Page 36 of Perfect Storm

“I love you,” I kiss her knuckles.

“I know,” she responds with a short laugh. “That’s a Star Wars reference.”

“I got that,” I laugh too, some of the tightness in my chest releasing.

“Good. And I love you too. Now, let’s finish these giant beers and go dance.”

“You wanna dance?” I raise a brow.

“It looks fun,” she waves a hand at the town people enjoying the festival all around us. “I know I’m a terrible dancer, but I don’t care. We’re in this beautiful town, surrounded by people who love us. I’m going to embarrass the hell out of you, but I will love every minute.”

“Me too.”

I finish my drink in record time, get up and grab her hand, pulling her out of her chair. She protests about not having finished her drink, but I don’t care. I’ll buy her another one.

I tug her behind me into the thick of the crowd, grab her hips, and press into her as we dance. Sheisa terrible dancer, so I hold her close, and we slow dance, despite the upbeat tempo of the band.

After that little pep talk, I lighten up and focus on enjoying myself.

As it’s getting later, Jordan talks our way on to the stage. We’ve opened for BreakNeck a few times but never played together. We blend seamlessly, jamming out to a few Rolling Stones and Aerosmith covers. The crowd love it and I forget about everything.

Being on stage is where I belong.

The sun has long gone down when we decide to call it a day and head back. Jordan has another party planned at the ranch, so we head to our rooms to clean up.

Adrestia is in the shower when my phone rings. It’s Declan. I haven’t been able to contact him for a couple of days. I’d wanted to discuss this with him and was a little pissed he’d been avoiding me.

“Hey,” I answer, sitting down on the bed. “Where’ve you been the last few days?”

“My friend was getting married. I told you I was heading out to Hawaii.”

“Shit, yeah I forgot. Hope it all went well.”

“It did. They got married in a volcano.”

“That’s pretty cool.”

“Yeah, but not exactly easy to walk to. Anyway, how are you all doing? Alessa told me you were heading away for the weekend.”

I explain where we are and what we’ve been up to.

“Good. I’m glad you are all relaxing, having some time away. Things are going to get real over the next few weeks. It’s gonna be busy.”

I frown and lean back on the bed, settling on the pillows. My feet hang off the side, I’m still wearing my boots and don’t want to dirty the bedding. “You realize what’s going on, right?”

“Of course I do. And I’ve been working on it,” he replies.

I should have known, even when he’s away, he never switches off. He’s been an amazing manager to us.

“Meaning?”

“Our lawyers are working on a gag order,” he sighs.

“Will that work?”

“I don’t know. The label will pay her off, if that is what it takes.”

I’m not sure I like that idea. She doesn’t deserve anything from us, least of all money. I tell Declan I don’t think he should do that. He’s silent for a moment.

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