatt pulled out his phone sending a warning text their way.
ZzZzZzZzZ
"Z..." Addison breathed against his lips. "Your phone… it's buzzing again..."
"Ignore it," he said as he hitched her leg around his waist. "You look so fucking hot right now..."
"I'm always hot," she said through a breathy moan as his hands skimmed down her body. "We don't have time for this… As much as I don't want to attend this stupid meeting, that shower already made us late… We don't need anyone coming to look for us..." Her words may have sounded like protest, but the way she wound her body around his and pulled his mouth down to her neck said otherwise.
He pulled the collar of her jacket to the side. "You're wearing foundation over my mark..." he pouted.
Addison giggled, "Well, yeah."
His pout turned into a sexy smirk as he pinned her to the wall. "I left it on you on purpose..." he leaned in closer, whispering in her ear. "You're not allowed to cover it."
She bit back a moan. "But what if people see?"
"I told you, I don't give a shit anymore. Let them see. Show them all that you're mine..."
Addison looked into his eyes, "Isn't that what our new tattoos are for?"
"White ink and hidden… not the same thing… those are just for us..."
She smirked and grabbed the collar of his shirt, yanking it down. "Fine… turn about is fair play..." She pulled him closer to her and attached her lips to his collarbone, sucking as hard as she could.
The sound of someone knocking on the door of the room next to them caught their attention.
"Zed! Are you in there? You're late!"
"Shit!" Addison whispered. "It's Bucky!" She quickly scanned the room to make sure nothing incriminating was lying around. Her eyes landed on her notebook already opened on the table. She smiled and kissed him quickly. "I've got an idea. Play along!"
He nodded and set her down on her feet. She quietly closed the door that connected their two rooms before walking to the front door and opening it. "He's in here, B."
Bucky threw his hands in the air in frustration as he walked over to her room. "What the shit?! You two were supposed to be down the street thirty minutes ago!"
"Sorry," she said with a small shrug of her shoulders, inviting him in. "I was ready to go but then an idea for a song hit. I wanted to get it down on paper before I forgot… Z overheard me singing and offered to help. We were just about to head over..."
Bucky eyed the two of them suspiciously for a moment. "You're lucky the crowd loves the songs you two do together..." he sighed and ran his hand through his hair. "I expect this one to be finished and ready to go by rehearsals tomorrow morning. But right now, we've got to haul ass. The reps from La Muerta will be arriving soon. We need this sponsorship."
"Free tequila… what's not to like," she said with a forced smile.
Zed laughed. "Of course you'd focus on the tequila part. How about the bigger bus."
"Or the pay raises and promotional opportunities," Bucky added with an eye roll as he motioned for them to exit the room.
"Yeah, yeah, yeah, all of that."
Bucky grabbed her shoulder and kept her back as Zed continued to walk down the hall towards the elevators. "Look, I know you don't like this..."
"Nope. Not one bit. Corporate sponsorship BEFORE record deals are in place? B… it's a huge gamble. None of us will have label protection if they bail or heaven forbid something happens with one of the bands!… Do you realize how huge of a lawsuit can be dropped on us all?"
"But we can't afford to promote the tour the way it should be. Not to mention the fact that we have no space on the bus with all three bands... We need this deal! Especially since you don't want to request a talent scout from Bamm!"
She rolled her eyes. "I'm not pulling strings or taking shortcuts! Like they'd ever not offer a deal if they knew either of us were involved. If we're good enough, they'll find us!"
"I know… it's just..." he sighed. "Please, Addie-loo… I need you to sell this today. I'm counting on you. You know better than anyone that a sponsored tour will catch label attention."
She nodded. "Fine." She plastered a fake smile across her face. "I've got you, B. Don't worry." She threw him a wink and skipped down the hall towards the elevator.
"Why does that make me more nervous?!" He called out after her.
She poked her head out of the waiting elevator. "Come on! We're going to be late!"
Zed took the brief moment alone to discreetly run his hand against the small of her back. "Still worried?"
"What does it matter? No one else seems to be."
ZzZzZzZzZzZ
Bucky paced nervously in front of the building as he waited.
"You're going to wear that patch of sidewalk down if you keep pacing," Eliza said as she and Addison walked outside.
"They're late," he muttered.
"By like five minutes, relax brother-dear."
Bucky put out his cigarette and turned towards them. "Are you both warmed up? What about everyone else? Are Lacey and Willa keeping their distance? The last thing I need is for a fight to break out!"
"Easy, Babe..." Eliza laughed. "It's all good."
He let out a nervous breath and started pacing again, just as a black town car with heavily tinted windows made the corner.
"Looks like they're here," Addison whispered. "I'm heading back in."
"Good idea, make sure everyone is on their best behavior."
"I'll do my best… you coming, E?"
Eliza gave Bucky a quick peck on the cheek before following Addison back in.
"Alright people," Eliza called out as they walked into the rehearsal space. "Mr. Moneybags just pulled up. Let's do this!"
A few moments later, Bucky walked into the room with a much younger than expected, handsome man wearing an impeccably tailored designer suit and slicked back black hair.
"Woah..." Wynter whispered under her breath.
"Back off, mutt. He's mine," Lacey sneered quietly.
"Mr. Santos, it is my pleasure to introduce you to The Wolf Pack, Zombies, and The Acey's," Bucky announced as he waved an arm towards them.
"Well, I am excited to hear from you all today. The video of The Acey's caused quite the stir in our offices. Speaking of which..." he walked over to Addison. "Allow me to introduce myself. Salvador Santos, Vice President of La Meurta Tequila."
"Casey Jacobs. It's a pleasure to meet you. If I may say so, your Reserva de la Familia tequila has been a personal favorite of mine for years."
"Beautiful, talented, and a tequila drinker? You're quite the woman, Ms. Jacobs," he said with a smile.
She smiled and looked up at him through her lashes as she shook his hand. "Thank you, Mr. Santos."
He took her hand and placed a kiss on the top of it. "Please, call me Sal. Mr. Santos is my father."
She smiled again and nodded.
"I'm Lacey!" Lacey said, pushing Addison out of the way. "I'm the lead singer of The Acey's. I'm the one who put the band together!"
"Is that so?" Sal looked over at Bucky for confirmation.
He nodded. "Lacey, Tracey, and Casey all sing throughout the set. They're an extremely talented band."
"I see…" his eyes moving back towards Addison as he spoke.
Zed's hands clenched into fists.
"This is Tracey, he sings and plays guitar, and… this is Jacey, The Acey's drummer," Bucky said in an attempt to get away from Lacey.
"It's nice to meet you, gentlemen."
"Likewise," Tracey answered with a flirty wink.
"ANYWAY," Bucky said, directing Sal's attention to the other bands. "The Wolf Pack will be performing for you first."
"Actually, I'm on a bit of a time restraint. I have a board meeting to attend soon. I regrettably won't have the time to hear anyone today."
"Oh, um..."
"Perhaps some other time?" he asked, looking back at Addison once again.
"Oh, sure, um..." Bucky fumbled trying to find a way to salvage things.
Addison closed her eyes and cursed to herself before opening them and forcing a smile to her face. "Mr. Santos… oh, I'm sorry, Sal?" she called out in a flirty voice.
"Yes, Ms. Jacobs."
She walked closer to him. "We've all worked awfully… hard," she breathed out, knowing exactly what she was doing. "I'd hate for you to miss anything…" she ran a finger down the sleeve of his suit and looked up into his eyes. "Are you sure you can't stay a little longer?"
He swallowed loudly. "I… um… I'm sure I can rearrange a few things..."
She smiled and mouthed the words "Thank you," before turning away from him and rolling her eyes.
"I'm going to make sure things are set up," Bucky said in a relieved voice. "Please make yourself comfortable."
As Bucky made sure everything was set up for the Wolf Pack's mini-set, Zed grabbed Addison's hand and pulled her out of the room.
"What the fuck was that?" he whisper yelled.
"That was me trying to get your band and the pack a fucking chance! You could say thank you," she snapped back.
His face softened. "Thank you."
"You're welcome."
"I don't like him."
"Neither do I..." She smiled and pulled him close to her. "Only you. Forever."
"And after," he whispered as he stole a quick kiss. "Is it bad that I really like hearing you being called Ms. Jacobs? I mean, Mrs. Jacobs would be better..."
"Shut up and kiss me," she giggled.
"Yes ma'am," he smiled, leaning down and capturing her lips.
When they snuck back into the rehearsal room, Wyatt, Willa, and Wynter were already set up and ready to go. They quietly took their seats.
"Casey," Bucky called out, getting her attention. "Come sit up here," he said motioning to the empty chair on the other side of Salvador.
Zed growled low in his chest.
"Easy, baby..." she whispered as she stood up. "Alpha and Omega."
He relaxed as their pinky fingers locked for the briefest of moments as she walked by. The rational part of his brain knew that she didn't want to do any of this, but the way Salvador's eyes looked her over as she sat down next to him was making it hard to hold on to any rational thought.
"Dude..." Bonzo warned in a low whisper from beside him. "Calm the F..."
"I know… it's just..."
"I know. I don't like it either. But we can't blow this opportunity."
Zed let out a sigh and rolled his head back. Trying his best to ignore the man currently ogling his girlfriend.
As the pack played their song, Addison did her best to talk them up to the executive she was being forced to spend time with, occasionally letting her leg brush against his. She despised having to do it, but it was the only way she knew to guarantee he'd stay long enough to hear everyone. She might have personal reasons why she didn't want to be involved with this deal, but that didn't mean she didn't want her friends to benefit from what a sponsored tour could provide. As soon as the song was over, she was on her feet clapping, urging Salvador to do the same.
Bucky excused himself to help Zombies set up as quickly as possible.
"So, Ms. Jacobs," Salvador said as he turned in his seat to face her. "Tell me a little about yourself."
"Oh, there's really not much to tell," she shrugged coyly, unwillingly tearing her eyes from Zed's ass as he tuned his guitar.
"Perhaps we could get to know one another a little better… maybe over dinner?"
"I..."
"I think that sounds like a great idea!" Bucky said excitedly as he sat back down next to them.
Addison narrowed her eyes for the briefest of moments in his direction. Before she could respond, the sound of piano notes began. She let out a sigh of relief, hoping Salvador would forget his offer. "That's Zed Necrodopolus," she said quietly as she leaned closer to him. "As you can see, he plays piano and guitar, he's also the lead singer. He draws in quite the crowd," she couldn't hide the pride in her voice.
"He and Casey also sing together on occasion. They're one hell of a writing team," Bucky added just as Zed started to sing.
"Come waste your millions here
Secretly, she sneers
Another corporate show
A guilty conscience grows
I'll feel a guilty conscience grow..." Zed pushed away from the piano and flung his guitar around dramatically as he shredded into the chorus.
"She burns like the sun
And I can't look away
And she'll burn our horizons
Make no mistake..."
"He's quite the showman," Salvador whispered over to Addison.
"He was born to do this," she replied with a large genuine smile, unable to take her eyes off of her very own rock god.
"Come let the truth be shared
No one ever dared
To break these endless lies
Secretly she cries
And I'll hide from the world
Behind a broken frame
And I'll run forever
I can't face the shame..."
As the final haunting chords sounded from the piano, Salvador was already on his feet applauding. He turned to Bucky. "I think you've got something special here."
Bucky couldn't help but smile as he stole a glance towards Eliza. "I think so too."
Salvador leaned over towards Addison. "Well, Ms. Jacobs. I believe you're up next," he whispered into her ear.
It took every ounce of self-control not to visibly recoil from him. Sure he was attractive, but the thought of anyone else touching her without Zed turned her stomach. "I am. If you'll excuse me, I need a minute to get ready."
"I look forward to seeing you perform."
She faked a smile and walked towards the break room. She let out a sigh of relief when Zed was standing in the hallway waiting for her. "Very impressive performance Mr. Necrodopolus," she whispered as he wrapped his arms around her.
"I could say the same to you, Ms. Jacobs."
She rolled her eyes. "I'm serious Z, he was impressed."
"He wants you."
"He can't have me. I'm yours."
He sighed and kissed the top of her head.
She lifted onto her tippy-toes and kissed him quickly. "I've got to go grab a bottle of water before we start."
He stole another quick kiss. "I already set it out on the counter for you and added honey."
She gave him a smile that took his breath away. "See… this is just one of the many reasons I lo… adore you..."
"I'm so wearing you down," he teased.
She pushed him away playfully. "Shut up."
"Hey..." he said, suddenly serious. "I know… Forever."
"And after," she pulled him down to her for one more kiss. "Now it's your turn to go schmooze."
He rolled his eyes. "I'll try not to deck him."
"That's the spirit," she teased with a wink.
"Knock 'em dead, Baby."
Zed walked back into the rehearsal room and was immediately waved over by Bucky. He rolled his shoulders and cracked his neck, desperately trying to alleviate some of the tension he was carrying as he walked over.
"Zed! Perfect timing, we were just discussing the tour dynamic with having all three bands together," Eliza said excitedly.
"Mr. Santos, this is Zed Necrodopolus," Bucky said introducing him.
"Nice to meet you," Zed replied shaking his hand a little harder than necessary. "And yeah, for the most part, all three bands get along extremely well. The Pack kind of just blended in seamlessly like we've known them forever."
"And The Acey's?" Salvador asked.
Zed chuckled and ran his hand through his hair. "Well…" he tried to come up with a way to phrase his answer as diplomatically as possible. "Like I said, for the most part."
Salvadore smiled knowingly. "Which one were you involved with?"
"Lacey," Bucky said, not letting Zed have a chance to answer. "But, don't worry, that was a long time ago, and they've been able to maintain a professional working relationship."
Bonzo bit back a laugh from behind him as he took a seat.
"Mr. Necrodopolus, I was telling your manager and your bandmates just how impressed I was with your set."
"Thank you, sir."
Without warning a heavy drum and bass line sounded out at a deafening volume, shaking their chairs and rattling the windows of the room. Addison took a step up to the microphone.
"Adrenalize me..." she purred in a breathy whisper.
Tracey joined in on his guitar, bringing the audio assault to an even higher level.
Salvador let out a shaky breath as he took his seat, his eyes glued on Addison as her white hair whipped around in time with the beat. She threw her head back and wiped her hair off of her face as she grabbed the microphone.
"Come a little bit closer, before we begin
Lemme tell you how I want it
And exactly what I need..." she flashed a cocky smile and winked.
"I'm here for one drug
I'm only here for one thing..."
"She is stunning," Salvador whispered.
Zed clenched his fists. "She has a boyfriend."
"So come on and tell me
Can you fly like you're free..."
Bucky chuckled from the other side of him. "Trust me, she doesn't. She only says that to keep people from asking her out."
"Cause I need to feel
Yeah, I need to say..." she took a deep breath and the volume kicked up once more as she screamed the chorus.
Zed bit down on the inside of his cheek to keep from saying anything else.
"I must confess
I'm addicted to this
Shove your kiss straight through my chest
I can't deny, I'd die without this
Make me feel like a god
Music, love and sex
(Adrenalize me)
I crave excess
Turning wine into sweat dripping down my neck
I can't deny, I'd die without this
Make me feel like a god
Adrenaline and sex..." her tongue swept across her lower lip as she looked up and met Zed's eyes.
He couldn't help the cocky smirk that spread across his face. Salvador Santos may have money, but Zed Necrodopolus had Addison. He subtly blew her a kiss.
"Get a little bit higher
So we can fall 'til we bleed
Push a little bit harder
Pull me into the speed
So tell me, can you feel this
Come into my dream
Are you ready to awaken?
Are you ready to feed?
'Cause I need to feel
Yeah, I need to say
I must confess
I'm addicted to this
Shove your kiss straight through my chest
I can't deny, I'd die without this
Make me feel like a god
Music, love and sex
(Adrenalize me)"
Zed watched from the corner of his eye as Salvador subtly readjusted in his seat. The predatory look in his eyes was enough to send Zed's blood boiling again.
"I crave excess
Turning wine into sweat dripping down my neck
I can't deny, I'd die without this
Make me feel like a god
Adrenaline and sex
As much as Zed wanted to keep his eyes on Salvador Santos, he couldn't resist looking back up to the stage. This was his favorite part, even if it was the part of the song where Lacey made her grand entrance. As Lacey walked towards the center of the stage with her newly purchased megaphone, Addison was in the middle of perfectly synchronized audio chaos. Her and Tracey moved together easily in a well-choreographed back and forth with Jacey pounding the shit out of his kit behind them. She looked like the very definition of a rock goddess with her long white hair flying around her as she lost herself in the music. Lacey could say that The Acey's was her band, but anyone with two eyes could see that Addison was the one leading them.
"We have to live before we die
We were born to live before we die
Don't you wanna live before you die?
Let me see you live before you die..."
Zed rolled his eyes as Lacey's voice ruined what was otherwise a perfect song. Bucky had praised Addison for writing a bridge specifically for Lacey and the boys, but Zed knew that she only did it because her vocal cords needed a rest. This song was intense and forced her out of her usual range.
"Right here, right now" Tracey and Jacey growled into their microphones.
"Adrenalize me."
"Right here, right now"
"Adrenalize"
Addison stepped back up to the microphone. "I'm addicted to this…." her voice had already become more gravely.
"I must confess
I'm addicted to this
Shove your kiss straight through my chest
I can't deny, I'd die without this
Make me feel like a god
Music, love and sex
(Adrenalize me)
I crave excess
Turning wine into sweat dripping down my neck
I can't deny, I'd die without this
Make me feel like a god
Adrenaline and sex
"Adrenalize me..." she purred as the final chord was dragged from the amps. Before she could even take off her bass guitar and grab her much needed water bottle, Salvador and Bucky were standing in front of her.
"I must say, that was even better than the song I heard on the video!" Salvador said excitedly. He looked over to Bucky, "You have certainly found yourself quite the talent! I can picture the promotional material now!"
"Does that mean..." Bucky couldn't hide his excitement.
"Of course, I'd like to discuss details further before I were to extend an offer..." he looked up to Addison. "Perhaps, over dinner Ms. Jacobs?"
She smiled politely and stepped off the stage. "Sal, you are too kind, but I'm sure any sort of business deal would go straight over my head. I'm sure you and my manager would have a much easier conversation without having me around to slow you down." She could see Bucky mouthing please, please, please, please, please behind him.
Salvador smiled and took a step closer to her. "I would be honored to have you accompany me this evening… I won't take no for an answer."
She resisted the urge to roll her eyes. "I'm sorry, I have plans this evening with the rest of the band, as well as Zombies and The Wolf Pack. We're a package deal."
"You drive a hard bargain, Ms. Jacobs..." he whispered quietly into her ear. He took a step back and looked around. "I'd love nothing more than to have a chance to get to know all of you better over dinner this evening."
"Are you sure about that?" Willa asked skeptically.
"Of course! I'll have my secretary make the arrangements and send you the details." He shook Bucky's hand. "Now if you'll excuse me, I really do have a board meeting to attend."
"Thank you, Mr. Santos. We look forward to this evening. I'll walk you out."
"As do I." He turned back and took Addison's hand, kissing it once again. "Until this evening, Ms. Jacobs."
She smiled politely, ignoring the feel of Lacey's eyes shooting daggers in her direction. "Until then." She kept the fake smile plastered onto her face until she heard the door close. "I need a fucking drink..."
"Why do you have to take everything from me?!" Lacey screamed.
Addison looked around confused. "What are you talking about?"
"First, you force Bucky to make me sing your stupid songs! Then, you make him force me into letting you sing! And now you're trying to take Salvador Santos from me!"
"Woah!" Addison said holding her hands up in defense. "I never forced Bucky to do anything! And as far as that sleazy executive goes, you can fucking have him! I want nothing to do with him!"
"Oh, I'm so sure! You… you..."
Willa squared her shoulders and let out a low growl as she stepped up to Lacey. "You finish whatever you were going to say and I swear you will be on the ground."
"You wouldn't dare."
"Try me. I've been waiting for a good enough reason to."
"Why are you even protecting her? You just fucking met her!"
"Because I know that without her, we would never have even had this meeting today. And without her obviously pretending to flirt with him, he would have walked out those doors without hearing any of us. So why don't you stop with your 'woe is me' bullshit and take a second to realize what Casey did for your band."
"We could have done this without her," Lacey sneered.
"Yeah, okay..." Tracey mumbled under his breath.
Just as Lacey was about to respond, Bucky walked back in. "Holy shit!" he said, almost hysterical with happiness. "I hope you lot clean up nicely. Seriously, what is that man thinking inviting a group of crazy-ass, tatted up, rockers to a five-star award-winning restaurant!"
"I know exactly what he's thinking," Zed growled under his breath.
Addison discreetly moved her hand behind her, grabbing onto his.
"Um, boss man says what?" Wynter asked.
"You heard me…" Bucky said with a wide smile.
Tracey gasped and clutched his chest. "Oh. My. God… I have nothing to wear!"
"Well, I guess we're just going to have to go shopping..." Addison sighed as she hip-checked him. "I'm sure we can find something on Michigan Avenue."
Tracey's eyes went wide. "Best. Day. EVER!"
"Damn, Princess," Jacey called out, shaking his head in disbelief. "You look..."
Zed looked up from his phone to find Addison and Tracey walking into the hotel lobby. The phone nearly fell out of his hand as his eyes took her in. Her snow-white hair falling in soft curls over one shoulder, the decorative silver zippers on her obviously designer skin-tight black long-sleeved mini dress accentuating her curves perfectly, her long legs looking impossibly longer thanks to a pair of sky-high heels that had black ribbons laced around her ankles ballerina style. "Delicious," he whispered, unable to keep himself from finishing Jacey's statement.
Jacey laughed from next to him. "That's one way of putting it. Holy hell, Case… you look hot."
"I'm always hot, Jacey," she laughed.
"What about me?" Tracey asked, feigning insult.
"You look great, Tracey… just not my type… sorry," he shrugged turning back to Addison. "Christ, are you sure I can't change your mind about that dinner date? I haven't heard you talk about your boyfriend in a while." He was completely oblivious to the murderous glare coming from Zed.
Addison caught Zed's eye, silently urging him to calm down. "Down boy, my boyfriend is very much still in the picture."
Jacey smiled and threw her a wink. "Can't blame a guy for trying… God, I bet you're a dream girlfriend."
"Trust me, I'm a terrible girlfriend," she laughed. "You've seen me at shows. Always flirting and dancing with other guys..."
"And girls!" Wynter teased, kissing her on the cheek as she walked by.
"And girls. I'm far too wild and hard to tie down…" she looked over towards Zed once more. "I'm just lucky my boyfriend trusts me and understands that this is who I am and what I want to do."
"I'm sure your boyfriend thinks he's the lucky one," Zed said with a cocky smile spreading across his face.
Tracey slung his arm around Addison. "Shall we, Honey Bunny? I'm wearing Dolce and Gabanna and this look is just begging to be shown off!"
"You go on ahead. I'll meet you out front in a second..." she responded, still not breaking her eye contact with Zed. "I forgot my lipstick upstairs."
"Well hurry up! The car should be here any second!"
She threw him a wink and turned back towards the elevators, smiling to herself as she heard Zed curse from behind her.
"Shit! I think I left my phone in the room… Hey Princess!" he called out. "Wait up!"
She bit her lip and held the elevator door for him. "So forgetful…" she teased as he stepped in with her.
The second the doors closed he picked her up and pinned her against the back wall of the elevator. "I'm going to beat the shit out of him one of these days…"
Her eyes shut as she gave herself over to the feel of his lips trailing hot kisses along her exposed collarbone. "Jacey's harmless," she answered in a breathy whisper as she tightened her legs around his waist.
"You. Are. Mine," he growled.
"Forever..."
The elevator came to a stop and the doors opened just as she straightened her short skirt. Zed stuck his head out and looked down the hall. Empty… just like he hoped. He turned back to Addison and gave her a wicked smile.
"What are you..."
He cut her off with a kiss before swooping her up into his arms and over his shoulder.
She giggled and smacked his ass as he quickly raced down the hall towards his room. He fumbled with the key for a moment before the lock clicked. He opened the door and stepped in, kicking it closed behind him.
"You know we don't have time for anything," she gasped as he spun them around and her back came into contact with the cold door. "The last thing we need is Bucky coming to look for us again."
"Well… I better hurry then..." he whispered, his hand moving achingly slow as he traced her curves through her tight dress. He leaned in and captured her lips in an unhurried kiss that left them both wanting much more than they could do with the limited time they had.
He dropped down to his knees, his hands slowly pushing up the short hem of her dress. "Red?" he asked as her barely there panties were exposed. "I'm not complaining… just a surprising deviation from the usual black."
"I may have picked up a few new things other than this dress today… and since Valentine's Day is next week..." she giggled as he guided her leg onto his shoulder.
He nipped the inside of her thigh and pulled the red lace covering her to the side. "I need the taste of you on my tongue before we go..." His nose ran along her folds, inhaling the strong smell of desire radiating from her core.
She moaned as his tongue ran the length of her.
"Tastes like strawberries on a summer evenin'
And it sounds just like a song
I want more berries and that summer feelin'
It's so wonderful and warm
Breathe me in, breathe me out
I don't know if I could ever go without
I'm just thinking out loud
I don't know if I could ever go without
Watermelon sugar high..."
Her hands ran through his thick hair, pulling it almost painfully as he continued to lick and suck.
"I just wanna taste it, I just wanna taste it
Watermelon sugar high..."
Fifteen minutes and an unexpected quickie later, Zed and Addison walked out into the cold Chicago night where the rest of the group was waiting.
"So… did you find your phone?" Wynter asked in a quiet voice.
"What?"
"Your phone that you forgot upstairs? You know... The same one you were scrolling through right before someone came down to the lobby..." Wynter teased.
"Shut up, Wynnie." Zed smiled as he draped his arm around her shoulder and walked towards one of the waiting cars.
"Love you too, Zedward." She turned around to where Addison, Tracey, Eliza, and Bucky were. "I think we have room for one more in this one," she called out. "Princess, you in?"
"You do?" Bucky asked.
"Yeah."
"Tracey, you go on ahead. I need to talk to Casey for a minute. We'll take the next one."
"You got it, B." He smacked a kiss on Addison's cheek and walked over to the car.
As the car door closed Addison turned towards Bucky. "I'm guessing there's a reason you got rid of everyone else?"
"Hey!" Eliza whined. "What am I? Invisible?"
Addison rolled her eyes and laughed. "No, you're family. You don't count as everyone else."
"Awww, thanks Adds!"
"You're welcome."
Bucky cleared his throat. "As much as I enjoy the most important women in my life having a bonding moment, I do need to talk to you."
"Well then talk," she said impatiently.
"Look, I know this is going to sound all kinds of fucked up, but..." He ran his hands through his hair.
"Just spit it out."
"Fine. I'm planning on having drinks with Salvador after dinner. He seems to have a thing for you… If he asks you to come along, can you?"
"Why would I want to do that?"
"Because you know this business better than anyone.. and… I was hoping you could like maybe flirt with him again? Like you did this morning?"
Addison blinked a couple of times. "Are you seriously trying to pimp me out?"
Eliza smacked him. "Really?! She's your sister! What's wrong with you!"
"NO! I'm just… FUCK! I just need you to..."
Addison rolled her eyes and patted his shoulder. "Calm down before you have a coronary, brother dear. I was joking with you."
"I wasn't," Eliza mumbled.
Addison smiled at her before looking back at her brother. "Look, I know how the game is played. I've been around this shit my entire life. As much as I don't like it… I know this is important for everyone else. I told you earlier, I've got this."
Bucky let out a sigh of relief. "Thanks, sis. I really couldn't do this without you."
"Trust me. I know… But my conditions remain the same."
He held his hands up in surrender. "I know. Your name and association with Bamm! will be nowhere on this deal."
"And?"
"And neither will my association with Bamm!"
"And?"
"And I already contacted my cousin's law firm. If a deal is offered, the legal team will scour every line of the contract to ensure that all three bands are protected."
"Thank you."
"No, thank you… I told you, I couldn't do this without you."
"Well, you can thank me by not flipping out when you get my credit card statement from this afternoon's shopping trip. I didn't exactly have enough in my account to cover the dress and the shoes, but I mean...hello..." she said motioning down her body. "How could I pass this up?"
"We land this deal and I won't even mention it!"
"Deal."
"That dress is all sorts of amazing!" Eliza whispered. "Maybe I should have tagged along."
Addison smiled. "Alexander Wang. Not my preferred designer, but it was the best I could do on such short notice."
"Did you really need new Loubiton's?" Bucky asked.
"Yup. And you can't say anything about it because you already promised not to give me shit!"
"Seven more months… and then I never have to deal with your finances again," he sighed longingly.
"Seven more months and you'll just have to find a new way to annoy the living hell out of me!"
Eliza shook her head and smiled. "Okay children, that's enough. Bucky, why don't you go figure out where the next car is so we don't freeze to death?"
"Sure thing, babe," he said leaning over to kiss her quickly. "I'll be right back."
As they watched Bucky walk further down towards the valet, Eliza leaned over to Addison. "So… I don't want details, but I need to know… You and Zed?"
Addison gasped. "How did you… Oh my god! Does my brother know?!"
Eliza laughed and hugged her. "No, Bucky doesn't even have the smallest clue. He thinks all that talk of you having a boyfriend is just to keep Jacey away."
"Thank fuck," Addison sighed in relief. "How did you know?"
"I didn't really, just a gut feeling I've had for a while… And him looking like he was going to rip Salvador Santos apart with his bare hands earlier was kind of the last bit of proof I needed."
"You and your feelings," Addison teased with a dramatic eye roll.
"They never lead me wrong!… You're good for him… even if you two have been sneaking off together constantly for the last few weeks."
"I am pretty crazy about him," she said with a small smile. "I hate to even ask this, but..."
"Relax, I won't say anything. I don't need Bucky flipping out! But at least now I can run some interference for the two of you."
Addison threw her arms around Eliza and hugged her tight. "God, I hope my idiot brother doesn't screw things up with you!"
Zed sat in the darkened hotel room watching the minutes tick by on the small digital clock that sat on the nightstand between the two beds. It had been nearly three hours since he watched his world walk out the door on the arm of another man. The rational part of his brain knew Addison would never cheat on him, but the rational part of his brain had been unusually quiet tonight. That sleazy tequila exec had been trying to get Addison alone since Bucky introduced her to him earlier in the day, and he had to sit and watch it all. He looked down at his phone again, checking for a text he knew hadn't come. He was quickly losing the internal battle with himself. He stood up from the chair he had been glued to and walked over to the window, peering out the heavy curtains. The sound of a nearby door unlocking barely registering as he stared into the quiet night.
A few minutes later, the door separating his and Bonzo's room from Addison and Tracey's opened. The relief that washed over him as he watched her walk in and quietly close the door behind her was enough to take his breath away. She looked so achingly beautiful, obviously fresh out of the shower with her hair piled up on top of her head, wearing nothing but a bathrobe. He never wanted to be apart from her.
"Hey there handsome," she smiled as she padded across the room towards him.
He longed to have her wrapped in his arms as he professed his undying love for her… Which is why the words that fell from his lips confused him. "Have a good time with him?" The anger and jealousy in his tone taking even him by surprise.
"What?"
"You heard me."
"What the hell, Z?"
"Nothing," he snapped.
"Nothing? That sure as shit didn't sound like nothing! Are you mad because I had to have drinks after dinner?"
He didn't say anything, letting the tension surrounding them grow heavier.
"Do you really think I wanted to spend any more time with that creep?"
"You sure seemed eager to go."
She stared at him in disbelief for a split second before her eyes flashed with rage. "I can not fucking believe this shit! None of today was what I wanted to do! I didn't want anything to do with any of this sponsor bullshit! But I went along with it for everyone else! Especially for you!"
He scoffed and turned towards the window. "Yeah, going out for drinks and god only knows what else was for MY benefit!"
"Oh, fuck you! You know why I went! I may not be contacting Bamm! directly, but a sponsored tour will definitely catch the attention of the labels. So you can stand there and roll your eyes and act like I'm not doing this for you, but you know damn well that I am! Getting a record deal means a hell of a lot more to you than it does to me!"
"That's because you've been signed before!… Oh yeah, and you basically own a fucking label!"
She ignored the icy tone in his voice and plopped herself onto the bed. "You know what? I did nothing fucking wrong! I'm not going to fight with you! You don't even deserve angry sex!" She picked up the remote control and turned on the television, knowing it was only a matter of seconds before he started talking. She mouthed a silent countdown. 5...4...3...2…
He sighed heavily and grabbed at his hair. "I know… I'm sorry… It's just that fucking sleazy douche canoe from La Muerta!"
She smiled victoriously and turned off the tv as she rolled over onto her stomach and looked up at him, waiting for him to continue.
"I mean, did you see the way he was looking at you all through dinner? Or the way he singled you out to talk to? And then he had the audacity to ask you out for fucking drinks after?! AND YOU WENT!"
"I didn't have a choice… I told you it was a possibility before we even sat down at the restaurant."
"I know! But… but… FUCK!"
"Z…" she said as calmly as possible. "Can you answer something for me? No bullshit?"
He had yet to turn around to look at her, but he nodded.
"Are you jealous because you're my boyfriend, or because we're in competing bands?"
"I'm not jealous..."
She smirked at the back of his head.
"I know you're smirking..." he smiled to himself, finally feeling like his mouth and brain were coming back into alignment. He sighed and shook his head. "Fine… I'm jealous… As your boyfriend… I came to terms with you being a better musician than me back in high school… I'm sorry I said the things I did. I know you're trying to help everyone else."
"Apology accepted… I don't get it though. It's not like we've never been jealous of the attention either of us gets before. We've never taken it out on each though." She tried to hide the hurt in her voice, but she wasn't sure how well she did.
He finally turned around and shrugged. "I just..." his hands went back to his hair, pulling at the ends, making it stand up even further. "I just felt like I was on the edge of losing control tonight… Seeing him blatantly flirt with you, and Bucky encouraging it, and...Fuck! I wanted to beat the shit out of both of them… and Jacey! But I couldn't!"
"You know I'm yours. That's never going to change…" she watched as something flashed behind his eyes. "There's something else wrong that you're not telling me… isn't there?"
He threw his head back. "Fine... today would have been my mom's birthday… I couldn't stand watching them drool over you on top of trying to keep the grief at bay… And then you fucking left with him! I felt like everything was falling apart all at once and I couldn't fucking take it. All I wanted to do was get the hell out of that goddamn restaurant and shoot up." His head dropped in shame as he turned back towards the window. "If you hadn't come back when you did..." he couldn't bear to say the rest.
"Why didn't you say anything?"
"You of all people should know why... I hate thinking about that shit... I hate feeling like this."
Her heart ached. She knew exactly what he was going through. She also knew exactly what he needed. Control. She slid off the bed and padded across the floor, wrapping her arms around him from behind and placing gentle kisses across his back. "Do you trust me?"
"You know I do," he sighed.
"Good… Because I trust you too…. Now tie me up and fuck the living daylights out of me," she breathed seductively against his shoulder.
He turned around meeting her eyes. "What?"
She nipped at his pec, right below the white snowflake he had recently inked that matched the one on the nape of her neck. Their own secret reminder of their time at the cabin. "Take. Control."
"Adds..."
She took a step back and undid the tie of the plush hotel robe, letting it fall open. She brought her hand up and slowly traced a line down from her throat. "I know what it's like to feel like your world is spinning out of control. To crave the euphoria of pure bliss when your high hits its peek..."
His eyes followed her hand as it trailed down her toned stomach.
"… allowing you to forget the pain and loss," she whispered as he hand brushed against her sex. "Get lost in me instead. Take control of what you can. Chase the high that only you and I have together. We both know it's better than any drug."
He reached out and grabbed her by the waist, pulling her into him and kissing her hard. She never ceased to amaze him. "I love you."
"Love me later. Right now, make me yours."
He smiled against her lips as he slipped the robe off her shoulders, letting it pool around her feet. He let his fingers gently dance around her skin for a moment, stopping at her hardened nipples. He circled them slowly before pulling gently at her piercings. Her gasp spurred him on further.
He grabbed both her wrists with one hand and reached for the tie of her robe, quickly binding her wrists. He guided her back towards the bed and grabbed the tie from his own robe that had been lying on the bed, connecting the two ties before knotting them around the rail of the headboard and moving down to her legs. With a yank, he pulled her body towards him until the ties were tight, holding her arms above her head. "I thought you said you were hard to tie down..."
Addison flashed a smile, her eyes sparkling with excitement.
He looked around the room, desperate for anything else he could use in place of rope.
"Curtains?" Addison suggested.
Zed anxiously hopped off the bed, nearly tripping over the sheets as he tried to get over to the windows. He quickly yanked the decorative satin rope off the curtains, ignoring the sound of stitches popping in protest.
"Shit… we're going to have to pay for that."
"You're already paying for all the rooms, what's one little damage fee," he laughed as he jumped back onto the bed.
"Good point… I don't care how much it is. It's better than being in that motel we were booked in at first."
"I couldn't agree more." He grabbed her foot and tied the decorative rope to each of her ankles, though he had no direct plan for them just yet. Addison closed her eyes every time the rope touched her, and he wanted to give her more of that sensation. More rope went around her arms, tying them from wrists to elbows in intricate knots. He stroked her upper arms with his hands and leaned in closer to her. "Shoulders okay?"
"Yes."
"Wiggle your fingers for me."
She complied, showing him that she had no restriction of movement or discoloration in her hands.
"Good girl."
He moved to her body. It was a little more difficult with her lying on her back, but he slipped the rope under her and made a quick harness around her waist and upper thighs before flipping her over to do the rest. By the time he was finished, a perfect harness of knots gave him the leverage to move her in any direction he wanted.
He stared down at her firm, round ass, and he just couldn't help himself. He delivered a quick, sharp blow to her right cheek.
Addison squeaked in surprise.
He laid his body across her back, his mouth at her ear. "I've missed you all tied up."
"Me too," she breathed.
"You sure you're okay with this?"
He could feel her answering smile. "Do your worst."
His heart pounded a little faster. He brushed her hair off her neck, kissing the white snowflake she recently had tattooed. His finger ran over her temple and down her jaw before he placed his palm against her cheek, turning her towards him and giving her a huge smile. "Safeword is Meatloaf."
"Meatloaf?"
"Yeah, like the singer. I would do anything for love, but I won't do that."
She rolled her eyes and kissed him, despite the awkward angle. "Alright then… make my rock 'n roll dreams come true then!" she giggled, paraphrasing another Meatloaf song.
He kissed her quickly and laid her head back on the bed before straddling her legs once again. He rubbed his hand over the spot he had hit, massaging deep into the muscle before he smacked the other side. She tensed for a second before relaxing into him.
He ran his fingers over her hot wet center. "God, you're fucking soaked already..."
"Entirely your fault," she breathed out.
As much as he wanted to get her up on her knees and ram into her, he needed to hold off at least a little longer, bring her completely within his control. He pushed her legs apart and knelt between them, stroking her thighs and adjusting the ropes. They didn't need any adjustment, but he knew she enjoyed the tension as he pulled on them. He placed his hands on her hips and pulled her towards him, increasing the pressure on her wrists and pressed his cock against her. He tilted his hips, rubbing up and down. "You're going to be even wetter when I slide in, Baby. I'll be balls deep before you can even blink." He reached up and placed a hand on the back of her neck, holding her against the mattress as he laid across her body, pressing his cock to her ass. "You ready?"
"Yes," she said with a moan. "Please, Z!"
"Please what? Are you begging me to fuck you?"
"Yes!"
He tightened the grip on the back of her neck, feeling her tense beneath him as she started to shake. "I like you begging. I think I need to hear more of that."
"Remember, turn about is fair play," she warned with a wicked smile on her lips.
"I'm counting on it..." he whispered, running his tongue over the edge of her ear. "But back to the part where you beg for my dick."
"I need you inside of me, Zed," she moaned. "Please!"
He grabbed the ties around her wrist and made sure they weren't too tight before he slid back down her body, adding a few knots down her spine and giving himself and extra handle so it would be easier to flip her back when he wanted to.
The muscles in his thighs were threatening to seize up on him from restraint. They were so tight that he had to force them to move the way he wanted. His dick was throbbing. All he really wanted was to plunge into her.
Control he whispered to himself. He had to maintain control.
He dropped the end of the rope and stroked his fingers down her sides. He could hear her breathing pick up from even the slightest touch. He placed his palm on her back, running it up her spine and then down to her ass. He rubbed the spot he smacked before, stroking slowly before slapping her lightly again.
"Harder," she moaned.
He bit back a laugh. "I'm in charge, remember?"
"I'm sorry… Harder, please?"
"That's more like it." He smacked her ass harder. Without warning, he grabbed the rope and flipped her to her back. He bent each of her knees and wrapped a rope loosely around her thighs and calves to keep them in position. He pushed her thighs apart and dragged his finger down her pussy. "You're ready to come already, aren't you?"
She bit her lip and nodded her head.
"What was that?" he teased.
"Yes."
"Yes, what?"
"Yes, sir..." she moaned as his finger slid against her aching clit.
He rubbed the head of his dick lightly up and down her pussy, watching her squirm. "Not yet," he said with a smirk pulling back.
She stuck her lower lip out in a pout.
"Oh you really shouldn't have done that," he teased. He pushed her legs back together and crawled up her body. Straddling her chest, he kept his weight on his knees as he held his cock in front of her.
She looked up at me and licked her lips.
"Good girl," he smiled as she opened her mouth. The second the tip of her tongue touched the head of his cock, he tensed to maintain control. When she wrapped her lips around it, he nearly lost it anyway.
She looked up at him as she sucked him deep into her mouth. The adoring look in her eyes bringing him just as close to the edge as the feeling of her warm, wet mouth.
"Jesus, Adds..." He let out a slow breath as he wrapped his fingers into the back of her hair, directing the pace as she sucked and licked. He knew he wasn't going to last long if he let her keep going, so he pulled out of her mouth far too soon.
Zed looked down at her as she licked her lips and breathed quickly. He shook his head and smiled as he reached down and stroked the side of her face before shifting back enough to allow him to lean over and press his mouth to hers.
The angle had his cock pressed between her legs again. She moaned and pushed up as much as she could as he reached down and ran his thumb over her nipple. "You want this?" He pushed just enough at her entrance to feel that he was in the right spot, but not actually penetrating.
"Please," she nodded quickly. "Please, do it!"
"Do what?" he asked innocently. "What do you want me to do?" he teased, pushing just a tiny bit more.
"Please, Zed! I need your cock inside of me! Please fuck me!"
"So eager," she scolded, sitting back on his heels. "Not yet, though… I want to hear you scream my name first."
Addison tilted her head back, groaning in frustration as her hands tightened into fists.
"I am so glad you're tied up right now," he laughed as he stroked her stomach, thighs, sides, hips, breasts… everywhere except where she wanted it.
He leaned forward, taking a nipple into his mouth and sucked hard. He moved to the other one, licking and sucking as he teased her skin with his fingertips. Addison shivered, moaned, and tried to reach for him with her hands, but of course, they weren't going anywhere.
He kissed between her breasts, then ran his tongue down the middle of her body. He licked her navel and then trailed down a little more. He stroked her thighs, pulling at the ropes as he went. She gasped as he put more tension on the silky cord, and her thighs started to shake. He wrapped his arms underneath her legs and gripped her ass with his fingers.
Zed paused, looking up at her. Her eyes were closed tightly, and she was biting her lip so hard he was worried she would draw blood. Her white hair was splayed around her in a beautiful, tangled mess. He smiled as he pressed his finger into the flesh of her ass and brought her pussy closer to him, placing quick kisses on the inside of her thighs.
Addison gasped as he ran his tongue up her slit. He nuzzled the sensitive spot at the top with his nose and ran his thumb up the sides. Finally, he reached her clit and swirled the tip of his tongue around.
He couldn't help the smirk that crossed his lips as she quivered and shook, mumbling unintelligibly as her thighs clenched around his head. He pressed the flat of his tongue against her clit, holding it there until he felt her muscles relax again. He pulled back and glanced at her, eyes still closed and breathing rapidly. He slid his hands up her sides, cupped her breasts, and knelt between her legs. Without a word of warning, he slammed into her, burying himself completely.
Zed kept her at the edge of orgasm for so long, she lost track of time. She barely knew where she was anymore. It was possible that if he asked her what her name was, she might have had a difficult time answering. She smiled at her own internal musings.
He alternated from a slow, steady pace that left her lightheaded with the sensations running through her body to a relentless pounding that made her head spin with the sheer ferocity of each stroke. He slowed. He quickened. He pounded and pounded.
And then he spun her onto her stomach again, her breath faltering in anticipation of his next move. She was completely helpless below him, and the thought was exhilarating.
"Why don't we do this more often?" Zed asked, reaching up and grabbing the hair at the back of her head, pulling her off the bed.
"I was wondering the same thing."
He smiled and bit her shoulder, making her moan even louder.
"You wanted my cock so bad, and you haven't even thanked me yet." He released her hair and smacked her ass hard.
"Thank you!" she screamed as he smacked her again.
"You love this, don't you."
"Yes!"
"Yes, what?"
"Yes, sir!"
"That's my wild girl." He grabbed the rope at the small of her back and flipped her over, pressing her knees up to her chest and slamming into her even harder.
She was dizzy, hyperventilating, and covered in sweat and other bodily fluids as she cried out over and over again. She pulled against the ties around her wrists until they tightened enough to be painful and give her some leverage. She pushed against him, trying to match the now furious pace he set.
"Oh, shit… Adds..."
She looked up at him through her lashes. His eyes were screwed shut, his face tilted towards the ceiling, and his jaw was clenched. His knuckles went white as he gripped the rope around her waist and pulled them towards him, still thrusting. He let out a long groan as his body began to quake.
A moment later, he released her legs. They flopped to the bed as if they had no muscles at all, and Zed dropped on top of her.
For the first time, she wished her hands weren't bound. She wanted to wrap her arms around him, but she couldn't. She let out a whimper of frustration, and Zed reached up to loosen the ties around her wrists. He slipped the loops over her hands and rubbed her wrist lightly as he slowly brought each arm down, massaging her shoulders as he did.
As soon as she was able. She wrapped her arms around his neck and pulled him to her, pushing back his sweaty hair as she kissed him.
"Thank you," he whispered against his lips.
"For what?"
"For forgiving me for acting like a complete asshole and for knowing exactly what I needed."
She smiled and kissed him again. "We all have our bad days. And I only knew what you needed because that's what I would have needed too."
"That's why we've always worked. We two halves of the same soul."
"I lo..." she shook her head and bit her lip. "I adore you, Z."
"I love you, Addison. Forever."
"And after," she breathed, settling into the crook of his arm and resting her head on his chest. She kissed the small white snowflake tattoo and began to trace a lazy pattern along his well-defined abs with her fingers.
His own fingers smoothed her hair down before trailing down her spine.
Her eyes closed and she started to hum contently.
Zed chuckled silently. "Song?"
She looked up and met his eyes. "Yeah."
He shook his head and leaned down to kiss her swollen lips. "Who knew undercover fucking could be so inspirational."
"For reals!" she giggled. "We've been on quite the roll lately."
"Let's hope that'll make up for the breach of contract if anyone ever finds out," he teased.
"Finger crossed," she whispered skeptically. "And to be fair, the only one's who don't know at this point are Bucky, Lacey, and Jacey."
"Eliza?"
"Yup. Not everything, but she knows we're together now… I just found out this evening. Apparently she just 'had a feeling'."
He chuckled to himself. "Sounds like E…" he kissed the top of her head and eased out from under her, strolling across the room and picking up his guitar.
She sighed dreamily as she watched him walk back towards the bed. "Have I ever told you how hot you look when all you're wearing is a guitar?"
He sat back on the bed and nipped her lower lip. "I'm always hot."
"Way to steal my line," she giggled, grabbing onto the back of his neck and pulling him in to deepen their kiss.
He pulled away just enough to look into her eyes. "You sing, I'll catch the melody?"
She smiled against his lip, nodding once as she breathed in his scent and closed her eyes, letting the words running through her head take over.
"Lucid reverence, floating in your sacred sin
Need your fire against my skin
Fingertips drip down my spine
Cruel desire, danger in our consequence
You look my way and I lose my…" she gasped as he bit her shoulder. She swatted at him playfully and sat up on her knees to look at him as she sang.
"Hey, you wanna rule the world?
Outlaw love, make you lose control
Hey, hey, boy you got me like whoa..." her hands went into his hair as she pulled him in for a quick kiss.
"White hot, adrenaline baby
In my veins, you got me praying
Whoa, whoa, whoaaaa..."
He strummed out a few chords, silently asking for her approval. She smiled and nodded as she straddled his knees.
"My pretty blue lips begging
Take me, I need you in my bloodstream
Hold me, break me
My breath is for holding, overdose me
I need you in my bloodstream
Hold me, break me, break me..." Her hand traced down his cheek as she pulled him in for another kiss, deepening it as he continued to play the perfect bridge to the song they were composing. She pulled away breathless, resting her forehead against his.
"Chills drippin' like acid rain
Keep comin' back 'cause it's you I crave
Danger in our consequence
Look my way and I lose my…"
Zed threw his guitar to the other side of the bed and cut her off with his lips against hers as he pulled her down on top of him.
She giggled against his lips as he rolled them over, pinning her underneath him.
"I need you in my bloodstream
Hold me, break me..."
The next morning Addison stood in the middle of the break room trying to stretch out her shoulders as she waited for the coffee to finish brewing.
"...Morning..." Willa mumbled sleepily as she walked in and slumped into one of the sticky mismatched vinyl chairs that were crowded around the small acrylic table and laid her head down. "I figured you and Zedward would still be sleeping," she yawned.
"We came in early to finish a song we were working on. If we're going to continue to use writing together as an excuse, we occasionally need to get some actual work done."
"That's strangely responsible. Speaking of Z, I didn't see him when I walked in. Where is he?"
"Picking up breakfast."
"He'll probably run into Wyatt and Bonzo then. They were heading over to do the same. Wynnie and I came over so she could set up her new kick pedal." Willa picked her head up from the table and laughed as she got a look at Addison. "I know that stretch," she said with a knowing smirk playing on her lips. "How are the bruises?"
"Surprisingly non-existent… I'm just sore. It's been a while," Addison replied.
Willa rolled her eyes and laughed again. "Oh, just come here… there's no way you're going to be able to work that out on your own."
"Thanks," she said, the relief obvious in her voice. "Playing my bass was almost painful this morning."
Willa smiled and started to massage the knot out of Addison's shoulder. "So, how long is a while?"
Addison moaned as Willa's fingers found the right spot. "Um… when Zed and I were in Greece… God, right there..."
"Really? That long?"
"Yeah."
"Girl, why?"
Addison shrugged. "Never trusted anyone else. It's always been Zed."
Willa smiled and leaned over to kiss her cheek. "I'm so glad you two found your way back to each other."
"Me too..."
"That is quite the visual… Damn, Z… how in the ever-living fuck did we get so lucky?"
Addison and Willa looked up to see Wyatt, Zed, and Bonzo standing in the doorway.
"I ask myself that same question every day," Zed answered as he looked adoringly at Addison.
Bonzo sighed and walked further into the room. "I wish Bree was here..." he grumbled as he grabbed a coffee cup and headed for the freshly brewed pot.
"Is she having any luck clearing her schedule for next week?" Addison asked. "Ooh, can you pour me a cup too?"
"She's still trying."
"How fucking epic is it going to be to celebrate the first night of the new tour AND Valentine's in Aspen?" Zed asked in a hushed tone as he took over massaging Addison's shoulders.
Bonzo sighed again and grabbed another cup to fill up. "Let's hope she can make it."
"I still can't believe we're getting to see the ski lodge!" Wynter said excitedly as she bounced into the room.
Addison rolled her eyes and shooshed her. "We're trying to keep this quiet, remember!"
"Oops… sorry. Bad dog..." She scolded herself.
"And it's not a ski lodge… it's just a house."
"I don't think it's fair to call a multi-million dollar chalet in Aspen a house." Wyatt teased.
Addison shrugged and took the coffee cup from Bonzo. "Yeah, well let's hope we can pull this off without everyone else finding out. I can't believe I'm even entertaining this. The logistics are insane and none of them work without Bree."
"It's was your idea, Pom-poms," Willa smirked.
"I was stoned! Hardly fair to keep me to a promise I made in that state," she laughed before taking a sip of her coffee. "Mmm… sweet, sweet caffeine… Thanks, Bonz."
"Thanks for making it," Bonzo said, lifting his mug in a toast. "I thought you were drunk that night?"
"I probably was that, too!"
"You bitch! You didn't even share!"
Zed laughed and leaned down and placed a soft kiss on the top of her head. "Still a great fucking idea. The last two weeks of not having to be on a bus and actually getting to sleep in a real bed with you have been great, but the thought of not having to hide at all for a weekend sounds like total bliss."
"I couldn't agree more," she said smiling up to him and stealing a kiss.
The sound of voices floated into the break room. Addison sighed and stole another quick kiss before moving over to the other side of the table and taking a seat next to Willa and Wynter.
Wynter shook her head. "I'm exhausted just watching you two try to keep up this charade. I can't imagine how tired you two actually are." She grabbed onto Addison's shoulders and shook her. "You guys are Zeddison! Screw whatever that dumb bitch Lacey thinks and just be your awesome, adorable, sickeningly sweet yet pervy selves!"
Addison laughed and hugged her. "I wish it were that simple." She pulled away and gave her a sad smile. "Someday… but until then, this is just the way it's got to be."
"Well, the status quo sucks," Wyatt added just Tracey walked in.
He yawned and went straight for the cabinet to grab a mug. "Heads up. Everyone else is on their way in."
"Thanks, Tracey," Zed said offering him a croissant.
"After the sounds I heard coming from your room last night all I get is a croissant and a 'Thanks Tracey'?" He motioned to his face. "Look at these bags!"
"Sorry, Trace," Addison shrugged. "I made coffee..."
"If they get too loud you could always send them to our room," Willa said with a large smile.
"Send who to your room?" Bucky asked as he, Eliza, Lacey, and Jacey walked in.
"Bonzo and his late-night face-times with his girlfriend," Wyatt lied smoothly.
"You're smiling… before 10 am... Did you manage to get laid last night?" Addison asked.
Bucky shot her a warning glare and cleared his throat. "Not that it's any of your business, but yes."
"Eww… I was joking. I don't really want to know."
"You asked," he said with a shrug. "But that's not what the smile is about..."
"Too early for guessing games," Tracey yawned.
"Oh fine… As of two hours ago, we are officially sponsored!"
They all looked at him in stunned silence for a moment.
"Wait… repeat that again?" Lacey asked.
"You screw-ups are officially embarking on a sponsored tour next week. The new bus should be arriving Monday."
It was silent for half a breath more before they all went crazy.
"No fucking way!" Willa screamed as she grabbed Addison and kissed her.
"This is amazing!" Lacey screeched. "It's only a matter of time before we get a deal! We're going to be famous!"
"We've got some serious work to do before then," Bucky said, not even bothering to hide the smile on his face. "So let's wrap up the celebration."
"Way to kill the mood, boss!" Wynter said as she hugged him.
"Like you guys won't be out celebrating later tonight."
Wyatt leaned over and met his eyes. "I'm thinking this is going to be more of a 'stay in' celebration..." he winked before grabbed Willa by the waist, picking her up and tossing her over his shoulder.
"Why is everything always about sex?"
"Do you really want me to answer that?" Addison teased.
He pretended to gag. "Eww… No… I'm good… Zombies, Casey, I want to hear the new song."
"May I remind you that Casey is an Acey!" Lacey complained. She looked over to Bucky for backup. "Why are they always trying to steal our songs?!"
"We're not stealing anything!" Eliza argued.
"Lacey..." Bucky held his hands up and let out a frustrated breath. "It's too early for this."
"Easy, Lacey..." Jacey warned as he grabbed her hand and pulled her away. "Let's stick with the celebrating. Casey and Zed have written some great stuff together. We should be supporting one another."
"Listen to your drummer," Bucky said, rolling his eyes. He turned back towards the rest of the group. "What are you still standing around for?"
"Actually, if it's okay with you, I have another song I want to try out first…"
"What new song, Z?" Bonzo asked.
"The one we were working on the other day… I finally found the right lyrics last night." He looked over at Addison and flashed her a smile.
"Whatevs," Bucky said with a shrug. "I just want someone playing something now."
As they all filed out of the breakroom, Addison stayed behind. "Congrats on the deal," she whispered quietly as she stood next to her step-brother.
"Thanks. Couldn't have done it without you."
"Ugh, I really wish you'd stop saying that."
"It's going to be fine. Relax."
"If you say so."
"I do."
"Whatevs. As long as I don't have to see that leering bastard again."
He shook his head and chuckled. "Come on, let's go see what they've come up with."
"Hey… about me writing with Zed..." she said, catching his arm before he walked out the door. "It's still okay, right?"
"Of course, why wouldn't it be?"
"Um, Lacey?"
He rolled his eyes and pulled her in for a hug. "The songs the two of you write together are amazing. They remind me a lot of what you used to write. As your brother and as your manager, you have my full support… I don't care how pissy she gets."
Addison giggled and hugged him back. "Thanks, B."
"You're welcome, Addie-loo."
She pushed him away playfully. "And another bonding moment ruined."
He ruffled the top of her head. "You know you love me."
"Yeah, yeah, yeah… Let's go."
When they walked into the rehearsal room, the members of Zombies were already on the small makeshift stage warming up. Tracey waved her over, patting the seat next to him.
Eliza beat out a quick pickup bar as Zed strummed a rift, breaking through the relative silence. The upbeat, heavy tempo they were building was infectious, making everyone but Lacey get to their feet.
"My girlfriend's a dick magnet
My girlfriend's gotta have it
She's hot, can't stop, up on stage doing shots..."
Addison's jaw dropped open.
"Dirty girl, gettin' down, dance with guys from outta town
Grab her ass, actin' tough
Mess with her, she'll fuck you up
No one really knows if she's drunk or if she's stoned
But she's comin' back to my place tonight!..." Zed threw her a wink before he jumped up and struck a power chord into the chorus.
"She likes to shake her ass
She grinds it to the beat
She likes to pull my hair when I make her grind her teeth
I like to strip her down
She's naughty 'til the end
You know what she is, no doubt about it
She's a bad bad girlfriend!"
"Oh my god!" Willa laughed, hugging onto Addison.
"Red thong, party's on, love this song, sing along
Come together, leave alone, see you later back at home
No one really knows if she's drunk or if she's stoned
But she's coming back to my place tonight
I say
No one really knows just how far she's going to go
But I'm gonna find out later tonight..."
"Nothing like putting it all out there," Tracey giggled excitedly.
"She likes to shake her ass
She grinds it to the beat
She likes to pull my hair when I make her grind her teeth
I like to strip her down
She's naughty 'til the end
You know what she is, no doubt about it
She's a bad bad girlfriend!"
Wyatt grabbed Addison's hand and spun her around to dance with him as Zed's guitar solo poured from the amps. "Good luck keeping this quiet now," he teased as he wrapped his arms around her from behind, continuing to dance through the bridge.
"Doesn't take her long to make things right
But does it make her wrong to have the time of her life
The time of her life
She likes to shake her ass
She grinds it to the beat
She likes to pull my hair when I make her grind her teeth
I like to strip her down
She's naughty 'til the end
You know what she is, no doubt about it
She's a bad bad girlfriend!"
As they all erupted into applause, Zed threw Addison a kiss. Her eyes widened in shock, but he just laughed and rolled his.
"That's what I'm talking about!" Bucky yelled over the noise. "That was fucking epic!"
"Thanks, B," Zed said as he high-fived him.
Addison was still in shock. He had just laid it all out in the open. A smile slowly spread across her face. She turned around to celebrate with the rest of them but stopped when she saw the look on Lacey's face.
Without saying a word, Lacey grabbed Jacey's arm and pulled him towards the exit.
"Shit..." Addison whispered, silently sending up a prayer that this wasn't going to be a problem.
AUTHOR'S NOTE: Okay, so I know it's been a hot minute since I've updated, but I hope this ridiculously long chapter made up for it in some small way. If you're still hanging with me and this crazy story, please drop me a message and let me know!
So, a few things about this chapter… I really wanted to write about the pack being introduced to everyone else, but it was dragging and I just really needed to start to move the story forward. As far as the songs used… if you follow my story Where I Belong, you may recall that I got stuck in a pop rut a few weeks back. Well, the song that finally broke that awful time period was Adrenalize. As a thank you, I figured it was only appropriate to title the next OTE chapter in its honor. Sunburn (the song Zombies sings in the beginning) was the original inspiration for Addison to come from serious money and I've had the plan to use this song since the beginning. Bloodstream, in my opinion, is the perfect OTE Zeddison song. If you've never listened to it before, I highly recommend it. The video also happens to have a girl with white hair pole dancing. It's pretty great. Bad Girlfriend may appear again in a future chapter… keep an eye out! And finally, Watermelon Sugar, because why the hell not!
MUSIC USED IN THIS CHAPTER
Sunburn- Muse
Adrenalize- In This Moment
Watermelon Sugar- Harry Styles
Bloodstream- Transviolet
Bad Girlfriend- Theory of a Deadman