Page 114 of Snared

“You had a lot to drink, and we stayed up in my room for hours until you finally went back to your room and probably passed out before he could say a word. So, doesn’t count.”

“That does sound familiar,” I said. “I was tipsy and tired. And hanging out with my favorite sister. You’re the most important.”

Jules laughed. “I’m your only sister.”

“Semantics,” I grumbled.

“So none of this is because you heard him basically say he wasn’t in love with you to Tristan last night.”

“Ouch.” I wished I hadn’t heard his comment about no one saying anything about love. “How the hell else was I supposed to take that?”

“Oh, I don’t know. Like maybe he was lying to get Tristan off his back because you guys are terrible at keeping your hooking up a secret?”

“We aren’t terrible at it.” I pouted.

Jules smirked. “Of course not.”

She put her hand on mine. “Look, I know that hearing Josh say that wasn’t great and that you guys are so up in the air at least partially because before this tour started you only tolerated each other. Although I personally think it was more that he liked you and you tolerated him.”

“He did not like me. I was a gimmick for the band.”

“You were never a gimmick, Lotte. Even Josh never truly believed that.”

“And how do you know all of this? It’s not like you’ve been able to spend extensive time with us.”

“Because if you were a gimmick, he would’ve pushed harder on the ‘Steelwolf and their female drummer’ narrative and he never did.”

“Okay, fine.”

“Not once.”

“Yeah, I got it.”

“I know this relationship started in an unconventional way, but do you honestly think you could go back to how it was before? You know, before you fell in love with him?”

“What time is your plane again?”

Jules chuckled. “I know you have trust issues, but I firmly believe that you can trust him. He’s different, Lotte. I could see that in the short time I’ve been here watching the two of you together. The truth might be hard, but don’t walk away from him because of what you overheard. You need to talk to him, shove aside your nerves, and tell him you love him.”

“It’s definitely too soon for any love talk. We’ve only been married for a little while.” I paused. “Yes, I know how weird that sounds.”

“Don’t let your personal fears or worries about how the outside world will view you control you. At the end of the day, the guys love you, you’re a full member of the band and not going anywhere, and you fell in love with your manager. I get that it’s not ideal, but love is messy,” she said.

“What about you? Any messy love to report?” I asked.

“Nope, no changing the subject. This is all about you. And like I have time to date. I spend all of my waking hours in the ER,” she said.

“I’m so proud of you, Jules,” I said.

“Again, no subject changes. And I’m proud of you too, a lot, Lots.” She grinned after that.

“Thank you for not outing that nickname in front of Jax. The man is relentless,” I said.

“He’s something, that’s for sure.”

I pointed my fifth beignet at her. “Don’t you dare think any dirty thoughts about that man.”

“Have you seen him?”

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