FACING THE MUSIC

(A Broken Lives Short Story)

Marita A. Hansen

Copyright

Facing the Music

(A Broken Lives Short Story)

Kindle Edition

Copyright 2018 © Marita A. Hansen

Editor: John Hudspith

Cover design © Marita A. Hansen

Cover Photography by janossygergely

and sourced from www.istockphoto.com

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form or by any means whatsoever without the written permission of the author, nor circulated in any form of binding or cover other than that in which it is published. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author. For subsidiary rights inquiries email: marita.a.hansen@hotmail.com

All characters, names, places, and incidents in this book are either the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to actual events, locales, or real persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental.

CONTENTS

Copyright Page

Dante’s Short Story

About the Author

More Books by Marita A. Hansen

UK English is used due to the New Zealand setting.

All other variations are also due to where the short story is set, as well as the characters’ cultural and socio-economic backgrounds. This is why some characters use different speech patterns from others.

This short story is set just over a week after the epilogue from Love Drunk (Broken Lives #4).

DANTE

Leaving my bodyguard at the door, I entered the auditorium, ready to film another video, just with a new director. My manager had fired the last one after the slimy bastard had backed my guitarist into a corner, groping and kissing L without permission. Thank Christ Jade had walked in on them, stopping the bastard from taking it further, because there was no way L could’ve defended herself, the chick way too small and timid.

I headed down the aisle towards her. She was up on the stage with Jade, strumming her black and white guitar softly as the two of them chatted. As usual, she looked hot as fuck, even more so with the getup she was wearing for the video. Her leather pants were so tight they looked painted on, caressing her slim limbs and tiny arse like a lover’s kiss. They were also hanging so low that I could see her hip bones, the lines teasingly pointing to whatever goodies she had inside her pants. And right now, the cameraman looked like he wanted to plant his face in her pussy—that’s if she even had one, because I wasn’t sure what she had down below. She was intersex, both male and female, although she looked all female to me, especially with her tits on display. All she was wearing up top were layers of black pearls over a black bra, the beads reaching her navel, her stomach toned as fuck.

Man, that chick was a right little pocket fuck. Regardless, my cock didn’t even twitch in my leathers because it belonged—balls and all—to my girl. Clara was the only woman I wanted, no one even coming close to her. L could bend over right in front of me and I wouldn’t even be tempted, not even the slightest bit, because I loved Clara. True love, not the type I had with my exes, which was a cracked veneer of intense like that I’d mistaken for something more. What I had with Clara was much deeper, my feelings for her growing stronger by the day, showing no sign of weakening. She was also my baby’s mamma, my boy now two-and-a-half months old. Although Clara wanted to be here with me, she’d decided to stay at home with Tyson since he had an amazing pair of lungs on him when he was unhappy. He would probably turn the heavy metal video into a screamo one. Still, I was stoked that I had a loving woman and son waiting for me at home, something I never thought I’d get. Yeah, I was one lucky motherfucker. I smirked, definitely a motherfucker, fucking Clara one of my favourite pastimes.

I caught Jade’s attention as I drew closer to the stage, along with the dancers standing a few feet away from him. He’d hired a dance crew for the video, which was the only thing I wasn’t happy about. I’d rather just jam on stage, singing for the cameras like it was an audience. But nope, my manager had insisted on having dancers hanging off me as though I was single. He wanted my fans to think they had a chance with me, using my sex appeal as a drawcard. I’d complained about it, but he’d gotten all high and mighty, saying I was ‘technically’ single since I wasn’t married to Clara. He’d gone pale when I’d stated that I could fix that. He’d done some pretty fast backtracking, begging me not to get married, going on and on about how it could damage my career. In the end I’d agreed to wait a bit, plus it wasn’t as though I’d proposed to Clara yet, just had been thinking about it.

I grabbed the edge of the stage and pulled myself up onto it, everyone’s eyes now on me. Ignoring the dance crew, I nodded a hello at my manager and L, who flicked her long ginger and golden mane over her shoulder. She gave me a curt nod, then walked over to the drummer, making me wonder whether she was pissed off with me or something.

“What have I done now?” I asked Jade, having no clue.

“I don’t think it’s you. I think he’s still upset over what happened with the director,” my manager answered, referring to L as a male. Jade was constantly trying to get me to call L a he or him, since my guitarist preferred people thinking of her as a dude. Well, this dude sure as fuck looked like a lady to me. I didn’t care whether she had both male and female parts, she not only looked like a chick, she dressed and acted like one. Three ticks and you’re a chick! That scumbag director had clearly thought so too. I just wished I could’ve gotten my hands on the bastard for what he’d done to her, but he’d hightailed it out of New Zealand, jetting back to New York on his private plane. Well, at least Jade had taught the scumbag a lesson. Even though my manager was a short Korean dude with a pretty boy face, he definitely wasn’t a coward, the man more than capable of defending L.

“Do you mind if I give L a bodyguard?” he asked, his Texan accent stronger than my drummer’s BO after a heavy set. Jade’s parents had shifted from South Korea to Texas when he was three, bringing him and his brother up as Americans. His brother still lived in Texas, though was due to visit Jade in a few weeks.

“Why would I mind ’bout L having a bodyguard?” I asked. “I think the whole band needs one each. Our fans are insane.”

“I understand that, but I have to stick to the budget, which is why I want to give her your bodyguard.”

I scowled at him. “If it’s a budget issue then stop blowing all your cash on my dad,” I said, Jade paying my old man for more than a bit of slap and tickle, which I knew since the loud bastards used to fuck in the room next to mine. Although my dad preferred to whore himself out to women, he wasn’t opposed to fucking men as long as they paid more.

I continued, “My safety is more important than your dick.”

Jade’s eyes widened. “Keep your voice down,” he hissed. “I don’t use business money for private matters, so don’t ever say that in front of anyone again.”

“No one heard.”

“Regardless,” he said glancing around, probably checking if anyone was listening in, “don’t mention my personal life at work again, especially not something like this.”

“Fine, just calm yo shit down.”

He grunted and pushed his fingers through his styled black hair, messing it up, what I’d said clearly stressing him out. “Good,” he said, “because we’re talking about L here, not me. And I think he needs a bodyguard more than you. He’s started locking himself away in his apartment, refusing to go out unless it’s for work. He also can’t stand up for himself, like you can.”

“It’s not ’bout standing up for myself, it’s ’bout keeping the thirsty bitches at bay. I don’t know how many times I’ve been attacked by women tryna get a piece of me. Not only that, my fan mail is freaking insane. Both chicks and dudes tell me they wanna do all kinds of fucked-up shit to me. I’ve lost track of how many have said they wanna tie me to their beds.”

A smile pulled at his lips, his admiring gaze sweeping over my body. “I’m not surprised at all. I want to tie you to my bed with the way you look, especially today.” He made an appreciative sound at the back of his throat. “You look like sex on two legs.”

I grimaced, not appreciating his pervy comment, especially since it was his fault I was wearing the skin-tight leathers. “You’re a cunt for making me wear this shit,” I said, adjusting my crotch, the outline of my cock and balls probably going to get the video banned.

“Your fans will appreciate it.” His gaze shifted to my stomach, which could be seen through the chainmail singlet he’d also insisted on. “Very much.”

I sneered at him. “It’s fuckin’ tacky if ya ask me.” I adjusted my package again. I was going to burn the leathers as soon as I got home. Or maybe I could sell them on eBay, make a quick buck—or ten grand. There were people out there willing to buy anything I touched, especially something that smelled of cock and balls. They should’ve known me as a teenager. My room would’ve knocked them clean out. Either way, it was the last time I was wearing the leathers, that was for sure.

“It looks like I’ve raided Killer’s wardrobe,” I said.

Jade grimaced at the mention of my dad’s boyfriend, my manager a jealous li’l bitch, who not only wanted me, but also my dad. Though, right now he probably would’ve chosen my dad over me, because I was pretty damn sure he’d fallen in love with my old man. Poor bastard.

L returned to us, her expression concerned. “What’s wrong, Jade?” she asked.

“Nuthin’,” I answered for him. “But there’s plenty wrong for me,” I said, indicating to my clothes. “I feel like I’m ’bout to film a porno, not a music vid.” I lifted my chin at L. “You too, babe. All you needa do is bend over and those pants will split for a cock.”

L’s eyes widened. “You didn’t just say that!” she gasped.

“You bet I did.” I indicated to the cameraman behind her. “And that dude will be right in there, dicking you out in a second.”

L looked over her shoulder at the cameraman, who instantly looked away, pretending he hadn’t been perving at her tiny arse. She returned her attention to me. “I’m here to work, not put up with your foul mouth, so zip it, Dante. I won’t stand for it.”

“Chill, love, I didn’t say it to insult ya, just thought you needa be more aware of what’s around you. You’re totally oblivious at times. That’s a dangerous thing in our line of work.” I nodded at Jade, not happy about losing my bodyguard, especially since I’d only just gotten him, but knowing L needed him more. “Give her Nike, I can deal with the bitches touching me as long as L’s safe.”

“You’re the sweetest man,” Jade replied, giving me a radiant smile, as though God had shone his light down on me. He turned to L. “Isn’t he the sweetest?”

“The sweetest,” L said so dryly I chuckled. She seemed to be the only chick who was immune to my ‘charms’, but then again, she was totally head over heels in love with my bro. Pity for her, Ash wasn’t interested, though fuck knew why with the way L looked. Or maybe he was bothered by the whole intersex thing. Didn’t know, never thought to ask.

Jade placed a hand on my arm, his skin looking pale against my colourful tattoos. “Anyway, enough talk,” he said. “I’ll go see where the director is, because time is money.”

“As long as it’s not my money, li’l man,” I replied.

His smile disappeared, Jade clearly not pleased with being called little. But he was little. He was almost as short as L, slim too, something that my dad had commented on. He’d also commented on other things about Jade, half of it disgusting, the other half to do with money. My old man would fuck anyone for a quick buck. Just this time he was walking a fine line between getting paid and getting killed, since his boyfriend didn’t approve of him doing Jade. Killer’s other personalities didn’t like Jade either. Murderer had threatened to shoot him if he went near my dad again, which made me nervous, because Murderer would do it. I really needed to tell my dad to back off for good this time, because he wasn’t just fucking Jade, he was fucking with his life.

Jade lifted a finger, looking like he was going to give me a lecture. “Please be polite to the new director, I was extremely lucky to get her. No condescending remarks, and don’t call her love or darling, she won’t appreciate it.”

“What’s wrong with love and darling? It’s not insulting like cunt.”

“Dante,” he growled. “No swearing either.”

“Shit, man, if she’s a Kiwi,” I said, using the nickname for a New Zealander, “she’ll be used to it. Cunt is a national treasure, Yankee doodle dandy.”

“Stop calling me that,” he snapped. “And I know damn well how much Kiwis use that word, but it’s not usually in the context you use it, Dante. So, watch your mouth.”

I smirked at him. “I’m sure you’ll do that for me, you horny bastard.”

He shook his head at me. “You’re impossible.”

“Just do as you’re told,” L butted in before I could reply, looking like she wanted to push me off the stage.

“Shit, girl, you sure as hell got outta the wrong side of bed today. Never heard you bite so hard.”

She grimaced. “Because I’m sick of putting up with you Ratas. You’re all cavemen, who treat women poorly.”

I blinked at her, never having heard that before. I was used to her complaining about me and my dad, but not tossing my bro into the cesspit we’d crawled out of. She usually gushed about how wonderful Ash was, as though he could do no wrong. She’d even written songs about him, just refused to admit he was her muse. Regardless, I wasn’t going to let her get away with slagging me off just because she was in a shit mood with my bro.

I pointed a finger at her. “Don’t make out like I treat women any differently from men, I treat everyone the same. And what did Ash do for you to slate him? Cos your bad mood clearly has got nuthin’ to do with me. I’ve said a helluva lot worse and you haven’t said boo.”

She sealed her lips together, looking like she was regretting opening her mouth.

“Fine, don’t tell me, but don’t be a bitch to me just cos you can’t get my bro’s cock.”

“Dante!”

“Don’t Dante me, L. I’ve tried to help you get him, tried to talk him around to you, but it’s not my fault he has no interest.”

“He does have interest!” she blurted. Her face fell a second later, her hazel-green eyes going anime round.

“What do ya mean by that? Did sumpthin’ go down between you two?”

“No,” she said softly, ducking her head, causing her hair to fall in front of her face.

“If you’re gonna lie convincingly look the person in the eye. Don’t mumble and drop your head, it’s a dead giveaway.”

“I’m not lying,” she murmured, plucking a string on her guitar.

“Whatever,” I said, not believing a word, “just stop bein’ a bitch, it doesn’t suit you.”

She bit her lip, looking like she was going to cry, making me feel like a right cunt for getting on her case. I went to apologise, but stopped at the sound of approaching footsteps. I looked towards the seating, spotting a woman walking down the aisle. She ascended the steps like some sort of avenging angel, a Tilda Swinton with black hair. She came to a standstill next to L, her androgynous clothes matching her short, boyish locks. The only thing bright on her was the giant neon sign on her forehead screaming I love pussy! because she didn’t even look at me, her eyes firmly planted on L. Little did she know L probably didn’t have one.

“It’s so lovely to finally meet you, L,” she said, holding out a hand, all but drooling over my guitarist.

“Everyone can see that,” I replied.

Her amber gaze shifted to me. “And hello to you, Dante.”

“Kia ora back at cha, honeybuns.”

Jade groaned at the last word.

I looked at him. “What? I didn’t say love or darling.”

The director waved her hand in front of my face, pulling my attention back to her. “Please don’t use words like that around me. My name is Monica. Respect me and I’ll respect you back.”

I grinned at her. “You don’t needa respect me.”

She shook her head. “Your arsehole charms won’t work on me, honeybuns. I have no interest in you, other than filming this video.”

“That’s pretty obvious with the way you were eye-fucking L. Pity for you, I don’t think she has a clit for you to lick, and you defo ain’t into dicks.”

The director’s eyes widened at my words.

“Dante!” Jade snapped. “You promised to act professional.”

“Chill, it ain’t news. Everyone knows L’s intersex.”

“What L is, is none of your business, Dante,” he growled. “And what you said was not only highly inappropriate, it was quite frankly a horrid thing to say.”

“No, it wuzn’t.”

“Yes, it was,” he growled. “Sometimes I really don’t understand how your brain works, because it seems to work on a totally different wavelength from everyone else’s. Regardless, you can’t get away with this bad behaviour anymore, not only with your colleagues, but on the world stage. I understand rock stars feel like they can do whatever they want, but there are always consequences, Dante. After that very inexcusable interview you gave in Australia, we now have mothers up in arms. They’re trying to get you banned from YouTube and other sites, so you need to think before you open your mouth.”

I went to reply that those bitches were probably just sour they couldn’t fuck me, but he thrust a finger at me, cutting me off. “Don’t say another word!” he barked.

I rolled my eyes at him, but kept my mouth shut, getting an approving nod.

He turned back to the director. “I’m so sorry, Monica, he has no filter.”

“Don’t worry, you did warn me, and although I haven’t seen that interview, I’ve seen his Twitter comments.”

I sniggered at that, getting another dark look from Jade, my comments on Twitter a sore point.

“You are so immature,” he sniped. “You’re almost twenty-five. It’s about time you grew up. You’re like a teenage boy in a grown man’s body.”

“My dad’s in his forties and he’s even more immature than me, so you might as well give up on tryna change me.”

He gave me a grimace, then turned to the director. “I’ll sit with you to make sure Dante doesn’t give you any trouble.”

“I won’t cause trouble.” I refocused on the director. “Just tell me where you want me to stand, dar—” I yelped as Jade elbowed me, cutting off my darling. I hadn’t said it intentionally; it was just the way I talked. I gave him a scowl, continuing with what I was saying, “I’ve read the script, Monica, so I know what to do, just need a pointer on where to go.”

She bit her lip, looking like she was trying not to smirk, what Jade had done clearly amusing her. “Okay,” she said, directing me over to a spot. “All you need to do is sing like you’re performing in front of a stadium full of people. I’ll edit the audience in at a later point. By the way, did you watch that Led Zep video I mentioned in the script?”

I nodded. “I’d already seen it, but watched it again anyway. Robert Plant wuz off his face. If you want me to perform like that, gimme some tabs and I’ll be right into it.”

“I’m presuming you’re talking about drugs, and that’s a no.”

I shrugged. “Worth a try, yeah?”

She smiled. “You must be a nightmare for your manager.”

“More like a dream, love,” I said, the last word slipping out. “So, back to good ol’ Robbie. I’m fine with what you want, but still wanna throw in some of my own moves. I’m not into copying.”

She nodded, choosing to ignore my love slip-up. “As long as you make it work, I’ll be more than happy. And if you do anything that’s not quite right, I’ll tell you. Also, I hope you’re fine with the dancers touching you.”

“No worries, it’s only acting,” I said, not fazed at all, women always touching me.

 She nodded her approval. “Well, it looks like you’re more prepared than what Mr. Park said you would be.”

I rolled my eyes. “Jade’s a drama queen, always makes out like I’m trouble, but when it comes to work, I don’t piss ’bout. I’m more interested in gettin’ back to my woman and baby than wasting your time.”

She patted my arm, looking like she was warming to me. “Then, I think we’ll work well together.” She indicated to the cameras in front of the stage. “I’ll be down there, giving you instructions when you need it, but I’m sure you’ll be fine. I’ve seen your other videos and you’re made for TV, a right natural.”

A smile pulled at my lips. “Thanks,” I said, liking this chick. The last director had been a bastard well before assaulting L, patronising me like I was a dumb-fuck who didn’t know my left from my right. It was the only reason why I gave him such a hard time during filming. But this new director... looked like we were going to get on just fine.

Monica walked off, stopping next to L for a moment, probably giving her instructions too—or her number. I sniggered at that.

“Hello,” someone said behind me.

I turned to find two men and two women staring at me like I was all their dreams stuffed into a cream bun, because they sure as hell looked like they wanted to lick me out, especially the two men. I winked at one of them just to play with him. He straightened excitedly, making me snigger. Dudes had no chance with me, but their reactions were always entertaining.

The chick who’d said hello, repeated it, probably wanting me to wink at her too. She was a hot number, with tawny hair that was pulled back into a tight ponytail, and a physique that spoke of hours in the dance studio. She could probably crush me between her powerful thighs like that Onatopp chick from James Bond. But even though she looked sexy in her silver hotpants, the matching bra, and chainmail singlet, my dick said, Yeah, nah, which basically meant No! with extra emphasis. Though, for her, I was a Hell, yes! Like the male dancer, her gaze licked all over my body, pretty much telling me I could fuck her when and wherever I wanted, which was nowhere.

“My name’s Jody,” she said, holding out a slim hand, her nails neat and tidy.

“Dante,” I replied, giving her hand a quick shake.

“That’s more than obvious.” She licked her lips. “My crew is going to enjoy working with you very much.”

“Sure,” I said, my eyes straying to the other chick. The blonde pushed out her chest, giving me a flirtatious smile. I lifted my chin at her in a friendly hello, not interested in flirting back. She reminded me of one of my exes, which was not a good thing since Kara was a bunny boiler of epic proportions.

The director called out, “Okay, everyone, let’s get started!”

A stagehand, whatever you called the helpers, came running over to me. He was a twitchy little fella with thick-rimmed glasses and a bad case of dandruff, his black shirt looking like someone had shaken salt all over it. He handed me a microphone. “No miming, sing for real,” he said, tapping the top, the sound reverberating around the auditorium.

I nodded at him, preferring that. Jade had attempted to get me to mime a few times, which I always refused to do.

A guitar rift started a few ticks later, L getting warmed up before getting down to business, the chick a seriously good player. The two male dancers glided over to her, while the female ones framed me, waiting for L to begin the song for real. A second later she did, setting off the dancers. The two birds swayed their bodies, getting all up in my space. I took the cue and started singing my Demon in Disguise song, something I’d written as a kid. Though, this version was a hundred times better, because the original form had sucked kumara, especially the part my dad had helped me with. I hadn’t even planned on recording the song until he’d mentioned it to Jade. Jade had liked the concept, telling me to add some parts and take out others, my dad’s lines getting the chop pretty quick. He still didn’t know about it, asking eagerly when he could listen to his song. Jade was probably going to get a bollocking when my dad found out he was responsible for tossing his lines.

I belted out the first verse, the song having a heavy metal vibe instead of my usual rock trope, L’s taste affecting it majorly. She’d put my lyrics to her music, doing a bloody good job of it too, because right now I was loving it, my voice suiting the style. I thrust out my hips, grinding the air, hoping the woman I’d written the song about would see the video. I’d been thirteen when she’d dumped me, using some piss poor excuse that I was too young for her. Yeah, Lavinia had been sixteen at the time, but that wasn’t the real reason she’d left me, even though she pretended it was. She’d told me we had to break up because her mum didn’t want her dating someone so young, but my brother had found out later it was because she’d had the hots for her stepbro. She’d run away to Australia with Joel, the stoner apparently having gotten her pregnant.

The director below gave me the thumbs-up, looking very happy with what I was doing. The two female dancers moved in even closer, practically masturbating against me. The blonde dropped down, using my leg in ways I was sure would get the video banned, while the other dancer shifted behind me. Jody lifted up my chainmail singlet, showing off my six-pack to the camera, which the director was no doubt zooming in on, getting it all in for my horny fans to drool over.

I tipped my head back and lifted the microphone higher, belting out the chorus as Jody ran her hand over my stomach. Her fingers crept lower, dipping under my waistband. I stiffened as she grazed my cock, what she was doing not in the script, but I continued singing, not wanting to ruin the video. Plus, she’d already shifted onto my arms, running her hands over my tattoos. Regardless, she was going to get a right bollocking after the video, because no one but Clara was allowed to touch the goods.

I closed my eyes and continued singing, imagining that Clara’s hands were moving over me instead, a slow, sensual caress, the type that always got me going. Just the thought of Clara touching me made me smile. That smile fell a second later as Jody ran her hand over my crotch, groping me through my leathers.

I’d snapped my eyes open and jerked away from her, yelling, “What the fuck!”

“Dante!” the director called out. “Why’d you stop? You were doing so good.”

I indicated to Jody angrily. “That bitch palmed my cock, and don’t get me started on where her fingers were seconds ago.”

“I did tell you the dancers would be touching you.”

“Not my fuckin’ cock! This is a music video, not a bloody porno!”

The director’s gaze shifted to Jade, who was sitting next to her. She said something to him that I couldn’t hear. He snapped back, “I didn’t say that! And those videos were illegal.” I didn’t hear the rest of what he said, Jade lowering his voice, but I knew damn well what videos he was talking about. One of my exes had filmed me having sex without my knowledge, placing cameras in my bedroom so her boss could sell the footage on the dark net. I’d only become aware of it after Jade, who I hadn’t known at the time, approached me, thinking I was a paid porn star.

Monica’s gaze returned to me. “I’m so sorry, Dante, a colleague told me you used to be a porn star. She showed me her collection of your videos. Of course, I didn’t watch them, but it’s why I assumed you’d be fine with a more raunchy take. I was going to make both censored and uncensored versions for different time slots.”

I narrowed my eyes at her. “Everyone assumes shit ’bout me,” I said, angry that those fucking videos were still causing me grief.

“I shouldn’t have assumed anything, it was totally unprofessional of me to do so. I just hope you can forgive me.”

I grunted, not willing to let her off the hook that easily.

She continued, probably worried I was going to blow the video off. “Please don’t let this affect the filming. You were doing absolutely wonderful. Not only do you have an amazing voice, your stage presence is out of this world.”

I didn’t reply, not sure whether she meant it or was just buttering me up so I didn’t leave.

She cleared her throat. “Let’s just start over, make a video that you’re happy with. After all, you’re the star of the show, Dante.”

“Fine,” I muttered. “But if that bitch touches my cock again, I’m outta ’ere.”

Monica nodded her head vigorously. “Of course. Are you fine with the dancers touching you elsewhere? We need some contact for the video to work.”

“Legs, arms, stomach, shoulders, those are fine, but nowhere else. And if you wanna make it sexy without tripping into porno territory, get Jody to thread her fingers through my hair, yanking my head to the side right before I sing the final demon in disguise line. Also, have her claw my throat with her other hand while she looks over my shoulder at the camera. You’ll probably only see her eyes, but that’s all you need. If anything, it’ll work better that way, cos you can do some freaky CGI shit to her eyes in editing, making out that she’s the demon in disguise. Change her fingernails too; give them a more claw-like appearance if that’s possible.”

Monica beamed at me. “That’s very possible, Dante, and it’s a fantastic idea. I love it! I think it would work perfectly.”

“Sweet,” I said, unable to hold back a grin, totally stoked that she thought my idea was a good one. The last director had ignored all of my suggestions, making me feel like a moron for even mentioning them.

Monica’s attention shifted to the dancers. “Okay, girls, do what Dante said. Let’s take this from the beginning.”

L started playing her guitar, the male dancers much more professional, the two men not touching her inappropriately at all. Actually, they didn’t even touch her, other than one of them lining his back with hers.

I started singing where I was meant to, performing as instructed, relieved that the females dancers did what was asked. By the time I’d finished the song, I was smiling again, the performance having been fun. After a few more takes of me singing next to L and the drummer—a new guy with a penchant for eyeliner, the director called it a day, which was good, because I was dripping wet, and not from sweat. The crew had sprayed us with water to make out like we’d been working up a sweat, plus the director had said it would look good on camera.

I took a towel from the stagehand and wiped my face and hair, then pulled off my chainmail top, chucking it at him so I could wipe my torso down. That was when I noticed the dancers were watching me. Well before I’d become famous, people eye-fucked me all the time, but now they didn’t just eye-fuck me, they fucking eye-raped me, their interest bordering on obsessive. It was as though they thought I was just there for their entertainment, everything I did a performance, regardless of whether I was working or not, like I owed them because they were fans. Fuck that, I owed no one.

I turned to L, preferring to focus on her than the dancers, because she never looked at me inappropriately. She didn’t even pay me attention, more interested in wiping herself down than eye-fucking me. Not like she would anyway, since she treated me like a younger brother.

I indicated to the cameraman with my head. “You gonna hit that, L?” I asked. “Cos he’s defo interested.”

She glanced over her shoulder at the man, who was packing up his camera. “He’s not beautiful.”

“So? He’s what chicks would call hot.”

“Hot doesn’t do it for me, only beautiful does.”

My eyebrows winged up. “Talk ’bout fussy.”

She shrugged. “Everyone has their preferences.”

“And yours is my bro. I don’t know what’s goin’ on between the two of you, but if you love him as badly as I know you do, stop bein’ a pussy and go for it. That’s unless you’ve already tried and bombed.”

She dropped her head. “What Ash and I do is none of your business, Dante,” she replied, the chick having the kicked-puppy look down pat.

“So, you did try?”

She didn’t reply, pretty much confirming it.

“Knowing you, you pro’bly didn’t try hard enough, and knowing Ash, he pro’bly didn’t even realise. He can be oblivious with chicks sometimes, which I totally don’t get. He looks like me, so he should know he can pick and choose whoever he wants.”

Her bottom lip trembled. “Which means he doesn’t want me.”

I indicated to her clothes. “He will if you turn up on his doorstep dressed like that. Even that clueless bastard wouldn’t turn your arse down. He’d tap it so fast you wouldn’t be able to sit for a week.”

She shook her head at me disapprovingly. “Ash means more to me than a quick...” she lowered her voice, “fuck.”

“I didn’t say he didn’t, and I fuck Clara all the time and she means the world to me.”

“If she truly means the world to you, then you should treat her better.”

I stiffened. “What the fuck does that mean?!”

She shrank a little at my bite. “Don’t get offended, I can clearly see you love her, just... you act more like a horny teenager than an adult in a serious relationship. After that argument you had with her in my office, you made up by having sex instead of talking it through. That’s not healthy, Dante, especially since sex won’t really fix anything, it’s just a bandage applied to a festering wound.”

“That wuz months ago, and you’re wrong, cos we did talk it through.”

“It didn’t look like it back then and it still doesn’t look like it now. The way you acted when she came to the studio the other day wuzn’t right.”

“What did I do wrong?” I asked, not having a clue what she was on about.

“You should ask Clara that, not me.”

I frowned. “Did she say sumpthin’ to you?”

“No.”

“Then, why are you gettin’ on my case over some imaginary thing you think I did?”

“It wasn’t imaginary, and if you can’t see how your behaviour affects other people, you should go back to therapy.”

“That’s rich comin’ from you,” I snapped. “You’re just as fucked up as I am, but at least I try to deal with my demons instead of cowering like a coward.”

“Don’t be horrible!”

“It’s true, and even though you’re pissing me off right now, I still care enough ’bout you not to sugar-coat things cos, darling, that’s a bandage over a festering wound. So step up to the mark and deal with your issues. Start with the biggest one, my bro. Take some of your own advice and go talk things through with him, cos if you fix your issues with Ash, I reckon everything else will fall into place. Clara helped me a lot, while Ash can do the same for you. I’ll leave ya with that thought.” I saluted her, and headed for the edge of the stage, jumping down off it. I glanced back at my manager, waving at him. “See ya at home, boss man,” I called out.

Jade gave me a scowl and headed for L, probably thinking I’d said something horrible to her, because L was now covering her face, looking like she was crying. Shit, I hadn’t meant to upset her, especially since I’d only intended on giving her advice. Regardless, the chick really needed to start toughening up. She was too sweet-natured for a world overflowing with cunts, ones that would suck her up and spit her out without a second thought.

I headed up the aisle to my bodyguard, who was standing at the door, looking like a mafia hitman in his dark suit, the thin scar running down his cheek adding to the look.

“You’re L’s bodyguard now,” I said.

Nike’s eyebrows winged up. “You’re not happy with me?”

“Quite the opposite, I tried to keep you, but there’s only enough in the budget for one personal bodyguard and L needs you more than I do. Just be aware she’s incredibly timid, especially around men, so tread carefully with her. Also, don’t leave her alone with anyone, unless it’s a person she trusts like me, Jade, and Ash. Everyone else be wary of. She was sexually assaulted by the previous director, which is why Jade wants you to protect her.”

Nike nodded, his jaw muscles working overtime, fury brewing in his eyes. I understood why. His wife had been raped. “I’ll kill anyone who tries to hurt L,” he said.

“Dude, you’re a bodyguard now, not a hitman. Just beat the crap outta ’em, that’ll do. I don’t want cha ending up in prison.”

He sneered. “Don’t worry, I’ll make it look like self-defence.”

“Shit, man, warn me if I ever get on your bad side.”

“Nah, mate, you’re whanau,” he said, calling me family. “So, when do I start working for L?”

“Right this second.”

“No probs, bro,” he said, holding out my leather jacket for me to take, sounding like a Māori gang-member rather than an Italian mobster, his lingo like mine.

“Ta, mate,” I thanked him, slipping my jacket on over my naked torso. “See ya when I see ya.”

He nodded at me and held out his hand, giving me a bro shake, reminding me he was still a teenager. Whenever I saw him dressed for business, I forgot he was only nineteen, especially with those hard eyes of his. It looked like he’d seen far too much for someone so young, and knowing Nike, he would probably see a hell of a lot worse in years to come, the poor bastard a magnet for violence.

I slipped out the door, the weather cold enough to freeze the balls off a brass monkey. I went for my Mustang, stopping as someone called out my name. I glanced back, spotting the dancer who’d groped me running my way. She was wearing a long puffy jacket, covering most of her body.

She came to a standstill in front of me. “I want to apologise for what happened inside. I was told to touch you like that, it was in my script.”

I frowned. “It wuzn’t in mine, and it goes without sayin’ that my cock’s off bounds.”

She bit her lip, giving me a sexy smile. “My touch wasn’t so bad, was it?”

I quirked a brow at her. “You just said sorry, then follow up with that? That ain’t no apology, you’re hitting on me, aren’t cha?”

She licked her lips. “Can’t a girl make the first move?”

“Chicks can make the first move all they want, just not on me. I’m taken.”

She stepped closer. “Oh, c’mon, Dante, I’ve seen your videos. You get taken by a lot of women.”

I scowled at her. “Those videos are illegal, filmed without my knowledge—”

“Don’t lie,” she cut me off. “I saw the video of you fucking in front of a crowd.”

I tensed at the mention of the porn party, my old boss having threatened to kill my loved ones if I didn’t play ball. “I wuz blackmailed into doin’ that,” I growled, “so don’t ever bring it up again.”

“Why are you acting so hostile? You’re clearly a fuck boy, and one I want to fuck badly.”

“I’m not a fuck boy, bitch, so go fuck yourself. I have no time for women like you.”

“What kind of woman am I?” she snapped, now looking as angry as I felt.

“The kind that treat me badly, screwing me over in more ways than one. Manipulative bitches.”

“God, you’re a prick.”

I grabbed my crotch. “Yeah, one you’ll never suck.”

She crossed her arms over her chest and lifted her chin at me haughtily. “Only because you’re too busy getting your cock sucked off by your guitarist!”

“Like hell! I’d never do L.”

Jody sneered at me. “You are such a liar. Everyone knows L’s blowing you, it’s all over the news.”

“What the fuck are ya on ’bout?”

She whipped her phone out of her puffy jacket and tapped away on it, then thrust the screen in my face. “That.”

My eyes widened at the image on her phone. L was butt-naked and sucking on... my brother’s cock.

“What the fuck?” I almost choked, not in a million years expecting to see that.

Jody gave me a smarmy smile. “Yeah, so you can’t deny it,” she said, flicking to another picture, showing it to me. L was lying on top of Ash in this one, kissing the tattoo on his neck, my brother looking in heaven.

“Jesus Christ!” I said, wondering how long the two of them had been going at it. “I didn’t think L had it in her.”

Jody frowned. “What do you mean by that?”

I tapped the phone. “That ain’t me, that’s my brother.”

She looked down at the image, then back up at me. “But it looks like you.”

I indicated to the partial moko around my left eye, then at the photo of Ash, who had no tattoos on his face. “Notice anything different?”

She didn’t reply, just reached for my face.

I quickly stepped back. “What the fuck are you doin’?”

“I want to check if your moko’s fake.”

“It’s not. All my tats are real, my bro’s too.” I pointed at her phone, indicating to the Māori design on his neck, which I didn’t have. “Like that one.”

She blinked at me, clearly surprised. “I thought your tattoos were painted on for image.”

“Nope.” I licked my finger and rubbed at the one on my face to prove it was real.

She glanced back down at the picture of Ash, studying it. “Still, I don’t blame the media for getting it wrong, because your brother looks exactly like you. It’s probably why everyone thinks your tattoos aren’t real.”

“They shouldn’t. I’ve said it enough times in interviews that my tats are the real deal, I’ve even mentioned having a brother who looks like a twin. But I guess all those cunts care ’bout is gettin’ a scoop, no matter whether it’s bullshit or not.”

“They would’ve still published the photos due to L. By the way, your brother is fucking hot. Is he still with L?”

“No idea, didn’t even know they were fucking. Though, I wouldn’t waste my time on Ash if I were you, he’s got a shit ton of baggage. And anyway, if L’s sucking him off, you don’t have a chance. She’s way hotter than you.”

Her eyes bugged out. “That wasn’t very nice!”

“Still true. L’s drop-dead gorgeous, just a bloody liar to boot. She pretended my bro wuzn’t into her. Looks like Ash’s ex might’ve been right ’bout him having an affair after all.” I whipped out my phone, hitting my bro’s number. He picked up right before I was about to hang up, Ash taking forever to answer.

“You’re so fucked,” I said into the phone.

“Why?” he yawned, my call most likely having woken him up. He was constantly working, often doing extra shifts to pay the mortgage. I’d offered to give him cash numerous times so he didn’t have to do such crazy hours, but he was a proud bastard, turning it down every single time. It grated on me no end, because what was the point of having money if I couldn’t help my family out?

“Check the internet,” I said. “You’re splashed all over it.”

“Eh?”

“Dude, seriously go look at it. There’s an image of L sucking you off.”

“What?!”

“Yeah, you’ve really been holding out on me, bro. So, how long have ya been fucking L for?”

“I-I...” Ash continued to stutter, sounding like I’d knocked him for a six.

“Social media thinks you’re me, cos of it, the photos have gone viral. Of course they blurred out your dick—”

“Not on some sites,” Jody cut in. She tapped away on her phone. “Your brother is like you in more ways than one.”

“What do ya mean by that?”

“You both have massive cocks.” She held her phone up, showing a very clear image of what L was sucking on, and it wasn’t just a photo, it was a fucking video!

“Fuckin’ hell,” I gasped, not believing my eyes. “Bro, did someone get a hold of your...” The word phone caught in my throat, things clicking into place. “The bitch!” I yelled, knowing exactly where the video and pictures had come from.

“Who?” Ash asked over the line.

“Kara, she did it again!” I shook my head, my brother a fucking moron for letting my ex rent one of his rooms. “She filmed you like she filmed me.”

“No, no, no,” Ash said, sounding panicked, “she only did that cos Craven threatened her family’s lives, and he’s dead now.”

“Ant isn’t,” I said, mentioning Craven’s son, someone who had a vendetta against Ash.

He swore, knowing he’d been stitched up good and proper.

I continued, “Dad warned you ’bout lettin’ Kara stay with you, I warned you. She’s a snake, only out for herself.”

“I’d thought she’d changed, ’specially since she’d been so nice to me. She helped me out a lot with Lily over the months,” he said, mentioning his baby. “I wuz stressed and tired, didn’t think to question why she wuz doin’ it, just wuz grateful since Tiana refused to lift a finger.”

“You are so fuckin’ gullible.”

“You don’t hafta rub it in, you cunt!”

“Don’t get pissy with me, you only have yourself to blame, you walked right into it with your eyes wide open.”

“Fuck! Tiana won’t lemme see Angelo if she gets wind of this,” he said, sounding distraught. His most recent ex had a nasty habit of keeping his son from him when she was pissed off with my bro.

“It’s not an if, it’s a when,” I replied, knowing Tiana was going to hit the roof. “You really shouldn’t have cheated on T.”

“I didn’t cheat on her! I wuzn’t with Tiana when L blew me. That only happened a coupla days ago. Does L know ’bout the pics?”

“Don’t think so, I only just found out myself.”

“Christ!” Ash replied. “I didn’t meana let it happen, but she came onto me so strong. She stripped in front of me. How the fuck wuz I s’posed to turn that down? She’s so fuckin’ hot.”

“So, does she have a dick or a clit? There were no front shots.”

“Dante,” he growled.

“You can’t blame me for bein’ curious! C’mon, I’m dying to know. I reckon it’s a clit.”

“Shut it!”

“Sheesh, calm yo shit down, you’re my bro, and bros talk ’bout this kinda stuff. It’s called bonding.”

“Bonding my arse, you’re just bein’ pervy.”

“Nah ah, I have no interest in L, just wanted to know like everyone else what’s down under.”

“I saw it,” Jody piped up. “You want to see?” She went to pull it up on screen.

“No!” I said, turning away from her. I didn’t like people looking at my sex tapes, so there was no way in hell I’d willingly look at L’s. Plus, I had to work with the chick.

I placed my phone back to my ear. “Ash, what’s up with you and L? She tried to make out that you’re not interested in her. Are you pretending not to be together so Tiana doesn’t find out?”

“No. The blowjob wuz a one-off thing, and it didn’t even last that long. L got shitty with me when I went to fuck her arse. She basically bit my head off and stormed out cos she thought I wuz only after sex.”

“Were you?”

He didn’t reply.

“Fuck, Ash, she’s s’posed to be your mate. You don’t do that shit to mates. You know she has feelings for you.”

“Honestly, bro, I tried to resist, but she wuz all over me. I didn’t know she just wanted to kiss. Who the fuck strips naked just for a kiss?”

“You know L’s clueless. She’s like an innocent puppy in a sex kitten’s body.”

“She’s not that innocent. She purposely tempted me, and when things didn’t go her way, she threw a tanty.”

“She’s still throwing it. She bit my head off earlier, sayin’ all of us Ratas are cavemen who treat women poorly. You’re defo gonna hafta do some major grovelling with her.”

“I tried, but she won’t take my calls.”

“She’ll come around. That chick is head over heels in love with you.”

“No, she’s in love with a fantasy, not me, otherwise she wouldn’t have tossed me aside so quick. Well, both her and Kara can take a flying leap for all I care. They’ve well and truly fucked up my life.”

“Don’t put this on L, you let her suck you, but Kara, yeah, boot her out asap.”

He growled. “I’m gonna kill that bitch.”

“Be my guest,” I said, although I knew he wouldn’t. He could kill a man no problem, but when it came to chicks, he was all bark and no bite, an emasculated pit bull that couldn’t do shit.

He swore. “Someone’s at the door.” A rustle came from over the line, making me wonder whether he was looking through his curtains. “Shit, it’s Tiana. I’m so screwed.”

I grimaced. “Looks like it’s time to face the music, bro.”

“What do I say to her?”

“Tell her how it is. If she refuses to listen, you can’t do much ’bout it.”

“I don’t think she’ll listen at all. She’s thumping, really thumping. She’s obviously seen the photos.”

A yell came from over the line, Tiana hollering Ash’s name.

“Pretend you’re not there,” I said.

“My car’s in the driveway.”

“Well, dude, I’m glad I ain’t you.”

“Fuck you,” he growled and hung up.

I rolled my eyes and pocketed my phone, L capturing my attention as she exited the building with Nike. I waved her over. Nike followed her, glancing at the dancer, who was still hanging around like a fly, buzzing for more info.

“You’re in trouble, L,” I said.

She came to a stop in front of me, looking puzzled. “Why?”

I flicked my hand at Jody. “Bring the vid up.”

Jody did a few taps on her phone, then passed it over.

I thrust the screen in front of L’s face, showing the video of her sucking off my bro. “Tiana is gonna kill you.”

Her eyes widened. “No!”

“Unfortunately, yes. I just phoned Ash to break the news, and heard Tiana screaming his name, demanding he open the door.”

Looking horrified, L spun on her heeled boots and ran straight for a confused Jade, who’d just exited the building. She flung herself at him, sobbing loudly, making me feel like a right cunt for telling her, even though she would’ve found out anyway.

Jade wrapped his arms around her and gave me a scowl, probably thinking I was the cause of her upset. I shook my head at him and pointed at the dancer’s phone, then handed it back to her, telling the chick to show Jade. Jody tottered over to him, my manager’s eyes going wide as he looked down at the screen.

I turned to my Mustang and unlocked it, sliding behind the wheel, feeling sorry for both L and my brother. Social media was never going to let them live it down, especially since L was famous. And now Ash was too, my very private brother’s worst nightmare coming true.

More Broken Lives Short Stories Coming Soon...

About the Author

Marita A. Hansen is from New Zealand. She loves writing, creating art, watching and participating in football, and running. For more information on Marita check out these links:

Author Facebook Page:

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Marita-A-Hansen/113130742120676

Blog Site:

http://maritaahansen.blogspot.co.nz/

Amazon Author Page:

http://www.amazon.com/Marita-A.-Hansen/e/B005H5W79K/ref=ntt_athr_dp_pel_1

Goodreads’ Author Page:

http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/5129673.Marita_A_Hansen

Artslant Page:

http://www.artslant.com/global/artists/show/74433-marita-hansen

Twitter Name: @MaritaAHansen

MORE BOOKS BY MARITA A. HANSEN

Graffiti Heaven (Graffiti Heaven #1)

Behind the Hood (Behind the Lives #1)

Behind the Tears (Behind the Lives #2)

Behind the Lens (Behind the Lives #3)

Behind the Secrets (Behind the Lives #4)

Don’t Peek (The Diaries of a Teenage Girl)

Overwhelmed (Blurred Lines #1)

My Masters’ Nightmare Season 1, Episodes 1 – 5

My Masters’ Nightmare Season 1, Episodes 6 – 10

My Masters’ Nightmare Season 1, Episodes 11 – 15

My Masters’ Nightmare Season 2, Episode 1 “Mind Games”

Ricardo (The Santini Brothers #1)

Brando (The Santini Brothers #2)

Vincenzo (A Santini Brothers’ Short Story) from the anthology Men of Mayhem

I Love You, Salvatore (The Five Families #1) – This is also a Santini Brothers’ Novella

Sasha & Andriena (Lovers & Sinners #1)

Broken English (Broken Lives #1)

Shattered Poetry (Broken Lives #2)

Jagged Pill (Broken Lives #3)

Love Drunk (Broken Lives #4)