Page 59 of Claimed By the Band

"Well," I say, closing my laptop with perhaps more force than necessary, "I should probably get back to work. Gotta get somewhere with public Wi-Fi. Thanks for the coffee."

I grab my things, trying not to notice the way Asher's face falls or how Knox's expression softens with something that looks dangerously like understanding.

"Alex," Asher calls as I reach the door. "We're ordering breakfast soon. You should join us. I'm sure whatever it is could wait while you eat some actual food."

I hesitate, my hand on the doorknob. It would be so easy to say yes. To stay, to let myself be drawn into their world just a little bit more.

But Knox's words echo in my head. He's right to be worried about Asher getting hurt. Because no matter what happens, no matter how this ends,someoneis going to get hurt.

And it can't be him. I won't let it be him.

"Maybe next time," I say softly, and slip out the door before I can change my mind.

23

ASHER

Ilean against the wall outside the hotel suite, taking a deep breath before entering. Two days. That's all I have left before the PheroMaster party, and then Alex will probably disappear like smoke. Again.

My plans to seduce him are going about as well as trying to charm a particularly skittish cat. Every time I think I'm making progress, he bolts. Dante and Silas think it's hilarious, which just makes me more determined.

I push open the door, and there he is, hunched over his laptop at the kitchen counter like always. His shaggy brown hair falls into his face as he types, intently focused on the screen, and I have to resist the urge to brush it back. He'd probably leap out the window if I tried, let alone if he had any idea about all the other things I want to do to him.

"Hey stranger," I say, keeping my voice light and casual. Like I haven't been planning this conversation for the past hour.

Echo glances up, those dark eyes wary but not unfriendly. "Hey. Any news about the party?"

"Actually, I wanted to talk to you about tonight's show," I say, sliding onto the barstool next to him. Not too close—I've already learned that lesson the hard way. "I was thinking maybe you'd like to come? Backstage passes and everything. You can hide in the shadows and I'll make sure the crew knows not to bug you."

He snorts, but I catch the ghost of a smile playing at his lips. "I don't do well in crowds."

"That's why I said backstage," I point out. "You'll have your own private area, away from everyone. Plus, it might be good research. You know, to see how venue security works from the inside?"

Echo raises an eyebrow. "Are you trying to manipulate me with my work?"

"Is it working?" I grin.

"You're ridiculous," he mutters, but there's fondness in his tone that makes my heart skip a beat.

"Come on," I wheedle, channeling my puppy dog eyes. "It'll be fun. And if you hate it, you can leave whenever you want. No questions asked."

He hesitates, fingers drumming on his laptop. "I really should keep working on these financial records..."

"The records will still be there tomorrow," I say. "When's the last time you actually went to a concert? For fun?"

The way his expression shutters immediately tells me the answer is probably never. Now Ihaveto convince him.

"Look," I say, softening my voice. "I know you're not big on social interaction. But you've been cooped up in this hotel for days, staring at screens. One night of live music and mostly fresh air won't kill you."

Echo's lips twitch. "No promises on that."

"I'll even throw in free snacks," I offer magnanimously. "And I promise none of the alphas will even try to talk to you. Well, except maybe Dante, but he's physically incapable of not being friendly."

That earns me an actual laugh, small but genuine. The sound makes my chest warm in a way I probably shouldn't examine too closely.

"You're not going to let this go, are you?" he asks, resignation creeping into his voice.

"Nope!" I say cheerfully. "I can keep this up all day. I'm very persistent when I want something."

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