Page 25 of Rebel

He’s kind, which is something I’ve never really known. Love always hurts in my world. It always turns bitter and ends, leaving me alone.

“It always reminds me of my sister.” I startle at his voice. He’s not looking at me, though, so I watch his profile, his strong nose and sharp cheekbones. “We always sat outside at night, no matter how old we got. It was our time. We even made time for it when we became famous. When she left, I did it anyway, but it was never the same. I missed her like crazy. No one ever fit with us since her, not until you.”

I force a smile when he glances at me.

“No one?” I prod, knowing now is the time to get more information. He opened the door and reminded me why I’m here. It’s not to make friends or to become famous.

“Not really. We got along with a lot of them, and we are still friends with some. Well, the ones Chase didn’t fuck, drop, and annoy, but they just didn’t click, you know? Either this life was too hard or they argued with Chase. I mean, you do that too, but you can hold your own with him. I don’t know. Something just felt right from the moment I saw you.” He blushes, an adorable shade of pink coloring his sharp cheekbones, and I look away.

“That’s sweet.” My voice sounds wrong. “What about the one before me? I never asked what happened to her.”

I wait with bated breath, and even the night freezes.

Everything in me screams for him not to lie to me, and when he speaks, I feel disappointed in him. Part of me hoped he would tell me the truth, that he would be my friend. He seems like such a good guy, but maybe he’s just like the rest.

“Oh, uh, it’s complicated, but yeah, she didn’t fit either.”

“Right.” Standing, I down my drink and hand it back, wearing a fake smile on my lips. “Thanks for the drink. Night.”

“Wait, did I say something wrong?” he calls after me, but I’m already gone. I head straight to my room, and when I glance out my window, I see Trav still sitting there, looking dejected and confused.

Turning away, I sit on my bed, pull the recorder out, and hit play at a different part.

“It’s great here, so good. I . . . Yeah, it’s good but a lot. The people can be kind of brutal. You wouldn’t believe the shit they say and do. The rich really are on another level.” The laugh is so familiar, it hurts. “I always thought this was what I wanted, but it seems so hollow without you. I miss you. I miss you so much.”

Tears gather in my eyes as I fast forward and press play. Sobbing reaches my ears. “I can’t do this anymore. I’m so lost and alone. Everyone is turning on me, and I’m scared. I don’t know what to do. I wish you were here. I wish it more than anything. I want to come home, but I know I can’t, not ever again.” She sniffles, and my heart breaks. “I’m so lost,” she whispers. “I can’t, can’t do this anymore.” I hear the sound of cars, and I swallow hard. “I’m sorry.”

I shut the tape off, unable to listen to the next part.

I’ve only listened to it once, and once was enough.

She is the reason I’m here—the dark secret they are keeping.

She is the reason Beck Danvers was born, and she is the reason Beck Danvers will die.

Just like she did.

FIFTEEN

I’m sipping my coffee, enjoying the silence, when Chase appears. His signature smirk dances across his lips, and he’s wearing nothing but some basketball shorts that leave nothing to the imagination. I’ll admit that I stare a little. I’m only fucking human, and Chase Reed is utter perfection. The only problem is, he knows it.

He saunters in and practically poses for me as he pours himself a mug. His muscles flex, drawing my attention to the ink on his skin begging to be traced. His impressive eight pack and V leads down to his half-mast dick.

The man is sin incarnate.

It’s no wonder Chase became famous. Without even being able to sing, he would be praised for his looks and labeled a god. I’m not immune, he’s hot as hell, and in another lifetime, I would have ridden that just for the experience.

He sits down opposite me, still smiling away, looking as bright as a fucking daisy.

“It’s very annoying that you don’t get hangovers, Chase,” I comment, glaring at him.

Leaning across the table, he smirks at me as his gaze drops to my lips. “That’s God to you, remember?”

I lean closer, making it look like I’m going to kiss him, and he stiffens. “You wish.” I sit back, watching his lips thin.

He places his arm over the back of the chair and watches me. “I remember you calling me pretty.”

“Only because you wouldn’t shut up.” I shove more cereal into my mouth.

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