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He reminded me that she probably felt as if she’d betrayed Cora and might not want to see me just yet, because my presence would only heighten her guilt. Knowing she was going through that made me feel worse, but I decided to follow his advice. Ergo, I had to wait at least twenty-four hours before tracking her down.
I left his office with a grateful thanks. When I exited the hall and entered the main part of the club, I slowed to a stop, catching sight of Ten as he pushed through the front door.
Checking the time, I realized practice must already be over. D
amn. I wasn’t ready to deal with him. Sticking to the shadows of the hallway, I narrowed my eyes and watched him stalk toward the bar.
“I need alcohol. Bad.”
“Well, you came to the right place.” Asher flipped up a cup and served him a shot of tequila.
Ten didn’t even say thank you; he snagged the cup from the bar and downed it with a hard swallow, then he gritted his teeth and focused on Asher. “What the fuck did you do to your hair?”
Asher chuckled as he flicked his head to the side, letting me see the blond ends he’d dyed into his dark hair, which I hadn’t noticed earlier when I’d come in. “Caroline thought I’d look cool with highlights. So...I went and got some. Who gave you the black eye?”
“Caroline?” Ten repeated incredulously, narrowing his eyes, and completely ignoring Asher’s return question. “You mean, my Caroline?”
Asher arched an amused eyebrow. “Your Caroline?”
Ten flashed his teeth in a silent snarl. “Noel’s Caroline. Caroline Gamble. You know who the fuck I mean, damn it.”
“Oh, well then...” Asher grinned. “Yeah, that Caroline.”
Face growing dark, Ten leaned across the counter toward Asher. “Since when are you and Caroline such great buddies?”
Asher gave a shrug as he refilled Ten’s shot glass. “Since we met at my first gig last week, I guess. We exchanged numbers and started texting—”
“You what?” Ten snagged the next drink and swallowed it whole before slamming the empty glass back down. “Does Noel know you two are suddenly so tight?”
Asher made a face as if he wanted to contradict Ten’s terminology, but then he said, “Yeah. I mean, I think he knows. Why? We just talk. What’s your deal, man?”
“My deal is that I don’t want some fucking prick talking to her and thinking he can get into her panties because over my dead body is that happening. Ever. Got it?”
Asher grinned suddenly, as if he finally had Ten exactly where he wanted him. “Why not?” he taunted. “She’s cute. She’s fun. She’s sweet. I think it could be good between us.”
“And I think my fist would feel good slamming right into your throat, motherfucker.”
A full laugh exploded from Asher. “Man, you are so obvious. If you want me to stay away from her, just tell me you like her, and I will.”
“I like her,” Ten nearly roared. “Stay the fuck away from her.”
“Fine.” Asher shrugged as if it were no problem whatsoever to step aside and let Ten have a go. Then he poured Ten a third shot.
“Fuck,” Ten muttered. “I can’t believe you got me to admit that.”
“What can I say?” Asher looked pretty proud of himself. “I’m just that good.”
“Fucker,” Ten muttered, before glancing around. “Where’s Pick?”
“He’s in the back, talking to Hamilton.”
Ten straightened; his face paled. “Ham’s here? Shit.” His gaze veered toward the hallway and instantly found me, watching them. Then his shoulders heaved as he drew in a deep breath. “Hey.” His voice was cautious, respectful, regretful.
I didn’t answer, but I did step out of the shadows before stopping again, my arms folded over my chest. He grew uncomfortable under my direct stare. He cleared his throat, glanced away and tapped his empty shot glass against the countertop, motioning for Asher to pour him another.
Asher glanced between us and then poured. He watched Ten down that shot before Ten grabbed the bottle from his hand to pour himself another. As Ten tossed that back as well, Asher pointed back and forth between us. “So, if you two are breaking up, does that mean I have to pick sides? Because I’d rather just stay neutral if it’s all the same to you.”
“Fuck you,” Ten said, shaking the bottle to find it empty. “Get a different alcohol, will you?”
