Page 11 of Knot My Band: Part One
I laugh, rolling my eyes dramatically. “Chad’s a walking billboard for gym memberships. Too bad he can’t squat his way to a better personality.”
Our banter is effortless, the kind that comes from years ofinside jokes and shared secrets. Riley’s presence is like my favorite melody, familiar and comforting. As she sips her wine, I notice how the light catches the playful glint in her blue eyes.
We fall into a comfortable silence, letting the drama on screen fill the space between our chatter. It’s nice, this quiet camaraderie. With everything else that demands my attention, these moments with Riley are like a breath of fresh air.
“Seriously though,” she says, her tone shifting, “How are those alphas from The Edge treating you?”
“Ugh, don’t remind me.” I groan playfully, stretching my legs out and resting my feet in her lap. “Chase, Aiden, and Jack seem okay, but Dax is horrible! It’s so hard to be around someone who hates me, and I don’t know why.”
“You know, Oli, not everyone will be your biggest fan. And that’s okay.” Her gaze locks onto mine, blue eyes earnest and fierce.
I huff, feeling the unease twist in my stomach. “I get it, but I didn’t do anything wrong! It’s not fair.”
“It’s not, but you’ve faced worse than a moody alpha with a chip on his shoulder.”
“True,” I concede, tilting my head back and looking at the ceiling as if it holds the secret to unruffling Daxon Grey. “Maybe he just needs time to adjust to me.” My tone is flippant, but there’s a thread of hope beneath it all.
“Seriously though,” Riley continues, her blue eyes glinting with something fierce and protective. “Being an omega isn’t easy in this alpha-driven industry. But you? You’ve got more spine than half the alphas I know. You never let anyone paint you weak, and that’s what makes you shine so damn bright.”
“Having a kickass PA who doubles as my personal cheerleader definitely helps,” I tease, nudging her shoulder withmine.
She chuckles, but the truth of her words settles over me like a comforting blanket. It’s hard being an omega in the spotlight, but I’ve proved them wrong before. No one thought I would be this big when I first started; it was an uphill battle, and I did it. I can handle this band of alphas, too.
“Enough about me,” I say, turning the focus away from my inner musings. “How are you holding up? Brad must be bummed about you heading out on tour with me.”
“Brad hates it,” she admits, lips twisting in a wry smile. “But he gets it. The life of a rockstar’s assistant is never dull. And he’ll catch up with us at some point.”
“That’ll be good for you two.”
“Definitely,” she agrees, tucking a strand of pixie-cut blonde hair behind her ear. “It’s tough, you know? Being apart. But we make it work.”
I have never been able to make a relationship work with my crazy life.
“Hey, don’t look so wistful.” Riley bumps my knee with hers, pulling me out of my reverie. “Your perfect someone is out there waiting. Maybe a pack?”
“I can’t handle more than one alpha. Look at my past,” I counter.
“Speaking of your past. I have to try one more time to convince you to have a personal security guard or team,” Riley insists, her blue eyes sharp with concern. “This tour is massive, and your fanbase has exploded. A private security team isn’t overkill—it’s necessary.”
I sigh, leaning back against the plush cushions of my couch. “Look, I get where you’re coming from, but the band is full of alphas now. And we’ve got the usual security team, andthat’s always been enough in the past.” I hold her gaze firmly, hoping she sees the confidence I feel. It’s true; being around the band gives me a sense of protection I can’t deny.
“Oli, it wasn’t that long ago we dealt with that creep sending you those messages,” she presses on, her tone dropping to a whisper as if saying it out loud might summon him back into our lives. “You can’t be too careful.”
The police caught my stalker last month, and it’s been a relief to be done with them.
“Riley, babe, I appreciate you looking out for me.” I reach over, giving her hand a reassuring squeeze. “He won’t be bothering me or anyone else anytime soon.” I offer her a grin, all sunshine to her cloud. “Plus, I’ve got an image to maintain. Can’t be seen cowering behind beefy bodyguards when I’m supposed to be the unbreakable Oli Hart.”
She narrows her eyes, not quite convinced, but there’s a crack in her resolve when she sees my smile doesn’t waver. “Unbreakable, huh?” Riley finally says with a reluctant chuckle. “Just promise me you’ll scream at the top of your lungs if you need help. Your pipes could probably stun anyone into submission.”
“Only if you promise to be my number one roadie, ready with the mace and the mean right hook,” I tease, tapping her nose lightly with my fingertip.
“Deal,” she replies, but I notice the way she relaxes ever so slightly. We have this dance down to an art—the push and pull of her worrying and me soothing. It’s part of the rhythm of our friendship.
I sink deeper into the plush cushions of my couch. I take another sip of wine, the taste fruity and tart on my tongue, and I can’t help but grin at Riley.
“Thanks for being here, Riles,” I murmur, giving her hand a squeeze. “I don’t know what I’d do without you.”
“Right back at you,” she replies, squeezing back. “You’re not getting rid of me that easily.”
