Page 24 of Wicked Truths

It’s several hours later when we finally finish for the day. Lyric and Ryder left a while ago, but the four of us stuck around to run through the songs they offered up.

From what I’ve seen, you don’t turn down a Lyric Sinclair original song. She writes music that makes people famous overnight, and it always matches their style.

Marcus continues to grumble that he doesn’t need to be at center stage. Liam refuses to even try singing “Carry On,” and I can’t tell if it’s because he truly doesn’t think we’ll harmonize or if he’s giving Marcus an olive branch.

I can’t imagine how shitty it was for Marcus growing up. To know that he’s related to musical superstars, but having nothing to do with them, it had to be tough. He’s every bit as talented as his family, but no one knows that. I really think it would do him good to have at least one song where he’s able to shine.

Marcus and Sullivan stand a few feet away. They’re close to each other, but not saying a word or interacting. They tend to ignore each other unless they’re saying shitty things or trying to pick a fight.

I head their way. It’s only early afternoon, but I’m completely beat. It’s been hours of singing and practicing.

“Where’s Hawk?” I ask, glancing around because he’s nowhere to be seenagain.

I’m starting to get a little bitter. Even when he is around, he’s different. The entire situation leaves a bad taste in my mouth.

“Probably talking to his wife,” Sullivan mutters under his breath.

“What?” I whisper, taking a step back.

Marcus goes rigid, glaring at Sullivan.

My eyes bounce between them, but neither speaks.

They’re still busy squaring off with each other. My mind races as my heart seems to stall in my chest. My hands fist at my sides as I look between them again. Neither of them even glances in my direction.

I skirt around them, walking out without another word.

Hawk is in the hallway talking on his phone too low for me to hear what’s being said.

He has awife?

How didn’t I know that?

He works full-time and he lives with us.

Oh yeah, and there’s the fact that he and I have gotten close over the last year, and he never said a damn word!

I told him all about my mom, and how losing her changed everything.

I opened up to him.

I climb on the elevator and blow out a breath of pure relief when the doors close.

I don’t think I really know any of them.

Not my best friend.

Not my personal security, who I thought I could talk to.

Even Marcus. He’s the only one who’s real with me, and that’s disturbing on a whole different level.

ChapterEight

Marcus

Oakley walks out with a look of pure devastation on her face, and my fury reaches dangerous proportions.

“What the fuck is your problem?” I snarl in Sullivan’s face. He slams his palms into my pecs. I take a single step back and continue to glare at the idiot. “And people think I’m an asshole?” I snort derisively. “You take the fucking cake with all yourbullshitmind games. What the hell is your endgame, Sullivan? Why don’t you see yourself right thefuckon out if you don’t want to be here?”

---