Page 52 of Electric Touch

It smells brand new, with leather seats and blacked-out windows. There are TV screens on the back of the driver and passenger seats. An armrest with cup holders separates the back seat, so only two people can get in. When the doors close, it cuts all the sound from outside. This is pretty fucking fancy, I can’t help but be impressed.

“Here.” There is another man in the passenger seat. He hands a cardboard cup holder back with two hot drinks. Alessa takes it and thanks him, passing me a cup and takes the other for herself.

“You’re getting comfortable using Jordan’s toys.”

“He tells you about our use of toys?”

“Whoa, whoa,” I hold up a hand. “That is so not what I meant.”

A strangled sound comes from her as she laughs without wanting me to realise it.

“He’s rubbing off on you way too much.”

Her brow arches.

“Fucking hell,” I groan. He’s definitely over-influencing her with his gutter sense of humour. I have to think about what to say that might not be a double entendre. Instead, I sniff the rich coffee aroma in the cup I’m holding.

“Today we had group chat.”

“Who?” I ask as the car pulls away. Jack and Dylan exit the building, noting the SUV. I’m sure Declan has transportation sorted for them. Might not be as fucking awesome as this, but they’re not stranded.

“Girls. It is called People I Tolerate. It’s perfect and true.”

I am so confused right now. It must be clear on my face because she rolls her eyes like I’m a child.

“They are girlfriends of the band.”

“Oh,” I nod, still unsure what she is getting at.

“Adrestia is part of group.”

My eyes widen. I’d seen her swapping numbers with them, but being a part of their group chat? She’d not mentioned that to me, although we haven’t spoken since the other night. I wonder what she’s told them. Did she tell them about what happened between us?

“Not talk about you,” Alessa says with a shake of her head, her purple tips grazing her shoulders. She’s dyed them again, so they’re a lot brighter than they were the other day. “Jenna would interrogate her but was banned before we invited her to join. Girl is obsessed with romance,” she says, with a touch of disgust.

“Wanna get to the point?” I suggest.

“I like her. She is smart, solid. Riley asked about her. She wants to know if you are dating.”

My jaw clenches. What is with everyone wanting to know what I’m doing with Adrestia? First Ciro, now this. And Riley is asking questions?

“Adrestia is tight-lipped. Tak, is good, but I want you to tell me.”

“Alessa, this is really none of your business. What Adrestia and I do is nothing to do with you or Riley or anyone else.”

“Everything my business.”

“Er, since when?”

She waves her hand. “I like her.”

“What did you tell Riley?” I avoid answering her question.

I don’t know what we are. We’re not dating. We’ve shared a few kisses, and came close to more the other night. I want to see where it goes, but I don’t want to share that with everyone. Certainly not all these gossiping women in her group chat.

“I tell her nothing,” she says, looking down at her lap.

For the first time, Alessa seems unsure of herself. She is friends with Riley. This whole thing has caused conflict in their relationship. Not because of me. Ciro has most likely been in her ear as well. Alessa has her own mind. Only she can decide if she wants to remain friends with Riley and I won’t influence that. Or make her feel bad if she wants to continue. Like I’ve said a million times before, we still have to work together. Fractured isn’t an option.

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