Page 5 of Forbidden Billionaire Rockstar

“As long as you tell me who I’m scheduling the interview with, yes,” I say. “No one would disclose who you’re going on tour with, so I assumed I’d be told at the meeting today.”

Trevor frowns but nods. “Of course. We’re the opening act for Raising Havoc.”

My heart lurches, a mix of excitement and dread flooding my system. I force my face to remain neutral. "Raising Havoc? That's...unexpected."

He nods, then blows out a rough breath. “This is probably weird for you, working for a band that isn’t your brother’s, but I think you can give us our best shot of fixing things. Does this still work for you?”

As much as I want to scream that it doesn’t, that I can’t possibly be in the same vicinity as Jace, I plaster a big smile on my face and nod. “Of course. Whatever you need me to do, I'm your woman.”

Trevor’s shoulders slump with relief, and he chuckles. “That’s great to hear. Hilary will get you set up with an official contract, the NDA that’s required for all staff to sign, and she’ll walk you through everything we expect of you.”

Hilary doesn’t seem to like me very much, but I’m not about to mention that when I’m only just starting this job. Trevor rises from his chair first, then the rest of the guys follow right as Hilary comes waltzing through the door.

She’s a knockout, I’ll give her that, and she knows it. Her lips are painted a bright shade of red, making a statement that she’s untouchable, and her dress hugs her slender hips in a way that makes me think she’s trying to get someone’s attention.

This isn’t my business.

I have more important matters to focus on… like how the man I had an incredible night with is now going to be in the bubble I’ve carefully orchestrated for myself.

I've meticulously built a life that leaves no room for my old party-girl self. But every time I think I've finally buried that part of me, Jace appears, threatening to resurrect the woman I'm trying so hard to leave behind.

This time, though, I'm determined to keep that door firmly shut, no matter how hard he knocks.

Even though I’m growing nervous about the job at hand, I keep my face neutral while Hilary places different papers in front of me for my signature. Each one gets sloppier than the last, my hand cramping by the time we are finished, and when I glance at the clock, I realize I’ve been signing papers for well over thirty minutes.

I’ve got to talk to Julia about all of this. She can give me the advice I’m looking for.

But can I tell her everything? The whole truth about Jace? My stomach churns at the thought.

***

As soon as I walk through my apartment, I kick my heels off and let out a sigh of relief. My feet are aching, evidence that I’ve been wearing them too long, and I sink into a chair at my kitchen table before pulling my phone out.

While I wait for Julia to answer, I lift my legs up on the chair in front of me and reach forward to rub the soles of my feet. I groan loudly and let my eyes fall shut.

“Woah, am I interrupting something?” Julia asks on the other end, a shuffle following suit before she scoffs. “Not likely, since you’re the one who called me. What the hell are you doing?”

“Sorry,” I mumble. “Just took my heels off.”

“Ah, makes perfect sense.”

“There’s a problem,” I say softly, leaning my head back with my eyes still closed.

“And what might that be, dear friend of mine?”

“I’m working the tour for Sweet Surrender.”

There’s a brief moment of silence, then Julia coughs. “This is a problem, why?”

I groan, this time from frustration more than the bliss of relieving my aching feet. “You know why, Jules. Jace is going to be everywhere and insufferable.”

“You’ll be working, and I’m sure it won’t be so bad.”

“Try telling him that,” I mutter. “I’m willing to bet he’ll make some kind of remark as soon as he sees me.”

Julia chuckles. “Come on, Mal, you’re being a little dramatic.”

“Am not,” I grumble, then lean up in my seat and open my eyes. “You know how he is every single time he sees me. It’s like he can’t help himself.”

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