Page 5 of The Jaded Notes

“No, Leon said he had something he wanted to talk to me about. I’m staying and figuring out what he wants.” I point to the parking lot.

Bren stops and stares me down. “No, you’re not. You’re leaving, and Cash and I are gonna deal with our problem.”

“You’re involved inwhatevermadness is going on between those two?”

“I am now.” He turns to go outside. “Cash can try to stop me, but this is my war, too. And this time, I won’t stand by while he gets burned.”

Chapter Two

LIVIANNA/LILY

Four Months Later

Heavy Corsets & Collapsed Hearts

Every stitch I pull tighter feels like a prayer…but even prayers unravel when whispered in the wrong room.

It’s late here in Paris, but I’m wide awake, on speakerphone with Bren. “How’s Callum doing now that things have settled?”

“He’s still mourning John, and it’s been fucking with his head.”

“God, my heart hurts for him. First his dad, then John.”

“That and he rambles on about losing you and the bab… We’re all worried, but I’m keeping close tabs on his overall state.”

I blink away the pain of what Bren was hinting at and focus on our conversation. “You’re a good friend.”

“It’s not about being a good friend. He’s my bro. It’s about being the person he needs.”

“I know. Is he still upset with you for interfering with him and Leon at the funeral?”

“When isn’t Cash upset when it comes to that? Anytime Leon gets mentioned, Cash goes into a wild trance-like state, determined to take Leon down while protecting everyone and everything around him.”

“Have you figured out what it’s about?”

Bren releases a heavy sigh. “Cash says Leon controls us, and until our contract is done, we’re all stuck.”

“How does Leon have power over you? I understand Callum has let Leon rule his life since you guys signed on with him, but I’ve never seen it affect you, Hawke, or Cooper.”

“It’s the same shit. Greed dressed up in a tailored suit. Leon says he wants to make us legends, but all I see him making is…”

Bren pauses for a moment. “It’s hard to explain, Livianna, but Cash is right. Leon can break us by freezing budgets, burying releases, and starving a tour if he wants.”

I glance around where I’m sitting cross-legged on the floor, surrounded by sketches, torn paper, and fabric swatches. My throat tightens and my heart thrums low and fast. To say I’m overwhelmed is an understatement.

I focus on Bren. “Well, your contract is up soon. Maybe there’s some peace in sight for you guys.”

“Maybe. We need to decide what we’re gonna do first. If Hawke and Cooper wanna stay with Leon’s label, we could have an issue.”

“Do you think they would?”

“I don’t know. It’s possible.”

“They’ve never gone against you or Callum. Why would they now?”

“Money. It’s always about the money, Livianna.”

I consider my situation. At the moment, I’m spending more than I’m bringing in.