Zayn climbed the steps and into the back of the truck. The sound of the party raging outside muted like magic. “Holy shit. It’s way quieter in here.”
Jinx tapped the wall beside him. “Betsy has soundproof lining. Plus, the speakers are set up where they won’t blast into the truck. It’s the only way to keep your sanity when this is your life.”
Zayn imagined that was true. Partying now and then was one thing. This being a job was another. Zayn’s gaze slid Hudson’s way. It was out of his control. His lip and nose were pierced and his eyes were heavily lined. He had his chair leaned back on two legs while he eyed Zayn with open curiosity.
Zayn held out his hand. “Zayn.”
Hudson dropped his chair back to all fours and leaned forward to shake Zayn’s hand. “Hudson. Jinx was just telling me about you. So you’re the famous Zayn Tanaka. What’s that like?”
“Oddly boring,” Zayn said, snagging one of the empty chairs for himself.
A low chuckle rumbled from Hudson. “I’m sure.”
Jinx’s gaze locked on to Hudson as if a thought hit him.
“What’s it like to be famous?”
Hudson nodded Spencer’s way. “Why not ask your friend, Zealous? I’m sure he can explain it better than I can.”
Jinx shook his head. “He doesn’t see himself as famous. Zealous only sees himself as blessed. You’re different. There’s nowhere you can go where people don’t know your name.”
Zayn found himself sucked into the conversation. Jinx’s claim made so much sense. He could see Spencer uncaring of the fame. Zayn was also dying to hear Hudson’s answer. Everyone knew Zayn’s name, but he wasn’t like Hudson. Likely, Hudson couldn’t go anywhere without being mobbed.
For a moment, Hudson looked thoughtful, as if he didn’t want to answer Jinx, or he took the question to heart. Then Hudson met Jinx’s stare with a seriousness that fascinated Zayn. “Have you ever had a friend who you really liked and would do anything for, but you knew if you ever stopped skating a super thin line around them, then they would turn on you like a pack of rabid dogs in a heartbeat?”
Jinx’s gaze slid away. Zayn followed his stare. It was locked on Spencer. “Yeah. I know someone like that.”
Hudson tilted his chair back onto two legs and buried his hands in the pockets of his black hoodie. “Everyone is like that when you’re me.”
Zayn’s throat swelled as his gaze automatically moved Spencer’s way. He watched Spencer entertain the crowd. Jinx had known Spencer for much longer than Zayn. He would know better than Zayn if Spencer was the type to turn cold in an instant. Zayn didn’t know how to feel. On one hand, he wondered if he should leave now before he got hurt. On the other, Zayn already couldn’t stay away. It was possible he was too late to avoid the pain. He also didn’t want to.
Music thumped in Spencer’s ears. His head spun from the secondhand smoke floating around him. Even though they were outside, there were so many different drugs being smoked that Spencer didn’t stand a chance. Plus, someone had passed him a pill earlier and Spencer had downed it without a single thought. Sometimes, the nights were long, and he was dumb like that.
Someone slipped Spencer their number. He barely spared the guy a passing smile before pretending to pocket the card. The moment the guy turned away, he tossed it in the trash. Zayn was nearby. Spencer wouldn’t be going home with anyone else.
For the millionth time, Spencer’s gaze slid toward the back of the box truck. Security kept the men inside safe. As Spencer looked on, Zayn laughed at something Hudson said. An unexpected wave of irritation washed over Spencer. He chalked it up to impatience. It was nearing three in the morning and Spencer had been at the helm since ten. He slowed things down and switched on the microphone. Things were winding down. Spencer was ready to steal Zayn away before Hudson charmed him too much.
“Enjoy this last song as you make your way to your tents and cars. It’s been a blast partying with you tonight, but it’s time for me to go. If you had fun, then don’t forget your host. Check out Hudson’s latest album, Social Limit, online or wherever your favorite music is sold.” Spencer turned off his mic. His gaze slid Zayn’s way again. To his surprise, Zayn stood inside the open doorway of the truck, watching Spencer. Hunger sideswiped Spencer from nowhere. Zayn’s muscular arms were crossed, and one sexy shoulder leaned against the wall of the truck. Spencer couldn’t believe this man had been fucking him just over twelve hours earlier. Zayn patiently waited for Spencer, as if he fully intended to have Spencer again. Just the thought of being alone with Zayn had goosebumps rising on Spencer’s skin. He imagined countless men had seen Zayn look at them the way Zayn stared at Spencer now, but Spencer had his attention for the moment. He fully intended to exploit the situation.
The song ended, and Spencer closed his laptop and unplugged it. Everything else could stay behind for Jinx to haul away, but his laptop always left with him. Spencer tucked it under his arm as he headed Zayn’s way. He stopped at the edge of the steps and looked up. Zayn stared down at Spencer, as if waiting for Spencer to tell him their next move.
Jinx leapt from the back
