Rock of Salvation: Love and Chaos Series, #4

By M.J. Schiller

Jericho Tyler was comfortable in his role as the wild man of Just Short Of Chaos. Different gorgeous women throwing themselves at him every night? What self-respecting hetero male wouldn't dream of that? But when Salvation steps out of his shower and into his life, things start to change.

 

Oh, yeah. I knew the second I saw her that she didn't belong backstage. And she didn't belong with a man like me, for sure. But I didn't let that stop me from seeing just how far she was willing to go to keep up her little naughty girl charade. And if she had something to prove, why not prove it with me?

 

Salvation Jones was not like the rest of her family. In a parcel of toe-the-line, conservative preacher's kids, she stood out like a piece of her costume jewelry at the Inaugural Ball.

 

I must have had a far-sighted stork reading the directions for my delivery. I was louder than they were. More boisterous. I got into more trouble. I'd heard, "Oh, Salvation," in my mom's disappointed voice for so long I began to think the O stood for Olivia, or something. It's not like I meant to misbehave, but it just came naturally to me. I'd tried to be who they wanted; now it was time for me to truly be myself. They say, "Go big or go home," so why not start out by seducing a rock star? And not just any rock star, the luscious, womanizing Jericho Tyler. Now that was somebody worth sinning for!

 

Sometimes it takes a bad boy to redeem a good girl. But will she become his Salvation in the end?

• Language: English
• Publisher: M.J. Schiller
• Release date: Feb 2, 2022
• ISBN: 9781939274250

M.J. Schiller

Bestselling author M.J. Schiller is a retired lunch lady/romance-romantic suspense writer. She enjoys writing novels whose characters include rock stars, desert princes, teachers, futuristic Knights, construction workers, cops, and a wide variety of others. In her mind everybody has a romance. She is the mother of a twenty-two-year-old and three twenty-year-olds. That's right, triplets! So having recently taught four children to drive, she likes to escape from life on occasion by pretending to be a rock star at karaoke. However…you won’t be seeing her name on any record labels soon.

Book preview

CHAPTER ONE

Jericho

The applause faded behind us the farther away from the stage we traveled. The explosion of noise after our encore should have energized me, but it didn’t. From the shadows, a familiar face materialized.

Hey, babe. Zane, our lead singer, kissed a smiling Grace, his wife of a couple years, then their voices, too, receded as I put one foot in front of the other, moving deeper into the belly of the building.

Jericho, a voice called from a short distance.

I closed my eyes, pinching the bridge of my nose. You guys go on, I told Rafe and Dex. No reason to keep my band members from their women.

See ya. Dex, who played the drums, waved over his shoulder, already dissolving into the black beyond the stage lights.

Good show. Rafe did a brief drumbeat of his own on my back but kept going, spinning to face me as he added. See you later.

I watched them go, sighing before pivoting to Al, who was running toward me from the wings. He reached me and huffed, one hand grasping my biceps, bent in two, holding up a finger to indicate I should give him a minute. Dude was seriously out of shape.

I... he panted. ...didn’t... Gulping in air, he was finally able to finish his sentence. ...get the signal. Did I miss something? 

No. I shrugged. I didn’t see anyone I was interested in. It was the truth. Dozens of gorgeous women, but when I imagined myself in bed with them, I felt no thrill, no matter what scenario I created. And I could create a slew of them.

But...you didn’t have anyone last night either. Al sounded disappointed.

What can I tell you, man? If I don’t feel it, I don’t feel it. Thanks anyway. I spun to walk toward the dressing rooms.

Are you...feeling sick or something? He followed on my heels.

That, at least, made me laugh. Nah, man. Even I need a night off every once in a while.

Okay, he said doubtfully.

Maybe he’s worried about job security. Without Zane, Rafe, and Dex to find women for, I’m his lone customer, and now I’m turning him down.

I swatted him on the shoulder. Don’t worry. Tomorrow I’ll be ready to go.

But, even as I said it, I wondered. Would I?

Who am I?

It was a question that seemed to be inserting itself into my thoughts fairly often these days. Zane, Rafe, and even Dex had moved forward in their lives, but I had remained stuck. The same. Still...it felt like something was changing. But it made me uneasy. Would it be a good change or a bad one?

It was quite unusual for me to be this celibate. I mean, two days in a row without sex? That was unimaginable. As I crossed from the darkness into the well-lit hall leading to our dressing rooms, I had to squint like a mole. Ahead, Rafe was laughing at something his wife, Mia, said, his arm around her shoulders. He was my cousin, and had, under my tutelage, become a talented bassist. He and Mia were still newlyweds, having been married less than a year. I was glad for him. He seemed more relaxed these days, less uptight, happier. He deserved it. He went through hell when our former drummer Devin overdosed.

Dex was nowhere to be seen, probably on the phone with his fiancée, Tatum. All three of my bandmates seemed to have transitioned from their roles of playboy to committed partner seamlessly. I shook my head.

They’re committed, and I need to be committed. To a mental institution. Why didn’t I bring someone back to my room?

Being the only single guy left standing was lonely. Maybe having a warm body next to mine would make me feel less alone. But I knew it wouldn’t. Instead, it somehow amplified the lack of someone meaningful in my life.

Pushing the thoughts aside, I opened the door to my dressing room but twisted around at the sound of a squeal.

There he is. Jericho Tyler!

Two scantily clad blondes and one scantily clad brunette rushed toward me. I hurried into my room and slammed the door closed, turning the deadbolt. I listened for a reaction and heard a deep male voice.

Hey. You girls have passes?

Oh, come on, mister. We’re just here for a little fun, one of them whined. They were right outside my door.

Well, that may be, but if you don’t have a pass, you can’t be here. I’ll escort you to the exit.

Maybe we can have a little fun with you, a different female voice said.

Whoever it was speaking to them chuckled. You really think that’ll stop me from throwing you out?

Yes, one answered.

Hmm...maybe it will.

That was all I heard, because it sounded like the group went somewhere farther along the hall. I leaned with my back against the door and released my breath.

Why is passing on a chance to get laid a relief to me? I probably could have worked that into a foursome. I really am losing my mind.

I stepped away from the door and peeled my sweaty shirt off. Man, a shower was going to feel amazing. And I was moving in that direction, until I was brought up short, realizing my shower was already running.

Did Dex get our dressing rooms confused?

It wouldn’t be the first time something like that had happened. I started to cross to rap on the door and it opened, a big ball of steam rolling out. A form emerged through the mist. A beautiful, womanly form. As the steam dissipated, I got a better idea of what I was looking at. She stood with a towel wrapped around her and one twisted on her head. Her gaze lifted to mine.

Oh. Her mouth became a perfect circle for a moment. Then she cleared her throat. Uhh...hello— She stopped abruptly and ran a hand up the door frame. As what appeared like an afterthought, she cocked the opposite hip awkwardly, in a position that she seemed to think was sexy. And, while it had its merits, her shaky voice, in fact, her whole demeanor told me she was an amateur.

What sort of rebellious preacher’s daughter have we got here, pretending to be a dirty girl?

She wet her lips nervously, which was probably the most provocative thing she had done, even though she did that as if without thinking. Hello, handsome.

I stifled a laugh. Her come-on was straight from a movie. No, she didn’t belong here at all. Okay. Come on. Get your clothes on.

But don’t you want to.... She gestured vaguely.

It suddenly irritated me. She waltzes in and uses my shower. If I’d done the same to her, I would have been arrested. That flash of anger made me want to embarrass her. I finished her sentence. Screw? Fuck? Get laid?

It did knock her back a bit. She blinked. Yes. All those. I guess.... She chewed on a nail.

I inwardly rolled my eyes. I’d put money on this chick being a virgin. I felt an urge to play with her. It was mean and beneath me, but I had a strong desire to see just how far she would go with this miserable charade of a seduction.

Okay. Let’s get at it then. I crossed to her in two big strides. You won’t be needing this. I plucked the towel from her and tossed it aside, then pulled her against me.

She gasped and fear shadowed her features. It made me feel sorry for her and wonder what her story was, but I needed to teach her a lesson.

So, what are you waiting for? An edge cut through my words, because now that I was near her, could smell the floral innocence of her fragrance, see her pretty, pouty lips, look into what had to be the most doe-like, amazing eyes I had ever seen, my body awoke.

Oh, shit. I want her. I could so have her without a single worry about whether it was right or not. She was in my shower. But I already knew I wouldn’t do it. Couldn’t do it, to her.

I grasped her chin, tilting her head back. I thought you wanted to do me?

She blinked rapidly and I could feel her tremble, which freaking made me yearn for her even more. The towel on her head fell off, exposing red hair with a hint of curl to it.

Fuck.

Redheads were my weakness. I brushed my lips over hers. Come on. I swallowed but kept trying to push her buttons without engaging mine. What’s making you wait? I ran my tongue around her lips and gave them a soft kiss. Isn’t this what you want?

Holy shit! I haven’t felt this turned on in a long time, if ever. And it has to be for the virgin I’m unwilling to hurt. Fuck my life.

Usually, it wouldn’t be that big of a deal. There’d been plenty of women ready to give it up for a rock star. Let their cherry be plucked, but by someone famous. Then, at least, they’d have a good story to tell. Or about half of them were doing it to piss some guy off. If that’s what they wanted, who was I to stand in their way?

I angled my head and lowered my lips until I was a breath apart from her. This is what you wanted, isn’t it? Huh? My voice sounded husky. You want to do it, right? I kissed her again, longer this time, and deeper. I made the mistake of lifting my gaze to hers, and suddenly I felt weak. Because, in that one moment, I couldn’t see the little girl trying to pretend to be something she wasn’t. All I could see was the desire I had ignited in her.

Her nails raked the skin of my neck and scalp as she threaded her fingers through my hair. With a flick of her tongue, she lashed my lips. Then did it again, searing me with her mouth. Branding me. I let my hand drift down to brush along the skin of her hip. Each new contact with her stirred me all the more. In a rush, I scooped her up from beneath her thighs, and we banged into the wall. I brought my mouth to her neck, grazing her with my teeth, tasting her with my tongue. Her heat against my straining crotch made me even harder.

It was going to take all of my scarce self-restraint to resist her.

She’s somebody’s daughter. She’s somebody’s daughter. She doesn’t know what she’s doing. Although it fucking feels like she knows what she’s doing. She’s simply acting out. She’ll regret giving herself for the first time to a guy like me.

My entire being groaned.

She’s just a girl. Just another girl. Like all the rest. There’s nothing special about her, even if it feels a tad different this time. For me, it will be like every other time. I don’t need this. I don’t need her.

I pushed away, getting a glimpse of a killer body before turning from my temptation. From my apple of the Tree of Knowledge, or whatever. But I could tell she was determined, and she wouldn’t leave unless I forced her to. Scared her. She was a novice. She would crumble. I could handle her. She was a kitten, and I was the king of the jungle. I was freaking Jericho Tyler.

Get your clothes on. We’re going to my hotel room where we can do this right.

Oookay.

She was uncertain. Good. I needed her to be.

I dug a shirt out of my bag. It wasn’t my usual wear. Too conservative. A plain shirt made of that sports performance material that has special wicking capabilities. I don’t even know where I got it, or why I’d chosen it tonight. I usually wore wild, colorful clothing that matched the image I’d created for myself. The player. The sex god. I glanced in the mirror. The shirt was black and clung to me, accenting the muscles that were usually hidden by flowing fabrics. It made me appear slightly intimidating. Maybe that would help. I fisted my hands, leaning on them on the top of the couch while I waited, taking deep breaths to gather myself. I heard the door open behind me and spun.

She was wearing the most ridiculous outfit. Black fishnet stockings, black leather miniskirt, tall, black, velvety boots, and a red and black bustier, which was very...boosty. It was short, leaving her midriff exposed, showing off a belly piercing that had to be new. So cliché. Laughable.

Why had my heartrate accelerated then?

What? She brushed at her skirt. I look stupid, don’t I?

Stupid wasn’t the word I was thinking. Sexy as hell was closer to the mark. She wobbled a bit on the heels, having to catch herself on the doorframe. I couldn’t help but think of those paper dolls. Like the clothes had been put on her and secured with little tabs. This wasn’t her. I don’t know how I could tell exactly. Was it that she was unsteady on her heels? Or the fact that her voice pitched? Or possibly the twitch of those delectable lips when she felt the most unsure? Whatever it was, it outed her, gave away her purity and naiveté, and I could read her like a cereal box.

Feigning a coolness I didn’t actually possess, I slid my gaze down her body and back up before removing my phone from my pocket and calling for a ride. I was surprised she hadn’t thrown in the towel yet. She would as soon as the car arrived. I needed to prepare myself for that, and the sting that I knew would come afterward.

You’re giving me a fake seduction, are you? Well then I’ll give you a pretend fling in exchange.

Salvation

Good gravy, he was even better in person, if that was possible. Tall, slender, dark, and more broody than I’d imagined. And if I’d had any doubts that I could go through with this, they were wiped out the moment his lips touched mine. Before that, really. It was when his cool gaze glided along my body, making my heart beat with an unusual strength and my skin prickle pleasantly. It set off several other physical reactions as well, things I’d never felt before, but I was certainly ready to explore.

And the way his lips commanded mine? I could have never imagined something that felt so enticing. The two boys I’d kissed, behind a haystack and in a barn, had stirred nothing more than anxiety about getting caught and an urge for it to be over. But Jericho Tyler? Oh, he knew what he was doing. What’s more, he made me feel like I knew too. Like it had lain within me all along, waiting for him to appear and bring it to life.

He didn’t say a word but led me to the door, opened it, and stood to one side. I jumped when I realized he was waiting for me to go first and hurried out ahead of him. He closed the door behind us and put his hand on the small of my back, guiding me forward. His touch sent a ripple through me at the beginning, but the warmth and sense of security it provided soon lulled me until it felt like the most natural thing ever. We got to the end of the hall, and he removed it to open the door for me. It was like someone had ripped a bandage off, making me yearn for the return of even that slight contact.

We were on a nondescript lot. In front of us a chain-link fence surrounded enormous ventilation equipment. I waited for him to lead me to his car, but he only took a few steps, his hands jammed in his pockets, and stopped. His gaze flicked to mine and away. If I didn’t know better, I’d think he was nervous. He was certainly making me feel uncomfortable, with his lack of speaking. The times I’d seen him in the past, in interviews and such, he’d been jovial and talkative. I guess I’d gotten the wrong impression.

Umm...did you forget where you parked your car, or would you prefer that I drive...?

His gaze connected with mine briefly. I called for a car.

Ahh. Noticing my skirt had ridden up, I tugged at the hem to adjust it. I could have driven.

Oh. He frowned. Hadn’t thought of that.

We stood for a moment or two in awkward silence. Now that our lips weren’t on each other they apparently didn’t know what to do.

What’s your name? he blurted after a while, startling me.

Salvation. Salvation Jones. I extended my hand then felt foolish for doing so, but he shook it and smiled for the first time. A quite charming smile. But people call me Sal.

Yes. Because Tion would be a bit confusing.

I tilted my head. I guess so.... Then I caught his expression and realized he was joking. Oh, yeah. I laughed, but it sounded forced, as it was.

He swiped his foot in the dirt, chuckling. I was used to having people laugh at my name, but it hurt more coming from him, for some reason. He lifted his gaze and must have seen that he upset me. Oh, I’m sorry. It’s a beautiful name. It’s just...I had imagined you were a pastor’s daughter.

I blinked. I am.

He raised one brow. You’re joking.

I rolled a shoulder. Why would I joke about that?

Oh. He looked down. I guess you wouldn’t.

We were saved from further embarrassment by the arrival of a sleek, black sedan. A driver, cap and all, hopped out and opened the door for us.

So, they really do wear stuff like that.

Once situated in the back, Jericho kept giving me covert glances.

Oh. I ran a clumsy hand up his thigh. Do you want me to do anything for you?

He lifted my arm and dropped it in my lap, drawing his leg in quickly. No, just stay on your side of the car.

Well, I never! I know he’s used to girls doing things how he wants them to, but he doesn’t need to be so rude in showing me where I missed the mark.

I folded my arms across my chest and stared out the window. Tears welled up, surprising me, and I had to blink them away.

Sal...? he said softly at one point.

It felt like an apology was coming, but I ignored it. Suddenly I wanted to get it all over with, which was what he seemed to want too, so we were on the same page at last.

CHAPTER TWO

Jericho

I watched the sports car next to us through the tinted glass, but I really didn’t see it. I wasn’t sure what the hell was wrong with me. I didn’t need to bark at the girl or remove her hand with what probably appeared like disdain. It wasn’t disdain; quite the opposite, in fact. It was terror over the way her touch was pure electricity on my leg, sending a jolt of energy to a spot I’d only just calmed down. I stole a look at her, starting with her lap, where the skirt ended and the stockings began. An image flashed across my mind of me tying her slender wrists to a bedpost with those hose after ripping them off her.

This isn’t helping me to tamper my lust.

But then I noticed her foot bouncing like an NBA player dribbling a ball. I quickly scanned the rest of her body until I reached her face. In the patches of light between streetlamps I could see her reflection in the glass and knew I’d hurt her feelings.

Sal...? The word escaped from my lips before I could stop it. I wasn’t good at feigning disinterest. At least with her. That was what was strange. I felt like she spoke to a side of me that no one had spoken to in a long time. The real me, not the rock star me. I’d worn that role thin, I guess. What had become second nature mysteriously disappeared around her. That combination of recklessness and vulnerability I sensed in her seemed to cut through my own layer of crap and lay me bare. How strange.

I hurt her. That’s what I needed to do. Better me than the next guy she threw herself at, who might do her irreparable harm.

I had requested that we be dropped at the sleaziest place I knew of, a place with hourly rates, made for what I intended for her to think we were doing. I made the driver wait with her while I got a key but kept looking back to be sure he didn’t do anything to her, although with the tinted glass, I couldn’t be sure of anything. That made me antsy, and I practically snatched the key from the proprietor’s hand before running to the car. She seemed fine when I got in. I breathed a sigh of relief and gave the driver the room number.

Maybe he doesn’t find her attractive.

Come on. Who was I kidding? Any man would find her attractive. What was not to love about her little button nose, muscular arms, and—though short—legs that were insanely shapely. I mean, I could tell she wasn’t the tramp she was dressed as, but he might