Page 22 of Louder Than Words

And now I get to be a part ofthis? My chest tightens, but before I can even process the thought, something—or rathersomeone—catches my eye from across the room.

I blink, thinking I must be imagining it. But no.

Oh my god. It’shim.

Alex Langford. Lead singer and rhythm guitarist of Dead Last.

Bottom Line might have always been my top metal band, but deep down I had a serious soft spot for pop punk. It was definitely more of a love-hate relationship, but when it came to Dead Last? Their songs weresacred. Skip one in my car, and we were going to throw hands.

Before I even register what I’m doing, my hand flies to Jax’s arm, tapping frantically.

He peers down, brows drawn. “What is it, Al?”

I slowly lift a finger, pointing. “Is that…”

His eyes follow my finger. He stares for a moment, squinting before recognition seems to finally hit. “No fucking way,” he mutters—and bolts toward Alex.

The second he leaves my side, my heart drops so hard I swear it bounces off the floor. I freeze, blinking as confusion washes over me. And all I can do is watch in silence, wishing I could disappear beneath the floorboards.

Because as far as I know, I just pointed out Jax’s sworn enemy.

He reaches Alex in a few quick strides, taps him on the shoulder, and I can’t help but watch everything unfold from ten feet away. It’s like my body forgot how to move as I stand here, completely frozen. Watching my two favorite lead singers get into some kind of scuffle was definitely not on my bingo card.

Everything moves in slow motion as Alex finally turns. Jax raises his arm, and my heart lodges itself in my throat—

But then Alex laughs. And Jax wraps an arm around him.

Wait… what the hell?

I’m not entirely sure what I was expecting, but it definitely wasn’tthis—the two of them hugging like they’re old friends.

Maybe theyareold friends?

I still haven’t moved. My brain short-circuits every few seconds, too overwhelmed to notice right away when Jax starts waving me over with a huge grin.

My heart is hammering in my chest as my feet start moving on autopilot toward him.

Be cool, Allie. Like when you first met Jax. He didn’t know you were a fan then. You pulled it off once. You can do it again.

Jax snakes an arm around my waist, and I stand there completely rigid. I don’t think I could move even if I wanted to. It’s like I just turned to stone.

“Allie, I want you to meet my good friend, Alex,” he says. “We shared a stage during the Blackout Tour. Alex, this is Allie, my girlfriend.”

Alex offers a warm smile and dips his head. “Nice to meet you, Allie.”

My insides combust. “Pleasure’s all mine,” I manage, hoping my face doesn’t totally give away that I’m definitely fangirling so hard I might pass out.

“Are you the reason this place is packed? Don expected thirty people, tops,” Jax teases with a laugh.

Alex glances around. “Could be the open bar and zero invitation policy. Not your label’s smartest move—but hey, at least no one’s trashed anything… yet.”

Jax chuckles and nods. “Speaking of the open bar, can I grab you guys a drink?”

“Oh, we’re good,” Alex says, gesturing to the guy beside him.

Wait. He had someone with him this whole time?

The guy raises his nearly empty glass. “La mía está casi vacía,” he says with a nod.