Page 87 of My Silver Lining

“Looks like they need to pack their shit up and head on out of town,” Rafe said, as he high-fived and shook hands with the three officers before introducing them to me.

“You guys go on in and enjoy yourselves. The rock star is here, and he’s not happy that the photographers aren’t allowed in with their gear. I reminded him this is a bar, not a damn reality show. Jazzy’s inside, and she’ll let us know if there’s any trouble,” Ben said as we made our way to the door.

Once inside, country music boomed. The dance floor was packed, and I quickly scanned the space. Henley hurried my way, and I spotted Beckett signing a woman’s cleavage near thebar. His band members weren’t with him, but he had his security team nearby.

Rafe leaned down, his lips grazing the edge of my ear as he spoke. “Do not leave my side. If he wants to talk to you, he does it with me present. We’re a team, Lulu. I’ve got you.”

I’ve been a lone wolf, aside from my best friend, for most of my life, but surprisingly, his words didn’t make me panic.

They comforted me.

twenty-three

. . .

Rafe

I noticedBeckett tracking her the moment we walked through the door. His eyes found mine quickly, and I didn’t look away. Lulu and I made our way to the back table where Easton, Henley, Bridger, and Clark were sitting. There were a few women hanging on my two single brothers, per usual, but they were all watching me.

They knew that a situation was about to go down, and there was no doubt they’d have my back.

But I wasn’t worried at all.

I wasn’t intimidated by some Hollywood pop star, nor did I give a shit if he wasn’t happy.

I cared about Lulu.

It was that simple.

Jazzy walked over and handed me a beer and Lulu a glass of chardonnay, as Easton and Henley had clearly ordered for us, knowing we’d need a drink when we arrived.

“I don’t have a good feeling about this guy.” Jazzy leaned down when she set my drink down. “I’m pretty good at reading people, and he seems to be itching for a fight.”

“I think you’re probably right. If he starts anything, I promise you, I’ll take him outside.”

“Thanks, Rafe. Ben’s got a few officers outside on standby. We’re sending out some burgers to keep them happy for now,” she chuckled.

I nodded, my gaze tracking Beckett and his entourage as he moved in our direction.

“Long time no see, Lulu,” the asshole said as he approached our table. “Can we talk for a minute?”

“It’s Valentine’s Day, and I’m here with my boyfriend, so I don’t want any drama. If you want to talk, he comes with me. If you start anything, we’re walking out the door,” she said.

My girl didn’t show any trace of concern, and I was impressed.

“You’re going to have some random fucking dude sit in and listen to our conversation?” he said as he gripped the edge of the table as if he were about to flip it. Three large men stood behind him, and if I were reading them correctly, they appeared uncomfortable that their job was to protect some asshole who liked to pick fights with people he didn’t stand a chance against.

My chair slid back against the wood floor, making a loud screeching sound, and I stood. My hand found Lulu’s shoulder as she remained in her chair. “Don’t fucking speak to her that way again. If you want to have a conversation, let’s step to the back of the room and have a private conversation. If you raise your voice or flip this fucking table, the conversation ends, and you will be escorted out of here.”

“You’re going to escort me out of here,” he said, a cocky smirk on his face.

I leaned forward, my face just inches from his. “You’re in my town, Beckett. You’ve got your three guys, but I’ve got three brothers ready to jump in and a bar full of locals who I grew up with, along with several police officers outside, just waiting tokick your ass out of here. So stop acting like a child, say what you need to say, and then move the fuck along. There’s no issue here if you don’t make one.”

He glanced around, thinking it over. He was smaller than I expected. Somewhat sickly looking, if I was being honest.

“Fine. Let’s go sit in the back and have a fucking conversation,” he hissed before turning to Lulu. “It’s the least you owe me.”

“I owe you nothing,” Lulu’s voice was hard. “You have made my life a fucking nightmare just to keep your name in the press when you aren’t touring. It’s pathetic. But sure, let’s go have yetanotherconversation.”

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