Page 6 of Madden

Absolutely nothing is like going out on stage and playing in front of a sold-out crowd.

Playing the drums has always been an outlet for me. My parents never wanted this to turn into my career even though they were supportive and bought me my first set.

They thought it was a hobby I’d eventually outgrow. I still remember my dad’s snide comments about getting a real job, refusing to accept this has always been my dream.

Since signing on with our label, he’s cut the comments despite wishing I had gone to college and got a degree in business like he did.

I don’t give a shit what he thinks anymore. I love what I do, and I’m not in it for the money even though it’s definitely one of the perks.

Don’t get me wrong, though; this life comes with a lot I wish I didn’t have to deal with too.

A black leather jacket and denim jeans with a white T-shirt wait for me in my room. I grit my teeth, knowing Kyla has been getting everything lined up for this interview for a month now.

I slip my leather cuff back on and run some product through my hair and over my beard, trying to look as if I’ve got my shit together.

I hate these fuckin’ interviews. The sooner I get this over with, the quicker I can get the gossiping jackasses out of my house.

Brix and Tysin stand at the end of the hall when I step out of my bedroom. Tysin nods in my direction, and Brix turns, his eyes flaring before he stalks toward me, meeting me halfway.

“Sounds like shit already started off on a bad foot.”

I stare at him, deadpanned, and shake my head. “Don’t even get me started.”

“You don’t have to tell me. Kyla already did,” he retorts.

I clench my jaw, wishing I had a couple of minutes to give everyone a piece of my mind.

“I’m sorry to interrupt,” a soft voice says, and we both turn toward Brielle.

She holds her hand up and dips her head.

“Forgive me; I just wanted to let you know we’re ready to get started whenever you are.”

Trey sits on one of the barstools behind the sofa, facing two of our chairs. Brielle circles to the other side, and I watch as she runs a hand over her blouse before taking a seat.

She crosses her legs and sits up straight, holding a stack of notecards in her hands.

I know our label cleared this interview and the questions we agreed to go over before they stepped foot in my house. Still, inviting them here doesn’t sit right with me, even though the point was for it to feel more personal and intimate.

Too intimate.

I clench my jaw, hating how the sight of her legs captivates me.

Trey must notice and elbows me.

“What?” I grunt as I climb onto the barstool next to him.

“Nothin’, just checking for signs of life.”

“Shut up,” I fire back.

Brix and Tysin take a seat on the sofa in front of us.

When we begin, we talk about how the band got started and what it was like bringing Trey into the mix before moving into our relationships.

Brielle manages to avoid looking at me for most of the discussion.

“Over the years, you’ve been known to have a way with the ladies. Would you agree?”

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