Page 10 of On The Edge

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I broke, fractured—but look at me now. Famous, rich, loved by millions.

“I’ve never broken my word to you,” I growl, but I already know that’s a lie. So does she. “You, on the other hand…”

“I did what?” she scoffs and I can see the hackles rising. We’re both covered in metaphorical armor and aren’t interested in dropping it any time soon.

“Melody, I–” I try to say how she has no fucking right to be pissed off because she was the one that did this tous, but our manager comes in.

He’s a nice enough guy, but he lacks the big picture when it comes to personal lives. He lives and breathes for the band, and he looks it. His hair is styled perfectly and he’s wearing an expensive three-piece suit. Louis always has his best foot forward when it comes to things that could benefit him or the band.

“Let’s go, guys,” he snaps, looking around to make sure we’re all there and presentable. When his gaze lands on Melody, his eyes narrow in a way I do not like.

I can be pissed off at her, but that’s it. I’m not letting anyone else look at her like that.

“Give us a minute, Louis.”

“No,now,Reisyn. The SUV is waiting; the club is expecting you guys there in twenty and it takes us thirty minutes to get there from here. Say goodbye to the groupie and let’s go.” He leans around me and looks right at Melody. “Run along now, girl. Just because they talked to you for a moment does not mean you are entitled to anything, so don’t leave before signing the disclosure and NDA. That’s the last thing I want to deal with—a bitch in heat who thinks she’s owed something because the great Reis Mathers brought her backstage.” He rolls his eyes. With each word my anger rises, and I subtly push Mel behind me as I turn to face him head on.

Markus rises beside me, just as pissed off, my hands clench into fists at my side.

“What did you call her?” I ask, my voice coming out low and dangerous. And that surprises me, to be honest.

Fuck, I just don’t know how I’m feeling right now. I’m pissed the hell off, but I don’t want Louis, or anyone else, to fuck with her. She’s mine to torment.

Markus puts a hand on my shoulder in caution. “I’d be careful with your words if I were you, Louis,” he warns, as I shrug away Markus’ hand.

“Do you know her or something? You don’t need to be so picky. If you like her look, I can find you a girl at the club just like her. You can have your pick, or I can provide someone like last time.” Louis smiles at me like he’s done something fucking smart, something kind. But all it does is make Adam and Kai stand to join in our anger.

“Thefuckdid you just say?” Kai pushes forward, coming to my side as Adam reaches for Melody, pulling her into his arms.

Good, someone will hold her while I kill our manager. There’s a million people that could do his job for us. But there is only oneher.

“Wow, all of you are really getting up in arms about this girl.” Louis looks confused, and I’m sure from the outside it must seem odd. But this has always been our relationship. Or it was.

Goddamn it, Mathers, itwas. She’s nothing to you now. Remember?

“Just fuck off, Louis. Melody is coming with us, so get your shit together,” Adam snaps at him, more aggressively than I’ve heard him speak in a long time.

Adam’s a kind soul; always the peacemaker, even though he doesn’t look the part with his cropped blonde hair, eyebrow and lip piercings, and a body covered in tattoos. I’m very, very jealous of those arms right now because they’re holding the object of all my desires—and all my agony.

Melody looks worried and tries to step back from Adam, stammering, “It’s okay, I’ll just go. It was good to see you guys.”

And Adam, the idiot, looks stunned as she pulls away.

No. Not again,is all I can think.

Kai pushes Louis against the wall and keeps him there while I sneer at him, quietly enough that Melody can’t hear my words but Louis sure-as-shit can.

“Watch your fucking mouth. Don’t let yourself think that your position is safe just because we’ve worked together this long. Melody will be with us from now on, so adjust everything to include her. Got it?”

What am I doing?

Kai looks at me out of the corner of his eye. I’m going to choose to ignore the relieved but cocky smile on his stupid fucking face.

They want her to stay as much as I unfortunately do.

“Got it, got it.” Louis pushes us off, straightening out his jacket. “Who is she?”

I look at Kai, and we both turn to watch Markus and Adam’s attempts to keep Melody from leaving.