Destroyed (Lost in Oblivion, #3)(51)

The quick flash of pleasure in Simon’s eyes melted away. His silvery blue eyes shuttered before he focused on the floor and dug his hands into his pockets.

“What the hell is this?” Nick asked.

Margo’s gaze snapped to Lila. Yeah, this wasn’t a good idea. What had she been thinking?

Lila folded her arms. “Have you checked your social media pages lately?”

Nick shrugged. “Me and Pix haven’t been doing as many videos since the Baby Brigade has taken over all conversations.”

“Just because I’m pregnant doesn’t mean we can’t do our videos,” Jazz said with a sniff.

“I just said we haven’t. Otherwise, why would I want to watch myself?”

“To see what’s working and what isn’t?” Lila pulled her iPad from her bag. She rattled off some numbers from the videos at the bar, from the release party, from some of the live radio spots.

“So, what, we’re not good enough on our own? We need a violin addition to the band?” Nick glanced at Margo. “No offense.”

She tucked her hands into her sleeves, but didn’t say a word. What the hell could she say? There was no rhyme or reason to why they sounded so good together, but they did.

Lila lifted a slim brow. “Of course not. I’m thinking strictly from a business sense.”

“You can take your business and sti—”

Donovan Lewis stood straighter and his shoulders stiffened.

Deacon held a hand up. “I think what she’s saying is that it’s just like any other tour that brings on another guitarist to layer in sound.”

“We have two guitarists. For f*ck’s sake, we had three until we neutered Simon.”

“Nick,” Lila said in a warning tone.

“What? I don’t give a shit if God himself is here.” He glanced at Donovan. “I’ll say what needs to be said.”

Margo stepped forward, hiding her fisted hands in her sweater. “I can play a standup bass, a fiddle, the violin obviously, some piano, and the cello. I’m more than just a background player. It doesn’t take away from your sound, just enhances it. You can’t deny it, Nick.”

“For a one-off special gig, sure. But every night?” He crossed his arms. “Why the hell do we need to change?”

“Why does it have to be one or the other?” Simon asked quietly.

Finally, he said something. She’d been wondering if he was actually going to talk or just walk.

“Are you so set to get in this chick’s pants that you want her on tour with us?”

“Enough.” Simon’s eyes flashed. “You can be pissed off as much as you want about this, but for f*ck’s sake, she’s standing right there. Don’t be that much of a dick. She’s a f*cking artist same as we are.”

Nick’s mouth flattened into a line. “She’s not the same.”

Simon slashed his hand through the air. “She’s exactly the same. Just because she uses a bow instead of a pick makes no difference. This isn’t a done deal, right?” He swiveled his head to Lila.

“No. It’s just an idea. Since you’re in rehearsal, I thought it might be something different to try. If it doesn’t work, then no harm.”

“Exactly.”

Surprised that Simon would go to bat for her, she relaxed her fingers.

Nick cracked his knuckles. “Are you thinking with your dick?”

Simon’s nostrils flared. “For f*ck’s sake. Is that really all you think I am? A walking cock looking for *? This band is just as important to me as it is to everyone standing here.” Simon glanced at Donovan. “Sorry.”

“I’m not the English Rose you people think I am,” Donovan said. “Look, take a few minutes and get acquainted with the sound system. Try it out with Margo. If it doesn’t work, then all we’ve lost is a few hours.”

“And what? She’s free?” Nick tucked his thumb into the belt loop of his jeans.

“No. I’m a hired musician,” Margo said.

“So now we’re cutting into the money end.”

Jazz stuck her hands on her hips. “Here we go with the money again.”

“I get paid for each day I’m on the tour,” Margo said. “Not a percentage. I’m not a member of the band.”

“No f*cking shit.” Nick’s voice was low and dangerous.

Margo stalked forward. “I can rip apart a song and learn it as fast as you can.” She tilted her head. “Faster, I’d wager. I’m no amateur here. I’ve been playing the violin since before you got your first hair on your…” She looked down at him, then back to his arctic gaze. “Chin,” she finally said. “I don’t have to be here, but I thought we had something pretty amazing at the shows in New York and L.A. It’s different and stands out from the crowd. But if you’re too closed-minded to think out of the box when it comes to music, then you’re going to sink fast, Nick Crandall.”

He took a step back, his fists practically vibrating at his sides.

Margo’s chest heaved but she stood her ground. Christ, she’d never pushed like that in her life. But she wanted this. Wanted to be a part of that amazing sound that had lived in her since the studio.