Absorbed

http://emilysnowbooks.blogspot.com.br/

Updated in: 10/28/2013

ABSORBED is a FREE weekly mini-serial written in Lucas's POV. It takes place between the end of
Devoured: Chapter 19 (the Atlanta chapter) and the very start of Consumed, and will be published on Emily
Snow's blog and website from August 16 through September 13. CONSUMED will be released in eBook format
from Touchstone Books on September 17 and in paperback in November.

Summary

Lucas Wolfe has come close to happiness with Sienna, not once but twice. And both times hes lost
her because of his own fears. This time, he cant let her go so easilynot now that he realizes that the
one woman who said no is the one hes in love with. Sienna is good for his music, and his life, and
hes determined to show her that she belongs with him.
No matter what the consequences.

Prologue
Lucas

Wolfe

I knew it was over between Sienna and me a good 24 hours before shit really hit the fanbefore
tonight. Guess you can call it an assholes intuition or the fact that Sam, my ex, reared her greedy head
too fucking early. Ive realized that there would be nothing for me and Sienna when Atlanta ended
since the day we got here, and yet knowing how things would go still didnt stop me from taking her.
From making good on the promise I made to her two years ago. Ive finally claimed her, and now Ive
got no other choice but to let her go.

No, Ill have to make her go. Theres not a fucking chance that Red will leave me willinglynot
even after my ex-wife just threatened her. Theres one way to make her go and I already hate myself for
it.
Ill have to tear her down. Make her see me as the person she shouldve never fallen in love with.
Leaning my shoulder against the wall outside of the bathroom I saw Sienna disappear into a few
minutes ago, I wait for her, ignoring the strains of the guitar coming from the birthday party
happening down the hallway, ignoring the fire in my chest. I shouldnt have come here. I clench my
hands into tight fists. I shouldnt have brought her here when Sams been so bent on finding out who
she is.
I shouldnt have been so selfish.
But I am. Where Siennas concerned, I always have been.
I hear the door to the bathroom swing open. It bangs hard against the wall, and the worst type of
pain Ive ever known begins to eat its way through my stomach. Its one of those feelings that Ive only
gone through once beforebut for an entirely different reason.
Sienna walks in my direction, staring at the carpeted floor and running her hands up and down
the sides of the black lace dress that I had pushed up around her hips only a couple hours ago. When
she nearly runs into me, she stiffens. My muscles go taut, and I find myself clenching my hands again
so I wont touch her. Ive touched her enough, and even when this is all over and Ive convinced myself
Ive gotten her out of my system, I wont forget the way she felt.
I wont forget the way she made me feel.
Pushing stray pieces of her red hair away from her forehead, she trains her blue eyes on my face.
Im ready to go. Like her eyes, her voice is so cold that, for a second, I stand still studying her,
wondering what the fuck Sam has told her. The familiar wave of fear claws through my ribcage. Its a
bitter reminder of why Ive avoided falling in love for so long. The fear of Sam ruining me was
crippling enough that I didnt need love thrown in to fuck me over.
Sienna crosses her arms tightly over her chest, coming close to spilling out of that dress. That
part of me that needs to possess her, to protect her, nearly kicks in, but I inhale deeply through my
nostrils and keep myself from telling her to cover up.
Im ready to go, she repeats from between gritted teeth. When her expression doesnt change,
and I know without a doubt Sam hasnt told her anything, I jerk my head in a nod to the entrance of the
night club.
Cars already waiting.
I dont stop and tell Cilla goodbye before I leave, even though shell immediately notice that Im
gone. Shes the last thing on my mind right now because Sienna is here. And shes so close to
disappearing from my life again.
We dont talk as the driver takes us back to the Four Season. Were still quiet as hell even as we
enter the lobby and take the elevator up to our suite. But the moment we enter our room, she hurls her
purse across the room to where it spills out on the couch. Then she faces me.
I know that if I dont take this situation into my hands, Im going to lose it, too.

Sit down, I order, trying to keep my throat from constricting. She starts to question melike
she always doesbut I jerk my head to the couch again. Sit down.
As I watch her follow my directions, my chest seizes up. I dont want to do this shit. This is the last
thing Ive ever wanted to do, and being in this room with her is just making it worse. I need to end
things now so I can get her out of my life before she gets hurt. I owe her that much, even if Im burned
in the process.
I fucked up I begin, but my words catch. What am I supposed to say? I fucked up by using
you. Fucked up by bringing you here. I fucked up by falling in love with you.
I dont think she wants to hear any of that, especially when she starts crying.
As we go back and forth for the next few minutes, I keep my gaze away from hers. I keep myself
detached, not showing her any emotion. And finally, when I know were both at the point of breaking, I
clear my throat.
Youve got to go, I say. She says something in response, but my ears are ringing so goddamn
bad that its impossible for me completely comprehend what shes saying. Im dismissing you, I
continue, my voice sounding bored, cold. Youve fulfilled the terms of our contract.
She argues. She fights for mea fucked-up man who doesnt deserve even a fraction of who she is
but in the end, I win. I win when I tell her that Ill still give her back her grandmothers house,
which was her reason for agreeing to work for me to begin with. I win when I refuse to answer any of
her questions, when I let her know I dont owe her anything else. And I win when I leave.
But as I walk around Atlanta, finally ending up at the grimy old apartment building that I once
lived in when I was still married to Samantha, before Your Toxic Sequel hit it big, Im not so fucking
stupid that I dont know exactly how much Ive just lost.

Chapter One
Lucas Wolfe

My life is like a fucking blur over the next week.

I dont do muchhell, I spend the majority of my time alone at my house once I go back to Los
Angelesbut every move that I do make is haunted by her. By Sienna.
I must sound like a pussy for saying that, but I dont give a shit.
She should be here with me.
So since she isnt, I do my best to pour myself into my work, to drown out the memory of her with
music.
This is how my kid sister, Kylie, finds me one evening.
Ugh, it smells like smoke and booze in here, big brother, Kylie says the moment she slips into
my music room. Youre the epitome of EMO right now, Lucas. I just want you to know that, she adds.
Though Im somewhat surprised by her arrivalshe usually lets me know ahead of time if she
plans to stop by so she wont walk in on something shell regret seeingI ignore her, scribbling down

a line of shitty lyrics that barely make sense instead.

Kylie catches my attention again by plopping down on the leather couch directly across from
where
Im sitting and exhaling heavily. Have you talked to her?
Ever since I took Kylie to the DMV to get her replacement license earlier this week shes been on
my ass about contacting Sienna. For the hundredth time since my sister started hounding me, I hear
myself ask, Why? What good will it do if I get in touch with her?
Sighing, Kylie slouches over, resting her forearms on her thighs. Its never too late to make
things right.
More than anyone, my sister should realize that fixing fuck-ups is never that simple. I flick my
hazel eyes up from my notebook and take in the site of her pale skin. The gray smudges under her eyes
from lack of sleeping. She looks like shell break at any moment. Yeah, Kylie should know better.
Ive had to deal with Wyatt McCraes frantic calls about her since she came back from New
Orleans last week, but I wont say anything about that today. Not while shes still so visibly hurt by
whatever happened between them this time.
I take it you havent, Kylie says at last once she realizes that shes not going to get any type of
response from me. You disappoint me, Lucas.
Her words feel like claws down the side of my face, and I narrow my eyes into thin slits. Have
you contacted I begin, but once I see how her face falls, how her chest suddenly hitches, I catch
myself. Im a fucking monster for wanting to take my frustrations out on her simply because Im
hurting.
Have you talked to Sienna?
My sister relaxes, leans back and hugs her arms over her chest. The motion shifts her t-shirt, and
Im shocked that theres no fresh ink on the left side of her chest, which is covered in tiny blackbirds.
Getting a new bird immediately after a parting with Wyatt has always been Kylies thing.
She must realize where my thoughts have shifted to because she flushes and adjusts her shirt,
covering the majority of the blackbirds. No, I havent talked to her. Not because I dont want to, but
because shes disconnected her number. And thats why Im here.
My eyebrow jerks up in surprise. Even Lucas-Fucking-Wolfe cant make AT&T change someones
number back, Ky.
I need her address.
Dont you think you might piss her off by showing up at her house? Ive unraveled her so much
that, at this point, I wouldnt be surprised if she called the cops on my sister.
Dont you give a shit about what happens to her? Kylie counters. I feel like shes just punched
the air right out of my lungs.
If I didnt care about what happened to Sienna, she would be here with me right now, and thered
be no reason for Kylie to stop by and play therapist. I wouldnt care that my time with Sienna could be
cut short at any moment. I wouldnt care about what Sam would do to her, to me. I wouldnt give a fuck

about anything but making myself happy for however long that feeling would last.
No, I care too much.
I flip my notebook closed and shove it aside because its impossible for me to write anything
today.
She moved.
Youre lying.
I press my lips together and meet my sisters gaze full on. Our eyes challenge each other for
several seconds before I finally shake my head. I know where she used to live, but now Ive got no
clue.
Cant you find out?
No, I say. Because I shouldnt be a part of her life.
The determination leaves my sisters expression and is replaced by disbelief. Theres so much
that I want to say, but I doubt itll make a difference. And Im sure that even if I did, youd just throw
my own shit back into my face. But I know you dont want this. I know you must love
I cut her off before she goes too far. You must not know me all that well. It even sounds halfhearted, and Kylie gives me a grim smile.
Fair enough. I struggle to control my breathing as my sister gathers her belongings, stopping
to grab a stack of mail off the desk next to the couch. She says nothing more as she moves about the
room, but when she gets to the door she looks over her shoulder. Dont think for a second that I buy
any of that hard-ass crap. If I told you that I was over McCrae, would you believe me?
Despite the pain rolling through every part of my body, I allow the corners of my lips to lift into a
sorry excuse for a smile. No, I wouldnt buy that shit for a second.
Kylie grips the doorframe. Then make things right. Screw Sam, screw the past, screw being
afraid.
When she starts to leave, I clear my throat. Will you take your own advice? I demand. She
freezes, and I stare at her tensed back for a long pause before she glances back over her shoulder.
Yeah, eventually I will.
Fair enough.
I dont know if its Kylies words or need that drives me out of the house, but I find myself in my
car less than ten minutes later. I locate Siennas new apartment quickly, but I dont stop the Audi. Im
not ready for that yet, and to be honest, I dont think she is either.
I drive right past just as the plan to get her back hits me square in my fucking jaw. I fumble for my
phone and dial the one number that shows up in my call history more than any other, and the call
immediately goes to voicemail.
We need to talk, I say. None of your bullshit or crazy games, I just need to talk to you, Sam. I
know that she wont call me back until tomorrow or maybe even next week, but Ill be ready for her.
The moment I step into my empty house nearly an hour later, all thoughts of Sam leave my mind.

By the time I go into my music room, the only thing I can think of is Sienna. Her scent, her taste, the
way she fucking felt when I buried myself inside of her.
I pull out my notebook and guitar and begin to tell her everything.
Chapter Two
Lucas Wolfe

Over the next week, I write and rewrite my song for Sienna at least five times. Okay, seven fucking
times, and its not anywhere close to being done. How can I sum up how I feel about hermake up for
all my fuck-upsin four minutes? At this point, I need to write Red a damn book to get out everything
I want to say.
I decide to put the music aside for a couple days and focus on something else. Like getting in
touch with Sam because I need her out of my life to attempt to move forward with any type of normal
relationship with Sienna (and thats even if Sienna wants me after the shit I pulled). This is the longest
my ex has gone without calling me, without wanting something. Almost like a calm before the storm.
And then, she finally contacts me.
Sams text comes just as Im leaving the bank late in the afternoonwhich is ironically fitting
considering the way my relationship with my ex has turned into a financial nightmare for me over the
last few years. I pull off into a shopping center to read her message and respond.
4:43PM: You need me?
Questions like this from Samantha are always loadedalways a test. I need for her to leave me
alone. I need for her to stop holding shit over my head. I dont need her. Maybe Im wrong for feeling
that way now, but after everything thats happened, I cant even force myself to feel any of the love I
once felt towards her.
I feel fear and disappointment, pity and loathing. Not love.
I touch the mute button on my navigation screen to silence the Manson song thats playing on the
radio. For a moment, I think of what I should say to her, but then I say fuck it and get right to the
point.
4:48PM: Can you talk? We need to talk about this shit between us.
4:49PM: This shit between us?
4:49PM: Dont play games, Sam. You know exactly what I mean.
She doesnt answer right away. Probably coming up with ways to take advantage of the situation,
ways to squeeze more cash out of me before she commits to having an adult conversation. But when she
does eventually respond, she manages to surprise me.
Shes already in California. In Santa Monica, to be exact. And she wants to meet me in an hour.
Im almost expecting her to send one more message. A request for me to bring my checkbook or
something equally as fucked up, but she doesnt. And that makes me wonder what the hell shes got
planned.
And why is she even here in California in the first place?

I make it to the Pier with a half an hour to spare and go ahead in to the amusement park weve
agreed to meet at. Sams rarely ever on time, but shes already waiting for me near the entrance,
pacing in front of the food court and taking long drags on a cigarette.
She notices me almost immediately, despite my black beanie and sunglasses. Her gray eyes drag
over me, a mixture of appreciation, lust, and disgust filling them.
You still look like you, she comments, the moment Im within hearing distance. She nods to the
tattoos on my wrist, which are somewhat visible even though Im wearing long sleeves. Youre not
fooling anyone, Lucas-Fucking-Wolfe. You never have.
Keep it down, I warn. She starts to respond, but I pluck the cigarette from her mouth, drop it on
the ground and crush it beneath my shoe And dont do that in here.
She stands on her toesit doesnt help her much in the height department compared to meand
presses her thin body close to mine. Shes so fucking skinny. Like shes lost even more weight since I
last saw her, just a couple of weeks ago.
Afraid Ill get kicked out?
No, thinking some soccer mom will beat the shit out of you for blowing smoke in her kids face.
She lowers herself until shes standing flat on her feet and then leans back, glaring up at me with
eyes that look too big for her face. And here I was thinking you didnt care if I walked off the top of a
building, Lucas, she says, and I cock my head to the side and force the corners of my lips up. She
returns the expression.
Why are you here, Sam? I ask.
She ignores my question and instead, loops her arm through mine. I want to shake her off, but for
the sake of not making a scene, I let her hold on. Lets walk, she says. I dont miss the desperation in
her voice. Ive heard it so many times over the past few years that I can pick it out in a crowded room.
But fuck, its something I never want to hear.
We walk for a long time, all the way back to the Ferris wheel, before either of us say anything. At
last, I untangle myself away from her grip and touch either side of her shoulders gently. Im not
going to spend the rest of my life doing this with you, I tell her.
She sneers. Really, Lucas?
Ive never been more fucking serious in my life.
Sliding past me, she steps behind a few kids in line to ride the Ferris wheel. I stare at the back of
her head, at the smooth, short black hair that was colored red only a couple weeks ago. I watch the
way her shoulders tremble slightly beneath her thin gray t-shirt. The way she hugs herself tightly to
hold herself together. Stuffing my hands into the pockets of my jeans, I join her.
She doesnt meet my gaze when she says, Youre the one who fucked up.
Yeah, I say, and a pang of fear punches me in the chest. I did.
What exactly do you want from me?
For you to leave me alone. Ive paid youfuck me, Ive paid you. Its time we end this. If I want
to be with someone else, I should be able to

Her lips part open, but she quickly replaces her surprise with a sneer. Of course this is about the
bitch I met at Cillas party. Her voice deepens with anger when she references Sienna . . . and Cilla.
Its not about anyone. Its about me refusing to give you shit anymore.
Since there are people in front of us and behind, Sam isnt stupid enough to announce my secrets
to the worldnot when she believes that as long as she has it, she has me. When she finally decides to
answer me, she leans in close and the scent of alcohol and cigarette smoke fills my nose. If you want
her that much, tell her the truth. Tell her what happened. Im sure Sienna is just dying to know
everything about Lucas-Fucking-Wolfe. Im sure shell understand why you fucked up.
Not happening, I say through clenched teeth.
Scared you might lose control of her?
And then something hits me. Like a fucking sack of bricks to the face. Sam wants me to lose
control. Maybe even more than she wants my money. And now, somehow, she knows Siennas name. Is
that why youre here? To see Sienna?
Sam keeps her eyes straight ahead on the amusement park ride in front of us. Her lips barely move
when she says, Yes.
Chapter Three
Lucas Wolfe

Fury races through every vein in my body as I stare down at Sam. A tiny smile tilts the corners of
her lips up, but I don't know whether she's mocking me or about to burst in tears in hopes that Ill pity
her. With Sam, either is possible, and right now, either will just piss me off even more. "Why?" I
demand. "Why the fuck would you want or need to go to Sienna?"
Its a dumb question, and I know she thinks so too because she blinks a few times. Visiting Sienna
would give her more control. Give her something to use against me. Its that simple.
Sam crosses her thin arms over her chest again and rocks back on her heels. She shakes her head
in disbelief. "God, Lucas. Do you really think I'd--" she begins in a harsh whisper, but the kid behind
us in line interrupts.
"Dude, are you riding?" he demands. Sams back straightens and she turns slowly, staring the kid
down with a dark look that doesnt seem to affect him. Hes, at the most, ten or eleven, and I start to
pull her off before she can cuss him out and get herself arrested. She dodges my hand, stepping aside.
She sweeps her skinny arm out in the direction of the amusement park attendant. "Go for it." Once
the kid has slipped between us, Sam refocuses her attention back to me, granting me a withering look. I
break eye contact first by walking away. I'm done with her games, and that's all this is. More of Sam's
bullshit. And like always, shes not done yet. She catches up to me quickly, out of breath with strands of
her hair blowing into her gray eyes.
"Don't you want to know if I'm planning on seeing her or not?" she demands, and I release a low
laugh that sounds more like a growl.
"You're not. And I feel like an ass for even letting what she said a few minutes ago affect me.
You wanted to meet me to play games. Fuck you."

She stops and grabs my wrist, digging her long fingernails into the star tattoos there. It doesnt
hurtnot the way she wants it to. "You love her." It's not a question, but a statement, and it
automatically sends a warning siren blaring through my skull.
"About as much as I love you, I tell her, enunciating each word to drive the point home.
She does a shitty job hiding the way she flinches. I watch her carefullythe way she brings her
hand up to cover her mouth as if she's stifling a giggle, the way her chest rises and falls heavilyand I
know Ive given her the right answer. The type of answer that hurts. The type of answer that will keep
her from Sienna.
"You make me sick," she finally says, and I cock my head to one side.
"You forgot to tell me you love me first. Isn't that how it usually goes? You tell me you still want
me and then tell me to go eat a dick."
Grabbing the front of my shirt, she brings herself to her toes and gets her face as close to mine as
she can. "I could ruin you."
I pull her off me, untangling her fingers from my shirt. I force a smile that nearly breaks my
goddamn face. The last thing I need is to find my picture on the front of some tabloid for getting into it
with her in public. "You already have.
Already what? she demands.
Ruined me.
When I turn to leave her standing in front of a family bathroom, she lets out a strangled noise
from the back of her throat. "You're going?"
I turn around to face her, but continue to walk backwards towards the exit. Away from this woman
whos made the last few years of my life a bigger nightmare than I'd already made for myself. "There's
not shit else to say to you."
"But you need me," she says, and though she doesn't say anything else, the rest of her words linger
in the air.
You need me if you want to be happy. You need me to let you go before you do.
I turn my back to her in time to maneuver around a family that's making their way toward the park
attractions. As I leave, I say in a quiet voice, "When you figure out how we'll make that happen, when
you're done playing gamesyou fucking let me know."
I know shes close enough to hear me.

***
Keeping with tradition, Sam doesn't call or text me for the next five days. By the weekend, I start
the mental countdown because I know it's only a matter of days before I hear from her. I busy myself
with musicmostly my solo project but stuff for the band, too.
Which is a disaster since Sinjin, our drummer, is in rehab the next couple of months.
"Can you at least pretend this isnt a waste of your time?" Wyatt asks me. It's Saturday night, and
weve been sampling material for our new album with Cal, our lead guitarist, since mid-afternoon

inside the small studio in my house. Cals been outside for the last 30 minutes taking a call, leaving me
in here with Wyatt who wants to talk about nothing but our tour thats coming up this summer.
This is the first time since we formed the damn band that I dont want to go on tour.
"I want to be here," I say, and he gives me a skeptical look. "Just upstairs in my bed."
"Pathetic." He shakes his head and opens his mouth to continue. I cut him off.
"This is coming from the same mother fucker who called me crying his ass off about my sister for
two weeks." Which would still be the case if Kylie hadn't contacted him to work things out a few days
ago. Being able to call her bullshit when shes said she's done with him has always been an extra
talent of mine, but this time when she said she was done, I believed her.
Guess my bullshit detection skills have gone to hell along with my ability to make music.
"There's no shame in picking up the phone and calling Sienna, Wolfe."
"Did Kylie put you up to this?"
There's a look of surprise on his face, but then he sets the guitar hes been strumming to the side
and stretches his arms out on the back of the couch. "We haven't had time to talk about your problems."
I don't know if he's implying that he's been too busy screwing my sister or fighting with her, but
it's not something I want to hear. "I still want to fuck you up for what you did to her."
"We're working it out. But your problems . . ."
Again with that shit. I start to tell him to get the fuck out of my house but then my phone vibrates
from the keyboard bench. I turn it over and scan the screen, reading the text Cal sent. Cal already
left. Something came up.
Wyatts on his feet before Im finished talking, heading toward the door. When he turns around to
face me again, he releases a long breath and scratches his head. Fuck, dont look at me like that. Go
out. Get her out of your system if youre not going to see her. But dont sit around doing this.
I put my phone back down on the bench and pick up the half-empty beer thats sitting on the
corner. Ive been drinking it for the past hour. Tell Kylie to call me tomorrow.
He leaves then, muttering something under his breath that I dont manage to make out. For a long
time, I stay in the music room, nursing the same Sam Adams. Fucking pathetic. Just like Wyatt said.
When I finally get up long after both Cal and Wyatt leave, I dont go upstairs to my bed like I
originally planned.
Chapter Four
Lucas Wolfe

Tonight, I drive my Jeep, which Ive had since the Sam Days, because its low-key. I dont drive
to Siennas place, even though its a place where I know Id find the most happiness. Instead, I go out
to one of the local bars that I frequent when Im home in Los Angeles. Located downtown, its a little
shithole thats nestled between a larger bar and a nightclub. I always go there for the cheap beer, good
music, and the crowda bunch of regulars who give no fucks about whether or not Im Lucas Wolfe or
a bum with a few dollars to spend.

Its busy tonight, so it takes me a few laps around the area to find a decent parking space. When I
finally do park the Jeeptwo blocks from the barI feed about twenty dollars in change that I find in
my center console and cup holders into the meter. Sleeping in too late is a constant curse of mine when
it comes to late night drinking, and Ive had my car towed before after failing to pick it up on time. The
hassle of getting it back always pisses Kylie off and things are strained enough with my little sister
thanks to what happened with Sienna.
Get Red out of your head, mother fucker. At least for tonight, I tell myself.
Shoving my keys into my pocket, I walk the two blocks to the bar quickly. The security guard
doesnt stop me to check my ID. He steps aside, lifts his chin slightly in acknowledgement and gives me
a shit-eating grin. I havent been here in a while, but the last time I left with one of the bartenders.
As I settle into a seat at the dimly lit bar, my phone vibrates. At first, I ignore it and focus my
attention on Drowning Pools Bodies, but after it buzzes a few more times, I drag it out of my pocket.
Im not surprised to find a string of messages from my sister.
11:29 PM: Are you alright?
11:44 PM: Because Wyatt said youre having a hard time.
11:48 PM: Lucas?
Making a mental note to strangle the shit out of Wyatt the next time I see him, I let out a
frustrated sigh as I message her back. Im nowhere near as quick as Kylie, and no sooner than I let her
know that Im alright and that I hope she has a good night not screwing with me, she responds again.
11:52 PM: You answered too fast . . . . Did something happen?
One of the bartendersthankfully not the same one who took me home a couple months ago
leans across the counter and her lips thin into a wide smile. Relax, Mr. Rockstar. Youre about to
break that thing. She dips her head down to the phone Im clutching in the palm of my hand. I glance
at it too and loosen my grip, earning a thats better from the blonde. Havent seen you around in a
long time. Busy?
For a few seconds, I try like hell to come up with her name. I drag my eyes over her, searching for
a nametag. When I dont see one, I lift the corners of my mouth and shrug. New music and shit.
Well then Im glad youve been away. Slinging her long blonde hair over one of her bare
shoulders, she straightens her back but not before purposely squeezing her tits together so that they
come close to spilling over the top of her black halter. I fucking adore your music. She winks one of
her heavily-lined dark eyes at me, which is a clear invitation. I give her a dick response by asking for
my usual, seasonal Sam Adams, and her smile grows even wider.
I follow her movements as she grabs my drink, which are all a little more dramatic and sensual
than they normally would be, and finally spot her nametag pinned to the bottom of her shirt. She
pretends to be oblivious to the appreciative grins of the rest of the mother fuckers sitting at the bar
when she returns to me with one bottle more than I asked for, which I gratefully accept. Want me to
start a tab for you?
I take a gulp of the beer, downing more in twenty seconds than Ive drank all night, before
nodding. Ill be here awhile.
Want me to hold on to your keys? she asks.

Its yet another invitationone that any other man at this bar would grab and fuck in a second
but Im not them. I shake my head. Ive got good self-control.
She takes a step backward, wiping her hands on the fronts of her tight jeans. Oh, Ive heard. Let
me know if you need anything, kay?
Dont worry, I will.
She focuses her efforts on another customer, leaving me to my beer and my misery. I sit, hunched
over my drink, wondering what the fuck is wrong with me. Two months ago and I would have taken the
bartender back to a hotel and taken everything she was willing to give me.
Nownow Im this.
So fucked up that I can even hear Siennas soft, Southern accent over the sound of Slipknots
Snuff playing on the jukebox.
I tip my beer bottle up and down the rest of my drink. I drink the second one a little quicker, trying
my goddamn best to pretend like I dont still hear Siennas voice as I drink. When I finish it in record
time, I signal the bartender. She holds up a finger, indicating that itll be just a moment, and I give her
a nod. When she turns back to her customer, I let my gaze follow, and for a second, Im left wondering
where Ive seen the dark-haired woman before.
Did I fuck her?
I shake that thought out of my head because I remember every one-night stand and every second
of on-the-road sex Ive ever gotten.
Is she one of Kylies friends?
But I wipe that idea away almost as quickly as the last. My sister doesnt do female friends, she
doesnt trust anyone but her friend Heidi.
So why the fuck do I recognize the brunette?
A backstage pass, maybe? Or a benefit? Or a
And then it comes to me like a kick square in my ballsan old memory of standing outside of an
apartment a couple years ago, ready to apologize for my most recent fuck-up, and this woman
answering the door.
Telling me that her roommate, Sienna, was gone.
Chapter Five
Lucas Wolfe

I start to drag my eyes away from the woman and put her out of my mind because Ive told myself
I wouldnt think about Sienna tonight, but the flash of a long, vivid red ponytail stops me. Hell, it
nearly makes me lose my breath. And as Sienna slides into the seat next to the woman and straightens
the strapless top that came down with the motion, its impossible for me to look away from her. Shes
that fucking beautiful. Cupping her hand over her mouth, she bends until her lips are level with the
other womans ear and whispers something that causes them both to laugh.
My plan to forget her flies out this dingy ass bar because I want to hear her laugh. I want to feel

her hands touching me. And I want to touch her.

This is my chance. My opportunity to tell her how I feel without songs or elaborate gimmicks, and
I know I need to take it. I drop my gaze down to my empty bottles and then drag it back up to Sienna.
Shes sipping on something thats pink and fruity-looking, and though my eyes are burning into her, she
doesnt glance across the bar at me. Instead, she lowers her glass to the bar counter and rubs the
palms of her hands across her cheeks, wiping away tears of laughter. Its a bitter, gut-twisting
reminder that the last time I saw her, the last time I held hershe had been crying for an entirely
different reason. Because of me.
Sorry it took so long, the bartender is out of breath as she walks back over to me. She slides
another Sam Adams into my palm, taking the extra time to close my fingers around the cold glass. You
know how this place goes. Some nights were dead and then others were like
Whats she having?
The blondes pretty features draw together into a deep frown as she turns slowly and follows the
direction of my gaze. Which one? The disappointment in her tone is unmistakable.
The redhead, I start, but then I hear the way of my voice soundslike a fucking virgin finding
his first Belladonna movie onlineand I scale it back. Just wanted to send her a drink. She did some
work on one of our videos a few years ago. Wanted to tell her thanks for . . . putting up with my
bullshit.
Relaxing her frown into an easy smile, the blonde bobs her head. Ah, okay. God, you know
everyone dont you? She glances back over her shoulder at me, and I look her in the eye, trying to
keep my gaze off of Sienna so that I can keep the dumbass look of excitement off my face. Ive never
put much stock in fate, but if this isnt it, what the hell is?
The bartender clears her throat and turns her gaze back to Sienna and the brunette. Should I tell
her its from you and what its for? Last thing I want to do is piss off the guy shes with, you know?
What? That single word comes out too sharp, too loud, and too emotional. The bartender must
catch it too because she turns all the way around to face me quickly, her mouth parted in surprise. For
the first time since I got here tonight, I actually pay attention to the tiny nametag pinned to the hem of
her halter top. Shit, sorry. I . . . I just didnt catch what you said, Luisa?
You sure I dont need to take your keys? she demands teasingly as she bends her face close to
me, no doubt to make sure I dont reek of hard liquor she probably thinks I downed before coming here.
Once shes satisfied, she moves back a little and jerks her thumb over her shoulder. The redhead came
in with some blonde guy who Her eyes focus on something a few feet away from me, and she stands
upright. She came in with that guy.
I force my gaze to where shes pointing her long, black-painted fingernaila blonde guy, just like
she said. I know I shouldnt look, because I know its whatll hurt the most, but I watch as he joins
Sienna and her roommate. I watch as he touches his chin to the top of Reds hair, before bending to
whisper something into her ear. She grins before spinning around on the bar stool and throwing her
arms around his shoulders. And I watch as he returns the gesture, splaying the large palm of his hand
out on her slim back and rubbing his fingers in a circular motion in the spot where her bra clasps
together beneath the thin fabric of her strapless top.
I watch all of it, and I realize that I havent felt so fucking sick, so ripped apart in four years.

Look, I can send her the drink, the bartender starts hesitantly. I just didnt want any
misunderstandings. My boss would freak. She gives me a sympathetic smile because all of the bitter
emotions that are causing the inside of my chest to feel it is seconds from exploding must be playing
out on my face.
Siennas moved on.
Shes fucking moved on already, and its barely been a month.
And the worst part of it all is that I know she deserves it. She deserves to be happy after what Ive
put her through not once, but twice.
But even the regret, the knowledge that Im the cause of all of thiseven that doesnt make shit
better for me. It doesnt stop the fact that I wish I could trade places with that blonde mother fucker
across the bar, just to be with her right now.
Dont send it to her, I hear myself say, and Luisa grants me a swift, obedient nod.
You got it.
I dont have to ask her for another beer, and then the next two that come after that. She brings
them to me easily. She doesnt mention Sienna again because Reds whole party leaves the bar shortly
thereafter, never noticing me. The next time Luisa mumbles more than a couple words to me is just as
the bar is closing. She leans over the bar, like she did earlier, and looks me in the eye.
You need a ride home. Its not a question, but a statement, and I smirk at her.
Looks like I fucking do.
Ill drive you in twenty.
Chapter Six
Lucas Wolfe
When the bartender drops me off at my place a little after five in the morning, my plan is to keep
my ass in bed all day. To sleep off my bad mood and the hangover. My plan is shot to hell when Kylie
shows up at my place at 10:30. I know its her and not some intruderthough as fucked up as it
sounds, I think I would prefer the intruder if they left me aloneby the sound of her footsteps on the
steps. Kylie always takes them two at a time.
Are you decent? she demands in a muffled voice outside of my closed bedroom door. I drag my
pillow over my face, smothering my groans. This isnt the first time Ive regretted giving her a key to
my place, and unless I take it back today, it wont be the last time. Brennas with me, and I dont want
you scaring her.
BrennaWyatts daughter from a one-night stand eight years ago. My sister has always been a
part of the kids life, but since she re-established her relationship with Wyatt, shes been spending more
and more time with Brenna. And it fucking worries me. I dont want to see my sister hurt.
Uncovering my face, I hurl the pillow across my room. It hits the door, and Kylie murmurs
something thats barely audible as I glare up at the ceiling fan. Thought you didnt stalk on
Sundays? I growl.
Can I come in?

Knock yourself out.

She opens the door tentatively, a couple of inches at a time, until shes standing in the doorway
wearing a look thats part amused, and part stern. Its a look thats already driving me bat-shit insane,
and she hasnt even said anything yet. I called you this morning and wanted to check up on you when
you didnt answer. And your Jeep is missing.
It wont be towed this time, I promise. She leans against the doorframe, crossing her arms over
her chest. I ignore her skeptical smirk and sit up in the bed, glancing around her. Wheres Brenna?
I turned on the TV downstairs. The moment the scowl forms on my face, Kylie drops her arms
by her sides and comes all the way into the room. Her frown challenges my own. God, calm down.
Shes not four, I promise shes not going to get into any of your shit
The sound of your voice is killing me. I dont want to start Kylie on explanations. Not today.
Now that Im up, all I want is breakfast and something to help kill this goddamn headache. I point at
her and turn my finger in a circular motion. She doesnt protest, but faces the open bedroom door and
stares out into the hallway.
Rough night? she asks.
I roll out of bed and walk across the carpet. Ive sure as fuck had better. I grab some boxers
from one of the top drawers and yank them on. Im decent enough now.
Nodding, she turns around to face me. While I search for a pair of gym shorts, she sits on the edge
of my bed. I dont miss the sideways look she casts down at my tangled up bedspreads.
Groaning, I shake my head. Ive brought very few women home with me, and one of those was the
one whos been fucking with my mind for weeks. Relax. I dont bring them back here, Ky, so youre not
sitting where I fucked her.
Half a dozen emotions form on my sisters face at once. Disgust. Disappointment. Irritation. All of
them make me sick to my stomach, so I keep my gaze off of Kylies brown eyes as I yank on a pair of
Nike shorts. Nice, Lucas. Really nice, she finally says. She scuffs the soles of her blue Converse
together for a moment and then sighs. If youre expecting me to bitch, you shouldnt.
Get up, I order. She complies by moving a few feet away from the bed to sit on the black chair
thats adjacent from the bed. And no, I didnt expect you to bitch. Just dont like when you give me
that look.
She shrugs and brings her knees up to her chest, wrapping her arms around them. Guess Im
hoping for a happily ever after.
From a fucked-up asshole and a woman who wont even return your calls. Fuck, let me rephrase
that. From a woman who has already changed her number. You should expect the worst.
Kylie flinches. What happened? She places her chin on the tops of her knees and follows my
movements carefully as I make my bed.
Shes already moved on.
You dont know that, she says. When the muscles in my back tighten, she sucks in a breath
through her teeth. You saw herdid you see her out with someone else?
Im not going to confirm it directlybecause I dont want to face the fucking emotions that it

sends rolling through meso I slam one of my pillows into place and shrug. Shit happens.
Kylie lets go of her legs and stretches them back down to the floor. She rakes her hand through
her short, black and blue hair and presses her lips together into a thin line, working them back and
forth. Trying to come up with what to say to make me feel better. It only makes me uncomfortable.
I sit on the side of the bed facing her, gripping the mattress tightly. Dont you need to go check
on Brenna?
Nodding, my sister rises to her feet. She smiles one of those smiles that wont reach her eyes. Im
used to seeing her look like that when it comes to Wyatt, but never with me. Pull your shit together,
big brother. You want her. Youre in love with her. So do something about it. She walks to the door,
shoving her hands deep into the pockets of her jeans. Besides, youre not exactly playing the part of
Mr. Innocent. Just calm the hell down and fix things, okay?
I give her a tight-lipped smirkand Ive been doing a lot of that latelyand I nod my head.
Thanks for the advice.
She lifts her shoulders slightly, and my gaze drops to her giant cluster of blackbird tattoos. Even
though she knows Im looking, she doesnt move to cover them up like she used to. Youre the one who
wasted your ten days with her and got only eight because of your stupidity.
And thanks for shooting me in the balls.
Her eyebrows draw together in sympathy. Ill come tomorrow to do, you know, actual work.
Trying to tell me something?
She walks backwards into the hallway, her hands still in her pockets. That it would be nice for
you to get off your ass and make music and give me some errands to run so I can get paid.
Noted. I wait until she and Brenna are gone, and I see her tiny car leave my driveway, to go
downstairs. Im in the middle of ordering lunch when I realize just how important Kylies words to me
are. How theyre what Ive been looking for.
I forget about lunch, forget everything else, as I write the first two lines of Siennas song. A song
that I dont know if shell ever hear, but one Ive got to write so I can get her the fuck out of my system.
Im the one who wasted ten days, trading it in for eight
And I know youre probably saying, fuck me right now . . .
Before I grab my guitar and put music to the words, I send Kylie a text.
11:08 AM: Be here first thing tomorrow. Shit to do.
She takes awhile to respond, but when she finally does, there are no words on the screen. Just a
few symbols in the shape of a heart.
Chapter Seven
Kylie Wolfe

Ive spent enough time with my older brother to know precisely when hes lying to me. Lucas is
usually too direct for his own damn good, so its easy to pick up when hes being an evasive bull-

shitter. When Brenna and I left his house yesterday afternoon, I was certain that he came home after
drinking the night beforeand after seeing Sienna with another manby himself. Even if hed wanted
to get Sienna out of his system, or get back at her, he hadnt slept with someone else.
Id seen it in his eyes when he told me that she moved on, and that along with hearing the break in
his voice had made my heart skip a beat.
My brother is in love. Chaotic, painful, heartbreaking love with a woman who loves him back.
Theyre in love, and theyre not doing shit about it.
And I hate that theyre nothell, probably just as much as Lucas himself. Its ate at me since the
time I left Lucass place yesterday to this morning, and Im on the verge of calling him out the moment
I show up to work. Ive got my rant prepared. Im even ready to hear him throw my own shit into my
face.
Except, after I let myself into Lucass house, and I find him in his infamous music room with his
notebook beside of him and his acoustic guitar pulled out, I find the words I was going to say getting
caught in the back of my throat.
I stand in the doorway, listening intently as he strums his Gibson and sings along, his voice so
quiet that I cant hear just what hes saying. What I do know right away is that its a love song. And I
can almost guarantee that its for her.
Lucas plays a few more notes and then sits the guitar to the side. He scribbles something
probably lyricsinside of his notebook and then lifts his gaze to mine, staring me down with expectant
hazel eyes. Youve got something on your mind, Ky.
Youre writing her a song. I walk inside the room and sit down across from him. I lean closer to
the ottoman thats separating us in hopes that Ill be able to get a good look at what hes working on
before he tells me to fuck off. He places the notebook in front of me and slides it in my direction until it
bumps against my knees. My mouth literally drops open. You want me to read it?
One of Lucass dark eyebrows jerks up, and he shakes his head slowly. No shit.
Keeping my gaze on his, I grip either side of the notebook. Are you finished with it?
At first he nods, but then he pauses and shakes his head, causing his shaggy dark hair to fall into
his eyes. Just about. Made a few calls this morning. Trying to get it on the solo project, so Im going
to bust my fucking balls finishing it up.
The last time Lucas had me take a look at one of his songs before it was finished he scrapped the
entire damn thing claiming hed finish later. I absolutely refuse to let this song receive that same fate,
especially if he plans to release it on his solo album. I push the notebook back toward my brother.
Then maybe you should wait and
Shaking his head, he grabs my hands. Just read the fucking song, Kylie.
I keep my eye on him as I sit back in my chair until the cushions mold against my back. When I
dont look away, he jabs his finger at the music Im holding.
Ten Days, I read aloud. Its a fitting title considering the terms of Lucass agreement with
Sienna, but I dont offer any useless commentary as I read the lyrics carefully. My brothers written
plenty of angsty songs that have completely pulled me in, but this is the first time that I feel physical
pain in my chest. Hes apologizing, and its raw and real, but hes also making demands.

Hes telling her that theyre not finished, no matter what has happened between them.
When Im done, I lean forward and carefully place the lyrics down on the ottoman. I remain
sitting like this, with my elbows on my thighs, staring down at the hastily written words on the page
until they all blur together.
Wow, I finally murmur.
You sound surprised.
I drag my brown eyes up to his. The look on his face is familiar. Its not the cockiness that usually
makes me want to knee my older brother in the groin but confidence that I havent seen often since he
returned from Atlanta without Sienna. No, Im not surprised.
Im impressed, I tell him.
He grins. Fan-fucking-tastic.
While Lucas gets back to work, he gives me the first bit of work Ive done in days: verifying the
flight and hotel arrangements for an awards show that Your Toxic Sequel is supposed to be presenting
at next month. I dont tell him that I checked up on the details of the event not even a week ago because
I dont want a repeat of any of the bad luck weve had this year with traveling.
Im just about to leave the little office that I use when I come in to help Lucas out when I see the
copy of the paperwork from the house Lucas had bought in Nashville. Siennas grandmothers house.
The papers are trapped beneath a paperweight shaped like a guitar, and at first, I consider leaving
them down here and not even touching them.
But as I open up the office door to go back downstairs, I hear the sound of Lucass guitar as it
strums through the chords of Siennas song once again. I hear hopefulness and need and love. And as
my eyes land on the top sheet of the paperworkthe contact sheetI realize what I need to do.
When I say that Im leaving for the day and that Ill come back tomorrow, Lucas is so consumed
by his music that he barely acknowledges me. He doesnt even glance up at me when I come right out
and say that Im going to get Siennas address.
So when I call her grandmother as I drive home, I convince myself that Im making the right
decision and that Lucass doesnt mind at all.
Chapter Eight
Lucas Wolfe

By early Thursday afternoon, nearly five weeks after I sent Sienna away, Im satisfied enough
with the song, and lyrics, that I know Ten Days will be the first single released on my solo project.
Itll replace Your Best Disastera song I wrote nearly a year ago after getting called that (along
with a few other names) by some groupie after a show in North Carolina. It hadnt been my finest
momentId treated her like shitbut then, outside of music, Ive had very few fine moments over the
last several years.
As soon as Kylie comes in with lunch from her favorite fast food place, In-N-Out, I follow her into
my kitchen and task her with making some calls to my label about the future of the song Ive written
for Sienna. As soon as shes acknowledges that shell make a few calls as soon as shes done with

lunch, I add, Its got to be the first song, first music video, first everything on that album. You
understand?
She glances up from the pack of fries she just placed on the center island. This is a first, you
know? She opens her mouth to say something else but immediately shuts it, clacking her teeth
together hard in the process. I lean my shoulder up against the fridge behind me and motion my hand
for her to continue. She groans, but after downing a couple of ketchup-drenched fries, she lifts her
shoulders dramatically and places her elbows on the black countertop. I roll my eyes, waiting for
Kylie to start the theatrics. Shes good about that. You usually like dealing with them yourself. Guess
Im used to just being your laundry bitch.
You underestimate yourself, I say. You do travel and other shit, too. And you hack my bank
accountsthats got to count for something.
She narrows her dark brown eyes at me and hurls a few French fries across the kitchen, none of
which actually make contact, except for the one I reach out and grab. I fling it back in her direction
where it catches in her short black and blue hair.
Your aim is shit, I say with a grin.
You played baseball in school, I never claimed. I was an athlete. She takes her elbows off the
island and sits back on the bar stool behind her. I wont be here tomorrow afternoon, by the way.
When I lift an eyebrow, she runs her hand through her hair. Im bored with my hair color. Thinking
about pink or green or something new.
Im not sure what I think about something new, but I nod anyway as I turn to leave the room.
Pointing at the fries she threw at me a few minutes ago, I glance back over my shoulder. Make sure
you clean that shit up. I nearly make it out of the kitchen and into the dining room, but of course my
sister has something else to say. When the fuck doesnt she?
Are you leaving?
I face her, all the while continuing to walk backwards in the direction of the front foyer. Ive got
an appointment.
Let me guess, a financial appointment? Kylie demands, and theres no way in hell I can miss
the sarcasm dripping from her voice. She would automatically assume this is Sam related, and just like
always, shes fucking right. My ex-wife had called me this morning wanting to talk again, and because
its been weeks since the bullshit she pulled in Santa Monicabecause I still want her to get the hell
off of my back so I can move onI agreed to what she asked of me.
Well, is it Samantha? Kylie asks.
The slight quirk of my lips is just as sardonic as my sisters forced grin. Do your job. I turn back
around just as she takes a giant, angry bite of her burger. Being Kylie, shes got to have the last word,
and Im just about to close the house door behind me when I hear her voice.
I wont have a job if you keep doing this crap, she yells. I choose not to respondwhat the fuck
do I even say to that other than something that will hurt her feelingsand slam the door.
The trip to my bank takes surprisingly less time than usual, and as soon as Ive sent the wire over
to Sam, I call her.
Because its dealing with money, she picks up on the second ring. She breathes into the phone for

a few seconds like a goddamn creeper, and then she says in a deflated voice, Its already showing up
in my account.
I tighten my grip on the steering wheel and sneer. Nice to know youre on top of shit. I can
almost picture itSam in her luxury apartment in Atlanta, sitting on that expensive ass white leather
couch with a cigarette dangling out of her mouth as she continuously refreshes her bank account. The
thought makes me a little sick to my stomach, but I ignore it. The amount I sent today seemed like
pennies in comparison to what my ex usually demands.
When shed told me the amount she expected this morning, Id been shocked, but she quickly
assured me how serious she was. Two payments, she said. One now, one later this year. Then Im
done.
Done with what? I had asked cautiously.
Done with this. With you. Well finish it up, and Ill just pretend like you dont exist. Like
nothing youve done exists.
My stomach and chest was on fire from the guilt and humiliation and anger, but I still managed to
respond. But then wholl pay for your rent and your bullshit? My voice was far crueler than I
intended, but I couldnt help it. Hearing her say that shed just pretend like the last several years
didnt exist after putting me through so much shit and blackmailing me drove me over the edge.
Ill pay it myself, shed finally said, and I resisted the urge to snort. We both knew that shed
blow that money an hour after it hit her account.
Lucas, her voice says hoarsely, dragging me back to the present and into my car. Ill call you
when Im ready for the rest.
I swing my Audi into traffic and take a deep breath. No doubt in my mind that you will. I'm not
sure if she heard half of that, because when I call her name a moment later, she's already hung up.
As disgusted as I am with Sam, and with myself for feeding her chaos over the last four and a half
years, Im a little grateful for her as I sit in traffic. The conversation I had with her this morningthe
one that pushed me over the edgeit was exactly what I had needed to finish Ten Days.
Chapter Nine
Lucas Wolfe

For the next two and a half weeks I bust my ass getting Ten Days ready to go on my solo album.
Its time-consuming, but worth it, giving me that creative high that I havent felt in nearly two months.
Right after I record the songand it takes me several takes to get the version that Im most satisfied
with, which is simple, acousticKylie calls while Im at a bar to let me know that Sinjin is finally
being released from rehab. At first, Im hesitant to agree to see him right away. Im not as pissed about
what happened back in Nashville between him and Sienna; Ive had two months to cool off from all the
fucked up things he said to her when he was messed up. What Im worried about is Sins reaction to
seeing me.
Ive known him since I was a kid. I know how his mind works. And I know hes tortured over what
happened. Seeing me will just add to that torment.
Dont be ridiculous, Lucas, Kylie says impatiently when I tell her whats on my mind. Of

course he wants to see you. Dont be a douche friend. Even though shes not in front of me right now,
Im able to picture her brown eyes squinted into a frown as she runs her hands through her newly
colored hairthe worst goddamn combination of red and blondin frustration.
Stop playing band mediator. Which is what Kylies been doing for a long time now. Shes been
convinced since the very beginning that YTS is going to break up at any moment. Kylie makes a low
noise on the other line, and I groan. But relax, Im going to go. Still, I clench my fingers around the
lukewarm glass as I down the rest of my beer. I signal for Luisa who quirks her lips sympathetically as
she nods.
My sister sighs. Good. So, Ill see you tomorrow? I told Sin Id pick him up in the afternoon so I
can be at your place to get you around
Ill come get you, I interrupt. Kylies little car fucks me and my forehead over every time I get
in it, she cant drive my Jeep because its a stick, and I dont trust her enough to give her the keys to
my Audi yet. See you at eleven. Luisa slides my drink across the bar counter toward me, and I mouth
a thank you. She winks at me then turns away to wipe down the counter.
You better not be late.
Whatever, see you tomorrow. She doesnt have a chance to respond before I hang up, and I mute
my phone before shoving it into the pocket of my jeans.
Trouble with the redhead? Luisa asks, pretending to be interested in a spot of abso-fuckinglutely nothing on the counter.
I cock an eyebrow at her. Hmm?
The redhead who was in here the night I drove you home, she says. When my gaze remains hard,
she glares down at the counter and scrubs more furiously. I assumed youd gotten back together, and
maybe that was her.
The only thing Id told Luisa the last time I was here was that Sienna had worked on the All
Over You music video. And the closest Id come to mentioning being in a relationship is when, instead
of going back to her place, we hit a 24-hour restaurant. She told me about her most recent exsome
motherfucker whose wife had slashed her tires and busted out her windshield two months ago. Id told
her I screwed up, that I was fixing things. She hadnt asked me to go home with her again after that.
Youre being summoned. I point behind Luisa to the loud ass group waving her down on the
other side of the bar. She drops the cloth to the counter, and as she starts to leave, I say quietly, It
wasnt her.
She nods slowly. For what its worth, I hope things work out for you. She bites her bottom lip.
Even if you did turn me down.
Im not what you want, I say, my voice colder than I intend. Luisa shakes her head.
What-the-fuck-ever, Wolfe. She stops biting her lip and spins around, glancing over her
shoulder once just to see if Im checking out her ass. When she realizes that Im not, she gives me a
disappointed smile. Let me know if you need anything.
She doesnt make her way back over to me before I leave ten minutes later, and though Im sure
its intentional, I wave before I step out the front door.

***
For the first time in what seems like years, I dream that night. Not about any of my regrets or
fuck-ups, not about some random bullshit, but about her. Sienna. About the day she spent with me in
Atlanta right before I screwed things up with her. Shes in that Four Seasons hotel bed with me back in
Atlanta, with her hair spread around her, her pink lips curved into a soft smile.
Whats your favorite guitar, she asks, turning her face to me.
Depends on the day, I say.
She traces the tip of her tongue over her lips, wetting them. Its an innocent enough move on her
part, but its enough to make my dick rock hard. Thats always been the thing about Sienna that Ive
loved and fucking loathed. Okay, what about today?
The Les Paul.
Why?
I brush my fingers over one of her perfect tits, running them over the flesh my guitar pick had
skimmed the night before. Because its the only one I use with the pick that touched right here.
Propping herself up on one of her elbows, she lowers her blue eyes to the small space of white
sheet between our bodies. You make me want to she begins. When she whispers, Forget it, I
slide my hand up her chest, past the base of her delicate throatwhich causes her to shiverand then
to under her chin. I force her gaze back up to meet mine.
Tell me what I make you want to do, I growl. Because chances are, I probably want it more than
she does.
She clenches her teeth, but I glide the tip of my thumb between her lips, feeling a thrill of pleasure
when she bites down on it hard. You make me want to lose myself.
You should. I move closer to her. I want every part of you for myself, Sienna.
She tosses her head back and laughs. Let me guess? So you can use your entire guitar pick
collection on me?
Only when you grit your fucking teeth, I warn, and she pulls in a shaky breath.
I move my hand from her chin and wrap my arm around her shoulders until Im carefully gripping
the nape of her neck. Taking her fingers in my other hand, I press her palm up against my cock. Her
eyes widen.
God, Lucas, she says in a harsh voice.
I give her fingers a rough squeeze. She releases a frustrated moan from the back of her throat and
tightens her grip on me.
Come here, I order, sliding my hand between her thighs, pushing them apart so that I can guide
her on top of me. Flushing, she sits upright and clenches the sides of my body between her long legs.
She pushes her red hair out of her face with the hand thats not driving me fucking insane. I need to
be inside of you.
Yes, she agrees. I reach up to cup her face as she lifts her hips a little and slowly, carefully,
slides my cock inside of her. Fuck. Fuck. Rocking back and forth, she moans. Lucas?

I squeeze my eyes shut. Mmm hmm?

I love you, she says breathlessly.
My eyes open, and I realize that Im no longer in a hotel room with Sienna but back in my bed in
Los Angeles. Alone.
I love you, too, I say aloud.
Chapter Ten
Kylie Wolfe

I wake up on Sunday morning half-expecting Lucas to back out of going with me to pick up Sin.
The rift between the two of thembetween the entire band, for that matterstarted long before Sin
had all but mauled Sienna in front of the recording studio two months ago. But just as Im about to
give up on Lucas and leave to get Sin myself, theres a knock at the door of my apartment. I dont
bother to hold back my sigh of relief when I throw open my door to reveal Lucass apologetic face.
I thought you werent coming, I say, and he shakes his head.
Youve been staying with McCrae so much I thought you were there. He shrugs his broad
shoulders. Obviously you werent.
I cringe. Ever since Wyatt and I made amends with each otherwhich were the hair-pulling, lustfueled type of amends that have yet to die downIve been spending more and more of my free time at
his house on the other side of town than at my own apartment. Sorry about that, I should have
mentioned that hes out of town with Brenna and Ive been staying here.
Lucas smirks. Which would explain why you went to the next person on the list: Me, he says,
sounding every bit like an asshole.
Glaring at him, I step backward into my tiny little foyer and motion him inside. I didnt even
think to ask him. Trust me, you being there is going to mean so much to Sin. I jerk my head back once
more for Lucas to come in, but just like he almost always does when he stops by my place, he shakes
his head and chooses to wait at the door. Weirdo. Suit yourself. Give me a couple of minutes to grab
my things.
Im giving you one, he calls out after me as I round the corner to go into my tiny, cardboard
box of a den. I flip him the bird over my shoulder, which I sincerely doubt he sees or cares about.
It only takes me thirty seconds to gather my belongingsan oversized bag that was a birthday
gift from my parents last October and a mustache hoodiefrom the spot where I left them on the
loveseat. Lucas is scowling when I meet him in my foyer, but I face him with a wide grin on my face.
Smiling is the only thing I can do not to kick him in the shin. Your pessimism is a little gag-worthy
today. I check the time on my phone, ignoring his groan. We should probably go. Im excited to see
Sinjin, and despite his grumpy ass attitude and I-dont-give-a-fuck attitude, I know theres a part of
Lucas thats just as anxious.
Lucas drove his Jeep. After he helps me in, muttering the entire time how he needs to get an
Escalade like the rental I chauffeured him around Nashville in, I punch the address to the rehab
facility Sins been staying at into the GPS. My brother is quiet as we take off, and of course Im the one
to break the awkward silence. Are you sure the song is ready?

Yeah, it is. Its not often that Lucas sounds nervous, but I dont miss how his voice shakes a
little when he says this. I nod slowly in understanding.
Any idea when youre going to release it.
Itll be the first single sometime in July. Music video. The works.
Since its April, thats a pretty impressive timeline, but of course everyone at his record company
will jump to make it work for Lucas. Ive seen firsthand how they treat him, and Ive got to admit its a
tad overwhelming at times. My phone vibrates between my knees and I lift it up to find a new Facebook
alert.
From Sienna Jensen.
Biting the inside of my lip, I consider telling my brother that Ive been in contact with her for the
last two weeks, but then I think better of it. Not today when theres another broken relationship that
Lucas needs to fix. Ill save talking about Sienna for another day because Im sure hell want to know
every detail.
I stare down at my phone and quickly scan over her message: So I think Im going to vomit, I put
in the notice to my boss. Looks like Im moving back to Nashville in a couple weeks!
Good for you, I mouth.
To her I write: Then I can crash at your place the next time Im there and make you cook for me?
She answers just as Lucas pulls his Jeep into the parking lot of the rehab facility, which is this
giant, luxurious place with manicured grounds that I read some actress once called the Hilton for
addicts. Im a terrible cook, Kylie. But I can order you cheesecake. Or, I dont know, take you to
fondue.
After the disaster of a dinner she and I had back in February that Lucas crashed, she knows how
much I loathe fondue, so Im holding back a smile when my brother comes around to my side of the
Jeep to help me down. You look like youre going to cry or laugh. Or vomit, Lucas points out as he
locks up the car. Youre not pregnant are you?
If I vomit, Ill make sure to get your feet. When he turns to face me, I give him a hard look.
And no, Im not pregnant.
Come on, he growls, splaying his hand out on the center of my back to urge me toward the
entrance to the rehab center.
After we go through security, which in my opinion is more stringent than TSA at the LAX, were
led to a waiting room while Sinjin is being checked out. Lucas sits across from me with his forearms on
his knees, wringing his fingers together. My phone buzzes again, this time from inside of my pocket,
and I drag my gaze away from my brother to look at my messages.
Sienna Jensen: Uh oh, youre quiet. Im guessing you dont like Cheesecake Factory either? What
the hell do you even eat?
Im a few letters into letting her know that I dont know anybody who doesnt like cheesecake,
when I hear a familiar voice drawl my name. Kylie-Fucking Wolfe. My gaze pops up to Sin whos
leaned against the door of the waiting room, scratching his head, tousling his light brown hair in the
process. His lips pull up into a smirk. What the fuck did you do to your hair?

Instinctively, I lift my hand to my shock of pink and blond hair, even as I jump to my feet and
throw myself into Sins arms. Hes visibly gained weight since I last saw him, but its the most obvious
when he hugs me tightly, knocking the wind out of my lungs. I dyed it just for you, I say when he
loosens his grip.
Grasping me by the shoulders, he leans back to stare down at me, his gray eyes full of emotions
that I havent seen from him in a long time. He drops his gaze to the tips of my hair and twists a few
strands between his fingertips. Then dye that shit back, he teases. I already miss the blue. Im not
even aware that Lucas has gotten up to stand beside me until Sin directs his stare over my shoulder.
The look that he gives my brother rips at my chest. Its apologetic and sincereand I hope like hell
that its these emotions that will keep him the hell out of places like this. You let her go out like this,
mother fucker?
Lucass laugh starts out forced, but by the time I glance back at him to offer him a pleading look,
its genuine. I cant tell Kylie shit.
I turn back to Sinjin. Ive got to use the bathroom, but itll only take a minute, okay?

He nods, and as I head toward the restroom on the other side of the waiting room, I hear Sinjin
speak to my brother in a hushed voice. Ive got to know if she left you because of me. Because of the
shit I said.
Im all the way to the restroom door by the time Lucas responds, but I hear it loud and clear. Not
because of you. Because of me. But Im going to get her back.
And for the second time today, I find myself whispering, "Good for you."
Chapter Eleven
Lucas Wolfe

For the next couple of weeks, things are touch and go as the band readjusts to having Sinjin back
around. He bitches and moans about leaving rehab just to go back to workrehearsing is unavoidable
since we our tour launches in a little over four monthsbut I havent seen him this relaxed and happy
in years. I dont realize whats going on with him until one night during rehearsal at the studio. He
gets a call in the middle of one of our songs. Though he quickly silences his phone and mutters an
apology, the moment that Cal strums the final note of Tumbles Down, Sinjin is on his way out. I
catch the first part of his conversation as he leaves:
God, whereve you been? Ive been thinking The door to the soundproof room thuds shut,
cancelling out whatever the hell it is Sinjin is saying.
Cal sets his guitar to the side and sits backwards on one of the uncomfortable rolling chairs our
label places around these rooms. The look on his face matches the one Im sure is on my ownworry.
You dont think hes trying to get fucked up do you?
Wyatts digging around in the mini-fridge, but when his head comes up, hes shaking it from side
to side. Cal and I both look over at him, waiting impatiently for clarification. At last Wyatt shrugs.
He made a friend in rehab.
A friend? I ask. Wyatt hurls a bottle of water at me, but I reach up and catch it. His aim is just

as shitty as Kylies. Staring at him darkly, I unscrew the top from the water. I lean my shoulder against
the wall. Im assuming a female friend.
Wyatt nods and takes a swig of the Bud Light he found in the fridge. He makes a face at it, turning
the bottle to the side to check the date. Thats what I heard. Fuck, thats all I know. Kyll be able to
tell you her whole life story if you ask.
Kylie. No shit shell be able to tell me about Sinjins mystery woman. Cal groans before I have a
chance. Goddamn, Kylie knows everything. Shes been all over my ass for months about Heidi, but I
cant
The door cracks open, and all three of us look like weve been caught in the act as Sinjin comes
back into the studio. Wyatt downs the rest of his beer and Cal gets up from that lousy ass chair as Sin
walks a little more aggressively than normal to his drums.
Everything okay? I demand, and he shrugs.
Been a lot better and so much worse, so its good. He sits down behind his drums and shoots an
edgy look around the room at the rest of us. Just wanted to throw this out there, Id like to get this
done so I can go on home for the night. He drags the drumsticks out of his back pocket and stretches
his arms, managing a forced smile. Shit to do.
Im worried about Sinjin long after our rehearsal is finished. I feel like a nag for texting him later
that night and like a fucking pussy for getting anxious when he doesnt respond. As soon as Kylie
comes into work the next day, I turn her back around to take her to lunch. Shes suspicious, and rightly
so because as soon as were seated at the restaurant of her choicethe Cheesecake Factory of all
placesI start up on the questions.
So what do you know about her? And dont give me that confidentiality bullshit because you
know how important this is.
Her dark brown eyes widen, and she runs her fingers nervously through her short hair. She drinks
almost half a glass of water before responding. Look, Id planned on telling you everything once Sin
got settled in and you all got over that hump. Sorry for being secretive, but trust me we havent been
talking as long as you think. It feels like it took me forever to get back into her life, so Ive been taking
it slowly
Kylie, I say, but she continues.
She doesnt talk about you. She doesnt mention you, but I know its just a matter of time before
she does. And when she does, I think you have a good chance. I know she loves you.
I plunk my elbows down on the table, and Kylie jumps. This restaurant is jam-packed, and I dont
want someone else witnessing this conversation, so I lean forward. Im assuming this isnt about
whats going on with Sin.
This time, instead of going wide-eyed, her face furrows into a deep frown. I watch her carefully as
she breathes in and out of her nose before finally cocking her head to one side. Ah, shit. She mimics
my position, placing her elbows on the table and bringing her head closer to mine. Well, I can tell
you about that, too.
Nah, I think we should finish what you started first. Youve been talking to Sienna. Theres no
anger in my voice, no pain or hurt, but something else. Eagerness. I dial that emotion back before I

add, How long?

Nearly a month now, she says in a tiny voice.
Okay, that one stings, but I force my head into an awkward ass nod. Thanks for letting me know.
Kylie releases a breath, blowing a strand of that pink and blond catastrophe out of her face. Its
not even like that Lucas. You were working on the song, and then Sinjin got out. When I contacted her,
I didnt even know if shed get back to me.
The waitress comes over to ask me if I want another beer and after I wave her off and Kylie orders
a bloody Mary, I ask, Howd you do it?
My sister smiles sheepishly, and I groan as I wait for it. I sent her this big ass check for all the
hours she worked for you and threatened bodily harm if she refused it. She called to thank me, the rest
is awkward history in the love story of Kylie and Sienna.
The love story of Kylie and Sienna. I stare at her for a long time, trying to figure out if shes
serious or fucking with me, but then she sits straight on her side of the booth. And yes, Im telling the
truth. Shes back in Nashville, just in case you were wondering.
This catches me off guard more than learning that Kylies been in frequent touch with a woman
who consumes most of my thoughts. My eyebrows drag together. Why? She loved Los Angeles. Loved
working in wardrobe, even if it was on the set of a show I cant stomach watching for longer than the
opening credits. Does she have plans on what shell do there?
My sister looks at me like Im a dumbass. She waits until after the waitress places her bloody
Mary in front of her and shes taken a healthy drink of it before responding. Wardrobe. Same thing
she done here. Shell be amazingIm sure of it. It sounds like Kylies trying to convince me, but I
have no doubt. Sienna will be amazing at anything she does, but Id sure as hell prefer that she was
doing it with me in her life.
We talk about Sienna for another few minutes before Kylie steers the conversation to something
newan idea she has for the tour late this summer. We talk about the tour for the rest of lunch, but
right before we leave, she places her hand on mine.
And the answer to your original question about Sinjinits complicated. Shes a lot younger.
A cold chill runs through me, and I ease back down in the booth. How much younger? I ask in a
voice so soft that Im not sure its my own. Tell me hes not doing something fucking stupid.
Kylie is shaking her head wildly before she even speaks. No! God Lucas, Im loyal to Sinjin, but
even that has limits. Shes 20.
Thats not too bad. Ive seen worse. In this industry, some of the age gaps have left me scratching
my head and wondering what the fuck. Then how the hell is it complicated?
Shes his therapists daughter.
Chapter Twelve
Kylie Wolfe

The rest of the day working for Lucas passes by at an agonizingly slow pace. When its finally
over, and Im ready to go back to my apartment for the night, I run downstairs and poke my head in his
music room. Hes deep in concentration, with his guitar sitting on his lap and holding a guitar pick
and a pen in the same hand. I feel bad for disturbing him when hes in the zone like this, but since I
wont be around tomorrow or the next day on official band business, I feel the need to remind him.
Hey, I say gently. Of course, he doesnt look up. He continues to play his guitar, so the next
time I speak, its more forceful and attention grabbing. I need a raise like yesterday.
This time, he glances up at me. He cocks his head to one side and a bemused expression forms on
his olive-toned face. You make plenty, Kylie.
A smile tugs at my lips. Im just screwing with you, I say, but he doesnt look convinced. Just
wanted to remind you about the AMPed Awards.
He gives me a deadpan look, like he has no damn clue what Im talking about. Alright.
I release a heavy sigh. You know? The show in Vegas that you asked me to go to in your place?
Yeah, its tomorrow night so I wont be back for a couple of days. Just wanted to make sure you didnt
need anything before I left.
He bends his head to the song hes working on and makes a note in his book. As if Im not
standing in the doorway talking to him. What the hell? Since you cant pay attention for longer than
ten seconds, should I text you where Im going to be? I ask, but he shakes his head, never looking up
at me. Times like this are the ones where I want to wrap my fingers around my brothers neck and
throttle the shit out of him.
I heard you. I remembered. And no, I dont need anything. He glances up and gives me a stern
look that probably works like a charm on any woman other than our mother and me. Dont get into
too much shit while youre in Vegas.
Ill try not to get my ID stolen this time, I promise, even though the ID fiasco had occurred in
New Orleans and not Vegas. And Wyatt had been with me at the time. Hes been so busy recently that
going to Vegas is completely out of the question. Im sure itll be fine, I add, sounding anything but
convincing.
Lucas rolls hazel eyes. Hell, maybe I should be texting Heidi and telling her crazy ass to stay out
of trouble.
Id mentioned to Lucas that my closest friend, Heidi, would be going to Vegas with me weeks ago,
but I didnt think he heard me at the time. It was when he was deep, deep into working on the song for
Sienna, and all he did was give me a quick nod before returning to his music. And here I was thinking
everything I said sounded like gibberish to you.
Have a good trip, he says, smirking.
If you win that songwriting award, Im keeping that shit for my apartment, I say, but he shrugs.
As I turn to leave, he clears his throat. Its Lucass go-to sound for getting attention.
By the way its Peanuts.
Excuse me? My confusion must be written all over my face as I wait for him to explain.
Peanuts, or Charlie Brown, whatever you want to call it. Most of the time I hear the wahh-wahh-

wahh shit the teacher did when you talk.

I didnt even think Lucas remembered watching all the Charlie Brown specials year after year
with our parents when we were kids, but apparently he does. It takes a lot of effort to hold back my
laughter, but I narrow my eyes into a steely glare. Go fuck yourself, Lucas.
Love you, too, he yells after me. And youre not keeping my award.

***
Im keeping the damn award, I tell Heidi in a confident voice while were at our first afterparty late the next night. Since I accepted the metallic blue, guitar-pick shaped award for Lucas
earlieran award he received for Songwriter of the Year Ive been holding on to it tightly. Theres
no way Im letting it go. My brother can have one of the other awards that the band won, which are
going to be shipped to Los Angeles. This onewell, itll go well in my den.
Heidi swipes two shots off of a serving tray as a hostess passes by and drinks them both, making a
screwed up face as they go down. Bet you a hundred bucks Lucas gets it back. She places the shot
glasses on the edge of someones table in the crowded nightclub before tugging the hem of her tiny
bandage dress down. The dress immediately crawls back up, exposing more of her toned thighs.
Actually, on second thought, I bet you a thousand. Lucas is intimidating.
Nah, hell I start, but then I cringe as familiar spiky blonde hair attached to an even more
familiar face comes into view across the clubs dance floor. At first, I hope like hell he doesnt notice
me, but then a big ass grin moves across Gavin Cooleys face. I had absolutely loved Dark Fiction, the
band that Gavin fronts, for all of a week. Then I got the chance to meet Gavin, who just so happens to
be one of the biggest dickwads Ive ever met.
Heidi twists in the direction of my stare, her green eyes scanning the area, until they land on
Gavin. Ugh, that douche is here?
Didnt realize you ever met him, I say between gritted teeth as he comes closer, and I see her
nod out of the corner of my eye.

Oh, yeah. He tried to talk me onto his bus last year at Rock Fest. I gave him a fake number and
told him to call me when he was ready for me to come over.
Because I make the mistake of glancing over at her, and getting a good glimpse of the serious
expression on her face, Im laughing when Gavin finally makes it over to us. Kylie-Fucking-Wolfe,
he says, and I quirk the corner of my mouth. His gaze sweeps over me, spending a little too long on the
curves of my hips and my breasts, which are accentuated by a gravity defying push-up bra that I let
Heidi talk me into buying. Nice dress, he adds, though I dont think he gives two shits about my
strapless black mini dress.
Thanks. Still clutching the large blue guitar pick award, I fold my arms over my chest. Nice
performance tonight.
Gavin shrugs, but its one of those cocky gestures that cause me to twist my lips to the side
skeptically. We were alright. He glances behind me, looking for someone. Lucas didnt show?
Hes in the studio, so Im afraid he couldnt make it. None of the guys could come. Its the same

thing I said when I accepted the bands awards, and Im sure Gavin already knows all this, but his lips
pull down into a frown anyway. It takes every ounce of restraint not to roll my eyes. What a fucking
drama king.
Thats a shame. Heard from Cilla youve been seeing Wyatt, mustve been hard for him to let you
come here alone.
Im sure hes devastated right now, I reply in a dry voice. Of course, thats anything but the
truth. For the last few weeks, Wyatts been just as distracted as Lucas. Its unnerving. And though I
hate to admit it, its caused me to spend a little more time at my own place. To give him space because
even though weve been doing this thing with one another for eight years, the relationship aspect still
feels so new.
I would be, Gavin says, dragging his gaze over my body again. Devastated, that is.
Heidi runs her hand through her chestnut curls. Im devastated that I dont have a drink in my
hand. She nods toward another guy coming towardthe guest guitarist whod performed with Dark
Fiction on stage earlier tonight. Scratch that, looks like he brought one for me.
Before the guitarist can pass the drink along to Gavin, Heidi plucks it out of his hands and takes a
sip. When he gives her a hard look, she smiles widely, which is usually enough to win any man over.
Gavin speaks up before the other man has a chance to. Knox, this is Wolfes sister, Kylie and her
friend.
Heidi takes another sip of the drink, giving Gavin an incredulous look over the rim. Heidi.
Though, Im sure you already know that.
Knox reaches out toward me, and I accept his hand. Your playing is incredible, I tell him. And
its true. Regardless of how big of a turd I think Gavin is, I cant deny incredible music.
Knox grins, this wide, genuine expression complete with dimples. Good to finally meet you.
Everyone talks about Kylie Wolfe. Because I dont know if thats a good or bad thing, I nod and offer
him a grateful smile. Heidi touches my shoulder and I glance over at her.
Got to pee, she mouths, backing away in the direction of the restrooms. When I turn my
attention back to Knox and Gavin a moment later, theyre already talking about something elsesome
other chicks assand I use the opportunity to sneak away, heading straight for the clubs exit.
Once Im outside, standing in the dry, night heat, I draw in a deep breath. As I light the only
cigarette I have on me (the one I tucked behind my ear before Heidi and I came to the night club), I
check my phone.
One text from my brother asking if everything at the awards show went alright. No calls or texts
or anything from Wyatt. Shit.
Taking a deep drag of my cigarette, I send a message to Lucas. After I debate for a good two
minutes over whether or not I should text Wyatt and let him know everything is going okay, I toss my
phone back inside of my tiny handbag. I shouldnt be upset that he hasnt contacted me, I whisper
fiercely to myself. I shouldnt be worried. I shouldnt be
You shouldnt announce where youre headed on Facebook, a voice says from beside me, and
my heart is suddenly racing as I jerk my gaze up. You really, really shouldnt, beautiful. Its worse
than Foursquare.

Once I find my voice, and yeah, it takes me a little bit to do that, I ask, What the hell are you
doing here, Wyatt? I lift a hand to push a strand of my hair back behind my ear. He immediately pulls
the lock back out, rubbing it between his fingers before dropping the pink and blonde in favor of
touching my face. Youre supposed to be in the studio? But as selfish as it sounds, Im glad hes not
in the studio. Id much rather Wyatt be here.
He shrugs, and then I realize something. This situation is so reminiscent of the last time he
surprised me in New Orleansall except for the fact that he and I are actually a couple nowthat I
immediately assume the worst. Is Sinjin okay? I demand.
His bright blue eyes crinkle at the corners as he laughs, and I feel a tiny weight being lifted off
my chest. Sinjins fine. Stop worrying about him so damn much, youre going to give the poor mother
fucker a nervous twitch. He takes a step closer to me. Cant I just come to Vegas and surprise you
and all that good shit?
All that good shit probably referring to sex. I bite the corner of my lip. Couldnt stand the
thought of me meeting hot strangers?
He looks over me, just like Gavin did only fifteen minutes ago, but I make no moves to cover
myself. Or to stop a wide grin from spreading across my face. You can pretend like Im a stranger if
you want. His expression goes serious, and then he pulls me to him. My breath hitches as I meet his
gaze. Look Ky, I came to apologize for being so fucking off lately. Ive . . . Ive been thinking a lot.
Then we had all the band shit. I nod in understanding, and he takes a deep breath. And then I
started talking to my lawyer this past week.
Waitwhat? I whisper.
Im going to try to get primary custody of Brenna.
His daughtersomeone that I love just as much as I love him. I grip his shoulder with my free
hand, trying to control my breathing. I fully support thisyou know I do. And, for what its worth, Im
so glad thats why youve been off.
His smile is one of reliefa beautiful expression that makes my chest hurt. So thats why Im
here. To let you know that Ive heard everything youve said to me over the last couple of weeks. To let
you know that I give a fuck about everything you do. Letting me go, he grabs Lucass guitar pick
award from me and weighs it in the palm of his hand. Especially when its in Vegas.
You came here to stop me from eloping with that guy I met this morning at the blackjack slot
machine in my hotel, didnt you? I tease.
I fucking love you, beautiful.
It had taken him so long to say those words to me that it still causes me to shiver. I love you too,
McCrae.
Backing away from me, he starts to release my hand, but I tighten my grip on his fingers. You
should get back to Heidi, he says.
My eyebrows tighten together into a frown. Youre leaving?
Going back to my room at the Venetian. At least until you and Heidi are done here. Im flying
back with you tomorrow night.

I let out a huge breath. Thank god. For a moment, I thought you flew in only to say sorry.
He leans down so that his mouth is level with my ear. Actually, I flew in to marry you. As he
walks away, he grins at meat the way I cant quite get my mouth to shut. But I figured I should get
the sorry out of the way before I told you that, beautiful.

Chapter Thirteen
Lucas Wolfe

Something is going on with Kylie.

For the first time in god knows how long, shes avoiding me. She has been since she got back from
Las Vegas a week ago and she immediately asked for a few days off. Like a dumbass, I agreed and told
her to take as long as she needs. And the only thing Ive heard from her since is the seven-worded
response to the text I sent asking her to bring my award when she comes back to work: Hell no. You
can have the next. ;)
That was a couple of days ago, and Im worried about her. So worried that Im on the verge of
calling McCraewho I havent seen much of eitherand asking him what fucked up thing hes done to
her this time. Or just go by her shoebox apartment. As soon as Im done with todays music video
shoot.
Ive made it a point to stay out of their relationship, but if hes fucked up again, Im done.
Theres a tentative knock on the door, and an assistant pokes her head into my dressing room.
Mr. Wolfe? she says, and when I realize shes not going to respond until I tell her to, I nod for her to
continue. Mr. McBride is ready to begin shooting.
I check the time on my phone, 1:55 p.m. Ive worked with Karl McBride on several of the bands
music videos, and as usual, hes right on time.
Staring down at the dressing rooms carpeted floor, the assistant works her bottom lip between
her teeth. Should I tell Mr. McBride that you need more time? Shaking my head, I stand up. Shes
wide-eyed as she lifts her gaze to follow me. I mean, it absolutely wouldnt be a problem. Mr.
McBride wants to make you But her voice trails off as I pull the door all the way open and step
past her.
Happy, I know, I say. McBrides assistant continues to look at me like shes about to sprint off
in the other damn direction. Am I that fucking intimidating? I need to get this over with.
Yes, of course.
I follow at a slow pace behind her as she speed-walks in the direction of the set. Once were
there, McBride breaks away from a group of crewmembers to come speak to me. Grinning, he claps me
on the back.
Never thought the day would come when youd want to do something short notice but were all
in. Itll be the best YTS video to date, he promises.
Solo, I remind him. This is for my own album.

He smacks his palm up against his tan forehead. Damn, sorry. I think of you and I always
automatically think the band.
Still with the band, I say. Just trying my own shit right now. Which is why wereI gesture
at the set, which is a simple backdrop with nothing but a high stool in front of ithere today.
McBride releases a noise of relief. Then were ready to begin. He glances at his watch.
Melanie?
The assistant who came to get me a few minutes ago scurries over, keeping her eyes downcast.
For a brief moment, this woman gives me a vivid reminder of my first meeting with Sienna a couple of
years ago. Red had jumped at just about every word I said, had flat-out avoided me at all costs, and
Id never been more drawn to anyone in my life.
Im not drawn to Melanienot even closebut she sure as fuck makes me want Sienna more.
Yes, Mr. McBride? Melanies got a pen and a little notepad out, but McBrides instructions are
simple.
Tell Christina if shes not out of her dressing room in the next five minutes he starts, but I
quickly stop him. That name, Christina, sounds familiar. And not the good kind of familiar but the kind
that puts a foul taste in my mouth.
That psycho who worked with me on the All Over You video? I demand, and he nods. Why
the fuck would she be here?
Your love interest, Lucas.
The last fucking thing I need in a music video to apologize to the woman Im in love with is
another woman crawling all over me, especially Christina. I jerk my head from side to side. Fire
her.
McBride is suddenly just as flustered as his assistant. I cant just get another actress out here
right away, Lucas. Not even for you. We can reshoot in a day or two maybe or even in
I shake my head again. No, no actress at all. When I told you I wanted this video to be simple, I
meant that. This is just me. No bullshit. And no actresses dancing around me or up on me. Just me and
the song.
He backs away from me, his face a mask of confusion. At last he nods. Melanie, sweetheart, can
you get in touch with Christinas agent? When she immediately tells him she will, he adds, And get
me Deana.
Another name that very familiar. I take a step toward McBride, pointing to set at the same time.
No need to discuss concepts, Karl. Everything I need to do this video is right there. You want
something extra? Ill hold up notecards or something, but thats it.
Karls shoulders slump, and the look on his face says it allhe thinks this is going to be a
clusterfuck of a videobut finally he says, Can we take thirty to get everything under control?
Ill be in my dressing room.
Even though shes busy trying to reach Christinas people on her iPhone, Melanie is right on my
heels (obviously on McBrides orders) as I head back to my dressing room, asking me if I need
anything. When we reach the room, I stand in the doorway and bar her from trying to come inside.

If I need a water, trust me, I know how to find it, I say as I let myself in and shut the door
behind me before she can say anything else. Im almost to the couch on the other side of the room when
the door swings open. Turning abruptly, Im ready to tell Melanie to fuck off until theyre ready for me,
but instead I face my sister. A lot of the tension Ive been feeling seems to disappear.
Shit, here I was thinking your ass had fallen off the face of the earth.
But my relief to see her must show on my face because she grins. I got your message this
morning about the Ten Days music video, and I had to be here. She breezes past me and throws
herself down on the couch. Theres a bowl of apples on the coffee table, which she wrinkles her nose up
at even as she grabs one. Sorry it took me so long. Security gave me a hard time.
You were on the list. I sit down a few feet away from her, watching her expression carefully for
any signs that might point to bullshit between her and Wyatt. When she shows none of those, I add,
They shouldve let you right in.
Its the hair. She sighs, running her hand through her multi-colored hair. It was a different
color on my ID. I need to color it back, but Im afraid itll all fall out if I do.
Kylie, I say, but she keeps going.
I brought you your award. She reaches into her oversized bag and plunks a statuette thats
shaped like a giant guitar pick on the coffee table beside the bowl of fruit. I was going to keep it, but
figured youd keep hounding me if I didnt give it back.
If I wasnt so worried about heror still focused on nothing but the video shootI would have
missed the ring. But I see itfuck, its impossible not to see it. And I feel all my muscles tighten up.
Id be dumb as fuck if I asked if that was a purity ring or whatever the hell they call them, huh?
Placing the partially eaten apple onto her lap, she brings her hand to her chest, covering her
ring finger with her other hand. If purity means married then I guess youre not so dumb after all.
He proposed to you? I demand, but she shakes her head. Im about to ask her if someone else
proposed, but she clears her throat.
We, ah, sealed the deal in Vegas. Ive been meaning to tell you, but I know youve been busy
with all the band stuff.
Too busy to give a shit about something like this? Kylie, I groan, but she holds up her hands
defensively and leans in close.
And before you even ask, no, Im not pregnant.
Because our conversation is just getting started, it suddenly has to come to a close because there
are a few timid knocks at the dressing room door. Melanie peeks inside and Kylie and I both glance
over at her.
Mr. Wolfe, were ready for you again.
Chapter Fourteen
Lucas Wolfe

No matter how much time passes by, I dont think Ill ever get used to that motherfucker Wyatt

being married to my kid sister. I shouldve known it would happen, but maybe Ive been so wrapped up
in my own shit to notice what was happening around me.
Then again, I shouldve been expecting her to quit on me too. But while I was getting ready for
the tour and the launch of my own stuff, I failed to see that one coming. She breaks the news to me
about a month after her crazy ass Vegas stunt, and for someone who isnt easily surprised, Im fucking
stunned.
I should make your ass pay for lunch, I tell her. Shed convinced me to take her to some new
Italian restaurant that had ended up being shitplus I spent half the lunch signing napkins and tits for
a group of fans that had noticed me. Really, Kylie? Right before the goddamn tour?
She presses her lips together into a thin white line. Have you listened to a single word Ive said,
Lucas?
I down the rest of my beer, which is lukewarm and flat. I heard Wyatt, New Orleans, and sorry.
Did I miss something?
Youre being a dick. She digs her fork into my spaghetti, eats it, and makes a face at the taste.
Okay, that is gross. Sorry, Lucas.
I shrug. Im more worried about you and McCrae picking up and moving to Louisiana. Fuck the
shitty food. I signal our waitress and mouth a request for the check. You sure you going to be okay,
Ky?
I plan on keeping you in line even from New Orleans. I would never quit on you.
But are you going to be okay? I repeat.
I wouldnt be going if I didnt think Id be okay. She grabs the bill the moment our waitress sets
it on our table. Dont worry, I got this one.
Yeah, probably out of her business credit card. I watch her carefully as she digs in her wallet for
a credit card, and Im surprised when she uses cash. So, why the move?
Sliding the money to the edge of the table, she lifts her shoulders. New start. Weve got so much
baggage around here, and so much good history there, that it seems smart. And youre only a few hours
away by flight. When I just stare at her, she heaves a sigh. If you had Sienna back in your life right
nowif you could have that new startwouldnt you pick up and leave?
Of course I would. Without a fucking doubt.
A slow smile builds on my sisters face. So you understand where Im coming from? When I
give her a little gesture that isnt a negative or a positive, she adds, You accept this, right? Because I
feel like I need that from you before I start telling everyone else what Ive done.
When Kylie talks like this, it puts me in a shitty place. She has to know that. I wait until after our
waitress carries off the bill and cash to tell her, I accept everything that makes you happy.
She sinks back into the booth. Good. Like, incredibly good. Hell, Lucas, I was more afraid of
dealing with you than I was of Dad.
You should be.
As we start to leave, she looks into her bag and hands me a folded up piece of paper. Thought

youd be interested.
Im not upping your salary.
She laughs, backing away. Just think about it. Itll be good for you.
I dont open the paper until I get back to my Jeep, and when I do I cant help but laugh and shake
my head. Its a real estate listing for a cabin in the Tennessee mountains. Its so fucking typical of
Kylie, and across the top of the sheet is a message written in her neat handwriting.
Since you lost the last one, thought youd be interested in taking a look at this one before you win
Sienna back. Dont give me shit about the price, either. I Googled your celebrity net worth.
Im still shaking my head as I watch Kylies little compact drive past. Even though her window is
up, I know exactly what shes saying when she turns her head toward me.
Dont let me down.
***
Over the course of the next month, I reshoot the Ten Days video with McBride two more times.
I dont actually watch the full run-through of the newest version until the day before its supposed to
air when Kylie emails me the file. I watch it by myself in the living room of the cabin I let my sister
talk me into buying. Its nothing like any video Ive ever done with the band, but for what I need to get
across, its right. Stark and honest. Right.
A few minutes after the video ends, I get a text from Kylie wishing me good luck. Asking if I still
plan on going through with going to Sienna tomorrow night. When I respond that Im not a fucking
quitter, Kylie wishes me good luck one more time.
When I go to bed much later after going to a nearby bar, its no surprise that my last good
memory of Sienna dominates my thoughts. In these memories, shes coming out of the bathroom of that
hotel room in Atlanta, wearing that little black lace dress that had instantly made my cock harden.
Instead of her blue eyes staring at me like Ive ripped her heart to shreds, shes looking at me with that
type of emotion that most motherfuckers wish they could find.
When were done tonight, I say, yanking her to me, Im going to rip this goddamn thing to
shreds, and tie you to each fucking corner of that bed over there.
Even though shes already familiar with all of the four posters of the bed, she still casts a quick
glance behind her. You dont really want to tear my dress, she breathes against my mouth.
I glide my tongue around her soft lips before dropping my lips to her neck. Why the fuck not?
I wont have anything to wear if you go around ripping all of my clothes.
I growl against the center of her throat. Then Ill buy you another.
And probably pull the same crap, she says, gasping when I jerk the lacy dress up around her
hips and come down on my knees in front of her. What are you doing? she demands, her breath
hitching.
I want to fuck you right now. No, thats not right. I need to be inside of her right now. Weve
surpassed want. I need that escape that I find only with her.
Lucas, she starts, and I grasp her ass, causing her to suck in a deep breath between her teeth.

Cillas party, she reminds me.

I know she cares about Cillas party as much as I do, and right now I give zero fucks. Her long
legs have already started shaking violently. Shes digging her fingertips into my shoulders as I shove
her panties down. And shes moaning my name even before I pull one of her legs over my shoulders so I
can skim the tip of my tongue over her pussy.
She yanks at my hair.
Calm down. When she pulls harder, my hand meets her ass, causing a sharp noise in the room.
She shivers and loosens her grip. God, you taste so good.
What about you? she moans.
I blow against her clit, lick, and repeat. What about me?
I want to make you happy. I want to But I cut her off by lowering her to the floor, my tongue
never loosing her. I wait until shes gasping, practically singing, and then I stop. I cover the sounds
shes making with my mouth, shoving my tongue in between her lips, letting her taste herself as I drag
down my pants. When I draw away from herand its fucking hard to doshe drops her blue eyes
down to my cock. I didnt even realize you were putting that on.
I follow her gaze to the condom and grin. Multi-talented. She starts to respond, but I shake my
head. Bend over, Si.
But she moves her head from side to side, too. The motion quickly changes to a shudder as I rub
my thumb over her clit. Please, I-I want to see you, she pleads.
I stare down at her for a minute, watching as she grinds her teeth, and her hips, before I give her
a nod. Then come here.
I wake up then in a cold sweat, but I know how it ends. I know how she felt, how she tasted. And
how she told me over and over how much she loved meme, a fucked up man who had screwed her
over.
And of course, as I drink a Sam Adams even though its 3 in the goddamn morning, I force myself
to remember how the night endedhow I fucked her once again.
So by the time I get into my Audi to drive to Nashville the next evening, I know that theres a good
chance its all over.
But I turn on a playlist my sister made for me with way too much fucking Chevelle, and I remain
hopeful.