Striking A Chord: Backstage Pass, #3

By Dani Wade

He has fame beyond his dreams … now he needs her to make it all complete.

Sean Rosslair, Irish drummer, is now a US rock legend. One with a craving for control—and his new PA's sultry voice and smokin' BBW body have him demonstrating what happens to naughty girls. Meghan Adams finds herself begging for more of Sean's discipline. But can he share all his erotic secrets before a hidden enemy puts him out of commission—permanently?

Sean Rosslair has made his dreams come true, and then some--despite his turbulent break from a family who considered image more important than anything. Now Sean has a new goal--getting up close and personal with his new assistant, whose smokin' sexy voice makes him ache to show her what else he can do with his hands. But one look in her clear, innocent eyes tells him she's the kind of  woman he should never have.

When Meghan finally exposes her plus-size presence to her new, uber-sexy boss, he doesn't react the way she expects. She takes her punishment for her white lie well—too well. Meghan can't refrain from begging her boss for another spanking … but when he takes her with him to his wealthy family's lovely Irish estate, this Southern girl finds herself surrounded by secrets. In the midst of Sean's painful past, can she let go enough to embrace romance with a rock star?

Caution: Contains crazy families, dark secrets, and a hero who knows how to transform pain into pleasure--get your copy of Striking a Chord today! 

• Language: English
• Publisher: Dani Wade
• Release date: Oct 8, 2017
• ISBN: 9781386786726

Dani Wade

Author Dani Wade started her writing journey in a childhood spent in the rural south where her favorite form of entertainment was imagining herself in the roles of romantic heroines. She now juggles her writing obsession with a patient hubby, two lively kids, and a day job. Life is crazy, but she attempts to navigate the potholes with her trusty To Do List and half a brain. Her contemporary category books are published through Harlequin Desire, and her Independently published sexy romantic suspense can be found at various online retailers. Dani Wade loves to hear from her readers! She can be contacted via e-mail ([e-mail]) or through her website. She also enjoys blogging weekly on her Dani Wade blog. A sign up for her occasional author newsletter can be found on her website. She is active on Facebook and loves for readers to friend both her author page for official news, and her profile page just to chat. She’s also on Twitter as @daniwade1.

Book preview

STRIKING A CHORD

BACKSTAGE PASS

BOOK 3

DANI WADE

Copyright

© 2014 Katherine Worsham

This book is a work of fiction. The names, characters, places, and incidents are products of the writer's imagination or have been used fictitiously and are not to be construed as real. Any resemblance to persons, living or dead, actual events, locale or organizations is entirely coincidental.

All Rights Are Reserved. No part of this book may be used or reproduced in any manner whatsoever without written permission, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles and reviews.

Cover Art Design by Jay Aheer at Simply Defined Art

Editing by Lea Schafer

Also Available from Dani Wade

Backstage Pass Series

Finding Her Rhythm

Settling the Score

Striking a Chord

Goin’ Out Solo

Small Town Secrets Series

Beneath the Surface

Behind the Scars

Snow Bound

Louisiana Legacies Series

Entangled with the Heiress

Reclaiming His Legacy

Savannah Sisters Series

A Family for the Billionaire

Taming the Billionaire

Mill Town Millionaires Series

A Bride’s Tangled Vows

The Blackstone Heir

The Renegade Returns

Expecting His Secret Heir

Additional Titles

Reining in the Billionaire

Unbridled Billionaire

His By Design

For more information, see Dani’s website.

Striking a Chord

Backstage Pass Book 3

He has fame beyond his dreams … now he needs her to make it all complete.

Sean Rosslair, Irish drummer, is now a US rock legend. One with a craving for control—and his new PA’s sultry voice and smokin’ BBW body have him demonstrating what happens to naughty girls. Meghan Adams finds herself begging for more of Sean’s discipline. But can he share all his erotic secrets before a hidden enemy puts him out of commission—permanently?

Sean Rosslair has made his dreams come true, and then some--despite his turbulent break from a family who considered image more important than anything. Now Sean has a new goal--getting up close and personal with his new assistant, whose smokin' sexy voice makes him ache to show her what else he can do with his hands. But one look in her clear, innocent eyes tells him she's the kind of woman he should never have.

When Meghan finally exposes her plus-size presence to her new, uber-sexy boss, he doesn’t react the way she expects. She takes her punishment for her white lie well—too well. Meghan can’t refrain from begging her boss for another spanking … but when he takes her with him to his wealthy family's lovely Irish estate, this Southern girl finds herself surrounded by secrets. In the midst of Sean's painful past, can she let go enough to embrace romance with a rock star?

Caution: Contains crazy families, dark secrets, and a hero who knows how to transform pain into pleasure--get your copy of Striking a Chord today! 

Dedication

This book is dedicated to my dear friend, Kira Sinclair, for years of encouragement, critiques, late night talks, and lots of laughter. Your friendship has enriched not only my life as a writer, but as a mother, wife, and friend. Your strength amazes me. I’m proud to count you as a sister.

Chapter One

Finally we’ll meet. Visions of the body that went with the sexy voice he’d been listening to for three months danced through Sean Rosslair’s head like sugar plums on the night before Christmas, obliterating the sight of cords, scaffolding, and the utilitarian atmosphere of the backstage area.

Still hung up on that?

He grinned at his assistant’s exasperated southern drawl over the phone line. We Irish are a stubborn lot.

Meghan’s voice sounded a bit strained, but Sean couldn’t tell if it was the subject matter or the distance that made it that way. His relationship with his assistant had been short, just enough time for her siren’s voice to drive him into a frenzy of need. They talked almost daily over the phone, teasing as they conducted business, and Sean ended most conversations with a hard-on.

Yet every time he’d been in the States, she’d been mysteriously unavailable. Granted, the abbreviated preparations and studio time before this tour, along with moving his base of operations from New York to Atlanta, had made those times brief, but each day without a glimpse of her ramped his need even higher. Bringing the realtor’s papers to him while Solar Uprising was on tour in Dublin was the perfect chance to finally get a peek. She’d have nowhere to hide. Will you wear one of those sexy dresses you’re always talking about for me?

Well, I doubt I’ll look that great after nine hours on a plane.

Sean caught a glimpse of Jake, Solar Uprising’s stage manager, and his sister, Sara, as they walked into his line of vision, so he almost didn’t catch the hesitation in Meghan’s voice. Did the thought of them finally meeting make her nervous? Turning away from what looked like a heated discussion between the siblings, he focused solely on the nuances of Meghan’s response. Don’t worry, pretty lady. Everything will be great. I’m just teasing, all right.

Suddenly the uncertainty in Meghan’s voice disappeared and she returned to a tone that reminded Sean of a sexy librarian. Stern with a hint of pleasurable punishment in the making. Husky enough to make his bones melt and his cock stand up and take notes. Dishing out a little pleasurable punishment of his own would be a joy and a relief.

I’ll meet you after the concert then, she said. The town house is perfect for your US base, and the agent thinks it won’t stay on the market for long. You know, to let.

To let. So cute how she picked up on his Irishisms and tried to incorporate them. Not in a condescending way, but almost as if she were trying to learn a foreign language.

But I could easily fax this— she said, that odd note making a reappearance.

And miss the opportunity to see me in the flesh? Why would you want to do that?

Well, a few days in Ireland is a big draw. Her southern accent intrigued him so much he heard it in his sleep sometimes. What would it be like if she slowly whispered naughty words against his skin? Meghan was definitely a talker, but she never hurried.

He simply couldn’t resist. We’ll see what’s a bigger draw when you get here…

Her groan put them back on familiar ground, the teasing banter a type of foreplay they’d indulged in since not long after Stephen hired her to manage Sean’s affairs. With his new gig in the States, Sean couldn’t remain as hands on as he liked, and Solar Uprising’s European tour meant the post could take a while to reach him. He’d needed help. Quick. Michael, one of Solar Uprising’s founding members, recommended the lawyer as perfect for taking care of the details of finding him an assistant with minimal effort on Sean’s part.

Boy, had Stephen chosen a winner. Meghan had proven ideal—her attention to detail and calm handling of every situation benefited his business affairs. If she would only apply her dedication—and that voice—to something more personal, he would die a happy man.

Stephen had been sparing with the details about Meghan. Midtwenties and divorced with an upper level degree in education was the extent of it. Sean hadn’t seen a single picture so he had no idea what Meghan looked like, but her voice could get him off between one heartbeat and the next. Like having his very own phone sex operator, except she wasn’t nearly raunchy enough for his sick self.

Just a few more hours, girlie, he reminded her. Then you’re all mine.

He rang off just as Jake and Sara’s voices moved back into his range of hearing. Why would you want to do that? It isn’t safe on the streets at night, Jake said in his best older brother voice. We’re in a foreign country. You wouldn’t know what to do if something happened.

Turning around to face the backstage area again, Sean saw the lovely young Sara swing out the sexy curve of her hip—that the band and roadies weren’t allowed to notice—and brace her arms like a woman insulted. I’m not going out trolling the streets, Jake. I simply want to have some fun, just like any other twenty-four-year-old likes to do. You remember what that was like, right?

Yes, which is exactly why I don’t want you doing it. Guys out on the town don’t care about you. They just want se—um, fun.

Sara raised a brow, staring her brother down with a look that had many a roadie backing down from the challenge. So. Do. I. And I know how to take care of myself. Hanging out with this crew since I was seventeen has given me quite a bit of experience.

Sean watched the replay of this particular battle with interest, wondering who would win this round. Jake continually tried to rein in his little sister, not recognizing her as the capable young woman who had taken over a large portion of Solar Uprising’s stage show and wardrobe. She had the perfect balance of control and friendliness, tough in someone so young. But she managed. The crew respected her intelligence, something her brother had so far failed to do.

Glancing past the dueling duo, Sean saw Nate, one of the band’s guitarists, slowly amble through the stage door, so comfortable in his cowboy boots that Sean didn’t hear a sound on the wood floor. He paid no attention to Sean, only watching the brother and sister with a dark stare.

Well, mostly the sister.

Sean hadn’t gotten to know the easygoing cowboy very well, as the other man had taken off at every opportunity between rehearsals and shows. Something Michael had dismissed as a short-term necessity. What Sean did know, he liked. Nate was professional and could defuse the most tense situation with a single funny quip. This dark, hungry look wasn’t a usual one on the bloke’s face, and no one around here would have dared use it in Jake’s presence. Not when looking at Sara. Jake had made it plain when Sean signed on that his sister was off limits, as he was sure Jake had with all the guys in the band and crew.

Sean hadn’t needed the warning. His own experiences had taught him he wasn’t the type of man who should play with innocents. He needed a woman who knew the score and was aroused by meeting Sean’s carefully controlled desires. Then everyone could walk away happy.

No, Sara’s exuberance for life, without a hint of a dark sexual edge in her gaze, marked her as unspoiled. But as innocent as she was in the sexual arena, Sara would probably knee her brother in the balls if she knew exactly what her brother had threatened if anyone dared touch her.

Suddenly the little fireball was heading his way. Sean felt his brows rise as Sara dared to draw him into their argument. I understand why this is so hard for you, Jake. But everyone else has gotten a clue. She sauntered up to Sean’s side and resumed her strong stance. Sean here doesn’t have a problem seeing me as an adult, do you, Sean?

Those hands on her hips sparked a faint need to bend her over his knee—but not in the way her brother would. He shook his head. Innocents were not for him. I think you’re a highly capable woman, he answered. His own teen years spent battling his father for independence put him firmly on Sara’s side. Though she was far more intelligent than he’d been at her age.

With a mischievous glance at Jake, he continued. In any endeavor you choose to be undertaking.

Jake advanced on him with murder in his eyes until Sean threw up his hands. I promise I never touched her. Your threats made a sufficient impression on me.

Jake’s body jerked as if he could feel the implosion of Sara’s wrath from where he stood.

What do you mean, threats? she demanded.

Sean grinned as Jake narrowed his gaze on him, promising later retribution. But he wouldn’t be offering an apology. Sara didn’t need Jake’s permission to do anything. And it was high time the guy knew it. She needed a champion, not another bloke afraid of her brother’s authority.

Jake? she snapped.

As if he knew it was do-or-die time, Jake relented. Look, after…everything, I just wanted to make sure no one here ever hassled you over anything. So I made sure of it.

And now the cat was fully out of the bag.

Anger tightened Sara’s face as she stared her brother down. Behind her, Nate’s soulful eyes briefly closed as if in pain.

When she spoke, Sara’s voice shook. I can’t believe you would do that to me, Jacob. This is my job. These people are my friends. And I’m not a child. I don’t need your permission to see anyone or do anything. Not anymore.

Nate’s inner persecuted teen cheered at her courage.

As if he knew he’d gone too far, Jake’s tone eased. I just want to keep you safe. That’s what I’ve always wanted.

I know. The words sounded like acquiescence, but the look on Sara’s face as her brother pulled her into a hug told Sean that fire wasn’t dead. It was simply planning for a showdown. Soon.

Good for her.

Nate seemed to sense the same. Catching his eye, Nate nodded slightly at Sean, then disappeared into the shadows beyond the stage. No one else noticed his arrival nor his departure, but like Sara’s rebellion, Sean was thinking he wouldn’t remain in the background for long.

* * *

Meghan rubbed her sweaty palms down the sides of her denim skirt as the manager led them along the back corridor of the stadium. The clomp of her heeled boots and click of Kieran’s dress shoes were the only sounds this far from the departing crowds. But the man had assured her Sean was relaxing after the concert in a room on the back hall.

As his steps slowed, she glanced at Kieran over her shoulder. His tall, lean build reminded her of a certain bad-boy rocker, but encased in a business suit she couldn’t imagine her boss wearing.

Wait right here, she said in a shaky voice she quickly firmed. She would not let her nerves get the better of her. I’ll be out to get you in just a minute.

Kieran nodded, his blue eyes so reminiscent of the pictures she’d seen of Sean that she felt like she’d already met her boss in a way. But she hadn’t—and tonight was the time to face the music.

That sick churning started up again. They’d played and teased for months on the phone, and she was selfish enough not to want that to end. But end it would, the minute her sexy Irish rocker got a good look at his assistant.

She might have a husky, come-hither voice on the phone, but in person she was five foot five and more than a handful. Granted, she had large breasts, but they only served to balance out her size 14 curves. On a woman of her height, she knew the combination was far from model perfect, even if her ex-husband hadn’t seen fit to remind her of it every single day for the last year of their marriage.

Pressing a firm hand against her queasy stomach, she nodded to the manager and walked through the door with more confidence than she felt.

Sean stood with his back to her, next to a bar along the far side of the room. She’d recognize the short, dark blonde hair that lightened into spiky bright tips at the top anywhere, no matter the dim light. The hint of a tattoo peeked from the neck of his tight gray T-shirt, as well as extending below the short sleeves. Her mouth watered as her gaze traced his muscled shoulders and the high, tight ass encased in denim.

Not for her. Never for her.

That was something she might as well get used to, starting now. Hello, Sean.

Her voice wasn’t as strong as she would have liked, but it was enough to