I love how she didn’t specify what they would be. Opening my mouth to respond, I’m cut off before a sound can even slip out.
“There’s nowhere in my client’s contract dictating mandatory parties, nor a clause allowing anything to be spontaneously added, much less a vague threat of noncompliance. Shame on you, Alyssa, for trying to belittle your talent and force them into something with bold face lies.”
Have I mentioned how much I love my new manager? Pretty sure I have heart eyes for her any time she opens her mouth. Total girl crush material. Too bad I love my men so much. Can’t give them up for anything.
Alyssa’s face turns red, and she opens and closes her mouth, looking like a puffer fish with how her cheeks blow out. She glances between us before letting out a grunt and spinning on her heel, storming off without another word.
“I can’t stand that woman.” Izzy shakes her head, watching Alyssa’s retreating back.
“Same, sister. Same,” I mumble, still basking in the memory of what happened. I really have a hidden vindictive side when it comes to people who make my life hell, I suppose.
“She’s been trying to shut down everything I do, but has no idea what she’s doing. I’ve thrown logic into her face so many times over the past several days that I’ve lost count.” She runs her hand over her suit dress. “Enough about her, I came to let you know that I finished getting everyone to sign a new NDA. If we have any leaks, this is ironclad and we can go after them. You still need to be careful in case there’s someone like a fan who sneaks through who hasn’t signed one though, so keep that in mind.”
“Got it,” I say, giving her a broad smile. “Thank you so much.”
“It’s what I’m here for, Raina. I’m sorry this hasn’t been your experience until now.” She gets a call and presses the button on the side of her phone to silence it, keeping her attention on me. “We have a five day break before needing to be in Boston. I’ll keep working on my list of things, but I wanted to check in to see if you needed anything else first. I assume you’ll be escaping for a bit.”
“I’m actually not sure what the plans are, but I’ll make sure you know where I am and can contact me if you need to.” I glance to my side and find the band striding up the corridor, including Darius. Images of the glances we shared on stage come to mind. I didn’t need to be an outside observer to know anyone watching could feel sexual tension hanging in the air between us.
It’s all fake.
“Excellent,” Izzy says, holding out her hand. “Why don’t you give me that and I’ll make sure it gets back to wardrobe. Get going with your band while you can. I wouldn’t put it past Alyssa to find a way to let the fans swarm the bus.”
I wince, knowing she’s right. We really should escape while we can. “See you in Boston,” I call over my shoulder, already moving to meet my guys.
“We were wondering what was taking you so long, roomie!” Nash’s voice has a flirty undertone, which is no surprise since he’s always been that way. He uses it with Blake so frequently that no one would think anything of him using it with me.
“Ready to go?” Blake asks, raising an eyebrow.
Reaching them, Nash throws his arm around my shoulders and tucks me into his side. I let out a happy little sigh, not realizing how much I wanted the simple touch.
“Yeah, we need to get on the bus before Alyssa retaliates.” He raises an eyebrow. “Izzy put her in her place and she left in an embarrassed huff.”
Darius lets the others pass, but he eyes the way Nash is holding me and gives an obvious clearing of his throat. “I hate this,” Nash pouts, sliding his arm free. “Bestie, come back here, let me put my arm around you!”
He chases after Blake and Keaton, throwing his arms around them both, much to Keaton’s surprise.
“I know this is fake, but we should keep it up at all times, no?” Darius asks, his hands shoved into his pockets, looking cool as fuck. But there’s a tension in the way he holds his arms tightly to the sides of his body. Like he’s waiting for my denial.
“Yeah,” I whisper, drawing out his sexy smile as he fully relaxes.
“Come on, I don’t bite. Not unless my cock is buried deep inside you. Then maybe I’ll bite.” He wraps his arm around my hips as he says it, his hand coming around to hold me tightly pressed against him.
My pussy throbs at the thought, my mouth dropping open at how much of a whore she is, and I stop in my tracks. He has such a firm grip that he stops too, laughing at my reaction. “Don’tlook at me like that. I had to say something unexpected. Couldn’t go with thehardretort orunless you ask. Loosen up, Raina. Nobody will believe you if you don’t act like you want to be in my arms. We should be able to joke, and at the very least act like friends.”
“Friends?” I question, not really believing him. I really think deep down he wants something more with me, even if my distrustful nature thinks he has ulterior motives.
“Yeah, friends.” He cocks his head to the side, studying me. “I’d really like to be your friend, Raina.” His words are so soft and earnest, it tugs at my heart, and I can’t bring myself to question him on my suspicions.
I give him a coy smirk. “Maybe.”
“Sweetheart,” he says, his palm moving to his chest. “Don’t do me dirty like that.”
This time we both laugh, and somehow a weight seems to lift, making it lighter between us. I bump into his side playfully, and we round a corner, catching up to the others. They eye us, but continue on like they don’t find anything concerning. It helps me relax even more. I don’t want them to ever distrust me because of this fake dating bullshit. People who jump to conclusions suck.
“So what’s the plan? We have five days, what are we doing with them?” Darius asks.
Keaton slips behind us, not wanting to leave my back unprotected. It makes my heart warm in appreciation. It’s nice to know he cares so much about me. Even when another man that he doesn’t even really know has his arm around me.
