Page 70 of Enjoying the Band in Lockdown

“Neve, dad will go spare.”

“About losing the money, or losing me?”

“He believed Ang. We all did. You were throwing a teenage tantrum and needed time before settling down.”

“I had to change my name.”

“So I saw.”

“You saw the music? I thought you were into alternative!”

“Ibby is opening up another night club. I’m looking for local acts we can bring in for pennies and make dollars.”

My father’s favorite saying, make dollars from pennies.

“Will I get an invite to the opening?”

“You’re still my sister. Just don’t think about dating Ibby. He’s got a thing for blondes but they never last longer than a night.”

“I’ve already got one of those. Although, I’ve lasted a little longer than a night.”

“The singer?” Ronan scoffed, “I told mum that was just for show, but she didn’t believe me. Our darling mother thinks your singer is legit. She told me only a woman can fake it that well.”

“Mum!”

“I know, right? When you’re ready to come back, give me a call, and if you want a familiar face, text me your address.”

“Will do. By the way, this is my new number. Ang found it a few weeks ago.”

“Worried?”

“Yes, and no. Can you manage him?”

“Right now, we are mutually dependent. He’ll make some noise, but I’ll handle it. Find one of his exes who might want to press charges if he doesn’t back off.”

“Look at my brother, going all gangster.”

“Just sorry it came to this. Look, Neve, don’t go disappearing again, okay?”

“Love you Ronan.”

“Love you too, sis.”

For their sake, I needed to leave. But for my sake, how could I?

It was no longer a question.

I loved Xavier. I did. I’d tried denying it to me and him.

I loved his lips and body, I loved how he always wanted to know what I wanted – in bed and out. I loved his soul. A poet. He felt deeper, loved deeper and hurt deeper than most mortals. In a stupidly short amount of time, he’d become my best friend, lover, and the man I needed to love enough to leave. For his own safety.

He was generous, seeing the attraction between Devon and I that first day, and inviting Devon to become part of us.

Now, I couldn’t imagine living the rest of my life without Xavier unless it was for his own protection. Ronan could control Angelo, but for how long?

I needed to love Xavier enough to leave.

But, Devon. Oh, my cock on demand who could make my body come alive with a single touch.

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