Page 46 of Heart of a Rebel

“Sebastian went to meet with the guys.” His eyes scan me from head to toe, and I wonder if he’s making sure I’m still intact.

“And you’re…”

“Keeping an eye out.”

I cross my arms over my chest. “That’s what security is for.”

He tilts his head but doesn’t bother responding.

With Adrian standing in front of me, I’d like to think he’s here because he cares on a level that isn’t just him being my manager. I’d like to think I’m not the only one stuck in the same spot I’ve been in for years, unable to move past it. But as I look into his dark brown eyes, I know I waited too long, and he’s moved on—especially after what I just told him.

The real reason Adrian is waiting for me outside my bus probably has to do with my overprotective brother. Sebastian is hot-headed when it comes to people he cares about, and after someone got onto my bus, he’s probably already started firing crew members.

“Where is he?” I ask Adrian, holding my sweater tight. It’s early June, but the final remnants of spring still sit in the air, and I have no doubt the sky is about to unleash something that mirrors what I’m feeling inside.

Adrian tips his head, and I follow him across the lot, through a maze of buses. We’ve spent the majority of the past five months overseas, but nothing feels as good as being home for the tail end of our world tour. The next four weeks will be a series of shows, ending with the week-long Sun Daze Summer Festival, and I’m counting down the days until I can disappear back into my home in Denver.

We stop at Sebastian’s bus, and Adrian opens the door for me. Always the gentleman.

I’ve got one foot inside when the intensity of the air sinks in. I make my way up the steps, but even before I do, I know they’re all here.

Climbing the steps, I find myself once more face to face with Sebastian, who is sitting on the couch beside Cassie. Her usually bubbly smile has been replaced by the hard line of her lips that she tries to force upward for my sake. But even the pink tips of her hair aren’t enough to brighten up the mood.

Merry’s seated right next to Cassie on the couch, looking like Cassie’s dark twin with her tatted skin and all-black outfit. While Noah and Rome are seated on either side of the table, turned out to face me.

“Here, let me move so you can sit,” Noah slides out of his seat and stands there facing me.

His mouth falls open like he wants to say more, but his eyes pinch and we both know there aren’t really words for something like this. The past, the present—demons once more roaming wild, ready to haunt me.

Instead, Noah pulls me in for a big hug and I melt into it.

These guys may drive me nearly insane, but they’re my family. And while suffering in silence felt like the only option for a long time, it doesn’t anymore.

Noah lets go and sits on the arm of the couch by Merry, who nods at me but doesn’t say anything. I wonder if that’s why Noah was drawn to her. She knows when to insert herself, and when to keep quiet. Maybe it’s that she’s had her own share of pain and knows that no one else can really comfort me through it. But her small gesture feels big.

I sit across from Rome at the table, and he leans forward, flipping a coin between his fingers and staring me down. His gaze is dark and serious, and when he swallows, it bobs the third eye tattoo that’s inked on his throat.

“This fucker’s got another thing coming to him,” Rome says, stilling the coin and setting his palm over it on the table. It’s a promise, and something about the look in his eyes makes me nervous about just how far he’s willing to take that statement.

“Damn right,” Sebastian says.

I scan the room, as Adrian perches himself at the makeshift kitchen counter.

“I’m fine, okay?” I force a smile, but all it does is hurt inside. “I’m a little shaken up—”

“He got on your fucking bus, Eloise.” Sebastian leans forward and shoots daggers out of his eyes.

“Cool it.” Adrian’s gaze slides in Sebastian’s direction in a warning.

Sebastian leans back and Cassie plants her hand on his leg. I’m not sure even that will calm him right now.

“I’m aware.” I narrow my gaze at him. “And the cops are going to look into that.”

He snorts a laugh, and I feel Adrian stiffen.

“Got something to say?” I challenge.

Sebastian looks me dead in the eyes, and I can’t help but notice that they’re a little cold. “They could have been doing something sooner, El.”

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