Page 12

She already said that, but it’s late and she looks exhausted. “No, I’m not.”

Not this close to the woman who assaulted me. It might be a while before I sleep again. Thankfully I can get by on three hours, and I’ll be back on the bus inside a week. I’ll have plenty of time to catch up on sleep on the road.

“She would want me to make sure you have anything you need. Do you...” her hand trembles as she pushes strands that have fallen from the messy pineapple bun on top of her head. “...need anything? A better pillow? Warm milk? Uh—”

“I don’t need anything.” Getting off the couch, I pocket my phone. There’s still a couple of hours until this night is over. As soon as the sun rises, I am going to find Kelsey.

Sonatina can have a meltdown all she wants. I did only agree to the one night.

I’ll just remind her how much work goes into a tour. Even when we have a week off. The rehearsals. The photoshoots, and promo events. The parties. A million different commitments that I can use to avoid her while I let Micah find what we need to get her off our backs quietly.

“Okay, well, I’ll...” she glances behind her, which is probably the direction she came from. Her doe eyes are fearful. “Are you sure there’s nothing I can get for you?”

“I really am good.” I try to soften the rejection with a gentle smile.

“Goodnight then.”

“Night.” I watch her shuffle back toward her room.

“Hey, Lennon?”

She stops. “Yes?”

This poor woman only hears criticism from Sonatina. No doubt she’ll be berated for not doing enough to make sure I had no reason to leave.

“You’re doing a great job. She should appreciate you more.”

Surprise flickers across her face before she bows her head. “Thanks, Riot.”

I sit back down on the sofa when she’s gone. Stare at Sonatina’s laptop in the hopes it might yield its secrets through sheer willpower.

Nothing happens.

If Micah can’t come through with the goods, then I’m going to have to try talk Lennon into helping me. She’s the only person other than Sonatina who might know her passwords. Her secrets. And where she hides the information that I need to protect Kelsey.

But how do I get her to tell me what I need to know when she is terrified of her boss?

5

Kelsey

The sun is barely peeking over the horizon when I wake again. A muscular arm curls over my side and belly. Kodiak’s heavy, soothing breathing washes over the top of my head. His chest is hot against my back.

My body aches. All the bruises, the swelling, and concussion... I feel like I’ve been hit by one of the trucks that holds all the band’s equipment. Worse, my heart... my emotions... everything is raw.

Riot is engaged to Sonatina. That’s something I could do without remembering.

I slept with Kodiak last night, but it didn’t help.

Not really.

The first time in years I gave myself over completely to a man who isn’t Riot, only for it to be all about the man I once thought I would share my entire life with. How bullshit is that?

My phone, untouched since Kodiak cleaned up the broken mirror and placed the device on the nightstand, is still there. It’s like a snake with sharp fangs, waiting to bite the second I pick it up.

How many times did Riot call last night? What could he possibly have to say that he thinks will make any of this alright?

I slept with Kodiak.