“I didn’t say that. I said I never dreamed ofonething. I have all sorts of stuff I’d like to try, but it takes experience and money and education. I didn’t have much in the way of opportunities. At least not before.”
“Before you discovered you had a famous rock star for a sister.”
She pulls back, and her head shakes adamantly. “It’s not like that, you know? I don’t expect her to provide for me. I don’t want a hand up. I’ll earn my own way, even if it takes a little longer.” There’s a strength in her voice I’ve only begun to witness. Opal is a survivor, and she hasn’t let life beat the goodness from her.
“There’s nothing wrong with paving your own path. It’s better that way. Sweeter.” I can’t stand the space between us anymore. I have to kiss her again. This time when I capture her lips she’s ready for me, and her mouth moves against mine with a purpose and passion I feel in every molecule of my body.
When we break apart she’s smiling. “I think it’s my turn to shower. I can’t very well face everyone when I look—”
“Freshly fucked?” I say and she shoves at my chest.
“I was going to say disheveled, but yes, I believe that works, too.” She reaches for her hair and attempts to smooth down the wild strands, but I stop her.
“Don’t. You’re gorgeous. And I like that no one else has ever seen you this way. That I’m the only one.”
Her cheeks tinge in pink, and she wraps one of the sheets around her chest before pushing off the floor. While she gathers clean clothes and a towel, I take a moment to collect the sheets and blankets from the floor. I don’t bother refolding mine, and throw them back inside my bunk to make later. The others, I stash beneath dirty clothes inside the laundry bin cabinet.
From inside the bathroom I hear the shower spray begin to pour, and Opal’s sultry voice as it lifts with song. I want to join her but first I need to check in with the guys about when they’ll be back. Before I reach my phone, it chirps with an incoming text. Fuck. It’s no surprise who it is.
The Devil: Call me. ASAP.
I glance around and find the furthest corner of the bus to pace. From here I can see anyone approaching the doors, and more importantly, Opal won’t be able to hear. I press call and as soon as the line connects, a surge of anger boils in my belly. “What do you want now?”
His deep chuckle meets my ears. “Aren’t we in a chipper mood?”
“I bailed on the interview. You figure it out.”
“Oh, Leighton. Don’t push me. I push back. And I’m saving your ass, but I won’t hold my breath for a thank you note. The reporter wanted everything. Birthdays and parents’ names. I’m sorry, kid. We weren’t prepared for Drummergate.”
And really, am I mad about missing the interview and the photo shoot? No. Because I haven’t earned it. Besides, if I’d gone, I wouldn’t be here with Opal. We wouldn’t have made love.
“That all?” I pause to listen for the shower, relieved when I hear it still running. “As much as I love our chats, I have an appointment to bleach my asshole that I’d hate to be late for.”
“Smartass,” he mutters and through the line I hear the shuffle of papers as he lowers his tone. “What do you have for me on Opal?”
Everything. Fucking everything.
“I need more time,” I whisper.
“Fuck.” I can picture the deep lines of his scowl. The intensity of his glare. “Give me something here, kid. Otherwise you give me no choice. I’m sure the band would love to know how I acquired their drummer.”
I can’t tell whether he’s baiting me or he’d actually do it. That’s the kicker with him. He’s shrewd enough I don’t put anything past him. The thought is terrifying. If he outed me today, Opal would never speak to me again. I’d lose her for good. “You get off on this? On ruining my life.”
He chuckles humorlessly. “Bold words coming from the guy who blackmailed his way onto the tour.”
“What do you want?”
“Something. Juicier the better.”
I don’t get it. I really don’t understand. “Aren’t you supposed to protect them from this shit, not start it?”
“You know nothing about PR. Spotlight is the spotlight. There’s no such thing as bad publicity.”
“I think the band would beg to differ.”
His tone is hard and loud through the line. “Talk or you’re out.”
“Fine. Lexi and Trent had an argument today. He never told her about the magazine feature and she was pissed. I’m pretty sure Trent sent her six dozen roses.”
