Total pages in book: 143
Estimated words: 138287 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 691(@200wpm)___ 553(@250wpm)___ 461(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 138287 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 691(@200wpm)___ 553(@250wpm)___ 461(@300wpm)
Sub.
Submissive.
I suppose I was, not deliberately though. I just didn’t know how to speak for myself when I needed to. I wasn’t sure about submissive but I could admit readily that I was a pacifist.
“No, I don’t like people bossing me around,” was all I could say, because Connor was too close to me and my lungs had since forgotten their primary function.
His inquisitive regard, narrowed eyes, and sly little smile matched with the silence surrounding us was mildly uncomfortable to say the least.
I croaked out, “Okay, well, goodbye,” then went to disappear into the cubby.
Deft fingers held the back of my tee and I fought a groan. If he told me I couldn’t have this bed, I swear I would cry or scream or vomit, or all three at the very same time.
Connor shook his head slowly then jerked his chin to the bunk above, muttering under his breath, “Don’t take that one. He’s got stomach problems.” At my confused glance, he added, “Always bloated.” When my confused glance turned to bafflement, Connor deadpanned, “He farts.”
My mouth rounded. “Oh.”
Connor took my duffle, placing it on the bunk I’d settled on in the first place. “You should be safe enough here, far away from Hell’s notorious flatulence.”
Hell called out, “I heard that, asshole.” He quickly added an injured, “You know I got stomach issues.”
Much to my own chagrin, I spoke up. “Peppermint tea.”
Hell poked his head out of his cubby, frowning down at me. “What did you call me?”
“No. I, um…” A surprised laugh escaped me and I tried again. “Peppermint tea is good for soothing an upset stomach. I brought a box with me if you want some.”
Hell’s lips pursed. “Not exactly a tea drinker.”
Fair enough. “I’ll put it in the kitchen if you change your mind.”
Hell’s head retreated and he uttered, “Thanks, Emmy.”
My smile was small but sincere. “You’re welcome.”
Well, look at me, already helping out.
This was nice.
I felt good.
And Connor remained there, watching me curiously. I stilled at the realization. My eyes darted around anxiously. “Is there…” My voice wavered nervously. “Is there something you need from me?”
Connor’s brows lowered and he made a thoughtful noise low in his throat. “I’m not sure yet.”
That was a relief. I climbed into my bunk. “Well, you know where I am.” I heard Connor move away and I was grateful for the brief respite.
Some minutes later, the bus came to life with a harsh grunt and low rumble. A little while passed and then Craig was talking through unseen speakers. He started off rather professional. “Good morning, lady and gents. We’re going to start the first leg of our journey in just a moment. Let me start by asking…” I was not expecting what I heard. Craig shouted, “Are you ready to rock?”
The guys cheered, but Craig wasn’t satisfied. “Oh, c’mon. That was lame. I said…” A moment, then, “Are you motherfuckers ready to rock?”
The guys whooped and hooted, and my eyes widened at the vulgar language. Craig chuckled into the mic. “That’s better. Oh, and lights out at ten.”
The collective grumble caused Craig to laugh harder. “Kidding, kidding. This is a goddamn party bus and we don’t ever stop. There’s only one rule, and that rule is—” He paused. “—puff, puff, pass.”
I didn’t know what that meant but it must’ve been funny because the guys laughed in response.
“A couple of things though,” Craig continued. “Dean’s napping in the back, getting his beauty sleep and charging up for the next shift. I hope none of y’all get car sick because we’re going to be driving for a solid thirty-four hours.” The gears crunched and the bus started to move. “And we’re off.” I looked out the window just as we pulled out of the depot. “Next stop, Texas!”
It was strange, what I was feeling.
Heavy yet weightless.
Shackled but free.
My heart told me this was a great opportunity.
My head lectured me, telling me I was a little girl trying to do big things and that when something went wrong the only person I had to blame was me.
At war with myself, I took a deep breath whispering out on an exhale, “Here we go.”
So, here I was, spending the next thirty-four hours on a bus with four rock stars.
My brows lowered.
I mean, really.
How bad could it be?
Chapter Five
Getting to know you.
Emily
From my cubby, I could hear the guys talking.
“I’m so bored,” Connor complained.
Lee chuckled. “It’s literally only been twelve hours.”
Noah sounded miffed. “I warned you this would happen.”
“Oh, c’mon. Give him a break. He can’t help it. He’s got A.D.D,” Hell stated but was clearly amused.
“If I don’t get off this fucking bus, I’mma start a riot.”
The irritability in Connor’s voice was a little alarming and I mustn’t have been the only one who thought so because when I peeked out my cubby, down the aisle, I saw Noah get up and head down to the driver’s door.