My hands fist in his hair as he slams inside me, and he watches me. His breathing is short and rushed, as is mine. Colt’s eyes are dark with anguish. I think he’s seeking the reassurance that I won’t leave him, that I love him more than anything, so I tell him again, “I’m so in love with you, Colter Slade.” Those words push him over the edge, and with one last thrust, he explodes inside me hard with a drawn-out moan.
His forehead presses against mine, our breaths mingling, bodies still fused. His chest rises and falls, but something feels different, lighter, as if the weight that once crushed him has finally eased, if only for a moment.
After Colt gently kisses my lips and pulls out, he strips us of our remaining clothes before picking me up off the desk and carrying me to the bed, where he lies me down softly. My eyes track his every movement, and I fight the urge to ask him if he is okay or ask unnecessary questions.
Instead, I remind him one more time, “I love you, Colt,” as he joins me on the bed, and I move to straddle him.
***
Three weeks into our month-long break before we hit the road again, Colt and I have been going out as much as possible, anything to avoid the drugs Hux keeps bringing home.
Since the night Colt needed my reassurance, he’s been better. Stronger.
Whenever Hux strolls in with a bag of coke, Colt doesn’t tense up as much. The cravings are still there. I can see it in his eyes, but he’s handling it. And as much as it worries me, I don’t push.
Today, we’re all heading to the studio to hear the final cut of “Until the End of Time,” the track the band laid down during the first week of our break. Colt is buzzing with excitement, and even Hux seems unusually upbeat.
“So Dee, how does it feel to know this song is about you?” Hux asks from the back of the car.
I turn in my seat to look at him. “I guess I never really thought about that. It’s wonderful that Colt’s written something so beautiful about me.”
Nothing more is said, but a strange energy lingers in the air. I don’t think Hux meant anything by it, but who knows?
We pull up to the studio and step inside, this time into a smaller space that’s more office than studio. The vibe is different, more intimate. Rob greets us at the door, and for once, we’re the first to arrive.
Colt guides me to the couch, where we settle in, while Hux drifts toward the window, gazing out at the garden, lost in thought.
“So, how’s your rest been, Colt?” Rob asks, sitting on the sofa opposite us.
“Yeah, good to have some downtime with the missus. When we return to the tour, I’m gonna make sure we continue having our separate room.”
“That’s fine, but I want you to ensure you arrive at meetings on time. I know how you can getcarried away,and you think you can show up when you like. You have to commit to this band if you want it to continue to be a success, Colt,” Rob states.
“Don’t worry, Rob, it’ll all be good,” Colt replies.
“Sladenator… how thefuckare ya?” Dingo calls out as he and Sia walk in.
It feels like forever since we last saw them.
“Hey, guys, how’s your holiday been?” I ask, but Sia rolls her eyes, so I raise an eyebrow in curiosity.
“I got a vintage Xbox the day after we got back.Guitar Herois…the shit. I’m thinking I might swap the sticks for some riffs. What do you think?” Dingo asks with a laugh.
“Fuck no, I don’t want to give you a big head or anything, but your drumming kicks arse, so you should stick to that,” Hux replies, winking at Sia. Colt and I laugh as Dingo nods in agreement, completely oblivious to the fact that everyone is making fun at his expense.
“Yeah, I guess I am pretty fucking hot at what I do. You only have to listen to what I did in “Until the End of Time.” Thatshit was my best work yet,” Dingo praises himself while we all chuckle.
“You guys starting the party without us?” I hear Anna ask before I see her. Johnny walks in, Anna trailing behind him, and they all smile.
“Okay, great. Now that we’re all here…” Rob’s gaze sweeps over each of us, his expression unreadable. “Let’s run through the single and make sure we’re all on the same page.” His tone is firm, leaving no room for argument.
Anna settles in beside me as we all squeeze together. The moment her arm wraps around my shoulders in a tight hug, I realize how much I’ve missed her.
“I missed you,” I whisper to her.
“I know, we need some girl time,” she whispers back.
“If you ladies want to gossip, please leave. We’re here for serious business. And if you can’t keep quiet while we’re working, may I suggest you take your conversation elsewhere?” Rob deadpans, his gaze locked on us like a disapproving schoolteacher.
