AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“She has dates for the end of next week, which is why the record label was hard pressed to scramble,”he explains.“It takes time to vet people.”
“So you chose three broken men who I wouldn't leave with a dog, much less Layla,” I snark. “This is really fucked up.”
“We gave her you,”Jordan says archly.“It’s one of the reasons we made the position irresistible, other than the fact that you adore her and want to spend more time with her anyway. Win-win.”
“We need to discuss your definition of what that means,” I mutter. “Whatever, it’s late, and we’re tired. What are the chances that our luggage will be delivered soon?”
“It’s with the front desk at the guys’ hotel,”he immediately says.“I’m going to dig into the bar establishment to make sure there won’t be any blow back for Layla. She sounded amazing, though.”
“She is amazing,” I return simply. “Even when scary people threaten her. Mav, Atlas, and Draven gang up on her about everything. I’m worried about the shit-show this tour could end up becoming.”
Layla elbows me, making me wince. Yes, I overstepped a touch. Message received.
“The guys want to perform,”Jordan says gruffly.“I’ll warn them about sabotaging this tour. Everything else… They have shit to figure out, and five years is a long time to not see each other. I want my nieces to be happy, and I know Lennonalso misses her best friends. If it means Layla being a bit uncomfortable, then so be it.”
Blowing out a breath, I wonder if it’s against the law to reach through the phone and throttle him. “Fine,” I growl. “Remember, my priority is Layla and no one else. If things go sideways, I’m beating the fuck out of the three of them and we are walking away.”
Jordan is quiet for a moment before he says,“I expect nothing else.”
The line goes dead immediately after, and I shake my head.
“He’s hardheaded, but I didn’t think he’d be playing matchmaker,” Layla says as I pocket my phone.
We’ve arrived at the hotel, the guys already inside and walking across the lobby. I’m glad it’s not awful, and as I open the door, I inhale deeply to test for mold. While it’s an older hotel, it’s still relatively nice.
“We need to check with the front desk first for our luggage,” I tell Layla as we walk in. I still speak just a touch louder than I need to, knowing that the guys will hear me.
Draven huffs, stopping, while Atlas and Mav continue on, unconcerned. I definitely think Draven is protecting his friends from my gorgeous little flower, or maybe it’s the other way around based on their attitude toward her.
Approaching the front desk, I give the woman a smile. Layla is still tucked under my arm, and the receptionist gives us both a sympathetic look.
“Hi, I’m sorry, unless you have a reservation, we’re fully booked for the next few days,” she winces. I have a feeling she’s been saying this often.
“No worries, we have a room reserved already, we’re just here to pick up our luggage. Jordan Miles had it sent over for us?”
Her eyes light up with pleasure, probably because she won’t have to turn us away. God, it must suck to work really busy weeks in this city when people are desperate for a room.
“Yes, I have your bags in the back room. Just give me a minute,” she says with a nod, bouncing away. Okay, this girl is really happy or maybe high.
“That’s a very peppy receptionist,” Draven says, coming up by my side.
“Yeah, it was kind of odd.” I shrug. Still, his agreement has me on edge as she wheels out our luggage. It’s already been a really long night.
Thankfully, the bags don't appear to have been altered in any way from when we left them, though I won’t know until we get to the room. I’m glad we left everything packed when we went out tonight.
“Thank you,” Layla says as I kiss her forehead before grabbing the handle on both bags. She grabs my backpack with my computer to help, and we walk away.
“Is this really all you have?” Draven asks as he follows us. Layla has a small carryon wheeling suitcase, as do I. I’m pretty sure I brought more than she did because of my equipment.
“I don’t need much,” I tell him. “Layla has been traveling on the bare minimum outside of her clothes and makeup for the past few years, and my computer is my most important asset. Check your assumptions at the door with us. Layla isn’t at all a pampered princess.”
“I’m only letting you fight my battles because I’m tired,” Layla says with a jaw cracking yawn. “For the record.”
“Sure, chick, I can see that. Mav and Atlas are probably showering, fucking, and then going to sleep,” he says. Layla stiffens for the barest moment, and I wonder if sleeping on a bench with my girl may be better.
She has worked hard to forget Mav and Atlas, but I know she’s still hurt. I should be jealous, yet I’m not normal. I recognize what she needs. I just don’t know if she’ll ever have the attention and respect she craves from them.
I know there’s more she wants from them, except they’re both very stuck in their delusions of age and who you can love.
