“That’s fine. I needed someone to watch me wash my ass,” he muttered. Riley and I were both signed to Trackmaster, and Anson represented him.
I gave him a sympathetic look. “I’m really sorry.”
“It’s not your fault that people are fucked in the head,” he said. “We’ll just roll with it.”
I nodded glumly before directing my attention to Anson and Evan.
“What about me? What’s happening?”
“Well, you’re going to perform on a livestream for the show,” Anson said. “The record thinks it’ll deter anyone from trying stupid shit if it’s all on camera. You can debut a couple of new songs and the music video you did with Fabian. I already have everything configured with Adam for the onstage visuals. The video will play in the background, and you guys can perform it.”
“Did they fail to realize the entire thing was caught on camera the first damn time?” I demanded, sitting forward, ignoring the new song information.
“Easy,” Klaus said, bringing me back to him. “I think it’s a good idea too.”
“Really?” I looked at him.
He nodded and tucked a rogue curl behind my ear.
“Many reasons. Sales. Security. You’re too beautiful for the world not to see. I can keep going.”
“You’re such a smooth talker,” I murmured, leaning in and brushing my lips against his.
He took the opportunity to kiss me back deeply, his big hand cradling my face.
“Mm, tonight I’m going to show you some more defensive moves,” Klaus whispered against my lips. “See if you can get away from my dic?—”
“OK, I feel like I need a cold shower. Anson. Evan. Klaus, you dirty fucker, I’ll see you tomorrow. Rosalie… Good grief, you make me miss home.” Riley got to his feet.
“Call home,” I shouted at his retreating back as he went to the door.
He waved me off and left, the door clicking shut behind him.
Evan got up and relocked the door before coming back to us. Ellis came into the room then, showing off another of Mr. Rufus’s outfits as Klaus shifted me off him to get on the floor with her and grab a doll so they could play.
I smiled at the giant of a man, who held the doll in his hand and spoke in a high-pitched voice.
Evan moved over to sit beside me.
“I missed this,” he said softly. “Our family.”
“Me too,” I replied, kissing his cheek before I slid off the couch and joined Klaus and Ellis on the floor.
9
KLAUS
Ihadn’t seen my hummingbird in far too long. Watching her move through the hotel suite as if she were afraid of the air had me on edge. I didn’t want her to be afraid. When I’d gotten word of what happened, I’d booked a flight from Chicago straight to Boston.
It was just as well. Stef was busy with his new family, and Levin was… Levin.
He knew I was with Rosalie. I didn’t even want to tell him because I knew he was close with the horsemen, but he vowed never to tell, and I believed he wouldn’t. I was sure not even the kings knew about it.
Getting Rosalie was a dream come true. I felt like my life now was what it was always meant to be, and I’d be damned if I let anyone screw it up.
I’d kill for my hummingbird.
I’d die for her.
