Page 75 of Finding Emotion

“I can fight my own battles.” Skylar’s finger rubbed over one of her guitar strings. “Besides, he’s just being overprotective. I don’t need that shit.” Her hand closed around the neck of her guitar.

“Something’s up,” Erin said, her gaze lingering on Skylar before shifting back to him.

“Just his stalker fucking with him.” Skylar moved closer, tapping his shoulder with hers. “Don’t let it get to you.”

“Shit, Dame. Here?” Erin asked, her eyes beginning to scan the crowd.

“Mal’s got it covered,” Damon told her. “Don’t let it ruin your big event.” He nodded toward Nicholas. “Someone looks lonely.”

“Shut up, he is not.” Her eyes lingered on her husband anyway. “You’ll let us know if there’s anything you need?”

Damon nodded. “Go on, Erin. I’m going to check in with Mal.”

“No wonder Jimmy looked so pissed,” Erin said. “I caught a glimpse of him by the stage while you two were singing and wondered what was up. He takes your stalker shit more seriously than he lets on.”

Damon wondered if that could be true. Perhaps how often Jimmy played down the situation had been more for his benefit.

Damon turned with Skylar toward the curtained end of the stage.

She moved closer to him. “I’m glad you got to do your song.”

“Because of you. Skylar, singing with you—”

“Damn, Skylar, who knew you’d rock a love song,” Jimmy interrupted them as they approached.

“Yeah, not my usual speed,” Skylar agreed.

Jimmy laughed. “Careful, though. Can’t let Damon drag you too far from the rock star image.”

The words slapped at Damon. He stared at his manager, words pressing on his throat. He wondered what had happened to the guy he’d considered a friend. “Look, Jimmy—”

Jimmy held up his hand. “I was just joking, man. Sorry, it was a bad one. My mind is still all messed up from everything that’s going on.” He glanced at Skylar. “And the more I think about what you said, Dame, the more worried I am for Skylar. Maybe I should escort her back to the hotel. This crazed fan of yours hasn’t managed to get into the suite.”

Skylar snorted. “I’ve gotten death threats way more serious than this.”

“You what?” Damon stared at her.

“I told you. I’ve got a lot of haters.” Skylar shrugged. “What’s one more?”

There was a flash in her eyes that made Damon want to reach for her. Her assurances didn’t lessen his worry at all. The exact opposite. He didn’t want to add one more. “I can’t understand that. Even with this stalker, it’s not like they hate me.”

“You sure about that?” Skylar asked.

Jimmy frowned at her. “What do you mean? The fan always goes on and on about being a match for our Dame.”

“I think it’s just someone that wants to fuck with him.” Skylar shifted her guitar to one hand, wrapping her arm around Damon’s waist in a quick squeeze. “And we can’t have that. Mr. Sweetface is totally awesome.”

Damon stared into her eyes, his pulse throbbing. “Skylar…”

She smirked at him. “Don’t look so surprised. I already said I liked you and everything.”

Jimmy laughed. “Don’t lead him on too much, or you’ll break his heart when you leave.”

“He rocks, and I won’t let anyone shit on him. Including you, Jimmy.” She glared at his manager. “So fuck off with your jokes.”

Jimmy flushed.

“I hear it again, and I’m punching you.” Skylar nudged Damon forward. “Come on. The cops over there probably need to talk to you.”

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