Phoenix Rockstar (Book One in the Erotic Rockstar Series) by Bec Botefuhr Page B

him one night, out on the town. I was wild by then; it had only been a month and I was drinking myself into a stupor. He beat me so badly I nearly died.”
    Travis clenches around me and hisses through his teeth.
    “He got charged, and I went into hiding. I didn’t hear from him again…”
    “That is why you didn’t want your name in the paper.”
    “Yes, but it didn’t work. Trav, he came into the firm the other day, and he is putting a manslaughter case against me, he wants me locked up. He is trying to claim that I forced her into that water and killed her.”
    “He what?” Travis’s voice is icy.
    “He came back.”
    “You didn’t tell me.” He snaps, glaring at me.
    “I didn’t know how.”
    “Give me all the details on that case; I am going to fight this for you.”
    “How Trav? You can’t have the resources to do that.”
    “I will get the resources. I know good lawyers.”
    “Sally had to take on his case, she wants to so she can keep him close. She is worried for me.”
    “That’s a conflict of interest Violet, and it will have to stop.”
    I sigh. “I know. I am scared Trav.”
    “From now on, I am putting security with you wherever you go. That creep isn’t getting anywhere near you.”
    “That’s not what I want!” I cry.
    He grips my chin. “Violet, don’t fight me on this because you WILL lose.”
    “Trav.”
    He kisses me.
    “Your life, you, it has all become so much to me. My world changed when you came into it Violet, and I won’t lose you.”
    His words burrow right into my soul. What can I say? Nothing. I simply step forward and lean into his chest.
     
    CHAPTER 10
     
    “Mom, I am staying a t Reagan’s tonight and tomorrow night.” I yell out from my room as I pack.
    “Alright baby, have you spoken to your father and told him you won’t be coming?”
    “I will drop by on my way to Reagan’s.”
    She comes into my room and leans her hip against the door.
    “He has been very kind to me since I slapped him a million times.”
    “It wasn’t his fault Momma, that man was crazy.”
    “And that is the world he is in; bad people go after his family to get back at him. It worries me honey.”
    “I know mom, but what will you have me do? I can’t just get rid of him and pretend he isn’t my father.”
    She sighs. “I know that angel, I know. Look, just be careful. Carry that gun he gave you, please.”
    I laugh. “Be careful but carry a gun.”
    “Just looking out for you honey.”
    “Alright Momma, I love you and I will call over the weekend.”
    “Alright baby.”
    I finish packing and then drive over to daddy’s to let him know I won’t be there at all this weekend. The house is quiet, but the garage lights are on so I walk in. What I see reminds me hard and fast about the world Chief lives in. A man, I don’t know who, I strung up with a hook in his back. His mouth is gagged, and he is being tortured in ways I do not wish to explain. I feel bile rise in my throat. Chief sees me and his eyes widen, he snaps his fingers and the torturing stops instantly. I turn and rush out.
    “Hey Mischief, wait…”
    He grips my arm when I reach my car and spins me around.
    “Daddy what were you doing in there?” I cry, covering my face with my hands.
    “He has information about Demon, I am sorry you had to see that baby, but you know it’s what we do.”
    “And you judge me about people I want to see!” I scream. “When you are a monster yourself!”
    “That’s exactly why,” He bellows. “Because I fuckin know what can happen to you.”
    “I am going, I came to say I wouldn’t be here this weekend, and I am glad I did now.”
    “Mischief, don’t you fucking walk away while I am talking with you.”
    “Back off!”
    I get in the car and slam the door, hitting the accelerator hard and fast. I cry all the way to Reagan’s house, and after telling her what happened, she sits with me while I cry. God, what the hell kind of shit do I live