“We have to cancel the tour.” Jesse rubbed his hands over his face, looking like he’d aged ten years in the last twenty-four hours. “According to the lawyer, Connor’s looking at an attempted murder charge. And North is being charged as an accessory. Even if we could replace them both the media is going to tear us apart if we continue like nothing’s happened.”

Balthazar’s jaw clenched. Fuck the tour. How could Jesse even talk about the tour now? Connor had been denied bail and was stuck in an Italian prison cell until his trial. North’s lawyer couldn’t even get North a bail hearing until Monday, which meant he’d be locked up for another two days at least.

“How about we worry about getting Connor out of this mess before we discuss the goddamn tour.” Brave slammed his hand into the table. “He was protecting Tate. Why hasn’t the lawyer used that to get him out? Self-defense or whatever?”

“Tate wasn’t in any physical danger. He wasn’t even there.” Jesse gave Brave a hard look. “I’m not a lawyer, but I am your tour manager. There’s nothing I can do for Connor, but I can make sure he has a fucking band to come back to when this is over.”

The room went silent. Both Winter’s Wrath and XVI Hours had come together in Brave’s suite to discuss what to do next. Which was pointless. They couldn’t plan anything because they had no idea what was going to happen over the next few days.

Balthazar wanted to leave the fucking hotel and go back to the prison where Connor was being held and demand to see him, but his last attempt hadn’t gone well. Connor wasn’t allowed to see anyone besides his lawyer until the investigation was over, and the prosecutor was waiting to speak to the ‘victim’. Who was still unconscious.

“Are they letting Connor take his meds?” Annette looked up from the sofa, hugging her knees to her chest when Jesse nodded. Her eyes were bloodshot from crying and Balthazar wished he could hold her, but she’d been pulling away more and more since yesterday.

She’d spoken to him once after Connor’s arrest, when Balthazar had gone to the room to tell her. He’d tried to hug her, but she’d backed away from him, covering her face with her hands, saying she was sorry over and over before running out of the room.

Quinton had called shortly after to assure Balthazar that she was all right. He’d gotten her calmed down, but wouldn’t tell Balthazar more.

Leaving Balthazar feeling completely helpless.

He had to do something. All this waiting for answers, not knowing why Connor had even left the hotel was driving him insane. He had a feeling that was exactly why Jesse was so focused on the tour. The man had worked hard to get the band out of a downward spiral, making sure the guys were safe and had the stability they so desperately needed. Not for the money or the fame, but because the band meant so much to Alder, which made salvaging this situation a priority for Jesse.

Jesse couldn’t let Alder lose everything. Not even for Connor.

The logical part of Balthazar’s mind understood Jesse’s reasoning, but the emotional side hated the man for bringing the conversation back to the tour every goddamn time he opened his mouth. Connor was Balthazar’s priority. He wouldn’t be here right now if he hadn’t thought Jesse had an update.

“So that’s all you know?” Balthazar folded his arms over his chest, staring at Jesse who was rubbing Alder’s shoulders, speaking to him softly as the guitarist held his head in his hands, leaning over the kitchen table. Seeing the two comforting one another agitated him, which was ridiculous, but he couldn’t help wishing Annette would let him be there for her in the same way. “They’re trying to pin him with attempted murder.”

Nodding slowly, Jesse straightened. “Yes. And the media is running with the story as though he’s already been convicted. I’m having our lawyers look into possible slander, but the story is spreading fast.”

“What story?” Tate spoke up, his voice raw. His eyes were just as red as Annette’s. And his reaction about the same. Malakai was standing close to him, by the floor-to-ceiling window, but Tate stood away from everyone, as if he’d fall apart if anyone got too close.

Orion scowled, hunching forward in the loveseat, where he was sitting next to Kace. “They’re saying Connor and North were on an acid trip and attacked some random guy. Heavy metal encourages violence. That kind of shit.”

“They would’ve been tested for drugs or alcohol already, right?” Dariel was standing by the bar, and kept looking at the row of bottles like he was seriously considering drinking his breakfast. So far he’d been the calmest member of Winter’s Wrath, but he looked about ready to snap.

“I don’t have any details about that yet. And neither does the press, but clearly they don’t need the facts.” Jesse started as his phone rang and fumbled to get it out of his pocket. “Hello? Yes… All right, that’s great. Only… Yes, I understand. I’ll let you know.”

Everyone stared at Jesse as he hung up.

Pulling out the chair beside Alder, Jesse sat heavily. He placed his phone on the table and frowned at it. “They’re letting Connor have a visitor. Not for long, and no more than one.”

“Balthazar should go.” Annette glanced over at Balthazar, a shaky smile on her lips. “You’ll be able to convince him everything will be all right. He needs you.”

“He needs us both.” Balthazar rubbed his hand over his lips. “You’re better at keeping things light. At seeing the best in every situation.”

“But I can’t do that now.” Annette’s eyes teared, but she sat up straight and set her feet on the floor, her tone hoarse, but determined. “If you’d rather I go, I can fake it for him, but he needs your strength.”

She had a point. Annette was tough, but could she handle seeing Connor at the other side of a glass in a prison visiting room, surrounded by other inmates?

If Connor needed her to? Yes.

Balthazar rubbed his jaw, then turned to Jesse. “What about North?”

“He has a different lawyer, but I could ask.” Jesse picked up his phone, stepping away from the table as he spoke to North’s lawyer, He paced the room, nodding to whatever the lawyer said. Both Connor and North had given their lawyers permission to discuss their cases with the tour manager so he could relay information back to the bands. So far there hadn’t been much to relay, except for the charges, but Connor being granted visitation might work in North’s favor as well.

After Jesse hung up, he conveyed the lawyer’s reply. He was optimistic, but would inform himself and get back to them within the next two hours. Visiting hours were later this afternoon, so Jesse suggested they all get something to eat. Or get some rest.

The men cleared out of the room. Brave went into the bedroom, where Shiori had remained for most of the meeting, trying to explain the situation to Danica. Alder went with his brother, taking the phone from Shiori, his expression softening as he spoke to his girlfriend, who must feel even more helpless than the rest of them.

Jesse had mentioned she’d offered to help pay bail for Connor and had been as angry as the rest of them when he’d been denied. She’d wanted to get him another lawyer. Reese had stepped in, assuring Danica she’d found the best woman for the job. She’d also recruited Danica’s agent, Sophie, to keep Danica from getting on the next available flight to Italy.

Balthazar smiled a little as he imagined how that conversation had gone. If Connor wasn’t out soon Danica would insist on being here, if for no other reason than to offer emotional support.

He’d hoped Annette would reach out to Danica, or even Shiori, for comfort, but she remained with her own band, who all looked to her for leadership with North gone. When she’d first come into the room she’d looked fully in control, ready to deal with whatever came next, but the second Jesse had revealed the charges, she’d fallen apart. Not sobbing or screaming, simply closing down as tears filled her eyes.

Balthazar had stood back, waiting for her to come to him, long enough. She wasn’t a client. He didn’t have to wait until she was ready.

Maybe what she needed was for him to reach out. To act like her lover instead of a therapist.

Stepping out into the hall, he waited until she left the room, then caught her arm. She blinked up at him, her lip quivering for a second before she bit it and pulled away.

“I need to go, Balthazar. Kace is a mess. I think I should send them all home. We can’t go on without North and—”

“That can wait. Come here.” He held his arms open, breathing out a sigh of relief when she stepped into them and pressed her face against his chest. He wrapped his arms around her and kissed her hair. “I shouldn’t have let you leave alone yesterday.”

She let out a broken sob and shook her head. “I had to. I was asleep when he left the room. If I had woken up I could have stopped him. If I’d been there, none of this would have happened.”

He frowned, curving his hand under her chin, forcing her to look at him. “Listen to me. This is not your fault.”

“Connor doesn’t always make the best choices. We both know that.” She pressed her eyes shut, tears spilling down her cheeks. “How can I be with him and not even be awake if something goes wrong?”

“I don’t think Connor’s mental health had anything to do with this, but even if it did, we can’t always protect him from himself. He’ll make mistakes and face the consequences. There’s no way to prevent that.” He smoothed his hand over her cheek to dry her tears. “All we can do is be there for him, no matter what happens.”

“But I want to do more. You do. You remind him to take his pills. You notice when he forgets stuff, or when he’s agitated and needs to go for a run.” She bit down hard on her bottom lip. “I need to be able to do that for him too.”

Balthazar nodded, understanding how important it was to feel you could be there for someone you loved in every way possible. Something as simple as reminding Connor to take his pills made him feel useful.

“We’ll both learn the best ways to be there for him. I don’t have all the answers either.” Balthazar rubbed her back, smiling when she shot him an incredulous look. “Shocking, I know.”

She let out a shaky laugh. “I guess I assumed you did, even though that’s stupid. You’re just more…capable than I am. There’s no way you would have let him leave that room.”

“Really? What if I’d been taking a shower? I might not have heard him leave. Chaining him to the bed is always an option, but not exactly practical.” He put his arm around her shoulders, leading her to the elevator so they could return to their room. “His leaving the room isn’t the problem, so get that out of your head. You’re a heavy sleeper and that’s not necessarily a bad thing, considering how messed up your sleep schedule is while on tour.”

“I guess.” She made a face, stepping into the room after he opened the door. “But I’d make a horrible soldier.”

“Thankfully, we’ll never have to find out.”

“True.” She slumped down on the edge of the bed, rubbing her face with her hands. “I still can’t believe this is happening. Do you think he’s okay? He’s strong, so no one will go after him in prison, right?”

Not a pleasant thought, but Balthazar refused to assume the worst. “He’s smart, so hopefully he’ll keep his head down. His medication will help keep him from lashing out.”

“And North?”

“North will be fine, so long as he keeps his mouth shut.” Balthazar could picture North getting himself in trouble, but the severity of the situation might keep the XVI Hours lead singer’s ego in check. “I’m assuming your band will send you if he’s granted visitation.”

The edge of her lips quirked. “Yes. And I’m assuming that’s why you asked. I’ll be able to see Connor at the same time. Even if I can’t talk to him, that’ll help.”

“I figured as much.” Balthazar took a deep breath, looking around the room for something to do. The waiting was driving him to distraction. “I haven’t eaten and I don’t think you have either. Go take a shower while I order us room service. I’ll let you know if Jesse calls.”

Annette looked down at her rumpled T-shirt and jeans, which she’d obviously slept in. “That’s a good idea. Connor’s gonna feel bad enough without seeing me like this.”

“I don’t think he’ll care how you look, so long as he can see you.” Balthazar raked his fingers through her hair, pulling her in for a kiss. He rested his forehead against hers. “Which is exactly how I feel. I hated that you shut me out. I thought I should give you your space, but it was the last thing I wanted to do.”

She wrapped her arms around his neck, meeting his eyes. “I didn’t want space from you. I couldn’t face you. I thought you’d blame me as much as I blamed myself.”

“But now you know better.” He sighed. “Which you would have last night if I’d gone after you.”

“That’s not your fault. I left.”

“I shouldn’t have let you.”

“True. You could have shackled me to the bed.” She laughed when he frowned at her. “You can’t control what I do any more than I could’ve controlled Connor. But you’re here. And so am I. And we’ll both be waiting for him once this is over.”

“Yes, we will.” Part of him wanted to remind her they couldn’t stay in Italy for months, or years, if Connor was sentenced, but he couldn’t bring himself to admit that was a possibility. Not yet. There was still a chance the charges would be dropped.

If they weren’t, they would figure out the next step.

Together.

Which was the best thing they could do for Connor. They couldn’t predict what he’d face in the long run, but today, and tomorrow, they could make sure he didn’t doubt that they’d both be here for him.

And for each other.

* * *

A long, hot shower, a change of clothes, and Annette was ready to face anything.

Except more waiting.

Balthazar had ordered a nice spread of food, bruschettas with a creamy mushroom-garlic topping, pasta carbonara with tasty slices of bacon, and tiramisu for dessert, which had to be one of the most delicious things she’d ever eaten. Sponge cake soaked in coffee and brandy, with a dusting of cocoa. She knew why they called it the ‘pick-me-up cake’. A few bites was like a shot of espresso.

She hadn’t wanted to eat at first, but she was happy Balthazar had convinced her to. And let her have a beer with her meal. Strange how she thought of him ‘letting her’, but there was something freeing about him being in charge.

If she didn’t have a choice, things like taking a shower and eating were easier. Doing either on her own made her feel guilty, like she was just going on with her life while Connor was trapped, but when Balthazar told her to, she could simply obey. He seemed more relaxed every time she followed his orders, so her submission worked for both of them.

But after they ate, and tidied the room, he went back to staring at his phone as though he could will it to ring. And she started pacing.

“Stop that.” Balthazar caught her wrist the next time she walked by him. “You’re driving me insane.”

“How is this any worse than you sitting there, glaring at your phone?”

“I’m patiently waiting for Jesse to call.”

“Uh huh. And I’m working on my quads.”

His lips thinned, but she could tell he was trying not to laugh. “You’re a cheeky little thing, aren’t you?”

“And you love it.” She smirked as he arched a brow. “Admit it. You enjoy my mouth.”

His lips curved. “I do. But I can think of better uses for it.”

Heat crawled up the back of her neck and desire pooled in her core. She leaned close to him, but then stopped, her throat tightening as she remembered what they were waiting for. How could she fool around with Balthazar while Connor was—

“Don’t do that, Annette.” Balthazar raked his hand into her hair, pulling her close. “You can’t feel guilty about doing whatever you can to pass the time until we can see him. He wouldn’t want you sitting here, miserable—”

“Like you are.” Keeping things light was hard, but Balthazar was right. Connor would hate seeing them like this. “At least I was pacing. Much more productive. Getting some exercise in.”

“You remember what I said about your mouth?”

“Mmhmm.” She flicked her tongue over his bottom lip. “You gonna do something about it?”

Heat filled his eyes and he slammed his lips into hers, kissing her until she couldn’t think about anything but the taste of him. He pulled her to her knees and she grabbed his belt, jerking it open, then fumbling with his zipper.

He tugged her hair and shook his head. “Hands behind your back, ketzelah. I’ll show you how I’ll use your mouth.”

Fuck, how did he make the dirtiest things sound so sweet? Like using her was a gift, one she wanted to be given again and again. She clasped her hands behind her back, watching him slowly unzip his jeans and pull out his dick. The head of his cock had already darkened to a purple-red shade, the veins around the thick length protruding slightly as his erection swelled. The dark hair around his heavy balls was trimmed, making his dick look even bigger.

She wasn’t sure how she’d get her mouth around him, but she was eager to try. Connor was a bit longer, but not as thick, which made him easier to take in deep. She was proud of her dick-sucking skills, but maybe letting Balthazar take over was best. Him being in control would get them both off if her abilities weren’t up to par.

Gripping the base of his cock, Balthazar traced the tip along her lips, his other hand still in her hair. “Open that pretty mouth and relax your throat.”

She licked her lips, then opened her mouth, moaning a little as he eased in. The scent of him, earthy musk with a fresh hint of aloe and mint from the soap he used, filled her senses. He brought her down on him until he hit the back of her tongue, then petted her hair, not letting her rise or forcing her any further.

“A little more. Yes, just like that.” He lifted his hips, then lowered them. “Deep breath.”

She inhaled.

“Good. Now let it out.” Once she did, he lifted into her mouth, slipping in further. His dick stretched her lips slightly, but he finally managed to go far enough that she couldn’t help gagging. She expected him to withdraw, but he petted her again, giving her the time to relax against him. “Very nice.”

He continued, reaching that same depth, then going deeper until she didn’t gag at all. Then he picked up the pace.

Her nipples tightened as he fucked her face harder, and she whimpered as her pussy grew slick with need. She’d gotten off before while giving a man a blowjob, but not usually this fast. Then again, she was usually in control.

Balthazar tightened his grip on her hair, holding her gaze. “You’re close, aren’t you? I love how flushed your cheeks get when you’re about to come, but you’re going to be a good girl and wait for me to let you.”

She stared at him, inhaling roughly through her nose. Her eyes teared as she stifled the orgasm that was so fucking close.

“That’s my girl.” Balthazar seemed to know exactly when she’d backed away from the edge. He slowed his steady thrust, pulling her off him, lifting her off her feet even as he stood. He bent her over the table, reaching around to undo her jeans and drag them over her ass with her panties, leaving both around her knees.

A rip of a package and he stepped up behind her, slipping his condom covered dick against her slick pussy. She clawed at the table as his dick slowly penetrated her, her body so much tighter with her legs held together.

“God, I don’t think I’ll ever get enough of you.” He pulled out, then thrust back in so hard the table creaked. “You smell like sex and candy.”

She laughed and moaned as his thickness eased in and out of her. “That’s a song.”

“Mmm, I’ll have to listen to it one day.” He wrapped his hands around her hips. “Whoever wrote it must have been thinking of you.”

Giggling, she lifted her hips, loving the way he pulled out completely, then filled her again before fucking her hard. He angled his dick so he hit the right spot, reading her body so well he as he focused on stimulating the area until she cried out. White spotted her vision and she whimpered as he withdrew again.

He slipped a finger into her pussy, gliding it up and using her own wetness to ease his finger into her ass. She winced as he pressed his finger in deeper.

“I have something that will work much better.” He moved away from her, stripping off his shirt and jeans, leaving them on the floor as he returned with the lube. He pumped some into his hand, slicking his fingers and drizzling the rest down the slit of her ass. “You have one chance to tell me no, Annette. Otherwise, I’m going to make this beautiful ass mine.”

She hissed through her teeth as his finger filled her again. The lube helped, but his dick was much bigger than his finger. “I don’t know if I can…”

With his free hand, Balthazar pushed her jeans down, pulling them away when she lifted her legs, leaning all her weight on the table so his finger didn’t move. He pumped it into her steadily, laying a kiss in the center of her spine. “You can. You enjoyed the toy.”

“Yes.” She swallowed hard, squirming when his finger left her. The feeling of something in her ass was strange, but the way he stimulated all those nerves aroused her like nothing else. “I’m not saying no, but…I’m a little nervous.”

“Don’t be.” He pumped the lube again, and her ass was almost as wet as her pussy. Two fingers strained into her. Another two entered her pussy and her whole body shook. “There we go. One day you’ll take both me and Connor. I’ll feel him inside you, both of us stretching you around our dicks while we fuck you, you screaming so loud all our neighbors will remember our names.”

“Fuck.” She clenched down on his fingers, resisting the urge to scream now. “I want that. I want you. Balthazar…”

“Soon, baby.” He added a third finger to her pussy and her ass. “There we go. You’re nice and relaxed. You can take me.”

She pressed her face into the table, gasping through parted lips as all the fullness disappeared. But he didn’t make her wait. His dick took the place of his fingers in her ass, halfway in before she tensed at the burn. Balthazar added more lube, rocking into her, deeper and deeper until his pelvis was flush against her ass.

“Oh god…” She shuddered, knowing she’d come if he moved. “Pleasepleaseplease.”

He pulled almost completely out and groaned. “Yes. Fuck yes, you can come. You did so well, pet.” He ground into her. “Fuck, you feel so good.”

The tension, the dull burn which melded with pleasure until she couldn’t tell the difference, lashed through her, growing every time he slammed in and pulled out. He took her ass slower than he’d taken her pussy, but that deep grinding motion he used had her crying out as sensations erupted within, volcanic, earth-shattering, mind-numbing pleasure that went on and on and on.

When Balthazar came, he took the last of her strength, and she whimpered as another climax hit her. She collapsed on the table, hissing as he pulled out, then filled her with one last thrust, drawing out this orgasm until she sobbed, completely overwhelmed.

“Shh.” He gently drew away, stroking her back. “Rest for a moment. Then we’ll take a shower and clean up.”

“I don’t think I can stand.” She sniffled, feeling silly for crying, even though she couldn’t seem to stop.

Balthazar kissed her cheek and smiled at her, his eyes warm with tenderness. “Then I’ll carry you.”

“Would you, really?” She let her eyes drift shut, calming as her pulse slowed. “I could live with that.”

He lifted her in his arms, holding her close. “No matter what happens, don’t ever doubt that I’ll hold you, or stand by you. Whatever you need, I got you.”

She rested her head on his chest believing, for the first time, that things really would be okay. After their shower, they finally got the call telling them she could visit North. They had a few hours still to wait, so they took a nap.

Once they left the hotel, taking one of Winter’s Wrath’s rented vans to the prison, she kept herself calm by repeating his words, over and over in her head.

“I got you.”