Page 145 of Saved By My Buyers

“If you can help it, I need both of you to stay away from Arina and her father. I don’t trust either of them not to be helping Gareth.”

Dolly and Bee make disgusted faces as I lock up the apartment and we head to the elevator.

“I get really sketchy vibes from both of them,” Dolly murmurs. “Arina and Ivan both are very hostile. I kind of understand that it’s jealousy when it comes to Ivan, but he wasn’t as bad until we got grouped together.”

Stepping into the elevator, I use my card to identify myself before hitting the button for the underground garage.

“Your ability to hear music and piece things together is something he can’t do,” I murmur, remembering something she told me after one of their practices. “I think this group exercise is throwing it in his face, and fucking with his idea that he’s the best. It’s not your fault, but he is not music’s greatest gift.”

“Not in the least,” Dolly sighs. I stiffen as the elevator doors open, on edge as I step out to look around before I hurry to the car. The girls follow, not quite running, and I’m thankful that our parking spots are so close to the elevators.

I decided to take Bee’s SUV, because while I love my truck, I need the trunk space for Dolly’s instrument. Once situated, I pull out of the parking space, texting Ciara that we’re leaving.

As I turn onto the street, her car flashes its headlights at me, sliding in behind me. Relaxing slightly, I’m able to chat with Bee and Dolly as we drive.

It’s going to be a long fucking night.

Bronwyn

The mansion is lit up with lights along the driveway, and while there aren’t any holiday decorations, it’s lit up with recessed lighting, so it can clearly be seen from the street. Apparently, the man who owns the home is one of Sullivan’s investors, and was insistent that the recital happen here.

While beautiful, I’m not really impressed with it, because I grew up in a place just like this. I had fun with Dahlia during the block party because the energy was upbeat, the decorations were festive, and the people were nice.

Walking into the house, we hand over our coats to the staff members that are helping people in, and then give our names to a man who is checking everyone in.

“The main ballroom is where Justin will lead you,” he says. “There is food and light beverages there, and we’ll be starting shortly.”

Yes, in exactly thirty-seven minutes. I’m counting down. Jack’s energy is transferring to me, though he’s all smiles now.

I don’t understand how Dahlia and he are able to wear such well constructed masks, though I can see that Jack’s is due to being used to being in the public eye.

Walking together into the ballroom, Jack hands Dahlia’s instrument to a student that is helping to collect them.

“If there is even a scratch on this or it’s messed with in any way, I will find you,” Jack growls, making my lips twitch. “Understood?”

“What? I mean, yes, Sir,” the kid says, eyes wide. “I would never do that!”

“He’s protective, Anthony,” Dahlia soothes. “Thanks for putting away my guitar.”

Nodding quickly, he walks off quickly, and Dahlia and I snicker.

“Poor kid,” I murmur, nodding when I see Sullivan talking with people.

We walk around, though none of us eat because we’re all too nervous. Finally, Sullivan makes his way over to us, blowing out a breath.

“I hate this kind of stuff,” he mutters, fiddling with his tie. I’ve noticed that he typically wears pretty casual clothing whenever I’ve seen him, and I expect the same is true for work. Either way, Sullivan looks really uncomfortable.

“Is everyone good? Are you ready Dee?”

“I’m ready,” Dahlia says with a nod. Keeping track of so many alter egos is just life now, so it doesn’t bother me to flip back and forth as necessary. There’s no way I’ll fuck up and say the wrong name anymore.

“I wouldn’t happen to be first, would I?”

Wincing, Sullivan shakes his head, and my stomach sinks. “You’re actually last. Is that a problem?” he asks. “We wanted to make sure we ended on a high note, and I heard your last practice and you sounded amazing.”

“We were trying to leave early,” Jack sighs. “I don’t know why, but I have a really bad feeling about all of this.”

“Why? This place is insanely well staffed, and there’s guards everywhere,” Sullivan says. “I really think it’ll be okay.”

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