Page 24 of What the Hex
King flipped him off. “Shut up.”
Chuckling, the asshole winked over his shoulder before ducking through a part in the curtains.
King rolled his eyes and followed after him.
Most of the crowd had dissipated, the fans leaving to return to their regularly scheduled lives. The few stragglers who remained were being gently shepherded toward the exits by hotel employees. Other staff members had started the clean-up—clearing the buffet tables, picking up trash, and stacking chairs.
Damien and Arlo stood off to one side of the stage, engaging in a lively conversation with a middle-aged man dressed in a dark suit. King couldn’t remember his name, but he thought it might be Damien’s manager.
He scanned the area, looking for his mate, and found him with Nita by the floor-to-ceiling windows. From that distance, he didn’t know what they were talking about, but Storm had his hand on the female’s shoulder, and she appeared to be crying.
Jogging down the stage steps, he hurried across the room, winding through the remaining chairs to join them. “What’s wrong?”
“It’s nothing,” Nita assured him.
A muscle in Storm’s jaw ticked, and he patted her shoulder. “Some guy claiming to be her boyfriend showed up.”
“What?” King didn’t know anything about the woman’s love life, but it had to be bad for her to look so miserable. “Are you hurt?”
“No. No. I’m fine.” She sniffled and wiped her eyes. “I’m overreacting.”
King looked between Storm and Nita with a wrinkled brow. “Did you two fight?”
“He got in her face and grabbed her arm.” The shifter’s gaze was as stormy as his name.
He was in full protector mode, with no sign of the shiny veneer he showed the rest of the world. A vein along the side of his neck throbbed, and his handsome face was distorted by hard angles and deep shadows.
His murderous expression probably should have been frightening, but King found it hot as hell. Add the reason for his anger—the defense of a virtual stranger—and he might have fallen just a little in love.
Pushing that aside, he focused his attention on Nita. “Do you need anything? Can I call someone for you?”
“No, no, I’m fine.” She took a deep, shaky breath. “Just overwhelmed.”
Not knowing how else to comfort her, King pulled her into his arms and hugged her tight. “I’m sorry that happened to you. Is your shift over?”
“I still have to help clean up.”
“Go home.” Releasing her, he took a step back but kept hold of her hands. “I’ll take care of it.”
“I can’t ask you to do that.”
King smiled. “You didn’t. I’ve been here longer than you, which gives me seniority.” His smile widened when she giggled. “I’m telling you to go home and get some rest. I’ll see you tomorrow.”
“Thank you, King.” Nita hugged him again and pressed a chaste kiss to his cheek. “You’re a good guy.” Then she turned and hugged Storm as well. “Thank you, too.”
“Don’t mention it. I’m glad you’re okay.” He gave her another squeeze before easing her away. “Is it safe for you to go home? Will he show up there?”
“I’m staying with my parents for the time being.” She shook her head. “I’m sure it’ll be fine.”
“Do you need us to take you home?”
Nita shook her head again. “Thanks, but I’ll be okay.”
“If you’re sure.” Storm didn’t sound pleased about it, but he seemed to recognize he couldn’t force her. “Be safe.”
“And text me when you get there,” King added.
“I will. Promise.”