Page 40 of Hollow Heart

“Excuse me, what’s going on here?” My guide, a sweet, young woman who, in my opinion, is far too cheerful to be working this late at night, asks a passing worker.

I can’t help but glance back and forth between her and the man in her line of vision, and for a moment I fear for him.

Tiny and sweet as she is, she looks like she could kill him.

“There was a complaint about something in the ducts, we investigated and found a small family of raccoons.”

Raccoons?

“You do realize we have a show to put on...” she growls, her eyebrow twitching.

The man in question crosses his arms, unfazed by my guide’s rising anger.

“Noted. I was told to block off this room until we’ve trapped all the raccoons. So, I suggest whatever it is you need to do, you do it somewhere else.”

I can feel the tension rising, so I do the only thing I can think of.

I step in.

“It’s fine, I don’tneeda dressing room. I’m already dressed, anyway,” I quip, trying to joke and lighten the mood as my guide’s phone goes off.

She shoots a glare at the raccoon handler, then back at me before tapping away furiously on her phone.

“Not to worry, Mr. McKay. We’ll just have to stick you in with your bandmate until show time.” She says the words as if they are a punishment, rather than a solution, and I sigh, knowing it’s best not to fight.

I follow her through the winding halls, down corridors, until we come to another dressing room. The sign outside the door readsFelix Hart.

“I do apologize for the inconvenience,” she says, looking at me with big eyes that pray I won’t complain to her boss.

I reach out and pat her shoulder lightly, offering her a soft smile. “Shit happens. I promise, it’s fine. Don’t worry.”

Something in her gaze shifts at my words and she nods. “Th–thanks. Felix’s room should be stocked to his preferences, but if there is anything you need?—”

“I’ll call. Really, I’m fine. I don’t need much,” I assure her, and this seems to do the trick as she smiles, taking her leave.

I rap my knuckle on the door, but I don’t hear anything.

Maybe Felix isn’t here yet.

I open the door, slipping in, and immediately regret it.

I close the door fast, with a slam, as I am met with the sight of Felix. In his fuckingunderwear.

His long, lithe frame on full display, including the left and right loops of the infinity symbol that curl from beneath his hips, is like a train wreck.

I can’t look away, nor can I stop the curse that falls out of my mouth.

“Jesus Christ, Felix, put some fucking clothes on.”

Felix laughs, and the sound is some cross between haughty and lighthearted.

“What’s the matter, Duncan? Does my immaculate form make you self-conscious?” he taunts.

I scoff at his overconfidence.

I wouldn’t call Feliximmaculateby any means. The man could use a cheeseburger or two...

“Don’t flatter yourself,” I bite back as I begin to make my way to the couch, but Felix stops me by getting in my way.

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