Ryker stopped in his tracks. “How did you know where to find me?”
“Wasn’t that hard,” Forest grumped. “Ash and I headed to your barracks. One look at your gear, packed up all nice and untouched and shit, and I knew exactly where to find you.”
He didn’t think he and Tia had been that obvious. “Who’ve you told?” It gutted him to have to ask, but Tia would freak once she found out that others knew about them.
Forest never paused. The giant continued to walk away, but he looked over his shoulder. “Don’t sweat it, lover boy.”
Jogging to catch up, Ryker ground his teeth together. They’d been so fucking discreet. “Easy for you to say,” he ground out. “This is a big deal.”
“Then, why’d you fuck her? If it’s that big of a deal, why not keep it in your pants? You’re risking destroying her career.”
He didn’t have an answer, except for a very personal and selfish one. Not that it mattered. It was time for damage control.
“Who have you told?” he demanded.
“Me?” Forest said with a snort. “Why the hell do you think I’d go and tell anyone?”
“Because…”
“Who you fuck or don’t fuck means shit to me. That means I’m not likely to go blabbing shit that’s none of my business.”
That should reassure Ryker, but his heart rate spiked. “It’s a big deal, dude. I’d appreciate it if you didn’t say anything.”
This time, Forest came to a stop. Dry dust billowed around them as a passing breeze kicked up sand. The desert air sucked the moisture out of his lungs, making his mouth dry. Despite that, his insides seethed, and sweat beaded his brow from the heat building beneath the afternoon sun.
“Look, you got something for Tia,” Forest said. “I get that. Don’t think for a second I’m going to do anything that might jeopardize Tia or her career. I don’t know you, but she’s family. I suggest you zip it and get control of yourself. If not for you, then for the woman who stands to lose everything.” Forest’s attention turned back the way they’d come. He squinted, and Ryker turned to see what or who had caught his attention, but there was no one.
“You don’t understand,” Ryker said.
“I understand pretty damn well,” Forest said with a sniff. “You’re fucking my friend. Just don’t fuck with her career.”
“Does Ash know?”
Forest said Ash had been with him.
“Nah, I told him I had an idea where you might be. He grabbed your gear and headed back.”
“Why the rush to find me?”
“Vane wants to do a concert tonight. After the convoy was hit, he says everyone’s been on edge. They’re looking for Angel Fire to jump ship. This tour is a big deal. Ash doesn’t want to be a pansy-assed rocker who can’t handle what you all live with every day. He wants to give something back.”
“So, give back. You don’t need me.”
Forest arched a brow. “We don’t have a bassist, asshole, but we do have you.”
“Not without Bent’s approval.”
“Bent’s going to kick your ass for being such an obstinate asswipe. And I don’t think you understand the guys very well. They’re not just tight, not just brothers. They’re something else entirely. They’ve been through hell and back. Having a guy stand in for a couple of weeks isn’t exactly this big threat you’re making it out to be.”
“Doesn’t matter,” Ryker asserted. “I still want to talk with Bent.”
They approached the VIP barracks. Forest waved him in. “I suggest you hurry. Ash wants to do two shows tonight. You’ve got a couple of hours to get ready.”
Inside the VIP quarters, Ryker found himself more than a little shocked. All the lodging on base rated utilitarian at best, barely livable at worst. What he walked into was luxury at its finest. A gathering area with a clustering of leather sofas and chairs occupied the center of what looked to be a main room. Beyond that, a long conference table stretched to the far wall. In a world without personal cooking facilities, there was even a small galley kitchen, replete with a full-sized refrigerator, stove, and small countertop lined with four barstools. All the stools were occupied. Ash sat in the middle with Bash. Spike and Noodles flanked them. The four of them pored over papers spread between them. Bash glanced up, followed by the others, who greeted him with friendly smiles.
Bash waved him over. “Hey, come take a look.”
Forest’s meaty hand gripped Ryker’s shoulder, holding him back. He steered him toward a hallway to the right. “Ryker’s gonna freshen up a bit. Seems these Air Force Special Ops folks have a thing about working out in full battle gear. He fucking reeks. Give him a few.”
