Page 8 of Syncopation
Brown eyes, clever thin lips. Yes. Older now, but weren’t they all?
Domino nodded, awe evident. “It’s a bit of a secret.”
Understanding washed over Zavier. Domino—the persona—was armor. “Safe with me.”
That shy smile again. “Thanks.”
He was about to say something more when the door banged open. A blond man—trim and built, with a round face that might have been lovely had he not been scowling—strode in. Behind him sulked Ray, a bundle of tension.
The blond stuck out his hand. “You must be Zavier Demos. I’m Carl Roberts, the band manager.”
His shake was slightly too firm against Zavier’s hand, a sure sign of someonedesperate to be in charge. “Nice to meet you,” Zavier lied.
“I don’t know why someone of your caliber wants to play with this lot. But we appreciate you stepping in.”
That comment raised Zavier’s hackles. A manager putting down the band? Though he focused on Carl, Zavier spotted Ray’s twitch and frown. “I needed a change of pace.” He paused. “Do you want to hear me play?”
Carl wavedthe suggestion away. “Ray said you’re the best. He might not know much, but he does know music.”
Ouch. Zavier schooled his face. This man was a completedick. “I take it there will be paperwork to sign?”
“Of course.” He gestured to the door. “Why don’t we go talk about it elsewhere?”
Zavier nodded, but when Carl turned, he stole a glance at Ray. Pale. Shaking. Obviously furious. Thiswasn’t good. He caught Ray’s attention and gave a wave he hoped was assuring.
Sign with the prick, then sit down with the band and find out what the deal was. Perhaps he could lend a hand with whatever friction lay between Ray and the manager. He followed Carl out of the room.
Maybe he could help in another way, other than being the replacement drummer. He couldn’t be anything more, evenif Ray’s desire was so obvious Zavier wanted to drink it right in. Wasn’t going to happen, which was an astounding pity.
But the debacle with Dimitri had burned too many scars into Zavier’s soul. Last thing he wanted was another mistake like that one. Better no sex at all or one-night stands than anything that involved expectations.
Well, at least he’d be able to watch Ray make love tohis music. That would be treat enough.
