Page 204 of My Three Billionaire Rockstars

The deeper we go, the more surreal this all feels.

Because a few weeks ago, I was arguing with Bill about pancakes. Now, I’m walking into the studio of one of the biggest music podcasts in the country beside three men the entire internet is apparently obsessed with.

Life is stupid.

The studio itself is smaller than I expected. The lighting is warm and inviting, but the expensive equipment gives the room a more sterile feel. And sitting casually behind the central desk is Marcus Reed.

He’s big in the podcast world. A music journalist and some sort of professional instigator. Basically, the human embodiment of “I’m just asking questions” right before ruining someone’s life.

He stands when we walk in, smiling broadly.

“Well,” he says. “This is already the most intense room I’ve had all year.”

“You interviewed Machine Riot last month,” Gabe replies smoothly.

Marcus points at him. “And somehow, I still think this might beat it.”

That’s not reassuring.

Introductions happen quickly after that. Then suddenly I’m seated slightly off camera on a couch near the back while the guys settle into their chairs opposite Marcus.

Gabe looks composed. Julian looks entertained. Xander looks like he’s preparing for war.

Red light flashes overhead.

And just like that, we’re live.

“Welcome back to SoundWave,” Marcus says easily into the microphone. “Today’s guests have decided subtlety is for cowards.”

Julian grins. “Correct.”

“Great. Starting strong.”

The crew laughs softly around the room.

Marcus leans back in his chair. “So. Redemption Records. The mysterious upstate compound. Secret artists. Public scandals. And now whatever the hell is happening romantically between the four of you.”

I want to die.

Gabe jumps in first. “The label’s the priority.”

Marcus points at him dramatically. “That answer alone tells me the gossip’s true.”

“It tells you I understand media training.”

“It tells me you’re avoiding the question.”

Julian leans toward his microphone. “He does that.”

Gabe shoots him a look.

Julian looks delighted by it.

Marcus turns toward Xander next. “You’ve all spent months refusing interviews, then suddenly you appear together publicly with Willow Jameson and the internet collectively loses its mind. So, let’s start simple.” He pauses. “Are the rumors true?”

Silence settles across the room for half a second.

My stomach flips violently.