Page 99 of Desiring Them

Three of them stopped and stared at us while the biggest guy plopped himself down onto the couch

“Is this songwriting research?” the big guy asked.

“Lovemaking is the best kind of research,” a slim dirty blond-haired guy with tattoos said.

The dark-skinned man to the blond’s right scratched his jaw. “You would say that. Typical bloody Frenchman.”

Cruz pushed himself off me. “Nice of you to knock.”

“It was open,” the big guy said.

“Bullshit.”

The black man laughed into his hand. “Nah, I’ve still got your key.” He rattled said key and shoved it into one of the pockets of his jeans.

Cruz helped me to my feet. “Sienna, meet Mad Lurchers.Henry…” he pointed to the first guy, “… Louis…” he tipped his head to the blond Frenchman, “… Will…” he gestured to the huge guy on the couch. “And finally, Tripp.”

Tripp hadn’t said a word yet and gave me a lazy salute. The guy was a damn good-looking redhead with a killer beard to go with his look.

I waved at them. “Hey, I’m Sienna.”

“Tripp’s dumb,” Cruz said, jabbing his thumb in the guy’s direction.

I slapped Cruz’s arm. “Don’t be so mean. I’m sure you’re not dumb, Tripp.”

Tripp flashed a gorgeous smile.

“No, he is proper dumb. Can’t say a word,” Henry explained.

My mouth dropped open. “Oh, you mean you can’t talk?”

“Or won’t,” Will added.

“No one knows why,” Cruz said.

Tripp’s smile disappeared. His brown eyes darkened, and he scratched the back of his neck nervously.

“We don’t need to know why.” Getting to my feet, I went over to him and extended my hand. “It’s nice to meet you.”

He nodded at me as he shook my hand.

“Have a listen to this.” Cruz played some of the verses and the chorus for the others.

“Sounds good. How about this?” Henry grabbed another guitar and began adding a second level of play to the tune.

“A little more,” Cruz said.

I sat back and let the boys do their thing. While they played and created, I made tea and fed them cookies from Cruz’s pantry. It was a fascinating afternoon of seeing how a rock band worked together away from the spotlight, and I was honored to have witnessed it. It was safe to say I truly enjoyed Mad Lurchers’music and was happier and happier about them playing the gala.

CHAPTERTWENTY-SEVEN

After talking on the phone with Louisa, it was decided we would meet at Augustus’ hotel for lunch. She had a busy schedule with her men and all the things they were involving her in, so it was proving difficult to find some time with my best friend. She’d traveled five thousand miles to visit, and I’d barely seen her.

Sitting in the hotel’s restaurant, I studied the menu and balked. I wasn’t sure how I would pay this off. I guessed I could probably ask Augustus for a loan.

“Whatever you want to eat is on the house,” a familiar, sexy voice whispered in my ear.His fingers stroked my arm before Augustus sat down opposite me. “Hello, hotness. What brings you back to my hotel?”

“I’m meeting a friend for lunch,” I replied.

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