Page 11 of Diva Pop

“I could use some change,” Paul piped in.

The dead has arisen.

Crispin grunted. “This band could use some change.”

Jett could only imagine Crispin staring in his direction. He kept his eyes fixed on Silas, letting him handle the weasel. If nothing else, Silas didn't put up with any nonsense, and he’d already made it clear he expected everyone to adopt a ‘go team’ attitude.

Jett had to admit it was a huge improvement over Bob. His ex-manager had been completely useless when it came to keeping them all in line, employing his sharply honed ranting and raving skills instead.

Maybe the clusterfuck atmosphere they’d been laboring under would finally ease up. Hmm…that’s a change for good.

Jett’s rebellious little boy didn’t want to keep agreeing with Silas, yet he kept finding himself being pulled in that direction.

Silas didn’t appear too pleased with the peanut gallery comments, having gone from hands on hips to arms crossed with a wider stance. The picture of an army sergeant flashed through Jett’s mind, and he wondered if the stern manager had once been in the military. To Jett’s horror, his cock started firming up in his revealing shorts, so he folded his hands over his crotch.

“As a reminder, I need everyone to maintain a positive, forward-thinking attitude. If you have any questions or concerns, please speak with me privately. When we’re having a group meeting, you can ask for clarification the way Jett did, but random commentary isn’t appreciated.”

Jett sat up a bit straighter in his chair from the small compliment, a self-satisfied smile tugging at his lips. He tried to ignore the thought that was intruding on the special moment. How ridiculous was it to be so overjoyed because Silas had praised him? If he wasn’t careful, Silas would become the puppet master within their dynamic rather than Jett.

“All right, everyone. Take a quick break because Veronica will be here soon, and we’ll be jumping right in.”

Jett rose from his chair, struggling with whether he should approach Silas and bathe him with a dose of Jett charm. He needed to regain the upper hand before things got too out of balance. The more Jett fought his nervousness about speaking to Silas, the more irritated he became with himself. He’d never be on top if he was always weak-kneed with heart aflutter at the prospect of interacting with Silas.

Oh fuck.

Was he attracted to the guy for real? Jett huffed to himself. That was completely out of the question, not allowed and punishable by death. He’d never be the one in charge if he allowed himself to indulge in such inexcusable behavior.

Re-energized by his self-directed anger, Jett pushed aside all thoughts of how smoking hot, virile and strong Silas was, then sauntered over to where he sat with his iPad on the desk chair in the corner.

“Excuse me, Silas. Don't mean to bother you while you’re working, but I did want to apologize for my rude behavior last night. I took out all my frustration on you that I’ve been holding in from Bob’s horrible treatment of me, and that’s unfair. I do hope we can start fresh, the same way you said about the band.”

Silas peered up from his work. “Hardly unforgivable, but I do appreciate the apology. I think I’ve made it known that disrespect is one of the things I won’t tolerate.” He offered Jett a smile that came off perfunctory. “Is there anything else I can help you with?”

Jett stuffed down the rage over being so casually dismissed. Blowing up at Silas right after the mea culpa wouldn’t exactly help his cause.

“No, that’s all.” He tittered. “Better get back to work. Even though I got here earlier so I’d be nice and limber for rehearsal, I need to stay warmed up for Veronica’s arrival!”

Silas’ gaze flitted down to Jett’s legs then back up. He locked eyes with him. “Do you have a wrap or brace you can use for that knee?”

Jett almost choked on his tongue. “W-wrap? Why would I need a wrap?”

“I noticed you favoring your leg when you sat down, and again when you walked over here. From your history, I know that’s the reason you had to leave ABT. Is it still an ongoing issue?”

Jett’s mouth opened and closed like he’d lost the ability to breathe. He hadn’t even realized Silas was watching him when he approached. Damn, he’s good.

“Oh, uh…” He chuckled shakily. “Not at all. It’s totally fine. I make sure to rest it when I’m not rehearsing or performing.”

Silas arched his eyebrows. “Such as going out clubbing in heels?”

Jett snapped his jaw shut before the imminent hissy fit could ensue. He balled his fists then sucked in a deep breath through his nose. Silas’ blank expression did nothing to assuage his fury.

After daintily clearing his throat, he adopted the most syrupy tone he could muster under the circumstances. “I was upset after the shock I was subjected to earlier in the day. I assure you that now that the situation has been explained to me, I’m in a much better headspace.” Jett tried to keep his hands still but was failing miserably. “It won’t happen again.” When Silas didn’t so much as blink, Jett added, “And my knee is fine. Nothing will interfere with my performance. Nothing. I’m a total professional and you can count on me.”

“I’m pleased to hear it. Now go wrap your knee before Veronica gets here.”

A growl escaped Jett’s mouth before he could stop it. Silas glanced up from the tablet he’d gone back to using.

“Something else bothering you?”

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