Page 65 of Crimson Desires

I knew that my music career could survive without Maverick Records. I was a former pop sensation with zero scandals and a record for making hits. I could probably have the CEOs of ten other labels fighting colosseum style to sign me.

But that didn’t mean they’d be willing to sign Wicked Crimson. What would happen to the other guys if Wicked Crimson had to disband? Kane and Axel could probably survive on their own. Both were charismatic and talented with industry connections outside of Maverick Records. But Zephyr and Damien were a different story. Zephyr had been completely unknown before we’d randomly found him playing at a dive bar. Damien was talented and had the same connections as Axel, but he was difficult to work with—which made most producers apprehensive of him.

Dad must have realized that my loyalty to Wicked Crimson went beyond my desire to be artistically fulfilled. That’s why he’d cut deeper—by threatening my friends.

“Fine,” I said. “We can see how it works.”

Dad smiled, though he didn’t look particularly pleased. “And one more thing.”

“You’ve got to be fucking kidding me. What else could there be?”

“Jack.” Dad’s voice was stern.

I frowned, taking a drink. “Sorry.”

Dad cleared his throat and pulled out his phone. He opened a social media app and searched up my name.

The first result was a post from a celebrity gossip outlet. The post’s headline read, JACK MAVERICK ON THE MOVE WITH MYSTERIOUS DATE, and featured a picture of Aster and I at the North Carolina Art Museum.

My throat dried.

It’s not like I was stupid. Ever since I started pursuing Aster, I knew that it would only be a matter of time before the media caught wind of my relationship with her. It’s not like I was trying to hide it or anything.

Dad had never shown a problem with any of my girlfriends before. But also, none of my girlfriends had been like Aster. I’d dated my fair share of celebrities, musicians, and models. I’d never dated a normal girl.

I didn’t want Dad to think that Aster was a gold-digger or a clout-chaser or anything like that.

Thankfully, he seemed relaxed about the situation.

“You have my permission to date her,” Dad said.

I rolled my eyes. As if I needed his fucking permission in the first place.

He continued. “She’s good for your publicity. Ever since these photos surfaced, your name has been trending.”

“Do you think I’m going out with her for my publicity?” I asked, eyebrows rising. “Because if so, that’s pretty fucked up. I mean, shit, did you marry mom for publicity?”

Dad’s eyes narrowed. “I didn’t say that you were dating her for publicity. I said that she’s good for your publicity.” He pocketed his phone. “Her name is Aster, correct?”

“Yes,” I said.

“Last name?”

“Jennings.”

Dad nodded. “I’ll have one of my guys run a background check on her.” He finished off his martini and rose from his seat. “In the meantime, you can tell her that James Maverick sends his regards.”

Chapter Fifteen

Aster

“Did you know that we’re trending online?” Jack said, flopping down on the bed next to me. He had just finished showering. His damp, blond hair flopped down over his forehead, and he wore nothing but a loose pair of jogging shorts.

I was the opposite of him: pants-less, but cozy in my oversized hoodie sweater.

It was our last night in North Carolina before we left for the next city. Wicked Crimson wouldn’t be stopping at a hotel for another week or so, which meant that it was also my last night to enjoy the luxuries of sleeping fully horizontally before I’d be back to cramming my body into the tour bus seats every night.

Jack had ordered us room service: pizza, and a bottle of white wine. Top Gun played on the hotel TV.

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