Like Loving the Dead - Peter Steele

Haunted

The clicking of the three inch heels of Lizzy's knee high black boots was barely audible against the floor of the backstage hallway of the concert venue. The sounds of Danzig off the walls backstage. She instantly recognized the riff of the song 'Mother' seeping through the cooridors. Her hair was pulled back into a high ponytail and she wore a snug green turtle neck and black miniskirt over her sheer black pantyhose. Her ponytail swayed as she walked past a few girls who had managed to finagle their ways backstage, but still had not managed to get into the dressing rooms of either of the bands playing that night. Lizzy walked up the security guard who was waiting at the door and flashed her badge that hung from a lanyard around her neck. Upon glancing at it the guard gave her a nod and waved her back.

Lizzy could feel eyes on her as she slipped past the group of women with little trouble or notice. She couldn't help but wonder to herself, with all the waiting and willing girls lining up outside the door, what exactly did Peter want with her? She had been burned before, and she didn't want it to happen again.

Well, she thought she had been burned at least. Lizzy gave a subtle shake of her head. She didn't need to think about that right then. It was well in the past. Those deep brown eyes didn't need to haunt her memories or dreams anymore.

Or that voice.

No. The past was where it belonged...in the past.

Lizzy took a deep breath in as she clutched the knob of the dressing room door. She didn't know why she was getting butterflies again. Peter has just left their hotel room a couple hours before to do sound check and make sure everything was in order for the show that night while she rested awhile longer. She didn't know how he dealt with jetlag and touring the way he did. She could never get used to it. Still, every time she saw him it was like the first time. And sometimes, she would start to feel like she was falling...like he was breaking through the walls of ice she put up around her heart. But she couldn't let that happen. She couldn't get carried away. No, not again. She couldn't let herself be vulnerable like that again.

Still, she knew she was playing with fire.

What was she even doing there? She swore she'd never date another musician again, especially not one in a major touring band. She tried to tell herself it was just casual and she was just having fun. She enjoyed his conversation and his company...and how sweet and tender he was with her. He was a gentle giant...a beautiful behemoth. And there was nothing wrong with having a little fun with him. But, she knew he wanted more. More than she could give. She had to guard her heart. She had to protect herself.

Don't get burned.

Lizzy turned the knob and pushed the door in. Inside the room there was a sofa, arm chair, mini fridge amongst other odds and ends of furniture. On the sofa sat Peter along with Johnny as Kenny and Josh stood beside the mini fridge sipping on beers. Kenny caught her attention first.

"Lizzy!" Kenny gave her a grin as Josh turned and gave her a smirk, "Good to finally see ya!"

"Hey guys," Lizzy smiled back at him as she closed the door behind her.

"Beer?" Kenny asked in his raspy Brooklyn accent, opening the door of the fridge and pointing inside for emphasis.

Lizzy eyed the open fridge. As tempting as it was, she was more in the mood for wine. Red wine specifically...the darker and drier, the better. The same way Peter liked it.

"Thanks, but I'll pass for now," Lizzy responded as she turned towards the sofa and chair. She could feel Peter's gaze on her but she still didn't make eye contact as she walked forward to wedge herself in the spot on the couch between Johnny and Peter. As she walked she felt Peter's strong arm scoop her around the waist and pull her onto his lap.