I smirk, looking over my shoulder. “No physical fights. I promise.”
She winces like she knows I’m playing with semantics. “Fine! And thanks,” she adds, gesturing around the room. “This… smells incredible. I’m sorry our time got derailed again, but I love that you went to the effort. It’s gorgeous.”
I nod once, feeling the tension ease just slightly. “We’ll have our time. Even if it’s tonight after the concert.”
She nods back. “I’ll make sure of it.”
With no more hesitation, I stride toward the door.
Effa ismine.
And Jett’s about to learn that the hard way.
***
When I get there, he had better be in his room. I know exactly what I’m going to say, and I swear to God, if he doesn’t do what I want, I’ll take matters into my own hands.
I won’t have a choice.
Arriving at his door, I thump on the wood. I need to assert my dominance from the get-go. Let him know who’s boss. So I knock hard and fast three times. There’s no mistaking the pissed-off tone in that banging.
Standing back, my heart thrashes in my chest, blood coursing hot through my veins. I’m tense again, and I fucking hate it.
The door swings open, and his eyes rake over me before that cocky, sideways grin spreads across his face. His floppy blond hair’s more disheveled than usual, but his signature white button-up fits like a glove.
Does this bastard even own other shirts?
“Luke,” I murmur, my tone clipped.
He nods. “Mercs, you’re back. Good to see you. I’m assuming everything went well with your trip?”
I take a steadying breath. “I’m not here for pleasantries. I’m here to talk business.”
Luke’s brows shoot up, but he nods and steps aside, motioning for me to come in.
I slide past him, feet heavy as I stomp into his suite and step down into the living area. It’s neat, all things considered, but a pair of lacy panties draped over the edge of the sofa catches my eye.
Luke, you sly dog.A smirk pulls at the corner of my lips.
I bypass the underwear and head straight for the bed, sitting down heavily while Luke strolls in, casually trying to shove thepanties behind a cushion. Subtle as a sledgehammer, but I don’t even blink.
“So, business…” he says, his voice cautious. “I hope this doesn’t mean you’re thinking of leaving already?”
“No. It’sSwift Division. I want you to find another opening band.”
His whole posture jolts back. “Uhh… why? Their music blends well withLuminous, and the crowd—”
“I don’t care. Jett’s gotta go. He’s manipulative, conniving, and, to top it off, a fucking asshole. He keeps putting the moves on Effa and making her uncomfortable every damn time he gets the chance. It’snotokay.”
Luke rubs his chin. “When did this happen?”
“Just now. He made this play about getting her to talk to him, even after I told him to stay away. She went over, thinking she was de-escalating, but he made it look like he won. Then he practically assaulted her with a kiss.”
Luke’s eyes go wide. “Kissed her how?”
My jaw flexes. “On the cheek. But it was the force behind it. He wasn’t gentle, Luke. That shit isn’t innocent. The guy’s obsessed, and I’m worried the next time it’ll be more than a kiss, and we won’t be there to stop it.”
He looks toward the window, the sunset casting an amber glow into the suite. “I get what you’re saying—”
