Hello, Lovelies, 

Thank you so much for checking out Jaded.  I am so thankful for you.  I will admit it hasn't been edited at this time.  It will be edited later.  I do hope you are enjoying the story so far.  

News:  I am self-editing Sparked but after I'm done, I will be handing it off to my professional editor, Kim Young.  I want to give you the best version I can.  After that, Burned will be going through the same process.  I want to those of you who have read Sparked for your patience. 

Please let me know if you like this book.  I wasn't too sure about publishing it.  However, I have realized a few people like it and I think I will continue the series.  I'll make my final decision on that at the end of the book.  Question: If I do continue the series which band member's story would you like to see next?

-XXXX Amanda

**********

February 11, 1977

I hugged the trash bag against my chest as I glanced around the room of boys I would be living with. I flinched as Mrs. Vance spoke, her voice sharp as she nodded toward the large, elderly lady who ran the home moved toward her.

"Who is this?" The lady asked, raising her brows, her lips stretching into a smile that made her eyes sparkle.

"This is Tommy Slasor," Mrs. Vance said, curling her lip, "The one I told you about."

Mrs. Vance's smiles had faded the night we had turned in Gary for his assault on me. The lady tilted her head as her eyes skimmed over my face. She leaned her head down to peer into my eyes as she nodded.

"It's okay, Tommy," she said, softly, "You'll get along fine here."

She rose, her eyes meeting Mrs. Vance's, "You may leave now," she said, raising her chin, "I think I've got it from here."

Mrs. Vance stiffened beside me, "Mrs. Jones, You don't know-"

"I read his file," she said, keeping her eyes on Mrs. Vance, "I know enough to realize he has been failed in this system. This is his last stop. You have nowhere else to put him. So, he's one of my kids until he's eighteen. He won't be failed here."

Mrs. Vance's lips pressed into a thin line as she turned and marched out the door. Mrs. Jones shook her head, "I've never cared for that woman," she whispered under her breath, "Of course I'm not supposed to say that around you. You won't tell her will you?"

I gave her a small smile, "I don't like her either," I admitted and Mrs. Jones laughed.

"That tells me you're smart," she said, taking my bag from me, "Here let me carry this while I show you to your room."

I nodded becoming more nervous but she smiled, "Don't worry...As I said, I read your file," she said, softly, "I learned from it that you sing. Do you still like to sing?"

I nodded, swallowing because I hadn't sung since Gary's attack and before I only sang to the radio but it was something that had always calmed me. She patted my shoulder.

"I think I found some boys for you to room with that you'll like," she said, grinning, "They like music too...All in different ways. You'll like them. They are good boys."

I stopped in the middle of the hallway, my stomach churning as Mrs. Vance's words twisted through my mind. The whole way here, she lectured me about getting into trouble and not to be a troublemaker like I had been in the previous home.

Mrs. Jones stopped turning to me, her brow raised as knowledge passed through her eyes, "Tommy, I know what Mrs. Vance thinks of you but what happened in the home before this doesn't make you bad. He was the one who was bad," she said, stepping toward me and patting my shoulder, "I can prove it. Are you planning on setting the place on fire or painting the walls or hurting anyone in any way?"

I shook my head, "No."

She nodded, "Are you going to try to be a good person?"

I nodded, "I'm going to try."

"Then, you aren't bad," she said, grinning, "None of the boys here are. They've just been handed some bad cards. You've been handed some bad cards. I am going to make sure those bad cards don't hurt you later. As long as you try, it will work. You've already said you will so you have a clean slate. Let's start you off right and get some friends that will hopefully become like brothers but first I want you to meet the boy who makes sure everything in your room goes smoothly. I think you'll like him."

She moved to a door. I could hear the sound of a guitar floating through it as she knocked. A moment later, the guitar music stopped and the door opened and a boy of about my age with shoulder length dark hair opened it. He smiled widely his dark eyes sparkling.

"This is Tommy," Mrs. Jones said, patting my shoulder.

"You're the singer, right?" He asked and I nodded my head shifting as he continued to study me.

"I like the guitar, songbird," he said, raising his brows as I frowned at the nickname, "I give anyone who is worthy a nickname. That means we'll be friends."

I relaxed, "I hope so," I whispered.

"I know so. You're going to be my new brother," he said moving into the room, "I won't let anyone hurt you here."

I would have thought he was lying for the sake of Mrs. Jones if every word he spoke didn't seem laced with the truth. I sighed, relaxing.

I stepped into the room as Mrs. Jones set the bag on one of the beds before leaving us alone, "I'm Micah," he said glancing up at me.

"Did you really mean it about being brothers?" I asked, hoping he hadn't been lying.

He nodded, his eyes twinkling, "Foster kids need to stick together."

I gave my first real smile since Gary's attack and as I took Micah's words, I felt hope for the first time in years.

**********

June 23, 1982

I pulled Liza against my side afraid...Always afraid that she would run as we made our way to the tour bus where we would spend the next few months. Megan shook her head as she saw us. Her smile stretching until it showcased her dimples.

"You know she's with you, Tommy," she said, chuckling, "She's not going to run away. If she did, I would help you bring her back."

I smiled at Megan, grateful as I smirked, "I appreciate that, Megan Doll," I said before kissing Liza's temple.

Kevin twirled his drumsticks, his dark glasses hiding whatever he was thinking as he leaned against the bus. I nodded toward him and he nodded back. We had called a still tense truce for the band. As long as he didn't make moves on Liza I didn't give a damn. What I did give a damn about was the time he was spending with the burned-out groupies who probably coaxed him into doing more than a few shots. Mad at him or not, he was still like a brother to me.

"You okay, bro?" I asked, raising a brow.

"I'm raw, man," he said, his voice hoarse from lack of sleep.

I nodded, hoping he was telling the truth but a groan from him made me frown, "Fucking Bo and Candy are here," he said, rubbing a hand over his forehead, "I don't need his pep talks or her damn drama this morning."

I tilted my head wondering what Candy had said to him but Bo's greeting rang through the morning air causing me to wince when Candy's followed causing Liza to stiffen against me.

"I see everyone is here," Bo said, clapping his hands together, "We had a great show last night. We're playing Seattle this weekend. I expect the same energy."

"We'll rock it," Micah said, his eyes darkening when Candy narrowed her eyes at first Liza and then, Megan.

"I just hope you don't get...Distracted," Candy said, sending a glare at the girls again.

"You're right," Micah said, nodding, "We should keep those who distract us out of the dressing room. Candy, I'm sorry but you aren't invited backstage after the show unless it is something specifically for Bo, of course. After all, we don't want to be...distracted."

Her mouth dropped open as Bo nodded, "I see no reason for her to be backstage without me," Bo said, smiling clueless as to why but willing to cater to us.

I sent Micah a grin as he winked at me. Bo nodded, "We'll see you in Seattle," he said, turning on his heel and walking toward the car that would take him and Candy to the airport.

I tugged Liza's hand toward the bus feeling a bit more optimistic now that Candy would be prevented from causing any trouble.

**********

We arrived at our hotel in Seattle that night. Liza's eyes were wide as she took in the room, her eyes wide with wonder as she moved to the window and gazed out over the city, taking in the twinkling lights.

"It's beautiful," she whispered as I moved to her and wrapped my arms around her waist, pulling her against me as I kissed the top of her head.

I bit my bottom lip as three words caught in my throat. Everything had gone so quickly with our relationship, I was terrified saying those words would push it past the point she was willing to go.

"I'm glad you're here with me," I said, instead, hating that I had to wait to say what I really wanted.

Her smile widened, "I'm happy to be here with you," she said, turning to gaze into my eyes, "I would be going crazy in L.A. without you."

"Are you saying you would miss me?" I asked, raising my brows as she blushed. I reached forward and touched her cheek, loving her shyness...Loving everything about her.

Those words almost spilt from me again as I turned her toward me, pressing my lips against hers. If I couldn't say the words to convey exactly how she made me feel, I was going to show her. She sighed, pressing her body closer to mine allowing me entrance as my tongue stroked against hers slow and gentle.

My arms tightened around her as I pulled away from her, knowing I wasn't worthy of her. I was terrified that it would end. Relationships in our business usually didn't last. I had witnessed the break-ups with guys in other bands but I was determined not to make their mistakes. Drugs, cheating, partying too hard...I was never going to do those things to Liza.

I pulled away gazing into her eyes, my heart thundering in my chest, hoping nothing would ever pull us apart. I opened my mouth, those words right there again.

"Liza," I whispered her name like it was a prayer, "I-"

A knock at the door, caused us both to jump before she giggled. I narrowed my eyes not sure if I was pissed off or relieved at the interruption.

"Who the fuck is it?" I called out.

I couldn't understand the answer, only that it was male as I shook my head. I moved toward the door with Liza, not willing to lose the connection to her...Her touch as I swung open the door expecting Bo or one of my bandmates but instead, lights flashed in my eyes.

I pushed the fucker wielding the camera back, knowing he had captured the picture of Liza and I, grateful for one thing only...That we were fully clothed. I wanted to deck the guy but Liza pressed against my side prevented it as I back up enough to close the door as the bastard shot questions at me...At Liza.

I could feel her shaking against me as I turned toward her, her eyes wide, "What was that about?"

I raised my eyebrows, remembering that she knew virtually nothing about the downfall of being famous. I caressed her cheeks.

"A fucking paparazzi," I said, sneering at the door with disdain, "They are vultures. They follow us around taking pictures to sell to the tabloids."

She blinked, "What are they going to do with that picture?" She asked her voice small.

"They'll probably just tell people we're dating," I said, shaking my head, hoping the gossip wouldn't be something worse, "Don't worry about it. I just don't want them coming to our door all night."

I gritted my teeth wondering how they had figured out where we were staying, "I have to call Bo."

I walked to the phone and called Bo before calling Micah's room, wondering if they had come to his room. I narrowed my eyes when I found that no one else from the band had been harassed. My stomach churned as I realized someone close to the band had told them but they had only revealed my room.

My nostrils flared as one name floated through my mind...Candy. Worse, I knew the reason. She was trying to increase the pressure on Liza, hoping she would break...Hoping she would leave me. I tightened my hand around the phone, wanting to strangle the woman who was trying to make my worst fear come true. I glanced at Liza as I ended the call with Micah, hoping she wouldn't buckle under the pressure.

I rose and pulled her against me, hanging onto her as my stomach churned and my heart clenched trying to decide how to keep the world from taking her from me.