Page 15 of Doesn't Count

“Well, Ash. I do hope you stay because I am really excited about this partnership.”

Before I can respond, Khaos is storming straight for me, Hypnos jogging behind.

“We’ll see about that.” He growls, his hand gripping my bicep.

He tugs me along and shoves me onto the bus, then herds me to the very back room. He roughly pushes me inside andslams the door shut, locking it from the outside. I spin around, tugging on the handle, pounding on the door, screaming at them to open it.

“No one lets her out!” He barks.

The door to the bus slams causing me to jump and I realize very soon that I am alone, locked on a tour bus with no signal. What did I get myself into?!

Chapter Four

Khaos

“Dude! What has gotten into you?” Than shoves my shoulder as I pace the barn.

“This is not cool. We can’t just lock her in a room. Do you know how bad this is going to look for us? She’s probably going to call the cops.” Kokytos tugs at his hair.

I stop mid-stride. “She’s not going to do shit.”

“How do you know?” Hypnos challenges.

“I just know!” I shout at them, continuing to pace back and forth.

I didn’t plan on shoving Ashton into the bus room and locking her in. I just lost it. I thought I would be ready for this, to share myself with the world and I’m realizing that I’m not. I created this band because it saved my life. I never intended for it to go anywhere, but here we are on our first tour, selling out every show. The guys want to ride this fame, to grow our following, but I just want to do what I do; write music and sing. The last thing I expected was forherto show up.

“She can’t stay.” I cross my arms, glaring at each one of them.

“She has to, we literally signed a contract for her to be here. We have big plans for this band, Khaos. You can’t just throw that all away because you’re afraid.” Hypnos argues.

I groan, wiping my palms down my face. “Then request someone different.”

“Why? What’s going on?” Hypnos pries.

“Look at her! Do you really think she of all people is going to help us? Barbie doesn’t know the first thing about our world.” I scoff.

Than’s eyebrows raise in curiosity. “That’s a little judgy.”

I glower at him, daring him to say something else.

“Sorry, man. The consensus is in. She stays.” Kokytos slaps my shoulder, thinking it’s the end of the debate.

“Fine.” I smirk.

“What’s that? Why are you making that face?” Hypnos asks, knowing I never concede easily.

“I’ll let her stay; doesn’t mean she’ll want to.”

They all groan.

“What does that even mean?” Kokytos bites out.

“Look, I’ll back off if you give me this one thing.” I bait.

“And what’s that?” He rolls his eyes.

“Let me test her. If she decides to stay afterwards, then I’ll let it go.” I promise.

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