Page 23 of Chasing Bandit

Fuck if that didn’t sound like exactly what I needed to take the edge off the past month of madness. Dove was Red's younger sister and a full out rock star now who toured the world. On occasion, she'd come back to Lonestar Junction to visit her family on their ranch and take a break from her wild lifestyle. When she’d visit, she’d usually grace the community with a free performance as a thanks for our support.

Going out tonight with Red would distract me enough to give me something pretty to look at and remind me that I was being ridiculous sitting here, thinking about a woman who never really wanted me.

I fired off a response acknowledging I'd be there and headed to the shower to try to wash off the memory of Stevie. Of course, as soon as the warm water hit my skin my hand found my cock like a magnet, and I jacked off to memories of fucking her from behind.

When I sufficiently unloaded all over the shower floor, I felt a little better about the night. I wouldn't touch Red tonight, even if I knew it'd help me get Stevie off my mind, but at least now, I could look without thinking of Stevie's golden hair instead.

I threw on a pair of ripped jeans, an all-white t-shirt and brown cowboy hat. When I went to grab my keys, my phone pinged again, this time with a notification from Nash.

Nash: Rode House Bar tonight at 8. Stevie will be there. Behave.

Chapter 18 – Stevie

Rex's Rodeo House Bar was unlike anything I'd ever seen. The warehouse styled bar was packed wall-to-wall with bodies, divided into two main sections. In the center, line dancing filled the space in front of large stereos where a band was setting up, while toward the back, two roped-off rings hosted mechanical bull riding events.

I’d been to plenty western themed bars in Houston, so I was comfortable with the easy steps and movements to line dancing, but Lonestar Junction seemed to take things to a different level. They acted like they’d invented line dancing and not only did they play the old country greats but rotated some rap and R&B in the mix. Somehow, there were steps even for those songs.

“You want a drink?” Clay shouted over the music to me.

“Sure. I’ll come with you.”

Clay and I left Nash and Jovie to explore one of the several bars lining the corners of the venue. We ordered a pitcher of beer and a few cups before returning back to our group.

"This place is loud!" I shouted over the music, and Clay nodded enthusiastically in agreement.

“Just wait until the band starts playing. Last time we were here, Jovie and Savannah did the bull riding and Nash almost had a stroke.”

I threw my head back in laughter as Clay poured a cup full of beer for himself while I sipped on the cool, pale ale.

"Hey, Stevie," a deep voice boomed from behind me, and I felt arms gently wrap around my waist that spun me to face Franklin.

"Hi," I replied, turning to hug Franklin back. As I released him, I noticed Clay's raised brows as he sipped his beer, catching my eye.

“Clay Cameron, good to see you,” Franklin said extending his hand to Clay who shook it.

“Always a pleasure, Franklin. I'll leave you two while I go find Savannah,” he turned on his heel but not before stooping down and whispering in my ear, “You’re playing with fire, Vector. Wylie's not going to like this.”

Before I could respond, he had already disappeared into the crowd.

“You want to dance?” Franklin asked grinning. I nodded and we took off to the middle of the floor.

Twenty minutes later I was a hot, sweaty mess laughing in Franklin’s arms as we finished another dance together while the band, headlined by a beautiful young woman with brown skin, dark auburn hair and bright blue eyes finished up a country version of Gwen Stefani's 'Don't Speak.'

“Alright cowboys and cowgirls, I’m going to take a short break for refreshment and then be back in 15 minutes for some more live music. Stay tuned!” the lead singer of the band bellowed out as she danced off the stage.

"She was phenomenal," I said to Franklin during the quiet pause as the band cleared out and employees of the facility dragged two large speakers out onto the stage. “Who knew Gwen Stefani could be danced to.”

"She’s my sister," he grinned.

"Really?"

He nodded, "Paloma has been singing since she was a toddler in the choir at church. It was only once she was a teenager that she decided rock was more her style and joined her first band at school and took professional voice lessons. That was when she opted for her stage name of Dove. Occasionally, she makes the trek back to Lonestar Junction to visit our family when she's not in Los Angeles or touring. She always gives the locals a free mini concert as a thank you for not treating her like the bad ass rock star she is when she's in town and allowing her to be normal."

Before I could respond, the stereo began playing a very loud country, rap song as cheers rung out throughout the facility and women started to drop it low. I'd been dancing since I was young, hitting clubs in Houston where moves like this were second nature.

Without a second thought, I joined in, slipping my arms around Franklin's neck, moving in a smooth body wave against him. I spun away, dropping my hands to the floor, then rising back up. But when I stood, the air had shifted in the facility and the skin on my body immediately prickled with goosebumps. My heart raced in my chest and my breathing quickened. Even though I couldn't see him, I could feel Wylie's presence around me like a dark, ominous smoke.

I scanned the room, standing taller, seeking refuge by burying my face in Franklin’s neck, as if I could shield myself from Wylie’s penetrating stare, wherever it might be coming from.

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