Page 81 of Filthy Rock Stars

I suck on my teeth, aware that it’s gotten tense and it’s my fault. But Shadow gives me an appreciative smile.

“I’ve hired lawyers,” he says. “If I can find a way out of Forbidden Destiny, I’ll take it. Until then, whatever you need to feel comfortable about me, just let me know. No questions asked, no hurt feelings.”

He’s trying to make this right. I can see how much strength it must take for Shadow to come here and lay himself out at their mercy, and I’m physically aching with how much I want to defend him.

Before we can say anything else, the door abruptly swings open. Shadow turns to the rear of the room, hiding his face, and Fox charges in.

“Fuck. Glad you’re all here. I’m sorry to interrupt, but it’s Shadow from Forbidden Destiny. I have reason to believe he’s stalking Nico.”

We all stare at him. My jaw is hanging slack, and Fox looks around the room, pure determination on his face until he spots Shadow, who awkwardly turns and waves.

Fox steps back. “The fuck?” His eyes fall to our hands, still clasped tight. “But you’re…” He looks back up. “Oh,” he says, something like the truth dawning on him. “Ohhhh. Fuck.”

“Fuck?” Shadow asks. He glances at me and mouthswho?

“This is Fox,” Mare says. “And Fox, you clearly recognize Shadow.”

Fox frowns. “This explains several rumors that I’ve heard lately.”

“Rumors?” I ask.

“That hotel you were at has famously gossipy staff. And kid, your fucking motorcycle is unforgettable. You might as well writecelebrityon your jacket in rhinestones. Not to mention that stunt at the arena in LA? Hell, it’s like you’ve never tried to fuck in private before.”

Shadow scowls. “I’ve fucked in private plenty,” he says defensively.

Star jumps in the conversation. “Back it up. There are rumors?”

“No one’s pieced it together,” Fox said. “But Shadow has been acting suspicious enough, people are paying attention.” He rubs his temple, studying me.

I wonder what he’s thinking. Is he disappointed in me? Does he feel like I’ve been lying to him?

I hold Shadow’s hand tighter, grounding myself in his touch.

“This is complicated,” Fox says. “I wish someone would have told me sooner.”

“We’re still figuring out the details,” Mare says.

Star nods. “And if there are already rumors flying, we might need to tread more carefully.” She looks at Shadow. “Whatever we need. He says to just let him know.”

The words hang heavily in the air, not nearly as reassuring as they sounded a minute ago.

“Sure,” Shadow says. He squeezes my hand and releases it. “And I should split. You’ve got to talk about these things as a band, right?”

Fox nods cautiously. “It’s probably a good idea.”

Shadow straightens his back. I see he’s holding his composure together, and I’m proud of him for that.

“Good to meet you all,” he says. “You’re brilliant musicians. High class. And, uh, sorry again. For everything.”

“Thanks for coming by,” Mare says.

Star reluctantly nods. “Sure. Thanks, Shadow.”

He brushes a kiss across my lips and disappears. Quickly, the band dives into the conversation. Fox has a million questions for me, and even though everyone is very careful to be kind and considerate of the fact that Shadow and I are together, it’s still awkward, tense.

By the time we all part ways, I’m emotionally exhausted and pessimistic about the chances of this working out without a major disaster. Usually, I can logic my way through a million ways this could feasibly end well, but after listening to Fox’s many concerns and realizing the degree of Star’s resistance, I’m full of uncertainty.

I get back to my place, shower, and then send Shadow a message inviting him over. I notice after I send it that there’s a missed call from Owen, too, surprising me.

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