Page 91 of Reverb
She wrapped an arm around his shoulder. “I’m sure Zavier wore him out dancing, that’s all.” She would notthinkof Ray being sick. Would not.
Zavier’s mouth quirked, as if he wanted to say more but thought the better of it.
She jostled David. “You’re not upset that your singing is out there on the internet, are you? Or...us?”
David bobbed his head side to side. “Not upset. It’s strange to hear my voice, though. Last time I heard a recording of my singing, I had a different range.” He sipped his coffee. “And I’m not upset at being seen kissing you.”
She laughed, despite the rock in her stomach. Someoneelsewas upset at David kissing her, but she wouldn’t let that fucker spoil all she’d worked for. Nor what she wanted. David was a gift that had emerged out of this mess—and she’d take that.
Another round of coffee for all of them led to a discussion of the perfect karaoke songs, until a raspy cough from the bunks sent a shiver of fear down Mish’s spine.
Oh no. No,no. Ray was not sick. He couldn’t be sick.
When Ray emerged from his bunk, he looked groggier than he should’ve. Zavier was on his feet in an instant, but Ray waved him away. “Just need coffee.” His voice was only thin air and the expression that crossed his face after was one of pure dismay. “Oh shit.”
Oh shit, indeed. Mish leaned against David, and he looked worried, too.
Zavier felt Ray’s forehead. “You’re warm.”
Fuck.
They still had a concert that night. They could cancel, but no one wanted that, least of all Ray. Mish rose and poured Ray a cup of coffee. Both Adrian and Dom had tight, horrified expressions.
Ray pushed Zavier back a few inches. “I just got up.” That came out of him in a whisper. “I’m fine.”
Zavier snatched the coffee from Mish’s hand. “You’re not fine. And you’re going back to bed.”
Ray’s mouth set into a firm line. He glared at Zavier, then pried the coffee from him and took a sip, then another. “Look,” he said, and his voice sounded stronger, “in this, you don’t get to be the master. It’s still the band, and I’m still the leader.”
Every muscle in Zavier’s body tightened and he huffed before stomping off to the back of the bus.
Ray shut his eyes. “I adore him,” he murmured. “I do. I do.”
Dom shifted on the couch. “You’ll kill your voice if you sing tonight.”
Ray met Dom’s stare and nodded, but shrugged. Likely trying not to talk too much. Rest the voice.
“What are you gonna do, right?” Mish spoke the words that were likely on Ray’s tongue.
A wan smile, but he tapped his head.
“You’ve got an idea?” Mish patted the seat next to David. “You wanna sit down and drink your coffee? I can talk to Zavier.”
She couldn’t describe the complicated expression the passed over Ray’s face, but he sat. Then tapped her arm and nodded at the back of the bus.
She gave David’s shoulder a squeeze. “Watch over him, huh?”
David nodded and Ray rolled his eyes before sipping more coffee.
Mish steeled herself and headed to the back. Wasn’t surprised to find Zavier pacing the small length of the lounge, but it wasn’t anger emanating from him, it wasworry.
“Zavier,” she said.
He didn’t look up. “He’s sick. He needs to rest.”
“He’sRayand we’re on tour. You think a cold is going to stop him, honey?”
Zavier halted and met Mish’s gaze.
