Surrendering (Surrender 1)

“Raven, why don’t you come with me to the ladies’ room? Then we can stop by the band room. Declan mentioned introducing you to the guys.” Abbi nudges me.

“Sounds good, let me get my drink.”

“No need, we can get a beer backstage.”

I get up to move and Finn grabs my hand. “Be careful, Baby Girl. I think you know what I mean.”

By the look in his eye, I catch his meaning. He knows something is going on with Declan. He’s always trying to protect me. I wink at him and give him a quick kiss on the cheek. “Love you, Finn. There’s nothing to be alarmed about.”

Backstage is a riot. There are people everywhere and a full bar in the corner. I see several women sitting on guys’ laps and some are even making out on a small couch against a wall. Abbi gets us a beer and snarls in the general direction of the crowd.

“Only about five of these guys are actually with the band. The others either work here or are friends with the guys. Most of these girls are Band Bunnies. One or two of them may actually be here legitimately, but the rest are here trying to get one of the guys to hook up with them. It’s sad really.”

I tug on my beer, “Isn’t that the definition of a groupie?”

“Yes, but Ella and I named them Band Bunnies. They want to fuck like rabbits.”

“Great call, I’ll remember that.”

I feel him before I see him. There are goose bumps on my arms and my throat starts to close. I look around the room and there he is. There’s a curvy blond sitting on the arm of his chair running her hands through his hair. He’s in a pair of worn, ripped jeans and a red shirt. He’s put in his lip ring and is wearing several leather bracelets on his wrists. He looks incredible. I feel the heat in the air and my mouth goes dry. This bitch keeps running her fingers over him. He’s talking to another guy and it doesn’t seem to faze him. Ella interrupts my thoughts as she nudges my shoulder.

“Raven, you okay? You look pale.”

“Yeah, I’m okay. It’s just a hot flash. The room’s so small and there are so many people here. Maybe we should go back to the table.”

“Let’s just say hi to the band first and get out of here. They’re great guys and I think you’ll like them. They’re not quite as tame and conservative as your hot-tourage, but they’re all heart.”

I shrug and follow them to the center of the room where there are three seriously good looking guys standing. They all stop talking as we approach. Each one of them has their own style of sex appeal. I see a mohawk, tattoo sleeves, facial piercings, and tons of silver and leather.

“Holy shit! Ella and Abbi Collins are in the house tonight!” Says Mohawk Man.

They proceed to hug, kiss, and squeeze Abbi and Ella with affection.

Finally, Abbi turns to me and introduces me, “Guys, this is Ravenel Hayes. She’s our new roommate.”

They all turn to me and I can see them taking me in. I’m glad I took the extra time to get ready tonight.

“Fuck,” this comes from Mohawk guy.

“Shit,” this comes from Sleeves guy.

“Son of a bitch,” this comes from Piercings guy.

I start to feel self-conscious. I look down to make sure I’m covered.

Ella snaps her fingers and everyone breaks staring at me to look at her.

“You really should introduce yourselves before you mentally undress her.”

Each of them reaches out a hand to shake mine.

“Blake.” Mohawk.

“Cooper.” Sleeves.

“Nate.” Piercings.

“Nice to meet you. Please call me Raven.”