“Liam, get the rhythm right, please?” I was frustrated. This morning replayed in my mind in a continual loop. For the first time I was challenged to the point of wanting to spank a girl for her insolence. She was feisty. Her cheeky little mouth with those soft pink plump lips had me aching to drive my cock between them. The fact that she is so unaffected by me has me intrigued. No woman I have met since the band hit the big time has ever acted like I was just another guy. Tayla though, she was different. She was a mystery to me. I didn’t know how to handle a woman who didn’t throw herself at me. This was a challenge I wouldn’t mind taking. She looked incredible in that soft blue top, the thin spaghetti straps looked so delicate on her shoulders. Easy to rip off her magnificent body.

“Cal, what the fuck are you doing?” As I glance up I realize that everyone is staring at me. The Den where we were recording was filled with staff. My brother’s inquisitive stare makes me uneasy. There is no way I am telling them about Tayla. She was mine to have fun with. When Ki told me she was interviewing someone, a girl, I was intrigued. Initially, I wanted a guy to head up the sound, but Ki was adamant we needed more female staff on tour. So I let her lead with the interviews and I am so glad I did. Since Tayla left, I counted down the hours until I saw that sweet little ass again. Her soft melodic voice sent blood straight to my cock. I would love to hear her moaning my name while I showed her exactly what all the girls were always talking about. The devil inside my pants.

“Nothing. Working on the melody in my head.” Brushing off his question, I get up and stalk to the kitchen. Ignoring the quips, I grab a bottle of water and gulp it down. Anything to cool the fire that’s burning me up from thoughts of her. I need to calm this raging fucking hard on in my jeans.

“Callum, are you going to do a live feed today?” When I peer at Kierra, I can see the underlying question in her eyes. She knows me better than anyone. Working beside me for close to ten years, she’s been my assistant and best friend. “What’s going on with you Cal?”

“Nothing. Why? Must there be something wrong with me? I am just thinking through things. I am not in the mood to go live today. Let’s just replay something.” She narrows her eyes at me. Knowing she will let it go, puts me at ease. Although, it will be brought up again, that’s what I am dreading. When she turns and walks away, I let out the breath I had been holding.

This girl is creating more shit than I thought she would. It makes no sense; she doesn’t want me. Why do I want her? I can have any woman, in any country. But, there is only one my sights are set on now, and she is my new sound engineer. It’s going to be interesting having her here every day. Although, working with a hard on will not be pleasant.

“Callum!” Fucking hell, do they have to make such a noise?

“I am coming! Don’t fucking scream at me.” Walking back into the Den, I see Liam is ready to go. Set up and the cameras are rolling. Did I not make myself clear, I don’t want to do a live feed today? I sit down and grin into the lens. “Hey guys! What’s everyone up to? Where are you from?” Kierra hands me the laptop and the chat goes wild. There are people from all over. Girls in every corner of the globe and they want me, Ryan, or my brother. Between the three of us, we have our own fan bases. Either they prefer Liam, Ryan, or my blue eyes. I love lurking in the chat room occasionally, just to see what they talk about. There have been some downright dirty chats I’ve walked in on.

I created an online platform where our fans can chat, and I go online to say ‘hi’. Being on the road, I haven’t had a chance lately. Today is a first for a while. I am here, but my mind is elsewhere. “Okay, pervert’s, what’s going on in here?” The messages fly by, there are now nine hundred people online. “Do you want me to take my top off?” The responses that come through after that were exactly what I expected. Dirty. I love to tease. It’s what I do well. “Let’s sing a song.” Picking up my guitar, I strum a few chords and hum the tune to a favorite.

* * *

The lights twinkle below me. I love walking up here. The hillside behind my house was my private sanctuary. Only two houses have access to it. From up here, I can think. There was an incredible peace. Away from the noise, the screaming fans and those goddamn drums of my brother. I can’t imagine living anywhere other than Los Angeles. I am from a small town that nobody has ever heard of. My brother and I grew up with nothing. Our mother taught us to work hard and believe in ourselves. She always gave as much as she could. That’s why I learned to appreciate everything I have now. Even the crazy fans, they are brazen, but they’re loyal. That’s why I give so much of myself. This—the fame, the popularity—can be taken away in a second. All I can do is enjoy it while it lasts.

As soon as I reach the top of the hill, those brown eyes pop into my mind. She’s so beautiful, there’s something about her though, a weariness. I want to break down that barrier and discover what’s inside. To see into her heart, find her passion and unleash it. She’s tiny, a mere 5’4” to my 5’8” and her sleek ice-blonde hair flows down her back. Long enough for me to wrap around my fist while I have her bent over. Those chestnut eyes seem to bore into me. Deeper than anyone has ever seen. She sees past the façade. That terrifies me, but it also excites me. Never has a girl challenged me, like Tayla. Her retort was adorable. They normally just nod and giggle. Always hanging on my every fucking word. Sometimes, it’s just nice to be around someone that acts normal around me. Give me a run for my money so to speak.

I’m not normal, I suppose. They call me many things, normal isn’t one of them. My brother doesn’t deal with the fame like I do. He’s been through a lot, so have I, but I can block it out. He can’t. I used to do things I am not proud of. I’ve used women and abused alcohol. I was the asshole that everyone said I was. At thirty-five I guess I have grown up. Being in this industry jades you. I am no longer the asshole, most people don’t know that. Only a handful of my closest friends know the real me and that’s how I want it.

Making my way back to the house, I take deep calming breaths. There’s a fucking song that’s been pestering me and I need to write. Music has been a constant in my life. Something I could turn to when I was feeling depressed. When the impulse to take drugs again reared its ugly fucking head. There are so many occasions I made it through, using music.

As soon as I step inside, I hear the drums. God, isn’t he sleeping yet? There is only one place I want to be right now. Once I'm in my refuge, I close the bedroom door and flop down on my bed. Closing my eyes, I count slowly, one through ten and back. Chestnut eyes invade my mind again. Fuck this! My eyes snap open, hopping off the bed, I head next door to the music room. The piano sits snuggly in the corner. Just what I need to forget her, but it's impossible. Her scent is still in the room. Sitting on the stool, I tap the ivories. The melody in my head that’s been driving me crazy since yesterday plays through me onto the keys. Once she left, I came in here. Sat at the piano waiting on the muse in my mind's eye. Nothing concrete came, but my thoughts were busy. Creating. It's those brown eyes. No woman has affected me like she has. Not since my ex. A shiver runs down my spine, an icy disgusted shiver.

I was so in love, but she broke me. No other word explains it better. She shattered anything I had built with her. When I realized she was using me for my fame, I walked. Not looking back. Never again will anyone do that to me. That’s why I put so much into my music, I can’t afford to lose it over a woman. So I play the asshole. The bad boy that everyone thinks I am.

* * *

I am sitting in the office when my assistant walks in. “Hey Ki, we have to complete the contract for Tayla.” I glance up at my assistant and grin. She knows that employing a new girl will give her some semblance of gaining a friend. Someone to talk to when all the guys are too much to handle. I keep my staff busy. Perfection, it’s the control I need to make sure my life is on track. Some people think I work too hard, but I can sleep when I am dead right?

“Cal, I know you. Can you tell me what the hell is going on with you?” Her piercing blue eyes stare a hole into me. They’re not as blue as mine, they’re a stormy grey with hints of blue depending on her mood. She always does this. Shaking my head, I shrug. “Don’t give me that shit.” She’s a dainty little stick of dynamite. Not taking shit from anyone, including me, that’s why I hired her.

“There’s nothing wrong. Get off my back woman.”

“Bullshit! You’ve been weird since the interview this morning. Even when you were doing the stream earlier you looked like you weren’t even here. You think they don’t notice when you’re not yourself?” Her question has me putting my guard up. I wish she would give this a rest. There is nothing wrong.

“Kierra, I am myself. I sang, teased them. Asked them to buy merch. What else do you want from me?” As soon as the words are out of my mouth, I know she will blow. Her face is stone.

“We need this intern, if you didn’t like her then why did you agree? She’s starting tomorrow and now you’re all screwed up in the head again. I hope you will sort your shit out before she arrives. With the tour coming up, we can’t afford—”

“Fuck, Kierra! Just give it a rest. I know what I am doing. Don’t tell me how to run my life!” Stalking out of the office, I slam the door behind me. Shit. That was uncalled for, but I don’t care right now. As I reach the patio, I step outside and take a deep breath. The click of her heels on the tiles alert me that she’s followed me.

“Callum Hayes, if you ever speak to me like that, I will walk out. Do you hear me?” I nod. Nothing I can say will make it better. Yes, I was wrong. Maybe an apology will suffice.

“Sorry.” When I don’t turn to her, she rounds on me and her penetrating stare forces me to look at her. “What? I can’t say anything else. There’s nothing more you need to know.”

“Right. So Tayla?” I gape at my assistant. How the fuck did she do that?

“I don't understand what you’re talking about.”

“Bullshit Cal! The last time you were so…” She waves her hand in the air, trying to find the words. I stay silent, waiting for her to finish her tirade. “… fucked in the head, was when you were with Arina.”

My glare is deadly. “Do not, ever, mention her name again. She has no fucking right to be even thought about. There is nothing you need to know. So just give it up Kierra. I would appreciate it if you not mention my ex again. Just go home. You’re here late again.” She sighs loudly and I realize she’s giving up. Finally.

“Fine, but Callum, when you finally talk to this girl again. Be nice.” She spins on her heel and walks back into the house with me staring after her. There isn’t a way for me to convince her there isn’t a girl. Because there is a girl. One with chestnut eyes and shiny blonde hair. With beautiful curves and a set of tits I want to bury my cock between. Great, now I have a fucking hard on! Like I said, Tayla will be the death of me.

* * *

I have been sitting here for hours. Kierra left two hours ago, and I am still nowhere near finding the lyrics that evade me. How am I meant to get songs done for an album when my mind can’t relax? This tour will take a lot out of me. There is pressure on us with the amount of work that goes into a worldwide tour. It’s astonishing. Tomorrow is Tayla’s first day, I gave Kierra a list of things I want Tay to learn. She needs to be up to scratch for the upcoming tour.

Since Ki will handle her first day, I can stay away. Which is what I need to do. If I went down there I would give her too much to handle. There is something I want her to handle. The images that run through my mind, thoughts of her soft hand on my cock has me straining against my zipper. Me being famous didn’t faze her. She’s just jaded by the LA lifestyle, maybe I can wine and dine her. If that will get me into her little panties, then I am all for it. I always give one hundred percent.

I can be as romantic as she wants. Glancing at the sheet in front of me—the empty fucking sheet—I wince. This will be a painful process. The label will lose their shit when they know that we only have one song, and it’s not even finished. In fact, it’s far from finished. I unlock my phone and scroll through my contacts. I need a distraction. It’s late and I know a perfect little brunette that will take my mind off this shit.

“Hello?” Her voice is soft and sweet, as she whispers into the phone.

“Hey kitten, can I come play?” Her giggle is answer enough. She didn’t realize it’s me since I never give my number to anyone. I don’t need fucking stalkers hounding me.

“Callum.” She breaths my name seductively. “Yes, come over.” As soon as I hang up, I pull on my black boots and make my way out to the garage. It’s only hit midnight, I can be home before the sun rises. She doesn’t live too far away. One of my many contacts. Girls ready to take the edge off, but never wanting more.

When I reach her apartment, it’s quiet and no lights are on. Once step up to her door, before I even have a chance to knock, she’s swinging the door open and jumping into my arms.

“I missed you.” She stares at me. Her words are too tender. There’s feeling in them and I need to stop that immediately.

“I want a fuck kitten. Nothing more.” Yes, I am a dick, but she knew what she was signing up for when she agreed. I walk us back into the apartment. My mouth on hers, she opens easily. So eager. I lick into her. Tasting her. The little whimpers from her mouth are soft as my tongue dances with hers. She sucks on it like a porn star, and who knows, she could be. I don’t get to know them.

Our hands are everywhere, yanking and tugging at clothes until we’re both naked. Her tight body is sexy, no scars, no ink, just soft smooth skin. So beautiful. For tonight. To be honest, I love girls with ink. But Kitten here, she’s pure. Unmarked.

Lifting her up by her ass, I throw her back onto the bed and she giggles. Her long brown hair fans around her on the pillow. “Open your legs, touch your little pussy.” She loves putting on a show and it makes me fucking hard. Her smooth bare cunt spread for me. She’s already glistening, and I can’t wait to sink into her. I reach for my jeans that's strewn on the floor and pull out a condom. Tearing the wrapper, I sheath myself. Her gaze is locked on my movements and she moans at the sight.

“You’re so big, Cal.” I know that kitten, that’s why you will scream when I fuck your tight little body. Kneeling between her legs, I slowly tease her with the tip of my cock.

“Ready for me kitten?” She nods. The hungry gaze she locks on me has me raging. Without warning, I thrust into her, balls deep in her tight pussy. Fuck, it feels so good. Her head falls back and her eyes flutter closed as I pound her into the bed. She wraps her legs around my waist, pulling me in deeper. My mouth finds her pebbled nipple, and suck on it. I bite down just enough to give her a jolt of pleasured pain, and she cries out. Her tight heat is pulsing, and she’s close. I pull out almost all the way to the tip, and slam into her, bottoming out as she screams my name. Her orgasm taking hold of her. I drive in again, and again, on the third thrust I fill the rubber. Once she’s come down from her high, I slip out of her and get dressed. By the time I reach the door, she’s followed me into the living room, wrapped in a sheet.

“You’re not staying?” She’s getting needy, I don’t like it.

“I never do, you know that.” The sorrow in her green stare only makes me want to run faster. Once I am in the safety of my Jeep, I sigh. Pulling out my phone, I scroll to her number and delete it. There is no way I am getting into this again. As I start the car, there is no satisfaction in what I did. My body is on edge. There is only one girl that can sate me. One with blonde hair and brown eyes.