Page 35 of Bulletproof
Cam tried to grab it, but Brandon held it above his head, just out of Cam’s reach. “You’re gonna get it now, rock star.” Cam pinned Brandon against the stucco exterior wall with his body and slammed his mouth on the singer’s lips.
Brandon, who looked like he was melting into the concrete wall, suddenly spun Cam aroundand pinned Cam’s arms above his head, barely breaking their kiss and still holding onto the spatula.
God damn, those two were hot together. Mesmerized, Travis couldn’t take his eyes from the two dominant men.
“It’s like watching porn come to life.” Derek slung an arm over Travis’ shoulder as he also watched Brandon and Cam. “Popcorn?”
Travis looked down atthe bowl Derek offered and burst out laughing. “Thanks.” He shoved a fistful into his mouth with his good hand.
The goofy smile on Derek’s lips waned and he ran his fingers across Travis’ cheek. “I was really worried about you tonight. Are you sure you don’t need anything?”
The gentle touch, the caring words, and the soft tone made Travis’ insides turn to butter. Derekwanted to take care of him, and it made heat flush Travis’ face all the way up to his forehead, and his throat closed. “I’m just waiting on those burgers,” he replied, in a low whisper.
“Me, too. How are those burgers coming, Cam?”
“Almost done! Brandon was supposed to be getting me barbecue sauce, but I think he got lost.”
“I’ll get it.” Travis opened thesliding glass doors, stepped into the suite, and reveled in the brilliant sound system, louder now that he was indoors. He listened toNotoriousby Adelitas Way coming from the living room, and paused to reflect on the words of the song, which could be an anthem written specifically for him. Still enamored by the luxuries and unlimited amenities that surrounded Bulletproof, he took in the lushaccommodations. One day, Reckless will be as famous, he told himself, and he’d have speakers even louder than the Klipsch setup that Derek demanded.
He headed toward the kitchen and found Brandon filling a cooler with beer bottles and ice, because apparently walking back and forth to get a round of beers was too much trouble for the members of Bulletproof. They liked their alcoholwithin arm’s reach, and Travis was all for it.
“What’s up, Travis?” Brandon asked.
“Cam’s looking for the barbecue sauce.”
“Shit.” Brandon scratched his head and pushed his hair behind his ears. “I forgot all about it.” He stuck his hand in the fridge, pulled out a container that looked like homemade marinade, and handed it to Travis. “Thanks, buddy.”
“Sure. I’m happy to help.” Travis took a few steps toward the balcony, and then hesitated. “Can I talk to you for a second, Bran?” He couldn’t believe he used the nickname given to Brandon by his best friends. It seemed too familiar, too personal. It just came out, probably from the sense of belonging and closeness he felt with this new group of friends.
“Sure.” Brandonignored the cooler on the floor and gave Travis his full attention. All six feet two inches of it. Standing up close to the legendary Brandon Bullet was a little intimidating. His hair was wild and untamed from leaning over the cooler, so a thick, blond lion’s mane encompassed his shoulders all the way down to his elbows, almost as long as Derek’s. His chest was so fucking broad that Travis thoughtthe guy’s pecs were going to break through the cotton T-shirt if he moved too fast.
Brandon popped the cap off a beer and took a swig, his bicep flexing as he tilted the bottle to his lips. “Can I get you something? Water? Soda?” He glanced toward the balcony to make sure no one was listening. “Do you want another beer?”
Travis had a buzz going that had nothing to dowith alcohol. “Thanks, but I’m on some serious shit.”
“Anything good?” Brandon asked, with a grin.
“Vicodin and Xanax. Plus some other shit. My blood pressure was sky high. My heartrate was off the charts. And I was kinda flipping out.”
“Flipping out? How do you mean?”
“I wanted to split, but they wouldn’t let me go until I calmed down and untilmy pressure came down. I was ready to have a major panic attack.”
“You get those?” Brandon asked with concern.
Travis nodded, dropping his gaze to the floor for a second. “Sometimes.”
“Well, you seem real calm now.”
Sure, now Travis was calm. At the hospital they threatened to bring him to the psych ward when he almost punched an orderly whotried to physically restrain him. “That’s what I wanted to talk to you about.”
Brandon’s clear blue eyes turned a shade darker. “This doesn’t have something to do with Derek, does it?”
“Derek’s a Godsend. He’s the best thing in my life.” Travis let out a deep breath, remembering all the things Mark had said about him. “I don’t know what the hell he’s doing with me.”
“Derek really cares about you.”
“I know, but let’s face it. Derek’s got the world in the palm of his hand. All of you do. You’re at the top of the charts and you’ve been there from the moment you started out in this business. I don’t even think Bulletproof has reached its pinnacle yet. You’re four jewels in a crown, sitting on the throne of heavy metal fame. And as faras I’m concerned, Derek shines the brightest.” Travis paused, reflecting on the differences between him and Derek. They were as similar as they were different. “Look at me. I’m messed up. I’m afraid I’m gonna bring him down. Knock him off his game.”
