Chapter 8 Rosalie #2
In his defense, he was actually passed out, wearing sunglasses in a nightclub. Some wild fan slid onto his lap and was kissing and touching him. Anson had intervened, but the damage was done. The press had a field day cooking up the story of his betrayal.
Despite me talking to Violet and telling her it wasn’t what it looked like, they were still separated.
I didn’t think it was her keeping him away.
I think Riley was doing it to himself because he couldn’t get over that he let it happen.
I told him it wasn’t him. That woman had no business touching and kissing him, but he only shook his head and settled deeper into his funk.
There was more going on there than what he told me. I knew there was.
Unfortunately, Riley wasn’t in a good place.
“Hey,” Riley said in that deep growl of his. “I just got in. Wanted to make sure you’re good after all that shit.”
“I’m fine. You didn’t need to come. Go rest,” I said, watching as he sauntered into the room dressed in all black.
“Nah.” He settled in next to me on the couch. “Sitting alone in a dark hotel room sucks. May as well be over here doing some sucking. Hey, Jitterbug.”
“Riley!” Ellis squealed, climbing over me to get to him. He chuckled and gave her a hug when she got onto his lap. “Look! Mommy got Mr. Rufus a new outfit!”
“Oh, gosh. He’s absolutely dashing,” Riley said as Ellis pushed her bear at him. She giggled before sliding off his lap and rushing to my bedroom, where I knew she would change his outfit.
“I don’t think you’re going to be sucking any of us,” Klaus said from his spot next to Anson at the computer. “Just so you’re aware.”
Riley scoffed. “I’ll try to keep my mouth to myself then. Fucking mood killer.”
Klaus chuckled and went back to what he was doing. It looked like they were working on tightening my security.
“How are you?” I asked.
He shrugged. “I’m fine. Shit sucks, but music helps.”
“Did you talk to Violet and the guys?”
He shook his head. “No point.”
“Riley—”
“I’ll be OK. Eventually. I think we all just need some time. I’ll talk to them when the tour ends. All my shit is at the house anyway.”
I sighed. He was so stubborn. I knew he was punishing himself. We’d had the conversation on repeat since it happened. He insisted time was the answer.
I was a testament that time didn’t heal all wounds, and it didn’t forget the past.
“Riley, we’ve added some security for you. The label insisted,” Anson said as he walked over to us, Klaus and Evan following. Klaus slid in next to me before hauling me onto his lap. I snuggled against him and eyed Ani and Evan, who had taken seats on the second couch across from us.
“That’s fine. I needed someone to watch me wash my ass,” he muttered. Riley and I were both signed to Trackmaster, and Anson represented him.
I gave him a sympathetic look. “I’m really sorry.”
“It’s not your fault that people are fucked in the head,” he said. “We’ll just roll with it.”
I nodded glumly before directing my attention to Anson and Evan.
“What about me? What’s happening?”
“Well, you’re going to perform on a livestream for the show,” Anson said.
“The record thinks it’ll deter anyone from trying stupid shit if it’s all on camera.
You can debut a couple of new songs and the music video you did with Fabian.
I already have everything configured with Adam for the onstage visuals.
The video will play in the background, and you guys can perform it. ”
“Did they fail to realize the entire thing was caught on camera the first damn time?” I demanded, sitting forward, ignoring the new song information.
“Easy,” Klaus said, bringing me back to him. “I think it’s a good idea too.”
“Really?” I looked at him.
He nodded and tucked a rogue curl behind my ear.
“Many reasons. Sales. Security. You’re too beautiful for the world not to see. I can keep going.”
“You’re such a smooth talker,” I murmured, leaning in and brushing my lips against his.
He took the opportunity to kiss me back deeply, his big hand cradling my face.
“Mm, tonight I’m going to show you some more defensive moves,” Klaus whispered against my lips. “See if you can get away from my dic—”
“OK, I feel like I need a cold shower. Anson. Evan. Klaus, you dirty fucker, I’ll see you tomorrow. Rosalie… Good grief, you make me miss home.” Riley got to his feet.
“Call home,” I shouted at his retreating back as he went to the door.
He waved me off and left, the door clicking shut behind him.
Evan got up and relocked the door before coming back to us. Ellis came into the room then, showing off another of Mr. Rufus’s outfits as Klaus shifted me off him to get on the floor with her and grab a doll so they could play.
I smiled at the giant of a man, who held the doll in his hand and spoke in a high-pitched voice.
Evan moved over to sit beside me.
“I missed this,” he said softly. “Our family.”
“Me too,” I replied, kissing his cheek before I slid off the couch and joined Klaus and Ellis on the floor.