Chapter 16

CHAPTER SIXTEEN

ARTHUR

The guilt over what happened with Zion and Mr. Weatherby sat with me through the entire show. I never thought it'd go that far. The whole crowd was watching as they argued, and the band split in two. And then Hendrix had to go up on that stage and play it off, like something huge didn't just happen. I couldn't enjoy the music like I normally would. I was wallowing too much to really be present in the moment. I didn't even realize they had finished until Hendrix appeared at my side, pulling me along through the crowd and backstage to where the band was resting after the show.

I thought for sure they'd blame me. That me dating Hendrix would become a problem because I caused so much trouble for them. I braced myself, waiting for the worst to happen, only to have them thank me for helping them. I listened, stunned speechless, as they defended me, making it sound like I did them a favor by messing with their dynamic.

I still wasn't sure I fully believed them when Hendrix dragged me out of the bar. I wanted to, I'd never had that kind of support before, but Zion's words rang through my head. I wasn't part of the band. I was only around because I was with Hendrix.

"You're thinking really loud over there," Hendrix murmured, nudging my shoulder with his. I'd taken a rideshare since I still didn't like driving at night. Hendrix didn't head for the parking lot, so I assumed he flew or teleported or something. We walked along the sidewalk, a slight chill in the air from the late night breeze. I didn't know where Hendrix planned for us to go, so I just matched his pace, letting him lead the way.

He stopped, tugging my elbow until I looked at him. "What's it gonna take to get you to believe it's not your fault?"

I shrugged helplessly. "It feels like my fault. I should've waited, said something after the show, or–"

"There's no telling if the asshole would've been pushy and tried to get us to sign before. He seemed like he wanted a decision right away," Hendrix interjected.

"But you had to stop to come rescue me. I should've left after pissing that guy off. I shouldn't have argued with him."

"Hey," he murmured, forcing me to look at him with his hand cupping my neck. "You were sticking up for us. It's not your fault he's a jackass who attacks people who don't agree with him. And it doesn't matter what I'm doing or how big the crowd is. If you're in trouble, I'm gonna show up for you."

My heart tripped over itself in my chest, my breathing shaky as I stared into his eyes. "Why?"

"What kind of shitty date would I be if I left you to fend for yourself?" he smirked.

It wasn't what I wanted to hear, and I deflated a little. I wasn't really sure what I expected, we hadn't been dating that long, but I was disappointed all the same. Hendrix dipped his head, silencing my turbulent thoughts with his lips on mine. I sank into it, wrapping my arms around his waist to keep him close as our lips parted and his tongue teased mine. I couldn't take back what happened. I was glad they weren't conned by that jerk, so I let it go, using Hendrix's kiss as a distraction.

We separated before things got too steamy, but I was reluctant to pull away. Hendrix didn't seem to be in a hurry either, plucking at my lips like he couldn't get enough. We were supposed to be going on a date, but if he kept this up, I would be begging him to take me home instead. I hadn't stopped thinking about what happened the last time we were alone together, and I wanted a repeat more than I wanted to be out amongst the late night crowds.

"Hendrix…" I murmured against his lips.

He shivered in response, a grin blooming across his face. "You're really good at distracting me." He straightened, taking his addictive lips with him. "Come on. I had a plan for tonight and if we don't stop, you're gonna end up naked in that alley."

I wrinkled my nose at the thought. I was horny, but I wasn't that desperate. My reaction made Hendrix laugh, and he tossed his arm over my shoulder as we started walking down the block again.

"Not into it? Good to know."

"Is anyone actually into that? You could get caught."

"You'd be surprised," he replied, his eyes straight ahead as he led us through the crowded sidewalk. This entire block was filled with bars and clubs, so even though it was late, it was still busy with people out drinking and letting loose for the night. "My friend Felix and his boyfriend have gotten caught a few times already. Those two have no shame. They've been lucky that they were only caught by human cops and could teleport away before they got into any real trouble. In the Other Realm, they can block teleportation to capture bad guys."

"And you?" I queried, curious and a little nervous about his response. I didn't think I'd ever be into that. The chance of getting caught would be distracting, and I'd be too nervous to really enjoy it.

Hendrix shook his head, his lips quirked up at the sides. "I'm good with keeping that between us. I don't think I'll ever get signed with a label if I do shit like that. It'd be a PR nightmare."

I released a breath of relief that was probably a little too exuberant. Hendrix caught it and he burst out laughing, his head thrown back. I felt my cheeks burn, but he didn't let me stay embarrassed for long. He pulled me closer, kissing the side of my head, and gestured to a shop on the corner.

"Let's grab a few sandwiches. I wanna take you somewhere and to get there we need to fly. I was thinking pizza, but that'd be a pain in the ass."

My stomach twisted at the thought of flying with him. I was curious, but also a little nervous. If it were anyone else, I probably would've refused. It didn't seem safe. But I trusted Hendrix. He wouldn't drop me. Still, while we waited for our order to be made, I bounced on my toes, biting my lip as I stared out the window.

Hendrix chuckled, grabbing our food and leading me outside with his arm around my shoulders again. "Relax. I've got you. Hold the food for me, yeah?"

I clutched the bag against my chest to hide the tremor in my hands. Hendrix dipped and scooped me off my feet, hugging me to his chest, and launched himself into the air without any warning. I yelped, nearly dropping the food in my haste to throw my arms around his neck for a better hold. I clung to him, my grip almost choking him, until he leveled off and the noise of the wind stopped hiding his laugh.

"Relax, babe. If you make me pass out, it won't be good for either of us."

I jerked back, loosening my grip by a significant amount, but stupidly glanced around when I did. The city was below us, close enough that I could pick out details, but far enough that my stomach flipped over. I tightened my grip again, my breathing sharp and disjointed, and Hendrix laughed again.

"Are you afraid of heights?"

Before now, I didn't think I was. But I was seriously questioning that now. Hendrix tightened his grip on me, which helped a little, and he pressed his cheek against mine, murmuring in my ear.

"I've got you, Art."

He didn't laugh at me again, keeping me tight against him until we landed. My knees were weak when he set me on my feet, but I managed to stay upright, if not a little unsteady.

"Maybe flying isn't your thing," Hendrix teased. It didn't feel cruel, more like he was trying to get me to relax, and I let out a slow breath before responding to him.

"Maybe. I honestly didn't think I was afraid of heights until I looked down. I don't know how you do that."

He shrugged, leading me over to an old bench. "I guess it helps that my wings are actually attached to me."

True. I opened my mouth to agree, but I stalled out before I could. I hadn't really paid attention to where Hendrix had brought me before now. We were high on a hill overlooking the city, the lights stretched out below us. It was a gorgeous view, like nothing I'd ever seen before, and I stood transfixed for a while until Hendrix chuckled and pulled me into the seat beside him.

"Where are we?"

"A hiking trail. I found this place one day when I was looking for inspiration. It can get pretty busy during the day, but I realized no one was willing to traverse through the forest at night, so it's usually empty after dark. I like coming up here to think and play out some of the song ideas in my head. Do you like it?"

I could hear the hopeful tone of his voice, but I still couldn't drag my gaze away from the view in front of me.

"It's beautiful."