“I love you,” she says, although it comes out like a question rather than a statement.
“I love you, too, but you’re being really weird right now.”
“I meant the words on your back.”
“What wo—”
Oh. My. God.
The room tilts, and it’s a struggle to draw air into my lungs.
Quinn gets off the couch and walks over. “Relax. It’s pretty faded already and if you take your hair down, you won’t even see it.”
“I don’t think that’s what she’s freaking out about,” Skylar whispers.
My heart knocks against my chest like it’s trying to break free.
Why didn’t he tell me? Why didn’t he…
“Shit. We gotta go,” Skylar announces before she pulls my ponytail out of my hair and sifts her fingers through it.
“Go whe—”
Quinn swipes some gloss over my lips.
I rear back because this just went from strange to downright bizarre. “Why are you two primping me?”
Ignoring my questions, Skylar yanks my arm so hard I’m surprised it doesn’t pop out of my socket.
“What the hell is going on?” I demand as she drags me out of the room with Quinn in tow.
Everything is happening so fast, and none of it makes any sense.
“One of you better start talking,” I snap as Skylar steers me toward the side of the stage.
“I didn’t do nothing,” Quinn defends.
Which most definitely means she did.
When I give her a look, she raises her hands, feigning innocence. “Don’t be mad at me. I simply saw an opportunity to get the job done, and I took it.”
“Saw an opportunity to get what job done?”
It’s like everyone’s speaking a language I can’t understand.
I turn to Skylar, who’s motioning for Quinn to be quiet. “Will you please—”
A knot of panic strangles my throat when the current song comes to an end and Phoenix addresses the crowd. “I’ll be right back, guys. There’s someone special I want you to meet.”
And then he jogs offstage…heading straight for me.
CHAPTER 72
PHOENIX
Lennon’s visibly shaking by the time I reach her.
“It’s gonna be okay.”
That only makes her take several steps backward.
Christ. I know she’s scared, but she doesn’t have to be.
I’ll be her anchor this time.
My stare locks with hers. “Trust me.” I hold out my hand. “Please.”
Her petrified gaze bounces between my outstretched hand and my face for several agonizing beats.
My chest recoils because I’m positive she’s going to turn around and flee…
But then she takes it.
I don’t break eye contact as I bring her out on stage, because I know once she gets a glimpse of the massive crowd, her fear will take over and she’ll bolt.
The closer we get to the mic stand, the more she trembles.
“Trust me,” I repeat as I maneuver her so she’s the one in front of the mic.
Then I move behind her.
Another wave of panic courses through her body, and she peers at me over her shoulder. “I c-can’t do this.”
I lock my arms around her waist, keeping her right where she’s meant to be. “Yes, you can.”
The intro cues up and the excitement and energy from the crowd is so tangible it buzzes through me like a current of electricity.
Like magic.
Five minutes before the concert started, I told Storm, Memphis, and the fill-in bassist that we were doing Sharp Objects for our last song tonight.
I just didn’t tell them Lennon would be the one singing it.
At least that was the plan…but she doesn’t make a sound.
She squirms in my arms, no doubt trying to run off, but I squeeze her tighter.
She’s got this. I know she does.
My lips brush the shell of her ear. “Close your eyes.” After they squeeze shut, I press a soft kiss to her temple. “And no matter what happens, don’t you fucking stop.”
The intro cues up again and I hold my breath for the first four bars, willing her to trust me…and her gift.
Then I hear it.
I’m tough as a nail
Sharp as a blade
Her hoarse, sultry tone reverberates through the speakers, filling the stadium. The first verse is a little shaky, but by the time she hits the chorus, her nerves dissipate and it’s goddamn perfection.
She grows stronger with every note, transforming into a fucking powerhouse.
A mixture of pride and exhilaration swells in my chest. She’s dominating the stage. Keeping us all prisoner.
I know without a doubt that every single person witnessing this realizes what I’ve known for years.
She’s special.
The tiny hairs on the back of my neck stand on end and goose bumps graze my arms as she belts the final verse.
She didn’t just kill it. She fucking slaughtered it.
Just like I knew she would.
The outro hasn’t even finished when the crowd erupts in cheers before rising to their feet…giving her a much-warranted standing ovation.
“Open your eyes.”
I don’t want her to miss this.
Because she deserves it.
A shiver runs through her and she audibly gasps.
I smile, soaking up the last few moments I’ll have with her in my arms. “You wanted to experience what it would be like to have a venue full of two thousand people listen to your song…but how’s ninety thousand?”
Her eyes are glassy when she turns to face me. “Thank you.”
No. I’m the one who should be thanking her.
I got to experience this magic and live my dream for over four years.
Because I stole it.
“I’ll never forget this,” she whispers. “It…that was incredible.”
Leaning down, I press my lips to her forehead. That was a solar eclipse.
Tonight will be the end of my career…but the beginning of hers.
Exactly how it should be.
CHAPTER 73
LENNON
Holy. Freaking. Shit.
I can’t believe that just happened. Singing my song in front of ninety thousand people surpassed even my wildest dreams.
My legs are shaky as I walk off the stage and there’s so much adrenaline pumping through me it makes my head spin.
That’s why he brought me here.
Skylar and Quinn are jumping up and down with excitement and I’m getting ready to join them…but Phoenix’s voice comes over the speakers.
“She’s an amazing singer, right? Almost like she was the one who was meant to sing that song.”
The crowd cheers, but I freeze.
Oh god.
The realization of what he’s about to do slams into me like a Category 5 hurricane.
I quickly turn back around. “Phoenix!” When he looks at me, I shake my head and mouth, ‘No.’
He doesn’t have to do this.
I don’t want him to do this. Not anymore.
This could very well ruin his career. Vic might drop him from the label.