Page 41 of Snared

“Give me some credit. I’m actually highly intelligent,” Jax boasted.

“Highly annoying is what I think you mean,” I said.

“Oh, Spidey. I only have your best interest at heart.”

“I know, I know,” I said.

“Okay,” Josh said, shifting into manager mode. “Quick clean up, then meet and greet, then back on the bus.”

Thirteen hours cooped up on the bus to get to Seattle was not what I wanted to do right now. But at least I wouldn’t have to pretend to be in love with anyone for a while.

I’d never dreaded a meet and greet like I did this one. That line of fans was going to work their way through all of us, and I knew none of them wanted to comment on my drumming skills, no matter how much Jax had tried to sell our love match on stage.

“It’ll be fine,” Tristan murmured as he sat down next to me.

“You’re sweet, but this is gearing up be a train wreck,” I said.

“I’ll punch them out, every last one of them, if they insult you,” Jax piped in.

Tristan knocked him on the back of the head. “They will be respectful or we’ll call security over and kick them out. We don’t need you causing any more drama.”

I sighed. “I’m sorry for this drama.”

“No, Charlie, not you. Don’t even worry about it. We’ve dealt with all sorts. Hell, we’ve had this yahoo as a band member for years. Think of all we’ve survived with him. This is nothing in comparison.”

“Hey! How many times do I have to tell you that I’m a goddamn treat and you know it?” Jax said with mock outrage.

“Maybe if it’s a treat that’s stayed out too long and gone bad,” Bash said.

“Outrageous. Where’s the respect? The love?” Jax said.

“We love you,” two female fans called out from across the room, on the other side of a rope separating us from the fans.

“Love you too, ladies,” he yelled back with a wink.

“Gross. But I appreciate you all taking my mind off this mess,” I said, grateful that they were in my corner and not epically pissed at me like they were at Josh.

“Anytime, Spidey.”

“Terrible nickname,” I said.

“The option of Mrs. CH is still on the table if you prefer,” he said.

“If you want to walk out of here without your balls, sure,” I growled.

Jax winced, cupping his hands over his crotch. “Reading you loud and clear, Spidey.”

“Everything good over here?” Josh asked, stepping up behind Tristan.

“Yep. Ready to greet some fans and get back on that bus. I’m beat,” Bash said.

“Yep. All set,” I said, not looking at Josh. I could feel him at my back. The heat. His scent. My entire body was conflicted when it came to this man.

My husband.

I was still having trouble with that title, but maybe if I kept drilling it into my head, I wouldn’t slip up and out us.

“Great. We’ll make it quick and then get out of here. It’s been a long few days,” he said.

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