Page 14 of The Drummer

Besides, it’s not fair to her. She’s working so hard to unravel Luke’s mess and carry his burden. I can’t give her mine too.

A sudden protectiveness settles over me for this girl who probably has no idea what she’s gotten herself into. Luke’s changed so much, I barely recognize him as the man I knew. That means there’s no way this stranger knows the shitstorm she’s invited into her life. The way she looks at him—like he’s an important part of her life—concerns me. I can’t tell if she’s falling for him beyond that, but I’m terrified this kind, beautiful woman is going to be an innocent casualty before this is over.

I can’t stomach the thought of someone being crushed for their compassion—especially this someone.

“You know, I’ve barely seen or spoken to him in months,” I say quietly. “Last night, today, it’s the first time I’ve really spent time with him in a while. He’s not the person I knew. Not even close.”

It’s kind of a lie, since I haven’t spoken to him atallin months, but that seems like a truth just for Luke and me. Plus, I don’t know. For some reason I don’t want her to know how far we’ve drifted.

“And I can’t even imagine him being the person you knew,” Callie says.

“We both know two completely different people.”

Her gaze skims me in surprise, like she didn’t expect my response. Probably thought I was a shallow, self-absorbed rocker. The thought hurts more than it should.

“It appears so,” she says.

“He wasn’t a good person, Callie. It wasn’t all his fault, he had a lot going against him, but he wasn’t.”

I hate saying that. I hate the way she deflates and how I’ve chipped off part of her hope, but she deserves the truth. If she’s going to stand by him, she needs to know.

Her eyes search mine, and a flicker of hope spreads through me when she softens.

“I think he might be now.”

God, I hope so. I need something to cling to.

“I think he might be, too,” I say. “I really do… If he recovers.”

“If?”

“He’s not good, Callie. Luke’s been like a brother for over ten years, and I’m telling you, he’s not good.”

She flinches and looks away, but I don’t regret what I said. She needs to hear this.

Fuck.Ineed to hear this.

“People are drawn to him. They always have been. It’s hard to stay grounded when you’re adored. It was harder for him than most because I don’t think he’s wired to be adored. He didn’t know how to deal with it, and it all happened so fast for us once it hit.”

Old images flood my brain.

Clusters of flashing lights. Fake smiles. Scripted lies. Pretenders. Manipulators. Opportunists. Headlines. Lawsuits. Handcuffs.

“I can’t do this anymore! Please, Casey. I just need it to stop!”

Callie’s gaze shifts to the hallway that swallowed Luke a few minutes ago.

“Is that why he left? He couldn’t handle it anymore?”

I pull in a quick breath. That part isn’t mine to share.

She seems to understand my hesitation and offers a subtle nod. The strange protectiveness spreads through me again, and I lean forward with an urgency that surprises me.

“You seem like a cool person and it’s obvious you care about him. All I’m saying is don’t fall for him. Please.”

Her big hazel eyes probe mine. “Are you worried about me or him?”

“Both. He can’t be worshipped right now. He needs an anchor, not a dreamer.”

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