Page 68 of Sixty Days Of Summer

“And that is the problem,” Theo snaps.

“Seriously, Theo, what the hell did you expect Xander to say?” I shoot back. “He told me to stay the fuck away from Scarlet. Would you have walked up to him if he had a sister and told him who she was fucking?”

Theo swallows hard.

“Yeah, I thought not,” I press on, my voice steady. “Look, I know this shit looks fucked up. I swear to you, that I will never hurt her. I don’t want to do that kind of shit.”

He stays quiet, and I fucking hate that he’s not throwing me his usual bullshit. “Will you just fucking talk to me, asshole?”

“I don’t know what you want me to say, Ace. Look, she cares about you way more than you care about her. She made that perfectly clear.”

Fuck, this shit’s getting way too real. I’d give anything to see Theo back to his usual cocky self instead of this serious, hurt person before me. He needs something solid, something real—and I don’t know if I can pull that off. But fuck it, I’m gonna give it a go.

I take a deep breath, bracing myself to lay it all out for him. I’m not even sure what Scarlet’s told him, but this is what he needs to hear from me.

“I need you to listen to me without cutting me off. If you interrupt, I won’t be able to get through this, and it’s hard enough as it is.”

He crosses his arms over his chest, giving me that look of his—the one that says he’s clueless about where this is going.

“You know what it's like with me and chicks,” I say. “I just fuck them and walk away.” His jaw tightens, and I realize this isn't the best way to start. “But I swear, it’s not like that with Scar.” I pause, searching for the right words.

“Go on,” Theo says. At least he’s willing to listen now. But it’s tough to find the right way to say this, especially to someone like Theo, who’s been through the same shit and uses sex as a way to forget all the crap life throws at us.

“I don’t know how to explain it, but it’s just not about the sex with Scarlet.” I catch a glimpse of something in Theo’s expression—maybe he doesn’t want to hear about the sex part since he thinks of her like a sister. But I push on anyway. “I genuinely enjoy hanging out with her. Last week, we just chilled by a lake, talking about random shit. It’s not some game or a fling; it’s different. I get that you might not believe me, but it’s…” I let out a sigh. “I don’t fucking know, and I know it sounds fucked up coming from me, but it’s not just about a quick fix or getting off. It’s about being with her, really talking, and spending time together. I can open up to her about stuff that I can’t discuss with anyone else. I’m not asking you to just take my word for it, Theo, but I need you to at least give me a shot to prove it.”

He eyes me for a moment, his gaze sharp and unyielding. “You hurt her, Ace, and you’re dead to me.”

“I wouldn’t expect anything less,” I reply, appreciating his loyalty.

Chapter 24

Scarlet

I’m not sure what happened between Ace and Theo in the corridor earlier today, but lunch was at least somewhat more pleasant, despite a few tense moments. It’s been a good day, mostly spent with Ace, who’s been surprising me in ways I didn’t expect—like showing up at my door this morning. Usually, it’s me showing up at his hotel room, wondering what he’s doing.

Lately, he’s been more relaxed around me, despite all the stress with his mother. He’s opening up more about his problems in a way that feels easier than before. It’s good for him. He needs to let it out, and I’m glad he’s turning to me.

Every day, I fight the urge to tell him how I feel, holding back because I’m not sure how he’ll take it. Something’s shifted between us; it’s not just a quick hook-up anymore. The last time I heard him say it was just a quick fuck was at his place, and everything has felt different since then.

As I get ready in my room for tonight’s show, I can’t shake this thrill building up inside me. Stepping onto that stage feels like a jolt of pure energy, waking up a part of me I never knew existed. Back in my old band, playing to packed stadiums was nothing but a dream, and now, I get why the guys live for it. I know Nate misses that feeling—it’s obvious every time we talk. Even though I hate that he got hurt, I’m grateful he pushed me to take this gig.

I’ve had so many opportunities with this, but there’s still a nagging worry that once the tour wraps up, everything will go back to how it was—me out of a job, back to auditioning, only to find out they’re really just interested in what opportunities my brother can give their band. And, of course, there’s a voice whispering that after this Ace might fade into a distant memory.

For now, I’m focused on savoring every second, soaking up the energy of this incredible experience. Being part of something this big fills me with gratitude, and I’m determined to make the most of it while I’ve got the chance.

I open the door and am instantly caught off guard by the sight of Ace standing in the hallway, waiting for me. His eyes roam over me, as if he’s undressing me with his gaze. Just the thought of him stepping forward, pulling me back into the room, and losing ourselves like we did earlier today is almost overwhelming. There’s a fire in his look that sparks something primal—a raw, intense desire I’ve never felt with anyone else.

He steps closer, and the heat pooling in my pussy flares as he closes the distance and captures my mouth with his. The kiss isintoxicating, making me forget everything—even my own damn name.

“All I want to do right now is fuck you,” he growls, his words making me shiver as he grinds against me, feeling the hardness of his cock. It takes every ounce of my self-control not to beg him to take me right here right now. If he did, we’d definitely be late, and the last thing I need is to stir up more trouble with the band. We’ve already caused enough chaos just by being together, and the thought of them finding out we’re fucking around because we’re late is a risk I can’t take.

“Ace,” I whisper, letting my head fall back as he sucks on my neck. I close my eyes, losing myself in the sensation. “We need to go,” I murmur, trying to refocus on what really matters.

“In a minute,” he growls, his voice dripping with that sexy edge that makes it impossible to think. If I don’t step away now, my resolve will shatter.

I grip his chin, pulling his face toward mine. I see it in his eyes—the raw desire, the way he wants me, the way he’s desperate to fuck me. It’s all laid bare, and it’s almost too much to handle.

“You’re coming back to my room tonight, and I won’t take no for an answer,” I say, my voice firm and low.

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