Page 48 of Wicked Truths

The door flies open, and Liam pops inside. He’s holding a water bottle, taking a long chug, but he chokes and coughs when he spots us.

Oakley turns, checking out the commotion, but cuddles back into my chest when she spots Liam. He wiggles his eyebrows and does a ridiculous thrusting with the water bottle that makes me snort.

“It’s that time. By the way, Marcus killed it, considering he had never played those songs before today. I grabbed some videos on my phone in case you want to see them, but we’ve got to get out there.” Liam bounces on the toes of his boots, waving a hand.

“Be right there.” I give him a look that indicates he should fuck off. I nuzzle my cheek to Oakley’s and murmur, “Let’s go rock the house down.”

* * *

I sweat through my shirt during the first ten minutes on stage. We play through our songs, and the last one is Marcus and Oakley’s duet.

They slay “Carry On.” The level of emotion and the way they hit every note sends the crowd to their feet. It makes it clear they’re in sync. No two musicians land that type of performance without years of practice or some soul-deep connection that I’m jealous of.

The song comes to an end.

Liam and Marcus call to the crowd as I stand up, heading up to toss my sticks. Oakley spots me and comes over, wrapping her arm around my lower back as we give a bow and head off the stage.

She smiles, her hand digging into my side. “The vibe was on point tonight.”

“The crowd loved it,” I agree as the fans backstage descend.

Oakley spins around, answering the questions from a couple of women. Hawk stands, stoically watching everything. Marcus talks to one of the tour managers, but Liam smiles, laughing at something one of the reporters says. They’re easy enough to pick out because of their press badges and the notebooks they scribble in.

I’m not sure what it is in Liam’s posture that signals his discomfort, but a second later, he goes rigid before plastering on a fake smile. I glance at Oakley, but she’s still fine. She’s signing stuff for the women with a black marker.

It’s always loud backstage, but as I take the few steps separating me from Liam, I catch the end of the reporter’s question. “I’m sure it’s taken some adjusting, especially considering the circumstances. How does it feel playing with a new band after you spent so many years with Try Hard Hero?”

Liam fidgets, continuing to smile. It’s pretty clear he’s uncomfortable.

“I’ve got to interrupt. The tour manager needs us.” I toss an arm around Liam’s shoulders, leading him away before the reporter can object. Once we’re halfway down the hall that leads to our greenroom, I bump my arm against his. “Are you good?”

“Never better,” he lies quite unconvincingly.

“Don’t let it get to you. Whatever the circumstances were that led you to us, we’re lucky to have you.”

Liam scoffs, turning and pushing through the door to the greenroom without a backward glance.

I frown after him for several seconds and remind myself to look up Try Hard Hero once I get back to my phone. I glance between the greenroom and Oakley. My need to keep her safe has only grown now that we’re on tour, but she’s also got Marcus and Hawk at her side.

I follow Liam. He seemed distraught, and it doesn’t seem right to leave him alone if something is bothering him.

The last thing I expect to find is him leaning his back against the wall across from the door when I walk in. His hands cover his face as his head bangs against the sheet rock.

My head tilts as I approach. Whatever went down with his last band was more serious than I suspected. I’m only a few feet away when his eyes pop open and the plastic smile comes back in full force.

“I need a fucking drink,” he says, shoving off the wall. He walks right past me and swaggers out the door.

I’m pretty sure that’s not a good sign. By the time I get my shit together, making it out into the hall, he’s gone. I exhale heavily.

What was that about?

ChapterSixteen

Oakley

Liam is missing from our meet and greet after the show. They’re required by our contract, but we cover for him like any bandmates should. My hackles are up, and I don’t understand why.

Hawk sees us back to the hotel, swearing there’s someone from A Team with eyes on Liam.

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