My threat works because he looks at Lennon, who’s eyeing me with keen interest. “I’ll give you one more chance. But fuck up again, and you’re done.”
CHAPTER 32
LENNON
According to Mrs. Palma, my dad is doing well. Although when I spoke to him last, he thought I was trying to sell him something and rushed me off the phone.
I’m hoping tomorrow’s conversation goes a lot better.
We’re currently on our way to Arizona, so I’m sleeping in the bunk below Phoenix’s.
Or rather, trying to sleep, but I can’t stop tossing and turning. A quick glance at my phone tells me it’s a little after three a.m.
Given everyone else on the bus is sleeping soundly, I step out for a little quiet time.
The front of the bus has a kitchen and lounge area, the middle section is where our bunks are, and the back is where Chandler’s room is. However, there’s also another tiny lounge area located in the rear that has a television, so I decide to go there.
The small leather sofa is comfortable, despite the tight quarters. I’m looking around for the remote when the sliding door opens and a shirtless Phoenix walks in.
I get off the couch, but he takes several steps, cornering me. “Stay.”
It’s not a request, it’s an order.
I shoot him a dirty look as I sit back down and he takes a seat next to me.
The close proximity makes the small space feel even more cramped.
“Why are you still up?”
The thick rasp of his voice has the tiny hairs on my arms standing on end.
“I can’t sleep.” I peer over at him. “Why are you still up?”
He has to be exhausted after back-to-back concerts.
Those magnetic blue eyes look me up and down and I resist the urge to squirm. “I can’t sleep either.”
Whatever hostility he was harboring appears to be gone…which is strange.
So was him telling Chandler to give me another chance.
“Why did you stick up for me this morning? That was your prime opportunity to get rid of me.”
His jaw sets and some emotion I can’t quite pinpoint flickers across his face. “Why are you working at Obsidian?”
I feel like I’ve just been dunked in a vat of ice water. I’m not sure how he knows, but my guess is Chandler told him.
Doesn’t mean I have to talk about it, though. He lost the right to know anything about me or my life when he betrayed me.
“That’s none of your business.”
The tendons in his throat flex as he swallows. “In that case, I’m not answering your question either.”
His tit-for-tat tactic doesn’t surprise me one bit.
It’s how we’ve always been with one another.
“But since you’re staying,” he continues. “I think we should call some kind of truce.”
I want to tell him to go fuck himself, but I need the money.
Us not being at each other’s throats every second of the day and night will make my job a lot easier.
“Fine.” I stand. “I’m going back to bed.”
His fingers wrap around my wrist. “Lennon.”
There’s so much longing in his tone it makes my skin heat.
“I said truce.” I hold his stare. “We’re not friends.”
We never were.
My heart slams painfully against my rib cage when I glance down at his tattoo.
The first time I saw the clef and staff, there weren’t any music notes. When I asked him why it was blank, he said he was waiting to write the song that would change his life.
Yet, the notes inked over his heart are mine. Not his.
Disgusted, I yank my wrist out of his grasp and walk out.
Phoenix was right.
It’s a lot easier when they don’t see it coming.
CHAPTER 33
LENNON
The roar of the crowd pulsates through my ears as I watch Phoenix run around the stage.
Bright lights illuminate his form, and despite it being hot as hell where I’m standing, a shiver runs through me.
He’s putting every ounce of himself into this performance and it’s both awe inspiring and intimidating how comfortable and hypnotic he is up there.
Like he’s in his element.
Like he was born to do this.
A bitter feeling rises up my throat. I’d kill to know what it’s like to not only have that level of confidence to be able to sing in front of thousands of people, but to be so incredibly talented no one can take their eyes off you.
To be him.
The song he’s belting comes to an end and the stage lights dim, just like they always do when it’s time for him to sing the last song of the night.