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NICOLE
Amix of emotions hits me when Knox sighs before gesturing for the limousine driver to begin our short trip to a private airstrip on the outskirts of Ravenshoe.
We’re the sole occupants of a stretched black town car, which means the tension I’ve been avoiding like the plague the past hour can no longer be dodged.
Knox is angry. That isn’t unusual. To survive the knocks of showbiz, he has to give off a prickly demeanor, but his mood this morning seems more reflected at me than the hype we’re trying to create.
At one stage, I was convinced he’d heard my cries of ecstasy on the rooftop, particularly when he suggested we delay our departure time so I could stand in a steam-filled room to soak my vocal cords with moisture. But as the morning went on and my frustration about how quickly I fell for Laken’s “I’m happy to wait” ruse settled, Knox’s usually cocky demeanor shifted to edgy.
Desperate to ease the tension, I curl my hand over Knox’s balled one and say, “It’s for the best.” When he looks at me, lost, I highlight one of our similarities. “I understand he’s a family friend, so you want to help him, but there’s only so much you can do to help someone before you eventually must step back and let them help themself.”
“I—” His reply cuts me off before the limousine staggers to a stop and the back passenger door pops open.
“That was a close call.”
Butterflies form in my stomach as my head shifts through hours of footage to unearth the last time I heard that statement. It was last night in the elevator. Laken said it while entering—a mere second before his scent turned me into a lust-crazed idiot.
I’m expecting Laken to slot into the seat across from Knox and me, so you can picture my surprise when it is River’s kind eyes that lock with mine a second before he wraps me up in a friendly hug.
The warmth of his embrace stops my disappointment from making itself known. His hugs are as heated as a furnace, and they melt my heart every single time he gifts me one.
“I’m so glad you could make it,” I murmur when he sinks into the leather seat across from me. “I was getting worried you were going to turn down the position.”
River is a brilliant artist, but he is an even better hype person. He can turn a dull situation into a raging party with nothing but his grinning face. That’s why I suggested to Knox that he should give him a position on the marketing team launching my album. He has an eye for detail while also understanding color isn’t the only thing you need to bring to the party to make it memorable. Love is by far the most important ingredient.
“And leave you in the hands of someone without an extra chromosome?” Spit sprinkles the air when hepffts.“I’d never do that to you, Nicole. You’re my favorite person on the planet.”
My heart launches into my throat when a voice oddly similar to River’s projects from outside the limousine. “That wasn’t what you said when you had me raidingeveryminibar in the presidential suite.”
After filling the empty spot next to River, Laken adjusts the tilt of his head to shadow his eyes from the late-morning sun before saying, “He was worried you’d leave without him.” He doesn’t look at me while speaking. He doesn’t even acknowledge my presence. “I told him you’d never do that. That family looks out for family. They have your back no matter what.”
Even with his eyes not on me, I can tell the anger of his words is projected at me.
Why in the world is he angry?
He isn’t the one who woke in a cold bed to discover their life’s work had been stolen.
Knox appears blind to the tension ridding the air of oxygen. “I’ll do anything for you, man. You know that.” After shuffling to the edge of his chair, Knox slaps his hand into Laken’s. “Welcome to the team. I appreciate you stepping up to bat for me again. I know it isn’t the position you want, but your willingness to do this for me shows what a true friend you are.”
When Knox pulls Laken in for a man hug, Laken’s narrowed gaze shoots to me. He looks like he wants to hang me out to dry, like he wants to tell the world last night’s escapades weren’t consensual on both sides of the team, but instead, he mutters, “Thanks for having me.”
I roll my eyes at their bros-for-life mantra before drifting to the scenery whizzing by the window. River is Knox’s brother and hasn’t been grantedanyspecial privileges—he was cleaning the toilets only last month—so why does Laken get to trample over everyone for one of the most sought-after positions at Knox Records?
Don’t read that the wrong way. I’m not saying protecting me is every man’s dream job. I am merely stating that most protective details see their position as a steppingstone in the industry.
The only person who hasn’t chased fame is Hawke, and although he’d never admit it, that has more to do with whom he’s protecting. He loves Jasper, Jenni and Nick’s firstborn son, as if he is his own, and Harper, their adorable daughter, has him wrapped around her little finger.
So even Laken being a family friend of Knox’s doesn’t alter the facts.
There are more deserving people entitled to a promotion, so Knox should have given it more thought before handing the position to a blast from his past.
Wow.I had no idea how horrific Laken’s rejection had burned until now.I sound like a bitter old cow instead of a woman who understands the terms of a one-night stand.
It would be easy to play it cool if he hadn’t stolen from me.
That’s where my anger stems. I wouldn’t have cared about waking up in an empty bed if he had left my belongings alone.
Yeah, right.
