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“You better enjoy sitting,” Warrick says. “Because I have a feeling you’re going to have a very hot bottom after you tell me what happened.”
I roll my eyes. “Hit the button on the sink, would you? I need background noise.”
* * *
I don’t make it out of the stall before Fitz and Ramsey shove their way into the bathroom. I stop to wash my hands, but they quickly corral me to the greenroom we started in.
Warrick is in full-blown alpha-freak-out mode as he paces the floor bare. “I told you to wait for me.”
“And I told you before we left this room that it was an emergency.” I give him a serious look, but he doesn’t see it as he spins around, pacing back in the other direction.
“She has a small bladder. We all know this,” Fitz says, placing himself down next to me on the couch.
“Could one of you fill us in? We’re supposed to be on stage in less than ten minutes.” Ramsey takes a seat on the edge of one of the makeup chairs.
“I got stopped by Gavin and one of the label execs. Once I noticed she was gone, I abandoned that conversation. They’re probably not pleased, but neither am I! She was in the women’s bathroom with Carter when I walked in.” Warrick snarls a low, vibrating sound that indicates he’s foggy, or maybe about to snap completely.
I hand my camera to Fitz as Ramsey curses under his breath.
Warrick is still pacing, but I have no fear where he’s concerned. He makes it to the end of the room and spins around. I make sure I’m right there when he does. I raise my arms and he sighs, lifting me and wrapping me around his front.
“I wouldn’t survive it if something happened to you, especially on my watch.” His hair falls against my cheek as his head shakes. The hold he’s got on my hip and ass is kind of painful, but I know it’s not intentional. “Being bonded gives you a sliver of extra safety, but the truth is, omegas are always at risk. This isn’t the small town you guys grew up in.”
“I know that.” I brush my fingers over the scar on his cheek. He really is a good man. He takes the weight of the world onto his shoulders. He comes off as abrasive and kind of controlling at times, but even I can recognize that’s part of how he shows someone he cares. “And truly, if I could have waited any longer, then I would have. I’m okay.” I have to choose my words carefully because the last thing I want to do is lie to them. We’re bonded. They can probably tell, anyway. “It means the world to me that you look after me so fiercely.” I stretch up, getting very close to his ear. “I love you for it and about a million other reasons.”
Warrick growls, spinning around and slamming my back against the nearby wall. It helps keep me upright as my feet dig into his ass. “Don’t think this gets you out of your punishment.” He pushes his mouth to mine as he grinds against me. He’s frantic, and his concern fully filters through the bond as he gets distracted by the kiss. My nails dig into his neck as he devours me. It starts rough, but quickly turns to soft kisses with lots of tongue. He pulls back. I follow his mouth, but he bumps my face to the side. His warm breath fans over my neck as he gets close to my ear. “I love you too, baby girl.”
“I know. I’ve been able to feel it since we bonded,” I assure him as my eyes pop open.
Ramsey watches us carefully. I send him a pulse of my emotions in the bond, but I want to wait to say it to him until the moment feels right.
“They’re going to be calling for us at any time.” Fitz leans forward on the couch. His forearms rest on his knees and his tension is clear. “I just need to know if I need to dispose of a rhythm guitarist before we take the stage.”
My chest gets tight. I’m not Carter’s biggest fan. Not by a long shot. His behavior fits the classic rock star asshole down to a T. I don’t think one instance of showing basic human decency negates everything else he’s done. Warrick mentioned how Carter stole his pain medication while he was healing from a major injury. He was also clearly behind my meds going missing. Luckily, I was able to get them filled when it was time, but it was still a huge hassle and a breach of trust.
It’s complicated.
I don’t think mentioning it right before they go out to put on a show for thousands of people is the right move, either. I won’t be lying to them. Maybe just putting it off until we’re in another state. That way, I don’t have to worry about any additional physical altercations.
There’s a knock on the door, and my head whips to the side.
Warrick curses. “You’re going to stay right at the edge, just behind the curtains. If you disappear, then I’m telling you right now, I’ll walk off the stage. I don’t care if it’s mid-performance.” I blink in shock, but I can feel the truth in his words. He pulls me off the wall and his palm lands on my backside. “Tell me you hear me.”
I nod. “Yes, Daddy.”
* * *
Something is very wrong. They left me alone and went into the hall with someone. It’s definitely been at least ten minutes, so I’m pretty sure they’re supposed to be on stage right now.
They’re trying to mute the bond, but their concern and anger are spilling over to the point it would be impossible to miss. I push myself off the couch and start to pace. What in the world could be happening?
It has to have something to do with Carter and that guy, right? It feels like a real possibility.
Ramsey comes inside with Gavin and the guy Warrick was talking to earlier. War and Fitz aren’t with him.
The other two stay by the door, but Ramsey comes up slowly, stretching an arm out for me.
I tilt my head, studying the worry on his face, but head into his hold. “What’s wrong?”
