I curl into myself, arms hugging my waist, rocking slightly like it’ll hold the pieces of me together.
And then…
“Well, doesn’t this look like the picture of happiness?”
I look up.
Jett.
His voice oozes faux sympathy as he swaggers over with that signature smirk.
Raoul immediately shifts, sitting straighter, alert.
“You okay, cupcake?” he asks, lips twisting downward in mock concern.
I glare at him. “Go away, Jett.Please.”
He shrugs. “Sure, if that’s what you want. But I’m a fantastic listener, and it looks like you could use one.” He starts to walkoff, but only a few steps. Then he props himself on the stage, lingering just far enough to be annoying.
“What are you doing?” I snap.
He feigns surprise. “Oh, I didn’t think we were talking, but now that we are…” He scoots a little closer. “You’re hurting, I can tell. And you might not want to admit it, but you need someone right now. I’m not going anywhere. I’ll be here, your silent stage shadow. Unless… you want to talk.”
I huff, wiping beneath my eyes. My walls are already cracked, and maybe he is right. Maybe talking would help.
I sigh and pat the space beside me.
His face lights up like he’s won something spectacular. He jumps down and settles beside me, leg brushing mine. Raoul notices, and his stare could cut steel, but Jett ignores it.
“So… what’d he do?” Jett asks, softer now.
I shake my head. “I don’t want to talk about it.”
“Sometimes you need to,” Jett replies, placing a hand on my knee.
Raoul leans across, expression grim, and removes Jett’s hand as if it’s contaminated.
My lips twitch despite myself.
“Mercs wants his ex,” I blurt. “That’s all there is to it.”
Jett stiffens, and his whole demeanor darkens. “He’s a fucking idiot if he’d trade you for someone else.”
I glance at him. “You shouldn’t talk about him like that.”
His jaw flexes, and he sighs. “You’re beautiful, Effa. Worthy of love, of loyalty. Don’t let anyone make you think otherwise.” He presses a kiss to the top of my head.
That’s when Raoul shifts, but he’s not the only one.
A flash of movement catches my eye, and then I see him.
Mercs.
Storming toward us like a thundercloud on legs, his eyes blazing, jaw locked, rage radiating off him in waves.
I’veneverseen him this furious.
Holy shit.
