Page 29 of Heart of a Rebel

“And to the pussy,” Rome adds.

I hip-check him, but all the guys just laugh. Like he needs any more encouragement.

“Cheers.”

We all take a drink, and even though it’s only my second, I already feel it going to my head. If this night is any indication of what’s in store, I can’t help but wonder how much of this will be about the perks of fame, and how much will be about the music.

If life has taught me anything, it’s the speed at which a night can quickly turn from fun to chaos. Add three record execs and a new record deal to the mix, and it’s a straight-up shit show.

Even Adrian looks drunk as he stands at the edge of the group with Sebastian, chatting up a couple of girls in dresses so small they’re going to pop out of one end or the other if they aren’t careful.

The song changes and the lights flare, sending a sharp pain shooting between my eyes. I sway where I’m standing and catch my balance on the back of the booth.

“You okay?” I’m not sure when Adrian made his way over, but he’s standing directly in front of me, holding onto one of my arms.

“Fine, just think I drank a little too much.”

“Lightweight,” Rome teases, as he walks by.

Adrian shakes his head, but he doesn’t take his eyes off me. “Maybe you should sit.”

“I think I’m going to take off actually.” I take a step forward, but Adrian’s grip tightens.

“I’ll walk you.”

“I’m fine,” I assure him. “Stay, have fun. This is as big of an opportunity for you as it is for us. You should celebrate.”

Adrian turns me to face him fully, and we’re so close he’s towering over me, sending my insides spinning.

“The hotel is right around the corner.” I narrow my eyes at him.

“I’m aware, but you’re not wandering the streets of LA alone.” His grip tightens with whatever just flashed through his head. “I’ll walk you. I can always head back right after.”

I tip my head to the side, wanting to argue with him, but also knowing that there’s probably no use. “Fine, but you’re coming back after.”

He nods once and leads me to the edge of the group.

“You can’t leave already, sis.” Sebastian frowns as he sees me walking up to him with my purse. But even if he’s putting on a show of disappointment, he won’t stop me. I’m never the last one at the party, so if anything, he’s probably relieved his sister won’t witness the rest of his night.

“Have fun.” I give him a hug. “And be good. We have a flight tomorrow afternoon we can’t miss.”

Shaking hands with the record execs, Adrian finally leads me outside, and the cool air of the night is a relief from the heat of the club.

Free from the chaos of the club, I realize my head is foggy, and I’m having trouble feeling my legs. It might have only been a couple of drinks, but clearly, I’ve lost my ability to handle my alcohol.

Once we’re away from the mass of people who were standing outside, Adrian slips his hand in mine, and it feels so warm and good. I look up at him, and his eyes almost shimmer against the California night.

“What are we doing?”

Adrian’s eyebrows furrow, and I feel his confusion the same as I feel it in myself. He shakes his head. “I don’t know.”

I rest my head against his arm as we walk, wishing the hotel was a lot farther away so I could stay like this longer. Walking with Adrian, holding his hand, floating. I don’t want to let go of this moment. So when he stops outside the hotel and guides me through the door, I can’t help but feel the disappointment.

“Here we are,” I say, as we get to the elevators.

Adrian pushes the button in silence, not releasing my hand, so I don’t either. We wait for the doors to finally open, and once we’re inside, I can’t help but slide my hand down his arm, and back up again. Again and again.

He’s firm, strong. The trunk of a tree with millennia of history. I’d like to lay with him and read the rings of his life to learn about where it was he started to feel broken. Maybe I’d even feel safe enough to show him mine.

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