What that battle is, I’m uncertain.
But right now, I’m too emotionally drained and spent to care. Danger closes his eyes, like maybe he’s finally found the peace he’s been needing all day, and a slow smile crosses my lips.
We’re going to be okay.
Chapter Twenty
LUNAR
February 14th
Luke secured an old, abandoned warehouse for rehearsals, the only space he could find large enough for two bands to practice with no noise restrictions near the hotel. Recoil is wrapping up their set, and I’m thrilled at how well Luminous and Recoil sound when they play together.
Despite Danger and Effa not having finalized their duet yet, the bands still rehearse together to ensure they collaborate seamlessly once the song is ready. Their combined sound is phenomenal, and I genuinely believe that Luminous will be an asset to Recoil.
The harmonious flow of rock music stops, and the vibrations in my chest subside once the deafening echo fades through the open expanse. I slide off the counter and make my way over to the food table to grab a sandwich while Recoil begins packing up. As I do, the thud of footsteps approaches from behind and prompts me to turn, finding Nate jogging toward me. Smiling at him, he returns the gesture with his trademark drop-dead gorgeous grin, stretching from ear to ear.
Why are all the men ofRecoilstunning?
Even Ryan is good-looking in his goofy way. Sure, he may not boast the toned abs like the others, but there is no denying his handsome face.
Shaking off my thoughts, I look at Nate. “Hey, you guys sound incredible, as usual.”
He chuckles and shrugs. “You think so?”
“You know you do.”
He leans in, draping his arm around my shoulders, pulling me close. “You know, you’re all right, Lunar. I misjudged you at first, but I like you, and we could be good friends.”
Jerking my head back, I widen my eyes. “Well, that’s nice, thanks, Nate. I hope we can be friends ’cause otherwise, this long-arse tour will feel even longer,” I reply with a wry smile.
“We’re friends, Lunar. In fact, if you get sick of dangerous men, my door’s always open.” He winks, leaving me momentarily speechless from the shock of that statement.
Nate chuckles when Danger approaches, shooting him a glare. Sensing tension, I gently remove his arm from around my shoulders. Danger notices the shocked expression on my face and then directs a frown toward Nate. “Everything okay here?”
I nod emphatically, eager to avoid causing issues between bandmates.
Nate laughs. “I was just telling your girl here that if she ever gets tired of you, she can come to a real man like me, especially on Valentine’s Day.”
I gasp, caught off-guard by his audacity, my eyes widening in disbelief. Stepping in front of Danger, I observe his fists clenching, his nostrils flaring, and his face flushing with anger. “He’s so not worth it,” I murmur.
Danger’s gaze slides down to meet mine, and he swallows hard, looking deeply into my soul. It sends a tingle down my spine and quickens my heartbeat. The intensity with which he’s looking at me as if I’m his and no one else is allowed to even glance in my direction overwhelms me.
Danger turns to Nate, gritting his teeth. Then spins back to face me, his eyes locked on mine intensely. “She ismygirl.Mine!I want to make this perfectly clear right now…” furrowing my brows, I recall hearing speeches like this at the club when a brother claims an Old Lady, “… Lunar ismygirlfriend. No one. I meanno one,but especiallyyou,Nate, gets to thinkthey can have their way with her. Lunar. Is.Mine.Everyone got it?” he barks, his eyes remain locked on mine, ensuring I am understanding his authority.
I must admit, being claimedisdefinitely as hot as I thought it would be, and especially on Valentine’s Day. My skin comes alive, tingling and dancing with the adrenaline of the moment. My thighs are clenching together with the show of dominance and control he has over the situation.
It’s definitely a turn-on knowing he wants me and only me, and right now, I’m putty in his hands.
Everyone nods, and he slowly looks up at them, then turns back to me.
There’s only one person who can deny his claim.
That person is me.
I glance at him and smile, easing his nerves before he envelops me in his arms. Leaning in, I loop my arms around his neck, hoisting myself up and wrapping my legs around his waist. I lean down, pressing my lips to his passionately. Cheers echo through the warehouse as his tongue dances with mine effortlessly. He wants to make me his girlfriend, and, in this moment, I’m fairly certain he knows I’m saying absolutely, one hundred percent, and unequivocally, “Yes.”
We pull back from the kiss, our foreheads meeting while we try to catch our breath.
