Total pages in book: 94
Estimated words: 91361 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 457(@200wpm)___ 365(@250wpm)___ 305(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 91361 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 457(@200wpm)___ 365(@250wpm)___ 305(@300wpm)
As he struggled to be free from the men holding him back, he snarled, “Who do you think you are, bitch?”
The way his bloodshot eyes raked over me made my skin crawl, made me remember the times my own parents had forced me to sing in front of dozens of men like him.
“You’re a nobody, a nobody, and you think you can do this to me? What’s wrong? Just because you’re spreading your legs for Kellion Argyros now, you can’t blow me one like you promised your fans all those years?”
I covered my ears even though I knew it was pointless.
“You were a slut since you were a kid, and you’ll always be a slut—-”
“Ma’am, please let us take you home.” Kellion’s bodyguard drew me away, leading me to a black BMW parked a few feet away from us.
Had they been trailing me on foot as well as by car? They must be really good at their jobs if they could do all that without me knowing a thing. Thinking about Kellion’s security team helped me ignore the screams haunting me from behind, and I did my best to focus on them as the man opened the door for me.
Alone in the backseat, I could only watch through the window as we drove away, a dull sense of relief washing over me as the sight of the red-faced reporter still shouting invectives faded little by little.
“Ma’am?”
I blinked, realizing that the bodyguard had been trying to get my attention for some time now. When I glanced at him, it seemed like he already knew I didn’t communicate the way normal people like him did, didn’t wait for me to speak as he held out his iPhone to me. “Mr. Argyros would like to speak to you, ma’am.”
“You were so great, baby.” Amelie hugged me tightly as I left the stage and met her at the wings.
“Damn right,” Dan said. “Most awesome singer there. Because of you, Mommy and Daddy won’t have to be forced to work for shitheads.” He tipped my chin up. “And didn’t I tell you that phrase was gonna win you the judges’ hearts?”
My dad continued to speak, but I barely heard him over the pounding of my heart. The way the judges had looked at me was weird. It made me feel weird. I was just glad it was all over.
“So remember those words and you’re gonna say them every time you finish a song, all right?” At my nod, he ruffled my hair again. “That’s my girl. You just do what Daddy says and it will always be good.”
The memories almost had me gagging. Even now, a part of me was still unable to comprehend how my own father could have made me say those words. I was a kid – his twelve year old kid.
How could he bear hearing me say it? How could Amelie not do anything to stop him? How? Dammit, how?
“Ma’am?” The bodyguard still had his hand out.
On the other end of the line, Kellion was waiting for me. Because of Kellion, something – something really bad – hadn’t happened. Because of Kellion, I had started living again. But it was also because of Kellion I had forgotten the only important thing my parents had taught me.
With Ashton gone, no one left in this world could be trusted.
Slowly, I shook my head. “P-please...say...thank...you...for...me.” It hurt so much more to speak now, my wildly careening emotions making my throat feel rawer and exposed. “But...please...tell...him...I...don’t...want...to....talk...to...him...again.”
Chapter Fourteen
Dear Ashton,
If anyone ever hurts you, you gotta tell me, okay?
I’ll kick their ass for you.
Love, Your Big Sis
P.S. I know you’d do the same for me, but don’t worry about me. I’m very strong. Also, you’re too cute to scare anyone.
KELLION
KELLION WAS SEATED on a fur-covered nook next to the windows, the city of Athens glowing like a jewel underneath him. A jewel of another kind was on his lap, curled up against his chest, a girl who was just as beautiful and precious as any gem.
He didn’t say a word as Jacqueline cried in his arms, simply stroking her hair. The sound of her tears hurt like it always did. She didn’t have to be in this much pain, would never have experienced this much hurt if only she had chosen to see him.
“I’m so scared, Kel.” Her words were a shaky whisper, her voice so fragile it made Kellion instinctively tighten his arms around her.
He murmured comforting words in Greek, willing her to relax. “Don’t be. I’m here for you. I won’t let him do anything to hurt you.”
A long time passed before she spoke again, her voice slurred. “I wish...I wish I had fallen for you instead.”
Only when Kellion was sure she was sleeping did he answer. “I wish the same thing, too, Jack.” Lifting her into his arms to carry her back to her bed, he placed a kiss on her forehead.