Page 75 of Knot My Band: Part One
“Nice,” I say, grinning, and I catch a flicker of pride in his soft brown eyes before he looks down, focusing on the keys again.
The lyrics to this particular song we are working on are sad, and they poured out of both of us without much prompting. I know we are both working through our pasts together.
I’m writing about my ex, Daniel Gates, and he hasn’t told me his inspiration, but a horrible, ugly part of me is jealousthat there might be a woman in his life that he loved enough to write songs about.
It’s hypocritical.
“This song is going to make our fans cry,” I say before trying a different note.
“Oli,” he starts, and there’s a tremor in his voice that pulls my attention immediately. He hesitates, his fingers stilling on the keyboard, and suddenly, it’s not just about the music anymore. “I know I mentioned it, but I’m writing this song about my parents.”
The confession hangs between us, raw and unexpected. It’s a jolt, but I don’t miss a beat—I’m all ears and open heart for him. His vulnerability cuts through our session’s casual vibe, and I gently lower my guitar onto my lap, giving him the floor.
“Must’ve been tough,” I say softly, coaxing him to continue.
Aiden nods, swallowing hard, and when he speaks again, there’s a weight to his words that wasn’t there before. “Yeah, it was…lonely before I met my pack.” His admission is a whisper, almost lost in the hum of the bus engine. “But it made me who I am.”
“And I love who you are, Aiden.”
“Really?” Aiden asks, hopeful.
“Of course. You’re kind and considerate. You always take care of the pack’s emotions and keep them from fighting. You’re a wonderful alpha.”
His smile makes me lean forward and kiss him, and I breathe in his chocolate chip scent as I run my hands through his hair.
“Maybe you would like to spend tonight in my nest with me?” I pull back and ask hesitantly, staring into his eyes for any signs of discomfort.
Aiden runs his hand down my arm. “I would love that,sunshine.”
Now, I think I’m blushing.
The bus door swings open with a creak, and the slap of footsteps announces the return of Dax, Chase, and Jack even before I see their familiar outlines in the doorway. My heart does this weird somersault thing.
“Hey, you two,” Chase’s voice ripples through the confined space, his tone as playful as a wink. “You cooking up some magic without us?”
Dax follows close behind, his own curiosity piqued, and his eyes betray nothing of his usual grumpiness. There’s a softness there when he looks our way.
“We are writing music,” Aiden closes his notebook so they can’t see.
I guess only I’m allowed to see his raw work.
“Sounds secretive,” Chase says, smirking while he drums his fingers against his thighs, the perpetual rhythm of his soul refusing to be contained.
“Aiden never shares his music with us before it’s ready. You’re special, Oli,” Jack says, sitting down on the couch.
Aiden and I exchange a look, and I know it’s the truth.
I turn back to the others. “We do have one song that’s ready.”
“Oli-” Aiden grabs my hand, sounding nervous.
“Not this song, Aiden, but the first duet we wrote.”
“Duet?” Dax asks.
“Pull up a seat, boys,” I say, patting the cushion beside me. My hair is probably a wild mess from how often I run my hands through it when I’m on a creative roll.
Chase races over to the spot I tapped and wraps his arms around me. “I missed you, little rose.”
