“Let’s go back stage.” He pulls me behind him as the band resumes their place on stage to finish out their set. I didn’t even notice that the security twins had been standing behind me the whole time, and they follow us now. One of them hands Leo his jacket.

There is a decent-sized group of people back stage waiting for the band. Some in business attire, who I assume are industry people. Some look like family members or friends of the band.

And there are more than a few groupies.

Leo leads me in, my hand gripped firmly in his, and begins introducing me to people he knows. I’ll never remember their names or even their faces, but the fact that he keeps me next to him and includes me in every conversation says a lot about this man.

He cares about me.

The band comes barreling in the room, reaching for beers and high-fiving each other, obviously happy with their show.

The room is electric with energy.

“Dude!” The lead singer charges for us and tackles Leo in a hug. “Nice song, bro.” He winks at Leo and smiles down at me. “I’m Lance.”

“Sam,” I respond and shake his hand.

“How long are you in town?” He asks Leo.

“A while. We’re recording the next album here,” Leo responds. “I’d like you to come in and help out on a few tracks.”

Lance’s eyes spark with interest and he grins. “Done.”

“Cool.”

“Great show, babe.” A pretty redhead hugs Lance from behind and he turns to pull her in his arms.

“Thanks, my love. Tash, this is Leo and Sam. Leo, you remember my wife.”

“Of course, hey Tash.” Leo leans in and kisses her cheek.

“Hey, so great to see you!” I immediately like her. She’s someone I would hang out with, down to earth and nice and not fawning all over the Leo Nash.

The happy couple turns to mingle with the other after-show guests and Leo grins down at me. “Having fun?”

“I am.” I nod and glance around the room. “It’s more laid back than I expected.”

“Security will start letting some fans back in a few minutes for photos and autographs.” He shrugs. “It’ll get louder.”

“Well, hello.” A busty brunette, in a black halter-top, tight enough to showcase her paid-for tits and a black skirt that barely covers her ass is suddenly pressed against Leo’s other side. “Looking for a good time, Mr. Nash?”

Leo frowns down at her and I feel my eyebrows climb into my hairline. The bitch has balls; I’ll give her that.

She’s also repulsive.

Yuck.

These groupies are so not like the over-zealous fan-girls that I’m used to. They’re clearly not here just because of their love of the music or the work. They’re here to fuck a band member.

That’s it.

I think I just threw up a little in my mouth.

“Do you not see me holding my girlfriend’s hand?” Leo asks, his voice cold.

“I can do a threesome, if that’s what you’re into,” she grins and rubs her tits against his arm.

I can’t help it, the laugh bursts out of me, and I double over. I have to release Leo’s hand so I can hold my stomach; I’m laughing so hard.

She’s so pathetic she’s hilarious.

I look up into Leo’s laughing eyes. He has a wide grin and is ignoring the offended woman still plastered to his side. She’s scowling at me, and that makes me laugh harder.

“Are you okay, sunshine?” Leo asks with a chuckle as I straighten and finally take a deep breath. I wipe the tears from under my eyes, thanking God for waterproof mascara, and nod.

“Is this what you were talking about earlier? Girls like this?”

He just shrugs and nods.

“Yeah, I’m so not worried.” Now the bimbo’s eyes narrow on me and I chuckle again.

“Fuck you,” she flings at me and props her hand on her hip, still pressing herself to Leo’s side.

“You’re touching something that’s not yours,” I tell her with a wide smile.

“I don’t see a ring on his finger.” She smirks.

“Wouldn’t matter to you if you did,” I remind her and she nods thoughtfully.

“True.”

Leo is watching the exchange like it’s a tennis match, his head bouncing back and forth. Finally, he raises an eyebrow at the slut and pulls away from her.

“I won’t be requiring your services, but I’m sure one of the other unattached guys will take you up on it.”

“But I want to say I fucked Leo Nash,” she pouts. “Come on. I’ll let the bitch join in.”

I laugh again and then clasp my hand over my mouth as Leo glares daggers at the less-than-intelligent woman.

“I didn’t fuck trash like you when I was single. Why would I start now?” He turns his back on her and tips my chin up with his finger. “Wanna get out of here?”

“We don’t have to leave just because of that,” I assure him, my voice light. “I told you earlier, I don’t care.”

He leans in until his mouth is pressed to my ear and whispers, “I don’t give a fuck about her either, sweetheart. I’m ready to take you home, get you naked and have you beneath me.”

My breath catches in my lungs. “Well, when you put it like that, yeah, let’s go.”

Leo waves at Lance, who nods in acknowledgement, and calls out goodbyes to the rest of the band. Security escorts us out through the back door into the refreshing cool winter air and to his Camaro.

He starts the car and pulls away from the curb.

“That was fun.” I turn in my seat so I can see him, watching the street lights flash over his face and reflect off the metal in his ear and lip.

“Yeah, it was,” he agrees. “You weren’t kidding. The groupies don’t bother you.”

“They’re gross.” I wrinkle my forehead. “Why would anyone fuck that? Who knows where her pussy has been, not to mention her mouth. Ew.” I shudder and make gagging noises. “Seriously, that’s just not sanitary.”

Leo throws his head back and laughs.

“How many groupies did you fuck in your day? And don’t tell me you can’t count that high. You’re smart.”

“So not answering that question.” He shakes his head.

“No, really.”

“Sam, there are some questions a woman should never ask. Asking a famous musician how many women he’s banged is one of them.”