Reno

By H.C. Brown

For the member of a famous rock ‘n’ roll band, Dazed bass player, Reno Rocket’s life is boringly normal, right down to the controlling girlfriend he has tucked away. When the new lead singer, Tanner Star arrives, Reno’s attraction to the rock legend and notorious Dom is immediate and frightening. The moment Tanner grinds against him on stage, his life is changed forever.

PUBLISHER NOTE: Gay, M/M, BDSM, Bondage. 67,400 words.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Luminosity Publishing LLP
• Release date: Nov 15, 2019
• ISBN: 9780463402757

H.C. Brown

H.C. Brown is a multi-published, multi-genre, bestselling, award-winning author.In 2016, she was delighted to be named Luminosity Publishing’s Bestselling Author of 2015.In 2015, she was delighted to be named Luminosity Publishing’s Bestselling Author of 2014.In 2015, Highlander in the Mist was placed 3rd in Historical and Rock ‘n’ Leather was placed 3rd GLBT in the Easychair Bookshop Competition.In 2015, Highlander in The Mist was nominated in The Romance Reviews 2015 Readers’ Awards.In 2011, she was delighted to receive nominations in three categories in the 2011 CAPA Awards: Favorite Author, Best GLBT Romance, and Best Science Fiction Romance.She was nominated for Best Historical M/M in the 2013, Goodreads Book of Year Awards.H.C writes about strong alpha male heroes and girl next door heroines in complex settings, and all her stories have happy endings.H.C. welcomes feedback from her readers.

Book preview

RENO

H.C. BROWN

For the member of a famous a rock ‘n’ roll band, Dazed bass player, Reno Rocket’s life is boringly normal, right down to the controlling girlfriend he has tucked away. When the new lead singer, Tanner Star arrives, Reno’s attraction to the rock legend and notorious Dom is immediate and frightening. The moment Tanner grinds against him on stage, his life is changed forever.

PUBLISHER NOTE: Gay, M/M BDSM / Bondage.  67,400 words.

RENO

H.C. BROWN

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LUMINOSITY PUBLISHING LLP

RENO

Copyright © November 2019 H.C BROWN

Cover Art by Poppy Designs

ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

No part of this literary work may be reproduced in any form or by any means, including electronic or photographic reproduction, in whole or in part, without the written permission of the publisher.

This is a work of fiction. All characters and events in this book are fictitious. Any resemblance to actual persons living or dead is purely coincidental.

CHAPTER ONE

Blacktown Recording Studio, London, England

DOWN, lover boy. Deke leaned against the poster-covered wall and grinned. You’re starting to drool, man.

Tanner Star gazed through the window of the soundproofed booth to the delicious young musician putting down an instrumental track. Reno Rocket’s blond hair fell over his face in a silken mass. Immersed in the complicated riff, he let his long slender fingers caress the guitar strings with a lover’s touch. Man, Reno was one talented dude. Tanner had never met a person who played so many instruments. Reno played bass on stage but lead on all the tracks. Tanner’s gaze drifted over the tempting flesh of his exposed neck and the ragged T-shirt with the brown stain over one shoulder. He grinned. Earlier, his casual bump into the sweet guy had caused a domino effect, ending with Deke spilling his cola down Reno’s back.

The brilliant composition flowed around him, through him, the guitarist giving life to a song Reno and Tanner had created together. Tanner tapped his fingers to the beat of Lenny’s drums. Caught in the magic of the moment, he became one with Reno and the melody. The young man glanced up at the booth and gave Tanner a brilliant smile. Tanner pressed a hand over his heart. Have mercy.

Don’t you think I’d have made a move on him by now if he was available? Deke pushed his thumbs into the front pockets of his Levi’s. He’s straight. He let out a long sigh. You’re wasting your time.

Nah, I don’t think so. I’m guessing he hasn’t come out yet. Tanner rubbed the back of his neck. "You may have worked with him for the past three years and think you know him, but I’m not fucking blind. Every time Reno stares at me, he gets that look in his eye. Have you seen the way he reacts to me on stage? He raised a brow. Man, as soon as I touch him, he blushes crimson and hides his hard-on behind his bass."

Ah-huh? Deke grinned. "Yeah, well . . . I’d get a hard-on if you rubbed ten inches over my ass too. He chuckled. Man, you can rub against me any time."

Tanner folded his arms over his chest and flicked a glance at Deke. Okay, his friend was attractive, but two Doms together — no way. Man, the day you rub your hairy balls on me, I’ll go fucking straight. He licked his lips. "But if Reno rubbed that tight ass over me . . . oh, baby, come to Papa."

Reno attracted him with an innocence his Dom side craved to possess. The shy guy had a hard muscular body he wanted to lick all over. An angelic face and full, oh-so-fucking-kissable lips. Reno’s sultry, emerald-green gaze followed his every move on and off stage. The buzz between them hummed with deep-seated intimacy. He noticed the blush on Reno’s cheeks whenever they spoke. Hell, he understood adoring glances. If he had made a mistake about Reno’s sexuality, he would eat his guitar.

It will never happen. Deke pressed his hands on the flashing control panel and stared at Reno. What the fuck would a sweet vanilla boy want with a crazy Dom like you? He smacked his forehead with his palm. Christ! You think you can change him over to our team, don’t you?

Tanner smiled. Deke’s read on him came from a long friendship. In fact, Tanner had drooled over Dazed’s famous bass player from afar for years. What red-blooded gay man wouldn’t find him attractive? Okay, so yeah, he planned to make a move on Reno. The news Reno was straight had thrown him off course for a while, that was all. With a wide grin, Tanner grasped his package. Trust me, he wants this real bad.

The music stopped. Tanner waited for the producer to start the playback. Inside the booth, Reno glanced up at him again with a smile that lit up his eyes. Tanner’s stomach went into free fall. He gave Reno the thumbs-up sign. His gaze dropped to Reno’s full lips. He swallowed hard and cupped his aching balls. I want you, sweet thing.

Sure, he had kept his distance at first, but Reno’s I’m interested signals had become difficult to ignore. He had decided to take things slow with the shy man. His friendship with Reno had developed over the past month into something special. The talented musician often came to him with ideas for songs, and he enjoyed working way into the night, creating magic with him. Tanner smiled to himself. Had Reno become his obsession? True, vivid images of him flittered through his mind every fucking second. He had to admit, he craved the sweet man as his obedient sub and a welcome addition to his empty bed.

"Man, I can see your mind working from here. Deke inclined his head. Are you planning to make a move on him? He laughed. Oh man, are you in for a surprise."

"Oh, yeah, I’m planning a very sweet surprise. Tanner wet his lips. That delicious piece of ass is mine."

CHAPTER TWO

Wembley Arena, London

A SHIVER of awareness slid down Reno’s back. He averted his eyes from Tanner Star’s leather-clad, gyrating ass. Keep it together, jackass. In response to Tanner’s incredibly sexy moves, he had dissolved into another bout of lust. The singer had cast his erotic spell over him again. The heavy musk of hot, sweaty men filled his nostrils. His heart pounded. For a long time, he’d questioned his attraction to men, and in the last two months, Tanner Star had smashed it right in his face.

As he played the introduction to the final song, his cock stood to attention. Tanner’s choreographed sexual innuendos toward him during the encore each night had become an addiction. The new lead singer of Dazed had hit the media hard with his in-your-face attitude from the first concert on this world tour. The man advertised the fact he enjoyed BDSM, from his tight black leather pants to his studded belt and cuffs. Some nights a flogger hung from his back pocket, and the fans ate it up.

Tanner gave Reno a long, sultry look and moved his hot gaze slowly up and down his body. Their gazes locked. Reno clenched his ass in anticipation. The crowd roared encouragement. The stage trembled.

The singer strutted in his direction. His smooth baritone voice belted out the heavy rock song with consummate ease. Reno’s pulse quickened. He tossed the hair from his face and concentrated on the instrument in his hand — not that this raunchy song had one chance in hell of soothing his shattered nerves.

A primal beat thudded through the soles of his feet. He dropped his head, nodding in time to the music. The lead guitarist began a long solo, and Reno’s heartbeat increased in expectation.

A strong hand slid around his waist. The audience roared in approval. Damp breath brushed his cheek. The heat of Tanner’s body burned through his clothes. The man molded against him, and his hard shaft wedged in the cleft of Reno’s buttocks. God, he wanted to rub his ass all over him.

The singer ground his hips in a well-rehearsed erotic move. With a groan, Reno leaned into Tanner’s muscular chest and tipped his head back on the man’s shoulder. The scent of aftershave and hot, clean male hit him hard.

The crowd began to chant. Kiss him, kiss him.

Reno’s attention flicked to the massive screen. The intense expression on Tanner’s face spoke volumes. He lifted his chin and fell into the singer’s hot gaze. His fingers froze on the base. He swallowed to cut off the groan threatening to expose his desire.

His knees trembled. Tanner’s big palm burned a scorching path to Reno’s hip. The man’s hard shaft pressed into him. The bass guitar slid beneath his sweat-soaked palms.

I want you, vanilla boy. Tanner’s teeth closed on Reno’s earlobe.

The words were for him alone; it was the first time Tanner had hit on him. His mind reeled with the implications. Reno kicked himself for being vulnerable. After all, Tanner repeated the move during every performance for the crowd, so why hit on him tonight? He drew a deep breath and smiled into the sea of waving hands. He had given the same rehearsed reaction each time they performed.

Reno returned to his bass. His mind rushed to a million conclusions at once. Tanner had a weird sense of humor. Perhaps this was another of his jokes. If not, did his friend have any idea what he was doing to him? Lately, he’d fought against the jumble of emotions playing havoc with his sexuality. Tanner made him think differently on so many levels. One whiff of Tanner’s musky male scent and his mind filled with erotic images of man love. He shook his head to dispel the thoughts and resumed playing. Jesus, he can’t possibly know how I feel about him — can he?

Tanner gave him a playful slap on the backside and picked up the chorus with a wink to the fans. The final encore ended with a roll of drums. The auditorium fell into darkness. Reno pushed his bass into the hands of a roadie and followed the other members of the band escaping from the stage. A hand closed around his arm. The familiar scent of Tanner filled his nostrils. His stomach went into free fall. Oh yeah, he knows.

Pulled into the wings and shielded by the heavy curtains, Reno gazed into intense electric-blue eyes. Tanner said something, his voice barely audible over the roar of the audience. Reno moved in closer, straining his ears to catch his words.

Tanner’s peppermint breath brushed Reno’s cheek. Wanna come up to my room tonight? I’m not planning on writing songs or talking shop. He rubbed his knuckles across Reno’s chin. I want you.

Oh shit, did he really just say that? Right now, Reno didn’t have a coherent word to say. Tanner’s friendship meant a lot to him. Fuck, he obsessed over the guy. But to agree to go to Tanner’s hotel room and take the man’s blatant offer — Jesus. His pulse raced at the idea of falling into Tanner’s arms. Reno shrugged. He forced his expression into one of indifference and gave the usual denial of his sexuality. "I . . . um . . . sorry. You do know I’m not gay . . . right?"

Really. Ah, then my mistake. Tanner narrowed his eyes. ’Cause, baby, you’re sending out ‘come and fuck me’ signals big-time.

He laughed. Am I? Well, you’re a good-looking guy, Tanner. He dropped his gaze to Tanner’s neck, unable to meet his stare. And yeah, you turn me on some, but that doesn’t make me available, does it?

No, of course not. Tanner rubbed the back of his neck. I admit you’ve had me fooled. I knew you weren’t out, but we’ve become pretty close lately, and I assumed you liked more than my music. You know me pretty well, I’m not a pushy guy, but after tonight, man, I had to make a move. He cleared his throat. It’s not like you’ve ever mentioned the woman the media insists you have back home. A nerve ticked in his cheek. Most guys won’t shut up about their girlfriends. You . . . well, you like being around me, and I know I turn you on, so I guess I came to a natural conclusion.

Reno’s mind flashed to Susan. The petite, virginal brunette expected him to marry her. Fuck, he had never kissed the girl. The thought of her tongue in his mouth made his skin crawl. He had become the king of excuses for reasons not to be intimate with her, and then she would come on to him with the look and the touching — she never let up.

Fuck, he wanted to break the world sprint record on the way out her door. Yet, when his family had suggested marriage, he had fucking agreed. How stupid was that? He wanted to keep the peace. Jesus, he had never had a sexual thought about a woman in his life. In fact, the idea of marrying Susan or any other girl frightened the shit out of him. Damn, it was time he came out. So what was stopping him? Not the handsome guy standing in front of him who made his heart beat faster, that was for sure. I’m a weak SOB.

Tanner’s stance relaxed, and his voice dropped to a husky whisper. "Reno . . . man, talk to me. He lifted Reno’s chin. Is there a problem?"

Unable to look Tanner in the eye, Reno pushed his hands into the back pockets of his pants. He vividly recalled a TV show mentioning something about every man having a pivotal moment in his life. Is this mine? Shit, I feel like a man standing on a ledge deciding to jump or not.

Tanner tossed his spiky black head and waited for an answer. Reno sucked in a breath. Holy cow, the singer was gorgeous and so damn sexy. Oh man, Tanner Star should wear a warning sign around his neck — Beware, highly sexed Dom.

Reno sighed. One wrong move and he might lose Tanner’s friendship. He had been so fucking lonely before Tanner joined the band. The man gazing at him in confusion had become his anchor in this crazy world of rock and roll. He decided to bluff his way out of the situation. Reno lifted his chin. No, I had no idea you’d want me to prattle on for hours about my relationship with Susan.

Relationship? I’m not sure you know what a relationship involves.

I do, it means caring about another person. Reno ground his teeth.

Like you care about me? Tanner inclined his head. We’ve become more than friends, haven’t we? He sighed. When you let yourself go on stage, there’s a vibe between us, a sexual pulse. Why won’t you admit it?

Fucking A, Tanner was attracted to him and had been for some time. Why couldn’t he man up to his feelings? Reno shrugged. He needed to take a breath and sort out his mind. I was just acting for the fans, that’s all.

Acting, huh? Tanner raised a brow. You’re hard now just being this close to me. His brow furrowed. Look, man, I never make a move on a guy unless he gives me the green light. Can’t you see there is something beautiful starting to grow between us? I can feel it. He touched Reno’s cheek. Does being attracted to me worry you?

Oh Lord, how could he think straight when Tanner looked at him with those hooded, liquid, lie down and let me do you slowly all night eyes? One thing for sure, the singer did not have any hang-ups about his sexuality. Reno sucked in a steadying breath. If his voice came out in a squeak, he’d die of embarrassment. I dunno, man. He met Tanner’s gaze. "I’ve . . . er . . . never discussed my feelings toward a guy before."

That’s kind of beautiful that you’re attracted to me. Tanner brushed Reno’s cheek with the back of his hand. Don’t be afraid of your feelings. Talk to me.

Reno swallowed the lump in his throat and considered his friend’s request. He trusted Tanner. I guess I owe him an explanation. He squared his shoulders and met Tanner’s stare head-on. Well, I’ve never been with a guy let alone a fucking Dom, so let’s say at the moment, I’m hovering on the edge of curious. He dragged in a breath. "No — I think confused would sum up how I feel right now. To be honest, I’ve never had anything but brotherly feelings toward a woman. He cleared his throat. But when I’m close to you — fuck! He tilted his head and met Tanner’s smoldering gaze. You mess up my head big-time."

Tanner regarded him with frightening intensity for some moments as if weighing his declaration. Reno’s heart thumped against his rib cage. One thousand, two thousand, three thousand, the seconds ticked by. Say something. The noise of the audience faded to a slow rumble of footsteps. A cool breeze from the overhead air conditioner hit his sweat-soaked skin. He stared up at Tanner. The soft light from the stairwell poured across the empty stage, throwing his face into shadow. A pulse beat in his ear to join the one throbbing in his groin. Reno cursed his treacherous cock. His balls ached being near this delicious man.

Ah-huh. Tanner raised a brow. So, are you a sweet, vanilla virgin?

Tanner’s question confused and intrigued him. He frowned, computing the question. Since Tanner joined the band, he’d become an important part of his life. Damn it, he enjoyed being with him. In fact, he relished the time they spent together. When Tanner requested to rehearse the choreography more often than necessary, he had jumped at the opportunity. He craved the closeness between them on stage.

Reno pushed his muddled thoughts to one side to concentrate on what Tanner had said. He frowned. Vanilla?

You . . . ah — you’re not into BDSM, so we call that type of guy ‘vanilla’. Tanner inclined his head. I’m a Dom, and I’ve made no secret that I’m looking for a sub. You knew that — right? The guys have been riding me about my lifestyle since I joined. He smiled. "To be honest, I thought you might be interested. You know, being untrained in the art isn’t something to worry about. If you are interested, you can’t go wrong with a loving dominant like me."

Oh yeah, he understood Tanner’s preference for obedient men. The roadies had been making jokes over Tanner’s desire to flog poor, innocent subs all week. Reno’s face grew hot. He often watched gay BDSM porn, and it turned him on big-time. The visual domination alone made him hard. For years, he had hovered on the edge of uncertainty about his sexuality. The moment he set eyes on Tanner, the truth had clanged in his mind like a hit on the head with a shovel. Tanner Star attracted him on every sexual level. He would be a fool not to explore everything the man had to offer.

Tanner had obviously recognized his secret desires. Could Doms do that? Weigh up a guy as a potential sub? He shrugged mentally and met the man’s gaze. Yeah, I think the entire world knows you’re a Dom, Tanner. You hardly hide the fact dressed like that on stage. He grinned. "You’re right, I am a little curious about BDSM."

I guessed as much. Tanner laid his arm across Reno’s shoulders. I’m rarely wrong when it comes to sub potential. He chuckled. Tonight, the idea of grinding against your tight ass gave me a hard-on before I touched you. I’ve seen how you react to me, so I thought it was time we moved our friendship up a notch.

The image of Tanner tying him to a bed and flogging