Free Rock Steady by Dawn Ryder Page B

stretch her wings and see what was over the next hill. Ramsey stood there, looking like a massive challenge between her and the wide-open expanse of opportunity.
    Well, no guts…no glory.

Chapter 3
    Toxsin traveled in style.
    The band also proved why it was topping the charts and selling out arenas. Beneath the spiked hair, leather, and party-animal personas were professionals.
    The sedan Brenton had arrived in took them through the streets of San Francisco and back across the bay to the location of the concert. It was a very different scene by daylight. Two big rigs were being loaded. The members of the crew Ramsey had talked about all performed their duties like well-trained soldiers, moving pallets into the trucks while supervisors watched through mirrored shades with headphones on and microphones sitting in front of their lips.
    There were also three huge motor homes. As in bus-sized.
    “That’s the music coach.” Ramsey pointed at one. “Band members only. It’s a work zone.”
    Kate Braden was standing near the door to the second coach. She looked up as Ramsey brought Jewel into the loading area. The afternoon sun lit up her head of red hair. She had on a leather corset top and a skirt that had her hallmark of superior leather workmanship. Jewel couldn’t help but admire them.
    “It’s going to be nice having some female company,” Kate offered. “We can have corset parties.”
    Ramsey made a low sound under his breath and smacked his lips. Jewel itched to ram her elbow into his side, but she wasn’t close enough to land the blow. She settled for a narrow-eyed look.
    “Don’t mind him,” Kate said. “We used to keep him leashed, but he was costing us a fortune when he chewed through the leather.”
    Ramsey leaned down and set his teeth into the side of Kate’s corset. She squealed and shoved at him. Her husband turned around from where he’d been conferring with a polo-shirted crew member.
    “My wife”—Syon Braden stressed the word “wife”—“isn’t your chew toy, Rams.” He grinned.
    “Yeah, yeah.” Ramsey flinched as Kate slapped his shoulder, but it was clear he was only playing along. “I hope you remember Jewel.”
    Syon crossed the concrete with a stride just as untamed as the one Ramsey used. The singer was wearing a pair of worn jeans today. His hair was a mass of golden highlights that fell just below his shoulders. It wasn’t spiked-out today, his face free of makeup.
    “I would never forget the girl who popped your cherry, Rams.”
    Ramsey stuck his arm out and flipped his bandmate the bird as the crew in hearing range laughed. As soon as he was finished being profane, he reached down and clasped her wrist. The hold startled her, striking her as some sort of public declaration.
    She wasn’t entirely sure she was ready for that.
    “This is the lovebird nest.” Ramsey pointed at the bus-sized motor home. “Don’t come a-knockin’ when the motor home is a-rockin’…”
    Kate rolled her eyes. Jewel offered him a dry look. “I’m getting the feeling personal boundaries are something you struggle with.”
    He stepped to the side again and then forward, so her arm was pulled around his body and she was forced to move into him as he turned her in a small circle. “Hands-on.” He bit out the two words, oblivious to how many people were watching.
    “I recall that.” Jewel stepped back. Her heart was racing, but there was a sour taste in her mouth. She didn’t like an audience. Ramsey didn’t miss it. He reversed course and tugged her along behind him toward the third RV. They climbed up into it. There was a separate compartment for the driver and a privacy wall.
    “But hands-on is a problem for you,” Ramsey stated.
    She turned back to face Ramsey and found him leaning against the wall between the living space and the driver’s cockpit. He was far from happy.
    “I’m not changing to suit you,” he said.
    She propped a hand on her hip. “I didn’t ask you