Page 72 of Filthy Rock Stars

I tense, and Owen must notice it because he renews his smile to me.

“Don’t be worried about any of that,” he says. “Fox is in your corner.”

“That’s right,” Fox agrees. “You’re part of the band. I’ll fight like hell for your interests, just like I do for Mare, Star, and Case.”

I nod, taking that in. It’s reassuring, except that now I’m scared of what Fox might do to Shadow.

“Thank you,” I manage. “It makes sense that I’d need someone looking out for me. I just never thought you were so…” I trail off, not sure how to say it.

“Never thought I was a killer?” Fox asks.

I laugh. “I guess so.”

He settles back in his chair. “Do you know the story of how I got started with Kissing Dirt?”

“No, I just know that you’ve been together since the start of the band.”

“That’s right. I’ve wanted to be in this industry since I was a teenager.” He holds my eye steady, and I realize this story is important. “I was on my own from a young age, and I moved to LA and supported myself with sex work. I had a few clients in the music industry, and I listened to them. I learned everything I could, and then I took that knowledge, found a truly talented musician, Mare, and helped to build us each careers.” He sips his coffee again. “Breaking into this industry was a brutal process. But when I hear the music your band makes, I know the fight was worth it.”

“Wow.” I settle back, aware that Fox has just shared something big with me. “I feel naive stumbling into this the way I have. I hope I don’t seem too clueless.”

Fox smiles. “You’re perfect. Trust me. The industry can change you, but don’t let it.” He takes Owen’s hand. “I’ve got this guy to keep me grounded now. Make sure you find something or someone of your own to hold onto.”

“How is your dating life?” Owen asks. “Are you still seeing your new guy?”

“Oh, yeah.” I sip my water, not sure what to say, incapable of lying. “He is a guy that I see.”

Owen tilts his head to the side, confused by my weird phrasing, which honestly I am, too. “Cool,” he says. “How is it going with you getting famous? Is he handling it well?”

“Fame definitely complicates dating,” Fox muses.

I consider the question. “He is surprisingly unaffected by it,” I finally answer.

“That’s very good,” Fox says. “If he’s someone you can trust, you should consider holding onto him. The more famous you get, the harder that will be to find.”

“But it’s not all dire!” Owen jumps in. “Make sure you still have fun, Nico. Fame brings a lot of pressure, but it’s just as important that you take risks and make mistakes and still live your life, you know?”

I smile, overwhelmed and anxious about the secrets I’m keeping from them, but still grateful for the perspective. After a couple gulps of water, I shake my head to dismiss the subject. “We’re still figuring things out,” I tell them. “But soon, I hope, I’ll be sure to introduce you.”

Hopefully not by way of a tabloid.

Their advice rattles around in my mind all through lunch. When we finish, Fox has some of his own appointments planned, which gives me a little time alone. I tell myself that I should head back to the hotel and nap, maybe process the information dump.

But when I pull my phone out, I see there’s a message.

Shadow: I think I figured out how to get you into the arena

* * *

SHADOW

I’m backstage with Elle and Cutter, chilling in the green room. A few guys from Night Hell stopped by to share some whiskey, and with a couple hours before our headline set, I remember I need to pace myself.

Not for the stage. For Nico. I still don’t know whether he’ll actually arrive, but we’re dirty talking like this is happening, and it’s keeping me hard as steel.

I even had a little delivery arranged to his hotel room, just for the hell of it. A present to make it feel possible.

Elle sits on the couch across from me. I can tell she’s had a couple drinks because she’s acting friendly.

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