Page 39 of Max

“I didn’t know until this job either,” Jasper said.

Max sighed. It was too early for this shit. “It’s easier to not say anything than to get everyone around me all worked up and asking for introductions and autographs and being a general pain in my ass.”

“Dude, you know how much I love her music, and you said nothing.”

“Did you not hear a word I said? I don’t tell anyone she’s my sister.”

“I’m not just anyone! We’re friends. We work together.” Max didn’t miss the hurt underneath the exasperation. This was yet another reason he didn’t tell people. He didn’t want to upset them when he refused to introduce them to Des.

Max shook his head and followed the women inside, aware that Cole and Jasper didn’t immediately follow. Jasper was probably trying to smooth things over, but Max didn’t care. His family was his business and no one else’s.

“Who is the Neanderthal?” Desi asked the second he was close enough.

“Cole. He’s one of our bodyguards.”

Desi’s eyebrows hit her forehead at his surly tone, but he wasn’t in the mood.

“What skunk shit your creek?”

Shay burst out laughing at Desi’s nonsense.

“That made no fucking sense, Des.”

She shrugged one dainty shoulder. “Did to me, and that’s all that counts.”

“You shouldn’t have taken a bus. It’s too dangerous. Do you remember what happened the last time you did that? You ended up in the hospital.”

“What happened?”

“Overeager fans got in the way of me getting off the bus, and I fell, cracking my head. Hell of a concussion.”

“Desi, Max is right. You shouldn’t have gotten on a bus.”

“Damn right, I’m right.”

“I’m a grown woman. I don’t have to ask your permission—”

“I’ll call Dad.”

She sucked in a breath. “Don’t you dare!”

“Try me.”

They stood toe to toe, her gazing up at him with a fierce expression, but he wasn’t backing down. His sister needed to start taking her safety seriously.

“Fine, go ahead and tell him. He’ll understand why I felt like I had to get on a bus.”

Fuck.

The door opened, and the guys came in.

“Cole, while my sister is here, you are in charge of her security. Do not let her out of your sight. She’s as slippery as an eel and will do her best to lose you.”

“You can’t do that!”

“I can, and I will.”

“What about Shay?”

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