Addicted to You (Forbidden #6)

Chapter 1

1

Silas

The low hum of the plane’s engines didn’t do much to help the pounding in my skull from the party the night before. I leaned back in the private jet’s plush leather seat, my sunglasses shielding my eyes from the sunlight streaming through the windows, and took another sip of the bloody mary in my hand.

Across the aisle, Malachi, the lead singer of our band, Surrender, was scrolling through something on his phone. “Check this out.” He held up his cell, and I could see a gossip site on his screen. “Apparently, I’m dating some actress I’ve never even met.”

“Lucky her,” Jesse, our guitarist, snorted, and his girlfriend Olivia, who was curled up beside him, giggled.

Malachi groaned and tossed his phone onto the seat next to him. “It says I’m bringing her home to Boston to meet my parents.”

“I wonder what story they’ll come up with when the photos of us boarding the plane in Los Angeles prove she didn’t travel with you, and they don’t see her in Boston,” Elliott, our bassist, mused.

“Who knows.” Malachi ran a hand through his hair. “This gossip shit is only going to get worse when our album drops and we go on tour. Hope you’re all ready for it.”

“Maybe these couple of weeks back home will give us a chance to relax before the chaos begins,” Elliott suggested.

Our album, Neon Nights , was scheduled to release the first of the year, and we would be headlining our first tour through Canada and the U.S. in the spring.

“Maybe.” Malachi propped his feet up on the table between us.

I shifted in my seat and winced at the ache in my head. Elliott seemed to notice and smirked. “Rough night, Silas?”

“Don’t start,” I muttered, taking another sip of my drink.

Jesse glanced over, shaking his head. “Dude, you look like death warmed over.”

“What else is new?” I shot back.

Malachi crossed his arms over his chest. “You’ve got to pace yourself, man. Tour’s coming up. We can’t have our drummer falling apart before we even start.”

“I’m fine.” I tried to wave away their concern. “Just blowing off some steam.”

Elliott raised an eyebrow. “Pretty sure you’ve been blowing off steam since we moved to LA four years ago.”

“And?” I pulled off my sunglasses. “What’s the point of all this if I can’t enjoy it?”

He rolled his eyes. “Anyway, what’s everyone’s plans for the holidays?”

“Just family stuff,” Jesse said. He glanced at Olivia, a small smile crossing his face. “We’re staying with my folks for a few days, then hers.”

“What about you, Silas? Anything exciting planned?” Elliott wondered.

I shrugged. “Nothing really, other than a ski trip with my family. Might also hang out with some friends I haven’t seen in a while. Oh, and there’s that Silenced Misfits party the day after Christmas.”

From the corner of my eye, I caught Elliott and Jesse exchanging a look. The Silenced Misfits were a local band we’ d gotten to know when we used to play at the same bars prior to us leaving for LA, and they’d invited the four of us to their party since we were going to be in town. It was likely I’d be the only one from our group to go. Jesse preferred quiet nights at home with Olivia, and although Malachi and Elliott liked to hit up the clubs, drink a little, and hook up with chicks, neither of them partied quite like I did. But hell, I was twenty-three years old, the drummer for a popular rock band, and living in LA. How could I not want to live the rock star lifestyle?

“Just don’t do anything stupid,” Malachi said. His tone was half-joking, but I heard the warning loud and clear. “We don’t need any bad PR.”

I gave him a mock salute. “Yes, sir.”

“I might hit up the party too. Someone’s got to keep you out of jail.” Elliott chuckled.

Jesse snorted. “And who’s keeping you out of trouble while you’re watching Silas?”

“No one needs to watch me. I’m a saint.” Elliott tried to keep a straight face, but the corners of his mouth turned up.

“Right.” I put my sunglasses back on. “I’ll remember that the next time the paparazzi catches you in a compromising position with a groupie.”

The banter continued as we got closer to Boston. The guys often frustrated me with their concern about my well-being, but I couldn’t imagine sharing this wild ride with anyone else.

My hangover had dulled to a slight throb by the time the jet landed in Boston, thanks to some ibuprofen and a bottle of water. I still felt like crap, but at least I could function like a human.

The cabin door opened, and the frigid New England air stung my face. I zipped up my jacket and followed the others down the steps onto the tarmac.

“See you next week.” Elliott clapped me on the back as the guys and I walked toward his parents’ vehicle. “Try not to let things get too out of hand before then.”

“No promises.” I grinned, and waved to his mom and dad before he climbed inside and took off.

Jesse shook his head at me as his parents rushed over to hug him and Olivia.

“It’s so exciting having you all home. You boys should drop by the house if you have any free time,” Mrs. Bennett said to me and Malachi as Jesse tossed their luggage in the trunk. “I miss having everyone around and rummaging through my kitchen.”

“I’ll try to stop by,” I replied, although with the holidays and my family’s annual ski trip, I wasn’t sure if I would be able to.

Malachi and I continued toward where his parents were parked.

“Take it easy, man,” I said as he hopped inside.

“You too. I’ll see you in the new year.”

A few seconds later my parents’ SUV pulled up, my mom waving excitedly from the passenger seat. She practically threw the door open the second she saw me.

“Silas!” She hurried over and pulled me into a tight hug, her arms squeezing the air out of my lungs. “Oh, honey, you look so thin! Are you eating enough? You’re not eating enough, are you?”

“I’m fine, Mom.” I patted her back gently.

She stepped back, her eyes raking over me, and her brow furrowed as she took in my face. “You’re pale and have dark circles under your eyes. Are you getting enough sleep? You look tired.”

“Mom,” I cut her off. “I’m fine. It was just a long flight.”

My dad wrapped an arm around my shoulder. “Good to have you home, Son,” he said, temporarily putting an end to Mom’s questioning.

“Good to be home.” I tossed my suitcase into the back and climbed into the SUV.

“Your sister called earlier,” Mom announced, turning to look at me from the passenger seat as Dad merged with the traffic. “She can’t wait to see you. She’s bringing her boyfriend, by the way. Did I mention that?”

“Once or twice.” I laughed.

My sister, Britt, and I weren’t super close growing up. She was the “golden child” who always got good grades and rarely caused any trouble for our parents. I, on the other hand, only cared about music and hanging out with my friends when I was a teen. Still, I was looking forward to seeing her. The last time we’d been together was four years ago at the celebratory dinner we attended after Surrender won The Band Showdown , a reality TV competition that put our group on the map.

“Oh, stop.” Mom swatted at my leg playfully. “I’m just excited for you to meet Cash. He’s such a sweetheart and so handsome!”

“Yeah, because you thinking he’s cute is what’s going to sell me on the guy,” I teased. “But I guess things must be getting pretty serious if she’s bringing him home for the holidays.”

Mom nodded. “It sure seemed that way when we visited Britt in Houston a few months ago. I told your sister not to let him out of her sight.”

“You know your mother.” Dad chuckled. “She’s already planning the wedding.”

“That’s not true!” she protested. “I just think he’s a nice young man.”

Thirty minutes later, we pulled into the driveway of the modest two-story house I grew up in. So many of my favorite memories were attached to this place, but at the same time, it seemed a world away from my life in LA.

“I’m going to make you a sandwich. You must be starving,” Mom announced as I walked behind her to go inside.

I wasn’t hungry, but I’d let her fuss over me anyway because it was easier than arguing. The house smelled like cinnamon and pine, as it always did around Christmas. I left my suitcase by the stairs and followed my parents into the kitchen, where my mom began rummaging through the refrigerator and pantry for what she needed.

“Are you looking forward to our trip to Mount Sunapee, or has all that California sun you’ve been soaking up turned you off from skiing?” Mom joked as she slathered mustard on one slice of bread before adding some turkey and cheese to the other .

My family always spent a few days skiing during the holidays, but I hadn’t joined them on the last two trips, preferring to stay in LA for the New Year’s parties over quiet trips home. The only reason I had come back to Boston this year was because Mom had been complaining about how long it had been since she’d seen me. “It should be fun. Hopefully, I haven’t forgotten how.”

“I’m sure you’ll be just fine,” she said, sliding the plate across the counter. “Now eat. And drink some water. You look dehydrated.”

I muttered a thank you and picked at the sandwich while my parents peppered me with questions about life in LA, the new album, and the upcoming tour. I kept some of my answers vague since I didn’t think they wanted all the sordid details of my partying lifestyle.

Eventually, my dad changed the subject to something about the Patriots. I nodded along, but my mind was already elsewhere. Pulling out my phone, I messaged my friend, Donnie:

Back home. Any good parties tonight?

He replied a few seconds later:

Not really but come down to the Sapphire Lounge. I can hook you up with some good shit and make sure my best dancers are available if you want a lap dance

Back in high school, Donnie was the guy who always sold weed at parties. After graduating, he leveled up and could get whatever people wanted to buy. He’d also taken over the strip club his mom’s fiancé owned after the guy went to prison a couple of years ago. According to him, the drug business had taken off once he was able to add the strippers and patrons to his customer base. Guess I was spending my first night back home at the strip club.

Sounds good. See you soon

Walking up to The Sapphire Lounge, I pulled out my wallet and prepared to show my ID at the door.

“Silas Hale?” one of the bouncers asked, his arms crossed over his chest.

“That’s me.” It wasn’t uncommon for people to recognize me from Surrender, but for some reason, I didn’t think he cared about me being in a band.

“Donnie told us you were coming. He’s waiting in his office.”

Office? I couldn’t imagine Donnie working behind a desk, even if it was in a strip club.

The bouncer turned to another guy dressed in the same black “Security” T-shirt and jeans and said, “You’ve got the door while I take him back.”

The club was more upscale than I’d imagined. The chrome accents and sleek black leather booths filled with men in tailored suits sipping what I assumed was top-shelf liquor made it clear this wasn’t some back-alley dive.

It took only a second for my eyes and ears to adjust to the lights and heavy bass pumping through the speakers. The chaos was nothing like the bright flashing lights and volume that I was used to at our concerts, which was only going to be more intense on our upcoming tour since we, as the headliners, would likely have a more elaborate set-up.

On stage, a leggy blonde wearing nothing but a hot pink G-string spun around a pole, and I had to force myself to look away from her perky tits to follow the bouncer through the main floor. Some patrons turned their heads as we passed, and I heard their whispers of recognition. I ignored them, focusing instead on the guy in front of me until we reached a door down a dark hallway, and he pushed it open.

Donnie’s office had the same vibe as the club, all decked out in leather and chrome. He looked up as I entered, and his face broke into a wide smile.

“Finally, you’ve come back to Boston,” he said, standing to greet me.

“Hey, bro.” I shook his hand .

“Been too long, man. Have a seat.” He gestured toward one of the chairs across from his desk. “How’s LA treating you?”

I shrugged. “Can’t complain.”

“I bet.” He smirked. “Making music, touring, probably hooking up with more chicks than you can count. You’re living the fucking dream, huh?”

I barked out a laugh. “Pretty much.”

We chatted for a few minutes about old times and caught up on mutual friends before he leaned back in his chair, his grin widening. “All right. Enough with the small talk. I know what you really came here for.”

He pulled open a drawer, produced a small bag of white powder, and tossed it onto the desk between us. I couldn’t wait to get a taste. “How much do I owe you?”

“Let’s just call it a little welcome home gift. Maybe while you’re here, you can introduce me to some of your other friends. Let them know where to get the good stuff.”

“I’m actually going to a party next week and could probably get you on the guest list. You’d likely rake in a ton of cash.”

“Excellent.” He grinned again.

I poured out some of the coke and formed a couple of lines. Donnie slid a rolled-up bill across the desk, and there was zero hesitation on my part as I leaned forward to snort the white powder. It didn’t take long for the world around me to sharpen, my senses buzzing as the rush hit me.

He chuckled. “Ready to have a good time tonight?”

I nodded. We left his office together and headed back to the main floor. The music seemed louder, the lights a bit brighter than before, and my entire body vibrated with energy. We headed for a table marked “VIP” near the stage, and I slid into a seat across from Donnie. The table was part of a row of booths with high backs to offer a bit of privacy to those willing to pay for it and offered the best view in the club according to my friend.

I watched several women dance their asses off for the dollar bills guys were offering. But once I started handing out twenties, the performers directed most of their attention my way. I was about to ask Donnie who he suggested for a lap dance when a woman with long auburn hair walked onto the stage. Her moves were hypnotic; the sway of her hips timed perfectly with the beat of “Porn Star Dancing” by My Darkest Days. My dick twitched as she slowly removed pieces of clothing until she was left in nothing but a purple thong.

“I’m going to need a lap dance from her,” I told Donnie, pulling out more cash from my wallet.

“It’s a hundred bucks.” He stood and waved her over when the song finished. “But she’s worth every penny.”

Once she’d picked up all the money on stage, she headed our way. She was even hotter up close, and the slight smirk on her face promised she was the good kind of trouble.

“Silas, meet Mia.” Donnie clapped me on the back. “Mia, this is Silas. He’s the guy I told you about earlier. I trust you’ll take care of him.”

“Of course,” she cooed as Donnie walked away.

She didn’t waste any time sliding onto my lap once it was just the two of us and I slipped her the fee for the dance. The music shifted to something slower, and she began grinding against my dick that was straining against the zipper of my jeans.

“Donnie said you were looking for a good time tonight,” she breathed into my ear.

I lifted a brow. “Did he now?”

“Yep.” She wrapped her arms around my neck and pressed her tits into my chest. “And I’m making it my mission to make sure you don’t leave disappointed.”

She rolled her hips and I let out a groan. “Keep doing that and I’ll be a very satisfied customer.” I clenched my fists at my sides, so damn tempted to touch her but trying not to break any club rules.

She grabbed my hands and placed them on her ass. “Don’t worry. No one is going to kick you out for not keeping your hands to yourself.” The song ended, and she pulled back to ask, “Want to take this somewhere more private? ”

Her meaning was clear, and she didn’t wait for an answer before standing and offering me her hand.

Donnie appeared at my side as I stood, pressing another small bag into my palm. “Thought you two could enjoy this together.” I peeked at the contents and instantly recognized the ecstasy tablets inside.

Mia pulled me toward one of the rooms reserved for private dances. When the door clicked shut behind us, she grabbed the bag of pills from my hand, her eyes sparkling with excitement. “Oh, this is going to be fun.”

I was in for one hell of a night.