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I look between the guys. Friends with the pair since I was fifteen, I know them all too well. And they know me all too well, unfortunately. Since Ruby Riot launched from dead end gigs to Jem Jones’s project last year, life has changed a hell of a lot.
My jealousy over Jem’s personal involvement with our lead singer, Ruby, faded to concern about her relationship with the famously fucked-up Jem Jones. But I bite my tongue; the Blue Phoenix guitarist put us where we are today.
Jem isn’t only our manager; he’s also a member of the biggest rock band in the world and wouldn’t put his reputation on the line just because he was screwing Ruby. We’re good. Really, bloody good. How else would we be the support act on Blue Phoenix’s European tour?
“Are you both drunk?” I ask, surveying their larger than usual grins and edgier humour.
“No more than usual,” replies Nate.
I tap my fingers on the table. “Are you listening to me? Who else is called Hughes?”
“Bryn?” suggests Will.
I arch a brow.
Will grips Nate's arm and descends into hysterics. “She’s his sister, isn't she? Oh, man!”
Nate catches on and clutches Will’s arm in return. “Sister!”
Following shared laughter, they appraise my fantasy girl and launch into a rundown of her qualities.
“Keep your voice down. I don't think Bryn's happy about her being here,” I mutter.
“I'm having a closer look.” Nate jumps to his feet.
“No,” I warn.
“While I buy the beers, since you failed.” He winks and saunters off.
“Jesus,” I mutter under my breath and watch.
Bryn turns to speak to Nate as he arrives at the bar, his large frame blocking Nate’s view of Tegan. Tegan shoves Bryn in the back who moves away and I watch gestures of introduction before Bryn resumes his guard dog position. Bryn isn't what bothers me. I focus on Tegan, watching how she reacts to Nate. Is she a flirt? Do her eyes linger on him as long as they did on me?
No, they don’t. A smug feeling joins the stress of the situation.
Once Bryn's back is turned, she switches her interest to our table. Caught in the act, I keep Tegan’s gaze long enough to show that her brother’s attitude isn't bothering me. Tegan runs a hand down her face until she’s touching the plump bottom lip I want to tug into my mouth and bite.
Shit.
A shape obscures my view as Nate ducks down, his nose practically touching mine, breaking my daydreams about Tegan.
“Is she in slow motion?” asks Nate, setting down the bottles he’s fetched from the bar.
“What?”
“You know, like the movies.” Nate steps back and waves his head around as if fanning hair around his face, throwing an exaggerated pout in my direction. “The hot girl, the soft focus, sexy music in the background.”
Will snorts laughter and takes his beer. “So? Opinion?” he asks his brother.
“Yeah.” He takes the stool next to Will and sits. “Out of your league.”
“Yours too since we look the same!” retorts Will.
“You challenging me? Bring it on.”
I shove Nate in the shoulder. “Bryn's sister? Did you miss that part?”
“Shame. Never mind, bro, plenty more girls out there in the next few weeks.” Nate looks back over to Bryn and Tegan. “I'd steer clear of Tegan if I were you. She has one of those faces.”
