Rise (Rock God 1)

“Why?” she demands.

“I guess we’ll find out.” It comes out harsh, causing her eyes to narrow as she looks at the bottle and leans her head back on the seat.

“God, please tell me it’s not Axel. Do you think my mom told him? Or worse, he saw a picture of us?” Her leg starts to bounce. I look at her. I’d fucking give anything for it to be Axel.

“I told you I’m not hiding.”

She rolls her eyes at me, then looks out the window as the limo pulls up to the hotel again.

“Okay, I’ve had my guys clear most of the crowd out. Let’s go nice and easy.” Ace is back as he opens the door and I climb out, holding my hand to Gia.

Two cop cars are parked on the side, and people are still yelling and taking pictures, but the crowd has definitely thinned out. We head toward the stairs.

“Are you gonna drink the whole bottle before we even find out what’s happening?” Gia exclaims, passing me as she takes the stairs like a pro. Her ass looks amazing. I must be feeling no pain as my cock hardens and I’m almost ready to blow Rafe off. He can deal with whatever shit this is. That’s what I pay him for.

“Fuck this.” I stop at the third floor and open the door leading to the rooms and elevator. “Rafe can handle whatever it is.”

Gia and Ace stop mid-climb.

“No, we’re going to Rafe’s suite.” She puts her hands on her hips, barely out of breath. I grin at her as she shakes her head. “Whatever, you stay here and finish the bottle. I’ll take care of whatever drama is happening.” She leaves me, her boots clinking as she takes the stairs two at a time.

Ace nods approvingly. “Gia kicks ass, man.” He follows her while I watch, knowing I need to follow.

It can’t be. I would never fuck without a rubber. Aside from Gia, it doesn’t happen. I bring the bottle to my lips. The few times the rubber has torn on my piercing, the women have taken the Plan B pill, right?

I stumble out the door into the lavish hallway and push on the elevator button. Clearly, I’m not gonna catch up with her, but at least I should make it to Rafe’s suite first.

GIA

Past – Eighteen years old

San Francisco, California

I’m fucking out of breath, but my nerves feel better at least. Ace and the other two security guys are with me as I walk down the end of the hall to Rafe’s room.

“Do you know what this is about?” I whisper to Ace, who’s a big guy, so he’s still catching his breath.

“No clue. But the vibe is not good,” he mumbles. I stop and wait for him as I take my hair down. The low bun thing is making my head hurt. I run my hands through it and straighten my shoulders.

“Gia, you’re not gonna wait for Granger?” Ace laughs and shakes his head like I’m either a badass, or have lost my mind.

“I have you. Let’s get it over with.” I start to walk.

“I’m not going into that room,” Ace responds.

I ignore him. As my bodyguard, he has to, right? Jesus, I’m freaking out now that I’m staring at the ornate door. I should wait for Rhys.

I turn to Ace. “Listen. You know who I am, right? Like you know about my brother?” I shake my hands because they feel numb.

“Yeah, I know Axel, Gia.”

I sigh in relief. “Okay, good. So, he might be in there and he doesn’t… or didn’t know about me and Rhys—”

“I know all this. Wait for your man, Gia,” he warns as he texts.

“My man is drinking a bottle of Jack. Look, you don’t understand. Rhys is not afraid of Axel.” I look at Ace, but he keeps texting, and the other two simply stare at me.

“God, if Axel is in there,” I whisper, pointing at the door. “Maybe I can calm him down before… Screw it.” I pound on the door, taking a deep breath.

“Granger is on his way.” Ace says this like I’d better be scared or something. What is wrong with them? My brother is ready to kill Rhys, and all he is saying is wait and let it happen? The door opens, and Rafe looks at me, then over my shoulder to Ace and his team. His arrogant face morphs into a frown as he pushes the sleeve of his starched, white dress shirt up.

“Where’s Granger?”

“He’s coming. Is…” I clear my voice and straighten my shoulders back. “Is Axel in there?”

His eyes narrow on me as he slowly brings the crystal tumbler of brown liquid to his lips.

“Not yet.” And I almost sag with relief as warm hands grab my hips, jerking me back to his hard chest.