Page 3 of Big & Burly Rockstar

Chapter 2

Devon

“You’re sure this girl is trust-worthy?”

Pete, my manager, has his steely eyes fixed on his new PA, who laughs nervously. “Definitely. She’s family. That’s why I thought of her in the first place.”

Pete grunts, pacing through my large living room and pausing by the row of windows that give a view of the garden. “Hope you’re right.” He turns to face me. “You sure you don’t want to see a picture of her, Dev?”

I fight the urge to roll my eyes. “No.” It doesn’t fucking matter what she looks like, anyway. Because any woman who would agree to an arrangement like this isn’t worth my time. I’ve met enough money-hungry leeches over the years. She’ll be no different.

“Look, I know you’re not happy about this. But it’s necessary. You understand that, don’t you?” Pete’s smile is as fake as his overly white teeth. Yes, I know it’s fucking necessary. But not for the reason he thinks.

“Don’t you?” he asks again.

I clench my teeth. “Yeah.”

“Good. We need the album to be a success. So we need to improve your reputation. Plus, it can’t hurt to have someone to keep you in line, right?” He gives one of his braying laughs and I shove my hands under my legs to stop myself from strangling him.

“I said I fucking know why it’s necessary,” I grit out. Even if it’s bullshit that I need someone to keep me in line. Yeah, I fucked up a few times too often. I was in a dark place. But I’ve learned to deal with it. At least enough not to go around punching paparazzi and going on drug-fueled benders with strippers.

“Just making sure,” Pete says, his smile not slipping a millimeter. “And be nice to her, okay?”

“I’ll be a good boy, Pete. I promise.” My tone is overly polite. He knows me well enough to realize just how fucking pissed I am.

“Be right back,” I mumble, unable to stand his presence for a second longer. I go into the kitchen, ignoring Carrie and Pete’s frantic whispers, and grab a beer out of the fridge. I open it and down half the bottle, staring out of the window.

I still remember standing right here the day I moved in, marveling at the large garden. Being proud of how far I’d come—from sharing a bedroom with my half-sister in a draughty apartment and living off pasta with ketchup to living in an actual fucking mansion. We’d just brought out our second album and were about to go on tour. That tour was the best of our career. We played sold-out show after sold out show, and afterward we’d drink and fuck until we couldn’t walk anymore. Life was fucking good. It was easy. When did it become so damn complicated?

The doorbell ringing breaks me out of my thoughts. That’ll be her. I grimace, then finish my beer and grab another out of the fridge. I’m not doing this shit sober.

By the time I’ve sat down in the living room, I hear Carrie’s high, excited voice coming from the entrance, followed by a husky, pleasant female voice.

When the two women enter, I force my trade-mark smirk onto my face, but I’m not feeling it. The woman standing next to Carrie is a pretty girl who looks to be in her early twenties. Stunning, if I’m being honest. She’s tall and curvy, with hair so dark it almost looks black and clear grey eyes that are currently fixed on me. They’re framed by dark shadows. Looks like she didn’t sleep any better than I did.

I purposefully let my gaze explore her sinful curves, sure it’ll annoy her. Instead, she levels a cool gaze at me, taking me in from head to toe, her mouth curving into a condescending half-smile. Almost against my will, my lips pull into a genuine smile. She’s not throwing herself at me, and she seems entirely unimpressed with me. It’s refreshing. She might be a money-grabbing leech, but at least she’s got backbone.

After she’s done taking my measure, she walks over to me and stretches out a hand. “Hi. I’m Elli,” she says with her slightly hoarse yet still melodious voice.

My hand dwarves hers when I shake it. “Pleasure to meet you, Elli.”

I lean forward and brush a kiss over her knuckles. Next to me, Pete clears his throat, and out of the corner of my eye I see him giving me a reproachful look. Even the PA looks annoyed. Elli, however, simply raises an eyebrow. “Do you usually kiss women before even introducing yourself?” she asks with a sweet smile edged in venom.

“Most women think it’s an honor to be kissed by me, you know,” I drawl, my lips still hovering over her hand. “But no need to be jealous. Once you’ve signed the contract, you’ll be the only woman I’ll kiss, princess. At least for a year.” I wink at her, and she pulls her hand away in disgust. I don’t bother hiding my satisfaction.

“Speaking of the contract,” she says, sitting down on an armchair and looking at Pete, “I’d like to get this done as quickly as possible so I can get out of here.”

“Why so eager to leave, princess?”

She scowls. “Your company isn’t nearly as pleasant as you think it is.”

“You cruel, cruel woman.” I clutch my chest, shaking my head at her, my face scrunched up in fake pain.

“I’m sure you’ll live,” she says, giving me that condescending smile again.

“Oh, I will, princess. And I’m sure you’ll get used to it.”

“To what?”

---