Page 5

Ron Darling was the only person who believed in us when Warrior Black lost the Battle of the Bands contest in Chicago almost five years ago. He made us who we are today and not one person in this room would contest that truth. Even though Dante started taking over for him last year, we will always think of Ron as our manager.

“I won’t put you out. And it’s already settled, most of my stuff is already at Dean’s place. And today, we will finish packing the rest of my clothes. You boys have this condo to use. If you have any questions about it, Dante has all the details. Now, you have the next three months to do as you please. Use the time wisely.” He then looks at me and says, “Rafe, can I have a word with you in my bedroom?”

I suck in a silent breath and slowly nod. Not once has Ron wanted to talk to me alone. I never gave him a reason to. The last time Ron called one of the band members into his room was when Callum was having trouble. So this can only mean that Ron’s going to give me some advice. I’m not so sure I want to hear it, but I will listen anyway.

With Dean’s aid, Ron walks to the master bedroom. I follow and then close the door behind me and take a seat on one of two Barclay lounge chairs in the room.

Ron sits in the other one, faces me and smiles. I gulp. “I heard about Lyric,” he says, “and the reason why he had to leave.” His hazelly blue eyes holds a wealth of knowledge, understanding and control. But I also see what the chemo is doing him—to his body.

I nod, not sure exactly where he’s going with this, but I am determined to keep listening, if only out of respect for him.

“Do you like Lyric Kim?”

“Yes.” I don’t hesitate.

“Why?”

His question stumps me and my mind goes blank. I open my mouth, and then shut it, trying to come up with the proper answer. Lyric intrigues me. He’s beautiful. He fucks like a dream. I love the way he talks. I say none of that. Instead, I punt, “I don’t how to put into words the way Lyric makes me feel.”

“I guess I should ask you in another way. Is this all about getting into his pants?”

Done that. I straighten in my seat, taken aback by Ron’s blunt question. Is that the only reason? I ask myself.

I shake my head. “No… Not the only reason.” I have to be honest. Ron’s too astute for me to get away with lying to him. And he knows me too well.

“Not the only reason?” One of Ron’s hairless brows rises. “You know why I’m asking you this.”

“Because I sleep around a lot?”

“I’m sorry, Rafe, but you’re a man-whore.”

“I can’t deny that.” I blow out a breath and go on, deciding to be honest and come out with the truth. “Every time I think of Lyric, my heart pumps faster, and I can’t think straight. No one has made me feel this way before. One look and I melt. And the way his body⁠—”

“I get it,” Ron chuckles, slowly shaking his head.

“I know he feels the same way. But I don’t get why he left without saying goodbye, or giving me some sort of explanation.”

“Do you think you are owed that?”

I ponder that question and nod yes. “We’ve been seeing each other for several months. I think I’m owed at least that.”

Ron leans back against the chair cushion and studies me for a long moment. “Since becoming your manager, I’ve learned a lot about you boys. The way you five think and the way you each do things, and the way… You, in particular, Rafe D’Angelo, chase a lot of tail.”

“I know—” I begin to say, but Ron weakly raises a hand.

“Let me finish.”

I nod, clamping my mouth shut.

“One by one, you boys are finding love. Danny with Tobias, Connor with John. And now Callum, Dom and Pen are together.” Ron shakes his head. “I figure eventually you and Bobby will be together, too.”

I rear back, shocked at Ron’s assessment of Bobby and my friendship. “You’re wrong. We’re just friends. We love each other like brothers. We hang together, have a fuck-ton of fun. But that’s it. Nothing more.”

“Does Bobby know that?”

“Well… Yeah.” I stare right into Ron’s eyes and say, “We are just friends. Promise.”

Ron leans in. “Are you sure?”