Enigma is kicking things off, like, right now, so I run toward the back entrance. I’m bloody late! My dad might well be past it now, but I’m not missing his performance.
I stepped outside for a second because my stupid phone wasn’t getting reception, and I had to return Jennifer’s call. Turned out to be nothing besides her asking how it was going.
A member of security folds his arms over his bodybuilder-style chest as I approach. I expect him to step aside, but he doesn’t.
“Excuse me,” I say. “I need to get inside.”
“I’m sure you do. Ticket holders need to use the front or side entrance. If you don’t have a ticket, you’re not getting in.”
Well, of course I don’t have a bloody ticket. “I’m Texas, Mark Knight’s daughter. Can you let me in, please? I really don’t want to miss the show.”
Whoa, he does not believe me at all. His overgrown eyebrows rise higher than I ever thought possible.
“That’s a new one. I’ll give you that. Sorry, love.”
“What? I’m not making it up. Look, just go get him or anyone else—literally, anyone—and they’ll tell you,” I say, looking past him into the building.
“I don’t know how you got around here, but you need to leave. Now.”
“I got around here because our fucking car is right over there,” I snap, pointing to the vehicle he can’t even see in the dark. “Come on, please. I promised my dad I’d watch, and I want to see him before he goes on.”
“Do you think I was born yesterday?”
“Right now, I do, yeah,” I reply through gritted teeth. “Why would I make up being Mark’s daughter?”
“To get inside.”
I sigh sharply. “I’m not lying. I’m with the band.”
“Of course you are, darlin’.”
Fine, he asked for it.
“Dad!” I scream at the top of my lungs, making the guy jump.
“What the hell are you playing at?” he shouts as he reaches out for me.
I jump back and hold my hand up. “Don’t touch me!”
Cooper pops his head around the door, and I want to kiss him.
“Tex, you okay? What the fuck are you doing out there?”
The bouncer’s face drops as he realises he’s made a mistake. He looks like he’s scared for his job. If I were a total bitch, he should be. But I’m not, so I won’t say anything.
“Excuse me, please,” I say.
He steps aside, muttering an apology.
Cooper slings his arm over my shoulder and kisses the side of my head. “He giving you a hard time?”
“Nah. He just assumed I’m a groupie.”
“Anytime you want to give that role a try—”
“I’ll speak to Milo.”
“Ouch, girl. Why Milo?”
Because saying Kitt would send me paranoid that Cooper might joke about it. I can’t handle Kitt knowing how I feel about him. I mean, he probably knows, but it’s not been confirmed. I don’t want it to be confirmed.
My life is one big fucking picnic.
“Why not Milo?”
Cooper stops and pulls my arm, twisting me around so that he’s facing me head-on. “I’m much better-looking, and you know it.”
“Better-looking than who?” Kitt asks from behind me.
My breath catches. I was not ready for him.
“Nothing. Good luck out there.” I dash off to Ted, who’s standing down the hall.
My heart is in my stomach. I can’t be around Kitt.
TEXAS
SATURDAY, MAY 9
PARIS, FRANCE
I love the part of the after-party when my dad fucks off. It only ever happens if Kitt, Milo, and Cooper are with me because, without them, I would obviously be murdered or whatever other scenarios my dad stresses over.
It only took five shots to get me drunk. Or was it six? Whatever. I had shots, and I’m buzzing. The atmosphere is awesome, and everyone is being friendly. And, so far, there has been no drama. I think it helps that the only sober people are security and staff.
I’m at the bar with Kitt, Milo, and Jessica LaRoux, who I’m kind of fangirling over because she’s a mega awesome actress and she has kissed many beautiful leading men. I want to quiz her on them, but you should always be able to relax at an after-party, not have more crazies hounding you.
She’s probably going to be sleeping with Milo tonight because there have been many, many looks between them. And his hands have been on her all night.
“So, you want to dance, handsome?” she asks Milo, tilting her head to the side in a sexy and seductive way.
Smirking, he hands Kitt his drink and backs Jessica up to the dance floor.
Kitt necks Milo’s whiskey and slams the empty on the side just as Cooper storms over to us.
“Uh-oh,” I mutter.
He looks pissed off and frustrated.
“What happened?” Kitt asks.
“I’ve just had boring sex.” He scowls.
“Maybe you’re losing your mojo,” I tease.
His baby-blue eyes instantly darken, and if I wasn’t a girl, I think I would’ve been floored by now. Beside me, Kitt laughs.