Page 135 of Tortured Tones

No matter how hard and loud I played, thoughts of Ava wouldn’t stop hurtling through my head. I couldn’t get the ache out of my chest. Nor the acid out of my veins.

After sound check, we showered, ate and met fans during the meet and greet.

We hit the stage just after nine p.m.

I needed the crowd.

I needed that rush of adrenaline playing gave me.

I needed to drum Ava out of my system.

The screaming fans fed the fire in my soul but not the one in my heart. That was dead.

At the end of the show, I summoned a big smile and waved to the crowd. I hooted and hollered. I’d never forget why I was there. I’d never take this tour for granted. I’d given the show my all.

But I was spent.

To a sea of applause and praise, I rushed off stage with Lewis, Flint, and Slip, cheering and riding the high. But the minute after we’d showered, changed, and hit the after-party, the crash hit, pressing down against my shoulders, building pressure in my head, and weighing down on my chest.

Was Ava okay? Had she made it home yet? Would she ever forgive me for messing up her chances to get Josh?

No . . . probably not. Definitely not.

I grabbed a bottle of vodka, sank onto the dirty old sofa, and drank.

Music blared. VIP guests laughed and bustled around us, taking photos. I smiled when needed, but my mind was elsewhere. I just wasn’t in the mood to party. Damn. That wasn’t like me. I’m totally screwed.

A sexy brunette slid onto the seat beside me, brushing her boobs against my arm. Her dress was shorter than a tank top. “Hi. I’m Kimmy.”

“Kimmy. I’m Cole. Nice to meet you.” God, I’m not in the mood for this.

“You shouldn’t be sitting here by yourself. Want to come dance?”

“Maybe some other time.”

“We could do something else that’s fun.” She slid her hand up my thigh.

I caught it and gently pushed it away. “Sorry. But I’m not feeling well.”

“I’d be happy to make you feel better.”

I bet she would. But not even my dick gave a shit. “No thanks.”

“You sure?”

“Very.”

“Oh.” Disappointment and shock flitted across her brown eyes. It wasn’t often that I didn’t live up to my reputation, but I hadn’t been with any other woman other than Ava for weeks...months...and I hadn’t missed them. Kimmy threw me a saucy grin, as if she were intent on not giving up. “I’m over there with my friends if you change your mind.” She took off, twinkling her fingers at me.

Change my mind? I’d lost my fucking mind, that was what. That chick was hot. Damn hot. But all I wanted was Ava.

Fuck. This. Shit.

I was out of there.

I gave Beckett the signal.

After grabbing a bottle of vodka, I veered toward the door. Without breaking my stride I passed the guys who were talking to some fans and waved. “I’m outta here.”

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