Page 31 of These Wicked Hearts

Chen walks up to me, draping my robe back around my shoulders. I don’t need it now, huh? Not really. Atlas has already seen everything. Breathe. It’s fine. It’s going to be fine.

“They’re coming backstage,” Tammy calls as she walks past us, clipboard tucked against her chest. “We have six groups. Ten minutes with them, then we’ll do the stage tour. One group photo, sign whatever you want.” She smiles warmly. “Then that’s it, boys. It’s vacation time for us all.”

It’s crazy to think that people paid hundreds of dollars for this. Ticket prices make me sick. I hate how inflated it’s all become. It makes me want to give back even more. I remember when we couldn’t fill a room let alone a stadium. We used to let people in for free, so our early shows didn’t feel as empty.

Then Jim showed up and everything changed.

I swallow hard, forcing the bile back down. “Alright, first group is coming.”

Every single group that comes and goes brings a new wave of anxiety. Relief knocks me out when I don’t see Atlas, but I also can’t help but wonder where he’s at. He was in the VIP section, looking like he was as shocked as I felt. I keep expecting him in each new group, only to be oddly disappointed when he’s not with them.

I try to stay in the moment and enjoy this. These fans pay so much for so little, but it’s hard to really stay focused. “Last group, boys.”

We straighten, slipping into character like we’ve done each time before. Footsteps echo before they come into view, and my brain completely short circuits.

Atlas.

He’s just as beautiful as I remember, maybe more so. Tonight, he’s in a dark green T-shirt stretched tight across his shoulders. His dark jeans cling to his solid thighs. Thighs I’ve dreamt about framing my face again.

Jesus Christ, get a grip.

The guy next to him with auburn hair is practically vibrating out of his skin. He’s just as large, with tattoos winding down his arm, but I’m too focused on Atlas to really look at them. His unreal icy blue eyes are everywhere but on me.

“Holy shit, I’m trying to be cool,” his friend mutters, bracing his hands on his knees. “Be cool, man.”

I nearly laugh.

“Wow, this is a fucking honor,” he says, stepping forward to shake our hands. “I love your music.” I smile on autopilot and shake his hand.

“This is my friend Atlas,” he continues. “He’s new to your music, but I’m sure once he remembers how to speak, he’ll tell you how incredible tonight was. Right?”

Atlas’s gaze snaps to his friend. “Oh uh, yeah—” His throat clears. “You guys were amazing.”

Chen snorts. “Stunned by our presence. Understandable.”

I elbow him lightly, but my attention is already back on Atlas.

“I uh, sorry,” Atlas says suddenly. “Is there a bathroom I can use? I really have to piss.”

Tammy steps forward. “There isn’t⁠—”

“I’ll show you.” The words tumble out too fast, and Tammy shoots me a look. “It’s fine,” I add quickly. “No big deal. Last group, right? A couple of minutes won’t hurt.”

Daniel, our security, steps forward. “I can take him.”

“No.” Everyone’s eyes go to me. I force a smile. “It’s literally right there. I’ll be back in a second. We’re good, right?” I glance at Atlas.

He hesitates then nods.

Daniel still pats him down thoughtfully, as if this man isn’t built like he could snap someone in half if he wanted.

I turn, leading the way down a short hallway, hyperaware of him behind me. His presence heats my back. Or maybe I’m just imagining it. We step into my private room with an attached bathroom, and the second he’s inside I slam the door and lock it, shoving him back against the wall. “How the fuck did you find out?”

“What?” His eyes widen.

“Don’t play dumb. Did you do some digging? Bring your friend here to get access and blackmail me?”

Atlas shoves me back harder. I nearly tumble. “What the fuck are you talking about?”