Page 54 of Haze of Obedience

---

"No, you are a diva," I tease.

She smirks.

I steal a kiss, but she freezes.

She totally regrets having sex.

Way to make her uncomfortable.

"You're not a horrible person. I've never thought that, and I hope you don't."

"It's the only reason I'm here."

"Zoe, nothing you've done could ever be a reason for anything those bastards put you through."

"It is."

"How?"

She wipes her tears. "Mexico wasn't enough for me. I wanted all of Latin America to know my music."

"They should. Your music is amazing. I didn't understand why you weren't in all of Latin America sooner."

She scoffs. "I didn't stand a chance."

"What do you mean?"

"My old manager wasn't part of them."

"Who?"

"My managers I switched to. They determine what music gets released to what media and stations. The playlists, the concerts, the interviews...it's all controlled by them."

"By your managers?"

"Yes."

"For all of Latin America?"

"Yes."

"That's not possible."

"It is. The Global Leaders own them."

I cup her face. "Zoe, you need to tell me who the Global Leaders are."

"I've said too much," she whispers.

"Zoe—"

"Please. Just drop it." She clears her throat and sniffles.

There's a loud roar, and she jumps.

"Is that a lion?"

"Probably. He's far away, though."

---