He blinks, smug. “What waswhat? The fake kiss? Bit of fun. You do it whenever you like, it was my turn for once.”
“Fake?Bullshit.” I step in closer, heat rising.
His smile curls wide. “Rafe, you're getting a littleclose. That eager for another? Make sure you get my good side for the fan edits.”
Ronan appears like divine intervention, hand on my chest. “Stop it, both of you. No more broken noses this tour, alright? Kissing, punching? Pick a fucking lane and stay in it. I can't keep up.”
Kiri drifts over, wide-eyed, like he’s wondering if turning around is still an option.
Rithy’s grin widens. “Bother you, does it? Havingyourprivate life out there? Guess now you know how it felt after your little stunt at the hotel.”
“I didn’tplanthat,” I bite out. “That was an ambush out there, you made us aspectacle.” I let the word sour on my tongue before I almost spit it out. "That wasassault.”
Rithy looks hurt at first, then it falls into something darker, “Assault?Well, that makes useventhen, doesn't it?”
Elise clears her throat. “Anything physical needs to be agreedbeforehandfrom now on.” She levels a look at both of us like a disappointed teacher. “Rithy pulling his veil down, that’s his call. He gets to decide how private heisn’t. But next time, give Rafe a heads-up before you touch his, understood?”
Rithy smirks. “Since he outed us first, I figured we werepastwarnings. But fine.” He leans into her. “Anyway, how are the numbers?”
“Blowing up,” she says. “You’re trending insixcountries. I've gotta take this call.”
Ronan grabs my shoulder, steering me away before I explode. Out in the corridor, everything’s ringing, ears, heart, the leftover adrenaline shaking through me.
“How the hell do I even explainthat toKasia?” I mutter.
Ronan exhales, leaning on the wall. “That’s part of the gig, man. Rithy’s being an asshole, sure, but he’s not wrong there. If she can’t handle this shit, it’s gonna be rough. She’s smart. Give her some credit. If she can’t understand... maybe it’s not meant to work.”
“Yeah. I get that.” I drag a hand through my hair. “But what Rithy did, thatwasn’tfan service.”
Ronan sighs. “I figured, but what are you gonna do? Out him for being in love with you to the press as payback? Doesn’t fix a damn thing.”
I stare at him. “How long have you known?”
He snorts. “Awhile. Everyoneknows, Rafe. You two aren't exactlysubtle. But it can't go on, not like this.”
I let out a long breath. “I’ll set the line. What’s off-limits. How he feels is his problem, not mine.”
Ronan claps my shoulder. “Good. As long as you don’t make me call the cops in the process, sounds golden.”
I actually laugh, rough, real, frayed at the edges. But when the adrenaline fades, the only thing left in my head is Kasia's voice and the feel of a kiss I can’t escape.
Chapter 56
Alchemy
Rafe
The van ride back to the hotel is silent. No one says a word. When we get there, I head straight to my room. Rage sits on my shoulders, awake and electric, threaded with something heavier. Determination, maybe. I turn on the shower, hoping the heat will bleed it out of me before I do something I’ll regret.
It doesn’t help much. The second I step out, hair dripping, sweatpants half on, there’s a knock at the door. Hard. I freeze, listen like the door might tell me who it is. Another knock, louder this time. Then a voice, hurt, frayed.
“Don’t be a god damndiva, that’s my job. Justlet me in, Rafe.”
“Do you promise to keep your hands to yourself?” My voice comes out harsher than I mean.
“Oh, for fuck’s sa—you’re acting like I'm—”
“Yes or no.”
