Page 79 of Heart of a Rebel

Even if I know the devil is playing in the background—a stalker who we’ve yet to reveal. Right now, I still let myself forget that fact and soak in this day. Because with Adrian nearby watching me and a clear sky above, I’m naive enough to feel untouchable.

The nice thing about outdoor festivals is the relaxed nature of them. The stretch of grass is filled with blankets and groups of people. It doesn’t matter if you’re a fan, singer, or actor because we all feel the same. An eclectic mix of everyone coming together in a week where being a celebrity doesn’t seem to matter as much. We’re all just here, existing under the same sun.

Not that it means Adrian and Sebastian aren’t still on edge.

They might be giving me a false sense of freedom by letting Cassie and I sit on this blanket out in the middle of the crowd, but it doesn’t mean we aren’t flanked by security dressed in discreet outfits and under their constant supervision.

It’s irritating, but I’ll take what I can get. There’s nothing like watching a show this way, and Merry is absolutely crushing it.

From that first time I heard her in Adrian’s studio, I knew she was meant to do something with her voice, and here she is. With Noah no doubt watching her closely from the side of the stage, sounding like she belongs up there with the world worshipping her voice.

“The man is obsessed,” Cassie whispers in my ear. “Adrian hasn’t stopped staring at you this entire song.”

I can’t help the warmth that climbs my cheeks at her remark, and I chance a glance at him.

“Obsessed is a strong word.” I smile, unable to fight it.

“Mm-hmm,” she hums. “And accurate.”

I brush it off but love the feeling it brings. Knowing I have such power over him. Thousands of people here, and his eyes are constantly watching me.

“He seems happy.” Cassie leans in closer, her shoulder brushing mine. “And I swear I didn’t think that was possible.”

“Doesn’t help that my brother was pissing him off at the time, and you were in the middle of it.”

“True.” She smiles.

Adrian wasn’t thrilled when Sebastian brought the girl from his sex tape scandal on tour with us. Not that I thought it was a good idea either. But the more I saw my brother with Cassie, I got it. And I’m glad Adrian eventually did too.

“Speaking of obsessed.” My eyes trail to my brother, who is standing next to Adrian. He’s talking to a group of people, but he can’t stop looking at Cassie. “I never thought I’d see my brother so gone for someone.”

“I’m gone for him too.” She grins.

Maybe that’s why I love her. Not just because she makes my brother happy, but because she’s genuine. In a world where I’ve watched women take and take from him, she gives. They’re equal in their love for each other and that’s rare.

“Gotta say, I kinda thought he’d have been on one knee by now.” I wink.

Cassie laughs. “Oh, he would have been if I hadn’t stopped him.”

“You stopped him?”

“You know Sebastian.” Cassie smiles and her eyes are bright. “He started talking about marrying me a month into this tour. My parents had barely adjusted to the idea of me dating him, so I’m sparing them heart attacks a little while longer. I told him to not even think about it until this tour is over.”

“It’s almost over.” I cock an eyebrow at her.

She nudges me with her shoulder. “Something he’s been sure to remind me of.”

It makes me laugh because knowing my brother, he’ll be down on a knee in no time once this tour ends. I make a mental note to ask him about it later because he probably already has a plan.

Merry’s set ends and we jump to our feet to cheer her on. If the crowd’s reaction is any indication, Adrian’s about to be really busy with her career. I’m not sure what that means for us, but I’m suddenly equally unsettled and excited.

My doubts are interrupted by a body sliding up beside mine, and I look up to see Adrian towering over me with a grin. He slips his hand into my own and it’s like holding a warm cup of coffee in the middle of winter. Heating me where it feels impossible to do so.

“Enjoy the show?”

I nod. My voice is stuck in my throat because there’s something about how the air leaves the space around me as soon as Adrian steps into it. The scent of spice and licorice clouds my head.

Another band takes the stage, and I don’t recognize them, but Sebastian reaches over and nudges Adrian on the shoulder.

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