Page 88 of Claimed By the Rockstars: Part One
"Gods, yes."
The balcony is less crowded, just a handful of people smoking and trying to look brooding in the rain. Rafael and I claim a corner, leaning against the railing as Seattle spreads out below us in a wash of lights and wet pavement.
"Jake seems nice," Rafael says dryly.
"He's pissed I left. Can't really blame him, even if he was a fucking asshole tonight." I swirl the champagne, splashing a little out of the side when Raf looks up at the moon. "They were my band, and I just... left."
"Because Rex blackmailed you?"
I nearly choke. "What?"
Rafael gives me a look that says he's not stupid and neither am I, so let's not pretend. "Phoenix and I aren't blind, Bells. We know something's off about how you joined Vespyr. Rex doesn't just recruit people. He barely tolerates the ones he has. And we'repack."
"Then why haven't you said anything?"
"Because it's not our business." He lights a cigarette, offering me one. I shake my head. "And because whatever Rex is holding over you, we figure you'll tell us when you're ready. Or not. Your choice."
I watch Raf for a moment, processing his words. He seems completely sincere, which is surprising, considering he's an alpha. Then again, I've lived with the guy for almost two weeks, and the only red flag I've seen is that he hogs the mirror.
"Thanks," I mutter.
"Don't thank me yet. I'm still trying to figure out if you're good for the band or going to destroy us from the inside out."
"Fair assessment."
He flashes me a grin, a bit of pointed canine showing. "I'm leaning toward good for the band, if you care."
"I don't."
He just laughs at that.
We stand in comfortable silence for a while, watching the city. The rain has picked up, drumming against the balcony overhang, drowning out the noise from inside.
It hits me all of a sudden that I don't feel well. I don't feel sick, necessarily, but I definitely have the prickling sensation of an oncoming fever. It's probably because I dared to have a glass of champagne. Gotta love suppressants having surprise effects when combined with incomplete marks.
"I need to use the bathroom," I say finally. "And grab some water before I do something stupid."
"Like punch Jake in the face?"
"Like punch Jake in the face."
Rafael heads back toward the door. "I'll come with you. Phoenix is probably wondering where we disappeared to anyway."
We go back inside together, the noise and heat and smell hitting me all over again. The crowd has grown denser. Bodies press together, some of them gyrating. The drugs are already hitting half the guests, apparently.
I turn to Raf. "Got a weird favor to ask."
"Sure," he says, finishing off his drink and setting it on a tray. "What's up?"
"I'm kinda… dizzy," I say carefully. "Can you just wait outside the bathroom while I run in and take a piss?"
I don't tell him the truth, which is that I feel like I'm going to puke all of a sudden, watering mouth and all, and I'm afraid to go into the bathroom alone when my stalker knows where I live and sent me flowers.
Because Raf will tell Rex.
And Rex will go scorched fucking earth.
"Of course," says Raf, his brow furrowing like he's worried about me, but he doesn't push it. "I'll wait here."
