Wild Side

By Laurie Lonsdale

When naive and sheltered Kelly Carrington agrees to sing back-up for a wild and worldly rock band called Chequered Past, anything can happen...and does! With a dangerous attraction to the lead singer, she finds herself doing things she never dreamed she'd do, and all too soon she's spiraling downward into the abyss of rock 'n' roll, losing herself in her new addictions and the outrageous lifestyle. With a self-destructive lead guitarist and a psychotic fan that's hell-bent on wreaking havoc for the band at every turn, Chequered Past is on the road to ruin. When tragedy strikes, Kelly and her hard-rocking bad boys come face to face with reality and realize they must make a decision as to their fate. The question is...will they be coherent enough to do so after taking a walk on the "Wild Side?" Genre: Romance / Mainstream

• Language: English
• Publisher: Whiskey Creek Press
• Release date: Jul 1, 2008
• ISBN: 9781603132169

Book preview

Prologue

It was the late 80’s and the music industry was booming, with a sea of new faces and big changes. Vinyl records were quickly disappearing from retail shelves as they were replaced with compact discs, and obliterating the artwork of their covers was the emergence of Parental Advisory stickers, warning buyers of explicit lyrics and sexual or violent content. The labels were courtesy of the Parent’s Music Resource Center, better known as the PMRC—an organization formed earlier that decade by an impassioned group of Washington Wives.

And while the battle over censorship raged on, record company giants were cutting multi-million dollar deals, acquiring smaller labels by the dozens, while a slew of new and independent ones were popping up coast to coast, all in an effort to handle the hoard of new vocalists and musicians that were hungry to make their mark.

Every genre of music was well represented. Dance and hip-hop groups abounded, breathing new life into the club scene, as female artists with mellifluous voices and multi-octave ranges were flooding the market. Young harmonized and choreographed boy bands, belting out tear-jerking lyrics of love gone wrong, were popping up faster than the acne on their adolescent faces, and rappers were coming out of the woodwork, spawning a new culture.

Yet, in the midst of it all, the earsplitting, heart-pounding sounds of hell-raising metal bands were more popular than ever. They were dressed in leather, inked in tattoos and eyeliner, and at any given time, surrounded by hoards of groupies, ready and willing to satisfy any and every twisted desire to cross their minds. When they weren’t relying on record label execs and legal eagles to bail them out of trouble, they were screaming out lyrics of good times and sexual conquests, to a head-banging beat and the screech of their guitars. The booze flowed freely, the drugs were plentiful, and the lifestyle was outrageous. They were, quite simply, living life on the Wild Side.

Chapter 1

Come over here, babe. I won’t bite…not unless you want me to, he said with a mischievous grin, unabashedly naked as he lay upon his king-sized bed.

Clad only in a mini silk robe tied loosely around her, she gingerly eased onto the bed beside him, admiring his long and lithe body. His bronzed skin sported several tattoos, including a large and intricate serpent that wound its way down the entire length of his right arm, and a tangle of guitars and skulls on the bicep of his right. She suspected he was inked elsewhere as well, but she was too nervous to allow her eyes to wander. Instead she concentrated on his long tousled hair, fanned across the satin pillow beneath his head, his full lips pursed into a devilish smirk, and his bedroom eyes that were already making love to her, despite that their skin had yet to touch. Suddenly self-conscious, she looked away from his intense stare, and in doing so she caught sight of his taut stomach and long legs, framing his impressive state of arousal. Immediately her heart began pumping faster and she quickly averted her eyes.

Amused by her innocence, he slithered closer to her and then promptly scooped her into his arms, silencing her audible gasp with a long wet kiss. Her head was spinning and everything was a dizzying blur as she tried to make sense of why she was with a man she barely knew—a wild, worldly man who was the complete opposite of everything she had ever known in her entire sheltered, mundane existence. It was all so unlike her. But this man was a rock star, the embodiment of her ultimate fantasy, and whether it was right or wrong to give herself to him, she wasn’t about to let the opportunity of a lifetime slip away.

Slowly she ran her fingers through his hair and all at once clasped the back of his neck, pulling his mouth to hers once again. He responded by sliding his tongue between her lips and then deftly began removing her robe. He caressed the soft, smooth skin of her shoulders, and as the silk gown fell away she quivered under his touch. His mouth moved to her breasts, expertly teasing them with a combination of warm tantalizing kisses and soft quick bites, causing her to gyrate wildly beneath him. Rough from years of plucking guitar strings, his right hand fondled the innermost part of her left thigh, rising higher and higher with each stroke until she was raising her pelvis to meet him. She shuddered as his practiced teasing formed an electric circuit between both parts of her body, and just when she thought she couldn’t take any more she felt the sweet sensation of him entering her. Completely in sync, they quickly found their rhythm together and it wasn’t long before she was crying out for release. Yes! Yes! Yes! she squealed.

Kelly, she heard in the distance as she continued to writhe and groan.

Lost in the feeling, she squeezed her eyes tightly shut, savoring the sound of him calling her name.

Kelly? she heard again, but this time the voice sounded questioning, and she wondered why his tone had changed.

And then…Kelly! Kelly! again, but this time the tone was undeniably angry.

Quickly she opened her eyes and much to her embarrassment realized her steamy encounter had been nothing more than an extremely vivid daydream. She was not living out her rock star fantasy after all. Instead, she was in her fancy Manhattan office at the headquarters of Impact Music, her workplace of the last twelve years, and her boss, Wade Forrester, was staring down his nose at her from the other side of her expensive cherry wood desk.

"What are you so excited about, and to whom are you screaming yes?" he demanded.

Oh…uh…uh…I’m sorry, she stuttered as she tried desperately to regain her composure. I was deep in thought about something I’m working on and I…uh…guess I got a little carried away about a good idea I had. That’s all.

Well, I certainly hope you’re talking about strategy for our newly signed bands. I expect them to amount to a lot more than just one-hit-wonders, so it’s going to require long-term plans and goals. And since you’re now in charge of artist development, you’re going to have to prove you’re worth the position. One slip-up from you and Brooke Sutherland will be all over you like ants on a picnic basket. She’d kill for this job and she’s just waiting for you to screw up so she can rip it out from under you.

I know, Kelly said, almost whispering.

"Now, don’t forget I want to see your proposals by no later than Monday afternoon. And, I expect you to work with the promotions department, to come up with something big for Checkered Past. With all the hard rock and heavy metal bands flooding the scene, these boys are really counting on something special for their summer tour, to set them apart from everyone else."

Yes, sir; I know. Was there anything else? she inquired abruptly.

Believing that she was anxious to return to work, Wade Forrester shook his head and left Kelly’s office, still wondering what he’d witnessed.

Kelly heaved a huge sigh of relief and wiped the perspiration from her brow. After all, her daydream had been a particularly randy one, and had caused her to work up a sweat. Glancing from her desk to the far end of her fancy office, she examined the vast collection of autographed pictures hanging on the wall, and then once again stared at the one that had inspired her fantasy—a photo of her posing with the ever-controversial and very sexy bass player for the band Deviance.

The collection of wall photos represented twelve years of hard work with the illustrious record label, beginning with her entry-level position in the marketing department, moving on to her lengthy stay as a junior exec in promotions, and finally to her present job as senior executive in charge of artist development—a title she’d held for only a few short months. Some of the pictures had been taken backstage at concerts when she’d summoned the courage to attend the very events she’d often worked so hard to promote. The majority, however, had been taken at Impact’s offices, when the talent the record label represented had dropped by the New York headquarters to pay their respects or to handle business in person. For the most part Kelly was absent from the photos, but a handful existed where she had dared to pose with a singer or group, and in each and every one she looked utterly dumbfounded to be standing next to the people she’d helped turn into celebrities. Still, as frightened as she had been to share their space, she’d retained every flirtatious comment that had ever been directed toward her by a band’s cocksure front man. Methodically, she studied each framed commemorative, remembering in vivid detail every heart-thumping, palm-sweating moment of the brief encounters.

In the far right hand corner of the wall was a dramatic black and white shot of Janice Justice, a talented vocalist/guitarist who was openly gay, and had visited Impact with her management team to renegotiate a contract. Unwilling to lose her revenue in CD sales, the executives had granted her every wish, regardless of how frivolous, and by the time Janice had emerged from the meeting she’d felt elated and powerful. Kelly had been in on the meeting, taking notes as to how further promotions were to be handled, and while scribbling frantically on her notepad she’d become acutely aware of the singer looking her over. When the in-house photographer had been summoned to take a picture of Janice before she left the building, she’d insisted that Kelly pose with her, and just as the shot was snapped she’d made an overt pass that had caused Kelly’s stunned facial expression to be captured on film. Four years after the fact she still felt uncomfortable whenever she looked at the photo, yet she couldn’t help being a little curious just the same.

Next to it was an eight by ten glossy of Rico Benzes, a young Latin pop sensation with a massive fan following and an equally massive ego to match. Though Kelly had never been impressed by the overplayed and overnight success, she had to admit that his self-assurance and outrageously engaging remarks had left her feeling somewhat excited.

There was a black and white shot of her with Steve Stewart, the aging rock star that had shown up completely inebriated for a promotional photo shoot, and had ended up sleeping it off on the couch in her office. While he’d snored and drooled all over her burgundy leather sofa, she’d sat patiently behind her desk, watching over him and wondering just how many women he’d bedded in his long career. When he’d finally awakened he’d given her a sly wink, made a suggestive remark or two, and told her that he was inspired to write a song about her. Though the song had never materialized, it had given her yet another story to tell her best friend Abbey Long, who loved to listen to behind-the-scenes tales of the colorful and often-sordid industry.

Kelly’s wall of photographs and extraordinary memories went on and on, but when all was said and done, the circumstances surrounding the picture that caused her to blush most was the one that inspired the majority of her fantasies. It had been taken when she’d posed backstage with Deviance after their performance at Madison Square Garden. Knowing they attracted a virtual sea of out-of-control fans, she’d tried to avoid attending the concert, but had been coerced into going by Wade Forrester, who wanted her to meet with the lucrative rock band. Three of the four members had been incredibly high, including the lead singer, who had unceremoniously screwed a willing groupie up against the wall only seconds after he’d got off stage. The primal sex act had been out in the open for everyone to see, and Kelly had been shocked by it, especially as two of his band mates had cheered him on. She’d always known rock stars were highly sexual, but had never seen anything so raw and up close.

Although she’d been embarrassed by the display and slightly put off by the band, she’d also been strangely intrigued by them, and had a special fondness for the bass player, who had a devil-may-care look about him and a larger-than-life attitude. He’d sensed her attraction to him and had purposely toyed with her, whispering suggestively in her ear and rubbing against her when she’d agreed to pose for a picture. Though the photo failed to show what had happened, it was abundantly clear by the look on Kelly’s face that she was stunned by it. She’d always wondered if he’d done it to taunt her because she appeared so innocent and out of place in the world of rock music. And when she really thought about it, she had to agree. Indeed, she was out of her element. If not for her keen business sense, creative thinking, and admirable work ethic, chances are she never would have made it in the industry, except perhaps in the mail room.

But lately, Kelly found herself wanting to open up to the music and get to know it on a different level. And as far as the players were concerned, she had to admit she was curious. In her short-lived dating years she’d gravitated toward safe and clean-cut men who would make her parents happy, but suddenly the idea of coupling with a bad boy sounded much more appealing. She didn’t know whether her fantasy was inspired by her discontent with her personal life, or whether it was because she’d always secretly harbored a wild side. Either way, the cause didn’t really matter. What did matter was that she felt a definite change taking place within her.

The more Kelly thought about it she realized that, although she’d never been inclined to act upon the propositions she’d received, she’d actually attracted a lot of attention over the years, and had been given ample opportunity to cheat on her husband. It wasn’t that she flaunted herself in front of the musicians. As a matter of fact, because she was shy and reserved, more often than not she tried to blend into the woodwork. But somehow, it just couldn’t be helped—men loved her and were drawn to her like moths to a flame. And, as Janice Justice had proven, she obviously held a certain appeal for women as well.

Though Kelly never focused a great deal of time and attention on her looks, she was physically stunning with silky caramel-colored hair, naturally streaked with ash blonde waves that cascaded over her shoulders and down her back. She had huge, captivating green eyes, long lashes and very full wine-colored lips. And thanks to her love of aerobics and yoga, she had a sculpted body that just wouldn’t quit. At thirty years old, she looked more like twenty-five. All of that combined with delicate features and flawless skin and she could have easily pursued a career in modeling. However, her attributes didn’t end there, as she also had an amazing honeyed voice that could carry more notes than most of the singers she helped to promote. Many at Impact, executives and represented talent alike, who’d had the accidental pleasure of hearing her sing, had insisted her striking appearance and vast vocal ability deserved to be on stage instead of behind the scenes working to make others rich and famous. Nevertheless, she had always shied away from such suggestions, because she couldn’t begin to comprehend that kind of lifestyle and career change. She couldn’t fathom being the constant center of attention, or letting her hair down and embracing life with wild abandon. And she was sure she’d never feel comfortable in life’s spotlight.

Or would she? The thought had crossed her mind a time or two…or perhaps even a few dozen, but at the end of the day, she always sloughed it off as a silly daydream, citing her husband and plans for a family as her sole reason for living. Yet, lately she found herself wondering why she was so devoted to a husband that no longer acknowledged her existence. In point of fact, it was his blatant disregard for her that was causing her mind to wander and focus on the photos on her wall.

Given her strict and religious upbringing, her husband was the only man she’d ever slept with, yet despite her lack of experience, she knew their physical relationship was lacking. Their honeymoon activities had been less than memorable, and since then their sex life had dropped off steadily until it was almost completely non-existent. She’d saved herself for marriage thinking it would be worth it, only to discover that part of her life was as unfulfilled as it had always been. So, as she entered the prime of her life and her mind and body were screaming for attention, it was no wonder she fantasized about experienced music men, who were the epitome of red-hot sex and were known to indulge with recklessness. But that’s all it was, a fantasy, for Kelly was far too restrained and moral to ever step out of line.

For a while longer she studied the pictures on her wall, singling out those in which a singer or band member had propositioned her, and knowing they had found her so appealing caused a wide satisfied smile to play across her face. Then her eyes dropped to the wedding photo that sat on the corner of her desk, and she studied it equally as thoroughly. Somehow it seemed oddly out of place against the backdrop of the others—those that were synonymous with excitement, excess and danger. Instead, her wedding photo equaled boredom and disillusionment, and was only a sad reminder there was a huge void in her life.

Chapter 2

It was late Friday afternoon and Kelly Carrington-Monroe sat behind her desk, staring at her blackened computer screen in utter disbelief. Much to her disappointment it was the fourth time the temperamental piece of technology had crashed before she’d had the chance to make any headway with the pile of work that sat before her. At the rate she was going, she’d never produce the proposals she needed to make her Monday afternoon deadline.

Shit! she blurted out, frustrated and angry.

Her sudden outburst caught the attention of her effeminate male assistant, Wesley James, who was seated at his desk, just outside her office. In a matter of seconds, he appeared in her doorway looking eager to help. Did you need me for something? he asked, as he leaned into her office.

No, she replied, sounding more tired than embarrassed, but thanks for checking in.

Not again, he said as he looked past her and noticed the blank screen. Do you want me to call a tech to come and take a look at it?

Quickly, she glanced at the clock on the wall and then shook her head dismally. It’s too late now. Don’t worry about it. Technical support won’t get around to it till Monday and I don’t have the luxury of waiting that long.

Wesley raised his eyes brows quizzically. Stressed, huh?

What was your first clue? she asked sarcastically.

Well, it’s obvious something’s wrong when Consummate Kelly decides to swear, and by my count that’s twice in the last minute.

Kelly lowered her head into her hands and rubbed at her eyes, confirming her frustration and smearing black mascara onto her hands and cheeks.

When she finally raised her head she sounded genuinely upset. "Please don’t call me Consummate Kelly. I know everyone around here thinks it’s cute, but it irritates the hell out of me."

I’m sorry. You’ve never said anything about it before, he said, sounding slightly confused.

I know you’re only teasing, but I despise it. It makes me sound like Little-Miss-Goody-Two-Shoes, and frankly I’m sick of the label. I’d rather be known as spontaneous and fun loving, instead of a stick in the mud. I’m fed up with trying to be so perfect all the time. And for the record, I know I’m swearing. And yes, I’m incredibly stressed. I’ve been working on these proposals forever, but I’m not getting anywhere. I’m out of time and out of fresh ideas.

Ideas for what? he questioned.

"Well, on top of mapping out careers for some bands that Forrester just signed, I’ve also got to come up with a promotional gig for some bad-ass metal band called Checkered Past. According to Forrester, these guys are in desperate need of something new and exciting to draw a crowd."

Bad-ass, huh? I don’t believe I’ve ever heard you use that word before, Wesley said with a snicker.

Yeah, well, there are a lot of things I’ve never done before, she replied hastily.

Oh, I see, Wesley replied, not really seeing at all. But you’re no longer in promotions, so why it is your responsibility?

"There’s a certain amount of crossover in every department, Wes, and since I’m now in charge of artist development for this band, Forrester wants me to keep on top of every aspect. But I think the real reason for giving me so much work is because I don’t know how to say no, and Forrester knows it. Whatever he dishes out, I take—no questions asked."

Wesley wasn’t sure what to make of Kelly’s unusual demeanor. Certainly, it had caught him off-guard. As amused as he was listening to her swear and complain about her job, he was utterly perplexed because he’d never known her to be anything other than prim and proper. She was always reserved and businesslike, and completely atop of her game. Yet, here she was, visibly aggravated and suddenly laboring over projects that were ordinarily very simple tasks for her. He looked around her office, stalling as he considered her strange mood.

Is there anything I can do to help? he asked, placing his arm compassionately around her shoulder. Whatever you need, just name it.

The truth was that Wesley had held Kelly in high regard since the day they’d met, and he was truly willing to do just about anything for her. They were more like friends than boss and assistant, and over the years, they’d developed a comfortable relationship that he’d come to cherish. But lately, he felt as though she was holding back on him; like there was something she wanted to get off her chest but was too ashamed to bring it up.

Thanks for the offer, Wes, but I’ve already saddled you with the Steve Stewart tour. You did a fantastic job and you deserve to go home and have a great weekend. The rest are my responsibility, she replied with a sigh. But don’t worry. I’ll get it all done…somehow.

"Kel, you know you’re the head of this department—you’re not one of workers. You should be delegating more. That’s what we’re all here for…to work for you."

I realize that, but it’s been made clear to me that Brooke is gunning for my job, and since I can’t take a chance that I’ll actually lose it to her, I feel safer doing these things myself.

Yeah, I get it, but this is the third night in a row you’ve worked overtime, not to mention two nights last week and four nights the week before that. Doesn’t your hubby mind? Isn’t he giving you a hard time for not spending any time at home with him? Wesley asked, suddenly concerned for his friend’s home life, or lack thereof.

Kelly rolled her eyes. "No, as a matter of fact, I don’t think he even realizes I’m missing. And the idea of him giving me a hard time is laughable. It’s been so long since I’ve known anything hard from that man; I don’t think I’d even recognize it."

Wesley didn’t answer. Instead he looked at her wide-eyed and dumfounded. Sex was something that pristine Kelly never discussed, so for her to make any kind of comment was a complete shock.

The only one at home waiting for me to return is Thor, she said, referring to her faithful Siberian Husky. Besides, outside of being home to play with him, lately I think I’d prefer to be here anyway.

Oh…I didn’t realize things weren’t so good at home. Do you want to talk about it?

Kelly hesitated and stared once again at her blackened screen, afraid to look directly at him in case she broke down and cried. Maybe later; right now I’ve got too much to do, she said dismissively. Why don’t you pack up to go home? It’s almost quitting time anyway. Just clear some space for me on your desk, because at some point I’ll need your computer.

Are you sure?

I’m sure, she said with a forced smile.

As you wish, then. See you Monday? he replied, his tone of voice sounding more like a question than a statement.

Where else would I be? she said drearily.

As she watched him exit her office, she reflected a moment, realizing that taking Wesley under her wing had been the best move she’d made at Impact. He’d been with her since her early days in the promotions department. He was intelligent, insightful, efficient, and loyal, and best of all he had become a very good friend. She hadn’t sensed that he was gay when she’d hired him—not that it would have influenced her decision in the slightest—she’d just felt silly when everyone else in the office had picked up on it immediately and she’d been left trying to decipher comments made by co-workers and a few that were made by Wesley himself. Then again, it was no wonder she was naïve about such things after having led such a sheltered life. Except for her ties to the music industry, which on rare occasion allowed her a sneak peek at the decadent lifestyle, she was pretty well a virgin when it came to anything else but playing the role of doting wife and maintaining her career at Impact.

* * * *

If not for the knock on her office door, Kelly may have never lifted her trance-like gaze from her desktop, and when she finally did she was disappointed to find Brooke Sutherland staring back at her.

Brooke was an attractive black woman, also in her early thirties, and the only other office employee who took her job so seriously that she was willing to work countless hours of overtime. Like Kelly, she was hardworking, creative, and a perfectionist to the bone, completely dedicated to her career. But that’s where the similarities ended, as the differences between the two women were overwhelming. Brooke was single and entirely indifferent about her romantic relationships, of which there were many, and around the office she was rude, bitchy, and self-absorbed. She’d set her sights on heading up the development department, and she’d even gone to the extent of offering Wade Forrester her oral services should he be willing to reconsider her for the job.

I was just packing up for the night when I saw your light still on. What keeps you here so late? she asked, attempting to sound non-threatening. It must be something big if you’re here on a Friday night.

Not really, I was just about to wrap it up anyway,