Listen to Me (Fusion 1)

After what feels like ten minutes of silence, he simply nods and says, “Well, I guess you just have it all figured out, don’t you?” He looks me up and down, then turns and walks out of the bar.

Not two seconds later, Mia comes out of the kitchen, surprising me.

“What are you still doing here?”

“He didn’t deserve that, Addie.”

I blink rapidly and march behind the bar to pour myself another glass of wine.

“They’re all the same, Mia, and it was insulting to both of us for him to deny it. I’m sick of being lied to. I’m sick of being hit on by men who only want to get up my skirt, but don’t give a flying fuck about my feelings.”

“He was being nice to you.”

“Of course he was.”

“Addie, Jake isn’t the one you walked in on last night fucking two other women.”

My gaze whips over to hers and I frown. “I wasn’t taking that out on Jake.”

“Bullshit.”

Tears gather in my eyes and I turn away, embarrassed, and not a little ashamed because Mia’s right; he didn’t deserve it.

“I’m a bitch.”

“You’re not a bitch, you’re hurt, and you don’t want to be attracted to him.”

“I’m not attracted to him.”

Mia smirks and shakes her head. “Okay.”

“Fine, I’m attracted to him, but I’m trying really hard not to be.”

“Not every person is the same, Addie.”

“I just deserve so much more, Mia. I don’t understand what it is about me that screams, Fuck me over. Hurt me. I like it.”

The tears want to flow, but I swallow and hold them back.

“Your luck with men has just been shitty,” she says. “I guess you could say that about all of us.”

“Boy, you’re not kidding.”

Suddenly we hear the front door open and close.

“We’re alone,” Mia says soothingly. “It’s okay to cry, you know.”

“No it’s not. It doesn’t accomplish anything.”

“Oh, Addie. You don’t have to be strong all the time. It’s just you and me. You can be vulnerable for five minutes and let it out. I won’t tell.”

She puts her arm around my shoulders, and I cave. I lean my head on her shoulder and cry, thankful that I have someone, four someones really, that I can be weak with. Because God knows I learned long ago that showing anyone else weakness will only get your heart torn out and shredded.

And I’m never going down that road again, on a motorcycle or otherwise.

Chapter Four

Jake

It’s been a month since I started playing at Seduction on the weekends. These gigs have been more fun for me than any other I’ve performed, and I’ve played at all the major awards shows, celebrity weddings, and the biggest arenas in the world.

Yet, sitting on this stool with my guitar, playing new and old songs for a room full of maybe a hundred people fulfills me more than any of those other performances did. Because this is on my terms. It’s just me and the music, in its most raw form, and I crave it more strongly than I ever thought I did.

It’s addicting.

“Ashley, you can go after you finish wrapping that silverware,” Addie says to her lead server, who’s currently counting out her tips.

Speaking of craving.

Addison is one hell of a woman. Yes, she’s gorgeous on the outside. Tall and blond with curves in all the right places, she makes everything male in me stand up and take notice. But she’s so fucking smart too. She has this place running like a well-oiled machine. Her staff respects and likes her, and the customers are always her priority. It’s not a hardship in the least to watch her mingle from table to table as I sing, catching her gaze once in a while.

Watching her lips twitch into a reluctant smile before she turns and walks away, always makes my heart beat just a little faster.

And I never know how she’s going to look when I get here each night. She changes her style more than most people change underwear, and she looks amazing every time. Whether she looks classic or edgy, or anywhere in between, it’s always a surprise.

The best damn surprise I’ve had in years.

Now the place is quiet. The staff is wrapping things up for the night as I fiddle with my guitar, adjusting the tuning.

If I’m honest, the guitar was already perfectly tuned. I just want to watch Addie move about the room.

And that’s fucking pathetic. She doesn’t want to have anything to do with me. She’s made it clear, which pisses me off and amuses me at the same time.

I’ve never been good at taking no for an answer.

And I can’t help but wonder if that’s what this attraction is all about: the challenge.

“Can we discuss my schedule?” Ashley asks. “I have a family dinner for my dad’s birthday next weekend. I’d like to switch with someone, if that’s okay.”

“Sure,” Addie replies, then frowns in thought. “Shit, I left my iPad in the car. I’ll be right back.”

“I’ll meet you in the bar,” Ashley says.

Good idea.

I don’t drink much, not anymore, but I could use one now.

“Great set tonight, Jake,” Kat says from behind the bar. Her lips are deep red, almost matching her hair. She’s in a ripped AC/DC tank top tonight and tight jeans, showing off her ink.

“Thanks,” I reply with a smile.

“What can I get you? Your usual?”

“I have a usual?” I ask with a raised brow, keeping an eye on the back door that leads to the alley. Where is she? It seems to be taking her too long to grab her iPad, but then again, I’m probably being ridiculous.