He groans. “Fine. But tell Luke.Beforewe leave.”
I nod, kissing Raoul’s cheek. He doesn’t smile, just gestures toward Luke.
Giggling, I turn in Mercs’ arms. “I’ll be right back.” Then I make my way over to Luke and Alana, who beam at me.
“You have to try this cocktail, Eff,” Alana says, sipping through a curly straw.
“I’m calling it a night. Raoul’s taking me back. Early flight tomorrow.”
Alana frowns. “You’re not still upset about Mercs, are you?”
I glance toward him, chatting with Cooper. Alana follows my gaze and grins.
Luke groans. “Effa, be careful. We need him.”
“Don’t worry. We’re just going back to talk. We’ve already set boundaries.”
He rolls his eyes. “Yeah, right. You know you can talk here, right? Hotel room… bed… alone. No risk there at all.” His sarcasm is thick. “And enough with the ‘old man’ stuff. I’m only thirty-five.”
“Sorry, Luke. You’re not old. Just… trust me. We need privacy.”
He huffs. Alana nudges him, flashing her smile, and he softens. “Fine. But I’m against this. It’ll end in heartbreak. Or worse… us losing Mercs.”
My stomach knots. That’s what we’re trying to avoid. That’s why I’m taking it slow. Why I’m not letting this become just another casual fling.
I need him on tour… and in my bed. But not yet.
This has to mean something.
I walk back to Mercs, where the guys are laughing, Raoul almost smiling.
“Ready?” I ask, slipping my arm around Mercs’ waist.
He pulls me close. “I am. You good, Raoul?”
He nods.
Mercs slaps Cooper’s shoulder, making him laugh.
No clue what that’s about.Men.
Raoul leads us down the stairs, three more guards flanking us. You never know if an exit will be smooth or chaotic.
Tonight? I’m hoping for smooth.
We weave through the club, and people start to notice. One scream turns into many.
I grip Mercs’ hand when he tightens around me, shielding me as we’re swarmed. Screaming fans reach through the security wall, grabbing at me.
The heat, the sweat, the pulsing music, it’s all so overwhelming.
Mercs wraps his arms around me, a protective shield. The guards force a path, finally breaking through to the exit.
Outside, the noise shifts.
“Effa! Effa! Effa!” they chant.
Raoul rushes us to the waiting car. My breath is ragged, my heart pounding. No matter how often it happens, this still terrifies me.
