Page 41 of Forbidden Billionaire Rockstar

“What changed your perspective?”

“I watched my brother and best friend fall in love,” she says softly. “Then the rest of his friends followed suit — Ryker with Wren, Evan and Mia — and I realized getting my act together was the best thing for me to do.”

“So, you believe in love?”

She sighs heavily. “It’s not that I never believed in it, just that I didn’t think I was deserving or enough to feel the emotion.”

“And now?”

“Now, I want to get my life on track before thinking about a relationship. The last thing I need is a distraction when I’ve only just started the career I’ve worked my ass off for, you know?”

I don’t know, but I’m not about to tell her that. When I used to think about my future, it never once included a woman at my side. Now, when I think about it? I can’t help but imagine a honey-haired, bright-eyed woman with curves for days next to me throughout my life. I am aware that the person I can’t stop imagining seems to be Mallory, and that’s why I choose to keep my mouth shut.

A jolt of understanding surges through me. When did Mallory become the star of my future fantasies? This arrangement was supposed to be simple and uncomplicated, a way to spend time and move on. But nothing about Mallory is simple. She's become as essential to me as the music that flows through my veins, her touch a melody I can't get out of my head.

The thought of our tour ending, of going our separate ways, leaves a hollow ache in my chest. I'm caught in a war between my heart and my head. Every fiber of my being wants to hold onto her, to explore this connection that feels deeper than anything I've ever known. But the rational part of me knows the cost. Our careers, Brent's trust, the band's dynamic - it's all hanging in the balance.

The moment I’m honest about my thoughts, the quicker she’ll push away from me, and that’s the last thing I want.

I’m about to open my mouth and continue the conversation, but a soft snore escapes past her lips, and I glance down to find her eyes have fallen shut with her mouth parted open. Instead of moving into a more comfortable position, I stay where I am and stare at her head resting on my chest. She’s breathing deeply, a ghost of a smile on her lips, and I run my knuckles over her cheek with a smile.

She should definitely be in her own room, but having to watch her walk out was going to be torture, and I couldn’t bring myself to let her walk away. Having her here, in my arms, where I can quietly watch the slight rise and fall of her chest, is exactly what I need to get through the night without tossing and turning.

Every other night, we’ve met in her room, and she almost always falls asleep right before me, which gives me the chance to disappear from the room before she can wake up. I knew it was only a matter of time before I couldn’t walk away from her, but I hadn’t expected it to happen this quickly.

There’s still another month left of the tour. I don’t have to worry about going our separate ways just yet, but what the hell am I going to do when the time comes?

Like she just said, her sole focus right now is her career, and she doesn’t have time for the distraction a boyfriend would bring.

Why am I thinking about being her boyfriend?

I shake my head and frown, my hand resting against Mallory’s honey hair. We agreed — this is nothing more than a way to pass the time while on the tour. It needs to stay that way, regardless of where my feelings are leading me.

Without moving too much and waking her, I shift myself around until I’ve got a few pillows tucked around me and lean my head back against the headboard. Another soft snore escapes Mallory’s lips, forcing a smirk to tip at the corner of mine, and I slowly let my eyes fall shut as I listen to the sound of our breathing.

This is something I could get used to, and that’s the most dangerous thought of all.

***

The first thing that wakes me up is the sound of a horn blaring incessantly on my right and I groan, a dull ache shooting up my neck from the weird position I’ve found myself in. I almost forget about the events of last night until Mallory shifts on my lap and snuggles closer to my leg. My eyes are still closed, my mind nearly right back asleep, but another shrill ring pulls me out of the exhaustion.

I glance around, finding the culprit sitting on my nightstand, and I reach over to grab the device that’s lighting up.

The soft glow of early morning light filters through the half-drawn curtains, casting long shadows across the room. I can hear the muffled sounds of the city coming to life - car horns, the distant rumble of traffic, the faint chatter of early risers on the street below. It's a stark contrast to the intimate bubble we've created in this room, a reminder of the world waiting just beyond these four walls.

Trevor’s name shines on the screen, forcing me to frown, and I’m about to tap Mallory to let her know he’s calling when a loud knock sounds on my door.

The peaceful bubble we’ve created bursts with the harsh intrusion of reality. Brent’s voice, muffled through the door, is like a bucket of ice water, shocking us back to the complicated web we’ve woven.

This time, Mallory sits up, her gaze darting around the room wildly. She snaps her attention to the door when the knock echoes through the room again.

“Jace, man,” Brent says through the other side, and my heart stalls in my chest.

Mallory is the first one to jump from the bed, me following right behind her, and she picks up the first article of clothing she comes into contact with before pulling it over her head. I blink, taking in the sight of her in my t-shirt, but Brent’s frustrated sigh outside my door forces my attention away from the Goddess standing in front of me.

“Shit,” she hisses, her gaze darting everywhere around the room.

“Bathroom,” I whisper and nudge my head toward the open door. “Start the shower.”

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