“Are you safe?” I ask, dropping my voice to a whisper. “Arewesafe?”
I hate asking the words, but I know the answer will help settle some of my nerves. Hopefully dull some of my impatience.
She nods enthusiastically. “Very, I promise.”
At her words, some of the tension in my chest relaxes, and I blow out another deep breath. Her reassurance did the trick, even though I’m still dying to know what secrets they’re hiding.
“You promise I’ll get to see what your boyfriend looks like before the baby gets here?” I joke, repeating my thought from last night.
She laughs and nods, pulling me in for a hug. “Definitely. Just give them a few more weeks.”
Weeks?
She’s got to be fucking joking.
But when she pulls back, there’s nothing but sincerity in her eyes.
Mierda.
“Fine,” I grumble, heading for the couch to put my boots back on. I really should have brought flats to change into. “I’m going to head to my hotel and shower, then work on these pictures. Will you be alright by yourself?”
She shoots me a look and purses her lips. “You and Sebastian worry too much. I’ll be fine.”
“Alright, but if you need anything?—”
“—I’ll call you.”
Chapter 8
Joseline
Working Rhage’s social media accounts into my schedule isn't difficult, and tagging myself as the photographer turns out to be a stroke of genius. I gained so many followers after posting the initial set of images.
Maybe this was a good idea after all…
Instead of making me fight through another airport, Niki invites me to ride on their tour bus to the next venue. We spend the ten-hour drive to Colorado watching chick flicks while Sebastian hides out in their bedroom, and before I know it, I’m checking into my new hotel room.
It’s elegant, much nicer than the last one, with contemporary decor and a stunning marble shower. Perfect for new selfies.
Then, I spend the next couple of dayssettling into my new routine of working and keeping Niki company. Admittedly, this lifestyle is super relaxing, albeit a little boring, but I try not to complain. At least I haven’t seen Tobias since the last venue, and that’s something worth celebrating.
The day before Rhage’s next concert, I pick up some fresh donuts from a bakery near my hotel and head to Niki’s. After a long morning of replying to emails and setting up scheduled posts, I’m in need of a treat.
I decide to walk the few blocks rather than call for an Uber; it’s a decent day with a crisp breeze, and I can use the exercise to work off the sweets I’m about to eat. That’s exactly how it works.
When I get to the tour bus, I have to stop myself from just barging in the way I would at Niki’s old apartment, and I knock instead.
“Come in.” I barely hear her call over the cars driving down the nearby street, but I slip inside and snap the door closed behind me.
“Guess who brought snacks?” I sing-song as I make my way onto the bus.
Niki is in the kitchen washing dishes, bracing herself on the counter with her arms, sweat beading her forehead. My pulse picks up a little.
“Girl, what are you doing?” I drop the bag of pastries on the tiny dining table and hurry over, worried she’ll collapse at any second.
“Cleaning.” She blows a rogue hair out of her face. “I’m so tired of being cooped up in this bus. It’s the only thing I feel like doing.”
I open my mouth to ask if Sebastian is here, but ofcourse he’s not. There’s no way he’d be letting her do this if he was.
