Alex turned around and punched his shoulder so hard the thump filled everyone’s ears. “That’s enough of your smart mouth. Let’s get going.”
We emptied out of the SUV. I stumbled forward, blinded by the flashes of dozens of cameras and shouting paparazzi. I kept staring ahead, hoping I’d make it through the revolving door without a spectacular fall or an embarrassing period stain. I wasn’t even on my period; it just seemed like something that could happen to me. The noise, the light, the laughter all mingled in my head like a lethal cocktail. My limbs liquefied and claustrophobia took over me.
A hand reached from my side, enveloping my arm firmly. “I’ve got you.”
I galloped to the entrance, being led by whoever ushered me. I only took a breath when a thick glass wall divided me and the people behind the barrier. I turned around to thank whoever was still holding me, and my heart dropped at the sight of Lucas giving me his good-boy smile.
“Thank you.” My mouth felt like it was full of cotton.
“Our rooms are ready. The perks of being in Alex Winslow’s entourage.” He tucked his hands into his front pockets, staring at his shoes.
Shit. “Where is Alex?” Jenna had specifically warned me about not letting him slip out of my sight. We’d be staying in separate rooms, with Blake rooming with Alex to make sure he wasn’t doing anything stupid. All other times, I had to be by his side. Alfie was leaning against the reception counter and flirting with one of the concierges. Blake was on his cell phone and kept repeating the sentence, “I don’t care that it’s the best hotel in Paris, in Europe, or on the Milky Way. If Alex sees him, he’ll kill him.”
“Outside, as per usual.” Lucas’ eyes wandered to the rock star, following his movements. “Giving his fans what they want. Why do you think there are so many of them? They’re his number one priority.”
My gaze followed Lucas’ line of sight. Alex was leaning over the barrier signing posters, backpacks, and breasts, while also taking time to snap selfies with hyperventilating fans. There were two security guards beside him, each of them the size of The Hulk, staring helplessly at the eccentric superstar and wishing he’d stop flirting with teenage girls and danger. The fans were seriously close to pulling him into the mob and swallowing him whole like a pack of zombies.
“I need to go get him,” I said, to myself more than to Lucas.
“It’s not like they can slip him some drugs. He’s in plain sight.”
“I can’t believe he’s actually nice to someone.” I turned to Lucas. I also couldn’t believe I chose to say this to his drummer and friend.
Lucas leaned into my space, but somehow, it didn’t make me feel uncomfortable. “I know it sounds like a cliché, but really, life made him a massive jerk. He wasn’t always like this. I think you’ll find he’s a great bloke. He’s just…angry.”
He sounds like my brother, I thought.
We both watched Alex before Blake reappeared, stepping too close to me, making me shift toward Lucas.
“Rooms are ready. Whose turn is it to pull Alex out of the sex claws?”
I pretended not to hear the question, doubting he even considered me an option. Other than Lucas, all the guys acted like they’d rather fight a hungry lion in a closed ring than have a civilized conversation with me.
“Alfie’s turn. Who were you talking to, mate?” Lucas asked.
“Jace, Will’s agent.” Blake exhaled, his chest deflating. “There’ll be an overlap in England and Paris. England I’m not worried about—Bushell will be staying at his Gram’s cottage in Sheffield. But in Paris, we have that Halloween event at the Chateau De Malmaison. It’s charity.” Blake gave Lucas a pointed look.
“We can fake an emergency.” Lucas shrugged, switching into business mode. “Though I guess it would raise some questions, especially this soon after rehab.”
Blake nodded, rubbing his neck. “It gets worse. Word is that Will and Fallon are engaged. Nice of him not to mention it to us when we…” He never finished his sentence, and I knew better than to probe.
All eyes darted to Alex again. For the first time since I’d met him, he actually looked happy as he took a selfie with two girls with braces.
“Alex will use it as an excuse to binge-snort.” Lucas tapped his closed fist against his thigh.
Blake shouldered out of his pea coat. “Yeah, well, I didn’t give Jace the pleasure of asking about it, but if that’s the case, he’ll be out on a bender by tonight. Jenna’s talking to her contact in TMZ now, buying time before publication.”
Fallon was obviously a sore spot for Alex. I didn’t know who she was—I never followed celebrity gossip—but I did know that for the past two years, Will Bushell had been Winslow’s archenemy.