“Fine, I’ll leave.” I tried to find a bright side. “At least I get the satisfaction that I’m leaving you hard and wanting, too. But we better perform together.”
Duke scowled. “Don’t make me regret it.”
I couldn’t resist one last attempt. I surged forward, capturing his lips in a passionate kiss, pouring every ounce of desire I felt into it. For a moment, I thought I had him as his hands gripped my hips harder, pulling me closer. Then he nipped at my bottom lip, not hard enough to hurt, but enough to make me gasp.
“Does jerking off while you watch count as doing nothing?” I asked, squirming on his lap with discomfort at the need to come.
He barked out a laugh. “Feel free to do it if you want me to tell you no.”
“I’ll suffer now so I can enjoy singing with you at the concert.” I reluctantly climbed off his lap, adjusting myself in my jeans with a wince. “This is cruel and unusual punishment, you know.”
“You’ll survive,” Duke said dryly, though his eyes tracked my movements with undisguised hunger.
“Barely. But I guess it’s for the best since I have to get back to filming, anyway. Tennyson will have a meltdown if I’m late.”
Duke’s answering grunt might have been agreement or acknowledgment. Either way, I took it as my cue to leave before I lost my resolve and climbed back into his lap in search of sexual gratification.
I paused at the door, giving him one last heated look. “This isn’t over.”
“It hasn’t even started,” Duke replied with infuriating confidence.
With a frustrated groan, I left his office, already counting the hours until I could see him again, preferably naked or with a guitar in his hands. I headed to the bathroom to take care of my erection because he never said I couldn’t get myself off when I was alone. It wasn’t as satisfying as him pleasuring me, but it’d be worth the edging if he agreed to sing with me.
Chapter Twenty-Four
DUKE
The night had finally arrived.Red’s benefit concert was in full swing, and Hurly-burly was more packed than I’d ever seen it. The crowd spilled from the bar into every corner of the restaurant, bodies pressed together in a show of support that made my chest tighten with unexpected emotion.
“Look at this turnout,” I said, gesturing at how the place hummed with energy as conversations overlapped, glasses clinked, and laughter bubbled up from all directions.
Red stood beside me, his eyes glistening as he surveyed the scene. “I can’t believe so many people came.”
I squeezed his shoulder, allowing myself a rare moment of open affection. “You’ve touched a lot of lives here. You’re family, kid. Of course they care. Weall do.”
From my vantage point behind the bar, I took in the familiar faces that had shown up for Red. Melody, Sir, and Mister held court in their usual corner, the three of them drawing attention without even trying since rock-star charisma ran deep in that family. Early was chatting with Fitzy at a big booth with Iason, his band, and their boyfriends. Orion and Noctis looked amused by whatever story my brother was telling.
What surprised me most was the celebrity turnout. Rune Tourneau had arrived with Callum, both dressed impeccably as always. Kieran Aiello and Rory were deep in conversation with Rook Warrick and Aldo. Even Arsène Devereaux had appeared with his fiancé, Felix, mingling with everyone.
I nudged Red. “Your regulars showed up in force.”
“They’re not just customers,” Red said, his voice thick with emotion. “They’re friends.”
“Are you ready to leave?”
Red’s smile faltered. “Packing-wise, yes. Everything’s boxed up except what I’ll need for the next couple of days.” He paused, swallowing hard. “Emotionally? Not even close.”
I nodded, understanding how he felt. “Sunnyside is always here waiting for your return, no matter how long it takes. Your job will be here, too. This place isn’t going anywhere.”
His shoulders relaxed. “Thanks, Duke. That helps more than you know.”
Chance sauntered over to us. He looked sexy as fuck in his tight black pants that hugged every curve of his body. A mesh shirt clung to his chest, while his hair was artfully tousled, and the hint of eyeliner around his eyes made the blue pop more intensely than usual. “Ready for our performance, Duke?”
“You’re performing?” Red asked me, staring at me in shock.
I gave him a stiff nod, already regretting my decision.
His mouth fell open. “I know you’re a musician, but I’ve never heard you hum or sing.”
