Page 41 of Rocking Cedarwood

Michael’s lips parted, but he said nothing.

“It’s true.” Niall massaged his temples. “I’ve read them. Some of the stories are great, but some are freaking scary.”

“I’m sorry you’ve been exposed to it,” Dex said. “Don’t take it seriously, Niall.”

“Don’t?” Niall laughed without mirth. “Jesus. They want me dead. I’m preventing them from getting what they want—Bandit.” He sank onto the coffee table. “I don’t like being such a target.” He paused. “It’s part and parcel of what comes with being with you, Michael.”

“You shouldn’t be tangled up in this.” Michael cracked his knuckles. “I’m sorry. I’ve been so selfish.”

Niall shrugged, despite his worry. “I should’ve expected the backlash.”

“Me too, but fuck.” Michael slapped his thighs. “Fuck me.”

“We can’t stop them,” Dex said. “It’s not nice, but until they act on the stories, they can write what they want. I’ve got a team who monitors as many of those blogs, posts, sites and so forth as we can.”

Knowing that fact relieved Niall a bit. “Thank you.”

“Of course.” Dex nodded. “You’re one of us and we protect our own as much as possible.”

“Hell yes, we do.” Michael reached for Niall. “I finally have you and everything I need. I won’t let fan fiction get in the way.”

Good to know. He scrubbed his hands over his face. Something still wasn’t right. “Dex, there’s more, isn’t there?”

“Are you shitting me?” Michael snarled. “I’m popular, but not that much. Come on. Now who is pissed?”

“The coalition has petitioned for you to be removed from the school,” Dex said. “Those rumors about resignation aren’t just idle talk. We’ve lost control of the story. Leif leaked it and the coalition is running with it. I’ve gone through your contract again. They can’t fire you without just cause. Being gay isn’t a just cause—especially since they proved it wasn’t enough reason to fire Steve. He resigned. But you being a musician isn’t either—that said, the coalition is made up of tax payers. They can apply a lot of pressure.”

“They shout the loudest,” Niall said. “You know that. They’ve tried to have Colin, Farin, Jordan and the others removed from town. I have a longer contract, so I’m untouchable right now, but that means nothing if someone gets a wild hair and decides I need to go.”

“I’m on a brand-new two-year contract.” Michael groaned. “God damn it.”

“They want you to choose,” Dex said. “Live a wild life with Niall and the band or be a teacher and conform. I hate to say it, but you brought this on yourself by living a big secret. Doesn’t mean the coalition should be butting in.”

“I’m not one person,” Michael said. He scrubbed his palm over the top of his shaved head. “I’m not misbehaving either. No drugs, booze, crazy relationships…I’m stable.”

“I know.” Dex folded his arms. “What do you want to do?”

Niall held his breath and awaited Michael’s answer.

“Jesus. This is fucked up.” Michael left the bed. “I need to think.”

Niall exhaled. Michael’s declaration wasn’t the answer he wanted, but he’d deal. “I’ll go.” He’d give Michael as much space as needed.

“Niall.” Michael didn’t reach for him.

“It’s okay.” Niall put his shoes back on. “I’m going to make some phone calls.” He had no idea who he’d call at this hour, but whatever. “I’ll be back.”

“Don’t take too long.” Michael turned his back on Niall and huddled up with Dex.

“Same to you.” Niall ducked out of the suite. He checked for his key card then headed to the elevator. Part of him expected Michael to chase him and choose him right away. To choose teaching. But the rest of him knew better. Michael loved the band and his music.

He rode the elevator to the ground floor bar. Once inside the bar, he settled in a private booth.

“What can I get you?” the waitress asked. She smiled. Lines formed around her eyes and her shoulders slumped a bit. Still, she struck him as attractive.

“Rum and cola.” He fiddled with his phone. “Thank you.”

She returned a moment later and offered up the glass. “Anything else?”

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