9. Chapter 9
Chapter 9
Ace
W e’re all gathered in the studio at my place. Scarlet’s test run on Nate’s drum kit is nothing short of explosive, as she plays with an intensity that leaves us in awe.
With his bass guitar draped over his shoulder, Theo’s beside me, as if we belong to some exclusive guitar club. Xander’s out by the soundboard, adjusting knobs and observing us through the large glass panel.
So far, we have mentioned nothing to the press about the concerts. While Theo and Nate are completely on board with Scarlet stepping in, Xander and I need to be damn sure she’s the right fit. We haven’t even seen her play yet, and this decision can’t be half-assed just because she’s Nate’s sister.
In the midst of editing the new album, Theo delivered the news: Scarlet would be stepping in for Nate.
At first, it felt like a weight off my shoulders—like maybe we could actually pull this off without the constant scrutiny of the press. But if I’m being real, I’m worried as hell. Expecting someone to learn our entire set list and perfect it within two weeks—that’s a fucking big demand. Xander and I are on edge—not because we doubt her talent, but because the tight deadline and the level of commitment required have us questioning everything. Does she possess the determination to make this a reality?
While Theo instructs Scarlet on a few additional beats of one of our latest songs, I set my guitar down and reach for a refreshing bottle of water before making my way towards Xander. Just as I’m about to close the door, I catch a sequence of beats that, if I didn’t know any better, could’ve come straight from Nate.
I shut the door, silencing the noise, and settle into the seat beside Xander, who’s closely observing through the glass window.
“What’s your take on it?” I ask, twisting off the bottle cap and taking a swig.
“She’s pretty solid. There are definitely some similarities between her and Nate. I get what Theo was on about.”
“Yeah, I was thinking the same,” I reply, unable to tear my eyes away from Scarlet as she loses herself in her drumming.
Seeing her like this, fully immersed in her element, strikes a chord deep within me. I notice the intensity on her face, the tight grip she has on the drumsticks, and her long blonde hair twisted messily into a knot on top of her head. Shifting effortlessly from drum to drum, she finds her rhythm and syncs up with Theo. Her tattooed arms are a blur of motion, perfectly synchronizing with the rhythm of our music. It’s clear that she’s giving her all to it.
Xander leans forward, his hand moving as he slides a switch to amplify the sound. Right away, it’s clear she’s nailing it with Theo’s guidance.
“Do you think this could actually work?” I ask, as they come to a stop. Theo eagerly shows her the next part of the music.
"She's got fucking talent, I'll give her that," Xander replies, nodding.
“But you’re still not fully convinced,” I add, my eyes fixed on her and Theo.
“Not quite there yet,” he replies, his eyes still fixed on the scene unfolding outside the window. The tension hangs in the air, a silent reminder of the weight of this decision.
As Scarlet and Theo run through the beat again, I push off my seat and make my way back, grabbing my guitar to join in.
By the third run-through, as she finishes learning the song, a smile spreads across her face. With a rush of excitement, Theo wraps her in a warm, big brother hug, his face glowing with pride. She catches my eye, and I nod approvingly, letting her know she absolutely nailed it.
Just then, Xander enters the room. “Ready to try it with vocals?” he asks Scarlet.
“Yeah,” she replies, nodding as she sets the drumsticks aside. She wipes her hands on her shirt, leaving streaks of sweat. I can see the nerves bubbling under the surface. It’s completely understandable - she has a lot to prove to her brother’s bandmates, and that’s no small feat.
As Xander steps up to the mic, I catch Scarlet taking a few deep breaths, gripping her drumsticks tight. She shoots me a glance, and I count us in. As Xander’s voice fills the room, she hammers out our beat with precision, her energy electric. Theo and I exchange an impressed look, amazed as she flawlessly hits every beat. If I closed my eyes, I’d swear Nate was right here. If Xander still isn’t convinced after this, I’ll be right there with Theo, fully supporting Scarlet to step in for Nate.
Maybe Xander’s worried about her joining the tour because I’ve fucked her. He doesn’t need to stress over that shit; I can just lose myself in groupies when the urge hits. No problem there.
I ignore those thoughts and focus intently on nailing the chords. It’s time to get my head in the game. The next few weeks are going to be a chaotic whirlwind of activity. I’ve got the album to finish editing—it’s due out in just over a week, so I need to get my shit together. Plus, there are extra practice sessions with Scarlet to really fine-tune everything for the tour. The last thing I need right now is a fucking distraction.
As the song reaches its conclusion, I turn around to face Xander. I can tell he’s impressed by the way his smirk stretches across his face.
“Told ya she’d fucking nail it,” Theo states, a proud grin spreading across his face.
"Yeah, she fucking did," Xander remarks, shooting a quick glance my way before turning his attention back to Scarlet. "You killed it, Scarlet." He then looks over at Theo, who's standing there with a big-ass grin. "You were fucking right. She sounds just like Nate."
Scarlet exhales deeply, feeling the tension release from her shoulders as a smile slowly brightens her face.
Xander reaches for his phone, his fingers unlocking the screen. “Let’s do it one more time, and then I gotta go. Poppy and Alex are flying out today to see an old friend who looked after Alex when he was younger, and I want to hang out with them before I drop them off at the airport.”
With a quick nod from him, I start counting us in to kick off the song again.
With the final beats coming to an end, we stand there, genuinely impressed. With only a few hours of practice, Scarlet has managed to perform one of our new songs flawlessly, exceeding all expectations.
The sheer joy on her face, that infectious smile—it’s clear music runs deep in her veins, woven into her DNA, just like it is for all of us. It gives our lives meaning. I can’t help but wonder how she’s dealt with the crap of missing out on so much of her own music career, always overshadowed by Nate’s success. Fuck, I don’t think I could handle that kind of bullshit.
“Nice work, Scarlet,” Xander says, clearly impressed. He shoots me a look. “In the coming days, we’ll have to release a statement confirming that the tour is still going ahead. I’ll have Kit work on it and ask her to set something up.”
“Might be best if I just stay away,” I mutter, slipping the guitar strap over my head.
“Why?” Theo smirks. “Worried you’ll toss another camera?” He laughs. His smart-ass attitude is seriously getting on my fucking nerves. “Seeing the grumpy dickhead make a fool of himself on TV is pure fucking comedy. I love seeing the paparazzi’s reaction when you smashed their camera. It’s fucking priceless. It’s saved on my phone if you wanna see it.”
I swear, if that fucker keeps mocking me about the stupid shit I did, he’s gonna feel my fury in the form of a fist. I shoot him a glare, but the asshole’s grin just gets wider. Yeah, keep smiling, dickhead. Next time you flash that grin, you’ll be missing a few teeth.
“Ace,” Xander says, pulling my attention away from Theo’s antics.
I turn back to him. “You can’t dodge the press forever, Ace. You’ve got to face them eventually.”
“Watch me,” I say, taking a swig from my water bottle.
“Don’t start with that shit. You’re going.” Xander’s eyes bore into me, making it clear I’ve pissed him off. “I’m out of here.”
With a scowl, I watch him make his way toward the door, my eyes locked on him until he vanishes from sight. I can’t tell if he’s mad because I refuse to talk to the media or if it’s a silent warning to stay the fuck away from Scarlet.
"Are you ready to learn another song, Scar?" Theo asks, breaking the tension.
"Yeah," Scarlet eagerly replies.
With headphones on, I’m in the studio, fully immersed in the music as I fine-tune our new album at the soundboard. Nearly an hour ago, Theo left to visit Nate at the hospital, leaving me alone with Scarlet. She’s still here, completely immersed in her practice, determined to master the next song, soaking up everything Theo and I have taught her.
As I watch through the glass, I can see her frustration building each time she misses a beat. The fiery determination in her eyes makes it clear that she expects nothing short of perfection.
I drop my head, determined to finish editing this album, knowing I need to stay focused. With meticulous care, I manipulate the buttons, adjusting the sound to achieve flawlessness, eliminating any imperfections, and seamlessly blending Xander’s voice with the music. I’ve got a feeling this album is going to be a hit with the fans—I just need to focus and finish it, blocking out the distraction of Scarlet in the next room. But every time I glance through the glass, watching her work, it’s harder to ignore that fire she’s got. She’s relentless, and it’s infectious.
For the next hour, I lose myself in the rhythm of the work—sliding buttons, cutting, and replacing tracks. The process is hypnotic, pulling me in deeper as I block out everything else. Time slips away as I fine-tune each detail, making sure every note hits just right and every lyric syncs perfectly.
I feel a dull ache in my neck and I stretch it out, just in time to see Scarlet hurling her drumsticks across the room, the sound of them crashing against the wall echoing through the air. Just like me, she’s been at it for hours, and the weariness is starting to show.
As I rub my eyes and stretch, I can feel the fatigue of the day settling into my shoulders. Scarlet’s frustration seeps into the room, pulling my attention away from the work. I push myself away from the soundboard, the chair gliding over the smooth tiles as I rise. Without a second thought, I move to enter the other room, ready to deal with whatever's got her so riled up.
Pushing the door open, I find Scarlet sitting there with her head in her hands; her face etched with a mixture of frustration and exhaustion. Her drumsticks lie scattered on the floor. It’s clear she’s been pushing herself hard.
“Hey,” I say, moving further into the room. “You’re doing great, you know. We can grab a drink or go over it again if you want.”
With a frustrated sigh, she brushes aside the stray strands of hair that have escaped from her messy bun. “Yeah, I could use a break,” she says.
Nodding, I turn around and make my way towards the door. Her footsteps echo as she follows closely behind me. Stepping out into the hallway, I steal a quick glance at her.
“Don’t stress too much. You’ll figure it out,” I say, trying to keep my tone casual, though the words barely mask the undercurrent of tension. “Just take a break and clear your mind.”
I move into the kitchen, feeling Scarlet’s presence close behind me, the air between us charged with something we’re both avoiding.
As I reach into the fridge and pull out a couple of beers, her proximity is almost intoxicating. I turn to face her, our eyes locking in a gaze that lingers a moment too long.
“Here?” I say, my voice coming out rougher than I meant.
As I hand her the bottle, our fingers brush lightly, and I feel a surge of electricity shoot through my body. Her eyes spark with a fire I can’t ignore, and for a moment, we just stand there, our gazes locked.
Like a shock of cold water, Xander’s warning snaps me out of the heat of the moment. I can’t go down that path. I take a step back, creating some distance, and with a twist, I remove the cap from my beer.
“So, umm,” I start, trying to ease the tension. My brain desperately searches for words, but comes up empty. Aside from Kit, I’m not used to just sitting down and talking with a woman. Normally, it’s a quick fuck and then I’m out of there. “So, what was your old band like?” I ask, hoping to find some common ground and dial down the electric charge between us.
The question lingers in the air, and I instantly regret asking it. The marks still on her face serve as a painful reminder of the abuse she endured from her ex. I see the flicker of pain in her eyes, and I curse myself for bringing it up.
"Good," Scarlet replies, her voice tense. "I loved being in a band, but things got messy when my ex, Beck, started screwing the other girl in the band—and all the groupies."
Awkwardness hangs in the air, making it feel heavy and stifling. Her eyes flicker down to her drink, and she absentmindedly runs her fingers along the cool, smooth surface of the bottle. The tension between us intensifies, causing my grip on my beer to tighten.
"Sounds like you're better off without that dickhead," I say, trying to lighten the mood, though the weight of her past still hangs in the air.
Scarlet’s eyes meet mine. “And what about you, Ace? You guys get to live your dream every day. Did you ever expect that to happen?”
She steps closer, her movements slow and deliberate, and I can’t help but check her out—her toned legs in those cutoff shorts, the curve of her hips, and the way her tank top clings to her spectacular tits.
When I lift my gaze, I catch her eyes locked onto mine, intense and unwavering. Shit, she caught me checking her out. I quickly avert my gaze, pretending to be engrossed in the fine print on my beer bottle label. A rush of heat travels up my neck and ignites a fiery sensation in my cock, but I force myself to stay cool.
“Honestly? It was a wild ride I never thought I’d get on,” I say, trying to regain my composure. “But there is a bunch of bullshit that comes with it.” I take another drink of my beer, hoping the bitterness will ground me. “You learn to handle the highs and lows, you know? But it’s been a dream of mine and Xander’s ever since we were kids.” Despite feeling uneasy, my voice maintains a steady tone, emphasizing the need for a professional dynamic between us, especially now that she’s part of the band and Nate’s sister.
Leaning against the counter, Scarlet keeps her eyes locked on me. "I can relate. I’ve had that dream my whole life too," she says. "It’s just hard watching it slip away. Sometimes I wonder if I’ll ever break through and show them what I’m really capable of."
Her honesty hits me hard, and I can see the weight of her past lingering in her eyes. "But your dream isn't slipping away now, right?" I say, trying to keep it light while holding the boundary I need. "You’re stepping into something new, and you’ve got the talent to back it up." My pulse quickens as I fight the urge to close the gap between us. Clearing my throat, I force myself to focus. "But right now, we need to stay locked on the music."
She smiles, looking down at her beer. “Yeah. The music.”
As I take another sip of my beer, I feel my resolve slowly crumbling, my mind overwhelmed with forbidden thoughts. My eyes slowly drift back to Scarlet, captivated by the curve of her lips and the glistening sweat on her skin from drumming. She’s standing so damn close, and the scent of her—something light and sweet—hits me, making my pulse quicken.
I’m fully aware that I shouldn’t, but I simply can’t resist. I take a step closer, feeling the magnetic pull of her. My hand reaches out, almost of its own accord, and brushes a stray lock of hair behind her ear.
She inhales sharply, and I catch the desire mirrored in her eyes, making it impossible to ignore.
"Scarlet..." I start, my voice thick with restraint, and all I can hear in my head is Xander’s stern warning. "As much as I want to… God, you have no fucking idea how bad I want you right now... but we can't..."
She bites her lower lip, looking up at me through those long lashes. Fuck, she knows exactly what she’s doing, and it drives me wild. That innocent look mixed with the raw, dirty energy she gives off—it’s messing with my head, pushing every button I’ve got.
“Why not, Ace?” she challenges, her voice laced with defiance, as if daring me to make a move. “We’re both adults.”
Her words hit me like a spark, igniting a fire within me. My body aches to surrender to her—to kiss her, fuck her, and get lost in all the filthy things I’ve been thinking about since I first saw her at the airport. Her tight body drives me wild, and I can’t believe I’m still craving her, even after having her twice already. That never happens.
My breath is ragged as I step back, desperately trying to regain control over myself. I pivot my body and place my beer on the countertop, seeking a distraction from the heat between us. “We should concentrate on the music,” I say mostly to myself. “Let’s not complicate things.”
She nods, but the intensity in her gaze reveals that she too feels the same irresistible pull, and I know it will be a challenge to keep my distance.
Scarlet turns, mirroring my movements as she sets her beer down beside mine. Closing the distance, her lips collide with mine in a forceful kiss. The moment our lips crash together in a dirty, desperate kiss, I feel it everywhere—a rush of heat to my cock, a surge of electricity that makes my head spin. It’s a raw, intoxicating sensation that satisfies everything I’ve been craving.
As her hands glide up my chest, I pull her even closer. Everything around us fades, leaving only the feel of her hot body against mine and the intoxicating taste of her lips. I’m losing myself in her, drowning in the heat of the moment, and I don’t know how the fuck to stop. Every instinct screams at me to push deeper, to take what I want, but the reality of our situation still flickers at the edges of my mind.
My hand threads through her hair, gripping her tight, holding her face in place as my tongue collides with hers. The soft whimper she emits ignites a frenzy within me, driving me to the brink of madness. Every touch, and every sound drives me closer to the edge. I know I’m crossing a line, but right now, I don’t give a fuck. I need this—I need her. The hunger to feel her beneath me, to claim her, to have my cock buried deep inside her, burns hotter than anything, consuming me like an addiction I can’t shake.
With a surge of urgency, I lift her off the ground, her legs wrapping tightly around my waist as our kiss deepens, messy and hungry. Every breath between us is charged, our mouths moving in sync as if we’re both desperate to consume every inch of each other. Her fingers grip the back of my neck, pulling me closer as our kiss deepens, raw and urgent. That alone propels me towards the stairs. Every step feels like a fucking challenge with the way she grinds against me.
“Fuck, you’re driving me insane,” I growl against her lips as we reach the top of the staircase. I stumble into my room, kicking the door shut behind us, my cock throbbing, desperate for release. “This is just a quick fuck, Scar, you know that, right. Nothing more.”
I can’t get enough of her taste, the way her body feels pressed against mine, igniting every nerve in my body. My hands grip her thighs, pulling her even closer until there’s no room for even a breath of air between us. Each kiss is filthy and raw—like I’m claiming her, marking her as mine.
I’m as hard as a steel pipe, fuck I’m ready to explode if I don’t get inside her wet hole any second now. Clothes. Too many fucking clothes. I’m desperate to strip her bare, to feel her skin against mine, the warmth of her body driving me wild. I can’t take it anymore—the hunger, the need, the raw urge to claim her. There's no holding back now—it's like a fire that’s been building for too long, and I’m ready to let it burn.
With urgency, I put her down on her feet and yank her shirt over her head, tossing it aside. My breath catches when I see her perfect tits in that black lace bra, and I can't help but let out a groan. My hands are on her in seconds, fingers grazing the soft heat of her skin. I lean in, kissing her collarbone, savoring the taste of her, the warmth of her body against mine. Every touch, every breath she takes against me fuels the fire building in my gut.
Just as I guide her backward toward the bed, my fingers teasing at the copper button of her cut-off shorts, she suddenly grabs my hand, freezing me in place. What the hell? She was just as desperate as I was a second ago. Is she having second thoughts? Fuck, I hope not. If she pulls back now, it’s going to take a month for my cock to calm down, and those blue balls of mine are already a fucking nightmare. I hold my breath, waiting for her to speak, for something—anything—that’ll either put my mind at ease or send me spiraling into frustration.
“Take that off and lay down,” she tells me, tugging at my shirt.
I stare at her, caught off guard. It’s always been me taking control, but this shift in power is kind of exciting. There's a spark in her eyes, daring me to fall in line, and despite the adrenaline rushing through my veins, I feel a thrill at the idea of letting go, even for a second. I lift my arm and tug my shirt over my head. Her gaze darkens as she devours the sight of me.
With a grin, I drop onto the bed, my heart pounding, as I keep my eyes locked on her. Every muscle tenses, ready for whatever she has planned, knowing full well I’m at her mercy—and I’m more than ready for it.
Her tongue glides over her bottom lip, and the mere thought of what she could do with that mouth has me fucking harder than I thought possible. Every teasing glance she throws my way makes my pulse race. I can already picture the filthy things she’s about to do, and just that alone has my blood boiling, my body aching for her touch.
I watch as she sinks to her knees, her hand reaching for my belt. She unbuckles it, her fingers brushing against me as she undoes the button on my jeans. The slow, agonizing pull of the zipper makes my cock throb, and all I can think about is how much I need to feel her hands on me—or better yet, the heat of her mouth.
“Lift,” she commands, her voice firm and unwavering.
Without hesitation, I do as she says, lifting my hips as she pulls my jeans and underwear down in one swift motion. My cock springs free, hard and aching, and I can’t tear my eyes away from her as she stares at it with hunger. Her tongue flicks out, wetting her bottom lip, and I bite back a groan, barely holding it together.
When she peels my jeans off, I expect her to toss them aside, but instead, she quickly pulls my belt from the waistband, and I feel a rush of excitement spike through me.
“Move up,” she orders, gesturing towards the top of the bed.
I smirk, turned on by how she’s taking control. This dirty, commanding Scarlet is a whole new side of her—one we’ve never explored before—and fuck, it’s driving me wild.
She walks around the side of the bed with the belt in her hand, a wicked gleam in her eyes. “Put your hands up,” she says, kneeling beside me. “Cross them.”
I comply without hesitation, watching as she wraps the thick leather belt around my crossed wrists, binding them together with expert precision. She threads it through the metal bar in the bed frame, pulling hard until I'm completely bound, locked in place. My eyes trace over her tits as she works, and all I can think about is ripping off that bra and sucking on those perfect, hard nipples.
I lean forward as much as my restraints allow, my nose brushing along the soft curve of her ribcage, closing my eyes as I get lost in her familiar scent. It drives me fucking crazy how good she smells. My body aches to touch her, but I’m stuck, helpless beneath her control, and fuck, it’s hotter than I ever imagined.
After yanking the belt tight, she steps away, and the loss of her touch sends a wave of frustration through me. But then I see her eyes—they're dark, filled with heat, roaming over my body like she fucking owns it. The way she’s looking at me, like she’s about to devour me, makes my cock pulse with need. Whatever she’s planning, I’m all for it.
“Take off that bra,” I growl, voice rough and desperate. “And those shorts. I need to see your hot, sexy body, Scar. I need to see those perky tits, your bare pussy… all of you.”
She glances down at me, amusement sparking in her eyes as a wicked smile curves her lips. Leaning in close, just out of my reach, she smirks. “You’re not in charge here. I am.” Her tone is steady, dripping with authority as she straightens up, letting me see the power she holds over me. “Now, be quiet,” she orders, eyes narrowing in warning.
The words send a jolt straight through me, and fuck, if that doesn’t make me want her even more. I’m loving every second of this—the way she’s taking control, flipping the script on me. My body is buzzing and she hasn’t even laid a finger on me yet. How the fuck does she do that? Make me this wild for her, without even touching me?
My eyes follow her every move as she slowly makes her way to the foot of the bed. I lift my head, my pulse quickening as she pauses, just standing there, staring at me with a smug look like she’s savoring every second of her control. Then, with deliberate intent, she crawls onto the bed, her gaze fixed on my cock, and I feel it twitch in response to her attention.
Her fingers barely graze the spot where my piercing is, sending a jolt through my entire body. The sensation is immediate, raw, and primal, making me gasp. I hiss as her fingers slowly trail down the underside of my cock, teasing and driving me fucking insane.
Then she leans in, pressing a soft kiss to the tip, and it’s a shot of pure pleasure. My entire body tightens, and all I want to do is grab her head and ram my cock down her throat. That’s how much I need her right now—need to lose myself in her, lose control, and lose my fucking mind.
The second she drags her tongue along my shaft, I try to pull my hands down, but the belt keeps me locked in place. The slow, deliberate torture of pleasure is fucking unbearable, and I know if she doesn’t take me into her mouth right now, I’m not going to survive this sweet torment. Every inch of me is on fire, and her teasing is driving me insane.
"Fuck," I growl, watching her grin at me, my cock standing tall as she circles her tongue around the tip. My hips buck forward, desperate to find her mouth, desperate for more. "Fucking open your mouth, Scar. You’re driving me insane."
She just smirks, and I know I’m exactly where she wants me—her in control, dragging this out to make me lose my damn mind. And fuck, I think my mind and my cock are about to explode. Every second feels like an eternity, and the way she’s playing me has me teetering right on the edge of oblivion.
She gets up onto her knees, that seductive smirk never leaving her face as she reaches behind to undo her bra, letting it fall to the side. The second her tits are free, all I can think about is coming on them, marking her, claiming her in the most primal way possible. The thought of seeing her painted by me, glistening with my release, makes my cock throb painfully with need. Every inch of me burns with the urgency to own this moment, to have her beneath me, writhing in pleasure as I push her to the edge. I want to drown in her, to lose myself in her curves and softness, making her mine in the filthiest way imaginable.
Then she slips off the bed, my eyes glued to her as she sways her hips, peeling down her shorts and panties, with a seductive grace. When she kicks them off, she climbs back onto the bed, kneeling before me, that look in her eyes dripping with pure filth and lust. My heart races, as she leans closer. And then, finally, I feel it as she wraps her warm, wet mouth around my cock, taking me deep.
“Fucking hell, Scar,” I groan, my hands clenching into fists as I fight the overwhelming urge to thrust into her mouth. A loud moan escapes me when she holds my cock deep in the back of her throat. I almost lose my mind and I can feel my control slipping further away. Each soft suck and teasing lick pushes me closer to the edge, and all I can think about is how badly I need to come, to explode inside her sweet mouth.
She stares up at me with those gorgeous eyes, and the sight of my cock stretching her lips does something primal to me. I want to tell her just how fucking beautiful she looks right now with my cock in her mouth, how perfect she feels, but all I can manage is a hoarse, “Fucking hell, Scar!"
The words barely leave my lips before another wave of pleasure washes over me, making it hard to focus on anything but the intoxicating way she’s working me.
She slides back down my shaft, savoring every inch, and then glides back up, dragging out the pleasure until I’m a trembling mess beneath her. It’s not the quick pace I crave; no, this is pure fucking torture—exquisite, drawn-out torment designed to drive me wild. I thrust my hips forward, desperation clawing at me, and the sound of her gagging around my length sends a rush of pleasure coursing through my body.
“Yeah, choke on my cock like a good girl,” I growl, my voice thick with lust.