Page 53 of Wicked Truths

“Now remember, if you need to pee or assistance removing some poor woman’s hands for touching your man, then call me.” Liam grins. “We don’t need that kind of press right now.”

“You’re ridiculous,” Oakley says, tickling Liam’s side.

“Only for you, sweetness,” he murmurs, slapping her ass.

I roll my eyes, but it’s good to see him back to his normal self. I don’t revel in the misery of others, despite what people might think, and it was a little disturbing seeing him so jacked up.

I’ve been there, but I still don’t have the first clue what set him off, which truthfully makes me feel like a shitty bandmate. We haven’t been together long enough to truly consider him a friend, but it’s getting there.

I guess.

* * *

The first indication something is majorly wrong is when the venue guys lead us into a completely different room from last night. Normally they stagger the backstage experiences so the fans get a short time with each of the bands, even the openers. They miss out on some of Trigger Finger’s performance, so the number of fans is usually pretty low unless they specifically came to see us.

Liam heads in first and does a double take. He stops dead in his tracks, and it sets my hackles right up.

My grip tightens on Oakley’s hip, but she slides around Liam and gasps. I let her pull me along, but she immediately steps back into my shoes like it’s time to retreat.

My jaw literally falls open when I spot Angel Rae with Johnny fucking Kincaid at her side. They sit in two club chairs, and there’s a couch across from them. My biological mother and her shitty longtime on-and-off-again boyfriend can kiss my ass.

Oakley literally moves her entire body in front of me like she can shield me with her tiny form. I’d find it adorable if I wasn’t about to snap. She leans back into my chest and wraps her hand in mine.

Angel has been pushing non-stop for this little family meeting, but Jamen has done his best to help insulate me.

I want nothing to do with that woman. I won’t be her ticket back into the spotlight, even if I have to remove myself from the limelight to ensure it.

I’ve told Jamen as much. He and Lyric have made it clear that the only approach that works with a snake like Angel is full-on avoidance. Once she realizes I won’t play into her hand, she’ll slither away to bother the next poor rodent.

Jamen assured me that she wouldn’t be allowed to get anywhere near us on this tour.

I believed him, which is the only fucking reason I’m here. Blood pumps through my system as my fight-or-flight impulse kicks in. I cannot fucking believe she brought Johnny Kincaid with her. It’s likely because he’s the only relatively famous person that can stand to be in her vicinity.

“What the fuck is this?” I growl, squeezing Oakley’s hand for dear life. My eyes dart around, taking in the camera crew that I bet belongs to Angel’s reality show.

Don’t they require a release or something?

Does she really think I’d sign one?

“I wanted an opportunity to sit down and talk to you,” Angel says. Even her voice grates on my nerves. She plasters on a fake look of contrition for the cameras, but it’s pretty clear she doesn’t give a shit about anyone except herself.

Johnny smirks, stretching back in his chair like he doesn’t have a care in the world.

If it wasn’t for the cameras, I’d slam my fist into that motherfucker’s face. He took over lead guitar in Madness when Damian died. It’s disturbing that even knowing what he tried to do to herkid,Angel still sticks around him.

“Why the fuck is he here?” I carefully pull Oakley toward the door. I really don’t want to be in that piece of shit’s vicinity, but I can’t stand the thought of him even looking at my omega.

“It’s a right family reunion,” Liam says, cackling. “California style.” He’s a dick, but I do appreciate the fact he steps back, grips my shoulder, and gives it a squeeze. “I always thought reality shows were scripted for the tele, but goddamn, color me shocked. Walk in to do some press forourband and we’re suddenly faced with two rock and roll greats?” Liam bumps his shoulder against mine. “Or has-beens, depending on how you look at it.”

“Why would you bring that piece of shit with you if you wanted me to listen to a word you have to say?” I growl, still glaring at Angel.

“You haven’t figured it out?” Angel asks, blinking wide eyes. It makes her heavy lashes flutter awkwardly. “He’s your biological father. I mean… Your girlfriend figured it out, didn’t you?”

Oakley goes stiff, glancing at me over her shoulder. “I made a comment to Jamen that I thought you could pass for a young Johnny Kincaid, but I never…” Her head shakes. “I didn’t realize there was a chance inhellthat it was true.”

I run my thumb over her inner wrist to let her know I believe her. There’s very little in the world Angel could say that I’d take her word on. Most of it would have to revolve around her admitting she’s a vile human being.

“So, you fucked Johnny back in the day before you sunk your claws into Damian and Jamen?” I ask, smirking. “I’m shocked.”

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