The Gran Teatro Geox reminded Tate of a funky shaped shed. A gigantic shed which could hold over three thousand people. Four hours before the show and the parking lot was already full. He still couldn’t believe they’d sold out the show so fast.

Months ago, when plans for the tour were coming together, he’d shared some doubts with the rest of the guys that they’d do well on a tour across the ocean. Reese talking numbers, calculating regional interest and projected earnings had his eyes crossing and gave him a fucking migraine that lasted about a week.

All he’d wanted to know is if people would show up.

Reese deserved to be a bit smug when fans went wild over tickets, urging them all to warn their followers on social media when only a few tickets remained. More often than not they weren’t fast enough.

The fan’s response to the European tour had been crazy. His notifications on Snapchat, and Instagram, and Twitter went so nuts he thought he’d never get through all the messages and comments, but he’d done his best. Shared excitement with people from across the globe who’d followed him since his first audition for Winter’s Wrath, did videos to answer the countless questions about the trip, if he’d ever flown before, and if he planned to fuck tons of Europeans.

He hadn’t even needed drugs to get high. The anticipation had him buzzing from morning to night. He’d practiced harder, determined to put on the performance of his life every single night they played.

He glared at his broken arm and slumped down on a seat in the greenroom. The greatest accomplishment Winter’s Wrath had ever achieved and he was stuck on the sidelines. He couldn’t even fake a smile when Alder shot him a concerned look.

Alder sighed and leaned closer to the mirror, using some cheap-ass eyeliner around his eyes, making such a mess people were gonna think his new style was KISS—before they’d learned to properly apply makeup.

“You suck at that. Here, let me do it. Where the hell did you get this crap? It’s streaky as fuck.” Tate stood and stepped up to Alder, spinning his chair so he could assess the damage. Then he picked up the pencil and groaned. “And it’s waterproof. Wonderful.”

“You always use waterproof.”

“Yeah, but I use good quality and I know what I’m doing.” Tate searched the vanity for makeup wipes, finding nothing but a few ziplock bags full of empty black nail polish and broken eyeliner. “Holy fuck, Alder. Why didn’t you tell me you needed help?”

“I don’t.” Alder made a face at his pitiful collection. “I just can’t draw a straight line tonight. And I ran out of everything. Jesse brought me to the store and we grabbed this and some powder.” He picked up the container of setting powder, holding it up as if it might redeem him.

Yeah…not so much. Tate took the powder from him and tossed it in the nearby trash. “Unless you want to look like you use orange tanner—not a good look at the moment, or ever—avoid that shade. And that brand. Actually, how about you never buy makeup without clearing it with me or Danica first?”

“I tried to call Danica, but she’s at a beauty conference and still hasn’t gotten back to me. She told me she might not be able to, but…” Alder shrugged and stared at his hands. His nails were chewed up and the black polish on them chipped. “And you’ve been doing your own thing. It’s all good.”

Tate gnawed at his bottom lip, guilt tightening like a fist in his chest. Alder was his best friend and they’d talked about doing all kinds of fun stuff during the tour. The man was away from one of the loves of his life and wouldn’t see her again for at least a month. He was still dealing with PTSD and Tate getting attacked hadn’t helped.

Instead of sticking around to make sure he was okay, Tate took off with North every chance he got. Which wasn’t often, but since he couldn’t tell Alder where he’d been he avoided the conversation. And him.

Fuck, I suck. Tate glanced around the room, happy the other guys weren’t here yet. Shiori would probably join them in a bit, but Brave and Malakai wanted some ‘alone time’ with her on the bus before the show. Connor was out back somewhere, smoking a joint. Not that he would’ve been much help in this situation.

Tate usually had his own makeup, but since Kace had done it for him, he hadn’t bothered to bring in his case. He couldn’t go get it without pissing Brave off, and the man was already in a mood.

“Stay here, I’m gonna go find Kace.”

Alder frowned. “Fuck no. I’m coming with you.”

“Not looking like that you’re not.” Tate pushed Alder back in the chair, spinning him to face the mirror again. “Think of the pictures.”

“I don’t care if they take pictures. Jesse and the rest of our security staff are meeting with venue security.”

“I’m aware.”

“You’re not going out there by yourself.”

“Fine. I’ll have Kace meet me in the hallway.” Tate pulled out his phone and sent a text to Kace. ‘Makeup SOS’. “But I won’t let him see you either. He’ll think I don’t take care of you and I feel bad enough.”

“It’s not up to you to take care of me.” Alder leaned forward, rubbing under his eye with a finger, scowling when Tate smacked his arm.

“Don’t do that, you’re gonna make your eye all red.” Tate checked the reply. “I’ll be right back.”

Bolting from the room before Alder could ask any questions, Tate cut across the hall with long strides, hoping to make it back fast enough for Alder to believe he hadn’t gone any further. Kace was replacing a string on his guitar, so he couldn’t meet Tate, but he was sending North out with his makeup kit.

He slipped out the side door that led to the private section of the parking lot where the bands were parked. Connor was with a group at the far end of the building, so Tate quickly ducked out of sight behind a small trailer. The clink of glasses drew his attention to where a few guys were chilling on lawn chairs behind one of the many vans. He nodded to the lead singer of Trippin’ Raven, a punk-rock band who’d been invited to join the tour after Reese saw them do a cover of Winter’s Wrath’s most popular song, Subsist.

“Hey, got time for a drink, man?” The lead singer, Corey, called out, holding up a bottle. “Our new friend brought us a fucking selection!”

Tate laughed and shook his head. “I gotta run, but I’ll take a raincheck.”

“You sure, Tate?” The man who had his back to Tate turned, looking him over with a crooked smile on his lips. “You used to love Sambuca. Said it tasted like candy.”

Tate’s mouth went dry and he backed up as the man started walking toward him. His blond hair had been shaved, and he looked put together, wearing a sleek leather jacket and snug black jeans, but he was the guy who’d grabbed Tate. There was no way he’d ever forget that face.

Not again.

He hadn’t realized it at the club that night, but the man hadn’t been a stranger. Seeing him now in the daylight, Tate knew exactly who he was.

“Me and your sister are gonna chill for a bit. If you’re quiet, I’ll come back and give you a treat, okay?”

Tate stared at his sister’s boyfriend, his head swimming from the shots of alcohol that tasted like licorice. He’d already been sick once, but Ray had given him something to feel better.

“I got school tomorrow.” He’d just started middle school and he’d already missed a bunch of days. He used to get good grades, but he couldn’t focus anymore. He was so tired all the time. “I should sleep.”

Ray shrugged. “If you’re sure. I figured we could play some Mortal Combat.”

“Can you give me some of the stuff that helps me stay awake tomorrow?”

Ray laughed, and gave Tate a quick hug. “You know I will.”

“Okay, then I wanna play.” Tate closed his eyes when Ray left, pretending to sleep when Clara came in to check on him.

Hours later, Ray came back and they played Mortal Combat for hours. He cuddled up close to Ray’s side, loving the way Ray stroked his hair. Other than grandma, no one really paid any attention to him, but Ray didn’t tell him to get lost, like Clara’s other friends.

He hung out like this, played games with him, and gave him these little pills that made Tate feel amazing. Sometimes he had Tate borrow money from his sister so he could get more pills. She never noticed, but Tate tried to remember how much he took so they could pay her back.

“Hey, I wanted to ask you a favor.” Ray rubbed Tate’s shoulder, setting his controller aside. “Your sister has been sick lately, so she doesn’t have much money. Do you think you can borrow from someone else?”

“Like who?”

“How about one of your teachers? Just for a few days. Then you can put it back. Teachers make a lot of money, I’m sure they won’t mind.”

Tate frowned, staring down at the controller. He wasn’t stupid. Borrowing from his sister was one thing. If he took money from a teacher, that would be stealing.

Moving closer to him, Ray whispered in his ear. “I wish you were older. Maybe one day…”

Heart pounding in his chest, Tate leaned closer to Ray. “What?”

“Oh, never mind. I shouldn’t have said anything.” Ray shrugged and stood. “You should get to bed, kid. Maybe I’ll see you tomorrow.”

The way Ray looked at him was different. Like Tate was nothing but a kid and Ray was done with him. Tate shook his head, following Ray to the door.

He tugged Ray’s arm. “I’ll do it.”

Smiling, Ray bent down and kissed his forehead. “This is why I like you so much. I can always count on you.”

The spot where Ray’s lips had touched tingled all night. He liked Tate. No one really liked Tate, but Ray did.

And Tate would do whatever it took to make sure that never changed.

Tate had spent almost three years, from being naïve at twelve, to hormone-filled at fifteen, completely infatuated with Ray. And Ray had used those feelings to get Tate to steal for him, to keep him hooked on drugs, trying stronger shit all the time because he trusted the man.

He’d thought Ray was in love with him. That ‘love’ had almost killed him.

“You don’t look happy to see me.” Ray came toward him, frowning when Tate tripped backward. “Have I changed that much over the last six years?”

Tate shook his head with an incredulous laugh. “You never tried to kidnap me before, so I guess?”

“I wasn’t… Tate, I cared about you. A lot. I couldn’t see you while you were with your grandmother, but when I saw your picture in that magazine all those old feelings came back.” He held his hands up, moving closer to Tate slowly, sighing when Tate backed up again. “I’m sorry if I scared you. I hate that you got hurt.”

“That’s what happens when a stranger tries to force you to go somewhere to make you ‘feel good’.” Tate folded his arms over his chest, swallowing against the bile rising in his throat. “If you wanted to get me high, you’re out of luck. I’ve been clean for years.”

“I don’t want to get you high. I want you.” Ray’s gaze heated in the same way that had young and stupid Tate desperate to do anything he asked. “Tell me you didn’t forget how things were between us?”

“I tried to.” Tate’s eyes burned as he thought back on when he’d first gone to live with his grandmother. All the times he’d gone through withdrawals and begged her to call Ray. She held him and cried and swore she’d kill Ray if she ever saw him. He’d always imagined he’d feel the same anger if he had to face Ray again, but he couldn’t manage more than a whisper. “You ruined my life.”

“I was the only one who was there for you. Your sister didn’t give a fuck. She still doesn’t.” Ray shook his head, looking sad. “I had feelings for you, but I wasn’t gonna mess with a kid. But you’re not a kid anymore.”

“No. I’m not.” Tate glanced over as he heard someone call his name, giving him the perfect opportunity to cut the conversation short. Seeing Ray made him feel like that lost little boy again. Vulnerable and weak. But he wasn’t. He was a grown man. And he didn’t need anything Ray had to offer. He smiled as he saw North heading his way. “I have much better taste in men.” His eyes narrowed as he glanced back at Ray. “Get out of here or I’m calling security.”

Ray’s lips parted, but then he noticed North and spun on his heels, striding off, shoulders hunched. Tate almost felt bad, but the dull ache in his fucked up eye reminded him just how far Ray would go when he wanted something. He’d escaped Ray’s hold on him. Then escaped him literally.

Dude was lucky he didn’t call the cops. Get his ass thrown in jail.

North stepped up to his side, glaring in the direction Ray had gone. “Who was that? You look freaked out.”

“He’s no one.” No fucking way was Tate sharing this part of his past. His bandmates were already overprotective and Ray coming after him had made that worse. Ray couldn’t grab him again, not with the heightened security…well, unless Tate snuck off, but he wouldn’t. Not now that he’d seen how close Ray could get to him.

He hoped no one had recognized the crazy fucker. Tate checked to see if the members of Trippin’ Raven were paying any attention, but they were half passed out. Someone would have to come get them before their set. They better not suck playing drunk.

Morons.

“Okay…” North handed him the makeup case, which Tate had completely forgotten about. He still looked concerned. “You want me to walk back with you?”

“No need.”

Tate started at the sound of Alder’s voice. He cringed as he turned to see Alder looking both crazy and mad, his face red and his eyes still circled with thick black lines.

“Fucking glad you’re okay. Not sure why you’re with him, but whatever.” Alder held out his hand. “Just give me the shit. I’ll figure it out.”

“No, I’ll help. I’m sorry, I…” Damn it, Tate couldn’t tell Alder what had taken him so long. Alder would flip out and hunt Ray down. Not that him being pissed at North was any better. The best he could do was come up with a lame excuse. “I got lost trying to find their bus.”

Alder’s jaw ticked. “You were just stepping into the hall, remember?”

“Yeah…” Tate looked from Alder to North, who looked confused. “Kace couldn’t come meet me.”

“Got it.” Alder sighed, his long hair falling over his face as he looked down. “Look, you’re an adult. You don’t gotta answer to me. But I don’t want you to get hurt again.”

“I know. And it was stupid of me to take off like that.” Tate put his hand on Alder’s shoulder, not sure what was worse. Alder being pissed or acting like he didn’t have a right to care. “I’m really sorry. So fucking sorry.”

Tipping his head back, Alder let out a rough laugh. “You drive me nuts, kid. You know that?”

“Yep.” Tate grinned when Alder reached out and ruffled his hair. “Part of why you love me.”

Inclining his head to North, Alder started back inside. Tate opened his mouth, but North held up a hand and shook his head. He turned, shoving his hands in his pockets as he walked back to his bus. Tate tugged his bottom lip between his teeth.

This whole situation was fucked up. He had a feeling North knew he’d lied. Then Alder showed up and pretty much dismissed him. Tate and North hardly got to hang out, and when they did they mostly fooled around, jerking each other off and making out. But there was something between them. He cared about North and he knew North cared about him. They hadn’t even fucked yet because North had a plan to rent a hotel room where they could spend the night and not have to rush.

But in the meantime, North was like his dirty little secret. He’d said he didn’t mind, but Tate had seen the hurt in his eyes.

As he fixed Alder’s makeup, relieved that Alder was talking and laughing like normal, Tate mentally laid out a plan for how he’d fix things with North. Tomorrow, after both bands had put on an amazing show and gotten a good night’s sleep, he’d tell them he and North were…

What are we exactly? I don’t even fucking know.

All right, he’d discuss the relationship with North first, then tell everyone. Make it clear they didn’t have to like his decision, but they’d have to back the fuck off North. Then there’d be no more sneaking around.

And Ray?

Tate wasn’t the child he’d manipulated anymore. Who knew what the hell he’d thought he’d get, showing up after all these years? And who fucking cared.

He was gone. He’d destroyed Tate’s health and his life for years. Because of him, Tate couldn’t play with his band. His vision might be ruined forever.

He’d taken so much already.

No way was he letting him take any more.