Page 103 of Wicked Truths

The Colorado offices of Ruined Records are in the downtown area not more than a few blocks from the arena.

The charity Lyric runs, Damian’s Way, is a couple of buildings over. If I wasn’t still so furious about how they handled Liam then I’d check it out. I’ve got a yearly donation going to the charity, but that was in place prior to being signed by Ruined Records.

It’s a worthy cause. They provide musical instruments, lessons, and let children meet their idols and even attend classes taught by some of the most well-known musicians of the last couple generations. It’s a cool idea, especially since they focus on kids who have lost a parent due to drug abuse, suicide, alcoholism, and other mental health conditions. It personally hits close to home since I lost my mom to alcoholism. I’m pretty sure the only thing that kept me grounded after losing her was my connection to music. Well, that and Sullivan.

Jamen’s wife, Sheena Jacobs, leads us through the hallway and down toward what I assume is a conference room. She’s an undeniably beautiful woman, walking with clear purpose.

“Jamen specifically asked me to show the five of you in here,” she says, guiding us into one of the producing rooms. “This isn’t related to your contract. It’s family business.”

I frown.

They definitely aren’t part of my family, but everything gets clearer as we step inside. Rook, Lyric, and Jamen stand watching Angel through the glass.

This is one of the viewing rooms where the execs and suits are able to supervise band practices or jam sessions.

However, Angel Rae isn’t currently performing, at least not music. She’s got her camera crew like always. I can only imagine how exhausting it is to constantly be on. I don’t even have words to describe how little I would be interested in doing a reality TV show.

“Why the fuck is she here?” Marcus growls, stomping closer to the one-way glass.

“Angel needs to be addressed,” Jamen says calmly.

“I think you’re trying to handle this like rich people. Get a goddamn restraining order and be done with her bullshit,” Hawk suggests, leaning against the wall at the back of the room.

“It’s not a terrible idea,” Liam says.

“Angel announced her engagement to Johnny yesterday,” Lyric mutters, rolling her eyes at her mother.

Damn, that has to suck. My mom hasn’t been gone for as long as Lyric’s dad has, but I know I frequently dread what happens when he wants to remarry. Then there’s also the fact that Johnny is an awful human being.

“My mom and dad will be married?” Marcus scoffs. “It’s like all my hopes and dreams are coming true at once.” He looks at Jamen. “If you even buy her story that Johnny is my biological father.”

“I honestly couldn’t tell you.” Jamen shrugs. “She told us very little. We thought she didn’t know who the father might be.” He grimaces, giving a shrug. “It wasn’t like we had any room to talk. It really was a free-for-all back then.”

“Sometimes hearing old people talk makes me want to claw out my own eardrums,” Rook mutters.

“Me too,” Lyric agrees.

“Back to Angel and Johnny…” Marcus frowns, crossing his arms over his chest as his gaze settles on his sister. “Are you okay?”

“Yeah, I’m fine.” Lyric nods. “I’ve been dealing with Angel my entire life, since way before anyone else realized exactly how toxic she is.”

Jamen snorts. “That’s debatable.”

Lyric smiles, glancing between Jamen and Marcus. “We’ve learned from experience that the only way to handle her is to ignore her until she gets bored and moves on.” She shrugs, and her blonde hair falls over her arm.

“But we also don’t want her to be a continuous problem for Wicked Truths, especially while you’re trying to build a name for yourselves.” Rook scratches his thick beard.

“Rook is finally stepping up to learn how to run Ruined,” Jamen adds. “I’d like to step into the role of full-time grandpa.” He glances between Rook and Lyric. “Anytime now, you slow asses.”

Rook smirks, tossing an arm around Lyric’s lower back. “I assure you, I’m doing my part to make that a reality.”

“Rooker,” Lyric gasps. “You and Griffin, I swear.” She shakes her head, laughing.

“Back to why we’re here?” Sullivan says, shoving his hands into his pockets like he always does when he’s uncomfortable.

I head over, and he immediately wraps his arm around me, pulling me into his chest. His light scent floods my nostrils, making my heart race. I grin up at him, and he bends low enough he can brush his lips over mine.

“I’m heading into the trenches.” Jamen gestures to the room Angel is in, catching my attention. “Rook and Lyric will handle your contract negotiations.”

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