Page 6 of Forbidden Billionaire Rockstar

The truth burns in my throat, begging to be shared. But I swallow it down. Julia would freak out if she knew about that night with Jace. And Brent... I can't even imagine his reaction. No, this is one secret I need to keep.

It’s ancient history, an itch that desperately needed to be scratched. One that still hasn’t seemed to go away, much to my dismay.

“I’ll talk to Brent,” Julia finally says. “But I really don’t think you have anything to worry about. The guys focus on their music when it comes to the tours. I highly doubt Jace will be worried about pushing your buttons.”

“Right,” I mumble. “But, thanks, Jules. I appreciate it.”

We talk a little more about my new job before finally saying our goodbyes, and I drop my phone on the table beside me with a frown. If I want anyone to take me seriously while on this job, I need to have the clothes to prove I belong there.

The old Mallory is long gone, and my only way to prove that is a wardrobe change.

Thankfully, there haven’t been any other slip-ups, but that’s probably because I can’t bring myself to walk into a club without thoughts of Jace plaguing me.

No.

I’ve changed.

I shake my head, then march into my room for a change of shoes that will be much more comfortable for clothes shopping.

An hour later, I'm standing in front of a mirror in a high-end boutique, scrutinizing my reflection in a crisp white blouse and tailored black pants. Is this who I am now? The old Mallory would have scoffed at these clothes, preferring something tight and revealing. But as I smooth down the fabric, I can't help but feel a sense of pride. This is the new me – professional, put-together, responsible.

Still, as I reach for another blouse, I can't shake the image of Jace's face when he sees me on tour. Will he see this new version of me, or will he only remember the girl from that night three months ago?

Sweet Surrender won't regret giving me a chance, and I'll show them why. This is what I've worked my ass off for, even if I didn't quite trust myself to get here in the beginning — I'm not going to let it slip through my fingers.

***

As I collapse onto my bed, exhausted from shopping, my phone buzzes. A text from Julia.

"Hey Mal, guess what Carmen is planning for the tour?"

What now?

With shaking hands, I type back, "What?"

Her response comes instantly: "Raising Havoc has some special plans for promoting this tour. Carmen says there are promos planned with them together, including Sweet Surrender."

The phone slips from my grasp, landing softly on the bed.

I'm going to be working near Jace.

How am I supposed to focus on my job when he'll be there every day, a constant reminder of that night?

Universe, if you're listening, this is so not fair.

No. Everything will be fine.

Maybe if I keep telling myself that I’ll believe it, but there’s no such luck right now.

All I have to do is focus on the job I was hired to do. I barely have to look at Raising Havoc. They want me to set up a couple of interviews before the tour starts, one with Raising Havoc while the other is more of a solo interview, and I’m more than prepared to do that.

It was one night.

One amazing night that I keep replaying in my head every time I strip out of my work clothes. It’s infuriating that he’s managed to have this much of a hold on me, and I hate that I’ve briefly wondered if he’s had the same problem.

2

Jace

---