Page 94 of Hinder
“That depends,” she says and flashes me a coy grin. “Are you spending the night in my room again?”
I grin right back. “If I’m invited, yes.”
She nods, her skin flush and smile wide. “Meet you outside in ten? We can share a cab back to the hotel.”
“You’re so sexy when you make plans.”
She laughs and shakes her head. “That’s only because they’re sex plans.” She bites her bottom lip, as if she’s thinking about our time together. She shakes her head. “Okay, I’m going to tell Lexi good-bye. See you soon, rock star.”
“Can’t wait.” A grin is plastered to my face and I turn to watch her go.
Everything about this night is looking up. Until I catch sight of my uncle.
He’s across the restaurant, but his eyes are trained on me.Fuck.He nods at Opal as they pass and I swear to God if he says anything to her he’s going to regret it.
I meet his glare with a cocky smirk and brace myself for whatever shit he’s gonna pull.
“You fucking her yet?”
My jaw clenches but I hold in the surge of anger from his words. “We’re friends.”
“Yeah.” He chuckles. “I have friends like that, too. So, who is she?”
I want to tell him she’s the most kind, generous, and beautiful soul on this earth. She loves with a trust and limitlessness I’ve never known. She doesn’t care where I come from or who I’ve been. She only judges me for the now. Who I am to her.
And that I’ve fallen in love with her. That I can’t imagine my life without her. That I never should’ve blackmailed him for this gig, because I can never tell her I’ve betrayed her trust. Or how I can’t bring myself to regret my choices because without them I’d have never met her.
But I don’t say any of those things. Instead I shrug, because acting the aloof and arrogant ass is my best mask. “I’m not a PI. Looks like you’re figuring out who she is just fine without my help.”
He takes a step forward, his voice low as he gets in my face. “Cut the shit, Leighton. Don’t try to tell me you have no fucking clue how a country mouse like her ended up as the personal assistant to a rock star as big as Trent.”
This time it’s easy to lie. “I don’t.”
“You know who she is.” He jabs his finger into my chest.
“I wish I could help you, but I can’t.” I shrug again.
“Can’t or won’t?” His eyes hold mine and he narrows his gaze. “You know, this little arrangement has been mutually beneficial until now, but I’m done. It’s time I had a chat with Opal. I’m sure she’ll be more than willing to spill after she learns exactly who you are and how you’ve been using her.”
“Leave her out of it.” The threat flies from my lips and I grip the collar of my uncle’s shirt, twisting the material along with the knot of his tie. Anger reverberates with every beat of my heart. I can’t lose her. Not now.
“Oh. Oh, Leighton. Bad move.” His lips twist with a bitter smile and he peels my fingers open and away from his throat.
He’s bigger than me. Older, too. But I’ll give him everything I’ve got if he threatens to get between the only true happiness I’ve ever known. “I mean it. Leave her alone.”
“This is better than I imagined.” My uncle steps back and straightens his tie. He meets my stare with a hint of laughter on his lips. “You’re in love with her.”
Yes.I work my jaw back and forth to keep from answering. Shit. I don’t even know exactly when it happened. I’ve been attracted to her from the start, but love? That sucker snuck up on me and I can’t even deny it.
“You are. You’re in love with her.” He laughs as though he’s hit the jackpot. Fucker.
“This isn’t about her. This is between you and me.” I need to set him straight. Keep his focus on the prize. “I told you I’d get you info on the band. Tell me what you need. I’ll find it for you.”
He shakes his head. “I want to know who she is. Otherwise I’ll tell her.”
“You can’t,” I beg. I fucking beg because that’s how much I love her. “Please. Don’t.”
“I will.” All humor is gone and he narrows his glare. Enunciating each and every word. “You have twelve hours. If I don’t hear from you by the time the bus hits Richmond tomorrow, I tell her everything.”
