Page 55 of The Darkest Note

Long-buried restlessness clashes with new anger, like a war of opposing waves.

I’m jerked back to that moment when he trapped me against the outdoor sink, drops of water glistening on his tan skin and his body cut and chiseled to perfection, pressing into mine.

I hate that he can make me feel this way, out-of-sorts and breathless.

Ripping my gaze from his, I finish the song with trembling fingers, closing out an abrupt ending.

The chair legs scrape the wooden platform as I push back. Ignoring the applause that breaks out from the diners, I pounce to my feet and burst through the employee-only doors behind the bar.

I need distance. I need a getaway car. But all I can do is wilt against a wall and try to catch my breath.

“Did you see those models outside?”

“I thought I’d faint. I didn’t think people who looked like that existed outside of movies.

“I know right.”

The waitresses stop to squeal for a bit.

Then one of them says, “I wish I was Cadence whatever-her-name was.”

“Iknow.I’d literally giveanythingto be the girl they’re looking for.”

Their words stop me in my tracks. Without thought, I stumble toward them. “What did you just say?”

The women give me frightened looks.

“Who are they looking for?” I ask again, my voice tight.

“I don’t know. The Asian one came back here asking if we knew some girl named Cadence.”

Sweat breaks out beneath my pits and under my shirt.

Jinx strikes again. That’s the only way The Kings would know where I work after school.

How does she keep knowing all this stuff about me?

It’s a mystery for another day. There’s only one reason Dutch, Finn and Zane would be looking for me right after they came back from visiting their mom. And I doubt it’s to bring me souvenirs from their trip.

“Do you know who Cadence is, sweetie?”

The waitresses look pointedly at me.

My nerves and fear skyrocket. I didn’t give the lounge my real name when they hired me, but I still feel exposed.

“Uh, no. I… no.” I blink rapidly.

Way to sound legit, Cadence.

“By the way, what are you doing back here? Your set isn’t over yet.”

I sling an arm over my stomach. “I’m not feeling well, so I’ll change out of this,” I gesture to my performance clothes consisting of a bright red tank top, leather jacket and tight jeans, “and leave now.”

“Alright, sweetie. We’ll tell the manager for you.”

“Thank you.”

As I leave the kitchen, I keep glancing behind my back to make sure none of the brothers have spotted me.

---