Page 101 of A Tragic Melody

“I thought you’d be happy I protected your golden goose.” I shrug, keeping my eyes on Tuesday. She keeps her head bowed forward, twirling a strand of her hair around her finger.

“I’m happy she is safe, but you’re not looking too good in the press, kid. So, I’m going to lose out on the investment I put in you.”

“I’ll add it to my tab. What happens now?” Tuesday’s head lifts, glancing over at me.

“Tuesday, would you like to tell him, or should I?”

“He’s going to get the charges dropped,” she says softly.

“How? And more importantly, why?” I ask.

“Tuesday seems to think you’re too good to lose. I can’t say I disagree, but I’ve tried to explain to her that many talented people fall out of favor every day. Personally, I think she fancies you, so she made a compelling argument in your favor.”

“Since when do you listen to what a silly little girl says?” I raise an eyebrow. Tuesday’s gaze shifts to the floor in front of her.

“Let’s not pretend you don’t know the type of arrangement I have with her. She might have alluded to the fact you aren’t stupid. That you might know things I wouldn’t want others to know about.”

“I told you to stay out of this,” I snap at Tuesday.

“You can’t blame her. She can’t help herself.” He chuckles. “Stupid girl can’t keep herself out of trouble to save her life.”

“So, what now?”

“My people will get to work trying to get the charges dropped. It will take a bit of money to make the charges disappear, but I’m willing to pay, for a cost, of course. You’ll finish this tour with Tuesday, and then I’ll find you a new band to join.”

Okay. That’s not so bad. I could manage that. I’m not sure what it will cost Tuesday. I’m sure even getting this deal wasn’t easy for her, but maybe we can both get out of this alive.

“Of course, that’s the deal above board.” Hendricks goes on. “Tuesday, why don’t you show him how grateful you are for what he did?”

Tuesday pushes herself off the couch. She walks over to me, dropping to her knees.

“I don’t think that’s necessary,” I say as Tuesday slides her hand up my leg.

“It’s not for your pleasure, kid. I like collecting dirt. I want to make sure I have enough to bury the both of you if I have to.”

“Her giving me a blow job isn’t really enough to bury me, is it?”

He has something he is angling for. I don’t know what, but this isn’t about her sucking my cock.

“It doesn’t end in a blow job.” He laughs.

Tuesday’s hand moves to unzip my pants. I take a step back, and she stumbles slightly, catching herself on my leg.

“I’m not letting this happen. Tuesday, get up.”

“Your job here is very simple, kid. All you have to do is let her have her way with you, while I watch. Then years from now, whenever you get the itch to start spilling secrets, I’ll let the world know how you took advantage of a young girl doped up on blow. And the whole reason she ended up on drugs to begin with. All of which will make sense with your rehab stay and arrest records.”

“You can claim all that without it actually happening.”

“Wyatt,” Tuesday says, staring up at me, “please don’t make this worse.” Her voice trembles with fear. It makes me freeze.

I close my eyes and try to reason with myself. If I go through with this, I can find a way to save us after, but will I be able to live with myself?

“The watching part isn’t for my benefit.” Hendricks laughs. “It’s to teach her a lesson. Let her know just how much control I have over her and just how fucking low her ship can sink. Because once you’re done with her, I’m going to fuck her in ways she will never be able to forget. And she will stay my fucking whore until I’m done with her.”

I glance down. Tuesday’s hand is suddenly wrapped around my cock, holding it still as her mouth descends towards it. Tears drip down her face, but she glances up at me.

My cock isn’t hard, even though the idea of her mouth on me is one I’ve dreamt about happening again since that first night, but not like this.