Page 43 of Forever Flames: Padraig & Stevie
“She was heartbroken,” I add. “Now, it’s turning…”
Connor narrows his eyes. “Turning how?”
“I’m getting a vibe,” I admit.
Liam clicks his teeth. “Vibe my ass. Call it like it is. She gets nowhere with me so she’s now shifted to you.”
“No.” I blink. “She hasnot. SheknowsI’m essentially married to Stevie.”
Connor sits back. “Actually, Liam, I see what you mean.”
“What the fuck.” I flush. “I haven’t encouraged it.”
“Don’t act naive. You comfort her when she’s spiraling.” Liam flips me off. “You fawn all over her. Tell her she’s amazing every show. When Stevie told us she wasn’t coming on the tour, the woman lit up like a candle.”
“Fuck you,” I seethe. “You treat her like absolute shit. She’s ourbandmate. A singer who we can’t get by without. I’m trying to hold it together. Because if she quits—”
Liam squares up to me. “You’re an idiot. She’llneverquit. We’re the best thing she’s got going and if you don’t put her in her place she’ll cling harder. Would you want Stevie to see how she ‘accidentally’ seems to always fall asleep on your shoulder in the van?”
“Whoa, that’s not good.” Connor looks between us. “And, she’s not the reason Fireball works. You two are.”
“She’s got a great voice,” I argue, annoyed that my brothers are ganging up on me. “The crowd loves her.”
“Because her tits are hanging out. She’s doesn’t write. She doesn’t manage. She contributes nothing but decent vocals.” Connor leans forward. “In the five seconds I’ve known her, she seems like drama.”
I glance at Liam. “Well, so is he.”
Liam grins.
Connor nods curtly. “The difference is, you can trust him with your life.”
I hang my head because I know he’s right. Felicity has been a bit more clingy lately.
“Speaking of trusting with your life.” Connor juts out his chin. “How’s Stevie?”
The breath I take is a little too deep. “She’s good. We’re good. She loves her program. Switzerland’s intense but she’s thriving.”
Liam quirks his lip.
“So, if I’ve got this right.” Connor’s gaze burrows into mine. “For the next few months, your girl lives in the Alps with some of the most eligible hospitality guys around the globe while you hole up in Pullman with a fame-obsessed vocalist who screwed your twin and probably is turning her attention to you?”
I tense. “I trust her.”
“I’m not worried about Stevie.” Connor crosses his arms.
Liam chuckles.
“Felicity has been part of Fireball all year,” I protest. “Lay off.”
“I’m not telling you to fire her, Padraig. I’m warning you to set your own boundaries. You’re always the caregiver.” Connor holds up his hand when I open my mouth to protest. “Say no to her. Don’t indulge. Let her unravel without taking her side against your brother.”
Shit. Is this what I’ve been doing?
Liam folds his arms. “Con, it’s fine. Padraig has a kind heart and Linus keeps her in check.”
“You sure?” Connor looks pointed. “Because she’s still living with you. Holding on to whatever she can.”
“Here’s my take.” Liam rubs the back of his neck. “She’s not a long-term solution. Being Fireball’s singer isn’t going to be enough for her.” He glances at me, then back at Connor. “When she joined the band, we were excited and invited her to live atour house, so we could write and practice. In hindsight, it was a huge mistake because we can’t really kick her out.” He huffs out a breath. “God, I hate my sex drive sometimes. It’s created a dynamic we can’t shake.”
