Page 109 of Snared

Bash laughed. “Man, you really are sisters.”

“We’re here,” Josh said from the front seat, turning around to face us for the first time.

Well, for the first time that I’d noticed.

Not that I’d had my eyes trained on him the entire time. I’d looked out the window for part of the ride, obviously.

Jax pointed a finger at Josh. “CH, you better be on your best behavior tonight.”

“Oh, fuck off, Ellie,” Josh said.

“Who’s Ellie?” Jules asked.

We all burst out laughing. I’d never told Jules about my epic nickname for Jax. It was something I held over the man, but I always kept it in the band.

Even if he had no problem spouting our stupid nicknames all over the place.

“Well, you see,” Bash started.

“Don’t you fucking dare,” Jax said.

“But she’s family,” Tristan said, tutting at Jax. “So, right after Charlie joined the band, Jax was being his obnoxious self, and someone mentioned Jax’s middle name. It’s Elbert, by the way. And Charlie immediately went to Ellie. Jax obviously hates it.” Tristan paused. “I don’t even know why we’ve kept it in the inner circle. He hasn’t done the same courtesy.”

“Ellie. Ooh, that’s hysterical. I love it, a Lots,” she said, flashing me a wink.

“Don’t you dare,” I warned, but it looked like the weird phrase had gone over Jax’s head since he was so annoyed at me.

“Do not call me that. But, now that you know, you are part of our inner circle. No leaving. We’ll seal it with a kiss,” he said, leaning toward her.

Jules put her hand over Jax’s face and gently shoved him back. “I’ll pass.”

Tristan and Bash shook their heads at Jax, and I couldn’t help but laugh.

“Anyone getting out?” Josh asked, interrupting us. Back to ruining the fun.

“Cool your jets, CH. We’re bonding with Charlie’s sister,” Jax said.

“Sounds like she doesn’t want to bond with you, Ellie,” Josh replied.

“Ouch, CH. So grumpy,” Jax said.

Josh stepped out of the front passenger side of the car and the rest of us piled out of the back. Thankfully, we were at the club’s back entrance, and we hadn’t mentioned to anyone where we were going tonight, so the paps weren’t out in full force. I wasn’t in the mood to act lovey with Josh for the cameras.

Was I being irrational in my anger? Was I looking for reasons to call this off? I had never wanted to be in a position to question a man’s feelings for me again. I knew that.

Been there. Done that.

Did not want the T-shirt.

Jules linked her arm through mine as we followed the guys into the club.

“You need to talk to him,” she whispered.

“What? Can’t hear you. So loud,” I replied.

She pinched me.

“Lotte, you need to talk to him and you know it. Don’t go hunting for problems that aren’t there.”

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