AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“What’s this?” He opens it and reads Bobby’s name out loud. “Who the fuck is Bobby?” He holds up his skull-ringed fingers. “Don’t tell me, another guy who is going to make my life hell on the road. AC/DC didn’t write ‘I’m on a highway to hell’ for nothing, little sis.”
Ignoring his remark, I say, “Ha, real funny. He is a she, and one of the best PAs in the business. You should call her and offer her an insane amount of money before I tell Dad and have him call one of his old balding buddies to babysit your ass.”
Axl studies me from top to bottom.
“What?” I ask, looking at my attire for the night: black jumpsuit, tattoos on display.
He brushes my hair back behind my pierced ears. “You look and sound more like Mom every day.”
With tears in his eyes he kisses my forehead.
“I’m sorry, but somebody has to take care of all you assholes.” I focus on the clear drink in my hand. “And if you’re gonna tell me ‘this is how we roll,’ so help me.”
He tilts my chin up, grinning. “Don’t worry, Alice. You’re a pain in my ass but I love you. You’re beautiful, just like Mom. I’m glad you got her personality as well. Doesn’t matter if you tend to make my life difficult.” Winking, he takes a deep breath and looks at the napkin in his hand. “And I promise to call this Bobby. Can’t have Dad on my ass.” Avoiding my eyes, he closes the sheet of paper with shaking fingers.
Tapping my black-painted nails on the glass, I turn to the band playing on stage. “Mom was a pistol, wasn’t she?”
He grins. “Like Annie Oakley.”
I chuckle.
“Want another drink?” he asks, motioning with his chin to my now empty glass.
“I’m buying.” An all too familiar voice rumbles through me. I pinch my eyes shut, hoping this is all a bad dream.
“Hey, man, glad you could join us,” my brother says.
And before I know it, all the boys box Navarone in, slapping him on the back and hugging him with those bro hugs.
Frankie turns around and whispers in my ear, “Run, babe.”
I mouth, ‘thank you’ and duck out like the coward I am.
I push open the wooden door, and the cold night air washes over me as I start walking home. I shoot both my brothers a quick text, telling them I’m leaving. And an extra one for Axl with a middle finger; bastard sold me out. Turning onto my street, someone runs after me. I grab my purse, ready to take a swing at the potential assailant, when Navarone calls my name.
“Alice, for fuck’s sake, wait,” he pants, running up to me.
“No.” I grit my teeth, not stopping until I reach the porch and begin digging through my purse for the keys.
He slams his hands next to my head, pinning me against the door. “Don’t shut me out, Al. Why do you always run away from me?”
I take a deep breath before I turn around, looking up into his piercing eyes.
Damn, his longer hair looks hot. I’m a sucker for a good comb back. I shudder when I feel his body heat. He hasn’t gotten tattoos in those years apart, unlike me, I guess. I don’t know if he is hiding some under his black button-down shirt. What is he going to think about my ink, will he like it or hate it? I shake my head.
Dark strands fall over his face and collar, and he grunts, raking both hands through his hair.
I hold his stare, a sigh escaping my lips. “Why? So you can walk out the door again once you’ve gotten what you came for?” I bite out. “Why haven’t you signed the damn divorce papers already?” I ask, pushing him away from me.
He takes a step back, probably because he hasn’t met the new bitch me. Well, nice to meet you, asshole. He must think I’m still some shy sixteen-year-old, or the girl I was when I let him put a ring on it in Vegas.
“You know damn well why.” His voice rumbles through me.
Ducking under and away from his arm, I turn the key. “Go away.” I try to push the door in his face, but of course his boot is between it and my salvation. Walking in after me, he slams it shut behind us.
“Go the fuck away,” I drawl, marching into the kitchen before pouring myself a big ole drink.
“Since when do you drink this?” he asks, motioning to the overflowing glass of clear liquor in my hand. He looks at the brand, and I can’t place his cocky smile.
