Hard Rock Sin: A Rock Star Romance Read online

  Hard Rock Sin

  A Rock Star Romance

  Athena Wright

  Copyright © 2017 Athena Wright

  All rights reserved. This book or any portion thereof may not be reproduced or used in any manner whatsoever without the express written permission of the publisher except for the use of brief quotations in a book review.

  Created with Vellum

  Other Books By Athena Wright

  Feral Silence: A Rock Star Romance Series

  Hard Rock Gaze - Jayce and Ailey's story

  Hard Rock Voice - Kell and Emily's story

  Hard Rock Touch - Ren and Ivy's story

  Hard Rock Heart - Morris and Natalie's story

  Darkest Days: A Rock Star Romance Series

  Hard Rock Tease - Noah and Jen's story

  Hard Rock Fling - Ian and Hope's story

  Hard Rock Sin - Cameron and Lily's story

  Hard Rock Heat - Damon and Faith's story

  Hard Rock Deceit - August and Cassie’s story

  Coming Soon

  Cherry Lips: A Rock Star Romance Series

  Gael and Jessie's story

  Cerise and Liam's story

  Nathan's story

  Julian's story

  Seth's story

  Stay informed of new releases, discounts and giveaways. Visit athenawright.com and subscribe to my newsletter

  Cameron Thorne has had a starring role in my fantasies for years.

  But the sinfully hot rock star, known for his wild parties and lady killer reputation, is the bassist in my brother's band. And I know my brother. He'll kill Cameron if he looks at me twice.

  Which means the two of us will never be more than friends.

  Only... Cameron keeps staring at me like he wants to throw me on his bed. He keeps licking his lips like he's thinking of tasting me.

  Cameron wants me too.

  We know there will be hell to pay. I'm his bandmate's little sister. But neither of us can fight it.

  This rock star god will do anything to keep me.

  Hard Rock Sin is a steamy New Adult Rock Star Romance. It is the third novel in the Darkest Days series, but can be read as a standalone with a HEA.

  Author's note:

  This book is complete and utter fangirl wish fulfillment. It is not realistic in the slightest. But who reads rock star romances for realism, anyway? ;)

  Chapter One

  The press of warm bodies had turned the concert hall stifling hot. I wasn't used to it. It had been years since I'd been at a concert this size. Even then I'd always been backstage with at least one bodyguard watching over me. My big brother Noah made sure of that.

  I wasn't that girl anymore. I wasn't the baby sister, the one who needed to be taken care of. I was nineteen now. I was an adult. Of course, I knew Noah would never see me that way. In his eyes, I'd always be his baby sister.

  I'd shown up at the venue alone because I'd wanted to surprise my brother by coming home early.

  Well. That wasn't quite true. Mostly, I was worried if I didn't come home, he'd change his mind and I'd be stuck overseas forever.

  I'd bought a concert ticket to make sure I could get in, but my plan hit a snag when I realized I had no idea how to get backstage.

  I saw a couple of event venue staff hanging around the entrance to a side hallway, chatting. That would be my best chance. I casually made my way over, pretending to stare at my phone. I only had to wait about ten minutes before the two of them got distracted by a rowdy concert-goer, who had clearly taken pre-drinking too seriously.

  The moment they turned their heads I snuck in behind them and hurried down the corridor, taking turns left and right. The hallway was lined with unmarked doors. I dithered about which one to open. A door at the end said staff only. Success. I pushed open the door, smiling to myself.

  My smile froze.

  There was a women flat on her back on a sofa. Her legs were spread wide. A man was crouched over her. His head was between her thighs.

  I had about three seconds before the situation sunk in.

  Any sense of smugness was replaced with shock, which was just as quickly replaced with horror.

  "I'm so sorry!" I blurted out. "I didn't mean— I'll just—"

  The man lifted his head. His hair fell over one eye.

  "You gonna stand in that doorway all day, Angel?" The dark blue eye pinning me down sparkled with humor. "Or are you going to wait for your turn?"

  I squeaked as recognition set in.

  Cameron Thorne. Bassist in my brother's rock band Darkest Days. He looked the exact same as he had years ago, the last time I'd seen him. Still with that dyed, fire-engine red hair and that familiar carnal grin.

  Also still sinfully hot.

  "Cam!" The woman on the sofa with her legs splayed wide tugged at a handful of his hair, whining. "Keep going, I was almost there."

  "Sorry gorgeous." Even though he was replying to her, he didn't take his eyes off me. "You staying, Angel? Or leaving? I'm cool with either."

  "I'm—" Going to die from embarrassment.

  Cameron slowly looked me up and down. With that single stare, I swore I could feel his tongue licking every inch of my body.

  My face felt hot, cheeks burning. I turned on my heel and ran out of the room, slamming the door behind me.

  "Cameron!" I heard the woman whine from behind the closed door. The wicked chuckle I heard in response made my insides flip.

  I ran away as quickly as I could.

  I'd just walked in on Cameron Thorne having sex. I wanted to melt into the floor and die. How was I ever going to face him again? He was in my brother's band. I couldn't avoid him forever.

  I got to the end of the hallway and stopped, leaning against the wall. I put my face in my hands and groaned. How embarrassing.

  I tried to console myself that Cameron Thorne was probably used to people walking in on him, if this was the sort of thing he did regularly. My sudden appearance clearly hadn't fazed him. He hadn't freaked out or yelled at me to get out.

  He'd asked me to join in.

  That caused a flush of a whole different kind to warm my cheeks.

  I'd always thought Cameron was cute, in the way that fourteen year old girls thought older boys were cute. He was my brother's friend. He played bass guitar in a rock band. He was tall and cool and didn't seem to mind Noah's annoying little sister hanging around.

  He turned my insides upside down whenever he flashed one of those familiar, cheeky grins. One nice word from him sent butterflies flapping madly through my stomach.

  Of course, he'd always been too busy chasing girls with big boobs and long legs to pay anything more than vague attention to me.

  I had wondered if I still looked too young, if everyone I'd known from before would take one look at me and treat me like the baby sister again. I could now rest assured. Cameron Thorne clearly thought I was old enough to hit on.

  He must not have recognized me. If he did, he would never have talked to me like that.

  Or would he?

  That question caused long-forgotten butterflies to take wing again. I fought to push them down, pressing my palms into my eyes, careful not to smudge my makeup.

  After several minutes I'd calmed somewhat, my breathing evening out.

  Cameron hadn't minded me walking in. If he could play it cool, I could play it cool. The next time I saw him, I'd pretend nothing out of the ordinary had happened. Hopefully he would do the same.

  And hopefully my insides would stay where they belonged and not spew out of my mouth like they had threatened to do.

  Resolved, I continued down the hallway, looking for an entrance to backstage. Most of the doors le
d to offices or storerooms. I saw a small flight of stairs winding upward and began climbing.

  Finally. I found myself backstage, with event staff rushing around in headsets.

  I'd taken no less than two steps before I was confronted by a tall, beefy bodyguard with a short buzz cut and a dour expression.

  I knew it had been too easy.

  "Where's your staff pass?" he grunted.

  I blinked. "Staff pass?"

  "If you don't have a staff pass, you're not allowed backstage."

  He moved to take my arm. I jerked back. I hadn't thought about this part. I thought once I'd made it backstage I'd be safe.

  "I'm not staff, but I'm allowed back here. I'm Noah Hart's sister, Lily."

  "Sure you are. No pass, no access." He did take my arm then, gently at least, and tried to guide me back down the stage.

  "I really am Noah's sister." I tried to make myself sound as sincere as possible. "Just ask him. I came here to surprise him, but he'll tell you it's really me."

  "You think you're the first to use that story?"

  "I'll call Noah. I have his number. He can tell you himself."

  "You got your boyfriend on the other end ready to lie for you?"

  I really should have thought this through.

  "She's with me," a voice said from the top of the stairs.

  I turned.

  My mouth gaped open.

  I was confronted with the full force of Cameron Thorne, rock star god. He must have taken the time to get ready for the stage. Leather pants molded to his hips and thighs. His thin, white cotton t-shirt was tight enough to cling to every deliciously toned ab. His hair was still messy, still falling over one eye, but it sparkled somehow, shining in the dim lighting as if he sprinkled silver glitter over the strands. Black kohl rimmed the one visible deep blue eye, an almost gothic style.

  I let out a shaky breath. My heart pumped wildly in my chest. This Cameron Thorne wasn't anything like the cute boy I'd known. This Cameron Thorne went beyond rock star cool and into another stratosphere altogether.

  The rock star god in front of me was hot enough to melt my panties.

  "Sorry Angel, I forgot to give you your pass."

  "What?" I said dumbly.

  Cameron gave me a pointed look, then nodded to the bodyguard. "I said she's with me."

  I nearly had a nervous breakdown as Cameron hooked his arm around my waist and tugged me against his side. His body heat seared through my thin dress and onto my skin.

  "We cool here?" Cameron asked the bodyguard.

  The beefy man waved to let us through. Cameron guided me through the crowd of people, his arm still around me.

  "What was your grand plan?" he asked, squeezing my waist.

  "Grand plan?" I repeated, unable to make my brain work properly.

  "How were you planning on getting in? Usually fans sneak backstage. Just walking up to the security guard was pretty bold."

  That confirmed it. Cameron had no idea who I was. I was just another girl in a short skirt and high heels.

  I was just another girl who had apparently caught Cameron's attention.

  "So? Your plan to sneak inside?" he prompted.

  Cameron Thorne had his arm around my waist. I fought to make myself speak, forcing down the rising hysteria.

  "I— I didn't think that far ahead."

  "It's a good thing I came along when I did, then."

  If he'd known who I was, he probably wouldn't be talking to me like this. Touching me like this. My insides quivered when his hands tugged me close to his side.

  "So which one of us were you planning to score with tonight?" he said playfully.

  I stammered, trying to protest. He interrupted.

  "How about we boost my ego and pretend it was me, hm?"

  "I don't think your ego needs boosting." I snapped my jaw shut, appalled at myself for blurting that out.

  Cameron looked shocked for a moment before laughing. He tweaked a long strand of my hair. "You're cute."

  I instinctively made a face of disgust. Cameron patted me on the hip, consoling.

  "Hey, there's nothing wrong with being cute. Would you prefer I call you hot and sexy?"

  I flushed, looking down and murmuring something vaguely affirmative.

  "Now who's looking for an ego boost?" he teased.

  "Cam! We're on!"

  I recognized one of the twins in my brother's band, with tufts of brown hair sticking up from his head and a faded Ramones t-shirt. He stood near the curtains at the edge of the stage holding his guitar with fingers polished black at the tips.

  "Sorry gorgeous, gotta go." Cameron's arm left my waist. I mourned the loss of his body heat. "But why don't you hang around after the concert? Maybe we can get to know each other better."

  He flashed me a smirk. I flushed as I realized exactly how Cameron wanted to get to know me.

  "Sure," I said after a moment. "I'll be here."

  Chapter Two

  Cameron took his place on the dark stage, darkness enveloping him. Now that he wasn't by my side I was able to think clearly again.

  I'd just walked in on Cameron doing… that… with a girl, and there he was, already flirting with someone else.

  I couldn't help but be flattered that person was me.

  It had been long enough between my awkward adolescence and my now burgeoning adulthood that I was no longer the baby sister. With a hot pink minidress, high heeled pumps, and expertly applied makeup — I'd finally mastered the art of contouring — I was as hot as any of the other girls who'd been waiting in line to see Darkest Days.

  A sense of something like accomplishment filled my chest, replacing the nervous excitement that Cameron's proximity had caused.

  I found a spot backstage to watch the concert. I made sure to stay out of the way of the busy event staff and band members of the other acts who were still milling around.

  My brother was front and center, his low voice growling and crooning into the microphone. His hands stroked the mic stand up and down, a sensual caress. The spotlights reflected in his black hair and eyes, the same features I shared. It turned his gaze into an almost fiery look.

  I'd lost count of how many times I'd seen him perform, but every time I couldn't help feel a sense of pride. Maybe it was odd that a little sister felt a sort of maternal pride for her older brother, but Noah had come such a long way. He'd always been reserved. Closed off. He rarely showed a smile, except for the times when we were alone together.

  The man he was on stage, the raw passion he exuded as he sang — that was the Noah I knew. Growing up, I'd always hoped Noah would someday open up to people. It seemed being on stage freed Noah to be the man I knew he was inside. In the limelight, he channeled his emotions and offered them freely to his audience.

  It remained to be seen whether Noah's off-stage persona had also made progress. I hadn't seen my brother in years. It was difficult to know how much he'd changed without seeing him in person. The last few months I'd sensed a change though. Maybe that had to do with his new girlfriend. I hoped she was a good influence on him. I couldn't deny I was dying to meet the girl who managed to break down my brother's guarded walls.

  The other members of the band, the twin guitarists and platinum blond drummer, looked much the same. The twins were both broader in the shoulders and full of frantic energy as they ran around on stage. The drummer's face was more well defined, almost regal with its angular jaw. His ice blue eyes were narrowed and focused, his arms a blur as he pounded away on his drum set.

  They were all a handful of years older now and had filled out. They were no longer the young boys I'd remembered, but fully adult and wholly masculine.

  With that thought, I let my attention turn to Cameron.

  Gorgeous as ever, he stood at the edge of the stage. Hands reached out of the crowd to grab at him. He crouched low over his bass, slapping his hand out to brush a few fingers. A chorus of female voices started a chant.

  "Take it off, take
it off!"

  Cameron put a hand to his ear and cocked his head, as if he couldn't quite hear. They shouted louder in answer. The grin on his face told me he knew exactly what they were asking.

  The girls screamed their lungs out over the noise blasting out of the speakers. Cameron played at the hem of his shirt and gave the audience a teasing look.

  Anticipation fluttered in my chest. Was he really going to—?

  When the voices reached a fever pitch Cameron smirked and tossed his shirt over his head.

  Heat flooded my system. My cheeks must have gone bright red. The well defined torso outlined through his thin t-shirt had done nothing to prepare me for the sight of Cameron's bare chest and abs. The man must live at the gym. There was no way playing bass on stage was enough of a workout to produce a body that exquisite.

  The girls in the audience, and even a few young men, flipped out, screaming and hooting. They fought each other to rush the stage, reaching their hands out again, nearly causing a riot.

  With a satisfied smile on his face, Cameron returned smoothly to his bass guitar, barely missing a note. He sauntered away from the left side of the stage, making his way over to the right, making sure each fan had the chance to gaze upon the glory that was Cameron Thorne.

  It was such an egotistical move. If anyone else had done it, I might have felt a tinge of distaste. But there was something about the bassist of Darkest Days. His teasing smiles, his sultry stares. It seemed perhaps he wasn't doing it to boost his own ego, but simply giving the fans exactly what they wanted.

  Paying any attention to the rest of the concert was impossible with Cameron shirtless like that. It was all I could do to keep from drooling. I fought to stop myself from melting into a puddle.

  By the time the concert wound down, the flush on my cheeks had abated and my breathing was steady. I didn't want to be a frazzled mess when I surprised my brother.

  The last song of the encore finished and the audience erupted into cheers. The other band members stayed on stage to throw guitar picks and drum sticks to the crowd. Noah, as always, stalked off first, not basking in the adoration of his fans. The perfect opportunity for me to ambush him alone.