Dangerous Kiss (Dangerous Noise 1)

Damn, I wish Mal thought like that. But there's no wishing here. I'm fixing this. "You know Joel's taking this bullet for you."

"Tried to talk him out of that." Kit pulls the door open and motions come in.

I do.

We take seats in the plush armchairs lining the wall.

Kit leans back in his chair. His expression stays intense and mysterious. "I did a lot of bad shit when I was using. I don't blame Mal for assuming I took that money." His voice gets low and serious. "I get that he's trying to protect you,

but running around behind my back is an asshole move."

"Yeah, it is."

Kit's curly hair falls over his face as he shakes his head. "Ethan, I'm only putting up with you being here because Mal is your older brother and everybody knows you look up to him."

Is it that obvious?

"I get wanting to impress somebody and never feeling like you can do it. And I've always liked working with you. You're a good guy, a good brother, and a hell of a guitarist. Fuck, I like Mal most of the time. But I'm not going to put up with this shit."

"One of you has to break the silence."

"I'll think about it."

"For whatever it's worth, I trust you, Kit. I wouldn't be able to step on stage with you every night if I didn't."

Kit chuckles. "You're a sweet kid."

"You're only two years older than I am."

He shrugs. "And you're a romantic about music."

"You aren't?"

"Haven't been a romantic about anything in a long time."

"Violet's talking to Joel. I'm not sure what she's saying, but I can tell she feels awful."

Kit nods. "He likes her."

I raise a brow.

"Not like that." Kit chuckles. "Like a sister."

"Yeah."

"I know Joel acts like he doesn't give a fuck about anyone but himself, but he's been pulling for you two. You should have heard the shit he said when you let her walk away the first time."

"Yeah?"

Kit nods. "Wasn't the most complimentary." He pushes his hair out of his eyes. "Don't worry about shit with me and Mal. Fix you and Violet. The way that girl looks at you—nobody's ever looked at me like that."

Chapter 28

Ethan

At this time of night, the hotel lobby is mostly empty.

Violet is sitting on one of the plush couches. Her legs are crossed. She's playing with the zipper of her boots. Not the heeled fuck-me boots, but a more sensible pair of black riding boots.