Wheels of Steel Book 5

By Pepper Pace

After a year filled with ups and downs, the Wheels of Steel gang is finally finding the success that they have worked so hard for. But things don’t always go as expected. Now that their friendship, loyalties and relationships are as tight as they’ve ever been, a new enemy threatens their success.
But this enemy is not a person.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Pepper Pace
• Release date: Oct 29, 2020
• ISBN: 9781005850999

Pepper Pace

Pepper Pace stories span the gamut from humorous to heartfelt, however the common theme is crossing boundaries.Pepper's unique stories deal with taboo topics such as mental illness and homelessness. Readers find themselves questioning their own sense of right and wrong, attraction and desire.In addition to writing, the author is also an artist, an introverted recluse, a self proclaimed empath and a foodie. Please check out her e-book trailers on this page! You may contact the author at [e-mail] the Pepper Pace Newsletter and receive free stories! http://eepurl.com/bGV4tb

Book preview

Dedication

Robin W. RIH, cuz

Acknowledgments

I always have to start by thanking the muse for the series; Ho-Z, who inspired the creation of this series back when it began in 2012, and who still inspires me. Thank you for the music, artwork, and continued friendship.

Happy Sadie aka Beta Reader # 1 is by far the biggest fan of this series. Thank you, for always being the first one that I turn to for writing inspiration!

Thank you to Kimberlee Rosemond Stevenson for the invaluable information concerning the effects of certain medical conditions in people with cerebral palsy. I could not have addressed the medical aspects of this story without her!

Thanks go out to my daughter, Maya for input and technical advice about Japan, anime, and translations.

Last but not least, I’d like to thank you, readers, fans and friends for continuing to show interest in a story that is so far out of the box that many people would never give it second look. You trusted me and if you continue to do so, I will continue to bring you stories that not only entertain but inspire.

About Wheels of Steel

Most who are familiar with my writings know the origins of Wheels of Steel. A young man by the name of Ho-Z sent me a letter about creating a romantic story that includes a man in a wheelchair.

Ho-Z has cerebral palsy and as he described his accomplishments as a musician, artist, and entrepreneur I was inspired to model the hero in my story after him—writing my romantic lead with cerebral palsy.

Top and Ho-Z are not one in the same but his musical knowledge was an aspect of the story that I had to incorporate. How could I not?

As I’ve mentioned in previous forewords, this is a very personal story for me. Although the story appears in separate books, it is still truly only one story (hence the reason that each book doesn’t have a separate title). It is not my intent to leave you with cliff-hangers, however that will probably be the case. But please check out the bonus at the end of the book for a surprise!

Contents

Acknowledgement

Dedication

About Wheels of Steel

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Chapter Five

Chapter Six

Chapter Seven

Chapter Eight

Chapter Nine

Chapter Ten

Chapter Eleven

Chapter Twelve

Chapter Thirteen

Chapter Fourteen

Chapter Fifteen

Chapter Sixteen

Chapter Seventeen

Chapter Eighteen

Chapter Nineteen

Chapter Twenty

Chapter Twenty-One

Chapter Twenty-Two

Chapter Twenty-Three

Chapter Twenty-Four

Chapter Twenty-Five

Chapter Twenty-Six

Wheels of Steel Book 6 Bonus Chapter

Pepper Pace Books

About the Author

Chapter One

October 9, 2015

Do you take this woman to be your lawfully wedded wife? the minister asked.

Jason met Robin’s eyes. She was watching him intently, and he saw a slight blush cross her face. He smiled to himself.

One day this is going to be us, he thought. He could barely wait to make Robin his wife—but it would not have been cool to jump ahead of Peter and Belinda’s wedding, and both ladies had adamantly nixed the idea of a dual wedding. Peter and Jason thought it would be cool to take a honeymoon together, but the look on Belinda’s face and the way Robin placed her hand on her hip told them the idea was a terrible one.

Jason gave his attention back to his friends. Peter watched Belinda with an openness that surprised Jason. He had no doubt that Peter loved her, but the look on his face said everything the playful man rarely put into words. There was no one for him but her.

And Belinda, the tough, hard-as-nails girl was so scared that her hands shook. When it was time for her to say her vows, she stumbled over her words and then apologized twice. Peter took her hand, his movement filled with a calm assuredness.

Don’t apologize, B, he said, interrupting the proceedings. This is our day. Ours. We’re going to make it into whatever we want it to be. Okay?

She stared at him and then blew out a stressed breath and nodded her head. He turned to tell the minister to continue but Belinda stopped him with a squeeze of her hand.

I love you so much, Peter. Every day with you is like a beautiful fantasy. I’m living a life I could have only dreamed of. I prayed for you, Peter. Her cheeks suddenly glowed rosy but Peter simply squeezed her hand in return, urging her to continue. I prayed for strength to just make it through the next day. The act I put on as the tough girl was just a shield because deep down, I am not tough at all. Deep down I was hiding how terrible everything felt—how lost and scared I’ve been at every turn. She smiled and her face transformed so there was not a person present that could not see the beauty that Peter saw in her.

Then you came and you loved every screwed-up thing about me. The thing is, I realized that I wasn’t screwed up at all. If you could love me, then there was never anything wrong with me at all.

Jason saw Peter smile. He tugged her hand, pulling her into his lap where he was situated in his wheelchair.

She flopped down and cupped his face while his hands went around her and they kissed long and deep.

The people that filled the backyard whooped and yelled while the minister’s eyes grew large. He suddenly smiled.

I guess since you are already kissing, I pronounce you husband and wife. The minister barely got those words out before the whooping and congratulations of their friends and family drowned out his words.

Peter spun his wheelchair to face everyone, a goofy smile spread across his lipstick-stained mouth.

Belinda still sat perched on his lap as he wheeled them through the throng of guests.

Jason leaned on his cane and with his spare arm, hooked his fiancé around her waist and pulled her to him.

With a soft squeal Robin put her arms around his neck and stared into his mischievous, green eyes.

How are we ever going to top that? he asked. That was freaking epic!

Oh my God, I don’t think I can write my own vows, Robin said, fearful Jason would want to do just that after seeing what Belinda had done.

He gave her a light kiss. No. You don’t have to do anything that makes you uncomfortable. When we get married, it’s going to be our perfect day.

She kissed him and felt heat radiate from his face. She pulled back and gave him an alarmed look.

Babe. You’re warm, she frowned, and touched his forehead. Are you catching a cold?

No. He shook his head. I just need to sit down for a minute. I’ve been standing too long.

Robin offered her his arm and helped him to sit in one of the chairs facing the flower-adorned altar.

He sighed, but before Robin could speak, Amberly and Y appeared arm in arm.

Was that not the sweetest ceremony ever? Amberly exclaimed.

Ours, honey… Y replied.

Amberly gave him a gentle kiss. Of course, ours was.

It was perfect, Robin agreed. She was so scared, but even that was perfect.

Y and Amberly headed down the nearly empty aisle hand in hand. You coming? Amberly asked over her shoulder.

In a minute. Jason smiled and stretched his legs. Amberly gave him a knowing nod. Her cerebral palsy was much milder than Jason’s, but standing up as dual maids of honor with Robin hadn’t been easy on her legs. Of course, Peter and Belinda had insisted on chairs for them, but the idea of sitting was absolutely a no-go for both Amberly and Jason.

Once they were alone, Robin gave Jason a worried look. Sore?

She was referring to his legs. His orthotics—or what he called his robo-legs—allowed him to stand longer. But standing in one place hindered the circulation.

A little, he admitted. Robin was his full-time caregiver—unofficially. She did, after all, have a career and college. But as his live-in girlfriend, she did more for him than anyone else.

In the months since Jason had been on baclofen, he had made amazing strides. Although, when people saw him walking with the use of a cane, Jason had to educate them on baclofen, explaining that he had not been cured of cerebral palsy.

Taking the medication directly into his spine had reduced the amount of spasticity that had hindered his fluid motion. Once that was no longer an issue, and with the increase in his myriad of medications, including anti-seizure, muscle relaxants, and anti-inflammatories, Jason was able to regain his ability to walk.

But there was a definite trade-off, one that he didn’t discuss even with his closest friends.

The music just didn’t come as easily as it had before. Maybe because he always felt tired these days. And there were days when he felt as if he was in a cloud that muffled everything around him.

He focused on the here and now and kissed Robin’s temple.

Peter had recorded a song just for Belinda, and it was to be for their first dance. No one had heard it except for Peter and Jason, and even though he was ready for a nap, Jason wouldn’t miss the look on Belinda’s face for the world.

When instead of the song that the couple had chosen, Peter’s voice came over the speakers, the look on Belinda’s face was indeed priceless. By the end she was overcome with tears with her face buried against him. There wasn’t a dry eye in the place.

Jason gave the best man’s speech a short time later and then afterwards went on DJ duty for a good hour before Peter joined him.

They played for only a short time before Peter leaned in towards his friend, a concerned look on his face.

Top, you look bushed. Go get some rest, man.

No, man. This is your party— Jason protested.

You’ve done great, Top, but you’re as pale as a ghost. Rest, and then come back later if you feel up to it.

Jason thought about arguing, but he really was beat. After pounding fists, Jason left his friend to finish the set and then retreated to the table where Robin, Amberly, and Y were seated.

Before he reached the table, Belinda bounded up to him and gave him a huge bear hug, nearly knocking him off his feet. Jason couldn’t help but laugh.

I love you, she said happily, and then kissed him on both cheeks.

I love you, too, he said. Are you having a good time?

The best. Her eyes twinkled, but she wasn’t high—at least not high on anything more than life.

Link joined them after a time and the Wheels of Steel crew laughed and partied and had the time of their lives.

Robin kissed Jason as she laughed at something Y had said. But then she turned and focused on him, her brow furrowed.

You definitely have a fever. She touched his cheeks with the palms of her hands. Let’s go up to bed—

Jason covered her hands with his. We’re not missing our best friend’s wedding party.

Belinda scoffed. What wedding party? We party like this all the time. Go on up to bed, old man.

I already told him, Peter agreed. I need you rested, man. We still have to put the finishing touches on that last song.

Their first album had an upcoming release date within mere weeks. Nocturnal Transcendence was the long-awaited follow-up album to Soul Horizon—the last album Akita Tom had released, and the album that introduced Wheels of Steel to the world. It was topping the charts all over the world. Everyone wanted more from the new group that had merged Asian and hip-hop music into liquid ambiance. Arguably, some credited Wheels of Steel with the cool, new sound, while others said that without Akita’s experience and Asian influence, there wouldn’t be such a chill-tronic vibe.

There was also the tribute album that had just been released a little over a month ago. It was created by several artists that worked with Akita or had been influenced by his sound. The sales for that one were also through the roof. The popularity of Wheels of Steel was only growing, and the pressure was on.

Testament to that, Peter was forgoing his honeymoon to finish Nocturnal Transcendence.

Nothing convinced Jason more that he needed to go to bed and get rested than the fact that tomorrow was Peter’s first day as a married man and he was going to be in their home studio instead of hugged up with his wife. If it was switched, and he was married to Robin, neither of them would be out of bed for a week.

But he didn’t blame his friend. Peter had always had a drive for success. He wondered if he had been the same way before being paralyzed. Jason hadn’t met Peter until after the auto accident that had left him without the use of his legs. His first thought upon meeting Peter in the disabilities class that he’d taken during his first year of college was that Peter was so . . . extra. He had to be the best—best-dressed, best-looking, and always with a sexy woman on his lap. He was perfect in every way, with his coifed, blond hair, tanned, athletic body, and clear, blue eyes. The women gravitated to him, even without knowing that he was also a great singer and practically a virtuoso on any instrument.

When Peter took Jason under his wing, it changed everything for him. Jason was introduced to being a DJ. He was finally able to translate his love for music into something he could control—despite the limited use of his hands. He could make music with sounds and beats and other records, which he blended and mixed to create something new.

Peter had given him that gift. And in return, he would work his ass off to give his friend all he had to make the best album anyone had ever heard from Wheels of Steel.

All right, all right, he said. I’ll get some rest, but only if you promise to stay down here and help keep the party going, he said to Robin.

Yeah, Robin. I was hoping you’d sing Enya’s song, Belinda said with excitement. I know it’s not released yet, but we won’t let anyone film it. I promise! Please!

Robin looked at Y. He was her manager, as well as being in charge at Akita Productions. He was cool in so many ways but when it came to business, he was by the book.

Y’s easy expression disappeared as he looked back and forth from Belinda to Robin.

If I see anyone recording your performance, I’m breaking legs.

Robin’s expression froze and Belinda’s smile turned into a grimace. The new tattoo sleeves Y now wore on both arms were testament to him moving up in the Yakuza. But no one talked about it. Robin saw that the brand that burned away his family crest had now been replaced, but was this time on his right wrist.

No one had to tell any of them what that meant. Yagano had moved up in the organization.

Amberly sighed, and Y looked at her with a smile playing at his lips.

Too soon? he asked.

Yes! Amberly snapped.

Y turned his attention back to Belinda and Robin. I’m kidding, sheesh. Sing it, Robin. I’d like to hear it myself.

Robin and Belinda smiled and chuckled in relief. A person that was the head of his own crime family just shouldn’t joke about certain things, Robin thought as she turned to Peter.

Will you play the guitar?

Sure. He hurried away for his guitar while Belinda went up on the stage and announced there was going to be a special guest singer.

No cell phones, please, and thank you.

Jason sat back with a broad smile. Well that sealed it. He wasn’t going anywhere until after his lady sang.

Chapter Two

It was close to 2:00 a.m. when the wedding guests had either left or turned in for the night.

Robin was in the kitchen stacking the last of the champagne glasses and silverware in the dishwasher.

There was a maid, and the catering service had done a great deal of the clean-up, but Robin just couldn’t sleep until she got things in order. She had come from the service industry—first in a fast-food restaurant and then later as a caregiver—and there was nothing worse than someone taking it for granted that she was there to do their menial labor. That was definitely not the case here.

The wedding had been the best-ever. Soon, it would be her and Jason’s turn to tie the knot. Robin smiled to herself as she went about her task. Whenever she thought about marrying Jason, she got butterflies in her stomach and she would feel hot and cold waves, as if she was about to faint. She felt that way now just thinking about being Mrs. Jason Hamilton.

Before Jason, Robin had never had a boyfriend. Her shyness made it impossible to even look into the eyes of a stranger. If Jason hadn’t been so mean to her, breaking down her reserves, then she would have never been comfortable enough to show him her true side. She chuckled as she recalled how infuriating he was. There were so many times she’d thought about quitting her job as his caregiver, but thankfully, she stuck it out—and now look at where her life was.

She was living in a huge, gorgeous mansion. And through Jason, she had made true friendships. She had a recording contract and famous artists vying to record with her. She had a contract to play a recurring role in a popular cartoon anime, and contracted to do several songs for the series along with Wheels of Steel. Somehow, she had become an honorary member of Wheels of Steel. It made her feel even closer to Jason.

Robin could not have dreamed a better life for herself. From a girl that was barely able to avoid flunking out of high school due to her dyslexia, to a woman that was in her first year of college, she was achieving goals she had never even considered for herself.

She stopped to count her blessings when she heard someone clear their throat from behind her.

She jumped, but saw that it was just Y. He was still wearing his dark, tailored slacks from the wedding but had untucked his shirt and rolled up the sleeves. The buttons at his neck were undone revealing a smooth, bronzed collarbone.

Y. I thought you had gone to bed. What are you doing up at this hour?

I could ask you the same thing, he said while crossing his arms and smirking. If my calculations are correct, you’ve been awake since the crack of dawn helping Belinda get ready for her wedding.

Actually, it had been before dawn because Belinda couldn’t sleep, so they had talked for a while before Amberly joined them and they decided to get the