Rock 01 - FRET (7 page)

“What did you eat this morning?”

“Eggs, some bacon.” I shrugged.

“Gareth, you know you need to eat better. Do you want to tell me how you fucked up your knee?”

“No. Not really,” I replied.

Ransom sighed audibly and wrapped an arm around my shoulder. I leaned into him and closed my eyes again.

“You need to take better care of yourself,” Ransom murmured in my ear. “I can’t lose you.”

“You won’t,” I assured him.

Axel walked through the living room to the kitchen. He looked over his shoulder at us with a small smile.

“I’ll watch the steak.”

“Thanks, Axel.” Ransom pulled me in closer and rocked me gently. “As soon as you’re done eating, we’ll head out, okay?”

I nodded, secretly watching Axel out of the corner of my eye. He seemed so at home. Getting out with the guys would do me good. I need to unwind. I just hope Axel can, too.

~*~

Maloney’s is the one bar we always hit when we get home. As always, the place was slammed. Flat screen TVs lined the walls, a different sport on each set. Right smack in the middle of it all was the bar itself.

I hopped on one of the barstools and grabbed the menu. Harley, Jinx and Rebel all ordered Guinness while Ransom and I ordered soda. Axel sipped his glass of water as he checked out the bar. I elbowed him and he leveled a glare at me.

“What?” I asked innocently.

“You guys didn’t say
this
bar; you told me another Irish bar.”

“I figured this one would be easier on you. It’s smaller, for one thing. You can see who’s coming in and out.” I pointed to the only entrance.

“
Nothing
about this is easy, Gareth.” Axel emphasized. “I don’t know who can be trusted around you.”

“Well the guys can.” I motioned to the other band members. “We grew up together. They would never hurt me.”

Jinx leaned on Axel and shot me a grin. “That’s right. We love the little munchkin.”

I scowled and Axel smiled. I don’t think I’ve seen him show that many teeth at once. He really enjoyed my nickname. Then again, I’d called him anything I could think of that had to with size and height. Okay, so I’m a little jealous that I top out at five-eight and Axel is the size of a redwood tree.

He seemed a bit irritated with the music playing in the bar. I tilted my head and narrowed my eyes.

“What? Don’t like this music either?”

“It’s a bit…
now
. I’m more of a
then
kind of guy.”

“Then?” I raised an eyebrow.

“I’ll tell you later.”

“You’re not into boy bands are you?” Jinx gasped, his nose wrinkled in disgust.

“What?” Axel whirled on the stool and I laughed. A look of absolute horror etched Axel’s features. Guess he didn’t like boy bands either. That must be ‘now’ as well.

“Hell, no!” he snorted in contempt.

“We have something in common then!” Jinx slapped Axel’s back. He pulled his hand back with a grimace and shot me a look, shaking out his stinging hand. I grinned.

“Jinx here hates boy bands,” I elaborated.

“Oh?” Axel turned his attention to the drummer.

“Dude, they don’t even play instruments. They just stand there and na-na-na-na into a microphone. No work required.” Jinx shook his head. “We
play
, man!”

Ransom joined into our conversation.

“Did I ever tell you about the crush Gareth had on JT?”

“I did not!” I protested.

“All that curly hair,” Ransom chuckled and imitated Gareth making googly eyes.

“Fuck off, Ransom.” I frowned. Is nothing sacred?

“I thought he had it bad for Simon of Duran Duran?” Harley joined in.

“Can we go now?” I glared. Was this ‘Pick on Gareth Wolf” year?

Axel was laughing and I punched him in the arm. I yanked my hand back and shook out the numbness. Damn biceps.

“Come on, Munchkin.” Axel helped me to my feet.

“Fuckers,” I ground out.

We hit Mia’s and then headed to The Hive. Another guy we’d grown up with owned it, and we more or less started out there. The door was propped open and people milled around outside sipping coffee from the place next door and smoking. A guitar riff drifted onto the sidewalk and I stopped, lifting my face to the sky and letting the music flow through me.

“Damn, guys!”

I opened my eyes and discovered our friend Jim standing on the sidewalk with his hands on his hips, beaming at us.

“Dude!” Ransom grabbed him in a hug. “How have you been?”

“Waiting for you assholes to come home and play a set!” Jim shook the rest of the guys’ hands and then looked me over. “Little man.” He nodded.

“I am
not
little!”

“Next to that guy you are.” Jim pointed at Axel. “Who is he? Your muscle?”

“I’m someone you don’t want to mess with.” Axel leaned into Jim’s face.

“Yeah, so, on that note.” I pulled Axel back a smidge. “When do you have room for us?”

Jim checked his watch and then looked over his shoulder. “Yo, Mikey!”

Mikey was another guy we went to school with. He ran the club with Jim and was himself part of a band.

“Well, fuck. If it isn’t the fucking fantastic five! Arson! Come see who made it back to town.”

Axel leaned into my ear. “Arson?”

“Another one of our friends,” I explained. “They’re part of ‘No Other Option.’ There’s three of them — Arson, Mikey and Doug.”

“Huh?”

“Never mind.” I grinned.

“Holy shit!” Arson planted his hands on his hips. “Look who decided to grace us with their presence.”

“How ya been, Arson?”

“Still rockin’ it, my friend. Good to see you guys! I hope the drinkers are ready. Doug is here and ready to go.”

“Oh, hell no,” Rebel objected. “I already lost some money to Doug.”

“Here’s a tip. Don’t bet Doug you can outdrink him,” I whispered to Axel.

“Maybe when I’m done with this job, I’ll look him up. I’m always ready for a challenge.”

“You’ll lose.”

We headed inside the club and hung out with the bands playing that night. The club was packed to the rafters and I couldn’t believe how much I’d missed it. We were strong-armed into playing a few songs and Ransom picked our biggest hits. I watched Axel as I played; he was riveted to the stage and almost seemed to be enjoying himself.

I caught him checking out the place more than once since we arrived, though. He was still in bodyguard mode. By midnight, we were headed to Denny’s; it was a band tradition. The waitress brought a pot of coffee and Axel reclined in the booth to watch the front door.

“What’ll you boys have?”

“Can I get pancakes?” I asked.

“Sweetie, you can have whatever you want,” she replied with a wink.

“Barking up the wrong tree,” Rebel whispered as the waitress sashayed away.

“Shut it, Rebel.” I threw a packet of sugar at him.

“They don’t know you’re gay?” Axel asked in surprise.

“I’m pretty sure most people know. I can’t say
everybody
knows.”

“If you read
The Inquisitor
, Gareth here is having sex with the prince,” Jinx provided.

“Which one?” Axel asked, eyebrow cocked.

“Who knows?” I threw my hands up. “I’m also doing half the West Coast.”

“And some of Long Island,” Ransom piped up.

“So?” Ransom leaned forward. “Are we doing the camping thing?”

“Don’t we always?” Harley sipped his coffee.

“Camping?” Axel asked with zero enthusiasm.

“Yeah, we always do a weekend when we get home.” I poured some creamer into my coffee. “Brings us back to nature and grounds us.”

“Yeah, because we’re sleeping on the ground,” Rebel pointed out.

“And shitting in a hole,” Ransom added.

“So you should feel right at home, soldier boy.” I elbowed Axel.

“Yeah, and we want to hear all about your time in the military. I find that shit fascinating.” Jinx placed his elbows on the table and held his chin in his hands. “I’ve always been fascinated by Navy SEALS.”

“Well, I can’t tell you too much.” Axel seemed uncomfortable so I jumped in.

“You know, it’s confidential shit. He could tell you, but then he’d have to kill you.”

“Dude! Have you killed people?” Harley whispered as he leaned over.

“Yes.”

The look on Axel’s face would level any man. It was so…cold. I actually shivered. Axel seemed to notice and scooted over a little closer to me. He leaned into my ear.

“Are you okay?”

“Yes. Just tired,” I lied. There was something so damned sexy about Axel. I couldn’t put a finger on just what it was. Was he gorgeous? Yep. Was he tall, brooding and dangerous? Yep. Was he smart and funny in a sarcastic way? Yep. Maybe it was all of those things. I felt safe with him. I know that sounds hilarious.

I feel safe with a killer.

“I’m going to get Gareth home,” Axel announced.

“Okay.” Ransom stood and pulled me into a hug. “Camping on Friday.”

“I’ll be there.”

I don’t like talking about my job. Well, more specifically I don’t like discussing people I’ve killed. Was it a necessary job? Yes, by far. Did I like it? No, not really; but it is what it is.

I don’t like Gareth being reminded of who and what I am. I don’t want him to be afraid of me. When he shivered next to me, I knew he was probably remembering that I kill for a living.

When he slipped on the trail this morning, I almost lost my ever-loving fucking mind. All I could think was to get to him before he slid down that ridge and broke something. Or fell on his head and died. And holding him in my arms? He felt so right in my embrace it seriously weirded me out.

I’ve never wanted anyone close to me; touching me, kissing me — but right then I had wanted to kiss Gareth. I wanted to know what his lips felt like against mine. Just then, Gareth shot me a smile and I relaxed a bit in the passenger seat.

“That made you uncomfortable, didn’t it?”

“How did you know?” I grunted.

“The tone of your voice. Are you going to be okay with them pelting you with questions about your time in the Navy?”

“As long as I don’t go into detail, I should be able to discuss some of it.”

“You don’t have to —”

“No, it’s okay but don’t say I didn’t warn you.” I looked over at Gareth. “Does it bother you?”

“What?”

“That I’ve killed people?”

“Well, it
is
your job isn’t it?”

“That’s not what I asked.”

I could tell Gareth was concentrating, as if he was really pondering my question. I was almost afraid of the answer. I looked out the window. Why did it matter what Gareth thought? In all my years, I couldn’t have given a rat’s ass what people thought of me. But now I was worried he would look at me differently.

“No. It doesn’t bother me.”

I almost didn’t hear him. I turned in the seat and eyed him skeptically.

“It doesn’t?”

“No.”

“Why?”

“Because it’s a necessary evil and it’s you or them. Correct?”

“Something like that.”

“Well, I’d rather have you.”

I tried to keep my face neutral. I don’t normally tell people what I do for a living. Being a gun for hire is lucrative, but it isn’t something you go around announcing to guys you wanna fuck. Wait. I want to fuck Gareth? Who am I kidding? Of course I want to fuck him. I want to do so many things to him, it’s fucking mind bending.

“Axel?”

“Yes?”

“I take it you don’t hear that a lot.”

“No. Can’t say that I do.”

“I wonder — have you ever told a date what you do?”

“I don’t date.”

“You don’t?” Gareth turned to me in surprise.

“No. I don’t have time for dates. I fuck and I go.”

“Oh.”

Did he sound almost sad? I guess I did make myself sound like an asshole. Then again, I
am
an asshole.

“So you’d never consider a long-term relationship?”

“Would you? I mean, you’re in a band and you tour a lot. Not really conducive to making a relationship work.”

“I don’t know. I think if you love someone enough, you make it work.”

“Has that worked in your relationships?”

“I haven’t had any,” Gareth admitted softly.

“Wait. What? What do you mean you haven’t had any? You came out; you should be able to date.”

“Date who? In the beginning, before I came out, I was having sex with women. Then when I did come out, I actually found it hard to date someone. I’d never know if they’re with me for the fame or what. Besides, I don’t have any experience with men and that was a little scary.”

“You don’t? But what about before?”

“No.” Gareth shook his head. “I was always afraid of getting caught. I’ve never…well, you know.” He ducked his head.

Well, holy tight ass, Batman. Gareth was a man-virgin. The devil on my shoulder reared its ugly head to encourage me, as the angel slapped my rising prick.

“I don’t know what to say to that,” I admitted.

“Yeah, I know — the irony. The gay guy’s never been with a guy.”

“You’ll find the right guy eventually. You’re still young.”

“Well he’s not going to want to be with me if someone is always trying to off me.”

“No one is going to hurt you, you got that?” I practically snarled. “I won’t let it happen.”

Gareth chuckled. “You are so badass, Axel.”

“Don’t you forget it.” I playfully punched him.

“Ow.” Gareth rubbed his upper harm and frowned at me.

~*~

I made Gareth stay in the car as I did a sweep of the treehouse. Even though it was twenty feet above the ground, I was still worried someone was going to get by me. The more time I spend with Gareth, the more I like him. I’d heard so many horror stories from other guys about babysitting, I expected Gareth to be the same way. I went back to the car and Gareth unlocked the doors and got out. He was taking my instructions seriously and I was grateful.

I opened the door and followed him in. He flipped on the kitchen light, opened the fridge and grabbed two water bottles. He handed me one and then propped against the counter, sipping his.

“So, camping is okay with you? We’re going to be out in the open.”

I strode across to the big picture window and stared out into the night.

“I’m fucking ninja.” I smirked. “I’ll be covering a mile in each direction of your camp site.”

“Do I want to know why?”

“No.”

“Axel?”

“What?”

“Why did you take this job? I mean, you’re a badass Navy SEAL and you’re protecting some gay kid.”

“What is that supposed to mean?” I turned to face him.

“Well, it’s the
SEALS.
You have to be pretty damned manly to be a SEAL. You know, no gay guys allowed.”

“Are you serious right now?” I glared at him. “Being gay doesn’t make you weak! It just means you prefer a different hole for fucks sake!”

“I’m sorry,” Gareth whispered.

I crossed the room until I was right in his face. Gareth flinched as I grabbed the front of his shirt.

“Do not
ever
belittle yourself for who you are. Do you understand me? Being gay doesn’t make you weak, or an abomination. That’s what judgmental assholes say to make themselves feel better about something they could never understand.” I took a step back and smoothed out the front of his shirt. “Just so you know?
This
badass SEAL? Yeah, he’s gay.”

I turned on my heel and stalked across the room, slamming the bathroom door behind me. I leaned against the bathroom sink and took a long look in the mirror. Gareth thought I’d hate him or look at him differently just because he’s gay? Hell, either way, his life was worth saving. I hung my head and sighed deeply. There was a soft knock on the door and I cracked it open. Gareth stood there, his eyes glazed as if he were about to cry.

“What’s wrong?” I opened the door fully.

“Is that true?”

The green eyes locked on mine and I swear to God my knees almost buckled. This kid affected me in a way no one else ever had. I found myself wanting things I’d never wanted before. I nodded instead of speaking. Gareth’s shoulders relaxed and he ducked his head to the side.

“Okay.” He gazed back at me and bit his bottom lip. “I gotta pee.”

“Oh. Okay.” I stepped around him to let him in.

“Axel?”

“Yeah?”

“Thanks for telling me.”

“I should have said it sooner, I guess.”

“Why? Do straight people go around saying, ‘Hey I’m so and so and I’m straight’?”

I chuckled at that thought.

“I guess you’re right.”

“Of course I am. I’m Gareth Wolf.” He smiled and shut the door.

I placed my hand on the door and closed my eyes. “Yes. Yes you are.”

~*~

Gareth maneuvered his Jeep alongside Ransom’s Land Rover; the other band members had gotten there already and were cleaning out the area. I grabbed the tent and sleeping bags and followed Gareth to the fire pit. Another car rolled up behind us and I whirled around, hand on my gun. Gareth’s hand closed over mine.

“It’s okay. It’s Mikey and the guys.”

“You didn’t say they were coming, too.”

“I didn’t? Shit, I’m sorry.”

“It’s okay. Can you sit right here for me? I’m going to go make a phone call.”

“Up here? You’ll be lucky if you have signal.”

I narrowed my eyes at Gareth and turned around, walking back toward his Jeep. I dialed Mac as I kept my eyes glued to the men in front of me. He answered on the fourth ring and I could barely hear him.

“Hey, Mac. I need a favor.”

“Where the hell are you? In some underwater cave?”

“Never mind where I am. I need you to run background checks on a few people.”

“Ah, taking the babysitting duty seriously now?”

“Look, I infiltrate places. I don’t need to think about protecting someone when I do my job. This is different.”

“Look at it this way. Pretend you’re keeping Gareth safe from you.”

Well. That was another way of looking at it for sure. What would I do if
I
were after Gareth? My eyes widened and I spun around, keeping my voice low.

“Check on the dad in prison and check on Paul’s assistant, Stan. If Stan has a parking ticket I want to know about it.”

I gave Mac the names of the guys who were camping with us as well. When I mentioned Gareth’s bandmates, Mac chuckled.

“I did that before you even headed out. I needed to know my guy was safe as well.”

“Aw, you
do
care,” I snickered.

“Fuck off.”

“Later. Get back to me with that info.”

“With what info?”

I turned to find Gareth standing right behind me, head tilted to one side.

“Nothing you need to worry about.” I shepherded him back to the fire pit.

“Shit! Did anyone bring the pot?” Ransom rummaged through his bag.

“I thought you guys didn’t do drugs?” I asked in astonishment.

“Cooking pot, Hulk,” Ransom corrected.

“Fuck my life.” Gareth sighed. “I was supposed to bring it.”

“No worries.” I walked back to the Jeep and grabbed the cooler from the back. I pulled out a mini keg of Heineken and grinned. “A pot.”

“You said you never drink on the job,” Gareth scowled.

“Yep,” I acknowledged. “We’re going to cook in it. Years of roughing it taught me that these bad boys make awesome pots.”

“I’ll help get rid of some of the beer.” Rebel raised his hand.

“I was hoping one of you guys would volunteer,” I chuckled.

“You don’t drink?” Rebel asked me.

“You heard Gareth. Not on duty. Never.” I shook my head.

“I’ll drink it. How much do you want left for cooking the hot dogs?” Doug grinned.

“I’ll help.” Arson nodded.

“Damn drunks!” Gareth laughed. “You know Doug is Native American. That’s why he can drink so much.”

“I always heard Native Americans can’t hold their liquor,” Arson piped up.

“Are you quite finished tossing around stereotypes?” Doug looked perturbed. “Yes, alcoholism
is
a serious problem among several ethnic groups. But that doesn’t mean every member of that group has a problem with it.”

I tried to lighten up the atmosphere. “Arson, you are the
whitest
Native American I’ve ever seen,” I laughed.

“Yeah, and you’re a moron, muscle head. Oh, wait. That stereotype is true!”

I rolled my eyes.

“This has got to be a dream come true for you, Gareth.” Mikey grinned.

“Meaning?” Gareth raised a brow.

“Out in the wilderness with a bunch of men.”

I opened my mouth and Gareth huffed.

“Please. Like I would ever touch one of you guys,” he drawled. “I prefer my men to be men.”

“Ouch!” Rebel laughed. “That was harsh, dude!”

“If any of you even
thinks
‘paddle faster’...” Gareth warned.

“You do know why we all get into the business, don’t you, Axel?” Jim grinned.

“Money? Fame?”

“It’s all about the LLC.”

“Limited liability company?”

“Nope, limited love corporation.”

I couldn’t help it. I laughed. The rest of the guys broke out into laughter and Mikey grabbed Gareth in a hug. We sat around the fire and I told the guys some of my finer moments in the military. I kept out details of course.