Page 66 of Forbidden Billionaire Rockstar

What happened that he would get the idea that she was dating him? A hand lands on my shoulder, the gentle squeeze catchingmy attention, and I glance at Brent, who’s smirking at me. “Calm down, dude. It was my mistake. A stupid one, obviously.”

“You’re okay with all this?”

He chuckles. “There are worse people she could end up with, but I’d definitely choose you above anyone else.”

That admission causes me to frown. “Why?”

“Are you kidding? You’re one of the best guys I know. Always looking out for the people you care about, always seeming to find light in the darkest of moments, and it helps that you’re killer on guitar.”

His praise warms something inside of me, and I glance toward the door. “Think you could help me out with something?”

Not long after we started our conversation about how I’m going to get back to Mallory and express my feelings to her, Julia ended up joining us and adding to the plan.

As we start to formulate a plan, I’m struck by the absurdity. Hours ago, my biggest worry was keeping our relationship a secret. Now, I’m plotting to win back a woman I never officially had. The stakes have never been higher, and failure isn’t an option.

For now, I’m going to listen to Brent’s advice and give Mallory the necessary time to deal with her feelings, but the moment Ican’t take being away from her any longer, I’m going to make my move. That means I need to be prepared.

I already know I’m going to miss the hell out of her — even now, my fingers are itching to run through her hair while she lays across my chest — but I’m willing to give her the space she needs.

Brent walks out of the room about twenty minutes later once our plan is put into place, and Julia hangs back for a moment until her husband disappears from our sight. She sighs and looks me in the eye, then smiles. “She loves you, too, you know?”

“You sure about that?”

“I’ve never been more sure of anything,” she whispers. “But don’t tell her I said that.”

“Do you think I have a chance of getting her back?”

“Normally, I’d say no — she struggles with commitment — but I think you’re exactly who she needs, and eventually, she’ll realize that herself.”

“And if she doesn’t?”

Julia shrugs. “That’s simple — you prove it to her. Fight and don’t stop.”

“Never will.”

“Exactly.” She rubs a hand over her growing belly, then glances at the open doorway. “Better get back.”

Once she’s gone, all I can think about is how much longer it will be before I can have Mallory back in my arms and pressed against my chest. It’s only been less than an hour, and yet I'm desperate to find my way back home.

The silence in the room is deafening, broken only by my own ragged breathing. The taste of blood lingers in my mouth, a coppery reminder of Brent's anger. My face throbs where he hit me, the pain a constant, pulsing presence.

I've spent too long playing it safe, keeping people at arm's length.

Not this time.

I don't have all the answers. But for once in my life, I'm ready to take that risk.

This time, I'm all in.

23

Mallory

When your heart’s beenshattered, a week feels like an eternity. Each passing moment reminds me of what I’ve lost—my job, my dignity, and, worst of all, Jace. I’ve been clinging to hope like a lifeline, waiting for his name to light up my phone. But it’s always Brent’s instead. His concern is a poor substitute for the voice I really want to hear.

He’s been trying to check in with me and make sure I’m okay, but we both know he has better things to do than focus on his little sister.

He’s got an entire band that needs him, and that includes Jace.

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