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My mouth practically hits the floor when Leah appears at the top of the stairs. She looks radiant. Pregnancy suits her, her skin is glowing, and she has a serene beauty that comes from within. She’s starting to show a little, even though she’s only ten weeks pregnant, but she hides it well. The cornflower blue dresshighlights her full breasts and skims over her stomach with flowing draping material.

“You look beautiful, Leah,” I manage to say, feeling tongue-tied.

Not that I’m the most talkative person anyway.

“Thank you, you look very handsome yourself.”

“That’s generous of you,” Jace teases, nudging me playfully. I’m inclined to agree. Leah’s too nice to say otherwise, though. “It’s not too late to change your mind, Leah. It’d take me five minutes to throw on a tux.”

She simply shakes her head and smiles at him ruefully.

“You look beautiful,” Axel chimes in, coming over to kiss her. “Take care of her,” he tells me, shaking my hand.

While we’ve all shared women before, I can tell that for Axel, it is different this time. I think it is for all of us. Leah’s different. Perhaps that’s why I’m so scared to take the next step. If I screw this up what would that mean? The guys are my brothers. I know I could never lose them, we’ve been through too much for that, but I wouldn’t want to make things awkward either. How mortifying it would be if Leah rejected me and only me.

“If the posh fuckers give you any trouble, call us and we’ll be right there. You’re gonna blow them away,” Knox says confidently, kissing her hand.

I can tell she feels overwhelmed by the support. I get the impression that Leah isn’t used to having unconditional support. She can’t seem to get her head around how neither Axel, Jace,nor Knox are jealous or upset that they can’t come with us. They’re just as proud and excited that it’s happening.

I hope tonight confirms for her that she’s exactly where she should be and with people who truly care about her and would do anything for her.

We finish saying our goodbyes, and head out. Leah and I remain in neutral conversational territory on the drive there, talking about music and the gig tonight. I’m sure that she’s hoping bringing me with her tonight means she can get to know me better. The problem is, I’m not sure she’ll like what she finds if she chips away at some of the hard, protective shell that I have around me.

Chapter 19

Leah

About two-thirds through my performance, a couple of big, burly security guards quietly approach Rider and say something to him. Immediately, I’m on high alert, trying to watch what is going on without the audience noticing I’m distracted. Rider doesn’t seem overly concerned, which helps keep me calm. He nods and gestures for the men to lead the way before looking up and catching my eye.

He gives me a small, reassuring smile and holds up his hand, fingers splayed wide to show he’ll be back in five minutes before he follows the men across the room and through a door that’s marked ‘staff only’.

I manage to make it through the next couple of songs, assuming that perhaps he needed to move the car or something. But the longer he’s gone, the more worried I’m getting. The second I finish my set, I hurriedly pack up my equipment and beeline in the direction Rider went.

“Excuse me, Miss, the owner would like a word with you,” a formidable security guard says, blocking my path.

I’m torn. I’m worried about Rider, but I could be overreacting, and he’s perfectly capable of handling himself. While I want to find him, I also don’t want to jeopardize my career by pissing off the boss. I reason that I can ask about Rider, say a quick hello, and then make my excuses.

“Right, yes, of course. I don’t suppose you happen to know where your colleagues escorted my friend to? The tall gentleman with the scar on his cheek?”

“No, sorry.” He doesn’t sound particularly sorry.

“I really need to—”

The words die on my lips, and I forget what I was saying as we near the VIP table. Seated behind a pillar where I couldn’t see him, but had a perfect view of the stage, is the one person I hope I’d never have to see again.

His name falls from my lips in hushed disbelief. “Tony.”

My ex.

My legs turn to jelly, and I freeze. The bouncer firmly grips my elbow and steers me toward the table. I can’t run.

“Leah, long time no see. Please, sit,” Tony says, his voice cordial but firm. “Please, hand over your purse and phone to my colleague here, he’ll look after them for you.”

There’s no point in refusing him. He always gets what he wants, one way or another. He used to relish telling me how I’d chosen the hard way.

“Where is Rider? What have you done with him?” I demand, forcing myself to look into his reptilian eyes.

“Sit,” he says, his voice cold and firm.