Page 194 of Five Summers

I keep my eyes fixed on Theo as he studies the photo, half expecting a playful remark from him about Poppy. It’s his way of playfully trying to provoke a reaction.

“You know, you once said you never really noticed Poppy until you got to know her. That’s crazy, man. She’s absolutely stunning. I definitely would have noticed her,” Theo comments.

"You notice everything that walks on two feet," Ace points out. “Poppy went unnoticed in school. We were more into hooking up with the easy girls. And then Xander just stopped. You know, I always had a feeling something was going on between you and Poppy, but I wasn’t sure what it was back then.”

“I know you did. I didn't say anything because I wasn't sure what it was.” Theo hands me my phone. “So, what’s been happening while I was gone?” I ask. “Kit messaged me to let me know that we have a new band manager.”

The three guys exchange a look as if silently communicating with each other.

“What?” I ask, but before anyone can respond, there’s a knock on my door.

“I’ll get it,” Theo says, hastily getting up from the couch, as though he’s trying to avoid answering my question.

“Can someone please tell me what the fuck is going on?”

The door opens, and I hear a female voice. “Good, everyone’s here.”

Stepping inside I see a tall woman wearing six-inch heels, a tight-fitting dress, cleavage spilling out over the top, and her long red hair cascading down over her large tits. While she is undeniably attractive, but her heavy makeup is not to my taste. I prefer the natural look that my princess possesses. Scanning the room, her eyes lock on me, and with confidence, she strides over.

I can't help but notice the way her eyes slide over me like a predator sizing up its prey.

“Oh, great! We finally have the chance to get to know each other. I’m Veronica. But you can call me Ronnie,” she says, pausing for a moment in front of me. Then, she turns her attention towards the couch where Theo has just settled back down. “I guess you could say that I’m already acquainted with some of the other band members. Well, at least two of them,” she adds.

I glance over to see Ace is purposely not making eye contact with her. He focuses his attention on everything else but her. It’s clear he’s already fucked her. Similarly, I notice Theo’s not flirting or saying anything offensive, which leads me to believe that he, too, has already crossed that line.

She turns her attention to me again, staring up at my face. “Wow, it's no wonder women are obsessed with you.” She reaches out her hand and gently glides her finger down my chest, pausing halfway. “You truly are a looker, aren’t you? And that mouth of yours, I bet it can do some amazing things.”

Who the fuck is this woman? “Remove your finger now before I fucking break it,” I warn her.

She keeps her finger there, testing my limits.

"What the fuck do you want?" I say, shoving her hand away.

She smirks, like it's all just a fun game to her. If this bitch was a dude, he'd get punched in the face for trying to mess with me like this.

“Now that you’re done playing house, we need to talk,” she declares, turning away. Her smart-ass comment really pisses me off.

All the guys immediately glance my way. Right before I can tell her to fuck off out of my room, Nate speaks up.

“You don't know shit about anything, so shut your mouth. I’ve already told you we don't need a band manager,” he says, shooting Ace a look, who stays silent.

Don’t tell me he’s back to being a pussy again like he was with Reg.

When she sits on the armrest next to Nate, he jumps up and shifts to the end of my bed, like he's trying to put some distance between them. His behavior makes me wonder if it was just Theo who fucked her.

“We have sound check in a few hours,” she says, her eyes once again checking me out.

“Yeah, we’re aware. This ain’t our first fucking gig,” I tell her.

“You’re a feisty one, aren’t you?” she remarks with a grin. “I like that.”

“Is there anything else? If not, then get the fuck out of my room," I say, opening the door for her to leave.

She gets up and strolls over, not taking her eyes off my face. “You’ll come around. They always do. Just ask your bandmates," she smirks, her hand skimming over my chest as she walks out.

Closing the door behind her, I walk back into the room and halt in front of the couch. “What the fuck happened while I was away?”

“It’s great to have you back, man,” Nate responds.

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