“Raoul texted. Said if you and Andi split up, someone might need a security escort. He was right.”
“He’s clever, that one. So, things been tense?”
“Yeah. With the fans, Andi…” He sighs. “It’s like the ecosystem fell apart when you left. We need our little bubble of effervescence.”
I smile as the elevator doors open and we step in, right into Jett. He flashes that devilish smile and steps out.
I catch his elbow. “Stop. Talk to me.”
He turns slowly, sighing as Cooper hangs back.
“So, queen cupcake is back from her romantic getaway,” Jett sneers.
“Stop it. I’m sorry.”
He raises a brow. “For what?”
“Mercs told me what happened. Why you’ve been avoiding me.”
“Ahh, yes. The standoff. Your man told me to back off, or else. Not sure what ‘or else’ was, but Luke saved the day.”
“You could’ve talked to me.”
He leans in, his scent overwhelming. “That was the plan. You’d cave. Ask Mercs. Get mad. Come crawling back to me. And here you are…” he smirks, “… talking to me. So he won the battle, but I just won the war.” Then he kisses my cheek.Hard. The bristle of his beard scrapes my skin, and I recoil so fast I almost fall.
Cooper catches me, pulling me away.
“Tastes delicious,” Jett says, licking his lips as he walks off like he owns the place.
I stare after him, my heart pounding, my brows clenched tightly.
Cooper turns me to face him. “You okay?” he asks, his eyes full of concern.
I nod, even though I can’t speak. He wraps his arm around my shoulder and guides me to the elevator. Once the doors shut, I slump into his side.
“Fuck,” I whisper.
“That was messed up. Mercs is gonna blow a gasket,” Cooper mutters.
I glance up at him, panic creeping in.
Shit.
Jett might have won that battle…
But he has just started a motherfucking war.
Chapter Twenty-Five
MERCS
“I wonder if I can get rose petals in here on time,” I mutter, striking a match and lighting Effa’s favorite juniper and jasmine incense. The earthy scent starts filling the air, calm and sweet, just the way she likes it.
We’ve held off for two long days, and I want tonight to matter.
I want to show her how much she means to me.
When she gets back from dealing with Andi, I’m going to make love to her, slow and unhurried, until it’s time for the show. No chaos, no interruptions, just us.
