Page 69 of Resist

“I’m so sorry, baby. I couldn’t do it. I couldn’t do what they wanted, not if it meant hurting you, not even for our band,” he whispers, his voice soft.

I lift my head to meet his gaze. He looks so worried, so lost. I wrap my arms around him and drag him closer as I kiss the top of his head. “I’m so happy you feel that way, but I’m also so sorry that loving me has caused this.”

“I’m not.” His voice is muffled. “I wouldn’t change a thing. As long as I have you, nothing else matters.”

Fuck, my heart cracks apart, and I know what I’m going to do is the right thing. It has to be. He needs me to look after him—they all do. It’s my job to keep us together, so I’ll do whatever it takes.

“I feel the same way,” I murmur as I kiss his head again. “Sleep, it will all be better in the morning.”

“Promise?” He sounds so young, I shudder.

“I promise,” I answer. I wait until he’s asleep—a shitty move, I know, but he would never let me do this otherwise.

I tuck him in up to his chin and steal a kiss before pulling on my jeans, jacket, and boots. I sneak out of the silent house. The good memories seem long past as I cross the living room, remembering us curled up there, happier than ever, just last week. Now it’s empty and cold, and I need to fix it.

Once outside, I hit dial. “It’s me. We need to talk.”

“This better be good. I was in bed,” Mr. Atlas grouses, and Po nods at me. He isn’t sure what I’m going to do, but he trusted me enough to get everyone back here—well, two of them at least, since it’s like eleven.

“I know our relationship is the problem. If I leave the band, will you support them and push them further?” I ask.

“Fox,” Po protests, his eyes widening in horror, so I hold up my hand.

“I will not end my relationship with Ry, so this is the only other alternative. I won’t let my friends suffer because I’m too selfish to let the man I love go. As long as you promise me that they will be taken care of and taken off suspension, I will end my contract in the morning when the office is open. I will also sign an NDA, whatever you want.”

“Sir, Fox is just upset. Let me take him back,” Po begins.

“Wait, this could work,” Atlas murmurs as he leans back, considering my offer. “You would give up your shot at fame?”

“Yes,” I answer without hesitation. “As long as they are safe and get their dream, then I’ll do whatever.” He tilts his head, and I lean in, sensing his weakness. “But you will not stop me from seeing Ryker, and you will not push him to act out for the cameras or pretend to be single. We won’t advertise our relationship, but we won’t hide it either. That’s the deal or you’re back to square one with the rumors and us unwilling to back down. This way, we all win.”

“But you—” Po snaps. “Fox, have you thought about this? Playing guitar was all you ever wanted. You told me that. You said you would do whatever it took?—”

“That was before,” I murmur as I smile sadly at him. “I love him, and if this means he and my friends can keep their dream alive, then I’ll do anything.”

“They won’t like it.” Atlas shrugs.

“I can handle them. Do we have a deal?” I ask.

“Come back tomorrow and we’ll finalize the details, but yes, that will work.” He stands, and I shake his hand. He looks tired, and it’s then I notice the sadness in his eyes.

“We aren’t bad people, Fox, but in this industry, you don’t always get what you want. Artists don’t get to be happyandfamous—they can’t have both. I know you hate us and don’t understand right now, but what we are doing is for the band’s benefit. It’s what it takes to get to the top.”

I shake his hand tighter. “I know, but there were other ways to deal with this,” I admit. “I appreciate everything you have done for us, and I know you have our best interests in mind. I hope it stays that way.” I nod at them and head out.

Po catches me outside of the building, spinning me around. “Fox, it isn’t too late to back down on this. We can think of other ways?—”

“I’ve tried. This is the only way. We both know they will never let us be together, and Ryker is so stubborn, he won’t back down. Sanctuary will be disbanded, and I’ll lose them all anyway. At least this way I can still be in their lives and see them achieve everything they ever wanted.”

“And for you?” he presses.

“I’ll have Ryker.” I shrug. “He’s more than enough.”

“Shit.” He scrubs his face. “Go home and talk to them. If you’re still sure tomorrow, then fine, but if not, I’ll have your back, okay?”

Nodding, I shove my hands in my pockets and hesitate. “Thanks, Po, for everything.”

“You make it sound like goodbye.” He smacks my side. “You can’t get rid of me that easily. Go home, Fox, and talk to them.”

---