Chapter 1
Joseline
Rockstar dick can’t be good enough to warrant living on one of these…
A sleek black tour bus looms in front of me. It’s one of the only vehicles in the event center parking lot.
How the hell does anyone fit their entire life in a tin can on wheels?
I’d be lucky to cram my wardrobe inside, much less the rest of my belongings, but Niki Porter—my best friend and sole reason I flew across the country to be here—hasn’t complained. Not even once.
I swap the pale yellow gift bag filled with baby clothes and accessories to my other hand and rap my knuckles on the bus door, nearly vibrating with excitement. Weeks of planning, a several-hour long plane ride, and an Uber after checking in at the hotel finally landed me here.
Niki and I haven’t seen each other in person since she joined her rockstar boyfriend on tour, and video chatting just isn’t the same. Nearly a year is a long time to go without seeing your favorite person on the planet; I don’t think I’ve ever been so excited to see anyone.
If Rhage didn’t tour year round, this wouldn’t be an issue in the first place.
The skinny jeans and low-cut shirt I’m wearing feel appropriate for visiting a rockstar’s tour bus, but I wish I’d opted for something a little more comfortable. At least the flats I chose this morning are decent; my feet aren’t screaming… yet.
I would have been here days ago, but I was wrapping up a two-week notice at my old corporate job. In case this life on the road thing doesn’t work out, I have a backup plan. Fingers crossed I can make freelance marketing work full-time, though, because corporate America isnotfor me.
A minute passes and no one answers.
Maybe she’s asleep, or maybe she’s in the shower.
Maybe she’s trying to get the place in some semblance of order.
I wouldn’t care if the whole bus was a wreck, or if it smelled like her gross, sweaty lead singer boyfriend, Sebastian. Nothing matters aside from seeing her and making up for lost time.
Knocking again, impatience bubbles under my skin. She told me to come to the bus, that she’d be waiting forme. I crane my neck to check the sign in front of the convention center.
Maverick Hall.
Yep, I’m in the right place. This has to be it.
As I reach for the cell phone tucked in my back pocket, the tour bus door swings open abruptly. A smile spreads across my face, and I lift the gift bag in my hand in offering, expecting to see Niki’s familiar blue eyes staring back at me. Instead, one of the band members is standing there.
Judging by the horned black mask covering his entire head, it’s Tobias, the drummer.
The first time I went to a Rhage concert with Niki, I wasn’t sure what to expect. I’d seen pictures of their dapper demon disguises online, so I knew they wore masks to conceal their identities. That was half of their appeal; the band members were mysterious, dripping in sex appeal.
They’re always dressed to the nines in perfectly-pressed suits when they’re on stage or in music videos, so when my eyes fall to Tobias’ turtleneck and sweatpants combo, it’s a little off-putting. He’s even wearing gloves to hide his hands. In the middle of the day. On his tour bus.
Weird.
These guys really don’t mess around about keeping their identities a secret.
When my eyes crawl back up his massive form that occupies most of the doorway, I find a pair of bright, golden eyes glaring at me through the holes in his mask.
“It’s about fucking time.” His deep voice rattles through me.
My lips part, and I blink at him as my thoughts try to catch up.What the hell is he talking about?
“I’m… sorry?” I cock my head to the side. “My Uber literally just dropped me off.”
“Obviously I’ve already changed, so this photoshoot isn’t happening. Next time, maybe don’t be three hours late to your gig.” He crosses his arms over his chest, and I can’t help but notice the way his thick biceps flex. My eyes snap back to his. “I’ve already contacted your office. You should have been notified.”
He moves to close the door, but I throw up a hand as understanding sets in.
