Outlaw Women

Wise Words from PJ

Ashlyn’s POV:
I’m not sure what made me agree to watching Brantley’s show or what made me agree to go with him to his bus tonight. Maybe it was hormones. Maybe it was the danger of being with him, knowing that he could hurt me. Or maybe, it was just the fact that I was finally willing to admit to myself that it was time for me to grow the fuck up and do what the hell I wanted regardless of the consequences. Whatever it was, I was doing just as Brantley had asked of me. I stood side stage and watched his show with rapt interest and okay, maybe just a little bit of drool a couple times. Especially when he would do his signature body roll.

Since being on the road with Luke and Brantley, I have seen Brantley’s show many times, but only in bits and pieces. I was usually too busy trying to keep my distance from him to allow myself the pleasure of watching him put on a show. And let me tell you, that man can sure put on a good one. And I had to admit, he looked hot as fuck doing it too. Dressed in black jeans that hugged his ass in just the right way, a camouflage shirt that had the sleeves cut off, displaying those powerful, ink covered arms, and his trademark black hat pulled low over his eyes, the man was sex on legs. Apparently the women in the crowd thought so too based on the volume of the screams that could be heard over the music.

“Puts on one hell of a show don’t he Lil’ Bit?” said a voice from behind me. Tearing my gaze off the man singing about reading him his rights, I looked up at the big behemoth that Brantley called his bodyguard. Not going to lie, standing close to PJ made me feel really short. Then again, that wasn't too hard to do when you're only 5’1 and standing next to someone who’s well over six foot.  

“That he does.” I said, giving PJ a smile. 

“Don't take this the wrong way Lil’ Bit but I need to ask you something. Actually its more so a statement.” said PJ, causing my heckles to rise. I could tell he was a tad uncomfortable and knew immediately that whatever he was about to say, had something to do with Brantley. I knew that he and Brantley were close, I mean they had to be considering how much time they have spent together over the years. “

“Okay.” I replied, feeling my spine stiffen. I don't know what PJ was going to ask me but now that I had finally given into the voices in my head telling me that I should live life a little and do it with Brantley, I wasn't about to let anyone talk me out of it.

“Boss is a good man. Maybe a little possessive and controlling at times but not in the way that anyone would take as a form of abuse. I don't have to tell you that he’s been through some stuff over the years. I’m sure you know all about it. The women in his life have either used his name for clout or just done him wrong all the way around. I don't know what is going on between you two and frankly, it's none of my business. All I ask is that you not hurt him.” said PJ. 

“I don't even know what the deal is with us, PJ. There is a connection between us. That’s undeniable. Both of us feel it. But we are nowhere near talking about what the future holds.” I said. 

“I know. But when Boss sets his sights on something, he won't quit until he has it. And Lil Bit, I think you know that he has had his sights set on you since Vegas.” said PJ, causing my jaw to drop. Had Brantley told PJ about Vegas? Had he been talking about it to PJ? PJ must have been able to read the questions rolling through my mind because when he spoke, he told me what I’d already known deep down. “Boss told me about his hook up in Vegas. Told me that he hadn't been able to stop thinking about you since that night. But don't worry, no one else on the tour knows. Although, if you two keep acting like yall were just before his show, people are going to start asking questions.”

“You saw that?” I asked, horrified. I felt my skin blushing.

“Not what was going on. Only that you two were mighty close. Having spent so much time with Boss over the years though, I know the look on his face when he’s just experienced something that was maybe a little bit forbidden. And Lil Bit, before Boss went out on that stage, he had that look on his face.”

“Oh.” I said, my face blushing even more.

“Look, I didn't mean to embarrass you by any means. I just meant to tell you that I see the way Boss looks at you and you at him. Yall can deny whatever this is between y'all all you want but believe me when I say that fighting this is only going to end up hurting both of you. Take a chance on him. He really is a good man.” said PJ. “All I ask is that you don’t hurt him. I don't know that Brantley has another bad break up left in him before he turns back to the bottle.

“None of us want that to happen.” I said softly. I remembered the stories about Brantley’s wilder days and how pills and booze ahd damn near killed him. No matter what happened between him and I, I would never wish him to fall back on his addictions as a coping mechanism. I wouldn't be able to live with myself if it ever came to that. 

“No we don't,” said PJ. “I’ll let you get back to watching his show. Have a good night Lil’ Bit” 

“You too PJ.” I said softly, not even sure that he heard me reply. I watched as PJ turned on his heel and headed off to do whatever it was that he did while Brantley was on stage. 

PJ was right. Fighting whatever this was between us was pointless. We both felt the pull. Hearing PJ say that Brantley was possessive and controlling sometimes had my guard up. Especially after my relationship with Blake. But even as I felt myself comparing the two men, I knew deep down that Brantley and Blake were nothing alike. Blake had been controlling because he was an asshole. There was no doubt in my mind that Brantley’s controlling tendencies would come from a place of love and respect because he would want to protect what he felt was his.

Taking a deep breath, I willed my racing heart to calm. I know Brantley had plans for us after the show, but first, he and I need to talk.