Rock It Out, Book of Abel

Mara finds her target. Really, it’s easier than it should be. The tour bus sits like a black monolith at the edge of the lot, darkly tinted windows giving nothing away. Luck is on her side. The door is unlocked. She glances over her shoulder. No one stops her from slipping inside.

Even the universe is urging her to proceed.

She pushes the door shut, bracing herself for the consequences. Inside, the space is dim and a tad claustrophobic. The narrow aisle is lined with leather seats to her right, a long table to the left. Then, the smells hit, leather, cologne, stale beer, and perfume.

Mara’s read the headlines, understands what happens behind closed doors.

Gag! So not my problem.

It appears she is alone. For a second, her courage wobbles. Because this is insane. Because she shouldn’t be here, stalking him as if she has nothing left to lose. She can bail. Just turn around and walk away.

Then, she thinks of the envelope in her bag. The way her life has been held hostage by a man who can’t be bothered to do the humane thing.

She doesn’t have time to wobble.

Mara moves down the aisle as she decides her next steps. Maybe wait like a sitting duck? Voices drift from outside the bus, male, loud, careless. The careless sounds of men who never worry about consequences.

She stands her ground as they spill onto the bus. They don’t seem surprised to find her there. Interesting. She recognizes them instantly thanks to Eliza instructing her to study the enemy.

Raze is shirtless, jeans riding low, tattoos crawling up his ribs. His smile is sharp, amused. Predatory. Gabe stands just behind him, dressed in a leather jacket and tight jeans, watching her like he’s actually curious.

Raze lifts his beer and chugs it down. “Either security’s getting sloppy, or we’ve got a real bold one.” He drawls. His voice matches his crude appearance, gritty with a touch of malice.

Mara straightens. “I’m looking for Abel.”

That earns her a harsh laugh. “I hate to be the one to break it to you, dove. Abel has a specific type if you know what I mean.” Raze leers at her as he blatantly sizes her up. “You’re welcome to be mine for the night.”

His fingers trail down her arm and she slaps his hand away. When his grin widens, she warns, “back off!”

Mara is aware her white cotton dress stands out against the black interior. At least her boots cover a lot of bare leg. “I’m serious,” Mara replies, hand on a hip. “I need to see him.”

“Oh, honey,” Gabe says, his voice smoother and more refined. “You and everyone else.” His braces one arm against the wall, showing off the fact that his chest is bare underneath the jacket.

Good grief! Guys are so basic.

“Groupie wannabe?” Raze’s lip curls. “Or is this one of those I’m pregnant schemes?” he adds. “Because if it is, you’re about six tour stops too late.”

WTAF?

“I’m not a groupie,” Mara says flatly. “My business with Abel is private.”

Her reply seems to delight him. “Oh, I bet it is. I bet it’s very private. Right, Gabe?”

Gabe shrugs, eyes still fixed on Mara. “You snuck on the bus for something.”

He might not be as aggressive as Raze, but his eyes still rake over her body. Mara’s spine stiffens. “I don’t have to explain myself to either of you.”

“You walked into our space uninvited.” Gabe points out.

She doesn’t back down. In fact, she settles into one of the chairs. “I’m not leaving until I talk to Abel. If you don’t like it, call security.”

Raze tilts his head, considering. “Nah. This is more fun.”

Gabe steps closer. “You can stay. But once he gets here, you’ll have to line up with the rest.” His gaze settles on the way her dress hikes up her thighs before winking at her. “Personally, I think you have a decent shot.”

Annoyed, she tugs her dress down. Who the hell do these guys think they are? Oh, that’s right. They’re rock royalty. She is so damn lucky to have avoided this lifestyle! It’s not for her.

Mara’s cheeks burn, but her voice stays even. “I will not be lining up like cattle to market.” She takes a steadying breath. “I just need him to sign some legal paperwork and them I’m gone.”

Raze frowns. His gaze flicks to her bag. “What kind of paperwork?”

“The kind that’s none of your business.”

Gabe’s eyes narrow slightly. “You’re not press.”

“No. I’m not.”

“So, what the hell are you? You’re not giving groupie. More like stalker.”

Mara frowns. “I’m about to be a problem.”

Raze takes the seat next to hers. “You’re not a cop, are you? Because if you are, I might require a full body search.”

Her patience snaps. “Stop with the goddamn stupid games!”

Raze leans back, spreading his arms wide. “Make me.”

Gabe exhales. “Raze...”

Before Mara can say something that really starts a fight, the door flies open.