I lower her to her feet, her legs shaky beneath her, and turn her gently to face Jax. He wastes no time cupping her face as his lips claim hers, kissing her deeply. He trails kisses along her jaw and down her neck, his hands exploring her body as though he’s memorizing every inch.
With my help, Jax lifts her again, positioning her just right before he thrusts inside. Her back arches, her head falling to my shoulder as I hold her steady, my hands squeezing the curve of her ass. I kiss her neck, my lips grazing the delicate skin just below her ear, watching the way her face twists in pure ecstasy.
“Look at her,” I murmur to Jax, my voice thick with awe as she lets out another soft cry.
“I haven’t been able to look away,” he growls.
Lily gasps at his words, and he groans in response. I continue watching the pair of them wrapped around each other. Jax moves at a fast, almost frantic pace, his grip firm as he pushes her higher, her body writhing between us. She reaches her peak again, her cries sharp and breathless, and I press a kiss to her temple, watching her as she comes apart.
When Jax finds his release a few seconds later, he groans, then stills. He continues to hold Lily close, his breathing heavy, his forehead resting against hers. I step away, grabbing a paper towel to help her clean up, the three of us moving in quiet, unspoken coordination as Jax releases her legs to the floor.
For a moment, none of us say anything. The air is thick with what just happened, but it’s not uncomfortable. It’s messy and complicated, but it feels right.
Jax leans against the wall, a faint smirk playing on his lips. Lily leans into me, her body warm and soft against mine, and I glance between them, feeling something I can’t quite put into words.
So, I go with the next best thing and say, “Guess we better get out of here before Marcus finds us.”
CHAPTER 35
THE STAGE BECKONS
LILY
Enzo is still kindof an asshole. That much is clear as the three of us stumble out of the cramped bathroom. His usual self, cocky smirk firmly in place as he glances over at me.
My hair’s a mess, and my face is flushed, but I’m not the least bit sorry. Enzo leans against the wall on the other side of the bathroom, arms crossed, his dark eyes twinkling with unspoken amusement as he watches me try to collect myself while I exit.
Jax follows close behind, looking a little too smug for my liking, shaking his head with a grin, as if we’ve just confirmed every suspicion he’s ever had about me. We walk as a silent group across the backstage and I feel lighter than I have in days.
“Look at you three,” Dylan’s voice cuts through the dressing room, dripping with teasing mockery as we enter. He’s sprawled across the small couch, one arm thrown over the back, grinning like a cat with cream. “Thought we’d have to send a search party out there to find you.”
“Shut up,” I shoot back, still trying to smooth my hair and keep my laughter at bay. “You’re just jealous no one wants to sneak off to a bathroom with you.”
Dylan winks, leaning forward with an exaggerated smirk. “You wouldn’t be saying that if you gave it a shot.”
Marcus looks up from tuning his guitar in the corner, giving us a nod like he’s the only sane one in this group. “We’re on in ten,” he announces, his tone calm but laced with authority.
It’s been weeks of city after city, venue after venue, and yet somehow, tonight feels different. The energy’s sharper, more electric, vibrating under my skin like a live wire. The familiar pre-show buzz hits me like a shot of caffeine. The noise from outside grows louder, a low rumble shaking the walls of the venue. My stomach twists—not in fear, but in that exhilarating way that always comes before watching the guys perform. It’s amazing to see them in their element.
“You ready for tonight?” Jax’s voice pulls me from my thoughts. He’s standing just behind me, his green eyes softer than usual. He looks better these days—still a little rough around the edges, but there’s a light in his gaze that wasn’t there before.
“I think so,” I reply, fidgeting with the hem of my shirt. “Are you?”
He runs a hand through his messy hair and chuckles, his grin crooked. “As ready as I’ll ever be. But they’re gonna love you out there, Lily. You know that, right?”
“Stop it,” I mutter, pushing his arm playfully. “The people are here for you guys. I’m just the bonus feature.”
“You’re more than that,” he says, his voice steady, his smirk fading into something genuine. “Trust me.”
The lights backstage dim, signaling it’s time. The distant rumble of the fans grows louder, their anticipation rolling like thunder. Marcus strides onto the stage first, his guitar slicing through the noise with the opening riff. The crowd explodes, their screams shaking the walls.
Enzo follows, his bass slung low, his smirk a permanent fixture as he steps into the spotlight. Dylan is right behind him, twirling his drumsticks with a magician’s flair before settling behind his kit.
Jax bounces lightly on his heels, his nerves dissolving into the charged energy of the moment. He catches my eye, his grin wide and infectious. For a heartbeat, it’s just us, standing at the edge of something extraordinary.
“Alright,” he murmurs, his voice steady. “Time to give them a show.”
The band explodes into their first song; the music hitting me like a tidal wave. Jax’s voice cuts through the chaos, raw and magnetic, commanding the crowd effortlessly. The energy is electric, the chemistry between the guys palpable as they fall into a flawless rhythm.
