Page 10 of Piper's Pyro

“I don’t like the just-fucked glow on your face,” Spectre growled. “Do you even know his name?”

“Are you implying I’m a slut?”

“If he is, I will kick his fucking ass.” Hustler stood taller to intimidate Spectre.

The elevator doors opened, and I stormed out, not interested in hearing my brother’s response. At least I could count on Hustler to take my side. He treated me more like an equal than the others ever had.

It was after midnight, and I was exhausted, so I went to my room with the sound of my brothers’ heavy footsteps following me. If they thought I’d invite them in, they were sorely wrong.

“Are you in for the night?” Hustler asked.

“Yes.” I swung the door open.

“Stay off the fourth floor,” Spectre told me through gritted teeth.

“When did you become such a jerk?”

“When my sister’s safety is involved, that’s all that matters. I’m not here to make friends. Now stay off the goddamn fourth floor.”

“Or what, Silas? What will you do? I’m a grown, independent woman. Don’t mess with me and my life, oryouwill be sorry.” I stabbed my finger into his steel chest.

“Okay, you two. This sibling squabble is over.” Hustler issued a slow wink. “Fair warning. We will be monitoring the elevators and stairwells more carefully. I know you’ll be safe and smart. See you tomorrow at the concert.” He clasped the back of Silas’s neck and dragged him away.

I shut the door and sagged against it. “What a bizarre day.”

My brothers didn’t need to worry. I wasn’t going to be seeing Russell Cullen again. Tomorrow my biggest wish would come true meeting the Flaming Triads. I had VIP passes and a ticket to the after-party. My brothers would be there as well, but I didn’t care. All I wanted was to meet Flint and maybe climb the six-foot-four lead singer like a tree and show him I was his ultimate dream girl.

I inhaled deeply when I caught a whiff of a man’s cologne. Shit, my brothers probably smelled it on me too. Mr. Cocksure had left his scent all over me and the ache between my thighs.

Why did he have to have a heart-stopping face and be a sex god in bed?

Flint was better looking.

And a rock star.

I’d bet Flint could run circles around Russell Cullen and give me an orgasm just from singing one of his songs.

Yeah, Mr. Cocksure was already forgotten.

4

Pyro

The bright spotlight above made me sweat like a pig. I tried to not imagine hundreds of screaming women in the lounge. The performance wasn’t supposed to be like the Flaming Triads’ usual concert in stadiums and amphitheaters.

Tonight’s show was meant to be small and intimate. It was the only reason I had agreed to fill in for my buddy, Vapor. We’d been best friends since grade school, and I knew the band’s songs like the back of my hand.

My heart raced and my chest tightened. Fuck, I needed to hold it together for Vapor. He was dealing with some heavy shit. I couldn’t let my anxiety and stage fright control me.

You promised Vapor you could play in front of a crowd.

I know!

I breathed and focused on my drum solo. Drum solo… When every pair of eyes would be on me. Fuck!

I slammed my stick on the cymbal ending, “The Last Song,” ironically the final number in the lineup.

“Thank you, Fargo!” Flint yelled. “And from there, I’ll give my final speech as always.” He turned toward me. “You did awesome, man. Vapor would be pleased.” He issued a thumbs up.

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