Chapter Six

Kylie

" M emphis!"

I glance up from the table I'm wiping down to see a raven-haired beauty in a pin-up dress fling her arms around Memphis at the side of the bar. Jealousy churns through me, threatening to eat me alive.

Whoever she is, she's gorgeous. Her black hair is pinned up on top of her head, pieces of it curled around her face. Her dress fits her like a glove, showing off her curves.

Memphis leans close to say something to her, grinning from ear to ear. He's been at the bar most of the night, talking to a hot Viking with incredible gray eyes and a gorgeous man in a suit who looks like he could be a businessman, except the darkness in his eyes makes him seem a little dangerous. But Memphis, the businessman, and the Viking seem to know each other well. But he hasn't smiled like that since I ran out of his office last night.

Guilt whispers through me at the reminder.

I've been miserable. I haven't been able to shake the memory of his touch, the way he brought me to climax with an intensity I know no one else will ever make me feel.

I've been trying to keep my distance all night, knowing I need to tell him the truth about who I am. But it's hard when he looks like that—all tattoos and smoldering cobalt eyes.

Said cobalt eyes shift from the woman to the gorgeous behemoth standing between her and the hot Viking. Only then do I realize that she's here with the giant.

"Cash, good to see you, brother," Memphis says, grinning at the man as he holds his fist out for him to bump. His knuckles are scraped and bruised as if he hit something.

What the heck? When did that happen?

The giant inclines his head, bumping fists with him. "You too, Memphis. I told her not to come harassing you. She wouldn't listen."

"Does she ever?" Memphis grins.

"I do what I want, Cash Jamison." The woman hops up onto a barstool, scowling at both of them. "Besides, he skipped practice today. Someone needs to harass him, and Ronan isn't going to let Winter within a thousand feet of this place."

"I shouldn't let you that close either," Cash rumbles, glancing around as if he isn't so sure he should be here. Not that I can blame him. Memphis runs a tight ship, but the bar has a decidedly rough edge to it.

Even before the fight, it felt like the kind of place no one respectable should visit after dark. And these two have respectable written all over them. Unless I miss my guess, they come from money—and a lot it.

If Memphis is offended by Cash's comment, he doesn't show it. He just laughs, glancing at the woman again. "What are you drinking tonight, Riley?"

"Whatever you're paying for," she says pertly, smirking at him. "You skipped practice today. You owe me. Alcohol. Tears. Pain. Any of the three will suffice." She bats her lashes at him, a savage look on her face that makes me laugh.

I don't know who she is, but I like her. I don't think she lets him get away with much.

"Jesus Christ, Memphis," the man in the suit says. "You didn't tell me you skipped practice."

"Oh, so he left that part out, huh?" Riley smirks.

"Fuck off, Dalton. I had shit to do." Memphis narrows his eyes on the man. "And I didn't hear you bitching when I was helping you handle your shit this afternoon, now did I?"

"What shit?" Riley asks.

Dalton, the businessman, scrubs a hand down his face. "Don't fucking ask," he growls.

"Oh, definitely ask." Memphis's eyes light up. "I had to bail his sorry ass out of jail today."

The entire group turns to gape at Dalton.

"I'm not fucking talking about her," he growls, plunking his beer down on the table.

"Her?" Riley whispers.

Dalton growls again but won't say anything further. Riley huffs at him and gives up, turning to the Viking. "Why are you here, Priest? Please don't tell me you were in jail for stalking your girl. I can only handle so much bad news at once."

"I don't fucking stalk her," Priest growls. "I just keep an eye on her since she won't let me close."

Memphis's friends lead interesting lives. I have no idea what they're talking about, but I inch closer anyway, eating up every word. Is it like this for every rich and famous person?

"She still isn't talking to you?"

Priest shakes his head, his expression dejected. "Do you blame her? As far as she's concerned, I ran off and left her behind."

"You need to tell her what really happened," Riley says, patting him on the shoulder.

"I tried," he growls. "She told me to kick rocks."

"And you listened?" Riley rolls her eyes. "If you give up that easily, you don't deserve her."

"No, I didn't fucking listen. I'm just giving her time to cool down."

"Good boy." She pats Priest on the head, beaming at him.

"Hey." I grab Jessup's arm as he tries to slide around me. "Who is she?" I nod at Riley.

He glances at Memphis, the woman, and Cash, and then grins. "Riley Jamison."

"I already know her name. Who is she?"

"His manager."

"Oh."

"She plucked his sorry ass off the street and turned him into a star." Jessup's rough laugh rolls over me. "Been giving him hell ever since." He eyes me sideways, as if he's considering something. "Kind of like you. Only he isn't losing his mind over her."

"I…"

He slides by before I can come up with a suitable response to that. Does the whole damn bar know that Memphis wants to sleep with me?

I don't see how, considering that he's been off doing other things most of the time since I started working here. I thought he was dealing with his music career. Apparently not, judging by the Riot Act his manager is reading him.

I lean against the side of the bar, watching her give him nine kinds of hell while he mixes her a drink and tries to plead his case. She isn't buying it.

"You told me running this place wouldn't interfere with the music," she says, crossing her arms to glare at him. "Don't make me tell you that I told you so. You know it's my favorite thing to say."

"Running this place wasn't the issue today, Riley," Memphis says, his tone light despite the assertiveness that lies beneath. "I had to handle something personal." His gaze flickers in my direction and then away. "I'll be there next time. I promise."

Something personal? I narrow my eyes on him, avidly curious what he had to do and what it had to do with me. And then his bruised and scraped knuckles flash through my mind. My heart sinks.

He went after Phantom today. I don't even have to ask to know that's what happened. He was so angry last night. Of course he went after him.

Yet again, I can't help but wonder who the real Memphis is. He's not the monster I've heard stories about, the one who supposedly got my brother killed. No, this man is far too protective and caring for that. But can I trust him? Can I put my heart on the line for someone who might just break it into pieces?

"I'm holding you to that," Riley says, her tone firm. "If you skip out again, I'll have you playing for Logan for the next year straight. Do not test me. I mean it."

"Jesus fucking Christ, Riley. You're a savage, you know that?"

As they continue their conversation, a new group of bikers spills into the bar, heading for my section. I grab my pad, push my conflicted thoughts to the back of my mind, and head their way to get their drink order.

Halfway back to the bar, my neck prickles. I glance behind me to find Venom's denim eyes locked on me, his stare cold.

I don't know why he hates me so much, but his attitude and animosity are getting old. I return his glare with one of my own, scowling daggers at him.

For the first time since I met him, he actually smiles. It doesn't reach his eyes. He doesn't stop staring, either. He just watches me with a weird freaking smile on his face instead of a cold glower.

I should probably tell Memphis about him, but I'm not interested in getting someone else fired. Besides, it's not like he's the only person here who hates me. Aside from Jessup, most everyone else does too. But I didn't come to make friends. I came to put together the pieces of a puzzle.

I'm just not sure what picture they form.

"Come over here for a second, Toto." Memphis's voice cuts through my thoughts.

As I make my way to him, I can't help but feel Venom's eyes following my every move. I shake off the uneasy feeling and focus on Memphis, who grins at me with that mischievous glint in his eyes that makes my stomach turn flips.

"Kylie, I'd like you to meet Riley, my manager," he says, gesturing to her. "And this is her husband, Cash. An this big motherfucker is Priest. The crabby bastard beside him is Dalton, one of our producers."

"Hi," I murmur, offering them a nervous smile. "It's nice to meet you guys."

"You too, Kylie," Riley says, extending her hand for a quick shake. She notices the bandage wrapped around my palm, and her brows furrow.

"Minor work injury," I mutter.

Her eyes widen at my explanation, her head whipping toward Memphis. "Don't you dare tell me she got injured in a bar fight, Memphis Hughes."

He groans, scrubbing a hand down his face. "I handled it, Riley."

"Clearly not soon enough if she got hurt." She scowls daggers at him. "I told you this place was a bad idea."

"I'm not having this conversation again. Besides, you know damn well why I opened this place." He holds her gaze, his steady. Some unspoken conversation passes between them before Riley huffs a breath and backs off.

I glance between them, curious. Clearly, he opened this place for a reason, and she knows what it is. Now, I want to know. But I don't get the chance to ask before Riley turns back to me, mischief in her gray eyes.

"If there's another fight, can you crack this one over the head with a bottle for me?" she asks, flashing her dimples at me. "Preferably a full, heavy one. Maybe it'll knock some sense into him."

"Happily," I agree with a tiny smile. "But I don't think it'll help. He's hellbent on being senseless."

Priest and Cash both laugh.

Memphis just smirks at me. "I've got plenty of goddamn sense. I got you to agree to work for me, didn't I, Toto?"

"I'm just using you to avoid drunk karaoke at the Waffle Casa, Memphis." I roll my eyes at him, turning to find Cash grinning at me. ""Hi," I whisper. "It's nice to meet you."

"Nice to meet you, sweetheart," he says, shaking my hand like his wife did. His grip is firm, but not overly so.

"What's up, doll?" Priest lifts his chin in a nod instead of shaking my hand. Small scars crisscross the backs of his, almost like burn marks.

"Priest plays guitar, Toto," Memphis explains. "We found his sorry ass in a bar in Mexico about a year ago. He didn't have a fucking clue who he was, but the son of a bitch could play. He's been with the band ever since."

"It's nice to meet you," I murmur to him.

"You too," he says, turning back to his beer. He seems distracted, or sad maybe. I'm not sure, but I don't think he's handling the situation with Mina well, whoever she is. I make a mental note to ask Memphis about it later. There's a story there, and I'm curious to hear it.

"Memphis has told us a lot about you," Riley says, her eyes bright with curiosity. "I've been meaning to come by and meet you. I'm glad I finally got the chance."

I glance at Memphis, whose smirk only confirms that he's been talking about me. My heart flutters at the thought of him sharing stories of me with the people who matter to him. I shouldn't want that. It's dangerous. And yet…I like knowing that I've gotten under his skin.

His gaze drops to my lips, and his eyes darken with desire. I shiver, remembering what his lips are capable of doing to me. Of how they make me feel.

"Are you from Nashville?" Riley asks, pulling me out of the dangerous territory my thoughts were wandering into.

"No. I'm new to town."

"Oh. How long have you been here?"

"Just a few weeks," I answer, trying to keep my voice steady.

"Well, you've made quite the impression in a short amount of time," she continues, studying me intently. "Memphis seems to think highly of you."

"Damn straight." Memphis winks at me, making me blush.

Riley smirks, looking between us. "What brought you to Nashville?"

"Needed a change of pace," I reply, keeping it vague. I'm not about to spill the real reason I'm here—not yet, anyway. Not to her. When I talk, it'll be to Memphis. "Nashville seemed like a good place to start fresh."

"Seems like you've found more than just a new job here," Riley says, her eyes flicking back and forth between Memphis and me.

"Riley, let the girl breathe," Cash interjects, placing a hand on her shoulder with a chuckle.

"Crap." She grimaces apologetically. "I'm so sorry. I'm not trying to be pushy or anything. I'm just horribly nosy. Memphis never talks about his personal life, but he hasn't stopped talking about you." Her eyes twinkle with mischief as she spills his secret. "It made me curious."

I glance at Memphis, who meets my gaze, unwavering. If he's embarrassed to be called out, he doesn't show it. He's shameless, holding my gaze boldly, as if he wants me to know that he can't stop thinking about me.

"What'd I tell you, Toto?" he asks, his gravelly voice grating against my womb as the corner of his lip kicks up into a half-smirk. "You can't get rid of me."

"That's my cue to get out of here," Riley says, sliding from her stool. "Memphis, don't forget that the tour starts in a few weeks. You better be at the next practice."

The mention of the tour causes Memphis's smirk to falter. He rubs the back of his neck. "Yeah, I'll be there, Riley. See you later. You too, Cash."

"I'm going to get the fuck out of here too," Priest says, hauling himself to his feet. "I've got shit to do."

"Later, Memphis," Cash says, sliding an arm around Riley's waist. "Nice to meet you, Kylie."

"You too," I murmur.

"It was good to meet you, Kylie. I hope I see you again soon," Riley says, smiling at me as if she means it. There's something about her that just feels…genuine. I like her.

"See ya," Priest says.

Memphis and I watch quietly as the three of them head toward the door. When I glance back at Memphis, he's staring blankly at the bottles lined up behind the bar, looking like he's a million miles away.

"Is everything okay?" I ask quietly, worried that I might be the reason he's stressed and distracted.

He startles, glancing at me. "What?"

"Is everything okay?" I repeat.

He hesitates for a moment before shrugging. "It's fine, princess. Just a lot on my mind."

"You were fine until she mentioned the tour," I point out, biting my lip. "And then you didn't seem thrilled. Is something wrong with it?"

He runs his hands through his hair, avoiding my gaze. "Nah, it's not that. I was excited about it. But lately…I don't know, it just doesn't feel the same."

His answer sends a pang through my chest. Knowing I might be the reason for his change of heart is…a lot. I'm not sure how I feel about it. I don't want to take anything from him. I never wanted that. Swallowing hard, I try to steer the conversation in a different direction.

"How'd you get into music in the first place?" I ask, wiping down the counter. "Topless biker bar owner and world-famous musician don't usually go hand-in-hand."

Memphis chuckles, a small smile tugging at his lips. "Riley gave my sorry ass a second chance when nobody else would."

"Second chance?" I probe. This is as close as we've ever come to talking about the past.

He hesitates, breaking eye contact briefly before looking straight into my eyes. An endless well of grief and guilt rage in the depths, so much torment it takes my breath away.

"Memphis," I whisper.

"There was a time when I wasn't exactly the most upstanding citizen, Kylie," he says, his voice full of pain. "I made some bad choices, did things I'm not proud of doing. Things I can't ever take back. When my life hit rock bottom, Riley helped me find my way back. Through music."

My heart hammers as I process his words and his pain, as if, even now, it weighs on him. As if, even now, it haunts him.

What did he do? What regrets keep him awake at night? Whatever they are, I know they're tied to my brother. I could ask him. I think if I did, he'd tell me the truth. But I'm not sure if I'm ready to hear it. Because I'm not sure I'm ready to walk away from this man. So I don't ask him that.

"Will you tell me how you turned it all around?" I ask, my voice whisper soft. I can't hide the plea in it, not this time. Not right now. I'm one answer from falling into darkness…or one answer from absolution. And right now, I'm not entirely sure which scares me more. Because I'm not sure the answer changes anything.

I'm falling for him. Regardless of his past or what he's done or who he was, the man he is now is slowly claiming every piece of my soul. And I'm fucking terrified that, no matter what he's done, it won't be enough to keep me from giving him every single piece of myself. He could destroy me entirely. And I'm halfway to letting him do it. Willingly.

"Your shift is almost over. Have dinner with me," he says, his voice confident but not demanding. "And I'll tell you."

I glance at the clock, realizing that he's right. My shift ends in half an hour. But I hesitate anyway, my chest tightening with anxiety.

This is the point of no return for us. If I allow myself to get closer to him, there will be no guarding my heart against him. He'll own me, every single piece.

"Kylie," he whispers, his eyes locked on mine. He cups my cheek, brushing his thumb along my lip, sending waves of heat crashing through me.

Who am I trying to kid? We reached the point of no return days ago. He's already under my skin, embedded so deeply I can't forget him. I can't withstand or deny him.

It's too late to deny it now. I'm his. Body and soul, I'm his.

"Alright," I breathe, barely audible. "I'll have dinner with you."