Page 82 of Syncopation
It was interview time.
Despite Ray’s crack about the types of questions, the band interview went well, even if a little odd. It was live on the radio and being fucking played over the outside speakers. Couldn’t exactly hear theirown words, but the cadence was there, on a few-second delay, filtering into the room from an open door down a hallway.
Of course, the DJs started in on the questions about Kevin, but Ray handled it gracefully.
“Look, I know everyone wants to know all the details. But man, I don’t want to keep dragging him out with this. The press has been hounding on him, too, and that’s not fair.” Hepaused. “Kevin’s a good guy. Can we cut him a break?”
After that, they did. Then came the question Zavier had been wondering about himself.
“So, what’s next for you guys?” The DJ looked honestly curious.
“Well...” Ray scratched the back of his head, which was a nervous tic.
If Zavier had been closer, he’d have pressed his calf against Ray’s.There’s no wrong answer here.
“I’vegot some new songs stirring in my brain, and I know the band’s ready to start working on another album once the tour is finished.”
Both Mish and Dom agreed, their voices blending together.
“Yes.”
“Hell yeah.”
“Does that include Zavier?”
Ray’s whiskey eyes met Zavier’s, and there was a little hope and a little fear there. “I’d—we’d like it to, but that’s up to Zav.”
Zaviercouldn’t look away from Ray. “Are you asking me to join your band, Ray Van Zeller?” Maybe his voice was a little too playful, but fuck it.Thishe’d tease Ray about until they were old and gray.
Ray got his lovely blush. “Seems like I’m always asking you that question, rock star. What’ll it be?”
He huffed a laugh. “Best times I’ve had in my musical career have been touring with you guys.Yes, I’ll join your band.”
There must have been enough fans in the venue—or maybe that was the crew—but a cheer went up outside a few seconds after the echo of them talking. Zavier straightened out in his chair. “That’s not for us, is it?”
The noise got a little louder.
“Yeah, I think it’s for us,” Dom said.
Which meant the press would have fun with that. But hey, it was good news,not moreHas Van Zeller Lost It?shit.
The DJs finished the interview and the band got ready for sound check. Somehow they managed to pull together a version of the Boss’s anthem that was also very Twisted Wishes. It was challenging to do and they read each other so well as a band. The VIP guests loved it. Ray was shining in his element and the day was bright.
In the back of his mind,Zavier knew Carl was lurking, but until the asshole struck, they’d revel in their sound and the crowd andeverything.
With the world lifted off his shoulders and music in his veins, Ray was a sight to behold. Zavier would certainly do his part to keep him like that—and relish every moment, breath, and moan doing so.
After the sound check, they headed back to the lounge and dressing rooms.Dom ducked out to the bus for his book and Mish was hanging out with the crew, which left him and Ray alone as they made their way to the dressing rooms. Ray gave him a look that was sly and full of teeth, and slipped into one of the rooms. Well now, someone wanted a little action. Zavier followed and shut the door.
Ray leaned up against the vanity on the far side of the room. “I figured wehad a few moments by ourselves.”
“So we do. Which makes me wonder why you’re over there and not kneeling at my feet.” Zavier pointed to the floor in front of him.
A lovely blush crept up Ray’s neck, and he was across the room and on his knees in an instant.
Good. While they’d set ground rules, they hadn’t talked about how they’d start scenes, especially given the limited time and privacythey had. Zavier ran his fingers through Ray’s hair. “You can always kneel if you want to play, Ray. Or ask me to fuck you, or however you wish. But if you don’t want to, simply say ‘red’ and I’ll back off.”
“Safeword for even starting?” He looked up. “I’m saying yes now.”
