The Wild Interview

by K. A Knight

  Once everyone else had arrived this morning, we had the press conference about how the guys saved the ‘mystery woman’ in the nightclub. Thankfully the board had organised that, which took a weight off me since that was the last thing I needed right now. It had gone smoothly and the guys came off in a good light. The papers will release with the new headline tomorrow and it will feature on the evening news tonight. The board is practically salivating over it, as they reckon that it will boost sales of the tour. To be honest, I’ve already seen a difference on the guys’ social media pages. They have exploded with popularity overnight, their Instagram page is full of messages, congratulations, and people looking for tickets to their shows.

  A knock on my door has me raising my head and seeing a smiling Emmett in the doorway of my office. I smile and wave him in distractedly, sending off a quick email as he takes the seat opposite mine.

  “Hey Gabs. How are you doing? You know, after the press conference?” I glance up at his concerned voice, leaning back in my chair.

  “Yeah, I’m okay. I would have admitted it was me in the club, but the board didn’t think it would look good that I was out with you guys.” I roll my eyes at this, they didn’t want the fans to think the guys were involved with their female manager, said it ‘adds to the appeal’ if they think the guys are single. I had insisted that we weren’t involved in any way other than professionally, they had agreed but said the fans wouldn’t know that. “Never mind. The police know all of the details, so it won't affect their investigations.” And in my mind that’s the most important thing. If that guy did it to me, he’ll do it again and has probably done it before. I shudder as I remember his hands on me, and I see Emmett’s face contort in anger before he schools his expression.

  “You know we’re here if you want to talk.” He reaches across the desk and grabs my hand. I give him a genuine smile and nod at him. When I had taken this job, I hadn’t known I would also be making friends like this. “Anyway! We are about to do the big dress rehearsal, you wanna come watch?” he asks, and I make a rude noise in response as I push away from the desk.

  “Of course I want to watch.” I roll my eyes at his grin. “Not because I want to see you guys strip, you cretin. Dress rehearsals are really important!” I protest, smacking him on the butt with my clipboard as we leave my office.

  “Yeah yeah, I believe you.” Emmett cackles as he hurries down the corridor to the stage.

  I follow behind him, stopping to talk to Mark and one of the stagehands as I go to take my seat in the audience. I wasn’t lying, dress rehearsals are one of the most important parts of rehearsal. It’s an opportunity to check that the costumes, props, and lighting work together, and allows for any little issues to be ironed out. It’s also the first chance to see how everything fits together.

  I’m leaning against the wall and watching everyone get into position, when I hear the doors behind us open. I smile widely as I see Kelsey walking down the aisle towards me with a small grin on her face.

  “Mind if I join you?” she asks and I nod, beaming as I pat the wall next to me.

  “Of course not! You came just in time, they are just about to start.” She smiles back at me, but I can see the tension lines around her eyes. I know her and Leo have been fighting a lot lately, but I really hope that her seeing this will help her come to terms with his job.

  I glance over at Mark who’s on the sidelines and give him the signal to start the rehearsal.

  I’m busy watching the guys with a grin, when I hear a sucked in breath, and looking over at Kelsey I frown. Her face is pale and sweaty and her eyes are flicking around everywhere, filled with embarrassment and panic. Her hands are twisted in front of her and she seems like she might cry. Pushing off the wall I step towards her as she starts to back away.

  “I’m sorry, I can’t…” Her voice is shaking and weak, and she flees the room. I stare at the swinging door before looking over at Leo. His face is hard and he shakes his head before facing the front and throwing himself into the music. Okaaay. Guess it’s up to me. Gabriella Menro, stripper manager and girlfriend chaser. I should get that printed. With a sigh I follow after her, knowing I won’t enjoy this conversation. What do you say to your friend’s girlfriend who is upset when you’re attracted to said friend? Fuck if I know.

  I trudge my way upstairs, searching for her as I go.

  “You see a girl run past?” I ask a roadie, and he points past the stage, nodding my thanks I make my way through as everyone packs up, and open the side stage door.

  Letting it shut behind me, I wrap my arms around myself at the chill and spot Kelsey next to the wall. Leaning there with tears streaming down her face, she looks so lost and sad.

  “Kelsey?” I murmur softly, stepping closer and leaning on the wall next to her.

  She wipes at her face before looking at me, searching my eyes. “I don’t know if I can do it. I care about him, I do, but I tricked myself into thinking it would be different and seeing him in there…”

  “You got hit with reality,” I finish and she nods. I sigh and decide to get real. “Look, what they do? It’s hot, I’m sorry, but it is. Even straight males would have trouble with it. Any girlfriend would struggle with jealousy and the fact their man is going to be grinding, dancing, and teasing other women, but that’s all it is. A tease, a job, a show.”

  “But, he loves it,” she responds softly, and that’s really what’s bothering her.

  “Yes, he does, and I don’t blame him.” Her eyes dart to me in confusion. “I’m going to be straight with you here, yes he loves it. He would be stupid not to. The attention, the fawning, even being able to dance and be a sex symbol is a buzz like no other for them. For men who have struggled their whole lives, this? This is a dream and they love every second, from gruelling rehearsals to bonding over meals. They are family and this always comes first, it always will. If you can’t deal with that then you need to leave before you get in too deep, and hurt both you and him, because Kelsey? I might like you, I might think we could be friends, but Leo is my job and more than that, they let me in their family, and if you hurt him because you thought you could handle it and you can’t, we’re going to have a problem. You need to really think about what you want, you had your eyes opened in there, go away and consider that. He won’t change, he won't give it up, can you live with that?”

  “If I can't?” she whispers, staring at the ground.

  “Then you leave, you can't keep staying in limbo. If you think you can give it a try, then come to a show. I’ll get you tickets and you can see for yourself. Isn’t it better to know?” When she doesn't look at me, I reach out and touch her arm. “Kelsey, I’m not saying this to be a bitch. I really don’t want to see either of you hurt.”

  She nods and turns, biting her lip. Even with tears streaming down her face and her nose and eyes red, she’s a beautiful girl. “Kels—” I start, but she flings herself in my arms, holding me tight, and I wrap my arms around her hesitantly.

  “Thank you for being such a good friend, you’re right. I’m going to go back and have some time alone. Try and work through everything. Thank you, Gabby,” she says, pulling away with a grateful smile that only makes me feel like shit.

  She blows out a breath and shoves her hands in her coat pocket, fiddling with something in there. “Will you let him know I’ll talk to him tomorrow, and that I just need some space? I don’t want to put you in the middle, but I don’t think I can face going back there.”

  I nod and offer her a small smile. “Of course, just message me if you need anything,” I offer and she returns the smile.

  She turns and starts to walk away as I sag into the bricks, I’m a bad fucking person. “Oh, and Gabby?” she calls out, turning to walk backwards to her car.

  “Yeah?” I respond.

  “Thank you, I’m happy to have you as a friend!” She grins and jogs over to her car.

  Shoot me in the back, guilt wars inside of me. It’s not like I didn’t tell
her the truth, but did I say all that stuff because of my feelings towards Leo, or because it was the right thing to do?

  I watch her drive off and just as I’m pushing off the wall, the door opens again, and I look over to see Leo. He takes one look at me and shuts the door, coming to my side.

  “You okay, Gabs?” he questions softly.

  “Yeah, shouldn’t I be asking you that?” I retort, arching my eyebrow as he leans next to me.

  He shrugs. “I knew today would go one way or the other. I think I’ve just accepted that she’s going to leave. I wish she would decide already,” he grumbles.

  “She's struggling Leo, she likes you and doesn’t want to hurt either of you. Give her a little time.” He nods and smiles sadly at me.

  “Was she okay?” he asks, even though watching her run off had to hurt him, he’s still more bothered about her being upset. Fuck, he really is such a good guy. My heart pounds at how close we are and I force myself to step away, feigning looking around to cover it.

  “Yeah, she’s going to talk to you tomorrow. I told her to call me if she needed anything.”

  “I know, I heard the last part. Thank you Gabby, you’re constantly sticking up for us. I know you didn’t have to get involved, but it means a lot that you did. I guess they were right, you are family.” He grins at me even as panic unfurls in my chest with each word. He steps closer and kisses my cheek, so close to my mouth that I could turn my head and our lips would meet. He moves back and I ignore my own disappointment, forcing a smile that I’m pretty sure looks fake, but I’m trying my best.

  “No problem, now get back to work!” I joke and he smiles.

  “You got it, Boss Lady.” He winks and goes back inside, leaving me lost in my own emotions. What’s going on with me?

  After a couple of minutes collecting myself, I force myself to go inside and work through the rest of rehearsal. Afterwards, I help get everything ready for Monday, which is when we’re leaving bright and early for the tour. I grin as I confirm the tour bus, knowing the guys are going to go nuts. Apparently they used cars last time, but I convinced the board to give them one, not just any bus either, but top of the line. About nine o’clock I think we finally might be ready for Monday. I have a few things to look over but I can do that this weekend. Other than that, the crew is sorted, props and equipment are ready to haul, venues are booked, and hotels arranged. I plan to let the guys have a good, relaxing weekend to get them ready for the madness that will be the tour, even the thought of it sends excitement into my chest. It’s going to be one hell of a show.

  Kingston and Blake come down and grab me tonight, and I falter when I see him, replaying our kiss, but he does nothing except smile at me and act the same, albeit a bit nicer.

  We lock up and meet the others upstairs before heading back to the house. Thank god it’s Friday.

  “How about a pool night, food, drinks, relaxing?” Blake suggests from behind the wheel, and I look over at him to see him smiling.

  “Sounds great.” I smile back, something has shifted between us, I just don’t know if it's for the better or worse. My eyes drop to his lips and I drag my eyes away, fiddling with the radio until I find a good song.

  “Did she just touch Blake’s radio?” I hear Liam whisper but I ignore him, singing along to the pop song. Blake laughs as Liam and Damon join in from the back. Wiggling in my seat, I start pointing and singing louder, leaning closer to him until he joins in with a groan. Yes, something has shifted, I just hope it doesn’t get me in even more trouble. Stupid heart, I don’t think my vagina is going to survive this tour stuck with all these hotties in that bus. Maybe I need to use that dildo I found.

  We order a takeaway and while we’re waiting for it to be delivered, I run upstairs and get changed into a red string bikini before meeting the guys down at the pool, where I see loungers dragged into a circle with pizza and beer in the middle. Now this is what I call a Friday night chill. Grinning, I flop down next to Liam and grab a slice. Kingston passes over a beer and I grin around my pizza.

  “So, what are we doing this weekend?” Liam asks, shovelling pizza into his mouth. Even with his face full of food, he still looks hot. Dammit Gabby, focus. No thinking sexy thoughts about your employees.

  “Nothing, laying low. We were lucky to get away with what happened,” I point out, downing half my beer. Some girls prefer wine, don’t get me wrong I love a glass of wine, and certainly wouldn't turn one down, but there’s just something about pizza and beers.

  “Finnneee,” he groans, grinning at me to show there are no hard feelings.

  We laugh and joke as we eat, and I try and keep my eyes in my head from all the skin on display with their swimming trunks. It shouldn’t be fair to look that good, but if it’s any consolation, they are staring at me too. I keep catching eyes roaming over my skin, but I pretend not to notice the looks and nudging from Liam. This all changes when I stand up and turn around to grab another beer, as someone spanks me. I look over my shoulder with narrowed eyes and they all smile innocently at me. Boys.

  They are still eating so I lean back, laying my feet on Kingston’s lap while I let the pizza settle. Happy just to listen to them talk, they keep me involved but I’m so relaxed I just smile and nod.

  “Okay, time to get wet!” Liam shouts, jumping up and winking at me.

  “Really dude? The only thing wet around you is your dreams,” I tease. The others laugh, but despite my protests I stand up and put my beer down, there is no way I’m going to miss out on pool time with the guys. Not a moment later, I’m swung up onto someone's shoulders and I scream as they run and jump in the pool. Spluttering I kick to the surface, ready to kill a bitch when I spot a grinning Blake. What the—

  “POOL PARTY!” someone yells and I look over to see the others jumping in.

  I giggle as I dive under, swimming away as hands try to grab on to me. Surfacing, I grin at them and splash Damon as he gets to close. This starts a splash war, and I find myself hiding behind Kingston. He grins over his shoulder before I yelp again. I fly out of the water, grabbing Kingston’s shoulders to steady myself as Damon looks up at me from between my legs, where I now I sit on his shoulders.

  “Damon,” I whine, but Liam quickly swims over and smiles.

  “Fuck yeah, pick me up!” He taps Kingston who rolls his eyes but goes under and gets him on his shoulders, until Liam and me are facing off.

  “First one to fall has to do a naked lap.” He grins and I narrow my eyes.

  “It’s on, Angel,” I mock and I hear the others laugh.

  I win that round, but I end up losing to Leo on Kingston’s shoulders, luckily Emmett stops them before I have to do a naked lap. We play in the pool for a bit longer, splashing and joking, even some races before I climb out, calling it a night. Today has sucked me dry, and I leave them in the pool as I trek back to my room and towel off. I can’t be bothered to shower, so I’ll do it in the morning. I shove my hair on top of my head in a bun, and slip into some silky shorts and a matching cami, loving the feel of it against my skin.

  Running and jumping, I burrow into the quilt and lie spread eagle. “Oh how I have missed you,” I say, stroking the bed until I hear laughter at the door.

  “Hush,” I demand without even looking. Of course someone has followed me, I’m so used to them barging in that I barely even shut my door anymore.

  “I thought you were talking to me for a moment,” Kingston says and I grin.

  “Yeah, well tough luck buddy. You don’t cuddle me to sleep,” I reply, defending the bed while I still stroke it lazily with my hand.

  “I could,” he offers, and when I look up, he’s kicking off his flipflops. I arch my eyebrow and he jumps in next to me, making me bounce. Groaning, I roll to my side and look up at him. When I spot the book in his hand I smile again, it’s become somewhat of a tradition for us to read together every couple of nights.

  “What are we reading tonight? Dragons? Witches? End of the world?” I ask and he
shakes his head, shimmying down the bed, and I curl up around him automatically. He shows me the cover and I tilt my head. Huh, wouldn’t have thought he would choose that.

  “Contemporary, huh?” I tease.

  “Yeah, something about a girl who lands a rock band. Sounds good.” He smiles at me shyly. This is something that I love about Kingston, he will read anything and everything, not judging a book by its cover.

  “Proceed,” I order in a mock posh accent, and he flips open the cover with a smile.

  I settle in to get comfy and his words wash over me, his voice soothing me like nothing else. Eventually my eyes shut, but they snap open again when he starts to read a steamy scene. The girl has just starting going down on a guy as another guy fucks her from behind.

  “Well fuck,” I mutter, leaning closer to look at the page.

  He laughs and carries on, the dirty words falling from his mouth, making me shiver. “I’m going to fuck you hard, he growls.” I gulp and look at Kingston. He stops reading and looks at me, his eyes dropping to my lips. I know he’s reading what’s on the page, but it feels like he’s saying it to me. I manage to break our gaze and stare determinedly down at the page.

  “What’s next?” I ask, my voice sounding breathless.

  He carries on reading and I lay back down, trying not to fidget, but this is majorly turning me on. Listening to that honeyed voice of his roll over the words and describing the threesome has dirty thoughts entering my head, and my pussy doesn’t seem to care that I’m supposed to be their boss. When he shuffles down further, his leg going over mine, I nearly gasp. Fuck, how can I be turned on just from reading?

  At this point my chest is rising and falling at double speed, and I reckon he can hear my heart pounding, my pussy is throbbing for relief and I wiggle back, trying to find it. I know I’m playing a dangerous game here and there are lines that are about to be crossed.