My eyes go wide as I realize he must have seen when Maddox and I went into my room last night. But I don’t allow myself to flush with embarrassment or shame. I am twenty-two years old, and Zane Valen isn’t my boyfriend. He has ignored me for weeks. I have done absolutely nothing wrong. “That was one time because we were both very,verydrunk, and dealing with something. Not that I owe you any kind of explanation. You have avoided my calls and text for weeks. You barely looked at me last night and when you did, it was with disdain. You've treated me like fucking trash, and I've got news for you Mr. Valen, I am not trash. Not to mention the fact that you had that redhead leaving your room this morning.”
“I found the redhead after I saw Maddox carrying you into your room with your mouths glued to each other as I was on my way to talk to you.”
I fight down the feeling of guilt that threatens to rise. I had no idea Zane was coming to talk to me. How could I have known? He treated me like shit all night, looking at me like I grew horns. I tell him as much with venom lacing my tone.
“You and Masters a thing now?”
I almost laugh at the ridiculousness of the conversation. It is absolutely insane that he is acting like this. It is insane that I keep having feelings of guilt bubble in my stomach.
“You know what Zane, not that it’s your business, but no, we are not a thing. It was a one-time thing because we both were seeking a little comfort and distraction last night. Maddox was trying to forget his heart is broken and I was trying to forget how the first guy I ever really fucking liked kept giving me the brush off. But it was definitely a one off. A thing of the past. Just like how I feel for you. A mistake I won't be making again.” I turn from him to march off.
“Tori,” he says grabbing my arm. Without thinking, just knowing that I want him to stop touching me, I quickly turn, tweaking his arm until it is wrenched behind him then force him to the ground.
“Do not fucking touch me again. You do not get to treat me like trash then touch me. I don’t give a fuck who you are.”
I let go of him then walk toward the others. Zoey’s eyes are wide with shock. Maddox is trying hard not to laugh, but the smile is there regardless. Jax looks like he’s not sure if he wants to hang onto his anger or laugh himself. Finally, he turns to me. “Get him out of here,” he gestures to Maddox.
“He didn’t do anything wrong, Jay,” Zoey says with surprise and disapproval.
“I know he didn’t, Angel. But I can’t exactly ask her to get your brother out of here.”
“It’s fine, Zo,” Maddox tells her. “We were on our way to the airport anyway.”
“I’ll call you both,” Zoey says giving us both a hug.
Jax shakes Maddox’s hand then shakes his head with a smirk. He leans over to give me a hug. “I know he’s being an ass right now,” he whispers in my ear, “but Zane doesn’t lose his cool if he doesn’t care.”
I nod understanding what he’s telling me but not really feeling any better. He's hurt me and I don't get fucking hurt. I cast a quick glance his way to see him still sitting on the ground looking pissed.
Maddox and I leave together for the airport.
I walk into Lucky’sto watchSons of Sinplay. They are on fire tonight. Every note is phenomenal, and Maddox is hitting notes with a power I didn’t know he had. The place is packed like I’ve never seen with them literally turning people away at the door. Everyone is loving them.
They are pouring sweat like this is the most important performance of their lives. Dane is pounding the drums with a ferocity I have never seen. Ryder’s guitar solo is beyond complicated and absolutely perfect. Angel is thumping that bass with absolute perfection.
Women clamor around the stage screaming and shouting like they’re watching Panic at the Disco or Fallout Boy or some other well-known band. Men are jamming out like it’s the best rock band they’ve ever seen. I have to admit they really are the best band I’ve ever seen, and for once I know that this isn’t bias. They are electric.
After nearly two hours of playing, they set the instruments aside and come off stage. Ryder and Maddox take their places behind the bar. They could both use a shower, but obviously can’t. They shake the sweat from their hair at me making me shriek. “Assholes,” I yell at them. Dane walks up behind me wiping his face on mine. “Are you joking?”
I turn to see Angel walking out of the bar. I don’t know much about him at all. He's the newest member of the band, replacing Jake when he had to quit after his girlfriend took off. My heart bled for the guy. He loves music but he can't take care of his daughter at night and be here.
I wish Angel would hang around a little more. I would like to know his story. He never hangs around once a set is finished though. He’s always so closed off. I’m not sure why. I’ve asked the other guys and all they can say is he isn’t into anything but the music. I think maybe they know a little more than they say. Then again, maybe they don't.
“You guys were great tonight. Like really, really great.”
The three of them exchange smiles, and I instantly know something is up. I ask but they don’t divulge a thing. Ryder actually goes so far as to lock with lips with an imaginary key. I narrow my eyes them. “Let’s just say that things could possibly change for us tonight, Tori,” Dane tells me.
“But we don’t want to get our hopes up just yet,” Ryder adds.
“Or fucking jinx it,” Maddox continues.
“Then I guess I’ll let it slide for now,” I tell them.
We continue to talk for a few minutes before some girl catches Dane’s eye and he’s off in the corner with her while Maddox and Ryder make drinks for the customers. I sit there sipping a rum and coke quietly thinking about my next client’s work.They’re asking for a full back piece that will take several sessions to complete. They want a dragon with bold intricate lines with a tribal feel, but they are leaving the design itself up to me. I hope I can come up with something they’ll like. It will be my first tattoo where I’m not working from a picture or something.
My phone ringing distracts me from my thoughts. I glance at the name on the screen and roll my eyes. I get the call at least twice a day like a freaking telemarketer. I’ve considered blocking it. I’m not sure why I don’t.
“Why don’t you just answer the damn call, Tori?” Maddox asks.
