Page 49 of Pretty Black

“I don’t even know how to start.”

“What are your happiest memories?”

SIXTEEN

THREE YEARS AGO

Iris Black

May

“Why do you look like shit?” Caspian asked when I walked into sound check.

“Thank you, you look great too.” I sat on the edge of the stage, looking out over the vast empty arena.

He sat next to me and kissed my shoulder. “Are you ready for the album to come out?”

“I can’t wait. I wish it didn’t take so long after we recorded.” I pressed my lips to his forehead. “You shouldn’t be doing this. They’ll all be here in a few minutes.”

“How long are we going to keep it from them?”

“We don’t have to?” I said, heat stirring in my chest. “But the more people that know, the more risk it will get out.”

“Do you care?”

I shook my head before he even got the words fully out. “No.”

“Maybe we should tell them? And Alexander?”

I wrinkled my nose. “Let’s not.”

“He’ll want to know for statements and stuff.” He slipped his hand into mine.

“He makes my skin crawl.” I seemed to be the only one he rubbed wrong, and I hated no one else saw it.

“Why do you look so tired?” He rubbed his thumb over my cheek before pinching my chin to bring my lips to his.

“I didn’t sleep,” I muttered into his mouth. I hadn’t been. Not in months.

“Why?”

“Just hard.” I didn’t tell him about my brother’s call or the fight we’d had over my step-father.

“You should have woken me up.”

“One of us needs to be rested for this.” I deepened the kiss. “Will you fuck me to sleep tonight?”

“How fucking dare you be so damn sexy. Of course I will.”

“I need it.” I breathed him in, staying in this moment.

“Are the pills Alexander got you helping any?”

I lifted one shoulder. “They make me tired all the time. I don’t like it. I’d rather not sleep.”

“Maybe he can help with that?”

“Maybe.” I put on a smile.

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