The sound of my cell ringing breaks me out of my thoughts, and Lunar stirs beside me. I reach over to the bedside table and grab it, swiping the screen to answer a call from Luke.
“What’s up?”
“Is Lunar with you?”
I turn to look at her, finding her watching me with sleepy eyes. “Yeah, she is… why?”
“Put the phone on speaker, now.”
Furrowing my brows, I put the cell on speaker. “What the fuck, Luke? What’s the problem?”
Lunar sits up, looking at me, her brows creased. “What’s going on?” she asks.
“Lunar, did you talk to a reporter?”
I snap my head around to look at her, and her eyes widen in shock. “Some woman asked me a few questions, but I didn’t know she was a reporter. It wasn’t anything dramatic.”
Luke scoffs. “Nothing dramatic? Did you tell them you were a club girl?”
My stomach falls through the floor as I stare at Lunar.
“What? No!” Her pleading eyes meet mine.
“Well, they know, and now so does the whole of Australia. It’s headline fucking news!”
I can’t help the deep scowl that forms on my face, my hands forming into fists as Lunar swallows heavily. “What do you mean, Luke?” I growl through gritted teeth.
“I mean, the fact that Lunar was club property, a stripper, and a club whore is plastered all over the papers and morning news. They’re saying you’re dating a whore, Danger. One of Australia’s classless ladies.”
Turning away from Lunar, I swing my legs out of bed and start pacing the floor. “What damage are we talking here, Luke?”
“Who knows? They’re saying the foundation could have ties to the MC and that all the proceeds may fund a biker club. Also, this tour is a mess, and people should boycott your shows in protest against bikers.”
“What!” I call out, my anger boiling to the surface. I’m hot, and my skin feels like it’s on fire as I continue to pace, feeling like there’s something crawling under my skin, and I need to get it the fuck out.
Lunar stands, staring at me like a deer in the headlights. “Luke, if I were to leave, would it help?”
“No!” I demand, stopping my pacing before staring back at her, my voice sharp with annoyance.
“Yes! Lunar, if you want to help the band, you should distance yourself from them completely,” Luke confirms.
Panic overwhelms me—I feel like I am about to break. “Shut up, Luke. Lunar, no! Not happening.” My wide eyes meet hers as I stare at her, my body shaking with adrenaline overload as a look of resolution washes over Lunar. Her bottom lip trembles, and she slowly approaches me. Tears begin streaming down her face, and I shake my head, my heart pounding out of my chest,making it hard to breathe. “No. No, Lunar,” I beg as she steps up to me, taking my hands in hers.
She sniffles, tears falling like raindrops from her chin as her eyes lock onto mine. “Thank you. Thank you for freeing me from the club. But it seems I can nevertrulybe free of them. I won’t letthembring you down. Danger, Ihaveto leave.”
“No!” I assert, with a tone that is controlling and authoritative.
“It’s for the best,” Luke states calmly, his tone unwavering. I’d forgotten he was still on the phone.
Lunar lets my hands go and turns to start packing while I grapple with the turmoil churning within me. She’s my light, my muse. I didn’t see a future for us, but I believed we had more time.
We have to have more time.
I’m not prepared to lose her yet.
I run my fingers through my hair. “This is fucking ridiculous. Can’t we go on record and tell the press she’s left that life behind?”
“Yes, we need to. Lunar, could you meet with me before you leave so we can arrange a press conference? It would be wise if you’re up for it,” Luke instructs.
