Winter’s Wrath and XVI Hours couldn’t be in the same room for more than five minutes without a fight breaking out. But they were expected to share a stage.

May the music Gods save us from this shit-show. Annette dropped her head into her hands as a chair hit the floor and both Brave and North started yelling. At least they were at opposite ends of the kitchen table. And the whole security team was present to keep the peace—hopefully, no more furniture, or people, would be broken. Brave was sporting one hell of a black eye from last night, but he and Quinton seemed to have come to some sort of truce.

The two lead vocalists though? Not so much. Every member of both bands had taken turns over the past hour getting them to calm down, but there didn’t seem much point anymore. Maybe they needed to hash it out. Either destroy any chance of working together, or see on their own how ridiculous they were being.

“This is a fucking joke! Tell Reese to find another charity case.” Brave made a dismissive motion as he pushed away from the table. “This one’s a lost cause.”

North’s face went red. “We don’t need your goddamn ‘charity’.”

Brave smirked. “Yeah? How far do you think that one hit will get you? Tanking your first band wasn’t enough for you, kid?”

“You want to bring up our old bands, asshole? Really?”

“Careful, North.”

“Why? I’m just supposed to sit back and listen to you talk like you’re God’s gift to music?”

“I’ve been in the business for fifteen fucking years, you arrogant hack!”

“I’m the hack? If you had any talent, you wouldn’t need a fucking sideshow with strippers to keep your fans entertained!”

Fuck me, he had to go there. Annette exchanged a look with Quinton, who jerked his chin toward the door as though waiting for her cue to make an exit. Orion was massaging his temples and muttering under his breath. Even Kace, who always found excuses for North’s behavior, was staring at him like he’d lost his mind.

Alder stood slowly, his tone dangerously low as he glared at North. “Who the fuck are you calling a stripper?”

North’s lips parted as all the color left his face. He swallowed hard, holding his hands up as Jesse stepped forward, eyes flashing with rage. Balthazar held Jesse back while Skull put a firm hand on Malakai’s shoulder to keep him in his seat.

Josh sidestepped just in time to block Brave when he lunged for North.

“I didn’t mean…” North looked over at Shiori, who framed Brave’s face with her hands, forcing him to look at her as she spoke to him firmly. When she glanced over at North, he hung his head in shame. “I shouldn’t have said that. I’m sorry.”

Shiori shrugged, expression unreadable. “I’m not insulted that you called me a stripper, I know some models who worked the pole for years who have more class than you ever will.”

North nodded, keeping his mouth shut for once. Which had to be the smartest thing he’d done all day.

Annette stood slowly, bracing her hands on the table. “We’ve got to figure something out. You two have to sing together, that’s all. Not killing one another on stage would be a nice bonus, but I guess it would be interesting to watch.”

“You expect me to sing with him after what he just said?” Brave let out a sharp laugh. “I don’t know what you’re on, sweetie, but care to share with the rest of the class?”

Her palm itched to slap him, but she simply smiled, teeth clenched. If she lost her temper, the entire collab idea would be shot. Like it or not, XVI Hours needed this more than Winter’s Wrath. She had to find a way to salvage the opportunity if she could.

Lifting her chin, she met Brave’s eyes. “Then sing with me.”

Her heart sank as Brave shook his head.

His expression softened. “I get why this is so important to you. And I wish we could have pulled this together, but me singing with the backup of another band doesn’t make any sense.”

“What if Alder sings with her?” Connor sat back, crossing his arms over his chest when everyone’s attention landed on him. He took a few deep inhales, then looked around the table. “We share a lot of fans. The way this is coming across online makes us all look bad. Having the backups sing together would be a cool way to kill the rumors without forcing these two assholes to spend too much time together.” He shrugged when both Brave and North glared at him. “Besides, we’ve got a contract.”

Shaking his head, Brave turned away from them all, heading toward the door. “Fuck the contract.”

“You sure about that, Brave?” Quinton called out just as Brave started out. “Have fun finding a new drummer by tonight then. Because that contract includes me.”

The room went completely silent. Brave backed into the room, quietly shutting the door.

“Boom!” Tate shouted abruptly, slamming his good hand on the table. “And that’s how it’s done.”

Annette spat out a laugh, covering her mouth when North frowned at her. He probably wasn’t too happy being completely cut out of the negotiations, but what else were they supposed to do? Let him and Brave ruin everything?

Alder let out a heavy sigh. “I’m fine singing with Annette, and I agree with Connor. We’ve got to get a handle on this situation before it gets any worse. Reese had the announcement dropped yesterday that we’d be doing something special for the fans tonight. And we’ve just wasted half the day arguing.”

“More like wasted the whole week.” Quinton lifted his shoulders at Alder’s irritated look. “Just stating the facts. We signed the contract, and I’ve been holding up my end. But this is the first time we’ve all been together.”

“He’s right.” Tate fingered the elastic to his eyepatch, this one with a black and gold steampunk-style design. “But I think we can—I mean you guys can do this.” His brow furrowed and he dropped his gaze to glare at his cast. “Not that my opinion matters, since I won’t be doing shit.”

His defeated tone sobered everyone in the room. They all returned to their seats, except for Connor and Brave, since Connor had slipped into the seat Brave had abandoned next to Tate. Annette smiled as Connor put his arm around the young drummer’s shoulders, speaking to him softly and somehow making him perk up, a grin spreading across his lips.

Connor hadn’t seemed to feel like he fit in with his own band before, but that had changed. He was more confident about speaking his mind. Closer to his bandmates than he’d been only a few days ago. Maybe all that had been holding him back had been keeping such a huge secret from them for so long.

He’d trusted them with the truth and they’d been supportive. And, most importantly, didn’t treat him any differently. Except for listening to him more.

Which had saved the collab.

She had to find a creative way to thank him. One that would involve some of his favorite treats, maybe some handcuffs, and a few hours just her and him with their clothes ripped off littering the floor around them. She’d never tried ripping clothes off anyone, but her core throbbed as she pictured Connor on the floor while she straddled him, tearing up that snug, dark blue shirt he was wearing and raking her nails down his chest.

What would Balthazar think when he saw the marks? Would they turn him on? Would he want to watch them fuck like animals while he stood guard, trying to hold on to that cold expression he wore while he was working? How long would it take before he joined them?

“Annette?” Quinton snapped his fingers in front of her face, chuckling when she blinked at him. “You got an opinion about the song or what?”

“The song?” Her cheeks heated when she realized everyone was staring at her. And if Connor’s crooked grin was anything to go on, she’d been blatantly eye fucking him this whole time.

Thankfully, Tate took pity on her, clearing his throat to draw the attention his way. “What if we do something like they did on Glee?”

“Glee?” Malakai looked confused. “I don’t know what that is.”

“Some high school show.” North grumbled, arms folded on the table, head tucked in them, making it hard to hear him. “Never got into it, but I guess we’re doing fucking Journey.”

Brave scowled at the top of North’s head. “What the hell is wrong with Journey?”

“Enough.” Connor gave them both disgusted looks. “You two aren’t allowed to talk anymore.”

Quinton put his hand up. “I second that.”

“Third.” Dariel was sitting on the counter, sipping a beer and looking like he was ready to ghost any minute. “You’re both acting like fucking children.”

“Then why the fuck are we even here?” Brave pressed his lips shut when Malakai caught his gaze and firmly shook his head.

“Anyway, I thought Glee was pretty cool. And the mash-ups were awesome.” Connor rubbed his hands on the table, showing the most uncertainty he had so far. “Pulling one together in the next few hours would be nearly impossible, but we could do a face-off kinda thing.”

“Like they did with Smooth Criminal?” Tate sounded excited.

“Yes! Exactly!”

“Love it!”

Annette wanted to share their enthusiasm, but she hadn’t watched much of Glee either. And they were running out of time to come up with a solid plan.

“Since no one else seems to know what they’re talking about…” Kace ducked his head, the freckles on his brown cheeks standing out even more as his face reddened. He’d been quiet up until now, but he never let shyness stop him from doing what was best for the band. He kept his eyes on the table as he spoke. “We choose a song both Alder and Annette know well. That we can all play. They take turns singing parts, trying to outdo one another.”

“A riff-off.” Annette sat up straight, resisting the urge to jump right out of her seat and throw her fist in the air. “Yes! I love it! But I don’t want to do one song. Let’s do the A la Pitch Perfect.” She smirked at Alder. “I’m so going to kick your ass.”

Alder’s brow rose. “You think so, do you?”

“Oh, I know so.” She folded her arms behind her head, leaning back in her seat. “And no need to practice. My guys can pick up anything I start singing after the first note.”

“I wouldn’t be much of a gentleman if I let you humiliate yourself in front of a huge crowd.”

“And I think you’re afraid that I won’t.” Annette cocked her head. “If you were the kind of ‘gentleman’ who’s scared to be shown up by a woman on stage, you wouldn’t be with Danica Tallien.”

“Oh!” Tate slapped his hand on the table. “That’s it. You gotta do it now, buddy.” He leaned over to Connor, speaking in a stage whisper. “My money’s on your girl.”

“Thanks a lot, ‘buddy’.” Alder shook his head, then laughed. “You know what, this sounds like fun. Let’s do it.”

The energy in the room was practically buzzing as they all cleared the table, breaking off into small groups to continue the lighthearted challenges. North and Brave both skulked out silently, but no one really noticed. There was no time for their sulking.

“We should try to contrast our outfits. What do you think, Tate?” Kace nudged the drummer. “You wanna come help me see what they’ve got to work with?”

“Only if you teach me how you highlight your cheeks like that. Freakin’ blinding, man.”

“I’ve got the best products. You’re pale, but I think I have the perfect shade for you.”

“That would be awesome. I’m good at eyeliner, but—”

“I’ve got you.”

They headed out, probably going to XVI Hours’ bus where Kace had his insane collection. All the guys of Winter’s Wrath were staring after them like they’d been talking about alien conspiracy theories.

“You might never get him back.” Quinton patted Malakai’s shoulder. “And if you do, prepare to hear absolutely everything there is to know about Jeffree Star and Manny Mua.”

Malakai’s brow furrowed. “Who?”

Annette snickered, glancing over at Connor, her smile fading as she watched Balthazar rubbing his shoulders, his expression full of concern. He nodded to whatever Connor said, then stepped back.

Connor practically bolted out the front door. Balthazar followed at a slower pace, holding the door as Annette walked out behind him, as though he’d expected her.

She spotted Connor just as he jogged around the far end of the villa. “Is he okay?”

“Yes, but he was getting restless.” Balthazar kept his focus on the spot long after Connor was out of sight, then sent a quick text on his phone. “He’s going for a run.”

“By himself?”

“He’s been doing this for years. The land is gated. He’s safe, but Josh will keep an eye on him from a distance.”

“Oh.” She hugged herself, hating the idea of Connor being alone for any reason. But she trusted Balthazar. He wouldn’t let Connor put himself in danger.

“I’m getting his things ready for tonight.” Balthazar started for Winter’s Wrath’s bus, glancing back at her when she didn’t move. “Care to keep me company?”

“Sure.” She forced herself to move, but couldn’t help looking back one last time before trailing him onto the bus. “Do you need me to do anything?”

Kneeling in front of one of the bunks, Balthazar pulled out a suitcase, opening it on the mattress and shuffling through the unfolded mess. “You can help me figure out if any of this is clean.”

She sat on the edge of the bed, picking up a pair of grease-stained jeans that look ready to fall apart. “This can’t be all he has?”

“He has the rucksack he brought in, but these are his concert clothes.”

Frowning, she leaned into the bunk. “Actually, I think those are his concert clothes.” She pointed at a bunched up pile at the foot of the bed. “Orion does the same thing. He washes his nice stuff, then plans to hang it all up, but ends up tossing them in his bunk and forgetting about them.”

Reaching out, Balthazar grabbed a sleeveless black shirt, hesitating a moment before holding it to his nose. He breathed out a sigh of relief. “Clean. Thank God.”

They spent a few minutes going through the limited options and picked out two outfits. Annette fingered a hole where several studs had come out of the black denim vest. “We need to bring him shopping. I was thinking about ripping his clothes off him, but he’d have nothing left to wear.”

Balthazar’s lips slanted. “Is that what you were picturing when you were staring at him earlier?”

“Hell yes. My timing sucked, but I have needs.”

“Needs that are going to have to wait.” Balthazar took the vest from her, folding it and placing it on top of the clothes he’d neatly piled beside him.

She stood and rolled her eyes. “Obviously. He’s not here now.”

“That’s not why.” Balthazar straightened with the pile in his arms. “I haven’t given him permission yet.”

Her eyes widened. She let out an incredulous laugh. “Permission? Are you fucking kidding me?”

“No.” Balthazar stepped around her. “Simply making sure there are no misunderstandings. I’m willing to share, Annette. But he and I have a…unique relationship. One you will respect.”

“Like hell I will. You’re not his fucking master.”

“I am.”

“Bullshit. He wouldn’t…” She considered the dynamics between Balthazar and Connor and took a deep breath. She wasn’t clueless. When she and Connor had been with Joanna, he’d been happy to do whatever Joanna told him to, even though he hadn’t gotten off in the end. He hadn’t even seemed disappointed.

Joanna had implied Annette could play that role. Which had sounded interesting at the time, but she didn’t know the first thing about giving orders. She still had to work on making strong suggestions when it came to her band.

No doubt Balthazar gave commands effortlessly. And was hot as fuck while doing so. She couldn’t blame Connor for doing exactly what he was told. The rewards were probably worth pleasing his man.

She slumped back onto the bed. “Why make being with me one of your restrictions? If you’re willing to share him, what’s the point?”

“It’s not personal.” Balthazar leaned against the doorway at the end of the bunk area. “He’s had many lovers, but few that focused on his needs. I’m sure you two will have fun, but give me time to explore something deeper with him before you rush into random quickies.”

“I wasn’t planning on ‘random quickies’, you self-righteous son-of-a-bitch.”

“Please leave my mother out of this.”

“So long as you’re admitting you are self-righteous.” She pressed her lips together to keep from laughing when he grinned. Damn it, why was fighting with him so fun? “Is sex going to be scheduled once we’re allowed to have it, or do I only get every second weekend?”

Balthazar’s tone took on an icy edge. “Don’t be obtuse.”

“Don’t use words like obtuse in that tone if you want people to believe you have a pulse.” She shot to her feet and strode up to him, jabbing her finger in the center of his chest. “You may be his master, but you’re not mine.”

“No, I’m not.” His voice reminded her of the low growl of thunder rolling through the mountains, the last warning to find shelter before the storm hit. Even though the sky looked clear, the rumble carried, until you could feel it in your bones. His lips curved at the edges. “Yet.”

She shivered, wishing she hadn’t mentioned his tone. The emotionless one was much safer on her senses. She poked him in the chest again. “What makes you think I’m interested in that? Or you?”

He dropped the clothes and grabbed her wrist, twisting her around so her back was against the closest bunk. Then he braced his hand on the wood frame above her head. “I suggest you keep your hands to yourself if you don’t want me to show you how I know.”

Her heart skipped about a dozen beats. She inhaled and exhaled through her parted lips, staring up at him. Fuck, had he always been this big? “What if I tell you to let me go and move right now?”

“Then I will.” He gave her a lazy smile. “But you haven’t.”

No, because she didn’t want him to. Which scared her a little. Was this why Connor enjoyed following his orders? The rush of having Balthazar in control? After a small taste she was tempted to let Balthazar show her whatever the fuck he wanted to.

But she also wanted to see him lose a bit of that control. She liked getting under his skin. Challenging him. She couldn’t do that if she surrendered completely.

She jutted her chin up, meeting his eyes, which reminded her of the clear azure shade of the Venetian Lagoon moments before twilight. Nearly impossible to look into without losing some of her resolve, but she managed somehow.

“You don’t scare me, Balthazar.” She shivered again as his fingers brushed over her hair, toying with a curl that had escaped her messy ponytail. Inhaling, she tried again. That breathy voice wasn’t all that convincing. “I won’t play by your rules.”

“Really?” Balthazar wrapped the curl around his finger, then let it fall against her cheek. “A shame. You might enjoy them.”

“Enjoy being told when I get to fuck? No thanks. I need passion, the kind of passion you can’t restrain, that you don’t see coming.” She panted as his fingers lightly traced the curve of her ear, moving down to her throat. “A slow burn can be amazing, but sometimes I just want the fire.”

Balthazar brought his cheek to hers, the scuff along his jaw adding an edge to the sensations, overwhelming her a little more with every touch. His lips closed around her earlobe and she squirmed, pressing her eyes shut as her core clenched in response.

“I can give you that fire, Annette.”

She moaned as he sucked lightly, not sure if she loved or hated how sensitive her ears were. She put her hands on his chest, bunching her fingers in his shirt. If he kept that up she’d agree with just about anything.

“Ask me.” Balthazar’s lips moved to her throat. “This time, I expect nothing else. You only need to ask.”

“Oh god…” She tipped her head, giving him better access to her neck. He grazed her with his teeth and she whimpered. “Please.”

“Good enough.” Balthazar hooked his fingers to the hem of her shirt, pulling it off and tossing it aside. He wrapped his arm around her, framing her jaw with his other hand and claiming her lips in a deep kiss that held none of the restraint she’d feared. His kiss mirrored all her desire and desperation, as if he’d held back until he’d reached his limit.

Tugging the elastic from her ponytail, he let her hair spill free, then tangled his hand in the strands, tugging just enough to draw a gasp from her lips. He kissed down her throat, his free hand between her shoulder blades, feeling along her bra strap.

He smiled against her lips, reaching between them to undo the clasp between her breasts. “Lovely.”

She opened her eyes, expecting him to be staring at her tits, but his gaze was on her face, and she blushed at the intensity of his stare.

The flesh around his eyes creased slightly as he chuckled. “You’re embarrassed.”

“No, but I may consider leaving your body here for your brother to find if you don’t shut up.”

“Is that so?” He cupped her breasts in his hands, drawing a semi-circle with his thumbs beneath her nipples. “You don’t want to hear how you drive me insane with the way you move. With every sound you make. That I want to taste every inch of you, that I want to fuck you until that beautiful voice is hoarse from screaming my name.”

She gave him a hooded look as she snagged his belt and tugged it open. “All right, maybe I’ll let you talk.”

“Such a kind mistress.” He claimed her lips again as she freed his dick, groaning as she did her best to wrap her hand around it. “Fuck, your hands are soft.”

“Mhmm. You should feel my mouth.” She darted her tongue over his bottom lip. “Would you like to?”

He tugged at her hair before she could kneel. “It’s not your lips I want to feel around me.”

And with that, he regained control, snapping open her jeans and slipping his fingers inside. The second the tip of his finger brushed her clit her back bowed and she grabbed onto his shoulders to steady herself. Her nerves sizzled to life all at once, like all the moisture in her body was water splashed on a blazing hot plate.

Working her jeans down with his wrist, he slid his fingers over her, dipping one finger in deep while taking a fistful of her hair. “So fucking wet.”

Her core tightened around his finger and she bit into his bottom lip as he began rubbing her clit with his palm. All the pleasure built up, and she moved her hips to take him in deeper, needing more.

“Don’t make me beg again.” She dug her nails into his shoulders, her eyes tearing as he withdrew his hand. “Don’t you fucking dare.”

“I won’t.” He pulled out his wallet, flipping it open and tugging out a row of condoms. He dropped the wallet, tore one package free, then ripped it open with his teeth.

One of the sexiest things a guy could do, both being careful and a little animalistic. She shuddered as he rolled the condom over his hard length, need pulsing through her so fiercely she couldn’t keep her hands off him. She pulled him close, running her hand over his close-shaved scalp, curving her fingers behind his neck as she pressed breathy, open-mouthed kisses to his lips.

He lifted her up with one arm around her waist, tugging her jeans off completely, leaving her naked in his arms as he sucked on her tongue. He pressed himself between her thighs, steadying her on the edge of the middle bunk as her pussy stretched around the head of his dick.

She braced herself for him to slam in like most guys did, but instead, he eased out, then back in, a little more each time, letting her adjust to his girth. He was bigger than most of the guys she’d been with, but he didn’t hurt her as he filled her completely.

Wrapping her ankles around his waist, he hesitated for a moment, tipping her chin up with a finger, then drying a stray tear with his thumb. “Tell me if it’s too much.”

“I will.” She drew in a shuddery breath. “Sometimes it hurts at first, but not now.”

“I never cause pain unintentionally.” He kissed her, a wicked smile on his lips. “Remember that.”

Biting his bottom lip, she clenched her inner muscles around him. Then smiled back at him. “Bring it.”

He laughed, slapping her thigh, then pulling out completely. Then filled her again in a smooth thrust. The sound of flesh striking flesh echoed around the bus as he rocked his hips, one arm hooked around her waist to pull her against him, while he landed a few more slaps on the side of her ass.

The slight sting mixed with the rhythmic pounding within, a sweet ache building up in her core as he took her harder. She clawed his back stifling a scream against his chest as a piercing pleasure sliced through her, so intense her whole body shook.

Her grip on him loosened and her back bowed as he changed pace, keeping her on the edge of another orgasm. He laid her back on the mattress, running his hand down between her breasts and over her stomach. Hand flat on her stomach, he pressed lightly on her clit with his thumb.

“Oh fuck!” She arched her back, crying out when he slapped one breast. “Uh!”

He slapped the other breast. “Your skin is such a pretty pink with my handprints on you. Do you like that?”

She didn’t answer at first. Her body was going wild, slick where his dick slammed into her, hot and tender everywhere else. She’d never felt so much all at once and it was fucking amazing.

Another slap, this one a little harder. “Annette, I asked you a question.”

“Everything. I love everything you’re doing.” She yelped when he slapped her other breast, clenching down hard as the pressure within overwhelmed her. “Don’t stop. O-oh fuck.”

With every slap, her breasts seemed to swell with the sensation, which zipped down to her clit. He found a new rhythm, slapping, then slicking his thumb over her clit, fucking her hard and fast, then slowing as she was about to come.

“Now, Annette.” He lifted her off the bed, thrusting up into her as he held her, growling in her ear as she raked her nails down the back of his shoulders. “Come with me now.”

He pistoned in and out of her and reality seemed to shatter, bursting like all the stars had exploded at once and she could feel every one inside her. White spotted her vision and she screamed, clinging to Balthazar as he pressed into her one last time, shuddering with his release.

His arms around her were the only things keeping her in one piece. She rested her head on his shoulder as he carried her to the lower bunk on the opposite side of the bus, sitting heavily and hugging her tight.

“Please tell me we don’t have to go anywhere. Not soon.” Her legs were still wrapped around his waist. His dick growing soft inside her. She didn’t want to think about moving ever, but she’d probably have to at some point. Still, she needed to hear he wanted to stay like this as much as she did. “Please?”

Smoothing her damp hair off her cheek, he kissed her temple. “Do you want me to tell you the same lie I’m telling myself?”

She nodded without lifting her head.

“There’s nowhere else we have to be. When I can move again, I’ll grab my phone. Tell Connor to join us.” He lifted her slightly, unhooking her legs from his back as he lay down on the thin mattress with her still on top of him. “He can feed us while we recover.”

“Oh, I love that idea.” She closed her eyes, losing herself to the fantasy. “And when I have the strength I’ll get on my knees for him. Suck his dick while you fuck him until he’s as worn out as we are and ready to stay forever.”

“That does sound nice.” Balthazar groaned as she shifted against him. “God, woman, if you don’t stop that I will strap you to this mattress and fill you with my biggest dildo. Then use my Hitachi on your clit until you learn how to behave.”

“Making me come over and over is going to teach me how to behave?” She wiggled her hips, grinning when he hissed through his teeth. “That would be a neat trick. I’m in.”

He dropped his arm over his eyes, muttering what sounded like a prayer in a language she didn’t know. “I swore I’d never play with a brat again and I’ve ended up with two. Be grateful I don’t have the time to make you regret that offer, ketzelah.”

She cocked her head. “You speak a lot of languages, don’t you?”

“Seven. That was Yiddish.” He gently lifted her off him and lay her on the bed, turning on his side. “It means kitten.”

“Ketzelah.” She repeated the word slowly, grinning when he inclined his head. “I like that.”

A buzzing from the floor drew Balthazar’s attention. He took a deep breath, then leaned over, picking up his phone from the floor, answering quickly when he saw the number. “Hey, what’s up? Yes, she’s with me.” He nodded slowly. “Understood. We’ll be right there.”

As Balthazar stood and straightened his clothes, Annette curled up on the bed, needing a few more seconds to enjoy how wonderfully sore and satisfied she was. Of all the people who might have given her an escape from reality, she hadn’t expected Balthazar.

“Guess playtime’s over.” She sighed, giving him a small smile when he picked up her clothes and lay them on the bed. “It was nice while it lasted.”

Retrieving Connor’s clothes, Balthazar glanced over at her, brow raised. “This isn’t over, Annette. You’re going to step up on that stage, living your dream, and make all those people fall in love with your voice. And when you’re done we’ll play out our fantasy. See how long we can make it last.”

“Fuck, that sounds amazing.” She rose up on her knees to kiss him, then started getting dressed. As rough as things had been lately she’d needed a little reminder of how far she’d come. Her heart wasn’t in North’s hands anymore, the mistakes she’d made hadn’t been the end of the world, and XVI Hours finally had the break they needed to bring their music to a bigger audience.

To top it all off, she had a real relationship for the first time. A relationship that didn’t leave her drained, feeling alone no matter who was around. Maybe not the kind of relationship she’d expected, and she still didn’t know how things would work between the three of them, but she truly believed it could.

Balthazar cupped her cheek, the skin around his eyes creasing as he smiled. “You look happy. That’s what I like to see.”

“I know.” She smiled back at him, her stomach fluttering as the whole world took on a shimmery glow. Which sounded sappy as fuck, but she didn’t care. “And that’s one of the many reasons I am.”