Outlaw Women

What is it with interruptions today?

Brantley’s POV:
Dave was just finishing up my tattoo when PJ strolled onto the bus. Immediately, I could feel the tension rolling off of him in waves. Something had happened and based on the brooding bull look he was wearing, it wasn't something minor. Seeing PJ look like he was ready to commit murder had my heckles rising. I was usually the one wearing the look he had, not him. 

“What happened?” I said, sitting up and swigging my legs over the side of the table. As I did, the tender skin on my lower abdomen pulled tight, reminding me that tonight was going to be interesting as far as performing.

“I just kept Lil Bit from murdering Blake.” said PJ as he stood at the sink washing his hands. At his words, I flew from off the table and over to him so fast that I wasn't even sure my feet hit the floor. When I reached his side, I saw that the water swirling down the drain was tinted pink from blood.

“Who’s fucking blood is that?” I roared, seeing red. So help me, if PJ says that even a drop of that is Ash’s I’ll murder Blake with my bare hands. I’d heard rumors of him being at a few stops this season but hadn't wanted to believe that he would try to get near her. Guess I was wrong. 

“Blake’s. Pretty sure he had a broken jaw though.” said PJ, continuing to wash his hands. 

“Where is Ash?” I said, my tone anxious. I needed to see for myself that she is okay. 

“Over on Luke and Nicole’s bus, Boss” said PJ. 

Not even bothering to grab a shirt, I jammed my feet into my nikes and ran off the bus. Running as fast as my legs would take me, I ran at full speed until I found myself at Luke and Nicole’s bus. When I reached the door, I pounded on it hard, not caring if I scared the shit out of whomever was on the bus. When the door swung wide and I saw Nicole standing there, I didn't wait for her to invite me in. Careful not to bump her after what Ash had told me this morning about Nicole being pregnant, I slipped past her, and walked onto the bus. When I laid eyes on Ash, I breathed a sigh of relief. Without a word, I walked over to her and lifted her, wrapping my arms around her and holding her tight against me. I let the scent of her coconut perfume mixed with her sweet scent of her shampoo wash over me and calm me.

“Br-Brantley? Are you okay?” said Ash, pulling me back to reality and making me realize that I had to be hurting her side. Easing my hold on her, I let her feet hit the floor as I placed my palms on either side of her face. 

“Better now that I know you're okay.” I said before placing my lips over hers. I’d intended for the kiss to be gentle and caring, but just like it always was with her, it wasn't. I felt the flame that burned between us building higher and higher each time our tongues tangled and knew that I needed to get her to myself. Summoning every ounce of willpower I had within me, I broke the kiss and rested my forehead against hers. “You're really okay?”

“Yes.” she whispered, her breath coming out in pants from the intensity of our kiss. 

“Holy crap. If I wasn't already knocked up, I would be now from watching you two together.” said Nicole, pulling Ash and I from our own little world. I smiled with male pride and Ash buried her face into the bare skin of my chest.

“You know how it is.” I said matter-a-factly, my smile one of pure male pride. 

“I do.” said Nicole, smiling at the two of us knowingly. “Now if y’all will excuse me, I need to go get dressed so I can watch my man give another one of his amazing shows.” 

With that, Nicole walked off to the bedroom, silently shutting the door behind her. I didn't get the chance to tell Ash that that was our cue to leave because before I had even realized it, she had her fingers laced with mine and was dragging my six foot frame behind her as if I was a child.