Page 98 of Show biz

Huffing in frustration, I close my eyes to keep from yelling. It hasn’t been long, but the three of us have canvassed the hotel already looking for him. Layla’s eyes are wet as she struggles to keep it together, and I force myself to reopen my eyes once I feel a bit more together.

“It’s been an hour and a half,” I remind Draven and Layla.

“Yeah,” she says softly. “Shit, I was hoping we were far away from Seán, but his reach may be longer than I thought. What if he’s retaliating because of what I did?”

“It’s our fault you were even at that bar,” I tell her, surprising myself. “If it is Seán, Mav and I will shoulder that responsibility, I’m just worried?—”

The snick of the hotel door is loud as someone uses their key card. Frowning, I glance at the abandoned card on the counter, and Draven and I step protectively in front of Layla. All bullshit aside, he doesn’t even look surprised by it.

The first face I see is Tyler, who is now sporting the beginnings of another black eye. Layla’s soft gasp as she looks around me fades into the background as I see Mav push past him.

“Are you okay?” I ask, my voice gruff and worried. His face is red, his hands are clenched together, and he looks pissed off. Something definitely went down.

“I am now,” he mutters, grabbing my hair and kissing me soundly. It surprises the shit out of me, but he feels so good. I’ve been so worried, I allow myself to melt into him, my hand cupping the back of his neck.

“Looks like he’s fine,” Layla says lightly.

“Woman, I’m not done with you,” Mav growls, his arm wrapping around her waist as she starts to walk away. It’s clear she was retreating, but he’s not having any of that today. It’s damn sexy as my growly man takes control. “We aren’t done. Tyler taught me a very important lesson, now I’m passing it along. Sharing is caring.”

His lips slant on hers, dominating them. My cock lengthens as I watch Mav’s tongue demand entry, Layla’s tiny whimpers making me bite my lip. I don’t feel the least bit jealous, which says a lot to me.

“Holy shit,” Draven grunts. “What the fuck happened? It looks like he’s sharing quite a few lessons.”

His crass words make me snort, burying my face into Mav’s neck. Breathing in his cedar and sweaty scent, I start to feel a bit more normal. Mav is everything. My ride or die, the love of my life, and I haven’t been showing him this enough.

I think I’m learning a lesson as well right now.

“Do you want to tell them, Mav?” Tyler asks.

Coming up for air, Mav shrugs. “Just a little kidnapping between friends. I’m good, more than good,” he says. Barkingout a laugh, he shakes his head. “What does it say about me that I’m not even that mad about it anymore?”

“Gibberish,” Layla mutters. “Boy secrets suck, but that kiss definitely didn’t. You scared, ah, Atlas.”

I can hear the lie in her words, smirking. “Someone sounds hungry,” I tease her. “I think that’s why Mav made you a snack.”

“It was really sweet,” she whispers. Realizing she’s still wrapped in Mav’s arms, she wiggles a bit in discomfort. We’re not small men, and Layla is tiny in comparison.

“Does Chinese food or Mexican food sound better?” I ask. I think Mav’s need to feed Layla is catching.

“Neither?” she giggles. “We’re in Kansas City, barbecue sounds amazing.”

Mav’s stomach rumbles, making me roll my eyes. “I think you’ve found a solid vote for your choice. It sounds good, let’s order in,” I tell her.

Tyler and Draven watch on, their hands stuffed in their pockets in amusement.

“Can you let go of me, Mav? I have to pee,” Layla says, her cheeks burning. Mav’s hand squeezes her hip, and I can tell he doesn’t want to let her go.

I’m careful to not touch her, understanding full well that we’re overwhelming. Watching her, I feel pretty sure she’s lying, and just needs some space from us. I don’t blame her one bit right now though. Mav releases her, watching her run to the other bedroom like her ass is on fire.

“Layla isn’t going to just fall at your feet in gratitude that you’re paying her attention,” Tyler warns as we turn to him. “She’s going to be shoring up her boundaries, and that usually means brat mode will be activated. Be ready for her to push all your fucking buttons.”

“She likes us,” I chuckle like an idiot. I’m focused on something different and it gives me hope. “Layla probably won’t believe us for a while, and that’s fine. I’m willing to show her.”

“I almost had my right hand broken by a bat to show her,” Mav rumbles, glaring at Tyler.

“The fuck?” I ask, eyes wide. “Are you serious?”

Mav once had a door slammed on his hand ten years ago when we were playing forThe Darkest Nights.He still figured out how to play. I don’t even understand how, but music is a huge part of his life.

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