Page 91 of Filthy Rock Stars
I sigh. “What’s happening with the VMAs?”
Adrian punches on the coffee machine. “I’m trying to get them to dis-invite Kissing Dirt from performing. I don’t want to share a stage. But it’s not that big of a deal. It’s barely making headlines.”
I grunt. “No, that’s not why I’m here, but that’s annoying. I’m here to tell you that I’m quitting.”
All of Adrian’s muscles tense, and Elle’s frown turns into a scowl. “Fucking hell, Shadow,” she complains. “We’ve been over this.”
“I told my lawyers before I drove over. They’re launching a suit to fight some of that bullshit contract, but I don’t give a shit what the outcome is. I’d rather spend the rest of my life in debt than waste another week with this band.”
They both looks shocked. It’s satisfying, but painful, too.
Despite everything, these two used to be my closest friends. The first ones to ever tell me I was worthwhile. Quitting the band means losing these two forever and possibly becoming a pariah from my old life.
It’s a choice I’m making, but it still hurts.
I just can’t wait a day longer to tell Nico how I feel.
Adrian studies me carefully. I brace myself for his response, but he just shakes his head and chuckles. “What, Shadow? Do you really think we don’t know what’s going on?”
Ice crawls across my skin. “Excuse me?”
“Your little secret?” Adrian prompts.
Elle crosses her arms over her chest. “Adrian,” she says, quietly. “We don’t have to go there. Not now.”
“Then when?” he shoots back.
Shit. Do they know about Nico?
“My little secret?” I counter, playing like they’re attacking my sexuality. “Out me all you want. Hell, maybe I’ll beat you to it. But don’t forget how much of your dirt I’m carrying around.” I take a deep breath, my heart pounding, but determination steels my glare. “If you come for me, I’ll hit you back as just as hard.”
I think I might have pulled off the threat, but then Adrian starts humming.
He hums the theme for Nico’s space opera.
“Is that how it goes?” he asks. “You’ve been playing it for weeks.” He walks over to Elle’s guitar, picks it up, and hands it to her. “You remember?”
Elle doesn’t look at me as she plays a melody from another of Nico’s songs, the final asteroid battle. “I remember a few,” she says coolly.
Oh fuck. What the hell have I done?
“Elle,” I try. I’ve always trusted her more than I trust Adrian. “What is this? I want to quit. Just let me walk.”
“You must think I’m not paying attention to you,” Elle says. “But I notice, Shadow. I hear what you say about me, and I saw your mood change. I saw your attention drift. And then you started playing around with all these new songs.”
“It’s not even your style,” Adrian cuts in, and it’s obvious they’ve talked about this endlessly. “Whatever pathetic side project this is, you’re obsessed with it, and it’s hurting the band.” He steps closer, glaring at me. “And we own it. Anything you write while you’re with this band. Anything you fucking hum to yourself in the shower. It belongs to Forbidden Destiny, Shadow.”
I turn to Elle, desperate. “Elle…”
She swallows. “You try to break up this band, Shadow, and we’ll come for every chord.”
My life leaves my body. It’s not just the threat to my future music career. I’ve already made peace with that.
It’s Nico’s music. His space opera.
I fucked up, and now the band can take it from him.
* * *