He stands. I stand too. It's a reflex, mirroring his movements. I do the math again—it will be a solid half an hour before we can be alone.
Pete motions to the ponytail guy. "Jess, this is our manager, Aiden."
The guy throwing his weight around. I study him in hopes of finding enough clarity to decide. There's something slimy about him. He's not a trustworthy person.
He seems like the kind of guy who makes due on threats just because.
"Nice to meet you." He leers at me as we shake. His gaze turns back to Pete. "Glad we're on the same page."
Tom's ears perk. His expression hardens. "What was that?"
"About the setlist," Pete says. "Drew wanted to test our new song."
Tom isn't buying this but he says nothing on the matter.
Aiden leers at me again. His gaze is slimy. He's judging my T&A. He nods, deeming it acceptable.
Gross.
He keeps his gaze on my ass as he speaks to Pete. "Glad you didn't go the model route. It's more—"
"Yeah. Jess has a fantastic ass," Pete says. "I understand why you want to stare, but she's mine. I get a little protective."
His glare saysback the fuck off.
Aiden smirks, somehow pleased about this turn of events.
Pete turns to me with a forced smile. He opens his mouth like he's about to speak. Instead, he pulls me into a kiss.
Mmm. I'm sure it's for the sake of slime-ball Aiden, but it still feels good. I soak in the taste of Pete's lips. The feel of his tongue in my mouth. He moans with pleasure as his palm presses against my ass.
He really does find it fantastic.
"Break a leg," I breathe.
He nods goodbye and follows Aiden towards the upstairs stage entrance. Tom joins them a moment later. The brothers whisper over something but they both keep calm expressions.
