Page 103 of Undeniable Temptation

“We’re all happy?” Incredulity dripped from her lips. “Since when did you claim dictatorship over my life? This ismycareer.Mychoice. Not yours.”

They had the sense to look remorseful. The three of them now struggling to maintain eye contact. This wasn’t a game anymore. It wasn’t fun or comical. It was her future they played with. Her decisions they stole.

“Do you understand what you’ve done?” She pinned Blake with a stare. “You’re going to be a dad soon. You may have a daughter.”

He stiffened.

“When she’s a grown woman—fit and capable to make her own decisions—would you find it acceptable to have the people she works with make choices about her future on her behalf?”

“It’s not like that,” he grated.

“Then what is it like?”

His jaw ticked, the beat of contemplation narrowing his gaze. “Do you remember when we were back in Australia and you found out the infidelity rumors about Julie?”

Ice water washed through her, along veins, through nerves.

“It’s like that,” he continued. “You made the choice not to tell Ryan, even though he deserved to know, merely because you thought it was the best thing for him.”

“It was best for the band,” she clarified.

Sean inclined his head. “It was a professional decision.” He approached, grabbing her upper arms and staring down at her. “And so was ours. We can’t continue the tour without you. Not even for a day. It’s not something any of us are willing to do. So you can either look at it as if we’re trying to protect you—which we are. Or you can see it as the best career move we’ll make, because both apply.”

“We’ll make this right, Leah.” Mitch gave a sad smile.

She sucked in a deep breath and demanded the anger to dissipate as Sean pulled her into his chest.

“I assume you’ve been in contact with Ryan.” She reluctantly slid her arms around his waist, taking comfort in whatever way she could.

“We’ve messaged back and forth.”

“Then tell me—” she retreated and met his eyes, “—what did Bruce say when he found out?”

His eyes softened, the lack of excitement filling her with dread.

“In short, he wasn’t happy and refused to negotiate.”

Translation—her contract remained in place and now her boss had the evidence to send her packing.

“Don’t give up on us.” Mitch came to her side, wrapped a hand around her neck and kissed her cheek. “You’ve fought for us from day one. It’s our turn to fight for you.”

Chapter Twenty-Seven

“Don’t start regrettingit now,” Mason muttered from the other side of the cab. “The damage is already done.”

“I’m not.” Ryan stared out the window, watching the hotel come into view. He’d been trying to imagine the different ways Leah could respond to the news, and nothing he came up with was favorable. Not to begin with, anyway. She’d either be upset or livid, and the reaction would take hours, if not days, to simmer. “It’s going to take some time for her to forgive us.”

“We already knew that before we started. But at least you can be with her now. If I would’ve been in the same situation with Sid, I wouldn’t think twice about what we’ve done.”

“That’s because you’re an asshole.” The cab pulled to a stop and Ryan handed the driver a stack of bills, giving the guy a healthy tip because he hadn’t acknowledged the celebrities in his back seat.

“True.” Mason opened his door and slid from the car.

They regrouped in the lobby, ignoring the curious stares of people who were awake at this ungodly hour.

“So, how are you going to tell her?”

Ryan threw his arms wide, fucking clueless. “I’m still hoping inspiration hits before I get upstairs.”

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