Page 76 of Fractured Frets

Slip winced. “I have once or twice . . . but that’s it.”

The hairs on my arms stood on end. Was he lying? I wasn’t around him often enough to know the truth.

“Slip? Don’t bullshit me.” Flint’s voice cut through the air, hard and fast.

The tension firing between the two guys was like a fuse wire burning toward a big bomb. None of it was good.

“I’m not lying,” Slip snarled as he sat upright next to me. “You know my hip’s injured again. Jade has me on oxy to manage the pain. Last night, I couldn’t wind down, so I took something to sleep.” He splayed his hand across his chest. “I love that you’re concerned. I honestly mean that. So, thank you. But I’m fine.”

Flint’s gaze seemed to burn into Slip’s. He sucked in a hard breath and let it out slowly. The tension ticking in his jaw seeped into my pores. I felt it in my bones. My chest. My soul. I was just relieved and thankful Slip was okay. Now if my pulse would return to normal and my mind would stop racing, I’d be alright too.

“Are you going to make it through tonight’s show?” Flint’s shoulders slumped two inches. Weariness washed across his chiseled face.

“Yes.” Slip gave him a curt nod. “I’m gonna make it through them all.”

“Then take it fucking easy.” Flint took a small step forward. “You don’t have to jump around like a madman every night, or any night, for that matter. If your hip is causing you too much pain, stop aggravating it. Stop dancing and partying so much at our after-parties. Get some rest.” He slapped the center of his chest. “I worry about you. I worry about everyone. We’re all tired and rundown. We only have two and a half months of the tour left. Please...be more careful. Look after yourself. ”

“I am.” Slip dipped his chin. But then he smirked and pointed toward the door. “Now, if I’m forgiven, I love you, but get the fuck out of my room so I can catch up with my wife.”

“Fine.” Flint’s lips twitched, morphing from a sneer into a barely there smile. He turned to me. “Mads, keep an eye on him.”

Me? I clenched my hands and gripped the side of the mattress. Flames shot through my system. “I will. But you should too,” I snapped, not liking the bite in my tone. “You need to take care of each other. You’re family. You’re around him every day—I’m not.”

Walking into the room and finding Slip flaked out on the bed had scared me. That had hit too close to home.

I’d been fourteen when Mom was diagnosed with lupus. Sixteen when I’d come home to find her passed out on the sofa from taking too much Xanax and drinking too much wine. Eighteen when I’d rushed her to emergency with an uncontrollable fever. She was always popping pills. Washing them down with bottles of wine. I didn’t have the strength to deal with another person I cared about being addicted to prescription medication and alcohol.

“I will.” Flint nodded.

“I don’t need a fucking babysitter,” Slip hissed.

“Looks like you do.” Flint grunted, then stormed out of the room.

The heavy door clicked shut. I slouched on the edge of the bed.

“Fuck.” Slip fell onto his knees in front of me. He shuffled between my knees and wrapped his arms around me. His body trembled against mine. “I’m so sorry. I didn’t mean to frighten you.”

My heart beat so fast I couldn’t think straight. I knotted my fingers into his thick hair and clasped onto a handful as I pressed my forehead against his. “I never want you to do that again. You hear me?” I gave him a gentle shake. “I don’t want to find you dead. I didn’t sign up for this shit, Slip. If you need help, ask. You can tell me anything. Just don’t ever fucking lie to me. I understand you need meds to help with the pain, but please be careful. You’re on strong shit. Don’t end up like Mom...or Phil.”

He shook his head. “I won’t. I admit last night wasn’t good. I just needed some sleep. But I won’t need anything now you’re here. Everything is right when you’re with me. Please, trust me.”

“Don’t give me a reason not to.”

“I won’t.” He brushed his fingertips down my jawline. For a couple of breaths, I just took him in. He seemed to do the same to me. We touched each other. Held each other. My gaze didn’t leave his. Warm light returned to his eyes, reassuring me he was okay. He tucked my hair behind my ear. “God, you’re beautiful. Mio bel girasole. I’ve been counting down the days to seeing you. I’m not going to waste one second while you’re here.”

It was good to be there. With him.

“I don’t want to either.” I linked my hands behind his neck. “So please take it easy on stage. The fans are here for the music. The show. They’ll be happy you’re there. They’d sooner see you beside the other guys than not.”

He closed his eyes and swayed on his knees. “I won’t be a deadweight when we perform.”

“You don’t have to be one.” Placing my hands on his shoulders, I gave him a shake. “Walk instead of jump. Strut instead of run. And don’t leap off any risers like you did in London.”

Grinning, he nodded. “Okay. I promise.” Then he cradled my face and brushed his thumb across my lips. “But I don’t want to talk about meds or my hip or tonight’s show anymore. You’re here. I’ve missed you like crazy.”

“Yeah. Me too.” I drew his hands away from my face and entwined our fingers just so I could kiss him. I wanted to put this scary ordeal behind me. Have my pulse race for a different reason. “I need a shower after the long flight. You able to join me?”

“Sure can.”

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