He shrugs, trying to play it cool. “Thanks. But we’re still warming up to your level, we can only aspire to be as amazing as you. Which brings me to my point…” He leans in slightly. “What would you think about extending our set to forty-five minutes? Just a couple extra songs, really. I know it adds time to the whole show, but I think we could really showcase more of what we do. And withLuminousbacking us, well, we’d be breaking through, just like Recoil did for you. Wouldn’t that feel amazing, Effa? You could be the catalyst that shootsSwift Divisioninto the stratosphere.”
His voice is sweet.
Too damn sweet.
“Jett,” I say, lips quirking. “You don’t need to butter me up. I’m not some pushover princess who melts for compliments and charm.”
His shoulders stiffen, and his smile falters as he looks a little sheepish.
“And for the record, I can’t approve that kind of change anyway. That’s Luke’s call.”
Jett deflates with a heavy sigh.
“But…” I add, “I can put in a good word. Just… next time? Ask me straight. No need to pussyfoot around.”
His grin returns slowly. “You’re stronger than you look, you know that?”
I arch a brow. “You wouldn’t be the first guy to underestimate me. I might look like I live on stardust and daydreams, but I see more than people realize.”
He laughs, the air between us clearing again. “All right, Effa. Honesty and trust. Deal. Let me grab you some food to seal our new friendship.”
I smile and nod. “I’ll get the coffee.”
“Perfect.”
Chapter Eight
MERCS
The Next Day
After not seeing Effa all day and spending another night on the crew room sofa, alone this time, I run a hand through my hair. She’s like a damn ray of sunshine in my messed-up life, and I went and screwed that up. She could have been something really good for me.
My thoughts drift to Kiera, my little sister. Just the thought of her makes my chest tighten. I wonder how she’s holding up. I’m doing this all for her, but money’s tight, and I’m not sure I’ll make the deadline for her procedure if I am not savvy.
“I’m sorry, Kiera,” I mutter, pacing the floor of the crew room.
“They say talking to yourself is the first sign of madness,” a deep voice calls from behind, laced with amusement.
Turning, I spot Tank in the doorway, his eyes gleaming with laughter.
I roll my eyes and shove my cell in my pocket as I head toward him. “I just might be going crazy, man,” I admit.
“Well, no better group to lose your mind with than this bunch of rockers. It’s easy to be nuts around them,” he jokes, and I crack a smile.
“But seriously…” he adds, “… anything I can help with?”
“Nah, thanks though. Just something I need to figure out on my own.”
Tank nods slowly, raising a brow. “Ahh, got it. Woman trouble. Don’t worry, mate, we get paid today. Go grab your girl something nice, make it up to her.”
That perks me up. “Seriously? Thanks, man. That’s great news.” I can finally send some money home to Gran. Every bit helps with Kiera’s treatment.
Tank chuckles. “I know, I’m a legend. But wait! You have a girl back home?”
I shake my head. “Nah. Kiera’s my sister—”
“Hold up,” he interrupts, wide-eyed. “You’re not into thatGame of Thronestype of brother-sister relationship shit, are you?”
