Page 205 of Rush

“Please tell me this guy doesn’t have a secret girlfriend or baby mama,” she says, weary.

“He’s squeaky,” I sigh.

“Good. Then stay quiet. Let them wonder—just keep me in the loop if things change and you guys plan on going public—but ease up on the PDA if you don’t want to continue to end up splashed on gossip rags.”

“Will do.”

There’s a pause. Then softer. “I got you, okay? Even when I’m yelling.”

“Thanks.”

“Kylie out.”

I lower the phone and stare at the screen in my lap.

Fuck—the gravity of it settles in. She was right—the last thing I need is a scandal to derail contract renegotiations with the label.

I can’t even come to terms with how complicated things are between us, let alone have every fan, Karen, and Chad dissecting us for sport.

We were reckless, this cannot happen again.

I have to protecthimfrom the noise. The spectacle that comes with someone like me.

Because the last thing I need is for him to run.

What if it all gets too much and he realizes thatI’mtoo much?

I press my hand to the window and watch the city blur.

I don’t know how long I can keep the noise out—or if I’m even worth it once it gets in.

Chapter 24

I Feel Like I’m Drowning

The crowd roars as the last chord rings out. My fingers clench the mic, chest heaving. Sweat clings to the back of my neck, down my spine—but I’m grinning like a lunatic.

“More!” someone screams from the pit with their whole chest.

“Elena, we love you!”

“I love you too, guys!” I shout back, voice cracking a little—and the crowd loses it, thousands of cheers fusing into one.

I squint against the lights, letting the sound crash over me. Arms raised. Phones flashing. My name echoing off the walls. I drink it in—the static fizz in my veins, the way it buzzes under my skin.

“Atlanta,” I call, breathless, “our first date was incredible.” I pause, grin stretching wide. “Let’s meet under the mistletoe and kiss at midnight.”

Screams.

One last glance at the crowd—spotlight blinding, but I see them. Their faces.

I’m so lucky to have this life. To feel their adoration. It’s a feeling unlike anything else.

I blow them a kiss and turn, platform boots thudding against the stage as I disappear into the wings. My ears ring. My throat’s raw. My pulse doesn’t know the show’s over.

The last stop on this tour.

I’m glad for it, adrenaline staves of the exhaustion but I cannot wait to take a hot shower and crash out in bed.