Page 16 of Claiming Atlas

I sigh and give her a small smile. “I hope it works out. When are you seeing him again?”

“Friday night. He’s coming in for your last show, then we’re all going out afterwards.”

“All?” I don’t want to know the answer. If she says Brandon’s douchebag friend is extending his trip, I’m on the first flight to Bangkok.

She rolls her eyes. “Yes, silly. Like we’re going to let you escape celebrating your retirement with your friends.”

Friends.Plural.Who else is in on this plan to force me to go out?

My phone chimes to alert me that my driver has arrived, so I give Scar a quick squeeze and kiss her on the cheek. “Be good tonight.”

“The best he’s ever had.”

I snort and shake my head as I climb into the car. “Text me if you’re not coming home!” I shout as I watch her strut back into the club.

Right into inevitable devastation. Maybe I’ll ask my Lyft driver to stop at the store so I can be fully stocked with red zin and New York Super Fudge Chunk ice cream. It’s not a matter ofifwe’re headed for Heartbreak Town; it’s a matter ofwhen. And I’d like to be prepared.

Chapter Eight

Atlas

My phone rings for the seventieth time in the last two hours. Word got out that I’m here and I won’t be able to hole up in this room much longer. I think it’s Friday, which means I’ve cocooned myself in this hotel room for nearly two whole days.

It ain’t like Vegas has anything new to show me, and I must have been exhausted if I needed this much sleep. Usually I wait to crash and burn after the tour’s ended, but we’re close to the finish line. Vegas has two nights, Sunday and Monday, and then we’re off for three months.

Shit, I guess I should figure out what I’m doing with the next three months of my life. I haven’t been to Europe in a while... maybe I’ll drag Red’s fat ass to his homeland and we can drink beer and fuck hot redheads all damn day.

I listen for any noise coming from the rest of the suite. The familiarclackof pool balls tells me Red’s out there enjoying his favorite past time.

Dragging myself out of bed, I get ready to face the day.

Er, night. It’s probably nighttime by now, yeah? I decline the call then look at the time. Yep. I’ve slept for a good long while. It’s just after ten pm.

I step over to the windows, then pull the blackout curtains open and look outside. Hands on my hips, I stretch, giving anyone below who’s smart enough to look up an uninhibited view of my dick. “Good morning, Vegas.”

I grab my cell and dial Dave.

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