Page 15 of Wild Stars

Why on God’s green earth did I think pushing his fucking buttons was a good idea?

Because watching the man’s pupils dilate like that makes me feel powerful.

God, am I reallythatfucked up?

I run my hand over my face as I try to dispel the memory of Matty and his pretty mouth, of the way he clenched his jaw when I got in his face.

Of the fucking hardness growing in my pants as Ithinkabout getting in his face.

I adjust my stupid cock with a grunt.

Yeah, that’s never going to happen even if the guy likes guys.

He doesn’t like you one fucking bit.

I’m not obtuse, I know Matty’s break up with Edward Haverish was highly publicized, and Eddy Spaghetti is on track to win a fucking Oscar, but that’s notmyproblem, and that’s no excuse to be a dick.

Someone should give that asshole a good spanking and set him right.

Immediately, the goblins that run my brain latch onto the idea of Mateo Starr, bare-assed with my fucking handprint glowing red on his cheeks, and my cock twitches.

Fucking ay!Now is not the time for dumb ass fantasies!

I twist the coffee carousel and pluck my K-cup from the line-up and pop it in the Keurig to try and get my mind—and my cock—back in order.

The machine whirrs as it heats up, and I brace my hands against the counter as I suck in a deep breath, letting it out slowly, if only to try and calm my frayed nerves.

I need tofocus.I need to get this damn coffee–not coffee, and I need to get back to work.

Usually, I check the doors before we start jamming, but I have to admit, this morning I am just not myself.That’s fucking clear as a bell.

Richie knocks, even though the door is open, pulling my attention.

“Hey,” he says cautiously.

“Hey,” I reply as I grab a rice crispy treat from the basket while I wait for my coffee-not coffee.

“What was that about?”he asks as he slowly approaches me, sliding his hands in his pockets.

“Honestly...I don’t fucking know.I’m just a goddamn mess today, Rich.”

Richie leans against the counter next to me, chewing on his lip.“We all have bad days, Dare.That doesn’t make you an asshole,” he says calmly.

“No, but getting in Mateo Starr’s fucking face doesn’t make me any less of one,” I chirp as I tear into the crispy treat.The marshmallowy goodness makes me feel better even if it’s short-lived.

Richie smirks.“I’m pretty sure he can handle it.You’re probably not the first person to tell him off.Dude is a fucking icebox.”

I sigh as I swallow another bite of my emotional support treat.“I should have checked the room better.I should have?—”

“Shit happens.Don’t sweat it.We’re all under pressure for this tour, you know.Not just you.”

I look at him from under my lashes, noting his demeanor and body language are unusual, even for him.

My brother is one of the most confident individuals I know, so to see him melancholy makes me do a double take.

“Something botheringyou?”I grab another crispy treat, offering it to him.“Need to eat your feelings too?”

He pushes it away.“You know that shit is full of sugar and is terrible for you, right?”He flashes me with a half smile.

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