Page 44 of Forbidden Billionaire Rockstar

“What if they fire me?”

He smiles and cups a hand over my cheek. “Then you’ll still be the amazing, beautiful, smart, and determined woman standing in front of me right now. Your worth will never change in my eyes, no matter what happens.”

His words lift me up, and I know they shouldn’t.

Does he mean them, or is it a way for him to make sure I’ll keep opening my door for him at night?

I sigh and nod, deciding to believe the words he’s saying to me. “I have to go.”

Before I pull away, he leans forward and presses his lips gently against mine – a far cry from the usual kisses we share daily – in a way that has my heart stuttering in response.

This kiss is gentle, comforting, and feels like something more… It’s not just my career I’m risking anymore. It’s my heart.

That’s not good.

I pull away, give him a small smile, and then make my way out the door and stop in the hallway to take a deep breath. I’m about to start my trek to the elevator, intending on getting to my room so I can get ready, but Brent’s hotel door swings open and I’m frozen in place.

This is it. We’re busted.

Instead of Brent stepping out of the room, though, Julia’s bright smile greets me and she eyes me curiously. She’s taking in the t-shirt that’s too big for my frame, the way my hair’s likely sticking up everywhere, and she casts her gaze over my shoulder toward the room I’m standing in front of me.

She’s supposed to be home.

“What are you doing here?” I ask.

Julia’s presence is like a bucket of cold water, shocking me back to reality. Her knowing smile is both a relief and a new source of panic. How much has she figured out? And more importantly, how long can I keep this secret from my brother?

Julia narrows her eyes. “Oh, no you don’t. I’ll be the one asking questions this time around.”

“Sorry, late for work. Gotta go!”

As I’m rushing down the hall, she says, “We’ll talk later when you can’t run away.” just loud enough for me to hear before I turn the corner and disappear from her sights.

***

“Is this really necessary?” Trevor asks, his voice a mix of frustration and defense.

Hilary’s eyes narrow, her words sharp as knives. “Of course, it’s necessary. She was an hour late to an interview she scheduled. How is that not a problem?”

I want to disappear, to shrink into nothingness. But a small part of me, the part that’s been growing stronger since I started this thing with Jace, wants to fight back.

Trevor nods. “Right, and I’m not saying that’s not a problem. Just that she sent over everything we would need for a said interview — including possible questions, guided answers, and best times to smile at the camera.”

“Am I the only one who sees the damage she’s doing to the band?” Hilary asks, then arches a brow. “When will enough be enough?”

As much as Trevor wants to be on my side with this, I can tell it’s out of his hands right now, and I also sense when he agrees with her words. He wouldn’t be wrong to agree. I’ve been all over the place since jumping on the tour with Sweet Surrender, and I wouldn’t blame him or anyone else if they thought their best decision was to fire me.

I’ve already succumbed to that fate, anyway.

Ledger clears his throat and proceeds to raise his hand as if we’re still in middle school, glancing from me to Hilary with a grim expression. “How about we make a deal?”

Hilary’s harsh features soften when she looks into Ledger’s eyes, and she sighs heavily. “What kind of deal, Ledger?”

He nods toward me. “She has one more chance to screw up before we cut her loose. Although there have been a few mishaps, you can’t deny that she’s been doing great things for us as a band.”

If it weren’t for me getting that partnership for him, I doubt Ledger would be singing my praises right now — I will not complain, as long as whatever he’s doing keeps me employed.

“That’s it?” Hilary asks, eyebrow arched. “One more time, then she’s gone?”

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