Silver Strings: Velocity Book 3

BELLA’S BOOKS

Velocity Series:

Rockin’ Rhythm – Ash’s book

Shredding Dreams – Ian’s book

Silver Strings – Bryce’s book

In the works:

Driving Reigns – Leo’s book

Triple Threat:

Reckless

Tragic Soul

Triple Threat

Triple Time

Rubbed Raw

Raw Reunion

Chasing Chad

Dual Desires

Desires Delivered

Wicked End:

Wicked End

Passionate Needs

Sinful Needs

Fulfilling Needs

Prelude to a Wicked Wedding

Gasoline:

Gasoline

Persistent Urges

Evolving Urges

Forever Urges

Final Urges

Silverblade:

Silverblade

In the works:

Accidental Romance (Silverblade Book 2)

Brass Monkey

Mark of the Devil

Hands of Fate

Winter Winds

Wounded Hearts

Erotic Tales:

Double Dominance

Insatiable Appetites

PREFACE

I apologize for the long wait for book 3. Characters tend to bring up my own demons, some of which led me astray. Over the past year, this book has taken several paths, but I am proud of the final story.

We start off just before the tour begins. This means the timeline will coincide with most of Shredding Dreams. You will see the entirety of the short tour here, unlike other books. The stage is where most of the Velocity boys feel most comfortable.

Bryce’s life could have ended in tragedy, like so many have before him. Lucky for us, it didn’t and he has a tale to tell. He has been through some rough times, most caused by his poor choices. He is on the wagon and ready to start over. Is the world ready for him?

DEDICATION

While I wrote this, we lost two rock vocalists dealing with most of the same demons as Bryce. Chris Cornell and Chester Bennington lost their battle so young. They will be missed by many for years to come. The struggle is one I have been touched by myself. Because of that, this book was difficult to write, but it had to be done.

My biggest influences for this book were: Papa Roach, Nothing More, Linkin Park, Three Days Grace, Saliva, Shinedown and as always Avenged Sevenfold.

Depression is more widespread than you realize. Not every downward spiral will lead to a suicide attempt, but it’s important to let anyone affected know they are loved. Lend them your support. It just might save a life!

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline

Call 1-800-273-8255

Available 24 hours everyday

https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/

MEET THE BANDS

VELOCITY

Ash Taylor - Bass

Ian Tate/ Jacob Tate - Lead Guitar

Bryce Cooper - Vocals/Rhythm Guitar

Leo Danger - Drums

RED DEVILS

Traci Jones - Bass

Stephanie Albury - Guitar

Jeremy Spencer - Vocals

Derek Spencer - Drums

CHAPTER ONE

One Month Earlier…

Vanessa? Bryce Cooper, vocalist and rhythm guitarist of Velocity, walked into his ex-wife’s house by using his key. The silence worried him some. Maybe Mommy’s asleep. Get to your homework.

He normally picked their kids up from school if their mother allowed it. Their custody agreement wasn’t remotely in his favor, which was his own fault. She received a large sum in child support and alimony. That let her to live as they always had; extravagantly. He’d agreed to it because he wanted her home with the children, not at work.

Vanessa?

The home he had once shared with his family was quiet. He’d seen her car in the driveway, so he was sure she was there. Worried by her lack of response, he searched every room. When he climbed the stairs to the second floor, he heard whispers. They originated from the master bedroom.

Without a thought, he opened the door. Vanessa was on top of a familiar man, naked. She was riding him like a wild woman. Did she ever fuck me like that? He wasn’t sure. When her back arched and her breasts came into view, he gasped at the sight.

Holy shit! He covered his mouth fast, but he couldn’t take his eyes off the pair as they fucked. What if the kids had walked in?

Get out! Vanessa shielded her body with a sheet. You have no right to just walk in here.

Bryce froze in place. His gaze shifted from the glimpses of her skin to the man on the bed, whose erection had not yet deflated. He couldn’t believe it.

I said get out, Vanessa growled softly. You’ll attract the kids’ attention.

He shook his head to let the scene go. I had no idea you were dating.

I’ve been fucking Andre since before you went to rehab. Her callousness came easy. With you always high or just gone, you think I was faithful?

Pain shot through Bryce’s chest. He was still in love with her, so those words cut deep. Over the years, he’d cheated on her and used various drugs. He had been a terrible husband to her, not that she was much of a wife to him.

At least he can keep it up. She sneered at him and shoved him from her bedroom.

Unable to steady himself, Bryce wound up on his ass in the hallway. He stared at the closed door in shock. She liked to throw things in his face. Some drugs killed his libido, so there were nights he hadn’t been able to please his wife. Obviously, she hadn’t understood as she’d said then.

Is Mommy home? his daughter, Angie, called from downstairs.

He scrambled to his feet and rushed to the stairs. Yes, she’s sleeping. He gripped the railing and took a deep breath. His eyes drifted to the master bedroom door. Guess I mean nothing to her now.

Present Day…

Fuck!

Bryce punched the bed as the frustrating memory faded. That had been the day his love for Vanessa faltered. Before that, he’d had hope. He’d turned his back on her for good.

Unable to sleep, he got up and walked out onto the balcony of his room at his band’s vacation house in Apollo Beach, Florida. As he leaned his forearms on the railing, the lights in the pool below allowed him a limited view.

His eyes moved over the inky blackness beyond the screen enclosure. Tampa Bay was quiet. He barely noticed the water moving at the edge of the property. Most nights, that sound soothed him.

The band’s spring/summer tour was to begin the next day. The trip provoked anxiety and terror. Since he was an addict on the wagon, he worried that temptation would overcome him. Although he’d been clean for over a year, he had been nowhere near his drug of choice. The tour would be a true test of his sobriety. Please let me pass!

Eyes closed, Bryce tried to let it all go. A lot of pressure was on him. No wonder I can’t sleep! As the frontman, his bandmates expected him to lead. Over the past several years, he’d done a piss-poor job of that.

When high, he tended to rant, be demanding and make idiotic decisions. Many of his choices had led to his divorce. His children had seen and heard things he wished he could erase from their memory. If only that was possible.

Another thing weighed heavily on his mind. George Mackey had asked Bryce to mentor an up-and-coming band, Red Devils. From what Bryce knew, Velocity’s record company recently signed the band. He’d heard some about them and discovered more on the internet.

George Mackey, an executive at Eternity Records, had called Bryce only two days prior. George’s title changed at least once a year, so Bryce couldn’t remember the current one. From their conversation, Bryce had gotten the impression that the task was to get his mind off his struggle with sobriety.

After the three-month tour, they planned to stay home and work on their next album. They didn’t like to write music at a studio hundreds of miles away from home. Many bands worked that way. However, it wasn’t their style.

A sound made him glance at the lanai. He found no one. Maybe one of the boys are in the kitchen. He didn’t have the huge house to himself. Velocity’s lead guitarist’s children were there since they were all to come on the road. The why was a long story.

You all right? Jacob Tate, Ian’s 25-year-old son, walked out the sliding doors of his father’s bedroom downstairs. The plan was for him to fill in for his father. He glanced up at Bryce. Hey, man. You need to talk?

Bryce leaned over. Nah. He and most of his bandmates were closer in age to Jacob than they were to Ian. Just thinking. Need to get my head in the game for tomorrow.

I get that. Jacob sat on a chair close to the door to his father’s room. Man, I’m nervous as hell. I’ve never performed in front of an audience before.

That made Bryce wonder if Jacob had stage fright. Pretend the fans are neighbors. I’m sure some really are.

Would it be OK to talk to people before our set… to ease my nerves? Jacob had attended many of their shows. Only Bryce normally jumped down and talked to fans.

Bryce nodded. Just don’t stray far away from security. Fans can get aggressive. He took a deep breath. I’m actually terrified. The fundraiser at Safe Haven was the first time I performed sober in who knows how long. I was shaking like a leaf. Tours are full of women and drugs. I never could resist before. What if I-

You won’t, Jacob scolded. What you’re gonna do is think of your kids and say no.

That was easy to say. No one except an addict would understand the draw even when it could cost them everything. It was illogical but all too real for Bryce. He understood he needed to talk to someone about it besides his counselor. We don’t have time to find someone before the tour starts.

Bryce glanced down at the water again. That’s my plan. His voice lowered to a whisper. They say the road to hell is paved with good intentions. A shudder ran through him. If he failed, he would have nothing left.

I don’t mean to put pressure on you. Jacob just made out Bryce’s pained expression. Maybe you can replace the high with something else, like sex or energy drinks. He shrugged. Not really sure what’d be helpful.

Don’t worry. Bryce realized his best friend, Ash Taylor, would stick close and help him through temptation. I need to learn to live my life sober, especially on a tour. Plenty of other people have done it, so can I. He waved a hand. G’night.

Once back in his room, Bryce laid down again. The band didn’t have to be at the venue for setup, only the crew. However, they had to get all their things onto the bus. He hadn’t even packed yet. That meant an early morning.

After several position changes, Bryce settled on his side. Although tired, his mind still spun with anxiety. The tour would be a test of more than just his will. The lights and noise gave him a headache at least twice a week. That was when he was at his weakest.

The first night someone had offered him Oxycodone, he had taken them so the pain would stop. His doctor had given him pills for his migraines, but they only worked if he took them within an hour of it starting. Sometimes that wasn’t possible on tour. He didn’t keep them in his pocket.

The easy access to mind numbing drugs almost destroyed him. He’d taken Oxys for everything after a while, and every so often when he didn’t need them. It had become a problem when he could no longer function without pills. He had denied it, though.

Ash had seen it coming and warned him it was getting bad. Bryce had just shaken it off and continued as usual. He’d thought nothing he did affected anyone else.

The addiction had caused other issues. Doctors had diagnosed Bryce as showing signs of bipolar disorder at seventeen. He had severe mood swings without notice. When he had been in the manic phase on tour, he stopped his meds because he felt good. That would lead to a huge crash, which affected the whole band.

Bryce’s eyes closed as he thought about some of the stupid things he’d done while high. He didn’t remember everything from the past several years. His overdose two years prior had been the longest missing block of time.

That was the last day he had taken pills not prescribed to him by his many doctors. Ash had once questioned Bryce about the names on his prescription bottles. He’d always made something up.

The night of his overdose flashed by. He didn’t recall it all, but there was much more than his bandmates imagined behind it.

Two Years Earlier…

You sure you want another drink?

Bryce nodded as he gripped the bar edge. Yes. They were in an arena somewhere. He had no clue what state they were even in. You know what? Leave the bottle.

An hour earlier, he’d found out his wife had cheated yet again while he was on the road. Neither of them could be faithful it seemed. What bothered him is that she did it sober. He was always high when he allowed a groupie to do as they pleased to him.

His heart had been shredded to a million pieces when a friend sent him the picture of his wife kissing another man in front of their house. He hadn’t told anyone about it. Truthfully, it humiliated him.

She barely came near him when he was home, so he should have suspected she had a piece on the side. They lived more like roommates than spouses. He rarely slept in their bed because they fought every night. Why do I stay? Because I love my kids.

He’d already swallowed two Oxys and a few Xanax. That hadn’t numbed his mind like he hoped. They’re all better off without me. His eyes closed. Suicidal thoughts often came when he was in a depressed state, which he had fallen into big time that day. He hadn’t taken his meds for at least two weeks, which was stupid on his part.

Hey, buddy. Ash patted Bryce on the back. What’s up with you today?

Bryce shrugged. Just tired. He grabbed the bottle of amber liquid and walked out of their dressing room. The last thing his best friend needed was yet another burden.

Right outside the door, Leo Danger, Velocity’s drummer, stood with three gorgeous women. I got us some hot ones tonight. You ready for action?

Later.

A blowjob wouldn’t fix his heartache. After he downed a few more pills, he took a swig of the liquor and winced at the burn. As he walked, he continued to drink. It didn’t take long for his vision to blur. Then the hallway began to move. He crashed into a wall and braced himself against it.

Voices came from every direction but he couldn’t decipher any of them. Hands were on him, but he shook them off. He shuffled along the wall as he used it to hold himself up. The pain in his body finally numbed as he lost the ability to stand.

The next thing he knew, bright light blinded him. What the fuck? He shielded his eyes with an arm which wasn’t easy. Get that fucking light outta my face.

Just relax. Ash laid a hand on his best friend’s shoulder. You’re gonna be OK.

Bryce squinted and glanced around. Where the hell are we? His head pounded, and his limbs were heavy.

Hospital, Ash whispered. You OD’d, man. Thank God Ian was so close. Dude, you fuckin’ died! It was hard to hold back his tears. Tell me you didn’t do this on purpose.

Unsure how to answer, Bryce met Ash’s glassy eyes. Did you call Vanessa?

Yeah, she took a flight out here. She went downstairs to get coffee. Ash grabbed Bryce’s hand. When I called her, she thought you were dead. Some idiot posted pictures of you dead on the floor, and people shared them everywhere.

Wait, I died? Bryce’s face screwed up. I’m right here. I’m not dead. Kind of wish I was, though. He knew Vanessa would rip into him for taking so many pills, then drinking on top of that.

Ash sniffled as several tears fell. "You did die. I couldn’t find a pulse. You weren’t breathing. Ian performed CPR on you. How could you be so stupid? They pumped your stomach and found like ten partially dissolved pills."

She cheated on me, Bryce muttered.

While he shook his head, Ash sighed. You cheat on her almost every day. She doesn’t deserve that. How does a bit of payback feel? He regretted the words immediately. I’m sorry. I know you don’t need the guilt trip now.

Is he awake? Ian stepped inside the room.

Ash turned. Yeah.

I’m all right. Guilt filled Bryce. His bandmates looked like they’d been up all night. I didn’t mean to fuck up again. He’d almost overdosed several times in the past few years, but he usually just passed out and slept it off.

Ian tugged Leo into the room from the hallway. Don’t be a pussy.

Hey. Leo walked in but stayed close to the door.

Good to see you have color now. Ian patted Bryce’s arm. You gave us all a big scare.

Bryce’s eyes drifted to his torso. I’m sorry. Thanks for bringing me back.

I’m just glad I saw you fall last night. Ian sometimes thought of Bryce as his son.

Still disoriented, Bryce’s gaze shifted to the window. It was daylight. That meant he lost almost a whole day. Are my kids here?

No! Vanessa walked in with a scowl on her face. I don’t want them to see you like this.

Present Day…

Bryce jumped when his mind came back to the present. The dark room was a shock. He understood he needed to move on. However, first he had to get through the tour. Once it ended, he would find a house and start over.

CHAPTER TWO

By 7:00 the next morning, Bryce was at Vanessa’s. He’d asked for a few hours with his kids the evening before to say goodbye. Her excuse was they had school the next day. Normally, he would argue and yell somewhat. He hadn’t had the energy. When he’d given up on sleep about two hours prior, he decided to force the issue.

At that moment, his blue Chevy Silverado blocked her driveway. That way she couldn’t back out without him moving. He knew his children had to be at school before eight. He’d allowed enough time in case he ran into trouble.

It was so early that he had forgotten to put in his contacts. He rarely wore his glasses for more than an hour. They did disguise him some since few knew he was blind as a bat. He’d wanted laser eye surgery, but he wasn’t a good candidate for it.

While he waited, he played music and stared at the garage door. He had purchased that house after Velocity signed their first record deal. The advance had gone to the down payment.

He’d argued for something smaller, in case the album didn’t sell well. However, Vanessa had insisted they get the biggest one in the neighborhood. She liked to compete with her friends and wanted them to drool over it.

Bryce didn’t understand that mentality. As the band had made more money, she became even more materialistic. Her constant need for attention and to be better than everyone had driven him to use more. He couldn’t blame her for his addiction, but she hadn’t helped matters.

When the garage door rose, he hopped out of the truck and stood beside it. Oblivious to his presence, Vanessa and the children got into her silver Lincoln Navigator. His eyes bugged out when her boyfriend, Andre, opened the passenger door and climbed in as well. That fucker!

The Navigator moved backward, then screeched to a stop. Vanessa threw open her door with a scowl. Get the hell out of my way!

No! Bryce folded his arms over his chest. "I asked to say goodbye to my kids. Fucking Andre gets to see them all the time it seems. Why not me? They’re my kids, too!"

Her face turned harder, and she shut the door. He’s not a worthless junkie who can’t even get it up anymore.

Why are you always such a bitch? Bryce held back a spiteful comment. He couldn’t play her game and keep his children’s respect. "I just want to hug my kids before I leave."

The passenger door opened and Andre glanced behind the vehicle. The color drained from his face. He’d told no one that Bryce had once given him a beating for looking at Vanessa after a Safe Haven charity event. It’d been obvious Bryce was high back then, but Andre had a deep fear there could be a repeat.

I can’t believe you’d rather be with a wallflower like- Bryce cut himself off and gritted his teeth. He hadn’t recognized Andre the first time he’d caught him with his wife. However, he’d eventually recalled meeting him at a family party a few years ago. Andre had been a friend of Bryce’s cousin, Joey. Can I just say goodbye? We’re leaving today.

Dad? Nicky, their nine-year-old son, opened his window and grinned at his father. Are you taking us to school?

Bryce approached the SUV. No, buddy. The tour starts today. I promise I’ll fly back anytime we have at least three days off in a row. OK?

Nicky got to his knees and reached for his dad. I’m gonna miss you!

Me, too! Angie tried to climb out of the window to him.

Bryce sighed. Back up. I’ll open the door. As soon as he had, both children dove for him. He held them as best as he could. I love you, guys. His eyes welled up as they gripped him tight. I’ll miss you so much. He swallowed the knot in his throat. I’ll call every night before I go onstage.

Daddy, take us with you, Angie begged.

A tear slid down his cheek. I wish I could. It’s a lot of work. He caught Vanessa rolling her eyes and sneered at her. She had no clue what it was like on the road. He focused on his children again. Maybe Mommy will be nice enough to bring you to see us play tonight. School is over by then.

Don’t do that to me, Vanessa growled.

Bryce let the kids go and glared at her. What’s the excuse this time? We have ear muffs for them. It’s just one show, and it’s not even far away.

Please, Mom, please! both children begged.

Vanessa fumed, but she didn’t want to look like the bad guy. Fine. We’ll see.

Breakfast is on the table, Bryce shouted to whoever was on the stairs about thirty minutes after he’d arrived at the beach house. He glanced up when the footsteps came into the kitchen. He smiled at Billy Tate, Ian’s 17-year-old middle son. If you don’t want orange juice, there’s apple and cranberry in the fridge. We have to get rid of everything or it’ll spoil.

Billy nodded and opened the refrigerator. Still half-asleep, he grabbed a bottle of iced tea. When he lifted it, his eyes widened. I think it went bad.

That’s not apple juice. Bryce chuckled. Do you drink coffee? You need some.

Kinda. Billy put the tea back and picked up the apple juice. Couldn’t sleep, too excited.

Bryce moved to the coffee maker and started a pot. Is Pete up?

I pushed him out of bed, so yeah. Billy liked his younger brother, but Pete wasn’t a morning person.

That was the thud I heard? Bryce laughed to himself. He had an older sister, a younger sister and younger brother. They’d gotten into tussles many times. What did he do?

Billy smirked. He tried to chase me, but his shorts were around his knees. Always smart to have an advantage.

I smell bacon. Jacob stretched as he walked into the kitchen. Tell me it’s ready.

Bryce knew the boys would awaken for food. On the table.

He wished his own children were going on the tour as well. They were too young to handle the debauchery on the road. He was glad he at least had a few minutes with them that morning. It was only a 50/50 chance that they would be at 98Rockfest that afternoon.

Maybe I can rent an RV and bring them for a week or two? He’d have to hire a driver too, since he needed sleep so he could function. Vanessa would never go for it. She still had full custody with minimal visitation for him. That has to change.

Uncle Bryce? Pete slowly made his way toward the kitchen. I thought the show wasn’t until like four.

Jacob slapped his 16-year-old brother on the back. There’s sound checks, an acoustic set and a Meet and Greet, too.

There’s a lot to putting on a good performance, Bryce added. We also have an interview with Big Rig. He’s been with 98Rock so long, I don’t remember before he was a DJ. He’s so cool!

Jacob and Pete sat at the table with Billy. As soon as Bryce slid the last pancake onto a platter, he brought it to over. He uncovered the bowls and waved at the food. Go ahead. Dig in.

After he filled his plate, Billy glanced at Bryce. What was it like growing up here? He and his brothers had resided in California until seven years ago.

It was different from L.A for sure. Bryce’s eyes glazed over as memories surfaced. When I was real young, we lived about two miles from here, closer to US 41. I don’t remember much about that place, except the faint smell of The Bay.

Pete pointed his fork as he chewed. I thought you lived in Summerfield.

I did, after Apollo. Bryce smiled. The home in south Riverview was quite memorable. Back then, this place was almost all farms. My house was built on an old orange grove. We had rabbits in the backyard, little gray ones. The closest store was eight miles away, I think. I’m not sure if the Chevron was there when we moved in.

Jacob laughed. Sounds like you lived in the sticks.

I guess so. Bryce shrugged. I didn’t know any better. The first time I went to Orlando, I was shocked. Even Tampa isn’t that busy.

If you think that’s busy, you should hop on the 405, just once. Jacob hated the traffic in L.A. He’d moved to San Bernardino to be closer to his young children, so he rarely dealt with it anymore. This place forces you to slow down. I kinda like it.

Maybe you should move here. Bryce knew Ian and Sherry would love that.

Jacob took a deep breath as he thought about his mom. He’d already debated that. Only if my kids are here. Their mother had custody, so it would take quite a bit of work to convince her.

Sorry. Bryce had forgotten that Jacob had no control over where his children lived. Not that Bryce did either. I miss living close to my kids, too. He swallowed the emotion in his throat and stared at his food. Please change the subject.

He couldn’t handle thinking about how little he saw his children since he’d left his home. Vanessa had let him take them twice in the past month, but only when Ash was around. She didn’t trust him. He understood to a point, but he was a changed man. If only she could see that, too.

Bryce glanced at the minimal activity near the buses in the local lot. Their head of security, who they called Bear, watched everyone within sight like a hawk. Bryce waved to him, glad they had someone that protected them fiercely.

The trucks had left, which meant the bulk of the crew had gone to Reggie Wilson’s place to load their equipment. Reggie was a childhood friend of Bryce, Ash and Leo. The band had built a climate-controlled storage unit on his property.

Hands shaky, Bryce walked behind Ian’s boys as they made their way to the buses. Ash’s car was already there, as was Leo’s. That meant they were a bit late. They all liked to get an early start on the first day of a tour.

They handed off their bags to a bus driver with a cowboy hat who stood at the open luggage compartment of Velocity’s main bus. Bryce held onto the backpack with his meds and toiletries in it. He knew he needed to keep the medication from falling into the wrong hands. Although he wasn’t on anything addictive or used for recreational purposes, he didn’t want to take the chance.

While Jacob followed the younger boys to explore the outside of the buses, Bryce paced, unsure what to do with himself. On the first day of the last tour, he’d been asleep on the Cooper family’s lanai in a recliner and arrived late. The night before, he had gone on a bender, and Vanessa had banned him from the bedroom.

Many memories were painful for Bryce. He took a deep breath and decided that was over. From that day on, he planned to do the right thing no matter how difficult. He wanted to make only good memories.

Ash has Michelle on our bus. Leo bumped Bryce from behind.

He startled Bryce for a brief moment. I heard she was coming for the first few days.

Bet it’s hot to fuck the teacher. Leo growled. I need to ask for a test drive, so she’ll see what she’s missing out on.

Don’t you dare! Bryce whirled around. Ash is happy. Leave them alone.

Leo laughed. I plan to get Ash’s permission. You know about those wild threesomes we used to have. His dick is perfect for a virgin ass. Opens it up for my turn.

Ugh! Bryce did not want that picture in his head. You’re such a pig.

Why? ’Cause I get more pussy than you? Leo slapped Bryce’s shoulder. This trip I’ll get you the cream of the crop. You need a blowjob bad.

Bryce grunted. We’ll see.

Tell me you’re not still pining over Vanessa. Leo rolled his eyes. That ship has sailed.

Those words stung although they were quite true. He had to be honest. Some days I miss her.

Leo threw his hands up in frustration. You wanna be on your knees for the rest of your life?

Why do you say that? He’d never been on his knees. Wait, does he mean figuratively?

Sure Bryce needed reminding, Leo asked, "Did you forget how she holds everything over your head, no matter how small? She even tortured you after she cheated on you! She blamed you for everything." He couldn’t stand Vanessa after what she’d put his bandmate through.

I know, Bryce whispered. It was all true. She’d been beyond