Page 27 of Sycopation
Mish rolled her eyes. “Ray.”
Zavier tapped his foot against Ray’s. “This is hardly slumming it. So far it’s been a pleasure and a challenge. Frankly, I can’t wait to get on stage tonight.” So much passion in his voice, enough that Ray caught the edge of excitement himself.
He took in Zavier, meeting his gaze and smile. “You have the best seat in the house, you know.”
“Oh, believe me, I know that.” There was a flicker of motion, and Ray got the distinct impression that Zavier was checking him out, and that only fueled his blood.
Ray closed his eyes. “Soon you’ll be in it.”
“And Carl will learn you were absolutely right.”
God, he hoped so.
Unusual to still have suchnerves. Zavier pushed back on the flutter in his cheek and tingling in his arms. Technically, the festival had been his first show with the band, so he shouldn’t have been off-kilter. Yet he was, becausethisconcert was personal now. He didn’t have to prove himself this time, but with the way Carl had treated Ray, thebandhad a score to settle.
Zavier wanted to ram success, along with his fist, down Carl’s throat. He didn’t understand why Ray put up with that shit.
When he’d had a free second away from the rest of the band, he’d sent a quick email to Nadia to see if she’d anything to tell him about the manager. Something didn’t add up. At all.
And god, that reporter. Gabriel. Pretty enough of a man, but he’d hit a little too close to the mark with his questions. Undoubtedly, something would come out about his time atSilverton and his relationship with its maestro. What the hell would Ray think of that? Did Zavier care?
Yes, of course he did. He’d felt a twinge of embarrassment he hadn’t felt in so long when he’d realized Ray was jealous of his sexually charged banter with both Gabriel and Carl. He didn’t need to cause Ray issues. Dude was on edge enough.
Now, though, Ray was in his best form: on stage and in control. They worked through a sound check and a small practice. The songs they played snippets from were ones that everyone expected them to play, off the latest album. Nothing unexpected, and certainly not “Lightning.” They kept that under wraps.
Carl frowned at them from the edge of the stage. Whatdidthat guy expect? They’d blown away the festival. This would be no different. The smattering of VIP folks for Five Asylum seemed pretty happy, even clapping a few times when they worked flawlessly through a song. Another glance over at the edge of the stage, and Carl was gone.
Just as well.
Afterward, the band conferred, and the nervousness Zavier had suppressed was alive in Ray. “It’s good. I think it’s good.” He rocked back and forth on his feet, like someone who’d had too many energy drinks.
The hesitation was alive in Dom, too. “Yeah. I think we sounded fine.”
Mish tossed her head. “We’re gonna nail it, Ray.” Fire there, and determination.
Zavier fed off that rather than his own worries. “They won’t know what hit them.”
Ray took a breath and settled. “Okay.” Another breath and he was nodding. “We’ll do this.”
They passed through the green room and headed to their dressing rooms when Zavier spotted Carl, lying in wait. Ofcourse. No idea why Carl undermined Ray, but damned if Zavier was going to let that happen.
He grabbed Ray’s elbow. “Hey.”
Ray nearly jumped out of his skin at the touch, but didn’t pull away. Rather, he settled closer to Zavier, like a magnet.
Oh hell.Yes. But no as well. Theycould notgo on like this. Ray’s desire pulled too much against his own.
“Yeah?” Ray’s voice was breathless, sweet, and so very tempting.
“I know I was an asshole about the drumming thing in high school. Ray, I love being in your band.” Truth. He stepped in closer, their arms skin to skin. “And you’re an astounding musician. Don’t let anyone—anyone—tell you differently.” Zavier whispered the words against Ray’s neck.
A shiver and a gasp, and then those golden eyes looked into his own. “You mean that?”
“With every fiber of my being.” He released Ray’s elbow slowly and stepped back, giving them both the space they needed before their asshole manager arrived.
“Ray,” Carl snapped.
For a moment Ray didn’t respond to the call. He nodded at Zavier, then turned. “Yes?”
