Page 102 of Knot My Band: Part Two

“You don’t need their approval,” she whispers, lips brushing the shell of my ear.

I chuckle, locking my phone and turning within the circle of her embrace to face her. “Easy for you to say. You’re perfect.”

She grins, cheeky and unapologetic. “But so are you, Aiden.”

With a roll of my eyes, I let the phone slip from my grasp, forgotten on some cushion. I don’t care what Alex Moore has to say. I’m indifferent to her bitter words.

The band is scattered around, some lost in their own post-show rituals, but Oli’s emerald eyes hold me captive now.

“Seriously though,” Oli says, her hands finding mine, squeezing gently. “Did you feel it tonight? That shift when we sang together? It was magical and I know the fans felt it.”

“Definitely magical,” I agree, the corners of my mouth lifting in a smile that feels like a promise. “Our sound, it’s going to shake things up. Can’t wait to see what the future holds.”

“Me neither.” Her grip tightens, and it’s like an unspoken vow passing between us. “And who knows? Maybe our next song will break the internet.”

“Or at least bury Alex Moore’s site with all positive reviews,” I add with a wink, and we both burst into laughter, light and carefree.

Oli bumps her forehead against mine, a simple touch that feels like it’s sealing the deal. We’re in this together, come what may.

Oli reaches out and cups my face tenderly. She pulls me down to meet her lips in a kiss. Her kiss deepens, and I’m swept along as her lips move against mine.

Pride swells within me, mingling with a joy so potent it could power the stage lights for a month straight.

Oli

OMEGA BUZZ GOSSIP COLUMN

THE HART’S EDGE HAS A NEW SOUND, AND WE ARE LOVING IT

July 7th

As we strut into the spa, a chorus of soothing trickles from the ornate water features greets us, and I can’t help but let out a contented sigh. “This is perfect,” I say, winking at Cate, who’s already eyeing the cucumber water.

“Thanks for including me,” Riley chimes in, her pixie-cut hair bouncing as she laughs at my antics. Her blue eyes are dancing with the kind of mischief that promises a day full of giggles and gossip.

We weave through the smell of jasmine and lavender to the check-in desk, where a serene receptionist welcomes us with a smile that rivals the calm of the place.

“Welcome to Elysium Spa. You must be Oli Hart and friends,” she says, her voice as smooth as the stones lining the bamboo-infused Zen garden beside us. “Your alphas rented out the spa for you.”

“They’re sweet,” I declare with a flourish, earning Cate’s eye roll and Riley’s snicker.

“Of course, Miss Hart. We have prepared our finest suites for you and your party,” the receptionist says, handing us plush robes that feel like they’re spun from clouds.

We sashay toward the changing rooms, hips swaying and hearts light, bantering about who will fall asleep first during their massage.

The security guard, who introduced herself as Alice, is trailing behind us. She’s been quiet and not as friendly as I expected, but she might just take her job seriously.

“I can’t believe we are at a private spa in Scotland!” Cate gushes.

“Your brother is a rich and famous rockstar. You should have been doing this all along!” Riley tells her.

Cate rolls her eyes and then confesses, “The whole pack has offered me money over the years and stuff like this, but since Chase and I didn’t reconnect until later in life, I never wanted him to think I was after his money.”

That pulls me up short. I grab Cate’s arm and make her look at me. “He would never think that. He worships you and says you saved his life.”

Cate’s eyes widen and she looks shocked. “Really?”

“Yes. He could never doubt you, so don’t feel guilty about today. Now, let’s relax!” I grab her and pull her along behind Riley.