Luke hears me and turns. “Danger, you killed it tonight. But I can tell you’re getting tired, so I need you to rest. I know having Lunar around is, well, fun, but you guys need to take it easy so you can be at your best.” He wraps his arm around my shoulders, and we start to walk. “Now, I’m not saying you’re not at your best, but I noticed you straining a little near the end of the concert. I don’t think anyone else noticed. No one has said anything, but I know you, and I know when something’s up.”
“Yeah, that’s why I came to find you,” I say, my voice is hoarse and breathy.
Luke looks at me and wrinkles his brow. “I don’t like how your voice sounds right now, Danger.”
“That’s why I’m here. I think I’m getting something. My throat’s dry, scratchy, and sore. Is there something we can do to get this shit taken care of?”
“Shit, Danger! Now’s not the time to be getting sick. But yes, I’ll send someone to get some herbal shit for you. Rest that voice in the meantime, you have another show tomorrow, and it’s sold out. You need to be on your game.”
I break free from Luke’s grip and head toward the green room, fucking furious that this is even happening. My head hangs low as I thrust my hands into my jeans pockets and walk through the open green room door. Laughter echoes across the room, and I am met with the sight of Lunar and Ryan playfullywrestling over a bottle of something. He’s attempting to snatch it from her, tickling her in the process, while I simmer with irritation. Their fun only fuels my aggravation, and I glare, resentful that they are oblivious to my inner turmoil.
“Is everything a fucking joke to you two?” I call out.
They stop and turn, their brows furrowing in concern before I turn around to storm out, consumed by anger too intense to endure this shit any longer.
“Danger,” Lunar calls out, her voice full of concern.
I don’t care.
I step out into the hall and start walking. Where I’m going, I have no idea, but I hear Lunar continuing to call my name. Her light footsteps don’t go unnoticed as she catches up to me. She reaches out, grabs my arm, pulls me to a stop, and turns me to face her. “Hey! Talk to me. What’s wrong?”
“What’s wrong is I feel like shit, and no one seems to fucking care.” My voice becomes breathier with each word.
Lunar screws up her face, oblivious to what’s going on inside my mind. I know I’m being unfair, but I cannot suppress the words spilling unchecked.
“What are you talking about, Danger? Of course, I care. But I have no idea what’s wrong becauseyoukeep storming off. What happened to honest and open communication between us?Remember?”
I frown. “Fuck… sorry!” I say the word, but it doesn’t carry much meaning. “I just hate that the band isfinallygetting somewhere, and I might screw this up… yet again.”
Her eyes widen in disbelief. “What? Why?”
“My throat, Lunar, it’s my instrument. I can’t afford for anything to be wrong with it.”
“Okay, but what are you talking about? You said you were fine just thirty minutes ago.”
I slump my shoulders, knowing she has no idea what’s wrong. “I’m hoping it’s just a cold,” I admit, trying to downplay my growing anxiety. “Luke is getting help. But this… it feels different, and I’m worried. I’ve never felt my throat like this before.”
She chews on her bottom lip and wraps her arm around my waist. “C’mon, let’s get you back to the penthouse.”
I can’t think of anything I want more, so I slide my arm around her shoulders, pulling her to me, and lean in, kissing her hair. We walk toward the exit where Ryan, Nate, and Matt are already heading. Kane is by the door with the new security detail, and we all make our way to the car and hop in without any hassles. The car trip is silent, and my throat is still begging for some sort of soother. I’m hoping that by tomorrow, with some rest, it will be much better.
We arrive at the hotel, and upon walking inside our room, Lunar and I spot a basket placed on the cabinet.
She steps up to it and smiles. “It’s all remedies for your throat, babe.”
I walk up behind her, wrap my arms around her waist, and peer over her shoulder at the cough medicine, throat lozenges, and a steam inhalation kit. Reaching forward, I grab the packet of lozenges and pop one out to help numb my throat. Lunar pulls out the steam kit and sets it up for me.
She’s so fucking good to me and deserves a far better man than I can ever be for her.
I treated her like crap tonight because I was worried about myself, and that says more about me than it does her.
“Thank you,” I say, sitting on the edge of the bed.
She turns to me. “What for?”
“For being here, no matter what or how much of an asshole I am to you.”
She smiles while walking over to me, grips each of my shoulders, and stares into my eyes. “I’m your girl. I knew something was wrong, but I also knew you’d come to me when you were ready. I’m glad I can be here to help you now. Just know, Danger, I’m on your side.Always.”
