CHAPTER SIX
The concert had finally come to an end, and I could finally breathe freely. I enjoyed myself thoroughly; so did a good number of people from the smiles I saw on their faces. I noticed Blade and the band had an area set aside to sign some CDS and tee-shirts for their fans.
I exhaled sharply while thinking of the next course of action.
I was content with the answers from the interviews I had gotten earlier, but those would not be enough to give me a great story. I needed something more. I needed to get on the inside.
Thankfully, I dug a hand into my handbag and drew out my ID card—that was the only thing that would give me access to the off-limits section of the venue where I planned to meet the band members.
I checked my phone briefly for calls or texts. I saw Edel had sent me a text message asking how the concert went. I planned to reply once I was able to interview the band and get back to my hotel room.
“You can’t go in there, miss,” one of the bouncers who guarded the entrance of the off-limits section said to me.
“Yes, I can. My name is Kira Martin, and I work with Daybreak Journal. I would love to interview the Trash Monkeys and I won a backstage all-access pass, too,” I replied with a polite smile.
The guy didn’t return my smile. His frown only deepened. I quickly showed him my ID. I had nothing to hide and I didn’t blame the guy, though. These guys were celebrities, and not just anyone was allowed to see them.
“You may go in.” He scowled with a jerk of his head.
“Thanks,” I whispered.
I walked into the room on shaking legs. I was still focused on the eye-locking experienced I’d shared with Blade back at the concert. What would it be like talking to him in person?
Inwardly, I felt relieved knowing he wouldn’t be here anytime soon as he was signing autographs.
There were a lot more people than I had expected backstage. Technicians, beauticians, video coverage guys, and photographers. Each group had a corner of their own, and they were all happy and laughing.
Several tables were stocked with all sorts of liquor, food, plastic cups, and plates.
Women half-dressed in skimpy attire walked around the room by the droves. I sighed when I heard one of the fake boobs women mention that she hoped she got to fuck Blade again like last time. Another groupie, I supposed.
“Where are the band members?” a blonde-headed woman with a lot of makeup on asked another one. “Radcliffe is all mine,” she added.
“Not if I get to him first,” another stated.
Damn, did these women fight over the Trash Monkeys like this everywhere they went? I had to admit that Blade Benefield was sexy as hell but I must try my best to keep things professional. I had already written down some intended questions in my notepad. All I had to do was locate them.
“Nice legs you got there, honey.”
I froze and spun around; respite poured on me as I realized the owner of the voice. It was Starburst, the drummer.
“Hey there. My name is Kira Martin, and I would love to interview the Trash Monkeys. By the way, I loved what you did out there.” I was blabbering but I just wanted to catch his attention.
He smiled. “Can you slow down? I am not running. I am already into you.” Starburst smiled again.
Wow, that was easy.
“You have beautiful lips, too, Kira.”
He winked, and that’s when I knew he was flirting with me. It was hard to keep things professional when you had a member of the Trash Monkey’s coming on to you like that.
“You know what? Let’s talk over a drink.” He didn’t give me a chance to reply. His hand settled on the small of my back as he led me towards an empty, comfortable-looking leather booth.
I was curious about the others, too, and wanted to get close to Blade and the newest member of the band. “Can I talk to the other band members, too?” I asked.
“The others are busy attending to their fans,” Starburst replied. “You’re stuck with me for now.”
“Oh, and you don’t have fans?”
My question provoked dry and throaty laughter from him. “Everybody has fans, Kira. You have fans, I am sure. You have to be as beautiful as you are. I feel and I think I need some rest and the company of a lovely lady such as yourself.”
‘Yeah, rest is good,” I agreed. “Thanks for the compliment, by the way.”
He nodded. “Do you drink?’ He raised a bottle of red wine.
“Yes,” I replied.
“Good,” he responded and poured wine into two glasses. Then he offered me one.
“So, what’s the origin of the band’s name? Have you changed the band’s name before?” I asked while watching him sip from his glass.
He laughed. “I know a lot of people think that we are weird. Like, what does Trash Monkeys mean? Well, we just wanted something different and unique like other rock bands. Some people think we were trying to copycat the Gorillaz, but I feel they are making a mistake. There’s a lot people who don’t know about the Trash Monkeys. We are in a class of our own. We have never changed our name before, and I am hoping we don’t need to in future,” he replied.
I scribbled as quickly as my hands could write I couldn’t make use of my phone because the place was flooded with laughter and music.
“What genre do you consider your style of music to be? Who are your major influences?”
“Hmm…I can’t answer that. Trash Monkeys have a rare blend. We could mix pop and rock. We could mix rock and jazz. Anything goes, provided there’s a lead guitar and it’s soothing to the ears.”
“Okay.” I continued to take notes.
“I also feel our music blend is unique because we all have those we looked up to. For example, Blade’s model was Bon Jovi, while I loved Enrique Iglesias. So, when we are composing, we would throw in a blend of these two amazing people.”
“How long have you guys and Trisha known each other?” This was a critical question.
“Ten years. We all met in college, at Nevada State University. We started singing back then but not seriously. We decided to get together as a band five years after that,” he replied. “Well, we haven’t known Steven Radcliffe as long,” he added.
“Who writes your songs? They have a rich, lyrical content, and that makes me curious.”
“Blade. Blade does it,” Starburst replied, then emptied the glass of red wine into his mouth.
So, Blade was a good writer, too? He was good at evoking emotions in people.
I told him that I enjoyed the love song and it reminded me of my ex. This made him laugh. I knew I was supposed to be professional, but the wine had already gotten into my system…and there was nothing else I could do.
I knew this next question was personal to me for some reason but I needed to know. “Are Trisha and Blade dating?” I blurted out.
“I think you should ask Blade that yourself.” Starburst winked.
I decided to wait for the other members of the band before resuming my line of questioning.
Before I knew it, Blade walked in with the others.
“Drinks to this table, please!” He clapped and called to the servers, who hurried to the table with trays of drinks.
I could get some more questions answered now. I started to linger around; perhaps I would have the chance to speak to Blade and the others.
Goodbye to being professional. I decided to loosen up a little; perceivably that would help me ask the right questions.
I was immediately drawn into the alcoholic atmosphere that came with being with the band. I saw how the Trash Monkeys let loose from their usual stage persona into their real selves.
My feet were light, the floor beneath me was rotating, and I kept seeing shadows under the light. I knew I was no longer tipsy. I had passed tipsy. I was fucking drunk.
“Hello, beautiful.” Blade sat beside me and blessed me with his charismatic smile.
“Hi,” I responded shyly, even with the amount of alcohol in my system. I couldn’t believe I was sitting beside the lead singer of the Trash Monkeys.
“Blade, this is Kira Martin. Kira, this is Blade,” Starburst introduced.
I had almost forgotten he was even there from the moment Blade sat beside me. Damn, Blade smelled good.
Blade picked up his drink and took a healthy swig. “It’s so nice to meet you, Kira.”
“It’s great to—” I started to say but got cut off mid-sentence.
“Hey, Blade.” One of the women stopped beside our booth. “Are we still on for later?” The blond, blue-eyed bombshell gave Blade a sultry stare as she licked her lips. She reached out and caressed his upper arm.
Blade turned to see who was speaking, and his face broke out into a one-sided grin. I don’t know why I became jealous, but I did. I was also irritated by the woman’s intrusion. She eye-fucked Blade where she stood in her micro mini skirt and barely there see-through lace top that stopped above her pierced navel.
“Raincheck, Melissa,” he said. “I have other plans.” He gave her a dismissive look and then bestowed me with his sexy stare once again.
Damn, my panties became instantly wet, and I squeezed my legs together to staunch the flow of my juices.
“What did you think of the band?” he asked, as though he didn’t just dismiss one of his conquests.
I noticed Melissa gave me the evil eye and walked away in anger.
“I enjoyed the concert. I don’t normally go for the rock scene but I love your music!” I admitted truthfully.
“Thank you,” he said with modesty.
I could tell there was more to Blade Benefield than just a performer. I would love to be the one to peel back all his layers and get to know him better.
“Dude, I was just telling Kira that you write most of the songs for the band.”
Blade’s smile grew brighter as he continued to watch me. “Guilty as charged.” He gave me a sexy wink.
Wow, I felt like a teenager sitting in the presence of Blade. I was a professional, for crying out loud. I needed to be beyond feeling all fan-girlie, but instead, I was embarrassed during the time I sat there with this man whose amazing muscular body was pressed close to mine.
“Yeah, Blade is a phenomenal writer, but he’s as humble as they come,” Starburst stated.
“I couldn’t do what I do without the band,” Blade said then he cast a glance across the table at Starburst.
I peeped over at Starburst and saw the respect he had from Blade displayed boldly on his features.
“It’s all good.” Starburst grinned.
“Kira, do you want to meet the rest of the band?” Blade asked.
“Sure,” I replied. Blade stood to his feet.
He reached for my hand and helped me from the booth.
“Catch you later, man,” Blade said to Starburst before we walked away.
I smiled inwardly when Blade didn’t release my hand.
Blade introduced me to Jasper Truitt the lead guitarist, and Steven Radcliff the backup guitarist and backup vocalist. I didn’t see Tricia Truitt, Jasper’s sister, and according to the rag magazines, Blade’s love interest. I bristled at the validity of that claim.
“It’s wonderful to make your acquaintance, Kira,” said Jasper. Jasper was tall and lean, with wild hair and black eyes. And had a deep voice.
Steven grinned down at me and gave me a nod. His looks were comparable to Blade’s. Both were tall, broad-shouldered, muscular, and had intense-looking eyes, with long hair. But Blade’s hair was pulled back into a ponytail, and Steven’s hung loosely against his shoulders. Of the two, Blade radiated more charisma.
“What are your thoughts about the rest of the band?” Steven asked.
“I love your music,” I admitted.
Damn, I sounded like a groupie. I hid a small smile at the thought.
“Hey…” Blade leaned down toward me and whispered in my ear, “Do you want to leave and go somewhere else?”
I turned and looked up into Blade’s sexy eyes. “Ahh, okay,” I replied.
I was still smiling when we entered an exclusive private club a while later. I ordered a margarita, and Blade ordered a beer. The bartender placed my drink before me and slid a beer Blade’s way.
“Thanks for the drink,” I said.
“Thank you for spending time with me, Kira,” he responded with a lopsided grin and then glanced down at my bare midriff.
I shivered from the hot look in his blue gaze.
“Kira, you took my breath away when I first saw you tonight standing in the crowd at the show earlier,” Blade drawled in a sexy voice.
My breath lodged in my throat. It seemed Blade’s words just took my breath away.
“I didn’t think you noticed me with those beautiful women fans around demanding your attention.”
“Believe me, it wasn’t hard to notice the most beautiful woman I’ve ever seen,” Blade assured me.
“Blade, I bet you say that to all the women, Mr. Rock Star,” I quipped. “I know I’m nothing special.”
Blade laughed. “Accept the compliment. Give me a chance, and I’ll prove just how desirable and beautiful you are to me.”
I gulped and turned up the rest of my drink until it was gone. Blade Benefield had just induced me to be speechless.
My expression made him laugh even harder, and then he ordered us another round of drinks.
“What if I take you up on your offer?” I couldn’t believe I’d just said that.
Blade’s eyebrow rose in a sexy arch. “Say yes and find out.”
I picked up my drink and took a big gulp.
I had never done anything wild. Did I have the nerve to step outside my box and throw caution to the wind with this sexy, blue-eyed rocker? Damn, he was playing havoc on my senses, sending my nerves into sensory overload.
Blade grinned as he veered further toward me. “Say yes and let us make this a night to remember, sweetheart.”
I should say no. I should tell this womanizer ‘Thank you for the drinks, it’s been real, but goodnight.’ I should walk out of this prominent bar and get me a cab back to my little hotel room. My head told me one thing, but I’d be damned, my body was telling me something else.
“Ahem.” I cleared my throat. “Okay.” I had suddenly become a woman I didn’t know.
Blade gave me a sexy grin. “Kira, I promise you won’t regret it.”
“I hope not.”
Blade motioned to the bartender to pay the bill.
“I need to do something first,” Blade said and directed me to a dark, quiet corner in the bar area.
The moment we were alone, Blade’s arms wrapped around my waist, they were rock-solid. He pressed his hard body into the soft, generous curves of my softer frame and kissed me full throttle into compliance.
I gasped, and his tongue thrust into my mouth to capture mine. Blade tasted of mint and beer. His massive erection pressed adjacent to my belly as he started to grind against me.
“I couldn’t help myself,” Blade said with his dark-blue eyes locked on my brown gaze.
I almost came on the spot from the intense look in his eyes.
I moaned.
“Fuck, you have some kissable, sexy lips,” he said.
And I already knew, without doubt, I was a goner. Blade’s head bent to nuzzle my neck. His hot breath fanned across my flushed flesh, and his tongue swiped over my skin. I moaned again.
Blade’s hand slid down to grip the roundness of my ass. I allowed it and commenced to press me hard to his body.
“You’re so damn beautiful, and I couldn’t take my eyes off you.” Blade kissed me softly on my cheek.
It felt so good to have him this close, smelling his aroma. It felt good to be wanted by the lead singer of the Trash Monkeys. I couldn’t even think how many other women he’d said these same lines to. All I could think about was that he wanted me, Kira Martin. I blocked out all the other rational voices screaming for me to be sensible as I threw caution three-fifths to the wind.