Page 44 of Snared

“Absolutely. And if one more person has something negative to say about our kick-ass drummer, you can see yourselves out,” Tristan called out.

I bit the inside of my cheek, refusing to shed even one tear. Tristan wasn’t one to make a scene or big statement, but he was pissed.

Then Bash stepped in. “Let’s get one thing clear. Jamie was my best friend. We grew up together, started this band together, and while I hate that he’s gone, I know without a shadow of a doubt that he would respect the fuck out of Charlie’s skill. She is a world-class drummer and I’m tired of that being questioned. So if you have anything snide or negative to say about our Charlie, don’t let the door hit your ass on the way out.”

A few fans cheered, and some shuffled like they didn’t know how to respond. Emotion welled up in my chest at their words, and tears threatened to spill, but I sucked in a breath and smiled at them.

“I seriously have the best bandmates,” I said.

“But I’m your favorite, right?” Jax teased.

I rolled my eyes, grateful for the levity.

“How about we get back to signing stuff, huh?” Bash asked.

I settled back in my seat, breathing a sigh of relief as Josh stepped away from the table.

I would deal with that kiss later. I willed away the heat blooming in my chest from that kiss and focused on the next fan.

The rest of the meet and greet went about as well as could be expected. Some fans congratulated me on the show. On my nuptials. No nasty comments, but the looks were still there, and I could feel every move Josh made.

I couldn’t get back to the bus fast enough.

JOSH

What the fuck had I been thinking?

Kissing Charlie like a man possessed, a man in love—well, lust. Fucking hell. Now that I’d tasted her, I wanted to do it again and again. My cock was still pissed that it had ended. Jax cockblocked me again, but it was necessary.

I refused to adjust myself as we made the short walk to the bus, not wanting to draw more attention to my… issue. It was going to be a long night in that small bunk, knowing Charlie slept across the narrow hall from me.

Fuck.

“Well, that was a fun one,” Jax said, slinging his arm over my shoulder as we made our way through the parking lot. A few fans still loitered around, yelling out to the guys and Charlie, but the band just waved, and we kept walking. It’d been a long night for everyone.

“Loads,” I muttered.

Charlie walked in front of me with Tristan. She tried to look relaxed, but her shoulders were tight and there was a stiffness to her gait. I was familiar with strong and sure Charlie, not dejected and withdrawn Charlie. And as much as she didn’t particularly like me and we drove each other crazy, I would do everything to help her stay strong and sure. She’d earned her spot, no matter what anyone else said.

“I know it’s for show, but that kiss looked pretty real,” Jax said.

I shrugged off his arm. “It was for show and that’s all. The guy was a douche and, hopefully, that put him in his place,” I said.

“All I’m saying is the interweb is probably bursting with videos of that kiss. Be ready,” he said.

“I know, but it’ll die down eventually. And it was necessary, showed we’re in love as well as married,” I said, trying to reassure myself as well as him. This could not become an animal I couldn’t contain. I refused to let it. Everything about this ruse had to be strategic.

“Let’s hope. After all, it’s taking attention away from the true star of the show.” He paused as if waiting for me to answer, then added, “Me.”

I chuckled. “Yes. How dare we do that?”

“Glad you understand, CH. Also, if you hurt her, we will destroy you,” he replied calmly. Then he looked back, gave the fans one last wave, and followed Charlie and Tristan onto the bus.

I ignored the bit of hurt in my chest. While I hated the reminder that the guys would support Charlie first, I knew a united band was always the most important thing in this industry.

“What the fuck was that, Josh?” Charlie said when I stepped onto the bus.

“Duh, duh, duh,” Jax said.

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