“Yeah, you’re right. I need to get it done. Head back, pack up my shit, get my affairs in order, and leave. I just have to know… do I have a place by your side?”
“I want you to know you don’t need me. You’re a strong, capable woman, and even without me, you can stand on your own two feet.”
“You believe in me that much?”
He nods. “I really do. But as much as I believe in you, the band comes first. They have to be my priority. Let me talk to the guys, make sure they’re on board, and trust me, gorgeous. I’mgoingto convince them.”
Smiling, I lean forward pressing my lips to his again, feeling like everything is finally falling into place.
DANGER
The Next Morning
While I sit here at the breakfast buffet with the guys, the three of them laugh and joke about their usual banter bullshit as I drink my coffee, pondering how to broach this with them.
Having Lunar come with us seems right, not just for me but for the band. She’s been helping us—all of us—with the merch and using our name as a voice for her foundation. Lunar’s really trying to help spread the word on the band, and surely, they have to see that.
Ryan hurls a muffin at me, the crumbly treat smacks me straight in the chest. My eyes snap up to look at him as Matt and Nate both chuckle along with him.
“The fuck has you staring into your coffee like you’re trying to read your fortune?” Ryan jests.
Slumping into my chair, I exhale and figure now is as good a time as any. I place my mug down and take a deep breath. “Okay… hear me out—”
“Oh fuck, here we go!” Nate groans, rolling his eyes, and folds his arms over his chest in annoyance.
I ignore him and continue, “I spoke with Lunar last night—”
Nate slams his fist on the table. “I fucking knew it. I knew this was going to happen, you sonofabitch!” He moves to slide his chair out from the table, and I raise my hands to placate him.
“Nate, calm the fuck down, it’s not what you think. Jesus Christ! I’m not leaving the band. I told you I wouldn’t do that again, and I fucking meant it. So sit your ass back down.”
Nate hesitates, glancing at his brother Matt, who nods and urges Nate to sit. He huffs, sliding his seat back into the table. “All right… I’m listening.”
Rolling my neck from the clear tension in the room, I know I must play this just right. Nate’s already angry as hell, so he is the one I need to convince. “I’m sure you guys have gathered that Lunar is important to me.”
Ryan weakly smiles, gripping my shoulder. “Yeah, man… we’ve noticed.”
“But the thing is, she’s important to you guys too.”
Nate furrows his brows, scrunching up his face. “What are you playing at, Danger?”
“She’s been working on Recoil’s merch and selling it. Lunar’s heading a foundation and promoting us through it. She’s our biggest fucking cheerleader, guys, and deserves the chance to continue working with us when we go on tour. Not only becauseof me, but also because she believes in all of us and in our music. This woman deserves a chance at a better life away from that club.”
Nate snorts out a laugh. “And there it is! The real reason. You don’t want your piece of ass left behind for the bikers to fuck while we’re off touring.”
My nostrils flare as I stand from my seat so forcefully my chair falls over, slamming onto the floor. My face heats red hot as I glare at Nate.
But before I can say anything, Ryan clears his throat, reaching up and slamming his hand on my chest to stop me from moving forward. “All right, we need to calm this down and stop throwing shots at each other. We’re fucking brothers. Family. We’ve had a woman come between us before. Let’s not let that happen again.”
“Agreed,” Matt urges, subtly punching his twin in the arm.
Nate lets out a scoff. “Whatever! All I am saying is, Recoil means fucking everything to me, man. I have nothing else, and you took it from me once already, Danger.” Nate sniffs, showing a glimpse of emotion rarely seen from him. “I don’t want to lose this again.”
Sighing, I drop my chin to my chest, turn, grab my chair, and sit back down at the table. I glance sincerely across at Nate. “I swear to you… to all of you. Lunar isn’t Ella. Thisisn’tthe same. Ella had her own band to prioritize and made everything about her. Lunar, she only wants what’s best for Recoil. She’s going to be spending her time on the road working for Recoil and her foundation. If anything, it’s the complete opposite of the Ella situation. Lunar’s willing to followus. I’m going where the band goes, and so is she.Ifyou’ll have her?”
My eyes shift to Ryan, who’s smirking, and he grips my shoulder with a tight squeeze. “Hey, I was in the moment youstarted talking. I love that girl. She’s the right fit for us. Plus, she always laughs at my jokes and pranks,” Ryan chimes.
I smirk before I glance at Matt. He shrugs, lifting his coffee to his mouth. “The more the merrier, I say.”
