His eyes were always dark and daunting.
“Are you high?” I blurted, unable to hold it in.
If he was shocked by my question, he didn’t show it in the least.
Replying, “Don’t ask questions you won’t understand.”
I winced, feeling that statement in the core of my stomach.
“What wouldn’t I understand?”
“The man behind the music.”
There was no hesitation in my voice. “Try me.”
“Oi!” Beck interrupted, walking into the living room.
Damn it!
“Junie says she wants to go to the carnival.”
Ugh! How could I get mad at him?
Cash snapped, “Don’t call her that.”
His possessiveness for me hadn’t changed. If anything, it got worse as the days went on. It was obvious the boys were purposely trying to get a rise out of him whenever they could. They were all like that with one another. Busting each other’s balls, reminding me so much of my brothers.
Boys will be boys.
Beck didn’t pay him any mind, pointing to me instead. “Tell him. You said earlier today when the princess was getting his much-needed beauty sleep you wanted to go to the carnival once we got to our next stop. I don’t know where the fuck that is, but apparently there’s a fair.”
“Junie wants to go to the fair?” Jude chimed in, winking at me.
“A fair?” Stixx uttered, popping a squat next to me. “I want to go to a fair.” He threw his arm around my neck, tugging me toward him. “What Junie wants, Junie gets.”
Out of the corner of my eye, I could see the vein in Cash’s forehead throbbing. Making me bite back a smile.
“Let’s take our girl to the fucking fair,” Beck baited for good measure.
I laughed, unable to help it. He was so easy to mess with. Earning me a deep growl to erupt out of his chest.
“Oh, come on! They’re just messing with you.”
The last word barely fell out of my mouth before Cash pulled me toward him like I was a ping-pong ball. In less than a second, I was sitting in front of him and his arms were wrapped around my waist. With my back to his front, he drew me closer to lay flat against his firm chest.
All the guys grinned, enjoying the reaction they provoked.
“The only one she belongs to around here is me. And don’t you motherfuckers ever forget it.”
A burning blaze tore through my body. Feeling the heat of his response.
“Was he always this selfish, Journey? Or is it just something you bring out in him?” Jude probed.
I nervously chuckled. “I’ve known Cash since I was born. He was my babysitter and always shared with me.”
“You silly bastard, you never told us you babysat her.”
“Wait. What has he said about me?”
“Your ass is near my cock, Junie. You can ask me.”
I glared at him.
“You guys are like, so cute together,” Stixx mocked in a girly tone. “Has he touched your boobies yet?”
“No, but I’ve wiped her ass, you fuck.”
“Oh my God! He did not mean that the way it sounded. I was a baby, in a diaper. I can wipe my own ass now.”
“I get people to wipe my arse, and I’m not a baby,” Beck stated with no shame. “What? Why are you all looking at me like that? I’m Beck Rice, my shit is worth millions, you judgey pricks.”
“Are you drunk?” Jude asked what we were all thinking.
“Yeah, I’ve had some cocktails today. I’ve thrown back a few. Why? ’Cuz I was fucking bored!”
I giggled. Out of all the guys, Beck was by far the most entertaining.
“What’s this ’bout the fair?” Cash inquired, only loud enough for me to hear. “Why didn’t ya tell me you wanted to go?”
“I’m telling you now.”
With the tip of his nose, he started gliding it along my shoulder blades up to the back of my neck. Inhaling my scent.
“You want me to take you to the fair, Junie?”
I nodded, incapable of forming a reply. Everything about this man had me on edge.
“Your skin is the softest I’ve ever felt,” he whispered, his nose nudging my ear. “How’s your skin so fuckin’ soft, darlin’?”
I shrugged, and he scoffed out a chuckle.
“Why you actin’ all shy?”
“I’m not.”
“You weren’t ever nervous around me when you were a baby girl. Always holdin’ my hand, huggin’ me, makin’ your presence known. Where’s that girl now, huh?”
“You never held me like this when I was a kid.”
“You still have my backstage pass, Junie?”
I nodded again, caught off guard he remembered.
“When are you gonna start beggin’ me for more?”
“Cash...”
“Yeah, sweetheart, just like that.”
“What’s gotten into you?”
“You.