“Because how would it look if I didn’t? The gossip would run in a negative light, and Riley is already struggling with it all. Being rejected in front of thousands of people on a livestream seemed like a bad idea for all of us.”
She was right.
Fuck.
I hadn’t even considered it.
“I messed up,” I said. “I fucked up. You’re right. He’s right. I-I shouldn’t have reacted so quickly. I didn’t think things through. How can I fix it?”
She sighed and looked up at me. “I don’t know. Hopefully, no one recorded it, but I have a feeling it’ll get out.”
Shame washed over me again. I never made stupid mistakes like this. I was always ten steps ahead of all decisions, but I’d lost it, and now I may have created more problems.
I tugged her against me and kissed her. I thought she might shove me away, but she didn’t; her lips parted for me. I took the opportunity and kissed her back, my hands all over her small body.
“I love you,” I whispered against her lips. “I’m sorry. I’ll make it right.”
“I believe you.” She kissed me sweetly for a moment before there was a crash in the distance.
I broke away from her and stared past her in the darkness to see someone running.
With a fucking camera.
I moved past her and ran after him, but he disappeared into the crowded backstage moments later.
“Fuck. FUCK!” I snarled as Ryder caught up to me.
“What’s going on?” he demanded.
“Guy with a camera. Saw Rosalie and me. Black shirt. Baseball cap.”
Ryder pushed past me. I knew he’d go look for the prick and try to bust the camera.
What a fucking night.
Sighing, I returned to where I’d left Rosalie, but she was gone. Assuming she went to the meet-and-greet for the afterparty, I went to the designated area to find her with the band, Klaus lurking nearby.
“Where is Evan?” I asked.
He’s with Trix and Ellis. Dante and Trent, too,” he answered.
I nodded stiffly.
“She’s pissed,” Klaus continued softly, looking around us.
“I kissed her. Someone took a picture and ran. Ryder is chasing them.”
Klaus closed his eyes for a moment and breathed out.
We were both quiet as we watched Rosalie pose with people. Security was vetting them carefully, which I was grateful for. I was sure Klaus had already threatened their lives if they didn’t. The photographer and team were working hard to get things done quickly.
“It’s not the worst thing,” Klaus finally said.
“What isn’t?” I looked at him.
“For the world to know you’re in love with her. That you’re with her. Riley may have had the right idea about it. If another man is the center of her world, psychologically speaking, this may cause the stalker to act more quickly, make mistakes, and ultimately lead to their capture. So, it’s not the worst thing.”
“We’ve worked hard to keep her personal life private. She’s going to be crushed. I have to fix this.”
