“Especially ‘Flawless’, I bet,” Owen chimes in, pushing his curly chestnut hair out of his eyes.
“That’s my song.” Piper winks at him then leans in to give him a quick hug. “You were all incredible. I don’t think I’ve ever seen a more enthusiastic audience. They love you guys.”
“Of course they do,” calls a voice I haven’t heard in years.
My body tenses. After noticing Riley in the crowd, I have no idea how to act.
She grins at me. “Some of these people have been following your career since the very beginning, from club performances to this sold-out arena show. I, for one, am so damn proud of you guys.”
Bo slips an arm around her shoulders. “She has a point.”
Riley pushes him away, scrunching her nose. “You stink.”
Bo bursts into laughter. “Thanks a lot. Didn’t you know? This is called ‘rock star aroma,’ the natural scent that comes with performing for ninety minutes and then returning to the stage for a fifteen-minute encore.”
She nudges him with her shoulder. “Keep telling yourself that.”
We talk some more. Riley introduces the redhead I saw her withduring the show: Anastasia, who greets us with a slight Russian accent, goes to school with Riley.
Glenn, our manager, wanders over. He’s in his fifties, and though he looks cunning, he’s a softie when it comes to those he cares about.
Some of our most loyal fans find their way backstage too, along with label representatives and a few of our regular groupies.
The mood is fun and light, prolonging the natural high I’m riding after the show.
After most shows, we end up partying, the atmosphere just pumping more energy through my veins. Tonight, Bo and Jimmy insist we go to the club, but I turn them down quickly. I have zero intention of abandoning Piper and Story for a drunken night out and a chance for a hook up. I can do that tomorrow—or any other day, to be honest.
“So we’re going home tonight?” Owen asks as we head to the dressing room.
“I am,” I tell him. “But if you want to join the guys, you should.”
“Nah. Won’t be the same without you.” He grins. “Besides, my parents are in town. It’s been a while since I saw them, and I want to tell them about Ines.”
“Aw, preparing your folks for the day they’ll meet your future wife?”
He blows out a breath, his cheeks puffing. “I haven’t proposed?—”
“Yet.” I chuckle, though when I register his flushed face, I decide to take it easy on him. “Why didn’t your parents join us backstage?”
“Mom said she didn’t want to ‘disturb the youth.’”
I bark out a laugh. “Your mom is awesome.”
He shakes his head, the corner of his lips tipping up.
As we pass a few guys who always hang around the band, one of them says, “Have you seen those legs? They’d look great over my shoulders.”
Frowning, I follow his gaze. When I spot who he’s looking at, my blood boils. Piper sits on the couch with Story, talking and laughing. This fucker has the audacity to disrespect my best friend, my brother’s wife.
Huffing, I stalk over to the group and grab the shit-talking one by his collar. “Mind repeating what you just said?”
His mouth falls open. “Hade, man, what are you talking about?”
Anger has me tightening my hold on his shirt. “You see that blonde on the couch? With the little girl?”
He nods frantically.
“That is my best friend. Not only that, but she’s my brother’s wife,” I grind out. “I heard what you said about her, and it’s not fucking okay. Show some respect.” I drag him a foot or two and push him against the wall. The back of his head hits it with a thud.
