Page 16 of Aria

When I'd first laid eyes on her, I was convinced she was just another bubble-headed fangirl who was pissing herself with joy from being on stage with us. I’d been surprised to discover that she was merely a woman who'd fallen under the love spell of my lusted-after lead singer.Devon had a way with the ladies—I’d seen plenty come and go, never to be heard from again.

But this was different. There was a light in Devon's eyes I hadn't seen before.

The girl was getting to him, and I didn’t fucking like it.Freeze Frame was the priority; the band came first, and I'd be damned if a pretty piece of tail got in the way of that.

My eyes fixated on her ass as she breezed through the bar's double doors before traveling down her long, milky white legs.

I supposed I wasn’t completely immune to her appeal.

Chelsie turned around at that moment, and I quickly cut my eyes away.

Caught.

“Don't worry, I'll just be a minute,” I said, exhaling a puff of smoke out through my nostrils.

"I wasn't worrying."

My lips pursed together as I gave her a tight smile.

Her appeal was fading fast.

Taking a final drag on the cigarette, I joined the group inside on the second floor and collapsed onto the plush couch, throwing my arms behind my head.I glanced around the room, my gaze settling on Devon, who was deep in conversation with the pesky blonde.They were cozied up on an obnoxious neon orange loveseat with Lisa sitting quietly beside them. Lisa was a pretty young woman with a mop of red curls and doe-like features. She was shy and reserved, but I decided that I’d probably sleep with her if given the opportunity.

Julia was headed down to the bar, her gold sequin minidress traveling dangerously high up on her bronzed thighs. Julia was also a gorgeous woman with sultry lips, raven hair and eyes, and a rack that could make any head turn.I was certainly looking forward to some fun between the sheets, but nothing more. I didn't do relationships… not anymore.

Blowing out a long breath, I returned my attention to Devon and Chelsie. What exactly were the lovebirds discussing? I decided to do what I did best—interrupt their conversation with a tasteless comment and piss Chelsie off. I couldn't risk the band being compromised with talk of marriage and children or whatever “white picket fence” garbage they were yapping about.

Before I could speak, Chelsie noticed me eyeing her and got the barb in first."Seriously, Noah, is there something you want to say to me?"

Challenge accepted.

"Easy there, killer," I breezed, throwing my hands up in surrender."I didn't say a thing."

Thinking about saying something didn't count.

Her gaze was icy. “All you've done since we got here is eye me down.I know the insult is just waiting on the tip of your tongue."

"You sayinsultas if I only had one," I shot back. Adrenaline was coursing through me at the prospect of a fight."You underestimate me."

"You’re unbelievable."

"Guys," Devon interrupted. "Can't you try to get along?Call a truce or something? I wanted this to be a chill night."

I stood from the couch and stepped over to her, plucking her empty glass from the table."Rum and Coke, right?"

The look on her face was priceless. I figured a sparring match was only going to dampen the mood, so I needed to find a new tactic to get Water Girl out of the picture.Maybe getting her so hammered she ends up puking all over herself by midnight would do the trick.

Bonus points for puking on Devon.

Chelsie narrowed her eyes at me."Why would you buy me a drink?"

I realized the honest version wouldn't be in my best interest, so I tried to be as charming as possible—my second best trait, following my proficiency in scathing sarcasm."Look, Devon is right. Let’s make a truce."

"Why the change of heart?"

"Why question it?Do you want your drink or not?"

She bit her lip, as if physically holding back a fiery retort. "Okay. Fine."

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