I reach for her hand, lacing my fingers with hers like an anchor. “I am now.”
We’re in my bedroom, getting ready for bed, and her presence alone eases the tension in my chest. My hand finds her cheek, smooth and soft beneath my palm, and I lean in, brushing my lips against hers just once. My tongue grazes her lower lip, and she moans, her body melting into mine.
I deepen the kiss, pouring everything I can’t say into it. Every scar, every crack in my chest, every ounce of gratitude that Effa’s here and not anyone else.
This woman tastes like safety.
And feels like home.
But my cock’s straining against the zipper of my jeans, and that pressure is getting uncomfortable fast. I don’t care.
She grounds me.
Pulls me back from the ledge without even trying.
Effa always brings me back to earth.
Her lips move in sync with mine, slow and controlled. She’s not just kissing me, she is soothing me. My mind quiets as we move together in that soft, sensual rhythm. No demands, just connection.
But of course, life never lets the peace last.
A sharp ring slices through the moment like a blade, and we both groan. She leans over to grab her phone from the bedside table, and I subtly shift, adjusting my cock to give myself some damn relief.
“It was nice while it lasted,” Effa mumbles with a small grin, answering the call. “Hey, Luke.”
My hand slides up her thigh as she snuggles back into me.
“Yeah, things are good here. It’s been a nice break. Don’t worry, we’re fine. How’s everyone there?”
But her spine straightens slightly, and the tension that settles in her shoulders is instant. I frown, pressing my palm against her back.
Something’s wrong.
“Okay, well, keep me informed… That’s not good… I wonder why she’s acting out like that?”
She?My gut tightens.
Effa’s voice stays calm, but there’s a sharp edge of concern threading through it. “I’ll be back tomorrow evening, so maybeI can have a chat with her then. Try and suss out what she’s so worked up about.” Her shoulders stay rigid as she rubs the back of her neck, and I know it’s bad. Whatever Luke said, it’s not sitting right with her. “Okay, and how’s everyone else?” she asks, her voice tight.
I hold her closer, wrapping my arm around her ribs like I can protect her from whatever shit storm is brewing back on tour.
She exhales, the sound shaky and tired. “Yeah. See ya, Luke.” She ends the call, tosses the phone aside, and collapses into me like the weight of that call just doubled.
I stroke her arm gently. “Is Alana okay?”
“She’s fine. I’ve been texting her all day.” She buries her head against my chest.
“Then who’s the problem?”
“Andi,” she murmurs. “Luke doesn’t know what’s going on, but she’s being super argumentative. Angry, like, out of control, angry. He’s really worried, and even Casey can’t talk her down.”
I tense.That’s not like Andi at all.“I’ll message Tank. They’ve got a connection. If anyone can reach her, it’s him.”
Effa peeks up at me and nods. “Good idea. He might know what’s going on.”
I lean over to grab my phone and type out a message to Tank, hoping like hell this isn’t the beginning of something worse.
Me:Hey man, just checking in. Heard things are tense around camp with Andi. Was wondering if maybe she’s said anything to you about what’s going on with her?
