Page 3 of Room Ten: Put on a Show

When I was in the spotlight, all eyes were on me around the world. But when it came to Baron and Merrick, they were like fortresses of iron. I might as well be invisible. The only time I got their attention was when I broke the rules and they scolded me for it.

“Kenna,” Baron said with an edge of sharpness in his tone. “I need verbal confirmation that you understand what I’m saying.”

“Yeah, yeah, I know,” I said.

“Kenna,” Baron warned.

I turned around and pasted a sweet smile in place.

“When you say strip, I get naked. When you say bend over, I better not be wearing any panties when I do it. Don’t worry, Baron. I get it. You need to feel like you’re the man in charge.”

I stepped closer, reaching for the robe draped over a nearby chair. But I used the opportunity as an excuse to give Baron’s chest a reassuring pat. And dear God almighty, the thin fabric of his shirt did nothing to hide the heat of him beneath my palm, the ridge of pectoral muscle that I would have been more than happy to sink my teeth into.

Despite my close proximity—all I had to do was lean forward a few inches and my bare breasts would be against his arm—Baron didn’t look at me.

“Maybe,” I said, lowering my voice. “If you decided to give better orders once in a while, I might be more willing to obey them.”

Baron blinked. Just once.

Then his gaze shifted down to me. My breath caught in my throat when I was pinned under his gray-eyed stare and the sheer intensity of his wolf-like presence. Without breaking my gaze, Baron turned his body toward me.

A flush of heat swept from my head down to my toes. My thong was definitely a wet mess by now. Could this really be happening? After nearly five years of teasing Baron, had I worn down his resolve at last?

I swayed toward him, squaring my shoulders. Every inch of my body was pulled taut as a guitar string, tense and ready to be touched. All I needed was a strong, knowledgeable hand and I would vibrate beneath the strum of his fingers.

Baron reached past me, retrieved my robe from the chair, and draped it around my shoulders. He tied off the sash into a neat bow at my waist.

“The after party starts in fifteen minutes,” he said, his voice low and quiet. “Get dressed. Let us know when you’re finished. Merrick and I will be waiting for you in the hallway.”

Then he turned away, gesturing for Merrick to join him.

I huffed in disappointment and flopped into the chair.

***

The after party was a second shot of adrenaline to keep me flying high. I insisted it had to be a big affair too, with plenty of food and booze to go around. My VIP ticket holders were my super fans, the ones who knew every word to every song I wrote, living and breathing my music almost as much as I did.

A DJ in the corner was already revving up the mood as I entered the lounge with Baron and Merrick flanking me on either side like guard dogs. Even though I loved the after party, getting to know fans on a more intimate level, it must be a nightmare for my bodyguards with a room packed full of people.

On my way to the buffet table, I stopped to greet a few fans, taking pictures with them. I could feel Baron and Merrick stiffly standing just behind me, scanning the room. When one fan—a young woman who must have been barely over eighteen—reached out to put her hand on my arm, Merrick interfered.

“No touching Miss Newhouse, please,” he growled.

I swatted him aside.

“Oh, ignore him. He’s a big grump.”

I swept the fan into a big hug. She gave a breathless giggle, as if she couldn’t believe she was being embraced by her idol.

I shot a triumphant look in Merrick’s direction. He arched an eyebrow and heaved a sigh.

When I finally made it to the buffet table several minutes later, I surveyed the selection of alcohol on display. A purring voice whispered in my ear.

“Don’t tell me you’re drinking alone, Miss Newhouse.”

I turned to see Troy Sewell, journalist for The Royal Scoop—a celebrity gossip magazine known for its cutthroat reputation. His green-eyed gaze swept over me, taking in my backless silver mini-dress and thigh-high black leather boots.

“You’re looking radiant, as always,” he added.

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