Page 157 of Tortured Tones

“I like your negotiation tactics, Mr. Tanner.” She wriggled and pressed her hips against mine. “But no. Josh needs to finish the school year. Summer break isn’t far away.”

Ava had accepted our job offer yesterday. April was more over the moon than me...and I was fucking stoked...and doing my best to convince Ava to start sooner than the end of May. Unsuccessful to date. She was the perfect fit to help run our band. She’d get to be with her friends, old and new. And our kids loved hanging out together.

“A spare bedroom isn’t far away either.” I slid my hand around her waist then down onto her ass, and crushed her against me.

Flint glided past, holding Sutton’s hand, and veered into the kitchen. Sutton’s eyes were red and full of tears. Neither one of them was looking forward to being apart over the coming month. But Sutton would be joining us at the same time as Ava. Flint wrapped his arms around Sutton from behind. He rested his chin on her shoulder as they leaned against the counter. He threw me a sly grin. “I have not missed you having a girlfriend. I thought I was bad, but I forgot how much of a horny prick you are.”

“Hmm.” I lifted Ava onto the granite countertop and edged between her legs. “Insatiable.”

Ava blushed, covered my face with her hand, and pushed me away. “Okay, drummer boy. I love you, but enough.”

“Never.”

Flint’s cell phone buzzed. He pulled it out of his jeans pocket and scanned the message. “That’s Beckett. Slip is on his way.”

Reality slammed into my chest. It would only be four weeks until I saw Ava again, but that suddenly seemed like a long time. I touched my lips to hers and breathed her in. We were taking things slow-ish, one day at a time. But every day, I fell more and more in love with her. I’d loved uncovering her element of fun and putting a smile on her face. She wasn’t a hard-ass all the time. She was good for me. And I’d do my best to be the right man for her and treat her right.

The guilt I’d felt over losing Aidan, Priah, and Phil still lingered, but I didn’t let it consume me. Rather than dwelling on my mistakes, or letting them darken my mind, I had an opportunity to make more people’s lives better. People like Charlotte, Ava, Josh and Harper.

They depended on me. I’d never let them down.

I was in love and happy.

My family circle had grown. It humbled me that I’d been the glue that held and brought people together. My true family, blood or not, were my band, our partners, Charlotte and Josh, and my team. They had become my life. I’d always love and protect them with all my heart and soul.

We were The Flintlocks!

I was ready to tour.

The door crashed open. Slip stumbled and staggered inside. He slammed into the wall and sank onto the floor.

Fuck.

I rushed over and caught him underneath the arm. “Slip. What the fuck?”

My God. He reeked of alcohol, wasted and off his fucking nut.

“Let go.” He yanked free of my hold. He clambered to his feet and wobbled a few steps into the living room. “Sorry I’m late. But I made it. Let’s get the fuck out of here.”

“Slip?” Flint raced over to join us. Concern charged his voice. “It’s barely eleven in the morning. Why are you plastered?”

Pain and doubt and trouble swam through his eyes. He swayed on his feet, turned, and pointed a finger at Sutton. “This is all your fault?”

“Mine?” Sutton’s eyes widened as she ambled toward us. “What did I do?”

“I should’ve never listened to you.”

“What did I say?”

He tapped his fingers against his brow. “You got up in my head. That’s what.” He lowered his hand and closed his eyes. “Mads and I were happy in a messy but good way. Now it’s all turned to shit.”

“What’s happened?” I asked, standing beside him.

“We went to Vegas. Got drunk. Then this happened.” Agony speared his voice as he raised his left hand. A gold band shone on his ring finger. “We got fucking married.”

“You’re married?” Sutton shrieked.

“Wow! Congrats, dude. Crazy, but awesome.” I gave him a big hug but didn’t get one in return. I stepped back, and my heart shuddered at the sadness looming in his eyes.

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