CHAPTER ELEVEN
GRIFFIN

I  always keep my temper in line, but London has no way of knowing that. I sure didn’t give her reason to suspect it. The look in her eyes went from pained to completely disinterested. The disinterested glassy eyed stare stings, even though she did say “even if I had considered it earlier,” so at least she thought of me that way at some point tonight. Maybe if I try hard enough to show her who I am as a person, I can have a chance again.

But Christ. Nigel pushed it way too far.

“London!” I hear Nigel’s weaselly little feet jogging up the sidewalk toward us. He reaches out and grabs her by the arm. My instincts take over and I move to block him from putting his hands on her, but she’s already jerked her arm away and left him grabbing a whole fist full of air. I don’t hide my amusement.

“London, I would like to speak with you.” He cuts his eyes in my direction. “Privately.”

“Not if I can help it,” I snort. She’s already turned my life upside down, and I’m not about to let Nigel screw this up for me. I certainly don’t need any help in the screw-up my life department.

“Nigel, what in the fu—”I half-cringe as I realize London’s eyes are boring a hole straight through me. Growing up around grammy and gramps gave me some valuable life lessons, non-curses curses is one of those lessons. I rack my brain for anything that might help me here. Ah! “What in the fart knocker are you trying to do, Nigel?”

London’s laugh makes everything better. Her dark eyes sparkle and it looks like a million little stars dancing in the night sky. It’s enchanting. The fact she’s doubling over from my lame attempt is just the icing on the cake. At least she’s not pissed off at me right now. I’ll take what I can get. “What?” I hold my arms out wide. “I’m just doing what you said, finding creative ways and all that.”

“I have to hand it to you, Mister Rockstar,” she giggles some more, and my heart skips a few beats. “That was a terrible attempt.”

“I don’t even care.” I can’t help but smile when I look at her, even if she is making fun of me. It’s the most beautiful sound I’ve ever heard.

She’s perfect.

I just have to convince her that I’m not a crazed narcissistic psychopath that goes on drug induced bouts of violence on a regular basis.

Right.

Simple.

Piece of cake.

Nigel’s forehead wrinkles as his eyebrows smoosh together. His look tells me that he’s confused and amused by just how intricately this girl has me wrapped around her finger. “I don’t even know how to respond to that.” He shakes his head and shifts his attention to London. “Miss London… I’m sorry, I didn’t catch your last name back at the theater.”

She rolls her eyes and huffs out a breath. “James.”

For the first time ever in history, I owe Nigel a thank you. I finally know her last name.

“Ah.” He clasps his hands together in an exaggerated fashion, as practically everything this fart knocker does is over exaggerated. Did I just use fart knocker, again?

“Nigel, whatever you have to say just spit it out already.” I’m growling under my breath like some kind of urban caveman. Is that a thing?

“Miss James, I have an exciting proposition for you.” His smile fades fast when she holds up both hands to stop him.

“I’m sorry, but I’m not really interested—”

“It’s six figures and only 90-days of your time.” That overconfident smirk of his returns.

London’s frozen in place with her jaw gaping.

Yes!

She’s considering it.

She’s actually considering it.

Wait. ”What would The Machine have to offer her that would make this worth her and her son’s time?” I want to make sure that they aren’t taking advantage, but I also want to back Nigel into the corner and watch him squirm.

I’m a little bit of a vengeful guy.

I can’t help myself.

I’m not a total bastard. I don’t do anyone wrong, but if they cross someone I love then they can just go sit on a cactus, and right now I need a cactus for Nigel.

He gives me a sideways glance, clicking his tongue against his teeth. ”Fine.” He finally concedes. “If you won’t come inside where we can discuss it privately then we can just discuss it right here.” He makes a sweeping motion with his arms. “So, everyone at the Center of the Universe can hear the moment that makes London James a star.”

“First of all,” she says as she props one hand on her hip, “we’re the only ones out here. Everyone else is already either at home in their bed, which is where I should be, or they’re drinking in the Blue Dome District.”

“Fair enough,” he says. “Miss James, The Machine is prepared to make you a six-figure offer to continue playing with Amaryllis for the remainder of their tour.”

“That’s ridiculous,” she snorts. “I have no formal training.”

“Doesn’t matter.” Nigel shakes his head and shrugs. “Talent is talent and you, Miss James, have the talent that we need to help these guys stay above water for another few months.”

She scrunches her nose up and looks up through her thick dark eyelashes at me and it’s everything I can do not to throw myself at her feet.

“I don’t understand,” she whispers.

I step closer and lean in toward her. “You’re better than Stone, and he royally fu—uh…” I clear my throat. “I mean, he royally messed us over tonight by getting himself arrested.”

“Arrested?” Her voice went so high it squeaked.

I nod and rub my index finger over my eyebrow. It’s a nervous habit I picked up a long time ago. “He’s probably not getting out for a very long time and we’re making the announcement tomorrow that he’s been kicked out of the band.” I can’t imagine what a culture shock that must be for the guy. I don’t even feel bad for him.

She shrinks back into her shoulders making herself look smaller than she already is. “Wow.”

“I know.” I can’t hide my sneer even though I try. “I would feel sorry for the guy, but he’s a total creep and really had it coming.”

“Why did you keep him with you for so long then?” Her eyes search mine for a satisfying answer, which I’m sure she isn’t going to find.

I shift on my feet as I try to find the answer myself. “I honestly…” I’ve got nothin’ “I don’t know. Desperation, maybe.”

She nods slowly.

That answer didn’t win me any bonus points.