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“It’s always what I think.” Like it was that weekend at the wedding. She will be all over him until he gives in. And he is with her because of who her daddy is and what he can do for the band.

“No. You need to listen to me—”

There’s a commotion as someone enters the suite. Rook or one of the security team posted outside the suite must have let whoever it is in.

I glance around Riot’s shoulder.

Sonatina Savant saunters in. Her assistant carrying a dozen designer cases and bags scurries behind her.

“Where’s my wonderful fiancé?” Sonatina asks as she scans the room. Her gaze barely skims over me, like I don’t exist. Which I’m sure is her intention. She wrinkles her nose before moving on to Riot. Her mouth turns up into a victorious smile. “There you are, Lover.”

He turns rigid. Tension radiates off him. The storm in his eyes becomes ice. “What are you doing here, Sonatina?”

Yes, what is she doing here?

6

Kodiak

Afew minutes earlier...

The sheets are cool where Kelsey was since the covers have been tossed aside. Curiosity gets the better of me, and I climb out of bed to find her.

Last night was... unexpected. I’d wanted her from the moment she’d shown up in the suite in L.A. Wanted her then and want her now.

But it shouldn’t have been last night while she was raw and hurting because Riot and Sonatina announced their engagement. It shouldn’t have been while she was sporting bruises from Marco.

How could I say no to her though? How could I ever turn my Scary Girl down? How could I not take the opportunity to get to be with her?

I put on a pair of jeans and a gray long sleeve T-shirt. Half of my wardrobe has migrated into hers since I spend every night holding her and making sure she feels safe.

I couldn’t turn her down. Every opportunity she gives me to get closer I’ll take. I’m not dense. I’m aware that I’ve been a proxy for him. A fill in to keep him at bay because she’s still hurting.

I drag on a black and gray flannel. I roll the sleeves up and secure them at the elbow. Vegas is warm, so I leave my favorite beanie off. I shove my fingers through my hair to ruffle the sandy strands into something that looks like I didn’t make too much of an effort.

But maybe now she might start to see me as more than her friend and her comfort. There’s something real between us, and I want a chance to explore that with her.

From somewhere in the suite two voices grow louder.

I pause as it becomes clear that one is Riot and the other is Kelsey. The edge and the pain in her words hit me as I leave the room.

I don’t hate the frontman of L.A. Riot. We’ve worked well together these past two years. Even when he was at his worst when I first came on board, he treated me with respect. Included me in every decision the band made. Acted like I hadn’t been thrust on them while they were grieving their friend and bandmate.

But lately, since Kelsey came on board... he’s not someone I like either. He doesn’t fucking deserve her after what he did to her. Then, or now. And every time he hurts her or reopens old wounds, I have to fight the urge to smash his face in.

And I don’t do that anymore. Clenching and opening my fists, I decide to let the desire go. I’m jealous of him. Because he had what I want. And because he still gets far more of her than he deserves.

If she were with me... there would never be a moment where she was forced to wonder whether she can trust me or if I’m faithful. The idea of hurting her hurts me deeply.

His voice shakes. “You had sex with him?”

I stop where I am. Just out of sight. Perhaps because this seems like the kind of private conversation they need to have. Perhaps too, because I want to hear what she tells him.

“Yes.” The single syllable is strained. It’s sharp and watery at the same time.

I stay in my spot, unable to stop myself from listening to their conversation. Hearing him tell her that they aren’t done with the kind of commitment he usually reserves for the recording studio. He means every damn word he says to her. Hell, I believe him.

She argues that it’s too late. That she doesn’t want him anymore. That she’s going to move on... with me.