“She’s definitely gone nuclear.” Jagger raises one shoulder. “It turns out she arranged for Drew and Brad to gatecrash.” He wrinkles his nose. “Apparently, she thought it would be better than my solo show and didn’t think to ask my opinion.”
“That tracks,” Nash mutters.
“She wants me to smooth things over with Brad and Drew later.” Jagger pinches the bridge of nose. “And she wants to chat with you about security, Nash.”
“Great.” Nash’s sarcasm is palpable as he pushes his plate away. “I’m not hungry anymore.”
“Security?” I question.
“I’m Jagger’s bodyguard. At least while he’s at SVU anyway,” Nash replies. “No one knows we’re packmates, so I can help keep him out of trouble.”
Tae smirks, playfully slapping the back of Nash’s head. “You did a pretty bad job of that last night.”
“But you don’t need to worry about any photographs of us being leaked, Delilah,” Jagger informs me. “Between Kady, Calder, and Valerie, they got rid of all of them.”
The pastry I just ate turns to cement in my belly. “They got pictures of us together?”
“No one saw your face,” Jagger is quick to reply. “But there was some speculation about me running off stage to chase a mystery girl.”
“I bet Valerie wanted to know all the details.” Tae snickers. “She hates to miss out on anything.”
“I said nothing,” Jagger chuffs. “But we can’t stop the rumors. The paps are vultures.”
“I understand.” I say, although I can’t quash my uneasiness.
Jagger’s expression darkens. “Brad and Drew are pissed about what happened too.”
“And?” Tae chuckles then puts his hands up to mock-whisper. “They’re total assholes.”
I stifle a giggle.
“Assholes who I’m contracted to record another album with,” Jagger reminds him. “Apparently, they want to start work earlier than planned.”
“I thought you were taking a break from music while you were studying?” I ask him.
It’s been impossible to avoid the gossip on campus, and Missie has been blowing up the smutty book club group chat with speculation.
“I’m supposed to be, but Brad and Drew have other ideas.” Jagger plays with the smiley face earring that I gave him, the tenseness in his shoulders vanishing. “But I’m not going anywhere. What’s happening here is more important than anything else.”
Warmth creeps up my neck. “I really should get back to Stella House. I have some studying to do.”
“Are you sure you’re feeling okay after yesterday?” Tae rests his palm on my knee. “You’re welcome to stay here with us for as long as you’d like.”
Jagger nods enthusiastically while Nash continues to sip his coffee, seemingly deep in thought.
“I’m a little tired but much better.” I’m already on my feet. “Thank you for everything.”
“I’ll drive you,” Nash states.
“You don’t have to.” I shake my head. “I can call Omega Cars to pick me up.”
“It wasn’t a question.” Something about his deep rumbling voice tells me that there’s no point in arguing with him.
After gathering my belongings, the guys escort me to the door.
“We’ll speak soon, right?” Tae’s voice is full of hope. “I can add you to our group chat? If you unblock my number…”
“Okay.” I smirk. After the multiple orgasms, I suppose it’s the least I can do. “I can do that.”
