Page 54 of Resist

“Don’t, I’m mad,” he warns.

“And so fucking cute,” I retort as I run my lips up his neck until I press them to his. “I love it when you’re possessive. It makes me hard as hell.”

“Pervert,” he sighs, but he relaxes in my arms, and when I kiss him again, he kisses me back. “I hate him.”

“I know,” I murmur. “I’ll deal with it.”

“Not alone, you won’t,” he says as he wraps his arms around my neck. “You don’t meet that bastard alone ever.”

“Whatever you say, baby,” I promise just as my phone rings in my pocket. I pull it out and wince when I see Po’s name.Answering, I put it on speaker as I keep Ryker trapped in my arms, so he doesn’t destroy any more poor defenseless devices.

“Have you seen social media?” he greets, his voice tense. “It is blowing up. People are speculating that he’s your boyfriend and that you’ve been lying to everyone so far. It’s going crazy. I’m going to release an official statement, but if this man keeps posting, it will ruin everything we have worked for. I need you to deal with it.”

“I know. I’m sorry?—”

“It’s not your fault, Fox, but just take care of it, okay? We can’t have anything ruin your band’s brand right now, especially with the postponed tour.” Po sighs. “I don’t mean to be snippy with you, but the label is breathing down my neck. If you need my help, let me know, okay?”

“I will, but I can deal with him. I promise,” I mutter.

“Good. I’ve already untagged you and made sure you aren’t following each other. I have to ask, Fox, should I prepare for a scandal?” he asks softly.

I glance at Ryker. He should, but not in the way he thinks. “No. Theo is my ex from years ago. I don’t know why he’s back now.”

“It’s normal, sadly. They come around when you have power and money, wanting a piece of it. Okay, let me know if you need our help. I’ll do damage control on my end.” He hangs up.

Sighing, I lean into Ryker. “I hate him right now.”

“He clearly wants your attention, so let’s not give it to him.” He holds out his hand. “Give me your phone.”

I do as he asks without pause, and he scrolls through it for a moment before hitting call and putting it on speaker. I wince when I see who he’s calling.

Theo answers on the second ring. “I wondered how long it would take for you to call me.”

Ryker raises an eyebrow at me, and I wince. “Why did you post it?”

“I wanted your attention. I got it, didn’t I?” he replies, something rustling in the background.

“Take the post down,” I demand.

“I will after you meet me. I’ll text you the address. See you in two hours.” He hangs up, and I look at Ryker.

“I’m coming with you,” he snaps as he hands my phone back. “I don’t trust him.”

“But you trust me?” I ask.

“Of course I do,” he replies as he kisses my cheek and steps past me, still holding the meat tenderizer, so I grab it and put it back.

“No weapons, okay?”

“Fine.” He points at me. “But if he fucks with you, I’m going to beat that stupidly handsome face, and I’ll enjoy it.”

“You’re scaring me, Ry,” I grumble, scrubbing at my head.

“Good, remember that,” he warns as he turns and stomps off, leaving me staring after him. My head drops back. Everything is such a mess, and I can’t imagine this is going to go well.

“Good luck.” I glance at the door to see Dash and Strike standing there. They give me two thumbs-up, and I wince.

“You’ll need it,” Dash comments with a laugh.

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