Manipulated: a Rockstar Romantic Comedy (Hammered Book 3) Read Free Page A

thanks to the Houdini Theme as well as the resurgence of historical interest thanks to television shows like Outlander and my personal favorite, Another Period . One used drama, one used humor.
    I smiled as I caught a fetching redhead in full Lillian Bellacourt gear. Even the ridiculous fox stole around her neck from the show. She was a lass that could make me forget about lost loves.
    I was almost sure of it.
    At the bottom of the stairs I quickly backed up a few steps as Reed Mason, the guitarist in my band, came careening around the corner in hot pursuit.
    I peered down the hallway that lead to the huge front door. Sure enough the Grecian Whore herself was running across the wide Spanish tiles. Victoria Sheer, the bane of our existence, was of course wearing a white toga and gold winking from her wrists and ankles. “Dammit, Bats.”
    He spun around, jogging backwards. He bumped into a sexy devil in black and red, and an angel who immediately twined her arms around his shoulders. “I’m trying, Owen.”
    “Try harder, mate.”
    Reed growled and extricated himself without even a fake smile. He pushed his way through the crowd. The front door was wide open with two men dressed as gladiators checking invitations at the door. He chased Victoria out the door and into the gardens.
    Bloody chancer. None of us knew what the fuck Reed was doing with her and he wouldn’t talk to any of us about why he’d let that viper back into our lives. It had been bad enough when she’d been engaged to Hunter a few years ago.
    We’d literally had a party the day they broke things off.
    And now she was back, like the taxman with a list of grievances. Trouble was, we were all paying.
    I shook off those dark thoughts and turned back to the crowd. The party was in full swing and still more guests were drifting in, but I’d lost sight of the lovely Lillian, dammit.
    “Captain Blackwell, permission for a kiss?”
    My face split into an instant smile as I looked down. “Anything for you Kenny, m’love.” I swooped her back in a bend and buried my face into her neck.
    She screeched out a laugh. “Let me up.”
    “I’m the only one that gets to dip my wife, Hook.”
    I grinned up from Kennedy Jordan’s very pretty neck at Hunter Jordan, one of my best mates in all the world. He also happened to be the lead singer in my band. “Aye but she makes a lovely bit of executive pink. I might just kidnap her.” I swung her up and twirled her out.
    Kennedy laughed and kicked up her skyscraper pink heel.
    I frowned. Her look was very familiar, but I couldn’t place her costume. Especially with the blonde wig. “And who might you be?”
    She curtsied with a little grin. “Elle Woods at your service.”
    I laughed, glancing from her to Hunter. “Movie?”
    “Oh, Owen. We’ll have to add a few movies onto the bus.”
    I fiddled with my hook. “Well, don’t keep me in suspense.”
    She flipped her hair over her shoulder. “ Legally Blonde of course.”
    “And why would I know a chick flick?”
    “Right there is why you don’t get enough call backs for a second date.”
    My eyebrow rose. “Is that why? I thought it was because I stole away in the night to get to my ship before they could trap me.”
    She rolled her eyes. “Some girl is going to change your mind when you least expect it.”
    I forced my grin to stay on my face. The one I wanted was no longer available. I beefed up my pirate voice. “Aye, but the fun of the chase will keep my bed warm until then.” I gave her a sweeping bow and nodded to Hunter in full Dominic Toretto gear. “You keep Dom here out of trouble.”
    Hunter swiped his hand over his newly shorn hair. “Go get your own wench.” He pulled Kennedy into his side. “We’re going to find a car to debauch later, right?”
    Kenny flushed and punched him in the ribs. “Maybe.”
    “Just make sure he’s not too fast or too furious.”
    Hunter groaned. “Awful.”
    I laughed. “Yeah it was.” I swiveled to