Page 78 of Heart of a Rebel

It’s an order—not that he has to say it. I was in the military for eight years. I know what it means to be talked to like a soldier. Problem is, I’m not part of Nathan’s army, refuse to be.

“I don’t work for you. I work for the band,” I remind him.

“Something I allow for now, Adrian.” Nathan’s tone is clipped. “Get Eloise to sign the contract for the next album. Sweep this littleI’m a victimcrusade of hers under the rug. And do your job. I want good press, another album, and results.”

He hangs up before I can tell him where to shove it, and I’m gripping my phone so hard I’m surprised I don’t break it. I shove it into my pocket and hold myself back from punching something. Instead, I find Eloise through the crowd of reporters and see her staring in my direction.

Even with her sunglasses on, she can’t hide the pinch between her eyebrows, and I wonder what’s showing on my face. I force a smile her way to try to pacify her worry, but she doesn’t relax, and I don’t blame her. As much as I’d like to pretend everything is okay, I’m not sure it is anymore.

Last night I promised her I’d never let anything bad happen to her, which is near impossible when we’re swimming in a pit of piranhas. One wrong move and they’ll rip the flesh straight from our bones.

I’ve been the perfect band manager. Protecting them, while also making sure I guided them in the right direction that would ensure they would be successful. If the label said jump, I’d ask how high. And even if I had had the band’s best interests at heart, a part of me has always known that it was also a job—one I’ve done well.

My feelings for Eloise muddy it up.

Professionally, I know I should listen to Nathan. It’s too early for the band to go on hiatus because they’ll fade into the background faster than any of them realize. And Eloise continuing down this path of revealing her truth is only going to cause more pain before she reaches a point of healing.

I should be the voice of reason and follow the directions I’ve been given.

But the longer I stare at Eloise’s face, while she answers a reporter’s question and her smile grows, I can’t help but be dragged back to six years ago. When Sebastian stood in front of me and asked me to take on this role. Not because I knew what I was doing, but because he trusted me with them—as people.

And while I’d like to think I always have, maybe that’s not the case at all. Because they spiraled, and in so many ways, I haven’t been able to prevent it.

I’ve failed.

It strikes me in the pit of my stomach. We’ve turned into the monster we were trying to avoid in the first place.

Not anymore.

Nathan might think I’ll stay in line and do as I’m told. But I meant it when I said I don’t work for him. If the band decides to fight this battle, I’ll fall right beside them. After all, if war has taught me anything, sometimes you need to unleash chaos to restore order.

So be it.

28

Eloise

TheSunDazeFestivalhas done nothing but put Adrian on edge, but I can’t help that I feel the exact opposite.

There’s something about the fresh air at the beginning of summer. The sun beating down on what’s felt like cold skin for years. I’m warmed from the inside out.

At a distance, I see Adrian watching me, and appreciate that he’s open about it now. Looking at me like more than just another member of Enemy Muse he’s keeping safe. Instead, he’s watchingme, Eloise. Unapologetically for anyone to notice.

It’s hot.

And it’s out in the open.

News of me and Adrian spread like wildfire through the band and crew. But that pales in comparison to how it spread through the media. We can’t stand within five feet of each other without having our picture taken.

Eloise and her band manager.

It’s the first time since becoming famous I’ve been openly seen dating anyone, and they can’t get enough.

People no doubt have their opinions about the fact that he’s my manager and it could be a mess waiting to happen, but I couldn’t care less. Because when we stepped off the bus hand in hand three days ago, I never felt more honest about who I was than in that moment.

I’m lucky to have Adrian with me after everything that has happened. We’ve been to hell and back. I’m not hiding it anymore.

I lean back in the grass and listen to Merry singing up on stage. Her voice is so much softer than the girl it’s attached to. Soft and floating through the venue. Her music, mixed with the sun and the peace of this moment feels like heaven.

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