I raise my chin slightly, fists ready to fly.
Then…
The sound of footsteps. Heavy and rushing.
Before either of us can throw a punch, we’re yanked apart.
“Hey, hey, hey… cool it,” Luke’s voice cuts through the air like a whip. “I don’t know what that intense-as-fuck stare-down was about, but I don’t need my lighting director and the lead singer of the opening band brawling before the damn show.Got it!”
I glance over at Luke, his glare sharp and heavy, like a disappointed father. I’ve worked my ass off to stay on Luke’s good side, and now I’m standing here ready to throw punches like a fucking kid.
Great! Real professional, Mercs.
Jett scoffs, throwing me a smug look. “Tell lover boy to stop fucking in public, and maybe we wouldn’t have this problem,” he mutters, slamming his shoulder into mine while brushing past me.
I take a step back, biting down hard on my molars as Luke narrows his eyes.
“Care to explain what Jett’s talking about?” he asks.
I crack my neck to the side. “He saw Effa and me…together. He’s jealous. He has an agenda, Luke. He’s going to cause trouble.”
Luke hums, watching me closely. “Where did he see you?”
Shit.
I glance up, and Luke follows my gaze.
“The rafters,” I admit.
He exhales a quiet snort, raising an eyebrow. “Well, that’s not ideal, but it’s better than somewhere public where cameras could’ve caught it. Mercs, keep this shit private. No leaks. No photos. I don’t want Effa plastered all overRolling Stoneor some trash rag.”
“Yeah, I get it. It was spontaneous. It won’t happen again…” I pause. “But Luke, I’m telling you, Jett’s a fucking problem.”
He nods slowly. “You’re not wrong. I’ve noticed things too… him watching her, and the lurking. Other crew members have raised concerns. You’re not alone in this. Leave it with me.”
Relief hits me, but I don’t show it. “Effa’s safety comes first. I don’t trust him.”
Luke places a firm hand on my shoulder. “I know you care about her. That means something. But Mercs, Effa’s tough, sure. Confident, yes. But she’s also naïve. Watch her.”
I nod once, solid and firm.
Turning, I walk off toward the bathroom where Effa’s waiting. I consider telling her what just went down, but I don’t think she’d want to hear about this. She’s not into this alpha bullshit. She’s all peace, harmony, and love. Right now, I’m not sure she’d appreciate knowing how close I came to nearly punching that ass.
So for now, I’ll keep it to myself.
Maybe it’ll bite me in the ass.
Time will tell.
EFFA
We’re about ready to head out for the concert, but I forgot my lucky pick in the green room. So now I’m racing back there, minutes before I’m supposed to be on stage.Swift Divisionjustfinished their set, and it’s the changeover period, so I need to haul ass.
As I reach the hallway near the green room, Luke’s voice carries down the corridor, sharp and clear, laced with authority. I skid to a halt just outside the door, not wanting to interrupt something serious.
“You need to ensure that at all costs, Jett is kept away from Effa,” Luke says firmly.
My brows pinch as my eyes widen.
