“Even though I don’t love you as a partner should, it doesn’t mean I don’t care about you. Your father and I will work something out so you are safe and happy. I can take you to concerts and other things if that’s what you need to let your hair down, but being on tour with a rock band? Can’t you see the complications that will arise from that? Deliah, drugs and wild parties are the norm for those kinds of people, and I don’t want to see you hurt or wind up in a mess that you can’t find your way out of.”
A sharp ache settles in my chest, frustration curling around it like a vice. I drag in a slow breath, steadying myself before finally speaking, “Look, Joseph, I get what you’re saying, but I’mperfectly safe and happy with Colt. He’s showing me hownotto be sodull and boringas you so kindly put it. I’m living a little and having a great time. Please give my regards to Daddy, and don’t worry about me. I can look after myself.”
“I shouldneverhave said those words to you. I was going through something big in my life, and took it out on you because you were the closest person to me. So, I am sorry. I want to see you happy, and if being on tour withthemis making you happy, then I’m okay with it. Provided, of course, you’re keeping safe. I’ll talk to your father and try to calm him down. And, Deliah?”
“Yeah?”
“I’m always here if you need me. Anytime, okay?”
Colt walks out onto the balcony, gesturing to the phone, and I roll my eyes.
“Thanks, Joseph,” I reply.
Colt’s eyes widen, and by the red blotches creeping up on his face, I think he’s mad, furious even.
“Look, I have to go, but thanks for your concern, and I’ll catch up with you when I get back to England,” I say, then end the call. “Hey, you all right?” I ask Colt, whose nostrils flare like a raging bull, and his eyes are cold and hard.
“Was that your ex?” he asks.
“Yeah, he was just—”
“Did he call you, or did you call him?” he interrupts.
“He called me. What’s—”
“Does he want you back?” he interrupts again.
I laugh. “No,” I say, scoffing like he’s being ridiculous.
“Doyouwanthimback?” He still has that edge to his voice, bordering on losing control.
“Colt, no. What is this abo—”
“Do you still love him?” his voice is softer this time, a little more concern in his tone.
“Oh my God, Colt. What on earth are you talking about? Will. You. Stop!” I stand, taking his hands in mine. “I don’t love Joseph. I don’t think I ever loved him as anything more than a friend, and I definitely don’t want to get back together with him. He called because there are pictures of us on the balcony in New York. Daddy saw them and asked Joseph to call to persuade me to return to London. He’s looking out for me, nothing more.”
“Right, ’cause all men look out for their exes but don’t want them back.” The vein in his neck pulses and twitches with his unease.
I huff out a slight laugh, which immediately causes him to frown. “Colt, are you jealous?”
He exhales loudly, and his face contorts. “I don’t want you talking to him again…ever.”
I raise my brow with a smile. “You are! You’re jealous.”
“Will you stop smiling at me? I’m being deadly serious, Dee. I don’t want you to speak to or see that fucker Joseph again. Do you hear me? Am I making myself clear?”
I laugh, but he flares his nostrils and inhales abruptly. “I hear you. Don’t worry. I don’t plan to talk to or see him again. You havenothingto be concerned about. I’m yours,remember?But I amnotoverly keen on criticism about something I cannot control. You havegotto keep that jealousy in check, babe.”
He moves in, embracing me, holding me so tightly I can hardly breathe. “You can’t leave,” he whispers shakily into my ear as he nuzzles into me.
“I’m not going anywhere, Colt.”
Then his lips crash to mine. His hand wraps around my neck while holding me against him, his other fists my hair.
He takes what he wants.
What belongs to him.
